It is interesting that cultures across the world continue to use a myriad of herbal remedies for many, many different types of ailments. Some of these are simple and some extremely complex, and many use age-old folk recipes.
Here are some simple earth-wise remedies that may help you fight some common winter ailments this chilly season! :) Considering the ingredients involved, I would assume these remedies are derived from an English/European heritage.
Note: As someone who is remains largely in the dark about herbal medicine, I have kept these to the basics and you should be able to find most ingredients around the house.
• To help a sore throat gargle a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. Alternatively add 5 drops of tea-tree oil to 1 glass of water and gargle. Warning: Do not swallow this gargle- as tea tree oil is toxic.
• To reduce the tickle in your throat, try a gargle with honey, popular in folk medicine. Steep 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in two cups of hot water and mix with one tablespoon of honey. Cool before gargling.
• To clear a stuffy nose and help yourself to a good night sleep add 1 tablespoon whisky, the juice of ½ a lemon and a little honey to hot chamomile tea.
• To warm your chilly feet mix 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 drops each of rosemary and black pepper essential oils. Firmly sweep your hand up towards your ankle and then lightly sweep down towards your toes.
• To unclog sinuses mix 3 drops peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and place your tent your head over the bowl and gently inhale in. Be careful not to go too close- steam can be very hot!
• Use oatmeal as a soap substitute to soothe flaky, dry skin. Oatmeal is recommended by dermatologists and is safe and inexpensive. Tie some oatmeal in a handkerchief, dunk it in water, then squeeze out the excess and use it as you would a normal face washer.
• Ginger has a great botanical ability to warm up a chilled body. Cut 1.5cms of fresh, peeled ginger and grate finely into boiling water, to make a yummy ginger tea. Allow ginger/water infusion stand and steep for 5 minutes before straining and drinking. It is very good with honey and lemon, but may be taken straight.
• To unclog sinuses mix 3 drops peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and place your tent your head over the bowl and gently inhale in. Be careful not to go too close- steam can be very hot!
• Use oatmeal as a soap substitute to soothe flaky, dry skin. Oatmeal is recommended by dermatologists and is safe and inexpensive. Tie some oatmeal in a handkerchief, dunk it in water, then squeeze out the excess and use it as you would a normal face washer.
• Ginger has a great botanical ability to warm up a chilled body. Cut 1.5cms of fresh, peeled ginger and grate finely into boiling water, to make a yummy ginger tea. Allow ginger/water infusion stand and steep for 5 minutes before straining and drinking. It is very good with honey and lemon, but may be taken straight.
May you all stay warm and well this beautiful winter season!! :)
Written by Briony
Photo by "Lavonne Rice-Gordon"
Photo by "Lavonne Rice-Gordon"
Great remedies Bri! I have been using most of these myself for yonks and they are very effective. The ginger tea is especially useful if you take it at the first sign of coming down with a cold...kills the bugs before they have a chance to take hold :)
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