steep for about 10 minutes in water that has just been boiled. Afterwards, strain the infusion.

 

Using fresh herbs in liquid herbal remedies has a subtle difference in its preparation. Take 3 teaspoons of fresh plant parts and place it in a pint of water. Again, let it steep for a period of 10 minutes and afterwards, strain the herbs, leaving only the liquid.

 

Liquid Herbal Remedies: Macerations

 

Another type of preparing liquid herbal remedies is through maceration. This is essentially an infusion, only that the herbs are soaked in cold water instead of boiled. Herbs, such as marshmallow root and valerian, are much more effective as liquid herbal remedies if macerated.

 

To prepare, use the same ration of herbs to water, that is, 3:1. Steep the herbs in cold water and leave it in a cool place overnight. In the morning, strain the mixture and consume as you would an infusion.

 

Liquid Herbal Remedies: Decoctions

 

Decoctions are yet another type of making liquid herbal remedies. It is somewhat similar to an infusion; however it is most often used if the plants are made of much tougher material. Decoctions are used when trying to make liquid herbal remedies from herbal roots, barks, seeds, berries, and stems.

 

Chop up the plant material thinly and use 1-2 teaspoons of the dried or fresh herbs. Place in 1 ½ pints of water, then place the ingredients in a saucepan and boil for decoction. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes or until the volume of liquid is reduced to about a third. Afterwards, strain the mixture.

 

 

 

 

Medieval herbal medicine

 

During the medieval times, people relied on a number of herbal preparations to treat various ailments.  In the twelfth century, people were not even aware of bacteria and viruses.  As a result, illnesses were deemed as punishments from God. The underlying principle of medieval medicine revolved around four aspects: black bile, yellow bile, phlegm and blood. It was believed that the balance of these four contribute to the well-being of the person.  Some of the medieval herbal medicines used during that period were the following:

 

Anise. Seeds were used in medieval herbal medicine to treat gas and encourage seating and an added ingredient in sweets and candies.