August 10, 2023 by Margie Navarro
Ingredient Spotlight: Non-palm Glycerine
The Low Down on Glycerine– the base of our liquid extracts
Vegetable glycerine, also known as glycerol or glycerin, is a clear, odorless liquid. This versatile substance serves as a popular base for herbal tinctures and extracts, making it an indispensable tool for herbalists. Many of our formulas are offered as glycerites for a few reasons:
Extraction Ability: Vegetable glycerine is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb and retain moisture from its surroundings. This property makes it an excellent solvent for extracting the active compounds from herbs. When herbs are processed in glycerin, it helps draw out their beneficial constituents, creating a potent herbal extract.
Shelf Stability: Glycerine-based herbal tinctures have a longer shelf life compared to alcohol-based tinctures. The glycerine acts as a natural preservative, preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms while preserving the potency of the herbal extract.
Alcohol-Free Option: Some individuals may need herbal remedies without alcohol due to personal preferences, dietary restrictions, or health reasons. Vegetable glycerine offers a perfect alternative for those seeking alcohol-free herbal preparations.
Sweet Taste: Glycerine has a sweet taste, making herbal preparations more palatable, especially for those who find alcohol-based tinctures too harsh. This makes it easier for many people, including children, to consume herbal remedies. The taste also blends well with other beverages like brewed teas and lattes, making this form extremely versatile– it can be dropped directly into your mouth or mixed with other consumables.
Vegetable glycerine is sourced from plant-based oils, most commonly palm, coconut, or soybean oil. While palm-derived glycerin is widely used, there is a growing concern about the environmental impact of palm oil production, including deforestation. As a result, many people are seeking more sustainable sources. Vivacitea uses exclusively non-palm glycerine that is typically extracted from either sunflower or coconut oil depending on availability. These oils are rich in triglycerides, which can be used to produce glycerine through a process called saponification.
The manufacturing process of vegetable glycerine involves hydrolyzing the triglycerides in the oil, breaking them down into their constituent fatty acids and glycerine. This is typically achieved through a chemical reaction with an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide. The resulting mixture is then purified and distilled to isolate the glycerine. The final product is high-quality and pharmaceutical-grade while having a few medicinal properties of its own:
Moisturizing: Vegetable glycerine is a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This property makes it an excellent ingredient in skincare products, helping to hydrate and soften the skin.
Wound Healing: Glycerine’s moisturizing and antimicrobial properties can promote wound healing. It can be applied topically to minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations to facilitate the healing process.
Soothing for Sore Throats: Glycerine-based throat sprays or lozenges can provide relief from sore throats and coughs. The soothing and moisturizing effects of glycerine help alleviate irritation.
Vegetable glycerine is a versatile and valuable component in the world of herbal medicine. Sourced from plant-based oils and manufactured through a careful process, it serves as an effective solvent for herbal extracts, offers a longer shelf life, and enhances the palatability of the formula. Additionally, glycerine possesses its own medicinal properties, making it a valuable ingredient in certain remedies.
– Margie Navarro, herbalist & acupuncturist