Glycerites, are known mostly as an alternative to alcohol extraction for children, or those with alcohol sensitivities. While glycerin doesn’t have the same solvent extracting abilities as alcohol, in some cases glycerin can be superior when you need extract and preserve the subtle aromatics and flavor in plants. Violets, roses, lilacs, lemon balm, and chamomile can set graciously on your shelf waiting to support your mental/emotional health with their heavenly aromatics all year.
Glycerin is not considered a preservative, but if your product contains more than 60%glycerin your product should be shelf stable. Glycerin is not a naturally occuring substance. It is a byproduct of soapmaking and candlemaking, where you take a triglyceride rich vegetable oil and process it with a strong alkali. Vegetable glycerin is usually made from palm, coconut, or soy oil. It is really thick and syrupy sweet. It is sugar alcohol(like erythritol or xylitol), and has a low glycemic index , which can lead to diarrhea and stomach upset if taking too much, and there is always the possibilty of allergies. A glycerite generally has a shelf life of 1- 2 years for general plant material(leaves and flowers). If you wanted to make a food glycerite from a water rich source(fruits and vegetables) you would want to add some additional preservative if the water content gets above 40%.
To make a glycerite, fresh is best. If you do use dried remember the plants will expand as they absorb glycerin, so keep that in mind when making. Loosely pack chopped fresh material into a clean jar(plants can be blended at this point to increase surface area, but it’s not necessary) and slowly fill until covered. come back later after glycerin has settle and top off if needed. The plants will float, so shake often and keep something protective underneath jar in case it leaks. Keep in solution 2 weeks to a month , and strain with a cheese cloth. Water can be added to make less syrupy, but make sure the glycerin concentration is about 60 % . I don’t use heat during extraction because, because for me the point is to capture subtle flavors and fragrance, and I don’t want heat to destroy those properties.
How to use glycerites:Glycerites can be used on their own, or as parts of larger formulas with alcohol tincture. They can be used as drop doses under your tongue to shift your mood with your favorite sweet non toxic flower or herb. You can add a dropperful or 2 in your water or a tea blend. Glycerin is a water attracting, or humectant, like honey, so it can be added to your favorite skin cleanser, lotion, or leave in conditioner recipes.
Glycerites of Melissa officinalis, Rosa gallica, Artemisia vulgaris
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