Preparing Herbs at Home

There are different methods of preparing herbs, depending on the part of herb used and the manner in which is has to be used as a remedy.

Some of these preparation methods are: infusion, decoction, green extract, tincture, syrup, poultice, salve.

Prepare Herbs

Infusion - It is the most common preparation, made from soft part of plants like leaves and flowers. Place dried or fresh herbs in a bowl and pour hot boiling water over it. Cover the container tightly and steep for 10-20 min. Strain the liquid. Take hot, warm or cool, sweeten with honey if necessary. The infusions should be made freshly every day, as they decompose rapidly.
Decoction - It is made from roots, stems and barks, by boiling the herbs in water (usually, about 1 oz plant in 1 pint water in a non metallic container for 30 min). Cover, cool and strain.
Green extract - Known also as fluid extract, it is made by crushing the juicy part of the plant, pressing out the juices and straining.
Tincture - This is an alcohol solution. Add 4 oz of of herb to 1 pint of 80 proof vodka or other grain alcohol. Let sit for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain the brew and store in amber glass bottles.
Syrup - This is a saturated solution made with herb and sugar. Add 1 oz of herb to 2 cups of water. Simmer down to 1 1/2 cup, strain and add 1 fl oz honey or brown sugar.
Poultice - It is a warm, moist application of crushed fresh herbs made into a paste and applied externally directly on surface or between two layers of gauze. Crush fresh herbs and moisten with hot water. Pound the mixture to a pulp. Most poultices should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Salve - It is a balm made with herbs, infused oil and beeswax. Warm the plants in the infused oil on very low heat, add beeswax and stir until completely melted. Poor the mixture in a glass jar, cool and cover.