Infusions, decoctions, tinctures, macerated oils, cream base and balm base. These are the basic building blocks that form the basis for other home recipes.

1. Infusions

An infusion is prepared like a tea, and it is the proper way to harness the properties of softer, green or flowering parts of a plant. Examples of suitable herbs for infusions are chamomile, lavender and rose petals. They are a simple method of including a particular herb, and can be used as a substitute for water in home recipes. Substituting for water is a great way to include a particlar herb suitable for your skin type or condition.

The amount of herb depends on the type of herb used, and the desired infusion strength. The standard measurement is 1 heaped teaspoon of dried herb for 1 cup of boiling water. If fresh herb is used instead of dried herb, double the amount.

The herb should be chopped and put into a teapot. Add boiling water and cover for 10 minutes, so as to avoid loss of volatile oils in the steam. Strain before use.

2. Decoctions

For woodier parts of plants like stems, roots, bark and seeds; decoctions are used. Examples of suitable herbs for decoctions are fennel and ginseng.

The amount of herb depends on the type of herb used, and the desired decoction strength. The standard measurement is 1 heaped teaspoon of dried herb for 1 cup of boiling water. If fresh herb is used instead of dried herb, double the amount.

The herb should first be mashed and put into a saucepan. Add water, cover and heat to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain before use.

3. Tinctures

A tincture is the extraction of a herb, using a mixture of alcohol and water. The alcohol acts as a preservative, and tinctures can be stored up to a year. Examples of suitable herbs for tinctures are marigold, nettle and sage.

The ratio of herb to alcohol varies for each herb. High-proof alcohol should be used, preferably 100% proof, like high-proof vodka or rum.

Place the finely chopped herb inside a sealable jar and pour alcohol to cover completely. Seal the jar and store for 2 weeks in a dark, cool place. Shake the jar at least once a day. The alcohol should draw out the essence of the herbs. Strain the mixture through muslin, and then filter through an unbleached coffee filter. Store in a dark glass bottle away from sunlight, label clearly with name and date.

4. Macerated Oils

The volatile oils can be extracted from plants by soaking them in vegetable oils. The vegetable oil acts as a solvent in which the volatile oils and other plant material like color are contained. Macerated oils can be stored up to a year. Examples of suitable herbs for macerated oils are carrot, garlic and mullein.

There are 2 methods of preparation, namely the Sun Method and the Heating Method.

Sun Method
Place the finely chopped herb inside a sealable jar and pour high-quality vegetable oil to cover completely. Virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil and sunflower oil are good oils to use. Seal the jar and place under direct sunlight for 2 weeks. Shake the jar at least once a day. Strain the mixture and repeat using fresh herb, leave under sunlight for 2 weeks, shaking daily at least. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle, label clearly with name and date.

Heating Method
This is a quicker method, suitable for oils required for immediate use. Place the finely chopped herb in a bowl and pour high-quality vegetable oil to cover completely. Cover and heat the bowl over a pan of boiling water for 1 hour. Strain the mixture and repeat using fresh herb. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle, label clearly with name and date.

5. Cream Base

For external applications, a cream base can be used which contains the essential oils and tinctures. If refrigerated, it can be stored up to 2 months.

2 tsp beeswax
2.5 tsp cocoa butter
2 tbsp sweet almond oil
1 tbsp wheatgerm oil
3 tbsp spring water (or your own desired infusion suitable for your skin type and condition)
0.5 tbsp emulsifying wax

Place beeswax, cocoa butter and oils in a bowl over a saucepan of water. Heat until melted, and then remove from heat. Heat spring water and emulsifying wax in another saucepan, until the wax dissolves. Pour spring water mixture into the oils mixture, stirring constantly until cool. This forms the cream base. Finally add the essential oils or tinctures that you require. Store in a dark glass jar, label clearly with name and date, and refrigerate.

6. Balm Base

A balm base differs from a cream base in that it has a non-creamy, firmer consistency. If stored in an airtight jar, it can be stored up to 6 months.

2 tsp beeswax
3 tbsp almond oil
1 tbsp wheatgerm oil
2 tsp herb tincture
5 drops essential oil

Place beeswax and almond oil in a bowl over a saucepan of water. Heat until wax melts. Add tincture and wheatgerm oil, and stir slowly. Remove from heat to cool. Finally add the essential oils. Store in a dark glass jar, label clearly with name and date, and allow to set.

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