HERBAL REMEDY PREPARATION
With Nathaniel Whitmore
Infusions & Decoctions ~ Technically, Tea is from the leaves, buds, or twigs of the Tea
plant, Camellia sinensis. Herbal “tea” is of two types: herbal infusions and herbal decoctions.
An infusion is made as one makes a cup of tea- the herbs are soaked (steeped) in just-boiled water for
several minutes. Aromatic herbs, flowers, and leafy (herbaceous) portions are generally best infused.
Peppermint, Chamomile, and many common herbs are prepared this way.
A decoction is made by simmering the herbs (or, more technically, decocting is usually used for barks,
roots, dried berries, and other thick, tough plant parts) in water for several minutes to a few hours.
Roots like Ginseng, Licorice, and Astragalus; and berries like Hawthorn are good as decoction.
A cold infusion is made by soaking herbs in cool or room temperature water, usually for a number of
hours with Mucilaginous herbs such as Marshmallow and Slippery Elm.
A long infusion is made by extending the infusion time for hours in order to extract minerals and other
“heavier” constituents. Nettles are commonly prepared by long infusion for use as a supplement.
A long decoction, which is used for some medicinal mushrooms and for certain herbal preparations, is
similar to a reduction in that the cooking time is used to concentrate the preparation. Reishi is prepared
as long decoction to make a potent extract. If tincture (see below) is added after decocting the
preparation becomes known as a double extract.
Tinctures ~ Tinctures are potent liquid extracts.
When made with fresh plants tinctures preserve
many of the healing qualities that are lost with the drying process; and they extend the shelf life of fresh
and dried herbs. Tinctures are convenient to use, requiring no stove-top preparation. Capsules and
tablets are similar in this, but are more difficult to assimilate. Generally tinctures are made with an
alcohol base. Glycerin tinctures can be found if there is a desire to avoid alcohol. Some people use
vinegar for home-made tinctures.
Echinacea and Motherwort are examples of herbs that should be tinctured as fresh plants in order to
preserve properties that are lost in the drying or aging process. Other herbs like Lobelia that are used in
small doses are convenient in tincture form.
Syrups ~ Syrups are well-known preparations for treating colds, since they can be prepared to be
soothing for the throat. Some other herbs commonly decocted can also be prepared as syrups. For
instance, Hawthorn syrup is a great way to take this herb on a daily basis. Cough syrups are often made
with an Elderberry and honey base. Virtually any herbal ingredients can be added to such a base. In
order to add a preservative property I like to use tinctures, which is also a way to include herbs that are
best in tincture form (such as Elecampane, Calamus, and Echinacea).
Capsules, Tablets, Pills, & Lozenges ~ Generally, I discourage the use of capsules in
favor of liquid extracts. Properly made liquid extracts are easily absorbed by the body, the dosage can be
adjusted easily, and the ingredients mixed easily – all making them superior to dried capsules. However,
herbs like Milk Thistle (which is a fatty seed) and others (such as Nettles and Horsetail, taken for mineral
content) can be best as capsule or tablet.
Today capsules, tablets, and the like seem to be the default preparations. However, most herbal
traditions are based on liquid extracts. Pills have been used in Chinese medicine and other systems for
many years, being hand-made with powdered herbs.
Pills made from Slippery Elm and other mucilaginous herbs are used as throat lozenges.
Training Wines ~ Shaolin martial artists utilized these wines before training to encourage “warm
up” and in the case of injury to regulated blood and rebuild damaged tissue.
Poultices ~ Poultices are among the most quintessential forms of herbal remedy preparation.
Since the earliest of history people have been picking herbs and crushing them for external application.
Certain herbs, like Jewelweed, are still ideal in this primitive form. Modern poultices are made using
towels soaked in herbal water extracts, wrapping herbs in clothe and then steaming. Poultices are great
for applying herbs when it is not desirable to introduce oils (such as found in other preparations), when it
is beneficial to use heat in the treatment, and when using certain herbs.
Washes ~ A wash is the external application of an infusion or decoction.
Washes are used to clean
out wounds, treat skin disorders, and for mild external application. The water extract can be poured over
the body or applied with washcloths. Other variations of externally applying water extracts include
soaking such as with foot baths and sitz baths. Astringent herbs like Witch Hazel are good as washes,
however this herb is most often used as a store-bought distillate.
Oil Infusions
~ Oil infusions are made by soaking herbs in oil and then straining for use. The
infused oil can be used directly on the skin or for hair treatments. More commonly, oil infusions are used
to make other preparations such as salves and lotions (see below). An oil infusion made from Mullein
flowers and/or Garlic can be used as an eardrop to treat infections.
Salves
~ Basic salves are made by starting with an oil infusion (see above), to which beeswax is
added to solidify. Salves are great for general purpose skin remedies using herbs such as Calendula, St.
John’s Wort, and Comfrey. Chapstick is a form of salve. Suppositories are also from salve. Essential oils
are easily added to salves.
Lotions, Creams, & Ointments ~ Generally, these products combine an oil portion with a
water portion. The oil portion is composed of the same types of ingredients as salve (see above). The
water portion is made of flower water, aloe, and similar ingredients. Combining the oil and water
portions can be tricky at home (oil and water don’t mix), but it is very rewarding to make your own
chemical-free product at home. Ointments are dominated by their oil portions.
Liniment ~ Basically, a liniment is a tincture for external use.
They are generally rubbed into sore
muscles and joints to treat arthritis and injury. They can be crafted from various carriers.
Training Wine~
Shaolin training wines can be used externally, such as the Shaolin Five
Fragrances Wine. They can be prepared with grain alcohol or sake like those used for internal use, or
can be prepared specifically for external use like liniments. Various Dit Da Jow formulas have been used
by martial artists for topical treatment during conditioning and in the case of injuries.
RECOMMENDED READING:
The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook By James Green
Making Plant Medicine By Richo Chech
Herbal Recipe’s for Vital Health By Rosemary Gladstar