Preparation of Herbs
Preparation of Herbs
INFUSION:
An infusion is usually made just like tea. The average
amount of herb used in 1/2 to 1 oz. in a pint of water
or 1 tsp. of herb in 1 cup of water. After the hot (just
off the boil, for boiling water disperses valuable volatile
oils in the steam)water is poured over the herbs let seep
10-20 minutes covered.
DECOCTION:
A decoction is made by simmering the plant part in water,
in a nonmetalic container covered, for up to 1 hour or the
volumn has been reduced by 1/3.
Use 1 tsp. of the powdered herb or 1 tbs. of the cut herb
to a cup of water. Directions for taking are the same
as infusions.
TINCTURE:
A tincture is a very concentrated extract of an herb in
liquid form. Tinctures are useful when it is unpleasant
to take the herb in another form because of its bad taste
or taken over a long period of time. Tinctures are also
used to rub on the skin as a liniment. Tinctures are
usually made from potent herbs that are not commonly used
as teas. Tinctures are made by steeping the dried or fresh
herb in a 25% mixture of alcohol and water. Any part of
the plant may be used. Besides extracting the plants
active ingredients, the alcohol acts as a preservative, and
tinctures will keep up to 2 years. Commercial tinctures
use ethyl alcohol, but diluted spirits are suitable for
home use. Vodka is ideal, since it contains few additives,
although rum helps to disquise the flavor of less palatable
herbs. Put the herb in a large jar and cover with vodka/water
mixture. Seal the jar, and store in a cool place for 2 weeks
and shake occasionally.
EXTRACT:
An extract is a highly concentrated liquid form of an herb,
about 10x as potent as a tincture.
It is made by a variety of means such as high pressure,
evaporation by heat, or cold percolation.
Extracts are a popular and convenient way of
taking and storing herbs and they are faster acting than teas,
capsules, or powdered herbs.
Herbal extracts are readily obtained in local herb or health
shops. The usual dosage is from 6 to 8 drops.
This amount is about equal to 1 tsp of the tincture.
TEAS:
There are some general rules to follow when making teas.
The usual amount of herb used is 1 tsp. of dried herb or 3
tsp. of the freshly crushed herb to one cup of boiling water.
Let seep 10-20 min.
HOW TO MAKE SYRUPS:
Dissolve 3 pnds. of brown sugar in a pint of boiling water
and boil until thick. To this you may add any medicinal
substance.
Malt honey, bee's honey, or Karo syrup may also be used.
To make herb syrup, you simply add the cut herbs ( or if
using granulated herbs, sift them first). Boil to a syrupy
consistency and stir thoroughly; then strain through a
double cheesecloth and then bottle in dark glass and seal
with cork stoppers only(syrups often ferment and form gas
and screw lids can explode).
HOW TO MAKE HERBAL SALVES:
Use fresh leaves, flowers, roots, barks or powdered
herbs. Use 1 pnd. of herbs to 1 1/2 pnds. of cocoa
fat or pure vegetable oil and 4 oz. of beeswax.
Mix the above together, cover and place in the hot
sun or in the oven on low for 3-4 hrs. Strain thru
a fine seive or cloth, when it is cold it will be
firm and ready for use.
OINTMENTS:
An old form of herb magic as well as medicine, an ointment
is simply any fatty substance to which powdered herbs and/or
oils have been added. To 1 cup of base, (such as lard, beeswax,
vegtable shortening etc...)add 3 tbs of the powdered herb(s).
An alternative method is to melt the base over low heat.
Add the herbs and steep for about 9 minutes or until the
herb is "fried". Strain and allow the oinment to cool.
A third method is even easier; melt the base and add drops
of the appopriate oils, and cool.
Using ointments is easy simply apply to the body at pulse
points.
BATHS:
Baths are often used in herb magic, for they are an
easy way to spread an herb's power over the entire body.
There are two methods; one, make a sachet ( use about
1/2 to 1 cup of the appropriate enchanted herb)of
cheesecloth. Drop this into the warm bath water.
A better way is the preparation of an infusion (see above)
add the strained liquid to the bathwater.
Essential oils are sometimes used, just add a few drops
but remember too much may irritate the skin.
INCENSE:
Incense composition and use is an art form in itself.
Basically, an incense is any combination of plant materials,
perhaps combined with essential oils and a base, which
are mixed together and burned or smouldered on charcoal.
(This type of incense is known as "raw" or "granular."
In composing your own incense formulae remember that more
is not always better. Any recipe requiring over 9 substances
is probably too complicated. Simply choose a few plants
appropriate to your need. For a love incense for instance:
you might chose lemon balm, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and
vanilla. The herbs are reduced to powder form with the mortar
and pestle and then enchanted. The mixture is then ready for use.
To use incense, ignite a charcoal block and place in a heat proof
container. An incense burner is fine or as a dish half full
of salt or sand. Sprinkle a small amount of your mixture on
the glowing charcoal as desired.