My apologies for getting behind. I promise to make it up to everyone. I am so grateful for my apothecary, as I am working through some pretty intense things right now. It is never too late to start. Even if you just learn one plant a year. I started out of necessity. Once you get out there, and start discovering what is around you, you will be hooked. I am sure of it!! Free medicines!
I have decided that Mondays I will be sharing My Apothecary.
I have been foraging for plants for many years, and I have decided to share what I have been collecting.
This is also helping me get everything catalogued and organized. Seems like a win win for everyone!
Please know that I do not sell my remedies, and I am not a doctor. My advice is to research everything. We should always be mindful in what we do to heal our vessels, our body. Many of these remedies are good for the spirit to. We are all spiritual beings, the plants are just and connected to mother earth as we are. Even more so.
It is very important to honour all beings, with respect and love. There have been times that I have gone to pick medicines, and I have heard NO. I offer the tobacco and give thanks for the wisdom.
Everyone has the knowledge to their own path of well being.
Benefits of Pearly Everlasting:
COLDS, FEVERS, SORE THROATS
Anti-inflammatory
Astringent
Antihistamine
Expectorant
Mild Sedative
I use this plant daily. I have a smudge blend that contains dried pearly everlasting leaves. I find that it balances and cleans the energy very quickly and gently. I believe that its southern relative is called rabbit tobacco.
This is my go to for cold and flu. It is an expectorant. Dries out the mucus membranes. It is in most of my cold/flu, and allergy teas. I use the flowers for most of the teas.
I used it once as a poultice when I cut myself walking in the bush. I just grabbed the leaves and applied to wipe up the blood, and it stopped the bleeding very quickly.
I wish I could attach a scratch and sniff sticker. I love the smell of this plant.
When I harvest, I pick when the flowers are tight, so that when it dries, the flowers don't go to seed.
This year I will be making tinctures. I want to try it, and see how well they work for us. I am working on making alot of tinctures this year, as I feel that the integrity of the plant will hold a longer shelf life. My apothecary is really growing! how is yours doing?
I use it fresh, dried and as a tea. Will be doing tinctures this year.
Dried
I pick the plants around 10 am. After the dew and moisture are off the plants. I hang them upside down in small bunches to dry in a warm area out of the sun. You could also use a dehydrator. I also lay them out on a sheet, off the ground, they dry fairly quickly. I run my hands through them to mix them around, to dry evenly.
Tea
Using fresh or dried flowers/stems/leaves, lightly crush and add to boiled water. Let steep for desired time. Teas are good for internally. I also use strong teas for baths, compresses, and washes.
Tinctures
Cover fresh flowers/leaves/stems with 95 proof vodka, I generally use a grain-free traditional potato vodka and a 1:2 fresh herb ratio. Sometimes I use a good quality sherry. Shake gently every day, and let sit for 4-8 weeks, out of sunlight. Strain out the flowers/leaves/stems and cap tightly. I often repeat the process with the used leaves. I find that the tincture properties are increased each time . Personally I do that up to 3 times. To use: Take drops daily.
