How do you use the herbs?

[Guest guest]

It's ok Thundershine hehe! Most leafe or flower part herbs can be infused in hot water like any other tea. If it is loose (not pre-bagged) put it in a tea ball or tie it in a cotton muslin tea-sized pouch. Let it steep in hot water 10 minutes. For root and bark plant parts you need a decoction, which simply means you need to boil in water a bit longer because of the tough material you are working with. Add herbs to boiling water and let simmer for 10 min. Remove from heat and let is sit for 20 min. Strain through fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

 

Janet

 

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thundershine70 <thundershine

herbal remedies

Wednesday, January 15, 2003 1:55 PM

[herbal remedies] How do you use the herbs?

Ok, this is probably a stupid question, because it's so basic. I bought The Dictionary Of Modern Herbalism mistakingly thinking that along with the herbs and uses it would tell me HOW to use them! So now I know what herbs can be used for my migraines, etc, but I have no idea how to prepare them. Can anyone here tell me what I do with the herbs to prepare them to use as a tea, and what supplies I need? As basic as this is(having knowlege of herbs does nothing if you don't know how to use them), this book does not tell you nor have I been able to find specifics of the internet. It seems like "if you don't know, I'm not going to tell you!" *LOL* So I would greatly appreciate it if someone could take me step by step in preparing the herbs for a tea in here or even by e-mail. Or if there is info on the net you know of, that will be appreciated, too. Please don't give me the name of yet another book, I can't afford another book AND the supplies AND the herbs (I'm on a fixed income). Sorry to be a pain, and thanks for any help you can give to me :)Blessed Be,ThundershineFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington

[Guest guest]

Have you ever had a cup of tetley or celestial seasonings? Well then

you've had an infusion!! A tea is basically an infusion. You steep

the herbs in water for a specified amount of time. The longer you

steep, the stronger the infusion. I bought plain teabags to use for

this, but you can also use one of the store bought tea balls. I

don't particularly care for them. I just think it's easier to make

up a bunch to last me for a week or so in the tea bags. They're so

easy to use. You put the herbs in it and iron them shut. You can

also just put the loose herbs in the water and when ready, strain

the mixture out through cheesecloth.

 

A decoction is basically the same thing, but with a decoction, you

are using roots and bark...the tough stuff. With this you would boil

the herbs in the water instead of pouring the boiled water over the

herbs and let set.

 

There is a how to file on how to make a tincture. I think this

explains it better than I would be able to.

 

You can do a search on google. Type in 'how to make an herbal tea'

and you'll get lots of results.

 

Why don't you tell us what it is that you are planning on using and

we'll tell you how to use them.

 

Hope I've helped some. Just ask away. There are no stupid questions.

 

Kim