Working With Herbs: Common Herbal Preparations

Common Herbal Preparations

People have been working with herbs in thoughtful, hands-on ways for thousands of years. Across cultures and traditions, plants have been prepared in many forms depending on the part of the plant, the desired use, and the context in which they were gathered.

At Heart of Rock Farm, we view herbal preparations as part of a long continuum of knowledge—something to approach with curiosity, care, and respect. This page offers a high-level overview of some of the most common ways herbs have traditionally been prepared. It is intended for learning and context, not instruction or medical guidance.

Herbal Teas (Infusions)

Herbal teas—often called infusions—are one of the most familiar ways people work with herbs. They typically involve steeping plant material in hot water to extract flavor, aroma, and plant constituents.

Infusions are commonly associated with:

  • Leaves, flowers, and softer plant parts (typically — but not necessarily — in dried form)

  • Everyday use and simple rituals

  • Single herbs or blended combinations

Teas have long been enjoyed for comfort, reflection, and tradition as much as for their practical (medicinal) uses.

Decoctions

Decoctions are similar to teas but are traditionally used for tougher plant materials such as roots, bark, or seeds. Instead of steeping, these plant parts are gently simmered in water for a longer period.

Decoctions are often associated with:

  • Roots and woody materials

  • Longer preparation times

  • Historical and traditional herbal practices

This method reflects the understanding that different parts of a plant require different approaches.

Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid herbal preparations made by extracting plant material into alcohol or another solvent over time. This method has been used historically to preserve herbs and concentrate certain plant properties.

Tinctures are traditionally valued for:

  • Long shelf life

  • Small serving sizes

  • Portability and storage

They are a more involved preparation and are typically made with careful consideration of plant, solvent, and time.

Infused Oils

Infused oils are created by steeping herbs in a carrier oil over a period of time. These oils have been used historically as the foundation for topical preparations.

Infused oils are commonly associated with:

  • Skin and body care

  • Massage and ritual use

  • Salves, balms, and ointments

They bridge the line between herbal preparation and personal care.

Salves & Balms

Salves and balms are semi-solid preparations traditionally made by combining infused oils with natural waxes. They are designed for external use and have been part of household herbal traditions for generations.

These preparations are often connected to:

  • Skin care and comfort

  • Everyday home use

  • Practical, portable remedies

Syrups & Honeys

Herbal syrups and honeys have historically been used to make herbs more palatable and preserve them for seasonal use. These preparations often combine herbs with sweeteners such as honey or sugar.

They are commonly associated with:

  • Seasonal traditions

  • Flavor and enjoyment

  • Family and folk practices

Powders & Capsules

Dried herbs have sometimes been ground into powders and used directly or placed into capsules. This method reflects a more modern adaptation of traditional herbal use.

These forms are often valued for:

  • Convenience

  • Consistency

  • Ease of storage

A Thoughtful Approach

Each preparation method reflects not only the plant itself, but also the intention behind its use. Different cultures, lineages, and households have developed their own ways of working with herbs, and no single approach fits everyone.

Book Recommedations:

If you’d like to learn more about herbal preparations and methods, Herbal Medicine for Beginners by Katja Swift and Ryn Midura is a great place to start. The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Nicole Apelian & Claude Davis is another excellent resource.

A Gentle Note

This page is offered for educational and informational purposes only. Herbal preparations vary widely in suitability and effect depending on the individual and the plant involved. We encourage careful research and consultation with qualified professionals before working with herbs in any medicinal capacity.

Looking Ahead

In the future, we may expand this section to include:

  • Deeper explanations of preparation methods

  • Farm-specific context for how we work with certain herbs

  • Historical and cultural perspectives

  • Clear distinctions between educational information (research) and hands-on practice

For now, we’re glad you’re here—learning alongside us.