Cannabis: The Medicine Way

How to Make an Herbal Extract

A special blog from the Medicine Mama

These words are for you… growers, trimmers, smokers. Lovers of this sweet, green, sacred sacrament. First we acknowledge, and give thanks, for all this plant provides–for ourselves, our families, and friends. This plant provides food, shelter and clothing. Most importantly, it provides a deep feeling of physical, mental, and emotional well being.

Before we dive into how to prepare an herbal extract, I’d like to give you a little taste of myself, my words as Medicine, flowing out of me into you, with the sacred, rhythmic, pulse of life…. The heart is an alter, this life is a prayer, the blood of our mother, the water, carries me, carries you. Within each of us is medicine, a place of healing and wholeness. We carry within us sacred elements, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and the power of the Great Mystery. We are pure creation. The world around us is an expression of the world within us. Whatever it is you desire, to be, see, and create……begins with intention, a prayer. So pray….. as you make the Medicine, till the soil, plant the seeds, trim the leaf, smoke the green. Find that place within you, of deep respect, and honor, for yourself, and all life… Understand the power within and use it, in a good way.

This recipe is folk style…. for all us common folk medicine makers.
This is very basic herbal medicine making. I figure we’d start simple.

What you need to begin:

• brandy or vodka ( vodka will reveal the green )
• cheese cloth, strainer or panty hose
• good size jar with lid
• bud… or leaf (it’s best to use bud for tincturing- it’s stronger)
• tincture bottles and a small funnel

Chop the fresh or dry bud or leaf as small as you like, the more area the alcohol can cover the better. Fill up the jar a little more than half way. (Keep in mind, if your using dry herb, it will expand a bit.) Pour the alcohol over the herb, making sure it covers it all, then add just a little bit more. Put the lid on the jar, and shake it…..see the color green infuse the alcohol.

This is Medicine. Hold it close to your heart, and say a prayer… Put your love and intention into it. Pray that this Medicine you have made, with all your inspiration and heart, will help heal those in need, to feel so good.

Don’t forget to label the jar. Put the jar in a good place, on your counter, or alter, and shake it everyday, a couple times a day if you can. Each time, put your love and inspiration into it. Let it macerate for at least two weeks. After two weeks, put a cheese cloth over a bowl, or good size measuring cup, pour out the jar of Medicine, press, and squeeze until you can’t get anymore… and voila…. you’ve done it! Fill up your tincture bottles, or transfer into
another clean container… Label them!

Dosage:
Every body is different, and so is the herb. Suggested dosage would be three droppers full, three times a day. You may need more or less…

Putting it in warm water is nice, or a cup of tea!
You can also put it right in your mouth… yum, yum.

If your feeling inspired for additional flavor, you can do the same as above, in a separate jar, with lets say… fresh orange peel, vanilla bean, and a little honey or agave. The possibilities for flavor are endless!

So as we live our dreams, and the endless possibilities of dreaming. It is my prayer that we all dream awake, be conscious of our thoughts, and intentions, that each of us may see our reflection in one another, like the sun reflecting in the moon. I pray that each of us continues on the path of goodness, and that we all live with our roots in harmony.

~ Medicine Mama ~

Posted Monday, March 31st, 2008 | In Guerilla Speeks.
You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.