Ever wanted a very quick lesson in Herbalism? This is it! Clare Kritter and I chose a great starter-set of herbs and distilled their uses into a night and tight reference.

Follow these instructions to get the most out of your concoctions.

How to make a medicinal cup of tea: steep 1 tablespoon herb per cup of water. Cover, and let sit for 15-30 minutes. If you're using roots or bark, let sit overnight. Strain and enjoy!

How to make a folk method tincture: fill a jar with as much herb as you can leaving space on top. Fill the jar with 80+ proof alcohol until the herbs are completely covered. Close tightly and place in a cool, dark area. Let sit for 2-6 weeks. Strain and bottle.Typical tincture dose: 1-2ml, 3 times a day (this varies depending on the herb).

How to make a vinegar infusion: follow the same steps as a tincture, only using vinegar instead of alcohol. Just be sure to put wax paper between the lid and the vinegar. This method works well for mineral-rich herbs.

How to make an infused oil: follow the same steps as a tincture only use oil of choice instead of alcohol. Or, place the herbs in an oven-safe pan and cover with oil. Place in the oven at 200° for 2 hours. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain and bottle. Tip: oils are easier to make with dried herbs over fresh ones.