Medicinal Herbs – Page 7

July 11, 2018August 1, 2018

Medicinal Herb – Mullein

Medicinal Herb Post #8 written June 6, 2018

Mullein – Verbascum thapsus

You’ve probably noticed this “weed” along road sides as you’ve driven throughout our Utah canyons or along canal banks. This biennial has a long history of medicinal use for hundreds of years. The first year it produces a rosette of leaves, the second, it sends up a flower stalk of pretty yellow blossoms. Each are different and have a purpose. You may change your mind about it being a weed after today… 😉 It likes full sun and well draining soil. Once established in the garden it will happily reseed itself. The stalks can get tall so plant them in the back or center of the garden.

Mullein leaf is part of the antiicatarrhal herb group. Catarrh is an old name referring to mucus. So mullein is really great at removing mucus from the upper respiratory tract. However, it is also apart of the expectorant group that are a deeper version of the anticatarrhals that effect the lungs down in the bronchials. It’s also a known demulcent, containing high levels of mucilage, a slimy, soothing substance calming irritated tissues. So you can gather from its descriptions that mullein leaf is a wonderful herb to help rid deep seeded coughs, upper respiratory congestion and other issues having to do with the lungs.

The flowers are a known anodyne or pain reliever. They are also antiseptic and can help fight infections. I make a garlic mullein ear oil for ear aches that works really well. Pour olive oil in a pint jar filling in half way. Put in fresh mullein flowers, fresh chopped garlic, fresh St. John’s Wort flowers and fresh Calendula flowers. Put a lid on the jar and let the sun solar infuse the herbs into the oil by placing it on a south facing back porch or table outside. Strain after a few weeks and keep in an amber bottle with a dropper lid. Keep in fridge. Warm bottle gently in hot water and place a few drops in each ear 3x a day. I also like alternating this with fresh squeezed onion juice. Works like a charm!

I like adding mullein leaves to my skin salve as it is soothing to insect bites, sores and bruises. Search for the Calendula post to find that recipe.

Try making a cough tincture with equal parts mullein leaf, marshmallow root, lobelia and gumweed. Place dry herbs in a quart jar and pour 100 proof vodka to cover herbs by an inch or two. Put a lid on and shake daily for 4 weeks. Keep out of direct sunlight. Strain and place in an amber bottle. Take 1 tsp every few hours. Side note: 1 tsp of alcohol based tincture has as much alcohol in it as a ripe banana and the same amount as a dose of conventional cough syrup. You can also make a glycerite too if you prefer not to use alcohol at all. It just won’t be as strong.

July 11, 2018December 6, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Nettles

Medicinal Herb Post #7 written June 6, 2018

Nettle – Urtica dioica, U. urens

Nettles are a wonderful herb when they aren’t stinging you with the little hairs on their stems and leaves containing formic acid, the same chemical found in bee stings and ant bites. Just wear gloves when harvesting and you’ll be fine. Once the plant is cooked, dried or smashed, the acid is destroyed and no sting occurs. Nettles are a perennial and grow wild all over Utah. They really likes water and dappled sunlight. You can just about always find it along the bank of a creek or river in the mountains. If you want to grow your own just mimic those conditions in a place where you’re not going to accidentally brush up against them. Pick the young green tops before they go to seed in the spring. The seeds are a known adaptogen and kidney restorative. The root is used for clearing congestion in the prostate gland for men.

Nettles have so many health benefits, the leaves are deeply nourishing. They are high in minerals and bio-available iron. It can be used as a tonic for 2-3 months to increase iron and other mineral levels in the body. It is a safe herb to take long term. They can help with anemia, exhaustion, and menstrual difficulties. It is suggested to be used for 1 month before allergy season. Nettles strengthens the cell walls, builds blood and energy. When a person is exposed to pathogens from the environment they are less likely to have histamine reactions. It also has anti-histamine properties and are supportive to the liver resulting in clearing skin issues, allergies/hay fever, and rheumatism (people still flog arthritic joints with fresh nettles to relieve pain, a practice they used in Rome hundreds of years ago). The roots have been known to support and protect the prostate gland, specifically in cases of hyperplasia. And the seeds have an excellent effect on chronically weak or damaged kidneys.

I love using it as a multi vitamin supplement along with yellow dock, alfalfa (omit if there is a sensitivity), burdock and dandelion. 1-2 tsp 2x a day.

It’s also fabulous for pregnancy and could be taken with raspberry leaf, spearmint, rose petals, lemon balm(avoid with hypothyroid issues) and milky oats tops.1-2 tsp 2x a day.

I just found a creamy potato nettle soup recipe I might try…
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 quarts veg or chicken broth
2-3 handfuls of fresh nettle leaves chopped(can be wilted)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sea salt and pepper to taste.
Saute onions with the oil in a large Dutch oven pot. Add the potatoes and broth. Simmer until potatoes are soft. Add the nettles. Turn off heat and let the nettles steam for 15-20 minutes. Puree the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender. Add cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

If you get stung by nettle crush the leaves of either plantain, yellow dock or chickweed to help soothe the sting. Nettle should not be used in people with hemochromatosis.

July 11, 2018August 1, 2018

Medicinal Herb – Comfrey

Medicinal Herb Post #6 written June 5th, 2018

Comfrey – Symphytum officinale (there’s that officinale word again) and Symphytum uplandicum (Russian… sterile… less invasive species). Also known as knitbone because of its incredible ability to heal bone and other tissue.

Comfrey is probably one of the most powerful vulnerary herbs on this planet! It’s ability to heal tissues in the body is incredible and fast too! Which means it shouldn’t be used for puncture wounds until the risk for infection is gone. It’s also a great demulcent (soothing), great for joint pain, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and anti-ulcer. The leaves and roots are medicinal. Harvest the leaves once the mature and the roots anytime.

So the big question is, is Comfrey safe to take internally? Yes, for the most part it is. It shouldn’t be given to pregnant women, babies, people with liver problems or people on a lot of pharmaceutical drugs. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Now PAs have a record of causing liver lesions when taken internally by 6 week old rats. The problem with this study was that they were given a concentrated form (an extract) of the plant… not the whole plant. It was given to the rats as 40% of their diet. Wow, that’s a lot! As humans we aren’t going to take that much on a daily basis or even as an extract. So use caution and if you are worried at all take liver supporting herbs with it like dandelion, burdock, Oregon grape or milk thistle. I don’t know any herbalist that has known anyone who has had a problem with taking Comfrey internally. PAs are also found more so in the root than the leaf, so stick with the leaf if you want. And when you dry the leaves they have even less as well. Comfrey has been used internally for thousands of years. Houndstongue is a relative of comfrey and grows wild here in Utah. It can be used externally but contains much higher levels of PAs and should not be taken internally. In fact horses that eat it usually get sick and die. There was an herbalist named Dr. Christopher years ago who was sent to a farmer’s home who’s horse had eaten houndstongue and was very sick, he gave the horse milk thistle, an incredible liver protective herb and the horse recovered. The best thing one can do is become educated about these plants.

Okay, let’s move in to what Comfrey can do. In the garden it is a wonderful fertilizer. You can chop and drop as a mulch. You can also soak the leaves in a bucket with water for 3 weeks. Dilute and use to water plants. It’s also makes a powerful foliage spray to combat powdery mildew and other pests. Be sure to strain it first before applying. Apply once every 2 weeks for a month.

Comfrey helps heal digestive tissues. Using comfrey, calendula, chamomile and licorice together as a tea, 1 tsp 3x a day will help with ulcers and colitis.

It is one of my main ingredients in the salve I make for all skin issues, especially burns. That recipe can be found in the calendula post

It’s also great to add to other expectorant herbs for coughs like gumweed, mullein or elacampane.

What do you use comfrey for?

July 11, 2018August 1, 2018

Medicinal herb – Plantain

Medicinal Herb Post #5 written June 5, 2018

Plantain – P. major (broad leaf), P. lanceolata (narrow leaf) and P. ovata (psyllium)

Plantain isn’t native to the US. The American Indians used to call it Englishman’s footprint because it is an invasive species from England. However, they didn’t mind too much because this plant has many health benefits! The broad leaf grows in more wooded and watered areas, whereas the narrow leaf tends to grow in desert areas, but as you can see I grow both very easily. One plant can produce up to 15,000 seeds and has been documented to remain viable after 60 years (the seeds that is). I like to cut back the seed stalks so I’m not fighting it too much the following year. The ovata species is where psyllium husks come from and is used to soothe the digestive track and get things moving along. It is the main ingredient in Metamucil.

Plantain is edible and used for many ailments. It is an anti-inflammatory, demulcent (soothing to upset tissues), diuretic, vulnerary (accelerates cell repair and healing), astringent (tightens swollen tissues) and is very good at drawing out poisons. The Herbalist I learned from had a friend who was a die hard survivalist. This particular adventure he decided to go on was a hike down through the Snake River Canyon up in ID. He was days away from any town and was rock climbing. As soon as he put his hand up on a rock he felt a very painful bite. It was a rattlesnake that bit him and it wasn’t a dry bite either. His hand swelled up immediately and he knew he could die if he didn’t do something quick. So he climbed down and walked along the river knowing that the broad leaf plantain likes water. He ate plantain and chewed it putting it on the bite, changing the dressings every 2 hours. Within just 48 hours the swelling had gone down and the pain went away. He only has 2 small scars on his hand from the fangs of the snake. Pretty impressive! It’s one of those must have first aid herbs for all kinds of poisonous bites and wounds, including animal bites (dog), bee stings and spider bites.

Other uses I have applied plantain for:

Stomach issues, especially leaky gut or IBS.
Tea or capsule, equal parts plantain, licorice, marshmallow and bentonite clay. You can add peppermint, chamomile or calendula too depending on your needs. 1-2 tsp 2x a day or more if needed.

I use plantain in my salve recipe (search calendula herb post in this group for it).

A great venomous bite poultice would be equal parts plantain, marshmallow root, dandelion root, yarrow or echinacea and calendula. Grind into a powder or poultice and apply to the bite. It’s also found in wound formulas by adding comfrey, lobelia and cayenne. Plantain is particularly good for puncture wounds because it doesn’t close up the wound too fast like comfrey.

Plantain is great for coughs, colds and bronchitis. When combined with another good expectorant like gumweed it’s ability to moisten tissues makes it easier to move mucus out of the lungs.

Plantain should be used with caution in pregnant women as it has been known to cause uterine activity. It has also been known to decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine and lithium drugs.

July 11, 2018August 1, 2018

Medicinal Herb – Red Clover

Medicinal Herb Post #4 written May 30, 2018

Medicinal Herb post #4

Red Clover (Trifoleum pratense)
This hardy perennial is easy to grow and is part of the legume family that sends roots deep into the earth. The pollinators love it for the abundant nectar it provides. Harvest the flowers as soon as they open.

It’s a wonderful alterative (blood purifier and nutrient dense). It gently supports and restores normal functions to the immune system and is deeply nourishing as it contains many vitamins and minerals. What’s great about nourishing herbs is that they give the body an opportunity to resolve other issues going on because we give it what it needs to do its job. It’s often included in skin problem formulas for eczema and psoriasis as well as respiratory infection formulas and lymphatic cleansers. Included in this group of alterative, nourishing herbs are, alfalfa, burdock, yellow dock, nettles, plantain, garlic, Oregon grape, cleavers, echinacea, comfrey and marshmallow.

Both the flower and leaf contain phytoestrogens and isoflavones that can have a beneficial effect for women with menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats. There is also some recent evidence that shows it can help with maintaining bone density.

Red clover shouldn’t be taken by those who are on heart medication or have any blood thinning problems. Don’t take 2 weeks before and after surgery.

Here are a few formulas you can use with red clover:

Children’s Cold/Flu Glycerite (our family’s favorite)
Equal parts elder flower, mullein leaf, red clover flowers, peppermint or spearmint and yarrow. Cover herbs in a mason jar with 1 cup glycerine and 2 cups water. (You can make more if you need, just remember the 1:2 ratio) Cover with lid and shake once a day. Strain and keep in a jar in the fridge. Give 1 tablespoon in water or juice 3x a day.

Lymphatic Congestion Tea or Syrup
Equal parts calendula flower, red clover flower and cleavers. For the tea, infuse and steep the dry herbs in water that has just been boiled for 15 minutes. For the syrup cover the herbs with water and simmer on very low heat until the liquid is half the original volume. Strain and pour back into the pot. Add equal amounts of raw honey, maple syrup or glycerine to the herb liquid. Pour into jar and keep refrigerated. Take 1 tablespoon 3x a day.

Vitamin Tonic/Tea (also good for menopause support)
3 parts red clover flower, 2 parts milky oat tops (just ripening), 2 parts peppermint or spearmint, 1 part nettles, 1 part raspberry leaf. You can also add alfalfa, burdock, yellow dock or other alterative herbs listed above. Steep herbs for 15-20 minutes and drink 2-3 cups a day.

July 11, 2018December 6, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Calendula

Medicinal Herb Post #3 written May 28, 2018

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) other names it’s known for are pot marigold or English marigold.

I love this bright, happy little flower. It’s name in Latin means “calender”, which references its ability to bloom every day of the year (weather permitting). My calendula blooms from March through November until it gets too cold. Another cool thing I learned about the name officinalis is that it means that any particular plant with it in its name came from the officina or traditional storeroom of the old monasteries where medicine was kept. They have been tried and true herbs used specifically for their medicine for hundreds of years. Calendula is an annual (short lived perennial in warm climates) that reseeds itself easily and can be invasive. However it is not difficult to manage.

Calendula is a fabulous anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary (accelerates healing), astringent and anti-fungal herb. It’s great for sore throats, mouth sores, dental infections, stomach and intestinal ulcers (when used with comfrey), skin wounds and fungal infections. Calendula can be used as an eye wash for conjunctivitis. It has also been known to help stop bleeding, clear the lymphatic system when used with cleavers and echinacea and helps to cleanse the liver by increasing production of bile. It can also be useful when used topically and taken internally for breast cysts. It can be soothing to women who have undergone mastectomies. Gynologically it can be used for reducing fibroids and ovarian cysts. It is very useful in a sitz bath after child birth. It’s a serious super star herb!

I like to harvest the flowers when they are open but not drooping, leave those to go to seed so you have more next year. Some of the things I do with it are:

Herbal tea for stomach/intestinal sores/ulcers and candida overgrowth (also good for mouth sores) equal parts calendula, marshmallow, comfrey and licorice. 2 tsp 2x a day.

I make a skin salve that accelerates healing like nothing else. You’ll want to use equal parts of at least the first 5 herbs: calendula, comfrey leaf and root, plantain, yarrow, marshmallow, mullien, chickweed, lobelia, St. John’s Wort. I place them in a jar and cover with olive oil and a lid or you can place them in a pot over the stove top. If you’re solar infusing put the jars in a sunny place for 4 weeks and shake daily ( I prefer this method). If using the stove top method heat the oil and herbs on the lowest heat for an hour. Be careful not to burn the herbs. Strain and place oil in pot. For every cup of infused oil you have you’ll want to add 1/4 cup beeswax until melted. Test it to make sure it is the consistancy you want. More wax will make it harder. Pour into jars and add vitamin e to help the salve penetrate through all the dermis layers. Add essential oils (I like lavender and tea tree) to help preserve the salve. Store in fridge.

Calendula is very safe with no contraindications, although there are some herbalist that think it’s a good idea to stay away from using it internally during pregnancy because it can help normalize menstrual cycles and relieve cramps.

July 11, 2018December 6, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Elder

Medicinal Herb Post #2 written May 22, 2018Elder (Sambucus spp.)

You might be wondering why I’m posting about Elder today seeing how there aren’t any berries, let alone blossoms yet. There are more medicinal parts to the plant (like the leaf) than just the berries and parts that should be avoided like the mildly toxic bark and roots and red berries (Sambucus racemosa). Elder is one of the best antiviral herbs one can grow. It’s leaves are the strongest medicinally and should be harvested before the energy of the plant moves into blossom and berry production. It’s the number one herb for the onset of a cold/flu.However, Elder should be avoided during cytokine storms. Cytokine storms are when the body produces too many disease fighting cells like macrophages and T-cells, essentially attacking the whole body instead of just the virus. This is more likely to happen to those with strong immune systems. A good example of this is the Spanish influenza and the reason for so many deaths. Other herbs that can increase cytokines are Echinacea, Honey, Ginseng and Chocolate (sad I know).So when is it beneficial to take Elder? At the very first signs of cold/flu/influenza! A great combo to take is Elder leaf, yarrow and peppermint. Echinacea is also another good herb to add as well. If the virus has moved from the head down into the throat and lungs you would want to use expectorant herbs like gumweed, wild cherry, and elecampane and anti-cytokine herbs like tumeric, garlic, grape leaves, ginger, skullcap and St. John’s Wort.

Elder flower is a known diaphoretic, or herb that helps one sweat out a fever making it more productive. Use it with yarrow, catmint and spearmint or peppermint for best results. The flower is good for upper respiratory infections like sinus infections, congestion and blocked Eustachian tubes. Elder flower is very soothing with it’s emollient properties for the skin. It is soothing for allergic reactions, redness and inflammation of the skin. Use in a cream or as a poultice.

The berry can be used for deeper coughs. It is especially beneficial for stopping the replication of the influenza virus. The virus looks like it has tiny little thorns on it that puncture the cell walls then replicates. Elderberry disarms the replication of the virus and therefore shortens the duration of illness. Use at the onset of illness every 2 hours in syrup or tincture form. It can be used with echinacea and willow or boneset to help with achiness, mullein leaf and flower for deep congestion as well as dry hacking coughs and coltsfoot, mullein or licorice to soothe a sore throat, gumweed or elecampane as a good expectorant. The berries are very high in antioxidants and strengthen veins and capillaries. Other berries that do the same are currants, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

The leaves should only be used for adults, flowers for children and berries for everyone. Here are some ideas to use Elder:

Cold/flu tea – Elder leaf, yarrow, peppermint. 1 tsp of each in a cup of hot water that was just boiled. Cover and let steep for 20 minutes. Drink a cup 3x a day for a couple of days. For children use Elder flower, yarrow and spearmint. I haven’t been sick in years using this simple recipe.

Check out my recipe for the best elderberry syrup!https://rootedemily.com/?p=651

Elder is considered safe for everyone including pregnancy. Use the berry and flower for children and pregnant women.

July 11, 2018August 1, 2018

Medicinal Herb – Chamomile

Medicinal Herb Post #1 written May 21, 2018

Busy harvesting lots of medicinal herbs today. I’d like to start a daily (or maybe realistically, weekly) post on simple herbs to grow and their uses. One of my favorites is chamomile. It is incredibly versatile! German (Matricaria recutita) is the annual variety and self seeds very well. Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial that comes back every year. Don’t confuse it with feverfew (they don’t bloom at the same time anyway). You can tell the difference by the shape of leaves. Chamomile has a fern like shape and feverfew has a broader shaped leaf. They also smell very different. Chamomile has a sweet apple like smell and feverfew is more musty. Feverfew is fantastic for headaches, including migraines and stimulating menstrual flow (so feverfew should not be taken during pregnancy). The chamomile herb is very safe, but should be avoided if one is taking sleep aids or allergic to ragweed.

You’ll want to gather the flowers in the late morning or early afternoon when they are open and the petals are a nice disc shape. Once the petals droop let them go to seed. I planted a seed packet years and years ago and have never had to buy since. They grow in my pathways around my garden boxes. I just pull out the ones that I don’t want and get plenty yearly.

Chamomile is a great anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, nervine (pain), antispasmodic and includes many other qualities. It’s great for sore throats, teething babies, intestinal issues including ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, great for digestion, supports the liver and urinary system and is very good for anxiety/insomnia. Wow! It is definitely one to have in the garden!

So what am I going to do with my chamomile? I’ll harvest, dry and use with other herbs. Here’s a few ideas and recipes:

Sore throat tea: equal parts chamomile, calendula, marshmallow and licorice. 2 tsp per dose, 3x a day.

Stomachache/gastritis: equal parts chamomile, peppermint, marshmallow. 2 tsp as needed. For ulcers add calendula and comfrey.
For colic and gas: equal parts catnip, chamomile, fennel and licorice. Same dosage as above.
For diarrhea: 2 parts bentonite clay, 2 parts marshmallow, 1 part angelica seed and 1 part sage. 4 tsp 2x a day.

Liver cleanse: equal parts chamomile, burdock root, Oregon grape and dandelion root. 2 tsp 2x a day for 2 weeks. Liver Restorative (used after a cleanse): equal parts chamomile, yellow dock root, cleavers and milk thistle. Same dosage as above.

Menstrual cramps: equal parts chamomile, cramp bark, ginger and fennel. 1 tsp as needed.

Insomnia: equal parts chamomile, valerian, skullcap. (2 tsp just before bed). Add lobelia and black cohosh for nerve pain 2 tsp 2x a day.
Anxiety: chamomile, St. Johns Wort, lemon balm, oat straw. 2 tsp 2x a day.

Bladder infection: equal parts chamomile, 2 corn silk, juniper berry, 2 marshmallow, cranberry. 2 tsp 2x a day.

What do you do with your chamomile?

July 25, 2017March 9, 2018

Marshmallow Althea officinalis

Althea officinalis

The marshmallow plant has some amazing medicinal qualities! This plant does all the same things as slippery elm, except it’s not endangered and it grows here in the west… like a weed! It is known as a demulcent herb that contains high levels of mucilage which is a slimy, soothing substance that calms down irritated tissues when used externally or internally. All of it’s family members including, common mallow (the smaller “cheesy” plant), hollyhocks and globe mallow have the same medicinal qualities as marshmallow. The root, leaves and flowers are the medicine. Although the root is the strongest part.

Mucilage plants are soothing to all tissues including the skin, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. It can be used to clam the GI tract, irritated bronchi and even sooth kidney and bladder discomfort from stones and infections. Interestingly, I just learned that any of the mallow family plants will stop the progression of gangrene or dying tissue, although the tissue can’t be dead yet. It can also be used as a porridge to eat for those who may be malnourished and cannot keep anything else down. This happy plant will grow as a perennial and reseed itself giving you lots of marshmallow baby plants. If you don’t want all those plants just pluck them up and use it all. I like to dry the plants and save them in glass jars for later.

The root in the picture above came from a two year old plant. The best time to harvest roots are in the fall (end of the first year for biennials) or early spring before the plant produces foliage. The reason being is that all the energy or medicine is still in the roots and not sending it up into the plant yet.

It is best to power spray all the soil off the roots and then chop up coarsely, dry completely and store in a glass jar. Just before using, place the herb in a blender and break it up a bit. This will help release more medicine when you go to use it.

You can use the herb in an infusion (tea), tincture or salve or poultice. Any plant that contains mucilage is best prepared as a cold infusion instead of hot. This is very simple to do. Just soak the herb in room temp water over night and then use it the next day. If you don’t have time then go ahead and prepare it the quick way by boiling water first, then allow to cool slightly. Pour over the herbs and let steep for 15 – 20 minutes, then use.

For a salve, try infusing the root in olive oil with comfrey and calendula either in a double broiler over very low heat for an hour or in a glass jar placed in a brown paper bag outside in the warm sun as a solar infusion. Mix 1 oz beeswax with every cup of oil and pour into jars.

If you are taking a high dose of any demulcent plant be sure to take it separate from other herbs, as it can bind with them and not allow proper absorption. It can be taken in other formulas or with other herbs if used in smaller amounts. There are no contraindications.

August 20, 2014

The Art of Tincturing

Tincturing and making medicine with herbs has become a lost art in many ways. For over a century now we have put most of our faith in conventional medicine and have forgotten how to use the herbs God has given us. We have forgotten what it is like to connect with mother earth and what she has to offer. As a Latter Day Saint I often reflect upon the word of wisdom given to Joseph Smith in D&C 89:10-11, “And again verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature and use of man. Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving”. I come from a family who is well immersed in the medical field and I strongly believe there is a place for both herbal or allopathic and conventional or western medicine. One is holistic, gentle and preventative. The other is life saving in emergencies when one suffers from acute injuries like broken bones, excessive bleeding or other major ailments like asthma attacks. However, conventional medicine rarely treats the root of certain illnesses. Where allopathic medicine along with lifestyle choices can be changed over time. Herbs do work, but usually at a much longer duration then prescription drugs. Understanding herbs gives us a sense of becoming self-sustaining and empowered. There have been many summer mornings I have taken my kids up to the family cabin and foraged for wild herbs! What a blessing it is to know that there are plants that can be used from our own mountains and backyards that can help heal and even stop bleeding in emergencies! We just have to know what they are!

I have been tincturing for a few years now and always find myself in awe when they work! I don’t know why it surprises me still, I suppose I am constantly going through a paradigm shift myself. I love being able to take my health and my families into my own hands through the knowledge of herbs and making medicine. Herbs are idiosyncratic, meaning they are effective but can have different reactions for different people. It is similar to a person with an allergic reaction to strawberries. Are strawberries bad for everyone? No. They just aren’t right for that particular person. The beauty about herbs is that they have multiple benefits and some with similarities so there usually are more than one or two options for a certain problem. Certainly there are poisonous herbs that can be harmful and I encourage everyone to do their own research. I really like the book by Linda Kershaw, “Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Rockies” for identification and descriptions of many of the plants that grow in the Utah area. Most herbs that are available commercially are very safe.

There are many recipes you could use for multiple purposes. I will share a few ideas, but it is best for you to do your own research and find what fits your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the above book mentioned I also recommend my favorite called “Medicinal Herbs A Beginner’s Guide”, by Rosemary Gladstar. It is a fabulous step by step guide on how to make simple herbal medicine.

Where To Begin?

There are several methods for making tinctures. Some are very exact and precise in their measuring and weighing. But I really like Rosemary Gladstar’s way of doing it. It’s very easy, safe and effective! All that is needed is a medium or base and herbs with a few pieces of equipment and amber colored bottles (I like to get mine at Industrial Container and Supply in Utah). I prefer using dried herbs, but there are instances where fresh is required. We’ll talk about that in a little bit. There are a few mediums or bases to chose from. I mostly use 1/2 vegetable glycerin, 1/2 purified water for children and babies (plus its sweet tasting) or 100 proof vodka making a stronger medicine. The main difference between the two is that the glycerin has a shelf life of 2-3 years and the vodka has a shelf life of 25-30 years and sometimes longer. When I think about future preparation I go with the vodka. Apple Cider Vinegar can also be used but only has a shelf life of 1 year and is not as strong.

The first step is to place your herbs in a clean clear glass jar. Pour enough alcohol over the herbs to completely cover them by 2-3 inches. Some herbs will float to the top, but they should settle in a day or two. As long as they are covered you should be okay. Seal the jar with a tight fitting lid and place on counter out of direct sunlight. Be sure to label your jars, I promise you won’t remember what’s in it in a few weeks. Shake once a day for 6 weeks.

From this point you will want to strain the herbs through a mesh strainer.

You can also use a cheese cloth at the same time with the strainer or strain a second time to get rid of any extra particles. Be sure to squeeze the herbs as much as possible to get out any extra medicine.

Pour through a funnel into a sterilized amber bottle. To sterilize I spray all my equipment down with hydrogen peroxide first and let air dry. You can also boil the equipment too. Store in a dark cool place and don’t forget to label every bottle.

To Use

For acute problems – 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of herbal tincture every hour, for a total of up to 6 teaspoons daily. 1 dropperful is 1/4 teaspoon

For chronic problems – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture two to three times daily, for a total of 3 teaspoons daily. 1 dropperful is 1/4 teaspoon

Herbal Combinations

Master Cold and Flu – use equal parts, fresh cayenne pepper, fresh garlic chopped, fresh ginger chopped, fresh horseradish chopped, echinacea root, marshmallow root

Headache – equal parts dried peppermint, feverfew and chamomile

Cayenne – 90,000 IU’s cayenne pepper (very effective for stopping heart attacks and stopping bleeding when used externally)

Sleep Aid – 1 cup valerian root, 1/2 cup hops strobile (flower), 1/4 cup lavender buds

There are many other combinations that are fabulous to use. Be sure to do your own research and find what is best for your family! Other single herb tinctures that are a must at our house are yarrow, goldenseal and dandelion.