The purpose of this activity is to become mindful of the plants around as not only sources of food but sources of medicine as well. Plants have an entire suite of Organic Biochemistry that they rely on to keep them safe and function properly in their communities. Herbal medicine is real and was the only medicine we had for tens of thousands of years! Many drugs today are still synthetic versions of naturally occurring plant chemicals. This also means that herbal medicines can be very dangerous. Take all of this very seriously - the alternative could be fatal.
This activity can be very simple and very quick. You are not required to actually make a plant extract (though you are welcome to do it!). You must complete ONE of the following activities:
Activity A: Do some research about where you live. What are some common medicinal plants that grow wild or as weeds from which it is common to make extracts? What do you think about the idea of using them medicinally? Would your family or friends accept this way of seeing the plants around us? What chemicals make this/these plants useful? Write up your research and reflections in about 2 paragraphs...feel free to include photos you find!
Activity B: Actually go looking for plants to make an extract that grow wild or as weeds. Before you make anything make sure you are 101% certain that you know what plants you are dealing with and that there is no potential for a reaction. Share this extract with someone. Write up 2 paragraphs discussing your plant gathering trip, what you thought about it, the process of making an extract from these plants, and what it was like to share it with someone.
Your 2 paragraph write-up from either Activity A or Activity B [60 points]
Please watch the first video about the different types of herbal extractions. I have left the rest of the videos for you as inspiration. You do NOT need to watch any videos other than the first one. There are plenty of other resources online as well that can be specific to your geographic area. My personal opinion is that herbal teas from easy to recognize plants (the ones outlined here) are pretty safe options if you want to try an extraction. Tinctures can also be very simple but can take awhile to extract and require access to vodka. I would not dry distilling essential oils unless you know someone who is already practiced in this method and has the materials.
Basics of Herbal Extraction:
Water based extractions
teas
infusions
decoctions
compresses
Oil based extractions
infused oils (NOT essential oils)
Solvent based extractions
alcohol tinctures
glycerites
infused vinegar
infused honey
You can combine these extractions to get things like shrubs, honegars, elixirs, etc.
5 "rights" of herbal medicine
right plant + part
right purpose (what you take it for)
right route (how you take it)
right menstruum (correct potency/dose to benefit from extract)
right method (proper extraction method)
Enjoy the general "How To"!
Stinging Nettle
Raspberry
Dandelion (says coffee but really is a tea)
Mullein - the plant is up and around here in Indiana...the flower stalk comes later in the summer
Mullein (Alcohol Extraction)
Lemon (Alcohol Extraction - but any citrus works!)