Herbalists use a wide range of plant based materials for internal and external use. Commonly used herbal preparations include tinctures, fluid extracts, infusions, decoction, syrups, and capsules, infused oils, ointments, lotions, and creams. Typically a treatment protocol will include a combination of herbal preparations.
What is a TINCTURE?
Tinctures are alcoholic solutions of plant material prepared by soaking it in pure grain alcohol. Preparation techniques include maceration, digestion, or percolation. Ethanol extraction offers the advantage of dissolving constituents that are insoluble or sparingly soluble in water while helping to preserve them in solution. Most tinctures are typically in concentrations of 1:4 or 1:5 (sometimes 1:10) and the concentration of alcohol varies between 45%, 60%, 70% and 90% depending on the herb involved. Tinctures have a relatively stronger action than infusions or decoctions and work quickly because they do not need to be digested or processed by the liver before they are absorbed. Non-alcoholic tinctures may also be made using glycerin. They are convenient to use and have a shelf life of a few years.
What is a FLUID EXTRACT?
Fluid extracts, also known as liquid extracts, are another form of alcohol-based medicine. They are stronger than tinctures with a concentration of 1:1 and are made by percolation.
What is an INFUSION?
An infusion is a water-based preparation made by steeping the more delicate aerial parts of plants - leaves and flowers - in either hot or cold water. Herbal infusions have the advantage of convenience, but are only appropriate for herbs with water-soluble constituents. They must be used right away or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is a DECOCTION?
A decoction is a water-based preparation similar to an infusion, but requires a more forceful treatment as it uses the harder plant material - roots, bark, seeds and berries. A decoction is made by gently simmering these tough parts of the herb in boiling water. Like infusions, they can be used hot or cold and are also only appropriate for herbs with water-soluble constituents. They must be used right away or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is a SYRUP?
Syrup is made by combining herbal infusions or decoctions (or sometimes tinctures) with honey or unrefined sugar. They have the additional benefit of having a soothing action and therefore are valuable for cough mixtures and to relieve sore throats. Their sweet taste helps to disguise the taste of unpalatable herbs and is a great way of administering herbs to children. Because of the preserving action of sugar and honey, syrups have a shelf life of 6 months to a year.
What is an INFUSED OIL?
Infused oil is made by soaking an herb in oil which allows the active fat-soluble constituents to be extracted. There are two types: hot infused oils which are simmered or cold infused oils which are heated naturally by the sun. The oil is used externally as massage oil or added to creams or ointments. When prepared and stored properly, infused oils should last up to 1 year.
What is an OINTMENT (also called SALVE)?
Ointments or salves are semisolid preparations that contain only oils or fats that are heated with herb material. Unlike creams they have no water component and as a result, when used topically, form a separate layer on the surface of the skin. They help to protect against injury or inflammation of damaged skin and provide a protective barrier so the skin may heal. The consistency may vary according to the ratio of beeswax to oil.
What is a CREAM?
Creams contain both an oil or fat and water components which are combined in an emulsion. Unlike ointments, creams blend with the skin and have the advantage of being cooling and soothing while at the same time allowing the skin to breathe and sweat naturally. Because of the water component, they do deteriorate more quickly than ointments/salves and are best stored in the refrigerator.
What is a LOTION?
Lotions are water-based herbal preparations such as infusions, decoctions, or tinctures that are used topically on inflamed or irritated skin. Compresses or cloths are soaked in a lotion and are held against the skin. They are beneficial to relieve swelling, bruising, and pain, soothing inflammation and headaches, and cooling fevers. They may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.