A glycerite is a liquid herbal extract that uses vegetable glycerin as its primary solvent, distinguishing it from alcohol-based tinctures. This method captures beneficial plant compounds in a viscous liquid.
The Preparation Process
Making a glycerite involves combining plant material with vegetable glycerin, often alongside a small amount of water. For dried herbs, a common ratio is three parts glycerin to one part distilled water to ensure proper rehydration and extraction. Fresh herbs, which contain their own moisture, often use a higher concentration of glycerin, sometimes even 100% glycerin. The plant material, whether fresh or dried, is placed into a clean jar and covered completely with the glycerin mixture.
The mixture then undergoes a steeping period, known as maceration, typically lasting between two to six weeks in a cool, dark place. During this time, the jar is shaken daily to ensure the plant material remains submerged and to aid the extraction of compounds into the glycerin. After steeping, the liquid is strained from the plant material using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and bottled. Applying gentle heat, such as in a double boiler, can sometimes expedite the extraction process, reducing the steeping time to a few hours.
Typical Uses
Glycerites find application in various areas, from herbal remedies to food products and personal care items. Their sweet taste makes them suitable for internal use, especially for children or individuals who prefer to avoid the taste or effects of alcohol. They can be consumed directly or added to beverages.
In personal care, glycerites are incorporated into skincare products like toners, lotions, and facial masks due to glycerin’s humectant properties, which help attract and retain moisture. They can also be used in oral care products, such as toothpastes. Glycerites are also used as a sweetener or flavoring agent in various food applications.
Unique Characteristics
Their non-alcoholic nature makes them suitable for individuals who cannot or choose not to consume alcohol, including children, pregnant individuals, or those with specific religious or health considerations. The sweet taste of vegetable glycerin also enhances the palatability of herbal preparations, which can be particularly beneficial for herbs that are typically bitter.
While glycerin effectively extracts various plant compounds, its solvent capabilities differ from alcohol. Glycerin is particularly good at extracting water-soluble compounds, such as tannins, sugars, enzymes, and glucosides. However, it is less efficient at extracting resinous or oily constituents and certain alkaloids compared to alcohol. This means glycerites may be less potent than alcohol-based tinctures, sometimes requiring larger doses to achieve similar effects. Glycerin also tends to be gentler on mucous membranes, making it a good choice for oral or topical applications on sensitive areas.
Care and Keeping
Proper storage maintains quality and extends the shelf life of glycerites. They should be stored in airtight, light-resistant containers, such as amber or cobalt blue glass bottles, in a cool, dark place. This protects the extract from light degradation and oxidation.
Glycerites typically have a shorter shelf life compared to alcohol-based tinctures, typically lasting one to two years. This is because glycerin, while a preservative, has lower preservative qualities than alcohol. For effective preservation, the finished glycerite should contain at least 55-60% glycerin. Refrigeration is not always necessary but can help extend the shelf life further.