How to make an Herbal Extract

    I have been waiting for this sale because I was out of just about everything that I add to my morning green drink!! I have found that to be an easy way to take the herbs if they are mild tasting.

    I also like to make an alcohol extract out of many of the herbs that we use, which preserves them pretty much indefinitely if stored correctly.

How to make an Alcohol Extract

    Herbal Preparations and Natural Therapies, Debra Nuzzi St. Claire recommends using 100 proof vodka, which is readily available and is equal to the required solution of 50 percent alcohol and 50 percent water. Use four ounces of herb to one pint of alcohol. The herb should be finely cut or powdered, placed in a clean glass jar. 

    After pouring the alcohol over the herb, the jar is tightly covered. Shake the jar for a minute or two each day. At the end of two weeks, strain the tincture through cheesecloth, a jelly bag, or a coffee filter. If you happen to have a wine press, you could use that. "It is best to put up one's tincture on the new moon and strain it off on the full moon so that the drawing power of the waxing moon will help extract the herbal properties". Store herbal tinctures in dark glass bottles away from heat and light.

    At Herbs First we have bulk herbs from Acai to Yucca root and almost everything in between.  Ordering online is very safe on our secure server, or you can phone in your order. 801-228-1901.

Have a great month!
Kathryn

Single Herbs in Vegicaps, Extract and Bulk

    People are amazed at the variety of single herbs that we have available from Western Botanicals.  People get comfortable using the formulas and don’t realize what single herbs are used for.  It is worth having the Ailments CD which is free with the coupon code AilmentCD with a $100.00 herb order.  You can search which herbs and formulas to use for ailments, and learn about single herbs and what they are used for. 

Single Herbs Available from Acai to Yucca

Acai Berry is very high in antioxidants with even more ORAC value than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Available in powder which is easy to add to fruit smoothies. Available in vegicaps.

Alfalfa, Dr Christopher shares a story in his Herb Lectures CD's about the family that was incarcerated in a concentration camp during the Nazi occupation of Europe. The family found the strength to carry them through to the end of the war when they were released. The key was an alfalfa plant growing in the corner of the compound inside the fence. Each member of the family secretly ate a few leaves of the plant every day, allowing the alfalfa plant to replenish its leaves throughout the long months. The family obtained the necessary nutrients from the plant and maintained their health while others around them dropped dead from malnutrition. Alfalfa is in Dr. Christopher's Jurassic Green and I have found that Alfalfa is very essential to my diet. Alfalfa is available in vegicaps, alcohol extract and bulk.

Cayenne is one of Dr. John R. Christopher's favorite herbs and is used in many of this herbal formulas.  Available in vegicaps, alcohol extract, syrup and bulk.

Dandelion, a weed we all despise in our lawns, but an amazing herb that is high in protein, calcium, Vitamin A, C and B, and more.  Works as a liver cleanser as well as promoting the elimination of uric acid from joints.  A life saver to me back when I had gout. Available in vegicaps, alcohol extract and bulk.

Kava Kava, my favorite muscle relaxant. I keep it by my bedside and take it on nights when I need it. Available in vegicaps, alcohol extract and bulk.

Yucca, used for inflammation of all sorts, including joint inflammations, bleeding, dandruff and hair loss. Used successfully to treat arthritis and rheumatism and related disorders. One of the herbs in Dr. Christopher’s Joint Formula.  Available in bulk.

You can purchase single herbs in vegicaps, herbal extracts and bulk, as well as many herbal formulas at Herbs First.

Have a great month!
Kathryn

Use herbs from infancy to elderly

    Often people will ask if we have herbs that are suitable for infants and children.  Natural medicine is suitable for the youngest infant to the elderly. We have liquid formulas that would be easy to administer to an infant, child or an elderly person that has a hard time getting the capsules down.  The liquids get right to work as soon as they are in the system, so they really are the better way to take herbs.

    We took care of a an infant for a few days and I noticed that he was showing signs of getting sick. I gave him 5 drops of the Kid-e-Mune a couple of times to boost his immune system and he got well. My family was able to enjoy the few days that we had with him and I was relieved that we could give a healthy baby to his parents. 

    Kid-e-Col is the famous Catnip and Fennel combination that is used for colic and gas.  It works amazingly fast and is a blessing for a little one suffering with digestive issues. Kid-e-Reg helps to strengthen and cleanse the lower bowel. It is sad to see a little baby having a hard time having a bowel movement. This formula is gentle and gets things moving in the right direction. Kid-e-Soothe is for allergic reactions and would be used instead of Benadryl. Kid-e-Well is used in times of cold and flu to help strengthen and assist the immune system.  Dosage for these formulas  is 5 drops to 20 drops. The taste of these formulas is mild and essential oils have been used to flavor the them.  I would give my baby 5 drops and go up from there as they get bigger. To order these formulas click on this link.

    Many of Christopher’s formulas are available in glycerine extract. Liquid herbs get into the system much faster and for cleansing herbs such as the Liver and Gall Bladder formula, it is best to taste the bitter herb which prepares the liver for the cleansing.  Herbs often are not very tasty, so be prepared for some interesting flavors.
 
    Western Botanicals has some really great formulas in alcohol extract and syrup.  I love the syrups, they often contain ingredients to make them more palatable.  I love the Immune Boost Syrup, it has Maple Syrup in it which hides the taste of the herbs.  Kids willingly take this formula.  The Herbal Throat Spray is a great one for sore throats.  It is the same formula as the Herbal Cough Syrup in a little spray bottle. The Herbal Mouthwash is a concentrate that you dilute in water.  It is tasty and does a good job killing bacteria, even helpful for sore throats.  Pain Relief Syrup is one of the only natural pain formulas I have seen in liquid form.  Look through the pages, I’m sure you will be amazed at the variety that is available.

    When I was new to herbs I tried them on myself first.  As I noticed how they worked it wasn’t long before I had the confidence to use them on my family and pets. I no longer worry when we are exposed to sick people, we come home and take herbs to boost our immune system and we rarely get sick.  I have my own herbal pharmacy at home and we can handle anything that comes our way!