Herbal Ancestors ~ Tinctures ~

Herbal Ancestors ~ Tinctures ~

Our ancestors used a variety of herbs for everyday health and wellness.  Below is a small list of plant medicine and it's properties, components and wellness benefits. As always, This is not medical advice. Regulations set forth by the FDA prohibit bath and body companies from making health-related claims about beauty products. I am not a medical or healthcare professional and do not claim that the use of my products may have a positive effect on pre-existing physical and/or mental health conditions. The information in my listings pertains to the properties of specific ingredients used in the product. Please do your research and talk with your healthcare professional. 

 

Burdock Root is one of those rare herbs that stimulate lymphatic drainage and detoxification. It can be used as a diuretic to help stimulate the kidneys and cleanse. Burdock root can help remove waste from the blood and body. (please be fully hydrated beforehand)* Burdock root is also known for "diaphoretic" meaning it increases sweating--another important route via which the body eliminates toxins. 

 Burdock Root contains inulin, a soluble and prebiotic fibre that may help improve digestion. Acting as food for healthy gut bacteria, inulin is known to help regulate inflammation and remove toxins from the body. Burdock Root also contains mucilage which acts as a protection for the mucous membrane layer of the stomach, especially useful if it has been damaged by acidity or inflammation.

Burdock Root has been shown to contain multiple types of powerful antioxidants, including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids. Antioxidants can shield the body against cell-damaging free radicals. The high antioxidant count in this root has been shown to help lower inflammation, including joint issues such as arthritis in numerous studies.  It helps protect the liver and stimulate bile and removes toxins. 

Folklore and history

Ancient herbalists, recognized Burdock’s power in helping their patients recover from illness. Over the centuries, Burdock Root was enlisted to alleviate constipation, ease childbirth, break up kidney and bladder stones, promote sweating, remedy stomach and intestinal disorders, and control arthritis and gout pains. In medieval times it was also commonly used as a cure for syphilis. 

Traditional Chinese and Indian doctors often selected this herb for treating colds, flu, and other throat and chest conditions.

 Burdock root is a powerhouse to have in the herbal cabinet. 

 

Dandelion Root may support the digestive and urinary systems, as well as the organs that help rid the body of toxins. It may be helpful for appetite discomforts like bloating and gas. It may also enhance digestion, as well as support liver and gallbladder function.*

Tincture is made using leaves, roots, flowers of Dandelion. 

 

Hawthorn Berries may help the body maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. May also help with stress, the circulatory system, and high blood pressure. 

Traditionally known for its flowers and berries which uplift both the physical and emotional heart, and support healthy cardiovascular function.  

 

Holy Basil or Tulsi, is an adaptogenic which may help support the body's healthy reaction to stress which is what we all need.  A healthy, not destructive response.  Adaptogens are known to help the whole body adapt to physical and emotional stressors, support normal functions, and restore balance. Some refer to it as "Liquid Yoga" for its meditating and calming, restorative uses.  

Since 1000 B.C. our herbal ancestors knew this herb to be great for mood balancing and boosting immunity. 

Other benefits Tulsi Holy Basil is known for, from our ancestors may include:

  • Balance and nourish the nervous system.
  • Uplift downtrodden spirits.
  • general antioxidant and anti inflammatory
  • support cognitive function.
  • may help to remedy stomach upsets, fevers, malaria, colds and influenza, tuberculosis, and various mouth and heart diseases.  

Hops has long been regarded by our herbal ancestors as a herbal remedy for stress, insomnia, and digestive upset. The herb is best known as a nervous system relaxant which may help relax the mind and promote rest and relaxation but also has antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and diuretic properties which may provide relief. Along with the resins and essential oils in hops, phytoestrogens are also present.

 

Marshmallow Leaf may help in flu/cold season as it may provide relief to mucous membranes and soothe a sore throat, and limit congestion. It may help soothe irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and urinary tracts. Marshmallow leaf and root are used by herbalists to help inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract. They are also used to help in dry cough, inflammation of the lining of the stomach, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, constipation, urinary tract inflammation, and stones in the urinary tract.

 

 Motherwort has been used by herbal ancestors for its calming properties and energetics relating to the physical and emotional heart, and it may help calm an occasional racing heart that is sometimes associated with menopause or feelings of anxiety. Used by herbalists to gently tonify the female reproductive system and support healthy levels of stress. 

 

Muscle Magic, a compound tincture of passionflower, chamomile, valerian root, skullcap and honeybee propolis. 

It is known that the blend of these herbs may be used to calm discomfort and tension, while supporting the nervous system and emotional well-being. It may help relax and release tension in the muscles to leave you feeling more relaxed and unwound. Some say it's even magical the way it promotes calmness to the mind, body and spirit. It may help produce a more restful sleep as well. 

 

Passionflower, Long used by traditional herbalists for relaxation and rest, passionflower has potential antispasmodic and tranquilizing effects. It may be helpful as a general nerve tonic to treat nervous stress. Passionflower may also be used to help gently relax the mind and body to prepare for a more restful night's sleep. It may help with stress, agitation, swelling, and high blood pressure. 

 

Plantain has long been commonly used by our herbal ancestors in external first aid treatment for a variety of insect bites, wounds, swelling. Internally, it may be helpful for UTI's (urinary tract infections)  and other common respiratory tract infections.

American Native: Know as “white man’s foot”. Used topically for skin healing and to stop bleeding. Used to treat wounds. Plantain goes back to the 10th century Anglo-Saxon era for it's common uses in treating ailments internally and externally. 

Plantain has long been considered by by our herbal ancestors to be a useful remedy for cough, wounds, inflamed skin, dermatitis, and insect bites. 

 

California poppy OR as we like to call it "Simmer down" may help the body to relax and unwind, and reduce the over-stimulation it sometimes produces in times of anxiety or unrest. Native american tribes from parts of California used this plant for many medicinal purposes; especially as a relaxing agent to take the edge off or simmer down. 

 

Usnea is a go-to herb for keeping healthy during the cold and flu season and when traveling or around crowds, Usnea is an outstanding herbal remedy. It is known for its powerful antibiotic, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. 

Use by spraying the back of your throat. It can also be used on wounds, fungal skin conditions, and thrush to promote your body to do its own healing.

USNEA Lichen, or Old man's beard 

traditonally used for 

  • Herbal antibiotic
  • Antiviral
  • Antimicrobial
  • Antifungal
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Sinus infections
  • Strep throat
  • Cervical dysplasia
  • Epstein-Barr
  • Tuberculosis
  • Herpes
  • Facilitates clotting and stops bleeding
  • Can be sprayed on the back of the throat to prevent/treat illness
  • Thrush (anti-fungal)