Here are a few easy methods of making your own herbal remedies at home.
Infusions
For use as a medicine or as a relaxing, revitalizing drink, an infusion is the easiest way for you to prepare the more delicate parts of the herb. The most beneficial part of the herb lies chiefly in the volatile oil, which if a lid is not used will disperse into the air. It is advisable to use a teapot, if only making a small quantity place a saucer over the cup you are using.
Herbs which are popular, such as chamomile, are often simply taken for their refreshing taste and up to six cups a day can safely be consumed.
Always check the recommended dosage and quantity of herb to use, as infusions have medicinal actions and could produce unwanted effects at incorrect dosage.
To make the infusion place the herb in the cup or teapot, then add freshly boiled water, allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes and then strain the liquid, if you need to sweeten the infusion use a natural honey product rather than sugar.
Decoctions
Decoctions use the roots, bark, berries and twigs of the plant or tree, and for this reason generally require more vigorous preparation.
To prepare a decoction place the herbs in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil and allow to simmer for about 20 - 30 minutes, generally until the liquid is reduced to a third. Keep an eye on the pan so as not to let it boil dry. If you intend to add the more delicate parts of the plant do so when the mixture is removed from the heat. Allow the liquid to cool, then pour through a sieve into a jug, store any unused liquid in a cool place and use within twenty four hours. Decoctions can have a strong or unpleasant taste, depending on the herbs used, try drinking the liquid luke-warm and add a dash of fruit cordial.
Tonic Wines
This is a most enjoyable way to take tonic herbs for increasing vitality and improving digestion. Easy to prepare, tonic wines are made by steeping tonic herbs in red or white wine for several weeks.
Place the herb in a large clean jar and pour in sufficient wine to cover the herb completely, do not leave herbs uncovered. Leave the wine to mature over a period of between two to six weeks. Then take a glass from the jar, regularly topping up the mixture with wine. Enjoy!
If the herbs go mouldy, discard the remedy and start a fresh batch.
Infused Oils
Infusing herbs in oil allows their fat soluble active ingredients to be absorbed easily. Hot infused oils can last for up to a year, but are at their best when freshly made. First stir the chopped herb and oil in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water. Cover and simmer gently for 2 -3 hours, then remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool. Pour into a jug through a strainer or piece of muslin, if you have a jelly bag this will also strain the liquid. Press as much of the oil from the herb as is possible, then pour the infused oil into clean dark glass bottles.
Ointments
Unlike creams, ointments contain oils or fats heated with herbs and contain no water. This means that ointments form a separate layer on the surface of the skin protecting against injury or inflammation to damaged areas of skin. Ointments are particularly useful when protection from moisture is needed, sore chapped skin, lips or nappy rash for example.
There are many bases that can be used in the making of ointment, but the simplest way to produce ointment, for your own use, is to use petroleum jelly.
Melt the petroleum jelly in a double boiler or glass bowl set in a pan of boiling water. Sir in the finely chopped herbs and simmer for 15 minutes stirring continuously. Strain the mixture into a jug or bowl, allowing as much as possible of the liquid to filter through. Pour the liquid ointment into containers before it sets in the jug (this can happen very rapidly) Once you have filled all the containers place lids on them without securing firmly until the mixture has thoroughly cooled.
Poultices
A poultice is a combination of dried, fresh or powdered herbs which is applied to an affected area. They can be used to ease pain caused by sprains or broken bones, to draw infection from wounds, boils and ulcers and to help relieve distress cause by muscle or nerve pain. Simmer the herb for 2 - 3 minutes then squeeze out excess liquid, apply some oil to the area of pain in order to prevent the poultice adhering to the skin, then apply the herb while hot. Using cotton or gauze strips, bandage the poultice of herbs securely in place and leave on for up to 3 hours.
Compresses
A compress is a cloth soaked in a lotion and applied to the skin to help ease inflammation or irritation, the lotion can be either an infusion or a decoction of herbs. Compresses are extremely useful in the treatment of bruising, pain, soothing inflammation, soothing a feverish condition, headaches and relieving swelling. Apply a cloth soaked in lotion to the affected area, secure and leave for up to 1 or 2 hours.
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