Writing Notes: Herbal Remedies
References (Capsules & Powders; Compresses & Lotions; Creams; Decoctions; Infused Oils; Infusions; Ointments; Poultices; Syrups; Tinctures; Tonic Wines; Other Preparations)
Powdered herbs are most easily taken as capsules but can be sprinkled on food or taken with water.
Externally, they can be applied as a dusting powder to the skin or mixed with tinctures as a poultice.
Lotions are water-based herbal preparations such as infusions, decoctions, or diluted tinctures that are used to bathe inflamed or irritated skin.
Compresses are cloths soaked in a lotion and held against the skin.
Both are simple ways to use herbs externally and can be very effective in relieving swelling, bruising, and pain, soothing inflammation and headaches, and cooling fevers.
Making a cream involves combining oil or fat and water in an emulsion. If the process is rushed, the oil and water may separate.
Unlike ointments, creams blend with the skin and have the advantage of being cooling and soothing while at the same time allowing the skin to breathe and sweat naturally.
They can, however, deteriorate quite quickly and are best stored in dark, airtight jars in a refrigerator.
Roots, bark, twigs, and berries usually require a more forceful treatment than leaves or flowers to extract their medicinal constituents. A decoction involves simmering these tougher parts in boiling water.
Fresh or dried plant material may be used and should be cut or broken into small pieces before decocting. Like infusions, decoctions can be taken hot or cold.
Infusing an herb in oil allows its active, fat-soluble ingredients to be extracted; hot infused oils are simmered, while cold infused oils are heated naturally by the sun.
Both types of oil can be used externally as massage oils or added to creams and ointments.
Infused oil should not be confused with essential oil, which is an active constituent naturally present in a plant and has specific medicinal properties and a distinct aroma.
Essential oil may be added to an infused oil to increase its medicinal efficacy
An infusion is the simplest way to prepare the more delicate aerial parts of plants, especially leaves and flowers, for use as a medicine or as a revitalizing or relaxing drink.
It is made in a similar way to tea, using either a single herb or a combination of herbs, and may be drunk hot or cold.
Ointments contain oils or fats heated with herbs and, unlike creams, contain no water. As a result, ointments form a separate layer on the surface of the skin.
They protect against injury or inflammation of damaged skin and carry active medicinal constituents, such as essential oils, to the affected area.
Useful in conditions such as hemorrhoids or where protection is needed from moisture, as in chapped lips and diaper rash.
A poultice is a mixture of fresh, dried, or powdered herbs that is applied to an affected area.
Used to ease nerve or muscle pains, sprains, or broken bones, and to draw pus from infected wounds, ulcers, or boils.
Honey and unrefined sugar are effective preservatives.
Can be combined with infusions or decoctions to make syrups and cordials.
They have the additional benefit of having a soothing action, and therefore make a perfect vehicle for cough mixtures as well as relieving sore throats.
With their sweet taste, syrups can disguise the taste of unpalatable herbs and are therefore greatly appreciated by children.
Tinctures are made by soaking an herb in alcohol. This encourages the active plant constituents to dissolve, giving tinctures a relatively stronger action than infusions or decoctions.
They are convenient to use and last up to 2 years.
Tinctures can be made using a jug and a jelly bag, instead of a wine press. Although mainly used in European, American, and Australian herbal medicine, tinctures play a part in most herbal traditions.
Tonic wines are an agreeable way to take strengthening and tonic herbs to increase vitality and improve digestion.
Neither strictly medicinal, nor simply appealing to the palate, they are easy to prepare at home.
Made by steeping tonic herbs in red or white wine for several weeks.
Steam inhalations are an effective way to clear congestion and relieve sinusitis, hay fever, and bronchial asthma.
The combination of steam and antiseptic ingredients clears the airways throughout the respiratory system.
Gargles and mouthwashes usually contain astringent herbs, which tighten the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
As gargles and mouthwashes are made from infusions, decoctions, or diluted tinctures, they can generally be swallowed for internal treatment. Ensure you do not exceed the daily internal dose of an herb.
Pessaries & Suppositories
Pessaries and suppositories are waxy pellets containing essential oil or fine powder.
They are used when oral medicine is likely to be broken down during digestion before reaching its intended site.
Pessaries are inserted into the vagina and suppositories into the anus, where they melt at body temperature.
The herb is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing fast relief. It is best to buy ready-made suppositories.
Essential oils can be used in massage to soothe minor aches and pains.
Before use, they should be diluted with a carrier oil as they can irritate the skin.
Essential oils deteriorate rapidly after dilution, so it is best to mix small quantities as you need them.
Herbal baths and skin washes can relieve many conditions, including aching limbs and stuffy sinuses.
They are made from diluted essential oils or infusions.
Eyebaths soothe sore, inflamed, or irritated eyes.
Heat destroys the active constituents of some herbs.
Thus, a cold maceration might be more appropriate than a decoction.
The juices extracted from many herbs.
Can be taken internally or applied externally.
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