Collection and Harvesting of Wild Herbs PDF

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING OF WILD HERBS COLLECTION 1. Individuals should be designated to identify and verify collected medicinal plants/herbal substances and to supervise collectors. 2. Collection must be carried out in compliance with existing regional and national and/or national species conser...

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING OF WILD HERBS COLLECTION 1. Individuals should be designated to identify and verify collected medicinal plants/herbal substances and to supervise collectors. 2. Collection must be carried out in compliance with existing regional and national and/or national species conservation legislation. 3. Collection methods must not damage the growth environment ensuring optimum conditions for regeneration of the medicinal plant/herbal substance harvested. 4. Medicinal plants/herbal substances from species that are listed as endangered (CITES, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) must not be collected unless the relevant competent authority has given its authorization. HARVEST 1. Medicinal plants/herbal substances should be harvested when they are at the best possible quality for the proposed use. 2. Damaged plants or plant parts need to be excluded or limited in accordance with a specific pharmacopoeia monograph, where relevant. 3. Medicinal plants/herbal substances should be harvested under the best possible conditions avoiding wet soil, dew, rain or exceptionally high air humidity. If harvesting occurs in wet conditions possible adverse effects on the medicinal plant/herbal substance due to increased moisture levels should be counteracted. 4. Cutting devices or harvesters must be adjusted such that contamination from soil particles is reduced to a minimum. 5. The harvested medicinal plant/herbal substance should not come into direct contact with the soil. It must be promptly collected and transported in dry, clean conditions. 6. During harvesting, care should be taken to ensure that no toxic weeds mix with harvested medicinal plants/herbal substances. 7. All containers used during harvesting must be clean and free of contamination from previous harvests. When containers are not in use, they must be kept in dry conditions free of pests and inaccessible to mice/rodents, livestock and domestic animals. 8. Mechanical damage and compacting of the harvested medicinal plant/herbal substance that would result in undesirable quality changes must be avoided. In this respect, attention must be paid to - overfilling of the sacks, - stacking up of sacks. 9. Freshly harvested medicinal plants/herbal substances must be delivered as quickly as possible to the processing facility in order to prevent thermal degradation. 10. The harvested crop must be protected from pests, mice/rodents, livestock and domestic animals. Any pest control measures taken should be documented.  CAPSULES Dry herbal preparations can be taken as pills or capsules. The advantage to taking herbs in these forms is that you can take the whole herb without concerns of palatability and poor taste leading to non-compliance. However, tasting the herbs (even though unpleasant) is sometimes necessary in order for them to fully express their actions. For example, putting bitters into a capsule or pill form will diminish or entirely nullify their effects. Another disadvantage is that the dried herbs are often unprocessed, and the plants constituents are not always as readily available for easy absorption. In a process like infusion, heat and water help to break down the plant’s cell walls and dissolve the constituents, something that is not always guaranteed during the digestive process of the stomach and small intestine. Also, when the constituents are already dissolved in a liquid form, they are available a lot faster and can begin their action sooner. How to make Herbal Capsules:  Acquire gelatin capsules in the size desired (a capsule sized 00 with hold about 0.5g of herb)  Powder your herbs as finely as possible, either in a processor or with a mortar & pestle.  Place the powdered herbs in a flat dish and take the halves of the capsules apart.  Move the halves of the capsules through the powder, filling them in the process.  Push the halves together. Making a large amount of capsules is even easier when you use the Cap-M-Quik capsule filler, which can make up to 50 capsules at a time. A standard size—00—capsule will hold approximately 500 or 600 milligrams of a powdered herb. Our kit also comes with a tamper, which allows you to compress the herb so that a 00-size capsule can hold more powder, about 800-1,000mg. COMPRESSES Compresses are simply soaking a cloth in a prepared infusion, tincture or decoction and laying the cloth onto the affected part of the body/skin. A compress can be any temperature, and it can be dry or wet. It may also be impregnated with medication or an herbal remedy. Most compresses are used to relieve inflammation. Herbal compresses can help to relieve sunburns, skin irritation, headaches, chest congestion, and swollen muscles. You can apply this herbal remedy hot or cold to your skin until the condition has been relieved. To make your own herbal compresses, you should start by selecting herbs for your specific medical need. You can then gather the necessary supplies and create the herbal compress to relieve your ailment. HOT COMPRESS Apply a hot compress for chest colds, sore throats, and digestive issues. You can use warm to hot water for herbal compresses made to treat chest colds, sore throats, and digestive issues. Hot herbal compresses are also good for menstrual cramps and bloating. Soak the cloth in the hot infused water or the essential oils in hot water. Wring out any excess water and make sure the cloth is warm to the touch but not scalding hot. Apply the herbal compress on the affected area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes at a time. Apply it again as necessary, dipping the cloth in the water every time. Never apply a hot herbal compress to broken skin or open wounds. Dry eucalyptus/Eucalyptus oil for chest or nose congestion. You can use eucalyptus to ease any congestion you are having in your chest or your nose. This herb is also good for sinus issues, particularly sinusitis.  Infuse the dried herbs in hot water. If you are using dried herbs, you will need to infuse them in hot water to then use for your herbal compress. You can also use any leftover infused water for herbal tea.  To make an infusion, put the dried herbs in clean water in a sauce pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes. You should then let the infusion cool before you use it for a compress.  Put six to twelve drops of the essential oil in the bowl. If you are using essential oils for your herbal compress, you can simply put six to twelve drops in a clean bowl. You will then add water to the bowl and mix the essential oil into the water. COLD COMPRESS Go for peppermint for headaches. Peppermint is a great herb for soothing a headache, especially when used in a cold compress. You can also use peppermint for muscle sprains and strains. Make a cold compress for bruises, sprains, and headaches.  You should use cold water for your herbal compress if you are using it for bruises, sprains, and headaches. Wash your hands before you prepare the compress.  Soak the cloth in the infusion once it has cooled or in the essential oil and cold water mixture. Once the cloth has soaked for about a minute, wring out any excess liquid.  Apply the compress to the affected area, securing it with safety pins so it does not slide off, if necessary. You can leave the cold compress on the area for 10-15 minutes and re- apply as necessary. Create a room temperature compress for eczema and sunburns. You should use room temperature water for an herbal compress made to treat skin irritation like eczema, acne, or sunburn. Wait until the infused water cools to room temperature or mix room temperature water with the essential oils.  Soak the cloth in the water and then wring out any excess liquid.  Put the herbal compress on the affected area. Leave the room temperature compress on the area for 10-15 minutes at a time. Re-apply as necessary. ELIXIRS Elixirs are the sweetened version of those alcohol-expressed medicines. Elixirs are basically a fancy name for an alcohol and honey infusion. Method 1: 1. Make your infused honey (see process above) 2. Combine different tinctures (or just use a simple) to get the alcohol base. 3. Mix together your honey and tincture formula until it tastes just right. 1. Purchase the highest quality alcohol you can find (lots of people like using 190 proof vodka. If you prefer a milder extraction, try brandy or whiskey. 2. If you are using fresh herbs chop finely (or grind) and put into a jar. Fill the jar 2/3-3/4. Method 2: All Together Now 1. Fill a jar with your herb material. It doesn’t have to be completely packed, but it should be full enough that there isn’t much airspace (fresh or dry is fine). 2. Pour enough honey in to completely coat the herb. (Usually the ratio is about 1:3 volume for fresh herbs. So for a pint of lemonbalm you might use 1/3 pint of honey) 3. Once the herb is coated, pour your alcohol in to fill the remainder of the jar. 4. Cap your mixture and put in a cool dark place for 3-6 weeks. (You can use plastic wrap underneath the jar lid to make sure no extra air is sitting at the top and to avoid that metallic taste) 5. Strain, or don’t strain. It’s all up to you. If you do decide to strain and want to heat the honey, just be aware that some of the alcohol content will evaporate off. GLYCERITES Glycerites are sweet herbal tinctures which use vegetable glycerin to extract the medicinal constituents and flavor from an herb. Herbal tinctures are typically made from alcohol, but glycerin is a good alternative for children, animals, and adults when palatability and alcohol sensitivities are primary considerations. While not as potent as alcohol-based tinctures, glycerites are still quite effective – certainly more so than trying to administer a dose of alcohol-based tincture to a tight- lipped child! Glycerites are effective no matter what reason you have for wanting to make tinctures without alcohol as the base. Vegetable glycerin is a clear, odorless liquid produced from vegetable oils such as palm, soy, or coconut oil using high temperature and pressure to split the glycerin molecule from the fatty acids. While sweet, it is not metabolized by the body like sugar. Fresh plants are ideal for glycerin tinctures because glycerin excels at preserving the fresh plant juices. However, glycerin is not as effective as alcohol at drawing constituents out of the cell structure of dried plants. Fresh flowers and aromatic plants such as lavender, lemon balm, mint, chamomile, violet and rose can be used to make particularly delightful glycerites that are lovely mixed into iced or hot herbal teas, fruit sauces, and cocktails, or drizzled over yogurt, ice cream, and desserts. How to Make a Glycerite Glycerites can be made using fresh or dried plant material, as follows: 1. Fill a clean jar with clean, chopped fresh plant material or half-full of ground dried plant material (dried material will expand as it absorbs liquid). 2. For successful preservation, a glycerine tincture should contain at least 55% glycerin (Cech, 2000). For fresh plants, add enough glycerin to fully cover the plant material and fill jar to within one inch of the top. For dried plants, dilute glycerin with distilled water in a 3:1 ratio (3 parts glycerin to one part water) and fill jar with mixture to within one inch of the top. 3. Use a knife or chopstick to poke into plant material and release air bubbles while adding glycerin or glycerin/water mixture. 4. Cap and label jar, and set the jar in a dark location at room temperature. Let macerate for 4- 6 weeks, shaking the bottle every day or two to mix. Top off with glycerin as necessary if plant material pokes above the top of the liquid. 5. After 4-6 weeks, decant glycerite into a jar or bowl by pouring through a strainer lined with a few layers of cheesecloth. With clean hands, gather corners of cheesecloth together and squeeze herb material to express every last drop of glycerite. 6. Bottle and label glycerite. Glycerites have a shelf life of approximately one to two years if stored in a cool, dark place. Adult dosage is typically approximately 30-60 drops (1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon), 3 times daily, taken in a little water. HYDROTHERAPY/HERBAL BATH Hydrotherapy is a modern word for an ancient remedy. From olden times, people have submerged themselves in hot water to cleanse, refresh, rejuvenate, repair, and relax. Adding herbal blends to hot water enhances the natural healing and soothing qualities of a hot bath. Bathing in water infused with the goodness of herbs, essential oils and other healthful ingredients is a lovely, healing way to care for yourself or another. Herbal baths can be extremely therapeutic. When you are immersed in water, the pores of the skin are open and receptive to the healing properties of the herbs; it’s a highly effective method of treatment. Choose your bath herbs according to your needs:  Eucalyptus in a steaming bath breaks up the congestion of a cold or flu without drugs. It is also antiseptic and astringent.  Lavender is added to both baths and facial steaming for its stimulating and cleansing attributes. It relieve insomnia and will leave you sleepy.  Rosemary relieves fatigue, promotes relaxation and is a cleansing tonic for the skin.  The lemony scent of lemon balm is a wonderful bath herb. Unlike its use as a relaxing herb, in the case of a bath, it is considered a stimulating addition. It is calming and helps to induce sleep as well as relieve nervous agitation.  Rose Petals helps to calm and soothe the heart while relieving inflammation and toning the skin.  Chamomile gently eases the nerves and soothes the skin.  Grated ginger enhances blood-flow to all parts of your body.  Mint stimulates and heals your skin. Here are some effective herbal bath combinations/ingredients: Chamomile relieves pain and provides relief from insect bites. Dandelion flowers renew your skin and will drive away the winter blues. Eucalyptus opens your lungs and helps you breathe. Grated ginger enhances blood flow to all parts of your body. Hops relieve insomnia and will leave you sleepy. Jasmine enhances your mood and refreshes your skin. Lavender calms your nerves and rejuvenates your skin. Linden flowers aid in relaxation and could stifle a cold before it takes hold. Meadowsweet relieves sore muscles and improves your mood. Mint stimulates and heals your skin. Orange blossoms aid in relaxation and lower blood pressure. Parsley heals bruises. Rose petals relax your body and refresh your skin after a long day. Rosemary promotes relaxation. Sage prevents stiff, sore muscles after a workout. Stinging nettle promotes circulation and heals aching joints. Ways to use herbs in bath: Decoction – make a decoction by adding about half a cup of herbs to about 2 cups of cold water. bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, for about 15 to 20 minutes, then strain and add to bathwater. Soak for 20 minutes. Decoctions are good for roots and woody herbs. Hang – Mix up all the herbs you wish to have in your recipe and keep it aside. Take a tea bag filler and add the mixture in it. Staple the open ends and tie a ribbon or thread on the top like a handle to hang it. Hang them on the tap while the hot water is running, making sure the water is running through them. Once the tub is filled, let them float around. Direct – If you hate preparing for herbal bath or find it time consuming and are fine with floating stuff in your bathwater, you could just throw a handful of herbs directly into the hot bathwater. Let it steep for 15 minutes and soak in it for around 20 minutes. A word of caution: A hot bath also lowers your blood pressure, so avoid it if yours is already low; otherwise, it may leave you weak and faint. This may lead to the belief that a hot bath is a remedy for high blood pressure, and this is true—but the effect doesn't last. A cold shower, on the other hand, spikes your blood pressure for a few seconds but lowers it in the long run. If you have heart failure or any kind of heart problem, you should avoid hot baths due to the fluid pressure the water exerts on your chest, which can trigger or escalate heart failure. A warm half bath (where the water rises only to your navel) is a good alternative. HERBAL OIL There are two ways to create an herbal oil infusion. Use your favorite carrier oil and herb of choice with either method: Using the Simmer Method This method is great when you are short on time. 1. Combine the oil and herbs in the bowl of a double boiler. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2. Carefully strain the herbs from the oil using a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth. Be quick with this step, especially if using a fat like coconut oil that solidifies at room temperature. Press the herbs gently to extract all of the oil. 3. Use the herb-infused oil in your favorite recipe. Using the Solar Method If you are not in a rush or have the foresight to create the herb-infused oil ahead of time, you can do it gently with just the warmth of the sun. 1. Add the herbs to an appropriate sized, clear glass jar. Cover herbs in the same volume of oil as you wish to use in your recipes. Be sure that all of the herbs are completely submerged in the oil. 2. Place the jar in a sunny window and leave in direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks. Every once in a while give the herbs a shake to redistribute them throughout the oil. 3. After the steeping time is up, strain off the herbs from the oil using a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth. Press the herbs gently to extract all of the oil. Use in your favorite recipe. Note that in the solar method it is important that the oil remain a liquid throughout the process. If you do not live in a warm climate it is therefore a good idea to use either a very small percentage of coconut oil in the oil mixture or to use exclusively oils that are a liquid at room temperature. How to Make Infused Oil Making infused oils is a process of transferring flavour and scent into a carrier oil. It can be used to add flavour to cooking oils. As well as making scent oils for use in aromatherapy, massage oils and making beauty products like soaps and lotions. It is a simple process of infusing flowers, herbs or spices into an oil by heating or letting it sit in a sunny spot so that the volatile oils can transfer into the carrier oil. I will show you how I make them in this instructable. Step 1: Materials:  Oil (I will discuss the different types to use in Steps 2 and 5)  Herbs, spices, flowers  Clean, dry glass jars  Clean decorative glass containers  Coffee filters, cheesecloth, sieve  Funnel  Spoon  Hot plate/double boiler or pan/skillet  Mortar and pestle  Sunny windowsill Sterilize the glass jars and bottles that you will be using by running them through the dishwasher. It is important that they are completely dry. As you will see in the following steps a wide assortment of flowers, herbs and spices can be used in making infused oils. Since you will ingest or putting these oils on your body I would recommend using organic material if you can. Better still if you can grow them in your garden, you can control what goes on the plants as well as save yourself a lot of money too. Even a little potted herb plant on your windowsill will do. Step 2: Culinary Oil: Preparing Herbs Culinary infused oils are a great way to add flavour to your cooking. An assortment of herbs and spices can be used depending on your tastes and cooking style. You can use either fresh or dried herbs. Fresh herbs will give a stronger flavour but the oil won't keep as long and needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Here a few suggestions don't be afraid to mix and match: Basil, Clove Oregano Peppercorns Garlic, Rosemary Tarragon Sage Chilies Coriander Thyme Cumin The best type of oil to use is extra virgin olive oil, you can also use grape seed, peanut or sunflower oil. Walnut oil is also good if it will be used cold such as for salad dressings since it is not good for heating. How to make:  Wash your herbs and dry completely**  Bruise or rub herbs, for spices toast them to bring out the flavour  Place in a clean dry glass jar.  Add oil until it completely covers the herbs/spices.  Place a lid on the jar and close  Place the jar on a sunny windowsill or other sunny spot. Swirl or shake the jar every day or so. **It is important that no moisture is introduced into the oil as it can become rancid or prone to mold or bacteria growth. Step 3: Culinary Oil:draining and Storing  After a week drain off the oil into a clean dry jar using a sieve (for larger herbs) or cheesecloth or coffee filters.  Taste the oil to see if the flavour is strong enough  If you want it stronger add more herbs/spices to the oil, close the lid and place back in the sunny spot for another week.  Repeat as needed.  If you are happy with the flavour, pour the oil into a nice glass bottle, you can also add a fresh sprig of herb to make if look fancy.  Store in a cool dry place or better still, in the refrigerator. Step 4: Culinary Oil: Heating Method Heating the herbs/spices in oil is a quicker way of making infused oil and is great for dried herbs and spices since the heat helps brings out the flavour.  Grind dried herbs/spices with mortar and pestle  Place into a clean glass jar  Cover in oil  Place a lid on top of the jar (don't tighten)  Place the jar on hot plate and simmer for several hours (about 3hrs - warning: your kitchen will smell wonderful!)  Taste to see if the flavour is strong enough  Drain with a sieve or cheesecloth/coffee filters  Pour into a clean glass bottle, label and store. For spices you can do this in a skillet or pan instead. Heat the oil and spices until the oil bubbles and spices sizzle, it needs constant stirring but should only take about 5 minutes, don't overcook. When ready, strain and pour into a clean glass jar and let cool. Massage, Bath and Scent Oils You can also capture the scent of flowers and herbs in infused oils. These infused oils can be used as massage oils, bath oils or can be used in making lotions, soaps or perfumes. There are several plant based oils that you can use in making infused scent oils (these are referred to as carrier oils): Sweet almond oil Evening primrose oil Jojoba oil Avocado oil Apricot kernel oil Borage Seed Oil Olive oil Various nut oils (eg walnut,pecan, hazelnut) Grape seed oil Various seed oils (eg hemp,sesame, sunflower) These oils are easily absorbed into the skin (making them great moisturizers) and do not have a strong odor. They can be bought at health/natural food stores or specialty aromatherapy stores. Some can be found at grocery stores, but try to get cold pressed oils. The type of flowers or herbs that you can use is really up to your imagination or what you happen to have growing in your garden, here are some suggestions: Lavender Rose, carnation, chamomile, jasmine, violets Comfrey Geranium, violets, lily, sweet pea, hyacinths etc Clove Vanilla bean Citrus peel Cinnamon bark Calendula Lemongrass Pine Mint Using fresh over dried is usually better, also if you are getting them from your garden, cut the flowers/herbs in the morning and start making the infused oil right away if you can. You can mix different flowers and herbs together creating a variety of different scent combinations. The instructions for making scent infused oils are basically the same as culinary oils, though I wouldn't recommend using the heating method since flowers are more delicate than culinary herbs. How to make:  Gently bruise, crush, or chop the flower petals, herbs, spices or peels  Place them into clean dry glass jar  Cover them in a carrier oil  Place a lid on the jar and close  Place jar in a sunny spot. Swirl or shake the jar every day or so. Drain and Store  After a week drain off the oil into a clean jar using a sieve or cheesecloth/coffee filters.  Smell the oil to see if the scent is strong enough  If you want it stronger add more flowers(or herbs etc) to the oil, close lid and place back in the sunny spot for another week.  Repeat as needed.  If you are happy with the scent pour the oil in to a nice glass bottle and label. You can add a pretty ribbon and give it as a gift. TINCTURES Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts that have alcohol as the solvent. If you are using water, vinegar, glycerine, or any menstruum (solvent) other than alcohol, your preparation is an extract – not a tincture. Although, there are exceptions to every rule and sometimes an acetum is defined as "a vinegar tincture" in the tomes. Herbal Tinctures...  Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts.  Alcohol is the solvent. You can use any spirit you like, but we prefer something neutral like vodka so the taste of the herb comes through.  They can be taken straight by the dropper or diluted in tea.  They can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, roots, barks, or berries. The Folk Method Unless you have some sort of handy collapsible scale contraption that fits in your processing kit, using the folk method is the best way to go when making remedies in the forest! It's also dandy at home in your kitchen apothecary. Simple, practical, and efficient, this method allows you to estimate your herb measurements by eye. The only supplies you'll need include organic herbs, glass jars, a knife or chopper, metal funnel, cheesecloth, alcohol, and amber glass dropper bottles. How much plant material to use? Fresh Herbal Material: Leaves & Flowers Finely chop or grind clean herb to release juice and expose surface area. Only fill the jar 2/3 to 3/4 with herb. Pour alcohol to the very top of the jar. Cover plants completely! Jar should appear full of herb, but herb should move freely when shaken. Dried Herbal Material: Leaves & Flowers Use finely cut herbal material. Only fill the jar 1/2 to 3/4 with herb. Pour alcohol to the very top of the jar. Cover plants completely! Fresh Herbal Material: Roots, Barks, Berries Finely chop or grind clean plants to release juice and expose surface area. Only fill the jar 1/3 to 1/2 with fresh roots, barks, or berries. Pour alcohol to the very top of the jar. Cover plants completely! Jar should appear full of herb, but herb should move freely when shaken. Dried Herbal Material: Roots, Barks, Berries Use finely cut herbal material. Only fill the jar 1/4 to 1/3 with dried roots, barks, or berries. Pour alcohol to the very top of the jar. Cover plants completely! Roots and berries will double in size when reconstituted! Alcohol Percentages 40% - 50% (80-90 proof vodka) "Standard" percentage range for tinctures. Good for most dried herbs and fresh herbs that are not super juicy. Good for extraction of water soluble properties. 67.5% - 70% (½ 80 proof vodka + ½ 190 proof grain alcohol) Extracts the most volatile aromatic properties. Good for fresh high-moisture herbs like lemon balm, berries, and aromatic roots. The higher alcohol percentage will draw out more of the plant juices. 85% - 95% (190 proof grain alcohol) Good for dissolving gums and resins - but not necessary for most plant material. Extracts the aromatics and essential oils bound in plants that do not dissipate easily. The alcohol strength can produce a tincture that is not easy to take and will also dehydrate the herbs. Stronger is not always better! Extraction Time and Bottling Store your tincture in a cool, dry, dark cabinet. Shake several times a week and check your alcohol levels. If the alcohol has evaporated a bit and the herb is not totally submerged, be sure to top off the jar with more alcohol. Herbs exposed to air can introduce mold and bacteria into your tincture. Allow the mixture to extract for 6-8 weeks. Now it's time to squeeze! Drape a damp cheesecloth over a funnel. Pour contents of tincture into an amber glass bottle. Allow to drip, then squeeze and twist until you can twist no more! Optional: Blend herbs into a mush and strain remaining liquid. Keep extracts in a cool, dark place and your tinctures will last for many years. Make Your Labels! Important details to note on your label:  Common Name  Latin Name  Part Used  Fresh/Dried  Alcohol %  Habitat/Source  Date  Dosage POULTICES Many herbal remedies are applied directly to the skin as poultices - usually on rashes and wounds and as topical pain-relieving remedies. Poultices are prepared in various ways... from the jungle shaman chewing up fresh leaves or roots and spitting them out onto the skin, to mashing up fresh leaves or roots by hand or with a mortar and pestle. Sometimes just enough hot water is poured over dried or fresh plant material to soften them. Then the wet herbs are placed directly on the skin or between two pieces of cloth and laid on the skin. A light cotton bandage to bind the poultice to the area is generally used (or in the jungle, a nice large flexible leaf is commonly employed and tied with a bit of twine). How to Make a Basic Herbal Poultice Herbal poultices are great for your body. They can be used to treat many things, and have the potential to increase blood flow, relax tense muscles, soothe inflamed tissues, and draw out toxins from an infected area of the body. They are typically used for pain and inflammation caused by things like abscesses, bruises, boils, fractures, pressure ulcers, and other ailments. They can also be used to break up chest congestion or remove particles that are embedded in the skin. Making herbal poultices is not difficult, either. Herbs and Other Ingredients 1 C dried herbs 1 C boiled water French or Bentonite clay, corn meal, or flour Flanner or soft cloth Recipe for Basic Poultice Preparation Mix the dried herbs with the water, then add enough of either the clay, corn meal, or flour to make a paste thick enough to apply topically. Spread the paste onto a square of cloth that is about 6-8 inches square, then apply the cloth directly to the affected area. Press the cloth down so the paste sticks to the skin, then cover the area with a dry cloth. Leave the paste on until it dries and pulls away from the skin. How to Make a Poultice With Fresh Herbs  Determine which herbs you would like to use, and estimate how much you will need. The amount of herbs to use depends on the size of the area that needs to be covered, so just give it your best guess.  Take the herbs you have chosen and chop them into small pieces on a cutting board. Transfer the herbs to a mortar and pestle, and crush the chopped herbs until they become a pulp. The end result needn’t be silky smooth – the main thing is to start the juices flowing. As you chop and mash, the herbs will release their natural juices and the leaves will become softer. Herbs may also be chopped using a blender instead of a cutting board and mortar and pestle.  Spread the crushed herbs onto the desired area of the skin. How thick to apply the herbs is up to you, but do make sure that the poultice is applied evenly across the area.  Wrap the area with a layer of gauze or muslin to hold the paste in place. You might even wish to apply a layer of plastic wrap to the outside of the finished poultice, which will help insure that the juices don’t make a mess. How To Make A Poultice With Dried Herbs Making a dried herb poultice is even less work than using fresh herbs, because there is less chopping and mashing involved. It’s a tradeoff, though, because fresh herbs are usually stronger than dried and have a more complex make up. Dried herbs will still work well, though, and it’s nice to know you can still make a poultice even when fresh herbs aren’t available.  Take desired dried herbs and combine with just enough hot water to moisten them. For roots, it’s best to use a powdered form. Simply add hot or cold water a little at a time to create a thick paste.  Spread the paste evenly over the desired area.  Wrap with gauze or muslin. SALVES Soothe, protect and promote skin healing with our powerful, yet gentle certified organic salves. One of the best ways to receive the benefits of herbs as well as alleviate dry skin is through the creation of a healing salve. The skin is one of the largest gateways on the body to receive actions of the plants. Calendula, or Calendula officinalis, known commonly for its skin healing magic is a great herb to start with in salve making. It is used to heal wounds, rashes, and other skin irritations. This time of year, dryness, and irritation can be prevalent due to the weather’s icy bite and moisture-sapping indoor heat. To Making a Healing Salve If you would like to play with your own mixture, it is highly recommended to research the actions and energetics of herbs.eg.  Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) has anti-inflammatory actions. Meadowsweet, combined with calendula, which is healing for the skin, can soothe sore feet, hands, and shoulders as well as rough cracked skin that go along with hard work.  For a dry skin salve, you can use a calendula base, then add lavender (Lavandula), which is soothing and anti-inflammatory. The addition of coconut oil is very moisturizing as well as a nice compliment to the lavender smell. Ingredients:  1 cup of oil (coconut, or olive oil is best) – choose an organic oil  Equal parts dried herbs  1 ounce of beeswax (shaved)  Cheesecloth  Jars or containers to store salve in – We recommend using glass or tin containers. Containers can be purchased in a number of sizes based on personal preference.  Essential oils are optional. Aches and Pains Salve Ingredients One part dried meadowsweet One part dried calendula One cup of olive oil One ounce of beeswax 15-20 drops of roman chamomile essential oil to relax Winter Salve-ation Ingredients One cup of coconut oil One part lavender Two parts dried calendula One part dried rose One ounce of beeswax 15-20 drops of grapefruit essential oil to uplift The first step to making a healing salve is to create an herbal oil infusion. Creating an herbal oil infusion can be completed through the double boiler method:  Place herbs and oil in Pyrex container or smaller pot, over top of a large pot with water about ¼ full.  Bring water to a boil.  Once water is boiling, you can then turn the stove down to a simmer and let the herbs and oils infuse in this double boiler method for 30-60 minutes.  Take care not to splash water into your oil/herb infusion. Another method for making an infusion is called solar infusion. In this method, place herbs and oil in a sealed Mason jar and then position the jar in a sunlit area for 4-6 weeks. You can find more methods for creating making herbal infusions here. Once completed oil infusion, remove from heat and set aside. Preparation of infusion for the salve:  Place three layers of cheesecloth over top of a funnel or atop a bowl.  Pour the infused oils over cheesecloth to strain oil and keep herbs separated.  Once drained, gather the cheesecloth with your clean, dry hands and squeeze out the remaining oil. Super Side Note! You can compost the remaining herbs in the cheesecloth. Or if you are using coconut oil, you can tie off the cheesecloth with a rubber band or string and place into a steaming bath for moisturizing and soul-awakening deliciousness. Making the Healing Salve  Place your shaved beeswax in a pan over low heat, and pour the infused oil over top and melt together.  Once the beeswax and oil have combined, pour the mixture into jars.  Place your herbal salves the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to determine the solidification of the salve. Using less beeswax will yield a more creamy salve, and more generous usage will yield a harder salve. Salve Application Once complete, you can simply rub fingers over the top of your salve and then spread over desired area on the body, avoiding the eyes. One of the hidden benefits of salves is that they can make wonderful massage oils. Coconut oil is especially known for its ability to heat at lower temperatures, so it warms very well with natural body heat and the salve instantly becomes massage-like oil. Use this opportunity, after bath or whenever you are using your salves, to mindfully take time for yourself or your loved one and massage any worries or tension away.  SLIPPERY ELM History and Origin of Slippery Elm The tree slippery elm, medically known as Ulmus fulva, has been around since the 19th century and was used by Native Americans in healing salves for various types of wounds as well as taken orally for the relief of flu and cold-like symptoms. The Iroquois scraped the bark of the tree to treat infected and swollen glands and used the inner bark as eyewash to treat sore eyes. Some tribes used the inner bark as a slippery elm tea and in a poultice to heal sores on the body. It was believed to make childbirth easier when consuming as a tea and was used to treat sore throats. The versatility even shines through by making an excellent natural laxative by boiling the fresh inner bark. Slippery elm is a medium-sized tree native to North America. It can reach well over 50 feet in height and is topped by spreading branches that form an open crown. The branches are typically red, brown or orange and grow downward to include stalkless flowers arranged in dense clusters. The plant’s leaves are long and green, and they darken in color during the fall. The bark has deep fissures, a gummy texture, and a slight but distinct odor. It’s the inner bark that’s key. This bark is dried and powdered to be used for medicinal purposes and typically found as tablets and capsules, slippery elm lozenges, slippery elm powder for making teas or extracts, and coarsely powdered bark for poultices. Slippery elm, identified by its “slippery” inner bark, may live to be 200 years old. Sometimes called red elm, gray elm or soft elm, this tree grows best on moist, rich soils of lower slopes and flood plains, although it may also grow on dry hillsides with limestone soils. It’s abundant and associated with many other hardwood trees but is not an important lumber tree. How to Use and Where to Find Slippery Elm Slippery elm can typically be found at your local health food store in numerous forms, including tea, lozenges, capsules and tablets, poultice, and extract. Just ask the nutritionist for help finding what works for you. Here are some of the most common uses and forms:  Diarrhea (in humans and pets): treatment by ingestion of capsules, tablets, tea, tincture and extracts  Cough (humans and cats): treatment by lozenges, tea, tincture, and extracts  Acid reflux: treatment by tea, and extracts  Constipation (pets, especially cats): treatment by powder or extract added to food  External skin conditions (humans and pets): treatment by shampoo or topical cream infused with extract. COMMON NAME: Standardized: slippery elm BOTANICAL NAME: Ulmus rubra Muhl. FAMILY: Ulmaceae SYNONYMS:Ulmus fulva OVERVIEW The slippery elm is a large, deciduous tree that is native to North American from Texas to Manitoba, and from Florida to Quebec. When growing in well-drained soils, it can reach a height of 60 feet (20 meters). The inner bark of the branches is collected in spring for medicinal use. Slippery elm bark added to room temperature water has a slippery and mucilaginous consistency. Native Americans used soaked slippery elm bark as a natural bandage, allowing and drying over wounds. Many tribes also wrapped slippery elm around stored food to prevent spoilage. Slippery elm also served as a food during famine and for making porridge for small children and elderly persons. PARTS USED The chopped bark is suitable for poultices. Use ground bark for tea. The inner bark is preferred and this is what Mountain Rose Herbs exclusively offers. TYPICAL PREPARATIONS Teas, infusions, poultices. Up to 5 tablespoons (15 grams) of slippery elm bark can be dissolved in a cup (240 ml) of water. Sometimes found encapsulated and as a liquid extract. PRECAUTIONS Specific: Slippery Elm should be taken with at least 250mL (8 oz) of liquid. Other drugs should be taken 1 hour prior to or several hours after consumption of slippery elm. The mucilage may slow the absorption of orally administered drugs. General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. Slippery Elm Powder Slurry Depending on the desired strength, mix 1.5 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of slippery elm powder with enough room temperature or cook water or juice to make a slurry. Begin making the slurry by adding 1/2 cup of water to 1 teaspoon of slippery elm powder and increase the powder to the desired thickness for drinking. … Dosage methods Exactly how you take the Slippery Elm is flexible. You obviously have to dilute it in some way but it really doesn’t matter how. These are the two most common ways. 1. The slurry Put the one or two tsps. into a large, clean and dry glass. Get water that is a temperature that you will find easy to drink quickly and add the water to the powder whilst rapidly stirring. Depending on the amount of powder you may be able to dilute the whole lot in the first glass but you must make sure you drink the slurry quickly. The longer it takes the thicker it will get. There may well be some residue powder left over at the bottom, if so dilute it again whilst stirring and drink. This process, like everything, gets easier with practice. 2. The gruel This is the old fashioned way of using Slippery Elm. It’s also very effective and quite palatable for most people. Making Slippery Elm gruel is just like making a very thin porridge, put the one or two heaped teaspoons of Slippery Elm Into a saucepan, add a liquid (milk and water go well here) and stir whilst gently heating. Slippery Elm can absorb a lot of liquid and as gruels are meant to be thin you can add more liquid as you go if it is getting too thick. I think that a little honey, or sugar, is a very good idea to add to the mixture but it is up to you. When finished, eat. I have had patients use this in combination with actual oats, or rice, or some other grain, especially when they have been giving it to their kids and that is also absolutely fine. 3. The capsules You might be best to simply take plenty of capsules if either of the above methods is just not going to work for you! The amounts you could need to take to get an effective bandage might need to start at as much as 4 capsules twice a day (and you could go higher than that if you had to) but if you need to swallow a lot of capsules for it to work and this is how you can best take it then so what, it's better than having a wound inside your gut! Therapeutic Action: slippery elm is a demulcent and nutritive, plus it promotes tissue regeneration! slippery elm gruel is a soothing and healing herbal food for the digestive system. slippery elm is as nutritious as oatmeal and can be eaten as a food frequently. it is especially good for children or elderly, if they are having difficulty digesting foods, while recuperating from an illness. Formula: Slippery Elm Gruel is made by the following Method: 1. Put 1 tablespoon of Slippery Elm Inner Bark Powder in a small Bowl. 2. Slowly stir in 1/2 - 3/4s of a Cup of Boiling Water, making the Mixture into a Paste. 3. Add a little more water to thin-out the Paste to the consistency needed for a Poultice. 4. Add enough Water to make the Paste into a Gruel that is thick, like Cream of Wheat! Applications & Dosages: A. If someone can not hold food down and/or has wasting syndrome, then he/she should: 1. eat 1 tsp. of slippery elm gruel at a time, until full. 2. add honey, maple syrup for sweetening and/or cinnamon for flavor. 3. Continue feeding, until the desired RESULTS are achieved. B. if someone has no food, then he/she should: 1. eat slippery elm gruel as a survival food. 2. add raw honey or maple syrup for sweetening and cinnamon for flavor and/or ginger as a digestive aid. c. if someone has holes in body tissue internally, then he/she should: 1. eat slippery elm gruel as a replacement for a meal. 2. continue until the desired results are achieved. D. If someone has Holes in Body Tissue externally, then he/she should: 1. fill in the holes with slippery elm gruel. 2. wrap a clean cotton cloth over the filled holes. 3. continue until the desired results are achieved. HERBAL TEAS HOT INFUSIONS Hot infusions draw out vitamins, enzymes, and aromatic volatile oils. A few good herbs for hot infusions include Chamomile, Holy Basil, Ginger, Nettle, Peppermint, and Skullcap. Basic Method Scoop 1-3 tablespoons of dried herb into a strainer. Heat 1 cup of water until it just comes to a boil. Place strainer in your cup. Pour hot water over herbs and cover to keep the essential oils from escaping. Steep for 15 minutes to 1 hour and strain. COLD INFUSIONS Cold Infusions are ideal for slimy or demulcent herbs and herbs with delicate essential oils. A few good herbs for cold infusions include Marshmallow root, Chia seed, and fresh Lemon Balm. Basic Method Fill a quart jar with cold water. Bundle 1oz of herb in cheesecloth. Slightly moisten the bundled herb. Submerge the bundle just below the water in the jar. Drape the tied end of the bundle over the lip of the jar. Secure by loosely screwing on the cap. Allow to infuse overnight. OR Place herbs in a quart jar, fill with cold water, and cap. Allow to infuse overnight. DECOCTIONS Decoctions are simmered teas that are perfect for the extraction of hard roots, dried berries, barks, and seeds. Good examples include Elderberry, Chai, Forests Tea, Winter Spice, and 5th Chakra. Basic Method Place 3 tablespoons of dried herb into a small sauce pan. Cover the herbs with a quart of cold water. Slowly heat the water to a simmer and cover. Allow to gently simmer for 20 to 45 minutes. Strain the herb and reserve the tea in a quart jar. Pour additional hot water back through the herb in the strainer to fill your jar. Tip! Add a bit of honey, fruit juice, licorice root powder, or powdered Stevia leaf to sweeten your tea. Freeze in ice cube trays or Popsicle molds. Kids love these herbal ice pops! HERBAL SYRUPS Making herbal syrup is a great way to preserve your medicinal teas. They are also soothing to the respiratory system, and depending on your formula, can provide other medicinal actions. Plus, they are super tasty! Basic Method Decoct roots, barks, and berries for 20 mins. Add leafy herbs and steep for 10 mins. Strain the herb and measure the liquid. Add equal amount of raw local honey. Simmer gently (below 110 degrees) until dissolved. Storage Pour into dry, sterilized amber bottles. Optional: Add 1 part tincture to 3 part syrup for a medicinal boost and longer shelf life. Label your syrup! Store in refrigerator for 6 months. Take 1 teaspoon as needed. HERBAL TEA STORAGE Herbal teas are made from dried plants and are vulnerable to air, light, humidity, and temperature. Some of the best containers are colored glass, kraft bags, foil lined bags, or air-tight canisters. Herbs lose their color and flavor with age, and are very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, moisture, and light. An ideal storage location is a dry pantry, cupboard, or closet, with a storage temperature of 65-73 degrees. All herbs and spices have a relatively fixed shelf life, and we recommend that you only purchase what you will use within a short period of time. The best guideline to follow is no longer than 8-12 months for spices and leafy herbs and no longer than 14-16 months for roots, barks, and berries.