Definitions & Making Herbal Preparations

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Definitions & Making Herbal Preparations

Compress

Soak a soft cloth in a hot infusion, decoction, or 5-20 ml tincture

in 500 ml hot water. Squeeze out excess water and hold pad against

affected area.

Creams

A mixture of fats and water that blends with the skin to strengthen

and smooth it. Use 30 g lanolin, 15 oz beeswax, 100 g. vegetable or

fruit oil, and 30 ml herb water. Melt the lanolin and beeswax in a

double boiler, gently stirring in the oil. Remove from heat and

whisk in the herb water. Keep stirring as it cools. Store in wide

mouth jars.

Decoction

Made by simmering larger pieces of the herb, such as bark, roots, or

twigs. Use 30 g. dried or 60 g. fresh herb to 750 ml water; simmer

until the water is reduced to 500 ml. Drink 1/2 cup three times a

day.

Infused oils

--Hot infusion: 250 g. dried or 500 g. fresh herb to 750 ml Olive or

Vegetable Oil. Heat gently in a double boiler for 3 hours. Strain

through cheesecloth into dark bottles.

--Cold infusion: Pack a large jar with the herb. Cover it with cold- pressed oil and put the lid on. Let stand in a sunny window sill for

2-3 weeks. Squeeze the oil through a jelly bag and repeat the

process. Store in dark glass bottles.

Infusion

A tea made by pouring boiled (not actively boiling) water over fresh

or dried herbs. Use approximately 30 g. dried or 75 g. fresh herbs

to 500 ml water. Drink 1/2 cup three times a day.

Macerate

To make, pour 500ml of cold water over 25g of herb and leave to

stand overnight. Then strain and use as you would a decoction.

Massage Oils

Use 5 drops essential oil to 20 ml carrier oil. Sweet almond,

jojoba, avocado or grapeseed make good carrier oils. You can also

used infused oils.

Ointment

A mixture of oils and fats that forms a protective layer over the

skin. Melt 500 g. petroleum jelly or soft paraffin wax in a double

boiler. Add 60 g. dried herb and simmer gently for 2 hours. Strain

through a jelly bag and pour into jars while still hot.

Plaster

Wrap the chopped or boiled herbs, or a paste made from them, in

cheesecloth or muslin before applying to the affected area. This is

good for herbs that might irritate the skin, such as mustard.

Poultice

Boil herbs in a little water for a hot poultice, or bruise or chop

slightly for a cold one. Smooth a little oil on the skin to keep the

herbs from sticking, apply the herb, and wrap with muslin or gauze

strips.

Steam Inhalants

Place a few tablespoons of the dried herb in a bowl and pour boiling

water over them. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the

steam.

Syrup

An infusion or decoction preserved by adding sugar or honey. Use 500

ml infusion to 500 g sugar or honey; heat gently until the sweetener

has dissolved. Store in dark glass bottles with cork tops; screw top

bottles may explode if the mixture ferments.

Tincture

Steep the fresh or dried herb in a 25% mixture of alcohol and water.

Do not use methyl, grain, or rubbing alcohol as they are toxic.

Vodka is ideal; rum has the added benefit of covering unpleasant

flavors. Use 200 g. dried or 600 g. fresh herb to 1 liter alcohol

and water. Place in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks,

shaking occasionally. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and

store in a dark glass bottle. Take 5 ml three times a day, diluted

in a little fruit juice or water.

Tonic Wine

Pour 2 liters good quality wine, preferably red, over 500 g. dried

herb, making sure all the herb is covered by the wine. Cover and

leave for 2 weeks. Strain and take in 1/3 cup doses.

Wash

A tea or infusion meant only for external use. A mild form of a wash

would be 1/4 ounce of herb to one pint of boiling water, steeped

until lukewarm, then applied.

 

“If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride, because it shows you trust in your own powers. Never bother about other people's opinions. Be humble and you will never be disturbed. Remember St. Aloysius, who said he would continue to play billiards even if he knew he was going to die. Do you play well? Sleep well? Eat well? These are duties. Nothing is small for God.”

~ Mother Theresa20th century humanitarian

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