the more important herbal preparations

Bath – Herbal therapy being immersed
with a water based infusion or through
osmosis.
Compress – Decoctions or infusions in
which a cloth has been soaked to apply
externally.
Cream – An emulsion of water and oil that
usually don’t mix such as almond oil
and rose water.
Decoction – To boil or simmer plant parts
for extracts or medicinal agents.
Elixir – Herbs mixed with liqueurs.
Essential Oil – Distillation of herb to extract volatile compounds.
Infused Oil - Made for external use only
in massage oils or salves. Using coldpressed olive oil allowing herb to set
for six weeks.
Infusion – Plant parts boiled or simmered
longer than a tea.
Liniment – Plants soaked in rubbing alcohol to be used externally.
Ointment – Petroleum jelly, beeswax, or
lanolin used as a base for salves applied externally.
Poultice – Softened or mashed herbs,
normally fresh, spread and wrapped in
a cloth and applied to the body.
Steam – Use for skin problems or as an inhalant for bronchial problems. A strong
decoction.
Syrup – A sweet, sticky preparation made
with honey or glycerin.
Tea – A quick preparation made with plant
part and boiling water.
Tincture – Fluid extracts of an herb using
alcohol, glycerin or vinegar. Allow to
set for up to six weeks.