WARNING
- Excess use of this herb causes abortion and convulsions.
Culinary (eaten)
- Leaves and dlowers are used fresh or dried to flavour
a variety of dishes. Also used in vinegars, wines and olive oils.
Infusion (like a tea)
- Pour near-boiling water over the herb 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. This is the best method for leaves and flowering tops.
Decoction
- Simmer the leaves and flowering tops for 15-30 minues
and strain. Standard quantities are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb to 500ml
water. The Decoction must be used on the same day.
Tincture
- Using a strong clear alcohol (gin or vodka is ideal),
steep the leaves and flowering tops 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 leaves and
flowering tops. 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.
Wash
- The herb can be used as a Wash by diluting an unsweetened
Infusion or Decoction, or adding a Tincture to a large quantity of water.
Use Wash by applying externally to the affected area.
Insect Repellent
- The oil from the leaves and flowering tops can be
used as a insect repellent by diluting the oil in water or using a decoction
as a spray.
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