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    HOW TO PREPARE AND USE HERBS

INFUSION:
An infusion is the most common way of preparing herbs. (Tea) The usual amount is a teaspoon of leaves, blossoms, or flowers to a cup of water. The water is poured over the herb, and then steeped for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain before using. Honey may be added to taste.

DECOCTION:
To extract the deeper essences from harder or coarser herbs such as barks, and root. The herbs are usually simmered uncovered for 10 to 20 minutes until 1/3 of the water has decreased through evaporation.

Note: for coarser herbs such as Valerian and Burdock, these must be gently simmered in a covered pot to bring out their medicinal properties. Strain before using.

FOMENTATION:
A fomentation is an external application of herbs, generally used to treat swellings, pains, colds and flu. To prepare a fomentation, soak a towel or cloth in the desired tea and apply the towel, as hot as can be tolerated without burning, over the affected area. Cover the towel with a dry flannel cloth. Repeat as needed.

POULTICE
A Poultice is usually used to reduce swelling by applying a warm mass of powdered herb directly to the skin. Cover with a hot moist towel and leave on until it cools. Repeat as often as needed.

To draw out toxins; Comfrey, Plantain, Chickweed, work very well.

To relieve pain and muscle spasms; Lobelia, St. John’s Wort, Arnica, catnip, or valerian are used.

SALVE:
Use:   3 ounces powdered herb,

1 cup cocoa butter and/or olive oil,

1 ounce beeswax, (depending on consistency desired, more beeswax may be needed).

Blend all three ingredients together in a covered pot on low heat for 1 to 2 hours. When it is cold, it should be firm and ready to use.

Option:          3 ounces of herb;

                        1 cup olive oil  

Place in a jar and soak for two weeks; Strain

In a small saucepan;

Add to            2 ounces of Cocoa butter, enough of the oil to equal 1 cup.

Add                1 ounce bee’s wax

Warm until wax and cocoa butter is melted. Add a few drops of essential oils, and 10 drops of Vitamin E oil. Fill containers and cool. 

Tincture:
A highly concentrated alcohol base in liquid form derived from pure herbs. Many people use herbal extracts that are unable to swallow capsules. Generally, from 3-4 drops, up to 12-15 drops, with a glass of water is the usual dose. Exact dosages are recommended on individual bottles. This is one of the more convenient ways to take herbs.

Alcohol Formula:   1 ounce dried or powdered herbs        

                                    5 ounces Vodka 40% ( vinegar can be substituted)

Chop Herbs finely and place in a clean glass jar. Cover herbs with enough vodka to completely cover the herbs. Store for two weeks at room temperature shaking daily; Strain. Store in a cool place, a tincture can last 6 years or longer

Glycerite Formula: 1 ounce herbs

                                    6 ounces glycerin

                                    4 ounces water

Chop Herbs finely and place in a clean glass jar. Cover herbs with glycerin and water. Store for two weeks at room temperature shaking daily; Strain. Store in a cool place, a glycerite will last 2 years

CAPSULES:
This is the most popular way most people take their herbs, mainly because it's easy, convenient, avoids bitter taste, saves on preparation, and provides an exact regulated

LIFESTYLE

 Taking responsibility for your own health is the most important step in ensuring a healthy lifestyle.
Consultation and education are key factors in determining the direction your health will take.60% of nutrition professionals; supplement their diet every day to make up for nutritional shortfalls.

Each of us needs to determine where we stand in our lifestyle and nutritional habits.

Remember, each individual is responsible for his or her own health.

 *** PLEASE NOTE***

The information contained within these pages is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or prescribing; but is offered only as information for use in maintaining and promoting health in cooperation with a physician. In the event that the information presented in this guide is used without a physician's approval, it will be considered that the individual is diagnosing for himself.
 

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