Top 5 Reasons Glycerites are the Superior Choice for Herbal Tinctures
Introduction: When it comes to creating herbal tinctures, the choice between using food grade alcohol and glycerites is a crucial decision. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 5 reasons why glycerites are the right choice for your herbal tincture, and discuss what glycerites are, what vegetable glycerin is made from, and how to source it for making glycerites.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Glycerites over Alcohol Tinctures:
- Alcohol-free: Glycerites are a popular choice for those who prefer or require an alcohol-free option due to religious, dietary, or personal reasons. Glycerites offer a way to enjoy the benefits of herbal tinctures without consuming any alcohol.
- Gentle and safe: Glycerites are gentle on the digestive system and are a safe option for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with liver concerns or sensitivities to alcohol.
- Sweet taste: Vegetable glycerin, the base for glycerites, has a naturally sweet taste that can make taking herbal tinctures more enjoyable, especially for children or those with an aversion to the strong taste of alcohol-based tinctures.
- Versatile extraction: Glycerites can extract both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble constituents from herbs, providing a comprehensive extraction of the plant's therapeutic properties.
- Longer shelf life: Glycerites have a longer shelf life than alcohol-based tinctures due to their lower evaporation rate and antimicrobial properties. This means they can be stored for an extended period without losing their potency.
What is a Glycerite? A glycerite is an herbal tincture that uses vegetable glycerin as the solvent instead of alcohol. Vegetable glycerin is a clear, odorless liquid derived from plant oils, and it has the ability to extract the beneficial compounds from herbs without the need for alcohol. Glycerites are an excellent alternative to traditional alcohol-based tinctures for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option.
What is Vegetable Glycerin and What is it Made From? Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid derived from plant oils, such as coconut, palm, or soy. It is widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to its versatile properties, including its ability to act as a humectant, emulsifier, and solvent.
How to Source Vegetable Glycerin for Making Glycerites: When sourcing vegetable glycerin for making glycerites, it's essential to choose a high-quality product. Look for vegetable glycerin that is food grade, non-GMO, and free from allergens like soy, corn, or gluten. You can find vegetable glycerin online, at health food stores, or at stores specializing in herbal supplies.
In conclusion, glycerites are an excellent alternative to alcohol-based tinctures for those seeking an alcohol-free option with numerous benefits. By understanding what glycerites are, and how to source vegetable glycerin for making them, you can confidently create your own herbal tinctures at home using this superior method.
