Glycerite Definition: A glycerite is an extract prepared by soaking a sample in glycerin or a glycerin solution. Either vegetable-based or animal-based glycerin may be used, though it is customary to use plant-based glycerin to prepare herbal glycerites.
Advantages: Some chemical compounds are more soluble in glycerin than in water or alcohol, so they may be extracted more fully in a glycerite. Glycerin is non-toxic and glycerites containing 70% glycerin or a higher concentration suppress microbial growth (glycerin acts as a natural preservative).
Synonyms: glycerita, glyceroles, glycerates, glycemates
How to Make a Glycerite
- Place fresh or dried herbs (or other source material) into a jar.
- Add three parts water and seven parts glycerin. You could simply fill the jar over halfway with glycerin and top it off with water.
- Mix the contents of the container.
- Allow the mixture to sit for a couple of weeks. The extraction process may be aided by low heat, so place the jar out of sunlight in a warm location.
- Filter the mixture and save the fluid as your glycerite. Usually it’s best to store glycerites in dark bottles (e.g., amber or blue) in a cool location away from direct sunlight.