Wednesday, April 20, 2011

MR. PUPPY SEZ: TAURUS PUSSYCAT 2011

The Taurus pussycat is easy-going and mild-mannered with a streak of stubbornness.  No kitty born of any other sign can sit at a mouse hole with such patience.  Being Venus-ruled, the Taurus kitty likes to feel comfortable, they like to be catered to (breakfast in bed will do nicely, lol) and pampered to the max!

Taurus rules the neck and throat, an area of the body that is sensitive or vulnerable to sore throats.  My hoomin treats problems in this area by diluting an elderberry product by the name of Sambucol/Sambucus with filtered water and shaking well, using a ratio of 4:1...squirting a dropper's worth into my sweet mouth two or three times a day.  The problem always resolves itself within 24 hours.

One of the greatest herbs for respiratory difficulties is Mullein (Verbascum thapus).  Keeping a tincture on hand will not only relieve respiratory issues but will be a boon to heal ears that are troubled with mites.  Making a tincture is rather easy...you will need a small jar with lid, either dried or fresh mullein leaves (I add flowers, too), and vegetable glycerin:

1.  Place the herb in a clean glass jar, leaving one or two inches of space at the top.  Then fill the jar with vegetable glycerin.

2.  Cap the jar tightly, date, identify, making sure to set forth the solvent used on the label and place in a dark cupboard for 3 or 4 weeks, shaking the jar every day.

3.  Using muslin, strain the plant material out of the liquid.  Rebottle the liquid, discarding the mullein.  Label as in #3.  Glycerin tinctures keep longer under refrigeration.  Do not expose the tincture to heat or light.

FOR OUR HOOMIN COMPANIONS

For an infusion to help soothe a cough and sore throat, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves and flowers per cup of boiling water.  Steep 10 minutes, then add honey and lemon as Mullein tastes bitter.  Best not to exceed 3 cups a day.  In a tincture, take 1 teaspoon up to three times a day.  Pregnant or nursing adults should consult a physician who has knowledge of herbal remedies.

Here are two videos for Mullein identification...the first by a nurse, the second by an herbalist:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ySyt_nlzLU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WnCXDvBQPQ&feature=related

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