A few of you have been PMing me and emailing me about health issues and what herbs I think would help them and I am very glad I could help you.
I am open to all questions for I feel it is a duty to help anyone who wants it. If you have problems with anything and would like herbal advice feel free to post it so that I can reply and others who might have the same problem can also see it or if its something you dont want to share feel free to pm me or email me, as I said I'm very happy to help anyone.
Thank you

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Those who are good at running leave no tracks - Lao Tzu

Here is a few procedures for making herbal medicines at home. I find them to be easy to do and the equipment easy to get.

Powdering Herbs- To prepare herbs for futher use first dry them. You will need to obtain a traditional mortar or pestle. First rub and grind the herbs in the palms of your hands to break it into small peices over a newspaper or bowl. Pour the small peices into your mortal and pestle and grind them into a powder. (you can also use electric grinders like coffee grinders but once used for herbs you will not be able to use for anything else. I find the pestle and mortar is the best method not only is it inexpensive its more traditional.) Store in glass jars that are air tight sealed and keep out of sun light.

Infusions and Tisanes- Infusions and tisanes are medical beverages made by steeping herbs in hot water until their useful qualities are extracted. Infusions are made from the soft parts of the herb such as leaves and stems. First bring a pint of water to a boil in a medium sized pot then remove from the stove. Immerse one ounce of dried herb in the pot and cover(or use your powdered herbs as a tea by wrapping a ounce of powder in cheese cloth and tieing and add to the pot.). Let the infusion sit for about 10 minutes the herb will soak up about half the water leaving you with about a cup and a half of beverage.

Decoctions- Decotions are made by simmering herbs in water, its the most effective way to get the healing qaulities out of course parts of the herb such as bark and roots. use the same portions of water and herb as infusions. Add dried herbs to the water that has been brought to a boil. Keep the pot on the stove and keep just below boiling for thirty minutes.

Tinctures- Tinctures are effective in very small amounts because they are so concentrated. To make a tincture combine 4 ounces of powdered herb to 1 pint of vodka in a alrge jar with a secure fitting lid. Shake the mixture two times daily for two weeks. Strain off the mixture into another clean bottle and your tincture is ready.

Herbal Syrups- To make a herbal syrup combine two ounces of dried herb with one quart of water in a large pot. Boil it down till its reduced to one pint then add one and a half ounces of honey. Store syrups in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Compress- Soak a wash cloth in an infusion that is about 150 degress hot. Keep the cloth in till it is steaming. Twist out the corners of the cloth (If there is to much liquid it could burn the skin) and apply the cloth to the affected part of the person. Then apply on top of the compress a dry towel. The first compress will dry in 2 minutes and apply another. Keep alteraing clothes this way.

Herbal Oils- Combine two ounces of dried maceretard herb to one pint of pure vegetable oil. let mexiture stand in warm place covered for three days. Strain and discard the herbs, bottle the oil.

Herbal Salves and Ointments- two ounces of of dried herb per pint of olive oil. heat the herb in the oil for about a hour. Then strain and discard the herb. Add one ounce of melted beeswax to the herb oil. Stir till thick and cooled. Store in the refrigerator up to a year. To use simply reheat and allow to cool.

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Those who are good at running leave no tracks - Lao Tzu

For storage of herbs I get regular mason jars. Never use metal containers because they can effect the herbs in negative ways. I keep in dark cool cabinet because light destroys the herbs quality. You can also use ebay to find large collections of different sized bottles jars and such for cheap. Hope this was helpful, I'll post how to's pretty soon including some recipes.

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Those who are good at running leave no tracks - Lao Tzu

Nope never used one of those, but in growing mushrooms I use a pressure cooker method that could be used for herbs

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Those who are good at running leave no tracks - Lao Tzu

We all love any info you both can share....
and any hints, tips and info you can share
on this subject...

It realllllllly is an interesting topic
and herbs'/plants are really our key in health..
***IMHO, where do we get most of our cures already!!!***

Thanks!!!

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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

Im a firm believer that less is best..
I hardly ever take anything for stuff...
but when I finalllllllllllly take something,
I'm helped, ie; headaches for example..

I'll do a hot towel on my head, hot showers,
a messaging tube thing *it goes behind your head*
if I have to, but usually those things make it go away..

Once in a blue moon, I take an aspirin for something..

I don't have a build up of tolerance to them either...

And I know smells can do things mentally for
a person, such as lemon, citris's, cinaminn's,
etc....it can lift the spirits, and give an all'around good feeling..


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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

Our bodies have the ability to heal them selves, with the use of natural ingredients...We strengthen our body's own ability to over come the illness or weakness with the use of plants and natural foods. With prescription meds..they mainly treat the symptoms or control the symptoms. I am not saying that you shouldn't go to a doctor or take prescription meds...just trying to explain how conventional medicine and natural healing approach the issue of illness.

Jean in Arkansas

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Chinese physicians have used licorice for centuries to treat liver problems. Hepatitus C is a viral infection that can cause both liver failure and liver cancer. It does have a potential danger though. Long term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). But licorice is also on the FDA list of safe herbs.

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Those who are good at running leave no tracks - Lao Tzu

Alot also has to do with the amount
of sleep you get...
To give the body the time it needs
to repair itself...

I am terribly guilty of not getting enough
most days...

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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

Thank you Forest for the licorice tip...I'll look into that. What do you suggest as the best form? Tea?

We have sleep issues around here too. Adivan is a pretty hardcore sedative isn't it? I don't know about that stuff, I too try to stay away from prescription medicines. You're so right Weezie, sleep is so important! Water too....lLots and lots.

One thing I absolutely LOVE is evening of primrose oil (they come like vitamin E capsules) Its really great for your complexion and also relieves symptoms of PMS, including cramps...it really works for me. You take one a day along with your vitamins. I wouldn't have any idea how to grow/make it though!

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Winter, the best way to prepare the licorice would be what ever is the easiest form for your husband. I suggest finding 100% natural licorice candy for him to snack on during the day, if he doesnt like the flavor you might find alternative candy with flavors added but remeber it needs to have licorice in it, not licorice flavoring. Wizard on herbal wine, I do not use it to make tinctures because the alcohol volume is to low on most wines. But herbal wines are great as they are, just be careful on what herbs you use since some can become poisonus when mixed with alcohol. (gotta send me some of that chamomile wine )
And finally for sleep problems try lavender aromatherapy or Lavender tea. If many more ask about sleeping I'll post some good receipes up for sleep aids. Hope you all have good luck and fortune.

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Those who are good at running leave no tracks - Lao Tzu