I see what you're saying about vanilla—it can definitely throw things off if you're not careful. I've learned the hard way that sometimes less is more, especially with herbal blends. Once, I ended up with a mint tincture that smelled exactly like dental mouthwash (trust me, not the vibe I was going for...). Diluting it with jojoba oil helped tone it down quite a bit. Neutral carriers are underrated—they don't mess with your original scent profile and they're forgiving for those "oops" moments.
Totally agree about neutral carriers—they've saved me more than once. Another trick I've found helpful is adding a bit of citrus peel or lavender buds to balance out overly medicinal smells. Mint can be tricky...too much and suddenly you're at the dentist's office, haha.
Neutral carriers are definitely a lifesaver, especially when you're experimenting and things get a bit...intense. Citrus peel is a solid suggestion—I've found orange peel particularly effective for masking overly bitter or medicinal notes. Lavender can be nice too, but personally, I feel it can sometimes clash if the original extraction already has strong herbal undertones.
Mint is tricky indeed; I once made a mouthwash tincture that ended up tasting like straight-up toothpaste. Diluting it helped, but honestly, blending it with something warming like cinnamon or clove worked better to round out that sharp minty bite.
Curious though, has anyone experimented with using spices like cardamom or ginger to balance out overly medicinal extracts? I've heard they can add depth and warmth, but haven't tried it myself yet.
Cardamom works pretty well in my experience—it's subtle enough not to overpower, but still adds warmth and depth. Ginger can be hit or miss though; it's great for masking bitterness, but if your tincture already has a sharp medicinal bite, ginger might just amplify that. I once had a batch of herbal mouth rinse that came out way too strong and medicinal-tasting. Adding a bit of cardamom and a tiny pinch of cinnamon really smoothed it out nicely. Also, honey can help round things off if you're okay with a little sweetness. Just go easy at first...it's easier to add more than to fix an overly sweet mess.
Totally agree about ginger—it can get tricky. I've found peppermint oil helpful too, just a tiny drop though...too much and it feels like mouthwash, which makes me nervous. Honey's safe, but yeah, moderation is key.
