How To Make:	Instructions
Infusions	​ Infusions are really just tea.   Add 2 cups boiling water to 1 ounce of dried herb (or 5 Tablespoons fresh herb).  Let steep for 10 minutes.  Strain and drink (typically 6 ounces 3 times daily).  Sweeten with honey if desired.   This should be enough for 3 doses. Infusions are usually best made from a mixture of multiple herbs.  While infusions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, it's best to make it fresh daily.
Decoctions	A decoction is also a tea, but it is used for tougher plant materials (like roots, bark, berries).  Put 1 ounce of  herb (dried or fresh) in a stainless steel, ceramic, glass saucepan (just not aluminum).  Add 3 cups cold water and bring to a boil.  Lower heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Strain and drink (typically 6 ounces 3 times daily).  Sweeten with honey if desired.   This should be enough for 3 doses. Infusions are usually best made from a mixture of multiple herbs.  While decoctions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, it's best to make it fresh daily.
Macerations	A maceration is also a tea, but it used for certain roots that have sensitive constituents that may be harmed by heating.   Put chopped root in a teapot or bowl (5 teaspoons dried or 5 Tablespoons fresh). Add 2 cups cold water and let sit overnight.  Strain and drink (typically 6 ounces 3 times daily).  Sweeten with honey if desired.   This should be enough for 3 doses. While macerations can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, it's best to make it fresh daily.
Syrups	Syrups are used to preserve infusions and decoctions so they can be stored longer (up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or frozen indefinitely).  They are great for cough remedies.  First make an infusion or decoction (or combination of both).  Measure the liquid and then put in a cast iron or stainless-steel pan.  Add the same amount of sugar or honey to the liquid mixture (if 1 cup liquid = 1 cup sugar or honey). Heat the mixture on med-low heat until the sugar/honey is dissolved and it thickens into a light syrup.  Remove from heat and let it cool.  Store in a glass bottle (cork top, not screw, because syrups can ferment and explode if sealed too tightly).  Take in 1-2 teaspoon doses every 3-4 hours.
Tinctures	A tincture uses alcohol to extract the active herb ingredients.  Use either vodka or rum (other alcohols can create a toxic result).  Tinctures are usually made in the weight:volume proportion 1:5 (for example 2 pounds of herb to 5 quarts of alcohol/water or 1 pound of herb to 5 pints alcohol/water).   First dilute the alcohol by adding 2 cups water to 1 quart of  vodka or rum (approx 37.5 % alcohol).  Label and store this in clean bottles.   Put 1/4 pound of dried herb (or 3/4 pound fresh) into a large, wide-mouthed glass jar.  Add 2 cups of the diluted alcohol mixture to the jar, screw the lid tight, and shake well.  Leave the jar in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, shaking thoroughly every couple of days.  After 2 weeks, strain the mixture through a wine press or jelly bag and store the resulting liquid in clean, dark glass bottles.   Take the tincture in a little warm water 3-4 times daily (1/2 - 1 teaspoon).  Fruit juice can be used instead of water to improve the taste.  Tinctures will generally last for 2+ years.  (Some say the potency increases with age however). It is best to make tinctures of single herbs and then combine them as needed.
Juices	Herbs can be "juiced" as well, this works best for soft/leafy plants.  Fill a small food processor or juicer with fresh herbs.  Process into a thick paste.  Take in 2 teaspoon doses (mixed with water if  preferred) 3 times daily.  This will only last for a few days in the refrigerator, so make in small quantities often.
Ointments	Ointments are good for when the skin is already soft or where protection from additional moisture is needed.  Melt 1/2 lb lard or Vaseline in a saucepan over very low heat.  Add 3 Tablespoons of dried herb and stir well.  Heat for approximately 2 hours or until the herb is slightly crispy.  Strain the mixture through a nylon strainer into 5 glass ointment jars (2 oz size).   Store in a cool dry place.  Ointments should last for at least a year if equipment is all well sterilized.
Creams	​Creams are absorbed by the skin (as opposed to ointments which protect and seal the skin).  Use a large double boiler (or stainless steel bowl placed on top of a large saucepan).  Fill the lower pan with water.   Put 5 teaspoons of white beeswax and 5 teaspoons of anhydrous lanolin into the top saucepan and heat the double boiler.  When the beeswax and lanolin have melted, add 1/2 cup of sunflower oil (or similar), 3/8 cup of water, 1/8 cup of glycerol.  The cold liquids will cause the fats to resolidify so heat until the mixture is fully melted again.  Add 3 Tablespoons of dried herb to the mixture and heat for at least 3 hours.  Check on the water level of the lower pan regularly and add additional boiling water as needed to prevent the pan from boiling dry.  After 3 hours, pour the hot mixture through a large fine-mesh strainer.  This needs to be done fairly quickly because the cream will start to solidify once the heat is removed.  Collect the still melted cream in a large mixing bowl and stir gently until it cools.  Store in small dark glass jars for use as needed.  The cream will usually keep for at least a year stored in a cool dry place, although the shelf-life can be extended by adding 5 drops of benzoin to the mixture as a preservative.
Infused Oils	Infused oils are used in ointments, creams or massage oils.  These will generally last for at least a year, often longer. There are 2 techniques - hot infusion or cold infusion: Hot Infusion: Use a large double boiler (or stainless steel bowl placed on top of a large saucepan). Fill the lower pan with water. Put 1/4 lb dried herb (or 1/3 lb fresh) and 2 cups of sunflower or similar oil into the top saucepan or bowl and heat on medium-low heat (remember to check the water level and refill as needed to prevent it from boiling dry).  Simmer for 3 hours, then strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.  Cool completely, then pour the infused oil into glass bottles and store away from direct sunlight.  Cold Infusion:  Use a medium-sized jar with a wide mouth, such as a 2lb storage jar. Pack the jar fairly tightly with either dried or fresh herb material, to 1" from the top.  Completely cover the herb with oil (such as walnut or safflower).  Leave the jar in a sunny place (indoors) for at least 3 weeks.  Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.  Repeat the entire process again using more fresh herbs and the oil from the 1st infusion, leave it a sunny place again for an additional 2-3 weeks.  Strain the oil again and store in a cool, dry place in dark glass bottles.
Steam Inhalants	Inhaling aromatic oils is a good way to clear the respiratory system.  Make to stay in a warm room for 30 minutes after to allow your airways to return to normal.   Put a large handful of fresh herbs or 5 teaspoons dried herbs into a large mixing bowl.  Add 2 cups boiling water.  Lean over the bowl and cover your head completely with a towel.  Inhale the steam for 10 minutes or as long as you feel comfortable.  (Up to 10 drops of an essential oil can be used instead of herbs).
​Compresses	Compresses are used to speed the healing of wounds or muscle injuries.  Use a clean cotton ball or surgical gauze soaked in a hot, strained infusion, decoction, or tincture (4 teaspoon tincture to 2 cups of hot water) and apply to the affected area.  When compress cools, repeat using fresh hot mixture.  Keep in mind a cold compress may be preferable (as with some types of headaches). ​
​Poultices	Similar to compresses, but instead of using a liquid extract, the whole herb is applied to an affected area.  Poultices are usually applied hot for swellings or sprains, or to draw pus and splinters. As with hot compresses, replace the hot poultice as it cools or place a heating pad on top to keep hot. Cut a piece of surgical gauze or cotton about 3 times the size of the area to be treated.  Fold in fresh or dried herbs into the fabric to make a small lump and then place it in a shallow dish/pan.  Pour boiling water onto it and soak for 3-5 minutes.  Pour off the water and place the poultice directly on the affected area.  Replace with a fresh poultice after 1-2 hours.  Cold poultices can be made by mixing fresh herb in a food processor for a few seconds.  Spread it onto the gauze and chill in a freezer for 5 minutes.  Then use in the same way as a hot poultice, replacing with a fresh chilled pack after 1-2 hours.  If using dried herbs or powder, mix with equal amounts of honey and vegetable oil to make a soft paste. ​
​Suppositories & Pessaries	​Suppositories are pellets containing medication that can be inserted into the anus.  Pessaries are similar, but are inserted into the vagina instead.  Use a special mold specifically for these, or make your own by folding tinfoil into small holders (about 1/2" wide by 3/4" long).  Lubricate the mold by mixing 2 teaspoons of soft soap, 1/4 cup of glycerol, and 1/4 cup of methylated spirit.  Shake mixture and let sit for 2 days for the soft soap to dissolve completely. Fill the mold with lubricant, leave for a few seconds, then pour away (lubricant can be reused several times).  Use a large double boiler (or stainless steel bowl placed on top of a large saucepan). Fill the lower pan with water.  To make 24 pessaries/suppositories, melt 4 teaspoons cocoa butter in the top pan of the double boiler.  Remove from heat.  Add 30 drops of essential oil to the cocoa butter, stir, and pour into the mold.  Let set. Remove the pessaries/suppositories from the mold and store in a jar between layers of waxed paper.