Vivid Dreams

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Vivid Dreams
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Post # 1
I use this one myself.
Ingredients required...
Passion flower, lobelia inflata, like St. John's Wort, Ginger, and Peppermint. Kava Kava and Valerian Root, either together or separate (together will be more sedating), 5-HTP or Tryptophan,


This recipe is the simplest way to make your own liquid herbal extracts in your own home. Start with a clean jar that has a tight fitting lid and the herbs of your choice. If you can use fresh herbs, then fabulous! Fresh material is always preferred but availability is determined by your local bio-region, climate, etc and many quality herbs may not be available. If you cannot locate fresh materials, be sure to get good quality, organic herbs from a reputable supplier. Note: Try not to use powdered herbs; they will be difficult to filter out in the end and the debris will settle in your final product.If using fresh material, chop the herbs finely. Then put in the glass jar. Next, pour a good, strong grain alcohol or Vodka over the herbs, completely covering the herbal material. If you are using dried herbs you will need to add more alcohol over the next day or two as the dried herbs absorb and expand. A good ratio for dried material is about 1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol and with fresh material 1 part herb to 3 parts alcohol.
After you have done this, cover with tight fitting lid and be sure to place a plastic bag sandwiched between the lid and the jar. This will prevent rust contamination from spoiling your extract.
Shake well and place the jar in a dark place & allow the herbs to soak or macerate for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake every few days. The alcohol will siphon and extract the active constituents from the herbs. After 4 to 6 weeks strain the herbs. Use a large sieve, strainer, press or potato ricer lined with fine mesh cloth or cheesecloth. Then pour into another large bowl or container. After you have done this grab the soggyherbal material and place in muslin, cheese or another fine cloth and tightly squeeze the material to extract every last drop from the cloth. The herbal material left over that is saturated, is the strongest in terms of active medicinal constituents. Now funnel the material from your larger container into smaller bottles, preferably amber bottles and store your tinctures in a cool dark place. Voila! You have now made your own remarkable medicinal herbal extract for a fraction of the price you would have paid at the store. By now you have probably noticed that your pantry is stored with some 16-20 ounces of liquid herbal extract……this will last you for some time. (It will keep for 3-5 years)
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Re: Vivid Dreams
By: Moderator / Adept
Post # 2

Before using any herbal preparation be sure that you are familiar with the herb in question and that you are aware of possible side effects from that herb.

For example:

Kava-kava can cause liver damage if used frequently. It should be used sparingly if at all.

St. John's Wort interacts with a number of different medications. It can cause birth control pills not to work. It can also interfere with the effects of antibiotics and anti-anxiety medications. The side effects have been deemed significant enough in France that St. John's wort is banned in that country.

Valerian - interferes with the actions of medications to treat cholesterol and liver problems.

Passion Flower - interferes with medications for seizures and for anxiety.

Lobelia - Lobelia is considered a potentially toxic herb. It can cause serious side effects, such as profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma, and possibly even death. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, seizure disorder, and shortness of breath, and those recovering from shock should not take lobelia.

Don't assume that just because something is herbal that it is safe to use. If there is any question as to whether a particular herbal supplement is safe for you always check with your doctor or a licensed herbalist first.


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