Tinctures and Teas

I nearly missed the yarrow! Just a few days ago the ditch was full of it, but yesterday I had a hard time finding even one patch. Most of it's gone to seed already.

I made (started) yarrow tincture. 

Leaves and flowers from a couple of stems, crammed into a jar.

Covered with rum. Yum. I misunderstood the instructions when I went to the liquor store. I thought I had read 80% alcohol, and this Bacardi was the best I could find, at 75.5%. It was actually supposed to be 80 proof (40%). Oops.  It'll have some kick!  It'll need to be shaken a couple of times a day for the next six to eight weeks, and then strained to remove the herb.  Then just a few drops under the tongue.

Yarrow tincture is useful for healing urinary disorders and menstrual problems. It is also recommended for cardiovascular complaints.

This one is for me.  I have a history of urinary tract infections and lady issues.

Yarrow is used against colds, cramps, fevers, kidney disorders, toothaches, skin irritations, and hemorrhages, and to regulate menses, stimulate the flow of bile, and purify the blood. Medicinal tea is a good remedy for severe colds and flu, for stomach ulcers, amenorrhea, abdominal cramps, abscesses, trauma and bleeding, and to reduce inflammation.

To dry, I'm tying the herbs and hanging them in the sunroom window.  I hope it'll make a nice winter tea for coughs and colds.

 Yarrow tea: To 1 tsp. dried herb add 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 min. sweeten to taste. Take at bedtime.

 Yarrow also has blood-clotting and antimicrobial benefits. Yarrow may be applied directly, or used in a salve or poultice for minor cuts and wounds.

If I can find another patch, I'd like to make another salve with yarrow and plantain.

My other herbs, so far:
 Mint (dried for tea):

• Relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome by relaxing the muscles in and around the intestine.
• Act as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body against the formation of cancerous cells.
• Inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria and fungus.
• Ease and unblock the breathing and respiratory passages and airways.
• Relieves the symptoms of colds and flu.
• Mint can help with nasal allergies.
• It can relieve congestion, head colds and headaches.
• Act as a mild sedative and has calming properties.
• Relieve minor aches and pains such as muscle cramps and sprains.
• Combat bad breath.
• Provides a cooling sensation to the skin and can help to treat minor burns, itching and skin irritations.
• Mint is a very good cleanser for the blood.
• Mint tea can help clear up skin disorders such as acne. 

Raspberry Leaves (dried for tea):
 Raspberry tea has helped with painful menstruation and flow, and lessens an over-abundant period. At menopause the adrenals are geared to take over as the ovaries gradually cease functioning; many menopausal symptoms are caused by exhausted adrenals.
Diarrhea, thrush, sore throat, canker sores, dysentery, urinary complaint, cold and fever sufferers find red raspberry tea is a reliable remedy.

Pour one cup boiling water over a teaspoon of dried leaves and let it steep at least 15 minutes. Drink and heal. 

Thyme (tincture):  A recommended dose is 1/3 to 1 tsp., three times daily.

 Components of thyme act as expectorants that help expel mucus from the respiratory tract. They also have antibacterial activity, may be helpful in treating bronchitis and dry, hacking types of cough. It may also be useful for whooping cough in children. 

Thyme oil may also help combat several forms of fungal microorganisms, including  thrush and gastrointestinal or vaginal yeast infections. 

Tincture of thyme may also help relieve digestive complaints, including heartburn and gas. Thyme may also help with bad breath, or halitosis, because its components are active against some bacteria that live in the mouth.

Pennyroyal (tincture):  

Pennyroyal has been used to promote and regulate menstrual flow and ease painful menstruation. It is stimulating and could cause uterine contractions.  (Other sites say that it may be toxic and cause liver damage, especially if used habitually.  This one will be only for the really bad months when nothing else is helping and I want to die anyway).

Speedwell (tincture):  

People who suffer from rheumatism and gout should try the easily prepared Speedwell tincture  This tincture is used externally as a friction; internally 15 drops in water or tea are taken three times a day.

That one is for Husband, who suffers from gout.