How to Use Medicinal Herbs and Make Your Own Natural Remedies
Infusions
The simplest of all herbal remedies, an infusion is simply a tea made from fresh or dried herbs. Of the internal herbal remedies, infusions usually deliver the mildest dose of an herb’s medicinal qualities. It’s a good way to try an herb or herbal remedy if you’re unsure of allergies or other reactions, or for those possibly more sensitive to an herb’s medicinal effects, such as children or the elderly. Infusions are often simply drunk as hot tea; to do so, simply follow the directions for making an infusion. After letting the infusion steep for ten minutes, strain, add honey or sugar if desired, and drink.
Infusion from Dried Herbs:
To make an infusion from dried herbs, use one teaspoon of dried herb to one cup of water. Heat the water just to boiling, then pour slowly over the dried herbs. Cover and let steep for at least ten minutes, or leave overnight. Strain and use within 24 hours.
Infusion from Fresh Herbs:
To make an infusion from fresh herbs, use one tablespoon of fresh herbs to one cup of water. Heat the water just to boiling, then pour slowly over the fresh herbs. Cover and let steep for at least ten minutes, or leave overnight. Strain and use within 24 hours.
Decoction
A decoction is a boiled-down version of an infusion, so it releases the moisture content and retains the medicinal properties of the herbs. It is good for making a stronger version of an infusion and is especially helpful when working with seeds or woody portions of herbs. Though it depends on what herb you are using, and for what purpose, a general dosage for a decoction is about two ounces, taken three times a day. A decoction will keep refrigerated for about three days.
Decoction from Dried Herbs:
To make a decoction from dried herbs, use approximately one teaspoon of the dried herb to one cup of water. If the herbs are seeds or woody portions, crush or bruise them before making the decoction. Place in an enamel or glass saucepan and cover with the cold water. Slowly bring to a boil, then simmer until the volume of the liquid is reduced to about one quarter of the original volume. Turn off the heat, cover, and let steep for another few minutes or until cool.
Decoction from Fresh Herbs:
Follow the same method outlined above, substituting approximately one tablespoon of the fresh herb for the dried and using one cup of water. If using a fresh herb such as ginger, peel and dice before making your decoction.
Tincture
A tincture is herbal-infused alcohol. Due to the preservative nature of alcohol, tinctures keep for a very long time, and thus have long been a popular way to get the most medicinal value out of herbs. Tinctures are a great way to have a simple herbal remedy always ready. General dosage for tinctures is very small, compared with that of infusions or decoctions, as tinctures can become very strong. Usually, five to twelve drops of a tincture are sufficient for a single dose. The tincture can be taken directly or diluted in water.
Tincture from Dried Herbs:
To make a tincture from dried herbs, use four ounces of dried, powdered herb and one pint of alcohol that is at least 60 proof. (brandy and vodka, both around 80 proof strength, are common choices for tinctures.) You will need a container with an airtight lid, such as a canning jar. Pour the herb into the jar, and slowly pour the alcohol over the herb. Seal well and put in a warm place. Shake the container a few times a day to move the herbs around. After two weeks, strain the tincture to remove the solid herbs. Store the tincture in a dark glass jar with a good seal.
Tincture from Fresh Herbs:
To make a tincture from fresh herbs, use eight ounces of fresh, macerated herb to one pint of at least 60 proof alcohol. Follow the directions as outlined above.
Syrup
Herbal syrups are the basis of our modern cough medicines: a sweet liquid hides the taste of the effective medicines so that children (and adults) don’t mind taking the medicine. What was that Mary Poppins said? “Just a spoonful of sugar?” Most herbal syrups use honey; if you want to make a syrup that you can use for your children under a year old, for whom honey is not safe, use a pure grade vegetable glycerin instead. Most pharmacies carry glycerin, and it is a sweet, syrupy-like substance which will substitute well for honey. The dosage varies according what is used to make the syrup: infusion, decoction, or tincture.
Syrup with Infusion/Decoction:
Pour 2 1/2 cups of decoction or infusion into a saucepan; add 2 to 4 tablespoons of honey and bring slowly to a boil. Let simmer until the mixture turns syrupy, then remove from heat. When cool enough to handle, pour into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator. About one to two tablespoons is usually a good dosage for a syrup made from infusion; for syrup made from a decoction, one half to one tablespoon per dosage as a general guide.
Syrup with Tincture:
Pour 2 1/2 cups of water into a saucepan; add 4 to 6 tablespoons of honey and bring slowly to a boil. Let simmer until the mixture becomes syrupy. Remove from heat. Mix 1 part tincture with 3 parts of the syrup. Pour into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator. As a general guide, one teaspoon is a good dosage amount.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are the extracted essence of an herb. They are rather pricey to purchase, but they are extremely concentrated. You need only a few drops for any application, so a 1 ounce bottle of essential oil can last a long time.
It is possible to make your own essential oils, but the volume of herb needed to produce even a smidgen of an essential oil makes this a less-than-ideal home project. It’s best to find a reliable source for pure, unadulterated essential oils. If you can get organic essential oils, that much the better.
There are several online sources for essential oils:
New Directions Aromatics sells pure, undiluted, therapeutic grade essential oils. Prices are reasonable.
Mountain Rose Herbs offers a great selection of certified organic essential oils. Prices are reasonable.
Visit your local health food store or herbal store for an alternative to online shopping. They will probably have a good selection of essential oils and might be able to special order any you want that they do not normally stock.
Using Essential Oils
Essential oils should not be used for internal applications, unless you are working with a licensed professional who is qualified to use essential oils.
However, essential oils are invaluable in topical herbal health applications. Because they are so concentrated, they are able to deliver a stronger dose of an herb’s medicinal qualities. Be careful with essential oils. Their very concentration also means that they can burn or even damage the skin; never apply an undiluted essential oil to the skin or take an undiluted essential oil internally, unless you have done thorough research and know that it is safe to do so. Some essential oils are fine on the skin, but many are simply too strong when undiluted.
Powder
A powder is a very simple way in which to use medicinal herbs; simply crush dried herbs to a fine consistency, and you have an herbal powder. Generally you won’t use powders for making infusions, decoctions, and tinctures, because the powders are so fine they cannot be strained out of the finished product. A gritty feel in your herbal infusion does not make it more appealing.
However, powders are ideal for topical applications. They can be used for making ointments, creams, compresses, and poultices, as well as infusing oils or vinegars.
Powders are also the perfect method of creating herbal capsules to take internally. Making capsules at home is not a complicated process; you need a few simple tools, empty capsules, and high quality herbs. The box below gives step-by-step directions.
Capsules
Start with the finest, organic, freshest dried herbs you can purchase. The herbs need to be dried in order to be made into a powder, but you don’t want dried herbs that have been sitting in the store room for the last five years. If you have fresh herbs, dry your own. Otherwise, purchase the finest quality dried herbs from a reputable source.
You will need the following supplies:
Mortar and pestle, coffee grinder, or blender
Empty capsules
If you’re interested, you could also look into purchasing a Capsule Filler and Tamper or Capsule Filling Machine. This is entirely optional, however. A Capsule Filler/Tamper (average cost from $20 to $35) simply provides a tray to hold empty capsules and a method for tamping down the contents in one motion. A Capsule Filling Machine automates the process (average cost from $60 to $100 for smaller models).
Method:
Pulverize the dried herb to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, blender, or coffee grinder. Work in small batches.
Pour the powdered herb into a clean, large, shallow dish. Dip the larger half the empty capsule into the powdered herb and hold with one hand. Use your other hand to insert the smaller half of the capsule into the larger half. Shake to distribute the herb. Bottle and label the capsules.
Remember:
It takes a few tries before you get the hang of it, so don’t get discouraged. You’ll get into a rhythm as you go.
Herbs start releasing their medicinal properties once powdered, so powder the herbs just before you fill the capsules, and don’t make a huge supply. Make enough for a month or so, and then refresh your supply with fresh herbs so that you are getting the full potency.
Disclaimer
Please read this disclaimer regarding the information you have just read.
This post is part of the series: An Introductory Primer for Using Medicinal Herbs
This article series will introduce you to the different methods of using medicinal herbs in the home, from simple infusions to poultices, tinctures, and herbal steams.