Prepper Medicine: How to Make Different Types of Herbal Remedies
Knowing how to manufacture herbal treatments is a crucial preparation ability to have, even if tragedy doesn't strike.
You can use herbs from your backyard garden to cure common diseases like digestive or sleep disorders if you know how to produce various herbal treatments.
Some herbal medicines can be used to treat chronic illnesses as well as conditions like congestion and upset stomach.
Before you start gathering herbs and supplies, you first need to determine why you want to incorporate herbs into your wellness plan.
Herbal tea is considered a simple infusion. Infusions work best for flowers and leaves.
If you are working with woody parts and roots, make a decoction.
Hot infusions help draw out vitamins, enzymes, and aromatic volatile oils. It’s best to use flowers, leaves, and aromatic roots in hot infusions. Use herbs like ginger root, holy basil, horsetail, nettle leaf, raspberry leaf, and red clover.
Steep time will depend on your personal flavor preferences and the specific herbs that you’re using. The longer certain herbs are steeped, the stronger their flavors become.
Different nutritional benefits are also gained from different steep times for specific herbs since longer steeping times tend to draw out more minerals. Generally, you steep herbs for longer than you do black, green, or white tea leaves.
To make a hot infusion, add one teaspoon of dried herbs to a cup. If you are using fresh herbs, add two to three teaspoons. Add one cup of boiling water to the herbs. Cover and steep the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
When the mixture has steeped, strain out the herbs and sweeten with a little honey, if desired.
Cold infusions are best for mucilaginous herbs and herbs with delicate essential oils like marshmallow root, peppermint leaf, or rose buds. You can also use freshly harvested herbs like lemon balm or St. John’s Wort.
Since cold infusions don’t require boiling, bacteria growth can happen more quickly than with hot infusions. When making cold infusions, always use clean tools.
Refrigerate a cold infusion if you’re not going to drink it right away and consume or dispose of it within a week. Dispose of the liquid sooner if you notice an off-taste, unpleasant smell, or change in appearance.
To make a cold infusion, fill a quart jar with cold water. Bundle one ounce of your chosen herb in a cheesecloth or muslin bag.
Slightly moisten the herb inside the bundle for easier submersion, then 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. Let the mixture infuse overnight.
Alternatively, you can make a cold infusion by placing loose herbs in a quart jar. Fill the jar with cold water, then seal the jar. Let the mixture infuse overnight.
In the morning, strain the herbs out with a sprouting screen and lid or funnel with a filter.
Preparation:
Don’t wash the flowers. Cut off the green parts.
Combine all the ingredients in a jar, then cap. Shake the mixture daily.
After two weeks, strain the mixture. Serve the aperitif with ice and lemon for a cold drink. If you prefer a hot beverage, serve the aperitif with hot water and honey. You can also serve the aperitif by itself before or after meals.
You can make this recipe with any edible flowers or herbs.
Ingredients:
Tools:
Preparation:
Fill the glass container full of dried herbs.
Pour the apple cider vinegar over the herbs until they are completely submerged.
Cap the container tightly. Label the tincture with the contents and the date you started.
Store the container in a cool, dark place. Shake the bottle to agitate the contents every day.
After two weeks, pour the liquid into stopper bottles. Strain it through a kitchen strainer or cheesecloth to remove the dried herbs.
Before using the tincture, keep the stopper bottles in a cool, dark area.
Notes:
You can use herbs from your backyard garden to cure common diseases like digestive or sleep disorders if you know how to produce various herbal treatments.
Benefits of knowing how to make herbal remedies
Some herbal medicines can be used to treat chronic illnesses as well as conditions like congestion and upset stomach.
Before you start gathering herbs and supplies, you first need to determine why you want to incorporate herbs into your wellness plan.
READ MORE:The Complete Guide on How To Make Penicillin at Home
Do you want to use herbal remedies for your overall health? Or do you have a specific issue you want to address?
Some herbs are considered safe and mild enough for general wellness. You can usually find them in herbal products and in supplement form.
These herbs may be used to help with:
These herbs are generally considered safe for overall wellness in small amounts and in mild preparations:
But if you want to treat a specific health issue, talk to a professional to get a proper dosage that’s safe, effective, and suited to your specific needs. Consulting a health practitioner is crucial because the effect of a single herb can change based on the amount used.
Herbal medicine preparation can be either internal or external. Internal remedies are those you eat or drink.
Meanwhile, external remedies are topical or applied to the skin. This includes preparations like poultices and salves.
Water-based preparations
Do you want to use herbal remedies for your overall health? Or do you have a specific issue you want to address?
Some herbs are considered safe and mild enough for general wellness. You can usually find them in herbal products and in supplement form.
These herbs may be used to help with:
- Boosting immunity
- Promoting restful sleep
- Enhancing alertness or mood
- Reducing stress
- Increasing antioxidant intake
These herbs are generally considered safe for overall wellness in small amounts and in mild preparations:
- Chamomile
- Elderberry
- Holy basil/tulsi
- Valerian
But if you want to treat a specific health issue, talk to a professional to get a proper dosage that’s safe, effective, and suited to your specific needs. Consulting a health practitioner is crucial because the effect of a single herb can change based on the amount used.
Basic herbal medicine preparations
Herbal medicine preparation can be either internal or external. Internal remedies are those you eat or drink.
Meanwhile, external remedies are topical or applied to the skin. This includes preparations like poultices and salves.
Water-based preparations
There are two types of water-based herbal remedies: infusions and decoctions.
Herbal tea is considered a simple infusion. Infusions work best for flowers and leaves.
If you are working with woody parts and roots, make a decoction.
Hot infusions help draw out vitamins, enzymes, and aromatic volatile oils. It’s best to use flowers, leaves, and aromatic roots in hot infusions. Use herbs like ginger root, holy basil, horsetail, nettle leaf, raspberry leaf, and red clover.
Steep time will depend on your personal flavor preferences and the specific herbs that you’re using. The longer certain herbs are steeped, the stronger their flavors become.
Different nutritional benefits are also gained from different steep times for specific herbs since longer steeping times tend to draw out more minerals. Generally, you steep herbs for longer than you do black, green, or white tea leaves.
To make a hot infusion, add one teaspoon of dried herbs to a cup. If you are using fresh herbs, add two to three teaspoons. Add one cup of boiling water to the herbs. Cover and steep the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
When the mixture has steeped, strain out the herbs and sweeten with a little honey, if desired.
Cold infusions are best for mucilaginous herbs and herbs with delicate essential oils like marshmallow root, peppermint leaf, or rose buds. You can also use freshly harvested herbs like lemon balm or St. John’s Wort.
Since cold infusions don’t require boiling, bacteria growth can happen more quickly than with hot infusions. When making cold infusions, always use clean tools.
Refrigerate a cold infusion if you’re not going to drink it right away and consume or dispose of it within a week. Dispose of the liquid sooner if you notice an off-taste, unpleasant smell, or change in appearance.
To make a cold infusion, fill a quart jar with cold water. Bundle one ounce of your chosen herb in a cheesecloth or muslin bag.
Slightly moisten the herb inside the bundle for easier submersion, then 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. Let the mixture infuse overnight.
Alternatively, you can make a cold infusion by placing loose herbs in a quart jar. Fill the jar with cold water, then seal the jar. Let the mixture infuse overnight.
In the morning, strain the herbs out with a sprouting screen and lid or funnel with a filter.
ALSO SEE:10 Strongest Antibacterial And Antiviral Herbs
To make a decoction, get a glass, ceramic, or other non-reactive pot. Don’t use an aluminum container.
Add one teaspoon of dried herbs or a tablespoon of fresh herbs that have been cut into small pieces. Cover the herbs with one cup of water.
Place the lid on and bring to a boil, then boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink the decoction.
To make a decoction, get a glass, ceramic, or other non-reactive pot. Don’t use an aluminum container.
Add one teaspoon of dried herbs or a tablespoon of fresh herbs that have been cut into small pieces. Cover the herbs with one cup of water.
Place the lid on and bring to a boil, then boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink the decoction.
SEE MORE:Home Remedies for Herpes: Natural Supplements and Medications
Some plant constituents infuse better into alcohol than water. Additionally, alcohol acts as a preservative.
To make a basic alcoholic tincture, place four ounces of dried herbs (or eight ounces of fresh herbs) into a glass jar with a lid. Cover the herbs with one pint of vodka (60- to 80-proof or 30 to 40 percent alcohol) and close the container.
Shake the jar twice a day and place it in a warm location. After two to four weeks, strain out the herbs using a thick cheesecloth or flour sack towel.
Store the liquid in a dark container and store it in a cool location away from direct sunlight.
You can also infuse herbs into other kinds of spirits, such as wine.
Try this recipe for a dandelion aperitif.
Ingredients:
1-quart vodka
2-3 cups fresh dandelion blossoms
2/3 cup sugar
The rind of half a lemon
Alcohol-based preparations
Some plant constituents infuse better into alcohol than water. Additionally, alcohol acts as a preservative.
To make a basic alcoholic tincture, place four ounces of dried herbs (or eight ounces of fresh herbs) into a glass jar with a lid. Cover the herbs with one pint of vodka (60- to 80-proof or 30 to 40 percent alcohol) and close the container.
Shake the jar twice a day and place it in a warm location. After two to four weeks, strain out the herbs using a thick cheesecloth or flour sack towel.
Store the liquid in a dark container and store it in a cool location away from direct sunlight.
You can also infuse herbs into other kinds of spirits, such as wine.
Try this recipe for a dandelion aperitif.
Ingredients:
1-quart vodka
2-3 cups fresh dandelion blossoms
2/3 cup sugar
The rind of half a lemon
Preparation:
Don’t wash the flowers. Cut off the green parts.
Combine all the ingredients in a jar, then cap. Shake the mixture daily.
After two weeks, strain the mixture. Serve the aperitif with ice and lemon for a cold drink. If you prefer a hot beverage, serve the aperitif with hot water and honey. You can also serve the aperitif by itself before or after meals.
You can make this recipe with any edible flowers or herbs.
(NOTE: I do not recommend drinking alcohol. Just for medicinal purposes)
ALSO SEE:9 Homemade Sore Throat Remedies: Natural Sore Throat Remedies
Other herbal preparations
If you’re trying to avoid alcohol, make tinctures with other ingredients like vinegar or glycerin. They don’t work as well as alcohol, but they are an acceptable substitute.
Herbal syrups like elderberry syrup and pinecone “jam” can help soothe a sore throat and boost your immune system.
Follow the recipe below to make an herbal vinegar tincture.
Other herbal preparations
If you’re trying to avoid alcohol, make tinctures with other ingredients like vinegar or glycerin. They don’t work as well as alcohol, but they are an acceptable substitute.
Herbal syrups like elderberry syrup and pinecone “jam” can help soothe a sore throat and boost your immune system.
Follow the recipe below to make an herbal vinegar tincture.
Ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dried herbs
- Funnel
- Glass container with a tight-sealing lid (quart- or gallon-sized jar)
- Stopper bottles
- Strainer or cheesecloth
Preparation:
Fill the glass container full of dried herbs.
Pour the apple cider vinegar over the herbs until they are completely submerged.
Cap the container tightly. Label the tincture with the contents and the date you started.
Store the container in a cool, dark place. Shake the bottle to agitate the contents every day.
After two weeks, pour the liquid into stopper bottles. Strain it through a kitchen strainer or cheesecloth to remove the dried herbs.
Before using the tincture, keep the stopper bottles in a cool, dark area.
Notes:
Use apple cider vinegar that is uncooked. Use apple cider vinegar that still has the mother or the helpful bacteria that permits fermentation, if you don't have raw apple cider vinegar.
Use white vinegar sparingly.
Don't use fresh herbs. Use only dry herbs.
Tinctures made from vinegar have a one-year shelf life. After that, throw away the old tincture and make a brand-new batch.
Use white vinegar sparingly.
Don't use fresh herbs. Use only dry herbs.
Tinctures made from vinegar have a one-year shelf life. After that, throw away the old tincture and make a brand-new batch.
DR. APPIAH
Dr. Appiah is a Natural Health Therapist (Naturopath) who engages the natural healing agents given by God to save lives. EAT FOOD AS MEDICINE! EAT TO LIVE, DON'T LIVE TO EAT!! FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE: WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS? WANT A PERSONAL(CERTIFIED) NATURAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER? REACH ME DIRECTLY ON WHATSAPP +233245643615 appiahinok@gmail.com
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