Elderberry Tonic

  Elderberry flowers and berries have a long history of use in folklore medicine, as well as its use in making preserves, wines, and for adding flavor and color to other wines. Elderberries are rich in vitamin C, iron, and potassium. 

Native Americans knew of the medicinal properties of Elder and used the flowers, berries, and bark of elderberry trees to treat fevers and joint pain for hundreds of years. But elderberry's most incredible healing properties are for colds and flu virus. The fruit of elderberry has been clinically proven effective with 8 different strains of influenza.

Research has shown that elder stops the production of hormone-like cytokines that direct a class of white blood cells known as neutrophils to cause inflammation, especially in influenza and arthritis. This is what is referred to as a Cytokine storm.

In addition, elderberry increases the production non-inflammatory infection-fighting cytokines as much as 10 fold.  This research suggests that elder is far superior to vaccines in preventing flu, because flu vaccines are only effective against known strains of flu, with many possible side effects. Elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents spread of the virus through the respiratory tract.

As this research is coming into light, many people are adding Elderberry to their winter herbal medicine routine.

From my personal experience, elderberry tonic or syrup sooths and relieves sore throats, reduces inflammation in the mucous membranes, and calms down coughing. Good to keep this amazing tonic handy.

Some recipes may vary. I purchase some of my herbal preparations from other Master Herbalists in my area, if I don’t make them myself. You can use fresh, frozen, or dried elderberries for this mixture. Some herbalists add cinnamon, honey, and other herbs. The elderberries need to be cooked before eaten.

Here is a video from Learning Herbs with step by step instructions on how to make Elderberry Syrup at home.

 This information is not intended to replace your regular health care provider.

Ms Bear's Super Winter Tonic

 It's sure starting to feel like winter here in Wisconsin and I've been making  some winter herbal tinctures and an immune boosting tonic.

With the high cost of supplements and vitamins, why not make some remedies of your own for a fraction of the cost!

Most of these items can be found at the grocery store, and if you’re a gardener, you can plant some depending on your climate. I grow lots of Cayennes, onions, and horseradish, and I planted some garlic this fall.

This tonic is a natural antibiotic, also used to boost the immune system for the cold and flu season. I personally love the taste and have been known to use in cooking as well!

Here’s my tried and true recipe I've used for several years... I call it Ms Bear’s Super Tonic.

Start chopping & grating:

6 Garlic Cloves crushed and chopped

½ Cup grated Ginger Root 

½ Cup Onion chopped

¼ Cup Horseradish grated

¼ Cup Cayenne peppers chopped

Place in a quart jar and fill up to two inches from top with apple cider vinegar. Cover, label and date.

Store this mixture in a dark, cool cupboard for 2 weeks, but shake this jar each day; then strain out herbs and save the liquid. This is pretty concentrated, dilute with water to taste. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated, but I sometimes do to make it last longer. I make a new batch every fall.

You might be wondering why I use these ingredients so I have listed the medicinal properties of this winter tonic below.

Garlic (Allium Sativum) has many well documented health benefits including reducing cholesterol & triglycerides in the blood while increasing good cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, preventing yeast infections, cancers, colds, and flu. It’s also effective against many fungal infections, used to expel worms, and used in controlling mild diabetes. Eating a clove of garlic a day for several months has a significant blood thinning effect. Herbalists consider it to be a first rate digestive tonic and also to treat a toothache or earache.

Ginger RootGinger root (Zingiber officinalis) increases bile secretion and tones the bowel. It has antibacterial, antifungal, pain-relieving, antiulcer, & antitumor properties. It has been shown to reduce the stickiness of blood platelets and may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, as well as reducing cholesterol and arterial plaque. It has also been used to reduce morning sickness and nausea, including motion sickness. Ginger also relieves the pain of rheumatoid arthritis by stopping the immune system’s production of inflammatory leukotrienes.

Onion (Allium cepa) has a diuretic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory action. Onions are also said to be an herbal analgesic, an expectorant, and to have anti-rheumatic properties. Circulation in the body is also benefited by consuming onions. Remedies from onions are used in the treatment of various infections such as colds, flu, and persistent coughs. The onion is similar to garlic in the nature of it’s medicinal actions.

HorseradishHorseradish (Cochlearia Armoracia) is a diuretic, antiseptic, and a powerful stimulant, whether taken internally or applied externally. Eaten with oily fish or rich meat, by itself or steeped in vinegar, or in a sauce, it acts as a stimulant to the digestive organs and helps complete digestion.

 Cayenne peppersCayenne (Capsicum Annuum, C frutescens) contains capsaicin, which acts as a restorative digestive tonic. Capsaicin also can lower your LDL cholesterol along with reducing triglyceride levels. In addition, it can help clear up congested bronchial tubes or a stuffy nose. Despite popular misconceptions, hot peppers do not cause ulcers or gallbladder problems. Cayenne is a major circulatory stimulant, its influence reaching every organ. It’s useful to ward off chills and at the onset of a cold. It causes sweating and supports the body’s immune system, is rich in Vitamin C and is antibacterial.

Apple Cider Vinegar has been used for allergies (including pet, food, and environmental), sinus infections, acne, high cholesterol, flu, chronic fatigue, candida, acid reflux, sore throats, contact dermatitis, arthritis, and gout. It breaks down fat and is widely used to lose weight. It has also been reported that a daily dose of apple cider vinegar in water helps to get high blood pressure under control.

Enjoy this recipe! I’d love to hear your comments & results of this easy home remedy!

(This information is not intended to replace your regular medical care. Please use caution whenever using herbs that you are not familiar with, or if you are pregnant, nursing, or using medications)



Soapmaking Class ~ Medicine Woods Herbals

Wild Cowgirl Soap

Soap Making Class

Scheduling Soon ~ Watch for Dates!

Medicine Woods Herbals in Pepin, WI

Have you ever wanted to make your own natural herbal soaps at home? Commercial soaps can be extremely hard on your skin as they are full of artificial ingredients and detergents that are very drying.

Anything we use on our skin is absorbed into the body through the skin. By using all natural ingredients, organic oils, nutritious precious oils, essential oils & herbs, you can be sure you will have a soap that is not only cleansing, but very nutrient rich and moisturizing as well.

Basic SoapThis is a 'hands-on' class learning how to make lye based soap using precious and essential oils and herbs, in addition to traditional oils and fat.

For more information, to register, or if you would like to host a class, 

visit Medicine Woods Herbals website, or email me at medicinwds@centurytel.net

Thanks and hope to see you at some of our classes!

Making Soap At Home

Have you ever thought about making your own soap at home?

To me, there is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than making my very own soap. By choosing your own ingredients; herbs, oils, and scents, you can create custom soaps specially designed for you and your family.

My daughter Gina making soap with meYou’ll also find the hobby of Soap making very addictive. After you experience the pure satisfaction of making your very first batch of soap, you’ll be drawn to making more and more. Consider yourself forewarned!

It's important to work in a well ventilated area when using Lye, so I move that part of the operation outside.

Lye soapmaking is chemistry and it is important to read all your directions carefully and use common sense. The ratio of lye to water to oil is very crucial to making a nice batch of soap.

We stir the oils and lye solution together until it becomes thick like pudding. Once it gets to this stage it will 'trace' and you can then pour it into your molds.

I have used many different types of molds for my basic soap depending on the size of the batch. Rectangular plastic containers with lids are my favorite and can be found in most department stores. I have also made my own molds out of wood and lined with butcher paper. You'll probably find what you need inside your cupboard.

Grated Soap Looks Like CheeseI also double hand-mill most of my batches of soap. This process takes a little longer, but has proven to be a much nicer and more moisturizing soap because of the added oils. After the basic soap is made, I allow it to dry and cure for two weeks. Then I regrind, remelt, and add other oils and herbs specific to the recipe I'm creating at the time.

Pouring Soap Into MoldI then pour the soap mixture back into a mold and allow it to dry and cure another two weeks. At this time I will cut the big blocks into bars and allow it to finish curing. It takes approximately 30 days for the soap to totally cure.

Before wrapping and labeling I will give the bars one last trimming and then they're ready to use.

Wild Cowgirl SoapI have a small local market for these hand made soaps and of course I give alot away as gifts. As an herbalist student I am always looking for ways to use herbs in my every day life. Herbal soaps are a wonderful way to add nature's own healing herbs and oils to your daily health routine.

If you are intersted in learning step by step how to make your own herbal soaps, we have new classes starting soon! Please send an email to medicinwds@centurytel.net or visit the soapclass page here.

                                    Soapy Wishes!!

                                    Cher Marie

Herbs & Oils & Soap ~ Oh My!

  Medicine Woods Herbals...in the beginning

Having an interest in plants and herbal medicine, I was really attracted to aromatherapy and essential oils. While living in the Santa Fe area, I was exposed to an amazing community of healers, herbalists, crystal and lightworkers, aromatherapists, and body workers.

The rock shops were loaded with crystals of every size and color. The shelves were filled with tiny vials of magical healing oil blends with cute labels. I thought to myself, 'I can do that!' 

I purchased a few ingredients and soon started mixing my own blends. I added hand-made labels, glitter, and sometimes even a ribbon. Much time and 'good energy' went into each of these little magical treasures and I love sharing them with family and friends.

 After moving back to Wisconsin, I soon was making bath salts, crèmes, salves, herbal tinctures and flower essences... soon “Medicine Woods Herbals” was born.

I had thought about making soap for a long time before I tried it. I have to admit I was a little nervous about using Lye, but after researching and finding some recipes, I decided to give it a shot. Of course it wasn't as difficult or scary as I thought it would be. I found I enjoy the chemistry of it. I guess sometimes we should 'just go for it'!

The soap-making is a wonderful hobby as well as a small business. I have fun creating all the different varieties using precious and essential oils, as well as herbs, oatmeal, and other natural ingredients. 

I'm graduating soon in Master Herbalism at The Center for Healing Arts Herb and Eco School so it’s a perfect avenue to explore herbal remedies as well as learn more about the medicinal properties of plants.

I love to grow medicinal plants and culinary plants and use them to make natural remedies, skin care, and soap. I've been working closely with animals and have had some successes this year using herbs with my horses and dogs. I've also had some challenges with 2 horses for the last year or two.

 I make 'custom' soaps and products for people (and pets), although I do make lots to keep on hand. I sell locally (in small batches) and also can ship USPS anywhere in the U.S.

I offer classes here at Medicine Woods Herbals, through The Center For Healing Arts Herb and Eco School near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and at the Maiden Rock Inn, Maiden Rock, WI. Upcoming classes include Kitchen Cosmetics, Lye Process Soap making, Herbal Tinctures, Flower Essence or Gemstone Elixirs, and Crystal Healing.

For more information, visit Medicine Woods Herbals here