Alternative Healing Wednesdays

I will discuss the preparation of tinctures, fluid extracts, and essences but first, those “constituents” will be defined.  I will drop a few terms, so stay with me.

ALKALOIDS - very potent, may have a poisonous effects, not suitable for home use. Ex: Morphine found in the Opium Poppy. Usually these are in Pharmaceuticals.

GLYCOSIDES – any of the numerous sugar derivatives that contain a non-sugar group bonded to an oxygen or nitrogen atom and on hydrolysis yield a sugar i.e. when mixed with water separate into sugar / and non-sugar. Some are mildly poisonous, and have a laxative action (ex: rhubarb)

SAPONINS – similar to glycosides but when they are put into water produce a soap-like lather. These assist the ability to absorb calcium and silicon, and used often in herbal teas. (Ex: licorice root)

ESSENTIAL OILS – all herbs have some essential oils, although some have more than others, They usually have a strong and most of the times pleasing odor.  To extract these the process of distillation is used. The essential oils are composed of an assortment of different constituents with various effects on the body.

BITTER PRINCIPLES – non-poisonous, usually are strong and bitter to the taste. If taken before eating they will assist the digestive process.Usually used in the form of an alcohol extract, tincture or a medicinal wine.

Calendula. 

 Photography by Donna Duncan, Copr. 2008

TANNINS – binds albumen in the skin and mucous membranes forming a protective waterproof layer, resistant to disease. Too much tannins can be irritating to the stomach lining and can cause liver damage. If a cold infusion is made, then just a small amount of the tannins will be absorbed in the body.

MUCILAGE – a sticky gel that forms a layer upon the surface of mucus membranes.  They act to calm and soothe inflamed tissue and protect the tissues from invading irritants. A good example is Marshmallow.

VITAMINS, MINERALS AND TRACE MINERALS – dis-ease is created by our diet lacking these substances. In the garden, plants may be deficient in them, but in the wild, herbs and weeds will grow where there is an abundance in the soil.