Within herbal medicine you’ll likely come across some terms that may not be instantly familiar. They are the vehicles by which the herbs are delivered. Some of the most common ways of taking/using herbs are:
Infusion
An infusion is prepared by steeping the material in water. There are two forms, the hot infusion – soaking the material in hot water, in this instance the water is poured over the material and left steeping anywhere from 5 – 15 minutes to produce a strong infusion – and cold. A cold infusion is done by soaking the material in water (or another fluid like milk) for up to 6 hours. Can be stored for a few days in the fridge.
Decoction
A decoction is the next popular method of extracting material from herbs. This particular vehicle, while in some ways similar to infusions, is used on the harder parts of herbs. It is prepared by boiling the hard part (wood, bark, rhizomes, seeds etc) of the herb in water for up to 30 minutes. Generally it is a good idea to boil until it has reduced a third in size. The decoction should then be cooled and strained. Can be stored for a few days in the fridge.
Waters
Waters are much the same as infusions in that herbs are steeped in the water however they are administered at the time of need and are good for recovery states.
Syrups
A syrup is what comes about when you add sugar to a decoction, infusion or water. Syrups can also be made from tinctures - this is a good method for creating herbal liquers. A good rule of thumb for creating syrups is 1 cup of sugar for every 500ml of liquid base.
Tinctures
A tincture is a herbal remedy diluted by alcohol or vinegar. They take time to make, anywhere from 2 - 6 weeks depending on preferred strength. The process by which a tincture is made is steeping herbs in the alcohol or vinegar, the plus side of a tincture is that it can last up to five ywars. The general suggested way of creating a tincture is 100gms of herbs per 600ml of alcohol or vinegar. Tinctures are used in order to capture the alkaloids or volatile oils in herbs which do not form a solution in water.
Ointments
Ointments are used for topical treatments. The herb is heated in fat or oil until the herb has changed colour (often indicating the useful parts have leeched into the liquid base of the ointment). The plant material is then strained and a hardener added to the base (often beeswax), preservatives such as Tea Tree oil, Vitamin C oil/powder or Benzoin Tincture can be added at this stage.
Creams
Creams are made much the same as ointments however they absorb and evaporate quicker on account of having less fat/oil and less thickener. Creams also require a preservative to stop spoilage.
Liniments
Liniments are a way of using the herb externally. This is done by adding the herb to oil, alcohol or salt, ending up in a liquid rub that can be applied to the area of concern. It helps the underlying musculature to warm.
Poultices
A poultice is a topical treatment whereby herbs would be ground or chopped and added to boiling water to make a paste. It is applied to the skin or directly on the affected area to draw out the infection or inflammation. Generally it is suggested to put the poultice within a material such as muslin or cheesecloth.
Pills/Capsules
This is a method used for bruised or pulverised herbs. They are placed inside glycerin capsules or made into lozenges. They are then taken much the same way as traditional pills or capsules. Herbs that are classified as bitters however are no good for pills because being encapsulated defeats the purpose of bitters.
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