Do medicinal properties of herbs transfer to wine 210

StuPedaso

The simple answer is Sometimes. It depends on what the medicinal agent in the herb is soluable in. If it is soluable in Alcohol then yes it will transfer to the wine, also you should wait until the wine has enough alcohol present to leach the medicine from the herb (so not until at least until it is in the secondary). If it is soluable in water then the answer is likely yes (though it is better to brew a tea and add it later). If it is soluable in fat then there is almost no chance that it will leach into the wine. One other thing to keep in mind is that you will never be exactly sure of the dossage (is it enough to be effective or is it to much and I will end on it).

That said sometimes there are chemicals in the herbs in question that are soluable in water or alcohol that are not desirable to add. For example you are using herb X that has a medicinal chemical soluable in alcohol, it also has a toxin that is soluable in water (or vise versa) adding this to your must may cause both chemicals (medicinal and toxin) to leach into your wine, and that is a bad thing (cures you and kills you at the same time). Also (though it is likely rather rare for this to happen) certain medicinal chemicals may react with other chemicals in your wine this may result in lowered or increased effects or even in unexpected side-effects (it works but gives you the runs, etc) or even rest. BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL.

In short don't take chances, consult with a practioner and do some research to insure your safety. Ken