Herbs - Demystifying the Lingo

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Posted by @Bonehead on February 20, 2014

When reading up on the use of herbs, one often runs into terms that sound similar but have slightly different meanings.

Decoction - simmering herbs in a liquid, usually for a long time, often using woody parts of the plant, which take longer to extract.

Infusion - pouring boiling liquid over an herb and allowing it to steep. Teas are infusions.

Poultice - crushed herbs often heated and then applied to bruised or inflamed skin.

Salve - a soothing ointment, typically made from oils, beeswax, and herbs.

Tincture - steeping herbs in alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and water.

A relaxing section of my herb garden