Types of Herbal Preparations

Herbs have been prepared in many different forms over the years. Each method of preparation has its specific benefits and methods of action. The following are the most common preparations.

 

Types of Herbal Preparations

Bolus

A bolus is a suppository used as an internal poultice in the vagina or rectum. They are used to draw toxic substances from the body or to carry healing agents to the body. The bolus is made by adding powdered herbs to cocoa butter and mixing them into a thick consistency. After the mixture has been shaped they are placed in a refrigerator to harden.

The most common boluses are made with herbs that have astringent or demulcent properties. They are usually applied at night so that when they are inserted the cocoa butter melts and releases the herbs to the affected area or for absorption through the mucous membranes. A few herbs that are commonly used in bolus form are Bayberry Bark, Slippery Elm, Garlic, Chaparral and Golden Seal.

Capsules

Gelatin capsules provide an excellent method for taking herbs in powdered form. For herbs that are bitter tasting or very mucilaginous, capsules are by far the easiest method. The disadvantage of herbs in capsule form is their freshness and content. If you are buying herbs in capsule form, be sure that the supplier is honest and knowledgeable. The reason for this is that many herbs in capsule form deteriorate in a couple of months, and often bottles remain on suppliers shelves for longer periods than that, before new shipments arrive.

Compresses (Fomentation)

Herbal compresses are made by placing one or two tablespoons of the herb into hot water. A cotton pad or gauze is dipped in the hot water, and then applied to the desired area. After the pad has cooled it is replaced by another warm compress.

Compresses are used when the herbs are very strong and slow absorption through the skin (of limited amounts) is desired, or when heat is needed in conjunction with the herb. They’re also used with herbs on swollen or stiff joints or for cuts and wounds.

Decoction

Decoctions are used when the active constituents of the herb are not readily soluble in cold or boiling water. They are made by finely grating or chopping the herb and slowly simmering the mixture from five to twenty minutes. Decoctions must always be strained while hot so that the active constituents (which have separated) are available in the solution. This method is especially valuable when extracting essential minerals or alkaloids from the herb.

Extracts

Herbal extracts are made so that you can apply herbs or herbal mixtures externally. They are made by placing about four ounces of the dried herb into a pint of vinegar, alcohol, olive oil or almond oil. The mixture is then shaken daily. In about fifteen days the extract will be ready to use. Extracts are often used as massage oils and liniments. They usually contain antispasmodic herbs such as Lobelia, or stimulating herbs such as Cayenne.

Infusions

Infusions are made by pouring hot or boiling water over the crude herb or powdered herb. The usual amounts are 1-1/2 ounce of fresh herb to one pint of water. To use the infusion, strain the liquid into a cup and drink warm.

Lyophilization

Lyophilization is the newest method of herbal stabilization and usage. In this product the herb is rapidly freeze dried under vacuum. This process is excellent because it retains all of the herbal constituents in tact and allows much longer storage times than is possible for the fresh herb. Very few companies have the capabilities for this process; however, this is by far the best method of herbal preservation to date for good quality herbs that have all the active constituents available.

Ointments

When the active constituents of herbs are needed to remain in contact with the skin for a prolonged period of time, ointments are the preferred method. Ointments are prepared by heating a petroleum based product, such as Vaseline or a similar product, and combining it with one or two heaping tablespoons of the herb. This mixture is thoroughly stirred and then strained. The resulting ointment is then kept in a cool place until needed.

Oils  

Oils are used primarily for herbs that are aromatics. In these herbs the essential oils are the primary constituents. Since the essential oils often break down in light, they should be stored in dark containers at all times. Oils are prepared by macerating the fresh or dried herb, adding olive or sesame oil, and then placing the mixture in a warm, dark place for about five days. The oil is then strained and bottled. If time is important, the oils can be extracted more quickly by gently heating the mixture in a pan for about an hour, then strain and bottle it. Do not boil the mixture. The most common herbs used in oils include Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Spearmint, Anise and other spices.

Poultice

A poultice is made with a fresh mash of the herb, wrapped in cotton or gauze, and then applied directly to the affected area. The poultice can be applied hot or cold depending on the herb and what condition the herb is treating. Poultices are primarily used to treat abscesses, bites and boils. The usual herbs used in poultices include Comfrey, Aloe Vera, Goldenseal and Echinacea.

Powders

Powders are made from finely grinding the dried herb. Powdered herbs can be used over food, in teas or in capsule form. The powdered herb is an excellent way to adjust herbal dosage and to slowly adapt the body to new herbs.

Salves

Salves are made by bringing dried herbs to a simmer for thirty minutes. Strain the mixture, and then add it to an equal amount of olive or safflower oil. Simmer this mixture until all the water has evaporated and only the oil is left. To the remaining oil add beeswax (to give the salve the appropriate consistency) and store in a cool, dark place. Salves will normally remain good for about one year.

Syrups

Syrups are often used for treating coughs, sore throats, and mucous congestion. They are made by simmering two ounces of the dried herb in a quart of water until only one pint remains. Add honey or glycerin while still warm. Other herbs with medicinal properties of their own, can be added to flavor the syrup such as Licorice, Wild Cherry or Anise.

Tinctures

Tinctures are concentrated solutions of herbal extracts in an alcohol base. Tinctures are good because they have a long shelf life, some which last up to seven years or more. Many herbal tinctures can also be used as a liniment. The herbs used in tinctures are generally those that are strong and need only a few drops to be effective. They are usually mixed in teas and actually contain little or no alcohol if added to hot water. Hot water evaporates most of the alcohol out of the tea very quickly. The major disadvantage of tinctures is using them in herbal mixtures that contain polysaccharides, which are broken down by alcohol. Echinacea is an excellent example of an herb which, to have the benefit of all the ingredients (but still retaining most of its effective constituents) should not be taken in tincture form if the poly-saccharides are a required part for the illness being addressed.