Herbs are used widely for medicinal purposes. They have been used throughout history and today they are becoming popular again due to concerns over the harmful effects of synthetic medications. When herbs are used they are usually not used in dry herb form, instead the powerful ingredients are extracted by some method. The following outlines the ways herbs are used in medicine.
Infusions - This is the most effective way of getting the active ingredients out t of herbs. Infusion is done just like you would to make tea. The herbs are steeped in water and the active ingredients are released.
Decoctions - This method is used with harder herbs like bark and roots. The herbs are simmered in a covered pot to get the active ingredients released.
Tinctures - This method is used to get concentrated levels of the active ingredients in herbs. The herbs are soaked in alcohol, at least 35 to 45% alcoholic beverage can be used. The herbs and alcohol are mixed 50/50. This is a really fast method of extracting the active ingredients in herbs.
Oils- The oils of the herbs are often extracted using steam distillation, expression, solvent extraction or effleurage. The oils can then by applied to the skin or used in aromatherapy.
Pills- Sometimes the dried herbs or active ingredients that have been extracted form herbs are made into powder form and put into capsules so the herbs can be taken as you would any other pill form of medication.
Getting the active ingredient out of an herb is the key to
using herbs for medicinal purposes. The method used usually
depends upon the time limitations and the abilities of the person
extracting them. Each method can be successful, depending
upon the type of herb. Some herbs react better to certain
methods then others.