THE HERBWIFE SPEAKS: THE BASICS
|
moon phases � |
So it is time to talk about terminology.
It is time to form a point of reference.
First let me say that herbs are not medicine, not in the western mainstream idea of medicine. They help the body to be healthy much as food does. They nourish and allow the body to heal itself. Many modern medicines originated in the plants. For instance aspirin is salicylic acid which is a man made version of salicin which is found in the bark of willow trees. Another is the heart medicine digitalis whose plant source is foxglove (digitalis purpurea). Given that plants can poison people as well as aid in healing it is a very good idea to work with herbs with caution and respect. Know what it is you are using not by a common name for the plant but by the latin name. The latin name is the only reliable name when using herbs.
Herbs can be taken in many forms. Tea, infusion, tincture, oil, capsule, and eaten as you would a vegetable. The way a particular herb is taken depends on the substance within the herb that you would benefit from and/or how strong a remedy you want. Here is a quick rundown of each of the methods of using herbs:
Tea: Teas are one of the mildest uses of herbs. I imagine most folks have tasted a herbal tea at some point in life whether it is peppermint tea for a tummy ache or chamomile to help relax. Teas are made by putting a small amount of dried herb in hot water and allowing to steep for a few minutes. Teas can be used regularly for long periods of time. To make a herbal tea take a tablespoon of dried herb and pour boiling water over it. Steep for about five minutes and strain.
Infusions: Infusions are similar to teas but the amount of dried herb used is much greater and the time it is steeped is much longer. Infusions are more potent than teas but are still in the milder "tonic" category of use. When looking for relief from a chronic problem infusions are taken daily for a number of weeks before results are obvious. Infusions can be used indefinitely in most cases. To make an infusion put one ounce of dried herb in a quart container. Pour hot water in to fill jar and cap. Steep four to eight hours and strain.
Tinctures: Tinctures are made with alcohol to extract alkaloids from fresh plants. Tinctures can be tonic but are often more potent or used for shorter periods of time. Results when using tinctures can be quick and powerful. Tinctures are made by filling a small jar with fresh plant material and then filling the jar to the top with 100 proof vodka or grain alcohol. Let sit for at least six weeks someplace away from bright light. Strain and save the liquid.
Oils: Oils can be used topically or internally much like teas. Only some plants will have properties that are extracted well with oil. One is comfrey root which contains allantoin which is an excellent emollient and is found in many skin care products. Oils are made using fresh plant material. Most oils can be used indefinitely. Oils are made like tinctures but great care must be taken not to leave any air in the jar when is capped or the oil will go rancid. Use only olive oil to make herbal oils.
Capsules: Herb capsules contain dried herbs. In most cases capsule forms of herbs are my last choice. The quality is unknown in many cases and many active substances need the process of infusion or tincture to become readily available to our bodies. If the only way you will take an herb is by capsule you can try it but the results will be less reliable.
Food: Eating herbs as food may sound silly if you are looking for health benefits but think about what would happen to your body if you never ate a vegetable. Your health would be compromised without an entire food group in your diet. Herbs as food and medicine makes perfect sense. Some herbs can have amazing results when eaten in salad or used in cooking. Garlic is an excellent example. Commonly used in cooking, garlic is antibiotic, thins the blood, and controls parasites.
If you do decide to make tinctures or dry wild herbs be careful where you gather the herbs from. Many useful plants like to grow on disturbed ground so they are easily found along roads. Don't harvest plants near roads!! They are bathed in car exhaust and other noxious things. Never take more of a plant than you really need and never take all of a plant that is growing in an area. Respect that the plants can't survive into the future if you take every stem or flower from them.
*All material is copyright "greenwitch" and may not be reproduced without permission and is offered for entertainment purposes only. In times of ill health see a healthcare professional of your choice*
written at 8:37 p.m.
February 06, 2005
Miss something?
- - January 26, 2009
- - May 26, 2008
- - April 09, 2008
- - January 21, 2008
- - November 24, 2007