- The part of the plant or herb you wish to use.
- If making it for medical uses; the form of remedy you wish to take,
- The desired result you hope to gain.
After answering they above questions you can begin making your herbal preparations using one of the following are ways! Always use an enamel or non-metallic pot.
Baths: Baths are often used in herbal magick and includes the use of various herbal addictive to enhance the healing powers of bath water. It is also the easiest way to spread those healing powers over the entire body. There are two methods for preparing a herbal bath they are one, to make a sachet filled with 1/2 cup to 1 cup of the enchanted herb tied in a cheesecloth that is dropped into warm water. The second way is to make an infusion of your enchanted herbs strain out the water and add the liquid to the tub. Also if you are like me and like the effect that floating petals have on the mind, you can also add fresh flower petals and a little essential oils to the bath! But just a few drops as too much may irritate the skin!
Cold Extract: This is like making tea but with cold water. This preserves the volatile ingredients only taking out minor amounts of mineral salts and bitter properties. To make a cold extraction you need a 2:1 ratio for example you will need 2 cups of herbs for 1 cup of water. Let it sit for 8-12 hours, strain and drink.
Decoction: This method of preparation allows you to, like cold extract, take out the mineral salts and bitter principals of a plant while leaving behind the vitamins and volatile ingredients. To do this boil about 1/2 ounce of herb parts in 1 cup of water for about 4 minutes. Steep the mixture with the cover on the pot for a few minutes, let cool, drink.
Infusion: This is a beverage made like tea, combining boiled water with the herbs and steeping it to extract the active ingredients. You would typically use 1/2 to 1 ounce per pint of boiling water.
Incense: In magickal use, incense is burned for its vibrations and can be used alone as a kind of spell while visualizing what it is you desire. It can also be used as a additional ingredient in other spells. The creation of incenses is an art form in itself. It is the combination of any plant material mixed together with essential oils, fragrance and and a base (this can be a resin) and burned or smoldered on charcoal. This type of incense also know as raw or granular is usually preferred in magick than cone or stick types.
Juice: This is the method of chopping and pressing herb or plant parts to make juice, then add a bit of water and press again. This is excellent for getting vitamins and minerals from the plant. Drink immediately for the best results.
Ointment: This is making a balm out of your powdered herbs and/or flowers. Before witches used lard or petroleum that they would melt down and mixed with their herbs. They would then put it into small jars and containers and let it cool and harden. I however prefer to do the same thing but with beeswax or cocoa or shea butter. You would typically use one part herbal powder to 4 parts base. This is for external use only.
Poultice: To make a poultice, crush the medicinal parts of a plant to a pulp like mass and heat. Mix with a hot, sticky substance such as moist flour or corn meal. Apply the pasty mixture directly to the skin and wrap with a most hot towel. Moisten it periodically. It will draw impurities from the body.
Powder: Grind your dried herbs with your mortar and pestle until you have a fine powder. You can take the powder with water, milk, soup, or in homemade capsules. Powders made to increase prosperity can be made and sprinkled in your wallet or purse to keep money coming in. Dream powders can be made and sprinkled on your bed and pillow to encourage prophetic dreams.
Sachets: Sachets are small bags or pieces of cloth filled with herbs, flowers, and/or gemstones that are used as charms to encourage different magickal correspondences such as prosperity, love, protection etc. A sachet can be made for almost any magickal need.
Syrups: To make a syrup you add your medicinal ingredients into 1 pint of boiling water and then add 3 pounds of raw brown sugar.
To prepare your herbs to be use magickally or to give an extra kick to your medical preparations you can use the following methods:
Attunement: Pour the needed amount of dried herbs into a bowl. Sit or stand comfortably and gaze into the herbs. Sense the vibrations of the herbs. Then place your power hand into the bowl and visualize your need strongly in your mind, while doing this visualize the vibrations of the herb becoming strong. You are ready to begin your herbal preparation.
Enchantment: Again, placing the needed amount of herbs into a bowl. Run your finger through the herb. Strongly visualize your need and send it into the herb. Feel your energy being transferred into the herb through your fingertips. If you are having trouble visualizing or holding the image in your mind chant simple words that match your needs. When you feel the herb is buzzing with power remove your hand. You herbs are ready for your herbal preparation!