DIY Vita C

Grandmothers across the ages have been coming at us with oranges and lemons at the first sign of sniffles and throat tickles.

Which means for many of us, one of the first natural remedies we ever learn about is Vitamin C for immune support.

It's wisdom that has been passed down through generations--because it works!

And it's not just citrus fruits that pack a powerful vitamin C punch—amla berries, rose hips, and dandelion leaf are a few of the plants highest in this essential vitamin.

That's why we include them in this simple, potent, naturally sweet elixir you and the kids can make at home to keep the whole family's immune systems strong even when seasonal challenges come your way.

DIY Vita C

Makes: About 16 oz (2 cups)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried organic amla berry
• 1/4 cup dried organic rose hips
• 1/4 cup dried organic dandelion leaf
• 2 tablespoons dried organic orange peel
• 1 cup organic vegetable glycerin
• 1/2 cup filtered water

Supplies:

• 1 quart glass Mason jar with lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Amber glass dropper bottles or jars for storage
• Labels

How To Make It

1. Add the amla berry, rose hips, dandelion leaf, and orange peel to a clean glass jar.
2. In a measuring cup, combine the vegetable glycerin and filtered water. Stir in the vitamin C powder until fully dissolved.
3. Pour the glycerin mixture over the herbs, making sure they are completely covered. If needed, add a little more glycerin to keep all of the herbs submerged.
4. Seal the jar tightly and shake well.
5. Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking the jar every day or two to keep the herbs well mixed.
6. Once the extraction is complete, strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve, pressing the herbs to remove as much liquid as possible.
7. Transfer the finished glycerite to clean amber bottles or jars (with droppers for easiest measuring and use), label with the contents and date, and store in a cool, dark place.

Shelf Life

When stored properly, this glycerite will generally keep for 12–18 months.

Suggested Use

Take as needed up to 4 times a day:

• Ages 6 months – 2 years: 2 - 3 drops
• Ages 3 – 6 years: 5 drops
• Ages 7 – 12 years: 10 drops
• Ages 13+ years: 20 drops

Can be taken on its own or mixed into water, juice, smoothies, or herbal tea.

Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbal products if you are pregnant, nursing, for babies, or if you or your child are taking medications or have a medical condition.

Note: This recipe is intended as a nourishing herbal supplement, not a replacement for a balanced diet or medical care. While the herbs naturally contain vitamin C and antioxidants, some naturally occurring vitamin C is lost during drying and extraction.

How This Vitamin C Glycerite Supports Family Immune Health

Our bodies love to have their vitamin C delivered through whole food sources. in fact, they cannot always process it when it's chemically isolated in labs, so we end up peeing it out—what a waste!

That's why we chose the plants in this easy-to-make formula—they're naturally full of vitamin C that our bodies can recognize and use to help us stay healthy even during stressful seasons.

And—if your body or your family could use some extra TL(vitamin)C sooner than yours will be ready, or if life is too busy to make your own right now, we've got you covered. Our family-friendly, easy-to-use Vita C tincture is ready to go when you need it!

FAQs

What is a vitamin C glycerite?

A vitamin C glycerite is an alcohol-free herbal extract made with vegetable glycerin, water, vitamin C powder, and vitamin C-rich plants like amla berry, rose hips, dandelion leaf, and orange peel. It offers a naturally sweet way to support everyday wellness and family immune health.

How do you make homemade vitamin C tincture without alcohol?

To make a homemade vitamin C tincture without alcohol, combine dried herbs with a mixture of organic vegetable glycerin, filtered water, and vitamin C powder. Let the mixture extract in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking regularly, then strain and store it in clean amber bottles.

What herbs are naturally high in vitamin C?

Amla berry, rose hips, dandelion leaf, and orange peel are all herbs and fruits commonly used for their naturally occurring vitamin C and antioxidant content. This recipe combines them in a family-friendly glycerite for easy daily use.

How long does homemade vitamin C glycerite last?

When stored properly in clean amber bottles or jars and kept in a cool, dark place, homemade vitamin C glycerite generally lasts 12–18 months. Always label the bottle with the contents and date so you know when it was made.

Can kids take homemade vitamin C glycerite?

This recipe includes suggested serving amounts by age, but every family’s needs are different. Always consult your healthcare provider before giving herbal products to children, especially babies, or if your child takes medications or has a medical condition.