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What is an herbal tincture?

On March 2, 2012, in Herbal Preparations, Tinctures, by admin
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An herbal tincture is a liquid extract of a particular herb, or combination of herbs, most commonly made in an alcohol such as 151 proof Rum, or a similar consumable commercial alcohol.

Another type of tincture is made with glycerin, instead of alcohol, and will be talked about later. For people who have problems with alcohol as an ingredient, please consider a glycerin tincture instead. Also, tinctures made with distilled water or white vinegar, may be used in some instances.

Herbal Tincture

Alcohol tinctures are preferred as many constituents in the herbs may not be water-soluble, and may not become infused into a water based tincture. Alcohol on the other hand will break down and collect many of the beneficial properties, and capture them for use.

By extracting the medical properties of the herbs into the alcohol, the user then has a convenient way to use their favorite herbal remedy, even while away from home.

Many herbal tinctures may be made and stored in brown glass bottles with droppers, so that you may carry them with you, and take a few drops of herbal remedy wherever you happen to be.

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Valeriana officinalis

Valeriana officinalis: common valerian (valerian root)

On February 14, 2012, in Healing Herbs, by admin
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Valeriana officinalis (v. officinalis):

Valeriana officinalis, or common valerian, is part of the valeriana genus of over 150 species of perennials. Valerian is a very nice looking plant, with dense clusters of small, white-pink flowers and grows up to 5 feet tall in zones 4-7, nearly world-wide.

The small flowers of the valerian plant are said to have a very strong scent, with a musty undertone that attracts cats (and possibly rats), due in part to a compound called “actinidine”, which is found in the essential oils of valeriana officinalis.

The flavor of all usable parts of valeriana officinalis is described as extremely bitter, requiring the use of a sweetener when taken by tea or infusion.

 Growing Valeriana officinalis/valerian root:

V. officinalis is an easy to grow plant, which requires only moderate attention through the growing season, and may even be grown in containers. It likes to be grown in full-sun, but partial shade will not hurt this herb much, and when planted in a nutrient-rich, well-drained soil, valeriana officinalis will thrive.

Continue reading: Valeriana officinalis: common valerian (valerian root).
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How to make an herbal infusion

On February 13, 2012, in Healing Herbs, by admin
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Herbal infusions are a very common way to treat many conditions at home. As easy to make as an herbal tea, an infusion can be whipped up without much experience, or trouble.

An herbal infusion is a lot like making an herbal tea, with the exception that you steep an infusion longer than a tea, and may use it a little differently too.

Make an herbal infusion:

To make an herbal infusion, first measure out 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, or 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs and place them into your infuser ball or re-usable tea bag. You may also place them directly into your tea-pot for steeping, and filter the herbs out afterwards. Pour hot (almost boiling) water over the herbs, into your tea-pot or infusion pot. Cover and steep your herbs for 20 minutes to make an herbal infusion.

Herbal infusions should be made in small, 1 or 2 day batches, and used while still fresh. Most infusions will last for 3 days when put in the refrigerator, but you will have the best taste and results with a fresh made herbal infusion.

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How to make an herbal tea

On January 31, 2012, in Cooking Herbs, Healing Herbs, by admin
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Making herbal tea is both easy, and fun to do and with a little imagination, you can whip up an arsenal of favorite herbal tea recipes that will have you and all your friends loving your new glass tea-pot.

Herbal teas have been around for possibly as long as time, but certainly since 2737 B.C., it’s first known recorded use by Shennong, who is also known as the “Father of Chinese Medicine”.

Herbal teas can be used as a tasty and refreshing beverage, or medicinally, to help cure/treat many different conditions and symptoms. Over the last 5,000 years or so, there have been many different herbal teas developed for different herbal and medicinal needs.

If you want to start making herbal tea at home, you will need to pick up a few tools of the trade to get you going. If you don’t already have them laying around, you can pick up everything you need on the internet, or your local herb and health food store. Starwest Botanicals has a great line of herbs, botanicals, and accessories for making great tasting tea at home.

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damiana2

Damiana Herb Plant – Turnera diffusa, Mexican Damiana

On January 7, 2012, in Uncategorized, by admin
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Damiana is a fairly well known herb that goes by many other names. Turnera diffusa, turnera aphrodisia, Mexican damiana, Mexican holly, and damina are all known aliases for this small shrub, that grows naturally in the U.S. in S.W. Texas. Damiana is also found throughout parts of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Damiana belongs to the family of plants called “Passifloraceae” which includes over 500 tropical species of trees, shrubs and “climbing plants”.

Damiana has been described as a small shrub, with little yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer, before producing small fruits that many people say have a delicious “fig-like” taste.

The dried and fresh leaves of the damiana plant are used herbally/medically, for a long list of treatments. It is said, that damiana is a natural aphrodisiac, for both men and women, making it a great herb for lovers.

The effects of using Damiana are said to be relaxing to the body/mind, yet stimulating to the libido. A compound in Damiana called “damianin” is said to have very relaxing effect on the CNS (central nervous system).

Continue reading: Damiana Herb Plant – Turnera diffusa, Mexican Damiana.
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cannabis herb plant

Herbal healing and cannabis use as a natural herbal medicine

On December 28, 2011, in Healing Herbs, Intoxicating Herbs, Mojo Herbs, by admin
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Herbology, or herbalism, is a form of medicine based on the use of plants and plant extracts to heal and treat the human body. Herbalism goes by many names, including; herbal healing, herbology, folk medicine, phytotherapy, herblore, botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine and many other nicknames that all mean healing with herbs and plants that contain medically beneficial effects.

Many plants  produce natural compounds that they use to defend themselves from predators in the wild. Some of these compounds are known to have health benefits when used by people and animals in a medical fashion. These natural compounds are often used by us humans to treat illnesses and disease and have been for many years.

Some natural compounds produced by medical plants react with the human body by binding to molecules that act as (and asre known as) receptors, such as the CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the human brain and immune system, which are known as cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors in the human body serve 2 main purposes. These are to react with the natural “endocannabinoids” produced by the human body, and to react with the “cannabinoids” produced by the cannabis/marijuana plant. Many plant compounds are thought to react with receptors in the human body in a similar fashion to cannabis and the cannabinoid receptors.

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Feverfew herb plant: chrysanthemum parthenium

Feverfew: Chrysanthemum Parthenium herbaceous perennial garden herb

On December 5, 2011, in Healing Herbs, by admin
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Feverfew: Chrysanthemum Parthenium

Feverfew is a perennial that grows to about 18-24″ tall, with white and gold flowers that resemble daisies.

Feverfew has many uses including medical, dietary, and ornamental. Feverfew is also said to have insect repelling properties, making it a great addition to any herb harden.

The leaves of the feverfew plant, contain a compound known as “parthenolide”, which has many medical qualities and uses. Due to the ability to mimic a “cortisone” type effect, feverfew may be able to treat many conditions when used properly.

Growing feverfew is said to be very easy, as it self-sows once planted, and will easily spread naturally if you let it.

By starting your seeds indoors, about 8 weeks before the last frost in your area, and then moving them outside a week or 2 after the last frost, you will increase your sucess at growing feverfew greatly.

Feverfew is resistant to many pests, but may be bothered by aphids, snails, and black-flies in some areas.

Continue reading: Feverfew: Chrysanthemum Parthenium herbaceous perennial garden herb.
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Herbal Headache Remedies: using healing herbs to cure headache pain

On December 2, 2011, in Healing Herbs, by admin
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Herbal Headache Remedies using Healing Herbs

No doubt, we have all had a headache at one time or another. Headaches are just a part of daily life, right?
Well, the good news is – you can help reduce, or even eliminate your headaches or migraines, naturally – with healing herbs.

~ Headache remedies ~

Let’s take a look at what may be causing your headaches in the first place and see what we can do about preventing them from occurring. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention….

Common Headache Causes:

  • Tension
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of Sleep
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Hormone Irregularity
  • Food re-action

Of course these are not the only reasons for getting a headache, but they are some of the most common, and easily treatable causes of headaches.

Continue reading: Herbal Headache Remedies: using healing herbs to cure headache pain.
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Sweet Basil - Ocimum Basilicum

Sweet Basil – Ocimum basilicum

On September 12, 2011, in Cooking Herbs, Healing Herbs, by admin
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Sweet Basil, or ocimum basilicum, is a great healing herb as well as a tasty herb used in kitchens all over the world. Often described as having a spicy, yet sweet, peppery and minty flavor and aroma, sweet basil is a great all around herb to have on hand.

We have all heard of Sweet Basil, but there may be a lot of information you have never heard about the many uses of sweet basil in the kitchen and the herbal medicine cabinet.

Sweet basil is a fairly easy to grow herb, that many organic herb gardeners just love to grow. With many varieties of basil on the market, it shouldn’t be too hard to find your favorite variety and begin growing this great medicinal herb, in the next growing season.

 Growing Sweet Basil:

Sweet basil (ocimum basilicum) is an annual herb, that usually grows to between 1 and 2 feet tall, with small spiked-looking flowers that are usually white, pink or purple.

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anise hyssop herb plant

Anise Hyssop: agastache foeniculum

On August 19, 2011, in Cooking Herbs, Healing Herbs, by admin
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Anise Hyssop, also called agastache foeniculum in the herbal world, is a perennial herb that grows to 3-4 feet tall in some areas. Grown best in zones 4 through 9, Anise Hyssop is easy to grow since it is self seeding. This means you can plant it once and it will grow back again and again.

Growing Anise hyssop is fairly easy. Just plant Anise Hyssop seeds directly into the soil, about a foot apart, just around a week before the last frost in your area. Anise hyssop will thrive in direct sunlight, but since it is fairly tall it is usually grown in the rear of an herb garden.

The flowers of the Anise Hyssop plant bloom from mid summer to fall and are described as a purple-blue or lavender colour and are edible. They have a licorice flavor and scent that many people love. The leaves of the Anise Hyssop plant are toothy edged, spade shaped leaves that look a lot like leaves from plants of the “mint” variety.

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