Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica) fresh root extracted in organic cane spirits

A bitter, warming and invigorating herb that is traditionally used to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, and reduce bloating and gas. It also protects the digestive tract from harmful bacteria while increasing the production of stomach acid to break down food. Angelica encourages circulation to the periphery to bring nutrition to all parts of the body, and to stimulate fluid movement in potentially dried out joints. This herb has also been used traditionally to help regulate menstruation.

A perfect warming bitter for the winter time.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) fresh flowering herb extracted in organic cane spirits

A mint family plant native to Europe but naturalized to many parts of North America, especially where there is human habitation. Motherwort is cardiotonic herb known for strengthening the heart, and is traditionally indicated for heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat because it acts as both an antispasmodic and nervine to relax the cardiac muscle and ease tension and anxiety.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) fresh flowering herb extracted in organic cane spirits

Being one of the artemisias, mugwort has very ancient medicinal usage. An aromatic bitter with sage-like esoteric virtues, Mugwort shines silver in the moonlight and has pronounced affects on dreaming. Encourages an awakening of intuition for reflection and meditation and stimulates vivid inner illumination. A plant of profound protection, we often see as a 'weed' growing tall in many Chicago alleyways. Of course, this mugwort was grown outside of the city by loving people in loving soil.

According to Matthew Wood, "It is mildly stimulating to the nervous system, reducing tension, hense improving autonomic regulation of the digestion, and increasing circulation and nutrition in the nerves and muscles. It has long been used in traditional medicine to induce the menstrual flow."

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) fresh flowering tops extracted in organic cane spirits

Another herb of ancient medicinal usage, St. John's Wort is native to Europe, but highly naturalized to particular areas of North America, especially in the midwest. This plant has associations with witches, fairies, saints, and other 'holy' figures.

St. John's Wort has a powerful effect on the nervous system. Some people liken St. John's Wort to a natural anti-depressant, but I feel like that oversimplifies and pigeonholes the herb, whose virtues go far beyond just something that works against the process of depression. Consider it an herb that brings lightness and awareness to times of darkness, to support you through difficult times rather than to 'suppress symptoms of depression'. The herb supports you in your shadow work instead of helping you to avoid it.

The herb is also known to improve digestion and metabolism, and works to support the eliminative processes through the skin, kidneys, colon, and lungs.

It is also considered a first aid remedy for injuries to nerves where there are sharp, shooting paints, inflammation, and sensitivity.

In the middle ages, St. John's Wort, along with Wood Betony, was considered the primary psychiatric remedy. As Matthew Wood puts it, St. John's Wort "strengthens the enteric brain, seat of the instincts, and it is in this manner that it 'drives away evil influences'," commonly associated with dark magic at the time.

Note: There are a number of contraindications for use of St. John's Wort. This link here provides a good list. Please review before considering. Not for use for people taking SSRIs as St. John's Wort is contraindicated. And if you are taking estrogen or HRT, if your levels are "balanced" it can shift the levels a bit and could make it seem as if you are a bit deficient, while taking SJW, or overloaded if you stop. It's not necessarily a reason to not take it, but something to consider and perhaps if you do decide to try it, a lower dose and monitoring your levels is ideal.

1oz bottle