Winter Remedies With Summer Herbs
Featured Articl
“Fall Back” in Autumn alludes not only to the clock, but also to your Family HERBAL Medicine Cabinet.
Fall back to Summer and take stock of the HERBS you have gathered throughout the season. Now is the time to spring ahead for Winter’s Woes by getting your Winter Remedy Cabinet prepared. You can still gather many of the HERBS you will need to prepare HERB teas, tinctures, salves, lozenges, candies, and infused oils.
I am sitting here talking with my husband about the illnesses we experience in Winter. Although we may read about Winter ailments, we seldom sit together and discuss them beforehand. Many of these ailments recur each Winter without fail. See if you find yourself and your family in this situation, and look to HERBS to remedy your conditions.
The most striking thing about Winter (besides the weather) is the long nights and short days. Our body clocks are ticking out of sync. We become sluggish, slow, and less energetic. The YIN of us compels the involution of nature’s forces (saving warmth), contraction of energies (in muscles and internal organs), and storage of resources (immunities). We suffer from effects of the cold with: Sedimentary (damp) problems like constipation, hemorrhoids and other varicosities, swelling of legs and feet, back pain, and frequent urination; and Sudden (wind) problems such as those of cold hands and feet, stiff muscles, chapped skin-especially around the nail-beds, colds with congestion and/or runny nose, sore throat, bronchitis and flu. If you suffer from Winter ailments on a regular basis, you can prepare for these in Late Summer by eating nourishing foods and supplementing your diet with HERBS that uplift and support the stomach and spleen. You may have harvested or know where to harvest many of the HERBS we will mention here. If so, you are ready to begin to formulate your Family HERB Remedy Chest.
It is exciting to know that you can provide remedials like this for your family; and it is rewarding to realize that you can manage this feasibly in the present economy.
With few exceptions, you can find the following HERBS in your garden, or growing freely in field and forest or near water. Do not harvest more than one of three HERBS in a group and do not harvest closer than 25 feet from a road, or where you know chemicals have been used.
Burdock, Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey, Dandelion, Dill, Echinacea, Elder, Fennel, Garlic, Goldenrod, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Mullein, Parsley, Plantain, Rosemary, Sage, St. John’s Wort, Thyme, Witch Hazel, White Willow, and Yarrow.
Let’s talk about these HERBS and how you can stock your Family Remedy Chest:
Burdock [Arctium lappa]: Harvest the tap root of this “pot herb” and use in soups and stews for Winter immunity storage. Gobo, as it is called in Japan, is available fresh in markets. A blood purifier, Burdock is useful for uplifting the liver; clearing skin problems such as acne and psoriasis; and joint inflammations such as rheumatism and arthritis.
Calendula [Calendula officionalis]: Infuse the blossoms in carrier oil such as Almond or Olive for muscle massage and/or wound salve. Calendula is helpful for healing burns, diaper rash, sores, ulcers, varicose veins, chapped dry lips, skin and cuticles, and insect bites. Internally, Calendula has antiseptic properties as a neti-pot flush for problem sinusitis.
Dry blossoms and store in tight container to make a weak tea for use as a flush. Calendula flower tea helps heal digestive tract ulcers and calms gall bladder and lymph gland inflammation.
Chamomile [Matricaria recutia]: Dry the small daisy-like flowers for a tea that eases digestion and calms the nerves. Infuse the blossoms to combine with calendula and comfrey for cream or salve to soothe skin problems such as bites, burns, and wounds.
Comfrey [Symphytum officinale]: Harvest fresh or use dry leaves of this hearty plant for use in poultices and salves. Comfrey is quite helpful for burns, insect bites and stings; and muscular strains, sprains and is a reliable old remedy to heal broken bones.
In fact, large Comfrey leaves can be rolled between two damp pieces of muslin with a rolling pin to express the juice- then used as a poultice for wounds or wrapped around a sprained or strained joint. Very soothing.
Dandelion [Taraxacum officinale]: Harvest the root for use as a liver cleanser – to promote healthy appetite and bowel evacuation. Decoct the root, or add to soup/stew. Dried -or fresh in Spring- Dandelion’s bitter leaf cools the liver and stimulates the kidneys to increase urine flow and relieve fluid retention.
Dill [Anethum graveolens]: Fresh or dried, Dill is used in teas for digestive problems. Dill is the main ingredient in “Gripe Water” for colicky babies.
Echinacea [Echinacea spp.] Because natural sources of Echinacea augustifolia have become depleted, we will talk about the Echinacea purpurea that you may have growing in your own garden. Harvest the leaves, flowers and roots for use in tincture, cream and salve. Use as a tea to spray the throat, or as a mouthwash. Echinacea is immune-stimulating; and as such is quite useful in treating infection, such as colds, influenza, urinary tract infections and skin infections such as boils and impetigo.
Elder [Sambucus nigra]: Elder flowers soften and soothe the skin and help in healing burns and abrasions. Make tincture of Elder berries for adults- syrup or drops for children. Elder is a very effective anti-viral against influenza and cold symptoms. High in vitamin C, it helps guard against capillary fragility- a condition which elevates susceptibility to viral invasion.
Fennel [Foeniculum vulgare] Historically, Fennel seeds are effective for relaxing the digestive tract. Combine with Ginger for a licorice flavored tea or syrup that soothes nausea, bloating/gas, spasms of the colon, and diarrhea in babies and toddlers.
Garlic [Allium sativum]: Because Garlic is warming to the digestive and respiratory tract, it is an important remedial for colds, influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonitis. Eating 2 or 3 cloves of garlic per day, in food is not only tasty, but also helpful during Winter’s health challenges. An interesting and tasty syrup of Garlic is easy to make and store.
Goldenrod [Solidago spp.] Beautiful Goldenrod is harvested for tincture, tea/decoction and capsules. Goldenrod effectively promotes kidney function. It strengthens the prostate gland, and is useful for varicose veins. A syrup of Goldenrod, Ginger, and Echinacea is helpful for colds. As a matter of fact, Goldenrod tea is quite useful for the initial discomfort of a cold or influenza.
Lavender [Lavandula angustifolia]: A member of the mint family, Lavender is tinctured to lift the spirits, is helpful to relax the body for sleep and to relax the stomach for digestion. Lavender is wonderful in the bath. Add Lavender to soothing skin salve.
Lemon Balm [Melissa officinalis]: Lemon Balm is very useful as an anti-viral. In fact, a salve or lip balm is quite effective against cold sore virus; and the cream is effective for treating genital herpes. A strong decoction of Lemon Balm, used as a warm compress, is effective in decreasing herpes ulcer pain and inflammation during an outbreak. Lemon Balm tea can also be used in this way as a sitz bath. Tinctured, Lemon Balm calms the nervous system and is effective for insomnia and tension. Dried, Lemon Balm tea calms the stomach; and is effective combined with soothing remedies like marshmallow and licorice, for ulcers of the digestive tract. Especially for children, the delicious lemony taste and (anti-viral) quality of Lemon Balm tea is very effective for breaking fevers and treating colds and influenza. “Combined with Chamomile, Lemon Balm is great for calming whining, crying, colicky, or teething children.” [Leslie Tierra]
Mint [Mentha, spp.]: Mint releases heat from the body, so it is useful for fevers, influenza, and rashes like measles. Dried Mint, Mint Tincture, or Mint essential oil can be added to boiling water and inhaled to relieve the congestion and discomfort of sinusitis and bronchitis. Infused in oil, Peppermint has antiseptic qualities and can be applied to skin eruptions.
Mullein [Verbascum thapsus]: One of the best Winter remedies, Mullein dissolves phlegm and stops cough. Tincture Mullein leaves for use in cough, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Make Mullein flower and garlic infused oil to drop into inflamed and painful Winter ears.
Parsley [Petroselinum, spp.] Although Parsley is seldom thought of for its remedial function; it is an excellent HERB to drain dampness. Parsley seeds can be purchased (they are quite small to harvest.) Parsley leaf and root is decocted to make tea useful as a diuretic for fluid retention. The seed tea dissolves gravel and stones in the urinary tract. The leaf, seed, and root all stimulate digestion and relieve bronchial congestion.
Plantain [Plantago major; P. lanceolata]: Plantain also drains dampness. Internally, the Tea is effective for inflamed tissues of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts. Externally, the (fresh leaves) or the infused carrier oil>salve is wonderful for the pain of insect bites and stings, burns, and cuts.
Rosemary [Rosmarinus officinalis]: Rosemary tea is a good tonic to invigorate the elderly. It can be added to soups and stews as a pot HERB to increase appetite. Rosemary’s antioxidant effects slow aging and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Sage [Salvia officinalis]: Sage has anti-bacterial properties that are useful for inflammations of the skin and respiratory tract. Dried Sage in tea can be used as a gargle or throat spray, for staph and strep infections.
St. John’s Wort [Hypericum perforatum]: St. John’s Wort’s sedative properties calm nerve pain. Internally, the tincture can be used for insomnia and depression.
It is also useful for traumatic injuries involving nerve damage and chronic nerve pain like peripheral neuropathy. Externally, add St. John’s Wort infused oil to your favorite wound salve to help reduce inflammation and pain of burns, bruises, strains and other trauma.
Thyme [Thymus vulgaris] Tincture the leaves and flowers of Thyme to clear congestion and stop cough. Thyme and Mullein tinctures can be blended to stop Winter Woes. Thyme is also effective for children as syrup or lozenges. Thymus is a predominate ingredient in leading mouthwashes. Gargling with tea made from Thyme relieves painful sore throat and alleviates gingivitis.
Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana] Witch Hazel has marvelous astringent (drawing) qualities. For this reason, tincture and salve made with Witch Hazel is very effective for varicosities, especially hemorrhoids. Witch Hazel is also effective (as is carrot soup) for diarrhea. Externally, combine Witch Hazel with Yarrow in infused oil for your Winter Healing Salve to stop the bleeding of cuts. Salve and infused oil of Witch Hazel is also effective for removing skin spots and blemishes.
Willow [Salix alba] Tincture White willow bark for use in conditions that cause pain, inflammation, or fever, such as acute back pain, fever, influenza, joint pain, and osteoarthritis. Willow bark does not appear to irritate the stomach lining -probably because you are not isolating the salicin- as is done in the manufacture of aspirin. Topically, salve made from Willow bark massaged into joints and sore muscles reduces inflammation. As a tincture, Willow bark can also be used like topical rubbing alcohol. It is both astringent and tonic. As a tea, it can be used as a final hair rinse for dandruff and scalp exfoliation. White Willow Bark tea can also be used to tone facial skin.
Yarrow [Achillea millefolium] The“Soldier’s HERB,” Yarrow has been used historically for use in wound care. It stops bleeding, promotes healing, and relieves pain. As a tincture, Yarrow’s bitterness relaxes the spasms of colic, and uterine cramping. Yarrow relaxes the bowel and improves digestion. Topically, Yarrow salve heals burns, bruises, and cuts. Combined with Witch Hazel, Yarrow makes a superb salve for bleeding hemorrhoids.
You may already have prepared HERBAL Remedies and may know that HERBS can be utilized for internal use by tincture (extracted with alcohol); tea or decoction (extracted with water); syrup (heated with water and mixed with sugar, honey, or agave syrup); lozenges (syrup cooked to hard ball stage and dropped onto non-stick paper) candies (herbs mixed with raisins, and dates then molded into balls); or inhalation (steamed herbs.)
Externally, Herbs are utilized in massage (extracted in oil); poultices (crushed or mixed with oil and applied to the skin between layers of cloth); salve (herb oils melted with bees wax) and cream (herb oils mixed with aloe and hydrosols, then whipped.)
Many of the Herbs we mentioned can be combined in salves. You may want to have a “Burn Salve,” a “Wound Salve,” or a “Soothing Salve” for rough skin on elbows, heels, and knees. Experiment and create your own “Family Blend!”
You are so fortunate to be curious about nature
and her “re-solutions!”
Whether you make remedies with fresh or dried HERBS, you will want to be certain that you use healthy practices during your “man-you-facture” so that they last through many seasons. By this, I mean: wash then sterilize all glass in the micro for 2 minutes, and boil lids for 3-5 minutes. Make certain that you always handle your products with clean hands. If you can, devote a dedicated space and keep implements such as measuring spoons and cups, stirring and dipping utensils, funnels, and sieves for only “concoction-action.” Label your finished products with the title, date, batch number, ingredients, and an expiration date if you can. Most tinctures will last up to three years. They will not “go bad” but may decrease in effectiveness. Oils must be kept cool to last up to two months. They will decompose. Most Dried HERBS for teas will last months (a season or two) if you keep them tightly contained. Syrups last up to a year, kept in a cool, dark place. Most syrups are so luscious, that you won’t have a problem with long-time storage. Candies should be stored in the fridg. Store Salves and creams in a cool, dark area, too.
In Winter you should also realize, that while your body clock changes, one of the best ways to combat illness is to adhere to a 24 hour schedule. Going to bed at night and arising in the morning at a relatively consistent time tells your body that you are on schedule. Try not to spend more than an hour at a time in a sedimentary position. That seems difficult in the winter cold, when we yearn to wrap ourselves in fleece and curl around a cup of tea with hot rice socks at our feet!
In conclusion, the HERBS we harvest in Autumn will make a Family Medicine Cabinet stocked with remedies that will be both helpful and healing this Winter. Start small. Remember, many of these remedies will last for years!
Our cabinet could contain the following:
Tinctures:
Burdock Root, Dandelion, Echinacea, Elderberry, Fennel Seed, Goldenrod, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Mullein Leaf, Sage, St. John’s Wort, Thyme, Witch Hazel Bark, Willow and Yarrow.
Candies, Drops, Syrups, Teas / Decoctions and Poultices:
(Many of these single HERBS can be dried or frozen for later use.)
Burdock, Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey, Dandelion, Dill, Echinacea, Elderflowers, Elderberries, Fennel, Garlic, Goldenrod, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Mullein Leaf and Flower, Parsley, Plantain, Rosemary, Sage, St. John’s Wort, Thyme, Witch Hazel Bark, Willow, and Yarrow.
Cream or Salve:
(Many of these HERBS can be infused in carrier oil for later use.)
Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey, Echinacea, Elderflower, Garlic,
Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Mullein, Plantain, St. John’s Wort, Witch Hazel, Willow, and Yarrow.
Prepare your Family Remedy Chest during harvest, and Winter Woes won’t surprise you this year!
“Fall Back” in Autumn alludes not only to the clock, but also to your Family HERBAL Medicine Cabinet.
Fall back to Summer and take stock of the HERBS you have gathered throughout the season. Now is the time to spring ahead for Winter’s Woes by getting your Winter Remedy Cabinet prepared. You can still gather many of the HERBS you will need to prepare HERB teas, tinctures, salves, lozenges, candies, and infused oils.
I am sitting here talking with my husband about the illnesses we experience in Winter. Although we may read about Winter ailments, we seldom sit together and discuss them beforehand. Many of these ailments recur each Winter without fail. See if you find yourself and your family in this situation, and look to HERBS to remedy your conditions.
The most striking thing about Winter (besides the weather) is the long nights and short days. Our body clocks are ticking out of sync. We become sluggish, slow, and less energetic. The YIN of us compels the involution of nature’s forces (saving warmth), contraction of energies (in muscles and internal organs), and storage of resources (immunities). We suffer from effects of the cold with: Sedimentary (damp) problems like constipation, hemorrhoids and other varicosities, swelling of legs and feet, back pain, and frequent urination; and Sudden (wind) problems such as those of cold hands and feet, stiff muscles, chapped skin-especially around the nail-beds, colds with congestion and/or runny nose, sore throat, bronchitis and flu. If you suffer from Winter ailments on a regular basis, you can prepare for these in Late Summer by eating nourishing foods and supplementing your diet with HERBS that uplift and support the stomach and spleen. You may have harvested or know where to harvest many of the HERBS we will mention here. If so, you are ready to begin to formulate your Family HERB Remedy Chest.
It is exciting to know that you can provide remedials like this for your family; and it is rewarding to realize that you can manage this feasibly in the present economy.
With few exceptions, you can find the following HERBS in your garden, or growing freely in field and forest or near water. Do not harvest more than one of three HERBS in a group and do not harvest closer than 25 feet from a road, or where you know chemicals have been used.
Burdock, Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey, Dandelion, Dill, Echinacea, Elder, Fennel, Garlic, Goldenrod, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Mullein, Parsley, Plantain, Rosemary, Sage, St. John’s Wort, Thyme, Witch Hazel, White Willow, and Yarrow.
Let’s talk about these HERBS and how you can stock your Family Remedy Chest:
Burdock [Arctium lappa]: Harvest the tap root of this “pot herb” and use in soups and stews for Winter immunity storage. Gobo, as it is called in Japan, is available fresh in markets. A blood purifier, Burdock is useful for uplifting the liver; clearing skin problems such as acne and psoriasis; and joint inflammations such as rheumatism and arthritis.
Calendula [Calendula officionalis]: Infuse the blossoms in carrier oil such as Almond or Olive for muscle massage and/or wound salve. Calendula is helpful for healing burns, diaper rash, sores, ulcers, varicose veins, chapped dry lips, skin and cuticles, and insect bites. Internally, Calendula has antiseptic properties as a neti-pot flush for problem sinusitis.
Dry blossoms and store in tight container to make a weak tea for use as a flush. Calendula flower tea helps heal digestive tract ulcers and calms gall bladder and lymph gland inflammation.
Chamomile [Matricaria recutia]: Dry the small daisy-like flowers for a tea that eases digestion and calms the nerves. Infuse the blossoms to combine with calendula and comfrey for cream or salve to soothe skin problems such as bites, burns, and wounds.
Comfrey [Symphytum officinale]: Harvest fresh or use dry leaves of this hearty plant for use in poultices and salves. Comfrey is quite helpful for burns, insect bites and stings; and muscular strains, sprains and is a reliable old remedy to heal broken bones.
In fact, large Comfrey leaves can be rolled between two damp pieces of muslin with a rolling pin to express the juice- then used as a poultice for wounds or wrapped around a sprained or strained joint. Very soothing.
Dandelion [Taraxacum officinale]: Harvest the root for use as a liver cleanser – to promote healthy appetite and bowel evacuation. Decoct the root, or add to soup/stew. Dried -or fresh in Spring- Dandelion’s bitter leaf cools the liver and stimulates the kidneys to increase urine flow and relieve fluid retention.
Dill [Anethum graveolens]: Fresh or dried, Dill is used in teas for digestive problems. Dill is the main ingredient in “Gripe Water” for colicky babies.
Echinacea [Echinacea spp.] Because natural sources of Echinacea augustifolia have become depleted, we will talk about the Echinacea purpurea that you may have growing in your own garden. Harvest the leaves, flowers and roots for use in tincture, cream and salve. Use as a tea to spray the throat, or as a mouthwash. Echinacea is immune-stimulating; and as such is quite useful in treating infection, such as colds, influenza, urinary tract infections and skin infections such as boils and impetigo.
Elder [Sambucus nigra]: Elder flowers soften and soothe the skin and help in healing burns and abrasions. Make tincture of Elder berries for adults- syrup or drops for children. Elder is a very effective anti-viral against influenza and cold symptoms. High in vitamin C, it helps guard against capillary fragility- a condition which elevates susceptibility to viral invasion.
Fennel [Foeniculum vulgare] Historically, Fennel seeds are effective for relaxing the digestive tract. Combine with Ginger for a licorice flavored tea or syrup that soothes nausea, bloating/gas, spasms of the colon, and diarrhea in babies and toddlers.
Garlic [Allium sativum]: Because Garlic is warming to the digestive and respiratory tract, it is an important remedial for colds, influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonitis. Eating 2 or 3 cloves of garlic per day, in food is not only tasty, but also helpful during Winter’s health challenges. An interesting and tasty syrup of Garlic is easy to make and store.
Goldenrod [Solidago spp.] Beautiful Goldenrod is harvested for tincture, tea/decoction and capsules. Goldenrod effectively promotes kidney function. It strengthens the prostate gland, and is useful for varicose veins. A syrup of Goldenrod, Ginger, and Echinacea is helpful for colds. As a matter of fact, Goldenrod tea is quite useful for the initial discomfort of a cold or influenza.
Lavender [Lavandula angustifolia]: A member of the mint family, Lavender is tinctured to lift the spirits, is helpful to relax the body for sleep and to relax the stomach for digestion. Lavender is wonderful in the bath. Add Lavender to soothing skin salve.
Lemon Balm [Melissa officinalis]: Lemon Balm is very useful as an anti-viral. In fact, a salve or lip balm is quite effective against cold sore virus; and the cream is effective for treating genital herpes. A strong decoction of Lemon Balm, used as a warm compress, is effective in decreasing herpes ulcer pain and inflammation during an outbreak. Lemon Balm tea can also be used in this way as a sitz bath. Tinctured, Lemon Balm calms the nervous system and is effective for insomnia and tension. Dried, Lemon Balm tea calms the stomach; and is effective combined with soothing remedies like marshmallow and licorice, for ulcers of the digestive tract. Especially for children, the delicious lemony taste and (anti-viral) quality of Lemon Balm tea is very effective for breaking fevers and treating colds and influenza. “Combined with Chamomile, Lemon Balm is great for calming whining, crying, colicky, or teething children.” [Leslie Tierra]
Mint [Mentha, spp.]: Mint releases heat from the body, so it is useful for fevers, influenza, and rashes like measles. Dried Mint, Mint Tincture, or Mint essential oil can be added to boiling water and inhaled to relieve the congestion and discomfort of sinusitis and bronchitis. Infused in oil, Peppermint has antiseptic qualities and can be applied to skin eruptions.
Mullein [Verbascum thapsus]: One of the best Winter remedies, Mullein dissolves phlegm and stops cough. Tincture Mullein leaves for use in cough, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Make Mullein flower and garlic infused oil to drop into inflamed and painful Winter ears.
Parsley [Petroselinum, spp.] Although Parsley is seldom thought of for its remedial function; it is an excellent HERB to drain dampness. Parsley seeds can be purchased (they are quite small to harvest.) Parsley leaf and root is decocted to make tea useful as a diuretic for fluid retention. The seed tea dissolves gravel and stones in the urinary tract. The leaf, seed, and root all stimulate digestion and relieve bronchial congestion.
Plantain [Plantago major; P. lanceolata]: Plantain also drains dampness. Internally, the Tea is effective for inflamed tissues of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts. Externally, the (fresh leaves) or the infused carrier oil>salve is wonderful for the pain of insect bites and stings, burns, and cuts.
Rosemary [Rosmarinus officinalis]: Rosemary tea is a good tonic to invigorate the elderly. It can be added to soups and stews as a pot HERB to increase appetite. Rosemary’s antioxidant effects slow aging and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Sage [Salvia officinalis]: Sage has anti-bacterial properties that are useful for inflammations of the skin and respiratory tract. Dried Sage in tea can be used as a gargle or throat spray, for staph and strep infections.
St. John’s Wort [Hypericum perforatum]: St. John’s Wort’s sedative properties calm nerve pain. Internally, the tincture can be used for insomnia and depression.
It is also useful for traumatic injuries involving nerve damage and chronic nerve pain like peripheral neuropathy. Externally, add St. John’s Wort infused oil to your favorite wound salve to help reduce inflammation and pain of burns, bruises, strains and other trauma.
Thyme [Thymus vulgaris] Tincture the leaves and flowers of Thyme to clear congestion and stop cough. Thyme and Mullein tinctures can be blended to stop Winter Woes. Thyme is also effective for children as syrup or lozenges. Thymus is a predominate ingredient in leading mouthwashes. Gargling with tea made from Thyme relieves painful sore throat and alleviates gingivitis.
Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana] Witch Hazel has marvelous astringent (drawing) qualities. For this reason, tincture and salve made with Witch Hazel is very effective for varicosities, especially hemorrhoids. Witch Hazel is also effective (as is carrot soup) for diarrhea. Externally, combine Witch Hazel with Yarrow in infused oil for your Winter Healing Salve to stop the bleeding of cuts. Salve and infused oil of Witch Hazel is also effective for removing skin spots and blemishes.
Willow [Salix alba] Tincture White willow bark for use in conditions that cause pain, inflammation, or fever, such as acute back pain, fever, influenza, joint pain, and osteoarthritis. Willow bark does not appear to irritate the stomach lining -probably because you are not isolating the salicin- as is done in the manufacture of aspirin. Topically, salve made from Willow bark massaged into joints and sore muscles reduces inflammation. As a tincture, Willow bark can also be used like topical rubbing alcohol. It is both astringent and tonic. As a tea, it can be used as a final hair rinse for dandruff and scalp exfoliation. White Willow Bark tea can also be used to tone facial skin.
Yarrow [Achillea millefolium] The“Soldier’s HERB,” Yarrow has been used historically for use in wound care. It stops bleeding, promotes healing, and relieves pain. As a tincture, Yarrow’s bitterness relaxes the spasms of colic, and uterine cramping. Yarrow relaxes the bowel and improves digestion. Topically, Yarrow salve heals burns, bruises, and cuts. Combined with Witch Hazel, Yarrow makes a superb salve for bleeding hemorrhoids.
You may already have prepared HERBAL Remedies and may know that HERBS can be utilized for internal use by tincture (extracted with alcohol); tea or decoction (extracted with water); syrup (heated with water and mixed with sugar, honey, or agave syrup); lozenges (syrup cooked to hard ball stage and dropped onto non-stick paper) candies (herbs mixed with raisins, and dates then molded into balls); or inhalation (steamed herbs.)
Externally, Herbs are utilized in massage (extracted in oil); poultices (crushed or mixed with oil and applied to the skin between layers of cloth); salve (herb oils melted with bees wax) and cream (herb oils mixed with aloe and hydrosols, then whipped.)
Many of the Herbs we mentioned can be combined in salves. You may want to have a “Burn Salve,” a “Wound Salve,” or a “Soothing Salve” for rough skin on elbows, heels, and knees. Experiment and create your own “Family Blend!”
You are so fortunate to be curious about nature
and her “re-solutions!”
Whether you make remedies with fresh or dried HERBS, you will want to be certain that you use healthy practices during your “man-you-facture” so that they last through many seasons. By this, I mean: wash then sterilize all glass in the micro for 2 minutes, and boil lids for 3-5 minutes. Make certain that you always handle your products with clean hands. If you can, devote a dedicated space and keep implements such as measuring spoons and cups, stirring and dipping utensils, funnels, and sieves for only “concoction-action.” Label your finished products with the title, date, batch number, ingredients, and an expiration date if you can. Most tinctures will last up to three years. They will not “go bad” but may decrease in effectiveness. Oils must be kept cool to last up to two months. They will decompose. Most Dried HERBS for teas will last months (a season or two) if you keep them tightly contained. Syrups last up to a year, kept in a cool, dark place. Most syrups are so luscious, that you won’t have a problem with long-time storage. Candies should be stored in the fridg. Store Salves and creams in a cool, dark area, too.
In Winter you should also realize, that while your body clock changes, one of the best ways to combat illness is to adhere to a 24 hour schedule. Going to bed at night and arising in the morning at a relatively consistent time tells your body that you are on schedule. Try not to spend more than an hour at a time in a sedimentary position. That seems difficult in the winter cold, when we yearn to wrap ourselves in fleece and curl around a cup of tea with hot rice socks at our feet!
In conclusion, the HERBS we harvest in Autumn will make a Family Medicine Cabinet stocked with remedies that will be both helpful and healing this Winter. Start small. Remember, many of these remedies will last for years!
Our cabinet could contain the following:
Tinctures:
Burdock Root, Dandelion, Echinacea, Elderberry, Fennel Seed, Goldenrod, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Mullein Leaf, Sage, St. John’s Wort, Thyme, Witch Hazel Bark, Willow and Yarrow.
Candies, Drops, Syrups, Teas / Decoctions and Poultices:
(Many of these single HERBS can be dried or frozen for later use.)
Burdock, Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey, Dandelion, Dill, Echinacea, Elderflowers, Elderberries, Fennel, Garlic, Goldenrod, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Mullein Leaf and Flower, Parsley, Plantain, Rosemary, Sage, St. John’s Wort, Thyme, Witch Hazel Bark, Willow, and Yarrow.
Cream or Salve:
(Many of these HERBS can be infused in carrier oil for later use.)
Calendula, Chamomile, Comfrey, Echinacea, Elderflower, Garlic,
Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Mullein, Plantain, St. John’s Wort, Witch Hazel, Willow, and Yarrow.
Prepare your Family Remedy Chest during harvest, and Winter Woes won’t surprise you this year!