What is a glycerite you ask?? Organic vegetable glycerine—known as glycerol and sometimes spelled glycerin—is an effective alternative to alcohol-based tinctures for extracting and preserving many beneficial herbal constituents. Our food grade glycerin is obtained from flax based material and is colorless, odorless, naturally sweet with a syrupy consistency.
As with tinctures, I prefer to use a fresh plant material to make my extracts. I have found that the fresh herbs make a much more potent preparation. There are those herbs and roots that I use dried but they need the addition of water to rehydrate. (I have made them without the water, but Way too thick…) I have also found it helpful to warm them in a crock pot before pressing the final product.
The herbs I have been working with are: Nettle, Chamomile, Turmeric, Elderberry, Slippery Elm, Oregano, Cats Claw, Ashwagandha and Lemon Balm. Next up will be a sleep formula and immune support!
Glycerites—the medicinal preparations made by mixing vegetable glycerine with herbs—can open new opportunities for teetotalers, parents, and those who do not wish to have alcohol. Bonus: it tastes good! Glycerol is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid with a viscous consistency and a pleasing sweetness that makes it a good base for botanical flavors.
Remember that glycerites are often delicious, but they are not treats. It can be tempting to take too much too often. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. When used in moderation and administered by adults, they can be a wonderful, beneficial addition to your apothecary.
If stored properly in a cool, dark place, glycerites made with no alcohol have a shelf life of approximately 1-2 years (compared to 4-6 years for alcohol-based tinctures).
