When it comes to crafting with herbs, there are many ways to capture the benefits of plants. From oils to salves, to culinary uses and more, let's break down some of the most common ways herbs can be used.
GATHERING YOUR MATERIALS:
Fresh herbs: if using herbs directly after gathering, process your harvest as soon as possible to maintain the life force. You should make your medicines right after harvest. Harvest only what you can use. Refrigerate herbs only when needed.
Dried herbs: if you are drying herbs you have wild harvested or collected from your garden, we suggest using a drying screen or hanging upside down by the stems in a cool and dry place. A best practice is to avoid humid or sunny spots, as that can prolong drying and create an environment for mold to grow.
HERBAL REMEDY 101:
Let's dive into the many ways you can use plants!
Infusion:
An infusion is a strong tea and a great way to enjoy not only the benefits but the taste of medicinal herbs. Pour boiling water over leaves and flowers, cover, and let it steep. Use 1 ounce of dry herbs or 1-2 handfuls of fresh herbs per quart of water. Cover roots and barks with cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer. Add honey to a strong infusion to make a syrup. Infusions can also be used to wash wounds and skin irritations.
Another fun way to use infusions is to make herbal ice cubes, like our nettle infused ice cube recipe or even turn your infusion into a tasty lemonade.
Tincture:
An extraction of herbs in alcohol. Fill a jar with chopped herbs, cover it with 100-proof vodka or brandy, and store in a dark place. Shake daily for 6 weeks, then strain and bottle.
Oxymel:
A traditional, syrup-like herbal remedy made by infusing herbs in vinegar, usually raw apple cider vinegar, and later blending with honey.
Herbal Oil:
An extraction of herbs in a high quality oil (extra virgin olive oil is common) using low heat. Chop up the herb, cover with oil, and brew in the sun for 2-4 weeks, or brew herbs in a crockpot, double boiler, or roaster oven for several hours. Warm gently, do not put oils over direct heat or cook them hotter than you can comfortably touch. After the herbs are extracted into the oil, strain, and bottle.
Herbal Salve:
A body butter or balm. Melt a thickener, such as beeswax, into a strained herbal oil and stir to evenly blend it. We suggest a double boiler for this to reduce the risk of the oil getting too hot. (1 ounce of wax to 1 cup oil makes a good consistency).
Poultice:
An external application of herbs over wounds, bites, skin irritations, sprains, and strains. Make a mash by crushing or chewing the herb to release the juices. Add a small amount of hot water to dry herbs.
Apply directly on skin or over a cotton cloth if there are irritating plant hairs. Cover the poultice with a cotton cloth to hold it in place until dry.
Culinary Uses:
Cooking with herbs is sometimes one of the most overlooked ways to use them medicinally! At Motherlove, we love incorporating herbs into as much of our day as possible, and with meals is one of the best ways. Whether making a chive blossom butter, infusing herbal finishing oils, or simply adding herbs to flavor dishes, it all counts as a wonderful way to bring more into your diet.
Learn More:
Want to get your hands on more recipes and support? You can find a lot of valuable information, plant identification, and herbal uses in our Founders Herbal Guide here. Additionally, we recommend getting your hands on any of Rosemary Gladstar's books. She has a publication for everyone, whether curious about women's health, children's health or everyday herbal remedies. Lastly, we love the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevalier.
Enjoy making some herbal magic!
