Let us start with how to use herbs. The most common way is through infusion. When you say herbs, most people will think about teas which is infusion. Infusion is the use of dried plant material and steeping it into water. There are different methods of extracting plant properties. Infusion through water, alcohol, vinegar, oil, glycerin and honey. There are other methods of using herbs through salves, ointments, capsules, compresses, fomentation. These methods can be done in your own home, for your own use. 

INFUSION

This method uses the soft part of the plant like flowers, leaves and stems. It is basically pouring hot liquid (water) over the material (plant) and allowing it to steep. Honey can also be used as a medium, preferred choice for making kids take herbs.

DECOCTION

Extracting the flavor or essence of the herb through boiling using the root or bark of the plant. This method usually takes the mineral salts and alkaloids, boiling the plant for 8 to 20 minutes and strained while hot.

EXTRACTS AND TINCTURES

Using a solvent like alcohol and/or water, vinegar or glycerin to obtain the properties of the plant. This can be used internally or externally.

COMPRESS AND FOMENTATION

This is using a soft, natural pad or cloth, preferably cotton, wool or linen to deliver hot or cold temperature with the properties of the herb, then secured to the body. Herbs that may be too strong to ingest are often used in cases of injuries to stimulate circulation and lymph flow.

BOLUS

Though not used as often, a bolus is an herb made into a poultice or a suppository   used in the rectal or vaginal area. The rationale is to draw out toxins and is a carrier for healing herbs.

CAPSULES AND POWDERS

Basically, the powdered herbs are encased in a gelatin-coated medium for ingestion through swallowing. This is the easiest way to use herbs that are not palatable.

HYDROSOL

There were “still rooms” to extract the water qualities of the plant. These are usually “floral water” although other plant parts can also be used for therapy. 

HERB BATH

Water is the easiest method of extracting plant properties. And an herb bath is the most luxurious one. Health spas are trendy which is basically a decoction in a larger scale, effective in circulation issues, relaxation of muscles, swelling and gout.

OILS

Certain plant constituents can only be extracted by the use of oil. It is prepared through macerating and pounding fresh or dried herb, allowed to sit in a warm place for days to couple of weeks. Herbs can also be placed in a pot with a very low heat for couple of hours and strained. An antioxidant may be added to help preserve the herbal oil infusion. The result can later then be made into an ointment, a salve or balm for other healing purposes.