Simple pharmaceutical solutions
Recommendations for the preparation of simple forms:
Maceration is the simplest aqueous extractive solution obtained from plants at ambient temperature. This process is indicated for species that contain active principles that are extracted cold. The fragmented or whole plant raw material is kept in contact with the prescribed amount of drinking water for 1-12 hours, stirring from time to time. It is filtered through gauze and administered on the same day.
The infusion is recommended to be prepared from flowers or from plant parts with friable tissues. The fragmented raw material is moistened with 3 parts of water and left to stand for 5 minutes. After this time, the plants are brought to an enameled pot with water where they are boiled covered with a lid. The pot is kept for 5 minutes during boiling, and then left to stand for 15-30 minutes. Then strain and drink.
Decoction is also an aqueous extractive solution obtained hot from fragmented plant raw material, moistened as in the case of infusion, but kept at a boil with the prescribed amount of water, for 30 minutes, over low heat. The aqueous extractive solution thus obtained is filtered hot to complete the losses through evaporation. It is usually used for plant raw materials with a hard consistency: roots, bark, some fruits, seeds.
All these types of aqueous extractive solutions are prepared for a maximum of one day and administered.
Tincture is a hydroalcoholic extractive solution obtained at room temperature. In home medicine, this pharmaceutical form is obtained by macerating the raw material in diluted ethyl alcohol 40-70 degrees for about 7 days, followed by filtration. It is administered in the form of drops diluted in a little water.
Syrup, which is part of the category of aqueous extractive solutions, is obtained from macerates, infusions, decoctions or plant juices to which at least 60% sugar is added, which ensures good preservation over time.
Medicinal wine is a pharmaceutical form obtained from fragmented vegetable raw materials, but macerated in wine. They are intended for internal use, especially to stimulate appetite, for which purpose they are administered 30 minutes before a meal. It is not recommended for those with hyperacid gastritis, hypertension or those with liver disease. It is not administered to children.
Inhalation is obtained from medicinal plants rich in volatile oils or even from volatile oils that are placed in enameled or porcelain dishes, over which a certain amount of boiling water is placed. Water vapor saturated in volatile oils acts when it enters the respiratory tract through inhalation.
Gargles – are prepared as an infusion or decoction of herbs and are used as a gargle in stomatitis, aphthae, tonsillitis, dental abscesses.
Poultices or compresses are intended for external use and are obtained from various aqueous or hydroalcoholic extractive solutions with which a gauze or a piece of clean cotton cloth is soaked. The poultice is applied directly to the skin to obtain a revulsive, emollient or anti-inflammatory effect.
Phytotherapeutic baths are forms of using medicinal plants for external use in the form of baths. To obtain a mixture of herbs for baths, the fragmented plants are placed in a double gauze bag. After wetting, the bag with herbs is boiled for 10-30 minutes over low heat in 3-5 l of water. The resulting water is placed in a bathtub with water.
Aromatic vinegars. It is prepared by macerating the plants in wine vinegar, in an amount of 50-100 g of chopped plants per 1 liter of vinegar. The maceration time is 7-8 days, after which it is filtered. They are used for high-intensity massage.
Medicinal oils. They are obtained by macerating the plants in edible oil for 4-6 weeks. This is how St. John's wort, chamomile or other plant oils are prepared. They are used for wounds that are difficult to heal or for burns.