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If you don’t want to use alcohol, you can extract the active constituents in plants with glycerine instead. Glycerine is a pure substance, like sugar or salt, which tastes sweet and syrupy, so it is often used in children’s remedies as a cordial to which you add water. It’s also soothing and emollient, and is good for skin preparations and sore throat and cough preparations, as well as for calming the digestive system. Glycerine is not as efficient as alcohol at extracting essential plant compounds, so the end result is less concentrated and has a shorter shelf life.

To make a basic glycerite: three-quarters fill a Kilner or other glass jar with plant material (leaves and flowers are best), crushing lightly to help release the essential compounds. Pour glycerine over to cover, making sure all the plants are completely submerged. Seal, and leave on a warm, bright windowsill for 2 weeks to infuse, shaking every couple of days. Strain into bottles.

Storage Glycerites will keep for up to 1 year.