You can decoct, turn the heat off, and then add herbs to be infused to a tightly covered container, if you have a mixture that needs both decoction and infusion techniques. Inhalations Boil water. Take kettle off heat. Pour hot water over herbs in a ceramic or glass bowl, and when cool enough to do so, inhale the herbal steam with a towel covering your head, forming a tent over the bowl. One can put a paper bag over the bowl with a hole to inhale through.
Facial steams are great for the complexion, sinusitis, upper respiratory complaints and allergies.
Poultice Mashed, usually warm, herbs on skin. Fomentation A compress made of a cloth dipped in a strong tea. Herbal Baths Many 19th century water cures and spas had ties with the feminist lecture circuit. Bathe with a giant tea bag to avoid clogging drain with loose herbs. Boil any substance which is entering a body orifice other than the mouth, let cool to body temperature.