Uses and Remedies

lesson 3 of Druidry and Traditional Herbology


Herbology is used in many different aspect in various manners - There are many different forms or variants of the basis of herbology. There's variations based on magick, medidicne, wortcunning and theraputic principles, all of which have a similar idea of properties and uses, but are individually completely different form one another. It is necessary to understand those differences and philosohpy behind each form of herbalism to completely comprehend herbology as a whole -- as was required by druid custom. It is also equally important to understand the different manners of using plants, or taking in their effects for each different form or ailment - IE there are some plants that are high toxic and should never be ingested for medicinal purposes, but are still considered pillar herbs in magickal practice and ritual, so it is important to understand how one herb is used in magick where as others are used differently for medicine or therapy. Below you will find a list of the most common ways to use herbology and a quick guide to how to make your own mixtures and such.


Infusions
infusions (typically used in medicines and wortcunning, occasionally in theraputic) are, plainly teas. Mainly used with more delicate parts such as leaves and flowers. A simple infusion can be made by crushed fresh or dried herbs steeped in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Occasionally infusions are suggested for magick or therapy for aroma therapy type properties that may include toxic or dangerous plant. For safety purposes, one should never ingest anything made for magickal or theraputic purposes unless specifically stated to be safe in such recipes, such as special sceremonial teas or wines that are stated plainly to be safe for ingestion. You can also infuse oils for more potency which are generally use in externally as rubs and oinments.

Decoctions
decoctions are like a stronger thicker tea, or sauces. Thery are made with the more heart parts of the plants, such as barks roots stems or small twigs. To make a decoction simply places herbs for your misture in a small saucepan in cold water, bring to a simmer (simmer, NOT boil) and leave covered for aprox 20-30 minutes. Again, used mainly in medicine and occasionally wortcunning and therapy.

Tinctures
Tinctures are much more concentrated and potent than infusions and decoctions. They are made by soaking herbs in Vodka or Rum. You place the herbs in a jar, pouring enough alcohol in to cover all the herbs. You store it in a cool, dark place for 14 days. Then, in a new jug, you place a muslin cloth, filtering all the herb infused alcohol through the cloth, then taking the leftover herbs and ringing the remaining oils and alcohol out of them and the muslin. Store them in dark coloured glass jars to keep the tincture from losing their potency. These can be taken as medicines, by tablesppons, or mixed into teas or other treats. The alcohol in them makes them sweeter, complementing foods and drinks for special occasions, ceremonial cakes and wines or other goodies. Though not highly recomended, they can also be used as ointments.

Powders
One of the easiest and most common form of herbal medicines, take the desired herbs, drying them and grinding them down to a fine dusty powder with a mortar and pestel. They can be used with any herbs because powders can be used both internally and externally. You can dose them into gelatin capsules for supplements, or can be used as spices in foods or drinks, or can be used externally by mising them w/tinctures to make a paste for ointments, incense pastes, can me mixed in hot baths or soaks, or can be use on charcoal censers for incense.

Ointments
A thicker, potent oinment can be made easily by the same method as infusions, only, replacing the water with a smooth, low heat wax or pertoleum jelly - strained and placed in jars to cool and set into a balm-like rub. External use only. Creamier ointments can be made by usin emulsifyin wax, or mixing herb powders in an oatmeal/honey/gelatin mixture, creating a pudding-like consistancy. Setting in the fridge for 3 hours sets them into a thick, creamy refreshing lotion-like oinment.



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