Want to use herbal extracts … but not if they’re alcohol-based?
Herbal extracts are arguably the most potent way to deliver the healing and balancing benefits of herbs to our bodies.
And alcohol is a powerful extractor of those benefits. (I showed you how to make your own here, and save a bundle!)
Yet, what if you can’t or don’t want to consume alcohol — or give it to your kids?
Are you out of luck? Absolutely not!
Because… you can make a glycerin-based, alcohol-free herbal extract — also known as an herbal glycerite.
Although they aren’t quite as potent nor long-lasting as alcohol-based tinctures, glycerites are faster to make. While an alcohol-based tincture will take 6 to 8 weeks, a glycerin-based, non-alcoholic herbal extract takes just 3 days.
And, they taste better because they’re sweet. Which means kids often love taking them — instead of complaining about them!
About Glycerin
Quoting from The Bulk Herb Store about their sweet-tasting non-GMO and palm-derived glycerin (the type I buy and the base for my glycerites):
Glycerine (or glycerol) is a natural component of all fats and oils. When fats are digested in the body, they are broken down into fatty acids and glycerine. Hence, glycerine is a non-toxic, natural food substance. It is also a good solvent of herbal constituents and a preservative. To top it off, glycerine is also sweet tasting but does not cause blood sugar problems. This glycerine is Kosher, non-GMO, and Halal Certified. It is generated exclusively from vegetable-based sources and has many uses. —Bulk Herb Store
They’re Cheaper, Too
And, last but not least — you can save a bundle by making your own! Katie Mae Stanley, one of our contributing writers (who wrote the original version of this post) says:
Making your own herbal glycerite may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Homemade glycerites are also much easier on the pocketbook. Store-bought ones are easily $8 dollars per 4-ounce bottle, while it costs $8 to make an entire quart or more of the homemade stuff.
So, considering that they’re faster to make, alcohol-free, taste better, and it’s cheaper to make your own — homemade glycerites are the way to go for many people. Especially when kids are involved. 😉
Tinctures With Purpose
Things come up in the family and I think to myself, “I bet there’s a tincture for that!” Sure enough, there usually is. 😉
Sometimes I have to make it right then and there (after doing some research) — and glycerites take just 3 days.
But lately I’m all about stocking up on the tinctures that are going to help with daily life, illness, and things that we just know come up in our family.
(Disclaimer: On all these, I’m just sharing our experience, not giving medical advice.)
I make a feverfew and white willow bark glycerin extract that’s been so helpful for preventing and handling headaches and migraines, among other things.
I’m also making glycerites out of adaptogenic herbs. I want to take a moment and explain adaptogens, and then get to the how-to, ok? 🙂
A Bit About Adaptogens
I especially love herbal tinctures for delivering the benefits of adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are a special class of herbs that help with stress, vitality, and overall balancing of your body. They’re fascinating and powerful!
For more information on adaptogens, check out this eBook:
It’s not very expensive and the information is presented simply and thoroughly. Heather (the author) is a good friend, and I trust her integrity and information.
And now for the recipe…
And Finally, Here’s The Alcohol-Free Herbal Extract — or Herbal Glycerite — Recipe!
Homemade Non-Alcoholic Herbal Extract aka Herbal Glycerite
Ingredients
- herbs of choice single or multiple
- non-GMO palm-derived glycerin (I prefer this to soy-derived glycerin or GMO glycerin)
- pure water boiling
- quart size jar or jars
- 8- quart Instant Pot OR crockpot tall enough to fit quart size jars*
- fine mesh strainer
- pot or big bowl
Instructions
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Put herbs in quart size Mason jar to 1/3 full (for dried soft herbs) or 1/2 full (for dried hard herbs) -- not packed down.
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Then pour a bit of boiling water over the herbs to help release nutrients (optional).
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Pour glycerin over all to fill the jar to just below the bands. You may have to add glycerin a bit at a time and stir with a spoon to help it soak down in. It's so thick!
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Then cover the jar with a metal band and lid and screw down tightly (so nothing leaks during the cooking).
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Put a towel on the bottom of the pot (whichever you're using).
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Put the jar(s) on top of the towel.
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Then fill the pot to the shoulders of the jar(s) with water.
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Set slow cooker or crockpot to low for 3 days. (If using the Instant Pot, the slow cooker setting only goes up to 20 hours. This is fine, just keep resetting it so that it "cooks" on low for a total of 72 hours and be sure to adjust the Slow Cook setting to Low.)
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Then keep an eye out that the mixture doesn't boil or leak out over the 3 days. (Some crockpots run hot; you can turn it off at night if you fear it's getting too hot.)
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Turn off crockpot or Instant Pot.
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Remove jar(s).
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The glycerin should be quite dark now from the herbs.
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Then put the strainer over a big bowl or pot.
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Dump the contents of one jar into the strainer and let the liquid drip into the pot.
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Pour some boiling water over the herbs to help rinse all the glycerin off. (Use as little as possible.)
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Then stir with a big spoon to help the herbs drip out fully, and also press the herbs with the spoon to squeeze out as much glycerin as you can. You can also use your hands and squeeze!
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Compost the herbs.
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Then pour the finished glycerite into a glass jar and cover tightly. Or you can use a funnel and separate into 2- or 4-ounce amber dropper bottles.
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Label.
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Finally, store in a cool, dark location. Even better to keep in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
Usage: Consult your naturopath or doctor or do your own research; most people take 1/2 teaspoon daily of extract(s) they feel are beneficial to their health goals. I cannot give medical advice, so please do your own research. This is just a general guideline.
Notes On The Recipe
*You need a slow cooker setting, which means you need a crockpot or an Instant Pot. I make these 2 to 3 quarts at a time inside my 8-quart Instant Pot (you can fit up to 3 quart jars). The quart jars do not fit in a 6-quart Instant Pot, but you could scale down to pint jars instead if you’re using the 6-quart Instant Pot.
Want to skip the whole crockpot thing? Katie Mae Stanley, TCS contributor, says: “Steep the herbs by storing them in a dark place (such as a cabinet) for six weeks, shaking every day. Then strain.”
Links For You
- Non-GMO, palm-derived glycerin at Bulk Herb Store
- 8-quart Instant Pot or 6-quart Instant Pot
- The Beginner’s Guide to Adaptogens eBook by Heather Dessinger
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You are responsible for your own health and for the use of any remedies, treatments, or medications you use at home.
Do you make or use glycerin-based, non-alcoholic herbal extracts (herbal glycerites) at home? What are your favorite herbs and how do you use them?
...without giving up the foods you love or spending all day in the kitchen!
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Oh wow. I have never seen this done. This is really good to know! Thanks Katie!
I’ve done glycerites before, but it never occurred to me to heat it gently to speed up the process – that’s a great improvement!
I’m wondering about herbs that extract better with alcohol and not so well with glycerin – what would be the procedure for tincturing in alcohol, and then evaporating the alcohol and replacing it with glycerin?
Thanks for sharing!! ^_^
I am so sorry I missed this! I have never tried evaporating the alcohol so I don’t know. If you learn how please do share! 🙂
There are instructions on how to tincture in alcohol, then replace/evaporate the alcohol with glycerin, in The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook.
I’m glad to have this with the links. I have heard of making a tincture with alcohol as well as one with glycerin and combining the two to make something more palatable as well as using the stronger extractive power of the alcohol.
I do that sometimes as well.
Katie:
Enjoyed your post and have been wanting to use this method rather than alcohol. However, I have two questions:
1. You say in the paragraph below to let them steep for six weeks, and then below that you say to place them in a crock pot? Which is it? Six weeks and then 3 days in the crock pot or is it six week OR the crock pot.
Steep the herbs by storing them in a dark place (such as a cabinet) for six weeks, shaking every day. Or, if you want to use the glycerite sooner, carefully nestle the jar in the bottom of a crockpot and add water until just an inch of the jar remains uncovered. Place lid on crockpot and cook on warm to low for 3 days. Turn off at night if you think your crockpot gets too warm.
2. Are those made with alcohol more potent than those made with glycerine? I’ve head that and because I’d like to make potent tinctures, I’ve avoided using glycerine, and won’t use alcohol. So what’s the truth about potency?
Maria – traditionalcook.com
I am so sorry that I missed this! It is either or. Generally speaking, most alcohol tinctures are more potent. There are some herbs that do better with glycerine. For myself, I use the alcohol based ones more often.
Please help, bwhat if we make a tincture from turmeric or ginger wich is from the powder … how many grams of this powder should be placed on 1L glycerin …
The same question applies to the propolis …
Honestly, I am not sure what the measurements would be for powders. Powders not a good choice for this though because it is almost impossible to strain out all the powder. I have no experience making propolis tinctures, so I am not able to advise you on that. I am sorry.
What would be the shelf life of these glycerites?
About two years.
Have you ever tried glycerites in an instant pot or would it get too hot?
Samantha ~ I have. The slow cook setting on less/low works just fine. 🙂
Neat. How long did you slow cook them for?
Hi Samantha,
3 days. Wardee is using her Instant Pot on the slow cooker function. You can use any slow cooker/crockpot for this and leave for 3 days on low. 🙂
Traditional Cooking School Support
Hi – and question about the step number 15 – of Pour some boiling water over the herbs to help rinse all the glycerin off. — so, do I understand correctly that there’s no real concern about the diluting effect of that rinse water being added to the drained product from the steeping??? Is there some measure of water that is acceptable, or how does that piece fit? Thanks!
Hi Jan,
Diluting is fine. You use as little as you need to rinse it off the herbs; otherwise it gets wasted because it won’t come off the herbs.
Millie
Traditional Cooking School Support
Two things I question. The addition of water and not storing the finished product in the fridge. Both seem to open the product up to bacteria growth. I always err on the side of caution. I always keep my alcohol tinctures in a cool place and the glycerin ones in the fridge unless I using them up pretty quickly. I have seen recipes where you add a little water at the beginning to help extract (which I don’t do) but never when the herbs are being strained. Thanks!
Hi Cathy,
It’s a good idea to store in the fridge. Wardee will update the recipe to reflect this. 🙂
If you can strain the herbs fully without the additional water, that is fine. Wardee does use a bit to help get the last bit of infused glycerine off the herbs (otherwise it is wasted).
Millie
Traditional Cooking School Support
About how long does a glycerin based tincture last in the fridge?
I would recommend creating a base of 70% glycerin and 30% distilled water as the base.
Covering the herbs with that base and letting it sit for 3 days in a crock pot. Strain, and keep in the fridge. This way, you would avoid having to add water at the end. Also, I feel that if you add water, it’s best to add DI water after it was boiled to insure you killed most of the bacteria.
Another idea is if you would like to make your ticture extra strong, do this procedure twice.
Use the herbal extract that you get from your 1st batch as your base liquid for filling again a mason jar with the herbs and let it sit for additonal 3 days in the crock pot. Now, you will have a much stronger tincture. Thank you for this post.
Hey there! Question, I am doing the tincture for the purpose of detoxing my liver, and After reading someones comment about how glycerin tinctures bypass the liver and only alcohol tinctures will work for that, I am convinced I need to use alcohol instead. Problem is, I dont want to use any alcohol produced via grain. That cuts out any type of strong, concentrated alcohol product that i know of (such as vodka) and something that has no added preservatives, sugars, colors etc….. With that said, The only alcoholic drink i can think of that fits the bill is Crispins Hard Cider products. However, the alcohol proof in that is EXTREMELY lower than vodka by a long way. But the question is… would it still work in place of glycerin and vodka? If so, how would i even go about using it? Thanks.
Hi Savannah,
This is an example of a tincture made with ACV. I think it could be adapted here.
https://traditionalcookingschool.com/health-and-nutrition/pepper-juice-a-pepper-enhanced-tincture-to-ward-off-colds-and-flus/
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi, Savannah. You could use potato vodka.
Could I use raw apple cider vinegar in place of the glycerin or alcohol options?
If so, any advice on how? Would i still use the 3 days in the slow cooker ? How about storage and how long it will last? Thanks
I recently made a glycerine tincture and placed my jars in a crock pot on warm for 12 hours. Should I remake them or do you think they will be strong enough?
Hi Sandi,
I don’t know for sure, but since our recipe calls for 3 days, I myself would put them back in.
~ Danielle, TCS Community Manager
It’s hard to tell in the recipe, but is the lid supposed to be on the crockpot/instapot? In the pics it looks like the lid is off, while cooking. Just confirming.
Hi A,
The lid should be on. 🙂
~ Millie, TCS Customer Success Team
Hello, thank you for very helpful directions. Althugh I would like to ask, what is approximate temperature of “slow heat” for three days? I am using just stove cooker in the water bath and wanna make sure I won´t let the extracts overcooked! Thank you very much!
Hi Eva,
The temperature for slow cooking the herbal extract is approximately 200 degree.
~Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
How do I know what to use glycerin, alcohol or vinegar to extract my plant. I know that alcohol and vinegar are good to extract the alkaloids and some of the terpenes. Please correct me if I’m wrong. How about the glycerine, what does it help to extract?
Thanks
could you do this with fresh ginger and turmeric or would you reccomend using dried pieces instead or y=could you even just add powdered form?
Hi, Saira.
Fresh would be fine but powdered would be hard to strain~ Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you for the information on the glycerites. I am just wondering how long can i keep this infusion? or do i add preservatives? bu the way have to use it for children teeth because it seems that the alcohol infusion has been proven. Kindly advise.
Hi, Lily.
The shelf life is 12-24 months.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Can his be done with vanilla beans to make vanilla “extract”?
Hi, Julie.
Yes, you can.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
I’m making mullein tincture with glycerine. I chopped the leaves, covered with glycerine and did the crock pot for 3 days. The liquid is still very clear. Should I do another 3 days, or is it s good tincture even with clear liquid?
Hi, Mary,
Clear is still ok, some don’t get dark. It depends on the herb/root. 🙂
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Could I do the 3 days in the crock pot and then leave the herbs in the jar instead of straining them to make it more potent?
Hi, Margaret.
We have never done it that way so I’m not sure if it would change potency or not. Also, without the lidded jars you would have to be careful of anything getting into the crockpot to contaminate your extract.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
please just mention how much approx is the percentage of effective medical ingredients of glicerine extract and alcohol extract
Hi Tarik, I’m sorry but we can not provide that information. ~ Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
the approx proof of vital medical material in glycerine tincture or vodka extract – i have no labs but i love these extracts
Hi Tarik, I’m sorry but we can not provide that information. ~ Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi,
Do you know how to create an alcohol free herbal extract with stevia instead of glycerin? If not, any suggestions who may help?
Thanks!
Hi, Peter.
If you’re looking to make stevia without alcohol you’d be making an extract:
To make liquid stevia, dissolve 1/4 cup pure homegrown stevia powder with 1 cup hot filtered water. Stir and leave out at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours strain the stevia out of the liquid and store the liquid stevia in the refrigerator.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi I have an interesting question! I am trying to make a stevia glycerite (probably with apple flavoring) for… a horse! hehe. So I’m thinking i’ll have to do some taste testing to get the herb to glycerin ratio correct, but I’d love to fill a 1gal jug at the end and have that for a while… so I think if I make it and then want to “water it down”, (its actually for flavoring horse food without using sugar), do you think that will wreck the mixture? basically I’d be giving about 30 ml per meal. (2x per day). How would you suggest watering it down to create a large batch of light sweetness?>
Hi, Sarah.
We’re not sure but I would recommend making it and diluting it as you feed.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Thsnk you
Does the pot need to be covered with the lid on througe the process?
Yes, Yael. The lid shoudl be on the pot.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Is the recommended dose I.e. 1 tsp the same for the non alcohol tinctures
Yes. 🙂
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you?
Is it the same process using either fresh or dried herbs?
Hi, Katie,
The recipe above she is using dried herbs. For fresh herbs, use between 100% glycerin to a mixture of 70% glycerin to 30% water, depending on the water content of the herb. The goal is to have the finished liquid be a minimum of 60% glycerin.
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi,
I will be making an extract with olive leaf.
I do not have a crock pot or inst. pot as I am off grid.
I have a burner diffuser to go way low heat on my stove. Do you think it would still be effective if I let it cook during the day and off at night for 3 days? Maybe 4?
Thank you for this post.
We’ve never done it that way so I can’t be sure it will work but you can give it a try.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi! ?? Would this work for fresh mushrooms such as Lions Mane or Turkey tail? Thank you ??
Hi, Marie,
We have not tried fresh mushrooms, I am sorry we are not sure.
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team