Natural Herbal Beauty

Basil: Sweet, spicy scent. Basil is a potent stimulant that increases circulation and eases muscle and joint aches and pains. It alleviates indigestion, and has antiseptic and expectorant properties and helps to treat congestion, coughs, and colds. Basil is excellent for relieving fatigue and nervous tension. Do not use during pregnancy.

Cypress: Spicy, balsamlike scent. The diuretic action of cypress helps to relieve water retention and cellulite. It also improves circulation and is helpful for arthritis. (more…)

Rheumatism is a very imprecise term used to describe various chronic muscular aches and pains. It can include fibrositis and lumbago and may be referred to as “myalgia”, which just means pain in the muscles. Arthritis simply means an inflammation of a joint, although as there are various types of arthritis requiring rather different treatment it is important to be sure of the exact diagnosis.

Osteoarthritis is generally due to “wear and tear” — youthful injuries to joints that have never fully healed or obesity putting excessive strain on the weight-bearing joints.Typically in osteoarthritis the protective cartilage surrounding the bones of a joint becomes damaged and wears away, causing the bones to rub together and become deformed. Joints often creak, become stiff and painful, while movement is often limited. (more…)

What do blood disorders, wounds, and arthritis all have in common? They are all linked to the health of the blood and the circulatory system. And they are all conditions that have a history of good herbal remedies behind them.

All the body’s cells must be supplied with nutrients and oxygen constantly. The blood carries oxygen through the circulatory system. A good diet is important to keep the blood built up and to ensure that there is no deficiency of necessary minerals and vitamins.

These vitamins and minerals help keep the blood healthy, so it can do its job. One of its jobs is to clot when there’s a wound. Wounds depend on the clotting ability of the blood to stop bleeding. (more…)

TREATING RHEUMATIC JOINTS: Grind black mustard seeds and add to an equal amount of solid vegetable shortening. Rub on the affected joint.

PAIN RELIEF FOR RHEUMATIC JOINTS OR ARTHRITIS: Put 2 cups of rosemary in 3 cups of brandy. Steep for 1 week. Strain and use the liquid as a poultice for the affected joints.

ARTHRITIS TREATMENT: Fill #00 capsules with ginger and take 2 daily. This will reduce pain and swelling after several months of treatment.

BATH TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS: Put several cups of sea salt in hot bath water and soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes every day. (more…)

Arthritis Liniment: Add 1-1 /2 tablespoons of bruised mustard seeds and 1 /4 cup of cayenne pepper to 1 pint of whiskey. Simmer for about 10 minutes and strain. Dip cloth in the liquid while hot and apply to affected joint. Bottle and reuse by heating the liquid each time. Relieves pain fast. Caution: Apply warm olive oil to the area before applying the poultice.

Wintergreen Rub: Add 1 dram of wintergreen to 1 pint of witch hazel. Bottle and label. Use as a massage for sprains and sore muscles.

Arthritis Treatment: Here’s a recipe that’s included just for curiosity’s sake.When applied to the affected joint, stinging nettle is reputed to relieve pain within several hours. I add this just as a curiosity. I don’t believe I would use this as it could be very uncomfortable. (more…)

One of the best rubs I know is camphorated oil. Because it is no longer sold commercially, it may be necessary to make your own. You can purchase some small, 1 ounce camphor blocks from your local druggist. If it is not in stock, ask your druggist to order it for you, or to please stock it for you. Most druggists are very pleasant and helpful if you tell them why you need a certain product.

The camphorated oil is cheap to make and very handy to have around. It makes a good chest rub for chest colds as well being good for arthritic conditions. Shave the block of camphor in an earthenware or glass bowl, and add 1 ounce of menthol crystals. This too can be purchased at your local drug store. (more…)

Feverfew is extremely helpful against headaches, even migraines, and is of great benefit to those who suffer from arthritis. This herb relieves fever and stimulates weak appetite in a convalescent. It helps ease symptoms of the common cold by increasing the fluidity of mucus caught in the lungs and bronchial tubes. Although not as powerful as dong quai, feverfew stimulates uterine contractions, relieves cramps, and brings on menstrual flow.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

This hardy herb attains a height of two to three feet. The slender trunk of each stem branches out into several stems that bear alternating toothed leaves of a golden-green hue. The noted English herbalist Gerard described what he called “Featherfew” with these words: “It be tender, diversely tome and jagged, and nickt on the edges.” Feverfew flowers are small and similar to daisies in appearance, with yellow centers and white, rayed petals. (more…)