Herbalism

Making herbal preparations requires a clean space with a hat and coat worn to prevent contamination. Any Manufacturer Safety Sheets, like for Essential Oils should be nearby. Safety glasses are also recommended especially when using Peppermint essential oil or making soaps and gloves or tongs should be used to protect hands.

A log should be kept of ingredients used and suppliers and when the product was made. INCI names must be used when making labels, I put the common name as well and all ingredients must be listed. A batch number and expiry date must appear on the labelling, as well as a weight or volume. Product and public liability insurance must be had when selling to the public. (Examples: Aromantic, MAIB, Towergate)

Making Infused Oils
Making an infused oil using almond (Prunus amygdalis dulcus), Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera), Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), Olive (Olea europaea), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Sesame (Sesamum indicum), Avocado oil (Persea gratissima) or other oil with the dried or fresh herb, cook slowly for 5 hours, a slow cooker just for herbal products is ideal.

For making infused rose hip oil, put rose hips in a mortar and pestle and open them up before putting them in the oil. It is also possible to infuse oils in the sun for two weeks, shaking the bottle every couple of days. Add any essential oils used last to prevent them from evaporating and drain the herbs from the oil when cool and decant into amber bottle. Vitamin E Capsules can be added to mixture to prolong the life of oil up to one year.

Herbal teas (Infusion)

Herbal tea mixtures can be placed in a tea ball if loose or made into tea bags by using tea bags that seal with an iron.

Bronchial Congestion Tea

1 ½ oz Aniseed
1 oz Calendula flowers
3/4 oz Marshmallow root
1/3 oz Licorice root
Crush aniseeds and add to herbs. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp mixture; cover & steep 10 minutes.

Less Stress Tea

Relieves stress, relaxes low back and neck areas.
1 part chamomile
1 part mint
1 part calendula flowers

Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste.

Decoction

Herb is placed in glass or enamel saucepan with cold water and slowly brought to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes and steep with lid on for 3 minutes. This method is used for barks such as liquorice and will keep up to three days refrigerated.

Tincture

Put 4 ounces powdered herb or 8 ounces fresh chopped herb in a container with tightly fitted lid add 1 pint alcohol, 60% proof brandy or vodka. Stand the mixture in a warm place and shake it twice daily for 2 weeks. Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing out liquid and store in a well sealed dark glass jar.

Ointments and creams

Prepare and strain a strong decoction or infusion of the herb and add to a pure cold-pressed vegetable oil, boil till liquid has evaporated. To stiffen as a cream, stir in melted beeswax (Cera alba) 1 ounce good for 1 1/4 cups of oil. Add a drop of tincture of Benzoin or Myrrh or a Vitamin E capsule to extend its life. Coconut (Cocos nucifera) or Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacoa) or an aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis) are often added for a creamier more moisturizing consistency.

Hot and Cold Compresses
For a hot compress soak a clean linen or cotton cloth in a hot decoction or infusion and apply it to the affected part as hot as can be tolerated. Cover compress with plastic wrap and put a hot water bottle on it to maintain the heat. To prepare a cold compress use same method, but allow to cool before applying.

Compress for Aching Joints and Bones

Meadowsweet, Yerba Mate and Wormwood. Make into a tea, strain and apply with a cloth to aching joints and bones.

Poultice

In a poultice plant parts are used rather than liquid extraction. Mash or crush fresh plant parts and either heat in a pot over boiling water or mix with a small amount of boiling water. Apply pulp directly to the skin and hold in place with a gauze bandage. If using a dried herb, first powder it and make a paste with a little boiling water, if a skin irritant, apply between two layers of cloth. Poultices are used to stimulate circulation, soothe aches and pains or draw impurities out through the skin.