mimosa

the mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) is in full bloom with it's bright pink puffs. it has been around for as long as i can remember - but i just learned about it's medicine today.

i gathered some flowers and cut up some bark and started a tincture. put them all in jar, cover with alcohol - shake it up occasionally - and it will sit for 4 to 6 weeks. then strain the plant material.

it is used as a relaxant nervine and uplifting mood effects. the flower is considered to be one of the best "shen tonics" in traditional chinese medicine. shen means spirit/heart  - the spirit of the person, that lives in the heart. disturbed shen can result in anxiety, insomnia, feelings of great grief, broken heartedness and generally disturbed emotional state.

four tinctures

i started four new tinctures today. burdock (Arctium lappa) root, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root and leaf, lavender (Lavendula dentata) and solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum). i have written about what these are helpful for in previous entries. they will sit for 4 to 6 weeks... then strain out herb material and store for use.

burdock root

this is burdock root (Arctium lappa). i got it at the health food store since i have not been able to find it wild here. susun weed says that she did an experiment with burdock root harvested wild, harvested from her garden, and bought. they can all be used to make medicine - although the wild burdock root has more inulin - not insulin. inulin is a polysaccharide (several simple sugars linked together) produced by plants, usually found in roots or rhizomes. inulin increases calcium and possibly magnesium absorption. it promotes the growth of good intestinal bacteria. nutritionally it is a soluble fiber and is categorized as a prebiotic.

when reading up on burdock - i was overwhelmed by all the medicinal and nourishing properties... the list is to long for here - but here is what i found out (briefly):

it eliminates toxins and poisons from the digestive tract by nourishing and strengthening the lymphatic and immune system  - it seems to clean the blood. it is very helpful with skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis or acne.

i cut up the root to make a tincture - let it sit in 100 proof alcohol for up to 6 weeks. the smaller the chop the better - breaks down the cell walls in the root to release more of the medicine. i will also make a vinegar - put the chopped roots in a jar and cover with organic pasteurized apple cider vinegar and let it sit for 6 weeks. store them in a cool dark place. do not use metal lids with vinegars because they will rust the metal, and you don't want that getting in your vinegar. i can then use the vinegar in salad dressings and get the nourishment that way.

from what i understand - as these sit - they will get some kind of cloudy muck in them. that is the inulin being released from the root. i will watch and see.

lavender tincture

i started a lavender tincture today after reading about nervines last night. a nervine is a plant remedy that helps the nervous system. There are three different types of nervines: tonic, relaxing and stimulating. a nervine tonic can help strengthen and restore tissues directly in cases of shock or stress. they feed and heal the nervous system. a nervine relaxant is used in times of stress or anxiety - not to tranquilize - but to calm. there's a slew of herbs that can help with this - and even specific herbs to calm different parts of the body and systems during illness. nervine stimulants directly stimulate the nervous tissues. i could not find a real clear answer as to why you would need to stimulate them - maybe if they are sluggish and things aren't working properly - but i did find a lot of cautions when looking up this term... side effects, psychological problems etc...

the lavender nervine i read about last night said it was mood enhancing. useful in times of stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headachy. i would describe it as something that might be helpful when i feel - what i call - spun. it was described as 'a hug in a bottle'.

i found out something else. i previously posted that my lavender was Lavendula angusifolia. but it's not. i looked at some pictures. i have Lavendula dentata.

eight weeks later

i have solomon's seal root (Polygonatum biflorum) tincture. i am so pleased. my first tincture.

i put cheesecloth over a bowl and squeezed. i then labeled bottles; one for storage, one with dropper - with common name - latin name - date i started the tincture - date i squeezed it - and what was used: 50% herb - 50% grain alcohol. a few weeks ago i read that you can run your tincture thru a blender - especially if using roots - like i was - to help break down the root better and get more medicine out of it. 

what did i notice ? well... it was very slimy. which makes sense because i just read that solomon's seal is mucilaginous. mucilage is a gelatin like substance found in herbs. it is used in medicine for it's demulcent properties. demulcent herbs have the effect of acting as a protective barrier on inflamed or irritated tissue. these herbs are soothing and cooling.

solomon's seal helps joint injuries and helps restore lubrication and pliancy in the joints and tendons... and after actually touching the herb - it was thick and slimy - so it makes sense that it lubricates.

in the garden

this is what i have in the herb garden right now and then a brief basic description on how the herb can be used medicinally. they can be prepared in an infusion (steep in hot water for at least four hours) or for stronger medicine - a tincture (soaked in alcohol for 4-6 weeks).

what is that sentence i am supposed to say now ? something like: these statements have not been evaluated by the food & drug administration. they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. consult with your health care practitioner for proper use. there.

thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - antiseptic properties - can be used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal agent for athlete's foot and anti-parasitic for lice

sage (Salvia officinalis) - for mouth sores and sore throat. for sore throats, mix sage tea with apple cider vinegar and salt for gargling

lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - a benefit for stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression

rosemary (Hyssopus officinalis) - a digestive aid. treats depression and headaches. use as an expectorant and for muscle spasms

marjoram (Origanum majorana) - relief from symptoms of hay fever, sinus congestion, indigestion, asthma, headache, dizziness, colds, coughs, and nervous disorders. marjoram essential oil has been one of my favorites for headaches - a few drops on forehead and temples

catnip (Nepeta cataria) - very mild herb medicinally. it has calming and sedative effects. which surprises me since cats go bonkers for this stuff !

parsley (Carum petroselinum) - a vitamin and mineral powerhouse. a natural breath sweetener. eat the leaves right off the plant to combat breath odors

feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) - helps dramatically in some cases of migraine, arthritis pain, painful menstruation, rheumatism, and muscle spasms

lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla or Lippia citriodora - confused on the latin name here) - relief of digestive tract spasms, reduction of fever, strengthening of the nervous system. has the ability to break down cellulite, and has a soothing, healing and toning effect on the skin

basil (Ocymum basilicum) - digestive and anti-gas properties. also for stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headaches, and anxiety

comfrey (Symphytum officinale) - a priceless herb for wounds, sprains, bruises

valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - a central nervous system relaxer and a sleep aid

common rue (Ruta Graveolens) - the leaves applied externally will ease the severe pain of sciatica and headaches

horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - benefits chronic cough and asthma

spearmint (Mentha spicata) - relieves hiccough and flatulence

chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - a remedy for hysterical and nervous affections in women (!) has a wonderfully soothing and sedating effect

calendula (Calendula officinalis) - a remedy for the pain and swelling caused by bee or wasp sting. a lotion from the flowers helps sprains and wounds

tincture experiment

this is my first tincture... solomon's seal root (Polygonatum biflorum) in 190 proof organic grain alcohol. solomon's seal is good for joint injuries... it has the ability to restore lubrication. i have many neck/back aches. so i decided to try this as my first tincture. i used dried solomon's seal root... and then agonized looking over my notes to try to figure out how much herb ? how much alcohol ? do i add water ? reading over these math equations that just made my head buzz. actually... my nephew sammy is coming by today to give me a basic math course. i will show him the formulas and see if he can make sense of them. i posted my questions on a forum i follow... and got more math equations and then - someone said 'use the folk method'. 50% herb - 50% alcohol. that was 2 weeks ago - solomon's seal tincture has been sitting there for two weeks.... four more weeks to go... and then i have my medicine. i already use mullein (Verbascum thapsus) tincture (bought it) and a st. johns wort (Hypericum perforatum) and tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) oil rub when pain flares up. this is the original medicine. modern medicine has been around for say... 100 years ? for thousand of years before that we relied on and believed in plant medicine. i'm going back to the roots...