Herbal Health: 8 Ways to Prepare and Use Herbs

Throughout history people have used herbs in a variety of ways for various ailments and preventative measures. This article gives some basic information on eight different ways to prepare and use herbs.

Herbal Health: 8 Ways to Prepare and Use Herbs-Infusion

This is drinking herbs as a cup of tea. It is the most common way to prepare herbs. Usually a cup of boiling water is poured over just a teaspoon of flowers, leaves, or blossoms. 3 to 5 minutes is all it takes to steep. Next strain the tea. To make the taste more pleasant, you can add honey or lemon. If you plan to use a combination of different herbs for this herbal tea, its best to store them already mixed.

Herbal Health: 8 Ways to Prepare and Use Herbs-Decoction

Decoction is used to get the deeper essence from the hard or coarse barks, stems and roots of herbs. It is somewhat like infusion, except it is more potent. Don't overcook the herbs. They will not be of any use if burned. Strain before using. Last thing is that the herbs used in decoction can be reused until all the benefits have been extracted.

Herbal Health: 8 Ways to Prepare and Use Herbs-Fomentation

Fomentation is the external application of herbs. This is used for pains, cold, flu or swelling. It is also used to draw out poison. A cloth or towel is soaked in the herb and placed on the treated area. The compress as it is also called should be as hot as possible.

Herbal Health: 8 Ways to Prepare and Use Herbs-Poultice

Poultices are a thick paste of herbs that are put directly on the skin. A hot poultice is used to relax spasms and to relieve pain. It should remain on the skin for at least 20 to 30 minutes. In some cases it could remain overnight.

Herbal Health: 8 Ways to Prepare and Use Herbs-Plaster

A plaster is a cold poultice. The herbs don't touch the skin as in a poultice. This is good if the skin is irritated in some way. Instead, they are put in the middle of two pieces of cloth. Cold poultices are good for drawing out heat of an inflamed area.

Herbal Health: 8 Ways to Prepare and Use Herbs-Salve

An herbal salve is used to treat cuts, bruises, bites and more. Another use is as an insect repellent. Herbal salves are herbs that have been infused with oils. Salves can be made from many forms of an herb. The mixture is slowed cooked for 1 to 2 hours. After it cools, it will be firm and ready to use.

Herbal Health: 8 Ways to Prepare and Use Herbs-Extract

An herbal extract is made by combining the herbs with a neutral alcohol. The process takes several days to a few weeks to complete. The mixture is never stirred, but is shaken several times a day and stored in a cool dark place. Powdered herbs are not the best for this method of preparation because the herbs are strained off of the mixture.

Herbal Health: 8 Ways to Prepare and Use Herbs-Capsules

Taking herbs in capsule forms is the most common way that people use herbs. This is convenient because it allows you to avoid any bitter taste. Also the dosage is uniform and there is no need to take time to prepare the herbs.

Countless people can no doubt testify to the benefits of using herbs. As with any use of natural remedies, it is best if done with your doctor's supervision. More and more physicians are becoming open to use of herbs and other natural remedies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decoction

http://www.thedance.com/herbs/hbprep.htm

http://www.accolentdriedherbs.com/aboutusingherbs.htm

http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/salve.html

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/extract.php