When we take herbs to affect a healing change in our body, it is important to prepare them properly to get the desired effect. There are many ways to take herbs both internally and externally to promote balance in the body: teas, tinctures, capsules, liniments, poultices, salves, baths and oils. The following information can help you to make appropriate choices when using medicinal herbs.
Drinking herbal tea bag dosages of herbs is not near enough herb to effect change in the body when there is imbalance. Herbal teas need to be prepared in the proper ration and in the right way.
To prepare most leafy herbs (above ground portions of the plant), steep one ounce of herb in one pint of water that has just been boiled. Steep covered for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and drink your tea. Drink the pint of steeped herbs in small ¼ cup dosages throughout the day. Note: It is best to steep herbs in earthenware, glass or stainless-steel vessel. Aluminum containers are not acceptable as they may react chemically with certain plant constituents to form insoluble salts.
For preparing roots, tubers and barks, such as Red Root, Yellow Dock, Burdock and Wild Cherry Bark, use the same ratio as for an infusion (one ounce of herb to one pint of water}. Bring the herb and water to a boil together. Tum to low and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain and drink. Again, the effective dosage would be to drink the pint in small amounts over the course of the day.
Occasionally a formula will combine roots and leaves. To make a tea, first make a decoction. Then strain it while hot and pour it over over the leaves. Infuse or steep for 1 5 to 20 minutes.
A tincture is an extraction of the medicinal properties of the herb with the help of pure or diluted spirits of alcohol. Tinctures are effective and convenient ways to take herbs medicinally. In tincture form, the herbs are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and do not have to be digested and assimilated as a capsulated herb would be. Also, all constituents of the herb are made available through the process. Some herbs have resins in them that are not water soluble, so if a person were to take these in a tea form, they may not be getting the full medicinal value. A tincture makes all the properties of a plant available to the body.
commonly used for adults and “0” often used for children, those who prefer smaller capsules, or even pets.
For the best freshness and quality, it is ideal to make your own capsules when possible. Once herbs are ground into powder, their medicinal strength can begin to fade, especially if they sit on a shelf for a long time.
Capsules are best taken with or right after a meal and at least 4 ounces of water. A typical general dosage is 2 capsules, 3 times per day, though the right amount depends on the herb and the reason for use.
Liniments are herbal extracts that are rubbed into the skin for treating muscle strain, sprains, pulled ligaments, etc. Liniments have either an alcohol or an oil base. Some have a heating quality and other have a pain-relieving quality or a cooling quality.
Moist masses of herbs applied directly to the skin to relieve inflammation, blood poisoning, venomous bites or skin eruptions. Poultices can be used to draw out infections, relieve pain and stimulate circulation in an area or add heat.
Baths with herbs are both relaxing and healing. A strong infusion or decoction, depending on the herb being used, is made (usually one quart). Strain the mixture into a bath. Soak for 20 minutes.
These are external preparations made with oil, herbs and beeswax. They are excellent for bums, cuts, hemorrhoids and chapped or dried skin conditions.
By extracting plant oils into other oils (almond oil, olive oil, etc.) we have an oil that can be used for healing funguses, cuts, burns, bruises and earaches. Herbal oils can be used to make massage oils and as a base for healing salves and balms or as skin conditioners.
To make an herbal oil take 2 ounces of herbs and add them to one pint of cold-pressed oil. Let the mixture stand in a warm place out of direct sunlight for at least 10 days. Then strain out the herb and you have an oil extraction of the herb. You may use a fresh or a dried plant. To help preserve your oil, add 400 IU of Vitamin E oil per cup.
– Information by Clarissa Smith, Herbalist
Read dosage information carefully and follow recommended dosages. More is not always better. Many herbs are more effective when used as a tonic, taken regularly in small doses. Average dose for adults weighing 130 to 150 lbs is 30-60 drops, or 1-2 droppers full. Increase or decrease according to stage and severity of ailment as well as weight and individual sensitivities. Best taken in small amount of warm water.
Child’s dose is computed by dividing child’s weight by 150, which gives the fraction of the adult dose. For example, a 40 lb child will require 40/150, which is approximately 1/4 of the adult dose or 7-15 drops. Most of the alcohol can be removed from the tincture by putting the dosage into a small amount of boiling water and letting it sit uncovered until cool. If you are trying an herb for the first time, just try a small amount at first to make sure that you don’t have an adverse reaction to the plant.
We apologize that we are not able to provide more information about the traditional uses of medicinal herbs. FDA regulations view this information as making medical claims. We encourage you to educate yourself and read, read, read about herb uses.
Are you wanting to learn more about how various herbs can helps with certain ailments in the body? Request our Herb Guide to get more detailed information regarding herb use. Send us your contact info and we will email you the guide.
Payment by credit card or check must be received prior to shipment. Due to the sensitive nature of our products ALL SALES ARE FINAL AND WE DO NOT ACCEPT RETURNS. If you made a mistake in your order, contact us before package is shipped and we can make every effort to correct the order.
WE ONLY SHIP TO DOMESTIC ADDRESSES. Shipping costs are determined at time of order. We are required to ship all tinctures via UPS Ground as these liquids cannot be transported via air or the US Postal Service. It is the responsibility of the customer to inspect the goods when received. If the carrier has failed to deliver the merchandise in good condition, it is up to the customer to file for any damage or loss with the freight carrier. Damaged containers must be provided to process a claim. If there is a problem and you haven’t received your shipment, please contact us.
Product Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are FOB Laramie, Wyoming, USA.
