Preparing TraditionalHerbal Remedies FYI

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Methods of Preparing

Traditional Herbal Remedies from the Rainforest Web Site

http://www.rain-tree.com/prepmethod.htm

 

STANDARD INFUSION

An infusion is generally like making a cup of tea. Boil 32

parts of water (by volume), remove from heat, and steep

one part (by volume) of the herb in the water for 20-30

minutes. Strain and drink warm or cold. This is

approximately 1 level teaspoon of dried herb per teacupful

(about 1/2 of a measuring cup / 8 ounces) of water. In

larger quantities, generally it calls for 30 grams of dried

herb (or 60 grams fresh herb) to 500 milliliters of water.

Infusions are best prepared as needed and taken the same

day it was prepared.

 

COLD INFUSION

After pre-moistening a bit, soak one part herb (dry weight)

in 32 parts of water (by volume) at room temperature,

overnight. Strain and squeeze out the herb into the tea in

the morning. Cold nfusions are best prepared as needed

and taken the same day it was prepared.

 

DECOCTION

Combine 32 parts of water with one part of dried herb (by

weight), bring slowly to a boil, continue to boil for 10 to 20

minutes, cool until warm, and strain. Pour additional water

through the herb to return the volume to 32.

 

TINCTURE

Tinctures are generic preparations of herbs using varying

ratios of water and alcohol. Most tinctures made from dry

plants are 1:4 strength with one part of the dried weight

represented in four parts (by volume) of the tincture. For

home preparations of tinctures, at least 50% alcohol is

generally recommended.. While a bit harder and more

expensive to prepare, shelf life of a properly prepared

tincutre with at least 50% alcohol can be several years.

Generally, use 1 part dried herb to 2 parts water and 2

parts alcohol. Place in a glass jar or container and let soak

for 2 weeks, shaking or stirring daily. After two weeks,

strain herb from tincture and place tincture in clean glass

dark bottles or containers and store at room temperature.

Some plants are best prepared only as a tincture as some

beneficial phyotchemicals are not soluble in water but are

soluble in alcohol.