How to Make an Herbal Tincture Using Glycerin

Follow this how to make an herbal tincture using glycerin recipe to get natural and alcohol-free tincture at home!

Before we jump to the recipe of non-alcoholic tinctures, let us understand what herbal tinctures are.

Tinctures are concentrated extractions from herbs and plants. Most of the tinctures make use of alcohol as alcohols are excellent solvents. The most common method of making a herbal tincture is soaking herbs in alcohol for a few weeks, where alcohol extracts the active constituents of the herbs. After the process, you strain the liquid and store it in air-tight containers. You can either consumer herbal tinctures locally or apply topically, based on the composition. For example, you should use arnica and benzene tinctures externally only.

There is also a difference in the ratio of the ingredients used to make herbal tinctures. Tinctures with dried herbs should include one part dried herbs and four parts of alcohol (1:4), however with fresh herbs, the ratios are common, one part fresh herbs with one part alcohol (1:1).

Herbal Glycerites or Alcohol-Free Tinctures

Herbal glycerites are tinctures made from vegetable glycerin that extracts the active constituents. Vegetable glycerine is often transparent and odorless. Such tinctures are sweet and can be given to kids as well. 

Glycerin is a natural component, which is a non-toxic solvent, kosher, and sweet in the flavor profile. It is a good practice to buy non-synthetic Glycerin for the recipe of glycerite.

List of herbs that can be used to make herbal tinctures

• Fennel leaves
• Mint leaves
• Stevia leaves
• Rosemary
• Ginseng
• Peppermint
• Basil
• Thyme
• Chamomile
• Sage

How to Make an Herbal Tincture using Glycerin

1. In a clean jar, add dried or fresh herbs. 
2. The promotional ratios of non-alcoholic tinctures are different. In the case of fresh herbs, you need to add enough Glycerin in the jar to fully cover the herbs or 55% of the total jar space. Fill the remaining area of the jar with distilled water and leave an inch of space from the lid.
3. In the case of dried herbs, the glycerin water ratio is 3:1 (One part of distilled water in three parts of Glycerin). Pour over the dried herbs in the jar. Leave an inch of space on the top of the mix for the herbs to expand.
4. Using a spoon, stir the mixture well and try and remove empty air spaces from the herb, Glycerin, and the water mix.
5. Close the jar and place it in a dark place at room temperature. 
6. You need to store this mixture from four to six weeks. Occasionally shake the jar and check if the herbs have risen above the liquid. (in case the herbs rise above the liquid, pour in more Glycerin in the jar)
7. After six weeks, strain the tincture in a clean bowl with the help of multi-layered cheesecloth. 
8. Squeeze the cheesecloth with the remaining herbs to extract all the herb material. 
9. The shelf life of a non-alcoholic tincture is around one year when placed in a dark and cold place.

Note: Make sure that you use safe to consume herbs to make the tincture. Also, if you’re allergic to any of the herbs, refrain from using them in your homemade tincture.

Note: Make sure that you use safe to consume herbs to make the tincture. Also, if you’re allergic to any of the herbs, refrain from using them in your homemade tincture.