Plant material can be prepared in several ways to either take orally or apply to the body. Each method extracts a different suite of phytochemicals, which in turn influences the effect that they have, though all are effective in their own way.
Tinctures
The most commonly used menstrum to make tinctures is some form of alcohol – this ranges from pure grain alcohols, to vodka and brandy. These are considered to extract the majority of phytochemicals that plants have to offer, and are easily taken in drop form added to water, or other drinks.
Personally, I find the grain alcohols to be too harsh on the system, and I most often use a combination of brandy, which is grape based, and vegetable glycerine. The two together soften the harshness of the alcohol, while offering a level of sweetness that can make these preparations a little more palatable. I will also sometimes add honey to make them into more of a syrup before taking. Due to the level of alcohol, they generally last for 1-2 years if kept cool and away fron direct sunlight.
They are not suitable for people who need to avoid alcohol for religious, cultural, or medical reasons (including pregnant women), though they can be used with descretion. Some of the alcohol will evaporate when added to hot drinks, but in most cases, it is better to go for other options like oxymels, that are made from a combination of vinegar and honey.
Tisanes
These are herbal teas made by steeping the dry or fresh plant material in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes before drinking. Different combinations of herbs can be combined in a single tea, and the teas don’t necessarily need to be taken orally. They can be applied to the skin as soothing washes, or can be used to soak the feet or other affected areas for immediate relief. The herbs can also be combined with bath salts (sea salt or epsom salts work well) and used to infuse bath water for a relaxing and regenerative soak.
Salves
These are one of my favourite preparations to make, though it can be time-consuming. The combination of herbs you are using are added to a base oil – I use extra virgin olive oil – and are gently heated in a double boiler for 3-4 hours to extract the maximum amount of properties from the plant material. Either dried or fresh herbs can be used, though if using fresh herbs it is advisable to allow them to wilt slightly to reduce the water content as this can lead to spoiling of the oil.
An alternative is the sun method in which the oil and herbs are left to steep in a sunny spot for a few weeks. I have tried this method, but find that the oil sometimes goes rancid before the extraction is ready, and sometimes the high water content in fresh plant material can lead to mould formation.
Once the extractive process is complete, the spent herbs are strained out of the oil, and beeswax is added to harden. Then they are put into jars for storage. As there is no water in a salve, they can also be kept for 1-2 years if kept appropriately in clean, cool, and dark conditions.
Essences
Flower essences are made in a completely different way as they are not extractive. Instead they harness vibrational energies of flowers to effect subte, yet powerful, emotional healing. Often emotional trauma manifests as physical symptoms.
To make an essence, the relevant blooms are picked at the right time and from an ideal location on a sunny day. They are handled carefully, and placed on the surface of a bowl of purified water and left in situ for several hours. The combined energies of the sun, the flowers, and the purified water leave a vibrational imprint on the water that now is considered to be the ‘mother tincture’. This is decanted and preserved with brandy. Stock and dosage bottles are made by take small amounts of this mother tincture and either blending it with other essences or take alone as a single essence.
The essences general work at a subconscious level and only shift what is ready to move, so they don’t have side effects or interact with other medication. They are most commonly made from flowers, but can also be made from green leaves, trees, gems, crystals, and sacred well water.
Creams
Though these are technically skin care, they can also be quite healing in their own right. The creams I make contain hydrosols – floral or aromatic waters that are created from distilling plant material through steam. And I use either lavender or rose hydrosol, both known for their soothing, toning, and anti-inflammatory properties on the skin. I also add essential oils of iris, frankincense, and bitter orange, which have a similar anti-inflammatory and restorative action on the skin.
The cream formulations are also plant-based, with various butters, oils and aloe vera gel. And they are incredibly moisturising and softening, particularly if used after a bath or shower, or as a cold cream at night.
