Today I'd like to do something different. Instead of giving you a
lesson
on another herb, I'd like to give you some general information which
will
make some of the information in the lessons easier to understand.
Herbs are sometimes classified by "Gender". The "Gender" refers to the
type
of energy the plant emits. If a plants influence is stimulating or
aggressive
it's said to be "Masculine". If the plant is relaxing, calming,
or
passive it's said to be "Feminine". Another way of classifying herbs is
using
the terms hot for what would be considered male and cold for what
would
be considered female.
There are some among us that don't feel the need to bring sexism into
the
herbal realm. It goes along the same lines as the force/forum
discussion.
So out of respect of those who may find using the male/female
gender
classifications offensive or unnecessary, I'll be using the hot/cold
method
in my lessons.
There
are many ways to use herbs. I'd like to take this section to discuss
the
various uses. Herbs are not boiled in water, for this causes the
nutrients
and vitamins to breakdown. Boil the water first and then pour
over
herbs unless otherwise noted.Begin with cold water.
Tea- this is the most common and pretty much self explanatory
Infusion-think of this as a strong tea. Large amounts of herbs areused
for making an infusion.Most people won't be able to handle an
infusion until it rests for at least 15 minutes.
Strong
Moderate
Weak (tea)
1 oz herbs
2/3 oz herbs
1/2 oz herbs
1 pint water
1 pint water
1 pint water
Steep 20 min.
Steep 20 min.
Steep 15 minutes
Decoction-
basically same as infusion but used for bark, roots, things thatare
hard.
In a decoction you MUST boil the liquid. The flavor is much stronger
and
this is a good one to blend an aromatic herb with. If you have more than
one
ingredient start with the hardest first.
Strong
Moderate
Weak(tea)
1 oz herbs
2/3 oz herbs
1/3 oz herbs
2 pints water
2 pints water
2 pints water
simmer 10 min simmer 10
min
simmer 8 minutes
steep 15 minutes steep 15 minutes
steep 15 minutes
Poultice-
applying herbs externally. Pour boiling hot water over herbs, just
enough
to moisten them. When it's evenly wet, strain it and put in between
layers
of gauze. You then apply the poultice directly to the afflicted area.
1/2 oz herbs
1/2 cup boiling water
steep 20 minutes
Ointments-
an ointment is made by heating a fixative such as lanolin,
vegetable
fat (shortening), or bees wax. Heat the fixative until it's quite
warm.
Add the ground herb. Heat gently and cool. This may be done more than
once
until you'e satisfied you've gotten all the value from the herb. While
mixture
is quite warm, strain through cheesecloth or a very small tight mesh
filter.
Place filtered ointment into storage containers and allow to cool
before
capping. If ointment is too thin for your liking, reheat adding more
fixative,
cool. Repeat until desired consistency is achieved.
1 oz herbs
16 oz fixative
heat off and on for 24 hours
Washes-
this is real easy. Make a tea or infusion and use it to wash
afflicted
area.
Strong
Moderate
1/2 oz herb
1/3 oz herb
1 pint water
1 pint water
steep until lukewarm
steep until lukewarm
Tincture-
this is a long process but is best when a long shelf life is
desired.
This requires a drinkable alcohol (a 75% grade or better). Alot of
people
use grain alcohol, everclear, or 90 proof Vodka. You need a large jar
that
can be tightly sealed. Into this jar you put 1-4 ounces of herb
(depending
on how strong you want it), 8 oz of alcohol, and 4 oz water. Seal
the
jar and keep it out of the light for 2 weeks. At least once each day,
make
sure you loosen the herbs by shaking up and swirling the jar around. Do
this
for 2 weeks at least. The alcohol will pull out the vitamins and
nutrients
without heat. When done, strain herb out of alcohol, store alochol
in
safe place out of light. Be sure to label bottle. This is best begun on
a
new
moon and completed on the full.
Smudge-
a bundle of dried herbs that is burned for magickal reason
Aspurger-
bundle of fresh or dried herbs that are chosen for their magickal
properties.
They are dipped in Holy water or water scented with oils and
used
to sprinkle the water around. Wet version of smudge.
Sachets-
herbs enclosed in cloth. Usually a certain group of herbs, in a
specific
color cloth, for specific reason.
Herb
Pillows- pillows with Herb pockets attached so the proper herb for the
desired
result can be put in. Some common uses are for dreams, insomnia, &
breaking
addictions
I
think that about takes care of herbal preparations. Hopefully no one fell
asleep
since this was a long one. As always.....please use common sense when
working
with herbs. Some are very deadly. the best rule of thumb is......
When
in doubt...don't!
If
anyone has any special requests for herbs they'd like to see covered or
for
reciepes for something specific, feel free to e-mail them to me. I'll
try
to answer in next weeks post. If I get too many responses at once
I'll
answer
in the order they were received.
I
hope you enjoyed the Apothecary today......and until next time....MerryPart
Blessed
Be,
Mishka
Addition:
Gum
benzion is a preservative used to keep your salves and lotions stable.
You
can usually find a tincture of benzoin at your local drug store. It's
not
very expensive but necessary none the less if you plan on storing your
salve
and lotions for an indefinite period of time.
If you can't find the benzion, honey can be used as it's a great
preservative.
Another thing that can be used as a preservative is the oil
