Aqueous Preparations 

- Infusion 

  Steeping aerial parts (leaves, flowers) in hot water.

 

- Decoction 

  Prolonged simmering of tougher materials (roots, bark, seeds).

 

- Cold Infusion (Maceration) 

  Soaking delicate parts in room-temperature water for 4–12 hours.

 

- Succus 

  Fresh plant juice, pressed directly and taken immediately.

 

- Tisane (Herbal Tea) 

  Loose-leaf or blended infusion intended for daily sipping.

Hydroaloholic Preparations

- Tincture 

  Herbs extracted in a specific proof of alcohol (often 40–90 %).

 

- Fluid Extract 

  Highly concentrated tincture, usually at 1:1 herb:menstrum ratio.

 

- Glycerite 

  Extraction in vegetable glycerin (alcohol-free alternative).

 

- Elixir 

  Sweetened, flavored tincture often combining alcohol, water, and sugar. 

- Liniment 

  Oil or alcohol blend intended for rubbing into muscles and joints.

Acid-Based Preparations

- Herbal Vinegar 

  Maceration of herbs in apple cider or distilled vinegar.

 

- Oxymel 

  Vinegar and honey mixed (typically 1 part vinegar : 2 parts honey).

 

- Aromatic Vinegar 

  Vinegar infused with fragrant herbs or spices for digestive support.

Sugar-and Honey-Based Preparations

- Syrup 

  Herbal infusion or decoction sweetened with sugar or honey to preserve.

 

- Electuary (Mellate) 

  Thick paste of powdered herbs blended into honey or syrup.

 

- Confectio (Candy) 

  Firm, sugar-based lozenges carrying powdered or oil extracts.

Oleaginous (Oil-Based) Preparations

- Infused Oil   

  Herbs macerated in carrier oil (olive, sunflower) under heat or time.

 

- Oleoresin 

  Concentrated resin extracted into oil.

 

- Cerate 

  Semi-solid wax- and oil-based mixture, softer than an ointment.

- Ointment / Salve / Balm 

  Infused oil blended with beeswax (and sometimes clay or resin).

 

- Pomade 

  Heavier, waxier salve for deep-tissue or scalp applications.

 

- Liniment 

  Oil or alcohol blend intended for rubbing into muscles and joints.

Solid Dosage Preparations

- Pill 

  Dried extract or powder bound into small, swallowable forms.

 

- Tablet 

  Compressed powder, sometimes coated for ease of ingestion.

 

- Bolus 

  Large, round medicinal mass—historically used for slow release in horses or humans.

 

- Troche / Lozenges 

  Herbs suspended in gummy base to dissolve in the mouth.

 

- Pastille 

  Softer, often pectin-based lozenge steeped in herbal extracts.

Topical & Wrap Style Application 

- Poultice (Cataplasm) 

  Fresh or softened herbs applied hot or cold directly to skin.

 

- Compress 

  Cloth soaked in infusion or decoction, then laid on an affected area.

 

- Fomentation 

  Warm, moist application—herbal decoction-soaked cloth wrapped onto the body.

 

- Plaster 

  Dry powder or paste applied under a bandage to draw out infection or pain.

 

- Herbal Bandage / Wrap 

  Layers of herb-soaked gauze or cotton wrapped around wounds or joints.

 

- Poultice Clay Wrap 

  Herbal clay (e.g., bentonite) mixed with decoction, applied and bandaged.

Fermented, Honey-Wine, & Specialty Tonics 

- Hydromel (Mead-Based) 

  Fermented honey-wine infused with herbs for tonic uses.

 

- Kräuterlikör 

  Germanic herbal liqueurs (e.g., Jägermeister style) combining many extracts.

 

- Fermented Tonic (Shrub) 

  Vinegar, sugar/honey, and herbs fermented together for a tangy tonic.

Rare, Historical & Obscure Preparations

- Theriac / Mithridate 

  Ancient multi-herb electuaries with dozens of ingredients for universal antidote.

 

- Clyster (Enema) 

  Aqueous or oil enemas delivering herbs into the colon.

 

- Suppository 

  Herbal oil or cocoa butter molded for rectal or vaginal insertion.