Herbal Preparations

[thalassa]

One of my favorite herbal preparations is the salve. A salve is probably best defined as a soothing medicinal preparation that is applied topically and promotes healing and is also known as a balm. While lotions and cremes are emulsions, a salve is an oil and wax based preparation. It is easily adaptable to whatever purpose you might desire it. There is no one right way to make a salve, and the combinations are practically infinite...from romantic aromatherapy to soothing itchy skin, there is a salve for every occasion just waiting to be discovered.

Perhaps my favorite recipe for tinkering, and the best illustration for building an herbal recipe in general, and a salve in particular, is Sophie and Collin's baby balm, which has undergone several incarnations to get the combination that I am fond of. When I first started, I had decided I wanted a massage oil for infant massage. I wanted it to be soothing for the baby, healthy for her skin and relaxing to the both of us. I initially chose lavender and chamomile, and infused them in olive oil, and ended up adding lavender essential oil to cover up the olive smell. But it was messy...so I decided on a salve instead, and added beeswax. Not happy with the recipe, and having read a bit about the benefits of sunflower oil for babies, I made the next batch with sunflower oil. Eventually, I added calendula and then yarrow to the mix. I switched around oils...and then one day, while filtering my latest batch, I tested the oil and found that I had found my perfect oil mixture in terms of smell. At the same time, I played with amounts of beeswax, and adding other things, like lanolin or cocoa butter. Everything worked...but somethings worked better than others. Some things smelled better than others. Some things that worked well didn't smell as well as things that didn't work as well...and I wanted both.

For a naturally impatient person (like myself), learning to build a salve was a wonderful exercise in patience. If anyone is wondering why I call it "building" a salve, its because I see a salve (and many other herbal preparations) as a series of building blocks (the herb, the oils, etc) that can be put together in a myriad of ways. To build a salve, one first needs a purpose. What do you want to make? Something for a baby? Something for yourself? Once the purpose is in mind, one needs to figure out what herbs best fit the desired outcome. From here, one can either experiment with single herbs or they can choose herbs that they feel--either intuitively or through research--would work together effectively. Once the herbs have been determined, the oils need to be selected. Like with herbs, each carrier oil has its own pros and cons, correspondences, etc. They can be used singly or in combination, and the herbs can be infused in them singly or in combination. I choose to infuse my herbs together. It could be all in my head, but I find it to be more synergistic...though, when initially experimenting with combinations, working from single herb infusions can be more efficient. The finished oil then needs to be combined with the wax to the desired consistency. As with herb and oil selections, there are waxes besides beeswax to choose from (though I rarely use anything other than beeswax and cocoa butter).

If you want to try your hand at a salve, most of the basic ingredients are available at your local grocery store and craft store. If you are lucky enough to have specialty stores, like for soap making or herbalism or a tea shop, you are off to a great start...and if you have a local source for beeswax (try the local farmers market--if there is a local bee keeper, you can often get a good deal), you really in luck! There are also quite a few ingredients for every effective healing salves that you can probably find in your own back yard (plantain and chickweed to name a few). Olive oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and sunflower oil are probably the easiest oils to find in a grocery story at a reasonable price. To infuse your oils, you need dry herbs...if you have a local organic grocery, CSA, a tea shop, herbalist, etc, they may carry whole bulk herbs for purchase, but if not there are a few reliable online herb suppliers. Another option is to use essential oils in the carrier oil (rather than making the infused oil), which are sometimes easier to find-- even some hobby/craft stores carry soap and candle making supplies and will have a small selection of essential oils (as well as beeswax).

Basic Salve Recipe

1 cup of oil (infused oil or carrier oil with essential oil)

1/2-1 oz beeswax (start with 1/2 oz and add beeswax depending on the consistancy you want) OR combination of cocoa butter and beeswax

Place oil in double boiler and heat. Melt in beeswax (or other wax combinations) SLOWLY, testing for consistency. If you add too much wax, your salve will be too hard. To fix a hard salve, you can always add more oil, but depending on how delicate your recipe might be, it could throw it off.

My Fave Lip Balm

1/4 c sunflower oil infused with chamomile

a dollop of honey

10-15 drops of food grade peppermint oil

cocoa butter to desired consistency

Baby Balm--great for just about everything from after bath to diaper rash to dry skin

1 part lavender
1 part chamomile flowers
1 part yarrow
1 part calendula

Infuse herbs in equal parts sunflower and grapeseed oil.

Equal parts beeswax and cocoa butter into oil to desired consistency

Snotty Tot Chest Rub

30 drops Gully Gum Eucalyptus Essential oil

30 drops Camphor

30 drops Lavender essential oil

1/4 c carrier oil

Equal parts beeswax and cocoa butter into oil to desired consistency

(from my blog)

[thalassa]

Tisanes:
good for flowers, stems and leaves…Dried herb ratio: ABOUT 3-4 teaspoons herb to 1 pint water
Fresh herbs: 3 teaspoons herb to 1 pint of water
Steep the herbs for 10-15 minutes in water that has just been boiled. Then strain the infusion. If using for medicinal value, the infusion should be consumed in 8-ounce doses, three times a day.

For storage: cover mixture, store in a cool place, and use within 24 hours




Maceration:
cold infusions…some herbs infuse better in cold water (valerain, marshmallow root)Ratio is the same as above. Allow to steep overnight. Strain.




Decoction:
STRONG infusion good for herbal roots, barks, seeds, berries, and stems, or just a really strong “tea” (works nicley for toners and rinses)Ratio: Use 3/4- 1 cup herb to 1 quart of water.
Method 1–”Instant” gratification…

Place the herbs in a saucepan with the water, and boil the decoction. Simmer til liquid has been reduced by about a third. This will take at least 15 minutes. Strain the mixture.

Method 2–overnight…

Boil water. Pour water over herbs in jar or other lidded container. Allow to steep overnight. Strain.




Tincture:
woo-hoo vodka…or herbal infusions in alcohol… advantage—can be stored for long time
if using alcohol (drinkable sort) you need 50 proof (25% alcohol–or 1 part alcohol to every 3 of water)…herb goes in the alcohol, let it steep for a few weeks, strain and store…

it can be more complicated than that...there are ratio preferences for certain herbs to maximize extraction, etc...but overall, a simple tincture can be made with ratios similar to those for a decoction.




Herbal Syrups:

1 mL infusion or decoction: 1 g unrefined sugar/honey
(1 fl oz or 1/8 c infusion or decoction: 1 oz unrefined sugar/honey)

Strain infusion/decoction into pan and add sugar at ratio. Continuously stir til disolved and simmer to desired consistency. Cool and bottle. Use cork stoppers…if substance ferments and pressure builds in bottle it is prone to explode if it had a fixed cap.





Floral Water: Long method…without alcohol

Materials: canning pot/crab steaming pot/etc with a rounded lid that can be inverted, ceramic bowl, brick

Ingredients:
2-3 quarts fresh rose petals (or other fresh flowers), water, ice cubes or crushed ice

Take your pot and place the (CLEAN!) brick in the center of a large pot and place the bowl on top on the brick. Put the petals around the brick in the pot and just barely cover the roses—or other flowers. Place the lid upside down do that the rounded part points downwards and turn on stove. Bring water to a boil, then toss ice in the top of the lid and turn stove down to simmer. Every 10 minutes or so, stop and dump rose water from center bowl into a container to store and replace ice. Continue until your rose petal “soup” will have lost its potency…

Floral Water: With Alcohol, “sun tea method”…works with dried plant

1 cup distilled water:1 cup dried flower:1/3 cup vodka

Combine ingredients and place in sun, wait about two weeks. Strain.

Floral Water: With Essential Oils, Easy method

10-20 drops essential oil
1 cup distilled water
Spray bottle

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to blend. Spritz the air where needed, and yourself making sure to avoid your eyes…add a drop or two detergent product (baby shampoo is great) to make the oil/water stay mixed. Disadvantage…is not edible for recipes requiring floral waters…


Lotions and Cremes…

ingredieints for a creme:

1 ½ oz. Sweet Almond Oil
½ oz. Cocoa Butter
½ oz. Vegetable Glycerin
3 Tbsp. Emulsifying Wax
8 oz. Distilled Water or floral water (room temperature)
30 – 50 drops Essential Oils

ingredients for a lotion:

1 ½ oz. Sweet Almond Oil
½ oz. Cocoa Butter
½ oz. Vegetable Glycerin
1 ½ Tbsp. Emulsifying Wax
8 oz. Distilled Water (room temperature)
30 – 50 drops Essential Oils

directions for both:

In a heat-safe measuring cup combine the sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, vegetable glycerin, and emulsifying wax. Melt everything together iin a heat safe container either in the microwave, “double-boiler” method, or crockpot. Put water into blender and ON LOW, SLOWLY pour in the melted oil mixture. Add essential oils and pour into storing container before it thickens. Store in fridge.

*emulsifying wax*

E wax…wonder of wonders…lets those two non-mixing substances, oil and water, get together so that you can enjoy their combined properties…e-wax lets you make an oil in water (o/w) emulsion (where water surrounds the oil)

Emulsifying wax is a cosmetic emulsifying ingredient. The ingredient name is often followed by the initials NF, indicating that it conforms to the specifications of the National Formulary.
Emulsifying wax is created when a wax material (either a vegetable wax of some kind or a petroleum-based wax) is treated with a detergent (typically sodium dodecyl sulfate or polysorbates) to cause it to make oil and water bind together into a smooth emulsion.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emulsifying_wax

a beeswax-borax combination can be used to make a water in oil solution (where oil surrounds the water)

some basics on emulsions…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emulsion



Try these:

Hair Wash—1 part liquid castile soap per 2 parts infusion…for blondes use chamomile, for brunettes try sage infusion, for oily hair use yarrow, lemon balm, thyme or lemongrass infusion, and for dry hair use chamomile, red clover, comfrey or chamomile—all hair types can use rosemary…
Facial toner—infuse rosemary, lavender and mint for a refreshing facial toner
the ever eternal rose water… 2 cups packed rose petals, 2 1/2 cups distilled water; simmer on LOW (crockopt is good for this) until water is reduced by half…strain into jar or bottle… turn this into a facial toner by adding 3/4 c witch hazel and 5-6 drops of glycerine for oily skin or 8-9 drops for dry…
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS & TIPS:

not going to use it all? try freezing your infusions in ice cube trays…stays good for up to 3 months, place ice cubes in a labled ziplock and take out what you need…
infuse herbs into other things such as vinegars, wines, even witch hazel (good for facial toners)…

[thalassa]

Infusing oils…
Common Infusion methods:

*tip*
crunch/chop/macerate/food process/mortar and pestle/blender/etc your herbs to mizimize surface area and oil penetration

on the stove…Double Boiler
Cheese cloth or muslin
bottle/jar
ratio of herbs to oil: 250 g to 3 cups oil*

Place the herbs in the double boiler and cover with oil. Gently simmer mixture for about 3 hours. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain out the herbs by pouring through the cheese cloth or muslin. Pour oil into bottle. Hot infused oil is best used when it’s fresh, but it should last about a year.



with the sun…(cold process)*use a colored jar, or do not place directly in the sun (or both)*
Tools Needed:
jar
Enough dried herbs to fill the jar
Enough oil to completely cover the herbs in the jar
cheesecloth/muslin

Place DRY herbs in the jar–if they are not DRY, the herbs can make the infusion turn rancid. Completely cover herbs with oil. Set in a sunny spot for 3 to 6 weeks. Shake occasionally. When complete, strain through the cheescloth or muslin (repeat if necessary) into clean bottle or jar.


in the crockpot… tools needed:
crockpot
herbs
oil
As in a sun infusion, cover herbs with oil and place in crockpot on low for several hours. Remove, cool, strain and jar.



Making Salves from Infused oils…Pour about 1/2 c (4 oz) infused oil into a glass bowl, and place over a pot of boiling water.
Add a small chunk* of beeswax to the infused oil, stirring constantly until the wax has completely melted. Pour the warm liquid into small, dark ointment jars. Store in a cool, dark place.

*1 pint of oil generally needs about 1 1/2 oz beeswax, depending on the consistancy you want…



try these:

infuse calendula, chamomile, yarrow and lavender–for baby salves I generally use a combination of sunflower, grapeseed and a weeeeeee little bit of olive oil…use oil as is for skin irritations, or add a few drops to cornstarch and arrowroot mixture—makes a good baby powder, can also make into a salve for diaper rash…
infuse 1 part comfrey, st johns wort, and plantain with 2 parts calendula into olive oil to make a skin soothing salve…
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS AND TIPS…

try adding vitamin E oil to any oils that you plan to use “as is”, or to the final product…
a bit of rosemary infused in with your oils, of a few drops of the essential oil may also help them last longer…but it can also change the smell
*oils to use: olive oil and sweet almond oil are the more popularly recommended…also jojoba, coconut, grapeseed, avacodo, and sunflower oils and other carrier oils can generally be used–since some oils have different properties and smells of their own, you might want to look into that before mixing with certain herbs (like coconut oil and say, sage—-YUCK! )

herbs to use: any DRIED herb, whether for smell or its medicinal property or aromatherapy or magickal purpose…fresh herbs (with a few exceptions) tend to rot/get moldy in the oil, causing it to go rancid–UNLESS you are using a fast infusing method

[thalassa]

Floral Water: Long method...without alcohol

Materials: canning pot/crab steaming pot/etc with a rounded lid that can be inverted, ceramic bowl, brick

Ingredients:
2-3 quarts fresh rose petals (or other fresh flowers), water, ice cubes or crushed ice

Take your pot and place the (CLEAN!) brick in the center of a large pot and place the bowl on top on the brick. Put the petals around the brick in the pot and just barely cover the roses---or other flowers. Place the lid upside down do that the rounded part points downwards and turn on stove. Bring water to a boil, then toss ice in the top of the lid and turn stove down to simmer. Every 10 minutes or so, stop and dump rose water from center bowl into a container to store and replace ice. Continue until your rose petal "soup" will have lost its potency...

Floral Water: With Alcohol, "sun tea method"...works with dried plant

1 cup distilled water:1 cup dried flower:1/3 cup vodka

Combine ingredients and place in sun, wait about two weeks. Strain.


Floral Water: With Essential Oils, Easy method

10-20 drops essential oil
1 cup distilled water
Spray bottle

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to blend. Spritz the air where needed, and yourself making sure to avoid your eyes...add a drop or two detergent product (baby shampoo is great) to make the oil/water stay mixed. Disadvantage...is not edible for recipes requiring floral waters...


Lotions and Cremes...

ingredieints for a creme:

1 ½ oz. Sweet Almond Oil
½ oz. Cocoa Butter
½ oz. Vegetable Glycerin
3 Tbsp. Emulsifying Wax
8 oz. Distilled Water or floral water (room temperature)
30 - 50 drops Essential Oils

ingredients for a lotion:

1 ½ oz. Sweet Almond Oil
½ oz. Cocoa Butter
½ oz. Vegetable Glycerin
1 ½ Tbsp. Emulsifying Wax
8 oz. Distilled Water (room temperature)
30 - 50 drops Essential Oils


directions for both:

In a heat-safe measuring cup combine the sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, vegetable glycerin, and emulsifying wax. Melt everything together iin a heat safe container either in the microwave, "double-boiler" method, or crockpot. Put water into blender and ON LOW, SLOWLY pour in the melted oil mixture. Add essential oils and pour into storing container before it thickens. Store in fridge.

*emulsifying wax*

E wax...wonder of wonders...lets those two non-mixing substances, oil and water, get together so that you can enjoy their combined properties...e-wax lets you make an oil in water (o/w) emulsion (where water surrounds the oil)

Quote
Emulsifying wax is a cosmetic emulsifying ingredient. The ingredient name is often followed by the initials NF, indicating that it conforms to the specifications of the National Formulary.

Emulsifying wax is created when a wax material (either a vegetable wax of some kind or a petroleum-based wax) is treated with a detergent (typically sodium dodecyl sulfate or polysorbates) to cause it to make oil and water bind together into a smooth emulsion.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emulsifying_wax

a beeswax-borax combination can be used to make a water in oil solution (where oil surrounds the water)

some basics on emulsions...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emulsion


Herbal Syrups:

1 mL infusion or decoction: 1 g unrefined sugar/honey
(1 fl oz or 1/8 c infusion or decoction: 1 oz unrefined sugar/honey)

Strain infusion/decoction into pan and add sugar at ratio. Continuously stir til disolved and simmer to desired consistency. Cool and bottle. Use cork stoppers...if substance ferments and pressure builds in bottle it is prone to explode if it had a fixed cap.







Floral Essences

*disclaimer*
medicinally, I think these are on a par with homeopathy ( :), little better than a placebo (which studies support)...magically however they might have some application...

(Chris Penczak has an article in New Witch about using Flower Essences...I picked up the magazine b/c it had an ok article about pagans in the military in it...)

Quote
Edward Bach thought that dew collected from the flowers of plants contains some of the properties of the plant, and that it was more potent on flowers grown in the sun. As it was impractical to collect dew in quantity, he decided to pick flowers and steep them in a bowl of water under sunlight. If this is impractical due to lack of sunlight or other reasons the flowers may be boiled.

The result of this process is what he called "mother tincture", which is further diluted before sale or use.

Bach was satisfied with the method, because it was of simplicity he had longed for, and involved a process of combination of the four elements:

The earth to nurture the plant, the air from which it feeds, the sun or fire to enable it to impart its power, and water to collect and be enriched with its beneficient magnetic healing[citation needed].

Bach flower remedies are not dependent on the theory of successive dilutions, and are not based on the Law of Similars of Homeopathy. The Bach remedies, unlike homeopathic remedies, are all derived from non-toxic substances, with the idea that a "positive energy" can redirect or neutralize "negative energy".

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bach_flower_remedies



Making your own Essential Oils...

its alot of work...

and unless you are making your own set up, the equiptment is expensive...

I have only distilled something (essentially what you are doing when you make an essential oil) in chemistry class...

I personally would never go to all that work, when I can pay a couple of dollars for it all ready made...though I do think its a good idea to understand the idea and the process...

so try here for a decent overview...http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Essential-Oils

information on steam distillation...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_distillation

[thalassa]

Medicinal Properties of Herbs
Terminology for Medicinal Properties

(from my herbal thread, precrash from Yahoo's cache)


(Part 1)

Adaptogen
Substances which put the body into a state of non-specific heightened resistance in order to better resist stress and adapt to extraordinary challenges.
Aswagandha, Siberian Ginseng, Ginkgo, Gotu Kola, Ho-Shou-Wu, Licorice, Reishi, Schizandra, Shiitake, Suma.

Alterative
An herb that will gradually restore the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality. Sometimes referred to as blood purifiers.
Alfalfa, Black Cohosh, Blue Vervain, Boneset, Burdock ,Chaparral Leaf, Chickweed, Cleavers, Cornsilk, Dong Quai, Echinacea, Garlic, Gentian Root, Golden Seal, Gotu Kola, Ho-Shou-Wu, Irish Moss, Kelp, Licorice, Mandrake, Nettles, Oregon Grape, Pau d'Arco, Prickly Ash, Red Clover, Red Raspberry, Rhubarb, St. John’s Wort, , Sarsaparilla, White Willow, Yarrow, Yellow Dock, Yerba Santa, Yucca.

Analgesic
Analgesics or Anodynes are herbs that reduce pain.
Blue Vervain, Catnip, Chamomile, Dong Quai, Feverfew, Ginger, Jamaican Dogwood, Hops, Kava Kava, Lobelia, Passion Flower, Pau d’arco, Reishi, Safflower, Scullcap, St. John’s Wort, Valerian, White Willow.

Anthelmintic
Herbs that work against parasitic worms which may be present in the digestive system.
Black Walnut, Chaparral Leaf, Garlic, Mugwort, Sheep Sorrel, Wormwood .

Antibacterial
Herbs with properties that can inhibit bacterial growth.
Blessed Thistle, Cloves, Echinacea, Garlic, Kelp, Licorice, Myrrh, Pau d'Arco, Reishi, St. John’s Wort, Scullcap, Yucca.

Antibilious
Herbs that help the body to remove excess bile.
Barberry, Dandelion, Golden Seal, Mandrake, Vervain, Wild Yam, Wormwood.

Anticatarrhal
Herbs that help the body reduce excess mucous and phlegm.
Boneset, Echinacea, Elder, Garcinia, Garlic, Golden Seal, Hyssop, Marshmallow, Oregon Grape, Sage, Saw Palmetto, Uva Ursi, Wild Yam, Yarrow.

Antiemetic
Herbs that reduce the feeling of nausea and can help to relieve or prevent vomiting.
Barberry, Cloves, Elecampane, Fennel, Ginger, Oregon Grape, Red Raspberry, Wild Yam.

Anti-galactagogue
Herbs that prevent or decrease the secretion of milk .
Black Walnut, Sage.

Anti-inflammatory
These herbs help the body to combat inflammations.
Aswagandha, Blue Vervain, Butcher’s Broom, Calendula, Cat's Claw, Chamomile, Chaparral Leaf, Cleavers, Devil's Claw, Eyebright, Fennel, Feverfew, Gentian Root, Guggul, Horehound, Hyssop, Licorice, Reishi, St. John’s Wort, White Willow, Witch Hazel, Wormwood, Yarrow, Yucca.

Antilithic
Herbs that prevent the formation or help remove stones or gravel in the urinary system.
Gravel Root, Hydrangea, Stone Root, Uva Ursi.

Antimicrobial
Herbs that can help the body destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms.
Calendula, Cat's Claw, Cloves, Echinacea, Eucalyptus, Feverfew, Juniper, Licorice, Myrrh, Olive Leaf, Pau d’arco, Red Clover, Rose Hips, St. John's Wort, Uva Ursi, Wormwood.

Antineoplastic
Having the specific action of inhibiting and combating tumor development.
Chaparral Leaf, Cleavers, Red Clover, Reishi, St. John’s Wort, Shiitake.

Antiseptic
Herbs that can be applied to the skin to prevent and resist bacterial growth.
Bilberry, Black Walnut, Chamomile, Chaparral Leaf, Cloves, Echinacea, Elecampane, Eyebright, Gentian Root, Golden Seal, Horseradish, Myrrh, Oregon Grape, Parsley, Queen of the Meadow, Red Clover, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Schizandra, Thyme, Uva Ursi, White Oak Bark, White Willow, Witch Hazel, Wormwood, Yarrow.

Antispasmodic
Antispasmodics can prevent or ease spasms and cramps in the body.
Black Cohosh,, Blue Cohosh, Blue Vervain, Boneset, Calamus, Chamomile, Cramp bark, Dill, Dong Quai, Fennel, Garlic, Hope, Hyssop, Lady’s Slipper, Licorice, Lobelia, Motherwort, Mullein, Oat Straw, Passion Flower, Pennyroyal, Pleurisy Root, Red Clover, St. John’s Root, Scullcap, Thyme, Valerian, Wild Yam.

Aphrodisiac
Herbs used to stimulate sexual potency and passion.
Angelica, Astragalus, Damiana, False Unicorn, Ginseng, Kava Kava, Muira Puama, Schizandra, Suma, Yohimbe.

Aromatic
Herbs that have a strong and often pleasant odor and can stimulate the digestive juices.
Angelica, Anise Seed, Catnip, Celery Seed, Chamomile, Cloves, Fennel, Feverfew, Garlic, Ginger, Ho-Shou-Wu, Juniper, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Thyme, Valerian, Yerba Santa.

Astringent
Astringents contract tissue and can reduce secretions and discharges.
Agrimony, Bayberry, Bilberry, Blessed Thistle, Blue Vervain, Butcher’s Broom, Calendula, Cleavers, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Cordyceps, Cramp bark ,Cyani Flowers, Eyebright, Garcinia, Hops, Golden Seal, Hops, Male Fern, Muira Puama, Myrrh, Nettle, Periwinkle, Queen of the Meadow, Saw Palmetto, Schizandra, Slippery Elm, Squawvine, St. John's Wort, Stone Root, Suma, Uva Ursi, White Oak Bark, Wild Cherry Bark, Witch Hazel, Wood Betony, Yarrow, Yellow Dock, Yucca.

Bitter
Herbs that taste bitter act as stimulating tonics for the digestive system.
Barberry, Blessed Thistle, Burdock, Catnip, Chamomile, Chaparral Leaf, Coltsfoot, Dong Quai, Elecampane, Eyebright, Feverfew, Gentian Root, Golden Seal, Hops, Ho-Shou-Wu, Hydrangea, Schizandra, Wormwood, Yellow Dock.

Cardiac Tonic
Cardiac tonics are herbs that act beneficially on the heart.
Cayenne , Cat's Claw, Guggul, Hawthorn, Hops, Kelp, Motherwort, Myrrh, Reishi, Siberian Ginseng.

Carminative
Carminatives are rich in volatile oils and expel gas from the stomach and bowels.
Angelica, Catnip, Chamomile, Cloves, Dill, Elecampane, Fennel, Feverfew, Garlic, Ginger, Hops, Hyssop, Juniper, Motherwort, Pennyroyal, Pleurisy Root, Prickly Ash, Queen of the Meadow, Thyme, Valerian, Wild Yam, Wormwood, Yarrow, Yerba Santa.

Cathartic
In large doses cathartics purge the bowels and stimulate glandular secretions.
Barberry, Cascara Sagrada, Hydrangea, Mandrake, Rhubarb, Senna, Yellow Dock.

Cholagogue
Herbs that stimulate the release and secretion of bile from the gall bladder. They also have a laxative effect on the digestive system.
Barberry, Calendula, Dandelion, Gentian Root, Golden Seal, Mandrake, Milk Thistle, Oregon Grape, Wild Yam, Yellow Dock.

Demulcent
Herbs that are usually rich in mucilage and can soothe and protect damaged or inflamed tissue.
Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Cornsilk, Fenugreek ,Garcinia, Irish Moss, Kelp, Licorice, Marshmallow, Milk Thistle, Mullein, Oat Straw, Psyllium, Pumpkin Seeds, Slippery Elm, Suma.

Depurative
Depuratives are herbs that remove impurities and cleanse the blood.
Black Walnut, Blessed Thistle, Burdock, Dandelion, Elderberry, Garlic, Gotu Kola, Oregon Grape, Pau d'Arco, Red Clover, Sarsaparilla, Watercress, Yarrow, Yellow Dock.

Diaphoretic
These herbs will aid the skin in the elimination of toxins through perspiration.
Angelica, Blessed Thistle, Black Cohosh, Blue Vervain, Boneset, Butcher’s Broom, Calendula, Catnip, Chamomile, Elecampane, , Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Passion Flower, Peppermint, Pleurisy Root, Prickly Ash, Sage, Sarsaparilla, White Willow, Yarrow.

Diuretic
Herbs that increase the flow of urine and help in the removal of toxins from the system.
Alfalfa, Astragalus, Bilberry, Blue Vervain ,Buchu, Burdock, Butcher’s Broom, Cleavers, Cornsilk, Cyani Flowers, Dandelion, Dill, Dong Quai, Elecampane, False Unicorn, Fennel, Golden Seal, Gotu Kola, Gravel Root, Hawthorn, Juniper, Marshmallow, Nettle, Parsley, Parthenium, Pleurisy Root, Prickly Ash, Red Clover, Safflower, Sarsaparilla, Saw Palmetto, Squawvine, Uva Ursi, White Willow, Yarrow.

Emetic
Emetics are herbs that cause vomiting when taken in specific doses (generally high doses).
Calamus, Elecampane, False Unicorn (in large doses), Lobelia, Mandrake, Poke root.

Emmenagogue
Herbs that stimulate and normalize the menstrual flow.
Black Cohosh, Blessed Thistle, Blue Cohosh, Blue Vervain, Butcher’s Broom, Calendula, Catnip, Chamomile, Cramp Bark, Dong Quai, False Unicorn, Fennel, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Ginger, Golden Seal, Hope, Lobelia, Motherwort, Myrrh, Pennyroyal, Prickly Ash, Squawvine, St. John's Wort, Valerian, Vitex, Wormwood, Yarrow .

Emollient
Herbs that are applied to the skin to soften, soothe, or protect it.
Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Fenugreek, Flaxseed, Irish Moss, Kelp, Marshmallow, Mullein, Slippery Elm.

Expectorant
Herbs that assist the body in expelling excess mucous from the respiratory system.
Anise Seed, Blue Vervain, Calamus, Chaparral Leaf, Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Cordyceps, Elecampane, Fennel, Fenugreek, Garlic, Golden Seal, Horehound, Hyssop, Licorice, Ma Huang, Marshmallow, Mullein, Myrrh, Nettle, Pleurisy Root, Red Clover, Reishi, Schizandra, Slippery Elm, Thyme, Wild Cherry Bark, Yerba Santa.

Febrifuge
The febrifuges help the body to bring down fevers.
Angelica, Blessed Thistle, Boneset, Calendula, Cayenne, Gotu Kola, Lobelia, Peppermint, Prickly Ash, Rose Hips, Sage, Scullcap, White Willow, Wormwood.

Galactogogue
Herbs that help breast-feeding mothers increase the flow of mothers milk.
Blessed Thistle, Blue Vervain, Dill, Fennel, Fenugreek, Horsetail, Marshmallow, Milk Thistle, Nettle , Vervain.

Hepatic
Hepatics strengthen and tone the liver as well as stimulate the flow of bile.
Barberry, Cascara Sagrada, Celery Seed, Cleavers, Dandelion, Fennel, Golden Seal, Mandrake, Milk Thistle, Motherwort, Oregon Grape, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam, Wormwood, Yarrow, Yellow Dock.

Hypnotic
Hypnotic herbs will help induce sleep (not a hypnotic trance).
Hops, Passion Flower, Lady’s Slipper, Scullcap, Valerian.

Hypotensive
Remedies that reduce elevated blood pressure.
Astragalus, Cat's Claw, Hawthorn, Hops, Reishi, Valerian, Yarrow.

(from http://www.soulhealer.com/herb%20actions.htm)

[thalassa]

(Part II, con't from previous post)

Laxative
Herbs that promote the evacuation of the bowels.
Barberry, Boneset, Burdock, Butcher’s Broom, Cascara Sagrada, Cleavers, Dandelion, Golden Seal, Licorice, Oregon Grape, Senna, Rhubarb, Yellow Dock.

Mucilage
Mucilaginous herbs contain gelatinous constituents and will often be demulcent.
Fenugreek, Flax Seed, Irish Moss, Kelp, Marshmallow, Parthenium, Psyllium, Slippery Elm.

Nervine
Herbs that strengthen and tone the nervous system, easing anxiety and stress.
Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Blue Vervain, Catnip, Chamomile, Cramp bark, Damiana, Feverfew, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Hops, Jamaican Dogwood, Lady’s Slipper, Motherwort, Oat Straw, Passion Flower, Periwinkle, Red Clover, Scullcap, Valerian, Wild Cherry Bark, Wormwood.

Oxytocic
Herbs that stimulate the contraction of the urerus.
Blue Cohosh, Dong Quai, Golden Seal, Red Raspberry, Squaw Vine.

Parasiticide
Herbs that can kill parasites in the digestive tract and on the skin.
Black Walnut, Blue Vervain, Chaparral Leaf, Cloves, Elecampane, Feverfew, Gentian Root, Pumpkin Seeds, Wormwood.

Pectoral
Herbs that have a general strengthening and healing effect on the respiratory system.
Angelica, Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Elecampane, Golden Seal, Licorice, Marshmallow, Mullein, Slippery Elm.

Purgative
Can produce very strong laxative effects and watery evacuations.
Aloe Vera, Cascara Sagrada, Rhubarb, Senna, Yellow Dock .

Rubefacient
Herbs that simulate circulation locally when applied to the skin.
Capsicum, Cloves, Fennel, Ginger, Horseradish, Nettle, Peppermint, Prickly Ash.

Sedative
Herbs that can strongly quiet the nervous system.
Black Cohosh, Bugleweed, Catnip, Celery Seed, Chamomile, Cramp Bark, Hops, Kava Kava, Lady’s Slipper, Lobelia, Motherwort, Passion Flower, Periwinkle, Red Clover, Saw Palmetto, Scullcap, St. John's Wort, Valerian, Wild Yam.

Sialagogue
Herbs that stimulate the secretion of saliva from the salivary glands. Cayenne , Gentian Root, Ginger, Horseradish, Licorice, Prickly Ash, Rhubarb.

Stimulant
Herbs that quicken and enliven the physiological function of the body.
Angelica, Bayberry, Calamus, Calendula, Catnip, Cayenne, Cloves, Dandelion, Elecampane, False Unicorn, Fennel, Feverfew, Ginger, Ginkgo, Ma Huang, Muira Puama, Myrrh, Prickly Ash, Sarsaparilla, Schizandra, Valerian, Wild Yam, Wormwood, Yarrow.

Stomachic
Herbs that promote digestion and strengthen the stomach.
Catnip, Chamomile, Chickweed, Cloves, Elecampane, Fennel, Gentian Root, Ginger, Golden Seal, Papaya, Peppermint, Red Raspberry, Rhubarb, Wood Betony, Yerba Santa.

Tonic
The tonic herbs strengthen and tone either specific organs or the whole body through nutritional stimulation.
Alfalfa, Angelica, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Black Cohosh, Black Walnut, Boneset, Burdock, Calendula, Catnip, Cat's Claw, Cayenne, Chamomile, Cleavers, Coltsfoot, Cordyceps, Cyani Flowers, Damiana, Dandelion, Echinacea, Elecampane, Fenugreek, Garlic, Gentian Root, Ginger, Siberian Ginseng, Golden Seal, Gotu Kola, Hawthorn, Hops, Ho-Shou-Wu, Hydrangea, Licorice, Male Fern, Milk Thistle, Motherwort, Muira Puama, Myrrh, Nettle, Oregon Grape, Poke root, Prickly Ash, Red Clover, Red Raspberry, Sarsaparilla, Saw Palmetto, Schizandra, Sheep Sorrel, Skullcap, Squawvine, Spirulina, Suma, Uva Ursi, Watercress, Wild Yam, Wormwood, Yarrow, Yellow Dock, Yohimbe.

Vulnerary
Herbs that help promote healing of external wounds and cuts.
Aloe Vera, Calendula, Chickweed, Comfrey, Elder Flower, Golden Seal, Horsetail, Hyssop, Male Fern, Marshmallow, Mullein, Myrrh, Plantain, Rhubarb, Sage, St. John’s Wort, Slippery Elm, Wood Betony.

(from http://www.soulhealer.com/herb%20actions.htm)

[A Witch's Brew]

Hi,

Wow, what great information. I have a website all about hers and such, as well as herbal kits that I sell and I will definitely be referring people to this thread. Thanks again.

Warm Regards,
Annanie

< link removed by staff. please contact this poster in private for the link >

[volcaniclastic]

pre-crash, probably thal's

TINCTURE

15G (1/2 oz) dried herbs
200 ml (7 fl oz) alcohol such as vodka or brandy
85 ml (3 fl oz) water

1 Chop or bruise the herbs. Mix together the alcohol and the water.
2 Put the herbs into a large jar and add the alcoholic liquid
3 Label and date the jar and leave to stand in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake daily
4 After 2 weeks the liquid will have drawn out the goodness of the herb and change colour.

DO NOT ALLOW TO STAND FOR ANY LONGER THAN 2 WEEKS AS THE HERB BEGINS TO BREAK DOWN CHEMICALLY.

Strain the liquid through muslin cloth placed in a sieve (strainer). Squeeze the cloth to get out every drop of tincture. Discard the spent herbs on the garden.

5 Pour the tincture into clean glass bottles, amber glass is best. In clean bottles a tincture will keep indefinitely. Don’t forget to label the bottles with name, date and usage.


WATER INFUSIONS #1

1 teaspoon of herbs
250 ml (8 fl oz) boiling water

1 Chop the herbs. Pour over the boiling water and cover with a tight lid
2 Leave the tea to brew (1 – 3 minutes for flowers 2 – 4 minutes for leaves and 4 – 10 minutes for seeds, bark and hard roots. At this stage it can be drunk as a tea or used in the making of creams and ointments


WATER INFUSIONS # 2

1 tsp herbs per cup boiling water. Or 1/2 cup dried/1 cup fresh herbs to 600ml boiling water. Pour over water and leave to brew see times below:

Flowers- brew for 3 mins
Leaves- brew for 3-5 mins
Hard leaves, seeds, roots - brew for 5-8 mins

Strain, pour drink. Do not add milk or sugar. Sweeten with honey if necessary. Whilst drinking think of the plant's properties and characteristics to aid healing.

Standard Dosage: (adult) 1 cup 3 times a day. For acute conditions 1 cup 6xdaily for 1-3 days. As preventative or tonic, 1 cup x2daily. For chronic conditions you need to take tea for some months, though you should see improvement in 3-6 weeks.


OINTMENTS

300 MLS (1/2 pint) herbal infused oil
25 g (1 oz) beeswax grated or thinly chopped

1 large pan
1 heatproof jug

1 Put the infused oil and beeswax into the heatproof jug and fill the pan with hot water to just below the level of the oil mixture. Bring the water to the boil and then simmer until the beeswax has melted, stirring occasionally with a metal spoon.
2 When the beeswax has melted, remove the jug from the pan and allow the molten ointment to cool a little. Pour the ointment into clean jars before it starts to set. Fill the jars to within 1cm (1/2 inch) of the top and when it is set hard it will be cool enough to put the lids on the jars.
3 Label the jars with the name, date and usage.

The type of water used in brewing is of some importance. Well, Spring & Distilled waters are preferred over that which pours from the tap. You can buy these bottled or collect them from the source, so long as it's unpolluted & free running. Rainwater is ideal for use except when gathered in smoggy areas. Tap water can be used as a last resort, but consider purchasing the bottled variety in the future.

***Seawater & Mineral water aren't recommended due to their high mineral content.


BASIC BREW

1 Gather, grind & mix the herbs. For brews to be drunk, use specific culinary mortar & pestle for grinding, not the one used for heavy-duty magickal herbs. Empower the herbs with your magickal goal.
2 Heat about 2 cups water to boiling. Place about one handful of mixed, empowered herbs in a teapot or some other heatproof, non-metallic container. Pour the water over the herbs. Cover with an equally non-metallic, steam tight lid. Let the herbs brew for about 13 minutes then strain through cheesecloth or a bamboo strainer & use.

Brews should be used as quickly as possible. If necessary, they can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After this time, return them to the earth & create a new brew.

This excellent salve is for all sores and bruises.

450g/1 lb/2 cups lard
1 good handful elderflowers, wormwood and groundsel (preferably fresh)

Take the lard and place it in an earthenware pot with the elderflowers, wormwood and groundsel. Bring to the boil in the oven and simmer for half an hour. Then strain and pour into screw-top jars. Dried herbs may be used for the salve, but fresh herbs are best.


DECOCTION

1/2 cup dried or 1 cup fresh herbs to 600ml water. Chop/grind herbs into small pieces (if too hard to cut soak overnight in 600ml water and retain water to use in decoction then chop softened herbs). Put herbs and water in pan and cover. Slowly bring to boil and simmer gently for 10mins. Strain, add more liquid to make 600ml again.

Dosage (adult): 1/2 cup 2-3 xdaily.

Will keep in fridge for few days.


SYRUPS

Prepare a decoction as above. Return to heat, remove lid and slowly reduce to 300ml. Then add 2 cups brown cane sugar/honey. Stir over heat till melted and smooth.

Do not burn or boil!!

Pour into clean glass bottles. Will last several months.

Dosage (adult): 2 tsp 3-6x daily

(child): 1 tsp 3-4x daily


CREAMS

To 2 tbsp base cream add one of the following. Blend drop by drop till amalgamated.

5-15 drops essential oil
1-2 tsp infused oil
1-2 tsp strong decoction/tincture
1-3 tsp finely powdered herb
1/2-1 tsp finely powdered spice

- - - Updated - - -

source unknown

Homemade Rosewater Recipe

This recipe is meant to yield about 1 gallon of Rosewater:

clear gallon container
about 1 gallon of distilled water
enough fresh rose petals to fill the jar 3/4 way full
1 cup of Vodka.

- Make sure your container is clean and fill it up with rose petals about 3/4 of the way. If you want to use your Rosewater for ingesting make sure your petals have been organically grown.
- Pour the water in until it covers the petals completely.
- Once your water is in pour in the Vodka. Put the lid on and shake it up a bit so that the ingredients mix together thoroughly.
- Place in the sun or on a sunny windowsill and wait. Think of this as the same process as making sun tea with the exception of the length of time needed to be completed.

You will start to see your water turning color after only a couple of days but for the best results wait two weeks. Strain out the rose petals and you have Rosewater!

- - - Updated - - -

Part One, Carrier Oils (thal's stuff pre crash)

Carrier Oils

Unless otherwise noted, these oils can be used for creams, lotions, balms, body butters, hair oils, lip balms, massage oils, etc for the body, and/or face…when some use is not suitable, I will try to be sure to note it…HOWEVER, be sure to research fully any use or compound that you are not familiar with, as quite a few of these I have only passing familiarity with…

Lingo to look for when purchasing oils…

Cold Pressed - A method of mechanical extraction where heat is reduced and minimized throughout the batching of the raw material. This helps the oil maintain its original state, constituents, and depth. Temperatures are rigorously controlled to insure that it does not exceed 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Although not a practical method of extraction for all vegetable oils on the market it is highly regarded as the extraction method of choice.

Expeller Pressed - A method of natural, mechanical extraction and processing of oils where a small amount of heat is produced simply through the frictional heat created by hydraulic presses. This is usually around 120-200 degrees Fahrenheit and makes the oil suitable and economical as a base for cosmetics because of its fairly undisturbed molecular state. It also makes a fine food grade oil.

Refined - A fully processed oil where it has been exposed to high temperatures as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit, winterization as low as -10 degrees, deodorization (the removal of content which gives an oil its natural scent), and other forms of refinement that will alter its color, depth, and scent. This makes for an economical oil in cosmetics and body care products but it is not the healthiest as a food grade oil.
Caveat emptor: Refined oils may also be extracted with the use of solvents, extracting mediums or other chemicals.

Unrefined - A process of mechanical extraction and screen filtering where no additional refining process has taken place. This ensures the finest quality product and makes the oil the most exquisite for food and cosmetic preparation. The unrefined process helps oil retain a rich, strong flavor and color that is true to its natural state. Unrefined oils are always darker in color and richer in scent.

Solvent Extracted - Unfortunately many of the oils offered on the market today, including commercial store varieties are extracted with the use of solvents. This method of extraction often involves high yields at a low cost, but the chemicals used as the extracting agent have severe environmental impacts and endanger the health and vitality of the final product.

From http://www.botanical.com/products/bulkoil/bulkoil.html