Understanding Herbal Formula Ratios
Answered by: Christine Dennis
Question from: Linda
Posted on: July 24, 2008

I am making a Dr. Christopher formula using motherwort. The tonic is made with 4 oz. of Motherwort herb and 1 quart of distilled water. Is the weight measured by 4 oz. = 1/2 cup or 4 oz by dry weight?

Medicine making is made according to ratios and parts so written as herb:menstrum. The herb part is measured as a weight (fresh or dried depending on herb and formula) measurement whilst the menstrum is measured as a liquid (generally it is water and/or alcohol or vinegar). In Canada and the UK we measure the herbs in grams and the menstrum in mls. or liters. In the US it is oz. and cups or quarts. Therefore, to answer your question it is 4 oz by dried weight.

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