The remedial properties of plants are better harnessed in different ways. Some forms are more convenient than others. Some are more effective. Tablets, though convenient to buy and swallow, may not transfer all the benefits of the remedy, due to dissolving time. Powders are easy to take, but can lose their effectiveness if not properly stored. I will be addressing tinctures.
You can prepare your own tinctures at home, or purchase them from your health practitioner, or at a health food store. Be certain you understand the purpose of whatever herbal tincture you choose.
This is how to prepare your own tincture:
1. Tinctures are standardly composed of 1 part dried herbal substance to 3 parts alchohol solution. This is because alchohol can best absorb possibly water-insoluble elements of the plant. Put the chopped herb material (can consist of flowers, buds, leaves, roots, seeds, etc. as these different plant components have different qualities present) in a clean glass jar (the lidded kind) and stir in the alchohol. Every four ounces of herbs requires 1 cup of alchohol (preferably organic vodka. The strength of the alchohol keeps the material from decaying.) Stir until all the plant matter is covered. Seal the jar.
2. For the next ten days, take a few minutes to shake or stir the liquid.
3. When the ten days are up, strain the liquid into a clean glass bottle (plastic will leach into the tincture) and seal. Label it accordingly.
Your tincture is shelf-stable for at least three years. It is highly concentrated, and thus effective in tiny amounts. The most effective way to take a tincture orally is by putting the drops under your tongue. It will quickly absorb into your blood stream. Unfortunately, tinctures are not prized for their flavor - but they are worth the few seconds of bitter taste.
For more information on herbal tinctures and remedies, Eyewitness Companions has a comprehensive book on the subject, creatively labeled "Herbal Remedies".
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Really? That's how it's done? What do you call it when you're boiling the medicinal object in water? It's not tea, because you boil it for longer.
ReplyDeleteAlso, what herbs would you suggest for a small herb garden? We'll have some room in ours after the things needed for cooking. I can give you some of them, just let me know what herbs are most commonly needed. Particularly for joint pain. :/
That is what is referred to as a decoction. These are made with tougher plant parts than you would typically use when making tea; roots, bark, and berries as opposed to leaves. Unlike tea, you simmer this for twenty minutes, with the plant material in the water, as opposed to steeping after having boiled the water. The trouble with decoctions is the inability to extract water insoluble constituents of the plant matter. Like tea, when you consume your decoction, you can add honey for flavoring purposes, as the taste can be quite unpleasant.
ReplyDeleteAs to joint pain, excellent remedies for that include Devil’s Claw, Boswellia, Willow Bark, Celery Seed, Lavender, and Ginger.
The only ones I suggest you attempt cultivating are the celery seed, lavender, and ginger. Ginger requires very little water and can be grown in a pot. For more comprehensive info on growing ginger, this is a helpful link: http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/ginger3.html.
Celery seed is much more conveniently obtained by purchase. It is available at most grocery stores as a seasoning.
Devil’s Claw grows in semi-desert conditions in southern Africa, which is why I don’t suggest you trying to garden it. However, you may want to purchase some, in which case, it is best taken as a tablet. Here, the best dosage is recommended on the label.
Boswellia is native to India, so I suggest purchasing it in tablet form. With this, rely on the manufacturer’s dosage.
Willow Bark, being the bark of a tree, is somewhat hard to grow in a garden; however, as it is the herbal equivalent of aspirin, it is well worth considering purchasing. It is best taken as a tincture, capsule, or infusion. Do not take this if you have an allergy to aspirin. The adult dosage for this is 5-15g a day, or a maximum of 100g (3.5oz)
Lavender is excellent as it can be applied directly to the sore area and massaged in for relief. Also, the relaxing properties thereof will be beneficial in relieving any pain. For joint pain, I suggest only taking this topically.
Ginger root is an anti-inflammatory, though relatively large doses are needed for this purpose. The fresh root adult dosage is 2-4g a day, or a maximum of 30g a week. The adult dried root dosage is 1-2g a day, or a maximum of 15g (1/2oz.) per week.
Rosemary is excellent for growing in an herb garden. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates circulation (thus relieving headaches, low energy, and many other problems associated with low oxygen.), and works as a digestive tonic. Also, in the form of an infusion, rosemary acts as hair conditioner. It is best used as an infusion, a topical essential oil, or a tincture. The adult dosage for rosemary is 2-4g a day, or a maximum of 30g a week.
Garlic is an amazing cure-all. It works as an antibiotic, a blood thinner, and assists helpful intestinal flora (which are essential to digestion). It is an excellent cure for respiratory infections of all kinds (cold, flu, sore throat, cough, bronchitis). It is also acknowledged as a cancer preventative. It is best taken fresh and raw, as a tablet or capsule, or an oil which you can make yourself. You need 4 large cloves and 3 tbsp. of organic olive oil. Either dice finely or crush the garlic cloves, and heat them in a pot with the olive oil at a low heat until it begins to simmer. Then simmer for 2 minutes, stirring all the while. Store the strained oil in a labeled glass jar. (Do not strain until completely cooled!) This has a shelf life of about one year. Garlic will grow well in your garden, or, if you prefer, in a pot. Here is more about growing garlic: http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-growing.html.
Another good remedy is Arnica oil, meant to be used topically. Apply it to the sore area for relief.
For more information on these remedies, Eyewitness Companions “Herbal Remedies” is a comprehensive guide, and has helped me greatly in my response to you. I hope this is helpful!