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CHAPTER.4
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1992-05-31
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HOW TO PREPARE HERBS FOR MEDICINE
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Herbs are easy and fun to prepare in order to use for medicinal
purposes.
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CAPSULES: Use all natural gelatin capsules when using powdered
herbs. Many herbs have a bitter taste, this often is the
medicinal value in the herb, but makes teas unpleasant.
Capsules can be used to take herbs quickly and pleasantly.
Empty capsules and a quick, and easy capsule maker can be
found and obtained in the HERBAL CATALOG at the Main Menu.
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DECOCTION: This is a preparation made by boiling herbal substances
in water for a considerable period of time, usually about
30 minutes. Hard materials such as pieces of roots, bark,
seeds, etc. are usually prepared in this way as they
require longer subjection to heat in order to extract
their active principles. Generally 1 ounce of the
botanical substance is placed in 1 pint of cold water.
the container is then covered and the solution allowed
to boil for one-half hour, after which it is then
strained, cooled and ready for use. However, since some
of the water boils away, may herbalists prefer to use
1 1\2 pints of water so that when the boiling period has
ended, the decoction measures approximately 1 pint.
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FOMENTATION: Dip cloth in the infusion or decoction, wring it out,
and apply locally.
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INFUSIONS: Infusions are frequently called teas, and are generally
prepared in the amount of 1 ounce of the plant substance
to 1 pint of water. However, sometimes plants contain very
active principles, and little less herb is sufficient.
Bring the water to a boil and pour over the herb, in a
covered container, let the solution steep (stand) for 15
minutes (stirring occasionally). When the steeping has
ended, strain the infusion and use. Infusions can be
prepared by placing 1 teaspoon of the plant substance in
a cup and pouring boiling water over it. It is then
covered with a saucer and allowed to steep for 15 minutes,
after this, it is strained and used. Sometimes a little
honey is added to make the infusion more palatable.
INFUSIONS ARE NEVER ALLOWED TO BOIL.
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OINTMENTS OR SALVE: An easy method to make a salve or ointment is to
take approximately eight parts of vaseline or
vegetable shortening and two parts of the
herb you are wanting to use. Heat on low heat
and stir occasionally for 20 minutes. Let cool,
strain into glass or porcelain container with a
wide opening, for easy assess.
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POULTICES: Poultices are used to apply moist heat to draw or soothe.
Fresh leaves of the particular herb called for is bruised
and steeped in boiling water (only enough to moisten) for
a short time. The leaves are then spread between tow
pieces of cloth and applied as hot as possible, then,
covered with a dry cloth to retain heat. A second
poultice is prepared while the first one is still being
used. It is to replace the first poultice the moment it
begins to noticeably lose heat. The powdered herb of a
plant may be substituted for the fresh leaves. Use enough
of the powdered herb to make a paste. The paste is then
spread between two pieces of cloth, applied and renewed,
several times.
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SYRUP: Boil tea for 20 minutes, add 1 oz. glycerin, and seal up in
bottles, as you would fruit. The small juice bottles bought
at the `quick stops' are just the right size for this.
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TINCTURE: These are spirit preparations made with pure or diluted
alcohol (not rubbing alcohol), brandy, vodka, or gin is the
best. Tinctures are used because some herbs will not yield
their properties to water alone, or may be rendered useless
bay application of heat. In other instances, and herb will
more readily impart it's active principles when prepared as
a tincture. Usually, 4 ounces of water and 12 ounces of
alcohol is mixed with 1 ounce of the powdered her. The
mixture is allowed to steep (stand) for 2 weeks, the bottle
should be shaken thoroughly every night. After the 2 weeks
are up, the clear liquid is strained off carefully, so as
not to disturb the sediment. Strain and discard the
sediment. The tincture is then bottled for use.
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***************END OF CHAPTER****************