Alternative Healing Wednesdays

Balm of Gilead.
Watercolor. Copr. Donna Duncan, 2001

There are several ways in which herbal healing is administered.  These are: teas, infusions, decoctions, tinctures, fluid extracts, essences[i], fomentations, ointments, poultices, syrups, and capsules. We will discuss the method of making herbal teas, infusions and decoctions here[ii]:

Tea 
                             

Use fresh water (spring water is best, filtered water is next-best), and bring to a boil, shut it off.  Place 1 teaspoon of tea to 8 ounces of water. Cover the pot. Let steep for 5-15 minutes. Use a non-metallic strainer to strain the tea.

Infusion

Pour 1 pint of boiling water over a full ounce of herbs. For smaller amounts you can reduce, for example 1/3 ounce of herb to a full cup of water.  Then let it steep for 10-20 minutes (lid on). Then strain as instructed with tea.

Decoctions

Used for hard, and woody type of roots and / or stems. It is the bitter principles and mineral salts that are extracted through this process. First you would need to cut or crush a full ounce of herb. These are added to a full pint of water. Bring them to a boil, and then reduce the temperature to simmer until ¼ of the volume is gone.  Allow the liquid to cool, and strain (as before).  The decoction is intended to be taken in small amounts several times a day. The strained herbal liquid should be refrigerated and kept for only 72 hours.

What should you do with the herbs, after straining? Place them in your compost, or around your plants to naturally decompose.  DO NOT throw into the garbage or garbage disposal! Plants do sense our attitudes, and doing these two things would send the message we do not respect and honor their healing qualities. I always thank the plant when placing the used parts out in the garden.

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[i] Not to be mistaken with Essence Oils, or Flower Essences

[ii] The remaining methods will be covered in detail, in my course

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