How to Make Fig Leaf Extract

Fig leaf extract has the potential to treat many diseases, such as diabetes. Fig leaf remedies usually involve using the sap of a fig tree, but it is also possible to make an extract from the leaves. A crude fig leaf extract can be produced at home relatively cheaply and easily, but it involves using dangerous solvents. Care should be taken to ensure the workplace is well-ventilated and free of open flames. So long as basic safety precautions are taken, you will have no problem making fig leaf extract.

Things You'll Need

• Dried Fig Leaves
• Lab-Grade Ethanol or High-Proof Liquor
• Glass Bottle
• Funnel
• Coffee Filter
• Baking Dish
• Razor Blades
• Fan (Optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Crush the dried fig leaves as finely as possible.

• 2

  Pour the fig leaves into a glass bottle.

• 3

  Fill the glass bottle up with ethanol. If you can't find ethanol, use the highest-proof liquor you can get. Fill the bottle up with enough ethanol to cover all of fig leaves.

• 4

  Allow the solution to sit for several hours. The ethanol will slowly discolor. When it does, proceed to the next step.

• 5

  Place a coffee filter into the funnel.

• 6

  Hold the funnel over a baking dish and pour the ethanol into it. Be careful and pour slowly. You do not want any leaves in your baking dish.

• 7

  Allow the ethanol to evaporate. This can take several days. Placing a fan over it will speed up the drying process. Once all the ethanol has evaporated, the fig leaf extract will appear as a gummy tar that can be scraped up with razor blades.