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.

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)

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).

When I attended the Sonoran Herbal Institute in 2001 I was introduced to this tonic as it was one of the remedies we made in class.

I have used it almost every year since and it is a super effective winter time tonic to prevent illness and help decrease the time of colds and the flu as well as other respiratory ailments. It is a wonderful and tasty way to boost your immunity.

To make this tonic you will need a clean glass jar, cheesecloth, a rubber band and the following herbs and ingredients;

Ginger-1 small piece, grated (about 1/2 c.)

Garlic- 5-6 cloves (peeled and minced)

Horseradish- 1 small piece grated (about 1/2  c.)

1 onion- chopped

Cayenne- 1 tsp.

Apple cider vinegar - 3 cups

Honey- to taste

Put all the plant matter in a jar and cover with apple cider vinegar (save honey for later). Let this concoction sit for about 4 weeks or so in a cool, dry spot. (A cupboard is an ideal place) Shake the mixture once daily if you are able.

After 4 weeks strain the plant matter out through cheesecloth and reserve the liquid portion.

Sweeten with honey and keep in a jar in the fridge.

This tonic is wonderful used as a salad dressing or you can just take a couple of teaspoons daily. Taken as a tonic over several weeks/months it will help boost your immunity as well as very effective to take for colds, the flu, bronchitis and laryngitis.