A Guide to Traditional Herbal Preparations

The art of transforming plants into medicine is as old as humanity itself. Each method of herbal preparation serves a unique purpose, extracting different compounds and offering various routes of administration. Understanding these techniques allows you to harness the full therapeutic potential of herbs and create remedies tailored to specific needs.

Infusions/Tea

Infusions are perhaps the most familiar herbal preparation the simple act of steeping plant material in hot water, much like making tea. This gentle method is ideal for delicate plant parts such as leaves, flowers, and some seeds. The hot water extracts water-soluble compounds including vitamins, minerals, and volatile oils.

To make an infusion, pour boiling water over your herbs (typically one tablespoon of dried herb per cup of water) and cover to prevent the escape of beneficial volatile oils. Steep for 5-15 minutes then strain the herbs and discard (or put on your compost pile). Infusions are best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours. This method works well for herbs like chamomile, peppermint, nettle, and linden flower.

Decoctions

When working with tougher plant material like roots, bark, seeds and some dried berries a decoction is the preparation of choice. This method involves simmering to break down woody or dense materials and extract their medicinal compounds, which often resist the gentler infusion process.

To prepare a decoction, place herbs in cold water (generally one ounce of dried herb to one pint of water), bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 20-45 minutes. As water evaporates, you may need to add more to maintain volume. Strain while hot. Decoctions are traditionally used for herbs like dandelion root, burdock root, cinnamon bark, and ginger root. Like infusions, they're best used fresh and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Tinctures

Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made by soaking herbs in alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar. Alcohol is the most effective solvent, extracting both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds while also acting as a preservative. The result is a potent, shelf-stable preparation that's easy to dose and convenient to use.

The folk method for making tinctures involves filling a jar about one-third to one-half full with dried herbs (or up to three-quarters full with fresh herbs), covering completely with your solvent (typically 80-100 proof vodka or brandy), sealing the lid and storing in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar daily. After the extraction period, strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, squeezing out all liquid then separate into individual dark glass dropper bottles. Properly made tinctures can last for years. They're taken in small doses, typically 1-5 dropperfuls diluted in water.

Ointments

Ointments are oil-based preparations with a thick, greasy consistency that creates a protective barrier on the skin. Unlike salves or balms, true ointments traditionally contain little to no water and rely purely on oils and waxes. This makes them excellent for protecting damaged skin, sealing in moisture and delivering fat-soluble herbal compounds.

Simple ointments can be made by infusing herbs in oil then thickening with beeswax. The typical ratio is one part beeswax to four or five parts infused oil, though this can be adjusted for desired consistency. Ointments are particularly useful for very dry skin, chapped lips, minor wounds, and as chest rubs.

Poultices and Compresses

These external applications deliver herbs directly to affected areas of the body. A poultice involves applying moistened, often crushed or ground plant material directly to the skin, while a compress uses cloth soaked in a strong herbal infusion or decoction.

For a poultice, fresh herbs can be bruised or chewed to release their juices or dried herbs can be mixed with just enough hot water to form a paste. Apply the warm (not hot) herb mass directly to the skin or wrap in thin cloth first then cover with a dry cloth to retain heat. Leave in place for 20 minutes to several hours.

Compresses are made by soaking clean cloth in a hot or cold herbal preparation and applying to the affected area. Hot compresses are useful for muscle aches and stiff joints, while cold compresses can reduce inflammation and swelling. Both poultices and compresses are ideal for localized issues like bruises, sprains, skin irritations, and muscle tension.

Syrups

Herbal syrups combine the medicinal properties of plants with the soothing, coating action of honey or sugar. They're particularly popular for respiratory issues, coughs, and sore throats, as the sweet base makes them pleasant to take and helps the medicine adhere to irritated throat tissues.

Traditional syrups are made by combining a strong decoction or infusion with an equal volume of honey or a 2:1 ratio of sugar to liquid. The mixture is gently heated and stirred until well combined. Some herbalists prefer to make syrup by simmering herbs directly in water until reduced by half, then adding honey while still warm. The honey acts as both sweetener and preservative. Syrups should be stored in the refrigerator and will typically keep for several months. Common syrup herbs include elderberry, thyme, wild cherry bark, and elecampane.

Capsules

For those who find the taste of certain herbs unpalatable, capsules offer a convenient and tasteless alternative. This method involves filling empty gelatin or vegetable-based capsules with finely powdered herbs. Capsules are particularly useful for bitter or strong-tasting herbs and allow for precise dosing.

To make capsules, grind dried herbs to a fine powder using a coffee grinder or herb mill. Using a capsule-filling machine or filling by hand, pack the powder into empty capsules (sizes "00" or "0" are most common for adults). Store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Capsules should be consumed with plenty of water and are best used for dried herbs that are difficult to extract or that lose potency when exposed to heat or light.

Hydrosols

Hydrosols, also called floral waters or hydrolats, are the aromatic water byproduct of steam distillation. When essential oils are extracted from plants through distillation, the condensed steam contains water-soluble plant compounds and minute amounts of essential oil. The result is a gentle, fragrant preparation that carries therapeutic properties without the intensity of pure essential oils.

While producing hydrosols requires specialized distillation equipment, they're worth mentioning for their unique benefits. Hydrosols can be used as facial toners, room sprays, wound washes, and in cosmetic preparations. They're much gentler than essential oils and can often be used undiluted. Rose, lavender, and witch hazel are among the most popular hydrosols.

Salves, Butters, and Balms

These semi-solid preparations are closely related but have subtle differences in texture and composition. All three deliver herbs to the skin in a nourishing, protective base, but their consistency and ingredients vary.

Salves are made by infusing herbs into oil, then adding beeswax to create a spreadable, waxy consistency. The standard ratio is roughly 1 part beeswax to 4-5 parts infused oil, though this can be adjusted. Salves are excellent for minor wounds, dry skin, muscle aches, and many other external applications.

Butters incorporate plant-based butters like shea, cocoa, or mango butter along with or instead of oils. These create a richer, more emollient product that melts at body temperature. Herbal butters are luxurious moisturizers that work well for very dry skin.

Balms are similar to salves but typically have a firmer consistency with a higher ratio of wax to oil. They're often made for specific purposes like lip balm, healing balm for minor cuts, or chest balms for respiratory support.

To make any of these preparations, first create an herbal oil by gently heating dried herbs in carrier oil (olive, coconut, almond, or jojoba are popular choices) using a double boiler or slow cooker on low heat for several hours. Strain out the plant material, return the oil to heat, and add beeswax or butter. Stir until melted, test the consistency by placing a spoonful in the freezer for a minute, and adjust if needed. Pour into clean jars and allow to cool completely before capping.

Baths

Herbal baths transform bathing into a therapeutic ritual allowing the skin, the body's largest organ to absorb beneficial plant compounds while you relax. The warm water opens pores and releases herbal aromatics creating both physical and psychological benefits.

There are several ways to add herbs to a bath. You can make a strong infusion or decoction and add it to bathwater, fill a large muslin bag or sock with herbs and hang it under the running faucet or add a few drops of essential oils mixed with a carrier oil or milk (to help disperse them in water). For a full therapeutic bath, use 1-2 cups of strong herbal tea or 1-2 handfuls of dried herbs.

Popular bath herbs include lavender for relaxation, chamomile for soothing irritated skin, peppermint and eucalyptus for respiratory support, rose petals for luxury and skin nourishment and oatmeal with calendula for dry, itchy skin. Soak for 20-30 minutes to receive full benefits.

Choosing the Right Preparation

Each preparation method has its strengths and choosing the right one depends on several factors: the plant parts you're using, the compounds you want to extract, how quickly you need the remedy, and how you prefer to take your medicine. Delicate flowers are best as infusions, while tough roots require decoction. Tinctures are ideal for long-term storage and quick absorption, while salves work for localized external issues.

As you explore these preparation methods, remember that herbalism is both science and art. While guidelines provide structure, your experience, intuition and attention to the plants themselves will guide you toward the preparations that work best for your needs. Start simple, perhaps with an infusion or salve and gradually expand your skills as you gain confidence in working with these ancient techniques.