What Is a Glycerite? Definition and Preparation


A glycerite is a preparation made using glycerin as a solvent. (Yourbestdigs, Flickr)
A glycerite is a preparation made using glycerin as a solvent. (Yourbestdigs, Flickr)

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

  1. Place fresh or dried herbs (or other source material) into a jar.
  2. Add three parts water and seven parts glycerin. You could simply fill the jar over halfway with glycerin and top it off with water.
  3. Mix the contents of the container.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.