Botanical Medicine Health Article

Preparations

The quality of any herbal remedy and the chemical constituents found in the herb depends greatly on the conditions of weather and the soil where the herb was grown, the timing and care in harvesting, and the manner of preparation and storage. Herbs are prepared in a variety of ways depending on the part of the plant that is medicinally active and the results sought. The list of kinds of herbal preparations is long and varied. Some of these preparations include:

• Infusion. Infusion is appropriate for extracting medicinal properties of the leaf, flower, and stem of the plant. Either fresh or dried herb may be used. A standard infusion combines 1 tsp of dried herb, or 2 tsp of chopped fresh herb, per cup of water. Fresh, nonchlorinated water is brought to the boiling point in a non-metallic pot, and the herbs are added. A cover prevents the escape of volatile oils. The tea is infused for 10 to 15 minutes, strained, and can be consumed warm or cold. The prepared tea will keep up to two days in the refrigerator.
• Decoction. Decoction is the best method to extract the mineral salts and other healing components from the coarser herb materials, such as the root, bark, seeds, and stem of the plant. One ounce of the dried plant materials, or 2 oz of fresh plant parts, is added to 1 pt of pure, unchlorinated water in a non-metallic pot. The mixture is brought to a boil, and then the heat is lowered, so the mixture can simmer for about 30 minutes. After straining and covering, a decoction may be refrigerated for up to two days and retain its healing qualities.
• Tincture. Tincture is a method to prepare a concentrated form of the fresh herbal remedy for therapeutic use. These solutions, properly prepared and stored, will retain medicinal potency for many years. To prepare a tincture, a clean glass container is packed with chopped fresh or dried herb, and enough good quality brandy or vodka to cover is poured over the herb. The alcohol/water ratio varies, dependent on the plant and the intended extract. The concentration (depending on the herb) is 25-90%; often the ratio of alcohol to water is about 50/50. The container then needs to be sealed with an airtight lid. The mixture needs to be left in a darkened place to steep for two weeks, and shaken daily. After straining the mixture through a cheesecloth or muslin bag and pouring it into a dark bottle for storage, it is ready for use. Dosage depends on the herb and its designated use. A standard dosage is 2–4 ml of the tincture three times a day. Other fluid extracts may be prepared with glycerine or vinegar.
• Capsule. A capsule is a convenient form for ingesting dried, powdered herbs, usually contained in a gelatin capsule. Gelatin capsules are available in the standard size 00 which holds 200–250 mg of powdered herb. Prepared capsules should be stored in dark glass containers.
• Oil infusion. With this method, the chopped fresh or dried herb is placed in a glass storage container. Enough cold-pressed vegetable oil, such as sunflower or olive oil, is poured into the jar to cover the herb completely. This mixture is sealed and placed on a sunny windowsill for two or three weeks. The infused oil is strained into another jar of the chopped fresh or dried herb. This mixture steeps on a sunny windowsill for another two weeks. After being strained through cheesecloth, this infused oil can be stored in a cool, dark location.
• Ointments. These are prepared with powdered or freshly chopped plant parts combined with melted petroleum jelly or beeswax and vegetable oil. The mixture is simmered in a double boiler for about two hours. The mixture is strained through cheesecloth and poured into small glass storage containers. Ointments provide a spreadable consistency and protective layer for topical application of medicinal herbs to the skin.
• Poultice. A poultice is a hot mixture of the chopped fresh or dry herb that has been boiled briefly, and cooled to a tolerable temperature before application to the affected area. A small amount of oil should be applied to the skin prior to placing the poultice to prevent the herb from sticking. The poultice can be covered with a gauze strip to hold it in place. The poultice can be refreshed every two or three hours as needed.
• Essential oils. This is the highly concentrated extract of an herb obtained through steam distillation or cold compress methods. Essential oils should be diluted in water or in a nontoxic carrier oil before application to the skin to prevent contact dermatitis or sensitization. Essential oils are used for topical application, in bath water, and in aromatherapy. The toxicity of the concentrated essential oil varies depending on the chemical constituents of the herb.

The above list is by no means exhaustive. There are many other botanical medicine preparations available.