Rose and Lavender Facial and Hand Cream

This luxurious cream is heavenly! It is very hydrating, calming and great to use just before bedtime! The rose is a natural astringent and pH balancer and the lavender is cleansing and calming. This makes for great gifts and is simple to make. I like to get my ingredients from Bulk Apothecary or Whole Sale Supplies Plus, both online.

Recipe

16 oz sweet almond oil or another moisturizing oil of choice (you can infuse it with dried lavender flower buds by heating over the stove top on very low heat for an hour, then strain).
4 oz beeswax or 1/2 cup either shredded or use the beads.
16 oz rose water
20-30 drops lavender essential oil
20 drops vitamin E oil

Melt the beeswax and oil together. Bring to room temperature or just until it starts to set up (this part is really important). While waiting for the oil to cool, add the essential oil and vitamin E. Once cooled almost to room temp immediately pour the rose water into the oil mixture and blend with an immersion blender until thick and creamy. Pour into bottles or jars. Label and date. Keep in the fridge for long term storage.

July 18, 2018

Sore Muscle and Bruise Lotion

This rich and soothing lotion is wonderful for massage or every day use. Be careful not to use on broken skin because it does contain the arnica plant and can poison the blood. You can make any kind of lotion with the basics of this recipe. Use whatever kind of oil, liquid and beeswax.

Recipe

Make a solar infused oil with equal parts fresh arnica flowers and leaves, dried lavender flower buds, dried marshmallow leaves, dried calendula flowers and fresh dandelion flowers.

Cover with olive oil and a lid. Be sure to label. Place outside in the sun for 2 – 4 weeks. If you are in a rush, use the stove top method by heating the herbs and oil over very low heat for an hour, be careful not to burn them. Strain through a mesh cloth and strainer. For every cup of infused oil you will need 1/4 cup or 2 oz beeswax melted with the oil. Allow the oil and beeswax to come to room temperature or until it just starts to set up.

At this point you can either use equal parts oil and purified water or an herbal infused tea (say for example, calendula tea). Immediately mix with an immersion blender until creamy. Add essential oils of your liking. I like to use 40 drops of rosemary and lavender as they are also helpful for tense muscles. Add 20-30 drops vitamin E oil as a preservative. Use a large syringe to squirt into bottles or jars. Label and date. Keep in the fridge for long term storage.

July 18, 2018

Black Drawing Salve

This salve is wonderful for drawing out an kind of infection or poison from insect bites especially. It is safe to use on animals as well.

Recipe

The first step is to make an oil infusion. This can be done either outside in the sun or over the stove top.
Solar or stove top infuse dried calendula flowers and dried plantain leaves. Place equal amounts of the herbs in a jar or small pot. Cover with 18 – 20 oz of olive oil, make sure the herbs are covered and place outside in the sun for 2 – 4 weeks. If you need it faster infuse the herbs is the same amount of oil over the stove top on very low heat for about an hour, be careful not to burn the herbs. Strain the herbs. You should measure out 18 oz infused oil for this recipe.

For the salve you will need:
18 oz. infused calendula and plantain oil
2 oz coconut oil
4-5 oz or (1/2 cup) beeswax shredded or beads depending on how hard you want the salve to be.
4 tablespoons activated charcoal
4 tablespoons Bentonite clay
30 drops tea tree essential oil
30 drops lavender essential oil
20 drops vitamin E oil

Melt the coconut oil and beeswax with the infused oil. Test the salve to make sure it is set enough to your liking by placing some in a spoon and placing in the freezer for 2 minutes. If it is set enough turn off the heat and add the remaining ingredients. If not add a little more beeswax. Quickly pour into tins or jars before setting up. You can always heat it slightly to melt down if it sets up too fast. Label and date. Keep in the fridge for long term storage.

July 18, 2018November 11, 2019

Ear Ache Oil

This ear oil is fabulous and very simple, especially if you grow all the herbs listed yourself! It works really well when alternated with freshly squeezed onion juice.

Recipe

Place equal amounts of fresh mullein flower, fresh or dried calendula flower, fresh St. John’s Wort flower and fresh chopped garlic in a small jar. Cover with olive oil by an inch or two. Cover and set outside to solar infuse for 2-4 weeks or place in a small pot over very low heat for one hour or until fragrant, be careful not to burn. Strain and pour into dropper bottle. Label and date. Keep in the fridge and warm under hot water before use. Place 2-3 drops in the ear 3 times a day, alternating with freshly grated onion juice. This has worked very well for my family.

July 18, 2018August 4, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Bee Balm

Medicinal Herb Post #30 written July 18, 2018

Bee Balm – Monarda fistulosa (purple), M. didyma (red)

Other names for this mint family perennial are wild oregano, horsemint and bergamot, not to be confused with the essential oil bergamot extracted from a citrus fruit in Australia. It’s simple to grow and can spread by seed or rhizomes. It is susceptible to powdery mildew so I’m careful to harvest the upper half of the plant just as the flowers bloom. It does well in heavy clay soils, but prefers some shade.

This herb is used medicinally and for culinary purposes. It has a “hot” flavor similar to oregano so it is simulating. It’s flowers and leaves are used as an antiseptic, carminative (breaks down harmful enzymes that cause gas in the digestive tract), and diaphoretic (helps sweat out fevers and toxins). Bee balm is great for warding off cold/flu. It is a great antifungal used to kill candida in the body and other fungal problems topically.

A tea it is used for headaches, digestive issues, sore throats and fevers and candida. It is also great for breaking up mucus in the respiratory tract. An application can be used for cleaning wounds or skin eruptions. 1 tsp per cup is the dosage.

Do you use Bee Balm?

July 18, 2018August 4, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Wormwood

Medicinal Herb Post #29 written on July 18, 2018

Wormwood – Artemisia abysinthium

This large perennial, is part of the same family as sage brush (Artemisia tridentata) and can grow everywhere if you let it go to seed. It is a cousin to white sagebrush or better known to natives as sacred sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) of which contains similar properties. It’s simple to grow and is considered a drought tolerant plant. It produces pretty soft silver leaves and tiny yellow flowers. Harvest the top half of the plant when the flowers just open in July/August.

Back in the 19th century it was made into an alcoholic drink that was thought to cause absinthism, a condition that created hallucinations and other mental health issues. It is said that some famous writers and artists such as Van Gogh, Hemingway, Oscar Wilde and Edgar Allen Poe were affected by the use of it in their work. Thujone is the chemical found in wormwood that was believed to be responsible for these negative effects, however more research has shown that back in the day it was more likely that the extracts were tainted with toxins due to impure production methods. It is still used today in flavoring bitters and vermouth along with clary sage leaves. It has a 160 proof alcohol content and not recommended for drinking by itself. One really cool reason for its use is that it is harmful to dangerous organisms… which may be why people used it for their health and killing parasites.

It is considered a great anthelmintic or herb that expels worms, especially pin worms, both in animals and humans. Wormwood is very beneficial in wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties and antioxidant levels. It is an antifungal, so it is great used for ringworm/athlete’s foot used as a wash or salve. It’s considered, along with other Artimesia species as a very good bitter to help stimulate the digestive system to function properly by increasing salivation and pancreatic enzymes and bile for the liver, strengthening and toning it. For this reason it has been used in formulas for IBS, heartburn and strengthening the immune system. Women have used it traditionally to promote menstruation and decrease cramping, which is why it shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or for women who are nursing. It can also deter mice and other small rodents when planted near structures such as a chicken coop or home. It is also used in insect repellent formulas.

The long term use of wormwood can be unsafe and should not exceed 4 weeks. It should not be used with other pharmaceutical drugs or in pregnant/nursing women.

I use it as a tincture along with Black Walnut and Cloves to give to my chickens every year as a de-wormer mixed into their water. You could also use the same herbs for humans.

The salve I make uses wormwood for any skin issues. My next endeavor is to try an anti-fungal salve with bee balm, wormwood, black walnut hulls and fireweed.

A tea can be made with wormwood and peppermint to enhance the bitter flavor. Use it internally or as a tea wash for rashes or insect bites to relieve pain.

July 12, 2018August 5, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Parsley

Medicinal Herb Post #28 written July 12, 2018

Parsley – Petroselinum crispum

Parsley is a biennial that goes to seed the second year and dies. I planted parsley one time when we first moved into our home 8 years ago and haven’t had to worry about planting again. It produces a lot of seed and will take over your garden if you let it. The flowers attract beneficial pollinators into the garden. I like to have 1st and 2nd year plants in my garden every year for different reasons, like cooking, medicine and pollinators/seed. All parts of the plant, leaves, roots and seeds are used either medicinally or for culinary purposes. It is high in chlorophyll and vitamins, A, B ,C, iron and calcium.

Parsley leaf is great for halitosis or bad breath and digestive issues like gas and bloating. It’s leaves are also a diuretic helping to flush the kidneys or other organs and tissues holding on to too much fluid in cases such as edema or congestive heart failure. It’s also great for bladder or urinary tract infections to help flush out bacteria. The root is an antilithic, an old word that means “stone” or in this case anti stone, breaking up kidney and gall bladder stones. I like to harvest the plants that are just starting their second year of growth. Yank out the ones where I don’t want them growing and chop and dry the root. Parsley should be avoided in large medicinal quantities by mothers who are nursing because it can dry up milk, unless that’s what you want, then go for it.

I just made a tincture for kidney/gall stones made with parsley root to break up stones, marshmallow root to soothe irritated tissues, lobelia as an antispasmodic to calm down constrictive smooth muscles and dandelion or parsley leaf as a diuretic to help flush everything out. This can be used acutely or as a preventative monthly or if one is less prone to stones, every 6 months.

I love adding parsley to salads, soups and especially making fresh garlic herb bread.
Cut two loaves of French or sourdough bread sandwich style. Heat 6 cloves chopped garlic, 1/4 cup chopped parsley leaf and 2 tablespoons oregano leaf, salt and pepper to taste in 1/2 cup olive oil. Be careful not to burn the garlic or herbs. Take off the heat once you start to smell the herbs. On the top of each loaf, spread softened butter. On the bottom of each loaf spoon the herb oil mixture and spread evenly. Close the loaves and wrap in foil. Heat in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes. Cut and serve warm.

This is one of my favorite summer dishes, most ingredients from the garden, including parsley!
https://rootedemily.com/?p=569

July 12, 2018August 5, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Garlic and Onion

Medicinal Herb Post #27 written July 12, 2018

Garlic – Allium Sativum
Onion – Allium cepa

Harvested my garlic and onions this week. Both of these Allium plants have much in common, are easy to grow and have versatile uses. Garlic should be planted in the fall, in full sun, with each clove about 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep. Feed heavily with nitrogen every 2 weeks once the bulbs start to shoot up green leaves in the spring. Harvest in the mid summer when the tops start to die back. You can dry the tops completely and braid each bulb, storing them in the pantry or cellar. Be sure to save your best cloves for replanting.

Garlic has been used for centuries as medicine. It is a great antiseptic due to its high levels of sulfur compounds. And because of its sulfur compounds it’s great for opening sulfate pathways through the liver to help the body detox. During WW1 doctors would use it to wash wounds to prevent infection. It is also a vulnerary herb which stimulates cell division and accelerates healing. Garlic is a wonderful antimicrobial herb, meaning it is great at fighting off bacteria, viruses and fungus. It stimulates the production of white blood cells, boosting immunity and helps to lower blood pressure and high cholesterol. It won’t raise cytokines so it’s great for fighting off respiratory illness that doesn’t want to go away and is also a good expectorant by breaking up mucus. It’s a good wormer for humans and animals, just chop up roughly 1 clove and swallow with water, 3x a day for 2 weeks. Garlic is also helpful for the digestive tract when feeling bloated from eating too much or eating foods that cause inflammation. I like to eat it chopped with a teaspoon of honey and pinch of cayenne pepper for sore throats. You can make a dressing to go over salad, soup, pasta or dipping bread by infusing it in olive oil over low heat or steeping in apple cider vinegar also on low heat. Add other herbs for more flavor.

I make a garlic ear oil for ear infections with mullein flowers, St.Johns Wort flowers, calendula flowers and garlic (fresh). Steep in olive oil in the hot sun covered in a jar or on the stove top on very low heat for about an hour. Strain and place in dropper bottle. 2-3 drops go in the ear at the first onset of infection 2-3x a day and a few days after symptoms go away. Keep in the fridge for up to 12 months. Warm it under hot water before using. Make a new batch every year.

I also really love the Winter Fire Cider recipe I learned from Rosemary Gladstar, a well known herbalist. Combine 1 medium chopped onion, 1 bulb chopped garlic, 4 tablespoons chopped ginger, 4 tablespoons chopped horseradish root and 3-4 chopped cayenne peppers or 1 tsp cayenne powder (used after it is steeped). Place in jar and cover with warm apple cider vinegar. Allow to steep on the counter for 3-4 weeks. Strain and add equal amounts raw honey to herbal vinegar (add powdered cayenne pepper if using). Take 1-2 tablespoons at the first sign of illness. Repeat every 3 hours until symptoms subside and continue taking 3x a day for a day or two after. It can be taken during pregnancy.

I like to start my onions from seed indoors in the winter under lights just an inch away from the plants. They can be planted as soon as your soil can be worked. They love lots of nitrogen just like garlic. Harvest when the tops begin to die back and fall over. Onions are also used medicinally as an antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, hypotensive (decreases blood pressure) expectorant and antispasmodic. I know people that make a poultice out of chopped onions and place on the chest for deep difficult coughs. You can make a syrup with chopped onion and honey for sore throats/coughs on the stove top over very low heat for about an hour or until the onion has infused into the honey. I know people that place a slice of onion on the bottom of their feet, wrap plastic wrap to hold in place then put on socks overnight to draw out illness. I’ve never tried it, but people swear by it. Onions are really good for people that eat high transfatty foods to help clean out arteries and fatty deposits. One thing I do use chopped onions for (outside of almost every savory dish I make) is to clear up ear infections really fast. I’ll alternate it with the garlic ear oil I make. Grate the onion and squeeze a few drops of the juice into the ear 2x a day. Seriously, it works so well you may only need to do it one time.

Here is my method of making onion powder
https://rootedemily.com/?p=928

Both of these herbs should be grown in every garden in my opinion. They are safe to use with no contraindications unless they cause heart burn or for nursing mothers with infants prone to colic. What do you use garlic and onions for medicinally?

July 12, 2018August 5, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Valerian

Medicinal Herb Post #26 written July 3, 2018

Valerian – Valeriana officinalis

Europeans brought this long time used perennial with them across the great waters. Valerian grows wild in our mountains and has the loveliest smelling flowers. It is considered one of the safest and most effective nervines to help with stress, insomnia, headaches, anxiety and muscle pain. It’s easy to grow, but does prefer partial shade and rich moist soil. It will self sow easily if it’s left to go to seed. The medicine is found within the root, which has a strong scent after it has dried. Some people find it appealing and may indicate they would benefit from it. It smells bad to other people, like repulsive stinky feet… which could be an indication that they don’t necessarily need to use it or that it could have an opposite effect on them. The fresh root smells better than the dry root. I recently learned from an herbalist in NM that the fresh root is better to tincture because it doesn’t contain the isovaleric acid, the chemical that makes it smell like stinky feet. This is also really good for those who may need to take valerian for an extended period of time because the isovaleric acid can cause depression if used for a while. Another reason to grow it.

It works to depress the central nervous system relaxing nerves and smooth muscles in the body that would contribute to pain relief. It also contains 2 compounds, valerenic acid and valerenal that have been found to help induce sleep and raise gamma neurotransmitter levels. Studies aren’t clear as to why it works in the body, but that it does and is even effective when used long-term and for acute problems. It has been used with hawthorn berry and lemon balm to calm anxiety and even high blood pressure.

I make a tincture with Valerian root, Hops flowers, Lavender, Chamomile and Lemon Balm that is very effective for going to sleep when one is tired and can’t quiet the mind. It’s also effective for getting back to sleep after waking in the night. It has no ill sides effects, like waking up groggy in the morning or having to become dependent on it.

When using equal parts, Valerian, Skullcap, California poppies and Chamomile it is a fabulous pain reliever. Add Lemon Balm to the mix for headaches.

For deep spasmodic coughs try using 1 part licorice root, 1 part valerian root, 1/4 part cinnamon bark and 1/4 part ginger root. Drink as a tea.

It is best to start with a low dose and work your way up as needed. If you take too much you might experience a heaviness in your body. Back off the amount again and start lower. If one needed to use the dry root tincture long term it is best to take a break after 2 weeks and then start again.

July 12, 2018August 5, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Angelica

Medicinal Herb Post #25 written July 3, 2018

Angelica – Angelica archangelica

This biennial, also known as wild celery was an essential food source for centuries in places like Greenland, Finland, Sweden and Norway. It is simple to grow and loves moist soil with afternoon shade. It’s happiest east facing. It produces big leaves the first year and an umbrella flower stalk that goes to seed the second year (as pictured). It can grow up to 6 feet tall. It is part of the carrot family, a group with many species both medicinal and extremely poisonous. It’s absolutely important you identify this family accurately. The whole plant is medicinal.

European legend says that revelation about this plant was given by an angel to help heal the plague in the 17th and 18th centuries, hence the archangel name. When harvesting both angelica root, lomatium root and the almost endangered osha root (all cousins) you will notice they smell very much the same and have very strong antiviral properties. The root needs to be dried before use as it has been known to be toxic when used fresh. It is an emmenogogue, an old word used to describe stimulation of the uterus. Therefore it shouldn’t be used during pregnancy. The root is an excellent herb to help expel any retained placenta after a woman gives birth. The dried root and seed are good for asthma and bronchitis. The seeds are used in tincture form for serious dysentery and cholera, making it a great tincture to have in the first aid kit. Angelica can be used for digestive problems from colic to stimulating an appetite. Interestingly, it has a bactericidal effect on the stomach, increasing acid and combating harmful bacteria like H.pylori. Angelica and calendula is a great combination for stomach bacteria issues. The GCE, the German equivalent to the FDA considers and approves the use of Angelica for high fevers, common cold symptoms, UTI infections and dyspepsia.

This is a wonderful herb to grow in your own backyard. It easily reseeds so it’s simple to grow and harvest.