Easy herbal preparations at home

How about using some simple techniques to prepare herbs and herbal formulas as home. There are countless ways of preparing herbs for medicinal and cosmetic use, here are some of the techniques that can be easily applied at home. 

Capsules

Many herbs are so bitter their taste is intolerable.  One such example is dried Aloe Vera extract. It is a dark brown powdered extract, used for many stomach problems. Such medicines are contained in capsules which are available in many sizes. Empty capsules are usually available at many herb or healthcare stores.

Suppositories

Suppositories are made for rectal or vaginal use. They are made by mixing finely powdered herbs with hardened animal fats or cocoa butter.  They must be kept at low temperature to keep them firm.

Poultice

It is a soft and sometimes mildly heated mass of prepared herbs, spread on cloth, applied to the affected area. Poultices are made to treat an aching, inflamed or painful part of the body.

Ointments

They are used for external application to the affected area. Ointments are made by adding bees wax to essential herbal oils. Lip balms have almost the same preparation. Herbal ointments are usually prepared and kept in glass or clear plastic jars. For commercial marketing they can be easily prepared into tubes.

Oils

Herbal oils can be prepared from single or various herbs put together to treat ailments. Oils are generally for external use. Herbal oils are used for treating body pains, treating hair problems like weakness, dandruff, hair falling. They are also used for some cosmetic applications or may be simple used for a cool relaxation body massage.

The best herbal oils are those without any preservatives and artificial coloring. Oils prepared without such additives may not look as great and scented as those commercially available at some stores, but believe it or not they are the best.

Vinegars

Natural vinegars contain small amounts of tartaric and citric acids. Vinegar has been used through centuries for treatment for various ailments. It has also been part of cuisine since ages.

Put finely chopped herbs in a glass container. Pour vinegar of your choice over the herbs in 1:5 ratios. In winter, macerate the ingredients for four weeks, in summer for two weeks. Shake container once or twice daily. When vinegar is ready, strain and put the liquid extract in water boiled, clean glass bottle.

Vinegars prepared this way can be used for medical treatments and for cuisine.

Tinctures

Herbs are soaked in Alcohol or glycerin for a few weeks before straining. Medicinal uses of the resultant tincture depend on the type of herbs used. Herbal tinctures are becoming popular due to its fast reactions.

Syrups

Syrups are a good way to administer herbs. Almost any herb can be prepared into syrup form for health use. Syrups are easy to take as medicine by patients of all ages. Especially, honey or other sweeteners are added to make the syrup tasty so small children can happily take it.

Syrups are to be strictly kept refrigerated as it tends to decompose very quickly. For commercial use, food preservatives must be used.

Honey or sugar is used as base herbal syrups. The container should be boiled and fully dried before use to prevent decay.

Infusions

Another great way to benefit from health properties of herbs is to take its infusion.  Infusion can be hot or cold. Hot infusions are made by putting the herbs in preferably a glass container and pouring boiling water over it. It can be used after several hours. The container should be covered immediately to prevent essential oils from evaporating.

Cold infusions are generally made by putting the ingredients (herbs and water) in son for several hours. The process is slow but surely preserves the active substances from being ruined by excessive heat.

Herbal Teas

The process is not much different than making our usual tea. A teaspoon of the herb is put in a cup of boiling water and then covered for 5 to 10 minutes. Honey or sugar can be added to taste before drinking.

These days we see a myriad of herbal teas available at herbal and health stores in small tea bags.  This is a convenient way to prepare a herbal tea. It is quite handy and safe as most of them are nicely packaged