Transcript herbal medicine making 101

HERBAL MEDICINE
MAKING 101
Created by Brigitte Zettl
For 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
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Arnica
Astragalus
Holy Basil
Bee Balm
Black Cohosh
Bugleweed
Calendula
Catnip
Chamomile
Comfrey
Echinacea
Fennel
Feverfew
Ginger
Ginseng
Goldenseal
Lavender
Lemon Balm
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Lobelia
Marshmallow
Pleurisy
Mugwort
Oregano
Passionflower
Patchouli
Peppermint
Rosemary
Rue
Sage
Thyme
Valerian
Violet
Wormwood
Yarrow
Forms of Herbal Medicine
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Infusions
Decoctions
Syrups
Elixirs
Tinctures
Oils
Salves
Useful Tools
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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