Herbal Forms

Herbal Forms:

• Cordial: Cordials are made by combining herbs (often fresh herbs or fruit juices) with alcohol, such as brandy. The mixture is then left to macerate. After the herbs are strained, an equal amount of sweetener is added. This results in a sweet, flavorful liquid that can be used medicinally or enjoyed as a beverage.
• Decoction: A decoction is a water extraction that uses a continuous heat supply, usually a simmer of 10 to 60 minutes. This technique is typically used for denser herb parts, such as roots, bark, seeds, berries, and mushrooms. Decoctions are stronger than infusions and are used when a more robust extraction is needed.
• Elixir: An elixir is a type of sweetened herbal preparation. Elixirs start with tea or herbs to which alcohol (usually brandy) is added. The herbs are removed after the mixture soaks (this is called maceration), and finally, a sweetener (traditionally honey or sugar) is added, usually with some essential oil. Elixirs are often used for their pleasant taste and medicinal benefits.
• Essential Oil: Essential oils are the highly concentrated, volatile oils extracted from a plant. Most often, essential oils are extracted using steam distillation. They are used in aromatherapy, skincare, and as natural remedies for various ailments.
• Flower Essence: Flower essences contain the “essence” of a plant and are extremely diluted before use. The flowers are infused in water, most often under the sun, and then preserved with a small amount of alcohol or glycerin, to create what is called the “mother essence.” That essence is further diluted to create a “stock bottle.” The stock bottle is then used in drop-size amounts multiple times daily in a bottle of water over the long term. They are used for emotional and psychological well-being.
• Glycerite: Glycerites start with dried or fresh herbs infused in a menstruum that is glycerin-based. Water may be included in the menstruum. A glycerite can also be referred to as an “alcohol-free extract.” They are ideal for children, those who are sensitive to alcohol, or when a sweeter flavor is preferred.
• Hydrosol: Hydrosols are the water by-product of the steam distillation of essential oils. They are often used as sprays or as a base for other topical herb forms. Hydrosols contain the water-soluble constituents of the plant and are gentle enough for use on skin and in cosmetics.
• Infused Oil: Infused oils are often used on their own as topicals or as a base for other forms of herb-based topicals. Dried or fresh herbs are infused into a carrier oil, such as Olive, Sesame (not toasted), or Jojoba. The infusion can be warmed over low heat or allowed to macerate at room temperature for a certain amount of time. The herbs are strained out and the remaining liquid is what’s used. The infused oil can then be used as a base for salves, balms, lotions, or creams. Fixed or fatty oils (such as Avocado oil, seed oil, or Coconut) can also be infused with culinary herbs that are taken orally and used in cooking.
• Infused Vinegar: Infused vinegar is the liquid remaining after dried or fresh herbs have been extracted into vinegar and the marc has been pressed and removed. Infused vinegars are used in cooking, as salad dressings, or as a tonic for health.
• Infusion: An infusion is a tea made by pouring water over plant material, then allowing it to steep for 3 to 20 minutes. Infusions usually involve more delicate parts of the plant, such as dried flowers, fruit, leaves, or other parts, though fresh plant material may also be used. The water is usually freshly boiled, but you can also make cold infusions. Infusions are considered one of the oldest and simplest preparations used in herbalism.
• Liniment: Liniments are used topically and rubbed into the skin. They can vary in consistency from watery to thick, such as a balm. They are made from herbs extracted in any substance that is liquid at body temperature, including alcohol, soap, or, less commonly, oil. Liniments are used for muscle pain, sprains, and other conditions requiring topical treatment.
• Mel: Mels are made of honey infused with dried or fresh herbs, which can either be removed by straining or (if powdered first) stirred into the mixture. Mels are often used for their soothing properties and are taken orally or used topically.
• Oxymel: Oxymels are a subcategory of mels. The name comes from oxymeli in Latin, meaning acid and honey. Equal parts vinegar and honey, and sometimes water, are infused with dried or fresh herbs, macerated, then strained. They are the herbal version of a shrub, a vinegar-based drink generally made from fruit. Oxymels are used as health tonics and in culinary applications.
• Poultice: Herbal powders can be moistened slightly with warm water to create a paste called a poultice, which is then applied topically. Poultices can also be made with fresh herb material that is blended with a small amount of water. Poultices are used to soothe inflammation, draw out infections, and heal wounds.
• Syrup: Syrups are made with herbal tea and sweetener (usually sugar, but honey or other sweeteners can be used). The ratio of tea to sweetener can be equal or 1:2. Syrups are often used to deliver medicinal herbs in a pleasant-tasting form, especially for children.
• Tincture: Tinctures start with dried or fresh herbs infused in a menstruum that is alcohol-based. Water or a small amount of glycerin may be included in the menstruum. Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts that are easy to dose and have a long shelf life.