Resources

Beauty Care Basics

Beauty Care Basics

by Irene Lewis

 

A comparison of some oils, butters and waxes used in beauty care products:

 

Sweet Almond Oil: Medium weight. Pressed from the nut of the almond tree. It is practically odorless. Affordable and nourishing to all skin types. It has a really nice texture and is light yellow in color.

 

Apricot Oil: Medium to Heavy weight. Pressed from apricot kernels. Lovely scent. Great for all skin types, especially prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed or dry skins. Nutrient rich.

 

Avacado Oil: Medium to heavy weight oil. Pressed from the avocado pit. Nutrient rich. Dry or wrinkled skin loves this oil.

 

Borage Seed, Evening Primrose & Black Currant Oils: Rich in the EFA Gamma Linoleic Acid Restores moisture and smoothness to dry or damaged skin. These oils are also known to be very helpful with chronic skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis. They are pricy. Use in a blend.

 

Grapeseed Oil: Light weight oil that is easily absorbed and can leave your skin less greasy. Mildly astringent. Odorless. Unavailable as a cold pressed oil.

 

Hazelnut Oil: Light weight and almost odorless. Easily absorbed. It is stimulating to the circulation and also has astringent qualities

 

Jojoba Oil: Not really an oil at all but, a liquid plant wax. Very Stable. Balancing to the sebaceous glands. Leaves your skin feeling very soft. Often used as a carrier for perfume blends. Jojoba oil is also an anti-inflammatory to the skin.

 

Kukui Nut Oil: Light to Medium weight (Hawaiian oil) Distinctive scent. Readily absorbed into the skin. Very softening. High in linoleic and linolenic acid.

 

Olive Oil: Heavy weight. Darkest Green is from Greece, it is more acidic. All are softening. Soothing to inflamed skin, and a wonderful oil slaves,

 

Rose Hip Seed Oil: Super rich in vitamin C, also GLA. One of the best oils for skin regeneration and scars. It is very pricey.

 

Caulophylulum Inophyllum: Thick wonderfully healing oil from the tropics. Sacred to some. One of the best oils to use in a remedy for both sciatica and shingles. It is anti inflammatory, pain relieving, anti bacterial and non irritating to mucosal tissues.

 

Coconut Oil: Solid at room temperature. Some people are sensitve to this oil when it is solvent extracted so be sure to purchase organic. It has a long history of use in the tropics for skin and hair.

 

Mango Butter: A beneficial moisturizer, Semi hard. Beautiful light yellowish color but not much scent. Softening to the skin. 

 

Cocoa Butter: Melts at body temperature and smells like chocolate. It is derived from the cocoa bean. Adds a thick creamy consistency to lotions and crèmes.

 

Shea Butter: Raw unrefined shea butter is best. Very moisturizing, water resistant and breathable. Comes from the African Karite tree.

 

Beeswax: Secreted from worker honey bees. Beautiful color and scent reminiscent of honey.

 

Emulsifying Wax: (Mountain Rose Herbs) A vegetable based emulsifying wax from naturally occurring fats and esters, further processed into a convenient"pastille flake form".

This excellent medium is used to create a bond between water and oil for products which require their binding together. Makes a fluid cream, and lotion without the separation, and complements the finished products end texture. I have never used this, but I am very curious about it.

 

Stearic Acid: (Mountain Rose Herbs) A white, waxy, natural acid found in animal and vegetable fats. Our Stearic acid is from vegetable origins and is manufactured and designed to blend well with your cosmetic recipes. These small flakes are ideal as an emulsifying agent in creams, lotions, deodorants and most natural body care. Stearic acid is best known for the "pearly" and "waxy" feel that it adds to your body care products, which ultimately has a cooling effect when applied on the skin.

Chinese Patent Formulas

by Irene Lewis

This is a short information sheet on the Chinese Patent Formulas we carry here at Moonrise. The following information is a short synopsis.

 

Curing Pills: Kan Ning Wan. Curing pills are carminative and mildly warming and are indicated for the following conditions:

Indigestion, nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness, gas and bloating, food stagnation (a rock in the gut), gastritis, any gut bugs and will help decrease diarrhea. 

Overall it will help eliminate dampness in the digestive system, strengthen digestion and assimilation of nutrients. It is a great thing to have in your first aid kit for traveling.

It is also helpful in decreasing the effects of a hangover – take at night after you’ve been drinking.

Dosage usually 1-3 vials acute, 3-4 times per day.

*Ku Ling and Bao He Wan are similar formulas, if someone comes in looking for them, suggest Curing pills.

 

Six Flavor Tea Pills: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. This formula is a foundation formula in TCM and there are many other patents that will take this foundation and add another two or three herbs for more specific situations. The six ‘flavors’ are Cornus fruit, Rehmannia Rt., Poria, Peony, Chinese Water Plantain and Chinese Diascorea. In combination these herbs help the kidneys, liver and blood. The dosage is usually 8 pills 3 times a day, in between meals or a half hour before meals.

This patent formula is indicated for the following conditions:

Lower back pain, tinnitus, knee weakness, excessive thirst, frequent urination, burning pain with urination, fear or restlessness, blurry vision.

Additionally, the patent is said to strengthen the immune system and resistance to bugs, long term usage can reduce seasonal allergies and colds/flus. It can increase vitality and sexual energy. It can also help nourish and rehydrate the skin, nails and hair.

Dosage usually 8 pills, 3 times a day.

 

Eight Flavor Rhemannia Tea Pills: Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan

This combo is the 6 Flavor patent with the additions of Anemarrhena and Phellodendron. The additional herbs are added because they are very cooling in nature. These should not be used by cold bodied people, it will cool them further. This is a formula for night sweats. This is a specific formula for Yin deficiency with heat signs. This is one of the best formulas for menopausal women with hot flashes. For these women, once the night sweats stop they could then go back to the Six Flavor Tea Pills.

Dosage is usually 8 pills, 3 times a day

 

Gan Mao Ling: This is a standard tea pill formula for the common cold and flu. It is said to be good for colds due to wind-cold or wind-heat. As with any cold and flu remedy, for it to be most effective, it should be taken as soon as symptoms are noticed. Dosage is usually 4 or 5 pills, 3 times a day.

 

Solitary Hermit: Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan. This formula is specific to bone and muscle issues and is especially helpful for the elderly and weak. It is used to help relieve body pain and strengthen the kidneys. Most often used for lower back pain, sciatica and arthritis.

Dosage is usually 8 pills, 3 times a day.

 

Yin Chiao Chieh Tu Pien: Used for the common cold caused by wind-heat: a common cold with fever, sore throat, nasal congestion and yellow mucus. Fever is usually fever without (or with only a little) chills and the other symptoms are slight sweating, thirst, headache and a sore, scratchy throat. This formula is a combination of nine herbs that help clear heat, are antibacterial and antiviral, move energy upward to the lungs, strengthens the lungs, reduce swelling, ease discomfort and help work with fever. Dosage is usually 8 pills, 3 times a day.

 

Sources:

Chinese Patent Medicines: A Beginner’s Guide by Mark Taylor;

our very own super herbalist Sly Holladay — thanks Sly!

Creating Tinctures & Elixirs 2

Creating Tinctures & Elixirs

by Irene Lewis

 

The folk method:

 

This is the easiest method of creating a tincture. No measuring is involved. Place chopped herbs into a mason jar until it is about 3/4th s full. Cover the herbs with brandy or vodka making sure the herbs have about an inch of alcohol above them. Let the jar sit (macerating the herbs) for 2-6 weeks. Shake the jar each day. Strain. Pour into an amber bottle and seal.

 

Alcohol based tinctures:

 

Alcohol is often the menstrum of choice for tincturing herbs. Vinegar can also be used for many herbs and below you will find a method using vegetable glycerine.

 

40%- 50% alcohol is fine for most herbs used in preparations of alcohol based tinctures. This means that vodka or brandy can be used. Grain alcohol is utilized in many of the commercial formulations it is 95% alcohol and needs to be diluted. Since I prefer the taste of brandy and vodka they are what I generally use. The bottles will announce the alcohol content on the label. If it is 100 proof then it is 50% alcohol the rest of the liquid in the bottle is water. Of all the menstruum choices alcohol has the longest shelf life. Tinctures kept properly can last many years.

 

Grinding plants will break down the cell walls making it easier for their precious qualities to release into your mensruum (alcohol).

 

Weight to volumne ratio method:

1:2 ratio is used for fresh herbs

1:4 or 1:5 is used for dry plants. 

The herbs are represented by the 1st number. The Menstruum (alcohol) is represented by the 2nd number. 

So, what that means is the weight of the herbs is multiplied by the second number to get the volume of alcohol needed to create the tincture.

 

For example Fresh plant 1 part herb to 2 parts menstruum

Ie: 3 ounces of herbs multiplied by 2 = 6 ounces of menstruum needed to cover the herb

 

Dry plant 1 part herb to 5 parts menstruum

 

Ie: 3 ounces of herb multiplied by 5 = 15 ounces of menstruum needed to cover the herbs

 

As with the folk method cover the herbs with the menstruum and let the mixture sit for 2-6 weeks. Shake it daily

 

Vinegar Acetates< Acetic Acid, alkaloids (ine) Glycerites Vegetable glycerine is a liquid that is obtained from vegetable fat or fixed oils as a by product of making soap. It isa clear colorless liquid that is sweet but not a sugar. Its main advantage is that it is tolerated by some better than alcohol. It can also be used for children. For some herbs however it is best to use alcohol. The shelf life of the tincture will be 1-3 years.

 

You need to dilute the glycerine with water before use. The ratio is about 50/50. It using fresh plants keep in mind the plants still contain water so it is likely that you will need more like 65% glycerine to 35% water.

 

To Prepare the tincture: You can choose to make tinctures either the folk method above or the weight to volumne method. Simply substitute the alcohol for the glycerine water mixture.

Or

For a quick method try a glycerite decoction. Use the 1:5 ratio. Make up your menstruum of 50% glycerine and 50% water . Pour this into a pot over your herbs. Add 50% more water to the pot. Decoct this on a low heat for 3-4 hours until the extra

Essential Oils

by Irene Lewis

 

There are about 28 drops per ml of essential oil. The harder it is to extract or collect/the more pounds of plant it takes to collect the ml of essential oil, the more expensive the oil.

 

Ratio of drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil:

 

1% - 5 or 6 drops per ounce (1% recommended for pregnant women, children and health concerns)

2% - 10 to 12 drops per ounce

3% - 15 to 18 drops per ounce

4% - 20 to 24 drops per ounce

5% - 25 to 30 drops per ounce

 

Generally use: 

3-5% for salves or creams

2-3% for powders

2-5% for spritzers

1-3% for face care (standard skin care is a 2% dilution)

1-3% for hand or foot baths

2-5% for a liniment

1-3 drops in ¼ cup water for a mouth wash gargle

2-5 drops for steam inhalation

 

The American and English aromatherapists use smaller percentages of essential oils than do the French. The English usually use a 1-2% dilution while the French use 2-5% dilution. The French also will use up to a 10% dilution for severe, acute illnesses.

 

The following is a little bit of info on all the essential oils we carry in Scent Your Soul.

 

Bergamot: Mood elevator and balancer, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, can help w/ insomnia, calming, good for S.A.D., antiseptic, antiviral

 

Calendula: Broad spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, great for skin

 

Carrot: Moistens skin, improves skin elasticity, skin revitalizer, prevents wrinkling, can help precancerous skin conditions

 

Cedar, Atlas: Gently stimulating, energizing, can help with adrenal burnout, increases circulation, can reduce swelling, NOT TOPICALLY FOR PREGNANCY

 

Chamomile, Blue: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spasmodic, slows nerve firing so reduces nerve pain, anti-histamine

 

Cinnamon Cassia: Carminative, antiseptic, antidiarrheal, anti-spasmodic, astringent, antiviral, antibacterial

 

Clary Sage: Classic euphoric, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, good for PMS, S.A.D., helps reduce paranoia, panic attacks, calming and comforting, good for recovering from stimulant addiction, helps balance hormones

 

Clove: Numbs tissue, antibacterial, antiviral, carminative, expectorant, will increase blood supply to area, antiseptic, aphrodisiac

 

Eucalyptus, Globulus: Decongestant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, insect repellant

Eucalyptus, radiata A gentler eucalyptus, safer for children, elderly, powerful antiviral

 

Geranium, Rose: Effective antifungal, antimicrobial, helps prevent scarring, mild energizer, antidepressant (esp. S.A.D.), stimulating as well as sedating, hormone balancing, insect repellant

 

Ginger: Warming, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, decreases gas & bloating, helps strengthen when fatigued, anti-inflammatory

 

Grapefruit: General energizer, can help with quitting stimulants (coffee, etc.) mood elevator, can help with the insomnia hangover, bile stimulator, a favorite of children, uplifting

 

Helichrysum: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, stimulates cell regeneration, prevents scarring, good for injured skin, muscles, joints, mild antidepressant

 

Hyssop: Calming, refreshing, anti-anxiety, invigorating, can help clear a respiratory infection, warming, antiviral

 

Jasmine: Euphoric, anti-anxiety, deeply calming, mild antidepressant, helps process anger, helps calm PMS/Menopausal agitation, will help with insomnia

 

Lavender: Calming, relaxing, helps balance the nervous system, antiseptic, mildly sedative, good for cuts, burns, scrapes, bites, all skin complaints, cell regenerative, very helpful for tension and migraine headaches, analgesic, itch relieving

 

Lemon: Uplifting, refreshing, antidepressant, disinfectant, antiseptic, antiviral

 

Lemongrass: Antiviral, disinfectant, moderate antibacterial, sedative, regenerative, antifungal

 

Marjoram, Sweet: Carminative, smooth muscle antispasmodic, expectorant, disinfectant, anti-tussive, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal

 

Myrrh: Disinfectant, astringent, antiviral, antibacterial, reduces swollen, inflamed gums, antifungal, expectorant, mild anti-inflammatory

 

Neroli: Reduces anxiety, fear, irritability, deep seated depression, strengthen confidence & to see the positive, can help insomnia/nightmares

 

Orange: Orange is a basic scent, yang in energy, outgoing, antidepressant, disinfectant, antiviral, antibacterial, refreshing.

 

Oregano: Dilute this one, a bunch, can be aggravating to the skin. Great antimicrobial, antiseptic, expectorant, helps with parasites, stimulating and generally strengthening, antifungal

 

Peppermint: Reduces cramps, gas and bloating, relieve indigestion, mild diaphoretic, reduces nausea for many sources, increase bile secretion, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, will improve blood flow to the area

 

Pine, Wild Scotch: Analgesic for joint pain, adrenal support, repels insects, antiseptic, antibacterial, expectorant, disinfectant, best for older coughs

 

Ravensara: Wonderful antiviral (great for flu), helpful for insomnia, expectorant, thins mucous

 

Rose Absolute: Great for working with grief, gentle mood elevator, antidepressant, softening, calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, can help PMS & Menopausal depression, sometimes helps with S.A.D., aphrodisiac

 

Rosemary: Disinfectant (esp. for respiratory infections), clears mucus, helps digestion, antibacterial (good for gram positive bacteria like staph), energizing, aids circulation (diabetes), skin healer, energizing, clearing, antiviral

 

Sage: NOT FOR CHILDREN or PREGNANT WOMEN. Also not for any estrogen excess conditions – has estrogen like components. Another respiratory antiseptic, helps clear excess mucus, skin regenerative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, antiviral, POTENT

 

Sandalwood: Endangered! However, some is being farmed. Use sparingly! Calming, grounding, gentle antibacterial, aphrodisiac, can help with insomnia, respiratory disinfectant, some expectorant actions

 

Tea Tree: Broad antibacterial – antiviral, antifungal, anti-infectious, excellent with lavender for acne, for any cuts/signs of infection, drying

 

Thyme, Linalol: Antimicrobial, this thyme is softer, ok for children, non-irritant

 

Thyme, Red Thymol: Energizing, stimulating, antimicrobial, warming, antispasmodic, antitussive

 

Vetiver: Not Eco-friendly! One pound of oil requires that TEN tons of soil be moved. Use sparingly. Strengthens adrenals, calming, can help with insomnia, reduce fear, tension, anxiety, aphrodisiac, very grounding

 

Ylang Ylang: Nervous system relaxant, mild antidepressant, helps with hormone related depression, reduce feelings of irritation, frustration, agitation, anger or fear, can help balance blood pressure and reduce heart palpitations, aphrodisiac, helps remind one of the sweet side of life

 

An additional note, all the suggestions in this compilation are conservative! As a retail store we are not allowed to offer additional information, although there is lots of it. If you want to take essential oils internally or use them neat (undiluted), you need to be consulting with a practioner! You can set up a consultation with one of our store herbalists or local herbalists in the community.

 

Sources:

 

Irene Lewis  Herbalist and Owner, Moonrise Herbs

Christa Sinadinos, Northwest School for Botanical Studies

Simplers Botanicals, Aromatherapy Guide

Julia Lawless, Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils

Holistic Stress Management

by Irene LewisThorne

The lash of a whip or a passionate kiss...

 

Stress can manifest as both positive and challenging experiences. Stress can be temporary, chronic or inescapable. It is not actually stress itself but the way that we perceive stress that influences our body’s response. When we are living in stress mode a cascade of neurons fire messages to different organs who are ready to respond. The Blood is taken from our vital organs and sent to our muscles readying us for action. Our muscles get tense, our pupils dilate, and our breathing becomes shallow and rapid. Our vital organs (brain, kidneys, and liver) due to decreased flow of blood become deprived of oxygen, sugars, vitamins and other substances that aid and repair damaged tissue leaving us susceptible to illness and depression. Some conditions linked to stress are CFS, slow to heal, depressed immune system, asthma, angina, allergies, auto immune, cancer, irritable bowel, low libido and headaches.

 

What can we do?

 

BREATHE. Deep, slow breathes are very helpful to alleviate a stressful time.

DRINK ½ your weight in ounces of water each day.

 

Adrenal Tonics and Adaptagens: These herbs help our body’s response to stress. They increase the bodies overall immune function by a wide range of actions rather than a specific action. They also restore balance to our bodies systems by putting a burden on none. These herbs have proven to be remarkably effective in preventing a variety of stress related ailments. They also are known to increase stamina and athletic performance. Examples include: Eleuthro root, Ashwaganda, Shizandra, Reishi, Gotu Kola, Rehmannia, Nettles, Holy Basil, Rhodiola, and Licorice Root.

 

Nerve Tonics: Herbs that feed, tone, rebuild and strengthen the nervous system are called nerve tonics. These herbs are high in many vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and protein. Some examples include: Oats, Nettles, Gotu Kola, Horsetail, Red Raspberry leaf, Skullcap, Valerian, Lemon balm, Linden, and Seaweeds.

 

Nerve Sedatives: These herbs directly relax and soothe the nervous system and muscle tissue, they can ease pain and encourage sleep. Examples include: Chamomile, California poppy, Passion flower, St. Johns Wort, Catnip, Valerian, Hops, Lemon balm, Skullcap, Cramp bark, Kava Kava, Blue vervain, Lobelia, and Black Cohosh.

 

Nerve Demulcents: Highly nutritional herbs that soothe irritated and inflamed nerve endings and act as a demulcent with their gel like consistency. Examples include Oats, Barley, Flax, Marshmallow, Slippery Elm (endangered) and Seaweeds.

 

Digestive Herbs: Bitters promote the secretions of our digestive juices so that when we take in food the nutrients and wastes are properly separated and distributed. Examples include: Milk Thistle, Gentian, Dandelion, Burdock Root, Yellow Dock, Artichoke leaf, Oregon Grape, and Chamomile.

 

Carminatives: These herbs help dispel gas and bloating: Fennel Seed, Cardamom, Sweet cicely, Peppermint, Ginger Root, and Chamomile

Intestinal Flora can be enhanced with fermented foods like Miso, Tempeh, Sauerkraut, Kefir and probiotics like acidophilus

 

Antioxidants: Theses help protect our bodies from forming free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with unpaired electrons that cause damage to our cells impairing our immune system. Examples of plants high in antioxidants include: Milk thistle, Gingko, Vitamins A, C, E and gamma lineic acid found in the oils of Evening Primrose, Borage and Black currents, Also Flavinoid rich foods that are orange, red and purple

 

Circulatory Herbs: These herbs promote circulation in a variety of ways, Gingko, Rosemary, Hawthorne, Linden Flowers, Cayenne and Gotu Kola

 

Essential Oils: By working with our limbic brain or soothing our muscles topically, essential oils are valuable helpers. 

Calming: Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Rose, Marjoram, Neroli, and Rose geranium

Stimulating: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Basil, Black Pepper, Birch, and Cinnamon

Mind Clearing: Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, Lemon, Holy Basil, Pine

Grounding: Cedarwood, Vetiver, Ginger, Sandalwood, Rock Rose, Holy Basil, Pine, Spruce

Moonrise Herbs Stone Information

(Excerpted from Love is in the Earth, by Melody)

 

Adventurine: Joy, mental clarity, calming, gambler’s stone, wealth, creativity, imagination, prosperity, and career success. Positive attitude.

 

Amethyst: Assists spiritual, psychic opening in a grounded way, Creativity, sobriety, courage, intuition, self esteem.

 

Apache Tears: Physical and spiritual protection

 

Bloodstone: Aligns charkas helps circulation, removes blockages, aids healing, especially post surgery or physical trauma

 

Blue Lace Agate: Activates throat, heart, third eye and crown charkas. Can be used to treat blockages from the nervous system. Soothes the eyes.

 

Carnelian: Strengthening, creativity, prosperity, lower back problems, encourages opening and curiosity, aids in finding a good mate.

 

Citrine: Dissipates and transmutes negative energy, prosperity stone (wealth), useful for balancing yin and yang energy, aligns the charkas with the ethereal plane. Stabilize emotions, dispels anger. Delivers comfort and optimism.

 

Clear Quartz: Powerful transmitter. Amplifies and directs thought form, healing energy balancer, promotes clarity, attunes one to higher self and to the earth.

 

Flourite: Brings order to chaos, discernments and concentration, assists relationships between groups and individuals. Clears air of psychic clutter.

 

Hematite: Pulls pain from the body. Brings balance and focus to any situation, grounding, concentration.

 

Howlite: Calm communication, supports artistic and emotional expression, facilitates awareness, dispels criticalness, selfishness, pain, stress and rage.

 

Labadorite/Spectrolite: Clears, balances and protects the aura, helps provide clarity and insights into your destiny.

 

Lepidolite: Alleviates despondency, reduces stress, restructures and reorganizes old patterns. Assists in birth and rebirthing, business pursuits, and diplomacy.

 

Leopardskin Jasper: Assists in pursuits based on service, helps one accept responsibility, eliminates toxins, decreases body odor.

 

Moonstone: Opens one to the feminine qualities; receptivity, sensitivity, intuition, clairvoyance. Moon energy, new beginnings, traveler’s stone.

 

Moss Agate: Acceptance, self-confidence, security, helps with hypoglycemia and depression.

 

Onyx: Centering and alignment, wisdom, intuition, memory, banishes grief, assists in mastering your future, feet and walking.

 

Petrified Wood: Business success, eliminates worries, grounding stone, hearing loss and incontinence, paralysis.

 

Red Jasper: Relaxation and contentment, mothering and nurturing,compassion, completion, organization..

 

Rhodonite: Calms, self confidence, gracefulness, tact, alternative choices, inner growth, heals old hurts and relationships, find romance.

 

Rose Quartz: Increases confidence, personal expression and creativity. Enhances all forms of love. Promotes healing and kindness, self love, happy children

 

Ruby: Stimulates heart chakra, assists in choosing and attaining ultimate values. Gathers and amplifies energy, promotes and stimulates mental concentration. Encourages gentleness, discourages violence. An excellent shielding stone, protects on all levels.

 

Rutilated Quartz: Breaks old patterns, childhood blockages. Heals and balances the aura. Tissue regeneration, builds immune system. Eases depression.

 

Serpentine: Clears clouded areas of the chakras, stimulates crown chakra, enhances meditative states, stimulates kundalini pathway. Opening.

 

Snowflake Obsidian: Stone of protection both physical and spiritual, truth stone.

 

Sodalite: Encourages harmony, balance, courage, communication. Strengthens lymphatic system, alleviates subconscious fear and guilt.

 

Tiger Eye: Protection, clarity, empowerment, willpower, integrates yin & yang, protection when you travel.

 

Tiger Iron: Assists in creative endeavors, prompts artistic abilities, helps to find refuge in danger, stimulates physical vitality.

 

Unakite: Hopes and wishes come true. Helps release those things that inhibit growth, enhances weight gain if focused on that for a specific reason. 

Tinctures and Elixirs 1

Creating Tinctures & Elixirs #1
by Irene Lewis

 

Here are some plant constituents found in plants and how best to extract them.

 

Alkaloids: They end in the letters ine; i.e., caffeine, morphine, nicotine. They are very potent and some like cicutine or coniine found in Hemlock can be toxic. Few alkaloids directly affect the heart however some are used to raise or lower blood pressure because of the effect they have on the central nervous system. They effect the circulation and respiration as either excitants or depressants. The action on the nervous system can be antispasmodic, analgesic and narcotic or as a local anesthetic and also antiparasitic. They are also used in chemotherapy. Alkaloids generally have a bitter taste. Alkaloids are also antiviral and anti cancer.

Plants that contain alkaloids that are commonly found include lobelia, goldenseal, Oregon grape, motherwort, spilanthes, poppy, coffee, tobacco, cocoa, cayenne, ephedra, butterbur, and comfrey

Caution because some alkaloids may be very toxic in excess, a 1:10 extraction is recommended, especially if using an acid such as vinegar in the menstrum. Use low doses.

 

Tannins: Most herbs contain some tannins. Tannins are compounds, the active constituent in this group of plants is a phenol combined with sugars. tannin has the ability to precipitate gelatins; in this way it is used to clarify wine. They also bind up proteins and in doing so provide the property of being astringent. Interestingly Tannins (in the correct dose) can also be used in some cases of alkaloid poisoning as it precipitates the alkaloids and renders them harmless. If, however the dose is increased, an excess of tannin releases the toxin again and produces a second crises. Tannins are found in the bark of the trunk and roots and occasionally with in leaves. Tannins are astringent, anti-septic and homeostatic. They are commonly found in oak barks and leaves, black tea, black walnut, witch hazel, bayberry, cascara, blackberry, yellow dock, sarparilla, comfrey, peppermint, uva ursi, and cleavers.

 

Saponins: Glucosides that form a soapy foam. Saponin’s chemical composition is similar to hormones parts of which are choline steroids. They stimulate digestion, are diuretic, natural soap, and stabilize fatty and resinous emulsions. Plants include; Soapwort, Soap root, Ceanothus, American Ginseng, Yucca root, Horse chestnut, Figwort, Chickweed, Sassparilla, American wild yam. Huckleberry leaf. Use 50% alcohol when you make a tincture.

 

Plant resins: Essential oils are the aromatic volatile compounds in plants that can be obtained by distillation. In some plants, such as conifers, they can oxidize to produce resins. Plant resins can be warming, antiseptic, expectorants and relaxants and can reduce inflammation. Examples include Myrrh, Frankincense, Pine, Calendula, Benzoin gum, Grindelia and Rosemary.

 

Some constituents are not easily extracted in alcohol and prefer water. Examples include; mucilage, Polysaccharides, and gums.