Both fresh and dried herbs can be used to make a range of home herbal products. Although fresh herbs may have a greater medicinal value, dried herbs are available all year round and are readily available from herbalists and health food shops. Buying herbs in their dried form greatly reduces the chances of taking the wrong herb. If you do pick fresh herbs, make sure that you can accurately identify the plant that you need and choose plants that are perfect, clean and unblemished. Fresh herbs should be used straight away. Dried herbs generally lose their potency after six or seven months; roots, bark and seeds can be kept for up to three years.
MAKING A STANDARD DECOCTION
Place 25 g (1 oz) of the dried herb or 55 g (2 oz) of the fresh herb in 750 ml (25 fl oz) water and bring to the boil. Allow to simmer for at least 20 minutes - an hour at most. Strain the decoction through a nylon sieve while hot. I f kept in a cool place, the decoction will last a day or two. The standard dosage is one tea cup three times a day.
MAKING A STANDARD TINCTURE
Take 600 ml (1 pint) of alcohol of at least 30 per cent proof (vodka is suitable), and pour it over 115 g (4 oz) of dried herbs (225 g or 8 oz fresh). Keep the mixture in a warm place for two weeks and shake daily. Strain the liquid through muslin into a dark, airtight bottle. Take 5 ml (1 teaspoon) three times a day.
MAKING A POULTICE OR COMPRESS
Boil the herbs in a little water for 2 minutes (longer if the herbs are dried), then spread the mixture on strips o f muslin and apply to the skin while hot. A compress is made similarly but, instead o f using the whole herb, a cloth dipped in an infusion or a decoction is used. Poultices and compresses should be as hot as is bearable when applied.
MAKING A HERBAL OINTMENT
The simplest way to make an ointment is to simmer 2 tablespoonfuls of a dried herb in 200 g (7 oz) of melted petroleum jelly for about 10 minutes. Stir well, then strain through fine gauze. While still hot, pour the liquid into a heat-proof container. Allow to cool, and seal the container.
