Wednesday, August 27, 2025

A Page From An "Herbalist's Notebook" - Motherwort: Part 4: How to make a Motherwort Tincture


Here is the 4th and last in a short series of posts about the benefits of Motherwort, a mint-family plant that is in bloom from mid-to-late summer. Motherwort has a distinctive square stem (a mint family trait!) and can be identified by its small, spiky purple flowers. 


Disclaimer: Motherwort can stimulate uterine contractions and is unsafe for pregnant women. It may interact with heart medications and blood thinners. Anyone with heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or other health concerns should consult a doctor before use. 

If you've been to my classes, we've discussed the methods of creating a tincture from our botanical allies.  Here is a reminder about how to create a Motherwort tincture using the folk method, which is very forgiving and doesn't require precise measurements. For the best results, use fresh, flowering aerial parts of the plant. 

A short disclaimer again for those in the back: Motherwort can cause uterine contractions and is unsafe for pregnant women. It may interfere with heart medications and blood thinners. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

Preparing Motherwort Tincture (Folk Method):
What you'll need:
Freshly harvested motherwort flowering tops
High-proof, clear alcohol like vodka or everclear (at least 80-100 proof)
A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer
Amber glass bottles with droppers for storage
Instructions:
  • Harvest the herb: Gather the top third of the motherwort plant, including the leaves and flowers, while it is in bloom.
  • Prepare the plant matter: Finely chop the fresh motherwort leaves and flowering tops. You can also use a blender with some of the alcohol to break it down further.
  • Combine the ingredients: Loosely fill your jar with the chopped herb, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
  • Cover with alcohol: Pour your alcohol over the plant matter, making sure it is completely submerged. The alcohol acts as the solvent and preservative.
  • Let it steep: Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark place for at least four to six weeks. Shake the jar every few days to aid the extraction process.
  • Strain the tincture: When the tincture is ready, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Squeeze the cloth tightly to extract all the liquid.
  • Bottle and label: Transfer the finished tincture into amber dropper bottles to protect it from light. Label each bottle with the contents, alcohol percentage, and the date it was made.



Alcohol-free option: For an alcohol-free version, use a glycerite, which extracts and preserves the compounds in vegetable glycerin instead. The process is similar, but requires a mixture of three parts vegetable glycerin to one part water. 
Determining the appropriate dosage for Motherwort tincture is a crucial step for safe and effective use. It is generally recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplement regimen, as dosage needs can vary based on individual factors and the intended use. 
Some common approaches to using Motherwort tincture include:
  • Taking a few drops at a time as needed.
    Using it regularly throughout the day for ongoing support.
    Adjusting the frequency of use depending on the severity of symptoms. 
    Motherwort tincture is often diluted in a small amount of liquid, such as water,
    juice, or tea, due to its bitter taste. 
Important safety considerations
  • Avoid during pregnancy: Motherwort can stimulate uterine contractions and is considered unsafe during pregnancy.
  • Monitor your heart: Due to its effect on the cardiovascular system, those with pre-existing heart conditions should use it cautiously and only with a doctor's supervision.
  • Interactions: Motherwort can interfere with certain medications, particularly heart medications and blood thinners.
  • Consult a professional: Herbal dosing can vary among practitioners. It is recommended to start with a lower amount and pay attention to how your body responds, and to consult with a trained herbalist or other healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🍃
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: Any remedies or information listed on this blog post site are from personal experience or historical references, and used for teaching / educational purposes only. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, cure or substitute consultation with a licensed health-care professional. 
My commentary has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, although some of the products mentioned may have been.  Please do your own research and consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

A Page From An "Herbalist's Notebook" - Motherwort: Part 3: A Balm for the Heart


Hello Herbal Friends! 


Here is the third in a short series of posts about the benefits of Motherwort, a mint-family plant that is in bloom from mid-to-late summer. Motherwort has a distinctive square stem (a mint family trait!) and can be identified by its small, spiky purple flowers. 

Disclaimer: Motherwort can stimulate uterine contractions and is unsafe for pregnant women. It may interact with heart medications and blood thinners. Anyone with heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or other health concerns should consult a doctor before use. 

3) A Balm for the Heart

The plant's botanical name, Leonurus cardiaca, literally translates to "lion-hearted." This name reflects not only its fierce, protective energy but also its historical use as a heart tonic. In traditional herbalism, Motherwort is used to support cardiovascular health by calming palpitations that may arise from stress and anxiety. By fortifying the heart on both a physical and emotional level, it helps cultivate courage and emotional fortitude during difficult times.  🍃




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note: Any remedies or information listed on this blog post site are from personal experience or historical references, and used for teaching / educational purposes only. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, cure or substitute consultation with a licensed health-care professional. My commentary has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, although some of the products mentioned may have been.  Please do your own research and consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Monday, August 25, 2025

A Page From An "Herbalist's Notebook" - Motherwort: Part 2: Soothing the System

 Hello Herbal Friends! 

Here is the second in a short series of posts about the benefits of Motherwort, a mint-family plant that is in bloom from mid-to-late summer. Motherwort has a distinctive square stem (a mint family trait!) and can be identified by its small, spiky purple flowers. 

Disclaimer: Motherwort can stimulate uterine contractions and is unsafe for pregnant women. It may interact with heart medications and blood thinners. Anyone with heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or other health concerns should consult a doctor before use. 

2) Soothing the System
As a member of the mint family, Motherwort works on the nervous system to ease tension and irritation, a benefit particularly noticeable when stress causes a tightening or constriction in the body. Its calming properties help shift the body out of the "fight-or-flight" response and into a more relaxed, "rest and digest" state. This makes it a wonderful remedy for frayed nerves and moments of high stress, gently guiding us toward a place of calm and resilience. 🍃





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: Any remedies or information listed on this blog post site are from personal experience or historical references, and used for teaching / educational purposes only. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, cure or substitute consultation with a licensed health-care professional. My commentary has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, although some of the products mentioned may have been.  Please do your own research and consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Sunday, August 24, 2025

A Page From An "Herbalist's Notebook" - Motherwort: Part 1: The Lion-Hearted Ally

Hello Herbal Friends! 

Here is the first in a short series of posts about the benefits of Motherwort, a mint-family plant that is in bloom from mid-to-late summer. Motherwort has a distinctive square stem (a mint family trait!) and can be identified by its small, spiky purple flowers. 

Disclaimer: Motherwort can stimulate uterine contractions and is unsafe for pregnant women. It may interact with heart medications and blood thinners. Anyone with heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or other health concerns should consult a doctor before use. 

    1)  The Lion-Hearted Ally Look what's flourishing this time of year! Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), the lion-hearted ally, is in bloom, offering its steadfast support just as many of us are entering the busy, stressful end of summer. Known for its ability to calm the emotional and physical heart, this striking plant provides strength when we feel overwhelmed. It acts as a gentle nervine, helping to soothe and ground a racing mind and heart that can accompany feelings of anxiety.  🍃




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: Any remedies or information listed on this blog post site are from personal experience or historical references, and used for teaching / educational purposes only. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, cure or substitute consultation with a licensed health-care professional. My commentary has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, although some of the products mentioned may have been.  Please do your own research and consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Your Apothecary Kitchen: 3rd Class in our Herbal Series at The Vass Farmstead!


This is the third class in our four-part series.

In Part One, we uncovered our forefathers’ basic outdoor medicine cabinet using local weeds.
In Part Two, we explored a fuller expanse of medicinal botanicals available in our backyards and neighborhoods, effectively tripling the size of Part One’s medicine cabinet.
In this third session, we take to the kitchen to transfer the medicine of these botanicals into ingestible or topical remedies for our families. We will learn about the several different mediums that can be infused with the medicine of the botanicals in our yards, and even from some of the more common food items in our pantries.
Come join us as we play in the Vass Farmstead’s kitchen with the likes of honey, garlic, ginger, vinegar, onions, peppers, horseradish, etc. Depending on time and class size, we may also take a sneak peek into homemade cultured kefir, homemade liniment and an herb-infused honey.
*Those who sign up to these introductory classes and want to learn more will be better prepared and considered for our Herbal Apprentice Program.
Class fee schedule:
$45 for each individual class
Register now through these options:

*PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thecenter4shs OR sent payment through PayPal to this email: info@thecenter4shs.org
*Venmo: @Tanya-Grgas
Class is held at the Vass Farmstead, Stillwater Road (County Route 521), Hardwick, NJ 07825
"Nature makes the cure. The (healer's) job is to aid nature."
Register now for the last class in this 4-part series!
Using Your Spice Rack as a Medicine Cabinet, Oct 28, 2023

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Making Chive Blossom Vinegar!

 


WOW!  What an abundance of colors as wild and cultivated plants show off their intense flowers!  With all that nature is offering us right now, in addition to a feast for the eyes, have you considered making a feast for your taste buds?  Never tried this before?  Chive blossoms can be an easy place to start.  Not growing your own?  Have no fear:  friends, neighbors and farm markets are good places to find them, usually through May and June here in the northwest corner of New Jersey.

If you are new to making herbal remedies and kitchen medicine, creating chive blossom vinegar is a wonderful way to dip your toe into this fascinating world.  And you don't need any exotic equipment.  You'll enjoy this vinegar all summer on salads and grilled veggies, and it is a unique gift to bring to that summer BBQ as a hostess gift.

Chive Blossom Vinegar Recipe:

(1-1/2) Cups Chive blossoms (approximately 20-25)
(1-1/2) Cups organic vinegar (rice wine, champagne, or white wine)
(1) 1-pint (16 oz) mason jar or other with tight fitting lid, washed and sterilized.

Directions:
  1. Rinse the chive blossoms in cold water by submerging and swishing them around.  This will help remove and dislodge any remaining soil and bugs.  Rinse them several times, then pat dry with paper towels or even use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
  2. Clip off the chive blossoms right under the flowerhead at the top of the stem.  
  3. Using the Wise Woman simpler's method, we're going to fill the jar twice.
  4. Fill the jar by placing all the chive blossoms into the jar, packing slightly.
  5. Warm the vinegar slightly, but not to boiling for about 2 - 4 minutes on the stovetop.  Fill the jar a second time by pouring the heated vinegar over the chive blossoms right up to the top, wipe the rim of the jar and fit the lid tightly. It's ok if a little seeps out because you don't want any air in the jar.
  6. Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks or until the flavor intensity is to your taste.
  7. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any remaining sediment, and store in a cool, dry place.  Herbal vinegars can last for 6 - 10 months.


Return the used blossoms back to the earth in gratitude to Nature for her endless bounty!

Use your new flavored vinegar in your favorite vinaigrette recipe with flavored mustard, olive oil and fresh herbs, or in a marinade for grilled vegetables!  The possibilities are endless. 

If you try this recipe, please comment below and let us know how you used it!

Green Blessings,







Friday, January 15, 2021

 


In our most recent YT video, we share the time-honored practice of Ho'oponopono, it's origins, and far reaching message of Unity.
In these unsettled times, please take a few minutes with us to ground, go within, and espouse the principles of Ho'oponopono.

Monday, December 21, 2020

Sunflower Affirmations

 



Check out our most recent video about Sunflowers! [Do you see a theme here today? 🙂 ]
Please Like, Share and Subscribe!