Herbal Teas: Infusions, Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of the herb to 8 ounces of water. Bring the water to a boil. Place herbs into a reusable teabag or any other non metallic holder then place into a container that can be sealed. Pour water into the cup and cover for 5 - 15 minutes. Covering the cup keeps the volatile oils potent until ready to drink. The reason the the difference in time depends upon whether it is leaf, stems, root, or seeds.

Decoctions: 2 to 4 ounces of your favorite herb into 16 ounces of water. Simmer this until the water and herbs have reduced by half the volume of water. Then remove and strain the herbs. Drink when the liquid has cooled. Decoctions are usually used for barks, roots, and hard berries.

Poultice: 4 ounces of herbs slightly bruised. Pour boiling hot water over them. Steep for 15 minutes, then once cooled to touch place herbs into sterile cloth. The cloth can be gauze or a light material, to insure that the herbs can penetrate through. Place cloth onto sore or inflamed areas to relieve pain. Do not use on open wounds.

Herbal Baths: 2 to 4 of your favorite herbs. Place into reusable tea bag and toss into the bath tub. Insure that you do not use any herbs that can cause inflammation. If not wanting to use in bath, this can be used as a loofa in the shower.

Herbal Extracts: 1:4 ratio. 1 ounce of herbs to 4 ounces of vodka or brandy. Place in bottle that can be sealed tightly. Pour alcohol over the herbs insuring that the herbs are completely cover, even if it takes more liquid to do this. Let this mixture age for 6 weeks, slightly shaking it everyday. You may find that you will need to add more alcohol to insure that the liquid is all the way to the top of the container. Do not put this in direct sunlight. After 6 weeks drain, and use as directed.

Always label, with date, herbs used, quantity used, and what the reason you made the mixture.