Infusions, herb

Mostly Forman noted his use of electuaries and strong waters. FFe made these himself infusing herbs in wine and beer and releasing the powers of herbs and minerals through alchemical distillation. In May 1587 he had begun to distil many waters, in May 1590 he distilled a strong water for the stone, and in June... 

Infusion Boiling water (150 250 ml) is poured over the prescribed amount of drug in a heat-resistant glass or porcelain vessel, which is then covered if necessary, the contents are stirred occasionally. If no other indication is given, the contents arc strained after 5 -10 min. This method can be used for most leaves, flowers, and herbs and also for many correspondingly comminuted barks and roots. 

Elder blossoms, eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and goldenrod herb make a beneficial infusion to treat hay fever due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

In Ayurvedic medicine, coconut oil infused with herbs has been used medicinally for almost 4000 years as an effective treatment for skin diseases caused by infestation with parasites, such as scabies and head lice. Today, about 20 billion coconuts are grown each year, and although the major producers are the Philippines, India, and Indonesia, virtually everywhere the coconut palm grows — in the tropical regions of Latin America and East Africa, as well as Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Philippines — coconut products serve as a dietary staple. ... 

Herbs from these traditions often are administered in a confusing array of preparations (Table 69.2). In the U. S. market, tablet and capsule formulations are the most popular, while overseas, teas or infusions of herbs are the most widely used. Tinctures consist of an herb steeped in a mix of alcohol and water, and extracts consist of one part herb to one part ethyl alcohol. The alcohol content can be a concern, particularly with children. Some of these products have been withdrawn by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this reason but may still be available outside the United States. 

Infusion Near-boiling water poured on herb for 5-10 minutes... 

The dry raw herbs are cut into small pieces and made into a tea by infusing in boiling water. The herbal tea is drunk from time to time over the course of the day just like drinking normal tea. 

S. divinorum may be prepared as an infusion from 20 (about 50 g) to 80 (about 200 g) or more pairs of fresh leaves to induce visions and may be taken by the curandero, the patient (or apprentice) or both, depending on the situation. Only fresh foliage will serve for divination. At this dosage level, the Salvia is used to foretell the future, find the causes and cures of illnesses and obtain answers to questions about friends, enemies and relatives. In shamanic training, the future healer takes la Maria to learn the ways of healing and the identification and use of medicinal plants (there is supposedly a tree in Heaven with all such herbs in it and one talks to God and the Saints about them under the influence of the hallucinogens). After preliminary sessions in the company of the master, who takes the infusion along with the... 

Decoction is a variation on the general infusion process in that the herb is steeped in boiling water to which heat is then supplied to keep it at boiling point, simmering gently rather than boiling vigorously. 

Percolation is an alternative to infusion processes whereby the solvent is trickle-fed on to the top of the herb or spice material and collected as it emerges from the bottom of the percolation vessel, which is traditionally conical in shape. This process is sometimes used in the production of natural flavours. 

The commercial products of St. John s wort are derived from the dried flowering tops or aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. they are harvested shortly before or during the flowering period. Hypericum preparations include the dried herb (chopped or powdered), tea infusion, liquid extract, dried (hydroalcoholic) extract, oil, and tincture. 

Ephedra is available in multiple forms. It is a common ingredient in energy boosting bars, sold as Herbal Ecstasy in some health food stores, and is also available as powder that can be mixed with water. Health food stores may sell powdered ephedrine stems, which can be used in a tea, or they may sell infusion, extracts, tinctures, or tablets of ephedra. Health food stores may also sell ephedra as the ma huang herb. Many manufacturers tend to advertise or market ephedra supplements as natural or as a botanical herb, because some consumers equate natural with safe. In China, ephedra may be boiled with cinnamon twig, licorice root, and almond to treat the common cold. 

Infusion of 1 ounce herb to 1 pint boiling water. Dose, a wineglassful frequently. Used in coughs, colds, urinary disorders. The sweetmeat known as candied angelica is made by preserving the dried leaf stalks with sugar. 

Obstructions of urinary organs. Hot or cold infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint in wineglass doses frequently. Clivers is similar in action to Gravelroot, the former causing a more copious watery flow, the latter a larger proportion of solid matter. The two herbs are frequently used together. 

It is applicable to kidney disorders and dyspepsia. It was formerly valued as an antiscorbutic, but with advances in food distribution, this property is now rarely considered. In conjunction with Yarrow or Chamomile flowers an excellent poultice may be made for application to abscesses and gatherings. The infusion of 1 ounce of the herb to 1 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglass doses. 

Tilke is enthusiastic in his praise of the herb "I have found it such a clarifier of the blood, that by drinking an infusion once or twice a day, sweeted with honey, instead of tea, it would be a perfect cure for the headache, or what is commonly called the meagrims." The same writer recommends it as a salad "instead of watercresses."... 

Horehound is probably the best known of all herbal pectoral remedies, and is undoubtedly effective in coughs, colds and pulmonary complaints. The whole herb is infused in 1 ounce quantities to 1 pint of water, and taken frequently in wineglass doses. 

The infusion of 1 ounce of the flowers or herb to 1 pint boiling water is prescribed both for internal use in 1-2 tablespoonful doses, and externally as a lotion for chronic ulcers and varicose veins. The infusion is also given to children (in doses according to age) suffering from measles and other feverish and eruptive complaints. Sprained muscles gain relief from the hot fomentation. Marigold is frequently combined with Witch Hazel when a lotion is required. 

Used almost entirely (as the common name denotes) in the treatment of piles. The ounce to pint boiling water infusion is taken consistently in wineglass doses, and an ointment is made by macerating the herb in boiling lard for twenty-four hours. Probably the best of all known remedies for this complaint, the combination with Witch Hazel is found to be particularly effective. 

With more powerful alteratives in blood impurities. As an astringent in diarrhea and leucorrhea. Wineglass doses of the ounce to pint (boiling water) infusion are taken. Claims have been made for this herb in the treatment of consumption, and Skelton has given publicity to alleged cures. These cases are not now considered to have been proved. 

Coffin prescribed Scullcap in powder, decoction, and infusion, his dose of the powder being from one-half to a teaspoonful. Half a teacupful of the boiling water infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint may be taken three or four times daily. This herb deteriorates rapidly from age and heat, and it should be kept in airtight containers. 

Southernwood is mainly employed in menstrual obstruction, frequently in combination with Mugwort and Pennyroyal. Wineglass doses are taken of the infusion of 1 ounce of the herb to 1 pint of boiling water. The powdered herb is sometimes given in teaspoonful or smaller doses to children suffering from worms, but such agents as Tansy and Wormwood are perhaps more effective as anthelmintics. 

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