Make a Quick Echinacea Glycerite

When many people think of making herbal extracts, their first thought is to use alcohol.

But, what if you don’t use alcohol for any other reason, or you simply want an alternative? You can try using a food grade glycerin to get what is called a glycerite.

Glycerin is a great way to extract the medicinal qualities we need from herbs.  Glycerites are also a great herbal choice for children. They have a mildly sweet flavor, and also act as preservatives.

While glycerine is best for water soluble herbs and for extracting tannins and alkaloids [1], you can also substitute glycerine for all alcohol-based tinctures.

Glycerites need dried herbs, water, and glycerine. The dried herbs are easiest to find. You will need water to help “reconstitute” them and help them mix with the glycerine. Make sure your glycerine is labeled as a food-grade.

While a glycerite normally takes 2-3 weeks to make, there are times when you need a prepared glycerite right away.

This recipe can be used for such times, as it allows you to make a glycerite in a few hours. This recipe makes a 1:5 glycerite with 70% glycerin and 30% water.

What You Need:

• 100 grams *by weight* dried Echinacea (Echinacea Angustifolia)
• 150 ml filtered water
• 350 ml vegetable glycerin

Directions for making your glycerite:

1. Weigh the echinacea, and place it in clean or sterilized jar.
2. Cover with the water so the herb is fully wet.
3. Then, add the glycerin and seal the jar tight with a lid.
4. Gently and thoroughly, stir to mix the glycerin with the herb and water.
5. Place a piece of cloth or a towel in the bottom of your pan, and fill the pan half full with water. The cloth is to help prevent cracking. You can also use a trivet to keep the jar off the bottom of the pan.
6. Place your closed jar on the cloth. Add water to the pan, making sure the water comes approximately half way up the jar.
7. Bring water to a gentle simmer on medium low for 2 hours, checking frequently to make sure that the glycerite is warm, but not simmering. Adjust the heat as necessary.
8. Replace water in the pan as needed to keep the level half-way up the jar.
9. Turn off heat and allow to cool 15 minutes.
10. Remove the jar from the pan.
11. Strain out the glycerine mixture into a clean jar, removing the plant matter.
12. Seal your jar, and label it with the ingredients and date. Glycerite can be stored in the cupboard for several years.

A normal adult dosage is 1/2 teaspoon, 4-5 times daily. For children over the age of 2, use 1/4 teaspoon, 2-3 times daily. 

What do you do when you feel a cold coming on? Have you made a glycerite before?

References

1. Hawkins, J. (2010). Certified Holistic Wellness Professional book 3. Spring Hill, TN: Vintage Remedies, page 74