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There's no shortage of access to herbal medicine these days. You can find herbal formulations on the shelves of health food stores, supplement stores, and even neighborhood grocery stores. Recently I even saw a powerful adaptogenic formula kept behind the counter at a 7-11 gas station. But what is it that makes these formulas so accessible question are they the best way to work with herbal medicine, and are you getting the best connection to the plant medicine by working with these formulations? Let’s explorer.
BROAD SPECTRUM FORMULAS A broad spectrum formula is one that has been written to be effective for the most number of people possible. these are usually written by researchers and pharmaceutical formulators to check as many of the proverbial boxes as possible that somebody might be experiencing. Broad spectrum formulas often include more herbs than a simpler formula would include, and they’re written to make sure the customer feels something. Because broad spectrum formulas are written for a broad variety of people, many herbs have to be called in that address a variety of issues within the topic at hand. For example, a cold & flu herbal product will often include herbs that dry, dampen, stimulate, sedate, cleanse, clear, and support respiratory health- all the herbs have the lungs in common but each carries nuances that aren’t honored as much as a custom formulation would. Another aspect of broad spectrum formulations is that the number of herbs in the recipe means you’re getting less of each herb. 10 herbs powdered and stuffed into a capsule gives you very little of each herb- rarely even close to a therapeutic dose. So, while broad spectrum herbal formulas are great when you aren’t sure which herbs are the right fit for you as a unique person, or when a manufacturer is trying to sell to the greatest number of people, they are not in line with the deeper energetics, nuances, and harmonies of good herbalism. This is where custom formulations come in. CUSTOM HERBAL FORMULATIONS Each of us is a unique person with unique ways of experiencing both health and disease. What the common cold looks like in your body might look totally different in mine. You may experience a cold that settles in your head and causes disruption in your sinuses, lots of headaches, ringing ears, and fever. A cold for me might move directly into my lungs making it difficult for me to breathe, ruining my appetite, and stagnating my digestive process. Technically we both have the exact same issue but because we are unique people we are expressing it in unique ways. Customer herbal formulations allow a competent and confident herbalist to address the way the cold expresses in you as a unique person. Rather than throwing a broad spectrum, busy formula at you, individual herbs are called in that speak meaningfully to all the things you’re experiencing and what you version of center looks like. In order for an herbalist to custom formulate, they have to know several things. First, they have to be able to explore your experiences and learn about the subtle energetics of your disharmonies. They need to know what healthy looks like for you, what the path from healthy to disharmony looked like, and know how the situation is manifesting in your being. Then, they need to have a deep connection to the plants and know which allies speak directly and with the greatest efficacy and energetic ecology to the issues at hand. Finally, they need to know how to call those herbs together into a formula that goes beyond the sum of its parts and hums with an orchestration of synergy and power. Having medicine crafted just for you is an experience few of us are accustomed to. We’re all aware of name brands of pharmaceuticals more than we’re aware that good herbalism is about meeting people where they are and making person, meaningful, and relevant connections between humans and plants. A qualified herbalist is able to explore the subtle languages of disharmony and medicine to find ways that build bridges between the world of plants and our own human experience. They can craft medicines from the materia of their own hearts and minds that resonate on all the levels with their clients- and ensure that each plant medicine brought into the mix is done so with clear intention, purpose, and potency. If you’ve never had medicine crafted for who you are and what you’re working on, we would love to give you that experience. We handcraft tinctures with over 300 organic herbs, stock over 350 organic bulk herbs, and work with a variety of oils, infused balms, powders, and mushrooms. With all this medicine we're able to formulate and craft herbal medicine just for you in a matter of minutes. Stop in and let us make medicine with you!
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4/7/2022 0 Comments Bitters are Sweet!I'm absolutely enamored with herbal bitters. While most folks think of bitters for cocktails, the history of these aromatic concoctions go far back into the annals of our plant medicine ways. In this brief post I'd like to share a bit with you about why I love bitters, how they work, and how you might find a friend in their medicine.  Bitters are crafted with herbs that have a high occurrence of bitter-containing phytochemicals that act to give us both a bitter taste on our tongues and deliver the energetic action of bitterness into the body. Here at Greenthread, we craft our bitters with herbs that are both aromatic and bitter to balance out cool and warm temperaments and make them a true joy for a bitter journey. When the bitter taste hits the tongue, the digestive system is kicked into gear in preparation for incoming food. Bitterness acts like a signal to the body that the stomach should warm and dry itself, the intestines should begin their snakelike peristaltic action, and the organs of digestive enzymes should get to squeezing. This is important because the use of bitters primes the body to swallow, digest, absorb, and eliminate with the greatest efficacy. When food lands in a cold, damp belly, it must sit there until the digestive fire can be kindled and the food can be broken down. This often leads to feelings of bloating, gas, cramps, and the 'food baby' syndrome. Bitters can help prevent this from happening- and can also step in after the fact to get things moving along. By spraying our digestive bitters right onto your tongue before or after eating, you get the immediate benefits of the bitter taste with the deep effects of the herbal extract once it's been swallowed. Easy! We package our bitters in spray-top bottles that fit right into a bag, purse, glove box, or pocket to make it effortless to have them when and where you need the most. Another aspect to digestive bitters I love is that they activate the parasympathetic nervous system- the part of our stress response system that is concerned with resting and digesting food- in other words, relaxing. When the world is going by at 1,000 miles per hour, we often take our food while in the sympathetic state- fight and flight. This is a terrible place to digest food and often leaves us foggy and tired after a meal because we didn't get much from what we consumed. Bitters help nudge us into that relaxation mode so we can digest better, absorb more nourishment, enjoy the food more, and enjoy the process and the company. We craft two incredible bitters here at Greenthread Apothecary: TRANQUIL BITTERS which focuses on all the benefits mentioned above with some deep relaxing energy, and PURIFYING BITTERS which work to cleanse, tone, and clear the digestive tract. Grab a bottle in-shop or online below and experience the power of digestive bitters for yourself! TRANQUIL BITTERS
$14.99
Herbal bitters are the classic way to stimulate, harmonize, and nourish your digestive process.* We've been working with bitters for ages to help with complaints from every part of the gut.* They work incredibly as a regulator for the system and its many parts, or as an in-the-moment support when needed.* Our TRANQUIL BITTERS formula leans into the calm side of things with herbs that help unwind tension and stress from the digestive tract while easing the mind and emotions.* Nervous stomach? Anxious acidity? Digestive dramas? We've got you!
1 ounce. Amber glass with spray top. ORGANIC INGREDIENTS Chamomile, Catnip, Bitter Orange Peel, Schisandra Berry, Hops, Cardamom, Lavender, Gentian Root, and Vodka. 40% Alc. Our tinctures are crafted by hand in small batches by lunar tides. We double-filter through two types of fibers to ensure an exceptional offering we know you'll love. TRADITIONAL USE Shake well. Coat tongue with 3-5 sprays, enjoy the bittersweet journey, then swallow. Best 5-10 minutes before meals. Not intended for use while pregnant or nursing. Please consult with your healthcare provider before using this product. This product has not been formulated for use for children, those who are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. PURIFYING BITTERS
$14.99
Tone, cleanse, and harmonize the gut with our PURIFYING BITTERS crafted from some of our most cherished digestive allies.* This super-bitter formula helps to cool, detoxify, and nourish the entire GI tract while providing in-the-moment digestive bitters support.* This is a powerhouse anti-inflammatory and cleansing blend that gets to work fast!*
1 ounce. Amber glass with spray top. ORGANIC INGREDIENTS Plantain Leaf, Yellow Dock Root, Turmeric Root, Olive Leaf, Juniper Cones, Calendula, Fennel Seed, Amla Fruit, Angelica Root, Gentian Root, and Vodka. 40% Alc. Our tinctures are crafted by hand in small batches by lunar tides. We double-filter through two types of fibers to ensure an exceptional offering we know you'll love. TRADITIONAL USE Shake well. Coat tongue with 3-5 sprays, enjoy the bittersweet journey, then swallow. Best 5-10 minutes before meals. Not intended for use while pregnant or nursing. Please consult with your healthcare provider before using this product. This product has not been formulated for use for children, those who are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. CALM BELLY
$19.99
Ease, relax, move, and unwind the digestion with this comforting blend of celebrated herbs.* CALM BELLY helps to release stress and tension from the digestion- and to support a healthier gut during times of stress and strain.*
2 ounce. Amber glass dropper. ORGANIC INGREDIENTS Chamomile, Fennel, Licorice Root, Catnip, Marshmallow Root, Dandelion Root, Lemon Balm, & Vodka. 40% Alc. Our tinctures are crafted by hand in small batches by lunar tides. We double-filter through two types of fibers to ensure an exceptional offering we know you'll love. TRADITIONAL USE Shake well. Enjoy 1-2 dropperfuls up to 3 times per day. Not intended for use while pregnant or nursing. Please consult with your healthcare provider before using this product. This product has not been formulated for use for children, those who are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. There are two ways we approach immune support during that season: nourish & stimulate. Nourishing herbal allies help to strengthen, inform, tonify, and give resilience to the immune system so that when the alarms go off and there's a reason to fight, the system as a whole is ready to go. These herbs are generally nutrient-dense, immuno-modulating, and adaptogenic in action. Stimulating herbal allies act like secondary alarms to the immune system. They inspire the body to kick its defenses into high gear and act to provide supportive antibiotic actions to the body. So, what's the difference and why is the difference important? Nourishing the immune system with herbs and mushrooms is a good idea all year long. Most of us get one or two of these allies in the course of our regular herbal relationships, and they are best when taken in a tonic fashion over the longterm. Like most adaptogens, their effects are cumulative and with time and consistency they are able to dig deep into various body systems to repair and rejuvenate. Immune nourishing allies like Red Clover Blossoms, Nettles, Chaga, Reishi, and Gynostemma are some of our favorites. Herbs that actively stimulate the immune system and its many responses are not good for long term use. They rally the troops and tax resources quickly. During an acute situation, these herbs are just what we need. Over the long term, however, they can deplete, confuse, and disregulate the immune system making us more vulnerable and less able to efficiently handle invading pathogens. Immune stimulant herbs like Echinacea, Osha, Goldenseal, Andrographis, and Oregano can all be problematic when taken in therapeutic doses over a long period of time. To help make it easier for you to build immunity daily and activate immunity when the need arises, we've crafted a duo of allies that we know you'll want to have around. GREAT FORTRESS is a formula to help strengthen your everyday defenses and nourish your immunity on deep levels. GREEN WARRIOR is your go-to ally when symptoms arise and it's time to battle. GREAT FORTRESS
$19.99
Our herb and mushroom GREAT FORTRESS formula is all about building a strong protective foundation for seasonal issues and all year long.* This deeply nourishing blend is made from celebrated adaptogens that focus on immune support through building, fortifying, and strengthening.* An offering of ultimate prevention.*
2 ounce. Amber glass dropper. ORGANIC INGREDIENTS Gynostemma, Astragalus Root, Licorice Root, Turkey Tail Mushroom, Chaga Mushroom, Vodka. 40% Alc. Our tinctures are crafted by hand in small batches by lunar tides. We double-filter through two types of fibers to ensure an exceptional offering we know you'll love. TRADITIONAL USE Shake well. 30-40 drops 2-3 times per day. Best as a tonic remedy. Take a break during acute issues. Not intended for use while pregnant or nursing. Please consult with your healthcare provider before using this product. This product has not been formulated for use for children, those who are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. GREEN WARRIOR
$19.99
Under attack? Defenses down? Call in the GREEN WARRIOR! This powerful formula features our most celebrated herbal allies for stimulating defense response, fighting off invaders, and getting you back to normal fast.* Keep a GREEN WARRIOR on hand and you'll always have support. Formulated to be used during acute attacks only.* Check out our GREAT FORTRESS formula for more long-term tonic support.*
2 ounces. Amber glass dropper. ORGANIC INGREDIENTS Echinacea Root, Red Clover Blossoms, Honeysuckle Flowers, Usnea Lichen, Lemon Balm, Oregon Grape Root, Yarrow Blossoms & Leaves, Elder Flowers, Oregano, Boneset, & Whisky. 40% Alc. Our tinctures are crafted by hand in small batches by lunar tides. We double-filter through two types of fibers to ensure an exceptional offering we know you'll love. TRADITIONAL USE 30-40 drops under the tongue up to 6 times per day for up to 2 weeks. Not intended for use while pregnant or nursing. Please consult with your healthcare provider before using this product. This product has not been formulated for use for children, those who are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Here's a class Josh offered exploring the herbs and protocols we can work with to strengthen the immune system... 10/28/2021 0 Comments Flying Salve
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Greenthread Apothecary
376 East 4th Avenue Salt Lake City, Utah 801-363-0859 |
Storefront Hours
Tuesday-Friday 11am to 7pm Saturday 11am to 4pm |
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products and offerings are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For more information pertaining to your personal needs please see a qualified health practitioner.