Herbal preparation methods
There is no better way to enjoy the full benefits of herbs than to make your own botanical skin care products, herbal medicinal teas, extracts, herbal oils and aromatherapy blends at home. You are in control of the quality, and you save money too! But more importantly, you can create your own personal formals that exactly match you and your family's needs in a way no mass produced product, even the very best ones, can do.
- Measures
- Tisanes - Herbal Teas
- Tinctures
- Compress/Poultice
- Herb Oils
- Essential Oils
- Herbal Vinegars
- Balms/Salves
The most versatile and easy system for measurements is the simplers' method, because it is based on ratios, measurements are referred to as "parts", for instance 3 parts dandelion, 1 part nettle, 2 parts raspberry, is a very common 3:1:2 synergy. This simple way of measurement lets you make your formulation in any volume you wish, whether ounces, tablespoons, cups, liters, grams etc.
When using herbs and essential oils for children, always double check the safety of the herb first. For children under the age of 13, reduce dosages to half that of an adult dose, and continue to reduce by age and weight. In general aged or frail persons need less to produce a therapeutic response.
| Equivalence Measures |
|---|
| 1 pinch = less than 1/8 teaspoon (dry) |
| 1 dash = 3 drops to 1/4 teaspoon (liquid) |
| 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon = 1/2 ounce (liquid and dry) |
| 2 tablespoons = 1 ounce (liquid and dry) |
| 4 tablespoons = 2 ounces (liquid and dry) = 1/4 cup |
| 1 cup = 8 ounces (liquid) = 1/2 pint |
| 16 cups = 128 ounces (liquid) = 4 quarts = 1 gallon |
| Approximate Equivalents |
| 1 quart (liquid) = about 1 liter |
| 8 tablespoons = 4 ounces = 1/2 cup = 1 stick butter |
