Yearly Archives: 2017
Elderflower Bath
Elder Flowers, if placed in the water used for washing the hands and face, will both whiten and soften the skin-a convenient way being to place them in a small muslin bag. Such a bag steeped in the bathwater makes a most refreshing bath and a well known French doctor has stated that he considers it a fine aid in the bath in cases of irritability of the skin and nerves.
From: A Modern Herbal
Elder Flower Water
Elder Flower Water (Aqua Sambuci) is an official preparation of the British Pharmacopoeia, which directs that it be made from 100 parts of Elder Flowers distilled with 500 parts of water (about 10 lb. to the gallon), and that if fresh Elder flowers are not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of the flowers preserved with common salt be used. The product has at first a distinctly unpleasant odor, but gradually acquires an agreeably aromatic odor, and it is preferable not to use it until this change has taken place.
Elder Flower Water is employed in mixing medicines and chiefly as a vehicle for eye and skin lotions. It is mildly astringent and a gentle stimulant. It is the Eau de Sureau of the Continent, Sureau being the French name of the Elder.
Elderflower Water in our great-grandmothers’ days was a household word for clearing the complexion of freckles and sunburn, and keeping it in a good condition. Every lady’s toilet table possessed a bottle of the liquid, and she relied on this to keep her skin fair and white and free from blemishes, and it has not lost its reputation. Its use after sea-bathing has been recommended, and if any eruption should appear on the face as the effect of salt water, it is a good plan to use a mixture composed of Elder Flower Water with glycerine and borax, and apply it night and morning.
Here is a recipe that can be carried out at home:
Fill a large jar with Elder blossoms, pressing them down, the stalks of course having been removed previously. Pour on them 2 quarts of boiling water and when slightly cooled, add 1 1/2 OZ. of rectified spirits. Cover with a folded cloth, and stand the jar in a warm place for some hours. Then allow it to get quite cold and strain through muslin. Put into bottles and cork securely.
From: A Modern Herbal
Green Elder Ointment
Elder leaves are used in the preparation of an ointment, Unguentum Sambuci Viride, Green Elder Ointment, which is a domestic remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains, for use as an emollient, and for applying to wounds. It can be compounded as follows:
- 3 parts of fresh Elder leaves
- 4 parts of lard
- 2 parts of prepared suet
Heat the Elder leaves with the melted lard and suet until the color is extracted, then strain through a linen cloth with pressure and allow to cool.
Source: A Modern Herbal
Elderberry Insect Repellant
Elderberry leaves, bruised, if worn in the hat or rubbed on the face, prevent flies settling on the person. In order to safeguard the skin from the attacks of mosquitoes, midges and other troublesome flies, an infusion of the leaves may be dabbed on with advantage. Gather a few fresh leaves from the elder, tear them from their stalks and place them in a jug, pouring boiling water on them and covering them at once, leaving for a few hours. When the infusion is cold, it is fit for use and should be at once poured off into a bottle and kept tightly corked. It is desirable to make a fresh infusion often.
From A Modern Herbal
Elderberry Healing Ointment
Here is an old but excellent herbal cooling and healing ointment:
- 1/2 lb fresh Elder leaves
- 4 oz fresh Plantain leaves
- 2 oz Ground Ivy
- 4 oz fresh Wormwood
Cut small and heat in 4 lb of petroleum jelly until the leaves are crisp. Strain and press out the ointment for storage.
Source: The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal
Sauerkraut Juice For a Sore Throat
Europeans and early Americans gargled with sauerkraut juice – the fermented juice of the cabbage plant.
This refers to the traditional fermented homemade Sauerkraut which is an excellent source of probiotics and enzymes for gut health. Commercial sauerkraut is not the same.
To make homemade sauerkraut, layer scores of chopped cabbage leaves in a Crock-Pot, sprinkling salt over each layer. Alternatively, you can knead the salt into the chopped cabbage leaves instead of layering it. Cover it with a clean cloth and tightly weigh it down with a stone or heavy plates. Let it sit for six weeks or more. Draw off the juice and gargle as needed to alleviate a sore throat.
Cayenne for Sore Throats
Early Americans were hardworking people who resented losing time to illness. That’s why cayenne pepper became one of their favorite medicinal herbs. They added a pinch of cayenne to a glass of water, gargled vigorously, and in minutes, the sore throat would feel cauterized.
Ginger and Pineapple for Sore Throat
Hawaii has had a long history of effective native medicine. Gargling with warm ginger root juice has been considered to relieve sore throats and inflamed tonsils.
Naturopathic doctors today have improved on this remedy by alternating gargling with warm ginger juice and gargling with cold pineapple juice.
Here’s the recipe for the ginger juice:
Boil one-half cup of water and one teaspoon of powdered ginger, just until boiling. Once it has cooled, add one-quarter teaspoon of honey and the juice of half of a lemon. Alternate gargling with the ginger juice mixture and with cool pineapple juice. Repeat as needed.
Mucus Clearing Gargle
Salt has been used from the earliest times as a means to soothe a sore throat. In India, however, many people today will gargle daily with a pinch of salt and a pinch of turmeric. They do this as a preventive measure and to clear their throats of mucus.
Another variation of gargling with warm salt water comes from an ancient yogic tradition. While gargling with warm salt water, practice the throat opening sounds “oh,” “ay,” “mi,” and “li.” If you persevere, you will find that your throat opens and relief is given.
An Amish Sore Throat Cure
In old Amish culture, fresh beets were the cure for sore throats.
Grate the beets into a four-inch-wide strip in the middle of a dish towel. Make a pocket by gathering three sides of the towel. Place the towel around your neck with the beet side next to your throat. Pin the towel closed with a safety pin. When the beets turn green, discard them and start again.
Be careful to protect your clothing … beets have also traditionally been used as clothing dye!
Saida: Salves To Heal Up Wounds
Brenda-Lee: Egg White Cough Cure
Pat Scott: Marsh Mallow Ointment
Sharon from Cleveland, Ohio: Egg White Cough Cure
Vagabond Witch: Soapwort Shampoo
I think it's time to go shopping... maybe even buy some really cool stuff at my online shops!!