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HERBAL MEDICINE MAKING 101. Created by Brigitte Zettl For 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
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HERBAL MEDICINE MAKING 101 Created by Brigitte Zettl For 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 Decoction Roots Bark Mushrooms • Flowers • Leaves • Mucilaginous Roots • Mucilaginous Seeds
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 Elixirs Mix your decoction or infusion in a 1:1 ratio with ½ honey and ½ brandy Keep refrigerated • Mix your decoction or infusion in a 1:1 ratio with honey • 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 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 • 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
Recommended Reading • The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook; James Green • Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; SharolTilgner N.D. • Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal