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More on Herbs
Tincture Pronunciation: 'tingkchur [n] medicine consisting of an extract in an alcohol
solution WHY MAKE TINCTURES? Tinctures are more powerful and last longer than dried herbs.
It is much cheaper than buying ready made herbal products. You
can make about a quart of your own tincture for the price of a few ounces of tincture at retail stores. You can control the quality of the product you are making by
starting with herbs you collect yourself or purchase through a reputable source. You are also ensured of the purity of the
final product. You can make special combination formulas. There is something to be said about getting involved in your
own health. Some herbalists say that you benefit by absorbing some of the herb through the skin and from the aroma. HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN
TINCTURES THE ITEMS YOU WILL
NEED: Dried or fresh herbs in powdered
or cut form. 80 -100 proof vodka or rum
(NEVER use rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol). Wide-mouthed glass jars with
lids (mason jar or equivalent). Unbleached cheesecloth or
muslin. Labels and markers. STEP BY STEP
Pour the amount of herb you
desire into the glass jar and slowly pour the alcohol until the herbs are entirely covered. Then add an inch or two of additional
liquid. Seal the jar tightly so that
the liquid cannot leak or evaporate. Label and put the jar in a dark area or inside a paper bag. Shake the jar every day. When ready to bottle, pour
the tincture through a cheesecloth into another jar or dark colored tincture bottle. Squeeze the saturated herbs, extracting
the remaining liquid until no more drips appear. Close the storage container
with a stopper or cap and label ADDITIONAL TIPS ON
TINCTURES 200 grams dried or 300 grams
of fresh herbs (chopped) to one liter of liquid is needed. Rum helps hide the taste of
bitter herbs. Distilled water, vinegar or
glycerol can be used to make nonalcoholic tinctures, but they MUST be pressure sealed. Standard dosage is 1 teaspoon,
1-3 times daily, diluted in tea, juice or water. Tinctures can last up to two
years when stored in a tightly closed container. A wine press or juicer may
be used to extract liquid from the herbs. Several herbs can be combined into a tincture formula.
POULTICE Pronunciation: 'powltis. (n)a mass of medicinal herbs, mixed with boiling water and enclosed
in muslin or linen and applied to the skin to reduce inflammation, to induce warmth, or when mixed with mustard, &c.,
as a counter-irritant. INTRODUCTION
A poultice is made of a soft, moist substance that is mixed
to the consistency of a paste, and then spread on or between layers of cloth. The cloth is then placed on a body surface.
Poultices act by increasing blood flow, relaxing tense muscles, soothing inflamed tissues, or drawing toxins from an infected
area. Thus, they can be used to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with abscesses; boils; bruises; carbuncles; fibrocystic
disease; fractures; enlarged glands in the neck, breast or prostate; leg ulcers; sprains; sunburn; tumors; and ulcerated eyelids.
They are also used to break up congestion, draw out pus, and remove embedded particles from the skin. PROCEDURE
An herbal poultice may be made with dried or fresh herbs. The
two types of poultices are prepared in slightly different ways. (For information on choosing the best herbal poultice for
your condition, as well as cautions regarding the use of specific herbs. PREPARING A DRIED HERB POULTICE If you are using dried herbs, use a mortar and pestle to grind
the herbs to a powder. Place the herbs in a bowl, and add enough warm water to make a thick paste that can be easily applied.
Make a quantity sufficient to cover the affected area. The ratio of ground herbs to water will vary according to the herb
being used. Add the water in small increments, just until the mixture is thick but not stiff. Arrange a clean piece of gauze, muslin, linen, or white cotton
sheeting on a clean, flat surface. The material should be large enough to cover the affected area completely. Spread the herbal
paste over the cloth. Cleanse the affected area with hydrogen peroxide, and place the poultice over the area. Wrap a towel
or plastic wrap around the poultice to prevent the soiling of clothes or sheets. Use a pin or other fastener to secure the
poultice in place. PREPARIING A FRESH HERB POULTICE If using fresh herbs for your poultice, place 2 ounces of the
whole herb - about 1/2 cup - and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes. Do not drain. Arrange a clean piece of gauze, muslin, linen, or white cotton
sheeting on a clean, flat surface. The material should be large enough to cover the affected area completely. Pour the herbal
solution over the cloth. Cleanse the affected area with hydrogen peroxide, and place the poultice over the area. Wrap a towel
or plastic wrap around the poultice to prevent the soiling of clothes or sheets. Use a pin or other fastener to secure the
poultice in place. TREATMENT DURATION Herbal poultices should be kept in place for 1 to 24 hours,
as needed. During this period, you may experience a throbbing pain as the poultice draws out infection and neutralizes toxins.
When the pain subsides, you will know that the poultice has accomplished its task and should be removed. Apply fresh poultices
as needed until the desired level of healing has been reached. Wash the skin thoroughly after each poultice is removed. TYPES OF POULTICES By making your poultice with the appropriate herbs or other
substances, you will help ensure that the treatment is effective. Herbs commonly used in poultices are listed below, along
with the conditions for which they are appropriate. Note that when the mixture used to make the poultice contains an irritant,
such as mustard, it should not come into direct contact with the skin, but should be placed between pieces of cloth.
Chaparral, Dandelion, and Yellow Dock: Can be used to
treat skin disorders such as acne, eczema, itchy or dry skin, psoriasis, and rashes. You can use one herb, or combine two
or three. The greatest benefit will be obtained from using all three. Use chaparral only if you grow it yourself or purchase
it from a reputable organic grower. Elderberry: Can relieve pain associated with hemorrhoids. Fenugreek, Flaxseed, and Slippery Elm: Can be combined to treat inflammation. Slippery elm can also be used alone for the inflamed
gangrenous sores often associated with diabetes, and for leg ulcers. The use of a slippery elm poultice upon the appearance
of sores and ulcers can help prevent gangrene. Slippery Elm and Lobelia: Can be used to treat abscesses, blood poisoning and rheumatism. Goldenseal: Is good for inflammations of all kinds. Lobelia and Charcoal: Charcoal is available in health food stores. These are combined and used to treat insect bites, bee stings, and almost
all wounds. Lobelia and Slippery Elm: Combined to treat abscesses, blood poisoning, and rheumatism. Mullein:
Is used for inflamed hemorrhoids, lung disorders, mumps, tonsillitis, and sore throat. To make the poultice, mix 4 parts mullein
with 1 part hot apple cider vinegar and 1 part water. Mustard:
This is beneficial for inflammation, lung congestion, and swelling, and can help relax tense muscles. Because mustard is an
irritant, place the mixture between 2 pieces of cloth, rather than placing it in direct contact with the skin. Onion:
Is good for ear infections, and for boils and sores that have difficulty healing. To make this poultice, place finely chopped
onion between 2 pieces of cloth, rather than placing it in direct contact with the skin. Pau d'arco, Ragweed, and Wood Sage: Can be combined and used to treat tumors and external cancers. Poke Root: Is good for an inflamed or sore breast. Sage:
Like poke root, can help relieve breast inflammation and soreness. Tobacco: Use as a treatment for insect
bites and stings. Draws out toxins and usually the stinger as well. Tobacco can be used on the spot without the cloth. Add
some moisture, roll into a ball and apply.
The Druids Top Picks 1) Mistletoe is by far my first choice, however
due to its lethal potential, I recommend anyone using this herb be very well informed of its properties, uses, and DANGER.
2) Aloe 3) Tea Tree Oil 4) Echinacea 5)Witch Hazel 6) White Willow 7) Garlic 8) Blackberries and raspberries 9) Cranberry 10) Cocoa butter 11) Lavender 12) Yarrow 13) Meadowsweet 14) Nettle 15) Tobacco 16) Mint 17) Rose and Rosehips 18) Sage 19) Rosemary 20) Thyme 21) Vervain
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