Plant Medicine 101- Finding The Method That's Right For You

With words like infusion, decoction, tincture, and glycerite being thrown around, I figured it would be best if I wrote you a little herbal preparations guide so that you can choose a delivery method that fits with your lifestyle and goals. This will take you one step closer to becoming the plant witch you know you want to be!

Water Based Preparations

Water is a lovely menstruum, or solvent, for plant matter. It is especially helpful for extracting vitamins and minerals from plants...the goodness that we all need more of in our lives!

Infusions. An infusion is made by placing dried or fresh herb in a pot or container with a lid, pouring boiling water overtop and letting it steep for 10 to 15 minutes before straining. It is the best option if you are using leaves or flowers, as they are the most delicate parts of the plant and can be damaged with excess heat.

Decoctions. A decoction is the preferred preparation for woody plants, barks, roots, and berries. This plant matter is tougher and therefore requires a little more TLC to release all of its medicine! For this method you place the herbs in a pot with filtered water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, covered. Strain and enjoy.

Water based preparations are extremely valuable medicine. Many of us look at herbal teas as somehow less-than other forms of medicines or supplements. Because of our human tendency to overcomplicate things, the simplicity of a herbal tea must mean that it's somehow less effective. But in reality, teas are something I will always try to recommend first before other methods, for a few reasons! They are hydrating, packed with vitamins and minerals, and also bypass digestion. This makes teas (and tinctures--liquid forms of medicine) ideal for individuals struggling with digestive health issues, rather than capsules or dry formulas that need to go through the digestive process in order to be used by the body.

Herbal teas can be great daily tonics that provide us with high quality nutrients that are depleted in our modern diet, boost the resiliency of our system, and provide the body with what it needs in order to maintain health and heal itself. Modern lifestyles, poor diet, lack of sleep, and stress are all extremely depleting to the body.

Alcohol Based Preparations

Alcohol is an ideal solvent for medicinal plant constituents, and when combined with water it is a powerhouse. Alcohol acts as a preservative, and so this form is great to have on hand for fast and effective medicine that can maintain its potency for years.

Tinctures. Herbs are mixed with alcohol in the correct proportions, and left to macerate for at least a month before straining and bottling. Tinctures are much stronger, volume for volume, than infusions and decoctions and so only a few drops at a time are taken. Drops can be placed on or under the tongue for immediate absorption (although the taste can be quite strong), placed in water or juice, or placed in hot water for a tea. When a tincture is put into hot water some of the alcohol content evaporates, leaving most of the herbal constituents in the water. Tinctures can also be added to foot baths (our feet are incredible for absorbing medicines!), capsules, lozenges, and smoothies.

Glycerine Based Preparations

A glycerite is an herbal tincture made with a base of glycerine, a sweet liquid made from soybean, coconut, or palm oils. Tinctures made from glycerine are great for those who wish to avoid alcohol, children, and those who prefer a sweeter taste for easier consumption. Glycerites do not last as long as alcohol tinctures, though, so they should be used more quickly to ensure freshness and potency.

Vinegar Based Preparations

Herbal Vinegar is a vinegar-based tincture that is often used for culinary medicine. Herb infused vinegars can pack a punch nutritionally and medicinally, and can be incorporated into recipes that use vinegar like salad dressings, sauces, marinades, or added to water for a pre-meal blood sugar balancing hack!

Oxymels are created when you mix an herbal vinegar with honey, which softens the taste so that they can be taken on their own, used in cooking preparations, or added to drinks for a kombucha-style healthful beverage with a variety of health benefits (depending on the herb(s) used).

Dry Preparations

Herbs can be made into capsules, tablets, or lozenges for consumption. Many people find the convenience of capsules to be a bonus when trying to add herbs into their self-care routine. They can be taken at any time, are tasteless, and are already prepared and shelf-stable.

Herbal Oils

Herbs can also be used externally with great result, and when made properly (like the method that I use), herbal oils can contain medicinal doses of herbs that get absorbed into the system and work their magic. Herbal oils can be used for cleansing and moisturizing the skin, reducing inflammation and healing damaged or injured skin, soothing the nervous system, and providing a loving touch that we all need. Massaging herbal oils onto the soles of the feet is one of my favourite self care practices, and I love massaging my childs feet for some loving touch, connection, and relaxation before bed.

Flower Essences

Flower essences are a lovely way to bring plant magic into your life. They are prepared using a flowering plant, without damaging it, and their purpose is energetic and emotional rather than physical medicine. We are energetic beings, and connecting with flowers in this gentle and subtle yet powerful way can be potent medicine for those dealing with a variety of emotional disturbances.

Voila. You are now a beginner plant witch! Now that you know all of the preparations, share in the comments which ones you gravitate towards! I would love to provide you with more of what you are looking for.

Sending Love,

Jenna