Salves- I use slight variations of this recipe to make lip balms, body balms and diaper/ bum balms.
- 5 g of fresh or dried herbs ( this might be a single, or combination of many).
- 100 mls of oil (I use olive, sunflower is lighter has less scent).
- Heat the oil and herbs in a double boiler for 2 hours, stir often, DO NOT LET BOIL.
- Strain through cheese cloth or stainless steel sieve
- add 1/3oz or more beeswax, stir to melt
- add essential oils as wanted, plus 25 drops vitamin e and 25 drops benzoin as natural preservatives.
Poultice/ Compress- to apply to an area of irriation, inflammation.
- 10g of herbs sauteed in 50-100 mls oil, saute 30 minutes if herbs are fresh, an hour if herbs are dried, pack in cheese cloth and apply to area 30-60 minutes.
Decoction
- 6g of herbs in 400 mls water
- bring to boil then simmer until water volume is approximately 1/3
- strain and store in fridge will keep about 2 weeks
- dose will depend on herb used.
Tincture
- 30 g of fresh of dried herbs, if using fresh chop them up very well.
- add herbs to 300 mls (40% alcohol) + 50 mls filtered water
- place herbs and liquid into a bottle with lid tightly closed.
- store in the dark 2-6 weeks, shaking bottle/ jar daily.
- strain and discard herbs, liquid tincture will last 18-24 months.
Syrup (this is the only one I have not tried,but am about to make one with red clover decoction and licorice tincture for fall coughs)
- 50 mls tincture
- 50 mls decoction
- 100 mls honey, stir over gentle heat until all combined well
- stores up to 2 months in the fridge.
Happy Herb Hunting!
