Herbal Encyclopedia

Knowing what herbs can do for you is great, but how do you use them? Here are a number of articles that will explain different methods of using herbs properly.

• Compresses and Lotions – how to bathe inflamed or irritated skin
• Creams - various skin preparations
• Decoctions – an extract of herbs produced by boiling the herb in water
• Electuaries - a combination of powdered herbs stirred into honey or vegetable glycerin to form a pasty mass
• Essential Oils – the concentrated vital essences of aromatic plants used in cosmetics, perfumes, flavourings, and in aromatherapy
• Fomentations - local applications of hot and cold given alternately
• Gargles and Mouthwashes – preparations used for sore throats, canker sores, gingivitis, and other oral inflammations
• Glycerites - a preparation that uses glycerin to extract the constituents from an herb
• Liniments - a liquid preparation with a base of oil, alcohol, or a blend of the two for external application
• Medicinal Milk – milk made from herbs
• Mustard Plasters – oily or waxy mixtures blended with herbs and applied to the chest or abdomen to stimulate internal organs
• Oil Infusions – how to extract the active fat-soluble ingredients of herbs
• Ointments and Salves – protection against injury or inflammation of damaged skin
• Poison Ivy Lotions – relief from an attack of poison ivy
• Poultices - methods to ease nerve or muscle pain, sprains, or broken bones, and to draw pus from infected wounds, ulcers, or boils
• Powders and Capsules – creating and filling capsules in the home
• Steam Inhalations – a method used for such conditions as colds, sinus congestion, and asthma
• Suppositories - waxy pellets containing essential oil or fine powder, used when oral medicine is likely to be broken down during digestion before reaching the intended site
• Syrups - sweetened infusions or decoctions
• Tinctures and Vinegars – preparations made by extracting, and preserving, the active properties of herbs using alcohol or vinegar
• Toothpastes and Lip Balms – preparations in the home for teeth and lips
• Vapor Balm – a method used to stimulate the flow of excess mucus or to loosen congestion
• Water Infusions – the best way to prepare the more delicate aerial parts of plants
• When to Gather Herbs – the best times of the year to collect the various parts of herbs