Used to extract and preserve the active compounds of herbs without alcohol. Glycerin tinctures, known as glycerites, create a sweet, shelf-stable, and alcohol-free herbal extract suitable for children, pets, or anyone avoiding alcohol. They are ideal for home medicine kits, preparedness supplies, and off-grid use where ethanol may not be available.
Vegetable glycerin acts as both solvent and preservative. It extracts many beneficial herbal compounds, particularly those soluble in water, while also providing mild antimicrobial and stabilizing effects. Glycerin tinctures do not pull as wide a range of constituents as alcohol, but they remain a valuable, gentle alternative. When stored in amber glass bottles away from heat and light, glycerin tinctures remain usable for 1 to 3 years depending on the herb and storage conditions.
Ingredients
- Dried or fresh plant material (roots, leaves, flowers, or bark depending on the herb)
- Food-grade vegetable glycerin (preferably palm- and soy-free if possible)
- Distilled water (for diluting glycerin when using dried herbs)
- 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 adjust the solvent strength based on the herb’s moisture level. Fresh herbs already contain natural water, so they can be covered directly with pure glycerin or a high glycerin ratio. Dried herbs, however, need added water to extract water-soluble compounds effectively. A common mixture is 3 parts glycerin to 1 part distilled water, which equals about 75 percent glycerin. Distilled water is recommended because it is free from minerals and contaminants, giving consistent extraction results and preventing spoilage.
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 percent glycerin
- For dried herbs: use 1 part herb to 5 parts of a glycerin and water mixture (approximately 75 percent glycerin)
- Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place
- Shake daily during the 4 to 6 week steep
- Strain through fine cloth or filter, pressing the plant material firmly to extract the remaining infused liquid, then transfer the finished tincture into 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, if you have 100 grams of dried herb, add 500 milliliters of the glycerin mixture. This method keeps batches consistent regardless of herb density or texture.
How to Use It
- Typical adult servings are 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (about 30 to 60 drops) in water or tea, up to three times daily depending on the herb
- Can also be taken under the tongue for faster absorption through the capillaries; hold 1 to 2 mL under the tongue for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing, though the sweetness can be intense for some people
- Always label bottles with the herb name, glycerin strength, ratio, and date prepared
- Glycerin tinctures are preferred for children, pets, or individuals avoiding alcohol
- Alcohol tinctures remain the stronger and longer-lasting option, but glycerin tinctures are effective for short- to mid-term use
Warnings
- Research each herb before use to ensure safety
- Glycerin may cause mild digestive effects if consumed in excess
- Use only clean utensils and containers to prevent contamination
- Store securely and out of reach of children or animals
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in amber glass bottles with tight lids
- Keep in a cool, dark location such as a cupboard or pantry
- Glycerin tinctures remain stable for 1 to 3 years; they rarely spoil but may slowly lose potency over time depending on the herb and environment
- Label clearly with the herb name, solvent strength, ratio, and date of preparation
When to Use It
- When alcohol is not suitable or available
- When preparing tinctures for children or pets
- When a sweet, pleasant-tasting herbal extract is desired
- In settings where alcohol storage or use is restricted
- For creating gentle, ready-to-use extracts for everyday wellness or mid-term preparedness