Types of Herbal Preparations

In my last post I talked about how you can determine the herbal concentration of your extracts, and that got me thinking of all the amazing ways you can use plants. Today I want to dive into the topic of extraction a bit more and explore the different ways we may make herbal preparations. And don’t be daunted! Even though the word extraction brings to mind complex instruments in a lab far away, I want to revolve this discussion around more tangible herbal extraction methods. Things we find ourselves doing on a daily basis…

Why Create Herbal Extracts

When it comes to herbalism there are many different herbal extraction techniques. The goal is simple, to extract the medicinal parts of each plant and utilize them in and on our bodies. These gifts from plants, this medicine, is powerful stuff! And each herb offers its own unique chemical constituents. This is why herbs have such a vast array of uses! Each compound creates a different effect in the body. To utilize this amazing facet of nature you can change the way you treat the plant to change the attributes of the final extract. 

Examples of Home Remedies

For example take calendula, if you wanted to emphasize its soothing and emollient nature you could make an oil infusion. The nourishing nature of the oil complements the herbal action of calendula. However, calendula is also used to treat stomach ulcers, GERD, and IBD. To use it this way you ingest a tincture or make a tea, delivering the herb directly to the digestive tract.

Another plant with vastly different oil and water soluble components is comfrey! I’ve definitely spoken of comfrey often on this platform and there’s a reason for it! I absolutely love this plant, and not for naught. Comfrey has an interesting effect on the body, especially the bones. Its ability to promote wound healing and actually relieve pain is renowned. However, it contains several poisonous alkaloids that are water soluble, so avoid drinking comfrey tea!

Different Types of Extraction Methods

You see, changing the mode of extraction from oil to water allows for a completely different set of molecules to be extracted! Not only are the herbs important in herbalism, the solvents matter too! Solvents are the medium that you put the herb in, the menstruum. By selecting a perfect menstruum you can create the herbal remedy sure to work for you. 

Tinctures

One of the most widely talked about herbal preparations are herbal tinctures! Tinctures are created from macerations of plants in alcohol or apple cider vinegar. Macerations are created by simply adding plant material to the menstruum and allowing it to sit for an extended period of time. Depending on whether you are using alcohol or vinegar this amount of time will vary. Sometimes extracts take months while others are ready in 10 days or less. These nuances are learned over time as you develop relationships with these plants. Everyone is made differently so take time and learn how your body best receives herbal medicine.

Teas and other Water Extracts

A great place to start and the most easily accessible way to use plants is in tea! These are known by their more technical terms, decoctions and water infusions. Check out my formulation page on these two if you want to learn the specific difference between them! Cold or hot, water is an amazing solvent. Gentle in its actions it is perfect for children! As well for when you want a refreshing experience. My favorite is a sun tea brewed on a summer's day, absolutely delightful!

Oil Infusions

And speaking of the sun… what’s better than a little natural skin care to restore yourself after a sunny day? This is a great way to use plants topically. Try making an herbal oil infusion and adding it to your favorite DIY skin care recipe. Herbal oils are great for your skin and hair, and even pain! 

From the inside of your body to the outside, plants can be used in so many unique ways. If you incorporate every one of these herbal preparations into your life I am certain that you will begin to feel the healing power of plants! As always, I hope you learned something new today… Thanks!