Icarus
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Post by Icarus on Feb 6, 2008 15:17:50 GMT -5
How To Make a Generic Syrup:
These syrups are mainly used to mask the bitter flavor of some herbs. This is especially useful for children who are unwilling to take medicine that tastes bad.
1. Add four cups of water to 1 1/4 pounds of sugar or honey.
2. Heat gently, stirring, to dissolve the sugar or honey.
3. Add five ounces of the herb of choice and heat gently for five minutes.
4. Turn off all heat and allow the mixture to steep overnight in the same container.
5. Store in an airtight container. Make sure to label the container of its contents and uses. Sugar is another preservative, so the syrup should last for about eighteen months.
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Icarus
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Post by Icarus on Feb 6, 2008 15:18:20 GMT -5
To Make Cold Infused Oils:
These are used for scent-therapy, massage, as bath oils, skin and hair conditioners, and for anointing candles.
1. Fill a glass storage container with the dried pieces of the herb you have chosen.
2. Pour in light vegetable oil. This should be just enough to cover the herbs. (Sunflower oil is a great choice for infused oils.)
3. Seal the container and store it in a sunny place for one month, shaking daily.
4. Strain.
5. Now, you can either replace the herbs and recover them with the same oil to make the infusion stronger, or you can strain the liquid into another container for use.
6. To store, make sure the container you choose is completely sealable. Also, make sure you label the container with the name of the infusion and its uses.
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Icarus
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Post by Icarus on Feb 6, 2008 15:18:49 GMT -5
To Make A Tincture:
Tinctures are liquids that are made by steeping the herbs in alcohol (extractor and preservative) and water.
1. Put herbs in a jar or other sealable container. (Four ounces of dried herbs and 11 ounces of fresh herbs)
2. Add one cup of vodka and one cup of water.
3. Seal the lid of the container and allow the mixture to sit and steep for one month. This is best to do in a sunny place. Make sure you shake the container daily.
4. Strain the liquid out of the container into a dark glass container and label the container with the name of its contents and its uses. This will store for about a year and a half.
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Icarus
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Posts: 2,572
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Post by Icarus on Feb 6, 2008 15:19:17 GMT -5
To Make A Decoction:
To extract the valuable essences of roots and barks, an infusion in boiling water is not enough. Barks and roots have to be boiled. The liquid that results from boiling these tougher herb parts is called a “decoction.”
1. Use stainless steel or an enameled pan to make decoctions. Do Not use aluminum.
2. All roots and barks should be harvested in the fall and prepared then.
3. Trim the “aerial” parts of the plant to separate the root from everything else.
4. Wash the roots thoroughly and then chop them up into little pieces.
5. In your pan, combine one teaspoon full of whichever herb you are using to very cup of water that you put into the pan. Bring to a boil and let simmer for ten to fifteen minutes.
6. Strain the liquid off and let cool to drinking temperature, or you may store decoctions for twenty four hours in the fridge.
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