To get the maximum benefit from herbal remedies, the herbs must be properly prepared. To help

determine which herbs should be used for the condition you are treating, see . Women of childbearing

age should always make sure the herbs they are using are safe during pregnancy. Here are some

standard herbal preparations:

Infusions

A standard infusion is prepared by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb (or 2 to 4 teaspoons of

fresh herb) to a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes before straining. If the herb is left too

long, the infusion will become bitter. It's best to use a ceramic pot with a lid.

The standard dosage is one cup three times a day. It may be taken hot or cold, but infusions

prepared for colds and flu should be taken hot. Never prepare the infusion more than 24 hours in

advance.

Decoctions

This is usually the method of choice for bark and seeds. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of herb per cup of

cold water. Bring the mixture gently to a boil. Keeping covered, simmer for about 10 minutes.

The usual dosage is 1 cup three times a day. If the herb is very bitter or strong, use 4 teaspoons

three times a day. Prepare no more than 24 hours in advance.

Tincture

A tincture is an alcoholic extraction of herb. Alcohol dissolves the active constituents out of the

plant matter and acts as a preservative, allowing the tincture to retain its effectiveness for up to 2

years. Any part of the plant may be used.

Place 4 ounces of dried herb in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and add 2 cups vodka. Leave for

two weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain through a cloth into a brown glass bottle. Keep

tightly closed.

The standard dosage is 15 drops three times daily.

Herbal Wine

Use a sweet red wine with an alcohol content of at least 12%. Cover four ounces of herb with

three cups of wine. Leave for a week before straining.

Take four teaspoons one or two times daily. Herbal wine is best used within a month.

Syrup

Sugar is a good preservative and is ideal for cough mixtures, especially since some herbs for

cough are very bitter.

Prepare two cups of an infusion or decoction of the required herb. Strain and add 1¾ cup brown

sugar or a honey and sugar mixture. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a clean

glass bottle and seal. Store in the refrigerator.

The standard dosage is one teaspoon three times a day.

Capsules

Dry, powdered herb can be placed inside empty capsules. This method is preferred by some

people who cannot tolerate bitter herbs.

Oil infusions are for external use only. They can be prepared by hot or cold methods. For the hot

method, fill a jar with fresh herb and cover with olive, sunflower or almond oil. Place the jar up to

the neck in a saucepan of water and bring to a medium temperature. Simmer for up to three

hours. Strain through filter paper or cloth into a brown glass bottle. Follow the same instructions

for the cold method, except that the oil should be placed on a sunny windowsill instead of

heated. The process can be repeated with the strained oil infusion and a fresh supply of herbs to

make a stronger oil.

Cream

A cream is a blend of oil, beeswax and water. You can make your own, or purchase an

unscented, water based cream. After adding herb to purchased cream, simmer in the top of a

double boiler for 30 minutes. Strain before it cools.

Melt two ounces beeswax in a double boiler. Add one cup olive or other vegetable oil and blend.

Add two ounces herb. For lighter cream, add a little water, mixing well. Simmer 20 minutes,

mixing well. Add a drop of tincture of benzoin as a preservative. Strain thorough a cloth in to

sterilized jars.

Ointment

Ointment does not penetrate the skin like cream, but covers and protects it. Petroleum jelly is a

good base, and the method is the same as for a cream.

Melt petroleum jelly in a double boiler and add plenty of herbs, making sure that the melted

petroleum jelly covers the herb. Simmer until the herbs are crisp. More herb may be added to

make a stronger ointment. Strain into jars while hot.

Suppositories

These are best made in advance so they will be ready when needed. Blend equal quantities of

powdered herbs with cocoa butter. Place the mixture into bullet-shaped molds made of foil and

refrigerate. Remove the foil before use.

Compress

Soak a cloth in a hot decoction of herb, squeeze most of the liquid out and apply the hot cloth to

the affected area. Once it has cooled, repeat the process. Tinctures of other herbs and essential

oils can be added to the liquid.

Poultice

Poultices are effective for boils, abscesses, chest infections and sprains. Mix chopped herb or

powdered seeds with boiling water to make a pulp. Place the pulp in a piece of cloth and apply to

the affected area while hot. It should be replaced when cool. A thin layer of calendula cream will

protect the skin and prevent the poultice from sticking.