Helena's Organic Garden - Nature's Apothecary

FOLK HEALING HERBAL TINCTURES:  Herbal Tinctures are Hydro-Alcoholic Solutions Prepared from Fresh or Dried Botanicals; carefully prepared using organic grape alcohol and spring water.  (Email me if prefer tincture in organic vinegar) Plants and Herbs have been ethically harvested- wild crafted/home grown from my gardens and/or from Certified Organic businesses only.  Wild-crafted plants will always be superior to commercial grade. Any herb can be of high quality and collected in pristine environments-however if the delivery method is inferior-the quality will not amount to much.   Like many herbs, they are too often plagued by standardization. The tinctures below are used internally for symptoms described. Preparations and parts used vary with each Herb for different symptoms – look for them in teas and external topical use.  Prepared Fresh and Packaged in 1oz Amber Glass Bottles.  $8.00. 

WILD ROSE Petals " ahh, blame it on my wild heart"  Wild Roses have incredibly aromatic foliage as well as flowers. Musky and sweet. The flower has also been long recognized as a primary medicine in Ayurveda and has been found to significantly contribute the “good” bacteria in our bellies.  A wonderful relaxant to the liver, Rose excels at moving stuck energy and relieving tension in the liver/gallbladder area.  The Chinese use the flowers as a qi or energy stimulant and blood tonic to relieve stagnant liver energies. They are also used for digestive irregularities.  For those familiar with Rescue Remedy, this can be used similar. Wild Crafted

PEACH TREE ( Prunus persica)- Peach is wonderful. It can help increase appetite while soothing irritation; As a relaxant nervine, it has the capacity to be very helpful in cases of insomnia and anxiety typified by tension, dryness and some level of burnout; it’s just gently calming.  Peach is a very useful soothing, demulcent diuretic and is a traditional Southern/Appalachian remedy for anxiousness and nervousness. It soothes nausea; a digestive tonic for those with signs of dryness and heat. Where there’s diarrhea, churning stomach and short transit time. NOTE:  Trees are not sprayed.  Tincture is made from young fresh bark, buds, leaves.

*OSAGE ORANGE Fruit (Maclura Pomifera)- has traditionally been used as a treatment for cancer by Native Americans and folk herbalists. The constituents in Osage Orange exhibits anti-cancer activity by binding tumors on the surface of cancerous cells from which 85% of cancer develops.  Wild Crafted

ECHINACEA Roots, flowers, seed heads (Asteraceae – Sunflower Family) One of history’s most long lasting and effective frontrunner.  Well preemptive use for chronic sore throats, colds, sinus infection, winter viruses, laryngitis, Strep throat, Boils, Herpes, Chicken pox and shingles. Certified Organic

SAW PALMETTO fruit (Arecaceae - Palm Family) Saw Palmetto works on the prostrate ducts due to its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory qualities.  It does not reduce the size of an age-related prostrate but helps symptoms improve by decreasing urine flow rate and frequency; without lowering libido and impotency that is demonstrated in pharmaceutical drugs.  For women, it is known to increase breast size, libido and help tone uterine tissue and chronic ovarian irritation.   Not to be used in men or women who have hormonal based malignancies. Certified Organic

PLEURISY ROOT root (Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family) will soften lodged mucus and stimulate secretion.  It is one of the best remedies for dry, persistent, irritant coughs.  To be used if the skin is hot/chronically dry with a mild fever-individuals; stress types prone to allergic skin sensitivity and constipation Certified Organic

DANDELION root & leaves(Asteraceae - Sunflower Family) is a reliable bitter tonic .  The leaf is a diuretic useful in particular in resolving uric acid kidney stones and gout.  The root promotes beneficial microflora growth and stabilizes the “leaky gut syndrome.”  This symptom is associated with skin allergies, joint inflammation, fatigue and poor intestinal health..  Wild Crafted

WILD CHERRY bark(Rosaceae - Rose Family) used if there is a dry irritating cough that can be associated with bronchitis; thus sedating bronchial mucous membrane.  Prepared with organic vegetable glycerin.  Certified Organic

GOLDENSEAL Roots (Ranunculaceae – Buttercup Family) NOTE: in every state it is considered threatened by depletion of hardwood forests or endangered from (as in other herbs-exploitation) profiteers and marketers.  Is a mucus membrane tonic – chronic heads colds, sinusitis, and rhinitis. It is a bitter tonic for weak digestion, chronic gastritis, ulcer, bacterial food poisoning.  Effective in bacterial, fungal and parasitic strains, it is not to be used solely as an antibiotic. Also a fact Goldenseal is only legend as the mythical cleanser for drug testing.  Cultivated-Certified Organic

BLUE COHOSH Fruit (Berberidaceae – Barberry Family) classified as an emmenagogue, meaning it stimulates menstrual flow. It dilates blood vessels in the uterus and promotes circulation in the pelvis, making it helpful for women who experience scanty, spotty menstrual flow; irregular periods; and difficult, painful periods.  A uterine tonic that relieves symptoms associated with menopause by quieting uterine congestion / arthritis and poor uterine circulation.   Tissue stimulator or chronic inflammation associated with PID and endometriosis.   DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY.  Certified Organic

GOLDENROD Root- liver stimulator, often used in treating seasonal allergies.  It also has anti-fungal properties,  urinary antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.  It is sometimes used as an ingredient in cough syrup and also used to treat rheumatism.  The compound called saponins found in goldenrod are specifically effective against infection from the Candida fungus.  Wild Crafted

ASTRAGALUS Root ( Astragalus membranaceus- Pea family) works best as an immune system tonic; especially those individuals with prolonged sickness, excessive steroid use or chemotherapy.  The plant is useful for any lingering bacterial or viral infections, lupus, Hepatitis C  Certified Organic

CORNSILK  ( Poaceae- Grass Family) is specific to the urinary tract. Used for most inflammation, irritation or pain centered around the kidneys, bladder, urethra or ureters.  Corn silk will also break down most stubborn kidney stones, but most importantly, will also reduce the pain and irritation after the stone has passed.  Certified Organic/Wild Crafted

CLOVES (Myrtaceae – Myrtle family) Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Stimulant.  Internally used for nausea and indigestion associated with gas pain starting from the stomach and intestines- reflux.  Temporarily relieves dental pain-applied directly to the tooth. Has also been used for reducing outbreaks of herpes group –HSV, Chicken Pox, Shingles etc. Certified Organic

MEADOWSWEET  Anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, antacid, anti-emetic, astringent. One of the best digestive remedies available. Protects and soothe the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, reduces excess acidity and eases nausea. It is used in the treatment of heartburn, hyperacidity, gastritis and peptic ulceration. Useful in treating diarrhea in children.  The presence of aspirin-like chemicals explains Meadowsweet's action in reducing fever and relieving the pain of rheumatism in muscles and joints.  Certified Organic

NETTLE Leaf & Root(Urticaceae – Nettle Family) readily mineral content of calcium and potassium; is best used by individuals with pH imbalance of the blood especially in situations created by dietary indiscretion.   If a diet contains large amounts of animal source proteins- nettle will buffer against the acid build up.  Historically has been used for chronic bladder irritation with accompanying mucous discharge-it is a well known diuretic.  Recently been used for Rhinitis-but it’s a hit or miss for upper respiratory allergies. Wild Crafted

YARROW Flowers & Leaves(Asteraceae- Sunflower Family) Ancient in use; Yarrow is well used as a tonifier where there is tissue laxity.  With or without mucous in the urine, it is specific for urinary pain and urination.  It is also used for chronic vaginitis.   The plants anti-inflammatory properties are distinct; especially in gastrointestinal inflammation by dispelling gas pains and quieting indigestion.  Certified Organic/Wild Crafted

CHASTE TREE Fruit( Vitex Agnus – Vervain Family) The beauty of this plant is that instead of adding chemical hormones to the body, Chaste Berry encourages the body to achieve its own natural hormonal balance.  Best used by women who suffer premenstrual breast tenderness and heavy menstrual bleeding- especially associated with moderate to heavy caffeine use.  Chaste tree supports all issues of progesterone deficiency such as uterine fibroids.  Being a mild sedative it is useful in premenstrual discomforts: anxiety, mood swings and irritability.  **Also helps in the beginning stages of menopause.  **NOTE:  See Motherwort.  Combine Chaste Tree with Motherwort to reduce hot flashes and irritability associated with menopause  Certified Organic

BILBERRY Fruit  ( Ericaceae  – Heath  Family) fruit are astringent tonic for loose stools, diarrhea acting as a binding agent.  The tannin in the fruit is also mildly inhibiting to bacteria.  It also has influence over small blood vessels such as capillary vessels and stabilizes membrane surfaces to those with vascular peripheral disorders. These are the nerves that transmit information through the central nervous system to the brain. People with Raynaud’s syndrome will benefits from Bilberry.  Because of antioxidants will slow progression of degeneration and cataract formation.  Bilberry improves night vision and reduces sensitivity to normally bright light.  Certified Organic.

MULLEIN Leaves( Scrophulariaceae – Figwort Family)influences the lungs. Use the plant when there is persistent dry cough that verges on spasmodic.  The plant inhibits bacterial strains involved with lung infections.      Wild Crafted

MOTHERWORT ( Lamiaceae  – Mint Family is used for menstrual and uterine conditions as well as in heart and circulation treatments. It best fits women who are underweight and emotionally stressed.  It provides relaxing before the onset of menses.  It is also specific for women with long cycles, breast tenderness, sluggish menstruation, and possible heart palpitations during their time of the month.  It is also curbs nerve ending irritation of shingles, herpes. **NOTE:  See Chase Tree.  Combine Motherwort with Chaste Tree to reduce hot flashes and irritability associated with menopause.  Certified Organic
 
YELLOW DOCK Root ( Polygonaceae – Buckwheat Family)  is old school usage as an intestinal wall tonic and the ability to  reduce lymph enlargements.  It is beneficial on small intestinal fat absorption and lessening skin and lymph irregularities for those with poor fat digestion. Use Yellow Dock if there are eruptive and scaly skins (skin rashes) conditions that are linked to intestinal discomfort.  Wild Crafted

HOREHOUND leaves & flower heads ( Lamiaceae – Mint  Family)  a stimulating expectorant used or breaking of bronchial mucous- by thinning it.  Also taken before meals to stimulate the gastric and small intestine secretions. It is useful in fat digestions and appetite stimulator.  Wild Crafted/Certified Organic

WOOD BOTONY Nervine, bitter, aperient, stomachic, tonic, Betony gently tones and strengthens the nervous system whilst also has a relaxing action. Useful for treatment of the nervous debility associated with anxiety and tension. It will ease headaches and neuralgia when they are of nervous origin, but especially those caused by hypertension.  Traditionally used for headache, neuralgia, pains in the head and face, heartburn, indigestion, cramps in the stomach.  Certified Organic