Frequently asked questions

Understanding Herbal Preparations

A Beginner’s Guide from Brooks Apothecary Kitchen™

If you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf full of herbal products and wondered, “What’s the difference between a tincture and an infusion?” or “Do I need a salve or a syrup?”—you’re not alone. At Brooks Apothecary Kitchen™, we believe knowledge is power, especially when it comes to plant medicine.

Below is your easy-to-follow guide to the most common herbal preparations we handcraft in our apothecary.

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🌱 What Are Herbal Extracts?

Herbal extracts are concentrated preparations that draw out the beneficial compounds in herbs using a solvent—like alcohol, water, glycerin, vinegar, or oil. Each method offers a unique way to work with plants depending on your needs.

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🍵 Teas (Herbal Tisanes)

A soothing, everyday way to enjoy herbs. These are hot water infusions steeped for 5–15 minutes using leaves, flowers, or soft stems.

🫖 Best for: Gentle daily support, hydration, and mild nervous system relief.

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💧 Tinctures

Tinctures are powerful, shelf-stable extracts made by soaking herbs in alcohol (sometimes with water). Just a few drops under the tongue or in water is all you need.

🌿 Best for: Fast, potent herbal delivery and long-term preservation.

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🍬 Glycerites

A sweet, alcohol-free version of a tincture made with vegetable glycerin. Ideal for children or those avoiding alcohol.

🍭 Best for: Mild and sweet herbal support for sensitive folks.

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🍯 Herbal Syrups

Made by simmering herbs in water, straining, and then combining the decoction with honey or sugar.

🍁 Best for: Soothing coughs, easing sore throats, and respiratory health.

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🌼 Herbal Oils & Salves

Herbs are slowly infused into oils, then sometimes blended with beeswax to create skin-loving salves.

💛 Best for: Cuts, bruises, dry skin, muscle aches, and topical healing.

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🍎 Herbal Vinegars

Herbs are steeped in raw apple cider vinegar to create a tangy, mineral-rich extract.

🥗 Best for: Digestive support, hair rinses, and salad dressings.

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🍯 Herbal Honeys

Fresh or dried herbs are infused into raw honey, creating a sweet herbal treat.

🍯 Best for: Sore throats, immune support, and delicious medicine.

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🍎🍯 Oxymels

An ancient blend of vinegar and honey infused with herbs—sweet, tangy, and healing.

🍶 Best for: Immune and digestive support that tastes amazing.

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🌿🌸 Elixirs

A combination of tinctures and honey (sometimes with glycerin), giving both potency and sweetness.

🌙 Best for: Emotional balance, heart support, and luxurious herbal care.

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🍯🌿 Electuaries

Powdered herbs blended with honey or nut butter into a spoonable paste.

🥄 Best for: Daily spoonsful of herbal goodness, especially for kids or picky adults.

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🛁 Herbal Soaks

Herbs added to bathwater or foot soaks offer topical and aromatic benefits.

🛀 Best for: Relaxation, sore muscles, and skin health.

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🧺 Compresses & Poultices

• Compress: Cloth soaked in strong herbal tea and applied to the skin.

• Poultice: Fresh or dried mashed herbs applied directly and wrapped.

🌾 Best for: Sore joints, infections, bug bites, and injuries.

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🌡️ Liniments

Alcohol- or vinegar-based herbal extracts applied externally for aches, bruises, and inflammation.

🖐 Best for: Muscle relief and topical healing.

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💧 Hot, Cold & Long Infusions

🔥 Hot Infusion

Pour hot water over herbs and steep 15–30 mins. Great for leaves and flowers.

❄️ Cold Infusion

Soak herbs in cool water for 4–12 hours. Perfect for mucilaginous herbs like marshmallow root.

⏳ Long Infusion

Steep herbs in hot water for 4–12 hours to extract minerals and deep nourishment (think: nettle, oatstraw).

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🌿 Final Thoughts

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to herbal remedies. Each preparation has its own strengths and spirit. Whether you’re sipping a soothing tea or taking a powerful tincture, you’re connecting with the earth’s natural medicine—and we’re honored to be part of that journey with you.

✨ Have questions? Want help choosing the right remedy for you? Reach out anytime or visit us at BrooksFamilyHomestead.com.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

The information provided by Brooks Apothecary Kitchen™ is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be considered medical advice.

Herbal remedies can offer support for overall wellness, but they are not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before beginning any new herbal regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

Use all herbal products responsibly and discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs.

Statements made about our products have not been evaluated by the FDA.