Herbal Home Remedies

Does it seem like I've been slacking in the recipe department lately? Yes...Maybe?

I've actually been busy posting recipes over at Back to the Basics!  Since this is a recipe blog I thought I'd share them with you as well.  They've been quite popular and I'm working on a few more.

The first is Chamomile Tincture.  
You might was to read 
"What is a Tincture?" Explained before you get started.  You can buy "Herbal Kits" at Mary's Basics.  They include everything but the menstruum (liquid base)!!!

Making a tincture is like making Vanilla Extract.  The BIG difference is that you MUST research the herb before using/consuming.

To make your tincture you'll need:
Glass jar *Re-use a pasta sauce jar*
1 cup Dried whole-flower Chamomile
2 cups Vodka
1 cup boiling water

I chose to use dried herbs because I have them on hand.  Because I am using dried herbs I do not need to use 100 proof alcohol and I skipped the water.  There are tons of recipes out there.  When I use fresh herbs I'll use Everclear instead of vodka.
I used organic, whole-flower Chamomile from Mary's Basics in the Organic Tea section.
Or you can just buy the Chamomile Tincture Kit. 

Directions:
Make sure your jar is clean.  Place the herbs in the jar and Add vodka (and water). Cover tightly with a lid.

Shake or agitate once a week.  Tincture is ready in 4-6 weeks.
Strain out herbs and place in a clean jar.

Dosage for Adults: approx 1 teaspoon 1-3 times per day as needed.  Not for long-term use.
**Chamomile is contraindicated during pregnancy**

Next, try the Fresh Basil Tincture (love it!):
Fresh Basil Tincture  

Day 1

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh Basil, chopped

2 cups Everclear

Directions

Place the herbs in your jar and cover with Everclear.  Shake every other day (or every day)  **Label your jar**

Tincture is ready in 4-6 weeks, strain out herbs and place in a darker jar or leave in a dark place (cabinet).

Dosage for Adults: 1 - 2 ml, two times daily

*Because I used alcohol as the solvent and I'll keep the finished tincture in an amber bottle, this herbal remedy should last indefinitely.  I could pass it on to the next generation but we'll use it up before then!

Day 10

Disclaimer: Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Stay tuned for more Harvest Recipes!
Linking up HERE.