Making Non-Alcoholic Glycerin Tinctures at Home

Tinctures have long been a staple in herbal medicine, offering a potent and convenient way to consume herbs. Traditionally, tinctures are made using alcohol as a solvent to extract the medicinal compounds from plants. However, not everyone can or wants to use alcohol-based tinctures due to personal preferences, health concerns, or religious reasons. This has led to the growing popularity of non-alcoholic tinctures, with glycerin tinctures being a particularly appealing alternative.

In this article, we will explore how to make non-alcoholic glycerin tinctures at home, covering everything from understanding what glycerin tinctures are, gathering supplies, selecting herbs, to the step-by-step process of making your own.

What is a Glycerin Tincture?

A glycerin tincture is an herbal extract where vegetable glycerin is used as the solvent instead of alcohol. Vegetable glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a sweet-tasting, clear liquid derived from plant oils such as coconut or palm oil. It acts as a preservative and solvent that extracts and preserves the beneficial compounds from herbs.

Glycerin tinctures are also sometimes called “glycetracts” or “glycerites.” They are typically sweeter and thicker than alcoholic tinctures and are often preferred for their pleasant taste and alcohol-free nature.

Advantages of Glycerin Tinctures

• Non-Alcoholic: Suitable for children, pregnant women, and those avoiding alcohol for any reason.
• Sweet Taste: The natural sweetness of glycerin masks the bitterness of many herbs.
• Preservative Qualities: Glycerin helps preserve the tincture for several months to years when stored properly.
• Gentle on the Stomach: Less harsh than alcohol-based extracts.
• Versatility: Can be taken directly by mouth or added to food and drinks.

What Herbs Work Best in Glycerin Tinctures?

Almost any herb can be used to make glycerin tinctures, but some herbs respond better than others. Because glycerin is less effective than alcohol at extracting certain phytochemicals (like alkaloids or resins), it’s best suited for herbs rich in water-soluble compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins.

Common Herbs for Glycerin Tincturing

• Chamomile: Calming floral herb.
• Echinacea: Immune support.
• Lemon Balm: Soothing and relaxing.
• Hawthorn Berry: Cardiovascular health.
• Valerian Root: Mild sedative effects.
• Licorice Root: Supports respiratory and digestive systems.

For tougher roots and barks that require stronger solvents or longer extraction times, glycerin might be less effective alone but can be combined with other solvents if desired.

Supplies You Will Need

Before starting your glycerin tincture journey, gather these essential items:

• Vegetable Glycerin: Food-grade and preferably organic. Avoid synthetic or industrial-grade glycerin.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried, depending on your preference. Dried herbs are often easier to work with for consistency.
• Glass Jars with Lids: Preferably amber-colored for light protection; wide-mouth jars are easier for filling and stirring.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Strainer or Cheesecloth: For filtering plant material out of the tincture.
• Labels and Marker: To note herb names and dates.
• Dark Storage Container: To keep your finished tincture away from light and heat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Glycerin Tinctures

Step 1: Choose Your Herb

Decide whether you want to use fresh or dried herbs. Fresh herbs contain more water content but need more glycerin to compensate; dried herbs are more concentrated but have less moisture.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

If using fresh herbs:

1. Chop finely or bruise to increase surface area.
2. Measure by weight or volume (typically 1 part herb to 4 parts glycerin).

If using dried herbs:

1. Crumble if necessary to increase surface area.
2. Use about 1 part herb to 5 parts glycerin by volume.

Step 3: Mix Herb and Glycerin

In your glass jar:

1. Add the chopped or dried herb.
2. Pour in vegetable glycerin over the herb until fully submerged. Leave about one inch of headspace at the top.
3. Stir well ensuring all plant material is saturated.

For better extraction, some people add a small amount of distilled water (up to 20%) mixed with glycerin since pure glycerin is quite viscous.

Step 4: Seal and Label

Close the jar tightly with its lid. Label it with:

• Herb name
• Date started
• Herb-to-glycerin ratio

Step 5: Macerate (Let it Infuse)

Place the jar in a cool, dark place like a cupboard.

• Shake gently once daily to redistribute contents.
• Allow it to infuse for 4–6 weeks; some herbalists recommend up to 8 weeks for stronger extraction.

The longer it sits, the more potent the tincture will become.

Step 6: Strain the Mixture

After maceration:

1. Use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer over a clean bowl or jar.
2. Press firmly on the plant material to extract as much liquid as possible.
3. Discard the spent herb residue responsibly (composting is ideal).

Step 7: Bottle and Store

Transfer the strained liquid into amber dropper bottles or glass jars.

Store in a cool dark place away from sunlight and heat sources. Properly stored glycerin tinctures can last up to two years.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh clean equipment to avoid contamination.
• Keep records of your batches including ratios, duration, and results for future reference.
• Start with small batches until you get comfortable with the process.
• If you want a thicker consistency or sweeter taste, adjust the herb-to-glycerin ratio accordingly.
• Always research your chosen herb’s safety profile before internal use.

How to Use Glycerin Tinctures

Dosage depends on the herb’s strength and your personal needs but generally:

• Adults: 1–2 ml (20–40 drops) two or three times daily
• Children: Half adult dose unless otherwise recommended

You can take drops directly under the tongue or add them into water, tea, smoothies, or juice.

Conclusion

Making non-alcoholic glycerin tinctures at home is an accessible way to create herbal remedies suitable for everyone — including those who cannot consume alcohol-based products. By following simple steps with readily available ingredients like vegetable glycerin and your favorite herbs, you can craft personalized extracts that retain many of an herb’s beneficial properties while offering a palatable alternative.

Experimenting with different herbs and ratios will help you discover your preferred flavors and effects. Like all herbal preparations, it’s important to approach tincturing with care: source quality ingredients, understand the properties of each herb used, and consult health professionals if unsure about usage—especially during pregnancy or when combining with medications.

With patience and practice, homemade glycerites can become a valuable component of your natural wellness toolkit—empowering you to harness nature’s gifts conveniently without alcohol.