Herbal teas &apothecary

 How to make a home apothecary: The novice version of how to make herbal teas, Tincture and Salve.

home apothecary

Have you ever considered using natural cures to minor health issues in the house? We were all used to drinking tulsi tea when we were sick, rubbing coconut oil on our dry skin or putting a spoon of honey with ginger down our throats. These little things are what we really mean by a home apothecary.A home apothecary is a store of herbs and natural formulae which you have ready at all times in the kitchen or cupboard. That does not imply that you have to be a professional herbalist. It is about owning simple, daily things that will help to sustain your health and well-being in the most natural manner.And, even in case you are new to this concept, there is no need to worry. Here, in this basic guide, I am going to show you how to make your very own home apothecary, and become a herbal tea, tincture and salve maker! No elaborate stuff--simply a simple approach to incorporating the use of herbs into everyday life.

Why Start a Home Apothecary?

There are numerous motivations behind why today people are returning to natural treatments:Herbs are more affordable than most of the over-the-counter medicines.You know what you are placing in your own body.It is a connection to the tradition that has been given down to us by our parents and grandparents.In my case, the defining moment was when my grandmother created me a simple ginger-tulsi tea when I had a bad cold. I felt so much relief. At that point, I realised I could count on small, simple things that I could do with everyday herbs.

Preparation: Basic Supplies Before you begin to prepare, a few things. 

You should already have the majority of them:Clean glass jars with tight lids (to store herbs and preparations)A good strainer or sieveA saucepan to boil waterMeasuring spoons and cupsA clean cloth or cheesecloth (to strain oils or tinctures)Label and a marker (to record what you made and when)And of course, clear out some space in your kitchen cupboard or a separate wooden box. Such is your little home apothecary.

Herbal Teas: The Easiest BeginningHerbal teas use is the simplest place to begin using herbs. Consider them as herbal water, which is extracting the value of plants. You do not have to use fancy ingredients; typical Indian herbs will do the job:Tulsi ( Holy Basil): Refreshing, good in acidity and cools the body.Ginger: Digestive, reduces nausea, warming.Mint (Pudina): Refreshing, good in acidity and cools the body.Chamomile (when possible): Calming nerves, helps you sleep.

Herbal Teas

To prepare a herbal tea:Boil 1 cup of water.Add 1 teaspoon of dried herb to it (or 2 teaspoons fresh).Cover and allow to steep 5-10 minutes.Strain and drink!Tip: Combination of herbs can have even greater benefits, such as tulsi and ginger. Add honey to taste, should you have a sweet tooth.

Tinctures: Harder Herbal MedicineTinctures are more intense, whereas teas are milder and softer. Tincture is merely a herbal extract of alcohol (such as brandy or vodka) or in some cases vinegar. It is very easy--have no worry.Why tinctures? They are more durable (even years) and stronger. All you need is a couple of drops.

Simple tincture instructions:Fill a clean jar halfway with fresh herbs (or one-third with dried herbs)Pour in alcohol (such as vodka), to cover the herbs completely.Keep it in a cool place, 3-4 weeks. Shake it after every few days.At the end of the waiting period, the liquid should be strained and kept in a small dark bottle, which can be diluted with a few drops of warm water or tea when required. As an example, ginger tincture can aid digestion and tulsi tincture can aid immunity.

Salves: Healing to the SkinA salve is like a natural ointment that can be applied to frozen skin, scrape, insect bite, or cut. To make it seem like magic--you make herbs and oil a healing balm.Simple salve recipe:Take a herb, such as neem (antibacterial), calendula (skin-soothing) or turmeric (anti-inflammatory) and infuse it in oil. In order to do this, you may take 1 cup of coconut or sesame oil, then add your herb and leave it in the sun, 1-2 weeks. Shake it every day.When infused, strain in herbs.Melt a little of beeswax (approximately 1 tablespoon of beeswax per 1/2 cup of oil) and combine it with the infused oil.Pour into small tins or jars.You now have a natural salve that is useful in minor skin ailments.

Rules for AmateursBegin with something you know:

 You can start with 2-3 known herbs and label them with the name and date to ensure you do not apply a salve when you actually need medical attention.

Respect herbal remedies: These help but not to replace medical care.

Conclusion

Undertaking your home apothecary does not demand large investments or expertise. Begin with what is already in your kitchen. Tulsi or ginger or turmeric--these common herbs are potent enough. With time, you will become more sure and can test tinctures and salves and find what suits you and your family the most.