* Oil Massage * * Decoction Teas * * Infusion Teas * * Tinctures * * Herbal Vinegar * * Herbal Oils * * Balms/Salves * * Poultice * * Compress * * Essential Oils * * Spray Mist * * Ointments *

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 formuals that exactly match you and your family's needs in a way no mass produced product, even the very best ones, can do.

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.

Herbal Teas -Tisanes : Two cups water to one ounce dried herb, (1 to 2 tablespoons), or 1 cupped handful of the fresh herb. Depending on the herb you will generally use hot to boiling water. Pour hot water over herb in a closed container and leave to steep.

Decoction : Unlike infusions, decoctions are boiled. Woody roots, non-aromatic seeds and barks are suited to this method.

Tincture : Either fresh or dried finely chopped herbs can be used. Use of one pint of menstruum to two ounces of dried herbs, or about two handfuls of fresh

Herbal syrup : Stock your home apothecary with easy to make herbal syrups to prepare for cough and cold season. This method lends itself well to herbs such as comfrey, elder, schisandra, valerian, anise, hyssop, horehound and elecampane.

Poultice : Poultices are simply moisted herbs applied externally and are commonly used to treat swelling, pain and congestion.

Balms/Salve : Herbal oils form a great basis for salves and balms, or you can use a plain vegetable oil such as jojoba or olive.

Massage Oils : Massage is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. When applying essential oils to the skin, always dilute with a carrier oil before applying.

Steam Inhale : Steam is one of the best methods to ease breathing and break up congestion.

Bath : When adding the essential oils to the hot bath, wait until the water has stopped running, so they don't evaporate. You can dilute the oils in a base oil or honey, or add them nea

Compress : This method is used to treat skin irritation, headaches, chest congestion or swelling from an injury. A compress can be made with a bandage or any clean cloth folded to form a pad.

Herb Infused Oil : Medicinal Oils can be used alone, or can form the basis of salves and balms. The general principal is simple: Oil + heat + herbs = Herbal Oil.

Essential Oil Diffusers : Using essential oils in aroma lamps, diffusers and mist sprays.

Smoke : There are many traditional recipes that call for the smoking of herbs both in smudges and as herbal tobacco.

Crafts : You can make and give easy to craft gifts for much less than you can buy them for even when you splurge on the highest quality bulk ingredients.

Herb Vinegar : The basic steps in making herbal and fruit vinegars are quite simple. Your goal with herbal vinegars is to add flavor and zest to your diet, however, herbal vinegars are so healthy some proclaim them a miracle cure all.

Powders/Capsules : Powdering herbs is a three step process - drying, grinding and sifting. Powders are used to make herbal capsules, in body powders, tooth powders, and for making spices for cooking and baking recipes.

Ointment : These ointments are called for when you need a protective barrier against moisture to protect cuts and scrapes from bacteria and infection. The petroleum jelly and lanolin do not penetrate the skin, but are made to keep germs out and healing herbal tinctures and oils in contact with the skin.