Methods to Use Chinese Herbs

· Decoction is boiling or simmering any herb using the woody or hard part of the plant, such as the roots, bark, seeds, and rhizomes. The advantage to boiling the herbs is a quick and simple way to use herbs. The disadvantage is that many volatile oils are lost in the process in certain plants. The volatile oils are extremely important to heal certain ailments. Fennel, aniseed, and peppermint lose their volatile oils during decoction. The oil in those herbs is crucial in healing digestion problems.

Recipe: 1 oz of herbal mix, 6 oz of water. Boil herbs in glass or ceramic pot. Metals take away nutrients from the herbs, and aluminun can create extreme health problems. Boil for 10-15 minutes, straining the herbs and finally squeezing the herbs to obtain all of the beneficial juices. Helpful hint: If you wish to mix both leaves and roots, you may wish to boil them separately and combine after the entire proces

· Tinctures/Tonics may be the easiest way to take herbs, but the most difficult to create on your own. Tinctures are herbal solutions in alcohol. Rarely herbs are placed in vinegar or glycerin to create a unique tincture. To concoct Tonics at home, one must be extremley patient and know the science to a T. If is highly recommended to buy tonics from an herbalist. They tend to be a bit more expensive than other herbs, but they last up to two years. They are common served with as a mixture diluted with water or juice.