Showing posts with label herbal remedies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbal remedies. Show all posts

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Learn to Make Your Own Herbal Remedies





Mary's Heirloom Seeds
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October 29, 2017

We've been busy in the gardens and creating in the kitchen.  We had a special request made on
our faceook page to bring back a few of our
These make fantastic gifts.
After sharing about the new kits we had a few questions about how to make tinctures.
Below you'll find the basic info as well as links to articles and tutorials we've shared on our website over the years.  Enjoy!!!


There are many ways to use herbs for medicinal purposes and one of the is in a tincture. Other uses include consuming in food, salves, herbal vinegar and herbal oils, teas and even syrup. I thought I would start with Tinctures because it is quite simple and easy to use.
There are 2 important components to your herbal tincture: Herbal material and menstruum
Our DIY Organic Tincture Kits include everything but the liquid!

What is Menstruum?
Definition: a substance that dissolves a solid or holds it in suspension : solvent
Types of Menstruum is general vodka, when making a true herbal tincture. Vinegar can be used, it can be safer than alcohol, but is less effective at leaching out the medicinal components of the plant. When tincturing dried herbs, water is sometimes mixed with the vodka or alcohol. When tincturing fresh herbs, I always use high-proof alcohol.

An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract. Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments without "modern medicine" and pharmacueticals. Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies. If properly prepared and stored, your tincture will last indefinitely.  
 
How long will an Herbal Tincture last?
First, if you choose to use Vinegar, Apple Cider vinegar or Vegetable glycerin, your tincture will have a shelf life of approximately 6-8 months.
All tinctures should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. A kitchen cabinet away from the oven or stove works perfect.
According to my research, properly made tinctures with high-proof alcohol do not go bad. Again, if prepared and stored properly.
A few of my favorites: Cayenne, Feverfew, Chamomile and Thai Holy Basil
 
 
Did you enjoy our tutorial on how to make your own Calendula Infused Oil?

Why DIY Tinctures?
If you look at your local "health food store" you will find tinctures.  Most are $10-$40 per ounce.  Online it is the same story plus shipping.  
 
 
Pictured is a special "kit" I put together to get started on your tincture.
Our DIY Tincture Kits include 
1-32 ounce glass jar with lid, 1- 2 ounce Amber bottle with dropper top, 2 customizeable labels, 1 ounce of Organic Herb of your choice (additional herbs available) and Details Instructions

Let's do the math
Tincture Kit from Mary's Shop $15.75
Priority mail shipping $7.99
24 ounces (3 cups) of 100 proof vodka (approx)  $6.91

Total spent for 24 ounces of Tincture  $30.65
Homemade: Total spent for 2 ounces $2.55

Online store selling 1 ounce of Chamomile Tincture  $11.00
Shipping $4
Store-Bought: Total for 2 ounces: $26
HUGE savings!!!  Plus, with the Tincture Kit you have the Jar, Strainer top and detailed Instructions to make more!

If you have additional questions please feel free to ask. 

Happy Planting,

Mary's Heirloom Seeds, P. O. Box 3763, Ramona, CA 92065


Monday, January 5, 2015

How I Make Ginger Tincture and Why

Welcome to the 3rd installment of 365 Days of DIY in 2015.  I missed yesterday but I'll be sure to make it up today.  Find out how to make Ginger Tincture.  It's so easy!

Making your own herbal home remedies is easy.  Herbal tea is a great start but Tinctures can a much stronger alternative.  The cost to purchase 2 ounces in the store is almost 4 times what it would cost to make your own.  Some are even 7 times more expensive!  Source

You might enjoy reading Fight Viruses with Organic Herbs & Food

What is a Tincture?
An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract.  Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments without "modern medicine" and pharmaceuticals.  Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies.  If properly prepared and stored, your tincture will last indefinitely.  Source 

Just a few of my Homemade Tinctures!

What are the benefits of Ginger?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has scientific backing as an anti-nausea agent. It may offer other benefits to those stricken with infections diarrhea. Alcohol extracts of ginger are active against bacteria that infect the intestinal tract (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Helicobacter pylori), skin and other soft tissues (Staphylococcus aureus), and respiratory tract (Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae). 
Ginger has antifungal activity against the yeast Candida albicans. It also discourages intestinal worms. Because studies have shown that heat deactivates the antibacterial effect, it may be best to consume ginger raw, or in tincture or capsule form. Source

 
To get started you'll need:  A clean jar with a lid, vodka or everclear, herb(s), measuring cups and/or scale and labels.  
If you purchase a DIY Tincture Kit from Mary's Heirloom Seeds, the herbs, jar with a lid. labels and dropper bottle are all included.  All you need to do is measure out your menstruum and combine!

We now offer Herbal Kits (without the jar) for your herbal pleasure! 

Let's get started making our Tincture!

DIY Organic Ginger Tincture
Ingredients and tools:
1 clean jar with a lid (quart size)
4-6 cups of vodka or everclear
1 ounce of organic, dried Ginger Root

Directions:
1.  Start with a cleaned and sterilized glass jar. Place organic Ginger root in your jar.
2.  Measure out 3-4 cups of vodka or other menstruum and place inside your jar.
*If you choose to use ACV or Vegetable Glycerin, be aware that your Tincture will have a limited shelf life of approx 6 months*
3. Place the lid back on your jar and mix thoroughly.
4. Label your homemade Tincture with the Date and Ingredients.
4. Store in a cool dry place such as a kitchen cabinet
*Shake your brewing tincture regularly.  I prefer to shake my tinctures 2-3 times per week.*

Start straining and consuming Ginger Tincture after 4-6 weeks.
I take approx 1/2 teaspoon up to 3 times daily as needed.

Disclaimer: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before consuming any product(s).  
We've added NEW Organic dried herbs for purchase @ 
 
Stay tuned for more DIY Tincture Tutorials.

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Saturday, January 3, 2015

How I Make Cayenne Tincture

This post was originally shared at Back to the BasicsCayenne Tincture is one of the simplest tinctures to make and is my "go-to" tincture for immune system, circulatory and joint inflammation.

Making your own herbal home remedies is easy.  Herbal tea is a great start but Tinctures can be a much stronger alternative.  The cost to purchase 2 ounces in the store is almost 4 times what it would cost to make your own.  Some are even 7 times more expensive!  Source

What is a Tincture?
An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract.  Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments without "modern medicine" and pharmaceuticals.  Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies.  If properly prepared and stored, your tincture will last indefinitely.  Source 

What are the benefits of Cayenne?
From a previous post, Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which can open up your sinuses, fight inflammation, cardiovascular support, helps with ulcers, boosts immune system and metabolism.
"Cayenne pepper's bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 47% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens." source  

To get started you'll need:  A clean jar with a lid, vodka or Everclear, herb(s), measuring cups and/or scale and labels.  
If you purchase a DIY Tincture Kit from Mary's Heirloom Seeds, the herbs, jar with a lid. labels and dropper bottle are all included.  All you need to do is measure out your menstruum and combine!

We now offer Herbal Kits (without the jar) for your herbal pleasure! 

Let's get started making our Tincture!

DIY Organic Cayenne Pepper Tincture
Ingredients and tools:
1 clean jar with a lid (quart size)
3-4 cups of vodka or everclear
1 ounce of organic Cayenne Powder

Directions:
1.  Start with a cleaned and sterilized glass jar. Place organic Cayenne Powder in your GLASS jar.
2.  Measure out 3-4 cups of vodka or other menstruum and place inside your jar.
*If you choose to use ACV or Vegetable Glycerin, be aware that your Tincture will have a limited shelf life of approx 6 months*
3. Place the lid back on your jar and mix thoroughly.
4. Label your homemade Tincture with the Date and Ingredients.
5. Store in a cool dry place such as a kitchen cabinet
*Shake your brewing tincture regularly.  I prefer to shake my tinctures 2-3 times per week.*

Start straining and consuming Cayenne Tincture after 3-4 weeks.
I take approx 1/8 teaspoon up to 3 times daily for approx 3 weeks.

Disclaimer: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before consuming any product(s). 
Just a few of my Homemade Tinctures!
We've added NEW Organic dried herbs for purchase @ 

This is just the beginning.  Stay tuned for more DIY Tincture Tutorials.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

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Friday, January 2, 2015

DIY Fire Cider Recipe

Yesterday I announced the 365 Days of DIY in 2015.  Just in case you missed it...


If you are interested in guest posting a DIY recipe, remedy or other health-related projects please email me at mari_backtonature@yahoo.com with the subject "365 Days of DIY."
 
Today I'm sharing a recipe for FIRE CIDER!
This fiery concoction has been revered for generations as a simple and effective remedy to relieve sinus congestion, ward off colds and flus, aid digestion, and increase circulation.
The standard base ingredients are apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers, but there are other herbs that can be thrown in for added kick.  

This should be made well in advance as it is best used after 4 weeks.


Fire Cider Recipe

You can find recipes for Fire Cider all over the internet.  I first read about fire cider in Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

Ingredients

½ cup peeled and shredded/diced ginger root

½ cup peeled and shredded/diced horseradish root

½ cup peeled and diced turmeric OR 1/4 cup additional ginger and 1/4 cup additional horseradish

½ cup white onion, chopped

¼ cup minced or crushed garlic cloves

2 organic jalapeno peppers, chopped

Zest and juice from 2 organic lemons

Raw apple cider vinegar

Raw, organic honey to taste


Add the ginger, horseradish, onion, garlic, jalapeno and lemon juice/zest to a quart-sized jar. Pack them down lightly so that the jar is about 3/4 full. Pour a generous amount apple cider vinegar over the roots/vegetables. You want everything to stay under the liquid to prevent spoilage. Keep in mind that some of the roots will expand a little so top it off well.

If you’re using a metal lid, line it with wax paper so that the vinegar doesn’t corrode it, then put the lid on. Place in a dark, room temperature cabinet for 2-4 weeks. (A month is best)

Some recipes say to leave the mixture out on the counter.  I put my fire cider in the fridge.  I also recommend shaking your mixture vigorously once a week.  I do this with all of my tinctures as well.

How did you like our first DIY Herbal Home Remedy for 2015?  Would you like to share a recipe?
 
*The links to books are affiliate links.  If you use them to purchase from amazon I might make a small commission.  Every little bit helps.  Thank you*