Saturday, 23 August 2014

Simplified Herbal Preparations

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.

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