Uncategorized Archives - Wandering Herbals

Valerian

Sam Atkinson — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 03:56:54 +0000

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Yarrow

Sam Atkinson — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:30:18 +0000

Astringent Yarrow is an incredible herb and while it has many other uses, I like to use it primarily as a wound care agent. Undiluted tincture of yarrow used to clean and compress, and the Yarrow will not only stem any bleeding by sealing the bleeding vessels but will also cause the edges of the wound to knit back together before your very eyes. I can personally attest to this phenomenon! It is really quite incredible. Yarrow is also very antiseptic and is excellent for cleaning any kind of wound, broken skin or not. Bathe wounds using the yarrow and dress with calendula and plantain balm, or if the wound is actively bleeding, soak gauze or such in the tincture and compress on the wound. Repeat regularly over the next several days and the wound will heal rapidly and cleanly. Apply to blood blisters or trapped, old blood and bruises to promote blood circulation and speed healing.
Most of the yarrow I use is harvested from the community garden once again, and from my own garden too. This year I needed so much herb I enlisted the help of generous friend who had an abundant crop growing. Im working on having more growing in my own yard ready for next year. Yarrow is truly an amazing herb that is so easy to grow and can be used fresh on cuts and bites and wounds or infused into oil to make a healing salve. Greek mythology says that when Achillies was born, he was held from his heel by his mother and dipped into a vat of yarrow tea, thus coating him and making him invincible, no weapon could pierce his skin. The only weak spot he had was his heel, hence the term Achilles heel. Imagine that Yarrow provides the same level of protection for your skin. Indeed, it was a herb that was taken onto battlefields right up until the last war. A valuable member of the plant world.

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Focus Blend

Sam Atkinson — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:49:12 +0000

A special blend of herbs intended to help stimulate blood flow to the cranium and increase circulation in the brain. Rosemary is a well-known herb for improving and stimulating memory, and Ashwagandha is an excellent adaptogenic esp. helpful with moderating stress. Ginkgo also has well researched actions on cranial circulation and improved memory function in the elderly. Regular long-term use will help to improve and sustain concentration and focus stamina, ease brain fog and forgetfulness. Combine with the use of Lions Mane mushroom (I don’t stock this product yet) to help mitigate the signs of aging like memory loss. This is a tincture you should avoid if pregnant or trying to become so.
Homegrown rosemary picked on a hot day and straight into the menstruum, preserving those rich essential oils, premium Ashwagandha root and organic Gingko leaves kindly harvested by a fellow herbalist from his tree, right at the beginning of autumn when the yellowing leaves indicate the medicinal properties are at their peak.

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Wild Garlic

Sam Atkinson — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 09:59:46 +0000

Wild garlic is a potent antiviral/antibiotic/antifungal that I like to include a lot when I am treating an infection, but especially useful for colds and flus, chest and lung related complaints. Garlic is believed to be useful in lowering blood pressure and high cholesterol. It does indeed taste and smell like garlic!
Not recommended for those taking blood thinning medication.

I’ve found a few patches of this precious wild spice over the years, and I keep their locations a closely guarded secret. I carefully wildcraft my garlic, harvesting a certain amount each year – some goes for medicine, the rest to the kitchen. I was delighted to stumble across another considerable patch this summer, boosting my stash of garlic paste and more medicine for you, as this tincture has as somewhat limited annual supply.

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