Making Herbal Remedies that Really Work: A Real Talk on Quality, Measurement, and Safety 

Let's going all-in on the do's and don'ts of making herbal remedies that actually work. I mean, there's no point in going to all that effort if the end result is just, well, leaf water with no benefits, right? 

Quality Matters—A Lot!

First things first, the quality of your ingredients is a game-changer. Using inferior or contaminated herbs won't get you the results you desire. Plus, if you're planning to use these remedies on your little ones, you want to be absolutely sure you're giving them the best, right? Look for organic, sustainably harvested herbs from reliable sources. A high-quality herb is more potent, and therefore, more effective. I love starting with growing my own, then finding a local organic herb farmer, I love Oshala Herb Farm, and Lovelight Herb Farm. And, if I can't get it from any of them, I'll go to good ol Mountain Rose Herbs.

Measure, Measure, Measure! 

Okay, I love me some good ol' folk remedies. A dash of this, a sprinkle of that—it's like cooking, but for your health. But if you're making herbal medicine and you really want to be precise, especially when dosing kids, you gotta start measuring. Know your ratios and your menstruum (that's the liquid you're using for extraction). If it's alcohol, know its content; if it's oil, know if its going to extract the medicinal properties of the plant you're working with. And remember, this isn't just about accuracy; it's about safety too.

Don't Ignore Contraindications 

I'd like to make this point louder for the people in the back! 

Herbs are natural, but natural doesn't always mean safe. Always check for contraindications, especially if you or your kiddos are on medication or have existing health conditions. It's all fun and games until someone has an adverse reaction, and nobody wants that. This is where the scientific, clinical herbalist in me can't stress enough: Know. Your. Herbs.

Storage Wars: Herbal Edition 

Want your remedies to last? Store them properly. A dark, cool space is your best bet for most concoctions. Sunlight can deteriorate your herbs, and too much moisture can invite mold. Not all heroes wear capes; some come in dark amber bottles.

Get Creative but Be Smart About It 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to scare you away from the empowering world of DIY herbal medicine. Get out there and experiment, make mistakes, learn from them, and keep growing your herbal know-how. But know that this is a science as much as it is an art.

Deepen Your Herbal Journey with Medicine Makin' Mommas 

For those of you who are ready to take your herbal game to the next level, my Medicine Makin' Mommas program is where it's at. This isi where I break down the complexities of the science behind herbal formulating and make it easy and fun for you to understand. Of course there's boat loads of 'how to' for you as well! Yup, the tinctures, the oils, the honeys, the lotions, and all kinds of other herbal potions.

Final Thoughts: Keep Making Herbalism Spread Like Wildflowers 

In a world where the cost of healthcare is skyrocketing, there's never been a better time to empower yourself with the skill of making your own medicine. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep sharing. Even if you get dubbed the 'crazy herb lady,' own it! It's all part of the journey.

So, there you have it. Let's keep making herbalism spread like wildflowers and empowering ourselves and our communities to live healthier, happier lives.