Teas vs Tinctures

[ComfreyStudent]

I’m just wondering if there is somewhere one could find a list of which herbs do better with water extraction (tea or decoction), tinctures, vinegars, glycerin, etc. I know there are medicinal properties of the plants that release better as a tea, others in alcohol, and so forth–but I can’t seem to find information that outlines which herbs do better in what. Is this where knowing the constituents of the plant would be beneficial, or does it matter? Thanks for any info. Love this site!

[IdahoHerbalist]

I was just reading today that even with the same herb and even the same part of that herb responds differently to the different menstrums.

[ComfreyStudentTopic Author]

Thanks for answering “IdahoHerbalist”. I notice you have a lot of information on this forum as well. Where did you learn most of your information from? I’m more interested in knowledge than a piece of paper saying I passed their schools test. In talking to Dr. Jones, he suggested learning what I felt I should learn (which is what I’ve been doing–just nice to be validated). Anyway–do you (or anyone else out there who happens to read this) have suggestions of the best places to learn about Herbalism? (Sounds like a religion almost 😉 )

[IdahoHerbalist]

I got my start with Patrick. We live just a couple of miles from each other. We have lots of common interests and goals. Ours wives are like sisters too.

The BEST way to learn is to pick an herb, learn about it and then USE IT. Maybe do some research on 5 or 10 and then pick a few that you think that would be good for you. There are ways to be certain about them that I have discussed in other areas of the forum. The best thing is to get them and then use them. Don’t over do it at first. Get to where a certain thing comes up and you automatically think something like, “I have a stuffy head and a frontal headache” and then go grab the Brigham Tea and Balsam Root to treat it. Then expand your base of herbs.

Get a book that covers the herbs that grow in your area and take it with you everywhere. Guys at work ask me how many times I am going to read my book Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore. 🙂

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

James Green’s Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook is a great resource for lists of plants that like to be prepared in various ways. Some herbs can have different properties based on whether they are a hot or cold infusion etc…

As Steven said above, take one plant at a time and get to know it. I’ll be posting stuff on the blog regularly and am also working on some more in-depth learning modules.

Patrick

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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