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Dosage of Herbs Most single and compound herbal preparations given in the formulary are accompanied by proper instructions for dosage. It is very difficult to give an exact dosage to be followed in every case, as each person has a different body, so these that follow must be taken as an average. The rule adhered to by the great herbalists of all times is to begin with the smallest dose first and work toward gradually larger doses, if needed. The dose is also to be altered depending on the age of the person. A child of ten usually will require half the adult dose; a child of five can generally be given one-quarter of the adult dose. It is wise to give nervous, high-strung persons smaller and more frequent doses. Also, in applying diuretics, it is better to begin with small doses, so that the kidneys are not forced when in a weakened condition. The instructions for preparing the various forms of medication are given in the Formulary. Follow them carefully.Dosages Capsule Dosage in capsules is completely dependent upon the age, sex, general health, and nature of the condition. A general rule is to give capsules as follows: Number 0: Three, three times per day, with meals. Number 00: Two, three times per day. Number 4: One or two, five or six times per day. Number 2: Two upon waking up, two at bedtime. Conserve (Sweetmeat) Use amount specified in Formulary, or 1 tablespoon with tea after meals. Enema The ratio for most herbs is 11/2 tablespoons to each pint of water (do not give more than 1 pint at a time for children or 1 quart for adults). Essence Dose is variable. Consult Formulary. Fomentation The cloth should be wet enough with the fomentation so that the fluid does not run off the body; keep damp and change every half hour to hour. Infusion One cup three times per day is the general rule, although there is great variation in dosage of infusions. Oil Oils are quite potent and should not be overdosed. One to three drops is the quantity limit for internal consumption. Externally, you may wish to dilute a pure flower essence with a less expensive oil such as olive oil for massages and similar applications. Oxymel One mouthful as a gargle, or as directed. Plaster Make up to one-half-inch thick and large enough to cover the affected area. Plasters build up heat, so they must be used with care and in consideration of the general state of the person. Poultice If the herb is not too expensive or potent, use profusely. Salve Use enough to cover the area, but not so much that residue is left on the skin. Syrup According to size and age, 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon. Tincture The Formulary recommends various doses. One ounce of tincture is equal in strength to approximately 1 ounce of the powdered herb, so 3 drops will be equal to 1/2 cup of tea. Unless used to provoke vomiting (lobelia), or unless otherwise directed, always mix 1 teaspoon of tincture with at least 1 cup of water. Methods to Use Herbs Without Ingestion We must remember at all times that the stomach is the seat of disease. When digestion fails, disease follows sooner or later. It is for this reason that we may desire to use a method of correcting a part of the body without sending substances into the stomach, which may further disturb an already imbalanced metabolism. A review of the wide range of methods of correcting balance without ingesting anything follows: 1. Remedy is smelled, wet or dry. 2. A soft and sweet-smelling remedy is put in a bottle for inhaling the vapor. 3. Remedy is dropped into the nose. 4. Remedy is sniffed into the nose. 5. Remedy is dropped into the throat. 6. Ground substances are put on the teeth. 7. Remedy is dropped into the ears or other orifices. 8. Remedy is rubbed on the body as oils, washes, or salves. 9. The body is warmed by steaming. 10. Alternating warm and cool compresses are applied to the body. 11. Wet substances are rubbed on the body. 12. Liquid is injected into the intestine, anus, bladder, or womb. 13. Remedy is shaped and inserted into the anus or vulva. 14. Remedy is ground in water and used to bathe the eyes. 15. A tampon is soaked in an herbal preparation and inserted into the anus or vulva. 16. Remedy is ground and poured on wounds. 17. Substances are burned and the vapor is inhaled. 18. Herbal preparations are poured into water for a sitz bath. 19. Herbs are boiled for a foot bath. |