Herbal Glycerites

Herbal glycerites are one of my favorite ways to work with the magic of plants. They are like tinctures, but instead of using alcohol, they use glycerin to extract the essence of the herbs. Glycerin is a sweet and sticky liquid that comes from plants or animals. It’s great for making glycerites because it doesn’t have any alcohol, which some people don’t like or can’t have. Glycerites are also yummy and last a long time.

Herbal glycerites have been around for a long time. They were first mentioned in a book called King’s American Dispensatory (1898), which was a guide for making all kinds of herbal remedies. The book said that glycerites were “solutions of medicinal substances in glycerin” that you could use for healing yourself or others. Some herbalists also used glycerin to keep the fresh juices of herbs from going bad. Glycerin can pull out both the water and the oil parts of the plants, so it can capture their full power. Nowadays, herbal glycerites are also used in natural beauty products, because they make your skin soft, smooth, and healthy.

As nature blossoms in the warmth of summer, it’s the perfect time to harness the healing power of herbs through the creation of herbal glycerites.

Selecting Summer Herbs for Herbal Glycerites

Summer brings forth a bountiful array of aromatic and beneficial herbs. When creating herbal glycerites during this season, consider incorporating the following summer herbs:

• Lavender: Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender can help promote relaxation and relieve anxiety or insomnia.
• Lemon Balm: With its refreshing citrus scent, lemon balm is an excellent herb for uplifting mood and easing digestive discomfort.
• Chamomile: Chamomile flowers possess gentle sedative properties, making them ideal for soothing nerves and promoting restful sleep.
• Peppermint: With its cooling and invigorating nature, peppermint is perfect for alleviating digestive issues, headaches, and fatigue.

Method for Creating Herbal Glycerites

Creating herbal glycerites requires just a few simple steps. Here’s a basic method to get you started:
Ingredients:

• Fresh summer herbs of your choice
• Food-grade vegetable glycerin
• Filtered water

Process:

1. Harvest or purchase fresh summer herbs at their peak potency. Ensure they are clean and free from any dirt or debris.
2. Chop the herbs into smaller pieces to expose more surface area for better extraction of their medicinal properties.
3. Fill a clean glass jar halfway with the chopped herbs.
4. Pour vegetable glycerin into the jar, completely covering the herbs. Use a spoon or chopstick to remove any air bubbles and ensure the herbs are fully submerged.
5. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm and sunny spot, such as a windowsill or near a heat source. Allow the mixture to infuse for 4 to 6 weeks, gently shaking the jar daily to promote the extraction process.
6. After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass container. Squeeze the herbs to extract any remaining liquid.
7. Dilute the glycerite by adding an equal amount of filtered water to the liquid extract. For example, if you have 1 cup of glycerite, add 1 cup of filtered water.
8. Stir well to combine the glycerite and water, ensuring thorough dilution.

Utilizing Herbal Glycerites for Summer Remedies

Herbal glycerites offer a variety of applications for summer health and well-being.
Here are a few ways to incorporate them into your daily routine:

• Internal Use: Take a small amount of the diluted herbal glycerite orally, either directly under the tongue or mixed with water or juice. This can help address various issues, such as stress, digestion, sleep, or seasonal discomforts.
• Skincare: Glycerites can be added to natural skincare formulations like lotions, creams, or facial mists to provide soothing and nourishing benefits to the skin. Lavender and chamomile glycerites are particularly suitable for this purpose.
• Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of herbal glycerites to a diffuser or create your own aromatic sprays by mixing them with distilled water. This allows you to enjoy the therapeutic aroma and mood-enhancing benefits of the summer herbs. Lemon balm and peppermint glycerites can create a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere.
• External Use: Apply diluted herbal glycerites topically to address specific skin concerns or soothe minor irritations. Lavender glycerite can help calm sunburns, while chamomile glycerite is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin or to relieve insect bites.

Storage and Shelf Life of Herbal Glycerites:

To ensure the longevity and efficacy of your herbal glycerites, proper storage is essential. Follow these guidelines:

• Store the glycerites in dark glass bottles or containers to protect them from light, which can degrade their potency.
• Keep the bottles tightly sealed and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Properly stored glycerites can maintain their potency for up to one year, although their flavor and aroma may gradually fade over time.
• Label each bottle with the herb used and the date of preparation for easy identification.

Harnessing the healing power of summer herbs through homemade herbal glycerites provides a gentle and effective way to address various health and well-being needs during the sunny season. By selecting fresh summer herbs, following the simple extraction process, and utilizing the glycerites in different applications, you can unlock the natural remedies provided by nature. Whether you incorporate them into your internal routine, skincare regimen, or aromatherapy practices, these herbal glycerites offer a natural and soothing approach to summer self-care. Embrace the abundance of summer herbs and create your own herbal glycerites to support your well-being and enjoy the therapeutic benefits all season long.

Overall

Summer home remedies offer a natural and empowering way to embrace the beauty and vitality of the season while supporting our overall well-being. From soothing steam treatments and invigorating elixirs to refreshing teas, tinctures, and nourishing broths, the abundance of summer herbs provides us with a treasure trove of healing options. By harnessing the power of these remedies, we can find relief from common summer ailments, boost our immunity, and foster a deeper connection with nature. Embrace the wisdom of traditional remedies, experiment with different herbs and methods, and discover the transformative effects of summer home remedies. Let this season be a time of vibrant health, rejuvenation, and a celebration of the natural wonders that surround us. Cheers to a summer filled with wellness and vitality!