Natural Herbal Beauty

Tag Alder Salve: Add 1 ounce of tag alder bark to 1 /2 pint of hot olive oil. Cover and simmer 3 hours. Add 3 ounces of beeswax and 1 /4 teaspoon of tincture of benzoin to the strained mixture. Test for consistency and store in a labeled jar.

Tag alder’s signature is the small corky warts on its bark, so this would indicate that it could be used for various skin disorders. Using the signatures of the herbs is another good way to tell what you could use in preparing the salves.

Aloe Vera Salve: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of pekoe tea and 1 tablespoon of Irish moss. Allow to sit until cool. Add 3 tablespoons of aloe gel. Mix well and store in labeled jar. (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…)

Infusion, Cold

Some ingredients lose medicinal properties when heat is applied, but you can make a tea nonetheless. To prepare a cold infusion, measure the recommended quantity of ingredients and soak overnight in cold water. The following morning, you may warm slightly to sipping temperature, if you wish. Strain before using.

Infusion, Hot and Cold

On occasion, you’ll find a plant that contains some elements that are released by heat, and some that are leached out by soaking in cold water overnight. Here’s how to get around that dilemma. (more…)

There are dozens of herbs used for skin problems, just as there are dozens of different kinds and causes of skin problems. Different herbs help different rashes and different people. Most herbalists believe that a rash is a symptom of an internal complaint and prescribe ‘blood cleansing’ herbs or diet. Nutritional supplements such as zinc, vitamins B6 and E can help.

Before you rush off to seek professional advice, try these herbs:

Comfrey

Comfrey is available as an ointment or cream, or you can make a strong decoction (i.e. a tea boiled rather than infused) of the roots and leaves. Wash the roots with a nail brush before boiling. (more…)