Matching Preparation Methods to Your Goals: Your Complete Beginner’s Guide

Choosing the right preparation method ensures maximum therapeutic benefit. Teas for immediate hydration/digestion, tinctures for concentrated long-term use, balms for targeted topical application. This guide helps you match method to goal.

The Everyperson Guide: Matching Preparation Methods to Your Goals

From Tea to Tincture: Which Remedy When?

You’ve chosen your herb and your solvent. Now the question is: what should you actually make? A tea for daily sipping? A potent tincture for your medicine cabinet? A soothing salve for your skin? This guide matches the preparation method to your therapeutic goal.

The Quick Reference Rule

For Daily Wellness & Gentle Support → Tea (Infusion/Decoction)

When to use: You want regular, gentle nourishment or mild symptom relief

Best for: Nutritive herbs, digestive support, daily tonics

Examples: Nettle tea for minerals, peppermint tea after meals, chamomile before bed

For Potent, Fast-Acting, Long-Lasting Medicine → Tincture

When to use: You need concentrated medicine that works quickly and lasts years

Best for: Acute illness, herbs with unpleasant taste, precise dosing

Examples: Echinacea for colds, valerian for sleep, yarrow for fevers

For Skin, Muscles & Joints → Infused Oil, Salve, or Balm

When to use: You need topical application for localised issues

Best for: Wound healing, muscle aches, skin conditions, massage

Examples: Calendula salve for cuts, lavender oil for massage, plantain balm for bug bites

For Sore Throats, Coughs & Upper Respiratory → Syrup or Honey Infusion

When to use: You need to coat and soothe the throat while delivering medicine

Best for: Coughs, sore throats, making herbs palatable for children

Examples: Thyme honey for coughs, elderberry syrup for immune support, sage syrup for throat infections

For Mineral Support & Digestive Priming → Vinegar Infusion

When to use: You want highly bioavailable minerals or a digestive bitter tonic

Best for: Building bone health, pre-meal digestive stimulation

Examples: Nettle vinegar for minerals, dandelion root vinegar as bitter

For Immediate First-Aid → Fresh Poultice

When to use: You need instant relief for a localised acute issue

Best for: Bug bites, stings, splinters, drawing boils, stopping bleeding

Examples: Fresh plantain for bee sting, fresh yarrow to stop bleeding

For Making Bitter/Unpalatable Herbs Edible → Electuary (Honey Paste)

When to use: You need to take powdered herbs but can’t stand the taste

Best for: Turmeric, slippery elm, cinnamon, ginger—strong-tasting powders

Examples: Turmeric paste with honey and black pepper

Understanding Why Preparation Methods Matter

The same herb prepared different ways can have completely different effects:

Example: Dandelion

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

As a Tea (Leaves):

Mild diuretic
Daily nutritive tonic
Gentle, sippable
Drink 2-3 cups daily

As a Decoction (Root):

Bitter digestive stimulant
Liver support
Strong, bitter taste
Drink ½ cup before meals

As a Vinegar (Root):

Mineral-rich tonic
Digestive bitter
Tart, concentrated
Take 1-2 tablespoons in water daily

As a Tincture (Root):

Concentrated liver support
Shelf-stable for years
Very bitter
Take 2-4ml, 3 times daily

Why this matters: The preparation method changes what compounds you extract, how concentrated they are, how they’re delivered to your body, and how your body receives them. Choosing wisely makes the difference between “this herb didn’t work for me” and “this herb changed my life.”

Detailed Herb-Remedy Matching Guide

For Daily Nutritive Support

**Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)**

Nettle (Urtica diotica)

Best Preparation: Long Infusion (Overnight Tea)

Why: Nettle’s treasure is minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium). A long, cool infusion (8-12 hours) extracts maximum minerals without bitterness.
How: 30g dried nettle in 1 litre jar, pour boiling water over, cover, steep overnight at room temperature, strain in morning. Drink throughout day.
Taste: Mild, slightly grassy, surprisingly pleasant
Why this beats other methods:
- Short tea: Misses minerals that need time to extract
- Tincture: Expensive, unnecessary (minerals are water-soluble)
- Capsules: You miss the nourishing ritual of drinking
Cost: ~$12-18/100g dried = ~3 litres finished tea. Incredible value.

Alternative: Vinegar Infusion

When: You want even more bioavailable minerals, or a shelf-stable tonic
How: Fill jar ½ with dried nettle, cover completely with apple cider vinegar, steep 4-6 weeks, strain. Take 1-2 tablespoons in water daily.
Why it works: Vinegar converts minerals to acetate salts (highly absorbable)

**Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)**

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Best Preparation: Hot Infusion (Tea)

Why: Chamomile’s calming compounds (apigenin, bisabolol) extract adequately in hot water, and the ritual of sipping warm tea itself is calming.
How: 1-2 teaspoons dried flowers per cup, pour boiling water over, cover (crucial—volatile oils escape with steam!), steep 10-15 minutes, strain. Drink 1-3 cups daily.
When: Before bed for sleep, after meals for digestion, during stress for calming
Why covering matters: The volatile oils that help you relax literally evaporate if you don’t cover the cup. You’ll smell them in the steam—that’s your medicine escaping!

Alternative: Tincture

When: You need portability, shelf-stability, or a more concentrated dose
How: 1:5 in 40% alcohol, take 2-4ml as needed
Trade-off: More potent, but you miss the soothing ritual of tea

Alternative: Bath

When: You want full-body relaxation
How: Make a very strong tea (large handful flowers in 2 litres water), add to bath
Why it works: Aromatherapy + skin absorption + warm water = triple relaxation

For Immune Support

**Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea/angustifolia)**

Echinacea (Echinacea purperea)

Best Preparation: Alcohol Tincture (Fresh Root Preferred)

Why: Echinacea’s immune-supporting alkylamides are poorly extracted by water. Alcohol (60-70%) extracts both alkylamides and polysaccharides. Fresh root is most potent.
How:
- Fresh root: Chop finely, 1:2 in 70% alcohol, steep 2-4 weeks, strain
- Dried root: 1:5 in 60% alcohol, steep 4-6 weeks, strain
Dosage: 2-4ml every 2-4 hours at first sign of illness, continue for 7-10 days
Why tincture beats tea: You need high concentration of alkylamides that water simply can’t extract adequately
Cost: Dried root ~$25-40/100g, but one batch of tincture lasts years

Alternative: Syrup (for Children)

When: You need to give echinacea to kids who won’t take alcohol tincture
How: Make strong decoction of root, reduce, add honey to preserve
Trade-off: Less potent (water doesn’t extract alkylamides well), but palatable for kids

**Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)**

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Best Preparation: Syrup

Why: Elderberries must be cooked (raw is emetic—causes nausea). A syrup combines the cooked berries with honey or sugar for preservation and palatability, creating a delicious immune tonic.
How:
- Simmer 500g fresh or dried elderberries in 750ml water for 30-40 minutes
- Mash berries, strain through muslin
- Return liquid to pot, simmer to reduce by ½
  - Remove from heat, add 250g honey (or equal volume sugar), stir to dissolve
- Bottle, refrigerate (keeps 2-3 months)
Dosage: 1 tablespoon daily for prevention, 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours during acute illness
Why syrup beats other methods:
- Cooking is required for safety
  - Sweet taste = kids will actually take it
    - Coating action soothes throat while delivering immune support
Cost: Dried berries ~$15-25/100g. One batch = 3-4 months of daily use.

The Science: Elderberry’s anthocyanins (immune-active flavonoids) remain stable during cooking and are extracted into the water. Sugar preserves and makes it shelf-stable.

**Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)**

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Best Preparation: Depends on Use

For Fevers (Diaphoretic):

Method: Hot Infusion (Tea), drunk hot
Why: The combination of yarrow’s compounds + hot liquid + getting under blankets promotes sweating, which helps break fevers
How: 1-2 teaspoons dried herb per cup boiling water, steep 10 minutes, drink HOT, get into bed under blankets
Why this specific method: The heat is part of the medicine—cold tea doesn’t work the same way

For Wound Healing (Styptic—Stops Bleeding):

Method: Fresh Poultice
Why: Fresh yarrow contains compounds that promote blood clotting; direct application is most effective
How: Crush or chew fresh leaves and flowers, apply directly to bleeding cut, hold pressure
Traditional use: “Soldier’s herb”—used on battlefields to stop bleeding

For Internal General Use:

Method: Tincture
Why: Shelf-stable, concentrated, good for menstrual support or ongoing anti-inflammatory use
How: 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 2-4ml three times daily

Same herb, completely different preparations depending on what you need it for!

For Digestive Support

**Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)**

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Best Preparation: Hot Infusion (Tea)

Why: Menthol (the active antispasmodic) extracts adequately in hot water, and drinking warm liquid itself aids digestion. The immediacy of a tea is perfect for acute digestive upset.
How: 1-2 teaspoons dried leaf (or large handful fresh) per cup, steep 5-10 minutes covered, drink after meals or as needed
Why timing matters: After meals = helps digestion. During nausea = quick relief.
Why covering matters: Menthol is a volatile oil—it evaporates if you don’t cover

Alternative: Tincture

When: IBS or chronic digestive issues needing concentrated antispasmodic effect
How: 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 2-4ml as needed
Why: More potent than tea, easier to carry, precise dosing

Alternative: Essential Oil (External Only)

When: Headache relief (peppermint’s cooling action on temples)
How: 1-2 drops in 1 teaspoon carrier oil, massage temples
Never: Take essential oil internally without professional guidance

**Ginger (Zingiber officinale)**

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Best Preparation: Fresh Decoction (Tea) or Syrup

For Nausea:

Method: Fresh Decoction
Why: Gingerols (anti-nausea compounds) extract quickly in hot water from fresh root. Fast-acting.
How: Thinly slice or grate 15-20g fresh ginger, simmer in 2 cups water for 10 minutes, strain, sip slowly
Timing: At first sign of nausea, small frequent sips work better than large amounts
Why fresh beats dried: Fresh has maximum gingerol content

For Travel (Motion Sickness):

Method: Crystallised Ginger or Electuary
Why: Portable, no preparation needed
How: Crystallised ginger: Chew small pieces as needed. Electuary: Mix ginger powder with honey to make paste, take ½-1 teaspoon as needed

For Chronic Inflammation:

Method: Tincture
Why: Consistent daily dosing, concentrated
How: 1:5 in 60% alcohol, 2-4ml three times daily
Why this works: Anti-inflammatory gingerols build up with regular use

For Coughs/Colds:

Method: Syrup
Why: Combines ginger’s warming antimicrobial properties with throat-soothing delivery
How: Simmer fresh ginger in water, reduce, add honey

**Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)**

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Best Preparation: Decoction (for Bitter Digestive) or Vinegar (for Minerals)

As Digestive Bitter:

Method: Decoction
Why: The root is tough and woody—it needs simmering to extract bitter principles and inulin. The bitter taste on your tongue triggers digestive secretions.
How: 1-2 teaspoons chopped dried root per cup water, simmer 10-15 minutes, strain
When: Drink ½ cup 15-30 minutes before meals
Why timing matters: The bitter taste triggers vagal reflex that primes digestion BEFORE food arrives
Taste: Very bitter. This is therapeutic—don’t add sugar!

As Mineral Tonic:

Method: Vinegar Infusion
Why: Acetic acid extracts minerals from the root as bioavailable acetate salts
How: Fill jar ½ with dried chopped root, cover with apple cider vinegar, steep 4-6 weeks, strain
Dosage: 1 tablespoon in glass of water, before meals
Why vinegar beats water: More efficient mineral extraction, shelf-stable, adds digestive-stimulating acidity

For Skin & Topical Healing

**Calendula (Calendula officinalis)**

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Best Preparation: Infused Oil → Salve/Balm

Why: Calendula’s skin-healing compounds (carotenoids, resins) are fat-soluble. An oil captures them; a salve makes them easy to apply.
Making the Oil:
- Solar method: Fill jar ½ with dried flowers, cover with olive oil, sunny window 2-4 weeks, shake daily, strain
- Heat method: Dried flowers + olive oil in double boiler at 50-70°C for 2-4 hours, strain when deeply golden-orange
Making the Salve:
- For every 100ml infused oil: melt in 10-15g beeswax
- Pour into tins/jars while warm
- Sets as it cools to salve consistency
Uses: Cuts, scrapes, dry skin, diaper rash, eczema, slow-healing wounds
Why this beats tea: The healing resins are NOT water-soluble. A calendula tea is fine for a wash but misses the primary medicine.
Cost: Grow your own calendula (self-seeds forever), ~$500ml olive oil ($10), beeswax ($15/100g) = multiple batches of salve. Homemade salve worth ~$15-25 if purchased.

Alternative: Strong Tea as Wash

When: You need an antiseptic wound wash and don’t have infused oil
How: 4-6 flower heads per cup boiling water, steep 15 minutes, cool, use to wash wounds
Why it works: Water extracts some anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds, adequate for washing

**Plantain (Plantago major/lanceolata)**

Narrow leaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

Best Preparation: Depends on Immediacy

For Immediate First-Aid (Bug Bite, Sting):

Method: Fresh Poultice
Why: The fresh, living leaf contains enzymes and compounds at peak activity. Direct application to sting provides instant relief.
How:
Pick fresh leaf
Chew it (yes, chew it—saliva + crushing releases compounds) OR crush between rocks
Apply directly to sting/bite
Replace every 20-30 minutes
Why this works: Drawing action pulls venom out, anti-inflammatory compounds reduce swelling, happens in minutes

For Medicine Cabinet/Prepared First Aid:

Method: Infused Oil → Salve
Why: Shelf-stable, ready when needed, still has drawing and healing properties
How: Dried plantain leaves in olive oil (solar or gentle heat method), make into salve with beeswax
Uses: Bug bites, stings, minor skin irritations, splinters
Trade-off: Not quite as potent as fresh, but incredibly convenient

**Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)**

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Best Preparation: Infused Oil

Why: Lavender’s calming volatile oils (linalool, linalyl acetate) extract beautifully into oil for topical aromatherapy and skin soothing.
How: Dried lavender flowers in olive or sweet almond oil, solar infusion 2-4 weeks (gentle for delicate aromatics)
Uses:
- Massage oil (calming, sleep support)
- Headache relief (temples, back of neck)
- Minor burns (after cooling)
- Bath oil (add to warm bath)
Why oil beats tincture for this use: You want topical + aromatherapy. Oil delivers both.
Cost: Grows prolifically in NZ. One plant = unlimited flowers. Oil ~\$10-15/500ml. Practically free medicine.

Alternative: Bath

Method: Herb directly in bath or strong tea added to bath
Why: Full-body aromatherapy + relaxation
How: Tie handful of fresh or dried flowers in muslin bag, hang under running tap as bath fills

For Respiratory Support

**Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)**

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Best Preparation: Honey Infusion (for Coughs) or Steam (for Congestion)

For Coughs/Sore Throat:

Method: Thyme-Infused Honey
Why: Perfect synergy—thyme’s antimicrobial thymol + honey’s throat-coating, antimicrobial properties
How: Fill jar ½ with dried thyme, pour raw honey over to cover completely, steep 4-6 weeks, strain (or leave herbs in)
Dosage: 1 teaspoon as needed for cough, can take straight or in warm water/tea
Why this beats tea: The coating action + concentration of thymol + long shelf life
Taste: Sweet, herbal, pleasant (unlike many medicinals!)

For Congestion/Sinuses:

Method: Steam Inhalation
Why: Volatile oils in steam directly contact respiratory passages
How:
- Large handful fresh or dried thyme in bowl
- Pour just-boiled water over
- Tent head with towel
- Inhale for 10 minutes
Why this works: Thymol and other volatile oils are antimicrobial and decongestant; steam carries them deep into sinuses and lungs

For Acute Respiratory Infection:

Method: Tincture
Why: Concentrated internal antimicrobial
How: 1:5 in 50% alcohol, 2-4ml three times daily
When: You need maximum antimicrobial effect, more than honey provides

**Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)**

Best Preparation: Leaf Tea (for Lungs) or Flower Oil (for Ears)

For Coughs/Lung Complaints:

Method: Hot Infusion (Tea) from Leaves
Why: Mullein’s mucilage and saponins are water-soluble and create a soothing, expectorant tea
How: 1-2 teaspoons dried leaves per cup boiling water, steep 10-15 minutes, strain VERY WELL (tiny leaf hairs can irritate throat), drink 2-3 cups daily
Why it works: Demulcent (soothing) + expectorant (helps expel mucus) + anti-inflammatory
Straining is critical: Use muslin or coffee filter to remove all tiny hairs

For Earaches:

Method: Infused Oil from Flowers (NOT leaves)
Why: Traditional remedy for ear infections; flowers in oil are antimicrobial and soothing
How: Dried mullein flowers in olive oil, gentle heat infusion, strain very well
Use: 2-3 drops warmed oil in affected ear
Safety: Never use if eardrum is perforated. This is an external ear remedy.

Different plant part, different preparation!

For Sleep & Relaxation

**Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)**

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Best Preparation: Alcohol Tincture

Why: Valerian’s sedative compounds (valerenic acid, volatile oils) need alcohol extraction. Water doesn’t work well. Also, valerian smells terrible—tincture hides the smell better than tea.
How: 1:5 in 60% alcohol (root), steep 4-6 weeks, shake regularly, strain
Dosage: 2-4ml (40-80 drops) 30-60 minutes before bed
Why timing matters: Takes time to absorb and take effect
Taste/smell: Honestly terrible (like dirty gym socks). Hold your breath, take quickly in small amount of water, chase with something pleasant.
Why this beats tea: Better extraction + you don’t have to smell it as much + concentrated enough to work

Alternative: Capsules (Powdered Root)

When: You absolutely cannot handle the taste/smell
Trade-off: May not be quite as effective (alcohol extracts more), but better than nothing

**Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)**

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Best Preparation: Fresh Tea (Infusion)

Why: Lemon balm’s volatile oils (citral, citronellal) diminish dramatically when dried. Fresh captures peak potency. Hot water extracts them adequately for gentle calming effect.
How: Large handful fresh leaves (2-3 tablespoons chopped) per cup, pour boiling water over, cover, steep 10-15 minutes, strain
When: Before bed, during stress, for mild anxiety
Why fresh is critical: Dried lemon balm loses 50-80% of volatile oils. Still pleasant, but much weaker.
Growing tip: Grows really well in NZ gardens. One plant = unlimited fresh medicine.

Alternative: Fresh Plant Tincture

When: You want to preserve summer’s harvest for winter use
How: Fresh leaves and flowering tops, 1:2 in 50% alcohol, steep 2-4 weeks
Why this works: Alcohol preserves volatile oils better than drying

Special Preparation Methods

Electuaries: The Honey-Powder Paste

What It Is: A mixture of powdered herb(s) with honey to form a thick, scoopable paste.

When to Use:

You need to take powdered herbs but hate the texture/taste
You want a concentrated form that’s portable
Traditional for strong-tasting medicinals

Best Herbs for Electuaries:

Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory golden paste
Ginger: Digestive/nausea paste
Cinnamon: Blood sugar support paste
Slippery Elm: Throat-soothing paste

How to Make:

Basic Formula:

1 part powdered herb: 2-3 parts raw honey
Mix thoroughly to form thick paste
Store in jar at room temperature

Example: Turmeric Golden Paste

50g turmeric powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (piperine enhances absorption of curcumin by 2000%!)
100-150g raw honey
Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut oil (fat enhances absorption of curcumin)
Mix thoroughly, store in jar
Dosage: ½-1 teaspoon 1-3 times daily, can take straight or stir into warm milk

Why This Works:

Honey preserves the powder
Honey makes it palatable
Easy to dose (by the spoonful)
Shelf-stable (1-2 years)

Poultices: Direct Plant-to-Skin

What It Is: Fresh (or rehydrated dried) herb applied directly to skin, usually held in place with cloth.

When to Use:

Immediate first-aid: Bug bites, stings, splinters
Drawing actions: Boils, infected wounds, splinters
Bleeding: Fresh yarrow stops bleeding
You’re in the field: No time to prepare anything else

Best Herbs for Poultices:

Plantain: Bug bites, stings (drawing, anti-inflammatory)
Yarrow: Bleeding (styptic), wounds
Comfrey leaf: Bruises, sprains (speeds healing—external only)
Chickweed: Itchy skin, rashes

How to Make:

Fresh Herb:

Pick fresh plant material
Crush/chew/pound to break cells and release compounds
Apply directly to affected area
Cover with cloth, change every 20-30 minutes

Dried Herb:

Pour small amount of hot water over dried herb
Let sit 5 minutes to rehydrate
Squeeze out excess water
Apply moist herb to skin, cover with cloth

Why This Works:

Maximally fresh = maximum potency
Direct contact delivers compounds immediately
Moisture helps transfer compounds to skin
Traditional, effective, free

Syrups: Sweet Medicine

What It Is: Herb extracted in water, reduced, preserved with sugar or honey.

When to Use:

Sore throats and coughs (coating action)
Children’s preparations (palatability)
Immune support (elderberry)
Making bitter herbs tolerable

Basic Syrup-Making Process:

Make Strong Decoction/Infusion:

100g dried herb (or 200g fresh) in 1 litre water
Simmer roots/barks 30-45 minutes; steep leaves/flowers 20-30 minutes
Strain very well

Reduce:

Simmer strained liquid until reduced by half (to ~500ml)
This concentrates the compounds

Preserve:

Remove from heat
Add equal volume of honey (500ml) OR equal weight of sugar (500g)
Stir until fully dissolved
Sugar/honey concentration prevents microbial growth

Bottle:

Pour into sterilised bottles
Label with date
Refrigerate (keeps 2-3 months) or freeze in portions (keeps 1 year)

Ratio Rule: Final product should be roughly 50% herb extract: 50% sweetener by volume for preservation.

Best Herbs for Syrups:

Elderberry (immune support)
Thyme (cough)
Ginger (nausea, warming)
Licorice root (soothing, sweet—use less added sugar)
Sage (throat)

Vinegars: The Mineral Extractor

What It Is: Herbs macerated in vinegar to extract minerals and some alkaloids.

When to Use:

You want bioavailable minerals
Digestive bitter/tonic
Shelf-stable, no alcohol

Best Herbs for Vinegars:

Nettle: Mineral powerhouse
Oatstraw: Silica, nervous system support
Dandelion root: Minerals + digestive bitter
Burdock root: Minerals, liver support
Garlic: “Fire cider” for immune support

How to Make:

Fill jar ½ full with dried herb (or ½ if very strong like garlic)
Cover completely with apple cider vinegar (raw, with mother preferred)
Use plastic lid or glass lid with plastic seal (vinegar corrodes metal)
Steep 4-6 weeks in dark cupboard, shake every few days
Strain, bottle, label

Dosage: 1-2 tablespoons in glass of water, 1-3 times daily (usually before meals for digestive types)

Classic Formula: Fire Cider (Immune-stimulating, circulatory tonic)

Chopped garlic
Chopped onion
Grated horseradish root
Grated ginger
Chopped turmeric
Cayenne pepper
Cover with apple cider vinegar, steep 4-6 weeks
Strain, add honey to taste
Take 1 tablespoon daily preventatively, or by the spoonful during illness

Matching Remedies to Delivery Goals

For Internal, Systemic Effects:

Goal	Best Remedy	Why
Gentle daily support	Tea/Infusion	Nourishing ritual, adequate for gentle herbs
Potent acute treatment	Tincture	Concentrated, fast-acting, precise dosing
Building minerals	Long infusion or vinegar	Maximum extraction of minerals
Bitter digestive support (before meals)	Decoction or vinegar	Bitter taste on tongue triggers digestive reflex
Soothing throat/cough	Syrup or honey	Coating action + medicine delivery
Children’s medicine	Syrup, honey, or glycerite	Palatable, appropriate dosing

For External, Topical Effects:

Goal	Best Remedy	Why
Daily skin care	Infused oil	Gentle, nourishing, moisturising
Wound healing	Salve/balm	Protective barrier, concentrated healing compounds
Muscle aches	Infused oil or liniment	Oil for massage, liniment for penetration
Immediate first-aid	Fresh poultice	Fastest, most potent, always available
Hair/scalp	Infused oil or strong tea rinse	Oil nourishes scalp, tea for lighter treatment

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Using Tea When Tincture is Needed

Example: Making chamomile tea for severe insomnia
Problem: Tea is too gentle for severe cases
Solution: Use tincture for concentrated effect, or combine tea + tincture

Mistake 2: Using Tincture When Tea Would Suffice

Example: Making expensive echinacea tincture for a nutritive daily tonic
Problem: Wasting alcohol and money
Solution: Save tinctures for when concentration/shelf-life matters

Mistake 3: Wrong Plant Part for Preparation

Example: Making tea from mullein flowers (instead of oil for ears)
Problem: You’ll get almost no benefit
Solution: Match plant part to traditional preparation

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Delivery Mechanism

Example: Taking bitter digestive in capsules (bypasses tongue)
Problem: Misses the bitter reflex that triggers digestion
Solution: Bitter herbs must taste bitter to work—tea or liquid tincture

Mistake 5: Not Considering Shelf Life

Example: Making a month’s supply of nettle tea
Problem: Water extracts spoil in 1-3 days
Solution: Make fresh daily, or make tincture/vinegar for shelf-stability

Quick Decision Tree

START HERE: What’s your primary goal?

Daily wellness/nutrition? → Is it mineral-rich? (nettle, oatstraw) → YES: Long infusion or vinegar → NO: Regular tea

Acute illness/symptom? → Is it internal or external? → INTERNAL: – Digestive? → Tea or tincture – Respiratory? → Syrup, honey, or steam – Immune/infection? → Tincture → EXTERNAL: – Immediate? → Fresh poultice – Prepared remedy? → Salve/oil

Long-term building/tonic? → What compounds do you need? → Minerals: Long infusion or vinegar → General support: Tea daily → Specific condition: Tincture for consistency

For children? → Age? → Under 2: Professional guidance only → 2-12: Syrup, honey (over 1 year), glycerite, gentle teas → 12+: Can use most preparations (adjusted dose)

Seasonal Preparation Calendar

Spring:

Make fresh nettle and cleavers infusions
Prepare herbal vinegars (fresh spring greens)
Start solar oil infusions as weather warms

Summer:

Harvest and dry herbs for winter tinctures
Make flower oils (calendula, lavender, rose)
Preserve elderflowers as cordial or dried

Autumn:

Make elderberry syrup before flu season
Dig and prepare root tinctures (dandelion, burdock)
Harvest rosehips for vitamin C syrup

Winter:

Use your preserved remedies
Make warming decoctions (ginger, cinnamon)
Strain and bottle tinctures started in autumn

References

Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy: Modern herbal medicine (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of herbal medicine (3rd ed.). Dorling Kindersley.

Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing.

Green, J. (2000). The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual. Crossing Press.

Grieve, M. (1931). A modern herbal. Dover Publications.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.

Disclaimer: Does not represent rongoā Māori methods. For rongoā knowledge, consult Te Paepae Motuhake.

Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult qualified healthcare practitioners before using herbal remedies, especially if pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or having medical conditions. Seek appropriate medical care for persistent or severe symptoms.

Note on Pricing: All prices mentioned in this guide are approximate and based on New Zealand suppliers as of December 2025. Prices vary by supplier, season, and market conditions. We recommend checking current prices with your local suppliers.