The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition

Dosage for Everyday and Long-Term Use

Adults: 1 teaspoon of tincture that has been diluted

in 5 teaspoons of water (or fruit juice), two to

three times daily, for a total intake of ap-

proximately 3 teaspoons per day

Children aged 7 to 12: half of adult dose

Children aged 3 to 7: one-quarter of adult dose

Children under 3: 2 to 5 drops twice a day

Dosage varies from individual to individual and depending on whether
or not a single herb or a formula is being used.
Commercially produced tinctures of a professional standard can be
used. Some are of a very high quality, but always choose those that use
organic or wild-crafted herbs. Some combine tinctures with infusions and
decoctions for extra benefi t.

herbal syrups

A herbal syrup is basically a maceration, an infusion, a decoction, or
occasionally a tincture to which maple syrup, vegetable glycerin, or honey
has been added. These substances are added mainly to preserve the
solution, but they also give the liquid a thicker and stickier consistency,
making it much more palatable to children. I prefer to use maple syrup
and have done so successfully in my clinic for several years. Most children
can be induced to take any herbal tincture by adding 25 to 50 percent
maple syrup.
Syrups were traditionally made by reducing a decoction down to less
than its original amount and then adding sugar or runny honey. If you
slowly simmer a decoction down to half its original quantity, you will have
what used to be referred to as a three-power decoction. If you simmer a
three-power decoction down to half this amount again, you will have a
six-power decoction. By adding maple syrup to this, you get a three- or
six-power syrup. Try to fi nd organic maple syrup (instead of sugar).

Dosage Guide

Follow the dosage guidelines given for tinctures.

Onion and garlic syrup: This syrup can be used to prevent and ward
off colds, chills, and fevers and to generally empower the immune system.
Chop organic garlic and onions, or put them into the food processor or
blender. If you use fresh organic garlic and onions, you can use the whole
plant. Cover with vegetable glycerin and a pint of honey, if it is of very

32 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition