1. Infusion: Pour one pint of boiling water over one ounce of dried herbs and let it stand for a half hour. Strain off clear liquid. Dose is normally 1-3 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon to a teacup, 3-4 times a day. But doses can vary.
2. Decoction: Place one ounce of dried herbs in 1½ pints of cold water and boil for 20-30 minutes. Strain off clear liquid. Dose is 1 tablespoon to 1 ounce of water, 3 times a day.
3. Tincture: 1-2 ounces dried herbs are steeped in one pint of grain alcohol (brandy or vodka) for 2 days with vigorous shaking 3 times a day. The decoction is strained and 1 tablespoon of the clear liquid is used, 3 times a day.
4. Capsule: The dry herbs are powdered and then placed in a 2-piece gelatin capsule. The capsule may be added to hot water for tea; opened and made into a paste for poultices, tinctures, decoctions, infusions; or swallowed.
5. Tablet: The dried herb is pressed into a tablet shape with an excipient (binder or carrier). The tablet can be used in the same way as a capsule.
6. Poultice: Mix crushed herbs with water and cornmeal into a paste and place on affected area.
7. Salve: Mince herbs with vegetable fat (or lard) and beeswax. Cover and place in low oven for four hours, strain through cheesecloth and let set in a clean container. Place on affected area.
8.Syrup: Combine minced herbs and brown sugar. Melt brown sugar until it has reached the consistency of sap, then strain through cheesecloth into a clean bottle and store. 1 tablespoon of the syrup is used, 3 times a day.
Back