Nature, in the form of plants, seeds, roots, leaves and flowers, provides many things to assist us in staying healthy. And offers help to correct imbalances and heal conditions.
The most concentrated form of herbal goodness is in tinctures. Just 20-30 drops of a tincture can deliver the same medicinal qualities as a few cups of tea infused with these same herbs. I use all organic herbs, and grow/harvest many myself.
I'm not a medical practitioner, just a regular person who uses plants to nourish, support and heal my own body. I make tinctures for myself, and offer them to others who would like Nature's help in supporting health. The descriptions below list healing properties traditionally ascribed to each herb; please research the herbs and your particular condition to determine what's right for you.
*NOTE* Besides the tinctures pictured here, I also have these that are bottled but have not had their own photo shoots yet:
Chamomile Lavender sleep aid... Oregano... Fennel... Ginger... Willow Bark... Digestive Bitters... Basil.
The grandmother of immune boosters ~ Elderberry!
Traditional uses for Elderberry:
As a daily tonic, Elderberry stimulates and supports the immune system.
Rich in antioxidants.
Anti-viral and anti-inflammatory.
Vit A, B and C, plus iron.
Very helpful during cold & flu season.
Expectorant to treat coughs, common colds, sore throat and runny nose.
Diuretic, which can increases urine flow and all fluid secretions, helping to cleanse the system.
Ongoing research into Elderberry shows possibilities for treating rheumatism, injuries from falls, intestinal maladies, indigestion, cancer, blood flow, blood sugar and fat levels.
As a medicinal remedy for various conditions, please do more research about dosage and counterindications.
May not be appropriate for pregnant/lactating women, children or animals.
1 oz. dropper bottle $8 / 2 oz. dropper bottle $15
I also make elderberry syrup in small batches. If you are interested in this, please contact me.
Elderberry
(Sambucus nigra)
with alcohol and purified water
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Traditional uses for Tulsi:
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, promotes energy, endurance and immunity.
Adaptogen for physical and emotional stress.
Antimicrobial, treats bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
Helps with upper respiratory viruses like cold and flu.
Expectorant, helps with lung congestion, bronchitis, asthma.
Cerebral stimulant for brain fog, ADHD, fibromyalgia, head trauma.
Decreases pain and inflammation in sore, stiff, swollen joints and muscles.
Contains Lutein for eye health.
Aids in digestion, bloating, gas, nausea.
Used for diabetes and high cholesterol, promotes circulation.
Cautions for Tulsi: May impact fertility in both men and women. Tulsi is slightly blood-thinning and should not be taken by anyone currently taking Warfarin. Diabetics may need to adjust insulin levels while taking Tulsi.
1 oz. dropper bottle $8 / 2 oz. dropper bottle $15
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
(Ocimum gratissimum)
with alcohol and purified water
Calendula
Traditional uses: Calendula is used both internally and externally to support the immune and lymph systems, treat skin ailments, and heal infections. It promotes cell repair and growth, and has natural antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The flower contains many different antioxidant groups including lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, quercitin, rutin, etc.
Raises immunity by stimulating lymphatic drainage. The lymph filters and eliminates waste products and bacteria, and therefore helps keep our immune system strong.
Treats gastric or duodenal ulcers, abdominal cramps and constipation.
Treats fevers, as it gently promotes perspiration and throws out any eruption, as in measles and smallpox.
Mouthwash and gargling for infected gums and other mouth problems and relief for sore throats, reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes, stop infections, laryngitis and tonsillitis, coughs, dryness of the lungs and digestive upsets. Dilute a few drops of tincture in a glass of water and use as a mouth rinse or gargle for sore, inflamed throat and gums.
Skin ~ Calendula contains astringents (tannins) used topically on the skin for treatment of acne. Calendula tincture can reduce inflammation and prevent further spread of the infection over the skin. It also promotes rapid healing of skin and reduces pain and inflammation. Add tincture to neutral skin cream, oil or face wash, or make a facial mask.
Calendula tincture can be added to bath water or used as a hair rinse to help itching or irritated scalp and skin conditions. Used for radiation patients to treat dermatitis.
1 oz. dropper bottle $8 / 2 oz. dropper bottle $15
Calendula
(Calendula officinalis)
with alcohol and purified water
Lemon Balm
Traditional uses for Lemon Balm:
Calming for the nervous and digestive systems.
Can be used for depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, hyperactivity and colic in children. Relaxes muscle tension without daytime drowsiness.
Relieves stomach cramps and gas, IBS, upset stomach, menstrual cramps, urinary spasms, PMS, headaches, migraines, fatigue.
Promotes perspiration to break a fever. Helpful for treating the aches of colds and flu, and to relieve bronchitis and some forms of asthma.
Lemon balm is safe and highly regarded for children, and is often used to calm a sleepless or hyperactive child, and may effectively treat ADD and ADHD.
Topically, as an infused oil, Lemon Balm is antibacterial and antiviral, good for tumors, insect and animal bites and stings, and cleanses sores and wounds. Very effective in treating herpes, and is often found in lip balms for cold sores.
Can possibly be used for thyroid problems and chronic fatigue syndrome. Possibly helpful in patients with dementia and stroke, to positively affect cognitive abilities, enhance memory and improve mental clarity.
Cautions for Lemon Balm:
May not be appropriate for persons with heart conditions or hypotension. Lemon balm lowers blood pressure and can affect proper heart functioning.
May not be appropriate for pregnant or nursing women, though Lemon Balm has been traditionally used for morning sickness,
Lemon balm may interact with sedative and thyroid medications. This is why it is advised to avoid it when taking HIV medication, since it is not clear whether lemon balm interacts with antiretroviral agents.
1 oz. dropper bottle $8 / 2 oz. dropper bottle $15
Lemon Balm
(Melissa officinalis)
with alcohol and purified water
Turmeric / Black Pepper
Traditional uses for Turmeric:
All-around health enhancer.
Anti-inflammatory properties, aiding arthritis, pain management and Alzheimer’s disease.
Relieves joint pain, stiffness and soreness, supports joint health and mobility.
Regulates some homeostatic efforts like blood sugar and cholesterol.
Supports cardiovascular and cholesterol levels that are already in a healthy range.
Promotes healthy gut and intestinal flora for optimal digestive health. Black pepper also does this.
Aids digestion, helps soothe stomach lining & regulates gas and occasional constipation.
Antioxidant -- slows down free radicals that cause aging.
Supports the liver and boosts its detoxification abilities.
Balances mental well-being, helping the body produce feel-good neurotransmitters.
With black pepper:
Black pepper is known for its abundance of beneficial phytonutrients such as manganese, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamins A, C and K.
Black pepper makes curcumin in turmeric more bio-available.
Cautions for Turmeric: May not be advised with blood-thinning or blood clotting concerns, undergoing surgery, or have gall or kidney stones
1 oz. dropper bottle $10 / 2 oz. dropper bottle $18
Turmeric / Black Pepper
(Curcuma longa/Piper nigrum)
with alcohol and purified water