The Potting Shed

Kathy · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 10:26 pm Post subject: Simple Cream (for Gill)

50ml home made infused oil (chickweed or calendula works well for chapped hands)
15gr beeswax grated
50 ml herbal tea, decotion or tincture (we used chamomile tea)

1.Put the infused oil and beeswax into a small bowl or pan and the herbal tea, decotion or tincture into another small bowl or pan. Stand both bowls in a roasting pan with water to just below the level of the liquids and put it on the stove. bring the water to the boil, turn the heat down and wait for the beeswax to melt.

2. Remove the roasting pan from the heat and allow to cool a little. Pick up the bowl containing the herbal tea, using a folded cloth ot oven glove, and pour it slowly into the oil, beating all the time with a hand held electric food mixer. Its important to pour VERY slowly, only a few drops at a time, and to set the mixer at its slowest speed.

3. Pour the cream into clean jars. When set, put the lids on the jars, label them with the name, date and use and store in a cool place. Creams do not keep as well as ointments, but beeswax creams will last for a few months. Creams made with tinctures will keep longer than those made with teas and decotions since they have the preserving power of the alcohol.

Pilsbury · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 11:16 pm Post subject:

Sorry real newbie question.
whats the difference between a tincture, decotion and infusion?
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Kathy · Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 10:49 am Post subject:

Decoction is an extract of herbs produced by boiling the herb in the water. This method is used for hard seeds, roots and barks which need longer than an infusion.

Infusion, herbs and spices are heated in a fat base (I use olive oil)The oil can then be used for massage, rub, bath oil, skin lotion or as a base for ointments, salves etc.

Tincture, the properties of the herb are preserved in alcohol. In olden days this was acheived by boiling the herb in wine. Different herbs need different strengths of alcohol but a suitable standard for home use is 25gr dried herb to 600ml alcoholic liquid (vodka/brandy)

If anyone wants specific recipe/method let me know and I'll post it. All the above info is out of "Herbal Remedies" Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw.