2020. 8. 11. · The main difference lies in the level of concentration. Simply put, extracts are more potent than tinctures. In the case of extracts, the ratio of alcohol to herb is 1:1. Tinctures are made using more alcohol and less plant, with a ratio generally ranging from 3:1 to 8:1. Extracts, therefore, are administered in smaller doses than tinctures.