Class #4 Herbs

Class #4: Herbalism
by Reverend Dawn's Heart
aka Reverend S. Marie deFerbrache
of The Live Oak Experiential Church
02/23/99
Back to the Herbal Index Page
Back to A Pagan Learning Group

Herbal Preparation; Syrups, Creams, Tinctures & Vinegars. 4 advanced preparations that can still be done at home.

As with all medicinal programs, you should consult your licensed physician before trying anything on your own. If you have any unfavorable reactions, consult a professional immediately. Attempting any herbal program means you do so at your own risk.

These recipes are given for use with a Microwave oven. If you are using a double boiler and cooking on a stove top, multiply the cooking time by 4.

Syrups back to the top
Here are two recipes for syrups, I prefer the second as I think it's stronger. Make a Decoction (as in the previous class) and reduce it over low heat until it's about 1/3 of the original content. Add 2 lb. of cane sugar or honey for every pint of Decoction. Mix well, pour into clean dark glass bottles, label and date. Store in a cool dark place. * * * 1 TBLS of dried herb or 2 TBLS of fresh herb 4 cups honey Place herb and honey in a double boiler and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring constantly. DO NOT let it crystallize. * Add 1 cup fresh water, mix well and continue cooking, as above, for another 5 minutes. Strain well, pour into clean dark glass bottles, label and date. Store in a cool dark place.

* If it crystallizes you're now making cough drops. Stop and strain the mixture before it gets to solid, then put it back on the fire to cook. Get a bowl of cold water and test the mixture often. When it reaches 'soft ball' stage remove from heat and place 1/4 to 1/2 oz drops (about the size of chocolate kisses or standard cough drops) in candy molds to cool. Note: if you don't have candy molds you can use a shot glass or anything about that size. This makes great cinnamon or fruit candy.

Creams back to the top
Before drug stores, where you can buy a base cream and base lotion, herbalists used butter (the real stuff - not margarine), then lard (yes, the Crisco you have in the fridge), followed by petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and softened bees wax. No matter what base you use the recipe is the same.

Butter: This makes a slightly greasy cream that absorbs rather well into the skin. It doesn't store well. It will last about 1 - 2 weeks at room temp. (give or take depending on your climate), about 2 - 4 weeks wrapped in salt cloth, and about 1 - 2 months stored in the refrigerator. However, when storing in the refrigerator, the herb properties tend to break down and they start loosing their potency at about 5 - 6 weeks.
Lard: This makes a wonderful cream that absorbs very well into the skin. It stores very well also. I have a test batch that's lasted 2 months (still as potent as ever) at room temp., stored in a little Tupperware, liquid tight container. I'm testing it about once a week now as Grandma didn't tell me how long it would keep. A pinch of cornstarch per cup of mix, while cooking, will help it thicken for a very firm cream. You'll need to do some experimenting to find the consistency you want. Otherwise its more of a lotion.
Petroleum Jelly: This is more of an ointment then a cream as it will ride on top of the skin, protecting the wound or infected area (like diaper rash ointment). It really does not ever rub in. I have ointments I've been storing for 4 - 6 months now. They start to fade in potency at about 6 months.
Softened Bees Wax: As I'm allergic to bees I've never tried this. I've been told that it's rather expensive to buy and I have no inclination to try and collect some (*grin*).
Base Cream / Base Lotion: These can be purchased at most drug stores, however ask the pharmacist where they are, not a clerk. They will store at room temp. for about 6 months, after which they will begin to break down in potency. While I'm on this subject, you can also buy base shampoo, cream rinse, and soap to make your own as well. During head lice season I do this with pine and we aren't affected (infected).

1 TBLS of dried herb or 2 TBLS of fresh herb to 1 cup of base cream or lotion. Place herb and base in a double boiler and cook over low heat for 2 hours, stirring very often. If using a microwave cook at 70% power for 30 minutes (no stirring required). Strain or squeeze (through cheese cloth) well, pour into clean liquid tight containers, label and date. Store in a cool dark place. Quick Cream Add tincture, drop by drop, to a base cream or lotion, mixing all the time. Pour into clean liquid tight containers, label and date. Store in a cool dark place.

Tinctures & Vinegars back to the top
These are even stronger then teas or decoctions. Vinegars have been called "The Poor Man's Tincture" as vinegar is cheaper then vodka (yes, you use vodka - gin can also be used). Tinctures and Vinegars can be used both internally; tonics, gargles, douches, and mouthwashes; and externally; compresses, liniments and baths. Adults should take 1 teaspoon three times a day (1 tablespoon, for a vinegar, mixed with 1 cup water), or for acute conditions 1 teaspoon six times a day. For Children dilute it with honey or fruit juice (a little sugar helps the medicine go down), because of the strength of Tincture or Vinegar NEVER give children a straight dose (unless advised by a physician). Children over five, 1/2 teaspoon three times a day. Infants, give 5 - 10 drops 2 times a day. 7 oz of dried herb, or 14 oz of fresh herb (weight, not volume) Make a mixture of 3 parts vodka (or vinegar) to 2 parts fresh pure water. You will need 2 pints of this liquid. Put the herb in a clean, large, clear, glass jar. Pour 2 pints of the liquid mix over. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. Shake it occasionally. Strain the mix through cheese cloth and carefully squeeze all the liquid out. Pour into a dark glass bottle, label and date it and store in a cool dark place.

Herbal Vinegars make wonderful salad dressings, but only use standard eatable herbs. Mix 1 part herbal vinegar to 1 part light oil (like sunflower) Shake and serve.

Fun, Mock Fruit Brandy Stuff a glass jar full of your favorite fruit, leaving 1 inch at the top. Pour gin over the top until it just covers the fruit. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. Shake it occasionally. Strain the mix and carefully squeeze all the liquid out. Pour into a dark glass bottle, label and date it and store in a cool dark place. Use the fruit for a 'powerful' desert.

Information shared on this site and/or during class is not intended to be a replacement for medical advice. Any person with a condition that requires medical attention should consult a licensed physician, qualified practitioner, or therapist. In addition; any herbal remedies that you try, you use at your own risk. This site, and the class, highly recommends you consult your health professional before trying anything new. Herbal remedies can be dangerous in certain circumstances and, there are no guarantees of potency or purity. The Live Oak Experiential Church, NightMoon, all other affiliates, all creators of this site, teachers, and contributing editors, can not be held responsible for your experimentation.

Classes: Herbalism 101 (preparation) | PathWorking | Ritual Design

Other Sites Linked To From Here: Live Oak Church | eGroups.com | Goddess 2000 Project | Wiccan Ware