Glossary

Apparently, some alterative herbs contain hormones or hormone-like substances that act like endrocrine secretions. Others seem to improve the function of the endrocrine glands, so that they better produce their own secretions.

The second way to make an herb bath is to make a gallon of infusion or decoction and just add it to the bath water. The effect desired depends on the length of time you remain in the tub, the temperature of the water, and the herb you choose.

Salt baths will relax the body and help draw out toxins during skin and blood diseases. To draw out poisons, use warmer water (98.6oF to 106oF) with one to five pounds epsom salts and the appropriate herb(s). The greater the amount of salt, the more perspiration is produced. When taking a hot salt bath, keep a cool towel over the forehead, another at the back of the neck, and a third over the heart area. This bath is fatiguing and should be done with caution. The time to remain in the warm salt water depends upon the strength of the individual. Usually from 20-45 minutes is sufficient.

Colder water (65oF to 75oF) with just one to two cups epsom salts (and the appropriate herbs) will produce a tonic, refreshing effect. The colder the water, the more tonic effect produced and less soaking time is indicated.

To prepare a fomentation, soak a cotton towel in an herbal tea infusion or decoction which is as hot as can be tolerated. Fold, wring the towel slightly, and pl,ace on affected area. Place a layer of plastic over the hot towel, then place a thick dry towel or heating pad on top, in order to keep the heat it. Resaturate the towel in hot infusion/decoction periodically.

To make an infused oil, add two ounces of dried cut-and-sifted (C/S) herb to one pint of olive oil or almond oil. Bake in the oven at a temperature of 115-200oF until the herbs are crisp. Strain and put into a dark bottle. Olive oil usually has a long shelf life before it goes rancid.

Infused oils can also be made by putting the herb/oil mixture into a jar and setting it in the sun for five days (fewer days in hotter climates). Shake daily, strain, and bottle.

For either method,a preservative agent must be added to the finished infused oil. Add two drops of tincture of benzoin for each ounce of oil (the preferred preservative), or add the contents of one 400 IU capsule of Vitamin E for each cup of oil.

Essential oils may also be added to infused oils for therapeutic purposes. Add ten drops to one ounce of the appropriate essential oil for each cup of the finished infused oil. Never add the essential oils before applying heat to the infused oil, as this will dissipate the essential oils.

Infusions are prepared when the volatile oils in herbs are needed, or when the herbal constituents are extracted from flowers or leaves. Infusions are used hot or cold (strain and let them cool, or keep in the refrigerator). Decoctions are best used immediately, but must be used within 24 hours. Refrigerate after making, if the decoction is not to be used immediately.

To make a liniment, add one pint of alcohol (preferably not rubbing alcohol) or vinegar to four ounces of herb(s). Seal tightly and let set for 14 days, or for 3-7 days if needed sooner. Shake a few times daily. Strain, and add 10-30 drops essential oils if desired. Wintergreen and eucalyptus essential oils are often used for deep-rooted problems. Keep all liniments in dark bottles and store in a cool, dark place. Liniments made with alcohol will preserve well.

The dried herb is ground fine, and a small amount of slippery elm (usually 1/10 of the mixture) is added. Add small amounts of water while mixing, keeping the preparation firm. Rollinto small pills about the size of a pea. To dry the pills, spread them out on a dish and leave them to dry at room temperature. When dry, bottle them and keep them in a cool, dry place. When giving pills to children, they can be dipped in honey, molasses, or peanut butter to help cover the taste.

Plasters can be stimulating or relaxing, depending upon the herbs used. To produce a specific effect, choose the herbs which have the healing properties desired. Tinctures, fluid extracts, infusions, liniments, essential oils, and decoctions may also be added to plasters to increase their effectiveness.

Mustard and comfrey root powder are frequently used in plasters. Mustard plasters (and plasters made with other harsh herbs, such as cayenne) should be watched carefully so they do not cause blistering on the skin. Before applying plasters made with harsh herbs, rub the body part generously with olive, castor, or peanut oil.

A poultice is a pulverized or powdered mass of herbs moistened with water, tinctures, infusions, salves, infused oils, or decoctions, and applied wet to the surface of the skin. If the fresh herb is to be used, it can be pulverized and applied directly to the skin without moistening. A cloth is then wrapped around the poultice to hold it in place if there will be movement or walking.

An herbal salve is made by first heating an infused oil and adding beeswax (usually around one and one-half ounces to one pint of oil) to give it a thick consistency. Add a little more beeswax in hot climiates. Remember that the salve will thicken as it hardens upon cooling.

Another method of making a salve is to macerate dried herbs and add to melted pork lard or lanolin. Add lard or lanolin to just ocver the herbs. Simmer on top of the stove or bake in an oven until the herbs become crisp. Strain while hot. The lard or lanolin will harden upon cooling.

Add two ounces of herb(s) to one quart of water. Simmer with the top off thepot until the volume is reduced to one-half the original amount. Strain and while warm add 2-4 ounces of honey or vegetable glycerine to preserve. You may also squeeze one-half a lemon and add a pinch of cayenne to the finished product to make it more effective.

Tinctures are easily added to fomentations, infusions, decoctions, and poultices to enhance the healing properties. If there is an aversion to alcohol or vinegar, tinctures can be made with glycerine (though an alcohol-based tincture is preferred when possible). The final concentration of alcohol in a tincture should not be less than 30%. When buying brandy, gin, or vodka for tinctures, the proof number is twice the alcohol content, so the minimum proof for the alcohol is 60. Tinctures are usually prepared with an alcohol content from 30-60%, or even higher. If the tincture needs to be diluted, it can be added to a small glass of water.

To make a tincture, combine 4 ounces of powdered or cut/sifted herb with 1 pint alcohol (gin, brandy, or vodka), vegetable glycerin, or raw apple cider vinegar. Combine herbs and alcohol in a container with a tight lid, let stand for 14 days, shaking container twice daily. Strain liquid by pressing through muslin or other suitable cloth (wash the cloth before using to ensure that no processing chemicals remain on the material). Pour the liquid into amber bottles and cap tightly. Amber bottles with dropper lids are preferable. Store tinctures in a cool, dark place.