Tincture Making
Digging roots
of Echinacea and Valerian
To strengthen my resistance
to quiet my restless sleep
Exposing the source
of innocent flowers
Dirty secrets
and childhood traumas
Washing the wounds
with the sting of vodka
Made into medicine
with the patience of time
___________Colleen Redman_______dVerse Poets Pub
Post notes: I wrote this poem sometime in the 90’s. I haven’t dug Echinacea (strengthens the immune response) or Valerian (a natural tranquilizer) for quite a few years because I still have plenty of their bottled tincture. I used to dig for old bottles. This year we dug a lot of potatoes. This poem appeared online in 2004 HERE.
November 26th, 2013 2:04 pm
So, the tincture keeps for long periods of time? I have never had much luck with herbs or tinctures healing my problems. Exercise, meditation, music and water seem to work…much of the time.
November 26th, 2013 2:38 pm
I actually have never notice any help from Echinacea but the Valerian is pretty strong and you can feel it right away. Most drugs have been made from or copied from medicinal herbs, so I like to go straight to the free growing plant. They keep for a very long time because they are steeped in 100 proof alcohol.
November 26th, 2013 4:26 pm
I liked this… perhaps time heals us, and the tincture merely diverts our minds from the pain..
November 26th, 2013 4:53 pm
There is much in these few words – the powerful names of the natural medicines, memories and time – thank you for sharing.
November 26th, 2013 5:13 pm
i used to take echinacea for its resistance qualities…never dug is myself though, that is pretty cool…the home grown rememdies always work very nicely….
November 26th, 2013 5:45 pm
I am familiar with both of these “wonder” herbs…..I became familiar with Valarien and Echinecea in 1961 and I too found it Very Very Helpful. Echinecea is far more subtle, I think….so one might not think it is doing anything, but…..it works it’s mysterious magic on a deep level—at least that has been my experience.
I LOVE this Poem, Colleen…..And I think it is so fabulous that you can make your own Tinctures….
I wish I could grow these plants and make these healing Tinctures, too!
November 26th, 2013 7:10 pm
Dirty secrets and childhood traumas …. Sad. Good poem.
November 26th, 2013 7:38 pm
These are ingredients in my favorite winter tea, well all but the vodka. Maybe I should add a touch of spirits to it.
November 26th, 2013 9:26 pm
Wow, cool way to look at herbal remedy.
ps- I love your About comment on “research.” ~~:)
November 27th, 2013 11:50 am
What I like most about this poem is its concreteness; there’s nothing abstract in here – even the patience of time is a phrase we can all relate to. Fine writing, Colleen.
November 28th, 2013 6:01 pm
I love that this poem is about you taking ownership of your demons, and curing yourself. There is a real strength in this poem, despite its apparent simplicity. Lovely work.
November 30th, 2013 10:25 am
Sleep is such a beautiful thing..but the lack of it can be so..so hard..
There was a time where I could not sleep but one hour each for 35 days..and none the last 5 of forty..I found myself wanting to escape life..just to finally get sleep..
Well..now things are much..much better..but for about 3 months I could only sleep an average of 2 to 3 hours a night here until the last month for 5 or 6 hours finally and such a relief it is…
But still..it is not easy..I have to walk in a balance of reverse and forward 5 to 10 miles a day..to get tired enough to do it..
So yeah..the impact is buying more shoes..and more shoes..as i wear them out so quickly..
But still OH MY GOD..sleeping makes it all worth it..Good luck to you ..and i hope you continue to sleep..recover and find TRUE PeaCE in life…