Herbs+What? The Quick Guide to Herbal Preparations

Probably the most familiar herbal preparations for most people are the little bottles of liquid extracts or bottles of capsules available at stores that carry herbal products. However, there are plenty of other options for anyone interested in using herbs at home or stocking an herbal first aid kit. Other options, even, that are less expensive and more versatile.

Starting with bulk dried herbs (some health food stores carry them, or they can be ordered online), a number of simple preparations can be made at home with the addition of a few other ingredients:

Herbs+Water
Makes a "Tea". In herbal-speak, we call this an infusion or decoction depending on the ingredients and the length of time it gets steeped. Herbs+Water can also be used on the skin by applying with a clean cloth and laying over the desired area, or as a soak or bath.

Herbs+Vinegar
Makes an "Herbal Vinegar," or a "Vinegar Extract" depending on the ratio of herbs to vinegar. Herbs+Vinegar can be used topically or internally, and as a flavoring agent in foods or drinks. An Herbs+Vinegar extract can as a substitute for an Herbs+Alcohol extract when alcohol is either not available or not desirable for a situation. Vinegar interacts with herbs somewhat differently than alcohol, and the shelf life is not as long (alcohol extracts, when done well, can last upwards of five years), but hey are still very well suited for the home herbalist.

Herbs+Honey
Makes an "Herbal Honey" or "Electuary." Can be eaten right off the spoon, stirred into water to make a beverage, or rolled into little balls of the appropriate serving size.

Herbs+Oil
Makes an "Infused Oil." Depending on the herbs used, the oil can be used as a cooking ingredient or applied to the skin for skincare purposes. Herbs+Oil+Wax= Salve/Ointment.

Herbs+Alcohol
Herbs+Alcohol usually means Herbs+Grain alcohol, which is the usual composition of herbal extracts available in commerce. Other possibilities for the home herbalist, though, include Herbs+Brandy or Herbs+Wine.

Stay tuned for next week's post: A Guide To Herbal Emergency Preparedness-What Herbs, What Forms, and How Much to Store