HERB USAGE

DECOCTION: Place one ounce of herb in one pint of water. Make certain that roots are put in to boil before leaves. Once the water has come to a boil, simmer for about 30 minutes covered, then leave to cool completely. Strain and use as directed.

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INFUSION or TISANE: An 'infusion' is used when preparing more fragile parts of the herb...leaves, fruit, seeds, etc. Pour boiling water over the herb in the proportions of one ounce herb to one pint water (although you may need much less for herbs that infuse quickly in water). Steep for fifteen to thirty minutes until a tea is formed. Use as directed.

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LOTION: Used for minor skin iritations. Use witch-hazel as a base. Add dried rose petels or chamomile flowers and let sit for an hour. Strain out herbs and apply externally only.

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OILS: Olive oil makes a wonderful base and seldom goes bad. Place the desired amount of herb and enough oil to cover in a glass jar. Cover tightly. Let the mixture sit for at least 4 weeks. You can strain and add more herbs for a stronger oil. Use as directed.

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OINTMENT or SALVES or BALMS: A fatty substance such as lard or beeswax to which herbs are added. Choose herbs according to the effect you desire. For healing ointments, choose according to physical ailment. Three teaspoons of herb to one cup of fat, steeped and heated at a low temperature several times should prove very nice. Vegetable shortening will work very well, especially almond and saffron. All ointments should be kept cool and in air tight containers (glass or tins) for best results.

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POULTICE: A portion of herbs placed in an equal amount of boiling water to steep. Once herbs have been fully dampened, strain the water and place the herbs in gauze or cheesecloth applied directly to the affected area. This can be a little messy, so have a towel handy. It works fairly well, especially for rashes and other mild skin disorders.

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SYRUP: Mix 2 ounces of herb to 1 quart water. Over very low heat simmer down to 1 pint liquid. Strain herbs out and add 1 cup honey (or brown sugar or maple syrup) to the liquid. Re-heat and mix well. Remove from heat and bottle. Use as directed.

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TINCTURE: This mix is a highly concentrated liquid extract of herbs. Four ounces of herb steeped in eight ounces of alcohol (or glycerin or warmed vinegar) for about 6 weeks gives a reasonable tincture. The bottle should be sealed and left in a dark area. Shake the botle every few days. Strain the herbs out using cheesecloth. Re-bottle and label for use. Store in a cool, dark place.

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WASH: A tea or infusion meant only for external use. A mild form of a wash would be 1/4 ounce of herb to one pint of boiling water, steeped until lukewarm, then applied.

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