Please check through our Frequently Asked Questions below. If your question has not been answered then please feel free to contact us.
| Q. |
Can herbal teas be sweetened? |
| A. |
Yes, but sugar is not recommended. Use natural honey or stevia which is a herbal sweetener. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How do I make a herb bath and why? |
| A. |
It is a wonderful way to relax at the end of a long day. By using specific medicinal herbs, you can make your bath therapeutic as well as relaxing - you can breathe in the vapours of the herbs, and the active ingredients in the herbs are also absorbed through your skin. Herbal baths can be especially helpful for relieving the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism and skin conditions.
Simply steep approximately 200 g of dried herbs in 2-3 litres of cold water for 12 hours. Gently heat the infusion and strain into warm bath water. Alternatively, you can simply fill a piece of clean pantyhose or sock with the recommended amount of herbs. Tie with a knot to secure and place it in a large bowl or bucket. Pour boiling water over the herb sachet and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Add the infused liquid and the herbal sachet to warm bath water. Relax in your herb bath for 10-15 minutes. |
| |
|
| Q. |
When would I use a fomentation or compress? |
| A. |
These are very effective in relieving bruising, swelling, pain and inflammation, and for soothing headaches and fevers. A fomentation or compress can also be used to help clear skin complaints such as acne. Soak a clean cloth or towel in a herbal infusion or decoction, wring out the excess and apply externally (as hot as possible) to the affected area. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What are the benefits of foot baths? |
| A. |
Herbal foot baths are a wonderful remedy for tired, aching feet and legs, tinea, chilblains, poor circulation and many other problems that affect the feet and legs. To prepare a foot bath, steep approximately 50 g of dried herbs in a bucket with cold water for 12 hours. Heat the infusion and strain into a tub of warm water. Bathe your feet for 20 minutes. |
| |
|
| Q. |
When is a sitz bath recommended? |
| A. |
These are simply hip-deep baths widely used in herbal medicine to stimulate circulation in the abdominal area. Sitz baths play an important role in treating problems such as haemorrhoids, vaginal thrush and period pain. People who regularly take herbal sitz baths find that it contributes greatly to their physical and emotional well-being. To prepare a herbal sitz bath, steep approximately 100 g of dried herbs in 1-2 litres of cold water for 12 hours. Heat the infusion and strain into warm water in a tub that's large enough to sit in, making sure the water covers your kidney area. |
| |
|
| Q. |
When do I make a decoction with herbs? |
| A. |
This method is used to extract the medicinal ingredients from the harder parts of herbs such as roots, bark, twigs and berries. To prepare a decoction take 1 heaped teaspoonful (or recommended quantity) and place them in a saucepan with 1 cup of cold water. Bring the mixture to the boil, simmer for 10-15 minutes (longer if the roots are very hard) and strain before drinking. If not using straight away, you can store a decoction in a covered jug or container in the fridge for up to 24 hours and gently warm the mixture before drinking. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Why do I make a cold infusion? |
| A. |
These are usually recommended for preparing more delicate herbs whose active ingredients can be damaged by high temperatures. To prepare a cold infusion, take 1 heaped teaspoonful (or recommended quantity) and pour 1 cup of cold water over the herb. Cover and allow to steep for 8-12 hours (this is best done overnight). Strain and warm slightly before drinking.
|
| |
|
| Q. |
What is the correct way of preparing a hot infusion?
|
| A. |
It is one of the simplest ways to prepare many dried herbs for use as a medicine or as a revitalising herbal tea. To prepare a hot infusion take 1 heaped teaspoonful of herbs (or recommended quantity) and pour 1 cup of boiling water over them. Cover the cup with a lid or saucer - this ensures that the volatile oils in many medicinal herbs do not evaporate. Allow the mixture to steep for 3-5 minutes and strain before using. If not using straight away, you can store an infusion in a covered jug or container in the fridge for up to 24 hours and gently warm the mixture before drinking. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How do I make a Swedish Bitters compress? |
| A. |
Soak cotton wool or a clean cloth (depending on the size of the area you are treating) with Swedish Bitters. Rub some calendula cream on the affected area to prevent skin from drying. Apply the moistened compress and then overwrap with plastic film slightly larger than the compress. Cover with a woollen or flannel cloth or hand towel. Secure the compress with a scarf or bandage and leave for 4-5 hours or overnight. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Herbal creams and ointments; what is the difference? |
| A. |
Herbal creams combine herbs in a water base to bring soothing relief from a range of skin problems. Creams are quickly absorbed into the skin where the active plant ingredients can go to work.
Unlike creams, ointments do not contain any water and, as a result, are thicker, greasier and not as readily absorbed. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Why and how would I make a herbal inhalation? |
| A. |
Steam inhalations combine the benefits of steam and antiseptic herbs to effectively clear nasal congestion and relieve the symptoms of colds, flu, hayfever and sinusitis.
To prepare a steam inhalation, place 50 g of dried herbs in a bowl or saucepan. Pour 1 litre of boiling water over the herbs. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel, close your eyes and inhale the steam for 20-30 minutes. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Can you tell me more about herbal poultices? |
| A. |
Poultices are often used to relieve muscular pain, to relieve pain associated with sporting injuries, and to draw pus from boils, ulcers and infected wounds. To prepare a poultice, hang a sieve containing fresh or dried herbs over a saucepan of water and bring the water to the boil. Cover and steam for a few minutes. Spread the softened herbs on a cloth and place on the affected area. Cover the poultice with a woollen cloth and leave on for approximately 2 hours. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What are the advantages of taking herbal capsules? |
| A. |
Capsules contain dry plant extracts that have been carefully dehydrated to preserve the plant's active ingredients. They are especially useful when you need to take a large dose of a herb, because the ingredients can be highly concentrated. For example, ginkgo biloba capsules can contain the equivalent of 7.5 g or 7500 mg ginkgo biloba leaf -that's a lot of ginkgo! |
| |
|
| Q. |
Is there a difference between herbal extracts and tinctures? |
| A. |
Liquid extracts contain the plant's vital medicinal properties in a form that is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and rapidly distributed throughout the body. These liquid forms of herbal medicines have a penetrating action and are well suited to people with poor digestion.
A liquid extract is a solution that contains the active plant ingredients combined with a carrier such as glycerine or alcohol and generally contain more than 1000 mg of dry herb per 5 mL.
A tincture is a solution containing alcohol and active plant ingredients. It usually contains less than 1000 mg of dry herb per 5 mL.
Alcohol is used in extracts and tinctures for two reasons: it is a solvent that extracts non-water-soluble compounds from the herbs, and it acts as a preservative.
|
| |
|
| Q. |
What are the benefits of drinking herbal teas? |
| A. |
Herbal teas are the most ancient form of taking herbal medicine. Not only are they cost effective, but they are a particularly gentle and soothing way of taking herbs. Most of us don't drink enough water for good health, and herbal teas have the added benefit of adding to your daily fluid intake. Drinking medicinal herbal teas is also a helpful way of cutting down on caffeine-containing drinks. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How can I learn more about herbs and their applications? |
| A. |
The AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL OF HERBAL MEDICINE offers an affordable 12 lesson correspondence course in Fundamental Herbology. This comprehensive course is designed to give you a better understanding of the healing power of herbs and the place they should have in your life. Upon completion of all lessons, you will receive a certificate of Fundamental Herbology. Please see www.asohm.com.au |
| |
|
| Q. |
What herbs do I take for my complaint? |
| A. |
You will find most health problems listed - please see link HEALTH CONDITIONS.
For special health issues not listed, please contact
hilde@herbalsupplies.com.au
|
| |
|
| Q. |
Are your products manufactured to TGA standards? |
| A. |
Hilde Hemmes' Herbals are produced by Hilde's company, Herbal Supplies Pty Ltd, a licensed manufacturer of therapeutic herbal products - TGA licence no 22.
All ingredients and products are tested in our sophisticated, modern laboratory to precise standards.
The Hilde Hemmes' product range is the result of a strong commitment to quality, all the time, at all levels.
|
| |
|
| Q. |
Where can I buy Hilde Hemmes' herbal products? |
| A. |
In health food shops and selected pharmacies - see link: where to buy
|
| |
|
| Q. |
What if I can't find a supplier of your products? |
| A. |
Please write to Hilde Hemmes: hilde@herbalsupplies.com.au
Fax: 08 8263 2033
International: +61 8 8263 2033
Postal address: PO Box 115, St Agnes 5097
or phone Herbal Supplies:
- Tel: 08 8264 2453 or 08 8265 4777
- International: +61 8 8264 2453
|
| |
|
