Reference
How to prepare remedies
Simple, step-by-step methods with real amounts — teas, infusions, decoctions, tinctures, salves, compresses, and more. These are the words you'll see linked throughout the site.
infusion
A tea made by steeping soft leaves or flowers in hot water.
Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of just-boiled water over 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb (or 1 tablespoon fresh). Cover and steep 10–15 minutes, then strain. Typical use: 1 cup, 1–3 times a day.
tea
A warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water.
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1 cup (240 ml) just-boiled water, covered, for 10 minutes. Strain and sip. Usually 1–3 cups a day.
decoction
A stronger tea made by simmering tough roots or bark.
Add 1 tablespoon of dried root or bark to 2 cups (480 ml) cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer gently 15–20 minutes until reduced by about a third. Strain. Use ½–1 cup, 1–3 times a day.
tincture
A concentrated herbal extract made with alcohol.
Fill a clean jar one-third to one-half with dried herb (or up to two-thirds with fresh), cover completely with 80-proof vodka, seal, and keep in a cool dark place 4–6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain. Typical dose: 1–2 droppersful (about 30–60 drops) in a little water, up to 3 times a day. Not for children or anyone avoiding alcohol.
salve
A soothing herbal ointment for the skin.
Gently warm 1 cup of herb-infused oil with about 1 ounce (28 g) of beeswax until just melted, stir well, then pour into clean tins and let cool until firm. For outside use on the skin only. (Make the infused oil first — see below.)
infused oil
Oil gently flavored with herbs, used on skin or in a salve.
Cover ½ cup dried herb with 1 cup carrier oil (olive or coconut). Warm gently in a double boiler 1–2 hours (never fry it), or steep in a sealed jar on a sunny sill for 2–4 weeks. Strain through cloth.
poultice
Mashed plant material applied right on the skin.
Mash fresh herb (or mix dried herb with a little warm water) into a paste. Spread about ¼ inch thick on intact skin, cover with a clean cloth, and leave 20–60 minutes. Use once or a few times a day.
fomentation
A hot, moist cloth pressed on the body — classic hydrotherapy.
Soak a folded cloth in hot herb tea or hot water, wring it out, and apply as hot as is comfortable for 3–5 minutes; follow with a brief cold cloth. Repeat for 3 rounds, keeping the person warm.
compress
A cloth soaked in warm or cold liquid, held on the skin.
Soak a clean cloth in warm or cool water (or cooled tea), wring it out, and hold it on the area 10–15 minutes, re-wetting as it loses temperature.
syrup
A sweet, thick herbal liquid that soothes the throat.
Make a strong tea or decoction and strain it, then stir in honey while warm (about 1 part honey to 2 parts liquid). Store in the fridge up to 2–3 weeks. Typical use: 1 teaspoon as needed. Not for babies under 1 year (honey).
gargle
Swishing a warm liquid at the back of the throat, then spitting.
Dissolve ½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water (or use cooled tea). Tilt your head back, gargle 15–30 seconds, and spit. Repeat a few times a day. Not for young children who can't gargle safely.
steam inhalation
Breathing in warm, moist air to loosen mucus and soothe airways.
Pour just-boiled water into a large heat-safe bowl and (optional) add 1–2 drops of an essential oil or a small handful of dried herb. Drape a towel over your head to form a tent, close your eyes, and breathe gently through the nose for 5–10 minutes, staying about 12 inches (30 cm) above the water. Repeat 2–3 times a day. Keep children at a safe distance to avoid scalds.
soak
Resting a body part (or the whole body) in warm, treated water.
Dissolve the listed amount (for example, ½ cup Epsom salt or 2–3 tablespoons baking soda) in a basin of comfortably warm water, or run a warm bath. Soak the area 15–20 minutes, then pat dry. Once daily is plenty. Keep the water warm, not hot, especially for children or anyone with reduced skin sensation.
ointment
A soft, spreadable skin preparation, a little thicker than a cream.
Stir a small amount of dried herb powder or a few drops of a diluted essential oil into 2 tablespoons of a plain base (such as coconut oil or an unscented salve) until smooth. Keep in a clean lidded jar and apply a thin layer to intact skin 1–3 times a day. For outside use only.
lozenge
A small medicated sweet that dissolves slowly to soothe the throat.
Warm 2 tablespoons honey with 1 teaspoon of a soothing herb powder (such as slippery elm or licorice) until it forms a thick, workable paste, roll into pea-sized balls, dust lightly with extra powder so they don't stick, and let firm up. Dissolve one slowly in the mouth as needed, up to a few times a day. Not for children under 1 year (honey).
essential oil
A very concentrated plant oil — always diluted before it touches skin.
Essential oils are strong, so dilute before use: mix 2–3 drops into 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, or almond (about a 1–2% blend) before applying to the skin, or add 1–2 drops to a bowl of hot water for steam. Do not swallow, keep away from eyes, and test a small patch first. Use far less — about half — for children and the elderly.
gel
A cool, jelly-like preparation that soothes and moisturizes skin.
Use the clear inner gel of a fresh aloe leaf (split it lengthwise and scoop out the gel), or a plain pure-aloe product. Smooth a thin layer over clean, intact skin as needed, 2–3 times a day. Keep fresh gel in the fridge for up to a week.
capsule
Dried, powdered herb packed into a swallowable shell for a measured dose.
Capsules give a consistent amount when an herb tastes strong. Follow the dose on a quality product (often one 300–500 mg capsule, 1–3 times a day with food and water). Capsules are concentrated, so don't exceed the label, and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines.
Always use clean tools and containers, label what you make with the date, and stop using anything that irritates your skin or stomach. Preparations applied to the body (salves, poultices, compresses) are for intact skin only — never on deep or infected wounds.