Preps

This a new page where we will be ongoingly adding preparation instructions for herbs.

Making Infusions 

      Infusions or teas are one of the simplest ways to take herbal remedies. Fresh herbs are best if you weigh them instead of measuring them. When making one cup of tea use 10g(⅓oz) of fresh herbs and pour hot water over fresh herbs, it’s best to let boiling water cool for at least 30 seconds to avoid burning the herbs. Cover the cup for 3-5 minutes and strain; you can drink it without straining if you don’t mind the floating herbs. Alternatively you can use dried herbs to make tea. For one cup of tea use 1.5 tsps of herbs; you can lightly crush herbs for easier measuring. If you don’t wish to crush the herb you can weigh out slightly over 2g of herbs.

Decoctions

    Decoctions are made similar to infusions; these can be taken hot or cold. Take 30g (1oz) of herbs fresh is preferred, but dried can also be used, and 1 litre (1 ½ pint) of water. Make sure the herbs are washed and cleaned. Put the herbs and water in a non-aluminium pan and bring to a boil simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced to 600ml (1pint), remove from heat. Strain the liquid and let cool.

Tinctures

   Tinctures are an effective way to extract the active ingredients in herbs and are easy to prepare.  They can be used in compresses, lotions or diluted to take internally. This is a basic guideline, some herbs may require more or less herbs. You will need 100ml (4fl oz) water, 1 cup vodka, 100g (4oz) dried herbs or 300g (11oz) fresh herbs. Take a third of the herbs and plant in a clean jar, stir in alcohol and water. Let the herbs steeps for a week shaking gently daily. After the week has pass discard the used herbs and replace with half of the remaining herbs and repeat the process, do the same with the remaining herbs. NEVER use industrial alcohol or white spirits these are highly toxic. Store in a cool dark place.

Cold-infused Oils
   This is a simple way to make herbal oil that is safe for external use, massage, bath oil, or condition hair and skin. It's best to use quality oils such as almond and grapeseed for massage and therapeutic purposes. Vegetable, olive and sunflower oils can be used too bur are best for culinary uses. Fill a glass with flowers or leave of the herbs, here it is best to use fresh herbs, pour the oil and cover the herbs. Leave the closed jar in a sunny windowsill, shaking daily, and steep for a month. Strain the herbs and discard them, for a stronger infusion change the herbs every 2 weeks. Pour the finished oil in sterilized stoppered bottles and keep in a dark dry place for 6 months. Don't leave herbs in the oil after the infusion is over as it will decay and affect the properties of the oil.

Syrup

     Herbs conserve the active ingredients of the plants and are useful for persevering items such as elderberries. It is also a useful way to improve the taste of bitter herb. Take 500g (1 ¼lb) of sugar or honey (honey add more benefits such as antiviral qualities), 4cups of water and 150g (5oz) plant material. Gently heat the sugar or honey with water stirring until dissolved. Add the herbs and heat gently for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steep overnight. Strain and store in a sterilized airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 18 months. 

Poultice

Are made with solid plant material and applied using a gauze bandage.  It can be used to treat a variety of skin ailment along with aches and pains. Depending on the condition you are treating you can use poultices hot or cold. Take a handful of fresh, clean herbs, chopping them roughly, place in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before mashing with a fork. Squeeze out excess liquid and place the herb directly to the skin holding in place with a gauze. If the poultice is needed immediately you may want to opt for a spit poultice. To make a spit poultice simple chew the herb into a paste and use it to cover the affected area. 

Herbal Ointment

Animal fat used to be used to make the protective barrier of an ointment but petroleum jelly or paraffin wax makes a longer-lasting base that is more pleasant to apply. Take 7oz or 200g of petroleum jelly and place it in a bowl over a pan of simmering water until melted. Once the jelly is melted stir in 30g or 1 oz of fresh, finely chopped herbs, continue to heat gently over simmering water. Stir occasionally for an hour. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and store immediately in a sterile jar.

Herbal Cream

Boil 1¼ cups of water and pour it over 30g(1oz) of fresh herbs let it infuse until cool then strain. Alternatively you can use 5 drops essential oil or 1 teaspoon herbal tincture in the cold water. Place 1 tablespoon glycerine and 4 tablespoons emulsifying ointment in a bowl and set over a pan of simmering water. Stirring until ointment has melted then remove bowl from heat. Add the cold infusion and stir until the mixture thickens. Before it is completely set pour into a sterile jar and label it.

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Aloe Vera Lotion
   This a fairly simple preparation. Cut several leaves ans scrape the gel into a pan. Simmer slowly until thickened to desired consistency.

Aloe gel (direct application).
  Simply cut open the leaf and spread the inner part of the leaf directly on to the skin. Alternatively you can scrap the gel off of the leaf and apply by hand.

image from wikimedia.org

Garlic foot bandage for colds or flu
   Crush a clove and place it in the length of bandage. Secure the bandage around your foot so garlic us held in place against the skin. Repeat for other foot.

Garlic Tincture
   Take 200g (7oz) of peeled garlic cloves and place in a jar of 1 litre vodka water (2 parts vodka 1 part water). Shake jar well and store in a cool, dark place, shaking daily. After two weeks strain the liquid through muslin or cheesecloth and rebottle it. This will be good for 2 years.