Herbal Medicine-Making 101
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Transcript of Herbal Medicine-Making 101
HERBAL MEDICINE MAKING 101
Created by Brigitte ZettlFor Crown Valley Organics
Herbs in History
• Medicinal plants have aided our survival for all of human history
• Allopathic medicine has only existed for the last 2 centuries
• 80% of the planet still uses herbs as their primary source of medicine
Medicinals from Crown Valley Organics
• Arnica• Astragalus• Holy Basil• Bee Balm• Black Cohosh• Bugleweed• Calendula• Catnip• Chamomile• Comfrey• Echinacea• Fennel• Feverfew• Ginger• Ginseng• Goldenseal• Lavender• Lemon Balm
• Lobelia• Marshmallow• Pleurisy• Mugwort• Oregano• Passionflower• Patchouli• Peppermint• Rosemary • Rue• Sage• Thyme• Valerian• Violet• Wormwood• Yarrow
Forms of Herbal Medicine
• Infusions• Decoctions• Syrups• Elixirs• Tinctures• Oils• Salves
Useful Tools
• Mortar & Pestle• Grinder• Jars• Funnels• Cheese Cloth• Press• Bees Wax• Olive Oil• Measuring Devices
Herbal Teas
Infusion• Flowers• Leaves• Mucilaginous Roots• Mucilaginous Seeds
Decoction• Roots• Bark• Mushrooms
Infusion
• Boil hot water, pour over the herbs, and cover to steep for 10 minutes
Decoction
• Boil herbs with water and simmer covered for 20-30 minutes
For the Little Ones:
Syrups• Mix your decoction or
infusion in a 1:1 ratio with honey
• Keep refrigerated
Elixirs• Mix your decoction or
infusion in a 1:1 ratio with ½ honey and ½ brandy
• Keep refrigerated
Tinctures for Greater Potency & Storage Life
• Must be at least 30% alcohol
• Percentage varies with the herb you are extracting
• Ratio for dosing is G:Ml
Tinctures
• Mix your tincture at the proper ratio
• Cover and shake daily for 2 weeks
• Strain through cheese cloth with a press
Some Common Ratios
• Goldenseal – dry – 1:5 – 48%• Black Cohosh – dry – 1:3 – 70%• Fennel – dry – 1:4 – 65%• Kava – dry – 1:1 -70% solv.• Valerian – dry – 1:1 – 55% solv.• Chamomile – fresh – 1:1.6 – 65%• Mint – fresh – 1:1.4 – 65%
For the Skin
Oils• Similar to tinctures
except less math!• Load up your jar
halfway• Pour oil over• Shake every day for
two weeks• Strain with
cheesecloth and a press
Salves• Mix your herbal oil
with beeswax. About 1 ounce (30 gm.) per cup is the rule of thumb
• Herbs: comfrey, arnica, calendula, yarrow, licorice
Recommended Reading
• The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook; James Green
• Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Sharol Tilgner N.D.
• Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal