herbal medicine making 101

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