• 'Tis the season when a lot of people end up getting ill—often thanks to sick relatives who show up at family gatherings to cough on everyone. ;)
    A tincture made with bee balm (Monarda didyma and/or Monarda fistulosa) and old man's beard lichen (Usnea barbata) can work wonders for speeding up the healing process.

    Monarda contains the antimicrobial compounds thymol and carvacrol, and can be used treat or prevent infections — both internally and externally. Usnea is a fruticose lichen species that contains usnic and barbatic acid, which have been proven to inhibit bacterial, fungal, and viral growth, including candida, E-coli, and staph infections.

    If you make a tincture of equal parts of these herbs, you end up with a powerful infection-fighting medicine that's invaluable to keep in your home apothecary cabinet.

    To make a standard tincture, aim for:
    1 ounce of herb to 5 ounces (liquid volume) of solvent if you're using dry herbs, and
    1 ounce of herb to 2 ounces (liquid volume) of solvent if you're using fresh ones.

    The solvent (aka "menstruum") should be 40% alcohol content (80 proof) to extract the plant's healing properties and ensure that no bacteria or mildew can grow in there. Vodka is ideal for this, but I also use brandy.

    One can never have too much medicine available in case of emergencies. Our ancestors used plant medicines exclusively for thousands of years, and they're remarkably effective if used correctly.
    Be well!
    'Tis the season when a lot of people end up getting ill—often thanks to sick relatives who show up at family gatherings to cough on everyone. ;) A tincture made with bee balm (Monarda didyma and/or Monarda fistulosa) and old man's beard lichen (Usnea barbata) can work wonders for speeding up the healing process. Monarda contains the antimicrobial compounds thymol and carvacrol, and can be used treat or prevent infections — both internally and externally. Usnea is a fruticose lichen species that contains usnic and barbatic acid, which have been proven to inhibit bacterial, fungal, and viral growth, including candida, E-coli, and staph infections. If you make a tincture of equal parts of these herbs, you end up with a powerful infection-fighting medicine that's invaluable to keep in your home apothecary cabinet. To make a standard tincture, aim for: 1 ounce of herb to 5 ounces (liquid volume) of solvent if you're using dry herbs, and 1 ounce of herb to 2 ounces (liquid volume) of solvent if you're using fresh ones. The solvent (aka "menstruum") should be 40% alcohol content (80 proof) to extract the plant's healing properties and ensure that no bacteria or mildew can grow in there. Vodka is ideal for this, but I also use brandy. One can never have too much medicine available in case of emergencies. Our ancestors used plant medicines exclusively for thousands of years, and they're remarkably effective if used correctly. Be well!
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  • The Varangian Guard was an elite unit in the Byzantine Empire, renowned for its loyalty and combat prowess. Established in the late 10th century, it initially comprised Norse warriors from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland, later joined by Anglo-Saxons after the Norman Conquest of England. Serving as the emperor's personal bodyguards, the Varangians were trusted for their foreign origin, which made them less vulnerable to Byzantine court intrigues.

    Easily recognizable by their distinctive armor and large two-handed axes, they were a formidable force on the battlefield and played a significant ceremonial role in the imperial court. The Varangian Guard participated in key military campaigns against various enemies, earning a fearsome reputation across Europe and the Near East.

    Over time, their ranks grew increasingly diverse, but the guard maintained its elite status and continued to be a vital part of the Byzantine military. Though their influence waned as the Byzantine Empire declined, the Varangian Guard remains a symbol of loyalty, martial skill, and the fusion of Norse and Byzantine cultures, making them one of the most iconic military units of the medieval era.

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    #vikings #valhalla #ragnarlothbrok #vikings #viral #VikingRings #OdinAllFather #odin #hailodin #vikingshirt #vikingwarrior #norse #vikingclothings #Vikingaxes #norsesoul #warrior #vikingspirit #ragnar #vikinggods #VikingWarriors #vikingage
    The Varangian Guard was an elite unit in the Byzantine Empire, renowned for its loyalty and combat prowess. Established in the late 10th century, it initially comprised Norse warriors from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland, later joined by Anglo-Saxons after the Norman Conquest of England. Serving as the emperor's personal bodyguards, the Varangians were trusted for their foreign origin, which made them less vulnerable to Byzantine court intrigues. Easily recognizable by their distinctive armor and large two-handed axes, they were a formidable force on the battlefield and played a significant ceremonial role in the imperial court. The Varangian Guard participated in key military campaigns against various enemies, earning a fearsome reputation across Europe and the Near East. Over time, their ranks grew increasingly diverse, but the guard maintained its elite status and continued to be a vital part of the Byzantine military. Though their influence waned as the Byzantine Empire declined, the Varangian Guard remains a symbol of loyalty, martial skill, and the fusion of Norse and Byzantine cultures, making them one of the most iconic military units of the medieval era. . . . . . #vikings #valhalla #ragnarlothbrok #vikings #viral #VikingRings #OdinAllFather #odin #hailodin #vikingshirt #vikingwarrior #norse #vikingclothings #Vikingaxes #norsesoul #warrior #vikingspirit #ragnar #vikinggods #VikingWarriors #vikingage
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