to
my
Herbalism
Page
In
the past, male dominated churches found wise, matriarchal women
to
be a threat. The Christian religious leaders feared Pagans and targeted
the women who practiced healing arts that were seen as strange and
unsafe - based on Pagan mysticism that lay far outside Christian practices.
This is hardly surprising, considering the Middle Eastern roots of the
Christian religion and the emphasis of women's dependence upon men contained
within Christianity.
These
women have spent the last seven hundred years being persecuted, but the
religious freedom of the late twentieth century has allowed them to come
to the fore once more.
In
the sixteenth century, the College
of
Physicians was formed. This led to an official sanction of the suppression
of women in roles other than nursing. this was to last until recent history
saw women being trained as doctors, thereby 'taking on' the men in their
own field.
The
upper-class, white males of the College took control over the previously
female domains of midwifery and simple
medicine,
From that time, 'wise-women',
mid-wives
and herbalists were seen as quacks and charlatans, not as competent in
their field as doctors were. A few were allowed to practice if they had
'guidance' from a male doctor, but only in a very limited capacity. To
a degree, this is still the case today. (Mid-wives are an excellent example
of this.)
In
the twentieth century, we are re-discovering the medicinal value
of
herbs, and using them to replace,
or
in addition to, modern medicine.
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In
case you are wondering, I am very
happy
to see a doctor when commonsense tells me I should!!! I recommend that
a health professional be seen for all but
minor
ailments, and also if minor
ailments
do not respond to herbal treatment.
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Of
course, there is more to herbalism
than
medicine. We are also
re-discovering
the pleasures of
home-made
toiletries and cosmetics,
and
finding that aromatherapy has a
very
large role to play in our well-being.
You
will find some of these below.
Happy
browsing!
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Glossary
of terms.
Medicinal.
Cosmetic.
Aromatherapy.
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.Glossary
of Terms.
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These
terms are often found in relation to herbal medicine and can be easily
confused.
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DECOCTION:
Place one ounce of herb in one pint of water. Make certain that roots are
put in to boil before leaves. Once the water has come to a boil, simmer
for about 30 minutes covered then leave to cool completely. Strain and
use as directed.
INFUSION:
The original form of a potion. Pour boiling water over the herb in the
proportions of one ounce herb to one pint water (although you may need
much less for herbs that infuse quickly in water). Steep for fifteen to
thirty minutes until a tea is formed. Use as directed.
TEA:
As for an infusion but not necessarily steeped for so long, may only take
a few minutes.
MACERATE:
To steep an herb in fat, such as done with salve and ointments. Best oils
to use are almond and sesame. Warm one cup of oil over a low flame and
place one-half ounce herbs wrapped in cheesecloth to soak. Continue until
the herbs have lost their colour and the oil is rich with their scent.
OINTMENT:
A fatty substance such as lard to which herbs are added. Choose herbs according
to the effect you desire. For healing ointments, choose according to physical
ailment. Use three teaspoon of herbs to one cup of fat, steeped and heated
several times. Vegetable shortening will work very well, especially almond
and saffron. All ointments should be kept cool in airtight containers for
best results.
POULTICE:
A portion of herbs placed in an equal amount of boiling water to steep.
Once herbs have been fully dampened, strain the water and place the herbs
in gauze or cheesecloth applied directly to the affected area. This can
be a little messy, so have a towel handy. Works well for bruising,
rashes and other mild skin disorders.
TINCTURE:
Four ounces of herb steeped in eight ounces of alcohol for about two weeks
gives a reasonable tincture. The bottle should be sealed and left in a
dark area, and the liquid strained when the tincture is ready.
WASH:
A tea or infusion meant only for external use. A mild form of a wash would
be 1/4 ounce of herb to one pint of boiling water, steeped until lukewarm,
then applied.
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Medicinal
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Aloe
Aloe
has always been known for it's healing qualities, treating wounds and maintaining
healthy skin. It may be applied right from the plant or in gel form for
burns, sunburns, can relieve poison ivy rash and helps to combat a variety
of bacteria that commonly cause infections in skin wounds. Excellent for
summer itch and excema resulting in hair loss on dogs. It is also an excellent
additive for soaps and creams as a conditioner. After using gel from a
leaf the opened leaf will seal itself so you can store it in a sealed plastic
bag in the refrigerator for future uses.
Anise:
For
treating coughs, bronchitis and a stuffy nose, it loosens bronchial congestion,
making it easier to cough it up and expel it. Also a digestive aid and
can relieve an upset stomach and flatulence when taken as a tea, a good
treatment for colic in older babies.
Useful
as a breath freshener.
It
is also suggested that anise may be beneficial to women because certain
chemicals in the plant are chemical cousins to the female hormone oestrogen.
Though it is mild, anise may help to relieve the discomfort of menopause.
In traditional folk medicine it has been used to promote milk production
in nursing mothers.
It's
recommended dosage would be 1 teaspoonful of seeds for every cup of boiling
water, steep 10-20 minutes and strain, drink 3 cups a day for maximum effect
Basil:
Good
as a tea for calming the nerves, settling the stomach, easing cramps and
good for the bladder, is an immune system stimulant and is good for killing
bacteria on the skin so is useful as a disinfectant or skin wash for acne.
Make a wash with 2 teaspoons dries basil to 1 cup of boiling water.
Bay:
Good
externally as a poultice on the chest for colds and bronchitis.Not for
internal use.
Caraway:
A
mild digestive stimulant,good for reducing flatulence. Is also useful for
relieving menstrual cramps. Use as a tea, 2-3 teaspoons crushed seeds in
1 cup of boiling water, steep for 15 minutes.
Catnip:
Lowers
fevers, dries up postnasal drip, gets rid of bad headaches and relieves
sore aching bones due to colds and flu's, also good for insomnia. Take
in tea form, made from flowers and leaves, 2-3 times daily.
Chamomile
Is
an excellent herb both internally and externally for calming, is a gentle
sleep inducer. Great for digestion, fevers, burns, anti-inflammatory for
wounds, and sedative for nervous disorders. Excellent for minor eye disorders
such as conjunctivitis (I've used this lots for kittens.) Relieves stomach
ache and diarrhoea in infants and small children (always using in diluted
form). Make a tea or wash of 2 teaspoons of the herb steeped for 5 minutes
in a cup of boiling water.
Cayenne
An
excellent flu fighter, promotes fast recovery. Stops external bleeding,(has
been used for treating internal bleeding, but I suggest you see a doctor
for this!) Said to prevent heart attacks by reducing cholesterol levels,
also helps with depression. Is used to treat headaches and chronic pain.
The active ingredient, capsaicin neutralises the chemical that sends pain
messages to the brain. Make a tea of 1/2 teaspoon powder in a cup of boiling
water, drink 3 times daily.A stronger mix can be made with 1 teaspoon each
cayenne and honey with a dash of lemon to 1 cup boiling water to use as
a gargle for cold, flu symptoms. Makes a fine liniment - quickly bringing
blood to the surface of the skin, brings out deep bruises, use either heated
cider vinegar, vegetable oil or alcohol as base for the liniment. Dilute
with rose water or distilled water.
Celery
Seed
Good
for weight loss and pre-menstrual bloating as it eliminates fluid retention.
Useful for treating gout symptoms as it clears uric acid crystals from
where they have collected in the joints. Also has a sedative effect. Drink
a tea of 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed seeds in a cup of boiling water three
times daily.
Cinnamon
A
good digestive aid in tea form as it breaks down fats. Good taken with
milk after a heavy meal or dessert. Also used for diarrhoea, dysentery
or general indigestion. Also a powerful antiseptic, killing many of the
bacteria and is an anti-fungal, helps to suppress candida albicans yeast
vaginal infections.
Cloves
It
has a mild antiseptic quality for toothaches and freshens breath.(chew).
In tea form it is an expectorant for colds, also good for nausea or vomiting.
Kills intestinal parasites. It is an antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic.
Comfrey
A
good ingredient for sunburn lotions.
Dandelion
Good
as a diuretic and relieves common stomach problems, use a handful of flower
tops to 1 pint of boiling water, steep 10 minutes and strain. Drink this
several times a day. Said to be good for night blindness. Use the milky
latex from the stem as a cleansing lotion. Removes warts when rubbed on
several times daily.
Fennel
A
mild appetite suppressant and digestive aid. Used in tea form to expel
mucus. Chew the seeds slowly for really bad breath. Use the fluid extract
to rub on inflamed gums, but should not be used for babies teething.
Ginger:
Good
for colds, menstrual cramps, stimulation of the digestive organs, migraines,
nausea (morning or motion sickness) when used as a tea. A good immune
system booster, also reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. Can be added
to the bath as a way to ease pain and muscular stiffness and increase circulation,
but only use a little (a few sprinkles of powder or a spoonful of grated)
as , like cayenne, ginger quickly brings the blood to the surface of the
skin. For pain and stiffness you can also soak cloths in ginger tea and
apply them directly to the painful areas or a small poultice may be made
with grated green ginger. Add in cooking to detoxify meat, especially chicken.
A good healing tea is made from a pinch of peppermint, a pinch of ginger
powder and either a pinch of clove powder or 2 bruised cloves, add 1 cup
of hot water and steep.
Ginseng:
A
stimulant, tonic, and agent for prolonged life. Also a mild pain killer,
improves blood circulation. Reported to successfully treat asthma, bronchitis,
cancer, diabetes, weakness and anaemia, fever, flatulence, coughs, heartburn
and poor sexual performance. In tea form it helps to relieve stress, menopausal
problems and moderate heart disease.
Garlic:
Lowers
tension, eases colds, and improves circulation and the immune system. Garlic
vinegar can be used to disinfect wounds and soothe rheumatic pain and any
common pain (made from one litre of vinegar and ten cloves of crushed garlic
steeped for at least 10 days). Good for high and low blood pressure and
removing parasites and infections. To ease toothache or earache, place
a crushed raw bulb of garlic on a piece of gauze and place over the area
of pain. For removing warts or relieving sore joints, try using garlic
paste.
Lavender:
Has
strong antiseptic qualities. Mild infusions (3 tablespoons to 6 cups of
water) make a good sedative, headache treatment, and digestive aid. Used
in oil or tincture form to heal cuts, burns or scalds, bites.This also
acts as a tonic and may be used for colds, chills, and the flu.It is a
frequent addition to healing sachets, especially bath mixtures, and is
added to incense to cause sleep. Excellent as an insect repellent, particularly
for mosquitos, rub the oil directly on exposed skin. Excellent for use
on animals as a flea repellent. It is a great antibiotic, antidepressant,
sedative and detoxifier. Stimulates the immune system. All this and it
smells wonderful!
Lemon:
Sweetens
breath. Is antiseptic, antibacterial and hypertensive. For chills and sore
throat, the juice of a lemon mixed in a glass of honey and warm water,
taken 3 times daily should help. For nosebleeds, apply a small piece of
cotton, soaked in lemon juice. In oil form it is used for treating warts,
insect bites, tension headaches, eliminates cellulite, and is an anti-wrinkle
tonic. Stimulates the digestive system.
Marigold:
For
internal use the flowers are prepared by infusion and recommended for the
flu, fever, rheumatism, jaundice, and painful menstruation. Externally,
buds may be made into a poultice for the treatment of burns. Marigold petal
ointment can help chapped hands and varicose veins, also works wonders
with eczema and inflammation. To ease inflammation, make a compress of
a cloth dipped into strong marigold tea combined with an equal part of
apple cider vinegar. Sprains can also be helped with marigold petals steeped
in vinegar, or make a lotion with milk. Simmer 12 heads in 2 cups milk,
steep, strain and apply. Also use as an antiseptic in first aid.
Mint
- Spearmint or Peppermint:
Mint
tea aids upset stomachs, flu, and can be used to ease hiccups. Inhalations
of the leaves in boiling water are recommended for head colds and asthma.
Mint tea used instead of aspirin is great for headaches, particularly premenstrual
headaches. Nervous headaches can be relieved if you lie in a dark room
with fresh peppermint leaves on the forehead. Aids the respiratory and
circulatory systems. An anti-inflammatory so is also good for relief of
menstrual cramps. Is a good antiseptic, kills many of the bacteria, including
herpes simplex. Ideal for treating indigestion, flatulence, varicose veins,
headaches, migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and general
fatigue.
Myrrh:
Myrrh
oil can act as a mosquito repellent, and in tincture form it is a good
treatment for gums.
Nettle:
High
in vitamin C and iron. Tea can ease asthma and boost energy levels.
Parsley:
Fresh
parsley leaves in tea form are a treatment for cramps , while dried root
decoctions ease urinary infections and arthritis. Externally, crushed leaves
relieve insect bites, and may be applied in poultice form to sprains.
Pine:
Pine
buds prepared by decoction act as an expectorant and antiseptic.
This
same mixture can be used for inhalation for head colds, although it is
easier to toss some needles in hot water. Green cones and needles can be
added to bath water to ease muscle pains and swelling.
Raspberry:
A
tea made from the fruit and flowers is excellent as a general tonic for
the female reproductive system, excellent in treating menstrual pain and
pre-menstrual problems. Drink a cup daily for the two weeks prior to a
period.
Rose:
Conserves
of roses or rose petals in honey are often recommended for nausea and sore
throats. Roses are high in vitamin C. Use petals in a bath for stress.
Rosemary:
Promotes
healing of wounds, acts as an antiseptic, and can be a mild stimulant.
Good in teas for treating cold and flu symptoms, headaches or body aches.
Use in a bath for fatigue, depression or stress. A mental and physical
booster. Used in oil form for treating muscular sprains, arthritis,
rheumatism, Excellent remedy for acne or cellulite. When the leaves are
soaked in wine for two weeks, small glasses may be taken as a digestive
aid.
Sage:
Can
be used in an infusion to aid digestion, or to fight colds and fever. Is
good for sore throats, infected gums and mouth ulcers. Reduces perspiration
by as much as 50%. Make a tea of 1 to 2 teaspoons to 1 cup boiling water,
drink three times daily.When made into a ointment it is good for muscular
pain and can ease many skin discomforts, including dandruff. Has been known
to bring relief from asthma when dried and smoked.
Tarragon:
A
good appetite stimulant, and prevents infection.The active ingredient is
the chemical rutin, which helps prevent artery-narrowing plaque deposits.
Also has anti-cancer properties.
Thyme:
Powerful
antiviral and antibiotic,has diuretic properties. It helps eliminate wastes
from the body. It is used in treating whooping coughs, warts, rheumatism
and acne. A strong antiseptic which when prepared by infusion is useful
for poor digestion, exhaustion, colds, and infections, and with honey is
an effective treatment for sore throats. Also used in tea form as a fever
breaker, headache reducer and treatment for intestinal worms. Can be used
as a mouthwash. Is also a great insect repellent. Use both the leaves and
flowers. Tea works best for headaches when taken cold. A pillow stuffed
with it is said to cure nightmares!
Turmeric:
Regulates the menstrual cycle,
has an anti-inflammatory action for arthritis and reduces cholesterol.
Contains the chemical curcumin which is good for the liver. Drink 1 teaspoon
in 1 cup of warm milk. Is good
for preventing infection in minor wounds when sprinkled directly on the
wound.
Valerian:
Use
the dried, powdered root. Promotes relaxation while counteracting the effects
of insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, headaches, premenstrual syndrome and
menstrual cramping. For sleep, before bed take 1 teaspoon of herb to 1
pint of water and simmer. Also acts as a good substitute for catnip.
Witch
Hazel:
In
tincture form it is good as a mouth rinse and to ease haemorrhoids. Useful
as an ointment to apply to insect bites and other skin irritations.
Yarrow:
A
very potent healer, it intensifies the medicinal action of other herbs
taken with it. Helps eliminate toxins (good for colds). The best thing
I've ever seen to staunch blood flow from superficial cuts and wounds,use
leaves fresh from the bush. In poultice form, it is useful against infections
and swelling. Make into a tea to stop arthritis symptoms such as swelling
and inflammation and generally end all aching, sore muscles, or stiff joints
or back pain.
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Cosmetic
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Body
Creams and Lotions.
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Cucumber
& Aloe Cream.
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Great
for soothing the hands and body.
Moisturising,
refreshing and toning.
.
2 tblsp.
aloe vera gel
1 peeled
cucumber
2 tblsp.
apricot kernel oil
1 tblsp.coconut
oil
4 tblsp.melted
beeswax
1 teaspoon
honey
.
Cut
cucumber into several pieces and puree it in food processor or blender.
Strain out the liquid, add aloe vera gel to strained cucumber, mix well.
Melt
the beeswax with the honey in a double boiler on the stove. When melted,
slowly add the oils, stirring all the while. Slowly stir in the cucumber
and aloe . Remove the mixture from the heat, stir it every five minutes
or so until it's cool.
If
you wish to make a skin lightening cream, 2 tblsp. of fresh lemon juice
may be stirred in while cooling.
Store
in refrigerator, keeps for about 90 days.
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Great-Grandmother's
Rosewater
and Glycerine Skin Softener.
Old
fashioned, simple but effective recipe.
Beautiful
when displayed in a decorative bottle.
.
1/2
cup rosewater (Recipe below)
1/2
cup glycerine
1 to
2 drops of food colour (optional)
1 teaspoon
of 90% proof vodka
to
increase shelf life (optional)
.
Mix
ingredients thoroughly, store in glass bottle at
room
temperature.
Shelf
life is 3 - 4 months, this may be as much
as
doubled by using vodka, but is not necessary if you don't like using alcohol
on your skin.
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.
Deep,
Intensive Moisturiser.
.
Ideal
for elbows, knees and areas that
are
particularly dry.
Can
be used as a massage cream.
.
1/4
cup cocoa butter (copha)
1/4
cup sweet almond oil
1/4
cup olive oil
5 to
6 drops essential oil (optional)
.
Combine
all ingredients in a double boiler and warm until cocoa butter is melted.
Remove from heat and stir until cooled and starting to gel, then allow
to rest until it is set. Should be creamy when it is cool. If it separates,
use an electric mixer on low speed and beat until it is smooth.
If
it is very cold where you live, you may need to heat it before use.
Shelf
life is 3 to 4 months.
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Face
Creams.
.
Traditional
Cold Cream.
.
1/2
cup sweet almond oil
5 tblsp.
water or rosewater( Recipe below)
2 tblsp.
melted beeswax
1/4
teaspoon borax
.
Put
wax and oil into a double boiler and melt together evenly.
In
separate saucepan, heat water or rosewater on medium heat and stir in borax
until completely dissolved. Remove from heat.
Add
the water-borax mixture a little at a time to wax-oil mix while beating
with an electric mixer. Remove from heat and continue beating on low speed
until cool and creamy.
Put
in decorative containers, cover when completely cold.
Shelf
life is 6 to 8 months.
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.
Firming
and Clarifying Elixir.
.
Tones,
firms and moisturises.
.
2 tblsp.
glycerine
1 tblsp.
witch hazel
1 tblsp.
rose water (Recipe below)
2 tblsp.
honey
1 tblsp.
sweet almond oil
1 tblsp.
wheat germ oil
.
Combine
all ingredients in a bowl, whisk until they are smooth. Place the mixture
in a pretty jar or bottle, Shake before use. Store at room temperature.
Pat
on to face with a cotton ball, leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse
off with clear, warm water.
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Rosewater
To make
non-distilled Rosewater: Boil 1 cup red rose
petals
with 1 cup water until leaves turn translucent
and all
color is extracted - about 10 minutes.
Saucepan
should be covered and allowed to "age"
overnight
in the refrigerator. Strain petals.Funnel
into a
bottle for storage.
Be aware
that roses may have been sprayed with
pesticides
or fungicides that have not been approved
for food
crops! Only drink it if you know it's safe.
Vitamin
E Under-eye Moisturiser
and
Lip Balm.
.
Softens
lines around eyes, great if you spend
time
in the sun.
.
1 teaspoon
beeswax
1 teaspoon
cocoa butter (copha)
1 tblsp.
sweet almond oil
3 drops
vitamin E oil
1 teaspoon
paraffin wax
1 teaspoon
petroleum jelly
.
Melt
each ingredient that needs melting
in
separate containers.
Combine
all ingredients in a double boiler, heat
and
stir until well blended. Pour mixture into a small jar, lipstick pot or
old lipstick tube that has been lightly coated with almond oil.
Let
sit for 1 1/2 hours then refrigerate.
If
it doesn't set well enough, reheat and add more wax and beeswax.
If
it is too dry, reheat and add more sweet almond oil.
Shelf
life, 1 year +
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Face
Masks
.
Farmers
Secret Mask
.
2 egg
whites, chilled
1/8
teaspoon cornstarch
.
Whip
egg whites until they form peaks, then add cornstarch slowly.
Apply
to face immediately, leave for 20 minutes,
then
rinse off. Suitable for all skin types. Tightens skin and gives a youthful
glow.
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.
Hawaiian
Avocado and Coconut Mask
.
1 medium
avocado, mashed
1 teaspoon
coconut oil (approx)
.
Slowly
add coconut oil to mashed avocado until
it
makes a creamy paste.
Apply
directly to skin and leave for 15 to 20 minutes before washing off.
Leaves
skin feeling soft and creamy.
Suitable
for dry skin.
.
Pregnancy
Oil
.
.1/2
cup sweet almond oil
1/2
cup apricot kernel oil
1/2
cup coconut oil
1/2
cup calendula oil
essential
oil (optional)
.
Combine
all oils in a pretty bottle.
Rub
into growing areas twice daily and after bathing.
Keeps
skin moisturised and supple, guards against
stretch
marks.
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Aromatherapy
.
.
Essential
oils may be placed into burners made for the purpose, added to the bath,
placed on your skin, put onto a cold light globe then allowed to heat,
put into pot pourri or on pillow case, placed in water in a saucepan on
a slow stove hotplate or simply placed in boiling water and allowed to
steam. (We did this in the labour ward as my daughter gave birth, no naked
flames were allowed with oxygen nearby!)
.
..
Typical
Responses to different oils are as follows:
.
.
Basil.....stimulating,
clarifying
Bayberry.....exciting
Bergamot.....happy
Borage.....calming
Chamomile.....calming,
soothing
Cinnamon.....stimulating
Eucalyptus.....creates
feeling of balance and a sense of well-being
Geranium.....restful
Jasmine.....calming,
acts as an anti-deppressant
Lavender.....relaxing,
restful
Lemon.....stimulating
Lemongrass.....Fresh,
energising
Lemon
verbena.....stimulating, brings alertness
Lilac.....hypnotic,
relaxing (Do you like the lilac background?)
Lily
of the valley.....hypnotic, relaxing
Mixed
spice.....inspires contemplation
Musk.....sensual,
hypnotic, creates feeling of well-being
Orange.....relaxing,
calming, adds clarity
Peppermint.....
stimulating, creates meditative mood
Rose.....stimulating,
strengthening, slightly hypnotic
Rosemary.....stimulating,
uplifting
Sandalwood.....uplifting
Vanilla.....relaxing,
sensual
Ylang
ylang.....creates balance
.
.
Combinations
of essences having similar or complimentary properties may be made to your
own requirements. Experimenting is very pleasant!
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