How To Take Herbs
by Kristy Baird
Are you looking to incorporate herbs into your life but aren't sure where to begin? There are multiple ways to do this, whether you already enjoy a daily cup of tea or want to delve deeper into sipping oxymels or making your own herbal pills.
Teas
We say "tea" but unless we are steeping the plant camillia sinensis (you know it as black tea, green tea, white tea or oolong), the correct term for an herbal tea is actually a "tisane". To make a tisane, you are either infusing or decocting. Infusion is done by pouring boiling water over fresh or dried herbs and allowing them to steep and release their oils. Delicate leaves and flower petals are often infused. Decoctions are made by boiling water with the herb in the pot and simmering for an extended period of time. This is often done with roots, barks and seeds, as they need a more vigorous method than infusion to break down. You can make a tisane from a single herb or you can mix a few together to enjoy the benefits of each.
Tinctures
A tincture is an herbal extraction, often made by chopping the plant matter very small and then allowing to soak in a high proof alcohol (this process is called maceration) for a period of 2-6 weeks, depending on the herb. For those avoiding alcohol, these are often made with diluted vegetable glycerine instead. A tincture is very concentrated, so only a few drops to a dropperful are needed at a time (dosage depends on the herb and the person). They can be taken under the tongue (sublingual) or mixed into a drink. This is often a more convenient way for busy people to take their herbs.
Vinegars and Oxymels
You may prefer to take your herbs by making an infused vinegar. This is done similarly to tincturing, but vinegar is used as the menstruum rather than alcohol. The herb is allowed to sit in the vinegar for 2-4 weeks before being strained out. You can then use the vinegar as a salad dressing, over vegetables or other cooked dishes, or just by swallowing a spoonful at a time. A more pleasant way, if you're going the latter route and taking it "straight up" is to make an oxymel, which is a mixture of infused vinegar and honey that is reduced to a syrup consistency.
Infused Honeys
I can't think of a more delightful way to preserve delicious edible flowers and herbs than to let their essence seep into a local raw honey. Simply chop your fresh plant matter and pour honey over. Let sit in a tightly covered jar for about 2 weeks and then carefully strain. Honey is a natural preservative, so these will last a very long time (especially if you allow your plant matter to wilt a bit first).
Herbal Oils
Another easy way to take your herbs is to make an infused oil. Your skin is your largest organ, so ditch your chemical-laden lotions and opt for an herbal oil you can cater to your own health needs! Dried herbs are usually a better choice for making oils, as the water content in fresh herbs can make the oil go rancid faster. Fill your jar about halfway, pour the natural oil of your choice over, then seal tightly and either let sit in a warm place for about 2 weeks or use a yogurt maker (or other device that can maintain a 100 degree setting) for a day or two. Strain out your herbs and your oil is ready! It's easy to make hair and beard oils this way, too, if you choose your herbs carefully.
Herbal Pills and Electuaries
Dried, powdered herbs can easily be stuffed into empty capsules and taken, but a more interesting method is to mix your powdered herbs with just enough honey to make a dough-like consistency and make your own herbal pills. Electuaries are the made the same way, but with more honey, to make more of a scoopable consistency. You can then spread them on toast, take them by the spoonful, or mix into a cup of hot water for instant tea!
Always check with your physician before using any herbal remedies. A lot of herbs can interact with medications, so be careful. Always do your research about any particular herb you are wanting to take. Herbal medicine is the people's medicine but that doesn't mean every herb is safe for you.
