A Magickal Herball Compleat.pdf - Magicka School

container and store it at room temperature in a dark place. Shake the bottle once
daily for two weeks (larger woody herbs may need to soak for twice as long). At
the end of the period, filter the tincture through a strainer to separate the plant
pieces and decant into a clean glass container and seal.
Typical dosage for tinctures is 1-2 millilitres, two to three times a day. The tincture
can be swallowed as is, or taken in a small amount of water. For children mix the
dosage in 50g (2oz) of water just off the boil to evaporate most of the alcohol and
give to the child when cool.
Poultices
Poultices are packs that are applied over an affected area and are used to treat sore
muscles, inflammations, arthritic pains and bruises. A paste is made with hot water
and herbs, to which is often added a binder like linseed meal or slippery elm
powder. The paste is spread onto a clean handkerchief or flannel and applied
straight onto the skin. To keep in the heat it can be covered with a thick cotton
towel. Once cool or dry the poultice may then be removed.
Poultices are not indicated for us on broken skin, where their moisture and
warmth can encourage bacteria to breed. However, they can be used effectively on
abscesses and boils to bring out infection.
Lotions
A lotion is created by straining an infusion or a decoction through coffee filter
paper or a fine cotton cloth. Special care should be taken when preparing a lotion
for the eyes or ears as even small pieces of herbs can damage these body parts.
Inhalations
Steam inhalations are made by adding 300ml (1/2 pint) of a strong infusion to
600ml (1 pint) of water that has just come off the boil and poured into in a bowl.
The individual covers their head with a large towel and, bending over the bowl,
breathes in the vapours through the nose and mouth. This is an especially
effective method for treating respiratory problems of both the nose and chest.
Compresses
Put 1 or 2 drops of essential oil into a bowl of either cold, lukewarm or hot water
depending on the condition being treated. A clean cotton cloth such as a
handkerchief should be used to pick up the film of essential oil on the surface of
the water and applied to the affected body part.
64