Overview of Herbal Preparations
Herbs can be used with a variety of bases such alcohol, water, glycerin, honey, vinegar, and oil. Each provides different uses and benefits and allows us to create many unique blends for a variety of situations. This overview provides more information on each type of preparation we carry.
Herbal Infusions and Teas/Tisanes
There are many names for a drink most of us call tea. Whatever you call it, this preparation is a tasty and relaxing way to enjoy herbs.
An herbal tea or tisane will be a single herb, or mixture of herbs, steeped in hot water for 7-15 minutes. Herbal teas should be steeped covered to keep the volatile oils in the cup.
An herbal infusion is generally steeped much longer than a tea in cool to cold water. They can be steeped anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
We provide recommended steeping times on all our packages!
Salve and Lotion Bars
Salves are a blend of herb infused oils and wax. Lotion bars are a blend of our infused oil with solid fats like mango and cocoa butter along with essential oils. Both are applied topically to nourish the skin and soothe irritations.
Our salve is formulated to help treat cuts, bruises, burns, and abrasions. They are a solid formula that is easy to travel with and great to have on hand.
Our lotion bars are deeply moisturizing and long lasting. They melt with body temperature and can be used as a massage bar as well.
Tinctures
Tinctures are an alcohol based extract of fresh or dried herbs. Herbs are infused in high proof alcohol for 4+ weeks.
Tinctures are more potent than an infusion or glycerite and are good for immediate relief as well as maintenance doses. They are also portable and long lasting, making them a great way to work with herbs.
Tinctures will be taken in 1-2 dropperfuls delivered directly under the tongue, diluted in water, or added to a beverage*.
If you have never had a tincture before, know that they can have a strong, often bitter taste. While not always the most enjoyable, not a lot is needed to get all the benefits.
*Bitters are the only tincture that should not be overly diluted as the bitter taste provides a lot of benefits.
Infused Oil
Fresh or dried herbs are infused into an oil for 4+ weeks. Herbal oils are for topical use and are applied directly to the skin in affected areas.
We put a lot of consideration into the oils we use as well as the herbs we infuse into them. When we use these herbal oils, not only are we getting the benefits of the plants but of the oils themselves.
Glycerite
Glycerites are herbs infused into a base of vegetable glycerine. They are a great alcohol free alternative to tinctures and are sweeter.
Like tinctures they are a portable and easy way to approach herbs. Glycerites are generally about half the strength of a tincture so the overall dosage will be higher.
Glycerites can be taken on their own or or mixed with water, juice, or tea.
Elixirs
Elixirs are blends that combine tinctures, glycerites, or honey to create balanced, and tasty, formula.
Elixirs combine different extraction types to get a wider range of plant benefits. Most elixirs will be a tincture + glycerite or tincture + honey.
Like tinctures and glycerites, elixirs can be taken on their own under the tongue or mixed with water, juice, or tea.