Growing Turmeric Root ~ Lemon Balm Tincture

 

A "first time" for us this year.  Growing turmeric root.  The roots I ordered arrived (very late however), so they were planted in a large pot indoors for now.  I originally planned to plant them individually in small pots, but decided on the big pot.  I can water them all in one pot, watch them over, and see if they will grow as they are said to grow.  Each root has a sprout, and that is needed before you plant them.  

I can dig them up later, and plant in more individual pots.  I'm not planting them outside, as we have zero room in the gardens this year (and they would need brought in for winter too).  

I'm excited to see how this all goes for us.  

A "first time" this year as well, is making lemon balm tincture.  I make a few tinctures over summer months (you need fresh herbs vs. dried) for a powerful tincture.  I may have, maybe one more "new first" using lemon balm this year.  More on that later if it transpires.

Over the years we have experimented with several tinctures, and narrowed our making down to to ones we actually find useful.  Sage tincture comes in very handy for a sore throat, if you are home alone or very sick and do not have the energy to make sage tea (or other tea).

I love making oregano infused oil for several uses, but I'm wondering if oregano tincture would be useful?  I don't know anyone who even makes tinctures.  I will need to do more research on if it's worth it.  Until then, I will keep dehydrating it for culinary uses.

Growing Turmeric Root ~ Lemon Balm Tincture ©  July 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Kitchen Catastrophe ~ Medicinal and Winter Prep ~ Playing with Herbs ~ Preserving Lemons Question

 We have had non-stop problems with the pipes leaking under the kitchen sink.  When the kids lived here, they would shove stuff under the sink and bump the pipes, hence the leaks.  No kids, and now we have a leak?  I took everything out, and took assessments.  Not to mention, clean everything off, and wipe the cupboard dry.  Not the worst kitchen catastrophe, but I use my sink several times a day.

Once the pipes are all fixed, I will be replacing the cheap dollar store placemats I had in there, with this . . .

It's washable too!  If we spring another leak, at least it will protect the wood.  The absorbent fabric is USA made.  I found it on Amazon.  I'm not sure if stores have this or not.  I wasn't very patient for looking for a better solution (for keeping things dry).

I am late to the game so to speak.  I got one jar of Four Thieves started.

I got about 3 more trays dehydrated of sage, more thyme, and rosemary.

I am gathering a shopping list to make Fire Cider too, but my recipe in the book I have does not say how to properly store it after you add the honey and cayenne.  It's been many years since I have made it, and I cannot remember?  I just want to make sure I have a variety of "medicinals" on hand this winter/spring.

Is there a way to keep lemons fresh longer, or preserving them?  I like to have lemons and limes on hand all winter, but I am wondering about a tried and true method to preserving them.  Juice them and freeze the zest and juice?  Like freeze the juice in an ice cube tray perhaps?  

Elderberry Elixir ~ Immune Booster

 

I was given this recipe from a friend several years ago.  It is similar to the one online with Mountain Rose Herbs.

In a stove top pot mix:

3 cups of spring water 

1/2 cup dry elderberries
4 inch piece of fresh ginger sliced
8 - 10 inches of cinnamon stick

Bring to a simmer and simmer 1 hour.  Press juice from berries.

Strain and let cool completely, and add:

Juice of one lemon
2/3 cup of honey

Note:  To make this last longer you can add 1 cup brandy (after you stir in honey and lemon)

Store in a cool dark place.  Adults:  take 1 Tbsp. daily, or up to 3-4 a day when feeling ill.