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.

how to use herbs, what is the right method to use for herbs, teas, extracts, tinctures, soups, ointments, salves, eyeswashes

Herb Powders                                                              

Make your own capsules

empty capsules to save moneyHere is a general guide for encapsulating your own powdered herbs:

Ingredients:

Powdered herbs
Empty gelatin or vegetarian capsules (available at health food stores or online)
A capsule machine (optional but helpful)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the powdered herbs by measuring the desired amount and spreading it evenly on a clean surface.
  2. Fill the empty capsules with the powder using a spoon or capsule machine. Be careful not to over-fill the capsules.
  3. Gently press the two halves of the capsule together until they snap into place.
  4. Repeat the filling process until all of the powder has been used.
  5. Store the filled capsules in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place.

Encapsulating your own powdered herbs is a convenient way to take herbal supplements, and allows you to control the
potency and purity of the herbs you are using.

Note: Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbs for medicinal purposes, and adjust the recipe as needed for your specific needs. Additionally, it is important to properly store the encapsulated herbs to ensure they retain their potency and freshness

 

Teas, Infusing tea, Infusions, How to make an infusion

Tea - Teas are perfect for the more delicate herbs such as leaves, soft fruits and flowers.  If using hard dense herbs such as roots, twigs, stems, or hard berries, please review how to make a decoction.   As these herb forms can also be used as a tea but require longer steeping times.

Here is a general recipe for making an herbal tea:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and chop the herbs (if using fresh herbs).
  2. Place the herbs in a heat-resistant mug.
  3. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 5-10 minutes. 
    The longer the steep usually the more bitter it becomes.
  4. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a cup.
  5. Sweeten with honey or other sweetener, if desired.
  6. Enjoy the tea while still warm.

This herbal tea can be consumed as a beverage or used as a base for other herbal remedies. The tea can be made with a variety of herbs, each with its own unique flavor and potential health benefits.

Note: The recipe may vary depending on the specific herbs used and their desired potency.

 

decoctions using bulk herbs, how to decoct bulk herbs

Decoction -  Decoctions allow for longer cooking time, perfect for the harder herbs such as stems, roots, barks, hard berries and seeds.  Drink the decoction like a tea. A foot soak, or even an eyewash.  

Here is a general recipe for making an herbal decoction:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried herbs or 2 cups fresh herbs
  • 4 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and chop the herbs (if using fresh herbs), and place them in a large saucepan.
  2. Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain the herb mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, and press down on the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.
  5. Pour the decoction into a mug or other heat-resistant container, and enjoy while still warm.

This decoction can be used as a tea or as a base for other herbal remedies. The decoction will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Note: The recipe may vary depending on the specific herbs used and their desired potency.

 

Tictures and extracts. How to make a ticture, using bulk herbs

Tincture - Tinctures are potent herbal extracts (usually made with alcohol) allowing you to take smaller doses as compared to a decoction, tea or regular powder.  You want the herbs to be cut into small uniform pieces, harder herbs may need to be slightly crushed.

Here is a general recipe for making an herbal tincture:

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and chop the herbs (if using fresh herbs), and place them in a glass jar.
  2. Fill the jar with enough alcohol to completely cover the herbs. If using a mixture of alcohol and water, use a ratio of 2 parts alcohol to 1 part water.
  3. Close the jar tightly and shake well.
  4. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily to help extract the herbs' active compounds.
  5. Strain the tincture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle.
  6. Label the bottle with the name of the herb and the date, and store in a cool, dark place.

The tincture can be taken as a dietary supplement by adding a few drops to a glass of water or juice, or as directed by a healthcare professional. The tincture will keep for several years if stored properly.

Note: The recipe may vary depending on the specific herbs used and their desired potency. 

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

syrups and gargles on to use them and how to make your own usiing herbs

Here is a general recipe for making an herbal syrup:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried herbs or 2 cups fresh herbs
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar or alternative sweetener
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and chop the herbs (if using fresh herbs), and place them in a large saucepan.
  2. Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the herb mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, and press down on the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.
  4. Pour the herb liquid back into the saucepan and add the sugar (or alternative sweetener). Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
  5. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
  6. Stir in lemon juice, if desired, to help preserve the syrup.
  7. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator.

This herbal syrup can be used as a sweetener in tea or other beverages, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Note: The recipe may vary depending on the specific herbs used and their desired potency.

Use in creams, lotions, balms, salves and other topical applications

facials and topical herbal treatmentsHere is a general recipe for making an herbal cream:
Ingredients:

2 ounces of a 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)

Essential oils of your choice (optional)

Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

Rinse and chop the herbs (if using fresh herbs).
In a saucepan, combine the carrier oil, beeswax, and herbs.
Heat the mixture over low heat until the beeswax is fully melted.
Remove the mixture from heat and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
In a separate saucepan, heat the distilled water until it comes to a boil.
Pour the hot water over the herb mixture, and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl.
Add the vitamin E oil and essential oils, if using, and stir to combine.
  • Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow to cool completely.
  • Label the jar with the ingredients and date, and store in a cool, dark place.
  • This herbal cream can be used as a topical skin moisturizer or as a base for other topical herbal remedies.
  • The cream will keep for several months if stored properly.
  • Note: The recipe may vary depending on the specific herbs used and their desired potency.
  • Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbs for medicinal purposes, and adjust the recipe as needed for your specific needs.
     

 

bath1.pngBath - Simply add the herbs of your choice to your bath or foot bath.  To keep it less messy put the herbs in a muslin bag and toss it in the water.  If using roots, twigs or hard berries as your herbs, you will want them cut in smaller pieces.


balms-1.pngTopical - You can make herb infused oils to make your own balms, salves, body butters, lotions and ointments.  Or use a decoction to use in a compress, body spritzer or as a rinse on you skin or hair.


spices-1.pngCooking - Herbs have been used for centuries in cooking and are an easy way to add additional health benefits and nutrients into your daily routine.  If you don't want pieces in your food use a reusable muslin bag to hold the herbs.