Herbal Medicine – Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy

Fever Tea (ELECAMPANE)

I make a lot of tinctures and infused oils. They store a long time and don’t require a lot of fresh plant material. I am lazy and often forget the aesthetic and medicinal values of teas, tisanes, decoctions and water infusions. Some chemical constituents are better released by heating/simmering them in water. Many tea formulasContinue reading “Fever Tea (ELECAMPANE)”

Healing Band (Feverfew)

I have two girls in puberty at the moment. My youngest has started to have migraines. They are terrible, starting out of the blue with blurred vision, light sensitivity, a pounding headache, tears, and the need to lie down in a dark bed room for hours. In the late morning, as a preventative, I haveContinue reading “Healing Band (Feverfew)”

Formulas for Everyday Teas

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. FormulasContinue reading “Formulas for Everyday Teas”

Homegrown Oregano

One day I needed to go to the local herb store to buy some dried nettle for my husband. He was having issues with allergies and my garden was still in winter hibernation. The employee opened up the jar to dispense what I wanted and immediately I could smell Nettle from across the room. It was anContinue reading “Homegrown Oregano”

Fabulous Find (Saint John Wort Tincture)

I retired from midwifery a year after I moved into my house. All the herbs and equipment went into the basement. 12 years later while purging and cleaning I found a jar that was in pretty sad shape. The lid was actually glued to the top. I pried it off and saw the ruby redContinue reading “Fabulous Find (Saint John Wort Tincture)”