Herbal Glycerite Ratio Calculator
Calculate herb-to-glycerin ratios for alcohol-free herbal extracts.
Get measurements for fresh or dried herb glycerites.
A glycerite is an herbal extract that uses vegetable glycerin (glycerol) as the solvent instead of alcohol. Glycerites are ideal for children, those avoiding alcohol, and herbs whose constituents are water-soluble. Glycerin is a thick, sweet liquid that extracts many plant compounds effectively, though it is less potent than alcohol for resinous or oily constituents.
Standard Glycerite Ratios
| Herb State | Herb : Menstruum | Glycerin % | Water % | Maceration Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh leaf/flower | 1:2 | 100% glycerin | 0% | 4–6 weeks |
| Fresh root/bark | 1:2 | 100% glycerin | 0% | 6–8 weeks |
| Dried leaf/flower | 1:5 | 60% glycerin | 40% water | 4–6 weeks |
| Dried root/bark | 1:5 | 60% glycerin | 40% water | 6–8 weeks |
| Dried berry/seed | 1:4 | 65% glycerin | 35% water | 4–6 weeks |
Why Fresh Herbs Use 100% Glycerin
Fresh plant material contains 60–80% water by weight. This internal water mixes with the glycerin during maceration, bringing the final glycerin concentration to approximately 40–55%. If you added extra water to fresh herb glycerites, the final concentration would be too dilute for preservation (glycerin needs to be above 55% to resist microbial growth).
Why Dried Herbs Need Added Water
Dried herbs have only 5–12% moisture. Without added water, the thick glycerin cannot penetrate the dried cell walls effectively. A 60:40 glycerin-to-water blend has lower viscosity, allowing better extraction. The final glycerin percentage after absorption still remains above the 55% preservation threshold.
Glycerite Menstruum Formula
Total menstruum = Herb weight × Ratio multiplier Glycerin volume = Total menstruum × Glycerin percentage Water volume = Total menstruum × Water percentage
Worked Example — Dried Chamomile Glycerite
You have 30 grams of dried chamomile flowers. Ratio: 1:5, so total menstruum = 30 × 5 = 150 ml. Glycerin (60%): 150 × 0.60 = 90 ml of vegetable glycerin. Water (40%): 150 × 0.40 = 60 ml of distilled water.
Combine 30 g chamomile + 90 ml glycerin + 60 ml distilled water in a clean jar. Stir or shake daily for 4–6 weeks. Strain through cheesecloth, then through a fine mesh or coffee filter. Store in amber glass bottles. Shelf life: 1–2 years refrigerated.
Yield Estimate
Glycerites lose approximately 25–35% of volume to plant absorption (less than alcohol tinctures because glycerin is thicker). From 150 ml of menstruum, expect roughly 100–115 ml of finished glycerite.
Dosage
Standard adult dose: 2–5 ml (about 40–100 drops), 2–3 times daily. Children (ages 2–12): 1–2 ml, 2–3 times daily. Glycerites are about 50–70% as potent as equivalent alcohol tinctures for most water-soluble compounds.
Heat-Assisted Method
To speed extraction, use a slow cooker on the lowest setting (around 40–50°C / 104–122°F) for 24–72 hours. This can reduce maceration time from weeks to days while maintaining constituent integrity. Do not exceed 60°C, as high heat degrades delicate compounds.