Experimenting with Herbs

Experimenting with Herbs from the Garden

Bergamot Tincture: I made up a tincture of bergamot (Monarda didyma) using one- fifth of the herb to four fifths olive oil. It sat in a brown bottle in the full sun for 2 weeks. The reason I made it was for my eczema that breaks out over my eyebrows. Nothing has worked so far and I’ve tried cortisone cream, lotions, etc.. Red bumps start forming and then white flakes appear. It is very itchy and I scratch myself raw. The first application of this bergamot tincture resulted in the relief of eczema, but created a pimple. My naturopath suggested leaving the bergamot tincture on for half and hour and then wiping it off. One night I had the bergamot tincture rubbed on my legs to reduce muscle spasms. It made me feel very calm and I had a sense of well-being.

Menopause Formula: I took Motherwort (Leonurus Cardiaca), Hyssop (hyssopus), and Lemon Balm (Melissa Officianalis) and put one fifth herbs to four fifths Vodka. This was placed in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks and then strained back into the bottles. The predominant taste of this mixture is a strong liquorice flavour. I ingested this tincture many times and felt it gave me energy, but produced insomnia if taken next to bedtime.

I don’t know if it helped the hot flashes because I also took Caste Berry in capsule form.

Oregano Tincture: Perennial oregano (Origanum Vulgare) was picked and used in a 1:5 ratio with olive oil. This tincture was prepared to treat athlete’s foot. I haven’t tried this yet, but will soon.

Peppermint Tincture: Spearmint (Mentha Spicata) and English mint (Mentha Spicata) were combined with olive oil in a 1:5 ratio. I made this as a foot lotion to soothe tired, sweaty feet. I have extremely dry skin on my feet and the tincture seemed to help moisturize them.