Yesterday, I got out my book, The Herbal Apothecary: 100 Medicinal Herbs and How to Use Them
by J.J. Pursell (I think that this book is available for online reading at scribd.) I hadn't read it in a long time. A lot of times, I find that the herbalist lingo is vague and perhaps a little flowery. Ex: "This herb will make you feel centered"...what? I'm still trying to get used to all of the jargon.
However, Pursell has a very clear and concise way of describing the way to make things and what the different methods are, like explaining the difference between a, "decoction" and an "infusion." She also advises on dosages. We have so many plants that are mentioned in the book right on our land. I'm going to try to make a few things from her recipes.
One thing that I did make yesterday was Rose Geranium tincture. I wanted to make a spray out of it for freshening up my linens. I also made Rose Geranium syrup for using in sodas and cocktails...maybe even Christmas gifts. If you have never smelled Rose Geranium...OMG...it is so lovely. One leaf can perfume the whole room. Both recipes were super easy and took only a few minutes to make.
~C