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How
to Prepare Herbs For Medicinal Purposes Drying Drying needs to occur as soon as possible after picking. Herbs can be dried in shaded, warm, well-ventilated rooms that are free from moisture. Loosely tie herbs in small bunches by their stems and hang them, or hang them out of doors, out of direct sunlight. Spread sprigs of herbs, seeds, bark or root over trays, netting, or a drying frame. Spread the herbs out to allow for plenty of space between them. turn frequently once daily. Store in airtight containers, some may be frozen Remedies for Internal Use Decoctions Similar to infusions but involve boiling to break down the woody parts of the plants. 1 oz. dried herbs or 2 oz. fresh
herbs Place herbs in stainless or enamel pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat, strain and store or drink immediately Infusions Infusions are tea made from herbs. Prepared with boiling water. Infusions are taken hot for fevers and colds, lukewarm or cold for problems with the kidneys, urinary tract. 1 oz. dried herbs or 2 oz. fresh Warm the pot with warm water and add herbs. boil water. Add it to the herbs, cover the container and infuse for ten minutes. Strain and drink or store. Syrups Dosage is two teaspoons for kids, three or four times a day for chronic problems, and six to eight times a day in acute illness. 24 oz. mixture of thin honey and
unrefined sugar, ratio of 1:1 Heat infusion or decoction with the honey, stir as it starts to thicken andskim off stuff from the surface. Cool and pour into cork-topped bottles. Drink immediately or store in refrigerator. External Use Herbal Baths Add a few drops of essential oil to bathwater - always dilute oil first for babies and kids and those with sensitive skin. Add around 20 oz. strong herb infusions, and soak in the bath in the morning, four minutes at a time for young children. Salves Salves are made by soaking herbs in oil and mashing. Creams are made by stirring tinctures, infusions, decoctions or a few drops of essential oil into a water based cream available at pharmacies. 2 cups olive oil Mix oil and beeswax together in a heatproof dish, add as much of your chosen herbs as the mixture will cover and mix. Heat gently over a saucepan of boiling water for two or three hours. Press through a muslin bag and discard herb. Pour warm oil into a jar and let it sit to solidify Recipes for Lotions and Cremes are on this page, too Compresses Compresses and poultices are applied to areas of pain or swelling. Poultices use the herb itself, compresses use extracts Poultice herbs fresh or dried, two pieces
of gauze, If using fresh herbs, bruise with mortar and pestle. If using dried, add hot water to make a paste. Place enough herb to cover the area between two pieces of gauze. Use a light cotton bandage to bind the poultice to the area. Keep it warm with a hot water bottle or heating pad. Compress Herbs of your choice, hot or cold
infusion or decoction, Soak a cloth in the herbal preparation, Remove flannel or cloth from bowl and wring out excess liquid. Apply, repeating several times. Infused Oils 4 1/2 cups cold pressed walnut,
safflower or almond oil, Pack a glass jar with herbs and cover with oil. Seal with an airtight lid and leave in a sunny place for two weeks, shaking daily. Squeeze the oil through a muslin bag into a jar. Strain and pour into a dark-colored glass bottle. Linaments Linaments are rubbing oil used in massaging muscles and ligaments. They may contain stimulating essential oils to increase circulation so that the herbs reach the affected area quickly. A liniment contains either extracts of herbs in an oil or an alcohol base, or herbal or essential oils and alcohol tincture of your choice 25 drops rosemary essential oil,
25 drops lavender oil,
Information I gathered
from my herbal guides to medicine
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