My Apothecary - Old Mans Beard

I have decided that Mondays I will be sharing My Apothecary.
I have been foraging for plants for many years, and I have decided to share what I have been collecting.
This is also helping me get everything catalogued and organized. Seems like a win win for everyone!

Please know that I do not sell my remedies, and I am not doctor. My advice is to research everything. We should always be mindful in what we do to heal our vessels, our body. Many of these remedies are good for the spirit to. We are all spiritual beings, the plants are just as connected to mother earth as we are. Even more so.

It is very important to honour all beings, with respect and love. There have been times that I have gone to pick medicines, and I have heard NO. I offer the tobacco and give thanks for the wisdom.

source

Benefits of Old Mans Beard:

Antifungal
Antibiotic
anti-inflammatory
immune booster
upper respiratory infections
Colds/flu
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
urinary tract infections

I prefer to harvest in the winter. I usually pick it from the storm fallen trees.
Because I live so far back into the bush, it is very plentiful here. It reminds me of the spanish moss down in the southern states.
I dry the moss, hanging it over the woodstove.
The moss is also very good for stopping bleeding. We were out in the bush and we got a really good scratch, and I used the moss to wipe and clean it up. It almost stopped bleeding instantly. That is a huge help for us here. It amazes me what nature provides when we need it.

This year I am going to make a mullien/old mans beard/echinacea mix for severe colds and flu. I think it will be extremely powerful.

Many people wash their plants thoroughly. I like to keep mine as close to natural as possible. Common sense of course..if it is covered in dirt, or bugs are crawling all over it. (if that is the case, I would leave that medicine there for the bugs to use). I believe that there are symbiotic relationships that make the medicine work more powerfully. I think that we have become brainwashed germaphobes. These are just my thoughts of course.

I have used dried, tinctures and tea.

Dried
I pick the plants around 10 am. After the dew and moisture are off the plants. I hang them upside down in small bunches to dry in a warm area out of the sun. You could also use a dehydrator.

Tinctures
Cover fresh flowers/leaves/stems with 95 proof vodka, I generally use a grain-free traditional potato vodka and a 1:2 fresh herb ratio. Sometimes I use a good quality sherry. Shake gently every day, and let sit for 4-8 weeks, out of sunlight. Strain out the flowers/leaves/stems and cap tightly. I often repeat the process with the used leaves. I find that the tincture properties are increased each time . Personally I do that up to 3 times. To use: Take drops daily.

Tea
Using fresh or dried flowers/stems/leaves, lightly crush and add to boiled water. Let steep for desired time. Teas are good for internally. I also use strong teas for baths, compresses, and washes.

Looking forward to hearing your comments and stories.
Everyone has the knowledge to their path of well being.