Category: Pat’s Opinions

Jeremiah asked this famous rhetorical question Jer. 8:22. “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been
restored?” The dire conditions of the people that caused them to need balm was given in the verse previous. “For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am broken; I
mourn, dismay has taken hold of me.” Jeremiah was dismayed, and maybe even disgusted, that the condition of the people have gotten so bad.

Balm, of course, is a medicinal salve. The people were wounded from their sins and idolatries and needed to be resorted. This brokenness is compared to physical maladies
and physical cures to illustrate how unnecessarily tragic it was. People had sought the balm of Gilead to help their illnesses for centuries. In fact, the caravan that Joseph
was sold to was heading to Egypt carrying balm from Gilead. (Gen. 37:25) A few years later when Joseph sent his brothers back for their remaining brother Benjamin (before he
had revealed himself to them) their father Jacob said to take the best products of the land “to carry down to the man as a present, a little balm.” (Gen. 43:11) After the captivity,
when Israel took the promised land, Gilead, on the west side of the Jordan, became part of their land. The tribe of Gad settled there. The balm trade then became an Israeli one.
(Ezk. 27:17) The reason for all this was that one of the trees there secreted a turpentine like resin that was highly sought after. It is said the this balm was worth twice its weight in silver.

Balm of Gilead/Cottonwood Oil

If you have a cottonwood grove where you live, you know the amazing aroma the trees give off. The buds of the tree, which are available from fall to late winter, exude a resin that many call “balm of Gilead.”

What I like to do is make a rich, luxurious balm of Gilead oil with the buds. Often, you find cottonwoods (Populus balsamifera or P. trichocarpa for all you botanical techie types) growing along river banks.
What I usually do is wait for a good windstorm. After a windstorm, I’ll find cottonwood branches, entire limbs, or even entire trees all along the riverbanks. If I was only making a small jar of oil, I could certainly pick the
buds right of a live tree and put it right in my jar. However, being there are so many of these trees around me, I like to wait to gather buds from trees or branches that are no longer going to turn into spring leaves.
In other words, downed branches, limbs and trees.

The colder the day, the better. Gathering too many of these buds can be quite a sticky situation! Native people made glue from the resin.
If you do get resin on things you don’t want resin on, just use your leftover tincture making vodka to clean up when making balm of gilead,
(I would also recommend wearing surgical gloves when handling the buds to keep the resin off your hands).

After collecting your buds, do the following to make balm of Gilead:

1. Fill half a mason jar with the buds.
2. Pour olive oil to the top, (if you use coconut oil it will make its own semi-solid
salve).
3. Use the mason jar screw band and screwed down a paper towel (or a rubber band on a
regular jar). The buds will expand and lots of water will evaporate out. I would put
the jar on a small plate in case it overflows in the middle of the night.

4. Label the mason jar with the herb name and date it.
5. Everyday for a few weeks stir the oil with a stir stick or chop stick.

Make sure the buds are covered with oil. If buds are sticking out it will most likely go moldy. Don’t worry if buds are floating when you check it in the morning. Just keep stirring.
In time, they will all sink.

In six weeks you can strain it out. However, the longer you leave it the better. So soaking for a year is not unheard of!

Don’t wash the jar out after you strain it. You can keep the seasoned jar for your next years batch.

Store you finished balm of Gilead in easy to dispense bottles or containers.

What should you use balm of Gilead / cottonwood for?

Well, besides smelling WONDERFUL (you need not add any other scents to your salves or oils when using cottonwood), you would use your oil/salve as;

1. an anti-inflammatory (it cools things down),
2. antimicrobial (it kills really little things that can infect you),
3. it’s analgesic (calms the pain).
4. It’s incredibly healing.
5. It stimulates skin proliferation.
6. It makes a wonderful massage oil.

Now available on Amazon… “A Republic, if you can keep it.” https://www.amazon.com/Republic-If-You-Can-Keep/dp/1717513069/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529950655&sr=8-4&keywords=a+republic+if+you+can+keep+it

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(c) 2018 Uriel Press

Here’s a list of some Essential Oils, (EOs) I keep on hand: all should be diluted before use unless noted.

Rosemary** – See below – analgesic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent – aids memory -clears thinking – sore muscles – cold feet – gout

Lavender**, *** – analgesic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antifungal, antispasmodic, antiviral, decongestant, sedative – headaches – eczema – burns and scalds – muscle pain – insect bites and stings – chest congestion – sunburn – diaper rash – acne – cramps – insomnia – lice and removing nits. We use it neat as a treatment for migraine headaches by rubbing a small amount on the temples. This is a must have for your Herbal Medicine Chest.

Eucalyptus – expectorant, decongestant, insecticide, analgesic, antirheumatic, highly antiseptic – great for chest rub to relieve congestion in respiratory ailments – painful joints – burns – cold sores – arthritic pain – insect repellent – aids concentration

Tea Tree*** – highly antiseptic and antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral, bactericide, expectorant, insecticide – cuts and scrapes – wart removal – cold sores – nit removal – vaginal yeast infection – acne – itching – reduces scarring – athletes foot – dandruff – insect repellent. A must have for your Herbal Medicine Chest.

Balsam – analgesic, antiseptic, deodorant, expectorant – chest rub – arthritis and rheumatic aches – sore muscles – acne – chest congestion – pain reliever

Peppermint** -Cooling, analgesic, antispasmodic, anesthetic, decongestant, febrifuge, insecticide, stimulant – clears thinking – discourages fever – travel sickness – digestive, relaxes stomach muscles – pain relieving – discourages nausea – travel sickness – headache and migraine – toothache – muscle and joint pain – insect bites and other skin irritations including itching – repels vermin

Pink Grapefruit – antiseptic, disinfectant, stimulant, antidepressant – can reduce cellulite – acne – migraine – PMS- deodorant

*(not to be confused with French marigold used in herbicides and pesticides)
**CAUTION: avoid high doses during pregnancy
***Can be used neat or straight.

Now available on Amazon… “A Republic, if you can keep it.” https://www.amazon.com/Republic-If-You-Can-Keep/dp/1717513069/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529950655&sr=8-4&keywords=a+republic+if+you+can+keep+it

Follow me on Twitter @OzarksAuthor

This page and its links contain opinion. As with all opinion, it should not be relied upon without independent verification. Think for yourself. Fair Use is relied upon for all content. For educational purposes only. No claims are made to the properties of third parties.

(c) 2018 Uriel Press

Herbal Salves, Ointments and Balms

Salves, Ointments and Balms…What’s the difference? Among the herbal community, it seems that some view these terms as interchangeable while others distinguish between them. The big difference seems to be the consistency and aromatic qualities. Here’s my view:

Balm– a balm is a mixture of herbal infused oils, some form of wax and essential oils. To explain the texture best, think of a preparation that is stiff enough to be used in a twist up dispenser like a lip balm tube or twist up deodorant stick. The ratio of wax to oils would be highest in a balm, usually 1oz. wax to 1 cup oil. Balms tend to be more aromatic because the higher amount of EOs used for their healing properties releases a cloud of soothing vapors upon application.
In beauty products, lips balms, lotion bars and deodorant sticks are really balms with additional ingredients. But in this article, we’re simply thinking about our herbal medicine chest.

Salve – also a mixture of herbal infused oils and wax but contain little or no EOs. The consistency is one that could be used in a small container, like a tin, that the salve could be dipped into with a clean finger, a cotton swab or a small cosmetic paddle. The texture is easy to smooth over the injury without the pressure required to apply a balm. Also call unguents.

Ointment – again, a mixture of herbal infused oils, wax and possibly EOs, the big difference (if there is one at all) between salves and ointments is the texture. I think of ointments as a softer, more loose, yet oily preparation that is best stored in a tube or jar with a screw on lid to prevent spills in warm weather.

That being said, they are pretty much interchangeable in their healing nature and preparation with the big difference being their texture based on how they’ll be used and ease of application. All of the above herbal preparations are for external application. Because our skin absorbs most oils quickly, the oil and it’s healing herbal ingredients are drawn into the body where they can begin to work while the wax and some of the oils form a protective layer on the skin’s surface.
These herbal remedies can be prepared using one herbal ingredient that may or may not be enhanced by the addition of the same EO. Or they can be prepared using a combination of herbs and EOs for a specific or personalized application.
One variation on the above information is that a solid or semi solid (at room temp.) oil or fat can be used without the addition of wax. One example is lard. I don’t use animal lard because it has a tendency to become rancid much quicker than vegetable based oils. Vegetable lard is sterile but it is hydrogenated oil so I don’t recommend using it either. However there are other oils such as coconut oil and butters that can be used here. We’ll talk more about them in the body care section because they often bring healing qualities of their own which may or may not be needed in a first aide situation.

Some recipes call for a few drops of tincture of benzoin as a preservative. However, it can cause or increase irritation on tender skin.
The contents of a vitamin E capsule can be used to help preserve your preparation if desired.

Basic Preparation of Salves, Ointments and Balms

1 Cup oil (Olive, Sesame or Almond are good choices)
1 Cup of chopped fresh herbs or 1/2 cup crushed or powdered dried herbs (either a “simple” ~ singular herb or a blend) and/or 1 tsp.of Essential Oil (see below).
Gently warm oil and herbs in a container for 2-3 hours. (Either in a warm oven that has been turned off, in a pot on the stove over very low heat, in a slow cooker set on low or in a jar placed in the sun.)
Strain to remove plant parts or “marc” from the oil infusion and discard. (The worm bin!)

If you’re adding Essential Oils to your product, add them to the warmed oil just before adding the wax to avoid losing much of their value through evaporation. Then quickly move onto the next step to reduce the temp.

Another method would be to create several “simple” or single herb infused oils that can be combined at a later time to suit your needs. Of course if you’re using EOs there’s no need to make ahead.

Add to warm oil blend:
approx.1 oz. Beeswax for balms
3/4 oz for salves
1/2 oz for ointments
Adjust the amount to suit your application. When you need it, you’re not going to care what it’s called, only if it works!
Stir in beeswax until melted.
Pour into small containers. Allow to cool, cap, label carefully with ingredients and instructions for use and store in a cool place out of direct sunlight or intense heat (like your glove box!)

Use externally as needed for minor skin irritations, insect bites, cuts, abrasions, sore muscles, chest congestion, sore throat, even helping broken bones to mend (after they’ve been set by a doctor, of course.) Again, these remedies are meant for minor injuries and ailments; not to replace proper professional medical attention when necessary. We use them successfully in our home based on research, historical empirical evidence and our own experiences. Based on lore and history, many of these plants have been used for healing since the beginning of time.

Now available on Amazon… “A Republic, if you can keep it.” https://www.amazon.com/Republic-If-You-Can-Keep/dp/1717513069/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529950655&sr=8-4&keywords=a+republic+if+you+can+keep+it

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(c) 2018 Uriel Press

Water Infusions
Herbal Teas(Tisanes) Sun/Moon Tea Decoctions

Herbal Teas – This method is commonly referred to as a “standard brew”. Making herbal tea is almost the same as making a cup of Camellia sinensis, the herb we refer to as just “tea”, with some important differences. It is not usually necessary to strain most herbal infusions as the leaves will settle to the bottom in ten minutes time. In fact it is a good idea to just let the herbs steep, as this will extract more of the medicinal properties. You need not throw out the leftovers either, and may want to reuse them as a “starter” for another fresh batch. Herbs that have a lot of tannins, or are bitter will get even more so the longer they steep and can be strong and bitter to drink.

Herbal tea making is just as much of an art as it is a science. Color, taste, aroma all will signal you when the brew is “just right”.

1. Ratio : Pour two cups boiling water over one ounce dried herb, (1 to 2 tablespoons), or 1 cupped handful of the fresh herb.
2. Brewing time : 10 to 20 minutes. Depends on the material. Generally, leaves and flowers will take less time than seeds, roots, or barks.
3. Average Dose. The average dosage is usually 3 to 4 cups in a day. Bitter medicines need only be taken in small doses, usually 1/2 cup at a time.
4. Variations : Spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardomom, cloves, and allspice add heat and energy to the infusion. Almond and vanilla extracts, raw honey, fresh lemon, or a pinch of stevia add flavor and zest.
5. Tools : You dont need anything fancy, the most important tea tool is a non-aluminum pot with a tight fitting lid. Add a strainer and a tea cup and you are good to go.

Solar/Lunar Infusions: Commonly know as “sun tea”. Put fresh or dried herbs in a glass jar filled with water and place in a hot, sunny windowsill for several hours. You can also harness the mystical power of the moon with a lunar infusion. Place the herbs in an open crystal glass or bowl, using fresh herbs when possible. Cover the herbs with fresh water and place directly in the moon light, a full moon being the best time. Do not cover. Allow to infuse overnight and drink first thing in the morning. These infusions will be subtle, and work best with fresh, aromatic herbs like chamomile, mints and balms.

Decoctions: Unlike infusions, decoctions are boiled. Woody roots, non-aromatic seeds and barks are suited to this method. To get more of the “good” out of the herbs you can place them cold water over a low heat and slowly bring to a simmering boil. Keep the pot covered and simmer for 20 minutes. I often let the mixture set all day or overnight without straining, you can use the same herbs over again 2 or three times, adding a bit more fresh material if you wish.
Overnight Method : Use this method when the material you want to extract is a bitter, or mineral salt. The whole herb, roots or seeds, or the bark of a woody plant are soaked in cold water for several hours, then brought to a boil and simmered for 30 minutes. The correct proportion if not otherwise specified is one ounce of plant material to two cups of water.

Now available on Amazon… “A Republic, if you can keep it.” https://www.amazon.com/Republic-If-You-Can-Keep/dp/1717513069/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529950655&sr=8-4&keywords=a+republic+if+you+can+keep+it

Follow me on Twitter @OzarksAuthor

This page and its links contain opinion. As with all opinion, it should not be relied upon without independent verification. Think for yourself. Fair Use is relied upon for all content. For educational purposes only. No claims are made to the properties of third parties.

(c) 2018 Uriel Press

DISCLAIMER: It is my belief that this information is true and accurate, however, understand that if you choose to follow what is posted here you do so at your own risk. The author of this article and the management of this website assume no responsibility for your application of this information and, specifically disavow any responsibility for any outcome therefrom.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a fermented product made from crushed and aged apples. The healthiest versions contain “the mother” which is a colony of beneficial bacteria with many health benefits.

If you are going to use ACV for a health remedy, look for organic, unpasteurized vinegars with “the Mother,” which are available at most grocery stores. Bragg’s is one popular brand.

There are many health related uses for apple cider vinegar. It has been used as a natural remedy for many things, and while science is yet to prove many of the health claims associated with ACV, it is generally considered harmless to try. Of course, with any medical condition, consult your doctor before changing any part of your lifestyle. (Obligatory disclaimer… I am not a doctor; I don’t play one on TV and I didn’t spend last night at a Holiday Inn.)

Reduce Acid Reflux and Heartburn

ACV mimics the acidic environment of the stomach and helps food to break down. Many people report reduced symptoms of reflux or heartburn after using Apple Cider Vinegar, which is logical, since many times these conditions are caused by too little stomach acid, rather than too much. Whenever I’ve had heartburn or reflux, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water takes care of it!

Fight Candida (yeast) in the Body

If you suffer from yeast overgrowth in the body, and many people do, ACV might help. Some research shows that the acid and enzymes in Apple Cider Vinegar help kill excess yeast in the body. For those with severe yeast problems, the symptoms may get worse initially when they begin taking ACV. This is caused by the die off of the yeast, called a Herxheimer reaction, when the body can’t remove the toxins from the yeast fast enough. It is actually a good sign, though an uncomfortable one. If you suspect you have yeast overgrowth, consider taking 1 tsp- 1 TBSP of ACV in water before each meal or twice a day, preferably on an empty stomach.

Relieve Sunburns and Bug Bites

If you suffer from a sunburn or insect bite, Apple Cider Vinegar can help alleviate the pain. For sunburns, apply ACV and water (25/75 mix) with a cotton cloth or washcloth directly to the skin to cool and relieve pain. You can also soak in a bath of warm water with 1 cup ACV. For bug bites, apply a 50/50 mixture directly to the bite, or soak the area in vinegar water.

Some studies suggest that the acetic acid in Apple Cider Vinegar may help power blood pressure. ACV may help increase production of the blood vessel relaxing compound nitric oxide. It may also help inhibit enzymes that cause blood vessels to constrict.

Kill Foot or Skin Fungus

Just as ACV can help kill Candida in the body, it is often useful against yeast and fungus on the skin and nails. If you have foot or toe fungus, soak the feet in 1 cup of ACV in water or apply directly to the affected area. For skin fungus or yeast, apply a 25/75 mixture of ACV and water. It will burn but will help clear up even the worst cases of fungus. Especially in children or those with sensitive skin, it is best to dilute the ACV with water before applying to the skin. For me, it burned like hell at first but it did effectively kill the nail fungus.

Natural Skin Toner

When mixed with equal parts of water (and a few drops of essential oil for fragrance) ACV makes an excellent firming toner for the skin. It has also been shown to be effective against acne without drying the skin. To use as a toner, keep the mixture in the fridge, and apply with a cotton ball after showering. The vinegar smell disappears completely when dry. Some people do better with a 24% vinegar/75% water mixture.

Treat Dandruff

Apple Cider Vinegar can be very effective against dandruff. Mix with equal parts water and apply to scalp with spray bottle or cloth. Leave on for 1-2 hours with a shower cap and rinse. This can be done 1-2 times a week for best results.

Notes: Apple Cider Vinegar should not be swallowed undiluted or applied to the skin undiluted, especially in children or those with sensitive skin. Be careful not to get ACV in the eyes. Plain white vinegar and other types of vinegar should not be used for these purposes.

Now available on Amazon… “A Republic, if you can keep it.” https://www.amazon.com/Republic-If-You-Can-Keep/dp/1717513069/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529950655&sr=8-4&keywords=a+republic+if+you+can+keep+it

Follow me on Twitter @OzarksAuthor

This page and its links contain opinion. As with all opinion, it should not be relied upon without independent verification. Think for yourself. Fair Use is relied upon for all content. For educational purposes only. No claims are made to the properties of third parties.

(c) 2018 Uriel Press

DISCLAIMER: It is my belief that this information is true and accurate, however, understand that if you choose to follow what is posted here you do so at your own risk. The author of this article and the management of this website assume no responsibility for your application of this information and, specifically disavow any responsibility for any outcome therefrom.

Echinacea tincture has been used historically for anything from snake or spider bites to colds and flu, strep, even topically for wound care. It is a longtime favorite of mine to use for acute conditions. I don’t use this remedy for long term healing, or for bacterial infections. This is what I grab when the flu or cold is coming on fast, or if I’m getting a scratchy throat-or there is a small wound that just doesn’t act right.

There are two kinds of Echinacea (also called Purple Coneflower and Kansas Snake Root) Echinacea Angustfolia and Echinacea Purpurea. KNOW WHICH ONE YOU HAVE! I use Echinacea Angustfolia root. More common in Europe is the Echinacea purpurea. Some say you can use them interchangeably, honestly I have always used Echinacea Angustfolia root for any tincture I have made. The dried leaves can be used but I have found that the root, cleaned and VERY dry, chopped, works best for a strong, useful tincture for all manner of uses.

Making an Echinacea tincture is pretty simple-grab a couple ounces of the dried root, toss it in a pint or half pint mason jar and cover with grain alcohol or even cheap vodka. Close the jar, shake every couple days and keep in a cool, dry place. Wait a good 3-6 weeks before decanting. Should you decide to keep the tincture in the mason jar, strain it through a cheesecloth to remove the root pieces and use gloves, you are working with medicine at this point and you don’t want to absorb a whole lot through your skin unless you need to.
Yes, it is that simple.
A word about usage: Don’t use echinacea for longer than a week at the time. It works by ‘tricking’ the body to rev up and fight off a virus or poison-and the body figures it out after about a week, so take time off between periods of usage. Generally a week on, a week off. It’s not an herb you use long term, anyway.
As for dosage:
Strep throat: I have squirted a dropper full down the back of my throat a couple times a day and it has knocked it out within 48 hours. (In conjunction with healing broths and lots of water)
Flu: I use it in conjunction with vitamin c, healing broth, and hot peppers.
For wounds or bites: I use it directly on the area several times a day.
For snakebite: I don’t have any experience, thankfully-but I have heard it said that in the event of a snakebite (or any bite that has neuro-toxins involved-to drink a good, small gulp and get  to the doc as soon as possible. I don’t know how useful it is in this case so I wouldn’t risk it if I could get to a doctor.

Now available on Amazon… “A Republic, if you can keep it.” https://www.amazon.com/Republic-If-You-Can-Keep/dp/1717513069/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529950655&sr=8-4&keywords=a+republic+if+you+can+keep+it

Follow me on Twitter @OzarksAuthor

This page and its links contain opinion. As with all opinion, it should not be relied upon without independent verification. Think for yourself. Fair Use is relied upon for all content. For educational purposes only. No claims are made to the properties of third parties.

(c) 2018 Uriel Press