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Everyday Wellness, Naturally

DIY Glycerin Tinctures: A Mild Alternative

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Fresh echinacea flowers and leaves in a glass jar, perfect for making DIY glycerin tinctures

This DIY glycerin tincture is very mild, sweet, and even suitable for children or those that would rather avoid alcohol altogether. Instead, vegetable glycerin takes its place as the base. Glycerin-based tinctures capture the herb essence naturally so you can bring botanical wellness into your routine with ease.

In this post, we’ll cover what glycerin tinctures are, how they differ from alcohol tinctures, and provide a step-by-step recipe for making your very own DIY glycerin tinctures in the comfort of your own home. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies to make certain they are right for you.

What Are Glycerin Tinctures?

Glycerin tinctures, also known as glycerites, are the liquid herbal extracts in which vegetable glycerin has been used as the solvent instead of alcohol. Glycerin is a sweet-tasting liquid derived from plants and is clear; this makes it popular for those seeking gentle and alcohol-free alternatives.

Why Use Glycerin for Tinctures?

Following is why using glycerin for tinctures is considered so popular:

  • Gentle on the System: Glycerin tinctures are alcohol-free and can be used with children, sensitive individuals, or anyone that aims to avoid alcohol.
  • Sweet Taste: Glycerin has a sweet taste, so it helps mask some herbs’ bitterness.
  • Long Shelf Life: Glycerin acts as a natural preservative; tinctures will have a very long shelf life if stored properly.

Benefits of DIY Glycerin Tinctures

There is a number of benefits in making your own DIY glycerin tinctures:

  • Customization: By making it at home, you can use the herbs that are best for your needs and create an even more personalized tincture.
  • Cheap: Pretty much cheaper in creating your tinctures than buying over-the-counter ready made.
  • Ingrained Choice of Ingredients: It uses organic herbs and superior quality glycerin for creating a better, more natural tincture.

Basic Ingredients Used for Glycerin Tincture Creation

You will need a number of common ingredients and supplies to begin with in creating glycerin tinctures:

  • Herbs-Dried or Fresh: Depending on your specific needs, use the best quality available. Dried herbs are easier to work with, but fresh herbs can also be employed.
  • Vegetable Glycerin: Food-grade, organic glycerin assures a safe, effective tincture.
  • Filtered Water: Water it down with a small amount of water to improve the extraction.
  • Glass Jar with Lid: Mason or similar jar will work for the infusion process.
  • Dark glass bottles for storage: Dark bottles protect your tincture from light and help to preserve potency.

Glycerin Tincture Recipe: Instructions

This tutorial is quite basic and requires very few ingredients and equipment.

Step 1: Prepare Your Herbs
Chop the fresh herbs coarsely or bruise the dried herbs to release the active constituent within the herb. Measure the herbs using the general rule of thumb: 1 part dried herb to 5 parts liquid, or 1 part fresh herb to 2 parts liquid.

Step 2: Mix Glycerin and Water
In a separate container, in a mixing glass, combine 3 parts vegetable glycerin with 1 part filtered water. This will be the covering mixture for the herbs to extract the properties.

Step 3: Fill the Jar with Herbs and Glycerin Mixture
Place herbs in a glass jar, covering them with the glycerin-water mixture. Ensure that all herbs are fully submerged to prevent spoilage. Leave about an inch of space at the top.

Step 4: Seal and Store
Seal the jar with a lid tightly. Place the jar in a cool, dark area for 4 to 6 weeks and shake daily to extract the herb’s active compounds using the glycerin .

Step 5: Strain and Bottle
After the infusion period, strain the tincture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Transfer the glycerin tincture to dark glass bottles and label each bottle with the herb name and date.

Storage Tips
Store your glycerin tinctures in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. If stored properly, glycerin tinctures can last up to two years.

Best Herbs for DIY Glycerin Tinctures

Specific herbs work wonders in the form of glycerin tinctures, offering both flavor and possible wellness benefits. The following are some of the more popular ones:

Chamomile – Mild and Soothing
Chamomile has become famous for its gentle soothing character and mild flavor, which makes this herb a great candidate for a glycerin tincture. This is a mild tincture that works well with evening teas.

Lemon Balm – Invigorating and Energizing
Lemon balm is aromatic with the fresh scent of lemons and commonly used for its soothing effects. It’s an ideal candidate for a glycerin tincture, which renders it sweet and mild.

Echinacea: For Seasonal Wellness
The commonly used herb echinacea helps with seasonal wellness. During cold season, a glycerin tincture can be a good option with echinacea.

Peppermint: Cooling and Digestive-Friendly
The cooling action of peppermint often helps support digestion. This sweet mint flavor is in each taste in a glycerin tincture.

Lavender: Soothing and Aromatic
Lavender has become famous for its relaxing properties and floral scent. A lavender glycerin tincture works very well in bedtime routines.

How to Use DIY Glycerin Tinctures

Glycerin tinctures can be pretty easy to add to your routine. Here are some ways you could use them:

  • Under the Tongue: Place a few drops under the tongue, directly absorbed.
  • In Teas/Beverages: In a hot tea, water, or juice, add a few drops and you will also have a hint of herb flavor.
  • As Sweetener: The tinctures are great in smoothies or desserts, adding sweet and herbal notes.

Since the tinctures are concentrated, a little will do. You can start with a few drops and work your way up according to needs and tastes.

Successful Tips for Making Glycerin Tinctures at Home

  • Use High-Quality Ingredients: Organic herbs and food-grade glycerin result in the best products.
  • Label Clearly: Always label your tincture bottles with the herb name and preparation date.
  • Store Correctly: Tinctures are best stored in dark glass bottles away from light to maintain potency.
  • Blending: Take advantage of complementary herbs, such as chamomile and lavender, that create a unique flavor profile.

The preparation of your own glycerin tinctures involves the use of the active principles of plants in a completely non-invasive and non-alcoholic manner. Sweet in flavor and easy to make, glycerin tinctures have proven to be an excellent medium for everyone to make use of herbal extracts without the use of alcohol. These tinctures come customized, from chamomile and peppermint to lavender, for a multitude of uses. Why not experiment with various herbs and try to find out which specific blend best suits your needs? Just remember to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new herbal tinctures into your wellness routine.

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