There’s something about the word “alcohol” that makes people pause, especially when it comes to giving herbal remedies to children or pets. If you’ve ever looked at a product label and thought, “Wait... this has vodka in it?” — you’re not alone. This post is all about why alcohol is used in herbal extracts, how it works, and why it’s not the same as giving your toddler or dog a shot of liquor. We’ll also briefly touch on alternatives for those who can’t or don’t want to use alcohol-based extracts.
Alcohol is one of the most effective herbal solvents available. It excels at extracting a wide range of herbal constituents, including alkaloids, volatile oils, resins, and more, that water or glycerin alone may not fully capture. It also serves as a natural preservative, giving alcohol extracts a long shelf life without the need for synthetic additives. Properly stored, they can easily last five years or more. When it comes to potency, consistency, and longevity, alcohol is often the best choice.
The question of safety, especially in regards to children and pets, comes up frequently, and understandably so. However, when you examine the actual dosage involved, the concern often comes down to perception rather than reality. In a child-safe dose, such as 1 to 2 drops for infants or 5 to 15 drops for older children, the amount of alcohol consumed is minuscule. For context, these amounts often contain less alcohol than what’s naturally found in ripe fruit, fermented foods, or even some commercial juices.
You can also reduce or eliminate most of the alcohol content by mixing the extract dose with a small amount of hot water and allowing it to sit for a few minutes or using smaller doses more frequently throughout the day. According to Harris Homeopathy, the amount of alcohol in typical extract doses is far below safety thresholds set by regulatory bodies and is not considered harmful when used as directed.
It’s true that alcohol can be toxic to dogs in large amounts, just like many common household items. However, once again, it’s all about the dose. Herbalist Rita Hogan explains this well in The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice. She writes that the lethal dose of alcohol for a dog is between 5.5 and 7 grams of 100 percent ethanol. To reach that threshold, you’d need 13.75 ml of 80-proof alcohol for a small dog, which is much more than would ever be used in an herbal extract dose.
Additionally, she notes that the alcohol concentration in finished extracts is significantly diluted compared to the alcohol used during preparation. Because plant material contains 80 to 95 percent water, the final extract ends up far less potent in alcohol than the solvent it began with. In fact, it may take six to ten drops of alcohol extract to equal the alcohol content of one drop of the original brandy or vodka.
For added safety and palatability, you can always dilute the extract in warm broth or water and allow it to cool.
When used correctly and at appropriate doses, alcohol extracts are safe for both children and pets. They are a time-tested, effective, and shelf-stable form of herbal medicine that has been used for generations. Alcohol is not the enemy. It’s a highly efficient tool that, when used properly, can offer targeted and reliable support in both acute and ongoing situations.
For those with allergies, sensitivities, or personal or religious reasons to avoid alcohol entirely, there are still effective options available. Glycerin extracts are alcohol-free and naturally sweet. Vinegar extracts are made using apple cider vinegar and are suitable for certain applications, though less shelf-stable. Teas, infusions, and decoctions are gentle and effective, especially for daily or supportive use. These methods can be beneficial, though they may not always extract the same constituents or have the same strength and shelf life as alcohol-based extracts.
If you’ve hesitated to use alcohol extracts out of concern for safety, hopefully this helped ease your mind. The amount of alcohol present in a properly dosed extract is minimal and often less than what you or your child might consume in everyday foods. For pets, the same principle applies, with careful dosing and optional dilution offering additional peace of mind. As always, use herbal remedies responsibly, consult with a qualified herbalist or holistic veterinarian when needed, and choose what works best for your family or animal’s unique needs.
If you’re ready to explore extracts but want help finding the right option for your situation, I’m happy to help.