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"
