How to Make Herbal Remedies

Learning about the healing benefits of herbs and herbal medicine is often a life altering, if not at least eye opening experience for most people. I know I spent months collecting lists, reading books and comparing research, so that I could come to my own conclusion as to what would work best for me. Becoming a more educated consumer, also benefited my pocketbook once I learned that I did not need to purchase high end herbal remedies. I knew what the basic herbs were in the high end product, and I purchased them separately as tinctures and teas. I felt like a genius the day I figured that out. And as time with my new lifestyle progressed I eventually came to the same conclusion as I do with all things consumable in my home; how do I make this myself? How do I make this more sustainable? This method of healing was around long before modern medicine came along. How did healers and doctors administer their medicine?

The answer is quite simple. The teas, tinctures, oils and salves that fill the shelves at your local Whole Foods are exactly how these remedies have always been administered. It's much more economical to make them at home compared to purchasing even teas and tinctures in the store. The final price can be a tenth of the cost in some cases. And, as always, the containers can be reused, therefore making the process more sustainable as well as economical.

A tincture is herbs that have been dried and steeped in vodka. Make by simply:

• Placing an ounce or more of dried herbs in a glass jar with enough vodka to cover the herbs by two inches.
• Place the mixture in a cool, dry place and let it steep for up to 3 weeks being sure to shake the jar daily to avoid allowing the herbs to settle.
• When the mixture is ready, strain the herbs through cheese cloth.
• Compost the herbs and put the tincture in a dark glass bottle being sure to keep it away from light.

Tinctures can also be made using glycerine. Known as glycerites, most people prefer vegetable glycerine, but there is also a petroleum option.

• Make a solution of water and glycerine in a container separate from the dried herbs (60%-75% water to 25%-40% glycerin).
• Add this solution to the herbs for steeping. Leave a 1/4" of herbs from the bottom of the jar if pouring the liquid on top, or 1/4"of the herbs from the top of the liquid, if pouring the liquid in first.
• If the herbs soak up the solution, add more until it stops. Steep for at least two weeks, shaking daily.
• The finishing process is the same as when steeping in alcohol.

When the time comes to use the tincture, the amount to be consumed will be determined by the ailment and could be as few as a couple of drops or as much as several tablespoons. Be sure to do your research, have a talk with someone at your local health food store, or, if you're lucky enough to have an open minded physician, see what he or she thinks is best. If you would like to eliminate the alcohol from the dosage, add the desired amount to 1/4 to 1/2 cup of boiling water, letting it stand for at least five minutes before consuming or applying to the skin.

An herbal infusion is simply a tea made from the flowers, leaves, and seeds of dried or fresh herbs.

To make your own,

• pour one cup of boiling water over 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried (or 2-4 tsp. of fresh) herbs,
• cover and allow them to steep for ten to fifteen minutes
• then strain.
• For the strongest infusion, steep the herbs until the water has cooled to room temperature.

You can also apply an infusion directly to your skin, or add it to a bath. Infusions will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

A decoction is a tea made from the tough parts of a plant, such as the roots or bark. Similar to an infusion, a decoction is made the following way:

• Simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs in a pot of water for about fifteen to twenty minutes
• Be sure the pot is covered.
• Then strain.
• As with an infusion, if you want a stronger preparation, allow it to steep until it is cooled before straining.

Useful for applying herbs topically or for massage, infused oils are easy to make. Simply combine dried herbs and a good quality oil such olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or sunflower oil.

• Combine 1/2 cup of dried herbs with 1 cup of good-quality oil.
• Use a widemouthed jar to hold the mixture, cover it, and let it stand in a sunny place for about two weeks.
• Strain the oil through a mesh strainer lined with several layers of cheesecloth.
• For a quicker method, place your covered jar of herbs and oil in a shallow pan filled with enough water to cover the lower half of the jar. Put the pan into the oven, set it to its lowest possible temperature, and heat for several hours. Allow the mixture to cool before straining it.
• Store for up to several months in a cool, dark place.

Another popular way to use herbs topically, a salve is like a cream for the skin. It can be made from any infused oils you create for medicinal benefits, or with plain, uninfused oil for simple skin protection.

• Combine 1/2 cup of the oil with 1/8 cup of grated beeswax
• Place the mixture over a low heat until the beeswax melts. Be sure to use a double boiler or a mixing bowl over a pot of hot water.  Never heat beeswax directly over a burner.
• Pour the mixture into a widemouthed glass jar, or balm container.
• Allow it to cool.
• Then cover.
• Store in a dark place.
• Salves will keep for several months.