Glycerine Tinctures: Herbal Remedies for Digestive and Skin Health

What is a tincture?

A tincture is an herbal remedy made from extracting the medicinal properties of a plant into a solvent such as alcohol, vinegar or vegetable glycerine. Tinctures contain plant healing power packed into a small amount of liquid. Crafting tinctures is similar to the process of making tea, yet it lasts much longer. Fresh or dried plants are soaked in a solvent for an extended period of time, typically 4-6 weeks, and then strained and bottled.

The primary benefits of a tincture depend on the properties of the herbs that are infused in it. With tonic herbs, a tincture can be taken as a nutritional supplement on a daily basis. Tinctures are commonly mixed into water or tea, blended into sauces, drizzled over food, and used as quick medicinal shots dropped directly on the tongue.

What is vegetable glycerine?

Vegetable glycerine, known as the “sweet principle of fat,” is a clear, odorless, distilled liquid byproduct from the processing of vegetable oils in palm kernels, soybeans and coconuts. The oil is heated under pressure with water and an alkaline catalyst, such as lye, to separate the glycerol molecule from the fatty acids.

Glycerine was invented by a European chemist in 1783. In western healthcare, vegetable glycerine is used in a wide variety of pharmaceutical and commercial products such as cough syrup, toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving cream, soap and lubricant. Vegetable glycerine is known as a humectant because it absorbs water vapor from the air or other nearby locations to keep the product or site of application moist. For this reason, it’s often used in food that needs to be preserved while packaged and sold.

It is often used in herbal medicine as a solvent for botanical infusions, in skincare for moisturizing and hydration, and in the food industry as a thickener, sweetener and preservative. The highest quality glycerine safe for consumption is food-grade, organic, ethically sourced and sustainably harvested.

In the field of herbal medicine, there are varied opinions about the ethics of using glycerine sourced from different plants. Palm trees are significantly exploited for their industrial uses, particularly oil, glycerine and wine. Some herbalists consider it unethical to use palm-based products.

However, I believe the best way to honor palm trees is to transform their exploitation into natural remedies that improve the health of our communities and pay tribute to their cultural power. It’s important that all herbalists have an ancestral connection to the plants they make medicine with. Palm trees are considered sacred keepers of wisdom in African and globally indigenous traditions. That’s why I craft tinctures with palm-derived glycerine.

Many diasporic Africans in the United States preserved plants in home remedies. Our herbal traditions are influenced by indigenous African healing practices, Native American knowledge, and the history of slavery and segregation. These traditions have been passed down through generations and vary by region, family and personal experience. Canned fruit and vegetable preservatives, shown in the image above, have also been crafted with other natural solvents such as vinegar.

Cultural influences led to the creation of natural remedies for common ailments, such as colds and flu, wounds, heart conditions and respiratory illnesses. In these plant-based medicines, vegetable glycerine was applied for its soothing properties. Its use as a solvent for handmade preparations continues to be a more holistic, natural method to address health and wellness in modern times.


What is a glycerite?

A glycerite is a type of tincture made from vegetable glycerine. Glycerite tinctures are herbal extracts that can be applied both topically for skincare and internally for the health of our organs and body systems. Glycerites have a sweet and gentle taste with a viscous texture that mirrors honey and molasses. Even though glycerites are sweet, the body does not metabolize them like sugar. This makes them ideal remedies for people who have diabetes and high blood sugar.

What is the difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic tinctures?

Alcohol is considered the quickest and most common method to extract medicinal properties from plants. Alcoholic tinctures usually contain 80-100 proof clear vodka in one or two ounce dosages. Tinctures can also be made with vegetable glycerine and vinegar. Glycerine-based tinctures are non-alcoholic, which makes them safe to consume for children, animals, and adults who have an alcohol sensitivity.

If you’re taking pharmaceutical drugs, consult a clinical herbalist or holistic health practitioner before trying glycerine tinctures to ensure there are no contraindications with your medication.

Shop our rainbow glycerites for your medicinal and cosmetic needs!

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