This post is a counterpart to the Glossary of Herbal Actions, found here.
In a previous post, we covered herbal actions, this one covers standard herbal preparations. These herbal preparations offer a range of methods for using plants to support health and magical practice. Just as different herbs hold unique properties, the ways we prepare them influence their effectiveness and how they interact with our bodies and spirits. This glossary serves as a reference for various herbal preparations. Divided into three sections – oral, topical, and magical preparations – this guide will help to understand the methods, uses, and typical dosages for each preparation type. With this foundation, we can dig into specific materia in the future.
It’s important to note that while this glossary provides standard dosing guidance, this is a general guideline. Specific herbs may require a higher or lower dose, and should be checked against specific materia medica entries.
Oral Preparations
Infusions
Infusions are used to extract the compounds of delicate herbs – leaves, flowers, and aerial parts – into hot water. To prepare an infusion, boil water, then pour it over the fresh or dried herbs (using one tablespoon of dried herbs per cup of water, or twice that if herbs are fresh). Allow to steep for fifteen minutes, then strain out the herbs. Infusions should be consumed within 24 hours of preparation.
Standard Chronic Dosage (Adult): 3 – 4 cups per day
Standard Acute Dosage (Adult): ¼ cup every half hour, up to a total of 4 cups per day
Decoctions
In contrast to infusions, decoctions are used to extract the medicinal compounds of tougher plant parts such as roots, bark, and seeds by prolonged simmering. To prepare a decoction, place one tablespoon of dried herbs per cup of water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain before using. Decoctions should be consumed within 24 hours of preparation. Standard dosage guidance is the same as for infusions.
Extractions
Extractions are preparations that draw out an herb’s active compounds into a liquid medium (the menstruum) by soaking, for a more convenient and longer lasting remedy. Different solvents are used depending on the nature of the compounds to be extracted and the intended use of the preparation.
Extractions can be made with cold water, in the case of water-soluble compounds that are sensitive to heat (tannic or mucilaginous herbs), alcohol (see tincture), vegetable glycerine (see glycerite), vinegar (to create herbal vinegars), or wine (to create herbal wines).
Water extractions should combine ½ cup of dried herbs (or twice that for fresh herbs) with 1 cup of cool water. This mixture should be macerated for at most 24 hours and used like an infusion.
All other extractions are made by combining ½ cup of dried herbs (or twice that for fresh herbs) with 1 cup of menstruum. The level of the menstruum should be roughly one inch above the top of the herbs, add more if necessary to get to this level. Let this mixture macerate for four to six weeks, shaking regularly and adding more menstruum as needed to keep the level one inch above the top of the herbs. Strain the solids from the mixture and bottle the resulting liquid.
Standard Chronic Dosage (Adult): ½ – 1 teaspoon two or three times daily, up to a total of 3 teaspoons daily
Standard Acute Dosage (Adult): ¼ – ½ teaspoon every hour, up to a total of 6 teaspoons daily
Tinctures
Tinctures are a special category of extractions utilizing alcohol as a menstruum. Dried herbs should be tinctured in 80 or 100 proof alcohol (vodka, brandy, etc.); the water present in this lower-proof alcohol will help draw out water soluble compounds in the herbs. Fresh herbs should be tinctured in grain alcohol or everclear of up to 190 proof; in this case the water required is provided by the herbs themselves.
For preparation and dosage instructions, see extractions. The alcohol in tinctures acts as a strong preservative; stored in a cool, dark place, they will keep at room temperature for over a year.
Glycerites
Glycerites are a special category of extractions utilizing vegetable glycerine as a menstruum. They are particularly useful for children or other individuals sensitive to alcohol, for whom a tincture may not be appropriate. For preparation and dosage instructions, see extractions. Stored in a cool, dark place, they will keep at room temperature for over a year.
Syrups
Syrups are sweet, concentrated herbal preparations that combine an infusion or decoction with honey or sugar to preserve the extract and improve palatability, making them especially suitable for children or anyone who prefers a milder taste. Syrups are commonly used for respiratory herbs, soothing coughs and supporting the immune system.
To prepare a syrup, make a strong infusion or decoction of the herb, then strain it. Add an equal part of honey or sugar (by volume), and stir until fully dissolved. Store the syrup in a sterilized glass container in the refrigerator, where it will last one to two months.
Standard Chronic Dosage (Adult): 1 tablespoon, taken two to three times daily
Standard Acute Dosage (Adult): ½ – 1 teaspoon every 2 hours, up to a total of 10 teaspoons daily
Cordials & Oxymels
Whereas an herbal syrup is a sweetened form of an infusion or decoction, cordials and oxymels are sweetened versions of extractions. A cordial is a sweetened form of an alcohol tincture, and an oxymel is a sweetened version of an herbal vinegar.
Prepare the extraction as usual. After straining, measure the total volume of liquid, and add an equal volume of honey. Because extractions are not generally heated, sugar may be challenging to fully dissolve. Unless otherwise noted, dosage of cordials and oxymels is identical to that of herbal syrups.
Electuaries
Electuaries are a blend of powdered herbs mixed with honey or another thick, sweet substance for easy ingestion, often used to treat sore throats or respiratory ailments. Standard dosing is similar to that for herbal syrups.
Pastilles
Pastilles are pills compounded of powdered herbs, a binder – typically water and honey – and a bulking agent. The agent adds bulk and texture to the pastille, to allow formation of pea-sized pills without excessive dosing on the constituent herbs (or dry, crumbly pastilles).
To make pastilles, combine finely powdered dry herbs in a bowl. Add half as much (by volume) unsweetened cocoa or carob powder for bulk. Mix until powders are well blended. Moisten with a few drops of water and enough honey to make a dough the consistency of bread dough. Knead for a few minutes, adding more bulking agent or water as necessary to adjust the texture. Form into pea-sized balls and allow to dry at room temperature.
Standard Chronic Dosage (Adult): 2 – 3 pastilles two or three times daily, up to 6 pastilles per day
Standard Acute Dosage (Adult): 1 – 2 pastilles every 2 hours, up to 8 pastilles per day
Topical Preparations
Washes
Herbal washes are prepared identically to infusions or decoctions, but are used externally to cleanse and soothe the skin. Suitable herbs include antiseptic and anti-inflammatory plants. To use, gently apply the wash to the affected area with a clean cloth.
Standard Application: Apply 2-3 times daily or as needed
Liniments
Liniments are herbal extractions made with alcohol (or occasionally vinegar). They are prepared identically to tinctures, but intended for external use to relieve muscle pain, inflammation, or joint stiffness. To use, rub the liniment into the skin, but avoid open wounds due to the alcohol content.
Standard Application: Apply 2 – 3 times daily or as needed
Macerated Oils
Macerated oils are prepared identically to extractions, using oil as a menstruum. They are best prepared with dried herbs, to prevent water content in the final oil. Oils that work well for maceration are extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, fractionated coconut oil, or hemp seed oil.
While herbal oils can be taken orally (typically as a culinary ingredient), they are more commonly used topically as conditioners for the hair or skin, muscle rubs, and treatments of sprains, strains, and bruises. Prepared with dry herbs and kept in a clean glass container, most herbal oils will last six months to a year at room temperature.
Standard Application: Apply as needed; ideal for use in skincare or gentle massage
Infused Oils
Infused oils involve gently heating the herbs in oil (for example in a slow cooker on its lowest setting) for four to eight hours to extract the relevant compounds. Care should be taken during the infusing process not to allow the oil to become too hot, which will burn the herbs and cause undesirable chemical changes in the oil itself. The standard usage of infused oils is identical to that of macerated oils.
Salves & Balms
Salves and balms are semi-solid herbal preparations made by combining herbal oils with beeswax for easy application to the skin. They’re often used for cuts, scrapes, dry skin, and other minor irritations. To prepare, melt one part (by weight) beeswax into five parts of herbal oil (macerated or infused), mix thoroughly, and pour into jars to cool.
Standard Application: Apply a thin layer to the affected area one to three times daily
Creams
Creams are emulsified blends of water-based and and oil-based herbal preparations, resulting in a soft, spreadable texture. They’re often used for skin hydration, inflammation, or healing. To prepare, melt one part beeswax into nine parts herbal oil. Whisking continuously, slowly beat in an equal volume of an herbal wash. Store in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Standard Application: Apply a thin layer to clean skin one to two times daily
Poultices
Poultices are made by applying crushed fresh herbs (or rehydrated dried herbs) directly to the skin to relieve inflammation, swelling, or minor wounds. Emollient and vulnerary herbs are common. To use, mash the herbs into a paste (adding a little water if dried), and apply directly to the affected area.
Standard Application: Apply for 20 – 30 minutes, one to two times daily
Compresses
Compresses involve soaking a cloth in an herbal infusion or decoction and applying it to the skin to reduce inflammation, pain, or swelling. Anti-inflammatory and soothing herbs are often used. Compresses can be applied warm or cool.
Standard Application: Apply for 15 – 20 minutes, one to three times daily or as needed
Magical Preparations
Baths & Washes
Magical baths and washes are herbal washes added to bathwater or used to cleanse spaces, people, or ritual objects. They are prepared with herbs chosen for specific intentions, such as purification, protection, or attraction. To use, add the wash to bathwater, sprinkle around an area, or use to rinse an item. In traditional hoodoo, baths to attract particular energies start at the feet and wash the body upwards towards the head, while baths to repel particular energies start at the head and wash downwards towards the feet.
OilS
Magical oils are created by macerating herbs in a carrier oil to absorb their energetic qualities. They are often used to anoint the body, candles, or ritual tools. Each oil is prepared with intention, focusing on the desired magical effect and charged through ritual or meditation. To use, apply a few drops to items involved in your spellwork or anoint yourself or your tools as part of ritual practice.
PowderS
Magical powders are dried, ground herbal mixtures often blended with other ingredients (dirt, red brick dust, etc.), and sometimes cut with an extender such as talc. They are used to sprinkle around spaces, on objects, or as part of ritual work. These powders are crafted with a particular intent and can be applied directly to objects or used to mark symbols on surfaces. To use, sprinkle the powder in designated areas or on items connected to your spell.
Incenses
Magical incenses are blends of herbs or resins burned to release aromatic smoke. They are often used to cleanse spaces, invoke energies, or aid focus during rituals. Incenses are typically crafted with herbs chosen for their specific magical properties.
Prepare incense by grinding together the various ingredients. This mixture can either be burned loose, or moistened with a binder such as egg white, rolled into pea-sized balls, and dried. To use, burn a small amount on charcoal or in a dedicated incense burner.
Charm Bags
Charm bags are small pouches filled with herbs and other symbolic items, often carried or placed in specific locations to attract or repel energies based on the creator’s intent. Each bag is created with a particular goal in mind, filled with ingredients corresponding to the intended outcome, and tied or sealed. To use, carry the bag on your person or place it in an area connected to your intention.
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