Here are some definitions of herbal methods. Although herbal mixes are often stated as exact, please note that a statement such as "one ounce in one pint" works for one herb but not for another owing to variable chemistry of natural herbs. You may even have to vary your mixes from seasonal changes, or from where the herbs were grown, from herbs grown in sun vrs. shade, and for many reasons. Test, test, test. Some herbs contain important and effective chemicals that may be so volatile that they will disappear if the water is too hot (not even boiling). Others may need hours of boiling to bring the chemical substance into the water (or other substance such as oil used as a carrier). Remember, butter is a good herbal carrier for many herbs if you have nothing else available and need an ointment quickly.

DECOCTION

A decoction is made by placing an herb or mix of herbs in water, boiling and simmering for a period of time, often 30 minutes or an hour, then straining, bottling, and refrigeratoring for future use. Commonly used measurements are one ounce per pint of water or to fill the pot with herbs, cover with water and simmer. This is a basic method of use for herbs that contain chemicals that dissolve in water but may be difficult or slow to get out of the plant.

INFUSION

An infusion is very similar to a decoction but is used with herbs that are more volatile or dissolve readily in water or release their active ingredients easily in oil. Making an infusion is virtually the same as making tea from leaves. Pour boiling water over the herb (or water of the appropriate temperature) and allow to steep for a time, usually 15 to 30 minutes or until the mix cools. The mix is then strained, bottled, and refrigerated for future use. Quantities of the herb/water or oil mix will vary according to the herb or how strong you want the mix. Common measurements are one ounce of herb to one pint of liquid but this may vary greatly.

MACERATE

Macerate the herb by crushing, beating, chopping, tearing, etc to gain access to the cell structure. This will bring a more rapid penetration of the herbal chemical into the liquid. If you are mixing in oils, almond, sesame, grape, or other very pure vegetable oil is best to use. Use caution in heating oils, they do not have the same boiling point as water and are often flammable, bursting into fire or smoking badly when too hot. Best is to heat oils in a double pot or in a larger pan of water, keeping the oil temperature to a safe level. Macerated herbs are often used directly on the skin as a poultice, or application where needed. Note that dried herbs may be used similarly.

OINTMENT

An ointment is made by infusing a fatty substance such as oil, lard, or butter with the herbal essence. In the old days, goose grease, bear grease, and other animal fats were commonly used. Today there is a wide range of vegetable oils which will do superbly as carriers for your herbal essence. Follow the caution in MACERATE about heating oils. Add a suitable amount of herb to your oil or melted substance and heat cautiously until desired herbal effect is attained. As per example; using citronella leaves, the oil must not be hotter than a baby's bottle or the citronella substance will boil off into the air and none will be in the oil.

POULTICE

A poultice is made by lightly wrapping gauze or cheesecloth around activated herbs or may be a cloth impregnated by a herbal essence. Commonly, herbs to be used are activated by pouring boiling water over them and, when cool, wrapping in the cloth and placing on the persons affected portion of their body. Effective for rashes and skin disorders, bruises, swelling, and joint problems. Some poultices need to be warmed to be effective and others contain herbs that may produce strong sking sensations (mustards or peppers) and care must be used.

TINCTURE

Not all herbal active substances dissolve in water. Some require alcohol to be removed from the plant. Grain alcohol is commonly used but other high alcohol drinks such as vodka may be used. Do not use denatured alcohol, it is poisonous! Use drinking alcohol only! The herb to be used is commonly macerated, placed in a mason jar, covered with the alcohol and allowed to stand for some time (several days to several weeks) in a dark, cool place. The alcohol is then strained off, bottled and refrigerated for future use.

WASH

A wash is simplly an infusion or decoction made to used solely for external application. These are sometimes mixed with an herbal soap or shampoo.

SPELLS/MAGICAL INFUSION

Herbal mixes may be infused with magical energy from a trained worker, aiding in the effectiveness of the herb. Likewise, a trained energy worker can so alter the herbal mix with bad energy as to make it counter-effective. Even an untrained worker in a bad mood can strongly affect the herbal mix. The time of day the herbs are picked, moon cycles, season, method of picking, and much more may affect herbal strength and action. Keep a journal of all the conditions of getting the herb, growing the herb, working with the herb, people in contact with the herb, any thing you can think of that may affect the herbal character. Use that information to produce the herbal effects required. Remember to use your magical tools when energizing a herbal mix, they often help in focus. Washes and ointments may be the best place to start in practicing herbal energy magic. Practice these on chakras, accupressure points, or pulse points.