Knowing what herbs can do for you is great, but how do you use them? Here are a number of articles that will explain different methods of using herbs properly.
- Compresses and Lotions – how to bathe inflamed or irritated skin
- Creams – various skin preparations
- Decoctions – an extract of herbs produced by boiling the herb in water
- Electuaries – a combination of powdered herbs stirred into honey or vegetable glycerin to form a pasty mass
- Essential Oils – the concentrated vital essences of aromatic plants used in cosmetics, perfumes, flavourings, and in aromatherapy
- Fomentations – local applications of hot and cold given alternately
- Gargles and Mouthwashes – preparations used for sore throats, canker sores, gingivitis, and other oral inflammations
- Glycerites – a preparation that uses glycerin to extract the constituents from an herb
- Liniments – a liquid preparation with a base of oil, alcohol, or a blend of the two for external application
- Medicinal Milk – milk made from herbs
- Mustard Plasters – oily or waxy mixtures blended with herbs and applied to the chest or abdomen to stimulate internal organs
- Oil Infusions – how to extract the active fat-soluble ingredients of herbs
- Ointments and Salves – protection against injury or inflammation of damaged skin
- Poison Ivy Lotions – relief from an attack of poison ivy
- Poultices – methods to ease nerve or muscle pain, sprains, or broken bones, and to draw pus from infected wounds, ulcers, or boils
- Powders and Capsules – creating and filling capsules in the home
- Steam Inhalations – a method used for such conditions as colds, sinus congestion, and asthma
- Syrups – sweetened infusions or decoctions
- Tinctures and Vinegars – preparations made by extracting, and preserving, the active properties of herbs using alcohol or vinegar
- Toothpastes and Lip Balms – preparations in the home for teeth and lips
- Vapor Balm – a method used to stimulate the flow of excess mucus or to loosen congestion
- Water Infusions – the best way to prepare the more delicate aerial parts of plants
- When to Gather Herbs – the best times of the year to collect the various parts of herbs