Natural Herbal Beauty

Symptoms

The classic symptoms of a sore throat include a burning sensation or “scratchiness” in the back of the throat; pain, especially when swallowing; and, perhaps, tenderness along the neck. These symptoms may be accompanied by: (more…)

Symptoms

Sty: a red, hot, tender, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful swelling near the edge of the eyelid.

Chalazion: a relatively painless, smooth, round bump within a fat gland of the eyelid.

Call Your Doctor If

Either type of swelling does not subside within a few weeks.

The swelling interferes with your vision. you have pain in the eye.

You have recurrent sties. A sty can be a symptom of other ailments such as diabetes and chronic skin problems.

CAUTION：Although some alternative treatments may be helpful in relieving and preventing eyelid infections, never put any preparations in the eye itself unless specifically directed to do so by a physician. The surface of the eye is easily damaged by some antiseptics and medications. When applying any lotions or compresses to the eyelid, keep your eye closed. (more…)

Symptoms

Mildly reddish to severely red or purplish skin discoloration; skin feels hot and tender. Sunburn appears one to six hours after exposure to sunlight and peaks within 24 hours, later fading to tan or brown.

Small, fluid-filled blisters that may itch and eventually break; flaking or peeling skin that reveals the tender, reddened underlayer.

Red, blistered skin accompanied by chills, fever, nausea, or dehydration. This severe stage of sunburn is considered a first-degree burn.

Pain and irritation of the eye associated with overexposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight or other sources. (more…)

Herbal Formula for ECZEMA

Include the following in the diet: sprouts (especially mung beans and alfalfa), apricots, dried beans, lentils, fresh grated beetroot, Brazil nuts, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, mealier, mealie-meal, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, guava, horseradish, lemons, lettuce, mustard greens, oranges, parsley, peaches, pecan nuts, green peppers, sweet potatoes, honey, soya beans, spinach, tomatoes and watercress.

Make a standard brew tea using Salad Burnet, Calendula (leaves and flowers), Lavender or Nettle. Drink daily. (more…)

COUGHS

Include the following in the diet: apricots, asparagus, green beans, beetroot and beetroot tops, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, dandelion greens, lettuce, mustard, oranges, lemons, naartjies, grapefruit, parsley, peaches, pawpaw, peas, pecan nuts, watercress, spinach and garlic.

Make a standard brew tea using either Lemon balm, Sage, Elderflowers, Honeysuckle, Verbascum (mullein), Thyme, Comfrey or Peppermint, and drink throughout the day. (more…)

BLOOD CLEANSER

Include the following in the diet: fresh chicory, chives, crab-apple, grapes, fresh green mustard, nettles (make a standard brew tea and add to soups and stews), sow’s thistle, parsley, pumpkin and radish.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Take care to eat fresh green salads daily.

For high blood pressure include in the diet: barley, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chives, cucumbers, endive, garlic, guavas, onions, oranges, parsley, peaches, pears, sweet peppers, purslane, pineapple, spinach, squash, strawberries, tomatoes, yarrow and cayenne pepper. (more…)

Herb and Oatmeal Soap

This soap is the only one I make from caustic soda. So many of the students who attend my cosmetic workshops at the Herbal Centre ask for this recipe that I couldn’t possibly leave it out. They seem to enjoy the satisfaction of making their own soap in the old-fashioned way.

NB: Do not make this soap while children are around. I find it safer to use the caustic soda outside so that the fumes are dissipated. Do not lean over the bowl and inhale, and make sure that you wear long sleeves and rubber gloves as the caustic soda burns. Should a drop fall on your skin, wash it off immediately with cold water. (more…)

Soapwort

Many people are allergic to soap. If that is your problem try making a strong brew of saponincontaining soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) which is both mild and at the same time cleansing.

This common garden plant, known as `Bouncing Bet’ or the pink creeping Australian phlox, is actually something of a pest in the garden as it spreads everywhere and once you have it, (more…)

250 ml (1 cup) nettles, yarrow or rosemary 500 ml (2 cups) boiling water

Pour boiling water over the herbs. Stand and allow to steep for 20 minutes, then strain. Pour the tea into an enamel saucepan and shave into it 1 cup of a good, pure soap (I use a baby soap or goatmilk soap). Heat the mixture, stirring constantly until the soap is melted. (more…)

Chapped Hand Glove

125 ml (¹/2 cup)finely chopped or minced borage leaves

1 dessertspoon castor oil 125 ml (¹/2 cup) oats

1 dessertspoon honey

Mix into a paste, adding a little hot water to the borage leaves. Spread over the hands, put on the gloves and keep them on for an hour or two, or overnight. (more…)