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May 30, 2025
Make Your Own Medicine from God's Gifts! Teas, Infusions, Decoctions, Sun Brews, Syrups, Elixirs, Oxymels, Infusions, Salves, Ointments, Tinctures, Poultices, Compresses, & Washes
Since this article is about using God's Gifts to heal yourself, I shall begin with the disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not, nor am I holding myself out to be a doctor/physician, nurse, physician's assistant, advanced practice nurse, or any other medical professional ("Medical Provider"), psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker ("Mental Health Provider"), registered dietician or licensed nutritionist, or member of the clergy. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in this article pertaining to parasites is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have prior to implementing any recommendations or suggestions from this article. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice because of information you have read in this article. Do not stop or start taking any medications without consulting your Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. The information contained in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship by your access of this article. Although I strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.
The material I will present here will be a combination of the following sources (all available on Amazon) as well as internet resources:
Jethro Kloss, pp 61-64, lists Biblical passages for the using of food as medicine for our health and well being. I refer you to Ezekiel 47:12wherein it specifically states:
And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.
Many of us are starting to question the efficacy of pharmaceuticals but replacing those pharmaceuticals with God's Gifts may seem like a steep learning curve: teas many can comprehend with little difficulty - mix a bunch of stuff, add hot water, let it steep, drink it. Seems pretty simple. But which herbs should you use? What about infusions, decoctions, syrups, oxymels, oils, salves, tinctures, extracts, poultices, compresses, and washes? Take heart, fearless warrior! Together we shall learn what these are and how to make them!
If you can, consider growing your own herbs. Basic medicinal herbs that can be grown in containers or in the ground are basil, calendula, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, echinacea, garlic, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, plantain, red clover, rosemary, sage, St. John's wort, spearmint, thyme, turmeric, and yarrow (Gladstar, p17). Basic medicinal herbs that should be grown in the ground are licorice, oats, plantain, and wild lettuce (Gladstar, p16, Davis et.al., p428). Basic medicinal herbs that will probably take over your garden because become very large are burdock, marsh mallow, mullein, and valerian (Gladstar, p16).
Teas (Tisanes), Infusions, Decoctions, and Sun Brews
Teas, aka tisanes, are relatively simple to make. However, "real tea" includes leaves from the tea plant Camellia Sinensis. Tisanes are teas that don't use the tea plant Camellia Sinensis and are herbal blends that have medicinal properties. What many people call "herbal teas" are actually "herbal tisanes."
Most of us are familiar with dropping a tea bag in boiling water, letting it steep, adding a sweetener of some kind, then after it cools slightly, drinking it. Additionally, some are familiar with using "loose tea" in a strainer following the same procedure.
Medicinal Tisanes are slightly different. The idea behind a medicinal tisane is to extract as much of the 'healing power' of the herb as possible. Tisanes can be made from fresh or dried herbs. The herbs selected are based on the reason why the individual is seeking the medicinal tea. One medicinal tisane many people use pre-packaged "chamomile tea" to help them sleep.
Gladstar recommends making medicinal teas by the quart jar because they are time consuming to make. A quart jar will last 3-4 days when refrigerated or 1-2 days at room temperature.
To make a tisane:
in a pot pour 1 quart plus 1/2 cup water
when using roots or stems, add to boiling water, cover, simmer 15 min
add 4-5 tbs dried leaves or 1/2 quart jar of fresh
bring water to a boil, turn down heat bringing the water to a simmer
add herbs
cover
simmer 15 minutes
if using only roots or stems, strain & use
if adding leaves & flowers
turn heat to lowest setting
add flowers/leaves
cover, let simmer on lowest setting for 15 minutes
strain
it's ready to ingest
Infusions are similar to tisanes in that the same procedure is followed, the difference being the herbs are steeped for longer times (at least 4 hours and usually over night). If you are using marshmallow or slippery elm, use cool water instead of boiling water.
To make an infusion:
1 qt mason jar
4-5 tbs dried leaves or 1/2 quart jar of fresh
boiled water, let it rest to "stop the boiling activity" (about 200 degrees F)
pour rested water over leaves in mason jar
cover with paper towel and rubber band
steep a minimum of 4 hours but overnight is recommended
strain tea
store in mason jar with regular lid 3-4 days
Can be used hot or cold depending on the reason for the tea
In a decoction, you simmer the roots, bark, stems, or seeds for 15-40 minutes (depending on denseness of the herb part being simmered). You can use decoctions in other herbal remedies like syrups.
A Sun Brew, aka solar infusion, is a gentle way to extract herbal properties over several hours. Many of us are familiar with putting tea bags in a jug of water and setting it out to "steep" in the sun.
Dr. Apelian (2, p 25) cautions that
No matter the method used, you should try to use straight away. As water is the base and there are no preservative present, mold may form. They can be kept for 24-48 hours in the fridge.
Some common herbal tisane blends are:
Gladstar p 55 Basil Tea for Headache & Stress
Apelian 2 p 275 Corn Silk Tea for Bladder Comfort (and Prostate)
Apelian 2 p 48 Cinnamon Infusion for blood pressure
Kloss p 165 Peppermint for chills, colic, fevers, dizziness, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, heart trouble, palpitation of the hart, influenza, la grippe, and hysteria
Syrups and Elixirs
These are basically "syrupy tisares." Gladstar suggests that syrups are favored over tisanes by children and seniors because they are sweetened with honey (p33). Apelian explains elixirs are more concentrated syrups because they are steeped in alcohol like vodka, brandy, or rum (2, p33).
To make a syrup (Gladstar, p33) instructs:
Start with a concentrated decoction (2 ounces herb in 1 quart of water simmered to about 1/2 the original liquid volume). Then strain the herbs, measure the liquid volume, and put it back in the pot.
For each pint (1 cup), add 1 cup of honey (maple syrup, vegetable glycerin, or brown sugar)
Warm the mixture over low heat stirring well until the honey is combined with the liquid (keep liquid under 110 degrees F).
Remove from heat, add fruit concentrate, a couple drops of essential oil, or a small amount of brandy to preserve the syrup.
Store in refrigerator. It will last for several weeks.
Some common syrup blends are:
Gladstar p 81 Ginger Syrup for motion sickness, stomach distress, colds, coughs, and overeating
Apelian 2 p 49 Heart Harmony Elixir with Hawthorn Berry to support cardiovascular health
Oxymels are herbal preparations made using vinegar and honey infused with herbs. Use diluted in water or undiluted in cooking. They can offer:
. . . digestive support, immune-boosting effects, respiratory relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants depending upon the herbs used (Apelian 2, p31).
To make an oxymel, you need vinegar (apple cider, white, or other mild vinegar); honey (preferably raw & unprocessed); herbs based on your health needs; and a glass jar with airtight lid.
Select herbs (thyme and sage may be used for respiratory health, white rose petals or elderflowers offer a floral taste)
Chop or crush herbs slightly
Fill jar 1/4 way with chosen herbs (3/4 way if using fresh herbs).
Pour vinegar until the jar is 3/4 full then top with raw honey.
Seal jar, place in cool, dark place for 2 weeks shaking daily.
Strain
Bottle - will last several months when stored in the refrigerator.
Some common oxymel blends are:
Gladstar p 73 Four Thieves Vinegar as a preventative
Infusions
Instead of using water to extract the healing benefits of herbs, an oil infusion uses - you guess it - OIL! The best oil is olive oil as it has healing properties in and of itself which adds to the healing power of the oil infusion.
Apelian (2, p29) tells us to
Choose dried herbs that are free from moisture (prevents spoilage). You can use fresh herbs but you would want to use the oil infusion relatively quickly. Common herbs are lavender, chamomile, rosemary, calendula, and arnica.
Besides olive oil, you can also use coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, sunflower, apricot kernel, avocado, or argan oil. The oil you choose will depend on the infused oil's ultimate usage.
To make an oil infusion you will need a glass jar, strainer or cheesecloth (or both), and a dark bottle in which to store the infused oil to protect it from light.
Make sure your herbs are completely dry. Crush or bruise the herbs to release their natural oil.
Choose a cold or heat infusion:
Cold - in the jar, fill 1/2 way with herbs and the other 1/2 with oil. Seal jar & let sit 4-8 weeks, giving it a gentle shake periodically. Best for delicate herbs like basil.
Heat - in a heat-resistant container, fill 1/2 way with herbs and the other 1/2 with oil. In a double burner, gently heat the mixture (110F or below). Simmer 30 minutes up to several hours (some call for 12 to 24 hours in a slow cooker).
Strain
Store in dark bottles or jars in a cool, dry location. Oils made with dried herbs can last 1-2 years.
Use the oils for massage, skincare, hair care, cooking, or as a base for a salve.
Some common infusion blends are:
Gladstar p 75 Garlic Herb Oil for sensitive digestion
Apelian 2 p 67 Peppermint Oil for abdominal pain, bloating, and gas
Salves (aka Ointments)
Once you have infused oil, you are a simple step away from creating a salve. All you need is beeswax!
For each cup of oil, add 1/4 cup (2 ounces) beeswax in a double boiler until they are fully melted together.
Place 1 tbs of the mixture on a platter in the freezer for 1-2 minutes, check consistency. For a softer salve add a bit more oil and for a harder salve add a bit more beeswax.
Pour immediately into your glass jar or tin.
Cover and store in a cool dark place. It will last several months to several years.
Some common salve blends are:
Gladstar p 63 Creak Bones Cayenne Rub for achy joints & creaky bones
Apelian 2 p 55 Horse Chestnut Cooling Gel for Varicose Veins also reduces inflammation, supports circulation
Tinctures
These are very concentrated liquid extracts of herbs. They are useful for "acute" health situations. Most are made with alcohol (vodka, gin, brandy, or rum 80-100 proof but 100 proof is best for tinctures) but you could also use vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar instead but the tincture won't be as potent.
To make a tincture:
Finely chop the herbs of your choice
Pour enough alcohol to cover by 2 to 3 inches.
Seal the jar with a tight fitting lid.
Place jar in warm, sunny spot for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
Strain.
Pour strained liquid in clean glass jar with tight fitting lid.
Store in cool, dark place.
The alcohol-based tincture will last 2-3 years. Non-alcohol-based tinctures will last at least 1 year, often longer. Tinctures are taken by the dropperful under the tongue.
Some common tincture blends are:
Gladstar p 67 Cinnamon Tincture for Stabilizing [both low & high] Blood Sugar
Apelian 2 p Anti-Parasitic Black Walnut Drops for antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic
For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.
Poultices are soft, moist mixtures of herbs applied directly to the skin. Poultices are used for inflammation, woulds, venom, or swelling. You can use fresh or dried herbs that have the specific healing properties you need for your medical issue.
Crush, chop, or blend the herbs to release the oils.
Mix with water or herbal infusion to make a paste (you can add a dab of oil if desired).
Spread the paste onto a clean cloth or gauz.
Place the paste side directly on the affected area.
Secure with a bandage or cloth to hold the poultice in place.
Remove after 15-30 minutes.
Clean affected area after removing poultice.
To create a compress, soak a small piece of cloth in the herbal infusion, then apply like a poultice.
For a herbal wash, start with a ready-made infusion then dip a clean cloth or cotton ball into the infusion. Gently apply using a patting motion or lightly pressing the cloth into the affected area. repeat several times a day as needed.
Herbs are not the only Gift from God you can use to create poultices, compresses, or washes. Figs, potatoes, cabbage, and other foods have also been used to effectively deal with some medical issues, such as inflammation and pain.
Some common poultice blends are:
Gladstar p 82 Hot Ginger Poultice for stomach tension and menstrual cramps
Resources
In addition to the books listed at the beginning of this article, to assist you in your "medicine making" endeavors, please consider the following items:
Those are some of the exact words used by Googles censors, aka 'Orwelliancontent police,' in describing many of our controversial stories.Stories later proven to be truthful and light years ahead of the mainstream media. But because we reported those 'inconvenient truths' they're trying to bankrupt ANP.
