WARNING
- This herb may cause skin irritation and allergic
responses. Contraindicted while during pregnancy and suffering kidney disease
or infection.
Culinary (eaten)
- The berries, fresh or dried, are used in pickling
brine, sauerkraut, stuffings, and in wild game, ham and pork dishes
Infusion (like a tea)
- Pour near-boiling water over the berries and let
steep 5-10 minutes. Standard quantities are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb
to 500ml water. The Infusion must be taken same day. It may be sweetened,
but do not add milk.
Tincture
- Using a strong clear alcohol (gin or vodka is ideal),
steep the berries for 2 weeks or more, strain and use. Standard quantities
are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb to 400ml alcohol. Tinctures store very
well.
Oil
- Medicated Oils are oils infused with the herb. Used
for healing, oils are also used for skin and hair conditioning. Four methods
are available to make Medicated Oils. 1) heat 250g dried or 750g fresh
herb in 500ml of oil in a bowl over boiling water for 2-3 hours. 2) fill
a jar with fresh herbs, top it up with oil, cover and leave for 2-3 weeks.
Renew the herb for another 2-3 weeks to increase the concentration (best
for flowers). 3) add 25-50 drops of the "essential oils of the herb"
into 100ml of Oil for immediate use. 4) essential oils are obtained by
evaporation of the herb in a stoppered glass container left in the sun
for several days.
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