Moira leads you into another room where there are several young accolites hard at work,chopping herbs,melting fat and all manner of other interesting things! She turns to you and says"Now I'm going to show you how to take those herbs you just learned about and make different kinds of medicines out of them."
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SALVES:
In order to treat various skin conditions,we can
take the appropriate herbs for the condition and make a salve that
can be applied externally. To start out, simmer the herbs in olive
oil,in a separate pot,melt 3-4 Tablespoons of beeswax(depending on
how soft you want it) per cup of
oil. Put enough oil in the pot to just cover the herbs. Simmer the
herbs in the oil for about 20 minutes. When wax and oil are heated
to the same temperature, add the wax. Strain and pour into clean
jars. Add tincture of Benzoin to preserve it,while the salve is
still warm. Make sure your jars are sterilized! You don't want your
salve contaminated.
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TINCTURES:
Tinctures are very simple to make. First you grind
the leaves,roots,bark or other plant parts with a mortar and pestle,
(or a blender for modern times)put them in a sterilized jar and just
barely cover them in either vodka,whiskey or pure grain alcohol,the
higher the proof the better. After 3 weeks,add 2Tablespoons of
glycerine for each pint,and about 10% per volume of spring water.
Strain and store in amber glass airtight bottles, keep them in
a cool,dry place and they will last up to 5 yrs. The dose for adults
is generally 20 drops in a cup of tea or warm water,4 times/day.
You can take just about any herb this way, and its easier to keep.
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POULTICES:
In order to make a poultice, you take fresh herbs or dried ones
that have been soaked in warm water until soft. Mix them with enough
slippery elm powder to make the poultice stick together. Place it on
the affected part and wrap with a clean cloth. Then put clear plastic
on top of the cloth. Another way to do this is to make a Fomentation,
you
simply to make a very strong herbal tea,and soak the cloth
in it, then apply it to the affected body part.
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SYRUPS:
Syrups are the easiest way to give your children
medicine and its very easy to make. First boil about 3 pounds of
sugar in a pint of water until you have a syrupy consistency
and then steep the herbs in the hot syrup for 20 minutes. Use
2 tsp. of herb for each cup of liquid. Herbs can also be simmered
into honey or maple syrup if you prefer,simmer them for about 10
minutes. Strain and store in the refridgerator,well sealed.
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TEAS:
Teas are perhaps the simplest,most used form of herbal
medicine. Simply boil a cup of water,wait about 30 seconds and add
1 tsp. of herb/cup of water. Let steep for about 10 minutes,strain
and sweeten to taste.The dose is 1 cup,4
times/day for adults,1/2 cup/4 times/day for children.
DECOCTIONS:
Decoctions are similar to teas,but is used for hard
materials such as roots,bark and seeds, which are bruised or crushed
beforehand to release their active elements. Place the herb in a glass
or enamal pot with cold water (1 tsp.of herb/cup of water)and
slowly bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-20 minutes;
then steep with the lid on until cool. Strain and sweeten to taste.
Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dose is 1 cup,4
times/day for adults,1/2 cup/4 times/day for children.
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POWDERS:
Chop large dried plant parts,such as roots,bark or
thick stems,into small pieces, then crush these, or dried leaves and
flowers with a pestle and mortar, or a coffee grinder. The powder
can then be put into gelatin capsules, to make it easier to take
the medicine.
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ESSENTIAL OILS:
Essential oils are the concentrated essence of the herb, and needs to
be added to a carrier oil,alcohol,water,etc. to use it generally. When
using essential oils for medicinal purposes, make sure it is pure and
100% real! You don't want to use a synthetic or a blend when your
mixing a tincture or making an ointment,etc. Find a reliable supplier
such as Aroma Vera. Essential oils can
be a great way to easily add your herb to what ever your making.
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