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Joelle
I’ve noticed that a lot of salve and cream recipes depend on “steeping” (maybe there is a more proper term for it) your herbs in oil. Then using the infused oil to make the salve or cream. This makes me think that the oil must be pretty good at extracting the properties in the herb. If this is so, could infused oil be used almost like a tincture? I’ve always like the portability, ease of use, and quick-acting aspects of tinctures, but would prefer not to use vodka on a regular basis. Are there any drawbacks to taking infused oils like tinctures? I assume infused oils don’t last as long; however, they are pretty easy to make so I could make multiple small batches as needed. But I wonder how effective they are at extracting properties as well as how fast this method would absorb into the body and respond to the herb taken. Any thoughts on this subject would be welcome!
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Laurie Blomberg
Hi! I am wondering if I can use a tincture to make a salve rather than using infused oils only. I already have a tincture of yarrow going and the oil infusion takes a long time. Just wondering if it can be used instead…
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Laurie,
Oh yes, I wonder that too! If you have the tincture or can come by it more readily than the infused oils, can it be used to make a salve. I haven’t found any info on it yet though. Still looking…if I find anything in the training, I’ll be sure to pass it along. I am so very wanting to know how infused oils tinctures differ and if they can be used interchangeably sometimes.
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Laura L. Bergeson
From what I understand, the medicinal properties of different herbs are best extracted by certain different menstrums. For example, lobelia really likes some vinegar in the mixture, even if you are using alcohol to extract the herb. Having a good medicine making manual on hand really helps.
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I didn’t realize that! Do you have a preferred manual you can suggest?
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I usually turn to “Making Plant Medicine” by Rico Cech, and “The Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook” by James Green. If I’m not sure on what menstrum to use, there are online resources that can help. However, I like having the hard copy books, in case the power is out for an extended time.
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Yes, I’d also like to know which herbs can effectively be made into infused oils and which ones oil will not extract the properties from. If there are herbs that are fully extractable by oil, then I would know that my salves are going to be effective. Also wondering about taking infused oils internally.
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Dr. Patrick Jones
Oils are for topical applications.
Using infused oils internally isn’t a good idea. The oil has no preservative properties at all and the safety of final product would be highly questionable. Also, oil unless it’s hot isn’t the best solvent for extraction. If you don’t want to ingest vodka, just put the powdered hers in a smoothie or some applesauce or something. That’s be much safer and much more effective that using an infused oil internally.
Have a look at these lessons for info on when, why and how to use different herb preparations:
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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