My Apothecary - Cedar

I have decided that Mondays I will be sharing My Apothecary.
I have been foraging for plants for many years, and I have decided to share what I have been collecting.
This is also helping me get everything catalogued and organized. Seems like a win win for everyone!

Please know that I do not sell my remedies, and I am not a doctor. My advice is to research everything. We should always be mindful in what we do to heal our vessels, our body. Many of these remedies are good for the spirit to. We are all spiritual beings, the plants are just and connected to mother earth as we are. Even more so.

It is very important to honour all beings, with respect and love. There have been times that I have gone to pick medicines, and I have heard NO. I offer the tobacco and give thanks for the wisdom.

Everyone has the knowledge to their own path of well being.

source

Benefits of Cedar:

anti fungal
expectorant
improves focus and wisdom
promotes hair growth
anti-inflammatory
toothaches/strengthens gums
natural bug repellant
reduces skin irritations
relieves spasms
diuretic
cold sores

do not use when pregnant

I remember my first smell of cedar. My mom's old cedar hope chest. That she kept for years. I would often just open it for the smell.
My first true interaction with cedar was at a sweatlodge many years ago. Cedar was placed on the floor by the women. Oh the medicine!
I have used cedar for many things over the years. When the air feels stale, I put cedar on the woodstove to boil. It clears the energy, welcomes and shifts positive energy.
I have cedar in my smudge medicines, but it needs to be ground into a powder, as it won't smoke, it just crackles.
When I am feeling a cold coming on, I actually crave cedar tea. Be mindful, as it is a VERY powerful medicine. Start with a weaker tea, and no more than a cup a day. Cedar is very high in vitamin C, it was once referred to a scurvy tea.
I also bath in it. One branch in a tub of water, will do wonders!

I have also used homeopathic remedy Thuja occidentalis for cold sores, skin tags and warts.

I have had to transplant cedar to this property. It grows in the bush up here. It is such an important medicine, that I like to have it close by!

I have used fresh, dried, and tea.

Dried
I pick the plants around 10 am. After the dew and moisture are off the plants. I hang them upside down in small bunches to dry in a warm area out of the sun. You could also use a dehydrator.

Tea
Using fresh or dried flowers/stems/leaves, lightly crush and add to boiled water. Let steep for desired time. Teas are good for internally. I also use strong teas for baths, compresses, and washes.