Several options are available for herbal use. Different herbs and different ailments will lend themselves to various modes of delivery. Bronchial ailments, for example, do well with inhaled vapors, while cuts and bums are best aided by external application. Choice of delivery mode depends upon circumstance and individual preference. Ingestion
Aroma vaporizers elease steam and the user enjoys the restorative or stimulating prop- erties of the scent. This method is now empowered with the concentrated and precise abilities of digital vaporization technology. With this technology, inhalation is a quick, economical, and effective way to receive the benefits of your favorite herb. Herbs are heated to their vaporization point, and the essential minerals are released in a pure cloud of vapor, which is inhaled. Vaporization offers certain benefits over traditional herbal delivery systems. Herbs are absorbed from the lungs directly into the bloodstream. Therefore the effects of many herbs are near immediate. This is useful in controlling the dose. Ingested herbs have a delay-of-effect and are taken in a packaged dose. Often the user will ingest more herb than necessary for the desired effect. Although side effects in herbal remedies are uncommon, this does result in a waste of herbal material.
Infusions are basically brewing an herb into a tea. Dried or fresh herbs may be used, however dried herbs require only 'h of the recommended dose for a fresh herb, because fresh herbs hold a high water content. Simply mix the herbs in a teapot with boiling water, then strain before consuming. Infusions work best with leaves, flowers, and green stems. Heavier material such as root or bark should be ground to power before attempting to infuse. Be careful that your herb doesn't have highly volatile oil or its constituents may break down under the heat of boiling water. Cold infusions may be used in this case.
A decoction is simply a more strenuous method of infusion. Decoctions work best with woody substances such as, bark, woody stem, root, or seeds. Cover herbs with cold water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer the herbs for 20 - 30 minutes until liquid is reduced by roughly one third. Then strain the liquid and store in a cool area.
Tinctures extract the essence of an herb through absorption in alcohol, usually vodka or rum. (Never use industrial, methyl, or rubbing alcohol.) Non-alcoholic tinctures may be made with vinegar or glycerol. Tinctures produce a strong elixir and if stored properly will last up to two years. However, they require a somewhat lengthy preparation, and are best made with the aid of a wine press.
Powered herbs may be taken in capsule form, sprinkled over food or stirred into a beverage. The powdered form of an herb is also useful as a base for a poultice or ointment.
Adding honey or sugar to an infusion or decoction will act as a preservative and taste enhancer, and is soothing for some ailments including sore throat or irritating cough. The mixture should be simmered for 15-30 minutes and stored in a sealable dark glass container.
Note: Topically applied herbs may cause skin irritation. Test for a short amount of time before prolonged external use of an herb.
Ointments mix an oil or fat substance with an herb for a spreadable topical agent. Petroleum jelly or wax is often used. Ointments can be made to different con- sistencies depending on their application. For instance, a lip balm would be very thick while a bum ointment would be a bit thinner. Ointments require a lengthy prepara- tion.
A cream is an ointment with a higher amount of water. Creams will blend with the skin and may have a cooling and soothing effect. Like ointments, creams require proper time and equipment.
A poultice is a mixture of herbs, undiluted, and applied to the skin with a cloth or bandage. Poultices may be used to ease nerve, joint or muscle pain, and to heal open wounds or sores. Inhalation .
when taken orally, the active constituents of an herb are broken down by digestive acids and reach the bloodstream in an impure form. . With vaporization, the user receives the pure active elements.
Herbal medicines are generally safe and produce few side effects. Be sure to use only the part of the plant indicated and consult a professional before determining herbal medicine as your primary form of self-treatment. Be aware that, although it's rare, herbs may contraindicate synthetic medication. There are cases where the guidance of a medical professional is clearly the safest course of action. If you suffer from a life- threatening disease, have severe allergic reactions, or see no improvement in symptoms for two or more weeks, seek professional advice. Each individual has his or her own unique reaction to an herb. Experiment with herb combinations, recommended dosage, and method of delivery. Keep track of your responses and use this information to determine the herbal conditions right for you. For total health and well being, supplement your herbal treatment with proper diet, exercise, and stress-management.
Tonics are herbs that enhance the vitality and overall strength of the body, or a particular body system. They typically increase circulation, fortify tissue, and nourish and tone muscle and organs. Tonics may be taken as a preventive aid, or in response to a specific malady.
Heart tonics usually include circulatory stimulants and dia- phoretics. They may stimulate or slow heart rate and regulate and strengthen pulse. Garlic, Hawthorn, Buckwheat, Arjuna, Broom, Squill. Cayenne, Crampbar.
Nervous tonics work to restore balance, or homeostasis, in the nerv- ous system and between the nervous system and the rest of the body. They may sup- press or increase nervous activity, improve nerve cell reaction, and restore the system as a whole. Rosemary, Skullcap, Saint-John's-Wort, Oats.
Immune System tonics strengthen white blood cells and ready the body to fight viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Echinacea, Lapacho, Garlic, Barberry.
Respiratory tonics increase blood flow and oxygenation of the cells throughout the body. They clarify and tone the lungs, break down respiratory catarrhal and ensure proper airflow. Elecampane, Colt's Foot, Marshmallow, Garlic.
Bitter tonics soothe an uneasy stomach and facilitate the digestion process. They are often antiseptics, bitters, carminatives, and cholagogues. Agrimony, Dandelion Root, Gentian.
Skin tonics often include antiseptics, astringents, emollients, and vulnerary herbs, to tone, disinfect, remove sub-dermal waste, and heal wounds. Burdock, Cleavers, Nettles, comfrey.
Urinary tonics improve circulation, tone the liver, and aid in the removal of toxins from the body. Tonics for the urinary system are frequently diuretics, antiseptics, bitters, and hepatics. Milk Thistle, Horsetail, Corn Silk.
These tonics help strengthen bone and connective tissue. They may relieve joint pain, nerve pain, reduce swelling, or ease cramped muscles. "Analgesics and antispasmodics are common in a musculoskeletal tonic. passionfIower; Chamomile, Saint-John's-Wort, Valerian