Decoctions, Tinctures, and Syrups

Prof. Bonnie Bade

Decoctions, Tincutres, and Syrups

Student name: Noah valyou

Historical use of plant medicine

ANTHROPOLOGY 471 People, Plants, and Medicine

Thank you to Dr. Bonnie Bade for some of the information provided within this brochure!

There have been a lot of people who have been able to contribute to the world of plant medicine, but according to Bauer Petrovska, one of the biggest is Dioscorides, the "Father of Pharamacognosy".Dioscorides was a part of Nero's army as the physician and pharmcognosist and was able to create the "De Materia Medica".

-944 drugs described with 657 of plant origin-Descriptions of:Outward AppearanceLocalityMode of CollectionMaking of Medical PreperationTherapeutic Effect Names in Different LanguagesLocalities where they are and grown

Examples in the "De Materia Medica" include: Willow, Camomille, Garlic, Onion, etc.

Words of Advice from Charles W. Kane with Herbal Remedies:-Be sure of plant you are picking-If herb makes you sick, take less or throw away-If it doesn't work, use more or forget it-Trust own judgement above all-That which stimulates can irritate; that which helps can hurt-If you don't get better or get worse quickly, call your doctor!

Decoctions

Syrups

Tinctures

According to Fredijs Dimins and Ingrida Augspole, herbal syrups are able to enhance immunity and are mainly used as an anti-coughing agent. Mainly seen in cold and flu cases to promote digestion by sweat driving agents, anti-flu products, etc.There are many phenolic compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids are antibacterial due to the oxidizing potnetional.Within class, we were able to make a California elderberry juice(due to time constraints) that has a sweeter taste and is able to assist with more respiratory problems.

Tincutres are an alcohol-based remedy and acts as a solvent for plant chemicals. Tinctures is a more concentrated form of extraction with broader profile of plant medicine. Very beneficial to help extract resinous herbs/rich in volatile oils like myrrh or hemp.Within our class, we were able to make a tincture using echinacea which has a long history and many beneficial properties.Provided by John Finch, echinacea is native to North America and was introduced by American Indians who have used it for at least 400 years. Able to treat a variety of conditions: typhoid, malaria, abscesses, reptile and insect bites, cancer, syphilis, tetanus, and rabies.

Decoctions can be a form of many different things they mainly include water and heat to extract the constituents of the plant. However, according to Dr. Bonnie Bade, heat is able to destroy active properties so with longer, less heat decoctions can be more effective. Some examples of decoctions include enemas, douches, herbal baths, steam inhalations, etc. Within our class, we were able to make a tea decoction using California Rose Hips(Rosa Californica). This included being able to harvest the rose hips, then boil them in a pot of water creating a tea. The taste of the tea was more savory and has a remeniscent taste of artichokes strangely.