Tonics and The Childbearing Year

Hello Susun,

I am reading your book "Childbearing Year", and I wanted to make a tonic of Skullcap and a tonic of St. John's Wart. At my local co-op I was only able to find the dried and chopped versions of these two herbs.  Will it work to make tonics out of the dried herbs? 

I noticed in the book, the St. John's Wart came from a fresh flower, and the Skullcap came from a dried flower. If the dried herbs won't work, could I grow these flowers myself?

Thank you so much. I am just beginning to explore the world of herbs, and I am really glad I found your book. It has been a new awakening!

Hello,

The st. johnswort and skullcap tinctures really need to be from fresh flowers, wild harvest, for proper potency. You  will certainly be able, with a flower-id book, be able to find and harvest this in the correct season, it only blooms for about a month.  Yes, you should be able to grow skullcap on your property…

Love,

Justine

 http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May04/healingwise.htm

St. Joan's wort tincture: Eases muscles spasms, anti-viral, pain-relieving.

{     Pick yellow Hypericum perforatum flowers in the summer's heat.

{     Fill - don't stuff - a jar with the blossoms and leaves.

{     Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label. (It will turn bright red.)

{     Your fresh St. Joan's wort tincture is ready to use in six weeks. 

Skullcap tincture: Pain-relief, headache remedy

{     Pick Scutellaria lateriflora flowering tops when there are seeds as well as flowers.

{     Fill - don't stuff - a jar with the blossoms and leaves.

{     Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.

{     Your fresh skullcap tincture is ready to use in six weeks.     

 “I strongly prefer to make tinctures from fresh plants. But many people have a hard time getting fresh plants. Most books therefore ignore fresh plant tinctures and focus on making tinctures only from dried plants. The only dried plant parts I use to make tinctures are roots and seeds. All other plant parts I use fresh when making a tincture. And I actually prefer to use fresh roots too.” Susun Weed

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Comments

[Jessie]

Is Saint John's wart safe to take for depression in pregancy? I was taking it in the pill form.

[Kim]

Hello Jill,

Susun only recommends taking St. John's wart as a tincture. There have been a number of side-effects associated with taking this as a pill or tea. In fact, Susun doesn't recommend taking herbs in pill form at all. We do use the tincture during pregnancy.

blessings,
Kim
Wise Woman Team