herbs

•        Herbs are plants whose leaves, seeds, flowers or roots are used for flavoring foods or in medicine.Everybody has heard of chamomile, ginseng, echinacea, ginger and so on.

•       Herbalism is the study or practice of using plants in medicine and cookery.

               There are four methods of herbal preparation:

•      Infusion 

               Infusion is a drink prepared by soaking herbs in  boiling water to extract their flavor or healing properties. Pour boiling water onto the herbs, cover it and let it brew for about 20 minutes. strain and drink. Use about one ounce of herbs to a pint of water.

•      Decoction

               Decoction is a concentrated liquid produced by  heating or boiling a substance (herbs). Decoctions are made from roots, bark, seeds or stems. simmer an ounce of herbs for 1 and a half pints of water for 30 minutes to an hour in a covered pot.Strain and ready to drink.

•      Tincture

               Tincture is a medicine made by dissolving an herb in alcohol producing an extract. Soak a couple of ounces of the herb in a pint of alcohol 80 proof, like vodka. Shake the mixture daily for about a minute. After 14 days strain the liquid. Store in a dark glass container. Drink 20 drops once or twice daily.

•       Capsules 

                A simple way are encapsulated herbs or herb preparations, you can do it yourself or buy them ready. To encapsulate the herbs they have to be powdered.