Methods
of Preparing Herbal Remedies
In
traditional herbal medicine systems, herbal remedies are
prepared in several rather standardized ways which usually
vary based upon the plant utilized, and sometimes, what
condition is being treated. Some of these methods include:
infusions (hot teas), decoctions (boiled teas), tinctures
(alcohol and water extracts), and macerations (cold-soaking)
which are detailed more fully herein. In indigenous Indian
medicine systems, medicine men or shamans generally use
these same methods in addition to others. Others include
preparing plants in hot baths (in which the patient is soaked
in it or bathed with it), inhalation of powdered plants
(like snuff), steam inhalation of various aromatic plants
boiled in hot water, and even aromatherapy. The well-trained
herbalist will always throughly review the time-honored
method in which a plant has been traditionally prepared—it
holds important information for preparing an effective herbal
remedy.
Active
Plant Chemicals Equal Active Remedies
The biological or therapeutic activity of a medicinal plant
is closely related to the plant chemicals in it. These chemicals
can be classified into major groups of chemicals such as
essential oils, alkaloids, acids, steroids, tannins, saponins
and so forth. Each one of these classes of chemicals may
have a preferred effective method of extraction which facilitates
getting the chemicals out of the plant and into the herbal
remedy that is being prepared. For example, some active
chemicals found in plants are not soluble or dissolved in
water, therefore just preparing a hot tea with the plant,
or even boiling the plant in hot water won't extract these
chemicals into the resulting water extract/tea remedy. Generally,
if they aren't water soluble, they won't be broken down
in the digestive process either, so taking the plant in
capsules or tablets won't be much help either. If the active
chemicals aren't in the prepared remedy - then it probably
won't provide any benefits that are attributed to these
chemicals. These same chemicals may however be more soluble
in alcohol. . . which is why the time-honored method of
preparing the plant has been as a tincture (or a water/alcohol
extract).
Interestingly,
this is also the reason why some plants are prepared in
one manner to treat one specific condition, yet are prepared
in a different way to treat a completely different condition.
For example; preparing an infusion/tea of a plant might
extract a delicate group of anti-inflammatory plant steroids
to treat arthritis (and leave behind other non-water soluble
chemicals). Yet when the same plant is prepared in alcohol
as a tincture, the delicate steroids are degraded or burned-up
in the alcohol but different antibacterial alkaloids (which
are only soluble in alcohol) are extracted instead. This
may explain why a tea of the plant is used for arthritis
while a tincture of the same plant is traditionally used
to treat various bacterial infections.
The
rainforest shaman or rural herbal healer is not a trained
chemist with high-tech machines and scientific instruments
at their disposal to isolate and study plant chemicals.
Their knowledge has been built over time—decades of passed
down empirical knowledge from trial and error, human experimentation,
and even serendipity, about the best way to prepare medicinal
plants into effective herbal remedies. Yet, more oftentimes
than not, plant chemists and scientists generally get around
to verifying that these so-called "uneducated"
herbal healers have maneuvered thru complex chemical differences,
reactions and interactions, and different types of chemicals
- "unwittingly" developing the most efficient
manner to extract and utilize their biological activities.
It is usually the shaman's knowledge, however, that the
really smart scientists start with which gives specific
clues as to which types of chemicals might be present in
a plant based upon the traditional preparation method used.
Rather
than to enroll in some organic chemistry class to understand
the complex chemical makeup of the plants in this book and
how to prepare or use them; simply pay attention to the
traditional manner in which they have been prepared. This
information is well recorded in the main plant section of
the book as to how each plant is prepared when it is used
for various condition and remedies. If it says the plant
is prepared into a tea to treat one condition, and prepared
as a tincture to treat something different. . . there is
probably a reason for it!
Choosing
Products
Many of the plants featured in this book are available in
the retail market; in dried raw form, as well as in manufactured
products (prepared capsules, tinctures, extracts, etc.)
The smart consumer however, will be prepared to notice whether
product manufacturers have followed these traditional preparation
methods—because they will make a difference in the quality
and results one can expect to achieve with any given product.
A good example is the rainforest plant, muira puama (featured
in this book). It has gained in popularity in the retail
market over the last 5 years as a male aphrodisiac and libido
stimulant following it's long history of use in the Amazon
for male sexual function. As such, it is showing up as an
ingredient in many libido and male sexual health formulas
sold in health food stores. The well-informed consumer however,
would know that most of the chemicals which provide this
benefit are soluble only in alcohol and would pass by the
products on the shelf that just put muira puama in a capsule
or tablet (and there are quite a few out there!) choosing
a prepared alcohol tincture instead.
Its
hard to say if herbal manufacturers are uninformed, or just
capitalizing on the market created for a popular herb when
they ignore traditional preparation methods. Many utilize
only one extraction method for every product in their line
regardless of the many medicinal plants they work with and
their unique chemical contents. This usually results in
some products being effective, while others are not, depending
on which active chemicals actually got extracted by their
one standardized manufacturing method. Unfortunately, it
is usually consumers' hard-earned dollars that determine
which are effective. Sadder still, the value and efficacy
of the medicinal plants themselves are often judged by these
poorly manufactured products. There are many men out there
today which claim muira puama just didn't deliver the results
(or the value for their money) because they chose some bark
capsule product, when in fact, it is one of the best natural
products available today for male sexual function when it
is prepared properly - as an alcohol tincture.
So,
as with most industries, the old saying of "let the
buyer beware" certainly has a place in the herbal products
industry. Before purchasing manufactured herbal products
- do some research and pay close attention to traditional
methods. While capsules and tablets certainly are easier
to take (and don't taste bad), sometimes they just won't
be as effective as a foul-tasting herbal decoction or tincture.
There can be some adaptations however. As a general rule
of thumb, many plants which are traditionally prepared as
infusions and cold macerations will have active chemicals
which are soluble in water. This means that the plant can
probably be taken in a tablet or capsule (that the herbal
healer in the Amazon doesn't have access to therefore isn't
recorded as a "traditional" method) since the
chemicals will be broken down and dissolved in the digestive
tract. There are a few exceptions—generally for aromatic
plants which need heat to release the aromatic essential
oils which are inhaled when sipping the tea remedy as well
as better absorbed in the mouth and throat. These adaptations
have been noted in the Plant Data Summary reference guide
in this section with the "Main Preparation Method"
indicated. Before buying or preparing a remedy however,
it is still always best to refer to the complete information
in the main plant section about the plant since there may
be some differences in methods based on the type of remedy
wanted for a specific condition.
Preparing
Your Own Remedies
While a bit more trouble and time consuming, making your
own natural remedies is usually much more economical than
purchasing manufactured products. They can also be much
more effective when prepared properly and by following time-honored
traditional preparation methods. The first step is sourcing
the good raw plant materials. Most coming from South America
and the Amazon (featured in this book) will only be available
in a dried state, and in either a cut herb or ground powder
form. Find a reputable supplier who exports regularly from
the region and PLEASE, ask questions about their harvesting
practices. Many South American plants are harvested unsustainably
- causing more rainforest destruction, rather than helping
to preserve it. Again, do the research required to find
a good supplier, ask questions, and make sure you are obtaining
the correct species of plant, it is fresh, and it has been
sustainably harvested.
If
you don't plan on using the plant(s) immediately, it's best
to keep them unopened, in their original packaging, and
away from direct sunlight (just put them in a closed cupboard/cabinet).
Many plants will absorb moisture and humidity from the air,
so if they are opened, reseal them tightly, or put them
into glass jars with a tight-fitting lid (avoid metal containers).
Most will never require refrigeration or freezing - just
keep them at average room temperature (70-80 degrees). Generally,
the "shelf-life" for optimum freshness will be
about a year for a dried leaves, and two years for dried
barks and roots if stored properly. If you live in a warm,
high humidity area, it may be impossible to keep moisture
out of regularly opened and closed glass containers, and
the plants may become moldy. If this happens, discard them
and purchase fresh ones. Next time, try storing them in
paper lunch bags so they can "breathe" (although
this will reduce the shelf-life significantly).
It
is not always necessary to find a tea-cut plant to prepare
a tea; ground powders can be used to make teas, tinctures
and decoctions just as well. Since the plant is finely ground,
it usually makes a stronger remedy as more surface area
of the plant is available to extract in the liquid. Extra
time filtering is normally required when working with plant
powders, but many herbalists prefer working with powders
instead of bulky cut herbs since they make stronger extracts.
It is also recommended to use distilled or purified water
when extracting medicinal plants. Regular tap water can
contain chlorine and other chemicals which might have an
interaction or chain reaction with one or more of the many
chemicals found in plants.
Instructions for the main preparation methods used in the
reference guides and in the main plant section are as follows.
Infusions
Infusions are typically used for delicate herbs, leaves
and fresh tender plants. Preparing an infusion is much like
making a cup of tea. Water is brought just to a boil and
then poured over an herb (or combination of herbs), it is
covered and allowed to sit/steep for 10-15 minutes or so.
It can be prepared in the drinking cup (by just pouring
the heated water over the herb in the cup) or by dropping
the herb into the pot which the water was heated in. Empty
gauze tea-bags are even available at some herb stores which
can be filled with herbs and then sealed with a iron. If
an infusion is prepared in the heating pan/pot, it's best
to use a ceramic pot with a lid (avoid metal pots). Stirring
it a few times while steeping (especially with cut herbs)
is helpful. Keeping the infusion covered while steeping
is generally recommended as well (place a saucer on top
of the cup, or a lid on top of the pot). The ratio of herb
to water can vary depending on the remedy, the plant, and
whether cut herb or powdered herb is used. Generally using
1 teaspoon of powdered herb or 2 teaspoons of more bulky
cut herb in a 6-8 ounce cup of water is sufficient. If using
a powdered herb; stir once halfway through the seeping time
and let the powder settle to the bottom of the cup, then
drink the infusion off the top (leaving the sediment in
the bottom of the cup). If using a cut herb, strain the
infusion with a tea-strainer after seeping. Infusions are
best prepared as needed and taken the same day it was prepared
and can be taken hot, warm, or cold. Standard dosages of
infusions are generally one teacup (6-8 ounces), two or
three times daily. The entire day's dosage can be prepared
in the morning (2-3 cups at one time), and the remainder
refrigerated until ready to use. The exceptions are the
more aromatic plants with active essential oils. These are
best prepared in single dosages (by the cupful) as needed
and taken immediately (and while still hot/warm).
Decoctions
Decoctions are usually the method of choice when working
with tougher and more fibrous plants, barks and roots (and
which have water soluble chemicals). Instead of just steeping
it in hot water, the plant material is boiled for a longer
period of time to soften the harder woody material and release
its active constituents. To prepare a decoction, select
a ceramic pot with a snug fitting lid. Measure the amount
of herb needed (usually the same ratio of 1 teaspoon powdered
herb or 2 teaspoons of cut herb per 8 ounces of water) into
the pot and add the proper amount of cold water depending
on how many cups of the decoction you wish to prepare. Turn
on the heat to medium high and bring to a roiling boil.
Place the lid on the pot and reduce the heat to medium or
medium-low so that the mixture stays at a good simmer. Simmer
it covered for 20 minutes. If you can see steam escaping
or smell the aroma of the herb, your lid is not tight enough
and valuable essential oils are escaping. After 20 minutes,
remove from heat and cool slightly. If using cut herbs,
strain the mixture through a tea strainer into a teacup.
When straining, make sure to press on the cut herb pieces
in the strainer to get as much liquid/decoction out of the
herb pieces as possible. If using powdered herb, allow the
powder to settle to the bottom of the pot and then pour
off the decoction from the top into a teacup (any sediment
missed will settle to the bottom of the teacup). Standard
dosages for decoction are generally one-half to one cup,
two or three times daily. Again, the entire day's dosage
can be prepared in the morning (2-3 cups at one time), and
the remainder refrigerated until ready to use later in the
day.
Strong
Decoctions
Depending on the type of plant material used, strong decoctions
are prepared in two general ways. The first involves boiling
the mixture longer. This is usually indicated when working
with larger woody pieces of bark. Longer boiling time, up
to 2 hours or more, is sometimes necessary to break down,
soften, and extract the larger pieces. Alternatively, when
smaller woody pieces are used yet a stronger remedy is wanted,
the decoction is prepared as above (boiling 20 minutes),
then it is allowed to sit/soak overnight before straining
out the herb. When straining, again, make sure to press
on the cut herb pieces in the strainer to get as much moisture/decoction
out of the herb pieces.
Tinctures
A tincture is an alcohol and water extract which is used
when plants have active chemicals that are not very soluble
in water, and/or when a larger quantity is prepared for
convenience and wanted for longer term storage. Many properly
prepared plant tinctures can last several years or more
without losing potency. The percentage of alcohol usually
helps determine it's shelf-life: the more alcohol used,
the longer the shelf life. Sometimes the percentage of alcohol
and water is unique to the herbs that are used as some active
ingredients are more soluble in alcohol and others more
soluble in water. The type of alcohol can vary. . . from
vodka, rum, or 90 to 180 proof grain alcohol (sold as "everclear"
in liquor stores and sometimes cheaper than vodka). Vodka
is fine, but remember if it says 40 proof; it is 40% alcohol
and the rest is water. In the Amazon, a sugar-cane alcohol
resembling rum and called aguardiente is often used to prepare
plant tinctures and it is 40 to 50% alchohol. To prepare
a tincture with a shelf-life of at least one year, plan
on using a minimum of 40% alcohol and the balance distilled
water unless otherwise noted in the plant information in
section 3. Use a clean glass bottle or jar with tight fitting
lid or cork. Use a dark colored bottle (like a recycled
green/amber wine bottle) or plan on storing the bottle out
of the sunlight. When working with dried plants, use two
ounces of plant material (cut or powder) for every 8 ounces
(1 cup) of liquid. Since many cut herbs can be bulky, measure
the amount of cut herb by weight and not volume (ie; most
cooks would tell you 2 tablespoons of butter is 1 ounce...
however a lightweight bulky leaf is not as heavy as butter
in the same volume or by the tablespoon). A "standard
4:1 tincture" usually means 1 part herb to 4 parts
liquid (or as above, 1 ounce herb to 4 ounces of liquid).
To prepare approximately 1 cup of tincture (some of the
liquid will be absorbed by the dry plant material) place
2 ounces of the herb (cut up or powdered) into your clean
glass container. Pour ½ cup (4 ounces) of distilled
water and ½ cup (4 ounces) of 90 proof alcohol into
the container (or just use 1 cup of straight 40 proof vodka
and no water). Seal the container and store at room temperature
away from direct sunlight. Shake the bottle/jar at least
once daily while allowing it to soak/extract for at least
two weeks (larger woody cut herb pieces may need to soak
for 4 weeks). At the end of two weeks, filter the tincture
through a strainer to remove the plant parts (pressing hard
on the plant material to get as much liquid out as possible)
and pour into a fresh clean glass container and seal. Some
like to pour it through a cheese cloth and then use the
cheese cloth to more easily wring out the liquid from the
plant material. If using a powdered plant for the tincture,
stop shaking for three days and the powder will settle to
the bottom. Pour the tincture off the top through a piece
of cheesecloth to filter it.
Since
this method uses a higher ratio of plant to liquid and helps
concentrate the chemicals through the use of alcohol, dosages
needed for tinctures are usually much less than infusions
and decoctions. Average dosages for tinctures are about
1-2 milliliters (about 30 to 60 drops) two to three times
daily. The tincture can be placed directly in the mouth
for immediate absorption, or placed in a small amount of
water or juice. If you dislike the alcohol content (or want
to give the remedy to a child), place the dosage in about
1-2 ounces of very hot water and most of the alcohol will
be evaporated in the hot water in a minute or two. (Let
cool before taking). Store the tincture at room temperature
and away from direct sunlight.
Macerations
This method of preparation is certainly the easiest. The
fresh or dried plant material is simply covered in cool
water and soaked overnight. The herb is strained out and
the liquid is taken. Normally this is used for very tender
plants and/or fresh plants, or those with delicate chemicals
that might be harmed by heating or which might be degraded
in strong alcohol. This is also the easiest to adapt to
western methods, since tablets or capsules can be used instead.
Alternatively, just stir the ground plant powder into juice,
water or smoothies and drink.
Poultices
and Compresses
Many herbal remedies are applied directly to the skin as
poultices - usually on rashes and wounds and as topical
pain-relieving remedies. Poultices are prepared in various
ways... from the jungle shaman chewing up fresh leaves or
roots and spitting them out onto the skin, to mashing up
fresh leaves or roots by hand or with a mortar and pestle.
Sometimes just enough hot water is poured over dried or
fresh plant material to soften them. Then the wet herbs
are placed directly on the skin or between two pieces of
cloth and laid on the skin. A light cotton bandage to bind
the poultice to the area is generally used (or in the jungle,
a nice large flexible leaf is commonly employed and tied
with a bit of twine). Compresses are simply soaking a cloth
in a prepared infusion, tincture or decoction and laying
the cloth onto the affected part of the body/skin. Since
most American readers of this book will only have access
to dried plant materials to work with, using compresses
instead of poultices will suffice for many of the describe
indigenous poultice remedies. More specific adaptations
and directions where applicable are found in the main plant
section under "Traditional Remedy" where it might
say to apply an infusion or decoction topically.
Baths
and Bathing Remedies
Quite a few popular jungle remedies which have been used
for thousands of years in the Amazon are prepared as vapor
baths, or medicinal plants are added to bath water and the
patient is soaked in it. This method is not unlike some
of the currently evolving dermal delivery systems for drug
absorption being employed in conventional medicine. The
skin is a wonderful organ capable of absorbing plant chemicals
(and even synthetic chemicals) directly thru the skin, and
into the underlying fat tissue, then into the bloodstream.
Since fresh plants are generally used for bathing remedies
(chopped or crushed first before adding to the bath water),
western adaptations are not always possible when only dried
plant materials are available here. In the alternative,
try 20 to 30 ounces of a strong decoction or infusion added
to your bath water and soak in it for at least 10 minutes.
The information provided above has been quoted from the
book, The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie Taylor
(Square One Publishers, Inc. 2004) and is intended for educational,
entertainment and information purposes only.
