Herbal Encyclopedia

When To Gather Herbs

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:54:44 +0000

(1) Gather only common plants, and remember that the medicinal or nutrient content of a plant will vary from year to year and from plant to plant, even between those growing side by side. (2) Never take more than 5% of the population — that is, one plant in 20 or one berry in 20. [...]

Herbal Encyclopedia For Educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Water Infusions

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:52:56 +0000

Water Infusions

Infusions are made by pouring boiling water over an herb and letting it sit. Outside of herbal medicine, this process is commonly known as "making a tea." It is the best way to prepare the more delicate aerial parts of plants and is the gentlest form of herbal preparation designed to preserve the vitamins, minerals, [...]

Toothpastes and Lip Balms

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:51:13 +0000

Toothpastes and Lip Balms

Recipes Toothpaste 6 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) 1 teaspoon salt 1/2-1 teaspoon cinnamon or cloves – OR 10-15 drops essential oil of peppermint – OR 1-2 teaspoons strawberry root 3 tablespoons glycerin Mix well and put into a squeezable container. A small plastic bag with a tiny hole cut out will work if [...]

Tinctures and Vinegars

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:49:25 +0000

Tinctures and Vinegars

Tinctures are made by extracting, and preserving, the active properties of herbs using alcohol. In early times, this was accomplished by boiling the herb in wine. Tinctures have a stronger action than infusions or decoctions and can be made with fresh or dried herbs, but some herbs may require different strengths of alcohol (15-90% proof). [...]

Syrups

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:48:00 +0000

Syrups

Syrups are sweetened infusions or decoctions. They are often made with unrefined sugar, but honey makes an effective preservative, as well as being a healer in its own right. Syrups have the added benefit of having a soothing vehicle for cough mixtures, as well as relieving sore throats. They are also effective in disguising the [...]

Suppositories

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:29:09 +0000

Suppositories

Suppositories are waxy pellets containing essential oil or fine powder. They are used when oral medicine is likely to be broken down during digestion before reaching the intended site. Suppositories are inserted into the rectum or vagina, where they melt at body temperature. The herb is then quickly absorbed into the bloodstream via the delicate [...]

Steam Inhalations

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:27:52 +0000

Steam Inhalations

Steam inhalations are ideal for such conditions as colds, sinus congestion, and asthma. A few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil is a favourite for steam inhalations. Sliced onions also work well if no herbs are available. Recipes Steam InhalationPour 1 liter of water that has just boiled into a large bowl. Add 5-10 drops [...]

Vapor Balms

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:26:30 +0000

Vapor Balms

A snuff is used to stimulate the flow of excess mucus or to loosen congestion. Recipe Vapour Balm 1/2 ounce EACH essential oils of Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Wintergreen 4 ounces olive oil 1/2 ounce beeswax 4 drops tincture of Benzoin Heat the olive oil, add essential oils, and immediately stir in the beeswax. Test consistency, [...]

Powders and Capsules

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:24:46 +0000

Powders and Capsules

Preparation Powder and CapsuleIt is best to use commercially prepared powdered herbs. However, if preparing at home, it is best to grind herbs with a mortar and pestle. Grinding them in a domestic grinder generates heat, which can cause chemical changes in the herbs. Hard roots can also damage the grinder. The two-part gelatin or [...]

Poultices

Cloverleaf Farm — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:23:09 +0000

Poultices

Poultices have a very similar action as compresses, but involve applying the whole herb, rather than a liquid extract, directly to an affected area. Poultices are used to ease nerve or muscle pain, sprains, or broken bones, and to draw pus from infected wounds, ulcers, or boils. They are also effective in drawing out such [...]