Making Herbal Preparations

Making Herbal Preparations at home is easy. Herbal preparations are used either internally or externally, for medicinal benefit. Internal herbal preparations can be taken in the form of Decoctions, Infusions, Tinctures, Syrups and Capsules. External herbal preparations can be used in the form of Oils, Salves, Ointments, Compresses and Poultices.

Methods of making Herbal Preparations:

• Decoctions: Place leaves, roots, bark or twigs in cold water. Bring it to boil and then simmer it for 20 – 30 minutes. When the liquid has reduced to one third, strain the liquid. Let it cool down and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Can be taken 2 – 3 times a day.
• Infusions:  Steep the dried or fresh herbs in boiling water for about 10 – 15 mins, then strain and consume as a tea.
• Tinctures:  Place the fresh herbs in a glass jar. Cover the herbs with alcohol or apple cider vinegar. Seal the jar and store in a dark place, shaking the jar once a day. After two weeks, strain and store the liquid in a sealed bottle. Can be taken 2 – 3 times a day, diluted with water.
• Syrups: Herbal syrup is a preparation made by adding honey or another sweetener to a strong decoction to preserve it. You can use sugar, syrup or honey. Add 1 cup of a pre-made decoction and 1 cup of sweetener to the pot. Bring it to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes. Pour the syrup into clean, sterile jars and put it in the refrigerator. Will store for up to 3 months in the fridge. A teaspoon of the syrup can be taken 1 – 3 times a day.
• Oils: Herbal Oils are made in a similar manner as tinctures. Add the fresh herbs to a glass jar. Fill the glass jar with the oil of your choice, such as Olive oil, Almond Oil, etc. Remove all air bubbles in the jar by using a spatula or spoon. Seal the jar and store in a dark place, shaking the jar once a day. After 4 weeks, strain and store the oil in a sealed bottle. Rub the oil into the skin when needed.
• Salves and Ointments: First make a herbal oil, as explained above. Combine 1cup herbal oil and a 1/4 cup beeswax beads or beeswax shavings in a saucepan, and heat gently until the wax is melted. Remove from the heat and pour it into sterilized containers. Let it cool and then add the container lids.
• Compresses: Place a soft cloth in a hot or cold infusion or a decoction. Wring out the cloth and apply the damp cloth to the affected area.
• Poultices: Poultices are a combination of a herb and a liquid (such as water or oil) that are mixed to form a thick paste and kept in place by a cloth.  Add the fresh herbs in a bowl. Add about 2 teaspoons of your preferred liquid to the bowl. Using a pestle, crush the herbs and mix it with the liquid, to form a paste. Spread the paste onto the area of your skin where healing is needed. Cover with a bandage or cloth, to keep the paste in place.