So, as we begin the herbal medicine series, we need to make sure that we are getting some definitions and processes explained upfront. There are different ways to utilize herbs as medicine; on the 100th level that would be internal and external use. So, this month we are going to focus on Herbal Medicine and its internal use.
One of the most popular ways to utilize herbs as medicine is through Teas:
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Herbal Medicine – Teas:
Herbal teas have been around since 300 B.C. The first documented source of herbal tea came from a Chinese scholar in the book called Cha Jiao. This is one of the easier and more cost-effective ways to make herbal medicine.
How this is done is simple, you place the herbs in a tea bag (if you prefer) and place in a cup of hot water allowing it to seep for 5 to 10 minutes. This is called infusion.
Another way of doing it if you do not have a tea bag or the items you are using are too coarse like roots, bark, and stems is to simmer the items, covered for 15 to 30 minutes. Then you can strain the ingredients and enjoy the benefits. This is called Decoction.
If you prefer to not utilize heat when you are making your herbal medicine, you can soak your ingredients in cold water for at least 8 to 10 hours. This is called Cold Infusion.
Regardless of the way you make your tea, this is the simplest way to enjoy the benefits of the herbs and allows you to get to treating your ailments in a short amount of time.
Herbal Medicine – Tinctures:
The next way to utilize your herbs for medicinal use is through Tinctures. Tinctures are a more liquid-concentrated form of herb substance using alcohol or vinegar to extract the components of the herbs you are using.
Alcohol is typically used more often than not when making tinctures because it also extracts the herb’s components that are not extracted through the utilizing water like in teas. This allows for a more potent and concentrated herbal remedy.
Vinegar is used as an alternative to alcohol when making tinctures especially when the tincture will be used on children or those who as sensitive to alcohol products. Additionally, vinegar-based tinctures can be applied to more products than alcohol; such as adding it to your food. However, keep in mind that a vinegar-based tincture will not last as long as one created with alcohol.
Apple cider vinegar is a great option for this. You can learn here how to make your own: How to make Apple Cider vinegar.
Another way to create your tincture is to use Glycerites. Glycerites is a syrup-based sugar-free and gluten-free product of glycerin. This organic compound comes from animal fats or vegetable oil (if you are vegan) and can be found in a lot of soaps, foods, and lotions. You can find glycerin in any homeopathic store, just be sure that you are buying food grade.
Herbal Medicine – Capsules:
Lastly, you can get the benefits from your herbs using capsules. This form of herbal medicine allows you to quickly and easily take your herbal medicine with you while you are on the go without the possibility of a glass bottle being broken and losing all of your benefits.
Herbal capsules can be purchased from any homeopathic store or online. Look for non-GMO types that are plant-based.
Use dried versions of your herbs with a motor and pestle to turn the leaves into a powdered form for your capsules or you can just buy the powdered version to simplify the process.
A capsule-filling machine will simplify the process as sometimes, it is hard to get the powder into the capsule, but this is purely a preference.
Well, that is it folks, we have covered some of the ways that we can utilize the medicinal benefits of our herbs when taken internally. Next post we will cover external uses.
I would love to hear your feedback, suggestions, or experiences on this, so please leave a comment below.
Until Next Time,
God Bless.
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