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Glycerin
(also spelled glycerine)
was discovered in 1779
by Scheele in the
saponification products
of olive oil. It has
since been found as a
common constituent of
many fats and oils. It
is technically a type of
alcohol with the formula
(C3H5[OH]3) and it
combines with fatty
acids such as palmitic,
oleic or stearic to form
triglycerides or fats.
The glycerin is the
backbone to which fatty
acids attach in order to
determine the type of
fat. Glycerin also
exists in a pure form in
cod liver oil, egg
yolks, the human brain
and in the by-products
of fermentation.
It is a clear, colorless
liquid, of a thick,
syrupy consistency, oily
to the touch, odorless,
very sweet and slightly
warm to the taste.
Large quantities of
glycerin are used for
commercial purposes, to
make cosmetics and other
products for topical
use. This is mostly
extracted with harsh
solvents as a by-product
of the soap industry,
with animal fats being
the original source. For
internal or medicinal
use we recommend using
only pure vegetable
glycerin which is
extracted from vegetable
oils using superheated
steam.
Glycerin can absorb
nearly its own weight of
tannic acid and 10% of
glycerin added to a
tincture with a high
tannin content will keep
the tannins in solution
and prevent
precipitation in the
bottom of the bottle.
What
is Glycerin used for?
Pure
glycerin is toning and
astringent and can be
used to treat wounds.
For more long term use
it is required to be
diluted with water or
floral waters. In this
form it becomes
lubricating, emollient,
soothing and healing to
the skin and mucous
membranes.
When mixed with floral
waters (e.g. Rose water)
and a few grains of
borax, it makes a
marvelous wash for
chapped skin - hands,
lips, face.
Glycerin readily mixes
with volatile oils and
this makes it an
excellent ingredient in
aromatherapy
applications for dry,
sore, irritated or
chapped skin.
A mixture of glycerin
and water is excellent
for softening and
loosening hard pieces of
ear wax and can be used
as ear drops for
deafness due to wax
build up.
Glycerin is notably
antibacterial and may be
used as a preservative
in cosmetic or internal
use products. It is very
effective as a
preservative in equal
parts with fresh pressed
plant juices, providing
a shelf life of at least
6 months.
A small quantity of
glycerin added to pills,
suppositories or
lozenges will prevent
them from becoming hard
or moldy. Glycerin
suppositories are an
effective remedy for
habitual constipation
and for hemorrhoids.
The solvent power of
glycerin is about half
the strength of pure
ethyl alcohol. It is
therefore best for those
herbs and roots which
have the lower
requirement for solvent
power.
Glycerin extracts are
especially suited for
children, alcoholics or
those wishing to avoid
alcohol for any reason.
Reference:
Kings American
Dispensatory
Eclectic Medical
Publications, Oregon
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