Prepare Medicinal Herbs

Remember that just because an herb is "natural" does not mean it is "safe." Some herbs are poisonous or deadly, and others interact badly with prescription medications and other herbs.

However, many herbal remedies are harmless. If you want to prepare your own medicinal herbs, then here are some medicinal preparations you will find helpful.

Internal Preparations for Medicinal Herbs

Herbal Powders

The useful part of an herb is usually dried and then ground into a powder. In powder form, the herb can be inserted into an empty pill capsule or compressed into tablet form. You should use a new capsule - never empty a capsule to refill it with a new medicinal powder.

Herbal Syrups

Boil equal parts of sugar and water. Add an herb or herb combination and boil gently for 5 minutes, stirring often.

Children enjoy sweet medicines, but always check with your physician or herbal practitioner before medicating children with herbs!

Herbal Tonics

Tonics are usually herb infused water (a.k.a. herbal tea). Tonics are generally mild treatments designed to maintain or gradually and gently improve on a medical condition. You could also consider herbal wines, vinegars and cooking oils to be mild tonics.

External Preparations for Medicinal Herbs

Herbal Tinctures

Usually, most tinctures contain about 20-50% alcohol. Powdered herbs are added to an alcohol solution. Tinctures keep for a long time if stored in a cool, dry, dark place.

Herbal Liniments

Liniments are like tinctures, but are usually made with water, oils or other "runny" liquids.

Herbal Compresses

Moist and cool bruised herbs wrapped in a cloth and applied to the affected area of your body. Compresses are good for headaches.

Herbal Poultices

Moist and warm or hot herbs wrapped in cloth and applied to the skin. Apply the poultice for one to eight hours to the body to relieve pain and inflammation. For the best results, use ground, granulated or bruised herbs and change the cloth when it cools.

Herbal Salves

Salves are ointments, balms, oils, creams and lotions mixed with ground or powdered herbs. Salves are used to treat sores, bruises, and inflammations like a poultice. Unlike a poultice, salves can be applied before dressing (as with Ben-gay® and other topical drugstore ointments).

Important Herbal Info

Examining tradition is a valid way to learn how an herb will work for you. Scientific proof may be lacking, but the human experience is a truthful representation of things science may not yet show.

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