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People everywhere are hungry for clear, practical, scientifically-validated information about how to make safe and simple use of herbs in their day to day lives. I too was once hungry for this kind of information. I discovered that working (and playing) with herbs did not need to be complex and confusing. It could be sheer pleasure. For me it was like walking down a path where a wonderful surprise is revealed at every turn. |
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For ease of reference here is my beginner’s guide to herbal remedies. You can refer back to it whenever you don’t have a specific recipe for ointments, compresses or poultices..
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USING HERBS A beginner's guide to herbal remedies for ease of reference...
OINTMENTS A quick and simple way to make an ointment is to mix your herb with Vaseline. You do this by cooking the herb in the Vaseline in a bain-marie or double-boiler. Melt the vaseline and keep it on a low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of either dried or fresh herbs to 7 oz (200g) of Vaseline. Cook for 10 minutes. Pour the mixture through muslin, squeeze out well and keep it in a sealed container. I am not that keen personally on using petroleum-based products however. So, if like me you prefer another means, below is a more complex recipe, using calendula and comfrey. Ointments use herbs that are good for skin healing. They are great for first aid.
Calendula and Comfrey ointment 2 tbsp almond, apricot or grapeseed oil Put the oil and beeswax in a double boiler and allow the beeswax to dissolve into the oil, stirring well. Test by dropping a little on a plate and allowing to cool at room temperature. It should be soft enough to scoop from a jar. If it's too runny add a little more beeswax until you have a good consistency. Stir in your tincture. Allow it all to cool a little and then pour your mixture into jars. Seal it straight away and store your ointment in a cool, dark place. It should keep for up to a year. |
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COMPRESSES AND FOMENTATIONS They may sound like they have come out of a Medieval tract on hell, but compresses and fomentations are fast and effective tools for healing. I have raised four children using them with wonderful results. Both are applied externally to speed the healing of injuries, and to ease inflammation, congestion or where there is pain. Compresses can be either hot or cold. Fomentations are generally hot. Hot Compress or Fomentation: You need a piece of clean cotton, gauze, or linen – a pillowcase slit open down its long sides and opened flat is ideal. Soak the cloth in a hot infusion or decoction of the chosen herb. Wring it out, shake to cool it, fold it if necessary and put it directly on the skin over the affected area. Cover it with a towel to keep the heat in. Re-soak the cloth and reapply when it cools down. Cold: Cold compresses use the same procedure but instead allow the decoction or infusion to cool. Putting it the freezer or adding ice cubes is also a good idea. |
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POULTICE A poultice is also an ancient but effective remedy. You apply it like a compress. They are famed for their ability to draw out unwanted toxins and to relieve congestion. Instead of soaking a cloth in either a decoction or infusion, in a poultice you use the whole plant - fresh or dried. Place bruised, fresh herbs (or a warm paste of dried herbs mixed with a little hot water) between two pieces of gauze and apply to the skin Hold it in place with a thin bandage and keep it warm with a hot water bottle. Poultices are great for treating congestion in the chest and for drawing out infection. |
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The classic definition of a herb is a non-woody plant which dies down to its roots each winter. This definition is far too limiting. It was probably made up by 19th Century European botanists who had never seen the rainforest in which, of course there is no winter to die back in. Neither had they ever heard of woody trees and shrubs such as hawthorn and ginko and elder which are some of the best selling herbs on the market these days. I define a herb as a medicinal plant. It can come from any climate and be a leaf, a bark, a flower or a root. It can be home-grown or wild, a weed, a spice, a plant which is used for its healing or culinary or beautifying properties. Once you discover the power of herbs it is easy to become so enthusiastic about them you go overboard trying to use them for everything. It is not wise to take lots of different plants all at the same time. Or you might start to think that since a small amount of something is good for you, taking twice or three times that amount will be even better. It isn’t. If you want safe and sane herbal help here are a few guidelines to follow:
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