Post by estatigua (Tiggy) on Dec 27, 2006 17:57:29 GMT -5
Instead of reaching for modern “drugs” when you are feeling ill, you can try a more natural herbal approach. Many people take a tablet when they have a headache, believing that it is going to cure the headache. It won’t…. what headache tablets do is take away the pain – nothing more. Herbal remedies usually take longer to take effect than “Normal” medicine, but it produces little to no side effects and will mend your body in a more harmonious way. I am sure you’ve heard of Women who have taken antibiotics for something only to end up with thrush or a stomach upset because the drug didn’t just kill off the nasty bacteria, it killed off ALL the bacteria, including the Good bacteria we need in our body.
To start off with, I guess I should mention how to use herbal preparations. There are many different ways to get these healing herbs into our bodies…. Some methods work better than others for particular ailments, and some herbs cannot be used in some ways. I’ll explain the main methods for use:
Infusion
Infusions are basically a herbal tea. You let the herb steep in hot or cold water for a while, then either reheat and drink, or drink it cool. You can use infusions in a bath, as a wash and for many other uses.
Method #1 – Hot – Infuse 1 heaped teasthingy of dry herbs with one cup of boiling water. Steep for approx. 3-5 mins, and strain.
- Cold – put 1 heaped teasthingy of dry herbs in 1 cup of cold water and soak for 8-10 hours, strain and slightly warm
before drinking.
Method #2 – (Chinese method) If you are using oyster shell, dragon bone or other minerals you have to add them to 6 cups of boiling water, simmer for 30 mins. If you have no minerals, or after the minerals have simmered for 30 mins, add your heavy roots and bark and simmer for another 20-30 mins. Then add any lighter twigs, fruits and leaves, simmer for another 10-15 mins. Finally remove from the heat and add any leaves and flowers, cover and steep for 10-20 mins. Strain, it’s ready to drink.
Method #3 – Steep 2 teasthingys of dry herbal mixture in 2 cups of boiling water for 10-15 mins.
Method #4 – Steep ½ oz – 1oz dried herbal mixture to 1 pint (600ml) of water for 10-20 mins, then strain and drink.
Decoction
A Decoction is used when a plant is not soluble in hot or cold water but will be released by simmering. This is used for roots, heavy wooden plants. Make sure you don’t use an aluminium saucepan, as the metal will leech into the tea. Glass or ceramic is best.
Method #1 – Use 1teasthingy dried plant matter to 1 cup of water. Simmer for 5-20 mins. 5 minutes for shredded plant, and 20 mins for larger pieces. Strain while hot. Drink.
Method #2 – Use a handful of fresh herb, or 1 teasthingy of dried herb, simmer for 30 mins in 1cup of water.
Method # 3 – Take 30g (1oz) dried herbal mixture and 500ml (16floz) cold water in a pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 mins.
Compress
Also called Fomentation. This is used when the herbs are too strong to ingest, as the skin allows a smaller amount of the herb to be absorbed slowly by the body.
Method – Make a herbal infusion/decoction and soak a face cloth, or cotton cloth in this. Squeeze out excess liquid, and apply to the effected area.
Capsules
Capsules are used when the plant is unpalatable to take as a tea, or for herbs which require small doses. You can purchase empty capsules from most health food shops.
Method – Capsules come in 3 sizes, “0”, “00”, “000” being small, medium (normal) and large. A medium capsule will hold approx ½ teasthingy of herb. Fill the capsule with powdered herb. 1 capsule is equivalent to 1 cup of herbal tea.
Bolus
A bolus is a suppository made from adding powdered herbs to cocoa butter to form a thick paste, which is then refrigerated. Once the bolus is hardened, bring it to room temperature, and it is ready to use. The cocoa butter will melt with the body heat releasing the herbs. You might like to wear old underwear to prevent staining as the bolus melts.
Extracts
These are made to treat ailments such as strained muscles, arthritis or inflammation. It is similar to a tincture, but may be made using oil, vinegar or alcohol.
Method – Place 4oz of dried herbs of 8oz of fresh herb into a jar. Add 1 pint of Vinegar, alcohol or Vegetable oil. Shake the jar twice a day for 4 days for powdered herb, or 15 days for whole/chopped/sliced etc. herbs. Vitamin E or wheatgerm oil can be added to oil based extracts to help preserve them.
Ointments
Ointments are used when the active principles of the herb are needed for longer periods of time, such as muscular aches.
Method #1 – Take 1 – 2 heaped tablesthingys of herb and bring to the boil in vaseline, stir then strain. Use cold.
Method #2 – Melt ¼ cup each of beeswax and vegetable oil in a double boiler until the wax is molten. Add a tablesthingy of herbal extract (in an oil base), herbal infused oil or essential oils. If you wish to use herbs, use 1 tablesthingy of dried herb, and strain through a heated metal strainer.
Oils
Oils are used when ointments or compresses are not practical. Always store your oils in amber glass bottles to prevent sunlight from reacting with the oils.
Method – Take 2 oz plant matter to 1 pint of oil. Leave this to stand for 4 days. If you want this process to happen quickly, you can heat the oil in a saucepan for 1 hour. A small amount of Vitamin E or Wheatgerm oil can be added to help preserve the oil.
Poultice
A poultice is made from warm mashed herbs, which are applied directly to the skin. Used for inflammation, bites, boils, abscesses etc. You should apply oil to the area before applying the poultice.
Method #1 – Add hot water, apple cider vinegar, herbal tea, liniment or tincture to the desired herbs, and mash them into a paste.
Method #2 – In a saucepan bring water to the boil, suspend a sieve over the pan, and place into the sieve the fresh or dried herbs you will be using. Steam, these for a few minutes. Spread the softened herbs onto a cloth and apply to the affected area. Cover the compress with a bandage and leave for 2 hours.
Salve
A salve is similar to an ointment
Method – Take dried or fresh herbs and cover with water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 30 mins. Strain and add to an equal amount of vegetable oil. Simmer until the remaining water has evaporated from the oil. Add enough beeswax to give the salve a thick consistency (Remembering that it hardens as it cools) and pour into a jar.
Syrup
Syrups are used for coughs, congestion, sore throats etc.
Method #1 – Take 2 oz herb and boil in 1 quart of water until it has reduced to about 1 pint. While still warm ass 2 oz of honey and/or glycerine..
Method #2 – Take 600ml (1 pint) boiling water and 900g (2 lb) of sugar. Bring this to the boil. Take off the heat, stir in tincture (3 parts syrup to 1 part tincture)
Tincture
Tinctures are similar to extracts but are made using alcohol, allowing it to keep for longer periods of time. People with weak digestion may have trouble with tinctures.
Method #1 – Combine 4oz of powdered or chopped herb with 1 pint of alcohol (Vodka, brandy, Gin, Rum etc.) Shake daily for 2 weeks, strain and bottle.
Method #2 – Take a jar and place the dried herbal mixture into the bottom. Add alcohol to cover the herbs plus 1 inch. Leave sit for 2 weeks, strain.
Herbal Bath
A herbal bath is goof for fevers and stress related conditions. A foot bath can be made for soaking tired sore feet, or for food conditions such a tinea, athletes foot and corns.
Method – Steep 200g of dried herb in cold water for 12 hours. Heat the infusion and then add it to your bath water. For a foot bath, steep 50g of herb with the method above, and add to a bucket of water.
Inhalation
Place 50g of dried herb in a bowl or in the sink. Pour a litre of boiling water over the herbs. Cover your head with a towel and hang your head over the bowl/sink to inhale the steam.
Eardrops
Slice garlic and place in a small amount of olive oil. Add a few lavender flowers. Leave sit for 2 hours then strain. Warm 1 tsp of oil by placing it over a cup of hot water. Put few drops into the ear and plug with cotton wool.
You should never self diagnose or self prescribe....Doctors go to school for many years to learn how to do that properly (Well, most do), and there are mistakes that can be made...
However, I realise that you will anyway, I just thought I'd tell you not to...
Please remember the following points though:
Herbal healing does *NOT* work on the theory that if a bit is good, lots must be better. In fact, they usually work in reverse. If a bit of a herb helps flatulence for example, a lot of the herb could cause flatulence.
Some herbs should be used in moderation, as large amounts can become poisonous or have side effects. These herbs are best used in small amounts over short periods of time.
Some herbs are poisonous if taken internally, and should be used externally only.
Some herbs have "Contraindications" - Basically these are times when it is advisable not to use the herb. The usual Contraindications are
Pregnancy, High or Low Blood pressure, Epilepsy, Kidney Problems and Heart problems. These contraindications depend on the particular herb, for example Juniper is contraindicated for people with Kidney problems, Rosemary is contraindicated for people with Heart conditions, High Blood pressure, Epilepsy and pregnancy. (still working on finding a good list of
these)
Some herbs should not be used if you are currently on medication ("drugs" or homoeopathic medicine)
Buying herbal teas from a healthfood shop is probably the best way to go, as they usually have the dosages on the box, and any safety data you need. Remember too though, that you don't have to ingest the herb for it to work.. and that many ailments are better treated with a poultice or other method, rather than ingesting them.
It helps to know about the herb before you are going to use it.. It's side effects, what it is also used for and how it works. Then you can begin to understand the powers of the herb, and why it should or shouldn't be used. For example, Rosemary.. Rosemary is a stimulating herb, which is why it is good for memory, but bad if you have high blood pressure. It is also an emmenagogue (A drug or agent that induces or hastens menstrual flow) which is good if you have late periods due to stress or other factors, but bad for pregnancy (as it could cause miscarriage).
To find information about the individual herbs online, search using google, or some other search engine for the herb you are after... or try searching for "Herbal healing". A useful site might be the culpepper's herbal book online: www.bibliomania.com/2/1/66/113/frameset.html
To start off with, I guess I should mention how to use herbal preparations. There are many different ways to get these healing herbs into our bodies…. Some methods work better than others for particular ailments, and some herbs cannot be used in some ways. I’ll explain the main methods for use:
Infusion
Infusions are basically a herbal tea. You let the herb steep in hot or cold water for a while, then either reheat and drink, or drink it cool. You can use infusions in a bath, as a wash and for many other uses.
Method #1 – Hot – Infuse 1 heaped teasthingy of dry herbs with one cup of boiling water. Steep for approx. 3-5 mins, and strain.
- Cold – put 1 heaped teasthingy of dry herbs in 1 cup of cold water and soak for 8-10 hours, strain and slightly warm
before drinking.
Method #2 – (Chinese method) If you are using oyster shell, dragon bone or other minerals you have to add them to 6 cups of boiling water, simmer for 30 mins. If you have no minerals, or after the minerals have simmered for 30 mins, add your heavy roots and bark and simmer for another 20-30 mins. Then add any lighter twigs, fruits and leaves, simmer for another 10-15 mins. Finally remove from the heat and add any leaves and flowers, cover and steep for 10-20 mins. Strain, it’s ready to drink.
Method #3 – Steep 2 teasthingys of dry herbal mixture in 2 cups of boiling water for 10-15 mins.
Method #4 – Steep ½ oz – 1oz dried herbal mixture to 1 pint (600ml) of water for 10-20 mins, then strain and drink.
Decoction
A Decoction is used when a plant is not soluble in hot or cold water but will be released by simmering. This is used for roots, heavy wooden plants. Make sure you don’t use an aluminium saucepan, as the metal will leech into the tea. Glass or ceramic is best.
Method #1 – Use 1teasthingy dried plant matter to 1 cup of water. Simmer for 5-20 mins. 5 minutes for shredded plant, and 20 mins for larger pieces. Strain while hot. Drink.
Method #2 – Use a handful of fresh herb, or 1 teasthingy of dried herb, simmer for 30 mins in 1cup of water.
Method # 3 – Take 30g (1oz) dried herbal mixture and 500ml (16floz) cold water in a pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 mins.
Compress
Also called Fomentation. This is used when the herbs are too strong to ingest, as the skin allows a smaller amount of the herb to be absorbed slowly by the body.
Method – Make a herbal infusion/decoction and soak a face cloth, or cotton cloth in this. Squeeze out excess liquid, and apply to the effected area.
Capsules
Capsules are used when the plant is unpalatable to take as a tea, or for herbs which require small doses. You can purchase empty capsules from most health food shops.
Method – Capsules come in 3 sizes, “0”, “00”, “000” being small, medium (normal) and large. A medium capsule will hold approx ½ teasthingy of herb. Fill the capsule with powdered herb. 1 capsule is equivalent to 1 cup of herbal tea.
Bolus
A bolus is a suppository made from adding powdered herbs to cocoa butter to form a thick paste, which is then refrigerated. Once the bolus is hardened, bring it to room temperature, and it is ready to use. The cocoa butter will melt with the body heat releasing the herbs. You might like to wear old underwear to prevent staining as the bolus melts.
Extracts
These are made to treat ailments such as strained muscles, arthritis or inflammation. It is similar to a tincture, but may be made using oil, vinegar or alcohol.
Method – Place 4oz of dried herbs of 8oz of fresh herb into a jar. Add 1 pint of Vinegar, alcohol or Vegetable oil. Shake the jar twice a day for 4 days for powdered herb, or 15 days for whole/chopped/sliced etc. herbs. Vitamin E or wheatgerm oil can be added to oil based extracts to help preserve them.
Ointments
Ointments are used when the active principles of the herb are needed for longer periods of time, such as muscular aches.
Method #1 – Take 1 – 2 heaped tablesthingys of herb and bring to the boil in vaseline, stir then strain. Use cold.
Method #2 – Melt ¼ cup each of beeswax and vegetable oil in a double boiler until the wax is molten. Add a tablesthingy of herbal extract (in an oil base), herbal infused oil or essential oils. If you wish to use herbs, use 1 tablesthingy of dried herb, and strain through a heated metal strainer.
Oils
Oils are used when ointments or compresses are not practical. Always store your oils in amber glass bottles to prevent sunlight from reacting with the oils.
Method – Take 2 oz plant matter to 1 pint of oil. Leave this to stand for 4 days. If you want this process to happen quickly, you can heat the oil in a saucepan for 1 hour. A small amount of Vitamin E or Wheatgerm oil can be added to help preserve the oil.
Poultice
A poultice is made from warm mashed herbs, which are applied directly to the skin. Used for inflammation, bites, boils, abscesses etc. You should apply oil to the area before applying the poultice.
Method #1 – Add hot water, apple cider vinegar, herbal tea, liniment or tincture to the desired herbs, and mash them into a paste.
Method #2 – In a saucepan bring water to the boil, suspend a sieve over the pan, and place into the sieve the fresh or dried herbs you will be using. Steam, these for a few minutes. Spread the softened herbs onto a cloth and apply to the affected area. Cover the compress with a bandage and leave for 2 hours.
Salve
A salve is similar to an ointment
Method – Take dried or fresh herbs and cover with water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 30 mins. Strain and add to an equal amount of vegetable oil. Simmer until the remaining water has evaporated from the oil. Add enough beeswax to give the salve a thick consistency (Remembering that it hardens as it cools) and pour into a jar.
Syrup
Syrups are used for coughs, congestion, sore throats etc.
Method #1 – Take 2 oz herb and boil in 1 quart of water until it has reduced to about 1 pint. While still warm ass 2 oz of honey and/or glycerine..
Method #2 – Take 600ml (1 pint) boiling water and 900g (2 lb) of sugar. Bring this to the boil. Take off the heat, stir in tincture (3 parts syrup to 1 part tincture)
Tincture
Tinctures are similar to extracts but are made using alcohol, allowing it to keep for longer periods of time. People with weak digestion may have trouble with tinctures.
Method #1 – Combine 4oz of powdered or chopped herb with 1 pint of alcohol (Vodka, brandy, Gin, Rum etc.) Shake daily for 2 weeks, strain and bottle.
Method #2 – Take a jar and place the dried herbal mixture into the bottom. Add alcohol to cover the herbs plus 1 inch. Leave sit for 2 weeks, strain.
Herbal Bath
A herbal bath is goof for fevers and stress related conditions. A foot bath can be made for soaking tired sore feet, or for food conditions such a tinea, athletes foot and corns.
Method – Steep 200g of dried herb in cold water for 12 hours. Heat the infusion and then add it to your bath water. For a foot bath, steep 50g of herb with the method above, and add to a bucket of water.
Inhalation
Place 50g of dried herb in a bowl or in the sink. Pour a litre of boiling water over the herbs. Cover your head with a towel and hang your head over the bowl/sink to inhale the steam.
Eardrops
Slice garlic and place in a small amount of olive oil. Add a few lavender flowers. Leave sit for 2 hours then strain. Warm 1 tsp of oil by placing it over a cup of hot water. Put few drops into the ear and plug with cotton wool.
You should never self diagnose or self prescribe....Doctors go to school for many years to learn how to do that properly (Well, most do), and there are mistakes that can be made...
However, I realise that you will anyway, I just thought I'd tell you not to...
Please remember the following points though:
Herbal healing does *NOT* work on the theory that if a bit is good, lots must be better. In fact, they usually work in reverse. If a bit of a herb helps flatulence for example, a lot of the herb could cause flatulence.
Some herbs should be used in moderation, as large amounts can become poisonous or have side effects. These herbs are best used in small amounts over short periods of time.
Some herbs are poisonous if taken internally, and should be used externally only.
Some herbs have "Contraindications" - Basically these are times when it is advisable not to use the herb. The usual Contraindications are
Pregnancy, High or Low Blood pressure, Epilepsy, Kidney Problems and Heart problems. These contraindications depend on the particular herb, for example Juniper is contraindicated for people with Kidney problems, Rosemary is contraindicated for people with Heart conditions, High Blood pressure, Epilepsy and pregnancy. (still working on finding a good list of
these)
Some herbs should not be used if you are currently on medication ("drugs" or homoeopathic medicine)
Buying herbal teas from a healthfood shop is probably the best way to go, as they usually have the dosages on the box, and any safety data you need. Remember too though, that you don't have to ingest the herb for it to work.. and that many ailments are better treated with a poultice or other method, rather than ingesting them.
It helps to know about the herb before you are going to use it.. It's side effects, what it is also used for and how it works. Then you can begin to understand the powers of the herb, and why it should or shouldn't be used. For example, Rosemary.. Rosemary is a stimulating herb, which is why it is good for memory, but bad if you have high blood pressure. It is also an emmenagogue (A drug or agent that induces or hastens menstrual flow) which is good if you have late periods due to stress or other factors, but bad for pregnancy (as it could cause miscarriage).
To find information about the individual herbs online, search using google, or some other search engine for the herb you are after... or try searching for "Herbal healing". A useful site might be the culpepper's herbal book online: www.bibliomania.com/2/1/66/113/frameset.html