Box of goodness finally arrived today. Posts inbound.

Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) is an herb native to much of North America. It grows prolifically in a variety of environments and soil conditions. It is easily identified but does have some similar lookalikes. Bugle (Ajuga reptans), Purple Deadnettle ( Lamium purpureum), Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum), Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) and Cut-leaved Selfheal (Prunella laciniata) seem to be the most common lookalikes and all are generally safe (everything, including water, has a toxic dose). Self-Heal has been used for centuries as a wound support, anti-viral, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular tonic herb. This low toxicity, high potency herb is simply packed with uses. One of the main actions of Self-heal is its ability to stimulate balanced production of Nitric Oxide (NOS) and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS). This supports faster healing of wounds by increasing vasodilation, normalizing inflammation. Self-Heal is a useful addition to a cold/flu formulas to help soothe inflamed tissue. As a cardiovascular tonic, Self-Heal is useful in supporting normal blood-glucose levels and reducing hypertension. Self-Heal aerial parts (stem, leaves, flower spikes) can be used in a tincture (1:4 ratio in 40% ABV), as an infusion (tea), decoction (strong tea), in ointments, salves, poultices and eyewash. References: Coffman, Sam (2021) Herbal Medic: A Green Beret’s Guide to Emergency Medical Preparedness and Natural First Aid, North Adams, MA, Storey Publishing, 354,355 Ody, Penelope, (1993) The Complete Medicinal Herbal, New York, NY, DK Publishing, 88

I began making muscle and joint salves sometime in 2022. Not knowing what I was getting into or whether I would give myself some kind of crazy flesh eating rash I made my first salve. I picked up a book at Tractor Supply and made ( as close as I was able) a recipe I found inside. I wanted to know if this stuff worked and if it was worth the time, effort and money I just dumped into a jar of what looked rather unappealing. Since that first salve and the brave people who trusted me enough to try it out, I have made several batches. Each one ending up a little different from the one before. I began giving out samples to friends at church and jiu jitsu. I simply could not believe how much it seemed to be helping people. I simply could not believe that I made it and it worked. I am constantly trying to fine tune the formula and am currently working on a new batch as I write this. This will be the first batch in which I have included Chasteberry. I have heard that the leaves and bark are useful for chronic inflammation, somatic pain and inflammation from trauma/injury but am unsure whether the constituents responsible are also present in the berry.

Cider (hard or otherwise) is one of my favorite parts of fall. I picked up a cookbook from the game Skyrim that I thought looked interesting. I’m trying a spiced cider recipe out of it that has coriander and juniper berries. So far it does not smell like it’s going to be my favorite but it at least gave me a reason to look into the spices I’m using for it. I use juniper in my muscle salves for its anti-antispasmodic and inflammatory properties but in internally it also has some strong antioxidant properties as well as B & C vitamins. Coriander has some antioxidant, anti-anxiety and digestive properties. So even if it tastes terrible at least I can get some value out of it.

What are some of your favorite fall time remedies for when people are getting sick all around? I tend to increase my intake of herbal teas as a precaution but this season I’m adding something a little different. I took a course recently through Herbal Medics Academy on Electuaries, Pastilles and lozenges and am excited to put that information to use.