The solvent used in extraction. For a dry tincture, the menstruum might be 50% alcohol and 50% water.
A liquid used in the extract of active principles from an unrefined drug.
A solvent; a medium. It was once believed that menstrual fluid had solvent qualities.
The Latin term for “monthly” is “mensis.”
A solvent is a substance that dissolves other substances. The term originated in pharmacy because, at a certain point in history, certain extracts were allowed to steep or “work” for several weeks. This extended period allowed for the maximum extraction of chemicals or herbs into the solvent.