[Herb department 409]

Roots should be dug in the spring when the sap is rising if you wish to make extract; or they may be gathered in autumn when they have ceased to vegetate.  To dry for winter use they should be sliced, dried and kept from the air.

Barks should be stripped when the tree is in full leaf and dried in the shade.  The bark of the roots should be taken in the fall, when the sap has descended.

Flowers and Seeds.—­Flowers should be gathered when in full bloom and free from the dew and should be kept from exposure to the air.  Be sure that seeds have fully matured; dry them also in a shady place and keep ready for use.

Preparation of Herbs for Medicine.—­There are many different methods of preparing herbs for medicine,—­Infusion, Decoction, Fomentation, Ointment, Plaster, Poultice, Powder, Essence, Tincture, etc.  Only five of these, Plaster, Poultice, Fomentations, Decoction and Infusion are commonly used.  An infusion is more commonly called “tea.”

Infusion or Tea, to make.—­Usually about one ounce of the herb to a pint of water is used for an infusion.  Sometimes cold water is poured over the herb, but the most common method is to pour boiling water over the herb and let stand for a short time, just as you would make common tea for the table.  Sometimes a little sugar may be added to make the tea more palatable.  An infusion or tea should be used while fresh.

Decoction, to make.—­Make same as for infusion and boil for some time, just as you would make coffee.

Essence, to make.—­Take about an ounce of the essential oil of the herb and dissolve in a pint of alcohol.

Fomentations, to make.—­Dip cloths or heavy towels in the infusion or decoction, wring out and apply locally to part that you wish to cover.

Ointments or Salve, to make.—­An easy method to make a salve or ointment is to take about eight parts of vaselin or lard or any like substance and add two parts of the remedy you wish to use.  Thus, if you were to make a sulphur salve you would use eight ounces of vaselin and two ounces of sulphur; stir and mix well while hot and when cool you would have a regular sulphur salve or ointment.

Plasters, to make.—­Bruise the leaves, root, or other part of the plant and place between two pieces of cloth, just as you would a mustard plaster, and apply to the surface you wish to cover.

[410 Mothers’ remedies]

Poultices, to make.—­Poultices are used to apply heat (moist heat), to soothe or to draw.  Usually a soft substance is used, such as soap and sugar, bread and milk, mustard, etc.  Some cause a counter-irritation, some draw the blood from a congested part and thus relieve pain.  In the chapter on nursing many different poultices are given with methods of preparing them.

Powder, to make.—­The part to be used is crushed, pounded, or ground until it is made very fine.  It is best to have substance dry if to be prepared for powder.