nature's intelligence
Stage 5
Preparation and delivery of herbs
There are multiple ways to prepare and deliver herbs into your system. The method of application will typically depend on personal preference and the ease with which it can be integrated into daily routines.
Infusions
Infusions (tisanes) are hydrating and soothing. They are made by steeping single herbs, or combinations, for a period of time in hot water to extract the aromas, flavours and active compounds in the herbal material. They are ideal as a gentle introduction to using herbs and integrate easily into daily routines.
Decoctions
Tinctures
Tinctures are highly concentrated herbal extracts where the active compounds are extracted from a herb by steeping it in alcohol for 6-8 weeks. Tinctures are very potent and bitter and are taken in small doses for quick targeted support - usually by droplets under the tongue.
Glycerites
Glycerites are prepared in the same way as tinctures but use glycerine as the extraction solvent instead of alcohol. They are much sweeter and more palatable but still deliver a concentrated dose of a herb's active compounds.
Oxymels
Oxymels are blends of herbs, honey and vinegar (usually apple cider vinegar) that deliver a concentrated dose of herbal extract alongside the benefits of the other ingredients.
Electuaries
Electuaries are soothing preparations made by mixing finely ground herbs into honey to form a paste. They are very versatile and can be used as spreads on bread/toast, taken by the spoonful or rolled into pastilles.
Pastilles
Pastilles are simply powdered herbs rolled into a sticky dough ball with some liquid (typically honey) that are then shaped into smaller lozenge sized balls and coated in more powdered herbs.
Gummies
Herbal gummies are made by combining herbal tea with gelatine and honey then refrigerating in silicone moulds until they set. They are an easy and palatable way to administer herbs.
Capsules
Ground dried herbs can be packaged into capsules making them a quick and convenient way to integrate into daily routines.
Topical preparations
Herbs can be infused into oils and/or mixed into lotions, creams and salves for topical application to the skin. Similarly, they can be mixed into water or oil to create sprays for application to the hair and body.