Herbologies Kurzeme Expedition
Velta Norvēža (1949) in Aizpute
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Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) infusion
You can make blueberry infusions as well. Blueberries with vodka.
Blueberries with vodka?
Yes, the berries, if you have a diarrhea. Then it’s the prime medicine.
And how do you make that blueberry infusion?
Well, the same, the same way. The berries are put into the jar and pour the vodka over.
And for how long must that be put down?
Well, for a week. And then everybody can use it. You put it down for 7 days.
And how do you use them then? In a case of diarrhea or also for prophylactic purposes?
No, well, it is just for the case of diarrhea.
Also a tablespoon?
Yes. Well, for the younger ones a smaller dose. But I already told you, a half litre jar, put it full with the blueberries, right, and then pour vodka into the gaps between them. It’s the best medicine.
Elder (Sambucus) and guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus)
We also collect some elder.
Elder?
Elder is also the most wholesome.
The branches, leaves or what?
There are these kind of flowers for a tea. And later on you can also squeeze some juice. The elder juice is wholesome alright.
And the juice from what?
Well, from the black elders. And also you can make that from the guelder-roses, that one is wholesome as well.
The elder, what is that? Is it kind of a plum-tree?
No, it has some black berries. It is like a rowan (Sorbus aucuparia). Right. But it has black berries.
Something like chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa)?
Yes, almost like chokeberries.
And then you squeeze it from the fruits?
Yes, and here are some blossoming.
And you also use these flowers?
Yes, the flowers can be used for a tea.
And how do you use the juice from the elder berries?
You can make a syrup or a juice. Well, that you can use anytime.
And what is it good for?
Well, really, I don’t know that well, what is it good for, but I use it.
And what about these guelder-roses you started to talk about? And the leaves of the guelder-rose?
Also the berries. I squeeze some juice and then put it together with honey.
But why? How is it then with the blood that doesn’t clot?
Well, if the blood doesn’t clot for a person, it [guelder-rose or elder] clots the blood. Those can’t use it whose blood clots fast. They won’t circulate then, right. Those, whose blood doesn’t clot, can certainly use it.
And that is exactly agaisnt the blood that doesn’t clot? Or against what?
It also purifies the body. But I told that you must squeeze the juice and then put it with honey.
Squeeze the juice, then put it with honey and then drink?
Well, I squeeze the juice through a boiler, the same way as black currants and red currants. You throw everything into the boiler, right, squeeze the juice and then add some honey. I have brought that also to the market for sale.
And how and how often do you use it?
Well, also a spoon. Or twice a day a tablespoon, it is not recommended to use more than that.
Stinkhorns (Phallaceae)
How do you prepare stinkhorns?
Well, I cut them into 4 parts and put them into vodka. But you must have a stronger one, about 40 – 45 degree of alcohol volume.
And what is the proportion? How much of the stinkhorns do you need?
Well, I put half a jar, literally, I put in the stinkhorns and then I pour the vodka over, up to the edge.
And for how long must you put it down?
Well, put it down for two weeks and then it’s ready for use.
And what is the use like?
It can last for the whole year.
And when do you use it?
Well, he drinks a tablespoon every morning.
On an empty stomach?
On an empty stomach.
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Date: 2010-06-??
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Note: Edit/Selection by Signe Pucena (LV) from longer interview
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