Spring Tinctures

Good Morning!

Now is the time to gather herbs for spring tinctures.

I have a couple of lovely Baby Spruce trees that I’ll be gathering tips from today as well as harvesting Cleavers.

The heat is coming in, so the cleavers & chickweed will be moving out soon.

Tinctures are my Absolute Favorite form of herbal medicine because a Small amount of herb can have a big Impact.

Harvest, chop, allow to dry for a day (just enough to wilt out some of the moisture) and add as much into a mason jar as you can fit. Because Cleavers is so high in moisture content, you’ll want to utilize 100 proof vodka if using the herb fresh.

If you allow it to Wilt for 24-48 hours you can utilize 80 proof vodka.

1 part herb

2 parts Alcohol

Allow to steep for 4-6 weeks. Strain and bottle.

Dosage is 5-10ml (1 to 2 tsp) 3 times daily

Medicinal uses of Cleavers

Diuretic

Alterative

Anti-inflammatory

Tonic

Astringent

Parts used

Aerial parts (above ground) before & during flowering but before going to seed.

Medicinal forms

Pressed juice (not bad tasting either)

Water infusion (hot boiling water poured over herb & allowed to steep)

Tincture

Dried herb

Key uses

Lymphatic cleanser, helps to relieve congestion for swollen lymph nodes, glands and if present, nodules. Helps support moving waste from the body as well as purifying blood, toning kidneys & bladder.

Great help with eliminating Kidney Stones, Urine flush, helps lower inflammation in the urinary tract.

WARNING

Skin contact while harvesting the herb can cause contract dermatitis, mild to severe skin irritations

Christopher Hobbs notes that Cleavers is also suited for skin conditions such as Psoriasis and could be helpful in formulas for lowering blood pressure.

Matthew Woods notes that cleavers can assist in clearing the lymph channels that run through the breasts helping to flush those channels and alleviate polycystic breasts.

Sources: The Modern Herbal Dispensatory by Thomas Easley & Steven Horne

Christopher Hobbs, Herbal Therapeutic Database

The Herbal Apothecary by JJ Pursell

Herbal Reality- Monographs

Herbal Academy The Herbarium

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Have Fun! Watch the bugs, the plants, take time to enjoy the harvest, preparation and eventual taking of the herb.

If you’re a Believer, Thank GOD for his Abundant Gift when he gave us dominion over the Earth.

Peace!

Kris Boggs

The Boondocks