You’re about to fall in love!

*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products that I use and find value in suggesting. 

So, what the heck is an herbal glycerite?

Only the best thing since sliced bread. (Which originated in Kansas City, BTW, my old stomping grounds!)

A glycerite is an herbal extraction in glycerin instead of alcohol. This opens up a world of possibilities for people who can’t have alcohol, children, or your witchcraft practice.

And the best part?

Not only can you take glycerites internally, you can choose herbs based on their use for skincare. Glycerin is amazing for the skin! It’s what’s called a humectant. A humectant helps retain and preserve moisture of the skin.

Glycerites are easy to make and are a wonderful addition to your witch’s apothecary.

Let’s get started.

What you’ll need:

• Dried Herb/s

• Glycerin (Food grade)

• 100 proof alcohol

• A clean glass jar

• Kitchen scale*

• Liquid measuring cup

• Mesh sieve, coffee filters, or cheesecloth

• Time

So, I know I said these are a great alternative to tinctures with alcohol, so why is alcohol included?

The alcohol is being use as an intermediary solvent and there will be virtually none left in the finished glycerite. It helps with the extraction process, but it can always be left out.

Why a scale?

You always need to weigh your dry ingredients. That’s because an ounce of rose petals has way more volume than say, an ounce of gentian root. Since this a generic recipe, I won’t be able to tell you the volume amount of herbs you’ll need. You can get an inexpensive scale online. If you plan on making tinctures, glycerites and other recipes provided, it’s worth every penny.

You need to measure the glycerin and alcohol in a measuring cup for liquid.

This is going to be a standard strength glycerite at a 1:5 ratio. If you’d like a stronger ratio use 1:4. Learn more about ratios here. For standard strength, a dose is about 1 teaspoon taken internally.

If you’d like to make 4 ounces, cut the the recipe in half.

Add your herbs to a clean glass jar with a lid. Pour just enough of the vodka to moisten the herbs. You want them damp, not swimming in vodka. You may not need the whole ounce. Depending on the herbs, you may need a touch more.

Stir well to coat the herbs and put the lid on. You can give it a good shake.

(If you chose not to use vodka, after adding your herbs to the jar, add the glycerin.)

Let the jar sit overnight with the lid on. The vodka is going to kick start the extraction process so you get a potent glycerite. Skip this step if not using vodka.

After 24 hours, remove the lid and add the glycerin. Stir well, and let sit with the lid off for about an hour. This will allow more of the vodka to evaporate. Skip this step if not using vodka.

After an hour, replace the lid. Let your glycerite sit for about a week or two. Or up to a month for herbs that are dense or use the roots of a plant. Don’t forget to label with the herb and the due date.

Once the glycerite is ready, strain the extract through a fine mesh sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth. Squeeze as much liquid as you can out of the herbs. Then decant the glycerite into a dark glass bottle such as amber boston rounds. Label with the herb used and date made.

Undiluted glycerin is a preservative so your extract will last a long time. But glycerites do lose potency over time. Try to use within a year. Or keep refrigerated for a longer shelf life.

You can take your gylcerite for the medicinal qualities or use them in skin care. This is my favorite way to use them since I have textures issues and glycerin is a bit thick when taking straight. However, you can mix it in warm water, tea, club soda. or anything else you’d like if you’re like me with the texture thing.(Thanks ADHD)

I add my glycerins to lotions that I make during the water phase. Glycerin on its own it pretty sticky. You can dilute it with distilled water but once the mixture is below 60% glycerin, you’ll need to add some kind of preservative.

Some of my favorite glycerins to make for skin care are rose petal, fenugreek, calendula, lavender, or arnica. Arnica glycerin is not edible. Use on the skin only. It’s toxic if taken internally.