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 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 as 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.
Benefits of Chaga:
A VERY POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT
IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST
INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS
ULCERS AND GASTRITIS
HEART HEALTH
CANCER
DIGESTION
SKIN HEALTH
LIVER DETOX
MANAGES FEELINGS OF STRESS
I usually harvest Chaga in the colder months, as I feel it contains more of the medicinal properties. I drink the tea often, it has a very earthy smell and taste. I know people that add it to their coffee.
When using it, crush/break the dried mushroom into smaller pieces. Some grind it, but I only do that if I am putting it into capsules. It is my experience that a spoonful of chaga can be used up to 6 times as a tea. I believe that it gets stronger each time it is used. My chickens love the left overs :)
I leave the black outer part of the mushroom on it. With all my medicines I leave them as natural as possible. I think that is where the modern pharmaceutical practices have gone amuck. They isolate the healing property (often reproducing it synthetically). When they do that, they do not take into consideration that there are other parts to that plant that are necessary to balance out the medicine.
I usually make dried, tinctures and tea.
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.
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.
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.
Looking forward to hearing your comments and stories.
We all have the knowledge to our own well being.
