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 In this section:

•	What is Herbal Medicine
•	Where Did it Originate
•	What Can I Expect
•	Frequency & Cost
•	Gathering and Storing Herbs
•	Preparation Methods
•	*Herbs & Medicinal Trees*
•	Commonly Used Terms
•	Potentially Dangerous Herbs
•	Choosing a Practitioner
•	What Are the Benefits
•	Herbal Medicine as a Career
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•	Herbal Medicine Practitioners

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Herbal Medicine

Herbal Preparation Methods

Depending on the herb or the herbal compound used or prescribed, there are a variety of ways which they can be prepared. Following are the most common preparation methods:

•	Baths Used to soften skin and remove impurities, fresh herbs or herbal essences can be used. Aromatic herbal oils have a strong physiological & psychological effect and can reduce stress and promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.
•	Compresses Used to treat infections, wounds, eye, and skin conditions, a clean cloth or gauze is submerged in an herbal infusion or decoction and applied directly to the area.
•	Eyewashes Used for eye infections and to strengthen the muscles and nerves of the eye. An infusion, decoction, tincture, or extract is added to water to form an eyebath which is then used to wash the eye.
•	Steam Inhalations Used for respiratory conditions to break up congestion, such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
•	Herbal Oil Diffusers A form of aromatherapy, herbal oils are diffused throughout the room by applying heat or steam. Diffusers are also available for purchase. Different herbs create different psychological effects ranging from calming, to balancing, to stimulating.
•	Hand/Foot Bath Used for infections, skin conditions, pain relief, and arthritic conditions. Herbal preparations are added to water and the hands or feet soaked.
•	Extract A highly concentrated herb or herbal compound made with alcohol, vegetable, vinegar, or glycerin.  A ratio of 1 gram of herb is combined with with 1 milliliter of solution to give the ratio of 1:1. A specified number of drops are taken per dose.

•	Tincture A more diluted version of an herbal extract, with a ratio of 1:2, 1:4, 1:5, or 1:10. A specified number of drops are taken per dose.
•	Essential Oils The most highly concentrated form of herb which can be taken. Similar to an herbal extract, but with the herb always diluted in oil. Many essential oils are highly toxic when taken internally.
•	Liniments Similar to an extract or tincture, but made with a solvent such as alcohol or apple cider vinegar and applied externally only.
•	Mouthwash/Gargle Used for gum infections and bad breath, herbal oils are added to either alcohol or water. Peppermint, tea tree, and other oils are mixed with water and baking soda for halitosis (bad breath).
•	Balm/Salve Infused herbal oils are mixed with beeswax (1 part wax/4 part oil for salves, 1 part wax/2.5 part oil for lip balms).
•	Sitz Bath Also known as hip bath, as the pelvic region is immersed in water. Used for treating gynecological problems, pelvic and lower back pain, vaginitis, and hemorrhoids.
•	Suppositories Herbal suppositories draw toxins from or soothe irritation of the vagina or rectum. Often made with coconut oil or glycerine, they melt quickly upon contact with body temperature and are readily absorbed by the body.
•	Syrups Often used as a method for preparing cough medicines, an herbal infusion or decoction is mixed with honey (brandy or other flavored essences may also be added).
•	Infusion An infusion is made just like a tea. Boiling water is poured over the herb which is then allowed to steep. The herb is then strained and the resulting liquid drank.
•	Decoction Similar to an infusion, but used for the hardier parts of the plant such as the root, seeds, and bark. A longer simmering period in heat is required.
•	Pills/Powder/Capsules A common and convenient method of taking herbs, and which are useful for bitter or unpleasant tasting herbs. The raw herb is dispensed in gelatin capsules which are available in various sizes, from small to extra large.
•	Poultice Used to treat infections, wounds, and skin conditions. The herbs from an infusion or decoction are applied directly to the skin.

A more spiritual method of ingesting herbs is by lunar or solar infusion.

Lunar Infusion
A lunar infusion is made by placing fresh herbs in a glass or bowl. Cover the herbs with fresh water and place directly in the moonlight (the light being the strongest when the moon is fullest). Allow the herbs to infuse overnight and drink first thing in the morning. Lunar energy is very subtle and controls internal rhythms such as the blood flow, menstrual, and gestation cycles. It also controls the ebb and flow of the tides, as well as affecting the flow of water throughout our bodies. When we work with lunar energy, we are connecting with the essence of our inner rhythms.

Solar Infusion
A solar infusion is made in the same way as a lunar infusion, except that the herbs are infused with sunlight when the sun is strongest and highest in the sky. Solar energy connects us with our sense of personal power, our motivation and optimism, our determination and our metabolic energy. When we experience an imbalance of these energies (feeling anxious or wired, listless, lethargic, lacking motivation, or lacking assertiveness), solar energy can help us rebalance.

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