How to Make Herbal Medicine at Home in Your Kitchen

Did you know you can make some of your medicine at home in your kitchen? Medicine that is safe, effective, and inexpensive. Medicine that will ease the symptoms of common ailments, minor cuts and scrapes, skin conditions, heartburn, and sleep aids. Medicine that does not add more negative symptoms due to side effects. This is where herbal medicine comes in.

The properties in the leaves and roots of herbal plants are the foundation of herbal medicines. Herbal medicine has been in use for ages, for example, the use of Willow bark. The bark of the willow tree was used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory by the Sumerians and Egyptians over 3,500 years ago and was later used to ease the pain of childbirth in ancient Greece and to cure fevers.

Some of the most common herbal plants used for medicine can be grown right in your home garden or in containers. Here we touch on some of those and also just touch on some of their uses.

Aloe - Aloe can be used for burns, skin irritations, and - rashes, and is also a safe laxative.

Burdock - Burdock is used internally for various skin conditions and as a liver remedy and digestive issues.

Chamomile - Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory and can help relieve minor aches and pains

Calendula - Calendula is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory used on many skin conditions.

Echinacea - Echinacea is immune enhancing and used for sore throats.

Ginger - Ginger is used internally as an anti-inflammatory for joints, colds, and flu.

Peppermint - Peppermint is a great digestive aid.

Sage - Sage is a great cold and flu fighter, it lowers cholesterol and is a good digestive aid.

Lavender - Lavender is a mild anti-depressant.

Thyme - Thyme helps fight off infection and can help relieve a sore throat.

How do you use your herbs as medicine and what will we need?

We will need to form the herbs into tea, syrup, an oil, slave or tincture, or a pill. All this takes for tools are some simple everyday items that you probably already have in your kitchen.

The list could include:

Cheese Cloth for straining

Various strainers

Stainless steel, glass, enamel, or ceramic pots and lids and a double broiler

***(Never Aluminum. Aluminum = Toxic)

Glass jars and lids

A coffee grinder used for grinding the dried herbs

Measuring spoons and cups, preferably glass or stainless steel

And, then we will need our herbs, dried or fresh (With a blend use either all dried or all fresh). We always use good quality, organic herbs. Because I have the luxury of growing most of mine I can harvest, dry, and store them until I want to use them. If not grown at home my trusted source for dried herbs is Mountain Rose Herbs. There you will find a wonderful selection of herbs for making your herbal medicines at home. Browse the site of Mountain Rose Herbs and get an idea of what they have. Meanwhile, I'm going to put together some directions for making some simple but effective herbal medicines for you to make and have in your medicine cabinet.

I believe once you make your herbal medicine at home in your kitchen it is going to be something you share with your friends and your family. It feels good to be self-reliant. And, herbal medicine can be preventive medicine! I think that is so very awesome!

The easiest way to get started is with Medicinal Teas. Medicinal teas are stronger than your average beverage tea, and while a beverage tea can indeed be supportive of your health, medicinal teas are specifically prepared for their healing qualities.

Medicinal teas are made from either a diffusion or decoction process.

Infusions use the leaves, stems, fruits and flowers of a plant drawing the rich constitutes from the delicate parts of the plants by infusing in hot water. A decoction uses the roots or bark of a plant or tree. This process consists of the roots or woody parts to gently simmer in hot water.

Let's make an Medicinal Infusion!

• Bring just over a quart of water to a boil. Turn off heat

  
  

• Place 4 - 6 tablespoons of dried herbs or 6 - 8 fresh herbs into the pot and cover for 30 - 45 minutes.

  
  

• Strain and drink warm or cooled

Let's make a Medicinal Decoction!

• Place your herbs in a pan along with one quart of water. (4 -6 Tablespoons dried or 6 - 8 tablespoons fresh).

  
  

• Bring the water to a slow simmer, cover pot, simmer for 25 - 45 minutes depending on herb/herbs used.

  
  

• Strain and drink, warm or cool

  
  

• Alternatively: Simmer in the pot for 30 minutes and allow to infuse overnight. Strain and drink.

  
  

Dosage /Adult: Typically 1/4 cup tea every 30 minutes with up to 4 cups per day

We're off to a good start in making Herbal Medicine at home in our kitchens!

next we will make medicinal syrup using herbs and honey.

Let's make some medicinal syrup!

Our syrup will use a condensed concoction. We will use 1 quart of water and 2 ounces of herbs.

• Over low heat, bring the quart of water and 2 oz. of herbs to a simmer. Lower heat (do not go over 110 Fahrenheit as this destroy the honeys enzymes). Notice where the contents come up to the pan sides. Partially cover the pan with a lid. Allow to simmer until contents are down to 1/2.

  
  

• Strain and measure the liquid, in pints. Place the liquid back into the pot.

  
  

• For each pint of liquid add 1 cup of honey.

  
  

• Stir well and warm over low heat until the honey is completely combined with the liquid.

  
  

• Pour into glass bottles. The syrup will last for several weeks stored in the refrigerator.

Dosage / Adult: Typically one can take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon syrup every 2 hours.

We're off to a good start in making Herbal Medicine at home in our kitchens! Next time we'll make a salve and a tincture.

So, stay tuned and stay healthy.

`Val

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