herb formulas

How To Make herb formulas

• 1

  Herbal infusion (tea) 2 tbsp Dried herbs or 1-½ cups packed, fresh herb leaves or flowers, washed and dried well 2 cups Boiling, fresh spring, well, or distilled water Pour the boiling water over the herb. Brew for 15 minutes to several hours in a glass or ceramic pot. Drink ½ to 1 cup three to four times a day.
• 2

  Herbal decoction 2 tbsp Dried herbs or 1-½ cups fresh bark, roots, or stems, washed and dried well 2 cups Boiling water Add the herbs to boiling water in an enamel saucepan. Simmer gently, without boiling, for 30 minutes. Strain, and drink ½ to 1 cup three to four times a day.
• 3

  Herbal compress Follow the instructions for preparing an infusion or decoction, then soak a towel in the warm liquid. Wring out the towel and lay it upon the affected area, covering it with a dry towel. As the compress cools, replace it with a warm one. Continue treatment for 30 minutes or until the skin is flushed or tingly.
• 4

  Herbal maceration Maceration is good for herbs likely to lose some of their therapeutic value if heated. Cover herbs with vegetable oil, cider vinegar, or pure alcohol. Seal and leave for two weeks, shaking jar each day. Strain and top with fresh herbs. Repeat until liquid smells strongly herbal. Strain, seal, and bottle. Keeps well.
• 5

  Herbal ointment 1-1½ oz Melted beeswax or rendered lard
• 6

  Herbal oil Mix together beeswax/lard and herbal oil. Store in a cool place for one week.
• 7

  Herbal plaster Place dried or fresh herbs, or a paste (see poultice recipe) in the folds of a light towel or cheesecloth, then lay the plaster on the injured area.
• 8

  Herbal poultice ¼ cup Dried herbs or 3 cups fresh herbs, washed, dried, and minced 4 cups Oatmeal Mix the herbs and oatmeal with enough hot water to form a paste. Place the paste directly on the skin and cover with towel. As it cools, replace it with a warm one. Continue treatment for 30 minutes.
• 9

  Herbal syrup ¼ cup Dried herbs or 3 cups packed, fresh herbs, washed and dried well 1 qt Water 1-2 tbsp Honey Add the ingredients in an enamel saucepan. Bring to a boil and continue at a slow boil until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the honey. Store refrigerated for up to one month.
• 10

  Herbal tincture ¾ cup Powdered, dried herb 2 cups Brandy, vodka, or gin Mix together ingredients in a glass bottle. Allow to steep, shaking occasionally, for several weeks. Strain and store.
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