Herbal Medicine Glossary

Teas

Typically, herbal teas are taken 3 or 4 times a day, with about a teaspoon of herb per cup. Herbal medicinal teas are not necessarily "tasty". You aren't "celebrating the moments of your life", you are healing yourself!! Beverage style herbal teas are generally too weak to be of use medicinally. I find it helps to add a touch of honey to the tea. That way it is a much more pleasant experience.

Methods for preparing teas:

Infusion

Pour hot water over the herbs, cover, and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. By covering the container, you retain the heat-sensitive essential oils. Strain the herbs out before use.

Decoction

Gently simmer the herbs in water for 15 to 30 minutes. Strain before use.

Cold Infusion

For very delicate varieties of aromatic herbs and flowers, soak in cold water for about 8 hours.

Tinctures:
Tinctures take a little more time to prepare initially than teas do, but the end result is a very concentrated, easily carried, easily used herbal extract that can be stored for years. Tinctures can be used straight, per instructions given, or mixed with juice or water. This is a great aid when the taste of the herb is objectionable. Once prepared, tinctures can be easily measured for use by using calibrated eyedroppers found at health food and drug stores.

Alcohol Tincture

Place one ounce of finely chopped, dried or powdered herbs in a glass jar and cover with 5 ounces of vodka (use 100 or 80 proof). Vodka is used since it only contains alcohol and water. Cover the container tightly and store somplace dark for two weeks at room temperature. Shake the contents around once or twice a day. At the end of the two weeks, strain the contents and store the liquid in a tightly sealed container. The tincture should keep for several years.

Glycerite Tincture

The amount of alcohol that you consume when using tinctures is very minimal. However, if you have medical, religious, or moral objections to alcohol try this: Place one ounce of finely chopped herbs in a jar and cover with 6 ounces of glycerin and 4 ounces of distilled water. Glycerin is found in two forms. Animal glycerin can be purchased in pharmacies, and vegetable glycerin can be found in natural food stores. Cover the mixture tightly and shake once or twice daily for two weeks. Strain out the herbs and store the liquid in a dark place. Will keep up to two years.

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