Herbal Information
When you are studying and working with herbs, there is a lot of information available with a little research. If you noticed on all of the herbs I carry at my eCrater store, I only list a few properties on each one; along with some of its magical properties. I did this because I have always felt, if you are interested enough about taking something, you would want to find out all you can about it.
On this page I want to list some things that some of you may already know and some may not. Working with herbs; like everything else will be done differently by everyone. The things I share are things I have learned along my way. I also believe that everyone will learn about herbs the way they need too. Many, years ago I studied under the Austrian Herbal College and although I learned a few basic things, I decided the best way to work with herbs for me was to go to more than one source. So let's begin and I will share some things with you.
Disclaimer: I believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs. I personally use them and have studied them well over 25 years. Under NO Circumstances am I prescribing or giving any kind of medical advice. Everything I list on the labels are considered to be "Folk-Lore" remedies. Always research any herb you are not familiar with and ALWAYS consult your medical doctor before taking any herb with your regular medication.
Herbal Infusion:
An infusion is just a regular medicinal tea. I always mix up a small batch of herbal mixtures (for colds and so on) so I can make more than one cup if I want or need too. ALWAYS STORE YOUR HERBS IN MASON JARS OR AN AIR TIGHT CONTAINER (GLASS IS BETTER) AND STORE AWAY FROM SUNLIGHT.
To make an infusion, use about 1 quart of distilled/spring/purified water and bring it to a boil. Use 2-3 teaspoons of the herbal mixture you made and place it in a heat proof container. Pour your boiling water over the herbs, cover and let it steep for 15-20 minutes.
Let's say you got up this morning and your stomach was upset: Use 1 teaspoon of chamomile, 1 teaspoon of rose petals and 1 teaspoon peppermint. Pour your boiling water over these herbs, cover and let it steep 15-20 minutes. Strain through a cheese cloth (which you can rinse, dry and use again) and drink a cup of the tea. Save the rest and drink a little later. I personally love this mixture hot or cold. You can add a little honey or whatever sweetener you like. Just space out the servings.
Decoctions:
There are several different methods to making decoction. I am going to share the method I use, but before I do~what is a decoction? A decoction is used mainly for brewing roots, barks, and seeds. Decoctions enables you to extract more tenacious plant material.
Bring a quart of distilled/spring/purified water to a boil. Add your herbs (the more herbs you add the stronger the decoction will be) and turn the heat down very low and simmer for 20 minutes. Be sure to keep the pot covered at all times! You do not want any of the steam to escape. After 20 minutes, take off the stove and leave on your kitchen counter over night with the lid still on the pot. You could also use your crock-pot and cook longer to make it very strong.
The next morning use some cheese-cloth and strain the decoction and put into a mason jar. Be sure to store it in the refrigerator. This brew will stay good for several days. I personally go by the three day rule only. A decoction does not have preservatives in it, therefore it can spoil pretty fast. When you use it, try to start with a teaspoon or a tablespoon depending on what herbs you use. If you are making a medicinal decoction for a certain sickness, like the flu or a cold, I have taken a tablespoon 4 times a day with good results.
Dosage:
In order for herbs to work, they must be used with consistency. Depending on what the health element is, if it is chronic or acute; is how you would determine the amount to use.
If you are dealing with chronic problems you would make a quart of tea everyday and drink 3-4 cups throughout the day~as an example, depression. Drinking 3-4 cups a day will help to balance out the dosage of the herbs you would need to take~to keep your energy balanced.
If the problem is acute, as an example sinus infection, you would drink 1/4 cup of tea every half hour or so, several times a day until the sinus pressure eases up.
Tinctures:
Again the method I am going to share with you is my method. Just as with the decoction, there are also several methods to make tincture. I make more of a strong herbal concentrate that last about 9 months in the fridge, plus I use a vegetable glycerin as a preservative. A regular tincture can last up to a few years because the herbs are infused with Ever-Clear or vodka.
Take a mason jar and fill it half full with your herbal combination, add 1/3 cup vegetable glycerin and 2 1/2 cups of distilled water. Infuse these herbs for 2 week, making sure to keep the jar out of direct sunlight.
After two weeks, strain the herbs using cheese-cloth (and remember to squeeze out all of the moisture in the cheese-cloth) Store in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid. Label the jar with the date you made it, dosage and expiration date.
Here is one of my combinations I created for my own sleep disorder:
1/4 cup Valerian root
1/4 cup skullcap
3/4 cup passion flower
1/3 cup vegetable glycerin
2 cups distilled water
Infuse for two weeks. Use one tablespoon in a 1/4 glass of water a little before going to bed. The batch I made, lasted from October or July or August the next year.
