Making your own herbal infusions, decoctions, and tinctures is easy. Herbal infusions and decoctions are basically teas prepared in a specific way to maximize the healing properties of the herb. They are similar to teas, in that the fresh or dried herb is steeped or simmered in hot water. Herbs are best prepared in glass, porcelain, earthenware, or enamel-coated steel pots. You can use stainless steel, but avoid aluminum or nonstick cookware.

I recommend drinking at least 3 cups of an herbal infusion or decoction daily during a cleansing program. Taking the herbs in liquid form helps to flush the kidneys and facilitates the removal of toxins from the body. I find it easiest to prepare a quart of herbal infusion or decoction fresh each morning, and then to drink it throughout the day, approximately 1 cup every 3 or 4 hours. Cleansing teas are most effective when taken warm or at room temperature, at least 15 minutes before a meal.

Herbal BeautyHerbal tinctures are made by steeping dried or fresh herbs in alcohol, vegetable glycerin, or vinegar for several weeks. Herbal tinctures are convenient to use and make it easy to take herbs that are not good tasting—gentian, for example. A typical dose of an herbal tincture is 30 drops 3 times daily. Dilute the tincture dosage in approximately 1/4 cup of hot water before taking.

How to Make an Herbal Infusion

If you’ve ever brewed a cup of herbal tea, you have made a simple herbal infusion. Infusions are used for the more delicate parts of the plant, such as the flowers, leaves, and seeds.

For a medicinal-strength infusion that retains all of the healing properties of the plant, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water. If you are using fresh herbs, use 1 to 2 tablespoons. When using seeds, gently bruise them first to release the essential oils.

Pour boiling water over the herb and immediately cover the container to keep the volatile essential oils from escaping in the steam. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes and strain. For a stronger infusion, allow the herb to steep until the liquid cools to room temperature before straining. If you are making an infusion to use as a bath or steam inhalation, use 1 tablespoon of dried herb to each cup of water.

How to Make an Herbal Decoction

A decoction extracts the medicinal properties from the tougher parts of plants, typically the roots and barks. To make a decoction, place the herb in cold water in a covered pot. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb to each cup of water. Slowly bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain. For a stronger decoction, allow the herb to steep until the liquid cools to room temperature before straining. As with an infusion, if you are making a decoction to use in a bath, increase the amount of herb to 1 tablespoon per cup of water.

How to Make Herbal Tinctures

To make an herbal tincture, you will need dried or fresh herbs and enough vodka to cover the herbs, plus 2 inches. Powder the dried herbs in a coffee grinder or blender. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely. Put the herbs into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and add the vodka. Cover, and keep in a warm, dark place for 2, or preferably 3 weeks. Shake the jar daily to thoroughly mix the herbs and vodka. After 3 weeks, strain the liquid through a colander or strainer lined with several layers of cheesecloth into a large bowl. Wring the herbs in the cheesecloth to extract any remaining liquid. Pour the tincture into dark glass bottles for storage.

Alcohol is the best liquid for extracting the medicinal properties of the herbs, but if you want to avoid alcohol, use vegetable glycerine or apple cider vinegar instead. To make a glycerine tincture using dried herbs, replace the vodka with a mixture of equal parts of vegetable glycerine and water. When making a tincture from fresh herbs, use a mixture of 3/4 vegetable glycerine and 1 /4 water to adjust for the greater water content in the fresh plant.

To prepare a vinegar tincture, use undiluted natural apple cider vinegar and follow the basic directions for making a tincture. Because vinegar reacts with metal, place a piece of waxed paper over the jar before screwing on the lid.

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