How to prepare Medicinal Herbs for Use

Capsules The herb is powdered with your Mortar and Pestle, then placed into a gelatine capsule. (that can be purchased at most health food shops)

Decoction Boil herbs in water (one ounce of herb for every half litre of water) for 20-30 minutes. (roots need longer) Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Strain, Bottle, and use as neccessary.

Infusion Pour one half litre of water over one ounce of herb and let stand for 20 minutes

Macerate Warm 1/2 - 1 cup of oil in a pan, wrap and tie 1/2 - 1 ounce of herb in cheesecloth or loose weaved undyed cloth. Place the herb into the oil and leave on low heat for 20 minutes or until the herb has lost its colour.

Ointment Powdered herb is added to cream or lotion and applied to affected areas

Poultice Wrap and tie one cup of herb in cloth then soak in about half litre of boiling water for 1 - 2 minutes. Remove and cool to a comfortable temperature and apply to painfull area.

Syrup Boil 1,1/2 Kg of Sunacat (sugar cane extract) with 1/2 litre of water until sticky . Soak herbs tied in cloth for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Store and refrigerate in air tight bottles.

Tincture 

Seal five ounces of herb and ten ounces of medicinal alcohol in a dark glass bottle. Store in a dark cool place and shake daily for two weeks. Strain before use

Tip:The water and alcohol solutions can be strained through "drip coffee filter papers". The oil is too thick.