Herbal Glossary

Decoction Place 1 ounce of herb in 1 pint of water.  Make certain that the roots are put in to boil before the leaves.  Once the water has come to a boil, simmer for about 30 minutes, COVERED.  The let it cool completely.  Strain and use as directed. Gem Elixir Elixirs are like potions, and gem elixirs use the natural energy of a crystal with the energy of the sun or the moon to create a specific magickal effect.  To prepare an elixir, choose a stone for it's magickal properties and place it in distilled water.  Then, place it either the light of the sun or moon (depending on what energy you want) for 2 weeks.  It is recommeded keeping the top of your container covered with cloth if you plan to drink the elixir; the cloth keeps out the dust and bugs.  These elixirs can also be used in baths. Infusion An infusion is the original form of a potion; it is not unlike a tea in quality.  To prepare an infusion, pour boiling water over your herb in the proportions of 1 ounce of the herb to 1 pint of water (however, you may need much less of the herb for herbs that infuse quickly in water).  Steep for 15 to 30 minutes until a tea is formed.  Use as directed. Macerate Macerate means to extract and soften through the use of a liquid, usually an oil.  For most purposes, it will generally refer to the process of steeping an herb in fat, as is done with salve and ointments.  The best oils to use are almond and sesame.  Warm 1 cup of oil over low flame.  Wrap 1/2 ounce of the herbs in cheese cloth and place them in the oil to soak.  Continue until the herbs have lost their colour and the oil is rich with the scent. Ointment An ointment is a fatty substance, such as lard, to which herbs are added.  Choose herbs according to the effect you desire to create.  For healing ointments, choose the herbs that correspond to the physical ailment.  Here is the recipe:  Steep 3 teaspoons of herb in 1 cup of fat; heat and steep it several times nad it should prove very nice.  If you like, you may leave the herb in the ointment for a stronger effect.  If you do not want to use animal fat, vegetable shortening is a good alternative, and smells much nicer!  It works fastaically well with almond and saffron.  All ointments should be kept cool and in air-tight containers for best results.  In magikcal use, ointments work best when applied to pulse points or chakars. Poppet A small doll made of various substances to influence a person's life.  It is usually either a carved root or a cloth image stuffed with herbs.  The use to poppets is known as "image magic". Poultice A poultice is made from finely ground, moistened herbs.  A basic recipe is:  Add 1/2 ounce of the herb to 1/2 ounce of boiling water; steep.  Once the herbs have been fully dampened, strain the water and place herbs in gauze or cheese cloth and apply it directly to the affected area.  This can be a bit messy, so be sure to have a towel handy.  They work fairly well, especially for rashes and other mild skin disorders. Tincture A solution of herbs and alcohol is a tincture.  The basic recipe is 4 ounces of herb steeped in 8 ounces of alcohol for about 2 weeks for a reasonable tincture.  The bottle containing the mixture should be sealed and left in a dark area.  I have also had success with combining fresh and infused herbs, adding alcohol, and then leaving them in the sunlight.  Take care, as alcohol should not be allowed to get too warm; it can evaporate or internal pressure can explode a bottle. Wash A wash is a tea or infusion meant only for external use.  A mild form of a wash would be 1/4 ounce herb to 1 pint of boiling water, steeped until lukewarm and then applied. Witch Bottle A bottle or jar containing herbs, pins, shards of glass, and other objects designed to protect a person or area from evil and "curses".  Usually buried or placed in a window. Wort An old term meaning "herb".  The herb Mugwort preserves the term.