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Forms of Extracted Herbs
Herbs are often extracted into the following
forms described below: decoctions, infusions,
macerates, oils, ointments, poultices, syrups, tinctures,
and washes.
Decoctions: A decoction is comprised of
herbs that have been simmered in water. It is the
best method for drawing the healing elements from
tough plant parts such as bark roots, stems and heavy
leaves. To make a decoction use 1 ounce of dried
herbs to 1 pint of water that has been brought to a
boil. Keep water just below boiling for about 30
minutes and let herbs simmer. Simmering may take
up to 1 hour, depending on the plant used. A higher
heat than what is appropriate for infusions is necessary
because of the toughness of the plant parts.
Infusions: This is the origin of the idea of
witches potion. It is a process of soaking herbs in
water. To make an infusion, boil water. Add the
boiled water to 1 teaspoon of a dried herb. Cover
and let steep for 9-13 minutes. Strain, and cool.
Infusions are drank, added to bath, rubbed into furniture
and floors, and used to anoint the body.
Macerates: This is to steep an herb in fat,
such as done with salves and ointments. The best
oils to use are almond and sesame. Warm 1 cup of
oil over a low flame and place 1 / 2
ounce of herbs
wrapped in cheesecloth to soak. Continue until the
herbs have lost their color and the oil is rich with
their scent.
Oils: Oil extracts are made from fresh herbs
that contain volatile oils used for healing. Fresh herbs
are necessary for the extraction of the oils. The
fresh herbs are crushed with a mortar and pestle.
Olive or sesame oil is then added, at the ratio of 1
pint of oil for every 2 ounces of herbs. The mixture
is allowed to stand in a warm place, out of direct
light, for 3 days. The oils are stored in dark,
glass containers. This process is best done during
the new moon.
Ointment: This is a fatty substance such as
lard to which herbs are added. Choose herbs according
to the desired effect, or enchant them, or
both. For healing ointments, choose according to
the physical ailment. 3 teaspoons of herb to 1 cup
of fat, steeped and heated several times should prove
adequate. All ointments should be kept cool and in
air-tight containers for best results. For magic, ointments
work best when applied to parts of the body
where the pulse may be felt.
Poultices: To make a poultice, use fresh or
dried herbs that have been soaked in boiling water
until soft. Mix with enough slippery elm powder to
make a poultice stick together. Place on affected
part then wrap body part and poultice with clean
cloth.
Syrups: To make an herbal syrup, add 2
ounces of dried herbs with 1 quart water in a large
pot. Boil down and reduce to 1 pint, then add 1-2
tablespoons of honey. If you want to use fresh
fruit, leaves, or roots in syrups, you should double
the amount of herbs. Store for no more than 1
week. Honey-based syrups are a simple and effective
way to preserve healing qualities of herbs. Syrups
can soothe sore throats and provide some relief
from coughs.
Tinctures: To make a tincture, grind plant
parts with mortar and pestle. Add just enough highquality
alcohol to cover the herbs. Let sit for 21
days then add a small quantity of glycerine (about 2
tbs per pint) and about 10% volume of spring water.
Strain and store in air-tight, amber-colored glass.
If kept cool and dry, it will last for up to 5 years. A
dose is usually 20 drops in a cup of warm water, and
taken 4 times per day.
Washes: This is an infusion meant only for
external use. A mild form of a wash would be ¼
ounce of herb to 1 pint of boiling water, steeped
until lukewarm, then applied.
Chapter 17: Natural Substances
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