Herbal application Flashcards
Internal applications
‒ Infusions, decoctions, syrups, tinctures, glycerites, powders, capsules, lozenges, standardised extracts.
External applications
– Oils, creams, lotions, ointments, poultices, compresses.
Infusions (herbal teas)
Infusions (herbal teas) are used for preparing delicate and / or aromatic leaves and flowers:
- Place herbs in a cup or warmed teapot; add boiled water; infuse for 10–15 minutes; strain.
- Adult dose: 2 teaspoons of dried or fresh herbs per cup. 3 cups daily. If using tea bags, 2 bags per cup is a medicinal dose.
- Infusions extract water-soluble phytochemicals, are hydrating and good for compliance, as many clients already drink herbal teas. Advise the right teas for health needs i.e. peppermint leaf for IBS, chamomile flowers for tension, liquorice root for adrenal fatigue.
Decoctions
Decoctions are used for preparing roots, fruits and barks, that need to be ‘cooked’ to extract water-soluble phytochemicals:
- Place herbs in a pan (steel, enamel or glass to avoid chemical reactions with pan material), cover with cold water, bring to boil, simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, until reduced by 30%, then strain.
- Adult dose: 1 teaspoon dried herb per cup, 3 cups daily.
- Commonly decocted herbs include dandelion root for liver support, and burdock root for detoxification
Syrups
Syrups are thick, sweet medicines for cough and throat remedies, and an easy way for children to take herbal medicines:
- Make a decoction, strain, reduce on low heat until ½ the water has evaporated.
- Weigh decoction. Add sugar or honey in ratio of 2 parts sugar to 1-part decoction, stir till dissolved.
- Place in sterilised glass jars, label, store in fridge.
Syrups last for several months because sugar preserves.
Adult dose: 2 teaspoons 3 times daily (children ½–1 teaspoon).
Thyme or aniseed syrup is ideal for coughs.
Tinctures
Tinctures are made by steeping herbs in a mixture of water and alcohol, to extract a wide range of phytochemicals.
- Concentrated and fast-acting ― phytochemicals are
extracted in the ethanol (alcohol) so can be readily absorbed, good compliance (easy to take), long shelf-life (up to 5 years) because alcohol halts microbial growth.
- Tinctures come in different strengths: 1:1 is strongest (1 part herb extracted in 1 part alcohol/water ― also called ‘fluid extracts’), 1:2, 1:5 and so on are less concentrated.
- Alcohol strengths vary: 25% (minimum for preservation), 45% (for essential oils and pigments), 90% (for resins)
- Normal adult dose: 5ml / 0.17 fl. oz (100 drops) in small glass of water 3 x daily before food.
- However, some herbs are very potent and have lower dosage levels, always check product labels.
- Tinctures are not suitable for recovering alcoholics, in some religions, and inflammatory conditions such as gastritis.
- Alcohol level can be reduced by adding tincture to hot water.
Glycerites
Glycerites are made by steeping herbs in glycerine ― a thick sweet liquid derived from fats and oils:
- Good for clients who cannot consume alcohol (tinctures) or sugar (syrups), but enjoy the sweet taste (e.g. children!).
- Has a natural ‘syrupy’ texture which makes them good as mouth, throat and chest remedies. It is also a gentle laxative.
- Glycerine does not extract as many phytochemicals as water / alcohol based medicines, and it has a relatively short shelf-life of around 3 months. However, the gentle action and sweet taste makes them ideal for children’s medicines.
Powders
Powders are a ‘food form’ of herbal medicine:
- The whole herb is digested and the small particle size aids assimilation. Can be mixed into foods and drinks (porridge, nut milks, smoothies).
- Herbs high in mucilage such as slippery elm (used for GIT inflammation) are best taken away from foods and medicine as they may reduce absorption.
- Normal adult dose: 1 teaspoon 2 x daily.
- Strong tasting powders are best taken in capsules.
- Powders and capsules have a relatively short shelf life (max. 1 year) because high surface area increases oxidation.
Standardised extracts
Standardised extracts are manufactured to contain a quantified amount of ‘active’ constituents, so that medicines are ‘consistent’ and ‘reproducible’.
- For example milk thistle for ‘silymarin’ content.
- They are stronger than traditional extracts, however:
‒ Often made using unnatural solvents.
‒ Sometimes ‘spiked’ with pure phytochemicals.
‒ Do not have a ‘natural’ balance of phytochemicals. ‒ Can resemble pharmaceuticals and are more likely to cause side effects.
Infused oils
Infused oils are made by ‘steeping’ or cooking herbs in oil using a double burner to avoid ‘damaging’ the oil.
Oil is a good solvent for many phytochemicals.
- Calendula oil for ‘dry’ skin problems and wounds. Has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and tissue healing properties.
- Comfrey oil for sprains, strains, arthritis. Decreases inflammation; allantoin in comfrey increases cell proliferation to promote healing.
- Garlic oil is antimicrobial, especially useful for fungal skin infections. Note: Never apply oils to hot, inflamed skin conditions as oil holds in heat and can worsen skin irritation!
Essential oils
Essential oils are made by extracting the volatile phytochemicals from herbs by ‘steam distillation’:
- Highly concentrated plant extracts (not herbal medicines) that are blended into external remedies for their anti-microbial, ‘warming’ and other properties.
- Maximum 20 drops per 100 g / 3.4 oz preparation.
- Don’t take them internally without specific training.
- Don’t apply ‘neat’ to the skin except for a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oils for disinfecting cuts and wounds.
Ointments
Ointments are made by mixing infused oils with beeswax or cocoa butter. Thick, greasy texture for dry, cracked skin.
Creams
Creams are made by mixing infused oils with water using emulsifying wax. Moisturising texture for skin complaints and wounds
Lotions
Lotions are made like creams but contain a lot more water. Thin texture and ‘cooling’ effect, for ‘hot’, red, inflamed skin conditions.
Poultice
A poultice is an application of crushed herbs applied directly to the skin and held in place with a bandage:
- Comfrey leaf for musculoskeletal inflammation. Traditionally called ‘knit-bone’ as its allantoin content speeds fracture healing.
- Plantain leaf for skin inflammation, bruises, bites, stings. ↓ inflammation, soothes, promotes healing
