Tincture Making 101

Way back when butter was churned and clothes were sewn by hand conveniences like Wal-greens ,medical clinics and an abundance of medicine choices were non-existent. People relied on nature to provide them with various plants,herbs,barks,flowers, and seeds that could be used by herbalist or regular people to create medicines to treat different ailments. One such way they would make medicines, was to make herbal tinctures. Herbal tinctures are a mixture of different herbs and an alcohol such as, vodka or gin. You also can mix your herbs with vinegar if alcohol doesn't suit your fancy.

Are herbal tinctures safe?

Herbs usually can be found in a number of teas that are sold at your local grocery store ,but with any plant you must know what it is before you try and consume it. Another factor to consider with herbal tinctures is that herbs increase potency with time so a few drops when you need it goes a long way instead of downing the whole bottle.

Where can I buy herbal tinctures?

If you are not ready to venture out in the herbal world and make your own bottles of tinctures then your in luck.  Herbal tinctures are still being manufactured and sold in a number of different alternative health food stores around the country. However,  the ones sold in stores do not contain any alcohol and aren't as strong.

This is a couple of tincture recipe that we tried a couple of weeks ago.

This is our hops (fyi Hops is used to make beer so your already drinking an herb!) and ginseng root .

Tincture Recipes

Deep Sleep Tincture  ( this is one of the ones we made)
A natural remedy for you insomniacs with love

• 1 part valerian root
• 1/2 part hops
• 1/4 part lavender 
• 80 proof alcohol (vodka or gin will do)

To make the tincture

1. chop the herbs really well ,Place the finely chopped herbs in a clean glass jar.
2. Pour enough alcohol over  the herbs to cover them by 2-3 inches, and then seal the jar with a secure lid. If the alcohol amount decreases over the course of 2 days, you may add more alcohol to the jar and then reseal.
3.Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and let the herbs soak for 4-6 weeks.
4. Strain the herbs from the liquid. Pour the liquid into a clean dark colored jar and store. Alcohol based herbs will keep for many years.

To use

-Take 1 teaspoon an hour or so before bed and another right at bedtime. You may dilute the solution with juice or water.

Now you tell us. What are some herbal remedies that you use at home?

How to:Herbal Facial Steam Recipe

Herbal aromatherapy facial steams (also known as facial saunas) is one of the oldest methods for naturally  cleansing and removing dirt from pores. Cleopatra used hot stones for her body , including her face, and she was known for her love of essential oils. Facial steams were also used as a remedy for alleviating sinus pain and congestion .Using facial steams is a great way to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin.

Steam recipe for dry to normal skin
1.Bring 2 to 3 quarts of water to a boil
2.Add 3 parts comfrey leaf, 2 parts calendula , 2 parts chamomile , 2 parts rose oil or roses , and 1 part lavender
3. Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl no closer than 12 inches to the bowl.You can come out occasionally to breathe in cool air. Steam for 5 to 8 minutes.

Remember to relax and inhale all the herbal goodness.

Warning
Be extra careful when handling boiling water,and never place your face closer than 12 inches to a bowl of steaming water. Also ,be sure to remove any make-up before giving yourself a facial steam.

We used rose oil instead of roses

Now remember never get to close to a bowl of steam!

Homemade, natural toothpaste

Here is something to smile about:

The National Research Council stated: "it is apparent that this chemical has the ability to interfere with the functions of the brain and the body by direct and indirect means." At Harvard University, researchers identified a link between this chemical and bone cancer. Would you inject this toxin willingly? Well, the truth is that you probably do twice each day. This is Fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste. Mucus membranes (such as the inside of your mouth) are very permeable, so even if you do not swallow the toothpaste it is still getting absorbed into the bloodstream.

Luckily there are options other than toxin laced toothpaste. Tom's (a company specializing in natural products) offers fluoride free toothpaste, but a 5 ounce tube will cost you around 5 dollars. You can make your own natural toothpaste for about 75 cents for a 5 ounce supply. Natural toothpaste is simple to make by using very few ingredients. Keep your set of chompers sparkling with these recipes.

  Step 1 Spoon a few tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl.

Step 2 Use a dropper to insert 10 drops of wintergreen and

 3 drops clove essential oil onto the baking soda.

Step 3 Mix and add a few drops of water until the mixture

has a creamy, pasty texture.

Step 4 Put some onto your toothbrush and brush as usual.

You may even follow up with this natural antiseptic mouth wash.

Step 1 Boil 1 cup of water, 4 tablespoons lavender buds,

and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Step 2 Allow to cool. Strain out herbs.

Step 3 Use the mixture to gargle and rinse mouth as usual.

 

These recipes are so simple they will take your (minty) breath away!

  

Resources
http://www.naturalnews.com/030123_fluoride_babies.html