SKIN CARE

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Use a pestle and mortar (or blender) to mash, grind or bruise the plant parts breaking the filters to make the essential oils or other therapeutic parts more accessible. Put 1 ½ handfuls of fresh herbs or 1 oz (25g) dried herbs in a china, glass or enamel pot. Boil 1 pt (600 ml) of pure water (rainwater, mineral water or distilled water), pour over the herb immediately, and then cover with a lid to stop the therapeutic vapors escaping. Steep for at least 30 minutes, and then filter through a fine plastic strainer or coffer filter. It will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator. This system is generally used for the tougher parts of herbs such as roots, stems and seeds. 1 oz (25gm) of the herb, chopped if necessary, is put into a Pyrex or enamel saucepan and boiled with 1 pt (600 ml) of pure water. Bring to the boil then simmer gently for 30 evaporated, top-up with water to make ½ pt (30 ml), cool, strain and bottle. Store in the refrigerator and use with three days.