Essential Preparation Methods

Herbal Teas & Infusions LEAVES/FLOWERS

The most common and gentle way to extract water-soluble compounds from herbs.

  • Infusion (Hot Water): Pour boiling water over herbs, steep 5-15 minutes
  • Decoction (Simmering): Simmer hard parts (roots, bark) for 15-30 minutes
  • Cold Infusion: Soak herbs in cold water for 4-12 hours
  • Standard Ratio: 1 teaspoon dried herb per 1 cup water
  • Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Tinctures & Extracts ALL PARTS

Alcohol-based extracts that preserve herbs and extract both water and alcohol-soluble compounds.

  • Herb-to-Alcohol Ratio: 1:5 (fresh herbs) or 1:4 (dried herbs)
  • Alcohol Strength: 40-60% (80-120 proof vodka or brandy)
  • Maceration Time: 2-6 weeks in dark, cool place
  • Straining: Use cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Storage: Dark glass bottles, lasts 3-5 years

Herbal Oils & Salves FLOWERS/LEAVES

Oil-based preparations for topical use and skin applications.

  • Infused Oil: Heat herbs in oil at 100-120°F for 2-4 hours
  • Cold Infusion: Soak herbs in oil for 2-6 weeks
  • Base Oils: Olive, coconut, almond, jojoba, or grapeseed
  • Salve Making: Add beeswax to infused oil (1:4 ratio)
  • Storage: Cool, dark place for 1-2 years

Capsules & Powders ALL PARTS

Convenient way to take herbs internally with precise dosing.

  • Grinding: Use coffee grinder or mortar and pestle
  • Filling: Use capsule machine or fill by hand
  • Standard Dose: 500-1000mg per capsule
  • Storage: Airtight containers, cool, dry place
  • Shelf Life: 1-2 years when properly stored

Syrups & Elixirs LEAVES/FLOWERS

Sweetened preparations that make herbs more palatable and preserve them.

  • Base: Start with strong tea or tincture
  • Sweetener: Honey, maple syrup, or sugar (1:1 ratio)
  • Concentration: Simmer until reduced by half
  • Preservation: Add 20% alcohol or refrigerate
  • Storage: Refrigerate for 3-6 months

Essential Equipment Guide

Basic Equipment for Herb Preparation

  • Mortar & Pestle: For grinding herbs and making pastes
  • Digital Scale: Precise measurements for formulations
  • Glass Jars: Various sizes for maceration and storage
  • Cheesecloth: For straining tinctures and oils
  • Double Boiler: Gentle heating for oils and salves
  • Capsule Machine: For making herbal capsules
  • Funnel: For transferring liquids to bottles
  • Dark Glass Bottles: For storing tinctures and oils

Practical Recipes & Formulations

Calming Chamomile Tea Blend

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts chamomile flowers
  • 1 part lavender flowers
  • 1 part lemon balm leaves
  • 1/2 part passionflower

Method: Mix herbs, use 1 teaspoon per cup hot water, steep 10 minutes.

Best For: Anxiety, insomnia, digestive upset

Immune-Boosting Tincture

Ingredients:

  • 1 part echinacea root
  • 1 part elderberry
  • 1/2 part ginger root
  • 1/2 part astragalus root
  • 80-proof vodka

Method: Fill jar 1/3 with herbs, cover with vodka, macerate 4 weeks, strain.

Dosage: 30 drops 2-3 times daily during illness

Healing Calendula Salve

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup calendula-infused olive oil
  • 1/4 cup beeswax
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil

Method: Melt beeswax in oil, add essential oils, pour into containers.

Best For: Cuts, scrapes, burns, skin irritation

Dosha-Specific Preparation Tips

Vata-Pacifying Preparations VATA

  • Warming Methods: Use decoctions and hot infusions
  • Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, or jaggery
  • Oils: Sesame oil for abhyanga and massage
  • Herbs: Ashwagandha, shatavari, brahmi
  • Timing: Take with warm meals

Pitta-Balancing Preparations PITTA

  • Cooling Methods: Cold infusions and fresh herb preparations
  • Sweeteners: Rock sugar or coconut sugar
  • Oils: Coconut oil or ghee
  • Herbs: Brahmi, coriander, mint, rose
  • Timing: Take between meals

Kapha-Reducing Preparations KAPHA

  • Stimulating Methods: Strong decoctions and tinctures
  • Sweeteners: Honey (warming) or minimal sweetener
  • Oils: Mustard oil or light oils
  • Herbs: Ginger, black pepper, trikatu, guggulu
  • Timing: Take on empty stomach
⚠️ Important Safety Considerations

Always follow these safety guidelines when preparing herbs:

  • Properly identify herbs before use
  • Use clean, sterilized equipment
  • Follow recommended dosages and ratios
  • Store preparations properly to prevent spoilage
  • Consult healthcare provider if pregnant, nursing, or on medications
  • Test small amounts for allergic reactions