How to Make Different Types of Herbal Applications....

PILLS: grind chosen herb into powder & measure. add 10-20% slippery elm powder (acts as a binder). add a small amount of water...keep preparation firm. let sit for a few minutes. roll mixture into small pills, about the size of a pea. place on cookie sheet. leave at room temp to dry or place in pre-heated oven (250) turn oven off! check every 5 mins. or so, should be done in about 15 min. when dry & hard, bottle & label. bitter herb pills can be dipped in honey right before administering.

ELECTUARY: take pre-measure herb & mix with honey, molasses or peanut butter to form a paste. a child would take 1/4 tsp. of this followed with juice.

SYRUP: 1 oz. herb. 1 pt. water. bring to boil & boil about 1/2 the water away. strain. add about 2-4 oz. honey or glycerine to preserve.

TISANE OR TEA: 1 tsp herb...add boiling water. steep for 5 min.

INFUSION/MEDICINAL TEA: bring pint water to rolling boil. remove from heat. add 1 oz. dried herb. cover. do not reheat. let steep for 20 min. strain. For 1 cup...8 oz. water to 1 tsp. herb.
Sun Infusion: very potent! large glass jar with lid. 1 oz. herb. 1 pt. cold water. put on lid...sit in sunlight for 3 hrs.  great for strong herbal bath.

DECOCTIONS: are usually done with the roots, stems or bark of the plants. 1 oz. herb (bruised or chopped) 1 pt. water. bring to boil...simmer for 30 min. strain. use within 24 hrs.

TINCTURES: 1 pint of at least 80% proof vodka...the higher the proof, the better. 4 oz. dried herb, if fresh, use twice as much. a clean jar with tight lid. shake twice daily for 4-6 weeks, strain. Dispense into dark bottles & keep in cool dark place. Tinctures are much stronger than infusions or decoction, be aware.

LINAMENTS: mark the bottle "poison" so it won't be ingested. 2 oz. dried herbs, 1 pint rubbing alcohol (use the alcohol bottle). close tightly. Shake once daily for 14 days. strain & use the alcohol bottle for dispensing.

INFUSED OILS: 2 oz. dried herbs. 1 pint oil. let sit in sunlit area & shake daily for 2-3 wks. Strain into dark glass container.

HERBAL BATH: muslin bag...1/4 cup herbs, you can hang this on your faucet under the running water as you are filling your tub, then put the bag in the bath with you. For a stronger one, make a strong herbal infusion on top of stove, then strain & add this to bath water. Could also add 1-2 cups sea salt!

GARGLES: double strength herbal infusion. can also use tinctures...1 tsp tincture to 1 cup water. also 1 tbs. sea salt to 1 cup water. Gargle...do not swallow!!!

BOLUS/SUPPOSITORIES: slowly pour melted cocoa butter over powdered herbs. stir slowly. create a thick dough-like consistency. Let cool. roll into long rounded strips about 1/2" thick. cut into 1" lengths. put in fridge to harden. Let sit at room temp before inserting.

DOUCHES: strong herbal infusion, enough for a pint. add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar. leave in vagina for 10-15 min., then expel. Use once daily for 7 days.

POULTICE/PLASTER: use pulverized or powdered herbs moistened with a little water, e.o., infusion or even a bit of tincture. Apply to affected area...cover with cotton cloth. a warm cloth may be applied if heat therapy is needed. Put towel over that. after removing poultice--rinse with clean water. Change twice daily. Clays make a nice addition as well.