Glycerites

Glycerites are preparations in which glycerin, or glycerol, serves as the solvent or extraction medium. They are commonly used in herbal medicine and pharmacy to obtain botanical or medicinal constituents in a non-alcoholic form, and are often referred to as glycerite tinctures or glycerin extracts.

Preparation and composition: Plant material is macerated or percolated in a mixture of vegetable glycerin and water. Glycerin concentration is typically high, for example 60–95% glycerin, with water added to improve extraction of hydrophilic compounds. The mixture is allowed to steep for several days to weeks, then strained to yield a viscous, sweet liquid. The resulting product is a stable, non-alcoholic extract suitable for oral use.

Characteristics and comparisons: Glycerin is a viscous, sweet-tasting, hygroscopic liquid with certain antimicrobial properties, which helps preserve glycerites. Compared with alcohol-based tinctures, glycerites are non-alcoholic and palatable, making them suitable for children, the elderly, or individuals who cannot tolerate alcohol. They are generally less potent in extracting certain compounds and can be more viscous; extraction efficiency varies with the plant material and the solvent ratio.

Applications: Glycerites are used to prepare herbal extracts for oral consumption, as flavoring agents, or as medicinal syrups. They provide a gentle, alcohol-free vehicle for bitter herbs and are favored when alcohol is contraindicated.

Safety and storage: Store in tightly closed, opaque containers away from direct light. Shelf life is device-dependent but typically long for well-prepared products. Glycerin can have laxative effects in large amounts, so dosage and labeling should reflect any safety considerations.