SISTER WISDOM

You’re wanting to go more natural in helping your baby maintain good health; you innocently grab an herbal medicine book and start browsing. And the words like a foreign language simply befuddle you. (Words like befuddle…) Tincture? Decoction? Eh… where does one purchase glycerin, and why would you do so?

Below is a list of terms, a glossary of sort, that is kind of a minimum introduction to these words that pop up when you start learning more about using herbs in ways that aren’t strictly culinary. I’ve written a more detailed primer, which you can read here (Part 1) and here (Part 2). But for just beginning, and for the purposes of using safe herbs for babies, you really just need to know a few different ways to use herbs and a few special terms.
Here they are,

13 things you need to know about using safe herbs for babies:

1. Infusion: a tea made of fresh or dried herbs. Make an infusion by heating 2 cups of water, then pouring it over about 2 tablespoons of fresh or 2 teaspoons of dried herb. Proportions may differ according to different recipes and different herbs. You can also make infused oils by heating herbs and oil together or by leaving herbs in oil for about 2 weeks.
2. Decoction: a tea made by simmering herbs in water for 20 to 30 minutes. The simmering process used in making a decoction works better for the roots, bark, or stems of herbs, which need the additional heating time.
3. Syrup: a sweet, thick mixture made by simmering sugar, honey, or glycerin with an herbal infusion or decoction. These are great for children, who like the sweet taste.
4. Tincture: an alcohol-herbal combination, usually made with vodka. The alcohol should be at least 80 proof. Tinctures are made simply by leaving the herbs in an alcohol-water mixture in a tightly sealed bottle for up to a month; then the herbs are strained out. Tinctures are usually fairly concentrated and they have a long shelf life, up to 5 years according to James Wong’s book.
5. Internal: internal treatments are those taken, yep, internally. Capsules, infusions, decoctions, syrups, and tinctures are all internal treatments, though infusions and decoctions can also be used to make creams, lotions, ointments, and other topically applied treatments.
6. Topical: topical treatments are applied externally. A cream, lotion, or ointment can be applied to treat skin conditions or bruises, sore muscles or wounds. Poultices and compresses are also external treatments.
7. Dosage: the correct amount of an herbal treatment which should be taken or used, especially when referring to internal treatments. Most herbal preparations and recipes will indicate a dosage, and when using herbs for babies and children, that dosage should be altered accordingly. Dr. Linda Page recommends 1/2 dose for children 10 – 14 years, 1/3 dose for children 6 – 10 years, 1/4 dose for children 2 – 6 years, and 1/8 dose for infants and babies.
8. Ointment: a simple, oil-based salve or balm used topically. An herbal ointment is made by warming the carrier base (vaseline, lanolin, or an oil-beeswax combination) and simmering the herbs gently. The mixture is then filtered and allowed to cool. Ointments are fabulous for skin treatments, minor first aid, and sore muscles.
9. Poultice: a topical treatment of herbs applied directly to the skin. Herbs are often crushed or mixed into a paste, then spread over the affected area and covered with cotton cloth and plastic wrap.
10. Compress: a topical treatment, very simply made by soaking a rag or cloth in an herbal infusion, then applying it directly to the affected area.
11. Essential Oil: the oil of an herb or herbs in combination which have been extracted by steam distillation. It is extremely difficult (impossible?) to make these at home and they are very potent. Essential oils are not to be taken internally unless under the guidance of a certified herbalist, and you should be careful when using them, as some can burn or cause reactions if they touch the bare skin. Some essential oils are milder than others, but all should be used with care.
12. Preservative: an ingredient used in herbal preparations to extend shelf life. Alcohol is a natural preservative, which is why tinctures have such a long shelf life. Some herbal preparations, if they are to be used quickly, won’t need any preservatives. Others can benefit from the addition of Vitamin C powder, Vitamin E oil, or Grapefruit Seed Extract.
13. Shelf Life: the length of time an herbal preparation can be stored and still maintain its potency and freshness. Shelf life is effected by the ingredients you use, the type of preparation, the freshness of the herbs used, and whether you use a preservative.

References:

• Hylton, William H. and Claire Kowalchick, Editors. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Rodale Press, 1998.
• Page, Linda, N.D., Ph.D. How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: Herbal Traditions, Expert Formulations. Healthy Healing Publications, 1991, 1997.
• Grow Your Own Drugs: Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Fixes. London: Collins, 2009.

Disclaimer

I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for persistent symptoms, illnesses, and injuries.

This post is linked up with Thursday 13.