Monthly Archives: March 2018

A Healing Herbal Balm


Herbs used:

  • Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
  • Plantain (Plantago major)

This sweet-smelling balm soothes and protects cuts and scrapes. And it’s so gentle you can even use it on diaper rash. Calendula and plantain are known for their ability to speed skin healing. Both soften skin, relieve pain, and are antibacterial.

First make an herb-infused oil. In a large glass jar, combine the following:

  • 2 tablespoons crushed Calendula flowers
  • 2 tablespoons dried Plantain leaves
  • 1/3 c of extra-virgin olive oil

Leave uncovered, and place in a pan filled with enough water to cover the lower half of the jar. Set the burner on very low heat and simmer gently for about 4 hours. Check the oil periodically to be sure it’s not scorching; don’t let it boil. (You can also make the infused oil in a Crock-Pot set on very low without a lid.) After the allotted time, remove the oil from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Strain away the herbs through several layers of cheesecloth and discard.

To make the balm, combine the following:

  • The oil you just infused
  • 1 or 2 tablespoon of grated beeswax

Put it into a small stainless steel bowl; set the bowl into a pot of water and heat just until the beeswax melts, stirring gently to help the melting. To test the consistency, insert a cool metal spoon into the balm and check the balm that sticks to the spoon; it should be spreadable but firm. If it’s too oily, add another few shavings of beeswax.

At this point, you can add a natural preservative to your balm to prevent spoilage. Vitamin E, squeezed from capsules, works very well. Rosemary extracts or oil might improve the aroma and antiseptic properties as well. You’ll need about 1/4 tsp. (two capsules) to preserve this much balm. After you’ve blended in the vitamin E, transfer your final product to a sterile glass jar. Use a clean spoon or small spatula to transfer the balm to avoid introducing bacteria to the jar.

How to use it:

Apply the balm to rashes, scrapes, and other small or superficial abrasions (don’t use it on deep cuts). You can also apply it regularly to help heal chronically chapped skin. Stored in a cool, dark place, the balm should keep for up to a year. Discard if it smells rancid.

A Good Healing Tea

Healing Tea

A good healing tea is made as follows:

  • A pinch of peppermint
  • A pinch of powdered ginger
  • A pinch of clove powder or 2 bruised cloves
  • One cup water

To prepare the tea:

Boil the water but do not use an aluminum kettle. Pour water into a mug or pot leaving herbs to steep for at least five minutes, but don’t leave for longer than ten minutes or the tea may become bitter. For stronger tea, use more herb rather than steeping the tea for a longer time. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Ginger Tea For Pain

For pain, soak cloths in ginger tea and apply them directly to the painful areas.

To prepare the tea, chop the ginger root into small pieces. Use approximately one to three teaspoons of herb per cup of boiling water. Ginger is very strong, so if you have never used it before, start with the lesser amount of herb. Boil water but do not use an aluminum kettle. Pour water into a mug or pot leaving herbs to steep for at least five minutes, but don’t leave for longer than ten minutes or the tea may become bitter. For stronger tea, use more herb rather than steeping the tea for a longer time.

 

Herbs for Pregnancy and Childbirth

The following herbs are said to be good for pregnancy and childbirth:

  • Alfalfa

This is one of the few plant sources of vitamin K (necessary for blood clotting). It also contains eight digestive enzymes, numerous trace minerals and high quantities of vitamins A, D and E.

  • Chamomile

This is a great calming agent and helps with digestive disorders including nausea. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Nettles

These contain high levels of calcium, iron and protein, and is an excellent herb for nourishing mothers who are feeling depleted.

  • Oatstraw

This is high in calcium and magnesium. It also calms nervous stress and tension, and is an effective remedy for yeast infections.

  • Red Raspberry Leaf

This is an herb rich in numerous vitamins and minerals, especially iron. It also nourishes the uterus, soothes nausea, helps prevent miscarriage, eases labor pains and builds a healthy breast milk supply.

  • Rose Hips

These are a great source of vitamin C and help fight infection and exhaustion.

Sister Rose’s Cajun Cough Stopper

Here’s a recipe for a Hot Toddy

  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or orange, grapefruit and lemon juice combined)
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 cup bourbon

Add the spices to the juice and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, pour into a cup and add the honey. Add the bourbon. Inhale the steam and sip very slowly.

Makes 1 cup.

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