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Making Herbal Preparations
Herbal teas, infusions and decoctions are the most basic of herbal preparation. The prepared liquid can be used several different ways, they can be:
- ingested as a tea
- externally as a hot herbal compress- a hot strong tea is applied to a cloth and placed on the affected area, then alternated with a plain cold compress
- a douche- for this application it must be strained very well
- a herbal enema
Hot Infusions — Preparing an infusion is basically the same as preparing a cup of tea. The main difference is a longer steep time, 10 minutes would be a minimum, and 20 to 30 minutes is most common. Covering the cup or teapot is essential in containing the beneficial components of this type of preparation.
Decoction — A decoction is also a tea type preparation used primarily for hardier parts of a plant (stems, roots & bark). In this case the herbs are slowly boiled in the water for 20 minutes to over an hour. The herbs can be strained out after the desired time.
Cold Infusions — This means simply adding herbs or tea leaves to a clear glass container of cold water and allowing it to steep for several hours. This is used primarily as a beverage preparation, most commonly known as "sun tea".
These other preparations are also very useful, and not that difficult to make.
Tinctures — Tinctures are simple to make. They are very convenient and an effective herbal treatment. Start with a glass jar that has an airtight lid, fill it about half way with dried or powdered herbs. (Note: if using fresh herbs you may fill the jar completely) Next fill the jar with alcohol, 80 to 100 proof vodka is the preferred choice, however vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar can also be used. Secure the lid, place in a cool dark area, and shake the mixture at least once daily for the next two weeks. Strain the tincture from the herbal material and store in dark airtight glass containers. The little dropper type bottles work the best.
Poultice — A poultice can be made from fresh or dried herbs. Fresh herbs can be crushed or chopped up applied directly or mixed with a little olive oil to make a paste. Dried herbs are mixed with water, apple cider vinegar or olive oil to make the paste, spread the mixture on afflicted area. Plastic wrap is often used to cover the area.
Liniments — Liniments are herbal extractions similar to tinctures but prepared for external use. Herbs are placed in an airtight jar with rubbing alcohol or vinegar and allowed to steep for two to three weeks, and then strained. Small corked bottles work well as storage containers for this preparation.
Herbal Oils — Herbal Oils are made by infusing herbs in almond or olive oil. Just like liniments they are used externally and preparation is similar. Herbs are filled half way up in a airtight jar and then filled with oil and allowed to steep for two weeks, and then strained and decanted to smaller bottles. Oils will need a preservative added such as Vitamin E, benzoin tincture, or they need to be stored in the refrigerator.
Salves — Salves are made with a few simple steps. Start by making approximately a one pint infusion or decoction. In a non-aluminum pan, mix 3 fl.oz. of olive or plain massage type oil with the infusion. Simmer for several minutes, until all the water has evaporated then add beeswax and melt slowly. Salves also need a preservative added such as Vitamin E, benzoin tincture, or they need to be stored in the refrigerator. Once the mixture has cooled, it can be stored in shallow screw top containers.
Baths — Baths can be done a couple of different ways. One way is to make a large pot of infusion or decoction and add it to the bath water. The other way is to place some herbs in a very large tea ball or muslin satchel and steep in a full tub of hot water.
We hope that you have found this educational and informative. We suggest that whatever method you choose to use, that you do so with the supervision of a trusted healthcare professional.
