APPLYING AN ELASTIC BANDAGE

DEFINITION. Wrapping the affected parts of the body with elastic strip of cloth.

OBJECTIVES

1. To support a wound, e.g., a fractured bone

2. To immobilize a wound, e.g., a strained shoulder

3. To apply pressure, e.g., elastic bandage apply pressure to the lower extremities to improve
venous blood flow.

4. To secure a dressing, e.g., for an extensive abdominal surgical wound

5. To retain splints (this apply chiefly to bandages)

6. To remain warmth, e.g., a flannel bandage on a rheumatoid

 7. To protect wounds from contamination

EQUIPMENT:

✔ Clean bandage of the appropriate material and width

✔ Padding such as gauze squares

✔ Tape
✔ Special metal clips or a safety pin

STEPS RATIONALE

1. Inspect skin for alterations in integrity Altered skin integrity contraindicates the use
as indicated by abrasions, discoloration, for elastic bandage.

chafing or edema. (Look carefully at

bony prominence).

2. Observe adequacy of circulation by Comparison of area before and after application

noting surface temperature, skin color, and
sensation of body parts to be wrapped.
of bandage is necessary to ensure continued
adequate circulation. Impairment of circulation
may result in coolness to touch when compared
with opposite side of the body, cyanosis or
pallor of skin, diminished or absent pulses,
edema or localized pooling, and numbness or
tingling of part.
 STEPS RATIONALE

3. Review medical record for specific orders Specific prescription may direct procedure
related to application of elastic bandage. including factors such as of application (e.g. toe
Note area to be covered, type of bandage to knee, toe to groin) and duration of
required, frequency of change, and treatment.

previous response to treatment.

 STEPS RATIONALE

4. Obtain necessary equipment and Increasingly wider bandages are used as size
supplies (determine if present bandage will of body part increases (e.g. 7.5, 10 and 15
be reused or replacement be obtained). cm bandages may be used to cover foot,
calf, and thigh.)

a) Correct widths and number of

bandages (Elastic bandages are

Secure bandage in place.

available in 2, 2 ½, 3, 4, 6 and 8 in and

1 ½ and 3 yd [5, 6.25, 7.5, 10, 15, and

20 cm and 135 and 270 cm] ; 7.5 and

10 cm bandages are most often

appropriate.)

b) Safety pins, tape

 STEPS RATIONALE

5. Explain procedure. Reinforce teaching that Promotes cooperation and reduces

smooth, even light pressure will be anxiety. Improves knowledge level
applied to improve venous circulation, regarding need for elastic bandages.
prevent

clot formation, reduce or prevent

swelling, immobilize arms, secure
surgical dressings and provide pressure.

6. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of infection.

7. Close room door or curtains. Assist Maintain comfort and dignity. Maintains
client to assume, comfortable, alignment. Prevents musculo-skeletal
anatomically deformity.

correct position.

8. Provide the client with a chair or bed, and Because bandaging takes a little time, holding up a
 arrange support for the area to be body part without support can fatigue the client

bandaged, for example, if hand needs

to be bandaged, ask the client to
place the

elbow on a table, so that the hand not

have to be held up unsupported.

9. Make sure that the areas to be bandaged Washing and drying removes
are clean and dry. Wash and dry the area microorganisms, which flourish in dark,
if necessary. warm, moist area.

10. Align the part to be bandaged with Slight flexion places less strain on the
slight flexion of the joints, unless this is ligaments and muscles on the joint.

contraindicated.

11. Apply the bandage.

 arrange support for the area to be body part without support can fatigue the client

bandaged, for example, if hand needs

to be bandaged, ask the client to
place the

elbow on a table, so that the hand not

have to be held up unsupported.

A. Circular Turns This length of unrolled bandage allows

good control for placement and tension.

a) Hold the bandage in your dominant

hand, with the roll upper most and This provides even support to the area.

unroll the bandage about 8 cm (3in).

Clips and pins can be uncomfortable when

situated over an injured area.

b) Apply the end of the bandage to the

part of the body to be bandaged.
Hold
arrange support for the area to be body part without support can fatigue the client

bandaged, for example, if hand needs

to be bandaged, ask the client to
place the

elbow on a table, so that the hand not

have to be held up unsupported.

the end down with the thumb of the

other hand.

c) Encircle the body part a few times or

as often as needed, each turns
directly

covering the previous turn.

d) Secure the end of the bandage with

tape, metal clips, or a safety pin over

 arrange support for the area to be body part without support can fatigue the client

bandaged, for example, if hand needs

to be bandaged, ask the client to
place the

elbow on a table, so that the hand not

have to be held up unsupported.

B. Spiral Turns: Two circular turns anchor the bandage.

a) Make two circular turns.

b) Continue spiral turns at about a 30o

angle. Each turns overlapping the

proceeding one by two-third the width

of the bandage.
 arrange support for the area to be body part without support can fatigue the client

bandaged, for example, if hand needs

to be bandaged, ask the client to
place the

elbow on a table, so that the hand not

have to be held up unsupported.

C. Spiral Reverse Turns: The thumb will hold the bandage while it is
folded upon itself.

a) Anchor the bandage with two circular

turns, and bring the bandage upward
at about a 30o angle.

b) Place the thumb of your free hand on

the upper edge of the bandage.

c) Unroll the bandage about 15 cm (6in),

and then turn your hand so that the
bandage falls over itself.

d) Continue the bandage around the

limb, overlapping each previous turn
by two
 arrange support for the area to be body part without support can fatigue the client

bandaged, for example, if hand needs

to be bandaged, ask the client to
place the

elbow on a table, so that the hand not

have to be held up unsupported.

D. Recurrent Turns:

a) Anchor the bandage with two

circular turns.

b) Fold it back on itself, and bring it centrally

 over the distal end to be bandaged.

c) Holding it with the other hand, bring the

bandage back over the end to the right of
the center bandage but overlapping the
first turn by two third the width of the

bandage.

d) Bring the bandage back on the left

side, also overlapping the first turn by
two

thirds the width of the bandage.

e) Continue the pattern of alternating right

and left until the area is covered. Overlap
the preceding turns by two-thirds the

bandage width each time.

f) Terminate the bandage with two circular

turns. Secure the end appropriately.

E. Figure-eight turns:
 over the distal end to be bandaged.

c) Holding it with the other hand, bring the

bandage back over the end to the right of
the center bandage but overlapping the
first turn by two third the width of the

bandage.

d) Bring the bandage back on the left

side, also overlapping the first turn by
two

thirds the width of the bandage.

e) Continue the pattern of alternating right

and left until the area is covered. Overlap
the preceding turns by two-thirds the

bandage width each time.

f) Terminate the bandage with two circular

turns. Secure the end appropriately.

F. Thumb Spica This enables the health worker to check

blood circulation to the thumb.
 over the distal end to be bandaged.

c) Holding it with the other hand, bring the

bandage back over the end to the right of
the center bandage but overlapping the
first turn by two third the width of the

bandage.

d) Bring the bandage back on the left

side, also overlapping the first turn by
two

thirds the width of the bandage.

e) Continue the pattern of alternating right

and left until the area is covered. Overlap
the preceding turns by two-thirds the

bandage width each time.

f) Terminate the bandage with two circular

turns. Secure the end appropriately.

12. Wash hands Reduces transmission of microorganisms

 over the distal end to be bandaged.

c) Holding it with the other hand, bring the

bandage back over the end to the right of
the center bandage but overlapping the
first turn by two third the width of the

bandage.

d) Bring the bandage back on the left

side, also overlapping the first turn by
two

thirds the width of the bandage.

e) Continue the pattern of alternating right

and left until the area is covered. Overlap
the preceding turns by two-thirds the

bandage width each time.

f) Terminate the bandage with two circular

turns. Secure the end appropriately.

13. Evaluate distal circulation as application Early detection of circulatory difficulties

is completed and at least twice during 8 ensures healthy neuromuscular status.
 over the distal end to be bandaged.

c) Holding it with the other hand, bring the

bandage back over the end to the right of
the center bandage but overlapping the
first turn by two third the width of the

bandage.

d) Bring the bandage back on the left

side, also overlapping the first turn by
two

thirds the width of the bandage.

e) Continue the pattern of alternating right

and left until the area is covered. Overlap
the preceding turns by two-thirds the

bandage width each time.

f) Terminate the bandage with two circular

turns. Secure the end appropriately.

14. Record the type of bandage applied, Documents procedures and ensures continuity
the area to which it is applied and of care.
 Type Description Purpose or Use

1. Circular Bandage turn overlapping previous Anchors bandage at the first

turn completely and final turn; covers small
part (finger, toe)

2. Spiral Bandage ascending body part with each Covers cylindrical body parts
 turn overlapping previous one by one such as wrist or upper arm
half or two-thirds width of bandage

3. Spiral Reverse Turn requiring twist (reversal) of Covers cone-shaped body

bandage half way through each turn parts such as forearm, thigh,
or calf useful with non-
stretching

bandages such as gauze or

flannel.

4. Figure eight Oblique overlapping turns alternately Covers joint; snug fit
ascending and descending over provides excellent
bandaged part; each turn crossing immobilization.
previous one to form figure eight.

5. Recurrent Bandage first secured with two Covers uneven body parts
circular turns around proximal end such as head or stump.
of the body part. Half turn made
perpendicular up

from bandage edge. Body of bandage

brought over distal end of body part to
be covered with each turn folded back
over it.
 turn overlapping previous one by one such as wrist or upper arm
half or two-thirds width of bandage

6. Spica A variation of the figure eight bandage Used to bandage the hip,
groin, shoulder, breast or
thumb

APPLYING BINDER

DEFINITION: Application of binders especially designed for the body part to be supported.
OBJECTIVES:

1. To support wound, e.g. a fractured bone.

2. To immobilize a wound, e.g. a strained shoulder.

3. To apply pressure, e.g. elastic bandage is used to apply pressure to the lower extremities to
improve venous blood flow.

4. To secure a dressing, e.g. for an extensive abdominal surgical wound.

5. To retain splints (this apply chiefly to bandages)

6. To retain warmth, e.g. a flannel bandage on a rheumatoid joint.

PRINCIPLES FOR BANDAGE AND BINDER APPLICATION

1. Position body part to be bandaged in comfortable position of normal anatomical requirement

2. Prevent friction between and against skin surfaces by applying gauze or cotton padding. 3.
Apply bandages securely to prevent slippage during movement.
4. When bandaging extremities, apply bandage first at distal end and progress toward trunk.
5. Apply bandages firmly with equal tension exerted over each turn or layer. Avoid excess
overlapping of bandage layers.

6. Position pins, knots, or ties away from wound or sensitive skin areas.

STEPS RATIONALE

1. Observe client with need for support Baseline assessment determines client’s ability
of thorax or abdomen. Observe to breathe and cough. Impaired ventilation of
ability to lung can lead to alveolar atelectasis and
inadequate arterial oxygenation.

breathe deeply and cough effectively.

 STEPS RATIONALE

2. Inspect skin for actual or potential Actual impairment in skin integrity can be
worsened with application of binder. Binder
can cause pressure and excoriation.

alterations in integrity. Observe for

irritations, abrasions; skin surfaces that

rub against each other; allergic

response to adhesive tape used to
secure dressing.

3. Review medical record if medical Application of supportive binders may be based

on nursing adjustment. In some situations,
physician’s input is required.

prescription for particular binder is

required and reasons for application.

4. Gather necessary data regarding size Ensures proper fit of binder.

of client and appropriate binder.
 STEPS RATIONALE

5. Explain procedure to client and Promotes understanding. Provides privacy.

close curtains or room door.

6. Wash hands. Maintains medical asepsis and infection control.

 STEPS RATIONALE

7. A. Triangular arm sling An 80 degree angle is sufficient to support the

forearm, to prevent swelling of the hand, and to
relieve pressure on the shoulder joint (e.g., to
support the paralyzed arm of a stroke client
whose shoulder might otherwise become
dislocated.
a) Ask the client to flex the elbow to an
80 degree angle or less, depending
on

the purpose. The thumb should be

facing upward or inward toward the

A square knot will not slip. Tying the knot at

the side of the neck prevents pressure on the
bony
body. A more acute angle is preferred

if there is swelling of the hand.

b) Place one end of the unfolded

triangular binder over the shoulder of

 STEPS RATIONALE

the uninjured side so that the binder

falls down the front of the chest of the

client with the point of the triangle

(apex) under the elbow of the injured

side.

c) Take the upper corner, and carry it

around the neck until it hangs over the

shoulder of the injured side.

d) Bring the lower corner of the binder

up over the arm to the shoulder of
the
 injured side. Using a square knot, prominence of the vertebral column at the back
of the neck.

secure this corner to the upper corner

at the side of the neck on the involved

side.

e) Make sure the wrist is supported to

maintain alignment.

f) Fold the sling neatly at the elbow, and

secure it with safety pins or tape. It

may be folded and fastened at the

 front.

g) Remove the sling periodically to

inspect the skin for indications of

irritation especially around the side of

the knot.
B. Small arm sling (Cravat binder)

a) Make a cravat binder by folding the

triangular binder itself, starting at the

apex.

b) Apply the sling with the knot on the

affected side.
C. Triangular arm sling for maximum This position provides maximum elevation of
hand elevation: the hand.

a) Flex the client’s arm so that the hand

rest on the clavicle of the uninjured side.

b) Place the binder over the shoulder of

the uninjured side and over the arm (i.e.
in

front of the arm) so that the apex of

the binder extends beyond the elbow
of the injured side.

c) Tuck the base of the binder under the

arm; bring the free end across the client’s
back and using a square knot tie it to the
other free end at the shoulder on the
uninjured side. The knot should rest in the
hollow of the clavicle to prevent pressure on
the

clavicle.

d) Bring the apex of the sling toward the

back, tuck it in and secure it with a
safety pin or pins.
D. Hand or foot mitt.

Apply the triangular bandage as a mitt to cover

hand or foot dressings.

8. Wash hands. Prevents cross-infection

9. Observe site for skin integrity, Determines that binder has not resulted in
circulation, and characteristics of the irritation to skin or underlying organs.
wound. Note Binders should not impede breathing or
increase discomfort.

comfort level of client.

10. Record application of binder, condition Documents procedure. Baseline data

of skin and circulation, integrity or ensures continuity of care.
dressings, and comfort level.
 HERBAL MEDICINE

As part of primary health care and because of the increasing cost of drugs, the use of locally available
medicinal plants has been advocated by the Department of Health. Many local plants and herbs in the
Philippine backyard and field have been found to be effective in the treatment of common ailments as
attested to by the National Science Development Board, other government and private
agencies/persons engaged in research.

The Department of Health Is advocating the use of the following ten (10) herbal

plants. Lagundi (Vitex negundo)

Kamalan (Tag.) Dabtan (If)

Limo-limo (llk.) Molabe aso (Sul)

Tugas (Ceb) 5 leaveschaste tree (Eng.)

A shrub growing wild in vacant lots and waste land. Matured branches are planted. The flowers are blue
and bell-shaped. The small fruits turn black when ripe. It is better to collect the leaves when are in
bloom.
Uses:

Asthma, cough and fever – boil chopped raw fruits or leaves in 2 glasses of water left for 15 minutes
until the water left in only 1 glass (decoction). Strain, The following dosages of the decoction are given
according to age group:

Dried leaves Fresh leaves

Adult 4 tbsp 6 tbsp

7-12 yrs 2 tbsp

3 tbsp 2-6 yrs

1 tbsp 1 ½ tbsp.

Dysentery, colds and pain in any part of the body as in influenza –boil a handful of leaves and flowers in
water to produce a grass full of decoction three times a day.

Skin diseases (dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema) and wounds – prepare a decoction of the leaves. Wash
and clean the skin/wound with the decoction.
Headache – crushed leaves may be applied on the forehead.

Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites – pound the leaves and apply on affected part.
Aromatic bath for sick patients – prepare leaf decoction for use in sick and newly delivered patients.

✔ Yerba (Hierba) Buena – (Mentha cordifelia)

Herba Buena (most dialects) Opiz Ablebana (If.)

Hierba/Yerba Buena (Spanish) Malipuen (Als.)
Hilbas (Dav, Ley) Peppermint mint (Eng.)

A small multi-branching aromatic herb. The leaves are small, elliptical and with toothed margin. The
stem creeps to the ground, and develops roots. May also be propagated through cuttings.

Uses:

For pain in different parts of the body as headache, stomach ache – boil chopped leaves in 2 glasses
of water for 15 minutes, Cool and strain.

Dried leaves Fresh leaves

Adult 6 tbsp 4 tbsp

7-12 yrs ½ tbsp of adult dose

Divide decoction into two parts and drink one part every three hours.

Rheumatism, arthritis and headache – crush the fresh leaves and squeeze sap.

Massage sap on painful parts with eucalyptus.

Cough and cold – Get about 10 fresh leaves and soak in a glass of hot water. Drink as tea. Acts as an
expectorant.

Swollen gums – steep 6 gm. of fresh plant in a glass of boiling water for 30 minutes, Use solution as
gargle.

Toothache – cut fresh plant and squeeze sap. Soak a piece to cotton in the sap and insert this in aching
tooth cavity. Mouth should be rinsed by gargling salt solution before inserting the cotton. To prepare
salt solution: add 5 g. of table salt to one glass of water.

Menstrual and gas pain - soak a handful of leaves in a glass of boiling water. Drink infusion. It induces
menstrual flow and sweating.
Nausea and fainting – crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients.

Insect bites – Crush leaves and apply juice on affected part or pound leaves until paste-like, and rub this
on affected part

Pruritus – Boil plant alone or with eucalyptus in water. Use decoction as a wash on affected area.

✔ Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)

Alibhon, Alimon (p. Vis.)

Kambihon, Lakdanbulan (Vis.)

Ayohan, Bulaklak Ga buen, Kaliban (Tag.)

Gintin-gintin, Haliban/Camphor (Eng.)

A plant that reaches 1 ½ to 3 meters in height with rough hairy leaves. Young plants around mother
plant may be separated when they have three or more leaves.
 Uses:

Anti-edema, diuretic, anti-urolithiasis. Boil chopped leaves in water for 15 minutes until one glassful
remains. Cool and strain.

Dried leaves Fresh leaves

Adult 4 tbsp. 6 tbsp

7-12 yrs ½ tbsp. of adult dose

Divide decoction into 3 parts. Drink one part 3 times a day.

Note: Sambong is not a medicine for kidney infection.

✔ Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa)

Alibungog (Vis.)

Kalabonog. Maragued (llk.)

Kalimunog, Taglokot, Talibunog, Tsa (Tag.) Malatadian (Gad.)
 A shrub with small, shiny nice-looking leaves that grows in wild uncultivated areas and forests.
Mature stems are used for planting.

Uses:

Diarrhea – boil the following amount of chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes or until
amount of water goes down to 1 glass. Cool and strain.

Dried leaves Fresh leaves

Adult 10 tbsp 12 tbsp

7-12 yrs 5 tbsp

6 tbsp 2-6 tbsp

2 ½ tbsp. 3 tbsp

Divide decoction into 4 parts. Let patient drink 1 part every 3 hours
Stomachache - wash leaves and chop. Boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for 15 minutes. Cool and
filter/strain and drink.

Dried leaves Fresh leaves

Adult 2 tbsp 3 tbsp

7-12 yrs 1 tbsp

½ tbsp.

✔ Niyug-Niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.)

Balitadham, Pnones. Pino, Bonor (Bis.)

Bawe-bawe (Pamp.)
Kasumbal, Talolong (Bik.)

Tagrau, Tagulo Totoraok (Tag.)

Tartarau (llk.)

Burma creeper, Chinese honey suckle (Eng.0

A vine which bears tiny fruits and grows wild in backyards. The seeds must come from mature, dried
but newly opened fruits. Propagated through stem cuttings about 20 cm. in height.

Use:

An Anti-helminthic – Used to expel round worms ascariasis. The seeds are taken 2 hours after
supper. If no worms are expelled, the dose may be repeated after one week.

Adult 8-10 seeds

7-12 years 6-7

6-8 years 5-6

4-5 years 4-5

Caution: Not to be given to children below four years old

✔ Bayabas/Guava (Psidium guajava L.)

 Guyabas.Kalimbahin. Tayabas (Tag.)

Bagawas (lg.) Bayabo (lbm.)

Bayawas (Bik., Pang.) Biabas (Sul.)

Guyabas (llk.)

A tree about 4-5 meters high with tiny white flowers with round or oval fruits that are eaten raw.
Propagated through seeds.

Uses:
For washing wounds – may be used twice a day
For diarrhea – may be taken 3-4 twice a day.

As gargle and to relieve toothache. Warm decoction is used for gargle. Freshly pounded leaves are used
for toothache. Guava leaves are to be washed well and chopped. Boil for 15 minutes at low fire. Do not
cover pot. Cool and strain before use.

✔ Akapulko (Cassia, alata L.)

Bayabas-bayabasan. Kapurko. Kantada. Katandang Aso. Pakagonkon. Sonting (tag.): Andadasi.

Andadasi-a dakdako. Andadasi-bugbugtong (IIk): Adadasi (Ting.) Ancharasi (Ig.) Andalan (Sul.):
Bayabasin. Bibs-bibs (Bik.. Tag.. Bis.): Kasitas (Bik.. Bis): Sunting, Palo china (Bis.): Pakayomkom
 Kastila (Pamp.): Ringworm bush or shrub (Eng.)

Use: Anti- fungal: Tinea Flava, ringworm, athletes foot, and scabies

Preparation:
Fresh, matured leaves are pounded. Apply as soap to the affected part 1-2 times a day.

✔ Ulasimang-Bato (Peperonia pellucida)

Pansit-pansitan (Tag.)

A weed, with heart-shaped leaves that grow in shady parts of the garden and yard.

Use: Lowers uric acid (rheumatism and gout)

Preparation:

Wash the leaves well. One and a half cup leaves are boiled in two glassfuls of water over low fire. Do not
cover pot. Cool and strain. Divide into three parts and drink each part three times a day after meals.

May also be eaten as salad. Wash the leaves well. Prepare one and a half cups of leaves (not closely
packed). Divide into three parts and take as salad three times a day.
 ✔ Bawang

Ajos (Span., Bis.); Garlic (Eng.)

Uses:
For hypertension; Toothache; To lower cholesterol levels in blood.

Preparation:

May be fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or blanched in boiled water for 5 minutes. Take
2 pieces three times a day after meals.

Caution: Take on s full stomach to prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers.

For toothache: Pound a small piece and apply to affected part.

✔ Ampalaya (Mamordica charantia)

Amargoso (Sp.);
 Margoso, Ampalaya (Tag.);

Apalia (Pamp.); Apape (lbn.);

Apapet (ltn.);

Palia (Bis., Ban., If., lIk.);

Pubia (Sub.); Suligum (sul);
Balsam Apple, Balsam Pear, Bitter Gourd (Eng.)

Use: Lower blood sugar levels

Diabetes Mellitus (Mild non-insulin dependent)

Preparation:

Gather and wash young leaves very well. Chop. Boil 6 tablespoons in two glassfuls of water for 15
minutes under low fire. DO not cover pot. Cool and strain. Take one third cup 3 times a day after
meals.

Note: Young leaves may be blanched/steamed and eaten ½ glassful 2 times a

day. Reminders on the Use of Herbal Medicine

 1. Avoid the use of insecticides as these may leave poison on plants.

2. In the preparation of herbal medicine, use a clay pot and remove cover while boiling at low
heat.

3. Use only the part of the plant being advocated.

4. Follow accurate dose of suggested preparation.

5. Use only one kind of herbal plant for each type of symptoms or sickness.

6. Stop giving the herbal medication in case untoward reaction such as allergy occurs. 7. If signs and
symptoms are not relieved after 2 or 3 doses of herbal medication, consult a doctor.

The Quick Guide to Herbal Preparation Terminology

1) Tinctures and Extracts

∙ This is where the constituents of a plant are extracted in alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin (sometimes
called glycerites). This is a very common herbal preparation and very user friendly. Doses are
usually taken in drops, dropperfuls, or mL.
 ∙ An extract is the same thing BUT the FDA has taken the term “tincture” and claimed it for drug
purposes.

∙ Vinegar extracts and glycerites usually require higher doses than alcohol extracts for a few
reasons.

2) Tea, Tisane, Infusion

∙ This is one of the oldest herbal preparations. The humble water extraction. All three words
mean basically the same thing - water extraction, usually boiling water poured over the plant
matter. Steep time will vary, but if it isn’t listed, it can be safe to assume 10-15 minutes for
herbs but for tea (black, green, white, etc.) it’s only a few minutes 2-5 depending.

3) Decoction

∙ This is also a water extraction; however, this is for the seeds, barks, and roots. This begins by
placing the plant matter (notice how they are all hard - not leafy) in water. You then bring it to a
boil. This will help to soften the hard exterior. Once it’s at a boil, it’s turned off and steeped for
at least 20 minutes.

∙ BASIC METHOD FOR MAKING A DECOCTION

1. Place 1 tablespoon of dried herb into a small saucepan.

 2. Cover the herbs with 1 cup of cold water, and then slowly heat the water to a simmer
and cover.

3. Allow to gently simmer for 10-20 minutes.

4. Strain the herb, and reserve the tea in a quart jar.

4) Infused Oil

∙ This is an extraction in oil. There are many ways to do this and it can be used on its own or as
the base for a salve.

∙ BASIC METHOD FOR MAKING A HOT INFUSION:

1. Scoop 1 teaspoon (for black, green, or red tea) or 1 tablespoon (for leaf and flower
herbal tea) of dried herb into a strainer.

2. Heat 1 cup of water until it just comes to a boil.

3. Place a strainer in your cup and pour hot water over herbs.
 4. Then cover to keep the oils from escaping.

5. Steep for 3-5 minutes and strain.

5) Salve

∙ A mix of oil and wax.

6) Poultice

∙ A mass of herbs that have been crushed, bruised, cut and wet with water. This is a topical
application for wounds, muscles, bruised etc.

7) Compress

∙ This is a piece of fabric that has been soaked in an infusion or decoction and placed topically. It
can be used for wounds, muscles and fever.
8) Syrup

∙ This is made by creating an infusion or decoction then honey, glycerin, or even molasses
sometimes, are added creating syrup.

9) Oxymel

∙ This is a blend of honey and vinegar. Both can be infused with other herbs to create a medicine
based preparation.

10) Essential Oil

∙ This is an extraction of volatile oils on a plant - through steam distillation, CO2 extraction, or a
solvent extraction (usually called absolutes).

11) Hydrosol

∙ This is the other product of steam distillation. Plant water - which still contain trace amounts of
volatile oil. This has a much higher safety factor than essential oils and is more sustainable.
12) Flower Essence

∙ This is a vibrational essence in which the plant matter (flowers but not limited to only flowers)
are placed into a container of water. It is then preserved with alcohol or vegetable glycerin. It
can then be diluted to stock or dosage bottles.

∙ Because it’s not an extraction of phytochemical constituents, flowers used for several times are
avoided because of toxicity concerns.

13) Homeopathic pellets

∙ While not an herbal preparation, herbs are sometimes used in plant medicine and in
homeopathic medicine as well.

14) Pastilles

∙ This is a mixture of powdered herb and honey - formed into little balls to be eaten.

15) Capsules and tablets

 ∙ Herbal medicine can be refined into capsules or tablets.

Hutchison, M. (2018). Basic Herbal Terminology. Retrieved https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal

terminology

Reven & Oak. (2018). The Quick Guide to Herbal Preparation Terminology.

https://www.ravenandoak.com/ro-blog/the-quick-guide-to-herbal-preparation-terminology