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Complete
Instructions on How to Use Herbs
5
Ways to use Bulk Herbs
Herbal Teas:
Infusions, also known as steeping is easy to do.
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Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of the herb to 8 ounces of water.
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Bring the water to a boil. Place herbs into a reusable
teabag or any other non metallic holder then place into a container
that can be sealed.
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Pour water into the cup and cover
for 5 - 15 minutes.
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Covering the cup keeps the volatile oils
potent until ready to drink. The reason the difference in time
depends upon whether it is leaf, stems, root, or seeds.
Decoctions:
A decoction is also similar to an infusion, and
necessary when using sturdy plant material like herbal roots, barks,
pits, seeds, hard berries, root-barks and stems. These parts need to
have their active components extracted in a more concentrated
procedure
- The parts of the plant should be uniform in
size. Usually about 1 inch long, by 1/8 inch thick. Use
2-4 tablespoons of the dried herbs for 1 ½ pints of water.
- Place the herbs in a saucepan with the water,
and boil the decoction.
- The boil should be a rolling boil, yet gentle.
- Simmer the mixture until the volume of the
liquid has been reduced by about a half. This will take any
where from 15 - 45 minutes
- Strain the mixture.
- The decoction should be used in three
wine-glass-sized doses throughout the day. It should be stored
in a pitcher in a cool place.
- The decoction can be reheated and flavored with
a little honey if desired
Poultice:
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4 ounces of herbs slightly bruised it is
best for the herbs to be in a ground form.
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Pour boiling hot
water over the powder - enough hot water to make a thick
paste.
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Apply the paste in a layer about 1/4th inch thick on a
piece of cotton cloth large enough to cover the area completely.
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The cloth can be gauze or a light material, to insure that
the herbs can penetrate through.
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To keep
the heat in cover with a piece of plastic.
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Leave it on until the herbs have cooled.
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As a side note: Whole
herbs can be used as well. Do not reuse the same poultice. Clean
cloth is needed each time the problem area is addresses.
The poultice is to be used on an area that has been thoroughly
cleaned. Poultices can be used for eruptions, boils,
carbuncles and abscesses and infected wounds.
Herbal Baths:
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2
to 4 of your favorite herbs.
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Place into reusable tea bag and
toss into the bath tub.
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Insure that you do not use any herbs
that can cause inflammation.
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If not wanting to use in bath,
this can be used as a loofa in the shower.
Herbal Extracts:
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1:4
ratio. 1 ounce of herbs to 4 ounces of vodka or brandy.
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Place in bottle that can be sealed tightly.
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Pour alcohol over
the
herbs insuring that the herbs are completely cover, even if it takes
more liquid to do this.
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Let this mixture age for 6 weeks,
slightly shaking it everyday. You may find that you will need to add
more alcohol to insure that the liquid is all the way to the top of
the container.
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Do not put this in direct sunlight.
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After 6
weeks drain, and use as directed.
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Label
the jar with date, contents, and ingredients
Salves and Ointments:
Choose herbs with healing, soothing properties to
prepare your own salves and ointments to apply to sore skin and
wounds. Simply combine an infused oil with chosen herbs and beeswax.
- Pour 3-4 fluid ounces of an infused oil into a
glass bowl, and place over a pot of boiling water.
- Add small, square piece of beeswax to the
infused oil, stirring constantly until the wax has completely
melted. If not thick enough add more beeswax, very small
pieces at a time. The beeswax will thicken the mixture,
giving it just the right consistency.
- Pour the warm liquid into small, dark ointment
jars.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Always label, with date, herbs used, quantity used, and
what the reason you made the mixture.
What! There's MORE
Podcasting
- How to make an extract
Tea
- A Perfect Cup - Brewing Times
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