My Picks For Winter Apothecary Preparation

A home apothecary is definitely something I will always suggest to those around me. With all the different options available it can grow overwhelming when making a decision on what to stock your apothecary with. In the summer months I spend time preparing for what I believe will be most beneficial for my family during the winter months. A lot of my winter preparations come from local foraging on our own property or from friends who do their own foraging. These are my top picks for my winter preparations:

1. Mullein

   
   

1. Mullein is an expectorant, demulcent, and is one of the safest and most effective cough remedies. It helps the body to expel mucus more effectively, efficiently, and helps calm irritated mucous membranes ( great for lungs, glands, and even treatment of diarrhea). This plant has an anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, and antibiotic activities making it one of the most versatile plants that you can add to your apothecary. In our household we use it in a oil infusion for ear issues or to use in salves for topical care, and leaves are used in steam/breath treatment for lung health. Scientific research is just now catching up to what our ancestors already knew about the highly beneficial usefulness of mullein.

   
   

2. Roses: flowers and leaves

   
   

3. Roses are one of those botanical options that many people overlook because we most often associate with bouquets but there is so much more to this plant. All parts of the rose can be used and have been used in the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, dysmenorrhea, depression, stress, seizures, and aging. The benefits of roses are numerous and the list continues to grow.

Underneath this caption I'm going to include rose hips.

I believe that rose hips deserve their own recognition. Rose hips are rich in antioxidants that include vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenes. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and combat free radicals. Rose hips also contain pectin which can be beneficial for gut health. There is nothing more important or beneficial than a healthy gut. They have also been known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. When I make elderberry syrup, I make sure to add rose hips.

4. Elderberries

Just like rose hips, elderberries are a good source of vitamin C and a rich source of anthocynins, this contributes to antioxidants, anti- inflammatory, and immune boosting benefits. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti- diabetes properties. Elderberries can potentially help with constipation, joint and muscle pain, headaches, fever, kidney problems, epilepsy, minor skin conditions, and stress. Keep in mind elderberry plants, along with the berries, contain sambunigrin ad hydrocyanic acid. This is the toxic substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although I've heard of some eating the raw berries, I do NOT condone or suggest this. Berries should be cooked prior to consumption.

5. Pumpkin leaves

Pumpkins leaves are rich in anti-oxidants: vitamin C, flavonoids, and beta-carotene. These help fight against free radicals that can cause cellular damage that increases the risk of chronic illnesses. The leaves also contain vitamins and minerals like B6, A, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and are a good source of soluble fiber. A few benefits include supporting a healthy heart, helps with RA symptoms, help alleviate PMS symptoms, lowers risk of certain cancers, protects your eyesight, and boosts your immune system.

Keep in mind that pumpkin leaves have small spines and fibers that need to removed before consuming. Also if drying for pumpkin leaf powder they also need to be

destringed.

Starting an apothecary can be overwhelming with all of the many options available. Hopefully this short list helps you begin your journey into stocking your own home apothecary for the winter!

Disclaimer: this is not medical advice and is very educational purposes only. Talk to a qualified licensed medical practitioner before starting any herbal regimen.