Herbal Healing by April Horton

Making a solar infused herbal massage oil is super easy and economical. Not to mention extremely satisfying.

What you will need is;

4 oz. of carrier oil (I like almond or jojoba)

1 oz of herbs (good ones to try are rosemary, lavender, arnica)

A glass jar with a lid

mesh strainer

Combine the herbs and oil in the glass jar and make sure the lid is tight. Set this out in a sunny place for several hours shaking gently every so often. Let this mixture sit overnight.  The next day strain through the mesh strainer and reserve the oil.

You can add essenital oils to this (up to 15 drops per 4 oz).

Tinctures are extracts of herbs made using dried or fresh plant material. The medicinal properties of the herbs are extracted using alcohol and sometimes glycerin or vinegar.  Making and using herbs in this fashion is very effective both in cost and as a catalyst for healing. Some herbs are better used as an infusion (such as red raspberry leaf, peppermint and oatstraw) but many more are much more effective in the form of a tincture.

To make a tincture you will need the following supplies;

Wide mouth jar w/tight fitting lid

A piece of wax paper big enough to cover the top of the jar

80-100 proof vodka or Everclear (I generally like to use Everclear)

4-6 tbsp. of specific herb/roots

A piece of cheesecloth large enough to fit over the mouth of the jar

Rubberband

You will want to place the herbs in the jar then cover with about 4x as much alcohol. Place the wax paper over the opening of the jar then screw on the lid tightly. Let this mixture sit for 2-4 weeks in a cool dry place. You will want to shake it occasionally. (Once a day if possible, but a few times a week is ok)

After about 2-4 weeks, strain through cheesecloth with a rubberband wrapped around the lid. Be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid from the herbs and reserve the liquid. Be sure to label all tinctures and keep out of reach of pets and children.

Generally tinctures can be taken a teaspoon at a time 2-3x a day (depending on the herb and ailment ). Be sure to research any herb and dosages you are tincturing.

I will be discussing certain herbs and tinctures here and how to use them.

Also known as squaw tea or desert tea. Mormon Tea is a common shrub of the southwest United States and Mexico. It is called Mormon tea because the early Mormon settlers used it as a coffee/caffeine substitute. It is an astringent plant that is also useful for bronchitis and asthma. It is also useful for stomach and kidney ailments and is a slightly energizing drink.

To brew mormon tea simply take a handful of leaves (green or brown) and cover with boiling water. Cover and steep for 5 minutes and sweeten to taste. This is a great remedy for those suffering from shortness of breathe due to colds and asthma.

Alternately mormon tea can be chewed.

There’s no need to use nasty petroleum based chest rubs when you can easily make your own herbal infused chest rub at home. Here is a recipe for a wonderful and effective chest rub that will help ease chest congestion. It is safe enough for kids to use too so it works for the whole family!

What you need;

A double boiler (you can use a regular saucepan if you don’t have a double boiler just do NOT heat up too high, use low heat!)

Small glass jars or tins
Cheesecloth/ mesh strainer

Dried lavender and peppermint (2 Tbsp. each)

Essential oils- camphor, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary (10 drops each)

6 oz  oil (I like sunflower or jojoba oil but you could use olive or almond)

1 oz coconut oil

1 oz shea butter

1 oz beeswax (or vegan alternative)

Directions;

First heat your oil  and add the dried herbs together. Let steep for about 30-45 minutes.

Strain with the cheesecloth or strainer reserving the oil. (Compost the herbs)

Return to low heat and add in coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax, stirring constantly until blended well.

Remove from heat and add the essential oils.

Pour into small glass jars. Allow to solidify then be sure to put lids on and label.

Rub a small amount on your chest as needed! This works great!

(You can find all the supplies you need online at http://www.mountainroseherbs.com or any soap making supply shop)

If you’re like me, maybe you have been called to work with certain plants. This would be what some herbalists call an “Herbal Ally”. I can vividly remember the first time I was called to work with a plant (violets). It isn’t just a passing curiosity or wanting to just learn about a certain plant. It is actually a definite pull and calling to learn, know and listen to what the plant is telling you. I encourage you to pay attention next time it feels like a specific plant is calling to you. It may just want to teach you something. Once you discover an herbal ally it will teach you things you never expected in ways you never knew possible. It is also possible that your ally will choose you, not the other way around! It’s a good idea to keep a journal and write down your thoughts, findings and lessons from your herbal ally. This will help you preserve and validate the experience. It is a great way to learn about plants on a deeper spiritual level as well.

This is a good recipe for a soothing mellow tea to use to alleviate PMS.  Traditional Medicinals also has a good PMS tea which you can find at your local health food store for about $5 a box. I like to make my own PMS tea when I can.

Mix the following in equal parts to a clean dry glass jar. Using 1 oz of each herb will yield a big jar full. Enough for several months. Just be sure to store it out of direct sunlight in a cool, dark place.

Herbs for PMS tea;

Burdock root

Dandelion root

Vitex berries

Motherwort

Wild yam

Feverfew

Skullcap

Hops

Catnip

Peppermint

Red raspberry leaves

Nettles

Oatstraw

Lemon Balm

Use a tea ball or brew 1 tsp. per cup. This tea is very lovely. Drink 2-3 cups per day or as needed. You can use any of the herbs listed here and make it according to your tastes but I like variety!

Drinking tea is a very effective way to self heal so it is my favorite way to treat a lot of things (including PMS).

Catnip isn’t just for cats.  A perennial herb from the mint family catnip is a useful medicinal herb that can treat all kinds of maladies. It is very easy to grow in the home garden or indoors in pots year round.

The following are 10 easy ways to use catnip;

1- Catnip tea soothes coughs.

2- Can be used as a mild sedative or sleep aid.

3- Catnip is useful for calming the digestive track.

4- Catnip essential oil can be used as an effective insect repellent.

5- Fresh catnip leaves can be added as a delicious addition to salads.

6- A good tonic herb for regulating the menstrual cycle and also for the relief of pain from menstrual cramps.

7- There are 4 popular varieties of catnip available besides common catnip; camphor, mint, lemon  and Greek.

8- Effective in treating asthma and bronchitis (as an infusion, extract or even smoked).

9- Catnip can  be given as a tea mixed with breast milk to infants suffering from colic.

10- Chewing the fresh leaf can help relive pain from a toothache.

Catnip is most commonly used as an infusion (tea). Steep 1 oz of dried herb (or 2 ounces crushed fresh) in a tea ball with 1 quart of boiling water. Let  steep covered for 5 minutes. Sweeten and add milk to taste if desired. Drink 1-2 cups.

It can also be used as a tincture.

Today I thought I’d share a little about my herbal path here.

I started getting interested in herbal healing in 1995, shortly after moving from upstate NY to Arizona. At the time I lived in a very small apartment complex in Phoenix, AZ and one of my neighbors was a Native American woman who worked out of her apartment. She was an aromatherapist and massage therapist and taught everyone around her about plants and bodywork. She was one of those sort of people that touched everyone she met with her healing presence and knowledge in a very direct manner. She certainly touched my life, though I didn’t realize it at the time how pivotal our friendship was on my own healing path. I am only sad I have long ago lost touch with her. She was one of those passing healing spirits though as far as I can determine. Anyway she  basically opened my eyes to the world of plant medicine with her herbal wines, oils, tinctures and incenses. I was completely smitten with herbs after getting to know this woman.  All of us women in the apartment complex were and she had several devoted students studying under her informally! She taught us all an enormous amount about plant medicine.

From that point on at the age of 21, I started studying everything I could about herbs and herbalism. (I will be 35 this year)

First I sought out large quantities of books at the wonderful (and massively huge) libraries in Phoenix. I was introduced to the works of the great herbalists of our time. Susun Weed, Rosemary Gladstar, Michael Moore, Michael Teirra,  David Hoffman, etc. (I am going to post a book list at some point down the road so watch for that!)

Once the Internet was available to me a couple of years later I took 2 different correspondence programs which were wonderful. (through the Herbal Healing Academy and Australasian College of Health Sciences)

I then started pursuing hands on classes. First I started with several classes at Pima Community College. Then various private classes with local folks. Then a 5 month intensive through the Sonoran Herbal Institute with Pam Hyde-Nakai in Tucson, AZ.  Pam is another Native American woman that greatly influenced my path and understanding of the plant world. That course was by far the BEST as we explored so many regions of the desert! We also had wild food potlucks, made tinctures, salves,  tonics, did plant walks, harvested plants in the wild, monthly theory lectures, hands on field work, collected seeds, introduced to the AZ healing community teacher by teacher, learned about Native American healing ways and medicine, etc. It was by far the best class I have taken to date.

I am very interested in ethnobotany and native plants. I also like to forage for wild foods. I have also dabbled in Ayurvedic herbalism.

Currently, I am hoping to take the Master Herbalist training through Heart of Herbs in Vermont in the very near future which I am excited about. I am hoping to get my partner to do it along with me. (Hint,hint to Charles- and SURPRISE- this is going be your bday gift from me this year!)

I am in the process of moving to New England now and anxious for spring and summer to get here so I can discover a whole new region of native plants!

Another herbal passion of mine is TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and I studied theory of The Five Elements, TCM and Acupressure/Shiatsu for 2 years at DIHA (Desert Institute of the Healing Arts) in Tucson, AZ.  I would like to learn much more about Chinese herbs. Some day when I have time and the money (aka when my kids are a bit older) and if the opportunity presents itself, I may go to acupuncture school.

This path has taken me on many twists and turns. I have studied and been exposed to so many healing paths due to my herbal studies. From color therapy to Reiki and everything in between!  I never know exactly which direction this path will take me but I am enjoying it immensely.

Anyway, I just wanted to clarify I am not claiming to know everything about herbs. It is always an ongoing process. I do know a lot about plants from my own journey but every day is a new learning experience! Use common sense. Do your research.  ALWAYS consult 3 sources. (I work under this premise myself and so should you). Most importantly if in doubt about a particular plant or formula, trust your instincts!

I am not using this blog to make medical claims but to share with you what has worked for me, my family and friends as well as to share general herbal knowledge. I hope to inspire you to use herbal healing in your daily life.

These days I am a part time freelance writer and trying to combine my passions. I enjoy using herbs and writing about alternative healing modalities, so that is what I have been focusing on recently. This blog is turning out to be a lot of fun for me. I am also thinking about writing a series of e-books eventually.

Thanks for reading and please leave a comment if you would like me to write about something specific!

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A steam inhalation will help clear congested sinuses effectively. This is a wonderful treatment when you have a bad sinus infection or a cold leaving your nose congested or runny. It is also good for clearing out the lungs too. You can do this 2-3x a day as needed.

What you’ll need;

3 c. boiling water

1 ceramic bowl

4 teaspoons dried peppermint leaf (or 2-3 teabags will do)
large towel.

Place dried herbs/teabags in bowl. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let sit for a minute or so.

Place your face over the bowl and cover your head with the towel making a little tent over the bowl. Inhale deeply for 5 minutes and relax! This treatment is very soothing and relieving.

Alternately you can use 3-5 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil in leu/ added to the peppermint leaves.

Peppermint is an herb to keep on hand for all kinds of ailments. Lovely, gentle yet hardworking it brings strength and comfort to many herbal remedies. It is extremely versatile and is safe to use by people of all ages. (Even babies!)

I love peppermint for it’s strong and nourishing nature.

Earlier this fall when i first came to New England I had fun gathering peppermint from an overgrown patch out in the yard. I have it stored in paper bags and will keep it on hand for the winter colds and such. I feel like herbs you gather by hand hold much more vital healing energy over herbs you can purchase and are much more effective when administering herbal remedies. This has always been my personal experience anyway.

It is always a pleasant surprise when you find wild stands of it as well. A wondrous gift of nature.

Peppermint grows in virtually all corners of the world and has been used by generations for hundreds of years for healing. The Greeks and Romans wore crowns of peppermint during special feasts. Peppermint represents hospitality and is often used as a garnish or decoration at the dinner table for this reason. Not to mention it is tasty to chew after meals.

The following is just a short list of all the ailments and situations that peppermint could be indicated for helping.  It really is very versatile.

Tea is the best way to take peppermint but it can also be used as a poultice as the oil can be used neat (not diluted) directly on the skin.

INDICATED FOR USE:

-insect bites

-rashes

-fatigue

-stomach aches

-decongestant

-morning sickness/ nausea

-colic

-cough suppressant

-menstrual cramps

-headaches

-asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis

-relieves stress

-revitalizing for tired feet in a foot bath

-sinusitis

The best way to keep peppermint on hand is in loose form. In a pinch tea bags will work and are easy for a poultice. Peppermint essential oil is also useful as an aromatherapy treatment and directly on skin for certain conditions.  It is a wonderful pick me up in an oil burner.

*Never ingest peppermint essential oil and never use near the eyes or genital areas* If you have sensitive skin be very cautious using it directly on the skin as it could be irritating.

Peppermint is super easy to cultivate. It really doesn’t need much care and is very forgiving. Given a chance it will take over your yard.  You could easily grow some from seeds in a pot indoors to have in at your fingertips at all times. It even will grow in the winter time on a sunny window!

I love to drink  iced peppermint tea in the summers and have also used it for nausea and for lung support at different times.  Peppermint is also my favorite ingredient to do a steam inhalation with. I will post a recipe and directions for this tomorrow!