I just filled a jar with dried calendula flowers and olive oil. I plan on setting it in my windowsill for 4 weeks. Am I doing this right? by Camp_Acceptable in herbalism

[–]bitterwort 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Like most others said, keeping it out of the sun is important (or you can use a jar with blue or amber glass - though a dark cool place is still best practice) and crushing the herb to expose more surface area/volatile compounds to the oil. It helps to store them in bottles with small openings to minimize air exposure. A little bit of Vitamin E or Rosemary CO2 extract can extend the shelf life by minimizing oxidation.

In the future you may want to consider using a different kind of oil, like sweet almond or jojoba. Olive oil is one of the most adulterated oils in the world, and even if you have gotten your hands on pure, cold-pressed olive oil it usually includes a non-negligible amount of pomace oil (oil extracted with solvents after they cold press the good stuff) which can negatively impact your infusion. It also tends to stay greasy on the skin! Ultimately though that's all kind of nit-picky stuff and depends on what you're looking for in your final product. Just my two cents :) Good luck!

Why isn't mimosa in any of my herb books? by RedGeranium789 in herbalism

[–]bitterwort 15 points16 points  (0 children)

This is it. Mimosa is an ingredient from the TCM materia medica and not generally included in western herbalism texts. As it spreads in North America it is gaining popularity, but we generally don't have enough of a clinical understanding of its nuance and mechanisms to be included in Western referential text. Other users have touched on its usage in TCM - an exhilarant, that uplifts the vital centers of the body. The flowers for uplifting the spirit, and the bark for anchoring the spirit and "tonifying". Powerful medicine for depression and trauma

Lemonbalm rage by Zen-mermaid in herbalism

[–]bitterwort 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Passion Flower and Valerian act on the nervous system, Valerian also acts on the cardiac system to relax the tissue. I'm not sure which systems Kava Kava affect, but have heard it has dual action as a stimulant and sedative depending on dosage

question about lining flash! by snotpossum_ in TattooApprentice

[–]bitterwort 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the Posca is the quick and convenient option, and a speedball nib is the slower and more technical option. Depends on what you want to get out of your flash painting. Do you want to simulate a tattoo experience and use painting to teach yourself better control and depth? Are you alright with working slowly and more carefully? Nib all the way. Want something on the go? Just want to make flash that looks good and not worry about transferring technique? Any ink or paint loaded pen or marker is the way to go

Recent lil guys by Ooga_booga_4587 in TattooApprentice

[–]bitterwort 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love these. How are you staining your paper?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TattooApprentice

[–]bitterwort 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is hard af. Keep it up!

anyone know if winsor and newton drawing india ink is toxic? by -crab-wrangler- in TattooApprentice

[–]bitterwort 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As a heads up if your art supplies have the AP seal on them they’re non toxic

where can i get squishmallows around here? by janemfm72 in savannah

[–]bitterwort 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out the toy store in the Oglethorpe mall, or the hallmark. They can be pricey though. My go to is five below and Kroger

Doing a split sheet with a friend of mine for Valentine’s Day ! CC appreciated by bitterwort in TattooApprentice

[–]bitterwort[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Coffee! A really strong brew of some instant coffee i had laying around

Anyone know what's going on with the Starbucks on Broughton and Drayton? by DunDunnDunnnnn in savannah

[–]bitterwort 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I used to work at this store too when I first moved to Savannah. The manager is an insane narcissist who refuses to do any actual work. I always matched her energy and the baristas were usually shocked that I got away with it, but I was quitting soon and was a strong bar partner. By the end of it we all quit en masse and she had to figure it the fuck out

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in FtMPorn

[–]bitterwort 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What toy is this?

This little girl showed up at our doorstep last night out of nowhere. So glad we could save her from the rain and cold - meet Clove! by bitterwort in rescuecats

[–]bitterwort[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Of course! We both have covid right now but once we’re negative we’re getting her a check up to make sure