Preparing Herbal Remedies

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Preparing Herbal Remedies

 

To get the maximum benefit from herbal remedies, the herbs must be

properly prepared. Women of childbearing age should always make sure

the herbs they are using are safe during pregnancy.

Some herbs are TOXIC so make sure you do your research! Always do

research before working with any herbs!

 

Here are some standard herbal preparations:

 

Infusions

A standard infusion is prepared by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried

herb (or 2 to 4 teaspoons of fresh herb) to a cup of boiling water.

Infuse for 10 minutes before straining. If the herb is left too long,

the infusion will become bitter. It's best to use a ceramic pot with

a lid.

The standard dosage is one cup three times a day. It may be taken hot

or cold, but infusions prepared for colds and flu should be taken

hot. Never prepare the infusion more than 24 hours in advance.

 

Decoctions

This is usually the method of choice for bark and seeds. Use 1 to 2

teaspoons of herb per cup of cold water. Bring the mixture gently to

a boil. Keeping covered, simmer for about 10 minutes.

The usual dosage is 1 cup three times a day. If the herb is very

bitter or strong, use 4 teaspoons three times a day. Prepare no more

than 24 hours in advance.

 

Tincture

A tincture is an alcoholic extraction of herb. Alcohol dissolves the

active constituents out of the plant matter and acts as a

preservative, allowing the tincture to retain its effectiveness for

up to 2 years. Any part of the plant may be used.

Place 4 ounces of dried herb in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

and add 2 cups vodka. Leave for two weeks, shaking occasionally, then

strain through a cloth into a brown glass bottle. Keep tightly closed.

The standard dosage is 15 drops three times daily.

 

Herbal Wine

Use a sweet red wine with an alcohol content of at least 12%. Cover

four ounces of herb with three cups of wine. Leave for a week before

straining.

Take four teaspoons one or two times daily. Herbal wine is best used

within a month.

 

Syrup

Sugar is a good preservative and is ideal for cough mixtures,

especially since some herbs for cough are very bitter.

Prepare two cups of an infusion or decoction of the required herb.

Strain and add 1¾ cup brown sugar or a honey and sugar mixture. Heat

gently until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a clean glass bottle and

seal. Store in the refrigerator.

The standard dosage is one teaspoon three times a day.

 

Capsules

Dry, powdered herb can be placed inside empty capsules. This method

is preferred by some people who cannot tolerate bitter herbs.

 

Oil Infusion

Oil infusions are for external use only. They can be prepared by hot

or cold methods. For the hot method, fill a jar with fresh herb and

cover with olive, sunflower or almond oil. Place the jar up to the

neck in a saucepan of water and bring to a medium temperature. Simmer

for up to three hours. Strain through filter paper or cloth into a

brown glass bottle. Follow the same instructions for the cold method,

except that the oil should be placed on a sunny windowsill instead of

heated. The process can be repeated with the strained oil infusion

and a fresh supply of herbs to make a stronger oil.

 

Cream

A cream is a blend of oil, beeswax and water. You can make your own,

or purchase an unscented, water based cream. After adding herb to

purchased cream, simmer in the top of a double boiler for 30 minutes.

Strain before it cools.

Melt two ounces beeswax in a double boiler. Add one cup olive or

other vegetable oil and blend. Add two ounces herb. For lighter

cream, add a little water, mixing well. Simmer 20 minutes, mixing

well. Add a drop of tincture of benzoin as a preservative. Strain

thorough a cloth in to sterilized jars.

 

Ointment

Ointment does not penetrate the skin like cream, but covers and

protects it. Petroleum jelly is a good base, and the method is the

same as for a cream.

Melt petroleum jelly in a double boiler and add plenty of herbs,

making sure that the melted petroleum jelly covers the herb. Simmer

until the herbs are crisp. More herb may be added to make a stronger

ointment. Strain into jars while hot.

 

Suppositories

These are best made in advance so they will be ready when needed.

Blend equal quantities of powdered herbs with cocoa butter. Place the

mixture into bullet-shaped molds made of foil and refrigerate. Remove

the foil before use.

 

Compress

Soak a cloth in a hot decoction of herb, squeeze most of the liquid

out and apply the hot cloth to the affected area. Once it has cooled,

repeat the process. Tinctures of other herbs and essential oils can

be added to the liquid.

 

Poultice

Poultices are effective for boils, abscesses, chest infections and

sprains. Mix chopped herb or powdered seeds with boiling water to

make a pulp. Place the pulp in a piece of cloth and apply to the

affected area while hot. It should be replaced when cool. A thin

layer of calendula cream will protect the skin and prevent the

poultice from sticking.

 

Steam and Inhalant

Use steam for skin problems like acne and an inhalant for bronchial

problems like sunusitis and laryngitis. Add a strong decoction, one

or two drops of essential oils, or 2 teaspoons of tincture to boiling

water.