The ability for herbs to heal and make whole still applies today. Through infusions, teas, poultices, salves, and tinctures man has gained knowledge to heal through God's miraculous pharmacy. Below is a list of common herbs and preparations.
Hot Infusions
Pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of fresh or dried herbs. Herbs should be steeped for one minute while dried herbs are steeped for two to six minutes before using. To infuse roots, place chopped root in a pan covered with cold water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allowed to steep for at least three minutes.
Cold Infusion
Some herbs such as Mistletoe, Mallow and Calamus will lose their healing powers if boiled. In this case the herbs are infused in cold water. Cut up the herb, add cold water, and leave to steep for eight to ten hours. Warm the tea before drinking to just above room temperature.
Decoction
A decoction is used to extract the active components from the tougher parts of the herb plant. It is done by chopping or thoroughly crushing roots, bark, stem, as well as some seeds and berries. Once herbs are prepared they are put into a saucepan, covered with water and boiled about fifteen minutes, strained, and kept in a cool place. Decoction can be reheated to desired temperature before drinking.
Essences or Tinctures
For tinctures, use a glass reseal able jar (not plastic) Fill the jar loosely with the herb of choice. Pour Vodka or Rye Whisky over the herbs to cover them. Seal the jar well and leave in a warm sunny spot for at least fourteen days shake the jar well every a day. When time is up, strain the herbs by squeezing them through cheesecloth to remove all liquid. Discard used herbs and put tincture into sealed air tight bottles for future use.
Herb Poultice
Poultices can be made by heating or steaming fresh or dried herbs until they are soft and warm. Wrap the herbs in a clean piece of cloth and apply to the skin. The poultice should be comfortably warm with no cold spots.
Ointment
Old herbals suggest melting 500 gm of shortening or lard in a pan. Once the lard is hot, add two large handfuls of herb or finely chopped root. Leave on burner and let crackle briefly. Remove from heat and let cool overnight. In the morning, put mixture back on the burner and heat just enough to melt the lard. Using cheesecloth, filter the mixture though the cloth squeezing or wringing cloth to extract the melted lard. Discard the used herb and pour ointment into glass jars.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa was not known in North America as a healing herb until around 1850. It is rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamin A, D, E, G, K, and F. Alfalfa stimulates the appetite and helps aid in digestion. It is a blood builder and is especially good for inflammatory symptoms caused by arthritis, bursitis, and degeneration of joints.
Parts used:
Leaves are used in a hot tea infusion.
Leaves can also be used as a poultice.
Legend says that the house where alfalfa grows will never be in need.
Allspice:
Allspice contains proteins, lipids, vitamins A, B, C, and minerals. Allspice relieves flatulence, eases diarrhea, stimulates digestion, and has antiseptic properties.
Parts used:
Tea is made from a bruised berry in hot infusion.
A poultice can also be used for pain and infection
Columbus mistook the allspice berries for pepper giving it the proper name of (pimenta) which means pepper in Spanish.
Anise
Anise is one of the oldest known spices originating from the Middle East. Anise is used for indigestion, nausea, colic, and flatulence, and is added to cough medications because of its expectorant abilities.
Parts used:
Tea is made from bruised seed in hot infusion.
Anise is a common ingredient as flavoring in candy and liqueurs and was used effectively used as mousetrap bait in the 1600s.
Burdock
Because the burdock is high in iron and other essential minerals, it has a positive effect on the pancreas and spleen. It eliminates the body of uric acid, stimulates the digestive system, and purifies the blood of toxins.
Parts used:
- Tea is made from a decoction of burdock root.
- Poultice is made from leaves.
- It is said that the hooks on the burdock seed inspired the Swiss inventor, George de Mestral to develop Velcro.
Catnip
Although catnip is noted for being much loved by domestic cats, it is also an important herb for humans. Used in the Middle East mainly to flavor meat and salads, it was soon realized for its medicinal properties. Catnip eases cold and flu symptoms, relieves stomach complaints such as colic, spasms, flatulence and acid indigestion. Catnip has a mild calming effect and helps to promote sleep.
