glycerite

A glycerite is a liquid preparation in which glycerin (glycerol) serves as the solvent and base for an extract or active ingredient. In herbal medicine and pharmaceutical compounding, glycerites are used to obtain plant constituents in an alcohol-free or low-alcohol form, and they are often chosen for palatability and for patients who must avoid ethanol.

Preparation and composition commonly involve macerating plant material or other substances in glycerin, frequently with water added to adjust polarity. The mixture is allowed to steep for several days to weeks, then filtered to produce a viscous liquid. The glycerin content in glycerites can vary, typically resulting in a final product with noticeable sweetness and a thick texture.

Advantages of glycerites include their alcohol-free or reduced-alcohol nature, making them suitable for children, recovering alcoholics, or individuals avoiding spirits. Glycerin also acts as a humectant and preservative, contributing to stability when properly stored. Limitations include differences in extraction efficiency compared with alcohol tinctures, potential variations in potency, and the need to dose carefully due to viscosity and sweetness. Some constituents may extract less readily in glycerin, while others may be preserved differently than in alcoholic extracts.

Storage generally requires cool, dark conditions in sealed containers to preserve quality. Shelf life varies with formulation and storage, but well-made glycerites are typically kept for months to years when protected from heat and light. Glycerites are one option among tincture families and are often contrasted with alcoholic tinctures and glycerin-based mucilages.