Basic Essentials...

Herbs can be prepared in a number of ways depending on your intended use.  Since all recipes are for the external application of herbs I will provide you with the basics. 

As with any recipe, be sure to work on a clean surface and with clean utensils.  Anything you are going to apply to your face or hair should not be contaminated with food, cleaning agents, or anything other than what you are aiming to prepare.  If you plan to bottle or store your mixtures be sure that you have sterile storing containers as well.

Storing and Maintaining Herbs
Mixtures containing herbs and/or oils are often stored in glass  or ceramic jars (not plastic). Dark colored jars or pots are ideal so that they may keep out the light.  Store herbs in a cool and dark place. Keep a small "working jar" at hand to replenish as you use them.  This limits the exposing of your large supply to the air and light, thus extending the life and properties of your herbs.

Sterilizing Containers
Bottles which hold your mixtures should be sterilized between uses to avoid contaminants.  Sometimes simple washing is not enough.  Here is how to sterilize your items:
1. Wash the container with soapy water.
2. Rinse well and place in a large pot.  Add water enough to sufficiently cover the  containers..
3. Bring to a boil over  medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. 
4. Allow water to cool.
5. Remove and allow to drain.
6. Seal tightly until next use.

Infusions
Think of this as a nice tea without a tea bag.
First of all -- YOU NEVER BOIL HERBS. Boiling herbs would make them lose important properties such as the aromatic oils, certain vitamins and active principles become unstable when exposed to heat.  With that said....don't boil your herbs.

1. Depending on the amount of herbs that you plan to use, have equal amounts of water. This is not a science and exact measures are not mandatory. My rule of thumb is 2 Liters of water for 1 oz of herbs unless I want a very concentrated Infusion.
2. Bring the water  to a boil.
3. Remove from the heat and add the herbs.  Cover immediately.
4. Let the mixture stand for 10 to 15 minutes. The longer the better.
5. After the "tea" has cooled, drain and store in an airtight container. 
Infusions can be kept in the fridge or frozen until needed.

Decoctions
This is a method of extracting water-soluble principles from roots, bark wood, seeds, etc.
1. Thoroughly crush the item which is to be the source of extraction.
The minimum quantity you can use is a teaspoon.
2. For best results, soak the ingredients several hours beforehand.  Like you would do to dry beans.
3. The amount of water needed is proportional to the preparation time: the longer you boil lit, the more water you will need.
4.  Allow to cool and drain. 
Decoctions will keep for up to 3 days if refrigerated and a few weeks in the freezer.

Macerations
This technique is used to extract the volatile essential oils from aromatic herbs. Olive Oil is the most suitable solvent since it keeps better than the other types.  Next best is sweet almond oil.
Use the plant to oil ratio of 1:5. The amount of oil can be increased if you macerate more than one herb in the same oil.
Maceration takes one to three weeks. 
It can be quickened if the container is exposed to light heat, the plant is chopped finely.
Stronger aromatic oils can be obtained repeating the process several times.
You can replace the herb as many times as it takes until the oil is saturated with the aroma.

Tinctures
1 1/2 oz fresh herbs
3 1/2 oz alcohol being at least 60 proof (vodka, brandy)
Ration of plant to alcohol is 2:5

Fill an airtight, dark glass bottle with the mixture as close to the brim as possible.  This will prevent oxication.  Leave in a dark place and shake daily for three weeks.  Strain well and pour into individual bottles.

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