Friday, January 24, 2014

Insect bites

This is more of a summer thing but it is still useful,

A poultice made with fresh plantain leaves will help with itching
Lavender oil will also soothe it


Monday, January 20, 2014

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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Herbal Preparation

These are ways to prepare herbs


When preparing herbs,

Infusion- Pour boiling water on the herb in a cup or container cover with a saucer and allow to steep. 1/2 to 1 ounce of herb and a pint of water or I teaspoon of herb to one cup of water. Let the herb sit covered for 10 to 20 minutes. Take infusion well hot for colds, influenza, or coughs. Always use glass porcelain, or enamel cooking utensils.

Decoction-  Simmer plant in water for 3-5 minutes. If material is very hard it can be kept in up to 30 minutes. Keep container covered. Use 1 teaspoon of powdered herb or 1 tablespoon of cut herb to 1 cup of water. If boiled for 30 minutes us3 1 ounce of herb to 1 pint of water. Strain before using. Use 30 minutes for roots, bark, and seeds. DO NOT BOIL. Cut or crush roots until fine.

Tincture- Very concentrated extract from herb in liquid form.

Extract- Highly concentrated liquid form of herb. It is about 10 times as potent as a tincture. Take dosage of 6 to 8 drops.

Tea- Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb or 3 teaspoons of freshly cut herb to 1 cup of water. Pour boiling water over herb and let it steep for 5 - 10 minutes. Dosage is 4 cups a day. 1 cup before each meal and 1 upon retiring. 
Granulated or finely cut herbs- Steep 1 teaspoon of herbs in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain then take 1 cup 1 hour before each meal and upon retiring.

Powdered herbs- Use ½ a teaspoon of herb to ¼ a glass of water. The herbs take effect quicker when taken with hot water.



Caution: do not prepare herbs with aluminum cooking utensils. 

Herbal setup

If you like to keep and make remedies often, here are some tips on how to harvest, store, and organize herbs.





Drying herbs,

A general rule is to let herbs dry in the shade so that they maintain their medicinal value. To let herbs dry faster, hang them upside down.





Organizing, 


You may want to set aside a shelf, or a table, or desk to store your herbs. Make sure it is a place in the shade. Go to some old garage sales and it's easy to find jars and other things great for storing herbs. It is a good idea to invest in a good mortar and pestle for crushing herbs. If you can get folder labels those are also good for labeling the bottles. If you can find some cheap plastic containers you can put them sideways and use them for shelfs. 


Storing Herbs,

Make sure to store herbs in containers with lids in the shade. If the herb is damp or there is too much humidity in the air the herb may wilt and brown and it is then not good to use.






Seasonal Depression

Ever feel depressed from lack of sunlight at this time of year? Here is a natural remedy.

Tansy, is useful if you make a tea
Star of bethlehem, is useful if the bulb is cooked.

WARNING: STAR OF BETHLEHEM IS POISONOUS IF THE BULB IS EATEN RAW.


Wednesday, January 1, 2014