night-time glycerite

Easy DIY Night-time Glycerite for Peaceful Sleep

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As a lover of medicinal herbs, there is a profound joy that arises from discovering natural remedies that harmonize with both body and mind. One such elixir that has become an indispensable part of my bedtime ritual is the night-time glycerite—a gentle potion infused with the calming essence of lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender. In this article, I’ll take you on a soothing journey through the process of crafting your own night-time glycerite, a delightful blend that will gracefully lull even the busiest of minds into a peaceful slumber.

Night-time Glycerite

Understanding Glycerites

Before we embark on our herbal adventure, let’s familiarize ourselves with the concept of a glycerite. Derived from the Latin word “glycerinum,” glycerites are herbal extracts made by steeping herbs in a mixture of water and glycerin. Glycerin acts as a natural preservative and facilitates the extraction of the herb’s medicinal compounds, resulting in a concentrated and potent herbal elixir. Glycerites offer a sweet alternative to alcohol-based tinctures, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option or have sensitivities to alcohol.

night-time glycerite
calm tea
night-time glycerite

The Magic Trio: Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and Lavender

  1. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm, with its vibrant green leaves and citrusy fragrance, has long been treasured for its calming properties. Its soothing effects on the nervous system may help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation, making it an ideal herb for bedtime concoctions. The herb’s active compounds, including rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, work synergistically to reduce stress and enhance sleep quality.
  2. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): The gentle petals of chamomile are known for their numerous beneficial qualities, including their calming and soothing effects. Throughout history, chamomile has been valued as a natural aid for relaxation, helping to ease tension and promote a peaceful state of mind. Its richness in flavonoids like apigenin contributes to its calming nature, which is why we include it in our glycerite formulation.
  3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): With its delightful scent and beautiful purple flowers, lavender is well-known for its calming properties and its potential to support relaxation. The aromatic elements present in lavender, like linalool and linalyl acetate, may interact with the nervous system in ways that promote a sense of ease and encourage restful sleep. In our nighttime glycerite, lavender adds a finishing touch, enhancing the overall blend and helping you drift into a peaceful night’s sleep filled with dreams.
night-time glycerite

Crafting Your Night-time Glycerite

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Begin by thoroughly washing the lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender. If using fresh herbs, allow them to air dry completely to prevent the introduction of excess moisture.

  2. Chop the lemon balm leaves into small pieces to expose more surface area, enhancing the extraction process. This step is optional, but can facilitate a more potent glycerite.

  3. Fill a clean glass jar three-quarters full of the fresh lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender in the specified proportions. If you are using dry herbs, half-fill the jar. 

  4. Pour over enough glycerine to fill the jar completely. If using dried herbs, dilute 3 parts glycerine with 1 part water and pour this over the herbs to fill the jar.  

  5. Stir well to release any air bubbles trapped in the jar, and then seal the jar tightly and label with the contents and date of preparation. 

  6. Place the jar in a cool, dark location, such as a pantry or cupboard, and let it steep for 4-6 weeks. Remember to shake the jar periodically to aid in the extraction process. Top up with more glycerine if required. 

  7. After the steeping period, strain the glycerite using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, extracting every last drop of the herbal goodness.

  8. Transfer the liquid into dark amber glass bottles, which will help preserve the glycerite’s potency. Label the bottles with the date and contents for future reference. This night-time glycerite should last 1–2 years.

Embrace the Tranquility

Congratulations! You have successfully crafted your own night-time glycerite—a soothing blend of lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender that will gently cradle your mind into a state of serenity. To indulge in its tranquil embrace, take  ½-1 teaspoon of the glycerite about half an hour before bed. Allow the glycerite to rest on your tongue briefly before swallowing, savoring the subtle flavors that nature has bestowed upon you.

As you drift into a peaceful slumber, carried away by the botanical whispers of the night, remember that the magic of herbal remedies lies not only in their healing properties but also in the connection they foster with the natural world. Embrace the tranquility that herbal alchemy brings and allow yourself to be enveloped in the restorative power of nature’s lullaby.

Where to buy high quality herbs

If you don’t have access to local or homegrown herbs, I highly recommend purchasing them from Mountain Rose Herbs. They are my favorite place to buy high-quality, organic dried herbs and herbal products. As a company they believe in people, plants, and planet over profit and only ever source their herbs ethically and sustainably. It is through this ethical, responsible sourcing, that they are able to offer one of the largest selections of certified organic herbs, spices, and botanicals in North America.

Disclaimer: It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any herbal remedies into your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice.

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4 thoughts on “Easy DIY Night-time Glycerite for Peaceful Sleep”

  1. Lavender flowers are pictured here, but can you use lavender leaves; or should it only be the flowers when making the glycerite?
    Thank you!

    1. It’s always great to explore the medicinal properties of plants! When it comes to making a glycerite from lavender, it’s a good practice to primarily use the flowers because they are known to contain the volatile oils and medicinal compounds that lavender is famous for. These compounds are responsible for the calming and soothing properties of lavender. While lavender leaves can also have some therapeutic qualities, they have not been studied as extensively as the flowers. Therefore, if you’re aiming for the classic lavender scent and its well-documented benefits, it’s best to stick with the flowers. That being said, adding a few lavender leaves to your glycerite mixture probably won’t cause any harm, and are unlikely to be detrimental to the overall quality of your glycerite.

  2. Since this is made in a vegetable glycerin is it safe for children? If so what would be the dose? Ages 19 months to 10 years. Thank you

    1. Barbi Gardiner

      Vegetable glycerine is generally very safe for children. However, legally, I am not allowed to recommend specific dosages as I am not a clinical herbalist. It’s always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or pediatrician for personalized advice regarding dosages for children. Thank you for understanding!

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