How Herbal Medicine Works

Herbal medicine is effective because plants have the natural ability to produce compounds that protect them from disease, toxins and predators. These compounds are often synthesized in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, but they are also present in herbal medicines.

How individual herbal medicines or preparations work depends upon the method of formulation and how they are dispensed. Each method varies in potency. Herbal treatments work, because the herbalist can control dosage and absorption using various methods of administration.

Extracts and Tinctures

Extracts and tinctures are made by drawing out the plant properties through distillation or evaporation. The extraction process involves alcohol or water. They are generally stronger in potency. 

Some tinctures and extracts are taken as oral medications. Others are consumed as dietary supplements or food and flavor enhancers. They are often ingredients in topical preparations. 

Elixirs and Syrups

Traditionally, elixirs are non-sweetened liquids containing herbs or extracts. Syrups are elixirs to which honey or other sweeteners have been added, to make the medicine palatable. 

Macerates

Macerates are created by soaking crushed herbs in water for several hours. This liquid may be taken internally, used topically or added to other formulas. Macerates are believed to have a greater potency than tea. 

Teas and Decoctions

Teas are made from herbs that have been steeped in hot water for a short time. Acute problems, such as upset stomach, colds and stress are often treated with teas. Some teas are consumed for their antioxidant properties. Herbal practitioners prescribe single or multi herb teas to treat conditions that are more serious. Teas are usually prepared from leaves, stems and flowers. 

The liquid produced from boiling bark and roots are decoctions. These plant materials are tougher and more durable than the materials used for tea. Therefore, additional time is needed to draw out their medicinal properties. 

Dried Herb

In addition to tea and food seasonings, some dried herbs are ground to form pills or put into capsule form. Dried herbs are also used as inhalants or smoked. Inhalants relieve the congestion caused by colds and sinus ailments, because their strong oils are released during burning. Patients seeking to reduce the symptoms of asthma may be directed to smoke dried herbs. Others are used aromatically to reduce stress. 

Essential Oils

To create essential oils, the plants oils are extracted and added to a carrier oil. If added to food grade oil, the product can be taken orally as medicine or a supplement. Essential oil is also used in aromatherapy and massage oils. Some are added to salves or ointments to treat colds and arthritis. 

Creams, Lotions, Balms and Salves

Herbs are added to creams and lotions for a variety of reasons. Your herbal practitioner may prepare a special herbal cream or formula to treat acne, eczema, rosacea, dry skin or other skin conditions. Essential oils, tinctures and decoctions are added to natural plant butters and oils. 

Balms and salves are usually prepared by adding herbal products to beeswax, honey, plant oils or plant butters and waxes. They are used to treat wounds and burns or infections caused by fungus and bacteria. Many plants have antibacterial or antiseptic properties. 

Poultices

Poultices are ground herbs that are placed directly on the skin, with or without bandages. 

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