| Poultice To make a poultice, bruise the leaves of the herbs you are using (or chop the roots or bark), or use dried herbs; place in a muslin bag or cloth- tying securely with string. Leave enough string free so that you can easily lift the bag from the water. Place the bag with the herbs into boiling water, and simmer gently for ten minutes (this timing may vary), then lift the bag out and place on the skin when it is cool enough. The water may be used again for bathing the affected area, so please don't dispose of it disregarding this extra usefulness (see 'compress') Another way of making a poultice is to use dried herbs, mixed to a paste with water (boiled); place the mixture over gauze and onto the affected area. Fresh herbs, bruised, may be applied directly to the affected area, and this is also called a poultice. |
| Decoction This is prepared by first cutting or bruising the herb, or grounding bark and roots. Using an enamel pan (or stainless still- alumnium is not acceptable), place the herbs into the pot, and pour on cold water. The mixture is quickly heated and boiled for 20 to 30 minutes (stirring often), cooled and strained. If the mixture is to be drunk, it is best to do so when still warm. |
| Infusion These are made using ground or bruised root, seeds, bark, or the herb itself, and pouring boiling water over them. Leave to stand (covered) for between 10 and 30 minutes. Occasionally you may need to stir the mixture. The resulting liquid is then strained and used. Cold infusions are sometimes used if the healing properties of the herb can be yeilded without heat. Infusions are most popular today sold as pre-packaged herbal tea. |
| Tincture This seems to be the most prescribed form of herbal medication. To make a tincture, place the ground or chopped dried herb in a container with 40 percent alcohol (usually gin or vodka), and leave covered for two weeks, out of sunlight. The tincture can then be decanted into dark glass bottles/jars (dark to keep out sunlight). Tinctures are highly concentrated, and are used in extremely small amounts. One or two drops is usually enough. If the alcohol content is a concern when using the tincture, place a few drops into hot water, and the alcohol will evaporate. The water can then be drunk. |
| DRYING YOUR HERBS There are just a few things to say on this subject. In the drying of herbs: If the whole plant can be used, and thus needs drying, do so by hanging the plant upside down. The length of time will vary with each herb, but it must be thoroughly dried. Roots must be washed, and then scraped. After this, you must chop the root into small pieces and ensure they are dried thoroughly. Bulbs are usually tied together in bunches and strung up to dry. |
| STORING Roots when dried, can be left in small chunks or cubes (for use in decoctions and tinctures, etc), or ground up and powdered- best using a pestle and mortar. Leaves may be stored whole, or crumbled. Much the same applies to the flowers and blossoms, as they may be left whole to be stored, or crushed. Grinding a herb may shorten its shelf life and diminish the amount of time that the properties of the herb remain effective, though if the herbs are kept in airtight containers, they may last up to a year. The containers should be of glass (some plastics may contaminate the herb), and ideally should also be of dark colour too, as this will help stop the sunlight from penetrating through. |
| Oil Oil extracts are made using fresh herbs, The part of the herb used is crushed using a pestle and mortar until quite mashed. For every 2 ounces of herb crushed, one pint of oil is added- usually olive oil, or sesame oil. The finished mixture needs to stand for about three days in a warm place- but out of direct sunlight. After this the oil may be decanted to smaller dark glass containers. |
| Syrups Use 2 ounces of herbs for every quart of water. Place this in a non-metallic saucepan and bring to the boil. Boil over a slow heat until only a pint of the liquid is remaining. Leave to cool for a while- but strain whilst the syrup is still warm. If using for coughs or sore throats, add two ounces of honey (clover honey works well) and a few drops of lemon juice. If storing, use glass containers of a dark colour. |
| Compress Made of cloth or cotton wool soaked in herbal decoction or infusion. Placed on the affected area and gently pressed if needed. |
| Using Herbs: Ways In Which I Use And Apply My Herbs |
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| The Witches Herbal 'How To'... |
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