Herbal Preparations
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The use of herbs in all facets of life has been around quite
literally since the beginning of time. Nearly all of commercial based
medicine, flavorings, scents, even cosmetics, have their base in
natural sources. Which is why it never fails to surprise me when I
hear the words, “yeah, but does it really work?”
Many of the recipes acquired are written in simple terms that need
not be confusing once you come to understand the terminology most
commonly used. This article is written to simply explain the terms
used in herbal preparation so that anyone can take a recipe and use
it to it’s full advantage, with insight.
There are quite simply, two basic ways that herbs are used:
1.) Internally – such as infusions(most commonly called teas),
decoctions (also referred to as a tea, but with a different
preparation explained later), tinctures, and syrups. There are more
internal means, but these are the most common I am asked for.
2.) Externally – Baths (common in aromatherapy), ointments,
compresses, poultices, and liniments. Each of these are explained in
simplest terms.
Internal Preparation
Infusion – The most common method of internal herbal preparation,
usually referred to as a “tea”. Infusions are called for when using
soft plant parts, such as leaves, flowers or green stems. If you must
use hard plant parts, please refer to Decoction. Fresh or dried herbs
can be used, however, it is important to remember that if the recipe
calls for dried herbs, and you chose to use fresh instead, that’s
fine, but the measurement will be different. That amount should be as
follows: 1 part dried herb is equal to 3 parts fresh. So if a recipe
calls for 1 teaspoon of dried lavender, for instance, you should make
it 3 teaspoons of fresh lavendar. When preparing an infusion using an
aromatic herb, such as chamomile or lavender, use a pot with a well
sealed lid, so that you don’t lose as much of the natural oils in
evaporation, as these are essential to the purpose. (These herbs also
tend to be sensitive to heat, so you may chose to make a cold
infusion by simply leaving the herbs in water for six to 12 hours,
preferably in an earthenware pot if you have one sealed. But that is
simply a matter of preference and purpose as well.) Whenever
possible, infusions should be prepared only on an as needed basis, as
the shelf life of the infusions is not a long period of time, varying
from recipe to recipe. To make an infusion Use a china or glass pot,
(warmed) and add 1 teaspoon of herbal mixture per cup of tea. Add one
cup of boiling water per teaspoon of herbal mixture. Steep for 10-15
minutes.
Decoction Similar to an infusion, but it is more called for when
using hard of woody herbal mixtures, such as bark, roots, wood, nuts
or seeds. I find it is best to grind these to powder form in some
instances, in order to release the natural oils. That again, is up to
preference. These herbs require more heat to release the natural
oils, therein lies the difference between infusion and decoction. If
your recipe calls for soft herbs as well as hard herbs, prepare the
two separately as a decoction and infusion, and mix after the
decoction is processed. This way, the more sensitive herbs aren’t
lost to burning or evaporation, thus losing it’s potency.
To Make A Decoction Use one teaspoon of herbal mixture per cup of
water into a pot or saucepan. If the herbs are dried, they should be
powdered or in small pieces. Fresh herbs should be in small chunks.
Add the water called for by the amount of herbal mixture added, and
bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer for the amount of time called for
by the specific recipe or herbs used. I find that it is rarely longer
than 15 minutes. If you are using aromatic herbs, put a lid on the
pot to retain it’s potency. Strain into a teacup or pot and serve
while it is hot.
Tinctures are usually alcohol based preparations, with the alcohol
acting as a natural preservative. Although, tinctures are also
commonly made using vinegar or glycerin. Tinctures tend to be much
stronger than infusions and decoctions, thus should be treated
accordingly.
If you are going to use alcohol as your base for tinctures, I find it
is best to use alcohol that is at least 30% by volume, or 60 proof.
Vodka makes a good base for a tincture. Tinctures can be used as they
are, or mixed with tea, or when called for a bath, foot bath, oil or
ointment. Lozenges can be made with them as well. The most popular
tincture and most common is one made with wine. That would be
technically, a mulled or spiced wine, as it’s commonly known. When
making a vinegar tincture, use a natural vinegar, such as apple cider
vinegar, not a synthetic one, such as white vinegar. Vinegar
tinctures are gaining in popularity, and are wonderful to cook with,
as well as tend to be very fragrant. Glycerin tinctures tend to be
milder to the stomach, but the drawback is that the resinous or oily
herbs do not dissolve as well in preparation. To make a tincture
Finely chop or grind the herbal mixture into a container with a tight
seal. Use 4 ounces of herbal mixture to every pint of alcohol, and
seal. Keep the jar in a warm place for two weeks, taking it out daily
to shake up the mixture. When done, take the liquid and pour through
a soft muslin cloth into a bowl. Wring the herbal filled cloth into
the bowl to get out the residue. Store the tincture in a dark bottle,
keeping it well sealed.
External Herbal Preparations
Baths are one of the most pleasant ways to enjoy herbs, as well as
your efforts with infusions and decoctions. A normal sized bath uses
approximately one pint of infusion or decoction added to it. For the
most part, aromatic herbs make the better additives to baths, as the
oils are absorbed not only through the skin, but provide soothing
comfort through the aroma. You can use cheese cloth or muslin, making
a pouch of sorts, adding the herbs, and suspend it so that it is
directly below the faucet. The pouring water helps to distribute the
herbal mixture evenly throughout the water. once your bath is drawn,
if you feel that it is necessary, let the bag float in the water to
continuously add the mixture during your bath.
Ointments – Also called salves, are preparations that ban be applied
to the skin. They can be anything from greasy to thick in substance,
depending on the base that you use in preparation. Petroleum jelly is
a simple ointment base, but I suggest it only when using naturally
irritating oils such as cinnamon. The petroleum will act as a buffer
between the sensitive skin and the oil, allowing you to fully enjoy
the aromatic benefit of the herb, without having as large a chance of
irritation. Natural bases are better in other instances.
Preparation For Making An Ointment Use 2 ounces of white wax, 3
ounces of lard, 3 fluid ounces of oil [almond, or olive is great ].
Melt the wax and lard in the oil in a double boiler, remove from heat
when melted, add almond oil and stir until cool. Pour the mixture
into a container for storage. Of course, you must add the herb
mixture to this base, as it’s no good without it
Poultices And Compresses Very similar in form, but often used
differently. A compress is used by soaking linen, gauze, or similar
fabric in an infusion or decoction and applied to the affected area.
The heat activates the herbs to release the healing ability. A
Poultice is different in the basis that it is the application of the
solid herbal mixture either directly or wrapped in a linen or gauzy
material to the affected area. Dried herbs must be made into a paste
in order to be used in a poultice. You can use a hot water bottle in
order to keep a poultice warm while applying it. Poultices are more
commonly used to draw out infection or heat in a wounded area.
Liniments are strictly used externally, and are more commonly used in
massage or to stimulate muscles or ligaments. They are usually made
with alcohol, herbal oils, as well as dried and fresh herbs so that
they may be more readily absorbed through the skin. Golden seal and
cramp bark are good additives for liniment. The main ingredient of
liniment is usually cayenne.
These are, by no means, the sum total of uses that herbs have, or the
limits of preparation. This article represents the most commonly used
ones, as well as the most common ones about which there seems to be
some confusion. Especially with novices starting out in their quest
for understanding the herbal recipes they are trying. I hope that it
makes a difference, adding insight and clearing a path. Enjoy!!
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