Herbal

Herbal features practical methods and research notes on medicinal plants, from home testing and preparations to evidence-based safety, as well as traditional knowledge.

Research (interim): DMSO Potential as a Menstruum

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Herbal Medicine: What Changes When DMSO Enters the Picture

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) alters herbal preparations by changing extraction breadth, absorption pathways, and systemic exposure. These changes matter more than the identity of the solvent itself.

→ DMSO removes constraints that normally limit how much of a plant’s chemistry reaches the body.

Document Position and Research Direction

*This document represents an initial phase of structured research into DMSO as a menstruum for herbal extraction. It records mechanisms, evidence, and screening logic as they currently stand. It is not a recommendation in any way, and safety issues are not fully developed.

The research trajectory indicates two parallel outcomes:

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Dragon’s Blood and Other Latex Sealants in Herbal Practice

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Dragon’s Blood and latex sealants deliver rapid, reliable wound protection in herbal practice through their unique film-forming action. These exudates ooze thickly, coagulate on contact, and form adherent barriers that seal cuts and staunch bleeding locally. Unlike diffusing resins, they prioritize immediate containment, guided by tactile feedback.

Comprehensive Tincture ABV Reference – pdf

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The comprehensive tincture ABV reference is available as a downloadable PDF for offline use. This 22-page document contains alcohol percentages and extraction ratios for 300+ herbs. For the searchable online version, see [Herbal Tincture ABV Reference Guide](https://dittany.com/abv_reference/) [![Herbal_Tincture_ABV_Reference — Comprehensive tincture ABV reference](/wp-content/uploads/Herbal_Tincture_ABV_Reference-pdf-300×232.jpg){.alignnone}](/wp-content/uploads/Herbal_Tincture_ABV_Reference.pdf)

Test Sunscreen at Home: Step-by-Step Methods

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People who make sunscreen at home can assess its effectiveness using simple testing methods. UV-sensitive beads and construction paper tests provide practical ways to compare homemade formulations against commercial products and verify UV protection performance using basic materials and direct sunlight exposure.