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Complete
Instructions on How to Use Herbs
5
Ways to use Bulk Herbs
Herbal Teas:
Infusions, 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: 2 to 4 ounces of your favorite herb
into
16 ounces of water. Simmer this until the water and herbs have
reduced by half the volume of water. Then remove and strain
the herbs. Drink when the liquid has cooled. Decoctions are
usually used for barks, roots, and hard berries.
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.
Always label, with date, herbs used, quantity used, and
what the reason you made the mixture.
What! There's MORE
Podcasting
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Tea
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