Usages and Definitions

Physical Herbal Usages and Definitions:
This information is taken from my article Herbal Healing at Women and Pagan/Spiritual Healing Methods - a Suite101.com topic.

Tisane (Tea): A teaspoon or slightly more of herb matter per eight ounces of boiled water. The water is poured over the herb in a cup or tea pot, and steeped for several minutes. After about fifteen minutes or so, many herbs will become bitter, so I suggest five to ten minutes. Can be used as a wash, or consumed as a hot or cold drink. Sweeten with honey if necessary.

Infusions: Approximately two pints of water poured over an ounce of herb matter, and steeped for up to eight hours. These can be used in bath water, as skin washes, or when blended evenly with more hot water, consumed as tea.

Decoctions: Seeds, roots, rhizomes and denser barks are used in decoctions. There are prepared by directly boiling up to one ounce of the plant material in the water, and then simmering for a period of time. Used much the same as infusions.

Tinctures: One part herb matter to four parts either 60 proof alcohol or apple cider vinegar. Let sit for four to six weeks, shake occaisionally. Strain, and store in dark glass bottles. Use by droppers in water. Tinctures will keep almost indefinitely if stored properly.

Capsules: If an herb has too strong a taste to be consumed as a liquid, or eaten, you can powder the dried herb, and make capsules. Many health food stores and pharmacies carry size 00 gel capsules for this purpose. Make sure to wipe each after filling. Store in a dark container.

Salves: Add the herb material to a beeswax base.

Compress: Wet cloth soaked in a tisane and applied to the skin.

Poultice: Herb material (previously steeped or at least moistened) wrapped in a cloth and applied to the skin.

Magical Herbal Uses and Definitions:

Amulet: Herbs on their own, or with stones and other materials placed inside a small pouch or container, and worn around the neck, or carried in a pocket.

Brews: Herbs combined with liquids and cooked, much like teas. Often the brews contain some alcohol, or non-alcoholic “wine�?

Incense: Herbs crushed into a powder, sometimes scented with oils, sometimes not. Can be burnt loose, or formed into cones or rolled onto incense sticks.

Oils: Essential oil extracts from plants, or fragrance oils taken from the essential oils. Mainly used in incense scenting, aromatherapy and candle anointing.

Placket: Square pieces of material sewn together to form a pocket. Herbs, crystals and the like can be placed inside along with the recipient’s picture or a personal item to affect healing by sympathetic magic.

Poppet: Small, human shaped doll made of cloth, and stuffed with herbs, personal objects such as hair or nail clippings, and other materials. Quite similar to a placket in intent.

Potpourri: Herbs, wood shavings and fragrance oils blended together and simmered in a small amount of water, or left dry in a bowl on a table. Most of the healing properties come from the types of herbs used, and the scent chosen for the oils.