Regardless of what modern philosophy may teach in schools, all medicines were derived from plants. The truth is that all sources of energy are derived from plants. The reason for this is because plants absorb energy, both from the ground and from the heavens in order to survive.
Thus plants usually contain most of the necessary nutrients that all other life requires. As well, when plants die, they add substance to the ground, which makes the Earth even more fertile for future life. Plants heal the Earth.
Humans can also use plants to heal themselves.
Herbs can be used in many different ways and I am sure it will surprise you how many different methods there are. Firstly, herbs can be used fresh or dried. Fresh herbs can be made into teas, decoctions, infused into oils, and used as poultices. As well, many fresh herbs can be squeezed for their juice, which has medicinal properties, this juice can be applied to the skin or drunk as a shot. Herbs can be dried to increase their lifespan. Herbs that are dried can last many months and a few years, however fresh herbs will spoil within a week or two.
The most common way of taking herbs is “teas”. Herbal teas can be prepared with two different methods: infusions and decoctions
infusion vs decoctions (tea)
Water Infusion or “tea”:
Infusions are made by pouring boiling water over the herbs and steeping them for anywhere from 15 minutes to a long as a whole day. Generally, we advise customers to bring 1 cup of water to a boil, then add the herb and set the heat to the lowest setting, then simmer for 10-20 minutes covered, strain the liquid into a cup then drink as is, or add honey or agave. Usually infusions are made using the the delicate portions of the herb such as: leaves, flowers and weak stems.
Some herbs that are best infused: chamomile, calendula, lavender, mullein, echinacea flowers and leaves, raspberry leaves, nettle, alfalfa, oat straw, senna, elder flower
Decoctions:
Decoctions are made by boiling the herb for up to 5 minutes, then allowing it to simmer for at least 20 minutes before drinking the fluid. We advise customers to add herbs to 2 cups of water and boil for 5-10 minutes, or until half the water remains (a cup), then strain out the liquid into a cup. Usually, decoctions are made using hardy stems, barks, roots, rhizomes, seeds, berries and some tough leaves.
Herbs best suited for decoction: white willow bark, ashwagandha, hawthorn berries, ginger root, pau d’arco, echinacea root, dandelion root, yellow dock, burdock root, rhubarb root, maca, elder berries