| INFUSIONS: Infusions are done for leafy materials and flowers. You may also infuse hips, haws and berries, but would need to adjust steeping time. If you know how to make a tea then you know how to make an infusion. 1) Take a china or glass teapot which has been warmed and add to it 1 tsp. of dried herb mixture for EACH cup of tea. 2) Pour 1 cup of boiling water per tsp. of dried herb over the herbs,close with a lid or top, and let steep 10-15 minutes. 3) Drink HOT which is best (exception: Diuretic herbs should be consumed COLD). Honey may be added to sweeten. 4) If you prefer teabags, these can be bought and you can easily add your herbs and iron shut. DECOCTIONS: Decoctions are done on woody parts such as bark,roots,seeds, nuts etc. 1) Put 1 tsp of dried herb or 3 tsp. of Fresh herb per cup of water into a pot or saucepan. Dried herbs should be powdered or cut into small pieces. Fresh herbs need to be cut in small pieces. NEVER USE ALUMINUM POTS. 2) Add correct amounts of water to herbs. 3) Bring to boil and simmer 10-15 minutes. 4) Strain while hot. TINCTURES: To make these you need to purchase PURE GRAIN ALCOHOL. This can be bought at Liquor stores under the name of "EVERCLEAR". You can use 100 proof VODKA but your tincture will not be as good. I feel it's best to get the right alcohol if you plan on making tinctures for yourself. 1) If using dried herbs use 4 oz to 1 pint of alcohol. 2) if using FRESH herbs use 8 oz per 1 pint of alcohol 3) Put in a jar with a tight fitting lid, place in warm, but not sunny, area and shake twice daily for 2 weeks. 4) After 2 weeks strain through cheese cloth, squeezing out every drop possible. 5) Store in AMBER bottles with droppers. Keep tightly closed! You never have to refrigerate as the alcohol prevents spoilage. If you prefer not using alcohol you can substitute apple cider vinegar or vegetable based glycerin in place of alcohol SYRUPS: These are used when the herb is bitter or not pleasant to taste. Very effective for children. 1) 1 cup of water to 1 cup of honey 2) add herbs directly to this mixture and slow cook for � to 1 hour. 3) If it starts to boil remove from heat. 4) After the herbs have fully infused themselves into the water/honey base, strain completely and bottle. Most syrups will need to be refridgerated, as they contain no preservatives. To combine with a tincture use 3 parts of syrup to 1 part of tincture For decoctions and infusions: Add to your infusions and decoctions to sweeten to taste. BATHS: Add 1/2 pint of infusion or decoction to bath water. For relaxing baths: Use Lavender,Lemon Balm,Elder flowers,Rosemary leaves. For restful sleep use: Valerian.lime blossom or Hops For children with sleep problems: Chamomile For fevers: bathe in Cayenne,Boneset,Ginger or Yarrow Baths allow you to absorb these herbs through the skin. DOUCHES: 1) Prepare decoction or infusion as normal. Allow to cool. 2) Pour into douche bag and use. 3) If using for infection use for 3-7 days three times each day. SALVES: This is the Fast method for making salves: 1) Heat 1 pint of oil (almond oil, olive oil) in glass or stainless steel pan 2) Add herbs of choice 3) cover and slow cook (temp. should be kept below 110*f) for 3 hours. If using Bark or roots add them first and simmer for 1-1/2 hours before adding rest of herbs (leaves or flowers). Do not cover for the first hour. 4) At the end of 3 hours strain herbs from liquid and add 1-1/2 ounce of Beeswax for each pint of oil used. 5) Add 1/2 tsp. of Tincture of Benzon. This preserves the salve so it won't become rancid. 6)Test by putting a dab on spoon and putting in refrig for 5 minutes to see if it will thicken enough. If it does not thicken like a salve add more beeswax. 7) Put into small tins or round small jars and label and date Slow Method For Salves This is the preferred method for making salves. You begin by making an infusied oil and proceed as above. 1) Place herbs into a glass container. Mason jars work well. 2) Set on a sunny windowsill for a full moon cycle. Shake jar daily to help distribute oils fully into herbal matter. 3) After steeping time is done, strain herbs out of oil and use to create your salve. |
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