If you prefer not to use alcohol, glycerin can be used as an alternative for making tinctures. Glycerin is a sweet, thick liquid derived from vegetables or sugar cane. Glycerin is safe to consume and has a long shelf life. Glycerin extracts may be more suitable for children and cosmetics formulations. This guide will go through the steps to make a glycerin tincture.
Materials:
Dried herbs or plant material of your choice
Vegetable glycerin
Glass jar with lid
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Dark-colored glass dropper bottle
Instructions:
Choose your herbs: using dried herbs for tincture making is the easiest way to go. Fresh herbs contain moisture and this can lead to bacteria growth within the tincture. Choose herbs that are appropriate for your needs, and do some research using the Encyclopedia of Herbs to determine the dosage and safety precautions for each herb.
Prepare your jar: Use a clean, dry glass jar with a lid to make your glycerin tincture. Choose a jar that is the appropriate size for the amount of herbs you are using. Fill the jar about one-third to one-half full of herbs.
Add glycerin: Pour the glycerin over the herbs until the jar is full, leaving a little bit of space at the top. Make sure the herbs are fully submerged in the glycerin.
Shake and store: Close the jar tightly and give it a good shake to mix the herbs and glycerin. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, but 6-weeks or longer is ideal. Shake the jar daily to mix the contents.
Strain the tincture: After your extract has reached its desired potency, strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the plant material. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to get as much liquid out as possible.
Bottle the tincture: Pour the tincture into a dark-colored glass dropper bottle. Label the bottle with the herb's name, the date it was made, and any other relevant information (such as dosage instructions).
Your glycerin tincture is now ready to use! Keep it stored in a cool, dark place and use it as needed. The dosage will depend on the herb and your individual needs. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. Note that glycerin tinctures have a shorter shelf life than alcohol tinctures, so be sure to use them within 6 months to a year.
Tell me about your tincture results in the comments! I'd love to know what tips and tricks you picked up along the way.
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness