Herbal Preparation of Medicinal Plants

Overview

There are many ways to prepare plants in order to use them for medication, but the most common methods are to prepare an infusion or decoction. Both of these methods involve making a simple tea to be ingested or used externally. The plant material can be used either fresh or dried to make an infusion or decoction.

Infusions

Step 1

Collect the plant material used in the preparation. Infusions require leaves, flowers or seeds.

Step 2

Bruise seeds in a mortar and pestle or release oils from dried or fresh leaves and flowers by crushing slightly with the back of a spoon. Chop fresh leaves and flowers with a knife.

Step 3

Place one and a half cups water into a non-aluminum pan and place on the stove. Bring it to a boil.

Step 4

Place one to two teaspoons dried plant material or two tablespoons fresh in a container with a lid. Pour a cup of boiling water over and cover the container.

Step 5

Steep the plant material in the water for 10 minutes. To make a strong infusion, steep the mixture until it cools.

Step 6

Steep the plant material in the water for 10 minutes. To make a strong infusion, steep the mixture until it cools. Place cheesecloth over the opening of a wide mouth jar and strain the loose plant material out. Strain several times until the liquid is clear. Discard the plant matter.

Decoctions

Step 1

Collect bark or roots to make a decoction. Clean all dirt off the roots and bark and let dry in a warm area out of the sun.

Step 2

Chop roots and bark with a sharp knife or place in a grinder. Do not grind fine leaving them slightly chunky so it will be easier to strain.

Step 3

Place plant material in a saucepan and cover it with cold water. Turn the heat on high and bring it to a boil.

Step 4

Turn the heat down to a simmer, cover the pan and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Steep plant material covered for about 15 minutes. To make a strong decoction, keep it covered and steeping until the mixture is cool.

Step 5

Place cheesecloth over the opening of a jar and strain the plant matter out and discard. Bark and root is sometimes hard to strain so it may have to be strained several times.