34 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition
herbal capsules
There are two types of empty gelatin capsules — those of vegetable origin
(preferred by vegans) and those of animal origin. To use, mix powdered
herbs together (if using a formula) and fi ll the capsules by putting the
powder in a saucer and scooping powder into both ends. Then push the
two ends together; one will overlap the other. You can buy little machines
to do this for you or purchase ready-made capsules. Capsules are ideal for
use in bowel remedies, where the chemical constituents need to reach the
colon. Otherwise tinctures, teas, decoctions, or freeze-dried herbs are
preferred because they will be fresher or reach the bloodstream more
quickly. For people who cannot take large quantities of fersh garlic, it can
be chopped and put into capsules; but use them immediately, otherwise
the garlic will dissolve the gelatin. Capsules can also be useful for those
who are unable to take hot cayenne pepper on a teaspoon.
Dosage Guide
Adults: 2 capsules two to four times a day
Children aged 7 to 12: 1 capsule two to four times a day
Children aged 3 to 7: 1 capsule twice a day
Children under 3: capsules often not advisedointments
Ointments are used for their protective and emollient effect, liquefying
when applied. They are generally made from a mixture of herbs, oils
(preferably virgin olive oil), essential oils, and beeswax. The herbs absorb
the oils, and the wax gives fi rmness to the ointment.
To make an ointment, pour olive oil over the chosen powdered herbs.
A good standard is 1 cup olive oil for 12 ounces dried herbs. Place in a
closed container (stainless steel, earthenware, unchipped enamel, or glass)
and either put into the oven and leave there at low heat (100°F) for an
hour, or stand in the sun or some other warm spot for a week.
Periodically, take a fork and stir the mixture. Leave for a further week to
macerate (if using the oven method, heat up again before continuing).
Strain by passing the mixture through a piece of muslin lining a large
plastic or stainless steel colander; alternatively use a jelly bag and hang
overnight. Finally, melt 1.75 ounces beeswax in a double boiler or sauce
pan with a very thick base using a very low temperature, and add the
herbal olive oil. Have glass jars at the ready and put a little of the liquid
into one to check that it is the correct consistency for use: solid but not
hard, that is, still spreadable. Do not forget to label your ointments. See