| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| babs |
Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 08:02:20 AM
Hi Everyone,
I see someone shared a lemon balm tincture. I'm so glad to see the sharing of herbal wisdom here. I am a huge proponent of natural medicine. It is so much better for us.
My children can not tolerate antibiotics and antibiotic creams are completely ineffectual. Not a good thing when you have a diabetic daughter who insists on running the farm barefoot. We always follow any wound care up with a dose of "Yarrow Juice", and I tell you is sure does the trick. My youngest stepped on a nail this past summer. When the leading antibacterial cream failed us miserably, I washed the wound with Yarrow Juice, bandaged it with my Healing Salve and then had her drink a shot for good measure. It was all healed up in 2 days.
This is definetly something that I think should be in every womans medicine cabinet, and it's so easy you can make it yourself.
How To Make A Yarrow Tincture -
First I went out and collected yarrow heads, snipping them off into my basket. Snip only the clean white ones, none that are browning or look to be slightly pink or any other color.
You are going to want to have your clean mason jar and lids ready so if you havent washed them yet do that now.
I snipped the flower heads again in my sink to just under the blossom heads. Snipping them long just helps to keep them fresh while you are out collecting. Then I rinsed and rinsed and rinsed. It takes a lot of cool water washes to rinse all the sand (and yes, little bugs) out of the dense flower clusters.
Place the blossoms in a strainer now and try to get as much water out of the plant material as you can. Dont press just let it drip.
When that step is finished take your yarrow and very lightly pack it into the jar. Your going to need to leave a little head room, about an inch of space or so is good.
Next fill the jar, pouring over your plant material with plain vodka covering the top of the plant material. Cap tightly. Store in a cool dark cupboard and remember to shake once or twice daily. The tincture is ready in six weeks at which point you can strain out the yarrow.
To Use: I take one tsp and stir it into 1c of water and drink it down. You should barely taste it. The flavor becomes stronger the longer you let it sit. Note: Do not use a metal measuring spoon. I keep an assortment of plastic measuring spoons for this use.
Yarrow tincture counters all bacteria internally and externally, and also repels insects. However, if you intend to use yarrow as bug spray you might want to make a second tincture using rubbing alcohol, (make it the same way) as it will save you trouble from the beach or park rangers, plus its less costly than vodka. ;)
Babs
Country Egg
www.countryegg.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 18 2007 : 12:23:46 PM
Oh ho, ho. I'll be sure to check it out.
We are not normally the sickly sort, but it's always good to have some voodoo juice at the ready.
Let me tell you, I knew he was feeling bad when he chose to try it. He's seen me using it internally and externally for the last few months.
Off to learn about Gumweed...thanks!
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
| babs |
Posted - Sep 18 2007 : 12:03:39 PM
"Voodoo Juice" too funny.. ;) I've posted for you a new topic on a really great plant. It's called Gumweed. If your family is the sickly sort and prone to bronchial junk, you should really check it out. :)
Babs
Laundry Soap & girly stuff: www.mugwortmaggies.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 18 2007 : 11:30:59 AM
I'm a BIG fan, Babs. I'm anxious to try planting it again in the spring and get it established in my herb garden.
I had my DH using it for the first time over the weekend...he calls it my voodoo juice. He ended up at the doctor's yesterday anyway, the change in weather is giving him bronchial issues and we were worried it might be pneumonia but it's not, at this point. Hopefully he'll be better in a few days.
So far I've been okay; I was dosing my own symptoms as well, and I hope I'm going to stay healthy through this coming season.
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
| babs |
Posted - Sep 18 2007 : 11:00:01 AM
Yarrow is awesome. I love that you had faith to experiment and discovered for yourself a new use!
Babs
quote:
Originally posted by Hideaway Farmgirl
bumping this up, and...
I was stung this weekend by a nasty little bee or fly; have not identified it yet but maybe a sweat bee? Anyway, a big red and itchy welt came up on my upper arm, and I ran into the house and got my trusty bottle of yarrow juice. Dabbed some on the bite and went back to lugging wheelbarrow loads of composted dirt around my yard. I cam in a couple of hours later to shower and dress for date night; a sleeveless sundress and voila, hardly a mark, hardly an itch. Thanks, Babs, just wanted to share that!
Jo
Laundry Soap & girly stuff: www.mugwortmaggies.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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| babs |
Posted - Sep 18 2007 : 10:51:48 AM
Alee, did you get your yarrow picked?
The season seemed short here. Just not enough rain. I was hoping for 2 batches but only managed one.
Babs
Laundry Soap & girly stuff: www.mugwortmaggies.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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| Alee |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 7:20:15 PM
I have noticed several places on the palouse where Yarrow is growing. I will have to try this soon before it is too late in the season!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 11:26:12 AM
bumping this up, and...
I was stung this weekend by a nasty little bee or fly; have not identified it yet but maybe a sweat bee? Anyway, a big red and itchy welt came up on my upper arm, and I ran into the house and got my trusty bottle of yarrow juice. Dabbed some on the bite and went back to lugging wheelbarrow loads of composted dirt around my yard. I cam in a couple of hours later to shower and dress for date night; a sleeveless sundress and voila, hardly a mark, hardly an itch. Thanks, Babs, just wanted to share that!
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
| babs |
Posted - Jul 01 2007 : 11:07:58 PM
Your welcome Jo. :)
Babs |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Jul 01 2007 : 10:57:54 AM
Thanks for posting useful information, Babs! I have two herb books now and have been shopping around for a couple of others that have been frequently recommended around the MJF forum. I also have several printouts from herbal websites, since I agree that we novices must study up on our own as well as learning from others. It's always so interesting to learn something new here, then go off and find more information about a particular subject. I like the way MJF assigns us titles based on number of postings, maybe we start giving ourselves diplomas or certificates from FarmGirl College? (that last part was a joke; I am not volunteering for, or suggesting anything here!)
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
| babs |
Posted - Jun 30 2007 : 09:02:06 AM
Jo -
You need to find a good herb book - or several. Dandelion is a good spring tonic but not something I would use long term, it has laxative effects. ;) The leaves are rich in vitamins so its a good bit of green to add fresh to your salads. Dry it and tincture it too. It's the best way to keep it on hand when it's out of season.
You should know exactly what something does, and why you are taking it. If something is said to be loaded with potassium and you can't assimilate potassium well, you might do well to avoid that plant. Herbal care is about knowledgable self care. :)
Most plants have contraindictions. It's good to just study one for awhile to learn everything about it and keep good notes.
Personally, I stand by peppermint for a tummy tea. If one is vomiting but can stand to sip a little, it can help to calm a nausous stomach. Taking Yarrow for a tummy ache might be overkill. Think about it's antibacterial properties... would you take an antibiotic for gas?
Yarrow tea would be good to drink if you are fighting a fever or a cold. It's important to know that yarrow will reduce a fever by increasing sweating. This may not be a desired effect with all fevers, as your body's way of healing itself is to raise its temperature.
It can also help relieve cramps and regulate a menstrual cycle. I have a female blend I use for Es as she's having those teen cramps, a pinch of yarrow finds its way in that as well.
Also, look at the common names of a plant for a clue to its use. Yarrow is also known as: Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Soldier's Woundwort, Knight's Milfoil, Thousand Weed, Nose Bleed, Carpenter's Weed, Bloodwort, Staunchweed. Yes! Externally it was traditionally used to stop bleeding.
Anyway.. thats just a little of MY perspective on the herbs as I know them. I realize we each have our own. I encourage you to develope your own herbal philosophies. :)
Babs
My NEW store: www.mugwortmaggies.com
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Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 6:14:21 PM
Thanks, Tasha. Do you mean "throw them in" to boiling water, for a cuppa, or alternatively, soak them in vodka for several weeks like I do with the lemon balm tincture recipe?
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 07:50:14 AM
Jo, throw them in with some dried or tinctured dandelion leaves...use them for tea for tummy aches or tincutres for the same purpose.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage:
http://gaiasrose.etsy.com
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Jun 28 2007 : 04:59:39 AM
Babs,
I most definitely defer to your yarrow expertise, and I don't know if the composting ability is true or not; it was in my Herb and Plant book, and also mentioned on a couple of websites when I researched yarrow. Seems like wrong proportions to me, too (only 1 leaf per wheelbarrow-load) so I am glad you jumped back into this topic!
Back to my original question, is there anything I can do with the leaves from the yarrow plant? It just seems to be a shame to use the flowers only.
Thanks,
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
| babs |
Posted - Jun 27 2007 : 11:13:33 PM
I use catnip tincture to help me sleep, and the cat really has no interest in it at all.
Babs
My NEW store: www.mugwortmaggies.com
Laundry Soap at Etsy: www.mugwortmaggies.etsy.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
|
| Alee |
Posted - Jun 27 2007 : 9:53:10 PM
Michelle- ROFL!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
| Huckelberrywine |
Posted - Jun 27 2007 : 9:13:24 PM
Oh dear. Well, I just had a visit this weekend with Dr. Rich Old (pg. 171 Ideabook) and he did mention and point out the lovely Yarrow and its astringent properties. Of course, the alcohol has astringent properties...hmmm. Well, I'm up for an experiment that may mean no deet required anyway. If it doesn't work, what have I lost? I may itch and smell funny, and have the cat licking me... ew.
We make a difference. |
| babs |
Posted - Jun 27 2007 : 5:11:23 PM
Hey Jo - I read this a couple days ago and it just isn't sitting right with me.. Are you sure you don't mean comfrey? I can't imagine such a teeny tiny ferny yarrow leaf doing any amount of noticable good. However Comfrey is well known for its composting superpowers. ;)
Babs
quote:
Originally posted by Hideaway Farmgirl
I have read that yarrow is superb for helping compost break down, using one leaf per wheelbarrow-lad of compost. <snip>
Jo
My NEW store: www.mugwortmaggies.com
Laundry Soap at Etsy: www.mugwortmaggies.etsy.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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| Huckelberrywine |
Posted - Jun 26 2007 : 3:35:11 PM
Okay, got my jars, snippers, alcohol, yarrow and catnip. I guess I make a tincture of yarrow and one of catnip, then mix in equal parts and fill my atomizer and I don't have to smell like Deet? Happy dance! Of course, I may need cat repellant. One thing at a time. :)
We make a difference. |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Jun 26 2007 : 11:04:56 AM
Michelle,
Scroll back to the first post (page 1) where Babs wrote out her recipe for making yarrow tincture. She shared a bottle of her yarrow juice with me last year. For internal issues you take a teaspoon or so...externally I suppose you wet a cotton ball with it and apply to affected area, unless you put into an aromatizer bottle...hmmm, another good idea.
I now have my first batch of yarrow tincture perc'ing away in my cupboard. I'm also on my fourth batch of Lemon Balm tincture, using "Kathy of the Enchanted Wood" 's recipe at: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4321
Good luck!
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
| Huckelberrywine |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 09:32:08 AM
Yarrow/catnip bug repellant, now there is something I would love to use. I've never made a tincture, could you share how to do it? Do you end up with something you splash/spray on and then mosquitoes won't bite?
We make a difference. |
| Alee |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 08:45:10 AM
Thanks for reviving this topic. I want to try this! I think I even know where some Yarrow grows!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 07:14:38 AM
Thanks, Tasha!
I have read that yarrow is superb for helping compost break down, using one leaf per wheelbarrow-lad of compost. No wonder it clears up infections and wounds so well! I'll have to do some more digging...in more ways than one.
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 06:53:47 AM
dry the leaves and use them in tea. the tea is good for tummy aches.
You can also dry the flowers and save them in a jar. when your face needs a boost, you can take a bit of flowers and put them in a bowl and pour water over it at a 2:1 ratio. It makes a nice astringent when the water cools. There are plent of uses for the whole plant, you just have to do some digging.
There is one site that says yarrow is a good garden companion in the dirt and as a bug repellant-which makes sense.
I use it mixed 1:1 with catnip tincture for a bug repellant. There was a study done recently that touted catnip's benefit as a bug repellant-it outshone deet!
anyhow, there's what I know about yarrow.
It's simply a pretty flower too...
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage:
http://gaiasrose.etsy.com
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 06:27:38 AM
Babs, (and other farmgirls)
Glad to report that I now have half a dozen yarrow plants growing in my herb garden.
I see that Babs' recipe for yarrow juice is made using only the flowers, NOT the leaves. Is there any benefit to be gained from the leaves of the yarrow plant in the yarrow juice recipe or in other ways? Just asking, since I am used to making other tinctures using leaves...and I hate to waste all those leaves!
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 19 2006 : 05:33:29 AM
Babs, I received the package from you today; thanks for the tincture and for the milk bath tea! Am suffering a nasty cold right now, so I will take your tonic ASAP and hopefully, be cured by morning!
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
