​

November 13, 2024

Happy Herbal Wednesday, Reader!

Mr. V. and I are on the final leg of a two-piece trip that's so far lasted exactly eight days. Tomorrow is the last bit....driving the five hours home from Boise. It's been eventful!

The first half was for family and to look at possible homesteads in Michigan so we can (maybe) be close to a new grand baby on the way. The second half was for a business conference.

Whenever I'm traveling, I try to think about which herbs and essential oils I'll need to bring along. In 2022 even though I had my usual daily herbs, I was woefully unprepared when COVID struck me down. It was horrible---an experience I hope NEVER to repeat. Thank Heaven for cities with herb shops that make deliveries!

After that experience, I plan a lot differently now.

Here's what I brought, and what we did and didn't end up using.

For the record, I'm not including my dailies here, just the "just in case" choices. I'm sharing this to give you some ideas for when you're traveling, too.

Herbs and essential oils are far more effective than OTC drugs because of how they interact with our body's chemistry, immune system, and support our health in stead of only masking.

Here's what I brought "just in case":

1) Mullein, Marshmallow, and Peppermint tincture

This blend of mullein (Verbascum thapsis), marshmallow (Altheae officinalis), and peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is fabulous for supporting both the upper and lower respiratory system. Specifically, I brought this one for its ability to soothe and calm congested sinuses in the case of allergy or cold sniffles. It's also great for the snorers of the world to an extent.

Yes, we ended up using this.

​2) Echinacea tincture​

Echinacea (Echinacea spp) is a powerhouse when it comes to boosting the immune system.

Yes, we ended up using this.

3) Boneset tincture

Boneset is an herb (Eupatorium perfoliatum) that gives your immune system an additional (and pretty amazing) immune boost.

Yes, I ended up using this, although Joe didn't.

4) Wild cherry tincture

Prunus serotina is a great antispasmodic herb and is excellent for coughs, especially nighttime ones.

Yes, I ended up using this, although Joe didn't.

​5) Sage and Clove tincture in a blend

These (Salvia officinalis and Syzygium aromaticum are two exceptional choices for support when there may be infection or sore throat starting. Both are also helpful for toothache and mouth care. This is drying tincture, so is useful when conditions are wet and inflamed.

Yes, we both ended up using this blend, but for different reasons.

I ended up feeling like I was coming down with a cold, complete with sore throat. I used it internally, leaving it in my mouth and doing a little gargle with it too.

Joe has a spot on one of his gum areas that became inflamed under his bridge. He also ended up using it as a mouth rinse and will continue to do so multiple times a day until the issue is cleared up. He reported it was helpful so far!

6) Elecampane (Inula helenium) tincture

This one I brought because it's also wonderful for supporting the lungs (can you tell I'm very aware of respiratory problems?). Neither of us used the elecampane.

7) Elderberry (Sambucus spp) tincture

This is so funny. I brought THREE bottles in different areas of our luggage of the elderberry tincture. I did use it initially, then stopped, then returned to using it as a protective. Joe didn't use it.

​ 8) Willow bark and Devils's Claw tincture

Salix alba and Harpagophytum procumbens make a GREAT team for pain and inflammation relief. I used this blend once for a little stress headache and some back pain after a few uncomfortable nights. Super helpful.

And then....

The essential oils.....

I love traveling with essential oil applications because they're smaller and lighter than tinctures, are very personal to you (hello, inhalers and roller bottles), and are nice to diffuse if you have a travel diffuser (which I do). They fit nicely into your purse, luggage and other tiny areas.

I tend to bring a lot more of these because they're just smaller and lighter...and very effective.

I won't list them all because I made up the blends before hand, and there were quite a few. You can find most of the remedies and applications for the essential oils (and the herbs too) I used in the Ditch the Drugstore and Family Herbalist Certification course. If you're interested in learning Aromatherapy, stay tuned because the content for the Aromatherapy Specialist certification is nearly complete, and the Beta group of students is working their way through like champs!

Are you wondering about space, weight, and traveling with all of these?

Space can certainly be a problem. So can weight. However, after my COVID experience two years ago, I now feel it's worth having them along, and I'll make sacrifices elsewhere (like no heavy shoes). Here are some tips for dealing with the space issue:

1) Use small bottles of your tinctures....as in half-ounce to 1 ounce sizes. There's no need to bring 2 ounce tinctures on a trip, unless you're going to be gone for awhile.

2) Pack them tightly into a compression bag. This ensures they don't bang against each other. Then pack that bag among softer clothing.

3) Use the space you're allotted in your quart bag that you keep with you on the plane for the essential herbs and oils. You can get quite a few in there, too!

I hope this was helpful and gives you ideas! And just below is a video of how to make a lovely Sage Oxymel if tinctures aren't your style....

​

***************************

We're heading into the cold months! And I always like to think about how we'll enjoy fresh salads and food during these times. Of course, we have a LOT of great food put away via canning and dehydrating, but there's just nothing like fresh veggies.

The solution?

Sprouting!

​Enjoy my tips and directions for how to sprout delicious, incredibly healthy seeds with simple equipment you probably already have.

*****************************

That's all for this Wednesday's note!

I hope you have a beautiful and blessed week!

Hugs, Health, and Herbs,

Heidi

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and also to visit (and bookmark) the website, Healing Harvest Homestead, because there are literally around a thousand things to enjoy between the two areas.

P.P.S. Please forward this along to a friend who might be interested in herbalism, aromatherapy, and natural/traditional living!

​

​

SPONSORED BY:

This note was sponsored by the Confident Herbalist Tribe....the BEST herbal membership out there!

Enjoy the student community that's active and vibrant, the extra spaces for homesteading and traditional living, ALL the nearly 70 courses, masterclasses, and workshops, AND the LIVE Q&A and plant chat sessions! Protocols, working with clients, beginning herbalism, and tons more.... The Confident Herbalist Tribe is an incredible resource in your herbal learning.

Learn more by clicking HERE or the image below: