Ways to use Herbs
Beverage
Place the required amount of water and the herb in a teapot or small saucepan. Simmer for 5 to 15 minutes according to the instructions, counting from the moment the water starts to boil. We usually make a decoction when we use the hard parts of the herb, such as roots, bark, shoots, fruits and hard leaves, because these need more intense processing to give us their valuable ingredients. When it is ready, strain and drink. If the taste is not pleasant, add honey or brown sugar. For one cup, add 1-2 teaspoons of the herb. For leaves, 4-5 leaves are usually enough.
Infusion
We put the herb in a teapot or teapot, containing water that has just boiled and we have removed it from the heat. We always cover it, so that its volatile substances, which are the most useful, do not evaporate. We leave it covered for 5 to 15 minutes according to the instructions. When it is ready, strain and drink. The dosages are the same as for the herbal tea. We make infusions from the flowers, leaves and generally from the most delicate parts of the herb that are not so hard. We prefer the infusion to the decoction, when the herb allows us to do so, in order to get as many of its beneficial properties as possible.
Infusion in oil
The infusion is obtained when we place fresh herbs in a container with oil (usually virgin olive oil) and leave it in the sun for a few days depending on the herb. This releases the active substances of the plant into the oil and keeps them unchanged for a long time if we store it sealed in a dark and dry place. One of the most famous infusions in oil is balsamic oil.
Tincture
It is an infusion of the herb in pure alcohol or spirit for a few days. The alcohol helps to more easily dissolve and absorb the active ingredients and substances of the herb. For home use, alcoholic beverages (vodka, gin, white rum, tsipouro, raki) with 40-50 degrees are suitable. We use pure herbal alcohol and in a general ratio of 1:5 (one part herb to 5 parts alcohol). We place the herb in a dark bottle and fill it with alcohol until it completely covers it. We leave it in a shady place for at least 10 days and stir by turning the bottle over every 2-3 days. When it is ready, it is strained and stored in dark bottles, remaining unchanged for at least 2 years). It is used either externally, or you drink 1 teaspoon dissolved in water or juice once or twice a day depending on the treatment.
Syrup
The syrup is prepared by mixing an infusion or decoction of the herb with honey or raw sugar in a general ratio of 2:1. After heating the mixture, stir it until it is homogenized and place it in dark bottles. Drink 2-3 teaspoons per day when indicated by the treatment. Store in a cool and shady place for about 6 months.
Poultice
The fresh herb is usually chopped and boiled for a few minutes in water. Then we remove the water and place it on the affected area for 2-3 hours, holding it in place with sterile gauze, bandage or cotton.
Salve
Using herbal infusion or their oil and natural beeswax, we make an ointment.