Infusion:
boiling water is poured over the desired herb and steeped, then the
herb is removed.
Decoction:
herbs are simmered for 10 to 20 minutes in water, making the result
stronger than an infusion.
Maceration: an
infusion made with cold, rather than hot, water.
Washes: any
infusion, maceration or decoction that can be used to clean an area.
Syrups:
infusions or decoctions that are mixed with honey or sugar, as a form
of preservation.
Tonic Wines: placing
herbs in, usually, red wine, for 2 or so weeks. Herbs need to be
replaced after 2 months.
Tinctures:
Herbs are soaked in alcohol (vodka, gin or white rum), or glycerin,
for about 2 weeks. Best stored in dark coloured bottles. This can
keep for years.
Ointments: infusions
made with oil
Oils: can be
done by hot or cold infusion Cold infusion covers the herb in oil and
places it in the sun.
Compress: a
cloth soaked in an infusion, decoction or maceration that can be
applied hot or cold to the skin.
Poultice: whole
herbs are placed upon the skin.
