Glycerin Based Tinctures: A Complete Guide
Glycerin based tinctures, also called glycerites, use vegetable glycerin as the solvent instead of alcohol. They are sweeter, gentler, and alcohol-free, but extract less effectively than alcohol, making them best for water-soluble herbs and those avoiding alcohol.
What Are Glycerin Based Tinctures?
A glycerin based tincture, also known as a glycerite, is an herbal extract made using vegetable glycerin (glycerol) as the solvent instead of alcohol. Glycerin is a type of sugar alcohol with solvent and preservative properties, making it a popular choice for those who want to avoid alcohol in their extracts.
| Aspect | Glycerin Tincture (Glycerite) | Alcohol Tincture |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent | Vegetable glycerin (often mixed with water) | High-proof alcohol (e.g., vodka, everclear) |
| Taste | Sweet, pleasant | Bitter, burning |
| Alcohol content | None | High (50–90%) |
| Extraction efficiency | Good for water-soluble constituents; less for resins and roots | Extracts a broader range of compounds |
| Shelf life | 1–2 years (shorter) | Several years (longer) |
| Best for | Herbs with water-soluble actives, children, alcohol-sensitive individuals | Resins, roots, and long-term storage |
Glycerites are made in a similar way to tinctures, but the resulting extract is sweeter and gentler. Because glycerin is a less complete extraction, glycerites are considered a milder option, often preferred for herbs like chamomile or peppermint.
How to Make a Glycerin Based Tincture: Step-by-Step Recipe
- Choose your herbs – Use dried herbs (or fresh, if you adjust for water content). For a glycerite, choose herbs with water-soluble constituents, like chamomile, lemon balm, or mint.
- Mix glycerin and water – Combine 2 parts vegetable glycerin with 1 part water in a jar. This creates a menstruum that helps the glycerin penetrate the plant material.
- Combine and shake – Add your herbs to the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged. Shake well to saturate.
- Steep in a cool, dark place – Simply leave your jar in a cool dark place for six to eight weeks, shaking gently every few days.
- Strain and bottle – After steeping, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh. Store in a dark glass bottle with a dropper.
- Label and store – Note the date and ingredients. Keep in a cool, dark cabinet; use within 1–2 years.
For a faster method, you can use a slow cooker on the lowest setting for 24–48 hours, but the traditional cold infusion preserves more delicate compounds.
Uses and Benefits of Glycerin Based Tinctures
Glycerin based tinctures are used for their therapeutic benefits, especially for herbs that are rich in water-soluble constituents like flavonoids and glycosides. They are a great option for children, the elderly, or anyone who cannot consume alcohol. The sweet taste of glycerin makes them more palatable than alcohol tinctures, encouraging consistent use.
Common uses include supporting digestion, calming anxiety, and promoting sleep. Herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, and elderberry are often made into glycerites. Glycerin is safe to ingest, and when used as a solvent, it preserves the plant's properties gently.
However, because glycerin is a less complete extraction, it may not be suitable for resinous herbs like myrrh or goldenseal. For those seeking a full-spectrum extract, an alcohol tincture or a hybrid approach might be better.
Is Glycerin Safe to Ingest? Safety and Side Effects
Glycerin is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
- Use culinary grade glycerin – Be sure to use culinary grade glycerin, which is food-safe, not industrial or cosmetic grades.
- Start with small doses – Some people may experience digestive upset, like bloating or diarrhea, especially in large amounts.
- Avoid if diabetic or on certain medications – Glycerin is a sugar alcohol; consult your doctor if you have diabetes or are taking blood sugar–affecting medications.
- Keep away from children's reach – While safe, it's still a concentrated extract; store properly.
- Check for allergies – Though rare, some individuals may be sensitive to glycerin.
Always start with a low dose and observe how your body reacts.
Glycerol ester of wood rosin
Glycerol ester of wood rosin (GEWR) is a food additive made by reacting refined wood rosin from aged pine stumps with glycerin. It's used in foods and beverages to keep oils suspended in water, like in citrus sodas, and also appears in chewing gum and ice cream. Sometimes listed as glycerol ester of rosin, it serves as an alternative to brominated vegetable oil. While it shares the name 'glycerin,' it's a different compound entirely. For your tincture making, you'll want pure vegetable glycerin, not GEWR, which is not intended for herbal extraction.
Glycerin vs. Alcohol Tinctures: Which Is More Effective?
| Factor | Glycerin Tincture | Alcohol Tincture |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction power | Less complete; good for water-soluble compounds | More complete; extracts resins, alkaloids, and oils |
| Shelf life | 1–2 years | 3–5+ years |
| Taste | Sweet and pleasant | Bitter and strong |
| Alcohol content | None | High (50–90%) |
| Best for | Kids, alcohol-sensitive, water-soluble herbs | Resinous herbs, long-term storage, maximum potency |
For most medicinal herbs, alcohol is more effective at pulling out a wider range of active compounds. However, if you cannot consume alcohol, glycerin is a viable alternative, especially for gentle herbs. Some people mix glycerin and alcohol tinctures to get the best of both worlds.
Choosing the Best Glycerin for Your Tinctures
| Type | Quality Indicator | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable glycerin (glycerol) | Derived from plant oils (palm, coconut, soy) | General tincture making |
| Culinary grade glycerin | Food-safe, meets USP standards | Ingestion and tinctures |
| USDA certified organic | No synthetic pesticides or GMOs | For those wanting purity |
| Industrial grade | Not for human consumption | Avoid for tinctures |
Always choose culinary grade glycerin, preferably USDA certified organic. Check the label for purity; it should be 99.5% pure vegetable glycerin. Avoid any with additives or preservatives.
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Also asked as
- What is a glycerin tincture?
- How to make a tincture with vegetable glycerin?
- Are glycerin tinctures as good as alcohol tinctures?
Frequently asked questions
Can kids have alcohol tinctures?
No, alcohol tinctures are not recommended for children due to the alcohol content. Glycerin tinctures are a safe alternative, as they contain no alcohol and are sweet-tasting, making them easier for kids to take.
Can you use vegetable glycerin to make tinctures?
Yes, vegetable glycerin is a common solvent for making alcohol-free tinctures, called glycerites. It works well for herbs with water-soluble constituents, but it's less effective for resins and roots.
How to make a tincture without alcohol?
Use vegetable glycerin as the solvent. Combine dried herbs with a mixture of 2 parts glycerin and 1 part water, steep for 4–8 weeks, then strain. This creates a sweet, alcohol-free glycerite.
What are the uses of vegetable glycerin?
Vegetable glycerin is used as a solvent in herbal extracts, a sweetener, a humectant in cosmetics, and a preservative. In tinctures, it extracts and preserves plant compounds without alcohol.
Is glycerin safe to ingest?
Yes, culinary grade glycerin is safe for ingestion in moderate amounts. It's FDA-approved as a food additive. However, excessive intake can cause digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea.