The Many Ways of Using Herbs

Herbal remedies come in many forms, and each has a strict definition:

Infusion: A tea is prepared by pouring hot water over plant parts and letting it steep for a short time.
Decoction: A longer tea preparation: plant parts simmer in hot water for a longer time.
Syrup: Plant parts are added to a sugar-water or honey-water mixture.
Powder: Dried plant parts are pulverized, traditionally by mortar and pestle.
Tincture: Essential plant components are dissolved in a water and alcohol solution.
Essence: Essential plant fragrance is added to alcohol.
Ointment: Powdered or essential plant parts are added to an oily substance such as olive oil, petroleum jelly, or lard, and often mixed with beeswax.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant parts are applied to skin with moist heat.

Today, with so many herbal preparations available commercially, it’s important to read labels to confirm that the product contains a “standardized extract,” which is the manufacturer’s promise that from batch to batch a measure and control are placed on the levels of active herbal ingredients in the tea, tincture, salve, or other product. Standardization assures proper, consistent, and effective levels. This measure is especially important in capsules and tablets, the method of delivery most often chosen by consumers of commercial herbal medicine today. Mention of specific products, companies, or organizations in this book does not imply that the publisher or the authors endorse them.
For the sake of simplicity, and to match current practices, this broad array of delivery methods has been narrowed down in this book to the five most common: tea, tincture, capsule or tablet, topical application, and in or as food.

To those who wish to bring medicinal herbs into their daily lives, whether as part of a regular health regimen or as an alternative or supplement to modern medical treatments, we say: Read, learn, consider—and good health to you.