Herbal Preparations

There are many ways to take herbs. Herbal tea is probably the most popular and one of the easiest. Then there's infusions, decoctions, tinctures, extracts, pills and capsules, fomentations, poultices, ointments and liniments, and syrups. When do you use each type? That is the topic of today's blog.

Herbal Tea - This is the most popular way to take an herb. Mix 1 teaspoon of dried herb or 2 teaspoons of fresh herb with 1 cup of boiling water, let it steep and drink it.

Infusion - This is prepared like a tea except you use 1 oz. of dried herb or 2 oz. of fresh herb to 1 cup of boiling water and you let it steep 10 -20 minutes.

Decoction - is used for bark, roots and stems. You take 1 oz. of   herb and simmer it in a pot for 10 - 20 minutes or until the water level has gone down by 1/3 .

Tincture - is the maceration of the herb. Take the herb and mix it with alcohol. Vodka works good. You put the two into a jar and seal. Keep in a cool dark place. Let it sit for 2 weeks and shake daily. After the two weeks is up you strain your mixture in cheesecloth and put the liquid into dark colored bottles with droppers and seal. If you cannot use alcohol you can use vinegar or vegetable glycerin.

Extract - An extract is more potent than a tincture and requires special equipment to make. It cannot be made at home. Extracts can be purchased at herb shops and health food stores.

Pills and capsules - These are available everywhere and are perhaps the simplest way to take your herbs. Empty capsules can be found at health stores and you can fill your own if you wish.

Fomentations -  For a fomentation you boil a  decoction of the herb in water. For a cold fomentation let the water cool. Dip a cloth in the water and apply to the body at the affected area.

Poultices - With the poultice you can apply fresh bruised or mashed herbs, or dry herbs can be used. Pour over enough boiling water to wet the mixture. Put the herb matter directly on the skin. Bran or ground flaxseed can be added to give the mixture bulk. Wrap the mixture in a cloth before applying. Change periodically to retain warmth.

Ointments and liniments - are rather complicated and messy to make, though they can be made at home. I prefer to get a preparation at the health shop.

Syrups - are really useful for colds and coughs. Usually the herbal product is mixed with honey or sugar. Sometimes it is made into lozenges.

Would you like to check out my website? Here is the link www.valerielull.com

Share your comments. They will be welcome

Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
www.lullval@clearwire.net 

Natural Ways to Relieve Pain

I have arthritis in my back and sometimes the pain gets pretty bad. When the pain gets too severe I have to take a pain pill, but for mild to moderate pain there are several herbal remedies that work quite well.

1. Ginger - I like to brew up a cup of Ginger tea, it takes the edge off my arthritis pain. You can use fresh ginger, or some of the commercial ginger teas. To use it fresh, grate about two tablespoons of the fresh root and simmer in water for 20 minutes.As an alternative  I often use Yogi brand ginger tea. You can also use a hot ginger compress externally. Some people find that ginger has a calming effect which also helps.

2. Willow Bark - Willow bark was used by the American Indians. It contains salacin which is what aspirin is made of. Willow can be used in capsule form or a tea can be prepared from the bark. Personally I prefer the capsule. If you have an aspirin allergy it is probably best not to use willow bark.

3. Lavender - Lavender is wonderful for mild to moderate burns. A few drops of  lavender essential oil can be mixed with a little vegetable oil and rubbed into the area where there is pain. Lavender actually works on the nerves so that they transmit less pain. Just remember, essential oils are for external use only. Taking essential oils orally can be deadly. Lavender is also good for scrapes, bumps and bruises.

4. Peppermint - This was my grandmother's remedy for menstrual pain. Peppermint contains menthol which has an anesthetic effect. One common remedy for headaches uses peppermint tincture rubbed into the temples of the head. Peppermint is also good for indigestion discomfort.

5. Red Pepper - Red pepper contains salicylates, which are similar  to salicin, the herbal version of aspirin. Red  pepper also contains capsaicin, which stimulates the body's natural pain killers called endorphins. Capsaicin works as a rub or liniment that is massaged into the skin of the painful area. You can purchase capsaicin creams in your local drugstore. Be sure you wash your hands afterwards, and make double sure you don't get it in your eyes.

Remember to check with your health care provider when using herbal products. Check out my web site at www.valerielull.com .


Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net.

Limes, Citrus aruantifolia

Limes, often considered more sour than lemons, have many health benefits. Most notably, they were carried on British navy ships to keep the sailors from getting scurvey. Hence, the nickname limeys. They are full of vitamin C and are often used in cooking and beverages. Some of the culinary uses include, sorbet, cocktails, candies, and they are often used in limeade and sodas, notably lemon-lime soda. Health benefits include, scurvey, hemorrhoids, peptic ucler, respiratory problems, bleeding gums, skin treatments, respiratory problems and more.

Some historians think limes came from Indonesia. Probably lime is the most famous as the cure for scurvey which is a deficiency of Vitamin C. Llimes are full of it. Today it is used by workers in polluted areas like furnaces, cement factories and paint shops to protect the workers.

Limes contain acids, antiobiotic properties, antioxidants, and are good for detoxification. The use of limes in cosmetic products is quite extensive. These include deodorants, hair oil, lotions and creams, as an exfoliant for dead skin cells, dandruff, toothpaste, soap and bath products.  Limes are also used in cleaning products for floors and toilets.

Limes are useful for diabetics because of the high levels of soluble fiber in them. They help regulate the body's absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, and help to reduce the recurrence of blood sugar spikes. Limes have a low glycemic index.They are useful for constipation because of their soluble fiber. Limes help to lower blood pressure because of their high level of potassium and limes help control cholesterol. They cut down on inflammation of the blood vesels and help to prevent heart disease.

Limes help to prevent the eyes from aging and macular degeneration and the flavonoids help protect the eyes from infections. They are useful for bleeding gums which result from a deficiency of Vitamin C.

Some folks use a glass of warm water with the juice of a lime squeesed into it as a weight reducer. It is said that consuming 2 glasses of this a day can burn fat very well and results will be seen in about one week. 

Here is a simple recipe for limeade, or if you wish you can use lemons too.

Lemon-limeade

3 limes or 2 limes and 1 large lemon

Sweetener or choice

2 quarts of water

ice

Cut limes and lemon in half and squeeze out the juice into a pitcher. Add sugar or sweetener of choice. Stir well. Add water and ice and chill in the refrigerator.  Enjoy and keep cool. 

Valerie Lull, Author

Ten Healthy Teas

Lullval@clearwlire.net

Web Site: www.valerielull.com 

Using Herbs Safely

The British herbalists have a slogan that goes "herbal medicine is good medicine". Herbs are not exactly like drugs, they are more dilute and usually milder than medicines. For the most part herbs are a safe way to go , but you do have to follow a few guidelines.Here are a few tips:

1. If you harvest your herbs in the wild you need to be absolutely positive you have the right plant. Many plants look alike and you definitely don't want to consume hemlock, belladonna, or aconite. Consuming these herbs is fatal. If you're not sure what a plant is don't harvest and use it.

2.Always take the recommended dosage. If you don't get enough your herbs will not work well, and if you get too much you could have some undesirable side effects.

3. If you are not harvesting your herbs in the wild, be sure you get your herbs from a reliable source.

4. If you are not sure about which herb to use consult with a naturopath, herbalist or someone who really knows their stuff.

5. Make sure your health care provider knows you are taking herbal remedies and which ones you are taking. If your provider is not open to the use of herbs, you may need to find another provider.

6. In some situations it is better not to take herbs, but go straight to a doctor. For example, if you are in acute or chronic pain, if a remedy does not work, or if it stops working when you stop taking it.

7. Many herbs and drugs do not mix well. For example, if you are on an anti-depressant and you take St. Johns Wort too you  may get too much. Always consult your health care provider about your medications and their compatibility with herbal remedies.

Herbal medicine is the oldest branch of medicine known to man. The Chinese were using herbs in 3000 BCE. They are generally safe as long as  you follow the guidelines. Here is a website you can go to for more information.

http://www.herb-health-guide.com/herb-safety-guidelines.html 

Check out my web site at www.valerielull.com  to learn more about herbal teas.

Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net