Herbal Remedies at Home

HOT LIPS FOR COLD DAYS

2012-09-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

Calendula officinalis flowers in the morning

Fall has fallen here in West Virginia as evidenced by dry lips from a chilly bike ride to work and a growing pile of sweaters in my office. Calendula flowers are still opening up to the late day warmth, and dried ones will release their stored sunshine into salves, lotions, and, especially, lip balms.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Calendula's warmth can be enhanced by a burst of initial heat from an aromatic mint that will then bring the lips a breath of cool freshness beneath the insulating oils. Spearmint or lemon balm will do but peppermint (Mentha piperita) packs the biggest menthol punch.

HOT LIPS (TM)

A lip balm tube dispenser kit

- dried calendula flowers - half a handful
- dried peppermint - half a handful
- almond oil - 4 oz (1/2 cup)
- bee's wax - 1.6 oz (ratio 1 part bee's wax to 2.5 parts oil)
- vitamin E - 10 drops
- peppermint essential oil - 5 drops
- small jars or lip balm tubes and dispenser

Oil infusion of calendula and peppermint

1) Crumble the dried calendula and peppermint into a small pot with pouring spout and cover with a little more than 4 ounces of oil since some will be lost with straining;
2) Heat uncovered on hotplate set to low or in a 110 degree oven for 3-5 hours;
3) Strain the herbs from the oil and return 4 ounces of oil to the pot;
4) Add the bee's wax and heat on low until melted. Use a little less bee's wax for softer winter balms, a little more for harder summer balms;
5) Stir in vitamin E and peppermint essential oil;
6) Pour into jars or tubes and allow to cool and harden before adding tops;
7) Label with name, date, and ingredients before sharing the love.

Lip Love courtesy of Sensorium Herbals

MAKING A TINCTURE FORMULA

2012-08-14T05:39:00.001-07:00

Single remedies are often used for acute problems: Echinacea for a cold, feverfew for a migraine, arnica for a bruise, and etc. Such simples work fast and help the body to heal itself. Chronic problems, on the other hand, often need a deeper herbal approach that includes foods, lifestyle changes, teas, and tincture formulas.

Burdock is an adaptogen and hepatic

Building a tincture formula is as complex as the problem being treated but follows certain steps. Selection of herbs is made by picking an adaptogen for the person, an alterative for the involved organ system, a specific herb for the specific problem(s), and a nervine, hepatic, or lymphatic if needed.

Nettle is a GI alterative

Celiac disease is an autoimmune sensitivity to gluten in foods. The mucous cells lining the intestines respond to gluten with inflammation that causes indigestion and malabsorption of food resulting in diarrhea and malnutrition. Longterm gluten exposure causes muscle and joint pain, insomnia, anemia, and chronic fatigue. The first step in treatment of celiac disease is removal of gluten from the diet: Wheat, rye, barley, and whole oats. Then herbs can be used to calm the intestinal lining, promote nutrient absorption, and relieve the pain and fatigue.

CeliacEase Tincture (4oz)

burdock root (adaptogen, hepatic) - 2 parts (1oz)
nettle (gastrointestinal alterative, nutrient absorption) - 2 part (1oz)
mallow root (intestinal emollient, anti-inflammatory) - 2 parts (1oz)
St. John's wort (nervine tonic, sleep promotion, anti-inflammatory) - 1 part (.5oz)
milk thistle (hepatic, liver regeneration) - 1 part (.5oz)

1) Determine the herbs and the number of parts for each herb (2 for burdock, nettle, and mallow because of their combined actions and tastes);
2) Count the total number of parts for the formula (2+2+2+1+1 = 8 parts);
3) Divide the desired amount of tincture by the total number of parts to get the amount per part (4oz /8 parts = .5oz/part);
4) Add the amount of each herb to a measuring cup with a spout (1 part = .5oz, 2 parts = 1 oz);
5) Stir the mixture and dispense into dropper bottles;
6) Take 20-40 drops four times a day for 1-2 months while strictly avoiding gluten in foods;
7) Also take a nervine sedative at bedtime if needed for improved sleep.

SALVES FOR SCARS

2012-07-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

Plantago lanceolata in late summer

It doen't take plastic surgery to treat those scourges of aging skin, scars and wrinkles. Herbal salves work just fine, if more slowly, and the ingredients are available for free right there in your neighborhood.

Plantago majus in late summer

Both lance- and broad-leafed plantain have the ability to soften, moisten, and tighten skin lesions. The leaves can be picked from the lawn before mowing and dried for oil extraction when needed.

Rare pink yarrow in late summer

The white flower clusters of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) plucked from nearby fields complement plaintain by improving circulation to and from scars and wrinkles. Their bitter astringency also helps to tighten up the skin. Add in a little nourishing rose essential oil and voila tout - a return to young and passionate skin!

SCAR SAVER SALVE

- plantain leaves (dried) – 1 small handful

- yarrow flowers (dried) - 1 small handful

- almond, safflower, or olive oil – 1 cup

- bee’s wax – 1 ounce

- vitamin E oil – 10 drops

- rose essential oil – 5 drops

1. Crumble plantain and yarrow into a small pot;
2. Completely cover the leaves with the oil;

3. Place the uncovered pot on a hotplate or in the oven and heat on the lowest possible setting for 3-4 hours (no hotter than 150°);

4. Pour through a strainer into another small pot, pressing the plants into the strainer to recover as much oil as possible;

Beeswax beads melting in oil extract

5. Add beeswax (finely chopped, shredded, shaved, or beaded) into the oil and heat on low until dissolved;

6. Add 10 drops of vitamin E oil;

7. Add 5 drops of rose essential oil;
8. Pour into small wide-mouthed jars and allow to cool and harden before sealing the lid;
9. Label with the product name, date, and ingredients;
10. Apply liberally to scars or wrinkles 3-4 times a day.

FOOD AS MEDICINE II: PESTO

2012-07-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Holy basil

It's mid-summer and the basils are about to sprout - the perfect time to make and save a bunch as pesto. Ocimum basilicum is a revered medicinal plant in southeast Asia and a ubiquitous ingredient in the healthful Mediterranean diet.

Globe basil

Basil acts as a carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, nervine, immune tonic, and gastrointestinal and respiratory alterative. Throw in some garlic with it's antibiotic and circulatory alterative effects and there you have it - a gastronomic adaptogen for whatever ails you.

PESTO WITHOUT THE PROCESSOR

Mince until fine consistency

- basil leaves - 2 large bunches

- garlic - 8-10 cloves

- pine nuts raw - one large handful

- Parmesan cheese - 1.5 cups freshly grated

- olive oil - 4-6 tablespoons (extra virgin, cold pressed, organic if available)

1) On a large cutting board loosely chop the garlic with 1/4 of the basil, adding more basil and finer chopping as the two ingredients mix;
2) Add half the pine nuts and continue to chop until minced;
3) Add the rest of the pine nuts and continue to mince until mixed;
4) Add half the Parmesan and continue mincing until mixed;
5) Add the rest of the Parmesan and mince until able to be formed into a loose cake;
6) Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the olive oil;
7) Use half for your favorite pesto recipe (we like pesto pasta with ricotta) and dollop the rest in tablespoons onto individual sheets of wax paper folded around the pesto for freezing.

MAKING A SOLAR INFUSION

2012-07-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

Spearmint, bee balm, and yarrow sun tea

What better way to lift the spirits and heal what ails you than the warmth of the summer sun? Whether it's an herbal sun tea steeped for a day before poured over ice or an infused oil soaking up flower essences for a week, solar infusions will bring joy and healing to your mid-summer household.

Mullein in mid-summer

Mullein flowers (Verbascum thapsus) contain anti-inflammatory and demulcent (moistening) oils best extracted in another oil. Their gentle healing effects are perfect for soothing swimmer's ear and otitis media in children of all ages. Other options for infused oils include violets from the yard and/or calendula from the garden for skin inflammation or lesions.

MULLEIN EAR OIL

- mullein flowers
- olive oil
- vitamin E oil

Releasing air bubbles

1) Gather the opened flowers from several mullein stalks;

2) Place the flowers into a clear glass jar 3/4 full of olive oil;

3) Repeatedly poke a chopstick or skewer into the flowers to submerse and allow air bubbles inside the flowers to escape;

4) Top off the jar with olive oil and tightly seal the lid;
5) Place in full sun for 4-7 days;
6) Strain the oil into a measuring cup;
7) Stir in 10-20 drops of vitamin E oil;
8) Dispense into small dropper bottles and label with date and ingredients;
9) Place 1-3 drops three times a day into the inflamed ear while the child is laying on the other side for several minutes.

Mullein ear oil

TO FEED A FEVER

2012-06-25T07:13:00.002-07:00

Herbal medicines work with the body's intrinsic healing mechanisms and one of them is sweating (diaphoresis) which cools the body and helps to remove metabolic wastes. Plants that promote sweating (diaphoretics) are an important part of the herbal treatment of fevers and infection.

Lemon balm

Like other aromatic mints, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a mild and sweet-tasting diaphoretic especially good in tea formulas for colds and flu (see Fresh Plant Medicines). It also has antiviral properties as well as being soothing for a sore throat, calming for an upset stomach, and sleep promoting - just what the doctor ordered for a child with a fever.

Yarrow in early summer

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a stronger diaphoretic and anti-microbial with added diuretic properties. A tea or tincture of the dried flowers is especially helpful for fever with elevated blood pressure, cystitis (bladder infection), or gastrointestinal bleeding. Boneset aerial parts (Eupatorium perfoliatum) are an alternative to yarrow but with a propensity for helping fevers with musculoskeletal aches and pains.

Gravel root (joe pye weed)

Stronger still is a diaphoretic tincture made from the root of joe pye weed (Eupatorium purpureum, E.fistulosum). It's also known as gravel root since it grows in rocky stream beds and is especially good at treating kidney infections and preventing stones. Substitute pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa) when the fever is related to lung infections with stabbing pain upon inhalation.

Pleurisy root (butterfly weed)

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Pleurisy root should not be used when taking digitalis containing heart medicines which can more easily become toxic.

LEAVES OF THREE...

2012-06-18T07:02:00.003-07:00

Poison ivy

... let it be! But not so for three of poison ivy's companion plants which can be used to wash off the irritating oils and relieve the itching.

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis, I. pallida) is a succulent plant that grows in low moist areas beside roads and trails. A handful of the leaves can be rolled between the hands (or made into ice-cubes) and rubbed over exposed skin to decrease the hypersensitivity reaction to poison ivy's barbed oils.

Yellow jewelweed

Spotted touch-me-not

Virginia creeper

If there's no jewelweed near the poison ivy patch, look for leaves of five. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a vine that grows in the same habitat as poison ivy. The leaves have been used similarly to those of jewelweed as a rub for cleaning exposed skin.

1st and 2nd year burdocks

The barbs are long gone once those itchy vesicles appear but you can still calm down a poison ivy rash with a fresh burdock leaf (Arctium lappa, A. minus) draped or taped over the inflamed area. Fortunately for us, these pre-made poultices come in all sizes from your friendly neighborhood burdock patch. But watch out for the P. ivy often lurking nearby!

JEWELWEED ICE-CUBES

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Keep a tray of jewelweed ice-cubes over the winter for those spring poison ivy exposures before fresh jewelweed is available.

1) Gather a half dozen jewelweed plants by grasping the stem and pulling directly upwards;

2) Snip off the roots and coursely chop the stems, leaves, and flowers into a pot;

3) Pour boiling water to cover the plant matter and steep for 10-15 minutes;

4) Strain off the plants and pour the orange liquid into ice-cube trays;

5) When frozen, pop out a cube and rub it over exposed skin for removal of oils or over the itchy rash for relief. For oil removal, rinse with cold water after rubbing with a jewelweed ice-cube.

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Severe cases of poison ivy with eye, genital, or internal exposure should be evaluated by a health care professional for possible steroid treatment.

WORTS, BALMS, AND SEALS

2012-06-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

It's fortuitous for learning herbal medicine that plant names often reveal some aspect of their identification or use, witness the worts, balms, and seals.

Mugwort in early summer

Wort is Germanic for plant so the word preceding it is what counts. We learned in Alteratives in Herbal Formulas that motherwort is a circulatory alterative especially good for menopausal symptoms. Another wort, mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris), was once used instead of hops as a bitter for brewing mugs of beer. It's mild nervine effects combined with an ability to stimulate menses (emmenogogue) make mugwort leaf tea or tincture a good choice for overstressed women with irregular periods.

Bee balm (M. fistulosa)

A balm is a plant with a soothing or restorative effect. You might recall from Herbs for Insomnia that lemon balm can be used as a mild nervine sedative with carminative and antispasmodic properties. The aerial parts of another similarly acting mint, bee balm or wild bergamot (Monarda didyma, M. fistulosa), make a sweet tea that soothes the digestive tract for excess flatulence and the uterus for premenstrual syndrome.

To seal is to join two things, as does the wax stamp once used to seal letters and envelopes. Solomon's seal (see Joint Relief in the Backyard) is named for having such a seal on the root - a round flat spot with markings inside. The bright yellow root of the endangered Appalachian plant goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) was once used to bind wounds. It's more current usage is as a nutritive hepatic with antibiotic properties for chronic digestive problems, especially when accompanied by bacterial or fungal overgrowth. You can help to repopulate this formerly overharvested herb by planting it in a shady spot in the yard and limiting harvest to a few rhizomes after several years of growth, replanting the top third and leaf stem of each one.

Each goldenseal has one large and one smaller leaf

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Goldenseal can raise blood pressure and trigger menses so it shouldn't be used with uncontrolled hypertension or during pregnancy.

HEPATICS IN HERBAL FORMULAS

2012-06-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

Herbs that stimulate the liver and gall bladder (hepatics) also help chronic joint pain (arthritis) and skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis) by promoting digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as elimination of waste.

Dried dandelion roots

One mild hepatic right outside your door is dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale). Dry the leaves for a diuretic tea but clean and chop those taproots for tincturing. Dandelion root tincture tastes sweeter than the leaf and can be used similarly to burdock or licorice to harmonize an herbal tincture formula.

Curly dock

To step it up a notch, look for yellow dock (Rumex crispus, R.obtusifolius) at unmowed edges of yards, fields, and woods. A tincture of the yellow root of this buckwheat is a cooling hepatic for colitis, diarrhea, or constipation. Dig the taproot after the plant goes to seed in mid-summer. Regional alternative hepatics include yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).

Milk thistle in early summer

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is the ultimate hepatic, regenerating a damaged liver as well as helping to restore function. Like other thistles, this one will gladly colonize the garden but that's a good thing: It takes several milk thistle plants to provide enough of the oily seeds for tincturing.

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Seeds, barks, and roots that have a high oil or resin content usually require a higher percentage of alcohol for effective extraction

MILK THISTLE TINCTURE

1) Gather milk thistle seeds in late summer or early fall when the flowers go to fluff;
2) Remove the hairs and place the seeds in a mortar and pestle;
3) Coarsely grind them to crack the shells and expose the seed flesh;
4) Spoon the crushed seeds into a jar with a tight fitting lid;
5) Cover the seeds with the highest proof alcohol available in your area, usually 75% grain;
6) Seal the lid and place the jar in a warm dark place for two weeks, swirling daily;
7) Strain off the tincture into another jar and label it with herb, date, method (folk), and alcohol percent and type.

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Ground seeds eaten in smoothies or made into capsules are better for people with hepatitis or cirrhosis because the alcohol in this high percentage tincture can be hepatotoxic for those with already compromised livers.

MEDICINAL USES OF WILD BERRIES

2012-05-29T05:13:00.002-07:00

Raspberries

The abundance of summer is upon us and with it will come the ripening of mulberries, wild grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. While all are fabulously delicious, the latter two have traditional medicinal applications, albeit not from the berries.

Wild raspberry in early summer

An infusion of raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus) acts as an astringent tonic for the bladder and uterus, strengthening contractions and stopping bleeding with cystitis or during delivery.

Fresh or dried leaves are equally effective for raspberry tea but avoid them when partially desiccated due to mild toxic effects while drying.

Raspberry leaves drying

Blackberries

The more robust blackberry (Rubus villosus) also packs a more powerful astringent punch that is specific for the stomach and intestines.

An infusion of fresh or dried leaves works for mild cases but blackberry root tincture will stop bleeding ulcers, acute diarrhea, or hemorrhoids. Just be sure to don some stout leather gloves when pulling up a root!

Wild blackberry in early summer

Morus rubra in early summer

But back to those fabulously delicious berries, and the first out in early summer is mulberry (Morus species).

MULBERRY SANGRIA

- white wine: 1/2 to 1 bottle (left from yesterday's dinner)

- fresh mulberries: two handfuls

- orange spritzer

1) Half fill a beautiful large decanter with wine and add the mulberries;

2) Place the decanter in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight;

3) Add ice cubes until the decanter is 3/4 or more full;

4) Top-off the decanter with orange spritzer and give three cheers to the abundance of summer.

GREENS GONE WILD

2012-05-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

All cultivated plants originally came from wild stock and our salad greens are no exception. The garden varieties of lettuce and endive have been selected for taste but the wild kind retain more of the medicinal effects.

Wild lettuce in late spring

Wild lettuce (Lactuca species) may look and taste bitter like dandelion leaves but it packs a much greater nervine wallup. The milky juice of fresh leaves picked in late spring or early summer before the yellow flowers bloom can be tinctured in high proof alcohol to make a strong sedative and analgesic, particularly for those with insomnia due to back or chest pain or to feeling cold at night.

Chicory flower in late summer

The soft blue flowers of chicory (Cichorium intybus) blossoming along summer roadsides belie the digestive power of wild Belgian endive, also known as radicchio. It's ability to promote food digestion, absorption, metabolism, and elimination (bowel function) is enhanced by slow roasting of the chopped roots.

Young chicory and wild lettuce look alike with a basal rosette of toothed leaves similar to dandelion. The flowering stems of chicory branch wildly in late summer without the spiky stems and regular foliage of wild lettuce.

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Pull up chicory roots after a soaking rain when the deep taproots let go of the earth easier.

ROASTED CHICORY COFFEE

1) Use a vegetable brush to scrub about a dozen fresh chicory roots;
2) Chop the roots into coffee bean sized pieces and place them on a roasting pan;
3) Roast in a 350 degree oven until a nutty aroma is released and they are dark brown but not burnt, about 30-45 minutes;
4) Allow them to cool and store them in a jar with a sealed lid;
5) Grind and brew like coffee or combine with equal parts coffee for the stimulant effect or roasted dandelion root for the diuretic effect.

JOINT RELIEF IN THE BACKYARD

2012-05-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Solomon's seal in early spring

Joint pain from arthritis can spoil your day and night both. While many medicinal plants can help (see Herbal Analgesics), a couple are particularly useful for acute exacerbations of chronic joint pain - Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum) and cayenne (Capsicum annuum).

Solomon's seal is declining along with the eastern North American forests. Fortunately, a plant or two from a healthy native patch can be transplanted to a shady spot in the yard where it's rhizomes will readily replicate. The young plants look alot like the non-medicinal false Solomon's seal (Smilacina racemosa) but can be distinguished by flowers hanging down from the stem. The roots are considered a nutritive tonic (alterative) for the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems, helping joint pain by providing lubrication and easing tendon and ligament strain.

True or false Solomon's seal?

False (left) and true Solomon's seal

Ripe cayenne peppers in late summer

You can find cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum) for drying in the nearby grocery or farmer's market. The seedlings can also be grown in your garden where they'll produce a late summer crop with enough sun and not too much water. We all know how peppers make us feel - hot, flushed, sweaty - and they do this by stimulating circulation as a cardiovascular alterative. But cayenne also blocks pain by inhibiting substance P, a chemical initiator of pain, making it an effective topical treatment for arthralgia (joint pain) and neuralgia (nerve pain).

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Chronic joint pain is best treated as a systemic condition with possible gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular, or immune influences.

JOINT EASE TINCTURE (2oz)

Solomon's seal tincture - .5oz
burdock root tincture - .5oz (substitute black cohosh or yellow dock)
willow bark tincture - .5oz (substitute cayenne or wild yam)
boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) tincture - .5oz (substitute goldenrod)

Solomon's seal roots

1) Clean and chop Solomon's seal roots and place in a jar with a tight fitting lid;
2) Cover with high-proof alcohol (50% or greater), seal the lid, and place in a warm dark room for 2-4 weeks, swirling the jar whenever you pass through;
3) Strain the tincture into an apothecary jar and label with plant name, date, tincture method (folk or 1:2), and alcohol percentage and type;
4) Combine .5oz each of tinctures of Solomon's seal (alterative), burdock (adaptogen), willow bark (analgesic), and boneset (joint specific) into a 2oz dropper bottle;
5) Take 1-2 droppers three times a day for joint pain.

JOINT EASE ROLL-ON (1oz)

JointEase Roll-On

cayenne tincture - .5oz
willow bark tincture - .5oz

1) Chop dried cayenne peppers and place in a jar with a tight fitting lid;
2) Cover with apple cider vinegar or vodka, seal the lid, and place in a warm dark room for 2-4 weeks, swirling the jar whenever you pass through;
3) Strain the tincture into an apothecary jar and label with plant name, date, tincture method (folk or 1:5), and alcohol percentage and type;
4) Combine .5oz each of cayenne and willow bark tinctures into a 1oz bottle with roller-ball top;
5) Apply to painful joints every two hours, avoiding contact with eyes or mucous membranes.

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Acute joint pain with swelling, heat, or redness can be caused by an injury, infection, or inflammatory disease and is best evaluated by a health care professional if unresolved after one week.

THE HOME APOTHECARY

2012-05-10T07:38:00.001-07:00

Our stock of dried herbs

Providing herbal remedies to your family and friends, like cooking, is simpler when you have the necessary ingredients and supplies on hand.

Dried plants remain potent for several seasons for combining into tea formulas. Since volume of plant material varies greatly with density, herbs are best combined by weight (1/2 ounce per cup). A kitchen scale is needed to determine the right proportions. A canning funnel helps to dispense the combined and crumbled or cut herbs into jars or tea bags. Infusions are made simpler by a tea pot with built-in strainer.

Tea making equipment and supplies

Our stock of tinctures

Tinctures extracted in 25% or greater alcohol remain potent for at least ten years. Be sure to label each tincture single with the specific herb (genus/species), date of extraction, strength (folk method or 1:2 fresh/1:5 dried), alcohol percentage, and alcohol type. Some people may react to grain alcohol but be fine with vodka, or vice-versa.

Tincture formulating equipment and supplies

Tinctures are combined by volume so glass measuring cups with both metric and ounce gradations are helpful. A small funnel will make dispensing into dropper bottles quicker and cleaner. And don't forget to record the formulas! You don't want to forget how to make the cure for what ails your family or friends.

Tea and tincture formulas in our medicine chest

HERBS FOR INSOMNIA

2012-05-07T08:46:00.003-07:00

Lemon balm in late spring

I couldn't get to sleep at all last night... but instead of tossing, I turned up a little sleep tincture - lemon balm, passionflower, hops, St. John's wort - and it did something to me for the rest of that night.

Motherwort in late spring

Like most mints, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis, see Fresh Plant Medicines) is a mild nervine sedative, and it tastes good to boot. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a less aromatic mint but it works better for perimenopausal and anxiety induced insomnia, especially with heart palpitations.

Passionflower in early summer

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial vine of the American southeast and Central America. An infusion or tincture of the leaves and stunning flowers acts a sedative with a special affinity for calming mental over-stimulation. Since tea at bedtime also provides an unwanted early morning wake-up call, the tincture is better for insomnia in most cases.

Hops in late spring

You're familiar, no doubt, with the bitter flavor of hops (Humulus lupus). You might also have experienced it's sedative effects which are stronger than the alcohol after a single beer. Hops tincture is especially helpful for insomnia with indigestion, heartburn, or irritable colon because of it's smooth muscle relaxant properties. Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) has similar effects and could be a short-term substitute for hops.

St. John's wort in summer

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is overused for depression when it may be even more effective for anxiety-related insomnia. Like some other antidepressants, it also helps to keep one from awakening in the night by promoting deeper sleep. This effect is not present in all St. John's worts. If the flower releases a yellow-orange pigment when pinched, an extract from the dried flower buds and flowers of that plant will contain the medicinal effects.

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Avoid excessive direct sun exposure when taking St. John's wort because it can increase risk of sunburn.

SLEEP EASE TINCTURE (2oz)

St. John's wort - 2 parts
lemonbalm - 1 part
hops - 1 part
passionflower - 1 part

1) From your stock of tincture singles, add .8oz of St. John's wort and .4oz of the other herbs into a 2 ounce dropper bottle;
2) Label the bottle with ingredients, date, and, if desired, dosage;
3) Take 1-2 droppers at bedtime for insomnia.

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Seek evaluation by a health professional for chronic insomnia which may be a symptom of an underlying illness.

HERBAL INSECT REPELLENT

2012-04-30T05:17:00.001-07:00

Witch hazel's zigzag stem

A glance up into the late spring dusk will tell you that both bats and bugs are out, good beasts one and all if only they'd stay to themselves. But some must have their blood and others privacy for their queen. So be off, you bees, chiggers, mosquitoes, ticks, deer flies, and various and sundry other biting and stinging insects!

Lavender in summer

I like a spray-on repellent from the garden that doubles as a cooling spritzer. In this simple recipe, distilled witch hazel provides a cooling and astringent base for extraction of aromatic and bug-noxious oils from lavender and thyme.

Thyme flowering in late spring

BUG STUFF (4oz)

Bug Stuff in spray bottle

- distilled witch hazel - 4oz
- lavender sprigs - 3 (flowering if available)
- thyme sprigs - 3 (flowering if available)

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Lavender and thyme essential oils (3-5 drops) can be subsituted for the fresh flowering herbs.

1) Place lavender and thyme sprigs in a suitable spray bottle;
2) Fill the bottle with witch hazel and put on the spritzing lid;
3) Spray onto appropriate body areas before insect exposure:

chiggers - feet and ankles (they are mites that crawl up from the ground)

bees and wasps - face, neck, and arms (spray into hands and wipe onto face)

deer and horse flies - exposed skin

mosquitoes - exposed skin

ticks - feet, ankles, pant line, shirt line (they grasp clothing from grass stems and crawl upward until skin contact)

DOCTOR'S NOTE: It is important to check for and remove ticks within a day of possible exposure because a tick has to be attached for more than a day to transmit Lyme disease.

DRYING MEDICINAL PLANTS

2012-04-27T08:22:00.005-07:00

Poke in late spring

The lushness of May is upon us - it's time for the spring harvest of medicinal plants. Since most won't be used right away, preservation of herbs for future use is critical. Careful drying will provide mold-free medicines for next fall and winter's teas and tinctures.

Sage and spearmint

The aerial parts of plants with strong stems can be dried by tying in a small bunch and hanging for a couple weeks in a warm room or shed with a little sunlight and air movement. They may take longer to dry with cool or wet weather, and should be left hanging until leaves are crispy.

Other plant parts can be dried by evenly spacing them on a window screen laid in warm dry room with good ventilation. We use our outdoor sauna seats because the slats allow better air movement up through the herbs. Thick roots like black cohosh and poke need to be sliced to half an inch or less in thickness to assure inner drying. Berries may need longer drying time or more warmth for complete drying. Store herbs in air-tight jars only after thorough drying. Any moisture left in incompletely dried plants will allow fungi to do it's stuff, spoiling what would have been your year's supply of herbal medicine.

Drying poke berries and roots

Poke provides a particularly potent plant medicine, if potentially poisonous. It's a powerful anti-catarrhal (mucous reducer) for respiratory problems and a strong lymphatic known to help arthritis pain and stiffness. Toxic cathartic (diarrhea producing) effects can be minimized by avoiding leaves and stems, drying berries and roots before use, and only taking small doses (1-3 drops of root tincture, one berry every other day).

Dried poke berries and roots

HERBS FOR ALLERGIES

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Echinacea purpura and E. pallida

On first whiff, it might smell odd to treat seasonal allergies with plant medicines. Case in point coneflower (Echinacea species) - it's a member of the allergenic aster family but suppresses a histamine response to bee stings and snake bites. Since echinacea only works for acute reactions, other plants are better for prevention of more persistent respiratory allergies - runny nose, itchy eyes, headache, and fatigue. Formulas for chronic problems usually include an alterative for the involved organ system, specific herbs for the problem, and an adaptogen for whole person recovery.

Nettles flowering in late spring

We know nettles (Urtica species) as a digestive and kidney alterative (see Alteratives in Herbal Formulas) but it also reduces allergic reactions and helps to eliminate mucus. The young leaves have fewer stinging hairs and can be picked in early spring for a fresh or dried leaf tea. Use gloves to harvest aerial parts of mature plants from the edges of yards, gardens, or fields for drying and tincturing.

Goldenrod in late summer

Goldenrod (Solidago species) is sometimes blamed for fall allergies caused by it's less showy companion ragweed. However, the pungent leaves and flowers of goldenrod have the opposite effect, relieving red itchy eyes and fatigue. Added to tea or tincture formulas, goldenrod has been especially helpful for cat allergies.

Barberry in the fall

Barberry (Berberis species) can be added to an allergy formula when excess mucus is affecting both respiratory and gastrointestinal function. Pull up the bitter yellow root by cutting off most of the prickly shrub, squatting to grasp the stem with both hands, and pulling upward by straightening the legs. A little of the dried root tincture will add a lot of relief for chronic effects of allergies.

Finally, holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is my adaptogen of choice for allergies because it also helps to stabilize mast cells, reducing the allergic response.(see Adaptogens in Herbal Formulas) Since it's not usually possible to avoid all allergens, a tea or tincture formula containing these or other herbs more specific to the individual can help to prevent reactions and reverse chronic symptoms.

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Formulas are much simpler to prepare when you have a home apothecary of single herb teas and tinctures.

AllergEase TINCTURE FORMULA (4oz)

basil tincture - 4 parts (2oz)
goldenrod tincture - 2 parts (1oz)
nettles tincture - 1 part (1/2oz)
barberry tincture - 1 part (1/2oz)

1) Pour the proper proportion of the tinctures into a small liquid measuring cup with a pouring lip and with adequate increments for precise measurement;
2) Gently swirl or stir the tinctures until thoroughly mixed;

3) Pour the mixture into 1 or 2 ounce bottles for dispensing;

4) Label bottles with formula name, date, and herbs;

5) Take 1/2 to 1 dropper (15-30 drops) once a day for allergy prevention, three times a day for treatment.

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Acute allergic reactions associated with shortness of breath, wheezing, and dizziness may need immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.

MAKING AN HERBAL HONEY

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It's sweet, it's nutritious, it's healing, it's, well, yummy for the tummy. And honey, it turns out, is also an ideal base for extraction of certain herbal medicines: Sage for sore throats; Ginger and garlic for colds and flus; Nettles for nutrition; Marshmallow for ulcers. The honey extracts and preserves the plant medicine, delivering it to the gut for intestinal effects or for absorption.

New and old horsetail stalks

Horsetail (Equisitum arvense, E. hymenale) is an ancient non-flowering plant that grows in sandy wetland soil. The new leafing stems have a longstanding reputation for strengthening bones, nails, and hair as a "silica tonic". While the mechanism for this action is incompletely understood, horsetail's history of effectiveness is indisputable. And the silicon and other medicinal components of horsetail are best extracted from the fresh plant into a medium of similar acidity - honey.

HERBALIST'S NOTES: 1) Avoid taking the horsetail plant internally because it's sand content can irritate the gastrointestinal tract; 2) An oxymel is a heated mixture of honey and vinegar, either or both of which has been used to extract plant medicine.

HORSETAIL HONEY

Horsetail sterile stem

Unfiltered honey - 3 parts

Horsetail sterile (leafing) stems - 1 part

Glycerin - 5% of amount of honey

1) Gather a half dozen or so leafing horsetail stems by pulling them upward which will break them off just under the earth;

2) Cut off the dark and dirty underground portion of the stems;

3) Cut the rest of the stems into small pieces into a medium sized wide-mouthed jar;

Straining horsetail from honey 4) Pour honey over the horsetail to completely cover it;

5) Poke a chopstick or straw repeatedly into the honey to allow any trapped air to escape;

6) Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid and place in a warm dark place for 2-3 days (I place it on top of the hot water heater);

7) Strain off the honey into a clean jar with a lid. Compost the horsetail;

8) Stir in the glycerin to keep the honey from separating;

9) Label and store in a cool place;

10) Take one teaspoon daily for growing pains or three times a day for nail or hair problems.

FRESH PLANT MEDICINES

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Catnip in early spring

Most medicinal plants are preserved after harvest by drying for infusion or tincturing. A few garden mints, however, are more effective if used right after picking.

Flowering catnip

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) may stimulate our black cat Cleo but has the opposite effect for her two-legged housemates. It calms both the mind (nervine sedative) and the gut (carminative, antispasmodic), making it an ideal herb for insomnia from indigestion, particularly in children. With it's square stems and aromatic opposite leaves, catnip is easily confused with other mints unless flowering. But Cleo will always know it's catnip, and a plot of it in the garden will keep the fresh leaves handy when needed for a bedtime tea.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is another mint with nervine sedative and gastrointestinal antispasmodic properties. Fresh leaf extracts have the additional effects of soothing sore throats and improving mood by calming anxiety. The lemony taste distinguishes it from the other mints of your garden which lemon balm will gladly dominate if given the chance. You can limit it's spread by potting a clump each fall for a winter stash of the fresh leaves.

Lemon balm in mid-spring

Basil flowering tops

The spiciness of basil (Ocimum basilicum) adds a diuretic and diaphoretic (sweat inducing) element to the medicinal effects of this third garden mint, giving it wider applications as a respiratory tonic and adaptogen (see Adaptogens in Herbal Formulas). Contrary to cooking with basil, the fresh flowering tops are the most pharmacologically active so dead-head away but save the pickings for tea or tincturing.

Fresh mint tinctures three ways

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Tincturing of fresh plants can be done by the folk method (chop into jar, cover with alcohol) as shown for lemon balm, the weight-to-volume method (1:2 ratio of plant to alcohol in blender) as for basil, or a combination as for catnip since it took 5 parts alcohol to cover 1 part of the plant.

LYMPHATICS IN HERBAL FORMULAS

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Plants that promote tissue drainage (lymphatics) can play an important role in the treatment of many diseases. Infections, injuries, and dysfunctional organs heal faster with good circulation which provides improved delivery of immune cells and medicines. Some of the best lymphatics are there for the picking right in your yard.

Red clover in late spring

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) flowers can be plucked and dried from mid-spring until late fall. They contain isoflavones that improve circulation to promote healing, and are especially helpful for chronic respiratory and skin conditions. Red clover tincture or tea also stimulates estrogen receptors and can reduce menopausal symptoms.

Violets (Viola sororia) in early spring

Violets (Viola species) are another lovely lymphatic in the yard. An infusion or syrup of the flowers is good for bronchitis with a dry cough. They have also been made into a tincture or a salve for treatment of skin cancers, though the mechanism for this longstanding application is unknown.

Cleavers is mid-spring

Look along fences, foundations, and outbuildings for cleavers (Galium aparine), the best of the backyard lymphatics. A tincture or infusion of the aerial parts improves circulation by constituent coumarins, reduces inflammation by salycylates, and stimulates diuresis by caffeine. Best of all, it works gently and without known risk for side effects or drug interactions.

One of these lymphatics can be added to a tea or tincture formula for a chronic illness to provide improved circulation for healing and to promote effectiveness of the other herbs.

Cleavers clings

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Don't confuse cleavers with the similar appearing but less active lady's bedstraw (Galium verum) which doesn't have sticky hairs.

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Avoid red clover with a history of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer or if taking blood thinners.

MAKING A BLACK SALVE

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An herbal paste used for removing raised skin lesions is traditionally referred to as a black salve. There are many variations of such lesion eroding (escharotic) pastes but they most always contain bloodroot.

Bloodroot in early spring

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) buds out of the leaf litter of eastern U.S. forests in early spring. The puzzle-piece shaped leaf unfolds along with the bright white flower to soak up the sun before the emergence of the hardwood canopy. Below each leaf is a red tuber prized for it's escharotic, expectorant, and, once upon a time, erotic effects, the latter as a body paint.

Mayapple in mid-spring

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is another escharotic for removing warts. Dig the root when it leafs out in mid-spring but be sure to wear gloves because it contains podophyllin, a resin that is why it works but is also severely irritating to normal skin.

Replant the top

HERBALIST'S NOTE: 1) Help to sustain bloodroot by only digging a few of this declining plant from a large patch and by replanting a growth node from each root taken.

BLACK SALVE

fresh bloodroot - 2-3 roots (substitute or add mayapple root)
fresh violets (Viola odorata) - 5 (optional)
olive oil - 1/4 teaspoon (substitute vitamin E oil)
chapparal essential oil (Larrea tridentata) - 2-3 drops (optional)
mortar and pestle
guaze bandages

Bloodroot paste

1) Dig bloodroot and clean off dirt with a vegetable scrubber and cold water;
2) Coursely chop the roots and place in a small mortar. Alternatively, use double the amount of dried bloodroots;
3) Add olive oil and optional violets or chaparral oil and mash into a paste with the pestle;

4) Dip the skin lesion into this paste or spoon enough on to lightly cover it. Refrigerate the remaining paste;
5) Cover the lesion with sterile gauze or a bandaid;
6) Reapply black salve twice a day for 1-2 weeks until skin lesion is removed.

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Raised skin lesions with irregular borders, rapid growth, dark coloration, or bleeding should be biopsied to check for melanoma, a rapidly spreading form of skin cancer.

USING PLANTS CONTAINING PYRROLIZIDINE ALKALOIDS

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Colt's foot in early spring

To use or not to use...that is the question for colt's foot, comfrey, borage, and life root. These and related species contain variable amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which are toxic to the human liver in concentrated doses.

Colt's foot in late spring

Colt's foot (Tussilago farfara) is one of the best herbal expectorants and cough suppressants. It's also called "cart-before-horse" because the dandelion-like flowers emerge in early spring and seed out before the hoove-shaped leaves unfold. It's this leaf that's harvested and dried in late spring for medicinal applications. Fortunately, the toxic PAs that it contains are poorly soluble in water so colt's foot can be safely used as an herbal infusion.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a prolific wound healer in part because it contain's allantoin, a chemical that stimulates cell growth. Comfrey also contains PAs which has resulted in it's sale being banned in some countries including the U.S. It's a good thing the vulnerary effects can be safely obtained by topical application of the leaves in a poultice or salve.

Comfrey in late spring

Life root has purple buds but golden flowers

Equal care must be taken with use of other PA containing herbal medicines. Borage oil (Borago officinalis) is a source of the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid and can be purchased in pyrrolizidine-free capsules. Life root or golden ragwort (Senecio aureus) has safer alternatives for it's astringent and menstrual stimulating effects (see Herbs for Female Problems). The key to safe use of any herbal medicine is your knowledge - about the plant's actions, it's risks, and, if too risky, it's alternatives.

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Use other topical wound-healing herbs (see Making an Herbal Poultice) instead of comfrey when slow healing is desired or scar prevention is a priority.

HARVESTING BIENNIAL ROOTS

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Burdock has a two year life cycle

Most medicinal plants are either annuals with pharmacologically active aerial parts or perennials which may also have medicinal roots. A few important and accessible herbal remedies, however, are made from plants with a two year life cycle. The roots of such biennials need to be harvested either in late fall after the first season of growth or before flowering in the second spring.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) leaves and flowers are common herbal medicines, the former as a tea or tincture for hydrating the respiratory system, the latter as an oil infusion for middle ear infections. The root tincture is also beneficial, calming urinary tract inflammation and helping mechanical back pain.

Flowering mullein

Young mullein

Tincture of teazle root (Dipsacus sylvestris) is one of the few medicinal plants that can strengthen tendons in hypermobile joints or after an injury. It's also specific for Lyme arthritis, a joint infection caused by a tick bite, but should be used in conjunction with or after appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Young teazle

Flowering teazle

Burdock root is the most widely applicable of the biennials, acting as an alterative for gastrointestinal, respiratory, circulatory, and renal systems. Such widespread normalizing actions would usually merit the designation of adaptogen, though burdock isn't currently recognized as one. It is, however, well known to bind herbal tincture formulas together, making the combination more palatable and improving the overall therapeutic effect.

Flowering burdock

Young burdock

Mullein, teazle, and burdock all grow in unmowed fields and disturbed ground by the side of roads. For these and other biennials, the root develops it's potency after the first summer and retains it until flowering in the second summer. Harvest these deep taproots in the first fall or second spring by using a root digging tool when the earth is moist after a rain.

HERBALIST'S NOTE: When harvesting medicinal plants near roads, be sure they are not within eyesight of the road surface to avoid toxicity from carbon monoxide, oil residue, and road salts.

MAKING AN HERBAL POULTICE

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Plants have been used as medicines from time immemorial so it should be no surprise that some of the most time tested topical remedies are also the most accessible for a home medicine chest. A poultice delivers those plants directly by applying them as a wet compress on top of bruises, cuts, abrasions, absesses, crampy muscles, or sore joints.

Self-heal

Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) is right there at the untrimmed edges of your garden, flowering from late winter to early fall. Once known as wound wort, the lovely spikes bruise into a healing poultice for stings, strains, burns, or cuts.

Another old external vulnerary (wound healer) is plantain or waybread (Plantago major). The leaves of white-man's-foot, so-called because it appears wherever Europeans settle, can also be infused or tinctured for it's emollient (moistening), astringent, and diuretic effects.

Common plantain in the spring lawn

Cleavers (Galium aparine) crawling across the edges of fields also makes you pee but is better known for it's alterative effects on blood and lymph. Fine hairs on the thin shoots and leaf whorls cling to passersby, distinguishing cleavers or goosegrass from it's cousin lady's bedstraw. Young shoots can be juiced as a spring circulatory tonic but it is the mature flowering plant that is poulticed or infused as a wash for skin lesions.

Cleavers sprouting along the foundation in early spring

SELF-HEAL POULTICE

HERBALIST'S NOTE: The recipe below is for a fresh plant poultice. To make a dried plant poultice, layer the ground plant material between two double layers of cheesecloth, place the cheesecloth in a large strainer over a pot of boiling water to moisten the herbs, and place on the skin for 20-30 minutes covered by a warmed towel.

1) Gather a large handful of the fresh flowering tops and spread them between two double layers of cheescloth folded over to be a little larger than the size of the skin to which the poultice will be applied;

2) Place the cheesecloth on a countertop or cutting board and use a rolling pin or wine bottle to crush the flowers into a moist mash. If the plant material isn't wet enough, add a few drops of hot water;

3) Fold in the sides of the cheesecloth and place the poultice over the injury, covering it with a moist warm towel until cool (20-30 minutes);

4) Reuse this poultice every 2-4 hours as needed for one day before discarding.

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Clean all cuts, abrasions, or bites with warm water and soap before adding a poultice to promote healing. Cuts for which the skin doesn't stay together need to be held closed with a butterfly bandaid or stitches before poulticing.

PLANTS FOR FEMALE PROBLEMS

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In late February it's calving season out on the Greenbrier Valley grasslands. We don't have such predictable reproductive cycles except nine months after the lights go out. Still, nature provides plants to help both bovine and human hormonal issues.

Black cohosh

Black cohosh root (Actaea racemosa) helps menopausal symptoms and joint pain. Dig the large root in the fall when it's tall flower stalk is still visible to avoid confusion with toxic white baneberry (Actaea alba) which has similar foliage but a short flower stalk. Other estrogen promoting plants are red clover (Trifolium pratense)and evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis).

Wild yam root (Dioscorea villosa, D. quaternata) helps menstrual irregularities and muscle cramps. Young plants have three or more heart shaped leaves in a radial whirl before vining out. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is another progesterone promoting plant but also helps to tone the uterus, making it helpful for many female problems.

Wild yam (Dioscorea quaternata)

HERBALIST'S NOTE: Be sure to scrub and chop the roots of black cohosh and wild yam soon after digging. They become rock hard with drying, making it difficult to expose the flesh to alcohol with tincturing.

TINTURE FORMULA'S FOR FEMALE PROBLEMS

(adapted from Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press 2003)

Dysmenorrhea:

black cohosh - 1 part
wild yam - 1 part
black haw (Viburnum opulus) - 1 part

Endometriosis

chasteberry - 2 parts
black cohosh - 1 part
skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) - 1 part
wild yam - 1 part

Fibroids:

blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) - 2 parts
periwinkle (Vinca major) - 2 parts
black cohosh - 1 part
chasteberry - 1 part
cleavers (Galium aparine) - 1 part
wild yam - 1 part

Menopause:

chasteberry - 2 parts
black cohosh - 1 part
St. John's wort - 1 part

Dried chasteberries for infusion or tincturing

DOCTOR'S NOTE: Avoid estrogen promoting herbs (black cohosh, red clover, evening primrose oil) with a history of estrogen sensitive breast cancer.