Hello Fellow Health Seekers! What a wind and rain storm we had last night . . . blew the vibrant maple leaves right off the trees! What a let down, especially since my parents will be visiting from drought-stricken, brown Texas next week! They surely won't get to see much color. Oh well . . . c'est la vie. The weather has been wild the world over this year - to say the least. Today I'm going to share with you another herbal tincture formulation - made with raw vinegar this time, instead of vodka. This one will aid in boosting your memory - if taken consistently over time. No matter what your age - who can't use a bit of a boost in the memory department and an enhancement of brain power? All of the herbs and foods used in this recipe are valued for stimulating circulation and blood flow throughout the body, especially to the brain. They are known to increase metabolism, as well - thus are a good energizing and digestive aid. It is a great tincture to use in the winter as the formula tends to warm the body and extremities. I even use it as a sore-throat gargle . . . really helps soothe a scratchy, painful throat! The taste is spicy, and this may sound odd to some of you, but if you mix a few tablespoons of tincture with some cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil, it makes an excellent salad dressing for a large salad! Why not eat your herbal medicine along with your food? That's the best way to take herbs anyway! I hope you enjoy it . . . Brain Tonic & Memory Enhancement Herbal Tincture This herbal formula is very simple to make. All herbs are in dried form unless otherwise noted. Ingredients: - 2 tablespoons Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) root, cut or chopped - 2 tablespoons or 1 fat root Asian ginseng, cut into pieces or chopped - 1/4 cup peppermint leaves - 1/4 cup sage leaves - 1/4 cup rosemary leaves - 1/4 cup gotu kola leaves (centella asiatica) - 1/4 cup ginkgo leaves (ginkgo biloba) - 1 small-to-medium yellow onion, chopped - 20 garlic cloves, minced - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder or 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper flakes or 1 whole, fresh pepper, minced (a fresh jalepeno pepper can be substituted - seeded & finely chopped) - 1 thumb-size piece of fresh ginger root, chopped or sliced thin - 1 large bottle of raw vinegar (Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is best) - 1, 5" x 5" square of plastic film or a plastic sandwich baggie - 1 sterilized quart canning jar with lid Method: 1. On the evening of a full moon, add all herbs and vegetables to a quart jar. Pour vinegar to within 1 inch of the top. 2. Place plastic wrap or a plastic baggie over the top of the jar and then screw on the metal lid. (The plastic prevents the metal from rusting.) Shake daily and store in the refrigerator. Allow formula to synergize for at least 8 weeks, and up to 4 months for maximum potency and flavor. 3. On the evening prior to the full moon when you plan to "harvest" your tincture, strain mixture through a strainer lined with panty hose or a coffee filter or paper towel (so that all fine particulate matter is caught). Press herbs and vegetables with the back of a large spoon or with your fingers in order to extract all of the precious liquid. 4. Divide the liquid into several dropper-top glass bottles (4-ounce bottles work nicely). Store the bottles in the refrigerator for up to 8 months or so, or a cool, dark, dry cabinet for up to 4 months. Your medicine is now ready to use. Directions For Use: To use, take 1-2 droppersful daily directly on the tongue or diluted in a cup of water . . . or, as I mentioned above, mix with a bit of olive oil and use to dress your daily salad. Yummy! You'll know it's working, when all-of-a-sudden, you notice that you don't forget so many things anymore! Yield: Approximately 3 cups NOTE: This blog is by Stephanie Tourles, Lic. Esthetician, Herbalist, and author of "How To Feel Fabulous Today", "Organic Body Care Recipes", and "Raw Energy", among other books. The information is true and complete to the best of Stephanie's knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.