Catalogue
Processing methods
A general overview of each form — on every herb card you will find suitability for that herb, plant part and notes. In the herb catalogue you can also filter by processing method (for example tea only). Published step-by-step procedures are on the Recipes page.
Showing 26 of 26 — 26 methods in the list
- Balm2 herbs in the catalogueSimilar to salve; emulsification can add time.Thicker oily blend with more aromatic components; the term varies in practice.
- Bath additive5 herbs in the catalogue10–30 minutes in the water after preparing the infusion.Addition to bath water or a bath decoction; topical use.
- Capsules2 herbs in the catalogueAbout 30–60 minutes for manual filling batches.Filling capsules with dried herb or powder; home and industrial variants.
- Cold maceration2 herbs in the catalogueHours to days of steeping; monitor hygiene.Long steeping in cold or lukewarm water without boiling; gentler than a decoction.
- Culinary use4 herbs in the catalogueDepends on the dish — from minutes to hours.Cooking, baking, seasoning as food — general category without therapeutic claims.
- Decoction4 herbs in the catalogueAbout 15–45 minutes of simmering depending on material.Longer simmering of plant material in water.
- Essence (aromatic concentrate)1 herb in the catalogueDepends on product type — read the instructions.Strongly aromatic fraction; meaning differs between traditions and brands.
- Essential oil3 herbs in the catalogueDilution and storage take minutes; distillation is a separate discipline.Steam-distilled highly aromatic oil; requires dilution and respect for potency.
- Fermentation2 herbs in the catalogueDays to weeks of controlled fermentation.Microbial processing (fermentation) of plant material for drinks or foods.
- Fresh (raw) preparation5 herbs in the catalogueAbout 10–30 minutes to prepare the dish.Raw use (salads, fresh leaves, etc.).
- Glycerite2 herbs in the catalogueDays to weeks of steeping in glycerol.Extraction in vegetable glycerol (often with some water); alcohol-free.
- Herb bundle2 herbs in the catalogueAbout 5–15 minutes to tie and use.A tied bunch of dried or fresh herb (e.g. for bath or steam).
- Herbal infusion (tea)54 herbs in the catalogueAbout 5–15 minutes active work (infusion).Infusion or brief extraction in hot water; usually without long boiling.
- Herbal liqueur2 herbs in the catalogueWeeks of maceration in spirit with sweetener.Sweet alcoholic macerate with herbs; sugar and ethanol drive the outcome.
- Herbal oil5 herbs in the catalogueDays to weeks of maceration; optional gentle warming.Macerating herbs in a vegetable oil (cold or with gentle heat).
- Herbal vinegar7 herbs in the catalogueDays to weeks of maceration in vinegar.Maceration or extraction in vinegar; acidity changes flavour and extraction.
- Herbal wine2 herbs in the catalogueDays to weeks of maceration in wine.Maceration in wine alcohol; home distilling and liquor law are sensitive topics.
- Honey macerate36 herbs in the catalogueQuick stir-in to honey up to hours of maceration per instructions.Macerating plant material in honey (a honey conserve).
- Hydrosol (hydrolat)3 herbs in the catalogueHome distillation is demanding; buying finished hydrosol is faster.Aqueous phase from steam distillation (floral water); not the same as macerated oil.
- Incense / smoke offering3 herbs in the catalogueMinutes to prepare soaking / lighting.Burning or heating aromatic plant material (smoke, steam).
- Inhalation2 herbs in the catalogue5–15 minutes over steam at a safe temperature.Breathing steam from a herbal infusion; mind temperature and irritants.
- Poultice / compress4 herbs in the catalogue10–30 minutes of application depending on temperature.Liquid or paste on the skin, often through a thin cloth.
- Powder2 herbs in the catalogueGrinding / milling and filling as needed.Finely ground dried herb; dosing and solubility depend on species.
- Salve / ointment2 herbs in the catalogueAbout 30–90 minutes including cooling and filling jars.Solid base (wax, fat) with herbal extract or macerate; usually topical.
- Syrup25 herbs in the catalogueAbout 20–60 minutes depending on recipe and bottle sterilisation.Decoction or infusion with sweetener and reduction; shelf life depends on sugar and storage.
- Tincture3 herbs in the catalogueWeeks of maceration plus straining; label with the date.Alcoholic or alcohol–water maceration extract.