Definitions & Making Herbal Preparations
Compress
Soak a soft cloth in a hot infusion, decoction, or 5-20 ml tincture in 500 ml hot water. Squeeze out excess water and hold pad against affected area.
Cream
A mixture of fats and water that blends with the skin to strengthen and smooth it. Use 30 g lanolin, 15 oz beeswax, 100 g. vegetable or fruit oil, and 30 ml herb water. Melt the lanolin and beeswax in a double boiler, gently stirring in the oil. Remove from heat and whisk in the herb water. Keep stirring as it cools. Store in wide mouth jars.
Decoction
Made by simmering larger pieces of the herb, such as bark, roots, or twigs. Use 30 g. dried or 60 g. fresh herb to 750 ml water; simmer until the water is reduced to 500 ml. Drink 1/2 cup three times a day.
Infused oils
--Hot infusion: 250 g. dried or 500 g. fresh herb to 750 ml Olive or Vegetable Oil. Heat gently in a double boiler for 3 hours. Strain through cheesecloth into dark bottles.
--Cold infusion: Pack a large jar with the herb. Cover it with cold-pressed oil and put the lid on. Let stand in a sunny window sill for 2-3 weeks. Squeeze the oil through a jelly bag and repeat the process. Store in dark glass bottles.
Infusion
A tea made by pouring boiled (not actively boiling) water over fresh or dried herbs. Use approximately 30 g. dried or 75 g. fresh herbs to 500 ml water. Drink 1/2 cup three times a day.
Macerate
To make, pour 500ml of cold water over 25g of herb and leave to stand overnight. Then strain and use as you would a decoction.
Massage Oils
Use 5 drops essential oil to 20 ml carrier oil. Sweet almond, jojoba, avocado or grape seed make good carrier oils. You can also used infused oils.
Ointment
A mixture of oils and fats that forms a protective layer over the skin. Melt 500 g. petroleum jelly or soft paraffin wax in a double boiler. Add 60 g. dried herb and simmer gently for 2 hours. Strain through a jelly bag and pour into jars while still hot.
Plaster
Wrap the chopped or boiled herbs, or a paste made from them, in cheesecloth or muslin before applying to the affected area. This is good for herbs that might irritate the skin, such as mustard.
Poultice
Boil herbs in a little water for a hot poultice, or bruise or chop slightly for a cold one. Smooth a little oil on the skin to keep the herbs from sticking, apply the herb, and wrap with muslin or gauze strips.
Steam Inhalants
Place a few tablespoons of the dried herb in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Drape a towel
JB's Random information
Discussion of nature and nature spirits and dragons.
Return to “Nature - Plants, Animals, Faeries, Dragons”
Jump to
- Welcome to the EUTM Forum
- ↳ Member Profiles & Introductions
- ↳ EUTM Rules and Announcements
- ↳ Suggestions/Comments
- ↳ Member Chat
- Paganism, Witchcraft, and Wicca
- ↳ General Questions about Wicca & Magick
- ↳ F.A.Q.
- ↳ Love Spells
- ↳ Post a Spell or Ritual
- ↳ Spell Critique
- ↳ Protection Spells
- ↳ Witchcraft & Wicca 101 - The Basics of the Craft
- ↳ Ritual Items and Tools
- ↳ Working with the Moon
- ↳ Member's Books of Shadows
- ↳ Nature - Plants, Animals, Faeries, Dragons
- ↳ Animals and Pets
- ↳ Gardening
- ↳ Faeries, Nature Spirits, and Plant Consciousness
- ↳ Environmentalism
- ↳ Dragons
- ↳ Gods/Goddesses
- ↳ Folklore and Myths
- ↳ Websites, Media and Services
- ↳ Music & Videos
- ↳ Witchcraft and Wicca in the Media
- ↳ Book Reviews
- ↳ Crystals and Gemstones
- ↳ Crystal Gallery
- ↳ Kitchen Magick & Witch Crafts
- ↳ Potions
- ↳ Food and Recipes
- ↳ Types of Witchcraft
- ↳ Druids and Druidry
- ↳ Christian Witchcraft
- ↳ Christianity and Other Religious Faiths
- ↳ Shamanism
- ↳ Folk Magick
- ↳ Pop Culture Magic
- ↳ Astrology and Zodiac
- ↳ The Elements - Earth, Fire, Air, and Water
- ↳ Sabbats and Esbats
- ↳ Altar Pictures
- ↳ Pagan Prayers
- ↳ Advanced Witchcraft
- Spirituality - Metaphysical
- ↳ Dreaming and Sleep
- ↳ Dream Journals
- ↳ Spirits, Ghosts, Paranormal Events
- ↳ Spirit Guides, Guardian Spirits, etc.
- ↳ Healing and Energy Work
- ↳ Psychic Ability, Precognitive Dreams, Empathy
- ↳ Consciousness Work and Meditation
- ↳ Reincarnation & the Afterlife
- ↳ OBEs, Astral Travel, Lucid Dreaming
- ↳ Beyond the Earth
- Psychic & Tarot Readings
- ↳ General Divination
- ↳ Tarot Talk
- ↳ Runes
- ↳ Free Readings - Requests & Offers
- Member's Nook
- ↳ Life, Death, and Love
- ↳ For Everyone
- ↳ Mental Health
- ↳ LGBT Chat and Concerns
- ↳ Teen Concerns
- ↳ In Memory Of...
- ↳ Pagan Family & Parenting
- ↳ Travel
- ↳ Prayer Requests
- ↳ The Creative Corner
- ↳ Creative Writing
- ↳ Artwork
- ↳ Poetry
- ↳ Members' Personal Blogs
- ↳ Kassandra's Metaphysical Basics
- ↳ Kassandra's Foray in the Green
- ↳ News/Articles
- ↳ Member's Rants and Ramblings
- ↳ Member Announcements and Updates