Whenever you are learning things there are always those little bits and pieces of information that are learned over time. They seem insignificant and aren't really anything that you even consciously think about anymore. When I'm sharing things with others I don't often remember those little bits and pieces of information but some of them would actually be important little things to do or learn. So this post will just be to share some of those little tips or info that otherwise might slip through the cracks of a discussion. Hopefully, they will save having to wait for an ah ha moment of your own. They are in no particular order of importance.
When working with tinctures or essential oils they should always be stored in glass bottles or jars. They can eat through plastic or leach chemicals from plastic into your product. Even if you make a salve or lotion that contains essential oils or other herbal concoctions they should be stored in glass.
To extend the life of oils and other products, store them in the dark. Dark bottles are preferred but a dark cupboard works too.
When adding herbs to oils it is best to use dried herbs to prevent the water from fresh herbs from spoiling the product. If using fresh herbs they should be wilted first to remove water.
When making teas and other infusions always put the lid on the pot to keep evaporation to a minimum. Usually you want to keep the goodness IN the liquid not the air.
Most tinctures are done with alcohol because it does the best job of extracting the benefits from the herbs. Some people prefer to use vinegar or glycerine which also works. Tinctures made with glycerine or vinegar are often not as strong as ones done with alcohol but they still work. For children and those who can't have alcohol they are a good alternative.
Tinctures can be taken directly from the bottle but they are super concentrated and can taste terrible. They can be added to a cup of tea and sweetened and that's what I typically do. They can also be added to salves or other products by the drops.
Measurements are often given in ratios rather then ounces or grams. When they are given that way it just means that you choose the measurement such as teaspoons or tablespoons or ounces and use it for the entire formula. For instance a formula that says use one part of x herb and two parts of y herb, just use I tablespoon of x and two tablespoons of y OR do the same thing with teaspoons or ounces. As long as you keep the ratio the unit of measurement doesn't matter.
Typically it is best to use stainless steel or glass when preparing herbs. Plastics and aluminum are not recommended.
Adding water should be kept to a minimum when preparing products because it is where spoilage and contamination occur.
Always, always label your herbs, salves, tinctures or other products. If you sit a jar of oil and herbs in the sun to infuse you may forget exactly what you put in it. It is important to know what is in EVERY jar of dried herbs and seeds as well as prepared product. You wouldn't want to use something that may cause a reaction or that was prepared for external use only. THIS is important. You can't mix up your products. You can make nice labels or you can use masking tape and a sharpie but whatever you do label, label, label.
Also, be sure to note how your products were prepared. Was it a solar infusion? Was it made from fresh or dried herbs? Was it from your homegrown or somebody else's garden or was it bought at the health food store? Keep notes on ingredients, measurements, dates and procedures. Put it ON the label and in a notebook. You can't reproduce it of you don't remember what you did.
You don't need a bunch of expensive equipment to work with herbs. They can be bought used or appropriated from your own kitchen. It is a good idea to keep many of your herb tools dedicated to your products. You don't want to use your coffee grinder for your herb grinder. Keep them seperate. They're inexpensive if bought at the goodwill and you can have one for the kitchen and one for you medicinal herbs.
Your notebook will be an important record for your family. Much herbal knowledge has been lost because nobody wrote it down. Make a memory and a historical record to hand down so they can recreate your products.
Save small jars and bottles for reuse and get your friends and family to do the same. Pimento jars, 4 oz canning jars, jelly jars, hot sauce bottles, vinegar bottles and other such things are perfect for storing herbal liquids and lotions.
Teas are good for long term health and BUILDING immunity while tinctures are more of a "quick" cure.
Herbal remedies aren't like commercial pharmaceuticals in that they tend to treat the symptoms rather then cure the whole body from the inside out. Herbal medicine is more of a lifestyle then a quick cure. They tend to create a healthier environment that discourages illnesses rather then to cure short term acute illnesses.
A spoonful of honey really does make the medicine go down. Syrups and jellys can disguise the taste of strong herbs and make them easier to take. Sweeteners are also preservatives for herbal medicines and help them to last longer. An elderberry syrup can last for a year while a simple plain tea may last only a day or two.
Tea doesn't have to be made a cup at a time. Make a bigger batch and sip on it throughout the day. Take it hot or cold. There is no reason to stand over the stove for just one cup of tea when you can make enough for a day or two at the time.
The usual advice is never to harvest herbs and edibles from roadsides because they are subjected to exhausts and runoff. As a rule that is good advice BUT I have harvested SEEDS from those plants and brought them home to plant and grow my own plants. While it isn't ideal, I don't believe that a new plant in new soil retains much of the bad effects through the seed harvested by the road. I also believe it is a way to rescue the plant that would have otherwise been wasted or perhaps lost.
Always be absolutely positive when identifying a plant. I seldom harvest a wild plant that I see unless I have observed and studied it for an entire season. By learning the plant in ALL seasons it is easier to be sure it is what you THINK it is.
Feel your herbs and smell your herbs and learn everything about them as you learn to recognize them. Sometimes plants LOOK alike but they don't feel or smell alike.
Don't worry about obtaining every exotic plant that doesn't grow in your area. There is good herb medicine growing in every area. It is easier to learn local plants then to try to grow plants that don't normally grow in your zone or soil.
A recipe for a salve or lotion is not carved in stone. If it doesn't have the texture you like for a particular use then you can adjust it to suit you. If you want a thinner consistency then add more oil. If you want a thicker salve then add more beeswax. Those kinds of things are up to personal preference.
When using a new herb don't slather it all over or drink a gallon. Be sure to do a test patch to check for reactions or take only a drop or two to look for side effects. All herbs don't work the same for all people and causing a rash or an upset stomach aren't necessary if proper care is taken. If you have a reaction then discontinue use and try something else.
Some tools that I have found useful and inexpensive are chopsticks, tea balls, glass droppers, French press coffee makers, measuring spoons and cups, sharpie markers, masking tape, ice cube trays, Jars, Bottles, lids, mesh strainers, grater, small electric coffee grinder, mortar/pestle, funnel(stainless), food processor, coffee filters, whisk, thermometer, spatulas.
As with any medicine cabinet, keep the contents safe from children and pets.
Don't "sniff" essential oils just to be smelling them. They are concentrated and too much of a good thing can be bad for your lungs, eyes and sinuses. Just a drop or a few drops is usually enough rather then filling the room with the scent.
Essential oils should also be diluted with a carrier oil if applied to the skin. Most of them are NOT supposed to be applied neat. Also do a patch test before using.
Finally, use herbs with caution. Don't expect miracles and seriously consider your doctors advice as well. You are in control of your own health. Be smart and be safe.
Southern Wood Elf