Re: ? re making tea of herbs

[Guest guest]

You steep leaves and boil (decoct) roots. You need to be sure you're

using the right part of the plant for what you need.

On Jun 2, 2010, at 7:05 AM, rasheedaas wrote:

> I had read somewhere that depending on which parts of the herb, eg

> leaves, or stem, or root -

> the method is steeping vs boiling.

>

> I thot it was in Buhner's book, but if it is I can't find it.

>

> does anyone have any directions for making herbal tea?

>

> thanks,

> ellen

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello

Here are the different methods, book marked this from one of the sites

Complete Instructions on How to Use Herbs

5 Ways to use Bulk Herbs

Herbal Teas:   Infusions, also known as steeping is easy to do. 

Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of the herb to 8 ounces of water. 

Bring the water to a boil.  Place herbs into a  reusable teabag or any other non

metallic holder then place into a container that can be sealed. 

Pour water  into the cup and cover for 5 - 15 minutes.

Covering the cup keeps the volatile oils potent until ready to drink.  The

reason the difference in time depends upon whether it is leaf, stems, root, or

seeds.

Decoctions:

A decoction is also similar to an infusion, and necessary when using sturdy

plant material like herbal roots, barks, pits, seeds, hard berries, root-barks

and stems. These parts need to have their active components extracted in a more

concentrated procedure

The parts of the plant should be uniform in size.  Usually about 1 inch long, by

1/8 inch thick. Use 2-4 tablespoons of the dried herbs for 1 ½ pints of water.

Place the herbs in a saucepan with the water, and boil the decoction.

The boil should be a rolling boil, yet gentle.

Simmer the mixture until the volume of the liquid has been reduced by about a

half. This will take any where from 15 - 45 minutes 

Strain the mixture.

The decoction should be used in three wine-glass-sized doses throughout the day.

It should be stored in a pitcher in a cool place.

The decoction can be reheated and flavored with a little honey if desired

Poultice: 

4 ounces of herbs slightly bruised it is best for the herbs to be in a ground

form.  

Pour boiling hot water over the powder -  enough hot water to make a thick

paste. 

Apply the paste in a layer about 1/4th inch thick on a piece of cotton cloth

large enough to cover the area completely. 

The cloth can be gauze or a light material, to insure that the herbs can

penetrate through. 

To keep the heat in  cover  with a piece of plastic.   

Leave it on until the herbs have cooled. 

As a side note: Whole herbs can be used as well. Do not reuse the same poultice.

Clean cloth is needed each time the problem area is addresses.   The poultice is

to be used on an area that has been thoroughly cleaned.  Poultices can be used

for eruptions, boils, carbuncles and abscesses and infected wounds.

Herbal Baths: 

2 to 4 of your favorite herbs.

Place into reusable tea bag and toss into the bath tub.

Insure that you do not use any herbs that can cause inflammation. 

If not wanting to use in bath, this can be used as a loofa in the shower.

Herbal Extracts: 

1:4  ratio. 1 ounce of herbs to 4 ounces of vodka or brandy. 

Place in bottle that can be sealed tightly. 

Pour alcohol over the herbs insuring that the herbs are completely cover, even

if it takes more liquid to do this. 

Let this mixture age  for 6 weeks, slightly shaking it everyday. You may find

that you will need to add more alcohol to insure that the liquid is all the way

to the top of the container. 

Do not put this in direct sunlight.  

After 6 weeks drain, and use as directed.

Label the jar with date, contents, and ingredients

Salves and Ointments:

Choose herbs with healing, soothing properties to prepare your own salves and

ointments to apply to sore skin and wounds. Simply combine an infused oil with

chosen herbs and beeswax.

Pour 3-4 fluid ounces of an infused oil into a glass bowl, and place over a pot

of boiling water.

Add small, square piece of beeswax to the infused oil, stirring constantly until

the wax has completely melted.  If not thick enough add more beeswax, very small

pieces at a time.  The beeswax will thicken the mixture, giving it just the

right consistency.

Pour the warm liquid into small, dark ointment jars.

Store in a cool, dark place.

Always label, with date, herbs used, quantity used, and

what the reason you made the mixture. 

What! There's MORE

Podcasting - How to make an extract 

thanks,

ellen

------------------------------------

Buy Healing Lyme: Natural Healing And Prevention of Lyme Borreliosis And Its

Coinfections by Buhner at one of these locations:

http://tinyurl.com/3bgm5d