Guides
Herbalism Guides
Herbal Tea (Infusion)
The simplest and most ancient form of herbal preparation. Hot water is poured over herb material and left to steep, drawing out water-soluble constituents.
Decoction
A decoction uses sustained heat to extract from tough plant material that a simple infusion cannot penetrate.
Tincture (Alcohol)
A concentrated liquid extract made by steeping herbs in alcohol. Extracts a wider range of plant constituents than water alone.
Glycerite (Alcohol-Free Tincture)
An alcohol-free extract using vegetable glycerin as the solvent. Gentler than a tincture, naturally sweet-tasting.
Salve / Balm
A semi-solid preparation made from infused oil and beeswax (or candelilla wax for a vegan version). Applied directly to skin.
Infused Oil
Dried herbs steeped in a carrier oil to transfer oil-soluble plant constituents into the oil.
Poultice
One of the most direct forms of plant medicine. Moist herb material applied directly to the skin.
Steam Inhalation
Aromatic herb compounds are delivered directly to the mucous membranes of the nose and upper respiratory tract via steam.
Herbal Bath / Foot Soak
Plants work through the bath via transdermal absorption and inhalation of aromatic steam.
Oxymel
An ancient preparation of herbs in apple cider vinegar and honey. Tart, sweet, and effective.
Elixir / Syrup
Sweet, concentrated herbal preparations taken by the teaspoon or tablespoon.
Capsules / Powder
Dried herbs ground into powder, either taken loose or encapsulated in gelatin or vegetable capsules.
Smoke Blend
Herbal smoke blends combine dried botanicals for smoking in a pipe or rolling papers, or burning loose as incense on a charcoal disc. One of the oldest forms of plant relationship across human cultures.
Compress
A cloth soaked in a strong herbal preparation and applied to a specific area of the body. More targeted than a bath, less contact-intensive than a poultice.
