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Preparation & Use of Herbal Medicine

Preparation & Use of Herbal Medicine

Tinctures

Preparations made using alcohol to extract the plants constituents.

Water-based

Teas: dried or fresh herbs, usually aerial parts, steeped in boiling water

Decoction: usually harder plant material, boiled on the stove for longer than teas.

Syrups: herbs incorporated into a thick, sweet liquid

Shrubs: herbs incorporated into sweetened vinegar

Poultices: moistened herbs kept in place by a cloth for localised healing

Compresses: a soft cloth dipped into a hot or cold infusion or decoction, wrung out and applied to the affected area

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Other preparations commonly used

Other preparations commonly used

Alcohol-based preparations usually called Tinctures taken orally. There are non-alcoholic alternatives to this such as glycerites or vinegars which are taken in the same way. Oil-based preparations such as infused oils and ointments are used externally.

Powders: loose or in capsules

Creams: for treatment of skin conditions

Baths: herbal decoctions or infusions added to bath water

Pessaries and suppositories