• Play around with the method of storage, add a little extra trouble, a sprinkling of imagination.
• Label and display your work originally and artistically for your family and friends to appreciate.

METHOD FOR PREPARING HERBS

• 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs
• 1 cup boiling water.
• Place the herbs in a teapot and pour the boiling water over them.
• Allow to stand for 15 min and then strain discarding the herbs.
• Add honey for a sweetener.

Benefits of Honey

NOTES AND GENERAL WARNING:

• Infusions can be consumed hot or cold,they can be used for steam inhalation or used as a compress.
• Ensure that the herb you are using is the one required for your ailment.
• Do not use an infusion for more than a period of 10 days.
• One cup per day is sufficient, excepting in acute cases.
• Always consult your herbal practictioner if you are unsure of anything.

STORAGE:

• Do not stand overnight, consume on the same day.

• Chamomile is a very popular herbal tea used in many home remedies and you can even establish your very own tea garden by starting off growing Chamomile at home.

METHOD

• 3 tablespoons of fresh herbs or 1 tablespoon of dried herbs.
• 3 cups cold water.
• Break the herbs up and soak overnight.
• Boil up for about an hour the next day, and allow to cool
• Strain the liquid discarding the herbs, and store in a cool place.

NOTES:

• Drink a cupful 3 times daily.

STORAGE:

• Decoctions should be consumed fresh but can be kept for 24 hours.

NOTE;

• A little of this preparation of herbs taken internally every now and again can only be good for you especially if you have used rosemary, lavender or elder berries.

• 1 - 2 cups fresh herb leaves. Dried bark, seeds or berries can also be used, but bruise them first in a pestle and mortar.
• 4 cups of wine (red or white wine can be used)
• Mix together and leave for 3 days then strain.

Benefits of Rosemary

METHOD.

• ½ cup of Vaseline.
• ¼ cup of herbs.
• Place ingredients in a double boiler and keep on low heat for about 2 hours stirring occasionally.

NOTES:

• Ointments are good for nourishing the skin, easing bed sores, skin rashes, nappy rash, psoriasis and eczema.

STORAGE:

• While still hot strain mixture and pour into dark ointment jars, store in a cool dark place.

METHOD.

• 2 cups water.
• 1 cup sugar.
• half a cup fresh herbs.
• Bring to the boil while stirring continuously until sugar is dissolved. Then allow to simmer until the liquid thickens (about an hour).
• Strain and pour into a brown or green glass bottle with a lid.

NOTES:

• Administer 1 teaspoon at a time, 3 or 4 times daily.

STORAGE:

• Kept in the fridge, it can last for at least a week.

METHOD:

• 3 tablespoon dried herbs or 6 tablespoons fresh herbs.
• 4 cups alcohol (cane spirit or vodka).
• Mix herbs and alcohol in a big, clean, wide necked, glass bottle with a good screw top lid.
• Shake daily whilst storing for 2 weeks.
• Filter before using, and always keep the bottle tightly sealed.

NOTES:

• 1 teaspoon of this tincture in a cup of water taken 3 times daily.

STORAGE:

• This is the safest way to keep herbs for a long time.

METHOD:

• When preparing herbs as a poultice take a handful of herbs, fresh or dry
• Add a little boiling water at a time to soften and mix well until soft and a paste is formed.
• NOTES:
  Place the cooled poultice over the infected area. Cover with a bandage and leave on for several hours or overnight. 
• A poultice applied directly, is usually used to draw out the pus from boils, remove stubborn blackheads and help heal skin ulcers, sores and skin infections.

:

CAUTION:

• A poultice can be used on boils and abscesses to draw the infection out but should never be used on broken skin because the moist conditions can then become a breeding ground for bacteria to present and flourish.

Benefits of Herbs

METHOD:

• Make a herbal infusion as indicated above. Check out Common Herbs and their Uses to see what herb can be used for what ailment. Pour the boiling hot infusion of herbs in a deep bowl.
• Place carefully onto a table, improvise a towel tent and hold your face over the bowl
• If using as an inhaler breathe in the herbal steam alternately and slowly through nose and mouth for at least 10 minutes.
• As a steam cleanser hold your face over the bowl for about 7 - 10 minutes, pat dry, and then splash or dab on an astringent such as rosemary to close the pores, and also has a bracing and toning effect on the skin.

CAUTION:

• Boiling water must be treated with great respect. Always place on a solid surface, and if a child is having steam inhalation, do not leave unaccompanied at any time.

Natural Laxatives