HERBS TO TINCTURE

When using herbs to help maintain the health of your family you won't need to have a large number of herbs on hand for general use. Some of the most commonly used herbs are listed here as a basic starting point. These herbs are mild in action and non-toxic. Add less commonly used herbal tinctures to your medicine chest when you know they will be useful to you. BURDOCK ROOT (Arctium lappa) - Burdock aids liver function, purifies blood, and is antiseptic. It is effective in treating systemic skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and dandruff. Burdock is also useful for arthritic conditions, rheumatism, and many types of infections. It is the primary ingredient in ESSIAC TEA, a Native American cancer formula. Burdock root is commonly eaten as food among the Chinese. The boiled roots, called gobo, have a mild flavor similar to potatoes.

Dosage for tincture is 1/2 teaspoon 3-4 times a day.DONG QUAI ROOT (Angelica sinensis) - Dong quai is a tonic herb rich in minerals and iron and is an excellent remedy for many gynecological problems. Many women have found dong quai to be useful in treating P.M.S. and symptoms of menopause. Dong quai is a uterine tonic and hormonal regulator. It is a specific for menstrual cramps, irregularity, dysmenorrhea, and delayed or absent menstrual cycles. Dong quai can stimulate bleeding and is not recommended for use during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

Dong Quai also acts as a blood purifier and antispasmodic, useful for treating heart palpitations, insomnia and cramps.

Dosage of dong quai tincture is 1/4 teaspoon twice a day.DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) - Dandelion root stimulates and aids the liver in the elimination of toxins from the blood. Use dandelion for liver disorders, and gall bladder problem. The liver is responsible for so many functions important to good health, such as filtering the blood of toxins, regulating and normalizing hormone production, and metabolism of fats, cholesterol and enzymes. Dandelions action upon the liver makes it useful for treating a large number of ailments. Dandelion is useful for P.M.S., menopause, hypoglycemia, recent onset diabetes, high blood pressure and digestive disturbances. You can use dandelion root on a regular basis for cleansing and toning the liver.

Dandelion leaf is one of our best diuretic herbs because it contains large amounts of potassium which is lost when the kidneys are stimulated by diuretics. Use for treating water retention due to heart problems or P.M.S.

Dandelion leaves are also a wonderful spring green. They can be eaten freshly steamed or marinated. Dandelion greens are very rich in vitamin A, potassium and minerals.

Dosage for dandelion tincture is 1/2 teaspoon 3-4 times per day for the root or leaf. There is no known toxicity so you can eat as much as you like of the greens.ECHINACEA - ( Echinacea purpurea or E. angustifolia ) This herb is the most widely consumed herb in the world today. It is used internally to activate the immune system when fighting colds and flu, or almost any type of infection. You can use echinacea tincture whenever you feel your body is fighting an ailment. In Germany, studies have shown that echinacea has also been found to be useful for some arthritic diseases, certain cancers as well as many viral and bacterial infections.

The root is the most powerful part of the plant. Two species, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia, are commonly used. Both species are powerful, but it is best to choose E. purpurea because it is the most abundant species. E. angustifolia is becoming rare in the wild. Many people cultivate echinacea in their gardens, commonly known as Purple Coneflower. To avoid further depletion of wild echinacea plants, try to buy only cultivated plants or grow your own.

Dosage for echinacea tincture is 1/2 teaspoon every 2 hours for acute conditions and 3 times per day for chronic conditions.

HAWTHORNE (Crataegus oxyacantha) - Hawthorne berries are a circulatory system tonic useful for treating both high and low blood pressure, palpitations and arteriosclerosis. Hawthorne is also effective in relieving insomnia. For a synergistic cardiac tonic blend combines equal parts of hawthorne berries and motherwort herb. Motherwort has properties similar to hawthorne.

Dosage for hawthorne tincture is 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon 3 times per day.

NETTLES (Urtica urens) - Nettles are rich in minerals, vitamins, and chlorophyll. The new shoots are eaten lightly steamed in the spring. They contain the indole histamine which makes them useful for allergies and asthma. Nettles are a tonic and general detoxifying remedy for the whole body, primarily for the lungs, stomach and urinary systems. Use nettles for allergies, asthma, eczema, urinary complaints and arthritic and rheumatic problems. Nettle root is used for benign prostate enlargement.

Nettles offer the most benefit if they are tinctured using the fresh herb. With careful attention and a firm grasp you can pick nettles without getting stung, or wear long sleeves and gloves. Nettles lose their sting when they are dried.

Dosage of nettle tincture is 10 - 30 drops 3 times per day.

USNEA (Usnea barbata) - Usnea is an herbal antibiotic useful for treating respiratory infections, colds & flu, urinary tract infections, bacterial infections and fungal infections. Usnea inhibits the growth of staphylococcus, streptococcus and pneumonococcus. At the onset of an illness I use a combination of echinacea and usnea. I have had great results using this herb and would not be without it. The active ingredient in usnea does not dissolve well in water so the tinctured form is more effective than tea.

Dosage for usnea tincture is 1/2 teaspoon 3 - 4 times per day.

VALERIAN ( Valeriana officinalis ) - Valerian is sedative and antispasmodic useful for insomnia, nervousness, pains and the symptoms of stress. It has a strong odor and taste that is disagreeable to many but its effectiveness makes it a worthwhile herb to have in your medicine chest. Tincture valerian alone or combine with skullcap, hops, and passion flower for a synergistic combination.

You can grow valerian in your garden for your own supply of fresh root. The odor of the fresh root is not as disagreeable as the dried root.

Dosage for valerian tincture is 10 drops to 1 teaspoon three times a day, or as needed.Tincture of Hawthorn with Rose and Calendula petals -

Hawthorn is popular with herbalists around the world as an excellent choice to promote healthy heart and circulation. According to modern clinical research bioactive ingredients of Hawthorn help improve the tonus of blood vessels and strengthen the contraction of heart muscles. Rose and Calendula are traditionally used to support healthy circulation and stimulate natural resistance to cold and flu.Tincture of Mullein, Lungwort, Thyme and Licorice root -

Promotes healthy respiratory functions and reduces the irritability of bronchial passages. Mullein is traditionally used to help improve lung functions, relieve dry cough and soothe the irritation of the bronchi-alveolar passages. Lungwort and Licorice have expectorant, anti-inflammatory action and support soothing effect. Thyme helps combat infections of the upper respiratory tract. Four herbs together provide valuable support for healthy respiratory system. Tincture of Elecampane & Marshmallow root with Oregano, Mullein & Eucalyptus -

The tincture combines herbs with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to help combat the infections of the upper respiratory tract, cold and flu. Elecampane promotes healthy throat and lungs and was used by Ancient Greeks to impart the "healing" qualities to a grape wine. Marshmallow root and Mullein leaf are traditional ingredients of pectoral herbal medicines with soothing action on irritated throat and bronchial passages. Tincture of Valerian root with Passion flower, Lemon Balm and Marjoram -

Helps relieve anxiety, supports natural sleep. Valerian Root helps reduce excessive anxiety, restlessness and facilitates natural sleep. In medieval Europe it was called "all-heal" and it's potency was considered unsurpassed. Passion flower promote anxiolytic and stress- relieving action. Lemon Balm and Marjoram produce help achieve similar effects and are combined to produce potent tincture with anti-anxiety and sedative action. Tincture of Schisandra berries with Eleuthero root (Siberian Ginseng) & Rose hips -

The tincture helps resist fatigue and exhaustion, maintain ability to concentrate and stay mentally alert. Schisandra berries and Eleuthero root (Siberian Ginseng) were used for centuries to strengthen body’s reactivity and endurance. Rose hips, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, help sustain the stimulatory effect.

Echinacea stimulates the immune system, promotes healing since it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Great for slow healing wounds, upper respiratory tract infections and venereal disease, boils, fungal infections and abscesses. Can also be used externally for herpes, acne, psoriasis and infected injuries.

Ingredients: Echinacea, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

Gingko Biloba dilates the bronchial tube and blood vessels, controls allergic responses, stimulates circulation for Raynaud's disease, varicose veins, and urinary incontinence. Also increases mental alertness, vitality, and energy levels

Ingredients: Gingko Biloba leaves, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

Goldenseal is a blood purifier, natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatatory for nasal passages, throat, bronchial tubes, bladder, teeth and gums, increases activity of white blood cells. Can be used externally for eczema, vaginal infections, ear inflammations, tennis elbow, pleurisy, whiplash injuries, boils and ulcers.

Ingredients: Goldenseal root, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

Lobelia is one of the most powerful herbs for asthma, brochitis, and cirrhosis, jaundice, edema, stomach cancer, eczema and snakebite with depressed respiration. The best herb for relieving leg cramps or muscle spasms.

Ingredients: Lobelia root and leaves, Apple cider vinegar, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

Milk Thistle is a tonic herb that regenerates and detoxifies the liver, stimulates bile flow and relaxes spasms. Especially good for the gall bladder, jaundice, cirrhosis, hepatitis and poisoning by alcohol, drugs and chemicals.

Ingredients: Milk thistle seed, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

Plantain is great for diarrhea, bronchitis, cystitis, hay fever, ear infections and gastric ulcers. Can be used externally for insect bites, eye inflammations, shingles, hemorrhoids and varicose ulcers.

Ingredients: Plantain leaves, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

Red Clover had anticarcinogenic properties, natural blood thinner and purifier, dissolves blood clots. Excellent for psoriasis and eczema, gout, dry coughs and chronic degenerative diseases.

Ingredients: Red Clover blossoms, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

Saw Palmetto provides nutritional support for prostate, shrinks enlarged prostate naturally and treats impotence. Has anticancer properties.

Ingredients: Saw Palmetto berries, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

St. Johnswort is good for relieving anxiety, nervous tension, P.M.S. symptoms, shingles, sciatica, fibrositis and cramps. Can also be used for burns, deep painful wounds, sores, sprains and tennis elbow externally. Promotes restful sleep.

Ingredients: St. Johnswort leaves, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

Wild American Ginseng stimulates and relaxes the nervous system, encourages the secretion of hormones, builds and strengthens sexual organs, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, increases resistance to disease. Excellent for stress, shock or chronic illness and insomnia, coronary heart disease and angina. Should not be taken for more than 3 weeks at a time.

Ingredients: Wild American Ginseng root, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Maple Syrup

This is only a few of what you can learn regarding this subject

Gathering Herbs for Tinctures.

With a little effort you can find many useful herbs for tincturing growing near your home. If you want to obtain your herbs this way you will need to pay attention to these plants so that you can harvest them at the appropriate time.

The general rule is to harvest the above ground portions of the plant when it is flowering and harvest roots when the above ground portions begin to die back. You can find many useful herbs growing near your home. Perhaps in your lawn, a meadow, or in a wooded area.

If the herb is growing in an area that is free from chemical contamination then it is safe to harvest some for your own use. Avoid harvesting from fields that may have been sprayed with pesticides and from harvesting along roadways where the plants absorb pollutants released from cars.

Please honor the ethical wildcrafting guidelines. It is not difficult for us to severely threaten a plant species due to over- harvesting. We see this with many herbs that are valuable to us such as ginseng, echinacea and goldenseal.

If you choose to collect your own herbs, remember to show appreciation for these healing gifts the earth provides to us and collect in a way that helps the plants to reproduce and flourish in their natural environments.