Herbal Preparations
Nicholas Culpeper's Herbal Improved quotes Reverend John Wesley in the preface to his "Primitive Physic": ". . . be sure to purchase your drugs from a Druggist who fears God."
This is reminiscent of Doctrine and Covenants 42:43: "And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished with all tenderness, and with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy."
Be most careful that the medicinal agents you use are genuine and organic or attempts at curing will be worse than useless, rendering harm to the body. Whenever possible, collect your own herbs, but if this is not possible, the next best is to be sure to obtain the herbs from a reliable herbalist, botanist, herb shop, or health food store.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
In making your herbal preparations, never use aluminum ware. Aluminum poisons with its gases and acid metallic poison (alum). Use a good grade of stainless steel or Pyrex or a good glassware, providing you handle it with care. Glazed earthenware is adequate. Whenever using enamel pans (which are a basic metal with enamel baked on), always be sure that there are no chips, no cracks, that the pan is fully enamel-covered. Stainless-steel ware is the best because it does not break, although you should watch for over-high temperatures that cause burning. Moist heat is always used, and stainless-steel ware is easiest to control, because you can spin and seal the lid and thereby keep oxygen from going in.
General guidelines for dosage are also included, although these are to be adjusted according to need.
HERBAL PREPARATIONS
Balsam: This is an aromatic, oily, resinous, liquid or semi-solid substance (consisting chiefly of resins and volatile oils containing esters of cinnamic and benzoic acids) that flows by natural exudation from certain trees or is taken by artificial extraction, and is used in expectorants, stomachics, in syrups, etc. The true balsams are such as the balsam of Peru, balsam of Tolu, etc.; but the term is also applied to certain substances that are not true balsams (containing no cinnamic or benzoic acid), but which are resinous and odorous (such as balm of Gilead and copaiba balsam). A balsam is used externally to ease pain, rheumatism (when not inflamed), wounds, etc., and is rubbed on with the warm hand on an affected part or applied by fomentation and renewed every three to four hours; internally the balsam is used for asthma, colic, cough, pains in the breast, etc. Especially in the western mountains of America, there are balsams of pine and fir (various resinous gums). Not all resinous gums will work; yet many of the first, pines, and spruces are excellent. "Balsam" is in many instances changeable with the term "balm." Balsams are made variously according to the area where they are to be used. Internally, the balsam resins are often put into capsules and taken directly. Externally they are mixed in with other types of lubricating oils, such as tallow. Sometimes balsams are mixed as tallow. Often balsams are mixed into liniments, but this must be done carefully.
Bolus: Technically, this is defined as a rounded mass, or a large pill, intended for internal use; but the term "bolus" as it is used by herbalists is in contrast to the term "poultice"--i.e., it is an internal poultice. The bolus is used internally in the rectal or vaginal areas and either draws the toxic poisons to it, or is the carrier for healing agents.
The bolus is made in several ways. The base of slippery elm is one of the earliest, oldest, and best forms, made into an easily-formed, dough-like mass that becomes slippery when in contact with water, and sliding into the orifice easily.
You may use cocoa butter (made from coconut in the butter form). These are easily inserted and will melt at body temperature. Boluses for the vagina are generally made the size of the middle finger of the person using it and about an inch long; and with an adult, the bolus is used in a series of three (which is easier for the patient than one long three-inch bolus in the vaginal area). This, of course, is not used in individuals where the hymen has not been broken. Boluses are usually made warm, and then allowed to cool to a point where they can be easily molded.
They are generally composed of powdered herbal agents mixed with base and may have various therapeutic actions.
The vaginal boluses are generally prepared in fair quantities at a time, where they will be changed three times a week. If kept in a cool place, they will last for long periods of time--the cocoa butter will not melt except at higher temperatures, and the slippery elm type will hold its form for quite some time.
To make a bolus with cocoa butter, melt the cocoa butter over hot water (never put it directly over the heat, because it burns so quickly and unexpectedly). When the cocoa butter is liquid, stir in the herbs until they reach a heavy gravy consistency. Then let this cool enough to roll into boluses. Set these aside to harden.
Dosage: Series of three, size of user's middle finger and one inch long, inserted fresh every two days, six days a week.
Capsules: Take the herbal powders and other materials that, because of their nauseous taste or smell (oils, tars as with pine gum, bitter powders as with golden seal), would otherwise be difficult to administer, and place them into a soluble gelatin shell or capsule. These capsules are made in different sizes for easy swallowing, with numbers 1 to 4, 0, and 00 being the most common. (For herbal agents that are taken quite regularly in the capsule form, a certain quantity of the powder preparation may be placed in a labeled container kept tightly covered.) To fill the capsule, simply take the two halves of a capsule apart (one in each hand), and push these halves into the powder and toward each other, pressing the halves together again and at the same time compressing the powder.
With a little practice, you can fill several hundred capsules in one single evening.
Dosage: This depends on the age, size, vitality, condition being treated, and the strength of the ingredients in the capsule itself, of which the following would be typical:
No. 4 - is a small size and usually taken often (golden seal)
No. 0 - two to three, two to three times a day (less powerful herbs).
No. 00 - Two, three times a day (female corrective)
Generally, use the amount specified.
Cataplasm: This is an old term for a form of poultice, made of various herbal agents, usually applied hot. Refer to"poultice."
Dosage: One-half to one inch thick over inflamed area; add an oil or glycerine to prevent caking and to retain heat (covering with oiled silk is excellent).
Cerate: This is an unctuous (oily, fatty) preparation for external use, consisting of wax (sometimes resin or spermaceti) mixed with oils, fatty substances or resins, and medicinal agents, made so that it can be readily spread on linen or muslin, yet firm enough that it will not melt or run when applied to the skin. To keep the oils from running and soaking through, a little slippery elm is often put into the curate. This preparation is used where one must wear a bandage for long periods of time, and keep the skin from drying out--generally for heavy scaling types of dermatitis or incrustation, and often for a phlebitis condition, a hardening of the surface of the skin and flesh where varicose veins have broken and, over a period of time, become more solidified.
Dosage: Amount needed to cover the specific area, increasing the thickness of the compound according to the severity of the condition.
Collyria: Or eyewash or eye lotion. This is a medicinal application for the eyes. Botanical eye washes include bayberry, eye bright, golden seal, raspberry leaves (all of which may be accentuated with a small quantity of cayenne, which will produce extreme warmth but do no damage to the area). Do not be afraid of the cayenne in the eye, for even if smarting becomes severe cayenne is very beneficial and will never damage the eye--even if accidentally a full handful of cayenne would be thrown into the eye.
Dosage: Eyecupful, or small amount by eye-dropper, or use a lid compress; when first starting, it is best to use for just a very short period of time (maybe two or three seconds and increase as you go along), especially when cayenne or some other powerful healer is combined with the formula.
Combination: Often the infusion and the decoction processes are combined into one herbal preparation: An example is a medicine for nausea, where you would take cloves, turkey rhubarb, cinnamon and make a decoction of these by simmering them for five to ten minutes; then you take this decoction and pour it over spearmint leaves (making an infusion of the latter), and let this steep. The infusion is required with aromatics, because they have volatile, effervescent oils that escape when heat is applied. Never boil a decoction hard (unless definitely specified in rare cases). Too much heat will destroy the active medicinal properties. If the tea is too strong, then add more water to dilute.
Dosage: Generally one cupful three times a day.
Compound: This is a preparation composed of two or more agents having organic affinity, and in definite proportion to each other; an herbal formula. A given therapeutic action may not be obtained by a single herb, but the use of a number of them together in definite formula proportion are most beneficial and curative. Do not use compounds, however, in "shotgun fashion," (making an herbal preparation with a hodgepodge variety of ingredients, though they be of the same therapeutic class, nervines for instance, will be either stimulants or sedatives), for only those herbs used in combination so that the active therapeutic properties are compatible will work. You may not do any harm by the shotgun approach, but you may not get the best results, either, due to incompatible or neutralizing action. Most herbs are ascribed double or multiple medicinal actions. Which particular virtue comes to the fore in actual application depends largely on the other agents with which it is combined. Thus, the alternative properties of an herb may be more pronounced in one combination, while in a different prescription its value as a diuretic might become more operative. "In the effective allocation of his various medicinal agents to meet precise individual requirements lies an important department of the work of the skilled prescribing herbalist." (Harold Ward) A good example of compatible functions of different herbs in a compound is in the removal of kidney stones (for which gravel root and uva ursi are excellent); unless you add a demulcent to soothe the mucous membrane (such as marshmallow), there will be excruciating pain. Working on the liver area, one will generally stir up a lot of gas in the cleansing process, so you must include an herb to alleviate the flatulence or gas (such as wild yam)--so in an herbal formula, the second herb is often just as important as the first. Another instance of compatibility in a compound is where you would use herbs for the kidney area (such as juniper berries or parsley), generally using ginger as a carrier-accentuator (which would be a stimulant added to a diuretic); also you may want to add a third type, golden seal, as a tonic to tone up and heal the area.
Dosage: Generally used in infusions and decoctions, one teaspoon of the herb to a cup of water; give dosage according to type of preparation.
Concentrate: A concentrate is a type of fluid extract, with the evaporation of the extractive agent (as with alcohol) from the liquid solution. This preparation refers to the preparations by means of water, distillation, etc.; and this preparation usually carries one or more, but not all, of the therapeutic virtues in the original herb from which it was made. Concentrates must never be boiled at a high rate. Rather a distilling heat should be used so that the fumes or the steam will evaporate gradually. You must always watch carefully, or you will likely have only burned tar with no medicinal value, because the dry heat destroys the life-giving organic bonds. When you want to make concentrates from a liquid, simmer slowly in a covered vessel so that the volatiles are not lost, but instead evaporate onto the lid and condense back into the concentrate itself. Watch carefully and stir occasionally, so that the precipitating solids do not stick to the sides of the vessel as you simmer the liquid down to the consistency required. Concentrates are often brought from the original matter of six ounces down to two ounces or ounce concentrate--so again, as a word of caution: be very careful not to burn the preparation, use a temperature of 200 degrees F. or under. Some of the volatile oils will disperse and evaporate at 120-160 degrees F., while others take more heat to disperse them. If the oils are of an extremely light and volatile nature (spearmint, peppermint and most other mints cannot take much heat), then use a double boiler so that direct heat is not applied.
Dosage: Varies according to the specific herb and its degree of concentration--a drop with some tinctures on up (this is usually specified).
Conserve: This is a sweetmeat (candied or crystallized food or fruit), prepared by impregnating sugar into the pulpy mass of the herb or fruit. One method used for example, is to boil sloes (fruit of blackthorn or Prunus spinosa; or any variety of American wild plums--Prunus Americans, Prunus alleghaniensis, etc.), being careful to remove the fruit before the skin bursts in the process, and then to beat this with three times its weight in sugar. This makes an excellent gargle and is a relaxant to the uvula and glands of the throat. Another well-known type of conserve is candied ginger, borrowed from the Chinese. Conserves have some bad side-effects because of the sugar content, but the herbs are in a more pleasant form. Conserves can be made with honey, but this is a little harder to do, as the finished product must be rolled into a powder base to keep it from being sticky. Conserves made with honey are superior to those made with sugar.
Dosage: Varies, use amount specified.
Decoction: This is a process used with roots and barks, chips, etc. Some must be boiled in water, while with others boiling water must be poured over them, and then a simmering heat applied over a period of time. Decoctions are intended for immediate use within a twenty-four hour period (with a 72-hour maximum limit when stored in a very cool place. Some herbs, however, do not sour within seventy-two hours, but if the souring or scum starts, make a fresh preparation. An herbal decoction is the chief basis for preparing enemas, ointments, spirits, fomentation, etc. A decoction is generally made by pouring cold water upon fresh or dried (cut, bruised, or ground) herbal agents. The usual preparation is one ounce of the botanical herb placed into one and one-half pints of cold water--one-half pint to compensate for water lost in the extractive process--with the herb and liquid brought slowly to a boil. The decoction differs from the infusion in that heat is applied and then continued over a period of time (boiling or simmering), because roots and barks generally need longer heating to extract their active principles. Water generally extracts the gummy and saline parts of herbal agents but heavy gums must be extracted with alcohol. The oily and resinous properties are also intimately blended with the gummy and saline elements, and many may be extracted by infusion, but a decoction is superior where there is tenacious cell structure. The harder the material, the longer the simmering and extractive period will be. This must be determined by your own careful observation, ingenuity, intuition, and experience, if not specified. In making a decoction of dry roots and barks, pulverize them first by mechanical means or pounding; next, soak the ingredients for twelve hours; then set this liquid on the fire and gradually heat to a slight boil. After the extractive period, drain off the liquid while hot and press the herb hard to make sure that all of the therapeutic ingredients are removed; then let stand until cool; and when cool, pour off the clear liquid on top, separating it from the settlings; and, finally, sweeten to taste. When fresh herbs are used in a decoction, the roots should be cut into very thin slices and the barks and woods should be shaved down, but the leaves and whole herbs need only slight cutting. Again, add more water when decoctions are too strong.
Dosage: Depending on age, size and temperament, 2 fluid ounces to a cupful of liquid three times a day.
Draft or drought: This is a small quantity of medicine, usually in a liquid form, that is taken in a mouthful and swallowed, generally not delicious, and therefore taken in a hurry. With intense pain or cramps, for example, one must take some tincture of lobelia (anywhere from a few drops up to a teaspoonful, as the condition requires), taken in one mouthful and swallowed. There are anodyne drafts for excessive pain and restlessness (25 drops tincture of lobelia, 1 ounce cinnamon water, 2 teaspoons common syrup, mixed); diuretic drafts for obstruction in the urinary tract causing a deficiency of urine (2 drops tincture of juniper berries, 2 teaspoons poppy syrup, 1 ounce water), etc. This is a very quick and efficacious way to administer a remedy.
Dosage: One mouthful generally is enough for a period of time, repeated as necessary.
Electuary: This is an herbal preparation incorporated into honey, or syrup, conserve or mucilage to form a soft or pasty mass which can easily be rolled into a ball. They are generally composed of the lighter powders (chiefly mild unpalatable alterative agents). When a child does not like to take capsules or resists drinking strong teas, you can make up an electuary (such as 1/4 teaspoon of worm seed powder, in case of needing a worm medicine) by just mixing the powder in a little honey, stiffening it with a small quantity of coconut or slippery elm powder, and then having the child chew or wash it down with a liquid. Even cayenne can be made an embedded pasty mass using peanut butter and honey as a base, and the cayenne embedded into it. Electuaries may be made from powders of barks, roots, seeds, conserves of flowers, tops of fresh herbs, etc.; but astringent electuaries (having pulps of fruit in them) should be prepared only in small quantities, as the medicinal virtues in these are rapidly lost, and the fruit pulps are apt to ferment. Generally, store this preparation in a cool place.
Dosage: Varies with mixture type, patient, vitality, etc. from pea-size up to marble-size.
Elixir: This is a sweetened, aromatic, spirituous preparation containing soluble medicinal agents in small amounts; it is usually a tincture or mixture of various herbal agents held in solution by alcohol in some form. One of the best examples of an elixir is the hawberry heart tonic, a rich syrupy preparation, mixed with enough brandy (of a fine type such as apricot, blackberry, etc.) to serve as a preservative, with glycerine and any other materials needed. You only use one-half teaspoon at a time in this highly concentrated form, which will do just as much good as one-half cup of the juice, because of the concentration.
Dosage: Varies according to age, and size, one-fourth teaspoon up.
Emulsion: This is a preparation of tiny globules of one liquid interspersed within another liquid (the former is called the internal, dispersed or discontinuous phase; and the latter liquid is the external or continuous phase, or dispersion medium). This is a type of homogenization where heavy material is suspended in an oily liquid. It is used for certain substances that would not otherwise be taken in a liquid form--for instance, pure oils, balsams, resins and other similar substances. An example of a common emulsion is: 1 ounce sweet almonds, 1 teaspoon bitter almonds, 2 pints water; blanch almonds (remove skin by scalding) and beat up, adding water little by little to form an emulsion; strain and bottle. This particular formula (using a teaspoon a day, six days a week, over the years) is a wonderful cancer preventative.
Dosage: Varies, dessert spoonful to tablespoonful.
Enema or Clyster: This is a way to administer copious amounts of liquid into the bowel itself (as much quantity as can be accepted), including such herbal preparations as infusions or decoctions, etc., having a laxative or peristaltic action upon the bowels. It is also used as a means of conveying fluids, nutritive food and herbal medicines into the system. Medicines and nourishment are administered by enema when persons cannot take anything orally. Also, an enema of warm herbal liquid may serve as a fomentation or wash, doing much good for inflammation of the bladder, lower intestines, etc. There are anti-putrefaction enemas, diuretic enemas, emollient enemas, laxative enemas, and enemas for various other problems. If a hot or a warm enema is given, then the anus will relax, causing the rectal area to discharge immediately, so, in most cases, a cold preparation is preferred, as it will soak through the waste concentrations.
Dosage: Prepare in strength of one and one-half teaspoon of herb to each cup of water; one and one-half cups to one pint (one quart maximum), and to adults one to three quarts. Administer to a child according to age, vitality, etc.
Extract: This is an herbal preparation made by boiling the herbal agent in water and evaporating the strained decoction to a desired consistency. By this process, some of the more active principals of the medicinal herb are liberated from the useless insoluble, pulpy matter (which comprises the larger share of the bulk). The solvents used are alcohol, glycerine, water, etc. Make extracts at the lowest temperature possible, because, if care is not taken, many of the light balsam oils and precious ingredients can be lost. The preparation vessel should always be tightly covered until the extract is sufficiently cooled. See also "fluid extract" and "solid extract."
Dosage: A few drops (according to need), generally put into another liquid; the dry extract would be a few grains of powder (as specified).
Fluid extract: Fluid extracts are more concentrated forms of other preparations done variously through evaporation, allowing a suitable solvent (such as spirits or alcohol) to pass through a column of the powdered substance (cold percolation), or high pressure, etc. The extract results so that the medicinal strength of the active properties in one fluid ounce of liquid will be equal to the medicinal value of one ounce of the crude herb. One simple common method is to soak, soften, and separate (macerate) crude herbs in water and alcohol containing a small quantity of glycerine and then to evaporate this solution until the desired strength is reached. In the evaporative procedure, low heat is applied. A fluid extract of an herb tea would be where the liquid has been simmered so that just the water is evaporated. A more preferred extraction method than alcohol, which does not add to the remedial properties of an extract, but simply serves as an extractive and preservative wherever such is feasible and compatible, is to use glycerine, because it has medicinal value. Undiluted glycerine is an irritant and a stimulant, and well-diluted glycerine is demulcent, emollient, soothing and healing.
The glyco-extract or glycerine solution is superior to alcohol, etheric, or any other extract made for most purposes, but it is incompatible with resinous or oily herb extracts which require alcohol as the solvent. Another valuable characteristic of glycerine is that it unites with many of the insoluble, inorganic drugs, such as those containing mercury, iodine, mineral sulphates, arsenic, strychnine, etc. A glyco-extract is made as follows: dissolve one-half ounce potassium sulphate into one gallon (distilled) water, add one pint of the crude herb and simmer (unless a heavy root or bark, which would be boiled) to one-half gallon. Strain and set aside; cover herb with water and simmer ten minutes; then strain and add one pint of glycerine; mix the two solutions, let stand until cool, then bottle. Fluid extracts save storage space, and also provide the practitioner with a compact and concentrated medicinal aid that is readily available and fast-acting. A fluid extract is generally used as a syrup, in liniments, and in fomentation. It is more concentrated than an infusion or a decoction, but less than the concentrate or solid extract.
Dosage: Internally, generally administered in teaspoonful doses; externally apply as needed.
Fomentation: This is applying herbs to convey heat, moisture, and medicinal aid in order to relieve pain, to reduce inflammation, and to relax affected areas. Fomentation are usually made from bitter herbs, sometimes with cayenne added, steeped in vinegar or water, and placed hot in muslin cloth over the affected area. A fomentation of apple cider vinegar alone will often take the pains out of arthritis, rheumatism and similar conditions. Soak a Turkish towel or gauze or similar material in hot tea, lightly wring (just enough that the water will not run off the body), and place as hot as possible without causing blistering. Generally keep the fomentation moist and warm by placing plastics, oilcloth, etc. over fomentation.
Dosage: Wet enough that the moisture will not run off the body; keep damp and change periodically.
Gargle: This is a solution of herbal agents used in rinsing the pharynx.
Dosage: One mouthful (not for very young children).
Infusion: An infusion extracts the active principles of herbs in water, or other fluid, without simmering or boiling; and it also refers to the liquid product of such a process. Pour a liquid (hot water, juice, glycerine, vinegar or alcohol) over the crude or powdered herb. The liquid may be hot, cold, or lukewarm (depending upon the type of herb and problem condition) but the flavor of the herb is generally much stronger and the action is much faster when made and administered hot rather than cold. Generally a standard infusion is used with the lighter herbs (such as the leaves, flowers, etc.), and is made by taking one teaspoonful of the dried herb or two teaspoonfuls of the fresh herb to a cup of water, regulating the quantity to fit the patient's strength. Finely cut or bruise the fresh herb, coarsely grind the dry herb, and pulverize the tenacious roots and barks; then pour one pint of boiling water over the crude herb and allow it to stand or steep for fifteen to thirty minutes. Be sure to cover the vessel and stir occasionally, then carefully strain off the clear liquid (though some sedimentation will not hurt in most cases.) With some herbs (such as buds, husks, and dried herbs like thyme), the only way medicinal value can be properly extracted is by infusion; other herbs that yield their medicinal value best by infusion are the pectorals (such as coltsfoot, ground ivy, etc.), aromatics (such as balm, mother of thyme, etc.), bitters (such as gentian root, orange peel, wormwood, etc.).
The bitter herbs do not require so large a quantity of the crude herb to the pint as do other herbs, and with something like cayenne only a few grains are effective. Don't be afraid of over-concentrating organic herbal medicines or remedies. We do recommend, however, that you follow the instructions that are provided.
Aromatic herbs contain effervescent or volatile oils which will be lost if infused in hot or boiling water, so steep in warm water for over one-half hour.
Dosage: Varies according to type of herb and problem condition, etc., usually one cupful three times a day. In kidney problems, extreme debilitation, etc., smaller doses should be given.
Injection: Injection is the old English term for a small enema, where medicinal aids are put in the rectum in very limited amounts (one-half to one cupful), the small amounts of liquid retained in the bowel for a time. Because the modern usage of the term "injection" is always thought of as being an intravenous use of the needle, be sure to refer to "injections" to specify that an herbal injection is only an enema.
Julep: This is a stimulating drink-type preparation flavored with aromatic herbs (but this is not the alcoholic drink referred to by the same term), and could be defined as "a large draft." An example of a julep would be: Four ounces (eight tablespoonfuls) cinnamon water, two ounces (four tablespoonfuls) Jamaica cayenne, two teaspoons (one-fourth ounce or one dessert spoonful) compound spirit of lavender, one ounce (two tablespoonfuls syrup of orange peel, mixed; (this is for general weakness and depression).
Dosage: 2 fluid ounces to one-half glass at a time.
Juice or express: Fresh herbal juices expressed from leaves or roots are probably the best medicinal aid when available. These are sometimes obtained from an entire herb having a juicy stalk (such as brooklime and watercress); or sometimes, where the stalk is dry and yields almost nothing (such as nettle), from the leaves. Juice may be obtained by using an electrical appliance (such as a blender, juicer, or press), or the old-fashioned, hand method". The hand method of expressing juice is as follows: thoroughly grind or beat the herb to a pulp with wooden pestle and a marble mortar (which is superior to any metal, unless stainless steel is available), and then wring the juice from the pulp into a vessel through muslin or other appropriate cloth. If the freshly-drawn juice is too thick, too coarse, or too harsh for the patient's stomach, let the liquid stand until the heavier sedimentation goes to the bottom, and then give the clear liquid only off the top. Sweetening may be added into the juice while beating the herb; and for some roots (such as beets) it is better to add carrot, celery, or some other more bland and light juice in the beating, or a few grains of powdered ginger may be added instead. With some nutritional-type herbs (such as carrot, apple and others which are also highly medicinal), do not add sweetening or anything else. You may wish, however, to include various flavoring and aromatic herbs (such as parsley or peppermint) in some of the more bland herbs (such as types like celery juice). Juices are far superior to plain water in supplying needed liquid to the body, because the appetite diminishes. Juices do not wear out and tire the body in digestion; they are in composition similar to a transfusion, and they go almost directly into the blood stream, while furnishing rapid nutrition. Juices are especially valuable because the growing herb filters out all the inorganic poisons (such as the chlorines and fluorines) in the water.
Dosage: Varies with specific cases (but not in large amounts, swished and well-mixed with saliva before swallowing).
Ketone: This is an herbal preparation wherein an organic compound is derived by oxidation from a secondary alcohol.
Dosage: Small amounts, usually a few drops up.
Liniment: This is an herbal preparation of an herbal oil or liquid intended for skin application by gentle friction or massage; it is thinner than the ointment and is usually rubbed on the skin as an anodyne or counter-irritant. Liniments can be mixed with rubbing alcohol or with other oils and herbal ingredients.
Dosage: Sufficient so that little is left on the skin surface when massaged thoroughly into the skin.
Lotion: This is a weak aqueous solution of herbs used for external and local application. Lotions are often used to tone up the skin, to bring back a youthful condition and appearance (in taking out wrinkles and blemishes), and to make hands smoother. In preparing lotions, glycerine or various oils are generally used to provide the lubricating base, to which the herbal aids are added.
Dosage: According to individual judgment, as often as needed.
Mixture: This is an herbal preparation that is (1) a complex of two or more active ingredients which are not at fixed formulary proportion to each other; and though they are thoroughly commingled, they retain separate identities, and (2) a suspension of two or more herbal agents in a liquid, which do not readily settle out. Often these are insoluble agents suspended in water by emulsion. It is erroneous, however, to think that the more herbs there are in the preparation, the better. Often only an herb or two appropriately selected is sufficient, and better than too many. Mixtures should be used, generally speaking, in the same proportion as individual formulas, wherein you mix a number together and take as one dose, using one teaspoon of the combined herbs (after they are mixed) to the cup, and then taking just one cup of the tea. At times you will find an herbal mixture in a bag or box on a shelf of health stores and other places, boasting a large number of beneficial herbs for healing the body. This is like trying to shoot an enemy at a distance with a shotgun, it is practically worthless.
Dosage: Varies, but generally one cupful three times a day; smaller doses for weak cases.
Oil: This preparation is made from the plant oils. For instance, the best oils from sassafras come from the root and the bark, but you can also take the oils from the chips and woods, much more slowly, with the mints (peppermint, spearmint, etc.), the oils come from the leaves. The oils from eucalyptus usually come from the leaves and some from the bark; and in many cases, oils are taken from flowers (as in lavender and various others), extracted almost to a gum consistency from red cover blossoms. Many of these oils, when properly made, do not go into rancidity easily (such as when made with olive oil). The amount of herbs used--a pound of fresh herbs to a pint oft times--depends on the quantity of oil desired. Simmer the herbs for hours until the oil comes out of the herb. In the case of cloves, grind up fine, and simmer the powder in olive oil at a temperature of 125-150 degrees F. Never use mineral oils.
Dosage: Do not overdo; varies according to type and need, a few drops to one tablespoonful. For olive oil, which is high in nutritional value, massage as much as the skin will absorb; olive oil is generally used in small doses internally, except when used for gallstones or kidney stones (here an adult dosage is four ounces or more at a time after a few days of preliminary herbal liquids).
Ointment or salve: This is a soft, semi-solid fatty herbal preparation used for a protective and emollient effect, liquefying when applied externally. Ointment bases are generally composed of various mixtures of waxes, animal and vegetable oils (almond, coconut, etc.), solid and liquid hydrocarbons, or the so-called water-solubles in which there may be 50-70% water incorporated into an emulsified product. The medicinal substances are mixed with the oils and wax; the oils allow ready absorption of the medicines, and the wax gives firmness to the mass. Vaseline is generally inferior to animal or plant oils, unless you do not want the animal fats that will absorb quickly into the skin (as when used on the internal membranous tissue of the nose). In most cases, we will specify under each specific herb (as we describe an ointment formula) whether to use the lard, mutton tallow, or other ingredients. You will soon learn what works best. Ointments in most cases should be massaged in except for counter-irritant ointments that are high in cayenne and requires no massaging.
With nearly all combinations, start with a melted base, such as lard and beeswax, and combine with herb. A good standard is one and one-half pounds lard, two ounces of beeswax, and one pound of fresh or one-half pound of dry herbs. Place into a closed container (stainless steel, earthenware, unchipped or unbroken enamel, glassware), put into the oven and leave there at low heat (under 200 degrees F., preferably around 180 degrees F.) for three or four hours. Periodically, if desired, take a fork and lift the fresh herbs to see if they are getting browned and brittle, and whether the lard as a catalyst has drawn the values from the herb.
Dosage: Amount needed but do not leave much on the skin surface unless covered.
Oxymel: This is an herbal mixture of honey (five parts) and vinegar (one part), acting as a vehicle or carrier for a water solution (one part) of some herbal aid (which is in infusion, decoction, etc.) used as a gargle or a vehicle for nauseous medicinal aids, such as cayenne, garlic, squills, etc. Common oxymel is made of a pint of vinegar, and two pounds of honey boiled together to the consistency of a syrup. Oxymel of garlic: put half a pint of vinegar into a vessel, boil it in a quarter of an ounce of caraway seeds, and the same quantity of sweet fennel seeds; at last add an ounce-and-a-half of fresh garlic root sliced cold, then press out the liquor and add ten ounces of honey, and boil it to a consistency. Oxymel of squills; put into a pint of vinegar three ounces of dried squills; let it stand two days in a gentle heat, then press out the vinegar, and when it has stood to settle, add a pound-and-half of honey, and boil it to a consistency.
Dosage: As a gargle. usually a mouthful internal, according to the dosage of medicinal aid in the oxymel carrier.
Pessary: This is a suppository, such as a bolus that is placed in the vagina to apply herbal remedies to the internal passages. Pessaries must be made with demulcent or emollient-type herbs; harsh herbs should never be used. Refer to "bolus".
Pill or Lozenge, Pastil: This is an herbal preparation that, for the most part, is composed of concentrated extracts and alkaloids in combination with the active crude herbs. The herbal agent is ground into a very fine powder and mixed with a mucilage of gum arabic (made by dissolving gum arabic in water), slippery elm, or a syrup, etc., which is then worked up into a pill mass. A portion is then cut off, sliced into small strips and then into smaller pill sized pieces, which are then rolled into little round balls for easy administration. A small amount of powdered rhubarb or flour on the board in preparation will keep the mass from sticking, but keep the pill mass in a quite firm consistency, else the excess mucilage or syrup will absorb too much rhubarb or flour. Pills can be coated or uncoated, but the pearl-coated pill is a favorite and is readily soluble in the stomach. Pills are usually made so that one pill equals about five grains of the herbal compound. There are specialty-type pills, such as enteric pills (dissolve in the duodenum or intestines), and concentric pills (formed of different ingredients in concentric layers so as to dissolve at various points in the intestinal tract). A pill differs from a tablet in that a pill needs a mucilage or other substance added to keep the herbal agent in an adhesive mass, whereas the tablet will adhere by its own characteristics upon compression.
Dosage: Varies, and must be administered as specified.
Plaster: This is an herbal preparation for external application that is harder than an ointment, but soft enough to be spread on linen, silk, etc., and adhere to the skin when applied to the body. The consistency of a plaster will vary according to the intended purpose--those applied to the breast or stomach will be soft and yielding, while those applied to the extremities should be firm and adhesive. Plasters must always be watched guardedly, so that they are not left on too long, as types such as the mustard plasters left on the area too long will cause blisters, burns.
Dosage: Usually one-fourth to one-half inch thickness to cover the problem area (varies according to the condition, toughness of the skin, etc.); however, use caution not to make plasters stronger than the patient can stand.
Poultice: This herbal preparation is a soft, semi-liquid mass made of some cohesive substance mixed with water, vinegar or other substances, and used for supplying heat and moisture to an area, or to act as a local stimulant. Have the herbs ground or granulated. When using fine powder, just use enough moisture to make a thick paste; and when using the granulated form, a thick paste may be made with a mixture of water and cornmeal (or flaxseed meal). If fresh green leaves are used, simply heat, bruise, triturate or chop them up finely, and apply to the affected parts. Poultices are excellent for enlarged or inflamed glands (neck, breast, groin, prostate, etc.), and also for eruptions, boils, carbuncles, and abscesses. A simple ripening or suppuration poultice is made as follows: prepare a soft composition with bread and milk, adding a quantity of boiled or raw onion (soften with vegetable oil or fresh butter where necessary).
Dosage: Be generous in making poultices, covering the afflicted area thickly.
Powder: This preparation consists of the fine particles of any dried herbal agent that have been reduced or pulverized by pounding, grinding, etc. The herbal powders may be placed in capsules, electuaries, emulsions, mixtures, etc., and used in hot or cold water. If the stomach is very sensitive to a particular powdered agent, begin with teaspoon doses of a preparation every fifteen minutes and increase the amount until the full dosage is reached. Aromatic powders contain volatile oils and should be prepared only in small quantities, and these should be kept in tightly-sealed glass vessels; and no medical virtues will be lost.
Dosage: Varies according to the type of powder used, the condition of the patient, etc., and must be specified for each case.
Preserve: This is a preparation wherein the herb (usually fruit) is cooked with sugar to preserve its shape and value. Steep or boil the fresh herb first in water, then afterwards in a syrup. Take out and dry so that the sugar may candy upon it. Often pectin is used to accentuate the action of the herb and to hold the medicinal aid intact.
Sinapism: This is a counter-irritant poultice made with vinegar and a stimulant-type herb. The common sinapism is made with equal quantities of bread crumbs and powdered mustard seed, mixed with sufficient vinegar. It can stimulate blood circulation into areas afflicted with a palsy or atrophy. It is also beneficial for deep-seated pains (such as sciatica), gout attacks of the head or stomach, or low fever (where the poultice is applied to the soles of the feet).
Spirit: This is an alcoholic or hydro-alcoholic preparation containing ordinary alcohol and a watery liquid that has been distilled from an alcoholic tincture or mash. It is a volatile prepared by distillation, whereas a tincture is prepared by infusing the volatile substance in alcohol. These are used as tonics, etc.
Dosage: A few drops on up, as specified.
Soft cast: This is an herbal preparation consisting of layers of medicinal aid coated or painted on body surface and wrapped with a protective covering. As a good example, for a case of phlebitis from varicosity, the soft cast is made in the following manner: paint an alcohol tincture of burdock (the other docks are also good here), on the area. Let the tincture dry and follow with another coat, continuing until a heavy shellac-type thickness has been applied. Next, very carefully and not too tightly, wrap this with white bandages in a spiral motion, covering the entire area with many layers of bandage, tying them with adhesive tape to hold the soft cast in place. The adhesive tape is attached to the skin and the cast itself to act as a tie. Then take an elastic-type bandage and cover the soft cast. This application is left on for a period of weeks, until all the brown tincture or coating is absorbed into the skin, the bandage becoming white and the skin clean.
Solid extract: This is a solid preparation obtained by dissolving the herbs with a suitable solvent, juice of a plant, etc., to a point that the potency in one part of the extract generally equals four to six times the medicinal value of one part of the crude herb. With this preparation, the fresh juice or strong infusion is evaporated to the consistency of honey, or is sometimes reduced to a solid state through distilling the alcoholic agent from a tincture. Ordinarily, however, this would be made by steeping the dry powder of a crude herb for long periods of time in hot water (or in alcohol, or in any other suitable menstruum), then evaporating the water or alcohol until only the solid materials remain. This preparation is used for making concentrated and potent aids (such as ointments, pills, plasters, syrups, tablets), as in a cough syrup, whereby the extract of onion and honey is concentrated into a thick consistency, to which some nervines and antispasmodic then may be added. This makes a high potency remedy.
Suppository: This is an easily fusible preparation of some convenient and soluble base, in the shape of a cone, cylinder, globular, oviform, or pencil, used to apply an herbal agent into the nostrils, rectum, urethra, or vagina. This may also be a preparation of nutrient ingredients where the patient is unable to take nourishment in the usual manner. Generally slippery elm is one of the better bases (or cocoa butter may be substituted). These solid formations (of various weights, sizes, and shapes) are introduced into the different body orifices where they soften or melt at body temperature. The rectal suppositories are tapered and weigh about two grams (but, this can vary, depending on the size of the individual, from a baby to a large adult); urethral suppositories are pencil-shaped, pointed at one end, seven centimeters in length, and weigh about two grams or they are fourteen centimeters in length and weigh four grams; and vaginal suppositories are globular or oviform (oval, egg-shaped) and weigh about five grams.
Syrup: A syrup is a thick, sticky liquid preparation made by dissolving sugar into (distilled) water, decoctions, infusions, juices, or other aqueous solution, and is used to suspend medicinal or flavoring agents for easy administration alone, or to combine with other preparations. For making a syrup with herbs, settle out the heavier matter and pour off the clear liquid; then add to that (for every pint of herbal liquid) one and three-fourths pounds of sugar, place into an appropriate vessel, heat until the sugar is melted (some skimming is needed in the process), cool, and store for future use. For a syrup with flowers (such as cowslip, damask roses, peach blossoms, red poppies, violets, etc.), three pounds of the flowers should be picked from their husks with the heels cut off, five pints of boiling water poured over them, let stand all night, pour off the clear liquid in the morning, and then make the syrup as previously indicated. Another formula for making a simple syrup is to pour one pint of boiling water over two and one-half pounds of sugar, place on hot stove and stir until the liquid begins to boil, and then instantly remove; this makes one quart of simple syrup, to which medicinal aids, one ounce of fluid extract, to three ounces of the simple syrup may be added, adding two ounces of glycerine which has been mixed into two ounces of thick mucilage (such as gum arabic) for tender stomachs.
Cordial: A weakened form of medicinal syrup, diluted to one-fourth its original potency.
Dosage: Varies according to size and age, one teaspoonful to one tablespoonful.
Tablet or Pellet: This is an herbal preparation wherein the solid extract of an herb is compressed into a very small compass, where an herb is dehydrated down to a point of very fine powdery consistence so that it naturally adheres upon compression in strong metal dies (compressed tablets); and fine powders are triturated with sugar or lactose moistened with a liquid (alcohol, glycerine, syrup, water, vinegar, etc.), and then pressed lightly into molds and dried (tablet triturates). The tablet differs from the pill in that the latter needs an additive to make the herbal agent adhesive, wherein the former does not necessarily. Tablets are superior to pills as they are more easily administered and because they dissolve in the stomach more rapidly.
Tinctures: This is an herbal preparation (generally non-volatile) that is technically a fluid extract, but the medicinal virtues are generally extracted into solution with alcohol, glycerine, vinegar, as water will not retrieve some of the medicine principles better in solution and preserves them from deterioration. Alcohol or vinegar tinctures should be made as follows: take approximately four ounces ground dried herbs or eight ounces of finely chopped fresh herbs. This is tightly stoppered and each day for ten days to two weeks the bottle is shaken vigorously at least three times a day or more. Extract all liquids, squeezing the powder residue thoroughly, with a regular juice press, or wring out by hand through cloth, canvas, muslin, etc. Cloth is the least effective because it absorbs much of the liquid. After the liquid is extracted, place the tincture extract in dark or painted bottles, stopper thoroughly and store. To keep tinctures over a long period of time, wax the stopper. When administering a tincture internally, you may evaporate the alcohol from the solution by putting it into hot water, or it can be taken as it is. For making glycerine tinctures, soak four ounces of the ground herb in one pint of water and glycerine (1 part of glycerine to 4 parts water), macerate for ten days, strain as with the alcohol, and bottle. The glycerine tincture is better for internal use, as it takes away poisons from the body. Alcohol is preferred where there are resinous or oily herb extracts, as the glycerine will not dissolve or mix with these.
Dosage: One ounce of a tincture should equal the potency of one ounce of the powder herb, so a few drops will equal one-half cup of tea. Dilute at least one teaspoonful of tincture to each cup of water.
ADMINISTERING HERBS
As a rule, remember that the warm infusion of the medicinal aid will manifest the quickest and most effective results; while the nearer the herbal preparations approach the liquid form, the quicker they will assimilate and take effect and the smaller will be the doses required.
ANAL OR RECTAL
Herbal preparations administered via the anus: compound, combination, concentrate, decoction, enema, infusion, injection, mixture, oil, suppository or wash. The absorption by this method generally is twice as slow as for the aids administered orally and entering via stomach.
Colonics: A general and accepted method for colonics is the use of a mechanical device to pump the enema material in and out of the body. This is a therapeutic crutch which will weaken the system more than it will give aid; its proper use is only in providing temporary relief as in telescoping of the bowels. Do not depend on this procedure, as it becomes habit-forming. The clonic does not get deep into the pockets or ballooned areas of the intestine and it merely washes out matter obstructing the middle of the intestine channel.
Enemas: Enemas should be used in emergencies, and not as a crutch. One should remember that a warm-water enema relaxes the anus and consequently the liquid can be retained for only a very short period (with no time to soak through the encrusted fecal matter) and come right back out again. But with a cold enema, the anus contracts and the rectal area becomes tight, such that the water will stay in the body longer, thereby giving it a chance to soak. The enema is mainly a cleansing procedure and generally is not used medicinally. The low enema is used where there is trouble in the sigmoid and the rectal area itself, and where the problems are higher in the colon, then it calls for a long catheter (in every case, for a better cleansing, the catheter, a long hose made of rubberized material, is the best procedure). In using enemas, be very careful not to use caustic or harsh injurious ingredients in the anus.
Injection: An injection is actually a minimal enema, generally given with a small syringe and the liquid is retained in the bowel for a period of time without immediate evacuation. The reason the injection is used in a small amount instead of having a full bowel of water (or tea, or other liquid) is because it is not discharged quickly. Injections are given both for medicinal and nutritional reasons: for example, the injection given during convulsions (1 cup to 1 pint maximum is what is generally used, according to age, condition, and size) using a tea will give very good and fast results. When the injection contains nutritional herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow, or sea vegetation (such as Irish moss, Iceland moss, seawrack), etc., are used. One can get better effect and results by using the injection or the enema in a knee-chest position; and by using the enema material cool, the body retains the liquid for a longer period of time, soaking through and breaking loose the old toxic fecal matter that must be removed from the system if permanent relief and healing is to take place.
Ointments: These are very easily used in the anus area where a person has piles or hemorrhoids. To apply ointments into the anal area, administer them by finger, or in some cases to put them onto a suppository-type piece of cotton and insert (it can also be put onto a tampax and left in, although this is generally uncomfortable).
Sitz baths: There are a number of differing opinions on sitz baths. The common sitz bath is merely sitting in a tub, wherein just the buttocks, the lower back into the sacroiliac and the upper thighs are immersed, though the feet should be in another tub; or where the buttocks would be in cold water, the feet should be in hot water; or vice versa. The most important part of the sitz bath, of course, is soaking the anal area in herbal aids to give relief. This is used for itching, piles, hemorrhoids, acid burning from urine and rectal discharges, or toxic conditions wherein the flesh is raw.
Suppositories: Again, these are crutches which we do not want to depend on, because, with a cathartic-type suppository, one will be forced to use it after a period of time and never get a bowel movement started unaided. When a person is not able to take food orally (from being unconscious or otherwise afflicted), food may be put into the rectum. People can be kept alive with this type of assistance for considerable periods of time. Suppositories are used when one has hemorrhoids, painful ulceration, itching, etc.
Tinctures: These are often used in the anus to save lives, because after a person has gone into spasms or convulsions, nothing can be put into the body through the mouth. Never use a tincture at full strength, always dilute. Be very careful, for, although the tincture injection will not do any critical damage, it may cause inconvenience. With the average tincture (the way we make them to be administered per rectum), the dilution should be 1 teaspoonful to each cup of water or tea combination.
NASAL
Herbal preparations administered via the nasal passage: decoction, infusion, oil, ointment, powder, tincture.
Camel hair brush: A small camel hair brush is often used to paint the inside of the nose with an ointment or a tincture (the regular nose ointment or peppermint and spearmint or Vaseline is used this way).
Inhalants or Vapors: Often when one has lung congestion, along with the vapor or steam bath, a good inhalant will be very beneficial in cutting loose the mucus from the bronchial-lung areas, this can be steam from apple cider vinegar or vapors from oils (such as eucalyptus, peppermint, spearmint, etc.). These will help heal and clear congested areas. There are electric vapor dispensers, but inhalants may also be administered simply with a pan of water (with the oil poured on the surface of the water) and a towel placed over the head, wherein the oils are carried with the water vapors, and the patient breaths over the vessel to inhale the effervescent fumes of the various essence used. Volatile herbal aids can be rapidly absorbed into the system through this procedure.
Insufflations or powder snuffing: This procedure uses the fine powders of various herbs with bland or non-irritating bases (such as bayberry and white oak), by snuffing it directly into the nose, another person blowing the powder into the nostril with a straw, the patient by means of a flexible straw blowing it in himself, combining both the nasal spray and snuffing procedures.
Liquid snuffing: Often bayberry and other herbal teas are used as astringents and antiseptics to clear and purify the nasal passage, or to reduce the pulse rate in cases of adenoidal problems.
Massage: If only a small amount of nose ointment is to be applied, then the easiest way is to take a small quantity on the end of the little finger and massage it gently into the nose area, next closing off one nostril and inhaling and then repeating the process for the opposite side.
Sprays: Sprays are very easy to administer in an atomizer or nebulizer with the right type of ingredients, and generally an appropriate light, fixed (non-volatile) oil, a decoction, or an infusion will work very well. Also powders are used in nasal sprays (such as bayberry, golden seal, etc.).
ORAL
This is the most convenient procedure of administering. herbal correctives which is through the mouth and down the throat (the gastrointestinal route), and is done in the form of balsam, concentrate, conserve, decoction, capsule, draft, electuary, elixir, emulsion, essence, fluid extract, gargle, infusion, julep, juice, mixture, oil, pill, powder, preserve, spirit, solid extract, syrup, tablet or tincture. Here the herbal aids are absorbed through the walls of the blood vessels (that copiously permeate the mucous membrane of the intestinal tract), portal veins (carrying blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver), and lacteals (lymphatic vessels of the small intestines conveying chyle to the thoracic duct). Gelatinous (Irish moss, slippery elm), gum resinous (asafoetida, myrrh, pine, scammony), oleoresinous (copaiba), starch, and fatty substances are passed into the duodenum, where they are acted upon by bile, intestinal and pancreatic juices. As a rule, herbal aids enter circulation much quicker when taken on an empty stomach, and the systemal receptivity is better at night than in the morning.
Electuaries: Electuaries are generally made up in small enough individual forms that they can be swallowed with ease (but are not always chewed). Some of these "sweets" (such as a children's laxative) however, are made with ground fruits and herbs in them, and are quite tasty when chewed. Yet in many cases these are not palatable, so the manner of administration would depend on the herbal compounds placed or concealed in them.
Gargle: One mouthful is generally sufficient for gargling, and the best effect may be obtained by injecting the solution into the throat area by syringe, gargling in the throat until a cleaner or more relaxed feeling is sensed in the area, then spitting out this amount; thereafter, it is beneficial to take a tablespoonful or more of a demulcent-type aid after the gargle (such as bayberry or raspberry leaf tea). Small children who are not old enough to comprehend should never gargle, because they generally choke when the liquid invariably gets into the bronchi.
Juices: All juices should be sipped slowly, chewed almost like solid food, and swished through the mouth (long enough to insure that saliva is well-mixed with the juices in order to get the value, and to avoid discomfort or regurgitation) before swallowing. This procedure is most important in the digestive function, for many juices are very rich and are not compatible with the gastric juices when insufficient saliva is present. Juices should not be gulped or drunk in large amounts, as this may result in irritation to the system of some people who throw up after rapidly drinking rich juices that are not properly mixed with saliva before entering the stomach.
Liquids: With liquids (extracts, decoctions, infusions, etc.), these should not be so hot that they damage or scald the mucous membrane, yet they would be taken generally as hot as possible. The warm liquid form via the oral cavity is the fastest procedure of getting herbal medicinal aids into the body itself, because as the tea or liquid enters the oral cavity (from the mouth or into the intestinal tract), the blood stream immediately starts absorbing the medicinal value from the solution going into the area. In emergencies, it is always best to use a hot tea (such as in heart attacks, put a teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of boiling water, and when it is cool enough to drink without burning the interior surfaces, then administer promptly for immediate results). Teas or liquids that are cool are somewhat slow in absorption, but are excellent for a long-range corrective program.
Oils: Oils must not be overdone. There are certain types of oils that should never be used internally or externally (mineral oil will rob the body of its nutritive values by draining them off before they are assimilated). Vegetable oils of other types taken internally, however, are acceptable to the human body when taken from a few drops up to a tablespoonful at a time (depending on the condition being treated, patient vitality, etc.), and a tablespoon every hour of olive oil with lemon juice can be used to pass gall stones.
Ointments: This procedure is used less often internally, yet the black ulcer ointment placed on the base of the tongue is very effective in healing a sore throat; or placed on the tongue or lip-cheek area, it is good for canker sores, cuts in the mouth and various types of mouth diseases (such as thrush or mycotic stomatitis); and alleviating throat irritations, the power in the herbal salve will travel a long way, even into the bronchial and lungs. Never use any type of "external only" ointment in the mouth, however, that has been mixed with rubbing alcohol or with caustics (irritating, destructive, and poisonous drugs). It is best for the herbalist to supervise and prepare his own ointments, and then he will eliminate the difficulties and risks with commercial practices and procedures of additive poisons, preservatives, etc. (even some under "organic" labels), in multitudinous, attractively-named concoctions and made so often of highly questionable and destructive ingredients. Many of these have not been tried and tested, and later (after usage by the public) have proven to be very damaging to the body. The deadly inorganic used as commercial ointments should never be used orally at any time, for any reason.
SKIN
Herbal aids may be applied externally by rubbing or massaging directly on the skin (epidermic or epidermatic), wherein passage of the medicine (oil, ointment, etc.) is facilitated through and between the epidermal cells (generally, the best results are achieved when an herbal application is made where the skin is the thinnest--abdomen, axillae or armpits, groins, and insides of thighs); applying with friction (enepidermic or enepidermatic), wherein aqueous solutions pass slowly into the tissue (this can be accelerated with mullein on the lymphatic, and cayenne elsewhere) and alcohol causes an outward osmotic flow. The subcutaneous injection (hypodermic or hypodermatic) and blistering (endermic or endermatic) procedures are not used by herbalists, as these are unnatural to normal body functions. Herbal correctives are administered in the form of: balsam, cataplasm, cerate, collyria, compound, combination, concentrate, decoction, emulsion, fluid extract, fomentation, infusion, juice, ketone, liniment, mixture, oil, ointment, plaster, poultice, powder, sinapism, solid extract, soft casts, syrup, tincture, or wash. There are many therapeutic procedures for treating the human body through the skin. If two-thirds of the skin is clogged, a person will die because there is not enough oxygen entering through the nose and lungs to meet the full body requirement, so the skin must be kept clean and clear at all times. In applying herbal aids to the skin, always be careful that the delicate tissue is not damaged with improper herbs and combinations. Often if a liniment, ointment, plaster, etc., that is too strong is used (for instance, with a mustard plaster), then blistering will occur. Also be very careful with the types of applications that are used after a hot sweating bath, so that the exposed pores are not damaged or burned. The use of many commercial soaps, dusting powders, skin lotions, etc., will obstruct and close the pores, and the skin vitality is too important to deteriorate it so carelessly. Rather than using caustic types of commercial soaps and cleansing agents, just plain water or a biodegradable agent should be used to keep the skin fresh. With occupational problems of dust, dirt, grime, oil, etc., that get on the skin, a covering or glove will partially protect the skin from inorganic poisons and filth. One of the most important responsibilities in life is to maintain a clean body, for "cleanliness is next to godliness"!
Bathing: The best procedure in either retaining or restoring skin vitality is to take a good hot bath, then a cold one to close the pores. "What's one man's meat is another man's poison," as far as how much bathing a person should do. There are some who feel that to wash their hair once a week, or to take a bath on Saturday night, is adequate. There are many like me, however, who do not feel the day has started off right without the early morning bath and meditation. As far as the hair is concerned, a woman with long tresses will have a more difficult time washing hair every day as a man with short hair does, but I personally wash my hair every day, and it always feels good and clean, and lends to clear thinking. The water acts as a good tonic to the skin, because it goes in, flushes and cleanses the skin, and in the process, much of this water will go right on into the blood stream. It is relaxing to have the right temperature of water, which would be tepid to slightly warmer, but water that is too hot is not relaxing. The heat expands the body tissue and brings toxic poisons to the surface, and after that is discharged and eliminated, then the cold water will contract the tissue, close the pores and cause the skin to be sealed again where it will not allow a cold, exposure, flu or pneumonia to set in. Our advice (where one is just starting to take cold baths) is to sponge the body with cold wash cloth, then go into a quick, cold shower, and eventually a longer one; then, if you want to really enjoy the bath properly, try lying in a cold tub of water after the hot bath. This will be very beneficial to the body if done gradually, but if done too soon, it will cause a shock to the heart.
Clothing: The skin being so very delicate and sensitive, it pays to stop a moment to think seriously of how to cover the skin when we do not desire to leave it over-exposed to the sun. True, the more we can let the sun rays bathe on the skin, the better off we are, but the clothing materials should be of the highest vibration possible (silk is one of the greatest and best materials that can be used, as it is a live substance, spun from the body of the silk worm using organic vegetation). The next in preference would be materials from animals (sheep wool, camel hair, etc.), as these are still of a higher vibrating nature and can be used without killing the animal, and yet give mankind the advantage of its use. Next, and lower in vibrancy, come the higher vegetable types (including linen such as Christ was wrapped in), cotton fibrous netting, etc. Then we get to man-made or chemical synthetics, which have a very sluggish and low vibration and are very damaging to the body. The lower vibrational materials should be avoided as much as possible--as the nylon and many other man-made synthetics will not allow the skin to breathe properly and in addition are highly combustible and a definite fire hazard to the skin. Much unaccounted-for sickness can be attributed to the use of nylon (undergarments, hose, etc.) and other synthetic clothing. These do damage to the physical system, and this results in a waning and deterioration of the health and the Law of Moses also advises against mixing or blending different fibers together; pure, organic clothing is best. It is absolutely imperative for air to circulate between the skin and clothing, so a free and loose-fitting, organic-type clothing is superior. Many people even become covered with itches and rashes and are poisoned from wearing "economical" and "long-wearing" man-made cloth.
Collyria: The method of administering the eye wash or eye lotion is generally with an eye cup, filled and placed up to the eye, then holding the head back so that the eye is immersed, open the eye and exercise in the liquid. If the eye cup is unavailable, use an eyedropper to administer the dosage, or use a lid compress. When using a powerful healer such as cayenne, the administration should last only a few seconds at first and gradually increase the time of each successive treatment.
Fomentation: Here soak the cloth or Turkish towel application to be used in the herbal compounds that have been prepared in decoctions or infusions or in castor or olive oils, emulsions, essences, fluid extracts, spirits, tinctures juices, onions, garlic, carrots, etc. Here many types of oils are used hot: oil of wormwood, sassafras and peppermint make a very good combination for rheumatism, arthritis, sore joints, muscular spasms, and muscular soreness from exercise you are not accustomed to, and a fomentation with ointment is used occasionally in specific cases. The effectiveness of the fomentation can be speeded by using a hot water bottle during the warm application and alternating this with a cold application in many cases is very beneficial, following again with a hot one. The method to be used will depend on the type of problem, but specifically in sprains and sore muscles, the alternate hot-and-cold applications are very excellent. Generally, fomentation are covered with oiled silk, plastic, or wax paper, and a hot water bottle placed over this to keep the application warm, changing periodically when the potency and value of the tea itself has been absorbed out of the toweling. For a glandular swelling, the preferred procedure is a hot fomentation--always with moist heat. In case a hot water bottle is unavailable, then wrap a hot, wet Turkish towel around heated bricks or rocks, or use an electric heating pad (be sure here that there is no danger of an electrical short, however)--for as long as there is moisture between the body and the dry heat, then it is safe. Along with the fomentation, an internal tea used in combination with the external aid will greatly facilitate the healing process.
Foot baths: Put the feet into hot apple cider vinegar and let them soak; if faster action is desired, then place the right foot into a pan with the right bare foot on garlic or in a strong decoction of garlic and place the left foot in hot apple cider vinegar. This will start a circulating movement within the body system that will afford quick relief. The use of apple cider vinegar and honey internally (a teaspoonful, three times a day) will help facilitate and speed the process of toxic elimination.
Herbal baths: For hydrotherapy, we oft times use decoctions, infusions, tinctures, dry powders, etc. in the water to bathe in using herbs (such as ginger, cayenne, mustard, and others). We also use foot baths and/or hand baths in heated apple cider vinegar for arthritis and rheumatism.
Liniments: Massaging oils, tinctures, and teas on the skin are very beneficial. This may be done anywhere on the external tissue, but where rapid absorption is critical, an accentuating aid must be added. Massage the preparation in thoroughly and see that very little medicinal agent is left on the skin surface, but rubbed well into the skin and flesh itself. Liniments are excellent for sore muscles and sprains, and often lobelia is used here in combination with other herbal preparations, to ease the pain.
Lotions: With the skin it is so important to keep those pores clean, and (as we stated before), for the body can be choked to death when the skin becomes unclean. The body painted with nonporous substances that will smother the skin, and so many of the sun lotions on the market today do just that, they do great damage by shutting off that source of oxygen supply to the system.
Oils: We have a full specialty course on the use of medicinal oils for healing the body externally, and these are used for many internal problems, too. As the oil absorbs through the skin and into the blood stream, it is very, very beneficial when used with knowledge and skill.
Ointments: There are many ointment combinations, and generally the healing ointments are used externally. We have had many cases of cancer, skin rashes, etc., that have been healed using the cancer and ulcer ointments. The ointments can be used for acid urine, all types of dermatitis, blood-poisoning, boils and carbuncles (bring the toxins to a head), diaper rash, felons, infections, in-grown hair, ulcers, etc. Ointments are applied either by rubbing the preparation directly onto the skin, or the aid is smeared onto gauze and placed over the area.
Plasters: Never make plasters stronger than the individual can endure. For example, when making a mustard plaster, softening agents should be used (such as egg whites or whole wheat flour mixed with the mustard ingredients or olive oil massaged thoroughly into the skin prior to the plaster application) and these will prevent burning.
Poultices: The poultice action is similar to the fomentation, but where the fomentation ingredients are in the liquid form, the poultice used herbal solids or often the entire herb itself is placed on the inflicted area. Before applying a poultice, one should first bathe the affected part thoroughly with herbal teas (such as mugwort, apple cider vinegar, or an antiseptic or astringent herb). The poultice is usually heated prior to application whereby, besides providing medicinal aid, it yields secondary value in maintaining warmth and moisture on the afflicted area over a period of time. Oft times in using poultices, we have to watch that only the proper and congenial herbs are used, because in cases where the pus should continue to flow, an astringent (or an aid that would stop the flow) should not be used. A hot poultice can be prepared with apple cider vinegar (which is good with nearly all herbs), and if no vinegar is available, then use hot water. In an emergency (such as a bee sting or poisonous bite), simply chew up some plantain or comfrey leaves in the mouth (without swallowing the saliva), make into a soft mass, and apply pulp and juice immediately on the wound. Cover the injury with a plastic-type material when possible to retain the moisture, and repeat the application as often as necessary for a number of hours, until the herbal action has had time to draw the poison out. Be careful not to suck the value out of the plantain, of course, as the value is in both the pulp and the juice itself. A better way is to bruise the herb, and thereby none of the medicinal value is absorbed into the mouth, and this may be done with a rock, a hammer, a pistol laban, or even rubbing between the hands. But, for the fastest method of bruising for stings, snake bites, rabid dogs, etc. (where the herb must be applied quickly), simply chew it. Where only dried herbs are available, moisten them, and apply as quickly as possible. The poultice can be changed quite frequently, if needed, or it can be left on longer and changed only once or twice a day until healing is assured. It is always best to cover any poultice application with a plastic material or some type of covering which will not allow the moisture to escape.
Soaps: Inorganic soaps are very damaging to the skin and obstruct the pores. A little dandruff scraped off the scalp, for example, and placed into distilled water (which is zero grain hardness) will often shake into a heavy foamy lather or suds, showing that the major part of dandruff is composed of soap that has not been washed out. There are very few rinses that can thoroughly cleanse the soap out, and the best cleansing agent of this type is biodegradable type, such as Dr. Shaklee's Basic-H Bestline products, Amway, etc., all of which are made of soluble vegetable bases. But the inorganic, commercial-type soaps will often cause rashes and do considerable damage to the skin tissue and the body itself (through epidermal absorption). If biodegradable soaps are unavailable, then lemon juice, vinegar, and wild sage are very effective. The commercial soaps give the appearance of beauty by cleaning and perfuming the surface, while the pores remain dirty, still, from toxic matter.
Steam baths: One of the most important procedures of water therapy are the steam or sweat baths, and these will bring the poisons out of the body wonderfully. There are various types of steam baths, and these are all very valuable, very invigorating and health giving. This therapeutic procedure is recommended for arthritis, asthma, bursitis, colds, flu, hay fever, neuritis, pneumonia, rheumatism, sinusitis, stiff joints, etc. Someday, I hope to see a steam cabinet in every home (not a chicken on every plate and a car in every garage). In sweat therapy, we also have the cold sheet treatment--a positive remedy for colds, flu, and pneumonia--which can be effectively used even in advanced and chronic cases.
Sun: Helios-therapy on the skin is very important, as the sun is the Great Doctor of all times. But this therapy must always be done with caution because the sun (though being a healer) is like fire, which can either provide gentle warmth or it can burn a city down. The sun will heal where medicinal aids, herbs and other procedures are slower. In many instances, it will bring skin cancer to the surface; and various other skin problems (such as acne, eczema, etc.) are beneficially aided by bathing in the sun. The internal use of tea of other herbal aids are often an herbal wash before the sunbathing are congenial and excellent. When there is moisture in the body, the sunbathing is much more beneficial--for instance, burdock seed and burdock root may be used internally (which work on the lymphatic and oil glands of the body), while at the same time using sun therapy for the outside. Indiscreet exposure can cause third-degree burns, shock, and death. The light-skinned individual must be most careful, but even a person with dark skin can get a very heavy burn. Helios-therapy is used on bright days, but we do advise against sunbathing at midday, between the period 11-1, when sun might be quite toxic to the user. A blonde person who has never done sunbathing before should never be out over one minute on the first day, adding a minute each day. This should be measured by stop watch or clock, and accuracy is important, because the feel of the sun is so luxurious that one will desire to stay in it just a little bit longer, and that can cause serious trouble. This may not sound like very much, but within thirty days a person can be sunning up to an hour total time! Brunettes can often start with two minutes front and two minutes back without any injury at all, and add four minutes a day. A person who has been sunbathing years before and has sunbathed regularly each season may start with a little more, five minutes front and five minutes back for the brunette, and two minutes front and two minutes back for the blonde. If done gradually and judiciously, this can give power to the body. The propaganda in daily newspapers and national publications each year (although promoted often by people with doctoral degrees) stating that "the sun causes cancer" is as ridiculous as saying "the tonsil is poisoning the whole body"--actually it is the putrid condition of the body that is poisoning the tonsil, or the skin! All the sun does is to ripen and bring the cancer that is already there to the surface, wherein the waste matter can slough off, so that the body may heal. This is why we must work inside the body with herbs, as well as outside the body with the sun, which will harmoniously speed the curative process and eliminate the problem so there is no recurrence.
Wash: Often medicinal aid must be applied to an exterior surface where bandages, a cast or a soft case cannot be applied so the area must be washed with some herbal preparation (decoction, infusion, or tincture, etc.). In some cases, only one coating (just wash and let dry) is used, but sometimes the area is washed repeatedly and the phlebitis (which is a varicose condition in its advanced stage, wherein the pressure is intense and the pain is excruciating), often just a wash of white oak bark (or some other appropriate herb) will give immediate relief within minutes. This wash would be similar to a "paint job," technically, because where the medicinal aid could otherwise be bound on by a soft cast with a phlebitis condition, tincture of kino could be applied in layered coatings (twelve-fifteen or more coatings) and each coating (like a coating of paint) would be allowed to dry before adding the next one. Often a juice extract (in the Old English called an "express") made by squeezing the medicinal liquids from mullein, plantain, or black walnut (excellent), etc., is washed on. Herbal washes are generally hot or very warm. Herbal aids are administered here in the forms of: compound, combination, concentrate, decoction, infusion, mixture, ointment, pessary, poultice, powder, tincture, or wash (douche).
Bolus: One of the valuable procedures in the healing program for a woman is the vaginal bolus. The bolus is inserted into the rectal area. There are two types of bolus: one that dissolves at body temperature and the other acts as a poultice. The poultice-type is made with healing herbs to draw the poisons and toxins; and to break loose cysts, tumors, and cancerous conditions even as far up as the abdominal area as the bolus has a widespread influence, effecting not only the vagina, but also other organs, such as the bowel and the urinary tract. This drawing-type bolus generally consists of a group of herbs.
Douche: This well-known method is an internal cleansing and healing bath used in the vaginal area. Yellow dock tea is one of the most potent of all douches for strengthening, cleansing and purifying the female genital area; and it is a well-established fact that lemon juice alone has far more strength than lysol, with none of the harmful effects of the commercial inorganic compound.
