Yarrow Tincture

In the spring we found Yarrow growing wild in the yard, just a tiny little plant that hadn't been growing long.  We carefully transplanted it to the herb garden, where it flourished!  Here is a picture of the yarrow growing alongside some purple sage!  Those tiny white flowers brought so much beauty to our garden - but my main interest in this plant was for it's medicinal uses!

I harvested flowers, stems and leaves to create a tincture.  It was distilled in 80 proof vodka for 6 weeks and then placed in sterilized 1 oz glass bottles with droppers.

I primarily use yarrow tincture to help ease menstrual cramps!  If you have ever experienced painful menstrual cramps, you can imagine my excitement in finding a natural remedy to help ease that pain! I find it helps take the edge off of my cramps, and slows the heavy bleeding so I generally suffer a lot less when I use this tincture. Here is an overview of the medicinal uses of this amazing plant!

Relief of menstrual cramps & stomach cramps
Yarrow has antispasmodic properties which makes it perfect for menstrual cramps and stomach cramps.  It is an effective uterine relaxant and also helps reduce heavy bleeding.  It will also relieve stomach cramps and indigestion.  Take 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon mixed with water, up to 3 times a day while symptoms persist.  Oddly enough, Yarrow tincture can also be used to induce a late period, and to induce labor.  Should not be used by pregnant women.

Wound care
Yarrow is an antiseptic and a styptic - meaning that it helps stop bleeding.  To use on a cut or open wound, soak a clean cotton cloth in the tincture and apply to the wound with gentle pressure until bleeding has stopped.  Obviously for deep wounds or heavy bleeding, get immediate medical attention.  Yarrow tincture can also be used as a face cleanser to treat acne - use a clean cotton cloth soaked with yarrow tincture to wash your face (careful to avoid the eyes) and follow up with your favorite moisturizer to avoid over-drying your skin with the alcohol in the tincture.

Precautions
Always talk to your doctor and let them know what herbal remedies you are using or thinking of using - it may interact with other medications or be unwise to use with certain health conditions.  Do your research and read other sources of information on any herb before deciding if you want to use it or not.  This information is provided to inform, not as medical advice.  Everyone reacts differently to different supplements, use caution especially if you have never used this before.

I have just a few bottles of this tincture available for sale.  I will be at the Evergreen Fall Arts and Crafts Fair on December 2 with these available to purchase.  After that (if any are left) they will be available on my Etsy shop!

Valerian Tincture

 From our herb garden this year!  Valerian!  Adam had valerian growing in his Community Garden space at Evergreen State College, which we transplanted to the homestead in the spring. We also purchased another small valerian plant from the West Side Olympia Co-Op.  They were grown naturally and organically here at the homestead with no pesticides or chemicals.  In October I harvested one of the plants, but left the other one in the garden for next year.

This is a picture of the Valerian roots I harvested, after washing off the dirt.  I set them out in the sun to dry the water off before making them into a tincture.  To make the tincture I cover the valerian root in 80 proof vodka and seal it in a jar, then let it distill for 6 weeks.  I then place it in 1 oz sterilized glass dropper bottles.

 

You're possibly already familiar with Valerian - a plant commonly grown for it's natural medicinal properties.  Here's an overview of it's common uses and precautions.  As with any herbal remedy, please talk to your doctor before using!  This is presented as information only and is not intended as medical advice. 

Sleep Aid
Valerian is primarily known as a natural sleep aid - helping insomniacs and people with trouble falling asleep due to tension or stress.  For a sleep aid it is recommended to take 1tsp an hour before bed, and another tsp at bedtime - if needed.  It is recommended that if you use it for sleep you don't use it daily - if you do need it daily take it for no more than 2 weeks and then take a break from using it for about a week.

Stress and Tension
Valerian can be helpful in reducing anxiety.  It has a soothing, calming effect and can be taken to calm an anxiety attack.  It is recommended to take 1/2 to 1 tsp as needed for anxiety attack and nervous tension - as needed but no more than 3 times a day.  Listen to your body and try not to take more than needed!  It will cause drowsiness and you should not take it if you will be driving or operating heavy machinery.  Pay attention to how your body reacts.  Everyone reacts differently - some may need very little and some may need the full 1 tsp.  Valerian calms and depresses the nervous system so it also has the effect of a muscle relaxant and  lowering heart rate.

Pain Relief
As it calms the nervous system, some people experience pain relief when using valerian.  For some it relieves headaches, neck and back pain, and muscles spasms.  Take 1/2 to 1 tsp up to 3 times a day - but as stated above, be aware that it will cause drowsiness!  Most people choose only to use it at bedtime when they will not have to worry about driving, working, studying, etc. 

Precautions
Most people experience drowsiness and sleepiness.  Use wisely and do not operate cars or heavy machinery.  Valerian works differently for everyone.  Some people have an adverse reaction to valerian and find it stimulating and irritating.  You'll know the first time you try it if valerian is right for you or not.  Always talk to your doctor and let them know what herbal remedies you are using or thinking of using - it may interact with other medications or be unwise to use with certain health conditions.  Do your research and read other sources of information on any herb before deciding if you want to use it or not.

I have a few bottles of Valerian Tincture that I will be selling.  I will be at the Evergreen Fall Arts and Crafts Fair on December 2, 2015 with a few bottles available.  After that (if I have any left) I will have them available on my Etsy shop!

Fall Harvest - Garden Update!

Despite the unfortunate deer incident, we did manage to have some success for our first Fall Harvest!
Here are some pictures of a few things we harvested in October this year!

 

We grew the cutest, most perfectly round pumpkin!  Also pictured here is a Gourd, the last yellow squash of the year (we had quite a few) and the last couple cucumbers (we had a lot of those)!!

 

Turnips!  Lots of large turnips!  I didn't really know what to do with these but I found a lovely recipe that involved roasting them with some oil, garlic, and a drizzle of honey.  They were delicious!

 

Tomatillos!  The deer ate all the tomatoes, but they didn't really touch the tomatillo plants!

 

Here are the peeled tomatillos, ready to be roasted with some peppers so we can make Salsa Verde!

 

The Herb Garden flourished!  As you can see from these pictures taken on October 17, the area is quite full of many different herbs and flowers!

 

I harvested quite a few herbs for making teas and tinctures - here are pictures of Feverfew, Catnip, and Valerian Root -

 

So, despite some setbacks, we still had success and things to be thankful for!