How to Make Different Types of Herbal Applications....

[Pat Robinson]

[Guest blog post from Becky Long.]

PILLS: grind chosen herb into powder & measure out. add 10-20% slippery elm powder (acts as a binder). add small amount of water...keep preparation firm. let sit for a few minutes. roll mixture into small pills the size of a pea. place on cookie sheet & leave at room temp to dry or place in pre-heated low temp oven (250). turn oven off!! check every 5 mins. or so...should be done in about 15 min. when dry & hard...bottle & label. bitter herb pills can be dipped into honey right before administering.

 

ELECTUARY: take pre-measured herb & mix with honey, molasses or peanut butter to form paste. child would take 1/4 tsp. of this followed with juice.

 

SYRUP: 1 oz. herb. 1 pint water. bring to boil & boil about 1/2 the water away. strain. add about 2-4 oz. honey or glycerine to preserve.

 

BEVERAGE TEA: 1 tsp herb...add boiling water. steep 5 min.

 

INFUSION/MEDICINAL TEAS: brint pint of water to rolling boil. remove from heat. add 1 oz. dried herb. cover. do NOT reheat. let steep for 20 min., strain.

 

DECOCTIONS: 1 oz. herb, can be roots, stems or bark. (bruised or chopped) 1 pint water. bring to boil...simmer for 30 min. strain & use within 24 hrs.

 

TINCTURES: 750 ml bottle everclear (190 proof). 750 mil. distilled or spring water. 6 oz. dried herb. put in clear jar with tight lid. shake once daily for 14 days. strain into clean glass bottle, keep in dark cool place.

 

LINAMENTS: 2 oz. dried herbs. 1 pint rubbing alcohol. close tightly. shake once daily for 14 days. strain back into original alcohol bottle.

 

INFUSED OILS: 2 oz. dried herbs, 1 pint oil.

 

GARGLES: double strength of an herbal infusion or can use tinctures. 1 tsp tincture to 1 cup water.  add 1 tbs. sea salt. gargle...do NOT swallow!

 

BOLUS/SUPPOSITORIES: slowly pour melted cocoa butter over powdered herbs. stir slowly. create a thick dough-like constistency. let cool. roll into long rounded strips about 1/2" thick. cut into 1" lengths. put in fridge to harden. let sit at room temp before inserting.

 

DOUCHES: make a pint of a strong herbal infusion. add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar. leave in vagina for 10-15 min., then expel. use once daily for 7 days.

 

FOMENTATION/COMPRESS: prepare strong herbal infusion. dip a piece of cotton cloth (muslin, cotton, flannel or gauze) into infusion & wring out a bit. place on affected area. should be very warm--not hot. place plastic over cloth. place towel over plastic to help it stay warm. re-apply as needed.

 

POULTICE/PLASTERS: use pulverized or powdered herbs moistened with a little water, eo's, infusion or tincture. apply to affected area...cover with cotton cloth. hot cloth may be applied if heat therapy is needed. may put a towel over that. after removing poultice--rinse with water. change twice daily. clays make a nice addition!