How to make herbal preparations.
Infusions
An infusion is much more potent than a tea thus increasing its medicinal value. To make an infusion put one ounce of herbs in a quart-canning jar. Fill the jar to the top with boiling water and put a lid on it. The part of the herb you are steeping determines the time roots/barks = 8 hours, Leaves = 4 hours, Flowers = 2 hours, Chamomile, seeds and berries = 30 minutes. Strain the infusion. I suggest only making what you will drink in a day as re-heating the mixture breaks down chemical constituents and cold infusions aren't alway palatable.
Decoctions
A decoction is made when you heat slowly cook the herbal ingredients to bring out it's properties. Do this by adding roots or barks to boiling liquid and simmering the liquid until it is reduced in volume by half. When it has been reduced by half you may add 1 tablespoon of pleasant tasting liqueur to every 4 ounces of decoction. Decoctions are used when preparing herbal remedies with a strong or bitter taste such as goldenseal. Standard dosage 1/4 cup.
Syrups
To make a syrup heat one cup of decoction in a sauce pan. Once liquid is hot add 1/4 cup honey. Increase heat until syrup comes to a boil. Pour into a bottle and cap it. Standard dosage is determined by weight. 125lbs and over = 1 teaspoon; 75-125lbs = 3/4 tsp; 75-30 lbs = 1/2 teaspoon; under 30lbs = 1/4 tsp.
Tinctures
The best tinctures are made from fresh plants; there is some disagreement as using dried herbs to make tinctures. You will have to experiment and make your own decisions. I have had good results with quality dried herbs from Frontier Herbs. If you absolutely will not ingest alcohol then warm wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can replace the vodka. Fresh herb tinctures are very easy. Pack a clean sterile jar loosely with chopped plant material and pour 100 proof vodka or brandy over it. Cap the jar. Top the jar off again and store in a dark place for 6 weeks. You probably want to label the jar with contents and date. Shake the jars every so often and top off when necessary. Strain the tinctures after six weeks and they are ready to use. Strain into a brown glass jar making sure to squeeze excess liquid from plant material. When making tinctures from dried herbs use 1 ounce dried herbs per 5 ounces vodka or brandy and follows the procedure above.
Infused Oils
Many oils may be used olive oil works well and resists rancidity. You may use almond oil, coconut oil or safflower oil. Rice bran oil may possibly be obtained from local sources. Infused oils can be made from fresh plants or dried herbs. I recommend making a large batch of healing ointment in the summer with fresh ingredients such as calendula, chamomile, lavender, rosemary and comfrey. However I have had good luck using these herbs if they have been fresh dried. It is very important that water not be used to clean the plant and that all jars are dry and not put in the sun where moisture can condense. Heat jars in the oven for five minutes before filling. These measures will inhibit mold growth. Chop plant material and put in a clean, dry jar. Slowly pour oil over plant filling all the way to the top. Screw on a lid and let the oil infuse for six weeks. Strain the oil into another jar wringing oil from plant material. Let the oil sit for a few days and then pour the oil off the top carefully leaving any sediment that may settle to the bottom. Store at room temperature in a brown, glass bottle or dark place.
Ointments
Ointments are my favorite. They are so easy you will wonder why you ever bought those expensive herbal preparations at health food stores. Pour 2 ounces of infused oil into a very small pan. If you do not have infused oil you can use olive oil mixed with your choice of essential oils or a combination of both. Place the pan over very low heat and grate 2 tablespoons beeswax into the oil and stir until it is melted. Pour the ointment into a jar and let it set. Experiment if it is too thick melt it back down and add more oil. If it is too thin re-melt and add more beeswax.