It has been noted many times that when a dis-ease changes the vibration of a civilization, a specific herb will start to grow around that civilization that will ease this dis-ease. Shamans and Medicine men and women were aware of these vibrations and could tap into these healing properties as needed.

When winter comes around and no fresh greens are to be found, herbs (like oregano) are used to give flavor to the foods and to ward off infections and disease.

We all know the soothing effect of chamomile tea on our frayed nerves and stomach, or the stimulating quality of coffee!

 

Tea: a tea is a small amount of fresh or dried herb brewed for a short time. Place a small amount of the desired herb in a cup and pour almost-boiling water into the cup. Cover and let steep for 4-5 minutes.

 

Infusion: is a large amount of dried herb brewed for a long time. It extracts more nutrients than a tincture and more medicinal qualities (and nutrients) than a tea. They remain good in the fridge for only two or three days. Prepare an infusion in a glass jar with a tight lid. For example: place a cup of dried herb in a liter (quart) glass jar. Pour enough almost-boiling water on the herb to fill. Cover tightly and let cool. Drink 1 or 2 cups per day, taken hot, chilled, with sweetener, milk or as you like. Infusions can also be used as bath waters, soup stocks, hair rinses and facial washes.

Herbal Tincture: when an herb is steeped in alcohol, a tincture results. For fresh herbs 100 proof (or more) alcohol is used. For dried herbs, regular rum will suffice. Herbs should sit in the alcohol for at least 6 weeks. They remain effective for long periods of time and are easy to transport. To tincture: chop herb coarsely, and fill any size jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour alcohol over it, and fill to the top. Cap tightly, label and date. Let stand for six weeks.

Poultice: any fresh herb, chewed or crushed and applied to the body is a poultice.

Compress: uses dried herbs: make an infusion, the strain the liquid off the plant material and put the wet plants in a cloth. Apply, hot or cold, to the affected are. Dip the cloth in the liquid as needed to keep the compress moist.

Herbal vinegar: use natural vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar with “the mother”, wine vinegars and rice vinegars because they are especially effective mediums for extracting the mineral richness of plants. Fill a jar with fresh leaves, roots and/or flowers. Then fill with vinegar, label, and cap. Use fresh plant materials only.