Natural Herbal Beauty

In making up the simple recipes, there are various methods of preparing herbs for use in lotions and creams. The methods listed below will help you to get started.

Decoction

A decoction of herb usually means the boiling up of the herb, and it is often prepared by using roots, stems, bark and berries, ie the hard parts of plants. The herb, or part of the herb, is boiled for about 15 minutes and then allowed to cool. The resulting liquid is drawn off and used, and the herb is discarded. (more…)

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. (more…)

Infusion, Cold

Some ingredients lose medicinal properties when heat is applied, but you can make a tea nonetheless. To prepare a cold infusion, measure the recommended quantity of ingredients and soak overnight in cold water. The following morning, you may warm slightly to sipping temperature, if you wish. Strain before using.

Infusion, Hot and Cold

On occasion, you’ll find a plant that contains some elements that are released by heat, and some that are leached out by soaking in cold water overnight. Here’s how to get around that dilemma. (more…)

There are many ways to use nature’s medicinals. No matter what method is employed, the idea is to release, extract, and activate all the useful properties of the plant. For the most part, that’s accomplished with liquid. In other words, even poultices, plasters, and ointments start as teas.

A word of caution. Never use tap water. There are just too many chemicals in tap water that can interact with and alter the working properties of healing teas. Always use bottled water when preparing home remedies. (more…)