It is a good idea to patch test before applying anything to your skin. Rub a little on a small area on the inside of the arm. Wait 24 hours to see if there are any signs of irritation. If there is, do not use. Preparation is the most important past of making use of plants and herbs.

Gather herbs and flowers in dry weather of a morning before the sun evaporates the essential oils in them. Exceptions to this would be particular plants or herbs that should be gathered at night on certain moons and used for magickal purposes. If you are storing them, spread the plants out to dry in a well ventilated area. Hang dry bunches of herbs upseide down and then store them in airtight jars away from direct sunlight.

Teas and Infusions

Leaves and flower petals are used. You should never boil herbs unless the recipe specifically calls for it. Just pour two cups of boiling water over the fresh herb and let it steep for 10 or more minutes. The amount of herb to water varies so you can make your own recipe, experiment and strain before drinking. Infusions and washed require about 3 times the amount of herbs as teas and needs to steep for 30 minutes before using.

Decoctions:

 These are made from bark and roots. Grind your recipe amounts into a pan, add water and bring to a boil. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes. Carefully strain while still hot. Sometimes a decoction is what one would soak a rag in to use as a compress or poultice.

Syrup:

Add 1 pound of honey or sugar to a pint of infusion or decoction and heat until the sweetener dissolves. When cool, pour into a clean jar or bottle, seal and store in the refrigerator or Sring House/Root Cellar

Ointments:

Native Americans made creams by cooking plants in animal fat. Today it is a bit easier to use cold pressed olive oil or beeswax. I prefer as often as possible to use animal fat as often as possible. You cna put 1 pint of Olive Oil and 2 ounces of beeswax into a heat prrof dish. Let this melt over a double boiler and then add the fresh herbs to be completely covered by the oil mixture. Continue heating over a double boiler for a few hours. Once cooled, strain the herb through a muslin bag into an easy to handle container. Most people will use gloves so they can squeeze the bag real well to get all of the liquid out. Pour the liquid into small jars and seal. I will sometimes put these ina  hotwater bath to seal them well. They will solidify and then should be stored in a cool place such as a root cellar or basement if the home does not have air conditioning. Once opened, the jar should be refrigerated until all of it is used. Do not use Paraffin wax when making herbal ointments. You can give the small jars as gifts to your friends.

Tinctures:

Grind plant parts with a mortar & pestle (Blender or food processor is OK if you choose, I prefer doing this by hand as it gives one a better feel for the plant.) Add just enough high quality whiskey/vodka/moonshine to cover the herbs. Grain alcohol is OK to use if the above is not available. Let this sit for 21 days and then aff about 2 tablespoons of glycerin and 10% volume of fresh, natural spring water. Strain this and store in anber or smoky colored glass jars. If kept in a cool place, it cna last up to 5 years. A dose is about 20 drops per cup of tea or warm water. The glycerin is optinal but is used as a preservative. Non-alcohol tinctures are made by steeping herb in milk and keep refrigerated.

Poultice:

Soak herbs in boiling water until soft. (Do not boil in the water, just soak IN boiling water.) Wrap in a clean soft cloth and apply to affected area. Cold poultices and compresses are used to draw heat from an inflamed or congested area. Use this hot poutice to relax spasms and for pain.