How to Use Bulk Herbs

Bulk herbs can be used in many ways.  To get the most benefit from your herbs you first need to look at the form.  Are they a powder, whole or cut?  Powders are most commonly used in capsule, either as a single herb capsule or part of a formula.  If the herb is whole or cut you need to next look at what part of the plant the herb is from.  Is it a root, bark, twig, leaf, etc.?  You will want to process each part of the plant differently to get the most out of your herbs.  Below is a list of methods to use bulk herbs.

Herb Powders                                                              

Make your own money saving capsules.

Ingredients You'll Need: 

Finely powdered herbs of your choice
Empty gelatin or veggie-based capsules 
Optional but handy: a capsule-filling machine

Step-by-Step Instructions:
First, measure out your powdered herbs with care. Spread the amount evenly across a clean, flat surface to make the process smoother.

Using a spoon or your capsule machine, gently load the capsules with the powder. Don’t get too eager—avoid overstuffing the capsules.

With a light press, snap the two halves of the capsule together until they securely click.

Continue the filling process, repeating the steps until every bit of your powdered herb has been tucked neatly into its capsule home.

Once done, stash your filled capsules in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry spot to keep them fresh and potent.

Creating your own herbal capsules gives you control over not just the dose, but also the quality and purity of what you’re taking—a customized, mindful approach to herbal supplementation.

Reminder: Always check in with a healthcare professional before introducing any new herbs into your routine, especially for medicinal use. Tailor the recipe to fit your needs, and make sure to store the capsules properly so their potency doesn’t fade over time. The best container to store the capsules in is an air tight jar, like a mason jar, and keep it in a dark place.   As it is best to keep the jar out of sunlight. 

 

Tea - Brewing A Perfect Cup Of Herbal Tea.

How to Make Herbal Tea: A Simple Guide 

Teas are the perfect choice when working with delicate herbs such as leaves, soft fruits, or flowers. However, if you're using harder herbs like roots, stems, twigs, or tough berries, you might need to look into making a decoction, as these herbs require longer steeping times to extract their full benefits. 

Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe for brewing herbal tea: 

Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (or 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs)
• 1 cup of boiling water (make sure to check the ideal brewing temperature for different herbs)
• Honey or another sweetener (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Herbs: If you're using fresh herbs, rinse them under cool water and chop them to release their natural oils.
2. Steep the Herbs: Place your prepared herbs into a heat-safe mug or teapot. Pour boiling water over the herbs, covering them fully.
3. Let It Steep: Allow the herbs to steep for 5-10 minutes. Remember, the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor—and sometimes the more bitter it becomes. Adjust steeping time according to your taste preference.
4. Strain the Tea: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the herbs and pour the tea into your cup.
5. Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer your tea sweet, add a bit of honey or your favorite sweetener. Stir well.
6. Enjoy: Sip your tea while it’s still warm to fully appreciate the flavors and benefits. 

Why Make Herbal Tea? 

Herbal teas can be enjoyed simply for their flavor or as a natural way to support your health. You can create your tea with various herbs, each bringing unique flavors and potential health benefits like soothing digestion, boosting the immune system, or promoting relaxation. 

Note: The proportions and steeping times may vary depending on the type of herbs used and how strong you want your tea. Experiment with different herbs to find the perfect combination for your needs. 

 

Decoction  How to Make an Herbal Decoction: A Step-by-Step Guide

Decoctions are ideal for extracting the full benefits from tougher, denser herbs like stems, roots, barks, hard berries, and seeds. Unlike teas, decoctions require a longer cooking process to break down these harder herbs and release their medicinal properties. You can enjoy decoctions as a tea or use them for foot soaks, eyewashes, or other herbal remedies.
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started: 
Ingredients:   

1 cup of dried herbs (or 2 cups of fresh herbs)
4 cups of water
Instructions:

Prepare the Herbs: If you're using fresh herbs, rinse and chop them to release their active compounds.
Add Herbs and Water: Place the herbs in a large saucepan and pour 4 cups of water over them.
Bring to a Boil: Heat the mixture on the stove until it reaches a rolling boil.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and allow the herbs to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. For harder herbs like roots, you may want to simmer for up to 30 minutes to extract all the beneficial compounds.
Strain the Liquid: After simmering, strain the decoction through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Press down on the herbs with a spoon or spatula to get every last drop of goodness.
Serve or Store: Pour the decoction into a mug and enjoy it while warm. If you have extra, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Why Make a Decoction?
Decoctions are incredibly versatile. You can drink them as a strong tea, use them in foot soaks for relaxation, or even apply them as eyewashes for specific conditions. This long-cooking method extracts more potent active compounds from tough herbs, making decoctions a great choice for deeper healing or more intensive remedies.
Note: Depending on the herbs you're using and the desired strength, you may need to adjust the amount of herbs and cooking time. Feel free to experiment with different herbs to find the best combination for your needs.  

Quick Tip: While the decoction can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, it's best to consume it fresh for maximum potency and flavor. 

 

Tincture - Also Known As Liquid Extracts 

How to Make an Herbal Tincture: A Simple Guide 

Tinctures are highly concentrated herbal extracts, typically made with alcohol, allowing for smaller doses compared to teas, decoctions, or powders. This method extracts the most potent properties of herbs and can preserve them for years. When preparing a tincture, it's best to cut the herbs into small, uniform pieces, and harder herbs may need to be lightly crushed to help release their active compounds. 

Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe for making your own herbal tincture: 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of dried herbs (or 2 cups of fresh herbs)
• 80-100 proof alcohol (such as vodka or brandy), or a mixture of alcohol and water (2 parts alcohol, 1 part water)
• A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid 

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Herbs: Rinse and chop fresh herbs into small pieces. For harder herbs, lightly crush them to help release their beneficial compounds. Place the prepared herbs in a clean glass jar.
2. Add Alcohol: Pour the alcohol over the herbs, making sure they are fully submerged. If you are using a mixture of alcohol and water, maintain a ratio of 2 parts alcohol to 1 part water.
3. Seal and Shake: Tightly close the jar and give it a good shake to mix the herbs and alcohol.
4. Infuse: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar daily to help with the extraction process and ensure that the active compounds are fully released from the herbs.
5. Strain and Bottle: After 4-6 weeks, strain the tincture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle. Press down on the herbs to extract every drop of liquid.
6. Label and Store: Label the bottle with the name of the herb and the date it was made. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place, where it will keep for several years. 

Why Make a Tincture? 

Tinctures are perfect for those who need a potent and long-lasting herbal remedy. They offer a concentrated dose of active compounds, allowing you to take just a few drops at a time, either in water, juice, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Tinctures are convenient, easy to store, and maintain their potency for several years when properly preserved.

 Note: The strength of the tincture can vary based on the herbs used and their desired potency. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance on dosages and specific herbal properties. 

Quick Tip: Shaking the jar daily during the infusion process helps ensure that the alcohol thoroughly extracts the herb’s active compounds, resulting in a more potent tincture.

 

Syrups & Gargles - Syrups, also called bitters or elixirs, are easy to make and a convenient way to use herbs.    

 

How to Make Herbal Syrups: A Simple Guide 

Syrups, also known as bitters or elixirs, are an easy and convenient way to use herbs in your daily routine. Whether you're looking to sweeten your tea or soothe a sore throat with a gargle, herbal syrups are a versatile and delicious option. Plus, they’re simple to make at home, giving you full control over the ingredients and sweetness. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide for creating your own herbal syrup: 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dried herbs (or 2 cups of fresh herbs)
• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of sugar or an alternative sweetener (such as honey or maple syrup)
• 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice (optional, for preservation)

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Herbs: If you're using fresh herbs, rinse them well and chop them into smaller pieces to release their beneficial properties. Place the herbs in a large saucepan.
2. Add Water and Simmer: Pour 2 cups of water over the herbs in the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to extract the herbal goodness.
3. Strain the Liquid: Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the herb mixture into a bowl, pressing down on the herbs to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
4. Add Sweetener: Pour the strained herbal liquid back into the saucepan. Add the sugar or your preferred alternative sweetener. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
5. Cool and Preserve: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. If you’d like, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to help preserve the syrup and add a hint of citrus flavor.
6. Store: Pour the cooled syrup into a clean glass jar. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 6 months.

Why Make Herbal Syrups? 

Herbal syrups are more than just a sweet treat. They offer a practical way to take herbs, whether you’re adding them to your morning tea, drizzling them over pancakes, or using them as a gargle for sore throats. You can also adjust the recipe to match your taste and herbal needs, making syrups a versatile addition to your herbal toolkit. 

Note: The recipe may vary depending on the herbs you choose and the desired potency. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like honey or agave to suit your taste and dietary preferences. 

Ways to Use Herbal Syrups: 

• In Tea: Add a spoonful to hot or cold tea for a flavorful, herbal boost.
• As a Gargle: Use as a soothing gargle for throat irritation or to freshen breath.
• On Breakfast Foods: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a sweet herbal infusion.
• As a Topping: Pour over desserts like ice cream or yogurt for a natural, herbal sweetness. 

Quick Tip: To make your syrup last longer, consider adding a natural preservative like lemon juice or store the syrup in smaller batches and freeze for future use. 

 

How to Make an Herbal Balm: A Step-by-Step Guide

Herbal balms, salves, and hand balms are excellent for topical use, offering a natural and calming way to nourish your skin. Whether you’re looking to moisturize, heal, or soothe inflamed skin, creating your own herbal balm is simple and allows for complete customization to fit your needs.

Below is a straightforward recipe for making an all-natural herbal balm:

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of carrier oil (such as olive, coconut, or almond oil)
• 1 ounce of beeswax
• 2 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs
• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil (optional, for added preservation)
• Essential oils of your choice (optional, for fragrance and additional benefits)
• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Herbs: If you’re using fresh herbs, rinse them thoroughly and chop them into small pieces to help release their active compounds. Dried herbs can be used as they are.
2. Melt the Beeswax and Oil: In a small saucepan, combine the carrier oil, beeswax, and herbs. Heat the mixture gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until the beeswax is fully melted and the herbs are infused into the oil. This process should take about 10-15 minutes.
3. Cool the Mixture: Once the beeswax has melted and the herbs have infused, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, giving the herbs time to further release their beneficial properties into the oil.
4. Heat the Water: In a separate saucepan, bring the distilled water to a boil.
5. Mix the Water with Herb Oil: Carefully pour the hot water over the herb-infused oil mixture. Let the herbs steep for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the benefits of the herbs to be drawn into the liquid.
6. Strain the Mixture: Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the mixture into a clean bowl. Press down on the herbs to extract every drop of infused oil and liquid.
7. Add Essential Oils and Vitamin E: If you’re using vitamin E oil or essential oils, now is the time to stir them in. These additions not only enhance the balm’s fragrance but also offer extra skin benefits and help to preserve the balm for longer use.
8. Pour into a Jar: Carefully pour the mixture into a clean glass jar, and let it cool completely before sealing the lid.
9. Label and Store: Label the jar with the ingredients and the date it was made. Store it in a cool, dark place to ensure it stays fresh. The balm will keep for several months when stored properly.

Why Make an Herbal Balm?

Making your own herbal balm is a fantastic way to avoid harmful chemicals found in commercial products. Herbal balms provide soothing moisture, help protect and heal minor skin irritations, and are excellent for dry or sensitive skin. Plus, you get to select the herbs, oils, and essential oils that best suit your specific skin needs.

Note: Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. For a firmer balm, add more beeswax. If you prefer a softer balm, reduce the amount of beeswax and increase the carrier oil.

Ways to Use Your Herbal Balm:

• As a Skin Moisturizer: Apply a small amount to dry or chapped skin for deep hydration.
• Healing Salve: Use the balm on minor cuts, burns, or scrapes to promote faster healing.
• Hand Balm: Ideal for dry hands, especially during the winter months or after frequent washing.
• Lip Balm: Use as a nourishing lip balm to protect against dryness and cracking.
• Massage Balm: Add your favorite essential oils for a calming and moisturizing massage balm.

Quick Tip: To extend the shelf life of your herbal balm, keep it away from heat and sunlight. Adding vitamin E oil also helps preserve the balm, preventing it from going rancid over time.  

Bath - 

 

Topical - How to Make Herbal Infusions for Topical Use: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Herbs can be transformed into a variety of natural skin and body care products by making herb-infused oils or decoctions. These can be used to create balms, salves, body butters, lotions, and ointments. You can also use a decoction for compresses, body spritzers, or as a nourishing rinse for your skin or hair. The process is simple and offers a chemical-free way to enhance your skincare routine with the healing properties of herbs. 

Here’s a guide to making your own herb-infused oils and decoctions for topical use: 

Herb-Infused Oils for Balms, Salves, Body Butters, and Lotions 

Herb-infused oils are an excellent base for making homemade skincare products. Once you have your infused oil, it can be used to create soothing balms, moisturizing body butters, or nourishing lotions. 

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Oils: 

• 1 cup of dried herbs (calendula, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, etc.)
• 1-2 cups of carrier oil (olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil)
• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid 

Instructions for Herb-Infused Oils: 

1. Prepare the Herbs: Start by selecting dried herbs, as they work best for oil infusions. Place the herbs into a clean, dry glass jar.
2. Add the Oil: Pour your chosen carrier oil over the herbs until they are fully submerged. Leave a small gap at the top of the jar to allow for expansion.
3. Infuse the Herbs: Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny spot for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily to help the oil absorb the herbal properties.
4. Strain the Oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing the herbs to extract every last drop.
5. Store: Pour the infused oil into a clean, airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place. Your herb-infused oil can be used as a base for balms, lotions, or salves. 

Using a Decoction for Compresses, Body Spritzers, or Rinses 

Decoctions are perfect for creating herbal treatments that you can apply directly to the skin or hair. Use a decoction in compresses to relieve sore muscles, as a refreshing body spritzer, or as a nourishing rinse for your hair. 

Ingredients for Herbal Decoctions: 

• 1 cup of dried herbs (nettles, rosemary, chamomile, peppermint, etc.)
• 4 cups of water
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth 

Instructions for Making a Decoction: 

1. Prepare the Herbs and Water: Place your herbs into a saucepan and pour 4 cups of water over them.
2. Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-30 minutes, depending on the strength desired.
3. Strain the Decoction: Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing down on the herbs to extract all the goodness.
4. Use the Decoction: Once cooled, the decoction can be applied to a compress for muscle relief, poured into a spray bottle for a refreshing body spritzer, or used as a hair rinse for added shine and nourishment. 

Why Make Herbal Infusions and Decoctions for Topical Use? 

Creating herb-infused oils and decoctions allows you to harness the natural benefits of herbs to soothe, heal, and moisturize your skin. These remedies are free from synthetic chemicals and can be tailored to your skin’s unique needs by choosing the herbs that work best for your desired outcome. Plus, they’re simple to make at home! 

Note: Always test herbal products on a small patch of skin to ensure there’s no sensitivity or allergic reaction before applying them more broadly. 

Ways to Use Your Herbal Infusions and Decoctions: 

• Herb-Infused Oils: Use as a base for homemade balms, salves, or body butters.
• Compress: Soak a cloth in the decoction and apply to sore muscles or inflamed skin for relief.
• Body Spritzer: Pour the cooled decoction into a spray bottle for a refreshing, hydrating body mist.
• Hair Rinse: After shampooing, pour the decoction over your hair as a natural rinse to enhance shine and scalp health. 

Quick Tip: For a longer-lasting herb-infused oil, add a few drops of vitamin E oil to your mixture. It acts as a natural preservative and extends the shelf life of your homemade creations.