✿ Sweet Herbal Remedies ✿
An Introduction to Glycerites & Oxymels
Not every herbal preparation needs alcohol. Glycerites draw out the goodness of plants using sweet vegetable glycerin, making gentle, pleasant-tasting extracts that are lovely for little ones and the alcohol-averse. Oxymels marry raw honey with tangy vinegar — an old-world tradition that turns herbs into a bright, sweet-and-sour tonic you can stir into water, drizzle on greens, or take by the spoonful.
🌼 Glycerites: sweet & gentle
🍯 Oxymels: honey meets vinegar
GETTING STARTED
Extraction Supplies & Basics
A simple checklist of the equipment and supplies you'll want on hand before you begin.
Equipment
- Glass mason jars with lids
- Amber glass dropper bottles
- Fine-mesh stainless steel strainer
- Kitchen scale (grams)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small funnel
- Double boiler or slow cooker
- Mortar and pestle or herb grinder
Supplies
- Dried or fresh herbs
- Solvent / menstruum (alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar)
- Carrier oils (olive, jojoba, etc.)
- Cheesecloth or unbleached muslin
- Unbleached coffee filters
- Labels and a permanent marker
- Gloves and clean towels
- Notebook for recording batches
Alcohol-free extraction
Glycerite Preparation Method
A gentle, sweet-tasting herbal extract made with vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol.
01 Prepare
Chop or grind clean, dried herbs and loosely fill a sterilized glass jar.
03 Steep
Seal and store in a cool, dark place for several weeks, shaking gently every few days.
02 Mix
Combine vegetable glycerin with a little distilled water and pour over the herbs until covered.
04 Strain
Strain through cheesecloth, bottle in amber dropper bottles, and label with date and herb.
THE TECHNIQUE
Preparing an Oxymel
An oxymel is a traditional herbal preparation of honey and vinegar. Simple to make, it draws out the virtues of herbs into a sweet-and-sour remedy.
01
Gather herbs
Chop fresh or dried herbs and fill a clean jar about one third full.
02
Add vinegar
Cover the herbs with raw apple cider vinegar, filling halfway.
03
Pour in honey
Top with raw honey, stir well and seal with a non-metal lid.
04
Infuse & strain
Shake daily for two to four weeks, then strain and bottle.
Storage & Potency Tips
A little care goes a long way. Follow these simple habits to keep your herbs fresh, flavorful and potent for longer.
01
Keep It Airtight
Store herbs in sealed glass jars to lock in aroma and protect them from moisture.
02
Avoid the Light
Sunlight breaks down essential oils. Choose amber jars or a dark cupboard.
03
Stay Cool & Dry
Keep away from the stove, kettle and humid spots to prevent mold and fading.
04
Label & Rotate
Date each jar and use older batches first so you always enjoy herbs at their best.