Preparing Herbs for Healing

It is essential to prepare herbs properly. A decoction will yield a different result than an infusion will. Active compounds in the herb material may be eliminated when heated or may become active only when heated, they may be water soluble or they may be extracted only in alcohol. The process of extracting these compounds varies from plant to plant. Some herbs may be prepared in multiple ways, each method yielding a different physiological effect. Consult an experienced herbal practitioner before preparing any remedy and always advise your primary care giver of all drugs that you are taking and yes, the compounds in plants are drugs.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the constituents in herbs are more mild and less concentrated than those that are chemically produced and marketed in the form of capsules and tablets. Herbal preparations must be given sufficient trial for results to be noticed, but no remedy should be taken continuously for more than 8 weeks. Be aware of any allergic reactions you may experience and discontinue use if you notice any adverse reactions. Many of our modern medicines stem from herbal sources and contain many of the same compounds, aspirin is a common example. If you know yourself to be allergic to aspirin white willow bark, a source of aspirin should be avoided.

Being in touch with your body, learning about the properties and preparation of herbs and working with an experienced holistic medical consultant will help to make natural healing methods rewarding, empowering and most important – safe.

Medicinal Preparations

Infusion – For all intent and purpose, an infusion may be defined as a very strong tea. They are prepared by boiling water, then pouring it over selected herbs. This process is used when working with leaves, flowers and stems; the “softer” part of the plant. The loose herb material may be held in a cheesecloth wrap or a bamboo tea ball to avoid having to strain later. Do not boil herbs with water, this will break down the active ingredients and will result in an ineffective, cloudy drink. Typical recipes call for ½ - 1 ounce of dried herb to 1 pint boiling water. For as needed preparations, use 1 – 2 full teaspoons per cup of water. Proportions will vary based on the potency of the herb and the severity of the malady. Allow the tea to steep for at least 15 minutes but not more than 30, strain off loose particles if necessary and drink hot or cold as called for.

*If using fresh herbs, double their measurement

Decoctions - Decoctions are similar to infusions, but instead of pouring water over the herb, the herb is placed in cold water and they are boiled together. This method is employed when working with more solid parts of the plant such as the root or bark, or when the recommended dosage is increased. As does an infusion, this process extracts the volatile oils into the water which then carries the active ingredients to the body. The resulting brew, based on the typical preparation of 1 oz of plant to 1 pt of water boiled then allowed to simmer for 30 minutes, will be very strong and often bitter. If more than one ingredient is called for, begin with bark, then roots, seeds, stems and add leaves after removing from heat. Allow to cool and then filter.

Wash – A wash is an external use for prepared infusions and decoctions. Instead of drinking it as a tea, it is applied topically to the skin. A good example is an astringent was or skin cleanser used as part of a beauty regimen.

Compress - Dip a clean cloth or gauze pad into a prepared infusion or decoction appropriate to your need and drape over the affected area. They are typically used for inflammation, headache, and burns.

Baths – To absorb the therapeutic benefits of herbs slowly through the skin and sense of smell, fill a cloth bag with aromatic herbs and allow water to run over it as the tub fills. Leaving the bag in the water to release slowly is also suggested.

Tincture – Tinctures are prepared using alcohol instead of water. Commercial tinctures use 198 proof pure grain alcohol but for home preparation 100 proof vodka or brandy is sufficient. Two standard formulas for making tinctures exist. Method one calls for 1 oz of dried and powdered herb to be steeped in 5 oz alcohol for 6 weeks. The second method requires 4 oz of herb to 8 oz of alcohol and 4 oz of water steeped for 2 weeks. Which ever method is chosen, the mixture should be sealed tightly and stored in a dark place. Periodically swirl it to encourage the alcohol to absorb the plant’s medicinal constituents. Some evaporation may occur, add enough alcohol to keep herbs covered. Strain away plant material and store in dark bottle out of direct sunlight. Tinctures are highly concentrated and dosages are measured in teaspoons rather than ounces. Since the alcohol acts as a preservative, the shelf life extends into years. Keep out of reach of children.

Maceration – To macerate means to soften so as to separate into constituents by soaking in liquid. In this case, the liquid is a fat such as lanolin or vegetable shortening when making ointments and slaves or liquid oil such as olive, sunflower, or sesame when therapeutic massage oils are called for. To prepare with heat, melt solid fats or begin directly with liquid oil, then bring to hot (150 degrees). Add loose herbs, maintain temperature until you feel the fat is fully infused. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain loose material. Once solid fixatives will firm up and return to solid, so take this into consideration when selecting a container.

Alternately, herbs may be added directly to liquid oil and allowed to sit for 7 – 10 days. Maintain oil level in the bottle as some will be absorbed by the plant and periodically swirl the bottle. If you are working with solids, spread a ½ inch thick layer like icing on 2 equal sized sheets of wax paper. Top one layer with whole dried herbs and flip the other layer on top to form a sandwich. Do not press together. Allow to sit for up to 10 days in a warm room, do not melt. Separate, remove flowers, stems, leaves and as much organic material as possible. Store for use.

Poultice – To form a healing poultice, pour boiling water over herbs enough to fully wet them. Strain and remove to a gauze pad, top with a second pad to form a sandwich and apply directly to the area. Alternately, wet and strain herbs, then mix with cornmeal or oatmeal to bind and eliminate the gauze.

Syrups – Properly stored syrups have an indefinite shelf life, which makes them excellent to have on hand for colds and fevers. The dosage is by the teaspoon and as the sappy mixture slides down the throat it coats and sooths irritation. To make a syrup, boil ½ cup of water. Stir in 1 c sugar, and then add ½ c molasses or dark honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, add ½ c dried herbs and simmer. Stir constantly until thickened. Two cups of packed brown sugar may be substituted for the white sugar and molasses. Strain plant material away through cheesecloth. Store away from light and children.

Composition Powders – Just as the name implies, these are blends of powdered dried herb material which is kept on hand to be made into therapeutic teas. Steep 1 teaspoon of powder in 8 oz boiling water for 10 – 20 minutes. Strain sediment to drink. Simples, as opposed to compositions, are teas made from one kind of herb. Herbs in this case may be powdered or dried leaves and flowers held in a tea ball.

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