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Pining Away Print E-mail
Written by Lee Ann Monat   
Friday, 17 February 2012 00:00


Pine-Brandy Elixir in the works


When I gathered the pine in the forest, I took it home to make some medicine...

I decided to experiment with various preparations...

I made three different kinds of elixirs...one with brandy, one with Irish Whiskey and one with Scotch Whisky. You make them all the same. Chop up the pine needles and twigs and fill your jar, then fill 3/4 up with your alcohol and top off with honey. Cap, label with date, and then let it steep for about 6 weeks.

Then I made a glycerin, a vinegar and an oil. For those use the same steps as above but omit the honey and fill to the top with each liquid. With the oil, make sure there are no air bubbles before capping.




I used the remaining pine in a tea infusion with elderberries and ginger.





Pine is very good for the lungs...so I've been clinging to it this winter. I can't seem to shake this chest cold...I think the temperature fluctuations and lingering allergens have taken their toll on me.

The aroma also reminds me of Christmas tree hunting...makes me smile.

I thought I'd use the elixirs in hot toddies, as well as the vinegar and glycerin. Gives you various flavors for your hot toddies. I also put the vinegar in my drinking water and have it cool at times.

The oil makes a wonderful chest rub. I even mix in a little eucalyptus sometimes.






I love putting some music on in the kitchen and singing while I make medicine. It's very meditative.


XO

Comments (5)add comment
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Rebecca said:

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Looks beautiful, LeAnn!! Hope your chest cold gets better soon :(.
February 17, 2012 | url

Lee Ann said:

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Thank You!
February 17, 2012 | url

Hilary said:

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Oh wow, I love the aroma of a pine forest, the feel of pine needles beneath my feet as i walk ... never occured to me to gather those cushiony needles up and make medicine with them ... I love that you do this stuff. And that you sing while you create ~ healing in itself!! :)
February 20, 2012 | url

Outlander Kitchen said:

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Such an evocative post! I can almost smell Christmas from February! :)
February 24, 2012 | url

Lee Ann said:

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I can't wait to decant them all!
February 24, 2012 | url

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