Herbal Remedy of the Day

I only wish I had the means to pereform these things... )o)

I apologize that I have neglected my daily herbal remedy post. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Today's Herbal Remedy is:

My Personal All Purpose Liniment Recipe (For External Use Only)

You will need:

• At least a 12 oz. jar with a lid
• A finely meshed strainer
• A large muslin bag
• 10 oz. of Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka for my measurements or enough 2 times greater than your herb measurement ratio

The following Herbs (My recipe calls for certain measurements but I will include the Simpler's Method of measurement for your convenience):

• 2 Tlbs. or 2 Parts Calendula Flower
• 2 Tlbs or 2 Parts Lavender Flower
• 1 Tlbs. or 1 Part Echinacea Leaf & Flower
• 1 Tlbs. or 1 Part Spearmint
• 1 Tlbs. or 1 Part St. John's Wort Leaf & Flower
• 1 stick of Cinnamon
• 1 Tsp. or 1/2 Part Yarrow
• 1 Tsp. or 1/2 Part Valerian Root
• 1 Tsp. or 1/2 Part Black Cohosh
• 5 Cloves

It is best to use fresh herbs if possible but I find that dried herbs work just as well, I however usually let the menstruum (the herbal liquid compound in this case a Liniment) sit longer. Simply make the Liniment as you would a tincture (see my post on "General Tincturing Method" if necessary. If you use fresh herbs let the menstruum sit for at least four to six weeks. if using dried herbs I recommend letting it sit for at least 6 weeks but I personally let sit for 8 weeks if not longer.

This Liniment is an Herbal Liquid Extract made with Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka, This recipe is my personal blend with carefully chosen herbs and measurements to ensure the relief and ease of symptoms. Most All of the herbs are safe if used as directed.

This Liniment is used to treat the following: Minor cuts, scrapes, wounds, and bruises. Insect bites and stings, spider bites, itchy, dry, or irritated skin. Sore and Achy Muscles, as well as Poison Oak and Ivy.

Directions: For minor cuts, scraps and wounds use a small cotton ball or gauze pad and use just enough of the liniment to wash and disinfect the wound, then rinse with water and apply bandages as necessary. For insect bites or stings, spider bites, itchy, irritated, dry skin, bruises, or for Poison Oak or Ivy use a an appropriate sized cloth or gauze pad and soak in the Liniment for a minute or two, afterwards apply the Liniment soaked cloth or gauze apply to the affected area and let sit for 10-20 minutes. Then wash with warm water and natural soap; repeating several times a day as needed.

I hope this benefits you all, and Enjoy!

Blessings,

Othala

Today/s Personal Remedy is:

My personal recipe for an all purpose, moisturizing, healing, pain relieving Medicinal Oil and Lip Balm.

You will need:

• A clean completely dry jar with lid
• A fine meshed strainer
• A large muslin bag
• A double boiler if possible or improvise (See Below)
• 1/2 oz. - 1 oz. of Beeswax
• At least 5-6 oz. of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

You will need the following Herbs:

• 3 Tlbs of Calendula Flower
• 2 Tlbs Echinacea Leaf & Flower
• 2 Tlbs of Spearmint
• 10 Rosehips (Preferably Crushed)

What you will want to do to make the Herbal Oil is take the jar and make sure it and the lid is completely dry. Making sure everything is dry ensures that the least amount of moisture is present, as moisture can cause the oil to mold or rot more quickly.

Take half the amount of each of the herbs listed above and place in the jar. Pour the extra virgin Olive Oil in the jar completely covering the herbs. Place the lid on the jar, securely tighten, then shake the jar vigorously for several minutes. Remove lid and pour more Olive Oil until you reach the jar's fill line or around at least 1/2 an inch from the top. Replace lid one again and shake again for several minutes. Now place the jar somewhere where it will be in moderate sunlight and leave it there for two weeks occasionally shaking it for several minutes once or twice a day.

Once it has sat for two weeks take the jar, remove the lid, and using a clean and dry extra jar or bowl take the strainer and strain the herbal oil into the container. Next take the herbs you just strained from the jar and place in the large muslin bag. Here you will want to wring out every precious drop of medicinal oil as you can. Next replace the herbal oil liquid back in the jar, now add the remaining amount of herbs which should equal the same amount you first put in. Tighten the lid and shake again, let it sit for another two weeks shaking occasionally. Once done repeat the straining process making sure to save as much medicinal oil as you can. Finely you now have your own herbal medicinal oil.

To make Lip Balm & All Purpose Skin Salve

From here you will want to take the double boiler on low to medium heat or improvise using a specific pot or pan just for making salves and such and melt the beeswax, slowly pour in your newly made herbal oil. Measurements here can be tricky as it depends on the consistency you would like the lip balm or slave to be, but I suggest starting out with a 1:! half and half ratio of beeswax and medicinal oil. Check the consistency by taking a small spoonful and allow it to cool. If the desired consistency is to hard add a little more oil, if the consistency is to soft add a small amount more of beeswax. Experiment until you reach your desired consistency. Once you've reached your desired Lip Balm/Salve consistency place the melted Balm into an appropriate sized wide mouthed clean and dry jar. And now your done.

For chapped lips use a small amount and apply to lips as needed through the day.

For dry, irritated, and inflamed skin, and even bruising apply enough balm/salve to mildly cover the affected area, rubbing in the balm.

Alternatively you can use the same recipe to make a lotion by adding the oil to Shea and coconut butter or to an unfragranced and plain lotion.

Blessings & Enjoy,

Othala

Today's Herbal Remedy is:

Powdered Peppermint Leaves- Finely ground Peppermint leaves made into a powder can be a powerful ally and aid in any person's herbal first aid kit. The powder can be used to stop bleeding from minor and mild cuts, scrapes, scratches, and even nosebleeds.

For cuts, scrapes, and scratches clean the wound with an astringent and antibacterial wash such as tincture or liniment of lavender, or warm water and soap. Afterwards where the bleeding occurs sprinkle just a pinch of the Peppermint powder and allow it to sit for a minute or two. The bleeding should stop quite quickly. You can chose to wipe it off or allow it to stay, then bandage the wound as necessary.

For nose bleeds, gently tilt your head back and clean the blood away as much as you can. Dip either your pinky or a Q-tip into the powdered Peppermint gently rub the powder inside your nose going no further than 1/2 of an inch. Keep your head tilted back and pinch your nose closed for several minutes. Afterwards clean out your nasal passageways by inhaling steam for several minutes while breathing heavily.

Peppermint helps the blood clot in minor wounds but while this may be an effective remedy for such, you should seek proper medical attention or emergency care for large cuts or puncture wounds. Note that only a little powdered Peppermint leaf is necessary so use only the smallest amount needed and sparingly.

Blessings,

Othala

Today's Herbal Remedy is:

Tincture of Damiana- Damiana, Turnera aphrodisiaca , is one of the greatest restorative herbs I have ever used despite it's bitter flavor. This herb has long been used as a longevity herb and has a reputation as an herb of romantic passion and love. Though Damiana isn't a true aphrodisiac it does stimulate certain hormone production such as oxytocin that may contribute to increasing libido and invigorating sexual experiences.

However I use it mainly for it's more nervine properties as a tonic and restorative aid. It restores and replenishes exhausted nerves, it helps eliminate stress, lifts spirits, and revitalizes dreams.. These properties make it one of the best herbs for general anxiety, depression, and stress as a relaxant. One of the more intriguing capabilities of this herb is its ability to help one remember their dreams more vividly that are more colorful and lifelike although not always with positive results/

To make the Tincture of Damiana you simply use the general tincture method, which can be found within the herbalism forum. I generally like to augment my Damiana tincture recipe slightly as alone it is quite acrid. What I like to do is in addition to the amount of Damiana that I use, I add about 1/4 part of Stevia to sweeten the taste. For example if I am using 2 cups of fresh Damiana leaves and 1/4 cup of fresh Stevia leaves I then use 2 1/4 cups of 80 proof vodka or alternatively brandy or rum. For Glycerites or non alcoholic tinctures made I use 1 cup of vegetable glycerin and 1 1/4 cup of water instead. For dried herb material I only use 1 cup dried Damiana and about 2 Tlbs. of dried Stevia, liquid measurements however stay the same as when making the tincture with fresh herbs.

Blessings,

Othala

Today's Herbal Remedy is:

A Soothing Herbal Bath- This is one of many recipes I have for herbal baths, but this is perhaps one of my favorites. This recipe I developed myself not too long ago from experimenting with other herbal bath recipes I have used.

This herbal bath recipe is one that I personally find myself using quite often these days as I find it to be relaxing, soothing, invigorating. The herbal actions that culminate from this recipe are delightful and tonyfying to the entire body system. It is preferred to gain the most beneficial effect that you take an herbal bath in a roomy and comfortable bathtub, one in which you can stretch out in and completely submerge yourself in. I recommend taking this herbal bath no earlier than one hour before you scurry off to bed.

You will need the following:

• 1 oz. of Chamomile
• 1 oz. of Lavender
• 1 oz. of St. John's Wort
• 1.oz of fresh Rose Petals
• 1/2 oz. of Honeysuckle Flowers
• 1/2 oz. Passionflower
• 1-2 cloves of fresh Garlic (Crushed)
• 10-15 dried Rosehips (Crushed)
• A Large Muslin or Cotton Bag

What you will want to do is combine all of the herbs in the muslin or cotton bag of choice, secure the bag by tying it tightly. Start running the water as hot as you can and have the herbal bag run under the running water until the bathtub is about half full. Afterwards take the herbal bag and place it in the tub and allow it to freely float or sink about. Adjust the temperture of the water with cold water until comfortable. Allow yourself to soak in the bath for at least thirty minutes to maximize the herbal actions that the herbs produce. If you feel brave enough allow yourself to completely submerge in the herbal bath water at lest once or twice, although I strongly recommend keeping your eyes closed and having a cup of fresh water available to rinse your eyes out.

The Lavender, Chamomile, Passionflower, and St. John's Wort all have nervine properties that relax the nervous system helping you become calm and relaxed, they also have pain reliving properties to help ease any sore muscles, joints, strains, and also help with back pain, arthritis, and even headaches. Both Chamomile and Passionflower have gentle but effective sleep inducing properties that help you relax and prepare yourself for a decent and rejuvenating night of sleep.St. John's Wort itself is world renown for it's healing properties as it promotes fast healing of wounds, so this is quite helpful, but even more so it is used for its properties of combating and preventing depression, anxiety, and stress.Lavender alone has astringent qualities and it's oils stimulate perspiration, in this case it helps our body expel toxins and free radicals through our skin. Garlic although not aromatically pleasant is extremely astringent in nature further aiding in the expulsion of toxins and unwanted substances form our bodies, but more so Garlic is used because of it's aid in the circulatory system and heart. Garlic stimulates the circulatory system and promotes a balanced flow of blood to and from the heart helping our blood get to and from vital areas of the body; thus helping lower bad cholesterol and high blood pressure. Crushed Rosehips are added to this recipe because the seeds within the rosehips are a storehouse of Vitamin E which is an essential and nourishing vitamin for the care and health of our skin, it nourishes and replenishes skin elasticity, moisture, and texture. Lastly we use Honeysuckle in this formula because of its sweet aromatic scent, and aromatherapy is just as effective in the healing process. All in all I find my herbal bath recipe to not only be healing, restorative, and nourishing; I also find it to be overall sensuously divine.

I hope, for those of you that try this recipe, that you find it just as effective and amazing as I do. I also hope that you share this recipe with others and allow others to experience the healing and relaxing power of this herbal bath. Blessings.

Othala

You can also use the oils of these herbs in your bath. This removes the need for the "tea bag" and won't clog your drain either. I prefer to use oils in my bath rather than the plant parts. I also use salts in my baths. I use a combination of sea salt and Epsom salts. Mints and eucalyptus help to relax the muscles and relieve stress.

Aromatically speaking using the oils of the herbs is very calming and relaxing, and takes less effort to prepare than using the actual herbs themselves. However, medicinally speaking you do not benefit any where near as much using the oils compared to using the actual plant matter. Of course either choice is helpful and certainly depends on each person's own preference, but I do recommend using the actual herbs in a muslin bag or alternative as to get the healing benefits. Using the whole herbs in a muslin bag also does not clog your drain so long as you tie the bag securely and what not.Of course if your in a rush or you do not have access to the herbs themselves using the oils of each herb is just as soothing and relaxing.

Today's Herbal Remedy is:

Allergy and Sinus Relief-

This remedy is actually quite simple and easy to make. I suggest making this remedy by hand instead of using a processor or blender, because making it by hand is the first step in the healing process not to mention it's more fun this way.

What you need:

• A large Horseradish root
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Natural Honey
• A medium mixing bowl
• A hand grater
• A glass jar with lid
• A chopping knife

You will want to start by grating the Horseradish, making sure you allow your eyes water from the root's odor as this is a vital part of the healing process. Secondly use the knife to finely form the Horseradish into a semi-paste. Place the Horseradish into the mixing bowl, now start to slowly mix in enough vinegar and honey until you reach your desired taste. Once finished store in the glass jar keeping refrigerated. If you are brave enough you can sprinkle in a dash or two of ground Cayenne pepper for an extra kick that will also aid in expelling foreign material from the mucous membranes and help with congestion.

What I like to do is take wheat thins or crackers and spread them with the sauce. I also like to dice green apples and celery and mix them with a small amount of the sauce for a delicious treat. You can also mix the sauce in many of your favorite dishes especially steamed vegetables and stir fries.

Today's Herbal remedy is:

My Stimulating Tonic Blend- This is an herbal extract compound that can be used as a stimulant, and as a substitute for coffee, caffeine, and other harsh synthetic stimulants.This blend is recommended for people who are over stressed, overworked, mentally and physically exhausted, and is being trained or pushed beyond their mental limitations. It also aids in the fast recovery from an overworked system caused by physical stress. This blend is also useful to help improve memory

The Formula is as follows:

• 1/2 Oz. of Siberian Ginseng or Eleuthero Root
• 1/2 Oz. of Gotu Kola
• 1/2 Oz. of Sarsaparilla Root (Mexican)
• 1/2 Oz of Saw Palmetto Berry
• 1 Tbls. of Rosemary
• 1 Tbls. of St. John's Wort
• 1 Tspn. of Licorice Root
• 1 Tspn. of Powdered Stevia
• 16 oz. of 80 Proof Vodka (Alternatively 8 oz of Vegetable Glycerin and 8 oz. of Water)

You can refer to the post "General Tincturing Method" found here in the Herbalism forum for specific instructions on making an herbal extract (Tincture).

need to get a book to write all these down in, thank you very much.