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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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