I am into three things lately 1)using medicinal herbs in products other than tinctures. Alcohol extractions are simple to make, require little plant material, preserve for a very long time and are easy for clients to take. But tinctures have their limitations and may not be ideal for many health issues. 2)creating formulas over single herb remedies. Formulas allow the practitioner to combine herbs with different actions to create safer, better tasting, and more effective products. But a combination of many herbs negates the power of plant spirit medicine. 3)Choosing remedies based on the unique constitution and energetics (season, disease pattern/presentation, cause, organ system, etc.) of a client. This requires lots of study, a two hour intake, and lifestyle changes. But gives better long term results for chronic conditions. I am trying to expand outside my comfort zone and exploit the benefits of various approaches that have very different worldviews.
My apothecary cabinet arrived this week. I feel like my life has changed. I drank a magic potion and sprouted wings to fly. All my tinctures, salves, dried herbs, oils, liniments, and other supplies finally have a home. I can easily reach and use them. I have been inspired by the cabinet to create a line of teas, to process the tinctures I started this summer, to make medicinal clays, and to explore the use of organ tonics. New furniture has totally shifted the energy in the house. It feels more clean, organized, and pleasant to be in the kitchen. I now have gathering place for educational activities, to apprentice my girls, and where I can do consultations. It has been so much work to fill the cabinet with plant based medicine but I could not be happier with the results. I really wanted an experience that felt beautiful and like a journey back in time. I want to remind people of what we are in danger of loosing and fill their souls with things that they thought lost. I have one regret. There is too much glass and reflective surfaces on the cabinet to get a decent photograph to post. Especially with all the snow still outside in the yard. I’ve decided not to list the ingredients for each of my teas in this blog post. I have to keep some things a secret and out of the public domain for the moment.
Are there things that you have lost or miss in your life. How could you recover them?
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 