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Herbal Preparations

There’s more to juice, syrup and ointment than what you purchase at the store. You can easily make these remedies at home using fresh herbs from your garden. When making these, it is best to use an enamel pan and not a metal one to keep the ingredients as pure as possible.

Cold Extract – ratio = 2:1. Two parts herb to 1 part cold water, cover and let sit for at least 12 hours, strain and drink.

Decoction – ratio = ½ oz herb to 8 oz water. Bring to a boil then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.

Essence – ratio = 1 oz herb to 16 oz alcohol. Add essential oil to alcohol

Juice – load a juicer to manufacturers recommendations

Ointment – ratio = 1 drop to 1 tsp. Add essential oil to warm petroleum jelly, use sparingly

Poultice – ratio = 2:1. crush herbs into pulp, heat and add moist flour until pasty. Apply directly to the skin and wrap with a warm towel.

Powder – grind dry herbs into a powder form. Can be used in syrups, added to food or put in capsules

Syrup – ratio = 3 lbs brown sugar to 16 oz water.

Before using any herbal preparation, please consult your physician or Naturopath. Sometimes mixing herbal supplements and medications together can cause serious side effects.


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Lill being in the medical field I have to add a little side note to your post if you don't mind. As with any natural product you really should discuss it with your medical pratictioner before starting any form of treatment. There may have harmful interacttions with medications you are now taking, by retarding their potency or increasing it.

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Very good point. I had planned on putting a disclaimer at the top of this board but I think I'll just include it with all articles.

Great catch!

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I think a disclaimer for each one. People sometimes take things at face value without checking out the ramifications first. I"ve seen it first hand. Heart conditions and diabeties are big ones. Some herbs and vitamins inhibit insulin and some also can create big problems with people with heart conditions, and the medication they are taking. So check with your doc first everyone!!

Although valarian tea puts me to sleep reall well, but it smells like stinky feet. lol

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