Toxic or Benign?
Know your plants before making your own herbal remedies

By: Allee

The first thing to know and remember is that you can not simply eat a bunch of herbal remedies and supplements or drink a tisane once and magically get well. Herbs are like medications ordered by any doctor. There can be side affects with the use and most definitely hazards in misuse of herbal remedies and supplements. Herbs are not simply chemicals in green coats, they are not 'completely safe' just because they are natural, either. As usual, the truth lies somewhere in between. Once you have found an herb that seems to serve your purpose, seek expert opinions before continual use. When you are starting out you may find it easier to work with simples, or herbal preparations using only one herb at a time. This makes it easier to track side-effects and any negative reactions you may have to the herbs. If you are taking a prescribed medication you should check with your Doctor before using any herbal supplements. If you are pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant, check with your doctor before using any herbal supplement. It is extremely important you are aware of any plant allergies you may have, and keep that in mind when selecting herbs. If you have an allergy, it is best to avoid most plants from the same family as the ones you are allergic to.

Other than using dried crushed herbs in cooking, potpourri or potions there are 5 basic ways to use plants and herbs: infusions, decoctions, tinctures, ointments and capsules. In most of these instructions water is the main ingredient. It is in your best interest to use natural spring/well water or distilled water. The chemicals added to a municipal supply are usually detrimental to the effectiveness of herbal supplements and remedies. Infusions and decoctions are the most common herbal preparations, you've probably even made one or the other before without even knowing it. When made for human consumption, both infusions and decoctions are sometimes called a tisane, or, less accurately, herbal tea.
Infusions

An infusion is made by using the tenders parts of the plants generally the youngest leaves, the newest shoots, the buds, the blossoms and the fruits.

1 oz of dried or 1½ oz fresh herb
3 cups boiling water

OR

1 tsp dried herb or 2 tsp fresh herb
1 cup boiling water

Place herbs in large container and pour the boiling water over them. Cover the container and let steep for at least ten minutes. Strain the infusion through cheesecloth or strainer and serve the liquid immediately. Most tisanes can be sweetened with honey, sugar or sugar substitute without changing the effectiveness of the herb. Refrigerate the remaining liquid for up to 24 hours.
Decoctions

A decoction is made with the stems, bark, older leaves, roots, and berries of the plants. 1 ounce dried or 2 ounces fresh finely chopped herb 4 cups of cool water Place herbs in a pan and pour cool water over them. Bring to a rolling boil, turn the heat down and cover with a lid. Let this simmer for 5-10 minutes. Strain through a cheesecloth sack and firmly press the liquid from the wrapped herbs. Store in a glass container and refrigerate for as long as 2 weeks.

Tinctures

A tincture is usually made from the finished plant before the frost and/or the dried herbs before they lose their effectiveness. For a tincture that can be used internally as well as topically use a grain alcohol rather than a wood alcohol. A wood alcohol tincture is strictly for topical use; DO NOT ingest a tincture made with wood alcohol as it can cause blindness, brain damage and/or death.

8 ounces dried herbs finely chopped
1½ cups grain alcohol (such as Everclear or Vodka)
4 cups water

Place the herbs in a large seal-able jar and pour liquids in. Seal the jar tightly and place in a cool dark spot. Every other day shake the jar vigorously for a minute. After 2 weeks strain the liquid into a colored glass bottle or jar and seal it tightly. Place the jar in an area away from heat and light. A tincture can be stored for 2-3 years.

Ointment

An ointment is created when oil and other fats are infused with herbs or plant parts and are for external use only. All references to flying ointment aside, herbal ointments can be great for treating cuts, scrapes, bruises and other skin ailments, as well as moisturizing the skin. Being fat based they hold heat in and should never be used on burns or other heat-damaged skin. When making an ointment you can use whatever type of fats or oils you prefer, but generally they should be used on the body and not on the face unless you have oils/fats that are non-comodogenic.

½ cup olive oil
½ cup vegetable shortening
1 tsp vitamin E oil (optional)
1 tbsp ground, powdered or finely chopped dried herbs

Place the oils and shortening together in a pot and heat until completely melted. Stir well to blend and add the herbs. Stir on very low heat for 10-15. Remove from heat and cover the pot. Let it sit overnight at room temperature. Re-heat the mixture over low heat until melted and just warm. Strain the mixture though cheesecloth or sieve into a tight sealing container. Old candy tins are great for keeping ointments in, especially those Altoid Sours tins. Re-cycling is a greater part of keeping our home planet clean and beautiful but have care when re-using containers. Remember to sterilize in boiling water (6 min. at a rolling boil) any used container before you fill and store any homeopathic or self-made medication or supplement.

Ointments have a shelf life equivalent to the oils used. By adding Vitamin E oil to the mix you can increase the shelf life indefinitely. There is also the option of replacing the vegetable shortening with rendered animal fat. On rare occasions the rendered animal fat is specifically called for to treat some ailments, otherwise, in MOST ointments vegetable shortening has a longer shelf life and is takes less work to prepare.

Capsules

A capsule is made by filling purchased gelatin capsules with the finely ground or powdered leaves, buds and blossoms of medicinal plants and herbs. These are easy to carry and store for 1 to 3 years, depending on the plant or herb used. Generally this method is more expensive, more time consuming and is considered by some to be less effective, but is an alternative for those who are 'on the go'. For ease and convenience there is always the choice of buying herbal supplements in capsule form at many Health Food and Natural Nutrition Stores around the world.

Traditional Herbs of October - Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris)

Also known as St. John's Herb or Moxa, this plant grows to 6 feet tall with reddish stems and long green leaves with white undersides. It blooms in the summer a reddish brown flower. Mugwort is one of the 9 Saxon magical herbs. All parts of the plant are used either fresh or dried. Drying mugwort must be done out of the sunlight. Medicinal Uses: A Mugwort tisane (infusion) is used for gastritis, digestive problems, to stimulate the liver and to regulate menstruation. It can be used externally for rheumatism and gout.

CAUTION: Excessive use can cause other problems, Mugwort should not be used during pregnancy except when ordered by a qualified herbal practitioner.

Magickal uses:

* Protection while traveling: Carry a fresh twig in a pocket and put a sachet of the dried herb in your luggage to insure you have no problems and your luggage will not be lost or stolen. Carrying the dried or fresh leaves with you on a journey prevents fatigue.
* Psychic dreaming: A pillow stuffed with Mugwort and slept upon will produce prophetic dreams. Drink a strong tisane (infusion) before divination to bring clarity to your vision. Placed around you it aids in achieving astral projection, vision quests and shamanistic journey.
* Crystal and Mirror gazing: Burning Mugwort with sandalwood or wormwood during scrying, taking a few breaths of the smoke and letting it drift over the crystal or mirror you are using is said to improve your understanding or the clarity of the visions. The infusion is also used to wash crystal balls and magical mirrors. Mugwort leaves are placed around the base of the ball (or beneath it) to aid in psychic workings.

Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

Also known as Labiatae or Red Sage, this is an evergreen perennial shrub with squarish woody branches and gray woolly stems that grow up to 3'. The leaves are a grayish green, soft and oblong. Bears whorls of blue flowers in the summer. The leaves, picked before flowering, are used fresh or dried in the shade. They are known for their antiseptic properties. The stem, leaves and flowers are used dried. Cut several stems with the leaves and flowers bind them snugly together and dry, cut ends up, in the shade.

Mundane and Cooking Uses

Sage is a wonderful herb for seasoning any gamy meats and any type of fowl for roasting. A very small amounts added to stock of soups can impart a savory taste but to much will over power any other taste. Tradition was gathering sage in October to season the meats of the slaughter before and during the preserving for the winter. Long cooking can destroy the aromatic oils in sage, so it is best to add sage when most of the cooking has finished. A strong infusion of Sage makes a great rinse for dark hair, adding shine and strength to brittle hair.

Medicinal Uses

A tisane (infusion) is used for liver disorders, laryngitis, sore throat and a gargle to freshen the mouth and clean the teeth. The tisane is also recommended for easing painful periods. A tincture is used for depression, anxiety, hot flashes associated with menopause and as a mouth wash to promote healing of sores. Recent western medical testing has brought forth the idea that men with EDS may benefit form introducing more sage (in combination with other herbs and natural plants) into their diet.

Traditional Herbs of November Heather (Calluna Vulgaris)

Also known as Heath or Ling, this is a small, hardy, evergreen shrub grows readily in the mountains and moorland of the northern and western parts of the British Isles. Heather has small leaves that grow from a central stem and spikes of tiny flowers that come in a variety of shades. In its many varieties there is said to be a Heather bloom for each month of the year. Heather grow best in an acidic soil and does not tolerate an alkaline soil. It would probably do best as a potted plant here in Florida.

Medicinal Uses

Heather's flowering shoots have a mild sedative or soporific action and brewed in a tisane used to treat insomnia. The plant, used fresh or dried, strengthens the heart and raises blood pressure. It is slightly diuretic and a tisane is often used in cases of urinary infections. Heather is sometimes used in conjunction with corn silk and cow-berries for stomach ailments of many sorts. Heather's antiseptic properties are marvelous as a skin wash for rashes and itchiness. An infusion of Heather can also be added to the bath to ease pain brought on by rheumatism.

Magickal Uses

Heather is sacred to the Summer Solstice. Heather is used for magick involving maturity, consummation, general luck, love, ritual power, conjuring ghosts, healing, protection, rain-making and water magick. Charms made with Heather can be worn or carried as protection against danger, rape and other violent crimes. This flower represents good fortune and Heather can also be carried as a lucky charm. It was believed that wearing the blossom associated with your month of birth would bring exceptionally good luck - therefore people born in the month of Heather (August) should carry White Heather, for even better luck throughout the year. Legend has it that a gift of white Heather brings luck to both the giver and the receiver, whereas red Heather is said to have been colored by heathens killed in battle by Christians, so it is less lucky. Heather is associated with secrets from the Otherworld. A sprig of white Heather placed in a special place of silence and meditation has the power to conjure ghosts, haints or spirits. After picking a piece of white Heather at midnight, place it in a glass of river water in the darkest corner of your home. Sit and think of a departed loved one and it is said that the loved ones shadow will visit you. Heather is said to ignite faery passions and open portals between their world and our own. Heather represents solitude because it thrives in wide open spaces, and Faeries who enjoy living in such undisturbed places are said to feast on the tender stalks of Heather. The Fae of this flower are drawn to humans who are shy. Heather is useful for Solitary healing work (going within). Heather, if used along with Mistletoe, creates powerful healing medicine in both spiritual and physical aspects. Heather can be used at Midsummer to promote love - carry red Heather for passion or white Heather for cooling the passion of unwanted suitors. If you give someone a gift of Heather it means: 'Admiration'. A charm bag filled with Heather can be carried for decreasing egotism or self-involvement. As a water herb, Heather is very useful in weather magick. When burned outdoors with Fern, the herbal smoke of Heather attracts rain. Bouquets of Heather and Fern can also be dipped in water to call rain.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

Also known as St. Joseph Wort or Witches Herb, this is an aromatic annual plant that grows approximately 2' high. It has tiny brittle stems, the leaves are oval shiny and fleshy. The color of the leaves and stems can be dark green to red, depending on the variety. The flowers are a creamy white small and appear in midsummer. The leaves and stems fresh, dried in the sun or frozen are the main used portions of Basil.

Mundane and Cooking Uses

Basil leaves whole and fresh are used routinely in flavoring stews, soups and sauces by simmering the leaf in them. A decoction of basil has been quite effective as an insect repellent in the garden and on humans and animals. Fleas especially, seem to avoid the strong pungent aroma of Basil.

Medicinal Uses

Basil used as a tisane has mild analgesic properties, it can help as a pain medication for headaches and muscle aches from over use. It is also used to relieve stress and reduce vomiting.

Magickal Uses

Modern day usage in spells for protection while flying. Past uses involve a very strong decoction being consumed to help achieve/receive visions or communications from the spirit realm. Basil is strongly associated with love magic, and is used to sooth lover's quarrels and evoke sympathies between two people. It can also be used in love divination or to find whether a lover is faithful. Basil brings luck to those who carry it, customers to a new business and luck to any new home when it is given as a gift. As a native plant of India it is held sacred to Krishna and Vishnu.

The traditional flower of November is the CHRYSANTHEMUM. Much revered in China and Japan, the Chrysanthemum is a symbol of nobility, longevity and the sun. It is used for protection and is thought to protect a wearer or garden from evil spirits and the wrath of the Gods. In Italy, however, it is closely associated with death.

Head back home for helpful links: