When it comes to herbal extraction using oils or tinctures, the “correct temperature” depends on:
- The type of extraction (oil vs alcohol vs water)
- The plant material (leaves, roots, bark, seeds)
- Whether you want to preserve heat-sensitive compounds like vitamins, volatile oils, or enzymes
For oil extractions like AmishWays uses with MCT Coconut Oil:
| Extraction Type | Temperature Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle infusion (leaves, flowers) | 110–130 °F (43–54 °C) | Preserves delicate volatile oils and antioxidants. |
| Medium infusion (roots, barks, tougher material) | 130–150 °F (54–66 °C) | Extracts more robust compounds without degrading them. |
| Extended heat infusion | 140–160 °F (60–71 °C) | For very dense roots or barks; requires careful monitoring to avoid oxidation. |
Key points:
- Too hot (>160 °F / 71 °C): Can degrade sensitive compounds (vitamin C, essential oils).
- Too cool (<110 °F / 43 °C): Slower extraction, may not release key compounds efficiently.
- Precision timing is as important as temperature: many herbs need hours or days at lower heat rather than minutes at higher heat.
For MCT Coconut Oil extractions specifically, most herbalists use around 120–130 °F (49–54 °C) for several hours or in cycles to ensure gentle but thorough extraction.