HERBAL MEDICINE MAKING 101

Created by Brigitte ZettlFor Crown Valley Organics

Herbs in History

• Medicinal plants have aided our survival for all of human history

• Allopathic medicine has only existed for the last 2 centuries

• 80% of the planet still uses herbs as their primary source of medicine

Medicinals from Crown Valley Organics

• Arnica• Astragalus• Holy Basil• Bee Balm• Black Cohosh• Bugleweed• Calendula• Catnip• Chamomile• Comfrey• Echinacea• Fennel• Feverfew• Ginger• Ginseng• Goldenseal• Lavender• Lemon Balm

• Lobelia• Marshmallow• Pleurisy• Mugwort• Oregano• Passionflower• Patchouli• Peppermint• Rosemary • Rue• Sage• Thyme• Valerian• Violet• Wormwood• Yarrow

Forms of Herbal Medicine

• Infusions• Decoctions• Syrups• Elixirs• Tinctures• Oils• Salves

Useful Tools

• Mortar & Pestle• Grinder• Jars• Funnels• Cheese Cloth• Press• Bees Wax• Olive Oil• Measuring Devices

Herbal Teas

Infusion• Flowers• Leaves• Mucilaginous Roots• Mucilaginous Seeds

Decoction• Roots• Bark• Mushrooms

Infusion

• Boil hot water, pour over the herbs, and cover to steep for 10 minutes

Decoction

• Boil herbs with water and simmer covered for 20-30 minutes

For the Little Ones:

Syrups• Mix your decoction or

infusion in a 1:1 ratio with honey

• Keep refrigerated

Elixirs• Mix your decoction or

infusion in a 1:1 ratio with ½ honey and ½ brandy

• Keep refrigerated

Tinctures for Greater Potency & Storage Life

• Must be at least 30% alcohol

• Percentage varies with the herb you are extracting

• Ratio for dosing is G:Ml

Tinctures

• Mix your tincture at the proper ratio

• Cover and shake daily for 2 weeks

• Strain through cheese cloth with a press

Some Common Ratios

• Goldenseal – dry – 1:5 – 48%• Black Cohosh – dry – 1:3 – 70%• Fennel – dry – 1:4 – 65%• Kava – dry – 1:1 -70% solv.• Valerian – dry – 1:1 – 55% solv.• Chamomile – fresh – 1:1.6 – 65%• Mint – fresh – 1:1.4 – 65%

For the Skin

Oils• Similar to tinctures

except less math!• Load up your jar

halfway• Pour oil over• Shake every day for

two weeks• Strain with

cheesecloth and a press

Salves• Mix your herbal oil

with beeswax. About 1 ounce (30 gm.) per cup is the rule of thumb

• Herbs: comfrey, arnica, calendula, yarrow, licorice

Recommended Reading

• The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook; James Green

• Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Sharol Tilgner N.D.

• Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal