{"id":17876,"date":"2025-09-15T14:55:54","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T18:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/?p=17876"},"modified":"2025-09-15T14:55:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T18:55:54","slug":"more-herbal-preparation-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/15\/more-herbal-preparation-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"More Herbal Preparation Methods"},"content":{"rendered":"

Infusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Infusions are basically a herbal tea. You let the herb steep in hot or cold water for a while, then either reheat and drink, or drink it cool. You can use infusions in a bath, as a wash and for many other uses.<\/p>\n

Method #1 \u2013 Hot \u2013 Infuse 1 heaped teaspoon of dry\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0with one cup of boiling water. Steep for approx. 3-5 mins, and strain. – Cold \u2013 put 1 heaped teaspoon of dry\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0in 1 cup of cold water and soak for 8-10 hours, strain and slightly warm before drinking.<\/p>\n

Method #2 \u2013 (Chinese method) If you are using oyster shell, dragon bone or other minerals you have to add them to 6 cups of boiling water, simmer for 30 mins. If you have no minerals, or after the minerals have simmered for 30 mins, add your heavy roots and bark and simmer for another 20-30 mins. Then add any lighter twigs, fruits and leaves, simmer for another 10-15 mins. Finally remove from the heat and add any leaves and flowers, cover and steep for 10-20 mins. Strain, it\u2019s ready to drink.<\/p>\n

Method #3 \u2013 Steep 2 teaspoons of dry herbal mixture in 2 cups of boiling water for 10-15 mins.<\/p>\n

Method #4 \u2013 Steep \u00bd oz \u2013 1oz dried herbal mixture to 1 pint (600ml) of water for 10-20 mins, then strain and drink.<\/p>\n

Herbal Wine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Use a sweet red wine with an alcohol content of at least 12%. Cover four ounces of herb with three cups of wine. Leave for a week before straining.<\/p>\n

Take four teaspoons one or two times daily. Herbal wine is best used within a month.<\/p>\n

Cream<\/strong><\/p>\n

A cream is a blend of oil, beeswax and water. You can make your own, or purchase an unscented, water based cream. After adding herb to purchased cream, simmer in the top of a double boiler for 30 minutes. Strain before it cools.<\/p>\n

Melt two ounces beeswax in a double boiler. Add one cup olive or other vegetable oil and blend. Add two ounces herb. For lighter cream, add a little water, mixing well. Simmer 20 minutes, mixing well. Add a drop of tincture of\u00a0Benzoin<\/a>\u00a0as a preservative. Strain thorough a cloth in to sterilized jars<\/p>\n

Decoction<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Decoction is used when a plant is not soluble in hot or cold water but will be released by simmering. This is used for roots, heavy wooden plants. Make sure you don\u2019t use an aluminium saucepan, as the metal will leech into the tea. Glass or ceramic is best.<\/p>\n

Method #1 \u2013 Use 1teaspoon dried plant matter to 1 cup of water. Simmer for 5-20 mins. 5 minutes for shredded plant, and 20 mins for larger pieces. Strain while hot. Drink.<\/p>\n

Method #2 \u2013 Use a handful of fresh herb, or 1 teaspoon of dried herb, simmer for 30 mins in 1cup of water.<\/p>\n

Method # 3 \u2013 Take 30g (1oz) dried herbal mixture and 500ml (16floz) cold water in a pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 mins.<\/p>\n

Compress<\/strong><\/p>\n

Also called Fomentation. This is used when the\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0are too strong to ingest, as the skin allows a smaller amount of the herb to be absorbed slowly by the body.<\/p>\n

Method \u2013 Make a herbal infusion\/decoction and soak a face cloth, or cotton cloth in this. Squeeze out excess liquid, and apply to the effected area.<\/p>\n

Capsules<\/strong><\/p>\n

Capsules are used when the plant is unpalatable to take as a tea, or for\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0which require small doses. You can purchase empty capsules from most health food shops.<\/p>\n

Method \u2013 Capsules come in 3 sizes, \u201c0\u201d, \u201c00\u201d, \u201c000\u201d being small, medium (normal) and large. A medium capsule will hold approx \u00bd teaspoon of herb. Fill the capsule with powdered herb. 1 capsule is equivalent to 1 cup of herbal tea.<\/p>\n

Bolus<\/strong><\/p>\n

A bolus is a suppository made from adding powdered\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0to cocoa butter to form a thick paste, which is then refrigerated. Once the bolus is hardened, bring it to room temperature, and it is ready to use. The cocoa butter will melt with the body heat releasing the\u00a0Herbs<\/a>. You might like to wear old underwear to prevent staining as the bolus melts.<\/p>\n

Extracts<\/strong><\/p>\n

These are made to treat ailments such as strained muscles,\u00a0Arthritis<\/a>\u00a0or inflammation. It is similar to a tincture, but may be made using oil, vinegar or alcohol.<\/p>\n

Method \u2013 Place 4oz of dried\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0of 8oz of fresh herb into a jar. Add 1 pint of Vinegar, alcohol or Vegetable oil. Shake the jar twice a day for 4 days for powdered herb, or 15 days for whole\/chopped\/sliced etc.\u00a0Herbs<\/a>. Vitamin E or wheatgerm oil can be added to oil based extracts to help preserve them.<\/p>\n

Ointments<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ointments are used when the active principles of the herb are needed for longer periods of time, such as muscular\u00a0Aches<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Method #1 \u2013 Take 1 \u2013 2 heaped tablespoons of herb and bring to the boil in vaseline, stir then strain. Use cold.<\/p>\n

Method #2 \u2013 Melt \u00bc cup each of beeswax and vegetable oil in a double boiler until the wax is molten. Add a tablespoon of herbal extract (in an oil base), herbal infused oil or\u00a0Essential Oils<\/a>. If you wish to use\u00a0Herbs<\/a>, use 1 tablespoon of dried herb, and strain through a heated metal strainer.<\/p>\n

Oils<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oils are used when ointments or compresses are not practical. Always store your oils in amber glass bottles to prevent sunlight from reacting with the oils.<\/p>\n

Method \u2013 Take 2 oz plant matter to 1 pint of oil. Leave this to stand for 4 days. If you want this process to happen quickly, you can heat the oil in a saucepan for 1 hour. A small amount of Vitamin E or Wheatgerm oil can be added to help preserve the oil.<\/p>\n

Poultice<\/strong><\/p>\n

A poultice is made from warm mashed\u00a0Herbs<\/a>, which are applied directly to the skin. Used for inflammation, bites, boils, abscesses etc. You should apply oil to the area before applying the poultice.<\/p>\n

Method #1 \u2013 Add hot water, apple cider vinegar, herbal tea, liniment or tincture to the desired\u00a0Herbs<\/a>, and mash them into a paste.<\/p>\n

Method #2 \u2013 In a saucepan bring water to the boil, suspend a sieve over the pan, and place into the sieve the fresh or dried\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0you will be using. Steam, these for a few minutes. Spread the softened\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0onto a cloth and apply to the affected area. Cover the compress with a bandage and leave for 2 hours.<\/p>\n

Salve<\/strong><\/p>\n

A salve is similar to an ointment<\/p>\n

Method \u2013 Take dried or fresh\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0and cover with water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 30 mins. Strain and add to an equal amount of vegetable oil. Simmer until the remaining water has evaporated from the oil. Add enough beeswax to give the salve a thick consistency (Remembering that it hardens as it cools) and pour into a jar.<\/p>\n

Syrup<\/strong><\/p>\n

Syrups are used for coughs, congestion,\u00a0Sore Throats<\/a>\u00a0etc.<\/p>\n

Method #1 \u2013 Take 2 oz herb and boil in 1 quart of water until it has reduced to about 1 pint. While still warm ass 2 oz of honey and\/or glycerine..<\/p>\n

Method #2 \u2013 Take 600ml (1 pint) boiling water and 900g (2 lb) of sugar. Bring this to the boil. Take off the heat, stir in tincture (3 parts syrup to 1 part tincture)<\/p>\n

Tincture<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tinctures are similar to extracts but are made using alcohol, allowing it to keep for longer periods of time. People with weak digestion may have trouble with tinctures.<\/p>\n

Method #1 \u2013 Combine 4oz of powdered or chopped herb with 1 pint of alcohol (Vodka, brandy, Gin, Rum etc.) Shake daily for 2 weeks, strain and bottle.<\/p>\n

Method #2 \u2013 Take a jar and place the dried herbal mixture into the bottom. Add alcohol to cover the\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0plus 1 inch. Leave sit for 2 weeks, strain.<\/p>\n

Herbal Bath<\/strong><\/p>\n

A herbal bath is goof for fevers and\u00a0Stress<\/a>\u00a0related conditions. A foot bath can be made for soaking tired sore feet, or for food conditions such a tinea, athletes foot and corns.<\/p>\n

Method \u2013 Steep 200g of dried herb in cold water for 12 hours. Heat the infusion and then add it to your bath water. For a foot bath, steep 50g of herb with the method above, and add to a bucket of water.<\/p>\n

Inhalation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Place 50g of dried herb in a bowl or in the sink. Pour a litre of boiling water over the\u00a0Herbs<\/a>. Cover your head with a towel and hang your head over the bowl\/sink to inhale the steam.<\/p>\n

Eardrops<\/strong><\/p>\n

Slice\u00a0Garlic<\/a>\u00a0and place in a small amount of\u00a0Olive Oil<\/a>. Add a few\u00a0Lavender<\/a>\u00a0flowers. Leave sit for 2 hours then strain. Warm 1 tsp of oil by placing it over a cup of hot water. Put few drops into the ear and plug with cotton wool.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Infusion Infusions are basically a herbal tea. You let the herb steep in hot or cold water for a while, then either reheat and drink, or drink it cool. You can use infusions in a bath, as a wash and for many other uses. Method #1 \u2013 Hot \u2013 Infuse 1 heaped teaspoon of dry\u00a0Herbs\u00a0with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17876","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reference-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17876"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17876\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}