A method of extracting the medicinal properties of delicate plant parts like leaves, flowers and aromatic parts. The fragile parts should only be steeped rather than simmered or decocted (see below).

Decoctions are made with the tougher plant parts like roots, bark, and seeds. This method involves simmering the herbs in water for an extended time to extract their active compounds.

Tinctures are a concentrated liquid extract made by soaking plant material in alcohol or a combination of alcohol and water for several weeks. This method is more potent than most herbal preparations. Glycerin or apple cider vinegar can be used as alcohol-free alternatives.

Dried, powdered herbs encapsulated in a shell, providing a convenient way to ingest herbs without tasting them. Loose powders can be consumed directly by being added to smoothies, drinks and culinary purposes.

A sweetened herbal preparation, typically made by combining a concentrated decoction or infusion with honey, glycerin, maple syrup or fruit juice, often used for children or coughs and sore throats.

A mixture of herbs, vinegar, and honey, used as traditionally as a medicine or food and condiment.

From herbal oils, salves, poultice, compress, bath soaks.