Herbal medicines are generally in the following format:
TINCTURE: A tincture is an alcohol extraction of dried or fresh whole plant material (the alcohol also acts as a preservative)
Plant parts are soaked in an alcohol solution at a strength which extracts the active constituents. For example, aromatic plants such as lavender require 45% in order to extract the essential oils as well as other constituents.
The prescribed medicine will be a usually be a mix of 5-7 different tinctures made from plant materials which act separately and in conjunction with each other.
Each tincture blend is tailor made especially for you.
Cost: £9.40 for 105ml of mixed tinctures (a usual week’s worth)
Generally, a tincture is taken as a 7.5ml dose twice daily – you’ll be given a measuring cup
TISANE: Herb teas made up of dried plant materials, e.g. petals and leaves, steeped in boiling water
DECOCTION: requires the boiling of tougher plant materials such as seeds, roots, barks to extract the goodness
Cost: £6.00 for 100g of dried herbs
A herb tisane is usually 2 heaped teaspoons of herb per cup, 3 times per day
CREAMS: A variety of natural, handmade creams with essential oils and tinctures added to them. Applied twice daily
GELS: Tinctures and/or essential oils may be added to aloe vera gel to make a soothing, non-greasy, topical application.
Cost: Starts at £5.00 per 25g
SALVES/OINTMENTS: Homemade herb infused oils are blended with vegetable butters and beeswax to make a light but rich and nourishing skin application which is readily absorbed.
Cost: Starts at £4.50 for a 10ml lip balm