Herbal Preparations

This information is extracted from educational programs offered at the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Visit the College online for more information. This information is provided in good faith for educational purposes only. This information has not been reviewed by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose nor treat disease. Always see a licensed health care provider for diagnosis and treatment. This material is copyrighted by the American College of Healthcare Sciences 2009 and may not be copied, used or distributed in any form. An Introduction to Herbal Preparations Infusions or teas Use 1 tsp of dried herbs to 1 cup of water or 1 oz to 1 pint. Pour the boiling water over the herb and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Generally, infusions do not keep well longer than 24 hours in the refrigerator. A variety of herbal tea accessories are available (see Accessories section inserts in the center pocket of this folder). Decoctions Roots, woody herbs, and some flowers are boiled to extract minerals and more of the plant’s healing agents. Use the same proportions for teas, but simmer the herbs in water for 15-20 minutes. Never use aluminum pots as aluminum reacts with the herbs affecting the final results. Use stainless steel or enamel instead. Keep in the refrigerator and use within 72 hours. Herbal oil An herbal oil is prepared as you would a tincture, replacing the alcohol with sweet almond oil or another quality cold-pressed oil. After 2 weeks of steeping, strain through cheesecloth. Repeat the process for a stronger oil. Note: Always ensure that no herbal material remains in the oil as it will mold. Tincture A tincture is made with apple cider vinegar, vodka, or ethyl alcohol. For home use, apple cider vinegar or vodka is adequate. Use 1 oz of dried herbs to 1 pint of vinegar or alcohol. Let soak on a warm windowsill, shake daily, and strain through a coffee filter or cheese cloth after 2 weeks (see accessories insert). Apple cider vinegar tinctures tend to last for approximately 6 months; vodka tinctures last indefinitely. Tinctures can be used externally in water for bathing wounds, soaking feet, in the bath, or as household disinfectant. For internal use, use approximately 15-30 drops three times daily. Capsules Dried, powdered herbs and Essential Oil formulas can be placed in vegetable gelatin capsules and taken with water. This method is particularly effective for strong, bitter herbs. For capsule fillers, look under Miscellaneous Accessories on Accessories insert in the center pocket of this folder.   Calendula flower. Calendula flowers can be used in many herbal preparations, but are often tinctured. Photograph: Dorene Petersen