Herbal Preparations

Acetract - An herbal preparation using vinegar as the extracting solution.

Decoction - An herbal preparation made by simmering dense plant material in water

Electuary - Powdered herbs with enough honey to create a paste

Elixir - A sweetened tincture; Usually honey sweetened but sometimes simple syrup.

Glycerite - an herbal preparation using glycerin as the extracting solution

Infusion -

Hot Infusion - often commonly refered to as a tea, this is an herbal preparation using boiling water poured over fresh or dried plant material and steeped for 10-20 minutes.

Cold Infusion - An herbal preparation using room temperature or cold water as the extracting solution. Often used for plant material that contains components that may be damaged by hot water.

Infused Oil - an herbal preparation using liquid oil as the extracting solution. The process is done either over a long period of time (4-8 weeks), a shorter period of time when exposed to sunlight and the heat from that direct sunlight, or in a few hours in a double boiler.

Liniment - an herbal preparation specifically for topical application to treat sore muscles, spains, bruises, boils, burns, or sunburns to sooth pain an inflammation. The herbal solvent is usually witch hazel, alcohol, or vinegar.

Oxymel - an herbal preparation where the extraction solvent is vinegar and the finished product also contains honey.

Plaster - a paste of water and powdered herbs used as a medicated or protective dressing which is covered to keep it moist

Poultice - a soft moist mass of plant material applied topically and covered with a cloth

Salve - An herbal preparation made by thickening an infused oil with beeswax. Often 50/50, but the ratio can be adapted to your preference and application

Tincture - an herbal preparation using alcohol or a specific ration of water and alcohol as the extracting solvent.

Herbal Properties

Abortifacient – induces abortion, miscarriage, or premature removal of a fetus

Adaptogen – works through the endocrine system to modulate the physical, mental, and emotional effects of stress and increase resistance to physiological imbalances and disease by strengthening the immune system

Analgesic – relieves pain

Anaphrodisiac – reduces capacity for sexual arousal

Anesthetic – induces loss of sensation or consciousness due to the depression of nerve function

Antianemic – prevents or helps with anemia