60%

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During the first year or so of Mathew’s life, I came to the realization that at least 60% of his personality was formed in utero; perhaps even more. I spent hours watching him interacting with the world in his own personal way, on his own terms. It was fascinating, and I loved observing him move around the world, exploring it; everything he did had such bold intention. I tried my best not to take the lead and simply support his endeavors. When we went to the playground, I sat and watched, similar to an anthropologist, hoping not to change behaviors of their subjects. At times, I would hear, “Where is that boy’s Mom?” They thought he was abandoned. It made me giggle.

I came up with 60%, because life does happen and events and interactions do contribute to shape our personalities. However, there are certainly some core basic characteristics that we own and are solid part of our personalities from the very beginning.  Of course, this figure is my belief based on observations and nothing more. When I look at the lives and directions my brothers and myself have taken, it without a doubt validates this belief. Simply visualize a central point and draw 3 arrows, one proceeding north, one east and one west; you will get a picture of the different paths we have taken in our lives, even though we were all raised in the same loving home.

When I look back to my first memories, they are filled with dreams of exploring and adventures. I have always looked at the earth as my home and yearned to explore every part of it. During the first 7 years of my life, I lived on a very friendly street in Long Island. My exploration started with my block, I was known to walk into neighbors’ houses and make myself at home. Thank goodness everyone knew me and tolerated this behavior ~ a friendly and loving street indeed. I went to a block reunion years later and many of my old neighbors had stories of finding me in their homes, just checking things out or getting something to eat. I distinctly remember feeling that there were no boundaries; it was my block, my home and I was checking everything out. When I was around 5 years old, I dreamed of hiking down the block and building an igloo on the corner house’s lawn and living in it. I was preoccupied with designing and building this igloo. I can still remember it vividly. For my 6th birthday, my brother gave me a suitcase. Yes, a strange gift indeed, or perhaps he was telling me something? Regardless, I loved it; it had big purple flowers all over it. One day I packed it with my favorite blanket and headed towards the backyard. My Mom asked me what I was doing. I said, “Going out to play.” I walked into the backyard and climbed over the fence and started walking, I was going to explore the world. I wasn’t running away, I was going towards adventure.

Later we moved to a house in the woods. I spent my days exploring our backyard and following our stream for miles with my dog. These are just a few of my early memories of exploring.  I have not changed. I still look at the earth has my home and desire to explore it all to find out what’s here and there.

After 13 years, Mathew still moves around in the same bold way, but his preference and exploration is more focused on interacting with the cyber world. If he was left alone, I am not sure he would choose to explore anything else. The cyber world appears to possess infinite possibilities. I am happy to say that he can be still change gears and enjoy the natural wonders that our planet has to offer as well. Although, I do no share his fascination with the cyber world we do share the exploration of our wonderful planet.

 

So what’s a tincture?

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Throughout my blogs, I occasionally, mention making tinctures.  I have come to realize that many people do not know what a tincture is, how to make one or simply where to buy it – well, I’ve decided to remedy the situation.

First, tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of herbs. Most tinctures are made using alcohol; however, you can also use glycerin or apple cider as the menstruum (solvent that extracts the medicinal qualities from the herb). You can buy tinctures at most health food stores or online. If you would like to make a tincture yourself, it is very easy and it can save you quite a bit of money, especially if you wild harvest the herb instead of buying it.

I prefer to make tinctures from fresh herbs but dry herbs work too. I have many books on medicine making, but found “Making Plant Medicine” by Richo Cech to be my go-to-book.

Here’s how to make a fresh plant tincture:

  • Harvest leaves and flowers during the early flowering stage and remove stem. It is important to remember when harvesting any plant it is essential to harness the herb’s most productive energy during the harvest process. Roots are best harvested while all the vital energy is most concentrated within them. This is before the plant’s stems and flowers are developed, so harvest early spring or late fall. I like to collect the aerial parts while the vital energy is rising; so they are actively growing but before they go to seed.
  • Chop up plant/root to break down the cell wall; this will help expose more of the plant to the menstruum, allowing it to extract more medicinal qualities.
  • Place herbs in a clean, dry glass jar. Fill ¾ of the jar loosely, but do not pack herbs too tightly.
  • Fill jar with 100 proof vodka; make sure all herbs are completely submersed.
  • Cover with tight fitting lid.
  • Shake; the more the better.
  • Label the jar with the name of the plant, menstruum, harvest location, and date.
  • Mark your calendar, noting that the tincture will be ready in 6 weeks.
  • Put in a dry place that gets full sun. I put all my tinctures on a windowsill that gets southern exposure on the 2nd floor of my house.
  • Shake every day with ♥love and intention.
  • After 6 weeks, strain out herbs through stainless steel strainer lined with cheesecloth or muslin.
  • Rebottle and label.
  • Your tincture is now ready!
  • It should last for about 7 years if stored out of sunlight and in a cool location. Amber bottles work well to protect the quality of the tincture from sunlight.

There are many ways to make tinctures. This is just one way. I have tried many methods, learned from many herbalists, and read a great deal and this method resonates with me and gives wonderful results. Some herbalists let their tinctures sit in the dark, or control the heat, sit for 2 weeks, a lunar phase…there are so many options. This is just one way, my way; and it just simply makes sense to me. Feel free to experiment.

When you collect any herbs, please keep in mind:

  • Be sure you have made a definite identification, so use a field guide.
  • Harvest it in a respectful way: leave some. Please do not over harvest. Make sure there will be a healthy crop for the future.
  • Harvest away from traffic and areas where chemicals have not been sprayed or animals relieve themselves.
  • If you are unsure, it is best to move on and not harvest in that area.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.