Natural Herbal Beauty

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…)

Coughing is the body’s natural response to any blockage of the airway which may be due to dust and traffic fumes or mucous resulting from infection. Coughing can also be a symptom of a number of more serious illnesses, so professional medical attention is needed for any cough which persists for more than a few days or for which there is no obvious cause.

Coughs can be dry and irritating or “productive” with phlegm which can vary in shade from white to green — darker colours generally indicating an infection. Dry coughs can often linger for weeks following a cold and in some cases coughing can become a nervous habit. (more…)

COUGH SYRUP: Put 1 tablespoon elecampane, 3 tablespoons boneset, 1 tablespoon coltsfoot, 1 tablespoon Irish Moss and 1 tablespoon of lobelia in a pint of water. Boil down to half the liquid. Strain well and add 1 pint of honey. Refrigerate and take by the tablespoon as needed for cough.

COUGH SYRUP: Put 1 tablespoon each of boneset, Irish moss, white yarrow, slippery elm bark, thyme, peppermint, horehound and lemon balm in 1 quart of boiling water. Steep for 30 minutes. Strain well and add 1 quart of honey. Drink several cups of this liquid a day for coughs.

CURRENT COUGH SYRUP: Simmer 3 teaspoons of black currents in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain and add 2 tablespoons of honey. Use as needed for coughs. (more…)

BEST FOR BRINGING OUT MEASLES, AS IT WILL INDUCE SWEATING: Measles is a childhood disease that was thought at one time to be an uncomplicated disease. We now know that complications can and do happen. Best treatment is to have the little patient stay in bed and keep the room dimly lit. Provide quiet activities to keep the patient as quiet as possible. Provide plenty of liquids and keep the patient on a light, wholesome diet. Tepid baths seem to help the patient keep fever down and provide comfort. If the child is running a fever and the rash has not yet broken out, this herbal remedy will help them. Once the rash has broken out, the fever seems to go down somewhat. The disease lasts about 5 days. The fever should subside during those 5 days as the rash starts to disappear. (more…)

BRONCHITIS TREATMENT: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes. Some people are more prone to infection here then others. The infection is often preceded by a common cold, flu, or can be caused by a streptococcus organism. The predisposing factors may be chilling, fatigue, or even malnutrition. Many times the predisposition can be attributed to allergies or inhalation of chemical agents such as fumes or dust particles.

Treatment of chronic bronchitis should be supervised by your family physician. He or she will find the reason that you suffer from chronic bronchitis and treat you accordingly. Your treatment may require a change in living habits. Smokers have to stop smoking. You may even have to change your sleeping habits. Never sleep in an extremely cold room and be sure to cover your mouth during very cold weather when outdoors. Bed rest is advised along with plenty of fluids and a light diet. Broths, fruit juices, and again, I stress plenty of water. (more…)

Boneset has been used to improve the condition of the mucous membranes of the alimentary and bronchial systems, the bowels and the liver. It was also used by Native Americans as a diaphoretic, based on the belief that sweating out the toxins will help you heal. It grows in swamps or along the banks of rivers and streams, so could be used for colds, influenza or other “wet”diseases.

It’s history is interesting. It was used by early herbalists to set bones. The leaves were softened with water, wrapped around the injured area, and then bandaged tightly, often with a splint. This was a very primitive way of dealing with broken bones and should

NOT be used today. See your doctor for any bone break. There can be serious complications from broken bones, so don’t fool around— get proper medical attention. (more…)

As you become more experienced in working with the herbs, you will find the confidence to create your own recipes. To help you do that, I am giving you more recipes that include explanations of why each herb is included. The categories listed are: stimulants, diuretics, expectorants, astringents, nervines and tonics. Herbs from one category can be substituted for another from the same category. Of course, not all of the herbs in each of these categories are equal to each other as far as their potency and their secondary effects, so a little research will help you select the appropriate herbs from the categories. Just remember to use the herbs responsibly. When in doubt, consult your health care expert. (more…)

You can make your own cough drops by using the herb of your choice. Choose any of the herbs that are soothing, cooling, and astringent—or any that are used in preparing the cough syrups. To really soothe the throat, use balm of Gilead along with an aromatic herb.

You can even flavor your cough drops with herbs. Lemon flavor can be made by using lemon balm, lemon thyme, or lemon verbena. Licorice mint makes an excellent-tasting cough drop, as it has a light licorice flavor. Color the drops using food coloring if desired. Using horehound as an example, try this recipe substituting an herb of your choice. (more…)