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Post by Jenny on Apr 24, 2006 1:14:57 GMT -5
Awhile back I picked some Balm of Gilead (cottonwood) buds and made a tincture. I had heard it was good for headaches and other pains. Well, I've tried it about 4 or 5 times now, and IT WORKED GREAT ! ! ! It wasn't an instant relief, but in about an hour, I suddenly realized the pain was gone and I felt so much better. The really great thing was that once the headache was gone, it did NOT return the rest of the day. HOORAY ! ! ! I wish I'd picked lots more. I sure won't be using asprin, ibuprofen, or the other stuff anymore. This worked much better. I think if I mixed it with a little Rosemary tincture, or just took a little squirt of it, then the headache would go away faster. Rosemary works fast but wears off fast, too. Here's the thread I posted about using cottonwood buds: akhomesteaders.proboards44.com/index.cgi?board=godscures&action=display&thread=1138607583If anybody else tries it for things, let me know. Jenny
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Post by salmonberry on Jun 22, 2006 17:39:02 GMT -5
I'm sure you've posted it before, Jenny, but do you have a step-by-step for tincturing. Also, how much do you use after its done?
Also, I made balm-of-Gilead with lard and vitamin E. I love the result, but my pot and utinsels have resin all over them that I cannot get off. Did I pick my buds too late? I think I must have. If I had picked them earlier would it have been cleaner?
Salmonberry
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Post by Jenny on Jun 22, 2006 20:12:40 GMT -5
Hi, Here's the thread I wrote about making tinctures. akhomesteaders.proboards44.com/index.cgi?board=godscures&action=display&thread=1139343732 I just glanced at it, so if it doesn't tell you what you want to know, I'll try to answer your questions. I'll also list a book in a minute. You can also do a search online and find more information. Everyone makes tinctures and salves a little different, and everyone has good reasons for their way. Regarding how much tincture to use: Well, it depends on what kind of tincture, the strength of the tincture, why it is being used, and the weight of the person using it. It could be anywhere from a drop to more than a tablespoon. I strongly suggest that you contact an herbalist or read a good book. One book I have that is very informative is one by Michael Tierra, "The Way of Herbs". Another is the PDR of Herbal Medicine. Sorry about your utensils getting sticky. I usually pick cottonwood buds during the winter when the temperatures are 20 degrees or colder. Any warmer and they are really sticky to pick. But when making a salve, they're still going to get sticky when you bring them in and heat them in a pan. Most things don't leave such a strong smell or the stickiness, but cottonwood is bad about that. Last time I made it, I used a stainless steel mixing bowl for making the salve. It cleaned up easily. I also have an old enamel pan is used for salves, but it doesn't clean up as easily and, for months, everything I put in it had a cottonwood flavor or smell. Jenny
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Post by salmonberry on Jun 23, 2006 17:18:39 GMT -5
Thanks Jenny. I saw your entry about tinctures after I posted this message. I am glad to know that I did not do anything wrong in making the balm. I was wondering. Like I said, the finished product turned out well. We've used it multiple times and like it. Now its time to find another project.
Salmonberry
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Post by smwon on Jul 10, 2006 20:38:59 GMT -5
cottonwood as a pain reliever... that is way cool! I am going to look at the sites...
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