Used to extract and preserve the active compounds of herbs without alcohol. Glycerin tinctures, or glycerites, are naturally sweet, shelf-stable, and well suited for children, pets, or anyone avoiding alcohol, making them a versatile option for preparedness and everyday use.
Vegetable glycerin acts as both solvent and preservative. It extracts many herbal constituents, though not as broadly as ethanol. Properly stored in amber glass bottles away from heat and light, glycerin tinctures remain usable for 1 to 3 years, making them a shorter-term but valuable option when alcohol is not preferred.
Ingredients
- Dried or fresh plant material (roots, leaves, flowers, or bark depending on herb)
- Food-grade vegetable glycerin
- Distilled water (used to dilute glycerin for better extraction)
- Glass jar with tight lid
- Fine cloth, coffee filter, or strainer
- Amber glass dropper bottles
When recipes call for “Glycerin (diluted with distilled water for dried herbs),” it means you are adjusting the solvent strength depending on the moisture content of the plant. Fresh herbs already contain water, so they can be covered directly with 100% glycerin or a high glycerin mix. Dried herbs need a balance of both glycerin and water, since water-soluble compounds will not extract well in pure glycerin. A common formula is 3 parts glycerin to 1 part distilled water (about 75% glycerin), which provides both preservation and extraction power. Distilled water is recommended because it is free from minerals and contaminants, ensuring a stable and predictable solvent.
How to Make It
- Chop, slice, or crumble the plant material into small pieces to increase surface area.
- For fresh herbs: fill the jar with 1 part herb to 2 parts 100% glycerin, leaving some headspace.
- For dried herbs: use 1 part herb to 5 parts of a 3:1 glycerin-to-water mixture (about 75% glycerin).
- Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place.
- Shake daily during the 4–6 week steep.
- Strain through fine cloth or filter, pressing the herb to capture as much liquid as possible, then transfer to labeled amber bottles.
When you see “1 part herb to 5 parts glycerin mix,” it means the herb is measured by weight and the solvent by volume. For example, 100 grams of dried herb would be combined with 500 milliliters of the glycerin-water mixture. This keeps each batch consistent no matter the herb.
How to Use It
- Typical adult servings are 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (about 30–60 drops) in water or tea, up to three times daily depending on the herb
- Can also be taken under the tongue for quicker absorption; hold 1 to 2 mL under the tongue for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing, though the strong sweetness may be unpleasant for some
- Always label bottles with the herb name, glycerin strength, ratio, and date prepared
- Glycerin tinctures are recommended for children, pets, and those avoiding alcohol
- Alcohol tinctures remain the stronger and longer-lasting option, but glycerin tinctures are effective for short- to mid-term use
Warnings
- Not all herbs are safe for all people; research each herb before use
- Glycerin can have a mild laxative effect in sensitive individuals
- Avoid contamination by using only clean utensils and properly sealed bottles
- Store securely, out of reach of children and animals
Storage & Shelf Life
- Keep in amber glass bottles with tight lids
- Store in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard or pantry
- Glycerin tinctures remain stable for 1 to 3 years; they do not spoil easily, but potency can gradually decline over time depending on the herb and storage conditions
- Label clearly with name, strength, ratio, and date
When to Use It
- To prepare herbal medicine for children or those avoiding alcohol
- When a sweeter, more palatable tincture is preferred
- In environments where alcohol is restricted or unavailable
- For short- to mid-term storage of herbs in a ready-to-use liquid form