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ISBN:Print978-1-942411-09-3|eBook978-1-942411-10-9

CONTENTS

Introduction

PART1NO-NONSENSEHERBALKNOW-HOW1.HerbalMedicineandYou

2.TheHerbalWorkshop

PART2THEHERBS3.TheFabulousFive:YourMust-HaveHerbsCHAMOMILE

ECHINACEA

GARLIC

PEPPERMINT

CALENDULA

4.TheThirtyWorthy:ThirtyHerbsforBeautyandOverallHealthALOEVERA

ARNICA

BLACKCOHOSH

BURDOCK

CAYENNE

CLOVE

COMFREY

EUCALYPTUS

GERANIUM

GINGER

GINSENG

GOLDENSEAL

HOPS

HYSSOP

LAVENDER

LEMONBALM

LICORICE

MULLEIN

PASSIONFLOWER

RASPBERRY

ROSEHIPS

ROSEMARY

SAGE

SELF-HEAL

SLIPPERYELM

ST.JOHN’SWORT

THYME

VALERIAN

WITCHHAZEL

YARROW

PART3THEREMEDIES(PLUSAFEWPRODUCTS)

5.FaceandHairCareACNE

CHAPPEDLIPS

COLOR-DAMAGEDHAIR

CROW’SFEET&LAUGHLINES

DANDRUFF

DRYSKIN

DULL,DRYHAIR

ECZEMAOFTHEFACE

OILYHAIR

PUFFYEYES

ROSACEA

SPLITENDS

6.BodyCareATHLETE’SFOOT

BODYACNE

BODYODOR

CONTACTDERMATITIS

DRYSKIN

ECZEMA

FOOTODOR

HAND&NAILCARE

HYPERPIGMENTATION

PSORIASIS

SPIDERVEINS/VARICOSEVEINS

SUNBURN

7.UndertheUnderwearERECTILEDYSFUNCTION

JOCKITCH

MENSTRUALPAIN&CRAMPS

PAINFULSEX

URINARYTRACTINFECTION

VAGINALODOR

YEASTINFECTION

8.MentalHealthandWellnessADDICTION&SUBSTANCEABUSE

ADHD

ANXIETY–OCD

ANXIETY–PTSD

BIPOLARDISORDER

DEPRESSION

EATINGDISORDERS

INSOMNIA

MEMORYPROBLEMS

MOODINESS

NERVOUSTENSION

STRESS

9.CommonAilmentsALLERGIES

BACKACHE

BLISTER

BRUISE

BUGBITES

BURN

CANKERSORE/COLDSORE

COLD&FLU

CONSTIPATION

CUTS&SCRAPES

DIARRHEA

EARACHE

FEVER

FLATULENCE

GASTROINTESTINALDISTRESS(GIDISTRESS)

HEADACHE&MIGRAINE

HEARTBURN/INDIGESTION

HEMORRHOIDS

HIVES

JOINT&MUSCLEPAIN

LARYNGITIS

NAUSEA/MORNINGSICKNESS

POISONIVY

PMS

SINUSITIS

SLEEPDEPRIVATION

SORETHROAT

SPRAIN/STRAIN

TOOTHACHE

WARTS

10.AroundtheHouseANTINFESTATION

DISHDETERGENT

DISINFECTANT

FLEAS

FURNITUREPOLISH

LAUNDRY

MICE

MOLD&MILDEW

MOTHS

PETODOR

11.TheDayAfterBREAKUP

DEATHOFAPET

DRINKINGBINGE

FENDERBENDER

HOMEFROMTHEHOLIDAYS

INTERNATIONALFLIGHT

LAYOFFORFIRING

MOVINGHOUSE

OVEREATING

TVBINGEWATCH

Glossary

HerbalBeautyCareKit

MentalWellnessCareKit

Resources

References

INTRODUCTIONWhileyoumightbecuriousaboutthehealingpowerofplant-basedmedicinesandproducts,maybeyou’rereluctanttodipatoeintotheseseeminglyetherealwaters.Butyoudon’thavetogiveupover-the-countermedicinetogetonboardwithherbaltreatments.Inalllikelihood,herbsarealreadyapartofyourself-medicationorbeautificationroutine—youjustdon’trealizeit.Lookcloselyattheingredientlistonmanyfacialcreamsandcleansers,shampoosandconditioners,andevencoughdrops.You’lllikelyfindherbalextractsofmanyoftheingredientsdiscussedinthisbook.

Introducingyourselftoalternativetreatmentsdoesn’tmeanyouhavetobondwiththegoddessorEarthMotherlabelsthatherbalmedicinehasbeenassociatedwithinthepast.Allthatthisbookrequiresisyoursincereinterestinlearningaboutremediesthatcanpreventandhealdiscomforts,plusthesideeffectsoflivinginafast-pacedmodernworld.Stressheadachesandfatiguearejusttwocommonexamplesofconditionsthatcanbetreatedeffectivelywithherbalremedies.Betweenthecoversofthisbookyou’llalsofindrecipesforeverydaybeautyandbodycare,mentalhealth,personal“intimate”carethatyoucansharewithyourspecialsomeone,householdproducts,andotherremediesforemotionalandphysicalwell-being.Whodoesn’twantthat?Chapter1willgiveyouthescooponwhatconstitutesherbalmedicine,how

successfulitisinbothpreventingandcuringailments,theimportanceofaromatherapyinyourmentalandphysicalhealth,plushowandwhytheherbalapproachworks.Chapter2iswheretherealfunstarts.You’lllearnjustthreesimplestepsto

startingyourownindoorgarden,thepropertoolsyouneedtogetstarted,andwhichherbstogrowfirst.Butthisbookisn’tlimitedtothosewhohave,oraspiretohave,agreenthumb.Theremainderofthechapterintroducesthemanypreparations—fromherbalteastomassagecompressestofacialscrubs—youcangetstartedmaking.Thechapteralsocoverswhattoshopfortostockyourherbalworkshop.Chapters3and4talkherb,providinganaccessible,need-to-knoweducation

onashortlistofherbs.Chapter3profilesfivemust-haveherbsyou’llwanttohaveonhand,andthenChapter4goesintothe30youshouldconsiderforyourhealingarsenal.You’lllearnwhythey’reessential,whatmakesthemsopowerful,howthey’reusedinavarietyofways,andhowtheycanbegrown.Chapters5through11containmorethan200recipesforthecommonissues

associatedwithourhealth,skin,andhome,issuesthatmostofusarelikelytoencounterduringthecourseofourlives.ConsultthehandyGlossaryatanypointifyouneedhelpabsorbingspecific

terminologyusedinthisbook.Ifyou’rereadytoputthepowerofyourhealthintoyourownhands,thisis

yourbook.Notonlywillyoulearnhowtoboostyourmetabolismtopreventdiseaseandillness,you’llalsoexploreremediesthatspeedhealing,cureallkindsofphysicalconditions,andimproveyouroverallwell-being.Evenbetter,herbalmedicinedoesn’thavetobeanall-or-nothingendeavor.Itcanbeusedtocomplementwhateverhealingmethodsyoucurrentlyusewiththeideathatwhenherbsareworkingforyou,yourneedforcommercialproductslessens.

NO-NONSENSEHERBALKNOW-HOW

Beforeyougetyourhandsdirty,checkoutchapters1and2tofindoutallyouneedtoknowaboutthebasicsofDIYherbalmedicineandhowtomakeself-carefitintoamodernlifestylewithoptimalresults.Whenfinished,you’llbearmedwithmust-havetools,easytips,manageableshoppinglists,andmore.Havefun!

1

HERBALMEDICINEANDYOUAModernAlternative

Ifyou’relikemostpeople,herbalmedicineisonyourradar,butnotnecessarilyinthemostpositivelight.Maybeyouenvisionherbalmedicineasbeingforsurvivalistslivingoffthegrid,theEarthMotherhippiecrowdboycotting“TheSystem,”orNewAgehealingcirclesshunningallthingsWesternmedicine.Butevenifit’snothingnearlysofringethatmakesyourollyoureyes—perhapsit’sGwynethPaltrow’sadvocacyofherbalenemas?—therearestillplentyofgoodreasonsnottothrowoutthebabywiththeherbalbathwater.

Commonissueswefaceeveryday—fromacne,dryskin,orbrittlehairtofatigue,milddepression,orstress—canbeprevented,lessened,ortreatedthroughthetargeteduseofherb-infusedlotions,shampoos,teas,andmore.Thegoodnewsisthatyoudon’tneedtospend$18onascentedcandlefromAnthropologietosatisfyyourlavenderfixorhunkerdownintheeucalyptussteamroomataluxuryspaforaromatherapybenefits.Youmayhaveheardthatherbalmedicinedoesn’twork,it’snotrootedin

science,orit’sbasedonancientprinciplesthataren’trelevantinamodernworld.Truthis,there’sareasonthatherbs(andfoods)havebeenusedtoheal,restore,andprotectpeoplefromillnessandinjuriesforcenturies.Begintounderstandthisbyexploringthesecommontermsthatareoftentossedaroundlikeorganicsaladgreens:Essentialoilsarenutrient-densevolatileoilsextractedfrompartsofaplant,

likestems,leaves,flowers,andfruits,whichgiveoffaspecifichealingaroma.Antioxidantsaremoleculesfoundinplants,herbs,andfoodandtheycombat

theharmfuloxidizingagentsthatdestroycells.Antioxidantsarenecessarytorepairorpreventcelldamageandlessenyourchanceofdisease.Vitaminsaresubstancesyourbodygetsfromfoodinordertoperformcertain

functionsthatitcannotperformonitsown.Vitaminsboosttheimmunesystemandarerequiredfornormalgrowthanddevelopment.Essentialoils,antioxidants,vitamins,andotherhealingcompoundstriggerour

bodiestofunctionefficiently,strengthenourimmunity,andfightillnessoverall.Herbalpreparationsofferthevehiclesforthesehealingagentstocomeintocontactwithourbodies.You’reprobablyawarethatmanyofthesesubstancesareextractedandstudiedbyscientists,reengineeredinlabs,andmadeavailableinpharmaceuticalprescriptions.Byreadingthisbookanddabblingwiththerecipes,youcangetclosertothesourceofthings—thepieceoftheequationthatcomesbeforeprescriptionsandreengineering.Inthesepages,you’llgetthestraighttalkaboutthemostpowerfullyhealing

herbs(withoutthebrandpushes,companyaffiliations,orphilosophicalagendas),pluswhytheyworkandhowtoincorporatethemintoamodernhousehold.Specifically,you’llgetuptospeedonthepros,cons,benefits,andsuggestedusesofarangeofherbalpreparations.Bytakingmoreofacomplementaryapproachtohealthandbeauty,it’slikelyyourdoctor’svisitswillstarttobefewerandfartherbetween.

WHATISHERBALMEDICINE?Putsimply,herbalmedicineinvolvestheuseofplantstopreventortreatillness.Weknowthattheearliestcivilizationsusedplant-basedremedies.Infact,between3,000and4,000yearsagohumansrecordedtheiruseofmanyoftheverysameherbswestillusetodayformedicinalpurposes.WhatmightseemNewAgetousinfacthasdeephistoricalroots.

HerbalMedicineThroughtheAges—BrieflyOddsareyou’veheardofgingkobiloba,evenifyoudon’tknowmuch—oranything—aboutit.Thisplantcontainsantioxidantsknownasflavonoidsthatareusedtoimprovecognitivefunctions.Butdidyouknowthatscientistsfoundfossilizedspecimensofgingkobilobadatingtopre-dinosaurage(roughly270millionyearsago)?InWesternherbalism,therearealsodocumentedrecordsofancientEgyptiansusinggarlictopreventandtreatillness,aswellastoenhancestrength;andjuniperoilformanagingkidneyandbladderdiseases.Thesefindingsdatebackto1700BCE.By100BCEtheGreekscreatedadetailedmethodologythatconnected

differentherbstoseasons,aswellastotheelementsoffire,air,earth,andwater.In77CE,aGreeksurgeonnamedPedaniosDioscoridescataloguedmorethan600plantsandtheirusesinhealing.TheRomanslateraddedtotheGreekphilosophiesandacataloguingsystemthatisstillusedinmedicinetoday.OneexampleofthisistheRomanconcentrationonpreventionratherthancures.HerbaltreatmentsarealsoseeninearlyEasternmedicinetraditionssuchas

TraditionalChineseMedicine(TCM)andAyurveda.SouthAmerica,Africa,Australia,andtheSouthPacificallhaverootsinherbalmedicine.Australianaborigines,forexample,discoveredteatreeoil,apowerfulantiseptic.ManyhealingherbshavebeendiscoveredinSouthAmericanrainforestsandmountains.

ESSENTIALOILS,ANTIOXIDANTS,VITAMINSANDOTHERHEALINGCOMPOUNDSTRIGGEROURBODIESTOFUNCTION

EFFICIENTLY

Ancientcivilizationsalsousedherbsforcosmeticpurposes.In1500BCE,Egyptiansdocumentedtheuseofvariousherbs.Fenugreek,theynoted,smoothedwrinkles;myrrhfreshenedthebreath.AncientGreeksusedroseoils

andwaterstocleanseandhydrateskin.Thesametypesoftreatmentsarestillquitepopulartoday.Youwantshinierhairoradandruff-freescalp?Anettle-basedtonicwilldothetrick.Nonettles?Noproblem.Parsleyandrosemarywork,too.Wantmoreradiant,youthful-lookingskin?Drinkginsengteatobrightendullness,increasecirculation,andcombatdarkcircles.Putafewdropsoforeganooilinyourmoisturizertokillsurfacebacteriaand

boostbloodflow.Or,incorporatesageintoyourregimen.Itregulatesoilproductionsoit’stheultimateacnefighterplusitscalmingeffectsworkwondersforwomengoingthroughmenopause.Youmaybethinking,“Sure,ancientcivilizationsusedplantsbecausethat’s

alltheyhad.Modernmedicineismoretargetedandsophisticated.”However,plant-basedcompoundsareusedinmanymodernpharmaceuticals.Simplyput,plantsarenaturalhealers.Thatfacthasn’tchangedsincethebeginningoftime.It’sonlyevolvedacrossgenerationsasit’smergedwithmoderndeliverysystemsandscientifictools.

TESTYOURHERBALIQAnswerthese10questionstocheckyoursmarts

1.___%oftheworld’spopulationusesherbalmedicine.A.50%B.80%C.20%D.5%

2.TheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO)estimatesthat____numberofplantsareused

aroundtheworldformedicinalpurposes.

A.3,000B.5,000C.7,000

3.Medicinalherbscomefromwhichpartoftheplant:A.stem

B.leafC.rootsD.barkE.seedsF.alloftheabove

4.Theglobalmarketforherbsandsupplementswillhit$______by2017.A.150billionB.107billionC.50billionD.90billion

5.TrueorFalse:Aromatherapyisbasedonscentalone.6.TheWHOreportsthat___percentofthedrugsusedintheUnitedStatesarederivedfrom

plants.

A.25B.50C.75D.10

7.___percentofmedicalschoolsofferalternativemedicinecoursesordegrees.A.25B.60C.75D.33

8.____percentofFortune500companiesincludealternativemedicineintheirhealthcareplans.

A.35B.50C.70D.19

9.TheNationalInstitutesofHealth(NIH)invests$___millionannuallyinresearchoncomplementaryandalternativemedicine.

A.10B.40C.60D.80

10.___percentofAmericansusealternativeorcomplementarymedicine.A.25B.40

C.55D.10

ANSWERS1.B.802.C.7,0003.F.Alloftheabove4.B.$107billion5.False6.A.257.B.608.D.199.B.4010.B40

HerbalMedicineToday

Today,morethanthree-quartersoftheplanetusesherbalmedicine.Westernresearchershaveproveninstudieswhatgenerationshavepasseddownforcenturies:Plantsgrownandusedathomeareeffectiveattreatingnon-life-threateningdiseases,andinjuriesorailmentssuchasbumps,bruises,headaches,fever,stress,depression,fatigue,andmore.Itmakessense.Consideralltheplantsyoueatonaregularbasis(yep,the

sameonesyoupullfromyourgardenortheproducesectionofyourfavoritegrocer):parsley,cilantro,sage,thyme,garlic,basil,ginger,mint.Youmighttosstheminagardensaladbecausetheyaddkicksofflavor,butthosesameherbs,spicesand,insomecases,vegetables,dodouble-dutyonceinsideyourbody.Theycarryantioxidantsandnutrientsthatbolstertheimmunesystemtofightdiseasebeforeitstarts.Inmoderndoctor’scircles,theycallthat“preventive”medicine.Sowhywouldn’tthosesameherbsbeusedjustassuccessfullyforhealingafteryou’vegottensick?St.John’sWortlooksbeautifulinavase,butit’salsofantasticforloweringstress.Chamomilemakesalovelyafter-dinnerteaoryoucanuseittorelieveindigestion,alleviatemusclespasms,reduceinflammationorcureinfections.Talkaboutgettingtwo(ormore)forone.

FORHEAD,SHOULDERS,KNEES,ANDTOES(ANDNOSE)

TheSkinnyonEssentialOils&Aromatherapy

Youdon’tneedtobeamarketresearchertoseethataromatherapyproductsareexplodinginpopularity.Butwaitaminute.Let’salltakeadeepbreath,inhalethefragrancesthatsurroundus,andunderstandwhatthetermmeans.

Aromatherapyinvolvestheuseoffragrant(aromatic)plantextracts,typicallyfoundintheessentialoilsofplants,withtheintenttoimprovephysical,mental,andemotionalwell-being.Youcan’tenterahealthfoodstore,lifestylestore,clothesboutique,orhomegoodsshopwithoutfindinganaisleofessentialoil-basedcandles,incense,potpourri,soaps,lotions,orcleaners.Andwhileyoucanlightascentedcandletomakeyourlivingroomsmellbetter,whatmakesanaromatherapyproducttruly,well,therapeutic,iswhenitsuseisnotmerelytopleasepassivelybuttohealorhelpactively.Aromatherapypracticeisnotlimitedtoinhalingessentialoilsfortheirstimulatingbrainand

moodeffects,thoughthat’sapopularmethod.Italsoincludesapplyingthemtopicallysotheirhealingmoleculesgotoworkinthebloodstream.Whatmakesthispracticesoversatile(andcool)isthatit’snoninvasivesoitcanworksoloorcomplementarily,alongsideotheralternativeormainstreamremedies,ortherapies,likeaboostershot.

TheSuperFuelBehindAromatherapySowhat,exactly,areessentialoils?Trulythesuperfuelbehindaromatherapy,essentialoilsarehighlyconcentrated,nutrient-densecompoundsthatareexpelled,pressed,orextractedfromplants.Thinkofthemliketheimmunesystemofaplant,keepingitsafefrompollutants,insects,andothertoxins.Essentialoilsworkthesamewayinyourbody.Inthecaseofaromatherapy,theyworkviasmellorabsorptiontohealthemind,body,andspirit.Unlikedrugsthatmasksymptoms,essentialoilsworkontherootcausesofyourissuesoyoudealwithproblemsheadonandquicklyratherthansimplysoothetheirsideeffects.Inmedicalcircles,thesepowerhousesarecalledadaptogens,whicharesubstancesthatworkin

avarietyofwaystobalanceyourbody’ssystems,fightstress,andbeatfatiguesoyouwardoffdiseaseandstayhealthy.Studiesshowthatadaptogenscandoeverythingfromspeedhealingto

suppressinfectionswithoutthesideeffectsordowntimeofsomepharmaceuticals.Someessentialoilsalsododoubledutyasanalgesics,whichmeantheyhavetheabilityto

reducepain.Clove,birch,peppermint,andthymeareparticularlyeffectiveanalgesics.Forinstance,thymeessentialoilhasbeenshowninstudiestoalleviatemenstrualpainbetterthanibuprofenaswellasinhibitCOX-2,theenzymethatwhenoverproducedinthebodycreateschronicinflammationandpain.Seechapters8and9forsmellingsaltrecipesthatrelyonaromatherapyformentalandphysical

reliefandwell-being.

KnowingtheGoodFromtheBadUnfortunately,notallessentialoilsarecreatedequal.Andlikemostindustrieswherebusinessisbooming,you’llfindbrandsthatdon’tliveuptotheirhype.Keepinmindthatthere’snoauthoritativebodyforessentialoilsthatensuresquality,verifies

ingredients,orregulateslabelingterminology.Onlabels,you’llfindallsortsofclaimsfrom“pure”and“therapeuticgrade”to“all-natural”and“organic.”Whilethosesortsofmarketingtermsareessentiallymeaningless,therearewaystogetthequalityyouneedwhenpreppingforDIYhandcrafting.Lookforlabelsthatnote“100percentpure”oils,whichareunadulteratedandcontaintheoptimalratiooftherapeuticcompounds.Thosethataren’tlabeled100percentpuremaybeblendsofotheroilsinordertomarkettheproductmoreexpensively.It’slikean“extra-virginoliveoil”thatyoudiscoverisactuallyablendofcanolaandoliveoilwhenyoureadtheingredients.Thisdistinctionisimportant.Thesehealingremediesareeffectiveduetotheircompletebotanicalprofilethatworksinunisonbothwithintheplantandlaterinyourbodytocreatehealingresults.Whentamperedordiluted,thebenefitsmaybelessenedoreliminatedaltogether.CheckouttheResources(here)foralistofreliablebrands.Formoreonshoppingfortheright

essentialoils,seeChapter2.

THEBENEFITSOFUSINGHERBALMEDICINENothingismoreempoweringthantakingchargeofyourownhealth.Thankstothepowerofherbalmedicine,combinedwithyourknowledgeaboutthebestwaystouseitandthescienceofmoderndeliverysystems,you’reabletofullyexperienceitsbenefitswithsafe,do-it-yourselfmethodsinyourownhome.Ifyouneedmoreconvincing,herearefivecompellingreasonstotest-driveherbsyourself:They’resafe.Forcenturies,herbalmedicinehasusednontoxicherbsthatareingredientsfoundinfood,medicine,andbeautyproducts.There’snoguessworkaboutwhetherthey’reharmful.They’renot.(Toxicherbsaren’tforsalecommercially.)Ifyouexperienceanyeffectsyoudidn’tanticipatefromusinganherb,it’slikelyduetotheamounttaken—you’veoverindulged.Anydiscomfortisshortterm,thetimeittakesforthecompoundstoleaveyoursystem.Oneruleofthumb:Ifyou’reallergictoaplant,herb,orspice,you’reallergictoitsessentialoils,too.

They’rechemical-free.Tobeclear,notallherbalmedicinesareorganic.However,mostoftheherbalremediesandessentialoilsinthisbookcanbepurchasedorganically,orifyou’regrowingathome,youcontrolthepurity,quality,andcaremethods.

They’recheap.Handsdown,homegrownherbsaremoreaffordablethanprescriptionmeds,evenwithacopay!Thisbenefitalsoappliestocommerciallysoldherbalproductswhichcangetpriceydependingontheherborwhereyoushop(ahem,WholeFoods).Lavenderessentialoil,forinstance,helpsyoufallasleepforpenniespersnooze,whichisfarcheaperthancomparableover-the-counterorprescriptionoptions.

TREATYOURSELFHIGH-QUALITYLABELSANDASHARPIENomatterhowphotographicyourmemory,thebiggeryourherbalmedicinecabinetbecomes,theharderitistotrackitscontents,especiallywhenitallstartslookingthesame.Eachlabelshouldincludethename,ingredients,dosage,anddateprepared.

They’rereadilyavailable.TheInternet,alongwithlargegrocerystoreand

healthfoodchains,havemadeeventhehardest-to-sourceherbs,essentialoils,andseedsaccessibleforpurchase.And,evenifyoudon’thaveagardenorfarm,yourwindowsillmakestheperfectplatformforgrowingpottedherbsyoucanplaywithinthekitchen.

They’reeasytoworkwith.Youdon’tneedtobeabotanist,herbalist,scientist,oranyother“ist”forsuccessfulDIYherbalmedicine.Youdon’tevenneedtohaveagreenthumb.Mostplantsthatfallintothecategoryof“medicinal”arealsoconsidered“weedy.”Weedsbynaturearealmostimpossibletogetridof.They’resturdy,hardysurvivalists.That’swhythey’reeasytogrow,theythriveinharshconditions,andtheir“neversaydie”constitutionworksjustashardinyourbody.You’llseefromreadingthisbookthattherearen’tmanytreatmentsor

remediesmoreversatilethanherbalmedicine.WhileyoumightpopaprescriptionAmbienwhenyouneedtosleep,youwon’trubitonawoundtomakeithealfaster.Or,youmightsuckonalozengetoeasethroatpainbutitwon’tdomuchforabackspasm.Theopposite’strueofplant-basedcompounds.They’reextremelyversatileandthankstoavarietyofdeliverysystems—tinctures,teas,lotions,shampoos,massageoils,candles,andmore—they’reusedtopreventortreatmorethanoneissue,especiallywhenusedincombinationwithotherherbs.Forinstance,youreverydaygarlicbulbcanbepickledandeatentofightcoldsandflu,combinedwitholiveoiltohealearinfections,ormixedwithanherbblendandoiltoeasedigestion.Aloeveraisanothergreatexample.Itcanbeaddedtolotionforanti-aging,combinedwithherbsandoilstohealburns,orrubbedoverarthriticareastoeaseinflammationandpain.Throughoutthisbook,we’llcoverthetopherbsandtheirmultitudeofusesin

avarietyofareas:body(forcosmetic,wellness,andhealingpurposes);mentalhealth(forstress,anxiety,depression,andmore);nontoxichomecareproducts(everythingfromcandlestocleaners);andmorningafters(tohelpyoufacethosephysicallyoremotionallychallengingmorningsfollowingthemorningafteramove,abarcrawl,thelossofapet,aNetflixmarathon,andmore).

HERBALMEDICINEGOESMAINSTREAMHerbalmedicinestillthrivesthroughouttheworldasresearchersproveit’sbotheffectiveandsafeasalternativeandcomplementarysolutionstocostlyprescriptionsandexpensivetreatments.Forecastersexpecttheglobalmarketforsupplementsandherbstotop$107billionby2017.

YOUDON’TNEEDTOBEABOTANIST,HERBALIST,SCIENTIST,ORANYOTHER“IST”TOMAKEDIYHERBALMEDICINE.

Herbalistsarenolongeronlygardeners,farmers,orbotanists.You’llfindherbexpertsaroundtheworldworkinginavarietyofpractices.They’reTraditionalChineseMedicinedoctors,medicaldoctors,naturopaths,osteopaths,acupuncturists,chiropractors,pharmacists,compoundingpharmacists,registereddieticians,estheticians,andmore.And,thankstomoderntransportationandpackagingsystems,you’renolongerreliantonwhat’sseasonalorlocalinyourat-homehealingpractice.HerbsgrownnativelyinThailand,Peru,India,orNewZealandarereadilyavailableonline,inyourlocalhealthfoodstoreor,yes,evengrownonyourownwindowsill.

JUSTLIKEUS

THECELEB:KristenBell

THEHERBS:coconutoilandessentialoilsofblackpepper,clarysage,bergamot,teatree,andgrapefruitTHEUSES:BodyscrubanddeodorantWHETHERYOULOVEDHERasVeronicaMars,oryourdaughteridolizesherasthespiritedPrincessAnnafromthemovieFrozen,Kristenhasbeencapturingourattentionforyearswithherbeauty,wit,humor,andsingingchops.Whenitcomestoherskin,you’dimaginethatKristencouldpurchaseanyproductshedesires.Instead,shemakesherownsimplebodyscrubfrombrownsugar,honey,andcoconutoil.Andtohelpstayfreshthroughlongdaysonset,hergo-todeodorantisanaluminum-freecream($12)fromtheherbalbodycarecompanyFatandtheMoon.Essentialoilsmakeupfiveofthecream’snineingredients,ensuringapotent,fragrant,andhealth-consciousalternativeforwomeneverywhere.

NaturopathyMeetsWesternMedicine

Naturopaths—thosewhomakeuseofnaturalherbsandremediesintheirmedicinalapproaches—havebeenpracticingherbalmedicineformallyforarangeofconditionssincetheturnofthetwentiethcentury.Whilethismightseem“alternative”intheUnitedStates,otherpartsoftheworldhaveamoreintegratedphilosophyofmedicine.AnarticlepublishedbytheUniversityofMarylandMedicalCenterestimatesthat,inGermany,70percentofphysiciansprescribenearly700plant-basedmedicinesintheirpractices.ButtheUnitedStatesiscatchingup.Greaternumbersofmedicaldoctorsthan

everbeforeareworkinginconjunctionwithnaturopathicdoctorsandherbaliststoputtogethertreatmentplansthatincorporateherbsintomedicalprotocols.AccordingtoGabrielleFrancis,anaturopathicphysician,chiropractor,andlicensedacupuncturistbasedinNewYorkCity,thebestexampleofthecomplementaryuseofherbsandWesternmedicineiscurrentlyhappeningattheCancerTreatmentCentersofAmerica.Manyherbalremediesareadministeredtoreducethesideeffectsofchemotherapyandradiationduringthetreatments,suchasnausea,ulcers,andwastingsyndrome.Intheweeksafterchemotherapyandradiationends,herbalremedieshelptodetoxthemedicationsoutofthebody.AsreportedintheWallStreetJournal,astudypartiallyfundedbytheNationalCancerInstituteconfirmsthathuangqintang—anherbthatpractitionersoftraditionalChinesemedicinehaveusedforcenturies—doesreducethesideeffectsofchemotherapy,aswellasenhancescoloncancertreatment.Researchershaveisolated62individualactiveingredientsinthesingleherbthatworktogethertotreatthedisease.AttheYaleUniversitySchoolofMedicine,Dr.YungChiChenghascarved

outanameforhimselfbypublishingandspeakingonthesignificantcontributionsofherbalmedicinetopharmacologicalresearch.HisstudiesofChineseherbsincombinationwithWesternmedicinehaveledtoinnovativetherapiesforhard-to-treatdiseasessuchasHIV/AIDSandhepatitisB.Yaleisn’ttheonlyhotbedofintegrativemedicalresearch.KathiKemper,

MD,isdirectorfortheCenterforIntegrativeHealthandWellnessatOhioStateUniversity,andhasbeenintegratingmind-bodytherapieswithWesternmedicinesince1981.Sheoffersaformalcurriculumtoteachdoctors-in-trainingalternativepracticessuchashypnosis,guidedimagery,andmeditationtoenhancetheirpersonallives,theirpractice,andtheirpatients’outcomes.Inaddition,she’sconductednumerousstudiesandinterviewssupportingtheuseof

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herbalmedicineintreatingailmentslikeADD(attentiondeficitdisorder)/ADHD(attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder),allergies,colds,depression,andheadaches.Inhernaturopathicpractice,Dr.Francisreportsthatshehasseengreatresults

intreatingthefollowingconditionswiththeircorrespondingherbalpreparations:Leakygutsyndrome:aloevera,licorice,marshmallow,andslipperyelmParasitesandcandida:peppermint,oregano,thyme,goldenseal,wormwood,blackwalnut,andberberineAdrenalfatigue:licorice,Siberianginseng,andrhodiolaFertility:vitexDr.Francisnotesthat,whilecertainpreparationsarebestforspecificconditions,it’simportanttorememberthatattheveryleast,herbscanbeusedasnutritionalsupportinthesamewaythatfoodismedicine.“Herbsprovidevitamins,minerals,electrolytes,andotherfood-likecompoundsthathaveabuildingeffectinthebody,”shesays.Ondayswhenyoufeelmorelikecookingthanmakingasalve,herbscanstillworktheirmagicthroughteas,stews,salads,andothereverydaykitchencreations.

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THEHERBALWORKSHOPTechniquesandTools

Nowthatyou’vegotthelowdownonthebenefitsandeaseofat-homeherbalmedicine,it’stimetogetyourspacestockedandsetupforsomesimplepreparations.Whileit’stemptingtogofull-onDIY,that’snotpractical—ornecessary.Youcangetalotofbangforlittlebuckbystartingsimple,investingintherightequipment,andusingminimalingredientsthatareasversatileastheyarehealthy.

STARTINGANINDOORMEDICINALHERBGARDEN

Noneedtogocrazywithhigh-techgreenhouselighting,innovativeirrigationsystems,orexpensiveseeds,soil,orcontainers.Remember,thisislow-maintenancegardeningfortheeasy-goingDIYerwhodoesn’twanttobreakthebank.Plantingcanbedonein3supersimplesteps…ready,set,grow!

1.Chooseyourcontainer.Unlessyou’reaseasonedcrafterandwanttobuildyourown,stopbyagardeningstoreandbuysomethingthatfitsintoyourstyleanddécor.Musthaves?Thepotshouldstandatleast6to8inchestall,havedrainageatthebottom,andcomewithatraytopreventwaterleakagefromdamagingyoursillorfurniture.

2.Pickyoursoil.Thebetterthedirt,thebetteryourgardenwillgrow.Lookforfast-drainingvarietiesthatyoucanmixwithyourfavoritesecretfertilizingweapon:sand,coffeegrounds,limepeels—whateveryouusetonourishyourhouseplantswillworkhere,too(exceptchemicalsprays,ofcourse).

3.Plantyourherbs.Startwithjustthreetofourherbs(remember,you’renotfarming,you’repreppingasimpleindoorgarden)andshootforthemostversatiletypes,likebasil,mint,ginger,thyme,sage,garlic,orechinacea.Whileyoumaybetemptedtouseseeds,whichareinexpensive,theycantaketwotothreeweekstogrow,whereasseedlingsorfull-onplantswillbereadymuchsooner.

Thefastest,easiestwaytobeginiswithasmallgarden,whetherit’sinyouryardoronacountertop.Doingsoconnectsyoutothesourceofyourhealingandempowersyoutotakeasmuchcareofyourherbsasyoudoyourmind,body,andspirit.Ifyou’vealreadygotagarden,lifejustgoteveneasier.Medicinalherbsareacinchtoincorporateintoplotsorplantersyou’vealreadygotgrowing.Nextyou’llneedtoidentifythetypesofherbalpreparationsthatappealto

you,anythingfromtincturestoteasandeverythinginbetween.Thisbookwillhelpyouchoosetherightherbsforyourselfandthebestwaystopreparethemforyourneedsandlifestyle.Noworriesifyou’renotamastercheforhavealove-haterelationshipwith

yourkitchen.Makingherbalremediesdoesn’trequireanyspecificskillsortalents,ratheragenuineinterestinyourhealthandalittletime.Thegoodnewsisthatyoureallycan’tmessitupaslongasyoufollowthesimpleinstructions.Thischapterisyourstep-by-stepguidetounderstandingthetoolsand

techniquesyouneedtocreateaone-of-a-kind“pharmacy.”Bytheend,you’llbereadytomakelotions,shampoos,teas,salves,tinctures,baths,syrups,home-cleaningproducts,andmore(seePart3).Beginners,fearnot.Thisisasmuchfunasitiseasy!

HERBALPREPARATIONSAftergrowingorpurchasingtheherbsthatappealtoyou,you’llbereadytobeginmakingpreparations.Eachpreparationhasitsownfunctionandtargetsspecificissuesandconcerns,butisnotplant-specific,meaningyoucanmixandmatchyourconcoctionswithdifferentmethods.Onthefollowingpages,you’llfindpreparationsdividedintotwosections:

PreparationsforHealthandWellnessandPreparationsforCosmeticCare.Eachsectionaimstoeducateyouabouttheherbalapproach,andincludesapplicationmethods,thekitchenequipmentyou’llneedtocreatethem,andthestoragecontainersyou’llwanttohaveonhand.PrecedingthesectiononcosmeticcarepreparationsisaKnowYourSkinguidetohelpyoudeterminewhichtreatmentswillworkbestwithyourskintype.

HERBALTEASHerbalteaisabitofamisnomerbecauseit’snottechnicallyatea.Ateabydefinitionisadrinkmadebysteepingthecuredleavesofthespecificteaplant(Camelliasinensis)inhotwaterandincludesvarietiessuchasoolong,black,white,yellow,andgreen.Herbalteaontheotherhandisablendofherbs,spices,andjustaboutanythingelseyou’dgetfromaplantsteepedinhotorboilingwater.Youcanuseroots,bark,flowers,peels,fruit,chunksoflemonorginger—addtoyourownlist.Redtea,akarooibos,alsofallsintotheherbalcategorydespiteitsname.Onewaytothinkaboutitisthatherbalteasaremadefrommostanythingyou’dfindinthegarden,likechamomile,mint,andechinacea.

Whilemostoftheworldisfairlyparticularaboutdrinkingonlythe“true”teas,theUnitedStatesisobsessedwithherbalteas(thankstotheirantioxidantlevels,medicinaluses,andlackofcaffeine)anddoesn’tseemtomindthemisnomer.Keepingthisinmind,thisbookusestheterm,tea,generically.Onceyouunderstandthedifferencebetweenherbalandnon-herbal

teas,thenextthingtoknowisthattherearetwotypesofherbalteas:infusionsanddecoctions.

InfusionAninfusionisateamadebypouringboilingwateroverdelicatepartsoftheplant—likefruits,leaves,driedflowers,berries,orbuds—andthensteepingtheliquidsothenutrientsareimpartedintothedrink.Thispracticeisdifferentfromcookingtheteainapotoverheat,whichdestroysnutrientsandenzymes.Instead,you’llgentlyletthesteepingtea“freefloat”inajartomaximizeextraction.Thismethodallowsyoutogetboththeflavorsandthenutrientsfromtheherbs.Youcanusedriedherbs,aswellasfreshones.Justbesurethatthedriedherbshaven’tpassedtheirshelflife,whichdiminishestheirhealingpowerandpotency.Oncetheherbsarestrainedoff,yourinfusionisreadytodrink.AFrenchpressisahandywaytocreateinfusions.Teainfusionsareusedfortheirflavorormedicinalpurposesorboth.

They’reagreatwaytoincorporateherbsonaneverydaybasis.

Applicationmethod:Aromaticinternaltopical(poulticeorcompress)Kitchenequipment:Pan,liddedjars,Frenchpress(optional)Storageequipment:Liddedjarsortins(forextraherbblend);liddedjarsorpitcherstostoreextrainfusions

DecoctionWhileinfusionsaremadefromthemostdelicatepartsofplants,decoctionsarehigh-poweredherbalteasmadefromtheheartiestpartsofplants,suchasfibrousstems,thickbark,seeds,nuts,orroots.Becausethesecomponentstendtobeontherougher,denserside,ittakesaslowheattoextractalltheirmineralsandhealingelements.Inotherwords,simplysteepingtheminboilingwaterisn’tenoughtoreleasethepotentnutrientsandthericherflavorsinsidetheseheartier,toughermixtures.Decoctionsrequirethatyoucombineallofyourherbsintoanon-

aluminumpotwithcoldwaterandslowlybringthemixturetoaboil.(Avoidaluminumbecauseitmightcauseachemicalreactionwithsomeherbs.)There’snosettimelimitonhowlongtosimmerorboil.Instead,waituntilthewaterreducesbytwo-thirdsofitsoriginalamount,leavinganextraordinarilyconcentratedmedicinaldrink.Strainofftheherbmixturebeforeyoudrinktheremainingdecoction.

Applicationmethod:Aromaticinternaltopical(poulticeorcompress)

Kitchenequipment:Pan,strainerStorageequipment:Liddedjarsortins(forextraherbblend);liddedjarsorpitcherstostoreextradecoction

OILSIfyou’vemadesaladdressingorchilioilforbreaddipping,thenyou’vebasicallymadeanherbaloil.Theonlydifferencewiththemethoddescribedhereisyou’llheattheoilanduseherbsdesignedtotargetspecifichealthissues.Whilethere’sarecentexplosionofherbaloilsinthemarketplace—suchasrosemaryforhairandscalp,andcalendulaforskinailments—they’renotanewthing.Infact,they’vebeenusedforcenturiestoimpartthehealingnutrientsofplantsintotheskin.Thetypesyou’lluseinthisbookaren’tanydifferentthantheonesyou’llfindinahigh-endspatreatmentroomorondepartmentstoreshelves,exceptthepricetagismuchlower.

Oliveoilisthego-tooilforherbalmedicinebecauseit’schockfullofhealthyfattyacids.Itsviscositymakesitperfectformassagingintoskinandpreppingsalves,too.Becauseithasafaintolivesmell,youmaynotloveitforbathoils,butitdoesthetrickintermsofnourishingandmoisturizingyourskin.

Regardlessofwhichherbalremediesyouprepare,startwithacarrieroil.

Carrieroilsareusedtodilutehighlyconcentratedessentialoilsbeforethey’reappliedtoyourbody.

Applicationmethod:Aromatic,internal,topical

Kitchenequipment:Doubleboilerorasaucepanwithastainlesssteelbowlatop,stainlesssteelstrainer,cheesecloth

Storageequipment:Glassjars,labels

SALVESANDBALMSSalvesandbalmsareointmentsdesignedtoheal,protect,orsoothetheskin.Thebasicingredientisgenerallyacarrieroil,anessentialoilorinfusedoil,(carrieroilspikedwithhealingherbs),beeswax,orsomecomboofoilsandwaxesastheirfoundation.Fromhere,chooseyouringredientsbasedontheissuesyou’retryingtotreat,suchasrashes,acne,dryskin,chappedlips,bugbites,allergies,sunburn,andmore.Mostoftheherbsyou’llneedareeasilyfoundinyourbackyardoronyourwindowsillandareteemingwithskin-fixingnutrientsandessentialoils.Or,skipastepandstartwithinfusedoilssoyouhavelessdoctoringuptodo.

Mostherbalists,naturopaths,aromatherapists,andalternativemedicineexpertsusetheterms“salve”and“balm”interchangeably.Bothpreparationscanvaryinthicknessandratioofoilstowaxbasedonyourpersonalpreferenceandapplicationneeds.However,theyshouldcontainzerowatersorfats,bothofwhicharereservedforpreparinglotionsandcreams.Salvesandbalmsaredesignedtobeplacedtopicallyontheskinasavehicleforimpartinghealingcomponentsintoyourbody.

Applicationmethod:Aromatic,topical

Kitchenequipment:Doubleboilerorasaucepanwithastainlesssteelbowlatop,stainlesssteelstrainer,cheesecloth.

Storageequipment:Glassjarsortins,labels

TINCTURESANDLINIMENTSAtinctureistheconcentratedliquidformofanherbthatistakenorallyorusedasanexternalremedy.Tincturesaremadebysoakingherbsinasolvent—basically,asubstancethatdissolvesothersubstancestoformasolution.Alcoholssuchasvodkaandginarethemostcommonsolventsusedintinctures,thoughapplecidervinegarisanotheroptionthatisgrowinginpopularity.Thesolventworksbyextractingtheessentialcompoundsfromtheherb.Themixtureisthenstrainedandtransferredtoadarkbottle.

Alcoholsusedintincturesshouldbeinthe80-to100-proofrangeformaximumextractionofherbalnutrients,essentialoils,andotherhealingplantjuices.Eightyto90-proofalcoholsalsoworkifyou’reusingnon-juicyordriedherbsinyourtincture.Manyherbalistsbelievethatiftheconcentrationismadewithanythingotherthanalcohol,it’snotatincture,ratheranextract.

Alinimentisatypeoftincturethatisappliedtopically,notinternally.Thisbookdoesnotincludeanyremedies,otherthanteas,fororalingestion.

Applicationmethod:Internal,topical

Kitchenequipment:Knife,cuttingboard,alcohol,glassjarwithlid

Storageequipment:Darkglassbottlewithadropper

BATHSBathsarelikeherbalteasforyourbody.Dependingonthetypesofherbsyouuseandthetemperatureofyourwater,yourpreparationcanstimulateyoursensesorrelaxthem.Forexample,herbslikechamomileorrosemaryareperfectfornighttimerelaxation,whilepeppermintandgreenteamakeforamazingmorningpick-me-ups.Herbalbathscanproducegreathealingresults.Theyincreasecirculation,sootheachingmuscles,lowerstress,staveoffcoldsandflu,relieveinflammation,boostthemood,tonetheskin,andpromotecellrepair.Basically,herbalbathsarelimitedonlybytheirspecifictherapeutichealingpowers.Youmaybesurprisedtoknowhowbeneficialbathingcanbewithsimplytheherbsyou’vegotstashedinyourrefrigerator’scrisper.

Howdotheseherbsworkinthebath?Likesteaminafacial,bathwateropensporesinyourskin,whichallowsthehealingcompoundsyou’resoakingintoseepintoyourbody.Yourherbalbodyteaismorethanenoughtoprovideamplehealing.However,youcantaketheexperienceupanotchbydimmingthelightsandaddingcandles.

Applicationmethod:Aromatic,topicalKitchenequipment:Cheesecloth,orstrainer(ahandkerchiefornylonstockingwillalsowork)Storageequipment:Jarwithlid

POULTICESANDCOMPRESSESApoulticeisfreshordriedplantparts,usuallywarmed,andplacedinapieceofclothtobeusedlikeabandage.Poulticesareappliedtowoundsandinflammationtostoppain,swelling,andsoreness.

Acompressisapieceofcloththatissoakedinherbsandthenapplieddamptotheaffectedpartofthebody.Itcanbeanytemperaturedependingonhowit’sused.Compressesandpoulticeshavebeenusedinvariousformsas

antisepticsandanti-inflammatories.Attheirheart,bothtechniquesinvolveplacingwetormoistherbsoveraphysicalproblemareasotheskintissueabsorbstheherbaltherapies.They’vebeeninplaysincetheearlydaysofChina,Egypt,andGreece.

PoulticesPoulticesaresimplyacombinationofmoistherbs,clay,orotherabsorbentsubstancesapplieddirectlytotheskinoraffectedareas.Youchoosetheherborherbalblendbasedonyourparticularailment,whiletheherbsorclayactasanabsorbent,ratherthananutrient,sousewhateveryouhaveavailable.Thiswarmpaste-likeremedyisthenplacedoveryourwoundandkeptwarmwithaheatingpadortoweltoreduceinflammationanddrawoutinfectionifthereisany.Generally,poulticesareleftonuntiltheclaydriesout,oruntilthepoulticeiscooledandtheailmentreevaluated.Ifyou’vegotburns,bites,rashes,achymuscles,pimplesorblemishes,

tumors,cysts,swollenglands,sprains,orsimilarconditionsinwhichyouneedtodrawoutimpurities,boostcirculationtoanarea,orsootheirritation,thisisyourgo-totreatment.

Applicationmethod:Aromatic,topical

Kitchenequipment:Cottonfabrics(optional)

Storageequipment:n/a

CompressesAcompressissimilartoapoulticeinthatyou’redrawingoutimpuritiesandincreasingcirculationtoaproblemarea.However,unlikeapoultice,thisremedyissimplyaboutapplyingahotorcoldliquidontoyourskinviaatowel(ratherthanapastemadeentirelyofherbs).Wheredotheherbscomeintoplay?Insteadofatraditionalcompress

ofwater,you’lluseanherbalteaoressentialoilinwaterasyourliquid.Compressesaretypicallyeasiertomakeandpreparecomparedto

poultices.Thisisparticularlythecaseifyou’realreadybrewingapotofherbaltea.Theonlyrealdownsidetoboththesepreparationsisthattheycanbemessytocreateanduse,whichlimitstheirportabilityandfunctionality.Toreduceswellingandinflammation,usecoldcompressesfor45to

60minutesatatimethroughouttheday.Coldcompressesaregoodfortreatingbruises,swollenglands,sunburns,sprains,achesandpains,digestiveissues,skinissues,respiratoryproblems,constipation,andevenirritablebowelsyndrome.Hotcompressesmovebloodtoyourskin’ssurfacewhichhelpsget

impuritiesoutofyoursystem.Forexample,theycanhelpalleviatethediscomfortofcongestion.Simplyplacethetreatedtowelonyourfacetoreceivesomerelief.

Applicationmethod:Aromatic,topical

Kitchenequipment:Softcottonfabrictowels

Storageequipment:n/a

KNOWYOURSKINConnectyourskintypetotheappropriatecaretokick-starthome-

basedtreatmentsthat’llhaveyourskinglowing.

Youwouldn’tbuyfacialmoisturizersorcleanserswithoutknowingyourskintype.Samethinggoesforherbalmedicine.Beforeyoucaneffectivelytreatyourbodywithplant-basedcreamsandsoaps,it’simportanttoknowwhichofthesefivecharacteristicsbestdescribesyourskin:

NormalorBalanced Oily Dry Combination Sensitive

Thisknowledgeallowsyoutomanagetheingredientsthatgointoyourpreparations,andtheirratios,foroptimalefficacy.Plus,it’sthekeytoflawless-lookingskin.Checkoutthisbreakdownandbesuretoreassessyourskin’sconditioneveryfewmonthsasitchangeswithseasons,hormones,weather,andstresslevels:

NormalorBalancedNormal,orbalanced,skinisexactlylikethenameimplies:neithertoooilynortoodry.It’sgotfewtozeroimperfectionsorblemishes,barelyvisiblepores,littletonosensitivity,andabeautifullyglowingradiance.Yep,youguessedit…thisistheskinpeoplestrivefor.TheonlyissuesyoumayexperiencearetheoccasionalblackheadsintheTzone(chin,nose,forehead)orupperback,alongwithhead-to-toedehydrationinthewinter—nothingthatdrinkingwaterandapplyinglotioncan’tfix.

CARE:Optforgentle,water-basedsoaps,lotion-likecleansers,cleansingoilsoroat-,nut-,orseed-basedmilkorclayblendsforbothfaceandbody.Forpost-cleansing,misttea-orherbalvinegar–basedtoneroverskin—forexample,rose,calendula,chamomile,rosemary,orlavender—followedbyalightweightmoisturizertolock-inhydration.

OilyIfyou’vegotmediumtolargeporesinyourTzone,back,chest,neck,orshoulders,you’relikelyoily.Thistypeofskinisoftenshinyagainjustanhourpost-cleansing,andmakeuptendstovanishquicklyafterapplication.Whileyoumightbeacne-prone,theupsideisthatwell-hydrated

skintendstohavezerofinelinesandveryfewwrinkles.

CARE:Twicedaily,useagentle,moisturizingsoap,gel,orcleanser.Itshouldbewater-,milk-,orclay-basedandcanincludefinelygroundnuts,seeds,andoatstoaidinhydration.Itsoundscounterintuitivebutdehydratedskinmakesoilworse,becauselackofmoisturetriggerstheskinglandstoproduceafattysecretion(calledsebum)tocompensate,whichresultsinoilierskin.Followyoursoaporcleanserwithhydratingmist,lightweightherbalmoisturizers,andtwice-weeklyscrubsormaskstokeepoilatbay.

DryWhiledryskinhassmallpores,itlacksthemoisturenecessarytocreateaflawless,radiantglow.Signsyou’vegotdryness?Flakiness,redirritatedpatches,finelines,wrinkles,andatightfeeling,especiallyaftercleansing.

CARE:Avoiddehydratingskinfurtherbyswappingoutsoapforcreamy,moisturizinglotionsoroil-basedcleansersasyourfacewash.Sootheirritationanddial-upmoisturewithatonerorsplashmadewithherbalteas.Lemonbalm,fennel,neroli,lavender,marshmallowroot,orcalendulaaresomegoodcandidates.Hydrateheadtotoewithanultra-lushmoisturizerdesignedtoheal,repair,andnourishskin.

CombinationCombinationskingetsitsnameforareason:You’vegotacombinationofmultipleskintypes,sayoilyintheTzonewithdrynessinthecheeks.Thismeansyou’relikelypronetoflakinessincertainareasandbreakoutsinothers,andasageneralrule,skinissensitive.

CARE:Thistypeneedsextralove!Cleanseheadtotoewithproductsdesignedtotreatoilyskin(gentle,moisturizingcleansinglotions,oils,orlathers).Tonefacewithamildherb-infusedapplecidervinegar(tryrose,comfrey,lavender,orchamomile).Thesameherbblendcanbeusedtocreateatea-basedbodywashforpost-shower.Hydratewithalight-ormedium-weightmoisturizeroraddafewdropsofherbaltincturetoyourfavoritelotions.

SensitiveSensitiveskinreactsstronglytoexternalconditions,suchasweather,temperature,skincareproductsoringredients,foods,andmore.Ifyou’rethetypethatburnseasilyinthesun,getsrashesorirritationwhenexposedtoparticularelements,orexperiencesrednesswhenairistoohot,cold,dry,orhumid,thisskintypemightbeyours.

CARE:Treatdelicateskinlikeyouwouldoilyskinwiththeexceptionofcleansingtools.Neveruseharshbrushes,thickorknobbytowels,loofahs,sponges,orexfoliatingtoolsonasensitiveface.

FACIALCLEANSERSFacialcleansersaremadebymeltingsolids,suchassheabutter,cocoabutter,orbeeswaxsothey’rebetterabletomixwithessentialorinfusedoils.Thetypeofbutterorwaxyouusedependsonwhetheryouwantacreamier,thicker,orfirmerconsistency.There’snomagicthicknessorrighttexture—it’ssimplyamatterofyourpersonalpreference.Youcanstoreyourendproductsinthebathroomwithyourotherskincareandthey’lllast30daysorso.Remember,they’vegotnopreservatives!Tostretchtheshelflife,keepyourcleanserunopenedintherefrigeratoranditwillstayfreshforuptosixmonths.

Skintype:All

Kitchenequipment:DoubleboilerorasaucepanwithastainlesssteelbowlatopStorageequipment:Plasticorglassjarsorbottles

TONERSANDASTRINGENTSAtonerisalotionorwashdesignedtobrightenandrefreshsensitive,dry,ornormalskintypes.Theycanbeusedtocleansetheskinandshrinktheappearanceofpores,andareusuallyusedontheface.

Astringentsaremorepowerfulformsoftoners,particularlycommercialvarieties,whichareoftenmadewithisopropylalcoholoracetone(yeah,thatsamestuffthat’sinyournailpolish),soyoucanimaginehowdryingandharshitistoskin.Thebonusofherbalastringentsisthatthey’resoothingandgentle,butstilleffective.

Themainpurposeofastringentsandtonersistowipeskinofresidualcleansers,dirt,oroil.TheyalsoprepskinformoisturizerandbalancepHlevelswhilealsotighteningtissue,reducingswelling,andeasinginflammation.MostastringentsandtonersintherecipesinPart3containalcohol-freewitchhazelextract,apowerfulbutsimpleingredientforpullingimpuritiesfromtheskin.

Whileastringentsandtonersdonothavetoberefrigerated,applyingthemcoldshrinkstissuesmoreeffectivelythanatroomtemperature,plusitfeelsgreatonahotday.Guaranteefreshnessbystoringthemintightlyliddedglassbottles,spritzers,orjars.Makesureyou’vegotcottonsquaresonhandtoapplythesolutiononthefaceandneckinupward,outwardstrokes.

Skintype:Astringents:Combination,Normal,Oily;Toners:Dry,Normal,Sensitive

Kitchenequipment:n/a

Storageequipment:storagecontainers,bottlesorjarswithlids,orspraybottles

MASKSAmaskissimplyaskintreatmentusedfordetoxing,deepcleaning,andpurifyingskin,headtotoe.Masksareoneoftheoldestbeautysecrets(youcanthanktheancientEgyptiansforthisone).Whilemasksusedtobeprimarilymadeofclay,modernDIYersarealsousinggrains,fruitorvegetablemashes,aloevera,andmoretogetflawless,radiant,deep-cleanskin.

Thebeautybehindthistreatmentisthatyoucancustomizeyourmasktoyourparticularskinneedstodofarmorethansweepporesofdirtandgrime.Dependingontheherbsyoublend,today’s“high-tech”all-naturalpreparationcansootheirritation,ridyoursystemoftoxins,ampupcirculation,calminflammation,tightenpores,replenishmoisture,andbrightenyourlook.Notbadforsomethingthattakesminutestoprepwithstuffyoufindinyourgardenorcrisper.Seeindividualrecipesforspecificapplicationandpreparation

guidelines.Forthemostpart,youcanmakemaskseasilyandquickly.Simplywhiskingredientsintoapasteinabowlbeforeapplyingtoyourfaceorotherpartofthebody.Thenrelaxwhilethemaskdoesitsthing.Post-cleansewithyourfingertips.Recipestendtobegentleenoughforweeklyorsemiweeklyuse,butyouknowyourskin,soyoubethejudge.

Skintype:All

Kitchenequipment:Bowls,whisk,spoon

Storageequipment:Mostmasksareintendedforasingletreatmentbutdryingredientscanbestoredinaplasticorglassjar,zip-sealplasticbag,oratin.

MOISTURIZERSAmoisturizerisapreparationthathydratesyourcells.Itactslikeaprotectiveshieldthatseparatesyourskinfromtheharshelementsincludingweather,seasonalchanges,pollutants,dirt,andmore.Theseformulascanbemadeindifferentweights(lighttothick),usingoilorwaterbases,soyoucancustomizethemaccordingtowhetheryouneedmoreorlesshydration.Generallyspeaking,you’llapply½to1teaspoonoveryourentirefaceaftercleansing,toning,orapplyingascrubormask.

You’llseethatsomeoftherecipesinthisbookrequirecookingtheingredientsinadoubleboileroverlowheat,tomeltsolidslikebeeswaxorcocoabutter,andothersrequirenomorethanwhiskingingredientsinabowl.Thecommonthreadinalloftherecipes?You’llseeamazingresultsinaveryshorttimewithminimaleffort,certainlynomorethanmakingaquickstovetopmeal.Thesebeautieshaveashelflifeofaboutonemonth.Moisturizersneed

norefrigeration,makingthemperfecttostorealongwithyourotherskincareproducts.Ifyourefrigerateinatightlysealed,unopenedcontainerinthefridge,theformulascanlastuptosixmonths.

Skintype:All

Kitchenequipment:Doubleboilerorasaucepanwithastainlesssteelbowlatop,smallbowl,whisk

Storageequipment:Glassjar

SCRUBSScrubsaredesignedtosloughoffdead,drycellsfromyourskin’ssurfaceleavingitsofter,smoother,andmoreradiant.Useddailyorweekly,overtimeyou’llspeedcellturnover,smoothcomplexion,evenskintone,andbrightenyourglow—allthesamepromisesyougetfroma$200jarofluxuryskincarewithoutthechemicalsandhighpricetag.

Ifyou’reaconnoisseurofcommercialbrands,you’relikelyfamiliarwiththeirroughgranulartextureandharshingredients.Therecipesinthisbookaresofterandgentlersoyou’reguaranteedsmoother,morenourishingresults.Infact,unlikechemical-andpreservative-ladenstorebrands,theseblendsdon’tstripskinofitsnaturaloilssoyoucansafelyusethisasyourdailyfacewash,especiallyifyouwearlittletonomakeup.Thekeywithscrubsisthatyou’relettingtheproductdothe

“scrubbing,”notyourhands.Theskinonyourfaceandneckisfartoogentleforyoutorubintheproductorexfoliateitthewayyouwouldelbows,knees,andfeet.Instead,slatherongently—avoidingtheultrasensitiveeyearea—andletitgotowork.Leaveon15to20minutesbeforerinsing.

Skintype:Allskintypesexceptonescurrentlyexperiencingacne,brokenveins,sensitivity,inflammation,irritation,sunburn,windburn,orrosacea

Kitchenequipment:Doubleboilerorasaucepanwithastainlesssteelbowlatop,bowl,whisk

Storageequipment:Plasticorglassjars,zip-sealplasticbags.Dryingredientscanbestoredinthosesamecontainersaswellastins.

SHOPPINGFORINGREDIENTS

You’renowintheknowaboutwhatyouneedtopreparesoit’stimetoshop!Mostoftheitemsyou’llneedcanbefoundatyourneighborhoodhomegoods,hardware,orgeneralmerchandisestores.Alternatively,they’rereadilyavailableonlinewiththeclickofafewbuttons.Nothingonthesepagesisextravagant,gourmet,orimpossibletosource.

BasicKitchenToolsFindthesebasicsandyou’reontrackforcreatingaDIYherbalmedicineworkshopinasnap:double-meshedstrainer,stainlesssteeldoubleboiler,oramediumsaucepanandaslightlylargerstainlesssteelbowltoperchontopglassjarswithtight-fittinglids(suchasMasonjars)andwithspraytops,4ounceand8ouncedarkglassbottlewithadropperforserum,2ounce,fortoner(optional)tincontainerswithlidsforsalvesandbalms,4ounceand8ounceglassbowlsinsmall,medium,andlargemeasuringcupsandspoonsfunnelsgrater(forbeeswaxandspices)cheeseclothlabelstonotearemedyanddateacoffeegrinder(orminifoodprocessorinapinch)thathasbeenthoroughlycleaned,orispurchasedexpresslyforyourherbalpreparations

JUSTLIKEUS

THECELEB:ElleMacpherson

THEHERBS:Greens,Chineseherbs,medicinalmushroomsTHEUSES:Migraines,exhaustion,andseasonalaffectivedisorderASASUPERMODELandactress,ElleMacphersonisinaworldofherown,inmanyregards.ButElle’schoicesforstayinghealthyandbalancedareoneswecanmakeforourselvestoo:exercisingregularly,observingameat-freediet,and(here’sthetoughie)swearingoffalcoholandaspirin.Ellehascommentedthat,asanAustralian,she’slongbeenopentoalternativemedicinesandhomeopathictreatmentsforhealthandbeauty.Herherbalregimeninvolvesdrinkingblendsofsupergreens,digestiveenzymes,immune-boostingmushrooms,andChineseherbs.Withthegoalofbalancingstress,boostingskinradiance,andbuildingimmunity,Elle’sherbalapproachseemsequallysuitedforsupermodels,supermoms,andsuperwomenofanyage.

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KeyIngredients

Nomatterhowyousliceit,you’llbeusingsomecombinationofthefollowingingredients:carrieroils,essentialoils,anddriedherbs.Readontofindoutwhatyouneedtoknowaboutshoppingforeach.

CarrierOilsAlsoknownas“fixed”or“naturalbase”oils,thesolepurposeofcarrieroilsinyourherbalmedicinelabistodiluteorstretchessentialoils.They’remadefromseeds,nuts,andvegetables,andifyou’veevergottenaprofessionalmassage,you’veprobablycomeintocontactwithone(ormore).Or,ifyou’veevermadeasaladorpastaathome,you’vegotoneortwoinyourpantry.Themostcommoncarrieroilsforherbalpreparationsincludethefollowing:aloeveraoiloliveoil

jojobaoil

grapeseedoilwalnutoil

avocadooil

sesameoil

walnutoil

almondoil

Carrieroilsalsomakefantasticvehiclesforaromatherapyblendsandhydratingbeautytreatmentsaswellastreatingparticularskinconditions,suchascallouses,fungalinfections,andevendiaperrash.Becausethey’realsorichintheirownnutrients,vitamins,fattyacids,andminerals,eachnourishestheskininitsownveryspecificwaywhileimpartingitwiththehealingcompoundsoftheessentialoilsyoublendwiththem.Alloilsshouldbestoredincool,darkspaceslikepantriesandcupboards,and

willlastanywherefromsixmonthstoyears.Checktheindividuallabeloneachoftheproductsyoubuytomakesureyourparticularcarrieroilisfreshwhenyouuseit.Insummermonths,movecarrieroilstotherefrigeratoriftemperaturesgettoohightoensuresafetyandfreshness.Manyofthemthickenorbecomesolidlikesoftbutterwhenchilled.So,removethem12hoursbeforeusingsotheythinbackoutandsettletoroomtemperature.Note:Ifyouhavenutallergies,steerclearofnut-basedoils.

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EssentialOilsSimilartofood,skincare,medicine,andotherproducts,ingredientlistsarekeytoknowingifanessentialoillivesuptoitslabel’smarketingclaimsintermsofpurityandquality.CheckouttheResources(here)forthemostreputableessentialoilretailers.Beforeyoubuy,keepthischecklistonhand:Beapricetagsdetective.Ifyou’reeyeingacertainbrand,lookatthecostofthedifferentoilsthevendoroffersintheirproductline.Variancesreflectthefactthatcertainextractswilldictatedifferentproductioncosts.Ifthepricesdon’tvary,that’saredflagthatthemanufacturermaybeusinginferiorproductormisrepresentingwhat’sinsidethebottle.

Choosedarkbottles.High-qualityessentialoilsarepackedingreen,violet,amber,blue,orvioletbottles,ratherthanclear,andtypicallywithorificereducers,notdropperswhichareoftenmadewitharubberrimthatcancorrodeoil.Thedarkcolorshelpprotectingredientsthataresensitivetolight.Essentialoilsshouldbestoredinacool,darkplace.

TREATYOURSELFTOASTYLISHAROMATHERAPYDIFFUSERTheultimatedesk(andhealth)accessory,purchasingadispenserinastyleyouloveensuresyousetitoutandremindsyoutouseit.Fillitwithessentialoilsthatincreaseproductivity,easestress,andenergizeyoudayinanddayout.

Payattentiontomarketinglingo.Youwillseetermslike“therapeutic”or“aromatherapy-grade”onessentialoilbottles.EssentialoilisnotregulatedbytheFDAoranyotherauthoritativebody.Theimportantfactorsforyoutotakeintoconsiderationare:Hastheproductundergonegaschromatography–massspectrometry(GC-MS)testing?Itshouldhave.

Istheherb’sLatinnameonthebottle?Itshouldbe.

Isthepricelowerthanwhatotherbrandschangeforthesameoil?That’saredflag.

Whatdorealusershavetosayabouttheproductorbrand?Onlinereviewsareexcellentsourcesofinformation,particularlythosepostedonblogs.Ifyoulivenearanindependentstorethatsellsessentialoils,talktosalesstaff.Theytendtobeextremelyknowledgeableabouttheirinventory.

Buywhat’srightforyou.Youknowyourbodyandwhatissuesyou’retryingtotreat.That’syourfocuswhenbuyingessentialoils.Also,steerclearofyourpersonalallergens.(Allergictoginger?You’reprobablyallergictoitsessentialoil.)Lastly,shoppingbyrecipeisafabwaytostartandbranchoutfromtheingredientlistasyoubuildyourmedicinecabinet.

FreshandDriedHerbsThetrickwithbothfreshanddriedherbsisknowingwhattobuybeforeyoushop.Youwantherbsthathaveawiderangeofmedicinal,fragrant,cleansing,nutritional,andflavoringuses.(Inthesamewayyoudon’twanttobuyaspicecabinetfullofexpensivehard-to-sourcebrandstomakeoneexoticdish,youwantyourherbstoservemultiplepurposes,too.)Alsobesuretounderstandeachherb’suniquestorageneedsandshelflifesoyouusethemattheirpeakfreshness.Finally,buyorganictoensurethechemicalsusedingrowingtheherbsdon’tendupinoronyourbody.

DryingFreshHerbs.Ifyou’vegotaccesstoafarm,backyard,orwindowsillfreshherbs,it’ssupersimpletodrythemonyourownbeforeusingthem.Pickorpurchaseherbsasthey’rebecoming“ripe,”(i.e.,budsshouldbenewly

openedorjustformed).Ifyou’reselectingherbsfromoutsidemakesuretheyare

dirt-,chemical-,andmoisture-free,andpatteddrywithapapertowel.Setoutasinglelayerofherbsinawell-ventilated,dimlylitareabetween65

and85degreesFahrenheit.Youcanplacethemonacountertop,metalormeshscreenornetting,orhangthemin10-stembundlesfromthestems.Dryingtakesthreedaystothreeweeks.Note:Ifyou’redryingabunchofherbsatthesametime,separateandlabelthepapertowelsbecauseoncedried,itwillbetoughtotellwhat’swhat(plusyoudon’twanttheirindividualscentstoblend).Oncedried,storeherbsinmetaltins,liddedglassjars,plasticcontainers,or

zip-sealplasticbags.Keeptheminacoolspotawayfrommoistureandsunlighttouptheirshelflife.Formoreinformationonhomegrownherbs,checkouttheindividualherbs

listedinPart2forspecificrecommendations.

THEHERBS

Nowthatyou’vegottheprepworkunderyourbelt,it’stimetodigintothespecificherbsyou’llwantonhandtocreatethemostversatileandeffectiveherbalmedicinecabinetpossiblewithminimalcashoutlayandmaximumresults.Afterall,thispracticeshouldenhanceyourhealthnotaddtoyourstress.Checkoutchapters3and4foryourfabfivemust-haveherbs,plusthetop30plantsallDIYersshouldknow.

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THEFABULOUSFIVEYourMust-HaveHerbs

Thissectionprovidesyouwithinformationabouttheherbsyou’llwantinyourarsenalbecausethey’rehighlyversatilesuperhealers.Stockuponthesefabfiveandyou’llinstantlyhaveaccesstoasupplyofhealingoptionsinavastvarietyofpreparations.Evenbetter,youcanusethembeforeyouneedthembecausethepowerhousesinthischapterworkjustaswellinpreventingailmentsastheydointreatingthem.

CHAMOMILE(GermanandRoman)

MATRICARIARECUTITA,CHAMAEMELUMNOBILE

Ifthere’soneherbyoucancallajack-of-all-trades,thisone’sit.Chamomileworkswondersonawiderangeofailments,rangingfromanxietytoupsetstomachtopainrelief.Intermsofpreparations,thiseasy-to-growplantisn’tjustforteasanymore.Lookforitinsoothingskintonics,healinglotions,andotherbeautytreatmentswithapurpose.

DidYouKnow?Inmedievaltimes,chamomilewasknownasthe“plant’sphysician”becausewhereveritwasplanted,flowers,andherbsarounditwerehealedandrejuvenated.Today,gardenersplanttheherbtokeepnearbyflowersvegetables,andplantshealthyanddiseasefree.Inmedicalcircles,chamomileisbeingstudiedandusedaroundtheworldforawidevarietyofconditions,eachoneremarkablydifferent.Forinstance,it’sbeenusedtohealwounds,easePMS,treatCrohn’sdisease,lessenlaborpains,andthelistgoeson.Keepthis“plant’sphysician”inyourhomesoit’sonhandwheneveryouneedahealingremedy.

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WhyIt’sEssentialTwenty-sixcountriescan’tbewrong.Chamomilehasbeenapprovedbymorethantwodozennationstotreatchronicand/orseriousissuesandailmentsrangingfrominflammationandinfectiontocolic,muscletension,andpain.Itsactiveingredientsincludeazulene,knowntobeanantifever,anti-inflammatorysubstance,alongwithtannins,flavonoids,calcium,phosphorus,magnesium,salicylates,andbitterglycosides.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsorpreventsinflammatoryconditionslikearthritis,aches,pain;providesdigestivesupportandnervoussystemsupporttocalm,de-stress,andfacilitatesleep;treatseczema,acne,psoriasis;healschestcolds,chickenpox,diaperrash,andslow-healingwounds.

COSMETIC:Usedinfacialteas,lotions,creams,andtonerstotreatblemishes,wrinkles,andredness;hairbrightenerandlightener.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasacream,lotion,tincture,compress,orpoulticeDiffuseDrinkasateaortonicUseinabath

PrecautionsChamomilehasacalmingeffectthatcanbesedating.Beawareoftheeffectsbeforedriving.Donotuseifyou’repregnant.

OtherNamesBlueChamomile,WildChamomile,SweetChamomile

Locating&GrowingEasy-to-sourceseedsPlantinearlyspring,fullsunlight,andrichsoil

TREATYOURSELFTOSOMEQUALITYZZZSChamomile(andothercalmingflowersorherbs)canbesewnintobedpillows,bathpillows,eyemasks,orsleepmaskstoenhancecalmandpromoteamorerestfulslumber.Dreamon!

ECHINACEA

ECHINACEAPURPUREA

Growthislifesaverinadvanceofcoldandfluseasonandyou’llbearmedandreadytowithstandviruses,bacteria,andanythingelsewinterweatherhastothrowatyou.Thissuperherbisalsoafantasticgo-toforflawless,radiantskin,aswellastreatingskinissuesorailmentslikepsoriasis,eczema,andbugbites.You’llreadilyfinditasawholeherb,premadetablets,oressentialoils,butsinceit’seasytogrow,prepitinyourkitchentoturnitintoatinctureortea.

DidYouKnow?NativeAmericanslookedtoechinaceaastheirone-stop-shopforhealing.Itwasusedtopreventeverythingfromcoldsandflutosnakebites,bloodpoisoning,andtoothinfections.EarlyEuropeanexplorerstotheNewWorldquicklycaughtontotheherb’smagicandbeganusingittofightinfections.Atonepointinthenineteenthcentury,echinaceawassaidtobea“remedyformoreailmentsthananyotherplant.”

WhyIt’sEssential

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Morethanjustacoldfighter,thisimmuneboosterboastsahostofamazingnutrientsandingredientslikecaffeicacid,beta-carotene,vitaminC,linoleicacid,polysaccharides,echinacoside,tannins,andsesquiterpenes.Askanherbalistandthey’lllikelytellyouthisisthesinglemostsignificantimmunityboosteryoucanhaveinyourplantarsenal.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:BoostsimmunitybyincreasingTcellproduction;repairsmusclesandligamentspost-injury;healscuts,bruises,burns,andwounds;easespainsandachesinmuscles,throat,andhead;featuresantifungal,antiviral,andantisepticproperties.

COSMETIC:Hydratesskin,lessenswrinkles,andboostscollagen.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasacream,salve,lotion,splash,poultice,compress,ortinctureDrinkasateaUseinabath

PrecautionsAllergicreactionstoechinaceaaren’tuncommon.Stopusingifyouexperienceitchyeyes,ears,orthroatorsinuscongestion.

OtherNamesBlackSampsonRootKansasSnakerootPurpleConeflower

Locating&GrowingEchinaceagrowsjustaboutanywhereundermostconditions.Inaperfectworld,itlovesfullsun,warmweather,andrichsoil,butit’sknowntosurviveharshsituationsincludingdrought.

ACLOSERLOOKECHINACEACANBETOOMUCHOFAGOODTHINGAsmuchofanimmunity-boostingpowerhousethatthisherbis,it’snotrecommendedtotakehighdosesformorethanacoupleofweeks.Becauseitsuperchargesyourimmunesystem,overtimeitcanstressthesamesystemitworkstobolsterintheshort-term.Peoplewithautoimmunediseases,inparticular,shouldalwaysconsultanaturopathbeforeundertakinganechinacearegimen.

GARLIC

ALLIUMSATIVUM

Manychefswouldtellyouiftheycouldhavejustoneingredientinthekitchen,itwouldbegarlic.Funnyenough,manyherbalistssaythesamething.Beyondbeingtransformativeinmostculinaryrecipes,garlicisequallyaslifechangingtoyourhealth.Addittorecipesthroughouttheyearandeatraworcookedtowardoffdisease,infection,colds,andflu.It’sinexpensive,versatile,andasidefromsomeminorbreathissues,sideeffectsareminimaltozilch.

DidYouKnow?Notsurewhy,butit’ssaidthatancientGreekandRomanbridescarriedbouquetsofgarlicandotherherbs,ratherthanbeautifulflowermixes,duringtheirmarriageceremonies.AncientEgyptianslovedgarlic,too.Infact,theyfedittotheslaveswhobuilttheGreatPyramid,thinkingitgavethemsuperstrength.

WhyIt’sEssential

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Checkoutthislistofgood-for-youingredients,allpackedintoeachclove:vitaminsA,B,andC,magnesium,potassium,phosphorous,sulfur,germanium,selenium,alliin(thepowerhousethatconvertstoallicinwhenbrokenormashed),andessentialoils.Thiscocktailofnutrientsboastsanimpressivesuccessrateatfightingheartdisease,cancers,andinfection,whileboostingimmunity,wardingoffcolds,andclearingbloodoftoxins.That’sworthalittlefunkybreath,right?

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Bestfortheheartandblood;it’santiseptic(internalandexternal)andbacteria-resistant;lowerscholesterol,lowersbloodsugarlevels,treatstype2diabetes,boostswhitebloodcellcount,andbolstersimmunity;treatsalltypesofcancer(rectal,stomach,prostate,breast,lung,colon),pluseasesheadachesandlowersstress.

COSMETIC:Someexpertsusegarlicincombinationwithteatreeoilandeggwhitesinapurifying,cleansing,blemish-fightingfacemask.

ApplicationMethodsApplytopicallyasadisinfectantEatinfoods,preparedraw,pickled,etc.

PrecautionsGarliccanbeirritatingifusedtopically.Toomuchcancauseheartburnorstomachissues.

OtherNamesAjoStinkingRose

Locating&GrowingGarlicthrivesinfullsunlight.Plantclovespointsupintheautumnsoyou’llgetyourherbsbylatesummer,orplantinthespringtoseebountybylatefall.

DOUBLEDUTYSPLINTERREMOVALYes,youreadthatright.Turnsout,garlichasbeenusedasafolkremedyforcoaxingoutpainfulsliversfromunderyourskin—peoplestillswearbyit.Justducttapeorbandageasliceofgarlic

overthesplinterbeforebedandwaituntilmorning.Adios,splinter(andtweezers!).

PEPPERMINT

MENTHEPIPERITA

Whenyouthinkofpeppermint,it’slikelythatgum,candy,orchocolatecomestomind.Butthisbrilliantherbdoesmorethansootheasweettooth.Thiseasy-to-growplantisexcellenttokeeponhandnotjustforitsabilitytosootheanupsetstomach,butalsoforitsusefulnessinrelievingsinus,nasal,andchestcongestionduringcoldandfluseason.Whenappliedexternally,sayinapoultice,compress,orherbalbath,it’sfabulousforsoothingsoreortiredpost-workoutmusclesandrelievingpainfromminorsprainsandstrains.Buyitineverythingfromseedtoteatoessentialoil.

DidYouKnow?AncientRomanswereontothisherblongbeforemodernmedicine.Theynibbledonpepperminttoboosttheirsmarts,smelledtheherbtokeeptempersquelled,androyalsevenstasheditintheirpocketsforon-the-gohealingandenergizing.Turnsout,eventheRomanswerelatetothegame.PepperminthasbeenfoundinEgyptiantombscirca1000B.C.andbeforethat,recordedinChinesemedicine.

WhyIt’sEssential

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Considerthismultipurposewonderanamazingpick-me-upforbrains,emotions,moods,andspirit.It’senergizing,restorative,rejuvenating,andcognitivelystimulating.Expertssayitboostsmemory,cognition,andproductivity.Unlikeamiddayshotofcoffee,peppermintisnaturallyrevitalizingsoyoudon’thavethepost-sipcrash.What’sitssecret?Theherbischock-fullofflavonoids,phenolicacid,triterpines,calcium,magnesium,potassium,menthol,andmenthone.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsbeestings,headaches,toothaches,digestivedistress,indigestion,burns,bites;disinfectswounds;usedasmentalstimulant,energizer.

COSMETIC:Useforcooling,deodorizing,disinfecting,andenergizingskin,feet,mouth,andhair.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasasalve,tincture,compress,orpoulticeDrinkasateaUseinabathUseinaroomspray

PrecautionsNonedocumented;it’scompletelynontoxic

OtherNamesCornMintLambMint

Locating&GrowingIfyou’relookingattheUSDAPlantHardinessZoneMap,peppermintthrivesinZones5through9.Thatsaid,it’swildatheartwithsurvivalinstinctssoitcangrowalmostanywhere.Thinkfulltopartialsunandrich,moistsoilifpossible.

ACLOSERLOOKPEPPERMINTISANATURALDEODORANTAddafewdropsofpeppermintessentialoiltoyourbodysplashorfootscrubtoleaveskinwithafreshscentthatlastsforhours.Oraddatouchtoyourroomsprayorhouseholdcleanersoitdisinfectsanddeodorizeswhileitstimulatesyoursenses.

CALENDULA

CALENDULAOFFICINALIS

You’lllovethissoothingoptionforawiderangeofmedicinaluses.Itmakesatastyhealingteaforgastrointestinalordigestiveissues,abrilliantfirstaidwashforwounds,anexcellenthealingbalmforirritatedorinjuredskin,afabulouslynourishingmoisturizer,andalusciousall-naturalsoap.Whileit’scommerciallyavailableaswholeherb,infusedoil,andtincture,it’salsosupereasytogrow.

DidYouKnow?CalendulacanraiseyourAgameatthedinnertable.Theseamazingedibleflowersbrightensalads,soups,pastas,stews,omelets,andmorewithgourmetattitude,thankstotheirbrilliantyellow-orangeshade.Theirgorgeousbloomsmaskoneoftheirbestfeatures:theirheartiness.Theseflowerscanwithstandearlyfrostandsnow,whilebloomingyear-roundintemperateclimates.ForDIYers,thismeanscalenduladoesn’tneedyourgreenthumb,itcantakecareofitself!

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WhyIt’sEssentialThankstoapowerhouseroundupofactiveingredientsincludingbitters,volatileoils,resins,flavonoids,saponins,carotenoids,andmucilage,it’sthego-toskinfixerfornearlyallissuesfromdehydrationtomoreseriousconcerns.Itsnontoxicitymakesitidealfortreatingbabiesaswell,makingitago-todiaperrashcream.Theherbisualsovaluedforitseffectivenessasanantiviral,anti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,andantiseptic.Ifthat’snotenough,tryitasanaromatherapytooltokeepskinyouthful,radiantandflawless.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Healsinfections,bruises,sores,wounds,rashes,andotherskinirritationsanderuptions;reducesfever;treatsulcers,cramps,indigestion,anddiarrhea;detoxeslymphaticsystemsandtreatsswollenglands,decongestslungs,andenergizes;supportsheart,liver,gallbladder,anduterus.

COSMETIC:Soothesirritation,hydratesagingskin,tightensandfirmssagginess.

ApplicationMethodsAddtoapoulticeorsalveDrinkasateaUseinafacecreamorasacleanser

PrecautionsNonedocumented;it’scompletelynontoxic

OtherNamesMarigoldHollygold

Locating&GrowingPlantinfallinyourgardentobloominearlyspring.Lovesfullsunshine,fertilesoil,andoccasionalwaterbutgrowslikeaweedevenifneglected.

ACLOSERLOOKCALENDULAFIGHTSTOERASESCARSAnaturalantisepticandanti-inflammatory,itmakessensethatcalendulahelpsprevent,treat,andhealacne.Butwhataboutacnescars?Addafewdropsofessentialoildirectlyontheaffectedskin(orinyourskincream)andallowafewweeksfortherednessandscarringtominimizeas

collagenproductionisstimulated.

4

THETHIRTYWORTHYThirtyHerbsforBeautyandOverallHealth

ModernsocietyseemstobeonanendlesshuntforthewonderpillorproverbialFountainofYouththatturnsbacktheclockorrendersusallageless.Theironyisthatthebiggestsecretforfightingtherisksofdiseaseandailments—immunitydestroyerslikeinflammation,stress,environmentalpollutants,andmore—arealleliminatedortreatedbyeverythingyou’vealreadygotinyourbackyard,onyourwindowsill,oratthefarmers’market.Youalreadyknowtheanswer:herbs.

Inthischapteryou’llfindtheprofilesoftheherbsyou’llcomebacktoagainandagaintodealwithallthesideeffectsoflivinginamodernworld.You’llgetthescooponwherethey’refrom,whatthey’regoodfor,andwhyyouneedtheminyourlife.

ALOEVERA

ALOEBARBADENSIS

Whetherornotyou’rereadytogofull-onwithmedicinalherbs,keepinganaloeveraplantinyourhouseisano-brainer.Besidesbeingsupremelysimpletocarefor,it’susefultohaveonhandforon-demandfirstaidforburns,sunburns,scratches,oranyotherskinsituation.Becauseit’sloadedwithtannins,vitaminsEandB,fiber,selenium,polysaccharides,silicon,andaloin,you’rejustaslikelytofinditinanover-the-counterointmentasyouareonthemenuofajuicebar.Formoreseriousissues,likearthritispain,stomachissues,orinflammatoryconditions,manyherbalistskeepajarofstore-boughtaloeverajuiceintheirfridgetospiketheirmorningcupoftea.

DidYouKnow?Aloeistheultimatebeautifier,saidtobeasecretweaponinCleopatra’sskincareroutine.Splitopenaleafandusethegelstraightupasamakeupremover,hairconditioner,orcuticlesoftener.Therearebrainsbehindallitsbeautifyingpower,too.Studieshaveshownitmaybeeffectivelyusedtotreatdiabetesandasthma.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsfirst-,second-,andthird-degreeburnsandwounds;healsscars,reducesinflammationineczema,skinulcers,acne,rashes,stings,insectbites,andpoisonoakandivy;soothessunburns;easesintestinaldisordersandinflammation-relatedpain.

COSMETIC:BalancespHlevelsinskinandblockssunrays.

•••

ApplicationMethodsDrinkinjuices,teas,tinctures,orsmoothiesApplyasanointment/salve,facecream,lotion,bath,orsplashUseasatonic

PrecautionsAloevera,iftakeninternally,cancausestomachcrampingordistress.Italsohaslaxativeproperties.

OtherNamesChineseAloeIndianAloeTrueAloeBarbadosAloeBurnAloeFirstAidPlant

Locating&GrowingManyherbalistsconsiderthisoneoftheeasiestplantstogrowandonethatisalmostimpossibletoharm.It’shappyindoorsoroutdoors,sunlightorshade,rainordryconditions.IfyoucanmanagetogiveitatouchofUVraysandaspritzofwatereverynowandthen,it’sgolden.

••

ARNICA

ARNICAMONTANA

Plantsomearnicainyourgardenandyou’llhavethisperennialforatleasttwosprings.You’llrecognizethismedicinalbeautybecauseofitsbrightyellow,daisy-likeappearanceandround,hairystems.Althoughitsactiveingredientsareprimarilyknowntobeanalgesicandanti-inflammatory,someherbalistsuseitasanantibiotic,particularlyfortopicalskinconditions.

DidYouKnow?Reveredsincethe1600sforitspain-relievingprowess,GermanphilosopherGoetheisrumoredtohavesmokeditsleavesanddrankitsteatorelievechestpain.Recently,numerousstudieshaveconcludedthattheherbiseffectiveforrelievingmusclepainduetostrenuousexercise.Infact,a2003studypublishedinHomeopathyshoweditworkedbetterthanaplacebofortreatingmusclesorenessonrunnerswhojustcompleteda26.2-milemarathon.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Reducesmuscleandjointpainandrelatedswelling;treatsosteoarthritis,bruises,acne,sorethroats,andinsectbites;nourisheschappedlips;easessymptomsofstroke.

COSMETIC:Treatsdandruff,nourisheshair,promoteshairgrowth,andsweetlyscentscosmeticsandfragrances.

ApplicationMethodsDrinkasahighlydilutedteaortinctureUseexternallyingels,salves,ointments,oils,poultices,sprays,hairtonics,lipbalms,andothertopicalpreparations

PrecautionsArnicaisgenerallyconsideredtoxicinamountsgreaterthanwhatyou’dfindinfoodorcosmetics.Infact,theamountyoufindinhomeopathicorherbalremediesaregenerallysodilutedthey’reconsideredsafe.Don’tuseonbrokenskin,beforeoraftersurgery(itincreasescirculation),orifyouhavedigestiveconditions.It’sconsideredunsafetoinhaleoruseasaromatherapy.

OtherNamesLeopard’sBaneMountainTobaccoWolf’sBane

Locating&GrowingLikemanyherbs,arnicaishardyandworkswellinnearlyalltemperateclimates.AnativeofthemountainousEuropeanandAsianregions,you’lllikelyfindarnicainnorthernareasoftheUnitedStatesandathigheraltitudes.Infact,it’snotunlikelytofinditonyournexthikingtripintheRockies,ashighas8,000feetaccordingtosomereports.

••

BLACKCOHOSH

ACTAEARACEMOSA

BlackcohoshwillbecomeyourbestfriendifyouexperiencepainfuloruncomfortablemenopausalorPMSsymptoms.Thecombinationofitsactiveingredients—tannins,resins,fattyacids,27-deoxyactein,isoflavones,triterpeneglycosides,andformononetin—simulatethehormoneestrogenandhasbeenclinicallyproventoeasefever,cramps,bloating,moodswings,depression,andmore.

DidYouKnow?NorthAmericanIndiansusedblackcohoshtotreatgynecologicalconditions,kidneyproblems,malaria,snakebites,coughs,andcolds.Lateritwasusedasahomeremedy,asadiuretic,ortotriggermenstruation.Herbalistshavesinceprimarilyfocuseditsuseonwomen’spainrelatedtotheuterus,ovaries,infertility,andlaborpains,whileit’salsousedinalternativeremediesforneurologicalandlungdisorders.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsmenopausesymptoms,suchashotflashes,insomnia,andrelateddepression;suppressesappetiteandstimulatesmetabolism.

COSMETIC:Treatsacne.

ApplicationMethodsDrinkasateaUseintincturesorextracts

PrecautionsResearchersrecommendnottakingblackcohoshifyou’rebreastfeeding,pregnant,diagnosedwithbreastcancer,orhavehormone-sensitiveissuesthatwouldbetriggeredbytheherb,whichsimulatesestrogeninthebody.Ifyoutaketheherbinternally,takeabreakafteroneyear.Alsostopifyou’reexperiencingsideeffectslikeupsetstomach,headaches,cramps,weightgain,spotting,orbleedingbetweenmenstrualperiods.

OtherNamesBaneberryBlackSnakerootBugbanePhytoestrogenRattlesnakeRootRattleweedShengMaSnakerootSquawRoot

Locating&GrowingBlackcohoshlikestobeleftinthedark,preferringshadeorpartialshadeoversunlight.Itthrivesinmoist,organicdirtandmustexperienceacompletecycleofwarmtocoldtowarmagainbeforetheseedswillgerminate.Ensuresuccessbyplantingmatureseedsinfallsoitexperiencesthecycleandupyouroddsofgrowingduringitsfirstspring.

BURDOCK

ARCTIUMLAPPA

Ifyou’vehadJapanesetakeoutrecently,chancesareyou’vehadburdockroot.Notonlydoesittastefantastic,it’salsoloadedwithanti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anticancer,antibacterial,andotherhealingattributes.Newstudieshaveevenshownthatitmaybeaprebiotic,whichsupportsthegrowthofbeneficialbacteriainyourintestinesandkeepsyouhealthy,evenincoldandfluseason.Ifyoumakeitasasidedishathome,gourmetsandherbalistswilltellyoutwothings:Leaveontheskin—it’sgotmassivenutrients,andsoaktherootsfor15to20minutespriortobroiling,boiling,orsautéingtoloseitsbitter,muddynotes.Don’tworry,it’stastierthanitsounds.

DidYouKnow?Mostrecently,burdockhadits15minutesoffameinthe‘90swiththeexplosionofVelcro.Itsinventor,GeorgedeMestral,createdthefabricfasteningdevicein1948aftergoingonahikingtripwithhisdogandfindingburdockburrsstuckonhisclothingandhisbestfriend’sfur.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsavarietyofskinissuesfrompsoriasisandeczematoacneandrashes;supportstheliver,heart,andrelatedconditionslikehypertension,poordigestion,heartdisease,andgas.

COSMETIC:Treatsdry,irritatedscalps.

ApplicationMethods

••• Applyasapoultice,compress,ortinctureDrinkasateaEatinfood

PrecautionsNotoxicitylevelsreported.Herbalistsconsiderthisamongthesafestplantstogrowanduse.

OtherNamesBeggar’sButtonsBurrSeedCockleburFox’sCloteNiuBangZiPersonataThornyBurr

Locating&GrowingBurdockisoneofthoseaggressive,impossible-to-destroyweedsthatyou’veprobablytriedtodestroyifyou’vegotagarden.Thatis,beforeyoulearnedaboutitsincrediblehealingpotential.Atruesurvivor,thisherbgrowsonjustaboutanysoilfromdrytorockytomoist,survivesfreezesanddroughts,anddoesn’thaveapreferenceaboutsunlight.

CAYENNE

CAPSICUMANUUM

Ifyoucan’ttaketheheat,youmightwanttoupyourtolerance.Cayenneismorethanjustaspicyflower,it’sahealthsuperfood.Chock-fullofvitaminsA,B6,C,manganese,potassium,beta-carotene,capsaicin,carotenoids,flavonoids,andoils,itactsasanaturalanti-allergen,antifungal,anti-irritant,andanti-inflammatory.Thisamazinglittlespicedoesinyourbodywhatitdoestoyourmouth—makesthingshotfast.Howdoesthattranslateintohealth?Itspeedshealing,quickenscirculation,upsmetabolism,boostsimmunity,andspurshairgrowth.It’slikeashotofadrenalinerighttoyourhealth.

DidYouKnow?Capsaicin,theingredientthatdialsuptheheatinthepepper,hasbeenwidelystudiedforitshealingproperties.Scientistshavelookedatmorethan300studiesofitseffectsonmetabolismandshownthatitdoesspeedweightlossandtemperappetite.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Easessorethroat,muscleaches,backpain,migraines,andpainfuljoints;fightscolds;aidsdigestionandcirculation;boostsimmunity;treatsskinconditionslikepsoriasis;curesearinfections;speedsweightlossbyincreasingmetabolism.

COSMETIC:Triggershairgrowth;decreasesacne;reduceswrinkles,revitalizestiredandagingeyeareas.

ApplicationMethods

•• EatinfoodApplyasasalve,massageoil,ortincture

PrecautionsThisisaveryspicyherbandshouldbehandledwithcareespeciallyforthosewithsensitiveskin.Wearglovesand/orwashhandsthoroughlyafterusetoavoidgettingitintoyoureyes.Also,bewarethatlargedosescanupsetyourstomach.Lessismorewithcayenne.

OtherNamesAfricanPepperBirdPepperCapsaicinChiliRedPepperTabascoPepper

Locating&GrowingAsyou’dexpect,cayenneprefersthingshot.It’sasummertimeherbthatthrivesinfullsun,warmweather,andrichsoil.

••••

CLOVE

SYZYGIUMAROMATICUM

Cloveisahighlynutrient-densespicewhoseactiveingredient,eugenol,hasbeenstudiedwidely.Packedwithmanganese,iron,magnesium,calcium,vitaminK,andfiber,thiswonderflowerbudisreveredforitsanti-inflammatory,antiviral,antibacterial,andanalgesicproperties.Althoughstudiesareinconclusive,it’sbeingusedtosupplementmoderncancercareandtreatmentsaswellasotherconditionslikehepatitiswithpositiveresults.

DidYouKnow?Sincetheeighthcentury,cloveswereamajorpartofEuropeanandAsiancommerce.Infact,warshavebeenfoughtoverthespice.Today,Indonesiaaccountsforhalfoftheworld’sconsumptionofcloves.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatscuts,wounds,burns,throatissues,earaches,nausea,diabetes,headaches,soregums,bites,stings,andtoothdecay;boostsimmunity,libido,andbrainfunction;battlesstress,fatigue,depression,anxiety,memoryloss,insomnia,andprematureejaculation;andstimulatescirculation.

COSMETIC:Treatsbadbreath,acne,wrinkles,saggingskin,anddryness.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasanoil,ointment,poultice,skincarecream,fragranceDrinkasateaEatinfoodUseforaromatherapyorinsoap

PrecautionsCloveisconsideredsafewhentakeninamountstypicallyfoundinfoods,however,nostudieshavebeendonetakingtheherbformedicinaluseinthelongterm.Children,pregnantwomen,andbreastfeedingwomenshouldavoidmedicinaldosesbecauseit’suntested.Theactiveingredientinclove,eugenol,slowsbloodclottingsoavoidingestingclovepost-surgeryorifyou’retakingbloodthinners.

OtherNamesCloveFlowerCloveLeafCloveOilDingXiangEugeniaAromaticaOilofClove

Locating&GrowingClovesarethefloweringbudsofperennialclovetrees.Theygroweasilyinwet,tropicalareasorrich,redsoil.Theiridealconditionsarepartialshadeandrainfall.Ittakes20yearsforthisplanttogrowclovebuds.

••

COMFREY

SYMPHYTUM

Comfreyfeaturesanimpressivecocktailofskin-healingcompoundsincludingallantoin,tannins,rosmarinicacid,saponins,calcium,potassium,magnesium,chromium,andvitamins,A,B,andC.Itsleavesandstemsareantioxidant,anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,andage-defyingwhenaddedtoskincare.

DidYouKnow?Thisherbwasasecretbeautyingredientwithancientcivilizationsforitsskin-healing,anti-aging,andyouth-promotingeffects.Itmoisturizes,triggersskincellturnover,brightens,protectsfrombacteria,inflammation,andredness,andnourishesskinlayers.You’llfinditinbeautyproductslikescrubs,masks,nightcreams,andblemishfighters.IntheMiddleAges,itwasrenownedfortreatingbrokenbones,althoughmodernscientistshaveyettoconfirmthatthisparticularremedyworks.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsbackpain,osteoarthritis,sprains,bruises,wounds,sorethroat,jointpain,chestpain,andinflammation.

COSMETIC:Renewsandrejuvenatesskin,spurscellturnover,fightswrinkles,protectsfromUVdamage.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasanointment,oil,salve,poultice,compress,facialscrub,anti-agingcreamUseasanextract

PrecautionsIt’snotrecommendedtotakecomfreybymouthdueitspyrrolizidinealkaloidswhichcancauselungdisease,cancer,andliverdamage.It’sbestusedtopicallyonunbrokenskinforperiodslessthan10days.Avoidifpregnantorbreastfeeding.

OtherNamesAssEarBlackRootBlackwortGumPlantHealingHerbKnitbackSlipperyRootWallwort

Locating&GrowingYou’lllovecomfreyinyourgardenbecauseitsvividblueandpurpleflowerslookfantastic,it’seasytogrow,anditthrivesundertheshadeofothertreesandplants.Onlydownsideisthatifyoueverwanttogetridofit,goodluck.Itsrootsarebrittle,breakable,andsproutnewplantsreadilyandeasily.

•

EUCALYPTUS

EUCALYPTUSGLOBULUS

Eucalyptusgetsitsnamefromitspowerfulactiveingredient,eucalyptol,whichmakesupabout70percentofitscompounds.Ithaseffectiveanti-inflammatory,analgesic,antiseptic,antiviral,decongestant,anddisinfectantproperties.Itswoodsyoilsmakeapotentaromatherapytoolforbalancingandstimulatingthemind,body,andemotions,aswellashealingviralinfectionsandrespiratoryconditions.Usingtheherbforsteaminhalationisalsofantasticforclearingoutthelungs,openingnasalpassages,andtreatingsinuses.

DidYouKnow?Withmorethan300speciesand700differentvarieties,eucalyptushasbeenafavoriteamonghealersforcenturies.Aboriginesusedittodisinfectwounds,lessenpain,anddrivedownfevers.ThetreehasalsobeenamainstayofTraditionalChineseMedicine.Takenattheonsetofcolds,fever,flu,sinusitis,bronchitis,orotherinfections,it’ssaidtospeedhealingandshortensickness.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsinfections,fever,osteoarthritis,jointpain,upsetstomach,coughs,liverandgallbladderissues,ulcers,burns,respiratoryproblems,asthma,wounds,ulcers,depression;repelsinsects.

COSMETIC:Fightsacne.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasanointment,gel,salve,compress,oil,orsplash

PrecautionsEucalyptusshouldbedilutedbeforeapplyingtopicallytoskin.Ifyou’vegotdiabetes,notethateucalyptushasbeenshowninstudiestolowerbloodsugar.

OtherNamesBlueGumFeverTreeGullyGumRedGumStringyBarkTree

Locating&GrowingGrowingeucalyptusindoorsiseasyandquitecommon.Itneedsfullsunlightandwell-drainedsoil.Keeptempsbetween50and75degreesFahrenheit.Ifyou’replantingoutdoors,headsupthatthistreewon’treachitsfullheightpotentialunlessyouliveinawarmclimate.

GERANIUM

PELARGONIUM

Geranium’smothercountryisSouthAfricabutithasbeenusedaroundtheworldforcenturiestofightinfections,colds,wounds,andmore.Apowerfulastringent,itisknownforopening,cleaning,andshrinkingthesizeofyourpores(abeautymust-haveforyouthfulskin).You’llfinditintonics,toners,skincreams,serums,andmoisturizers.Alsoamoodbooster,addittoadiffuseronyourofficedeskornearyourbathtoheightenspiritsandcombatstress.Herbalists(alongwithcenturiesofanecdotalevidencefromhealersanddoctors)sayit’sworthaddingtoyourarsenalofremediesforitsanti-inflammatory,antiseptic,andantibacterialproperties.

DidYouKnow?EarlysettlerstoNorthAmericauseditforstomachailmentslikediarrhea,cramps,andgastriculcersaswellassexuallytransmitteddiseases(STDs)andkillinglice.Aknowninfectionfighter,you’dfindgeraniuminremediesforvaginalinfections,menstrualflow,toothaches,andevensevereissuesliketyphoidfever.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsdigestiveconditions,irritablebowelsyndrome(IBS),cankersores,gumdisease,vaginaldischarge,hemorrhoids,wounds,bleeding;balanceshormones,menstruation,andmoods;detoxifiessystem.

COSMETIC:Worksasanastringent.

•••••

ApplicationMethodsApplyasatincture,oilDrinkasateaEatinfoodUseinaromatherapyUseasanastringentintoners,splashes,tonics,creams,shampoos

PrecautionsSpottedgeraniumisgenerallyconsideredsafewithnoknownrisksorsideeffectsreported.

OtherNamesCranesbillSpottedCranesbillWildGeraniumWoodGeranium

Locating&GrowingGeraniumsarefairlyeasytogrow,abletowithstandavarietyofharshconditionslikedroughtorheat.Theirperfectsituationisfullsunlight,warmtemps,andacoveredlocation,makingitidealforawindowsillindoors.

GINGER

ZINGIBEROFFICINALE

Asanall-aroundcure-allandimmunitybooster(thankstohealingketoneslikegingerol),gingerrivalsitsculinarycounterpart,garlic,ineffectivenessintreatingavarietyofconditions.You’velikelyalreadybeenenjoyingitsmedicinalbenefitsifyou’reafanofThai,Indian,orChinesecooking.Likegarlic,youcangetenormoushealingbenefitsbyincorporatingtheherbintoyourculinaryroutinemoreregularly.

DidYouKnow?Nomatterhowyoucutit(pickleit,crystallizeit,orputitinateabag),ginger’smedicinalpropertiesmadeitoneofthemostcovetedandprizedplantsthroughouttheworldandovertheriseandfallofmanyempires.Inthethirteenthandfourteenthcenturies,it’sbelievedthatapoundofgingerwouldsetyoubackthepriceofonesheep.Despiteitswell-documenteduse,nooneissureoftheplant’sorigins.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsinflammation,swollenjoints,damagedcartilage,arthritispain,musclepain,PMSsymptoms,highcholesterol,colds,flu,poorcirculation,nausea,congestion,sorethroat,motionsickness,andchemotherapysideeffects;supportsreproductiveissueswithmen.

COSMETIC:Combatsaging;improvesskintone,calmsirritation;smoothsskinsurface;addswarmthandspicyfragrancetoskincareproducts.

ApplicationMethods

•••• DrinkasateaUseinoilsEatinfoodsUseasapoultice,compress,mask,scrub,bodyandfacecream,serum

PrecautionsGingerisconsideredsafeandnontoxic.

OtherNamesAfricanGingerGingerRootIndianGingerJamaicaGingerJiangShenJiang

Locating&GrowingGingerthrivesinconditionssimilartoitsnativeAsia:hot,sunny,humid,moistsoil.Ifyoucareforgingerindoors,itwilllikelygodormantduringthewintermonths.

••

GINSENG

PANAXGINSENG

WhileginsenghasbeenamajorcomponentofTraditionalChineseMedicineforthousandsofyears,it’sonlyrecentlycomeintovogueintheUnitedStates,havingbeenstudiedforavarietyofdiseasesandconditionsrangingfrommildtosevere.Theherbisamajorforceinstrengtheningimmunityandtreatingdigestive,heart,andnervoussystemissues,aswellasapowerfuladditiontoananti-agingbeautyregimen.

DidYouKnow?TheEnglishword,ginseng,derivesfromtheChinesetermthatmeans“person”and“plantroot.”Theroot’scharacteristicforkedshaperesemblesthelegsofaperson.Thebotanical/genusname,panax,means“all-heal”inGreek,sharingthesameoriginaspanacea.Severalstudiesshowalinkbetweenginsengandlowercancerrisk,accordingtotheAmericanCancerSociety.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsflu,colds,diabetes,depression,anxiety,heartissues,digestiveproblems,anemia,nervepain,andfatigue;stopshardeningofarteries;triggersmetabolism;stabilizesbloodsugar,mood,mentalhealth,andinsulinlevels;lowerscholesterol;boostsimmunity;healserectiledysfunction.

COSMETIC:Stimulatescellturnoverandhairgrowth,evensskintone,smoothstexture,tones,treatsunder-eyewrinklesanddarkcircles.

ApplicationMethodsEatinfoodsUseinpowders,teas

PrecautionsWhileit’sconsideredsafeandnontoxic,somepeopleexperiencesideeffectsincludingnausea,fatigue,dizziness,headaches,rapidheartbeat,andhypertension.

OtherNamesAmericanGinsengCanadianGinsengPanaxQuinquefoliaRedBerryRenShenShangShiYangSeng

Locating&GrowingGot5to10years?That’showlongittakesginsengtoreachmaturitybeforeyouharvest.Yourbestbetistobuyolderroots—saythreetofouryearsold—andplanttheminspring.Theyprefershadebeneathothertreecanopiesandmoist,well-drainedsoils.

GOLDENSEAL

HYDRASTISCANADENSIS

AnativetoNorthAmerica,goldensealwascommonlyusedbyNativeAmericantribestoprotectagainstjustabouteverything.Itsmainactiveingredients—berberineandbeta-hydrastine—havemassiveantimicrobialandastringentbenefits,nottomentionit’sapowerfulantibacterial,antiviral,anddecongestant.Normallyfoundinthewild,thehugemarketdemandonthiswonderherbhasputitssuppliesindangersobewareofanygoldensealproductlabelsthatdon’tsay“organicallycultivated.”

DidYouKnow?Perhapsyou’veheardthroughthegrapevineaboutoneofgoldenseal’smostpopularuses—toproduceafalsenegativewhenurineistestedforillegaldrugs,frommarijuanatococaine.ButaccordingtotheUniversityofMarylandMedicalCenter,there’snohardevidenceshowingthegoldensealactuallyworksforthispurpose.AsWebMDnotes,theideathatgoldensealcouldaltertheresultsfirstcameupinanovel,andnotamedicalstudy.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsskininfections,bronchitis,digestiveproblems,colds,flus,reproductiveissues,vaginalconditions,eyeinfections,mouthissues,eczema,psoriasis,acne,wounds,ulcers;protectstheliver;fightscancer;lowerscholesterol;andboostsimmunity.

COSMETIC:Acne,skinirritation.

ApplicationMethods

•• DrinkasateaApplyasatincture,salve,ointment,oil,poultice,compress

PrecautionsHerbalistsrecommendtakingbreakswhenconsumingtheherbinternally—threeweekson,oneweekoff—tostopirritationinthemucousmembranes.

OtherNamesChineseGoldensealEyeBalmEyeRootGoldenrootHydrasteIndianPlantIndianTurmeric

Locating&GrowingConsidergoldensealtobeanotherhighmaintenanceherbwithveryparticularneedstoachieveoptimalgrowth.Becauseit’sanativeofforestedareasinCanadaandtheeasternUnitedStates,itthrivesinsimilarclimatesandconditions:three-quartersshadeandbeneathalargetree.Soilshouldbehumus-rich.Thatsaid,evenifyougetitsgardeningdemandscorrect,youstillhaveathree-yearwaitforaharvest.

••••

HOPS

HUMULUS

Hopsarethefemaleflowerofthehopsplant.Ifyou’veeverdoneapubcrawl,you’reawareofoneofthebiggestmedicinalbenefitsofhops:itssedativeeffects.Overtheyearstheherbhassincebeenshowntobeeffectiveattriggeringweightloss,treatingmenstrualsymptoms,soothinganxiety,andbalancingmoods.Andnotjustwhenit’sbrewedandpackedinabeercan.It’susedtodayinavarietyofpreparationsfromteastoanti-agingskincare.

DidYouKnow?Thankstoitspopularityinhomebrewing(versushomehealing),it’sestimatedthatinpre-wartimes,nearlythree-quartersofhopsproductionwasDIYat-homeblends.(There’snorecordonhowmuchwasdrunkoutofamugversusputinto

amedicinetincture.)

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsanxiety,insomnia,ADHD,moodissues(likeirritability,tension,excitability),stomachcramps,intestinalissues,nervepain,andindigestion;balanceshormones;promotessleep;detoxesliver.

COSMETIC:Treatsoverworked,dry,orirritatedskin;healsandmoisturizesskin.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasacream,lotion,tonerDrinkasateaortonicUseinabathUseasatincture

Precautions

Hopsareconsideredsafeandnontoxic.However,somepeopleshouldtakecarewhenusingbecausetheycanmakedepressionworse.Theyalsosimulateestrogensoavoidifyou’vebeendiagnosedwithbreastcancer.Hopsmayalsointeractwithanesthesia,causingthepatienttoexperienceheightenedeffects.Hopsareknowntobeharmfultodogs.

OtherNamesHumulusLupulusLupuliStrobulusPiJiuHua

Locating&GrowingIfyou’vegotrich,deepsoilwithsouthernexposure,you’reinbusiness.Keeptheplantwellwateredandgiveitaplacetoclimb.

HYSSOP

HYSSOPUSOFFICINALIS

Hyssopgetsitsstarpowerintheherbalmedicineworldfromitspropertiesasanantiseptic,coughreliever,expectorant,andforitsaromaticqualities.It’sreveredbygourmetchefsfortheflavor-enhancingkickitgivestosoups,stews,salads,andsauces.

DidYouKnow?ThisherbwasanotherfavoriteoftheGreeks,namelyHippocrates,Galen,andDioscorides.Intheirtimes,theherbwasreadilyrecommendedforavarietyofissues—mostpopularlyasadecongestant,disinfectant,andsedative.Today,itsantiviralbenefitsaresoughtbythosewhohavemuscletension,neckpain,stress,orthroatcomplicationsduetooverworkingtheirvoices.Actors,publicspeakers,singers,politicians,teachers,andothersmightfindhyssop’sperformancequiteuseful.Additsessentialoilstoacarrieroilanditmakesafantasticmassageorbathoil,orcombinewithalmostanyoilforanourishing,antibacterialfacialtreatment.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsliverandgallbladderproblems,intestinalcramps,colic,gas,asthma,sorethroat,colds,flu,respiratoryissues,urinarytractinfections,HIV/AIDS,menstrualcramps,burns,bruises,frostbite,skinirritations;triggersappetite.

COSMETIC:Addsacamphorscenttofragrancesandcleaners.

ApplicationMethods

•• EatinfoodsUseinsoaps,cleaners,cosmetics,aromatherapy,oils,baths,mouthwash

PrecautionsHyssopisknowntobesafeinlowdoseswithafewexceptions.Becauseit’spackedwithketones,avoidifpregnantbecausetheherbmaycauseuterinecrampsortriggertheonsetofmenstruation.Ifyou’repronetoseizures,avoidtakingthisherbbecauseitmayspurtheironsetand/orheightenthem.

OtherNamesHerbedeJosephHiopeHysopeJufaYsop

Locating&GrowingAperennialshrubinthemintfamily,hyssoplikesithot,hot,hot.Lookfortheherbindry,rockyconditionsinfullsunlight.Ifyouwantthisherbinyourowngarden,startbypropagatingseedsindoorsabouteightweekspriortoyourfirstfrost.It’sjustaseasy,however,tofindthemalreadygrowninyourlocalnurseryorfarmers’marketoronline.

LAVENDER

LAVANDULAANGUSTIFOLIA

Lavenderisnoone-hitwonder.Apowerfullyeffectiveandwell-studiedanti-inflammatory,anti-allergen,antibacterial,antispasmodic,andantiseptic,itsusesrangefromanti-agingskincaretokitchensurfacecleaner.Infact,it’soneofthefewessentialoilsthatherbalistsrecommendapplyingdirectlytotheskinforhealingcuts,scrapes,wounds,andbruiseswithzerosideeffects.

DidYouKnow?InRomantimes,apoundoflavenderflowerswouldsetyoubackaboutamonth’swagesifyouwereafarmworker.TheGreeksdiscoveredearlyonthatcrushedandproperlytreatedlavenderwouldreleasearelaxingfumewhenburned.Lateritwasusedforsmoking,mummifying,andperfuming.FrenchchemistRené-MauriceGattefossé,whocoinedthetermaromatherapy,sufferedterribleburnsafteralabexplosion.Inalast-ditcheffortathealing,herubbedhisburnswithlavenderessentialoils,whichspedhealingandlefthisskinvirtuallyscar-free.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatscolds,flu,staph,strep,skininfections,nailinfections,indigestion,musclespasms,IBS,Crohn’sdisease,stress,fatigue,tension,depression,sadness,insomnia,andyeastinfections;healsburns,wounds,cuts,andbruises.

COSMETIC:Eraseswrinkles;banishesacne,psoriasis,eczema,andotherskinconditions;triggerscellturnover,treatsoiliness;tones,smooths,andevensskin.

ApplicationMethods

••• Applyasabalm,salve,ointment,compressDrinkasateaortonicUseinbaths,cleaningsolutions,sachets,aromatherapy,soaps,powders,candles

PrecautionsLavenderisconsideredsafeandnontoxic,however,pregnantwomenshouldavoidtakinglargedosesinternally.

OtherNamesEnglishLavenderFrenchLavenderGardenLavenderLavandeLavandulaSpikeLavenderTrueLavender

Locating&GrowingAperennial,lavenderisahardyplantabletogrowjustaboutanywhere.Infact,you’veprobablyseenitgrowinginmeadows,nearroadsides,andinlush,woodedareas.WhileitsnaturalhabitatmakesitsuitableforZones5to8,givethisherbsomesun,warmth,andmoist,well-drainedsoil,andit’sahappycamper.

LEMONBALM

MELISSAOFFICINALIS

Lemonbalmsmellssostrikinglyfantastic,you’llalmostforgetit’sahighlypotentanti-inflammatory,antiviral,antispasmodic,andantibacterialagent.It’sanaturalremedyfordigestivedisorder,moodconditions,viruseslikeherpesandshingles,andfeelingsofgrief,depression,andsadness.Whilemostpeopleputthislusciousherbinthegardenforitsfragrantaroma,theysoonfindtheeffectsontheirmoodtobetransformativeanduplifting.Arecentstudyhasshownthattheherb’santioxidantandpolyphenolprofileimprovesmemory,improvesclarityandfocus,andmaybeabletocombatAlzheimer’sdiseaseandcelloxidation.

DidYouKnow?LemonbalmwasusedduringtheMiddleAgesthroughoutEuropebyGreeksandRomansforeverythingfromdressingswordwoundstoreversingbaldnesstotreatingfainting.Thoughttobe“anelixiroflife”atonepoint,doctorsweren’ttoofaroff,givenwhat’sknowntodaybyscientists.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatscolic,insomnia,stress,worry,anxiety,fatigue,grief,depression,SAD(SeasonalAffectiveDisorder),ADD,ADHD,stomachissues,moodimbalances,andmusclespasms.

COSMETIC:Healsacneandsunburn;protectsagainstUVrays;increasescirculationandradiance;calms,soothes,andfightsinflammation;evensskintone;enhancesfragranceinperfumes,candles,andbodyproducts.

••••

ApplicationMethodsApplyasatinctureDrinkasateaortonicEatinfoodsUseinabath,aromatherapy,candle,soap,orasacleaner

PrecautionsLemonbalmisconsideredsafewiththeexceptionofthosewithhypothyroidismorlowthyroidactivity.Consultyourdoctorbeforetakingifyou’vegotthyroidissues.

OtherNamesCure-AllDropsyPlantHoneyPlantSweetBalmSweetMary

Locating&GrowingThekeytogettinglemonbalmgrowingistomakesureyougetacoupleofplantsstartedanditwillselfsow.IdealforZones4to9,itprefersmoistsoilandfulltopartialsun.

•••

LICORICE

GLYCRRHIZAGLABRA

Therealherb(ratherthanthecandy)isnaturallysweet—50timessweeterthansugar,infact—andchockfullofhealingcompounds.Evenmoreshocking,theingredientthatmakeslicoricesosweet(glycyrrhizicacid)isoneoftheroot’ssecretweaponsthankstoitsanti-inflammatory,antiviral,andanti-arthriticbenefitsthatmimichydrocortisoneandcorticosteroidsinthebody.

DidYouKnow?Whilemuchoflicorice’sbenefitsarestillconsideredlore—althoughtheherbhasbeenusedextensivelythroughoutEuropeandAsiaforcenturies—aninjectableformoftheplantwasshowninclinicaltrialtoeffectivelyfighthepatitisC.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Soothesinflammation,irritation,andpain;fightsinfectionslikeshingles,herpes,colds,andbronchitis;treatsulcers,stomachcramps,prostatecancer,eczema,sorethroat,constipation,adrenalfatigue,laryngitis,andthroatstressandinfections.

COSMETIC:Soothesrosacea,triggerscellturnover,rejuvenatesskin,protectscellDNA,preventsbreakouts,smoothstexture.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasanointment,salve,orskincreamDrinkasateaortonicEatinfood

PrecautionsTheactiveingredientglycyrrhizicacidcanstressthekidneysandheartduetoitspotentialtodepletepotassiumandretainsodium.Checkwithyourdoctorbeforeusingifyou’vegothighbloodpressure,waterretention,orheartpalpitations.

OtherNamesChineseLicoriceGanZaoLicoriceRootPhytoestrogenSweetRoot

Locating&GrowingHerbalistssaythatlicoricefallsintothecategoryof“Mediterraneanplant.”Inotherwordsitlikesfullsun,highheat,andsandytopartiallysandysoil.Ifyou’reraisingthisherbindoors,knowthatifyoutakeitfromseedtoharvest,you’llneedaboutthreeyearsbeforeit’smedicinallyreadytouse.

•••

MULLEIN

VERBASCUMTHAPSUS

Anexpectorantandantispasmodic,thisincredibleplantdoeswondersforlunghealthbothasapreventiveandasatreatment.Whilesomeresearchershavequestioneditseffectivenessasanantibacterial,othersatClemsonUniversityfoundmulleintosuccessfullyfightbacterialikeStaphylococcusaureus,Staphylococcusepidermis,E.coli,andpneumonia.

DidYouKnow?AnotherEuropeanplantoriginallythoughttowardoffevilspirits,thisparticularherbwasconsideredoneofthe23mostpowerfulhealersinmedievalJewishmedicine.Itsleaveshavesincebeenusedtostartfireswhilethesmokeisinhaledtotreatlungissueslikecongestion,asthma,andcough.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsbronchialandrespiratoryconditionslikecough,colds,chestcolds,sorethroats,allergies;relievespain;fightsinfections;healsskinconditionsandearinfections.

COSMETIC:Detoxifiesskin.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasasalve,poultice,compress,oroilDrinkasateaortonicUseinabath

PrecautionsIt’sknowntobesafeandnontoxic.Somepeoplearesensitivetotheleaf’stinyhairswhenappliedtopically.

OtherNamesAmericanMulleinBeggar’sBlanketBlanketHerbCandleflowerLungwortTorchWeedVelvetPlantWildIceLeafWoollyMullein

Locating&GrowingMullein,abiennial,makesagreatadditiontoanygarden—it’sattractiveandluresinbothbirdsandbees.WhileitthrivesinZones3to8,it’sprettyhappyanywhereyouplantit.Ifyou’reintonaturewalksoroutdoorexploration,you’veprobablyseenitgrowinginthewildinfields,bystreams,inwoods,ornexttohighways.(It’seasytospot,givenitsskinny,stalk-likestemandseven-footstature.)

••

PASSIONFLOWER

PASSIFLORA

MeetMotherNature’swonderflowerwhosecompoundshavecalming,sleep-inducingeffects.Infact,theplantwasonceFDA-approvedasanover-the-counterremedyforinsomniaandsedation,butduetolackofevidenceaboutitssafetyandeffectiveness,itwaspulledfromthemarketin1978.Ifyouwantthoseeffectsnow,simplybrewsomepassionflowertea,stashsomeofthefreshherbsunderyourpillow,andlettheZzzsbegin.

DidYouKnow?PassionflowermayalsobeMotherNature’sremedyforpsychologicalandbrainissuesrelatedtoanxiety,mood,stress,andrelateddisorders.OnestudypublishedintheJournalofClinicalPharmacyandTherapeuticsshowedtheplantextractwaseffectiveatmanaginganxietywithouttheimpactonjobperformancethatexistswiththetraditionalpharmaceuticals.Anotherstudyshowedtheherbwaseffectiveinreducingstressassociatedwithundergoingsurgery.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsinsomnia,fatigue,gastrointestinalissues,asthma,menopausalsymptoms,irregularheartbeat,fibromyalgia,seizures,hemorrhoids,anxiety,stress,andnervousness;easesdrugwithdrawal.

COSMETIC:Skin,hair,andscalp.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasanoil,salve,ortinctureDrinkasatea

PrecautionsPassionflowerisgenerallyconsideredsafewithafewexceptions.Avoidifpregnantastheherbhasbeenknowntocauseuterinecontractions.Alsoavoidtwotothreeweekspriortosurgeryasitmayincreasetheeffectsofanesthesiainthebrain.

OtherNamesApricotVineMaypopPurplePassionFlowerWaterLemonWildPassionFlower

Locating&GrowingPassionflowerisprettyeasygoingwhenitcomestoplantinganddoesn’treallyaskformuch:somesunlightorpartialshade,awarmishclimate(thoughit’sknowntowithstandZone-5wintertemps),andmoistsoil.

RASPBERRY

RUBUSIDAEUS

Stepasidechia,raspberryseedsandleavesareconsideredoneofthehottestnewsuperfoodsaround.It’snorealsurprise.Theycontain83percentessentialfattyacids,vitaminsE,B1andB3,iron,calcium,magnesium,manganese,polyphenols,andUVA/UVBprotectionthatrivalstitaniumoxide.Beautyenthusiastsareprettypsychedaboutitsabilitytoeraseacnescars,preventandtreatbreakouts,reducepores,smoothskin’ssurface,andevenskintone.

Noraspberryleaves?Blackberryleafmakesanequallyfantastic(andantioxidant-rich)substitution.

DidYouKnow?Raspberryiswidelyknownforitsbenefitsinsupportingpregnancy,labor,anddelivery.Manycultureshaveusedittotreatawiderangeofailments,includinghighbloodpressure,kidneydisorders,andinfections.Topically,itsleavesareapowerfuldisinfectantandareappliedtowoundstospeedhealing.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Supportspainrelatedtolaboranddelivery;easesmorningsickness,musclecontractions,uterinecramping;relievessorethroats;treatsdiarrhea;reducesfever.

COSMETIC:Fightsacne,shrinkspores,smoothstexture,evensskintone;usedasnaturalSPFinmoisturizers,creams,oils.

•••

ApplicationMethodsApplyasasalve,oil,poultice,compressDrinkasateaortonicUseasabodysplash,orinskincare

PrecautionsRaspberryisconsideredsafeandnontoxic.

OtherNamesFramboiseRubiIdaeiFoliumRubus

Locating&GrowingRaspberrybushesthriveinZones3to9inareaswithfullsun,fertile,well-drainedsoil,andgoodaircirculation.Don’tplantnearanareathatgrowsorusedtogrowtomatoes,potatoes,peppers,eggplants,brambleberries,orroses,whichcanleavebehindharmfuldiseasesthatcanattackanddestroythefruit.

•••

ROSEHIPS

ROSACANINA

WhilethisbeautifulredfruitisreveredforitsvitaminCcontent,it’slikeamultivitamingrownonatree,thankstovitaminsA,D,E,essentialfattyacids,andantioxidant-richflavonoids.Eatthemstraightupoffthetreetohelpwithbladderinfections,headaches,andmore,orcraftaDIYskincreamforafirm,youthfulradiance.

DidYouKnow?Rosehipsareusedtoflavorteasandjellies,whichisagoodthingforyourimmunesystem.Theyhave20timesmorevitaminCthanoranges.WhilefreshrosehipsareamajorsourceofvitaminC,driedrosehips?Notsomuch.TheactofdryingtheplantzapsagoodbitofitsCcontent.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsosteoarthritis,rheumatoidarthritis,menstrualcramps,fever,infections,stomachissueslikediarrhea,cramps,andirritation;reducescholesterol;preventsandtreatscolds;boostsimmunity.

COSMETIC:Replenishes,repairs,andprotectsskin;evensskintone;brightens;improveselasticity.

ApplicationMethodsApplyasacream,oil,salve,faceandbodycleanser,tinctureDrinkinateaUseasabodywash,splash,ormoisturizer

PrecautionsWhilerosehipsareconsideredsafe,talktoyourdoctorbeforetakingtheherbasitmayslowbloodclotting,

impactdiabetesmanagement,increasekidneystonerisk,andimpedetheabsorptionofiron.

OtherNamesDogRoseHipberryPersianRosePinkRose

Locating&GrowingRosehips,theseedpodsoftheroseplant,preferlight,sandysoilandloadsofsunlight.ToDIYlikeapro,startwithcuttingsorseedlingsandmakesomeroomforthemtogrow.Plantscantopfivefeetwhengrowninconditionstheylove.

ROSEMARY

ROSMARINUS

Rosemaryisn’tjustforseasoninglambanymore.Thiswidelystudiedherbfeaturesanactiveingredientcalledcarnosicacid,whichhasbeenshowninscientificstudiestohaveseriousprotectiveeffectsinthebrain.ArecentstudypublishedinJournalofNeurochemistryshowsitprotectsbraincellsfromfreeradicalsandmaybeusedtotreatneuro-degenerativediseaseslikeParkinson’s,Alzheimer’s,andstroke.Researchersbelieveongoingstudiescouldshowtheherbtobeapowerfultreatmentinanti-agingbecauseofitsabilitytopreventdisease,slowaging,andsupportthenervoussystem.

DidYouKnow?Rosemaryhasalongandillustrioushistoryasamultipurposeculinaryandmedicinalherb.Partofthemintfamily(alongwithbasil,oregano,andlavender),it’sbeenusedforeverythingfromgasreliefandtoothachestobaldnessandmemoryloss.Inthesixteenthcentury,doctorsburntrosemaryintheirsickroomstodisinfectthehealingspaceandkillgerms.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Stimulatesbrainactivity;enhancesmemory;easesheadaches,migraines,depression,inflammation,digestiveissues,andpoorcirculation;supportscardiovascularissueslikelowbloodpressure;treatsjointpainandinflammation;boostsmood;wardsoffillness.

COSMETIC:Conditionshairandskininbathoilsandhairtonics.

ApplicationMethods

••• Applyasatincture,salve,ointment,poultice,compress,oressentialoilDrinkasateaUseasacleaningproduct

PrecautionsIt’ssafetousewithnotoxicityreportsduringitslonghistoryofmedicinalandculinaryapplications.

OtherNamesCompassPlantOldManPolarPlantRomero

Locating&GrowingRosemaryisasomewhathigh-maintenanceplant.Whenitcomestowater,nottoomuch,nottoolittle.Whenitcomestotemperatures,nottoohot,nottoocold.Infact,itwon’tsurviveafreeze.It’softensafesttokeeptheherbindoorsinabrilliantlysunnyspotwithstabletemperaturesandsoildampnesscontrol.

SAGE

SALVIAOFFICINALIS

Whiletherearemanytypesofsage,Salviaofficinalisisthemostusefulvarietyforyourherbalmedicinekit.Althoughtherearemanydifferenttypesofsagewithinthesamefamily,theyhavedifferentbenefitsanduses.Thisparticularsage—aka“commonsage”—iswidelyusedinaromatherapyaswellasforwounds,infections,andcleaningsolutionsduetoitsantibacterialcompounds.

DidYouKnow?Sagehasbeenpresentasaculinaryherbfortwothousandyears.InancientGreekandRomantimes,royaltydownedcountlesscupsofsageteabelievingitwasafountainofyouthofsorts.Duringthatsametime,theherbwasusedbothasameatpreservativeandamemorybooster.LateritwasusedforeverythingfromsnakebitestoPMStointestinalworms.Infact,sagewasusedduringtheBlackDeathtofightagainstthedisease.Seemsthattheseancientcivilizationswereontosomething.ResearchhassinceshowntheherbtoimprovememoryandfightagainstAlzheimer’sdisease.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsmenstrualcramps,asthma,diarrhea,bloating,heartburn,depression,memoryloss,gas,over-sweating,coldsores,gumdisease,memoryloss,menopausesymptoms,Alzheimer’sdisease.

COSMETIC:Refreshesscalp,masksgrayhair,strengthensandshineshair;deodorizesteethandbody.

ApplicationMethods

•••• Applyasapoultice,ointment,tonic,ortinctureDrinkasateaortonicEatinfoodUseasaspray

PrecautionsSagecontainsthesameactiveingredientasinabsinthe—thujone—sotoomuchcanbetoxic.Expertssuggesttakingnomorethan15gramsofleavesperdose.Nursingmothersshouldalsoavoidtheherbasitcanlowerthebenefitsofbreastmilk.

OtherNamesGardenSageMeadowSageScarletSageSpanishSageTrueSage

Locating&GrowingThisbeautifulherbthrivesinfullsunandwell-drainedsoils(nowetdirtforthisguy).ItgrowsbestinZones4to8,bloomsinJune,andcanhandledroughtconditionsandrockysoil.

SELF-HEAL

PRUNELLA

AfavoriteinskincarelinesbecauseofitshighvitaminC,vitaminK,thiamine,andtanninscontent,self-healisknownforitsastringent,antiseptic,andanti-inflammatorybenefits.Ithasrootsingourmetcirclesaswell:Self-heal’sleavesandstems(freshordried)canbethesecretingredientinyournextfarm-to-tablesaladorgourmetsoup.Itsfabulouspurpleflowersbrightenupanybowlofgreenswithoutyourguestshavingtoknowtheirfirstcourseisultra-healing.

DidYouKnow?Itsname“self-heal”comesfromthefactthatatonetimethissuperherbwasconsideredapanacea.Itsingredientprofilecontainscancerpreventative,STD(sexuallytransmitteddisease)treatments,andantioxidantsknowntopreventandtreatheartdiseaseandboostimmunity.Fromapsychologicalperspective,it’stakentoboostmood,raiseenergylevels,balancehormones,andawakenself-confidenceandlifeforce.Infact,it’soneoftheonlyherbalessencesmadeintoaskincreamdesignedtobolsterself-healthandself-sustenance.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:TreatsCrohn’sdisease,diarrhea,colic,gastroenteritis,throatissues,sorethroat,fever,headache,liverdisease,musclespasms,STDs,andvaginalconditions.

COSMETIC:Fightsinflammationandirritation;tightenspores.

ApplicationMethods

•• Applyasasplash,salve,ointment,oranoilUseinasoap,mouthwash,eyewash

PrecautionsWhilenotoxicityhasbeenreported,herbalistssuggestavoidingself-healifyou’repregnantorbreastfeeding.

OtherNamesAll-HealBlueCurlsBrownwortCarpenter’sHerbHeal-AllHock-HealSicklewortWoundwortXiaKuCao

Locating&GrowingLikemanyherbswithweed-likesensibilities,self-healcangrowjustaboutanywhere,butitthrivesinwoods,meadows,andforestenvironments.Partialsunandmildtemperaturesareitssweetspot.Ifyou’reinaspacewithwetconditions,thisherbspreadslikewildfire.

SLIPPERYELM

ULMUSRUBRA

Slipperyelms,alongwithotherelmtrees,werewipedoutbyDutchelmdiseaseandarenowconsideredendangered.Thisispartlyduetotheirlownumbers,butalsotheirslow-growingnature,whichmakestheirpopulationslowtoreplenish.Youcanfindsmallandfull-growntreesavailableinsomenurseriesaswellasonlineastheirbarkisstillindemand.Manyherbalistssubstitutemarshmallowinrecipeswheneverallowedorreadilyavailable.Ahealthytreecantop60feettall.What’scovetedformedicinaluseistheinnerbarkonthebranches.

DidYouKnow?Slipperyelmisfamousforits“mucilaginous”consistency,meaningthethick,gooeytextureinherentinsomeplants.Thisviscosity,combinedwithitsnaturalanti-inflammatory,anti-irritantcharacteristics,makeitasoothing,nourishingingredientinmodernskincarelines.Backintheday,NativeAmericansusedtosoakslipperyelmbark,coverwounds,andallowittodryovertheinjuredareaasthebarkimparteditshealingcompoundsintotheskin.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatscough,sorethroats,andlaryngitis;easesdigestiveandGI(gastroinstestinal)problemslikeconstipation,diarrhea,IBS(irritablebowelsyndrome),ulcers,andhemorrhoids;healsskinconditionslikeburns,coldsores,boils,ulcers,abscesses,andwounds;andeasestoothpain.

COSMETIC:Soothesagingskin,combatswrinkles,erasessundamage.

ApplicationMethods

•• ApplyasacompressorpoulticeDrinkasateaorinfusion

PrecautionsDon’ttakeslipperyelmifyou’rebreastfeedingorpregnant.It’srumoredtocausemiscarriagesandeventriggerabortions.Insomeinstances,slipperyelmcancauseanallergicreaction.Ifskingetsirritated,discontinueuseorlowerthedose.

OtherNamesIndianElmMooseElmOrmeRedElmSweetElm

Locating&GrowingYou’llfindslipperyelminplaceswithpoorlydrainedsoillikeriverbeds,streambanks,lowlands,mountainbottoms,orcanyons.It’sbestsuitedforenvironmentsthatallowforthetreetohavemoistsoilandpartialsunlight.

ST.JOHN’SWORT

HYPERICUMPERFORATUM

Ifyou’vetakenanysortofroadtripacrosstheUnitedStatesandCanadayou’veprobablyseenthisherbgrowingabundantlyonthesideoftheroad.Thisherbiswidelystudiedduetoitspowerfulantifungal,antiviral,anticancer,andantibacterialproperties.Researchhasshownit’sabletosuppresstheAIDSvirus,herpesvirus,cancerproliferation,andmore.Itsstrikingbudsareprobablybestknownfortheirimpactonfeel-goodneurotransmitters,includingserotonin,noradrenaline,anddopamine,makingitapowerfulantidepressantremedy.(Ittakesthreeweeksofconsistentuseforitsmood-boostingeffectstokickin.)

DidYouKnow?HippocrateswasabigfanofSt.John’swortandrecordeditsusesinhismedicalrecords.It’snativelyEuropean,buthasproliferatedprettymucheverywhere.Australia,whichnowgrowsitasanexportablecrop,produces20percentoftheglobalsupply.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsdepression,stress,anxiety,shingles,herpes,sprains,wounds,burns,stings,andotherinjuries;easessymptomsofPMSandmenopause;combatsfatigue,lossofappetite,insomnia,musclepain,seasonalaffectivedisorder(SAD),obsessive-compulsivedisorder(OCD),attentiondeficit-hyperactivitydisorder(ADHD),moodswings,migraines,nervepain,irritablebowelsyndrome(IBS);treatscancer,HIV/AIDS,andhepatitisC.

COSMETIC:Reducesstretchmarks,helpseliminatebruises.

••

ApplicationMethodsApplyasasalve,ointment,poultice,tincture,oroilDrinkasatea

PrecautionsSt.John’swortshouldbeusedundertheguidanceofadoctorifyou’repregnantoralreadytakingantidepressants.Somepeoplebecomesensitivetolightwhentakingthisherb.Ifthishappens(skinbecomesitchy,bumpy,red,inflamed),simplydiscontinueuseorcutbackonthedosage.

OtherNamesAmberDemonChaserGoatweedHardhayHypereikonKlamathWeedMillepertuisTiptonWeed

Locating&GrowingDrenchit,neglectit,shadeit,oroverexposeittosun—St.John’swortdoesn’tcare.Itgrowslikeaweed.AlthoughitlovesasunnymeadowinZones3to9,itsproutseasilyandself-sowsjustaboutanywhere.

THYME

THYMUSVULGARIS

Packedwithnaturalhealingcompounds—thymol,cineole,borneol,flavonoids,andtannins—thissweet-smelling,floweringbeautypacksapowerfulpunch.Stashthisherbinyourmedicinekittofighteverythingfromcoldsandflusymptomstohairlossandfunkybreath.Whileyouwouldn’texpecttofindthisherbinyourskincareregimen,itsantiseptic,antibacterial,andastringentqualitiesmakeitashoe-inforhealingtoughacne,preventingblemishes,tighteningandtoningskin,anddeodorizingheadtotoe.NotbadforsomethingyounormallyreserveforherbesdeProvence.

DidYouKnow?Ifthymecouldtalk,it’dtellyouabouthowitwasusedbytheEgyptianstomummifythedead,orhowtheGreeksgaveittoitswarriorstobolstercourage.Becauseit’santiseptic,thymewasonceusedbydoctorstocleanwounds.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Treatsthroatissueslikebronchitis,sorethroat,andwhoopingcough;soothesupsetstomach,stomachcramps,gas,diarrhea;killsparasites;killsgermsthatcausebadbreath;stimulatesappetite;stopstoothdecay.

COSMETIC:Stimulateshairgrowthinblendsmadewithrosemaryandcedarwood;treatsacneandfootodor.

ApplicationMethods

•••• Applyasasalve,ointment,poultice,tincture,scrub,oroilDrinkasateaEatinfoodUseasacleaningproduct

PrecautionsNone.Thisflower-meets-spiceiscompletelysafeandnontoxic.

OtherNamesCommonThymeFrenchThymeGardenThymeRedThymeOilRubbedThymeSpanishThyme

Locating&GrowingPlanttheseseedsinspring(oranytimeonyoursill)inasunnyspotthat’sgotmoist,alkalinesoil.Trimitoftenanditwillloveyou.

••

VALERIAN

VALERIANAOFFICINALIS

Valerianisteemingwithgoodstuff:calcium;magnesium;vitaminB;caffeic,isovalerenic,andvalerenicacids;essentialoils;sesquiterpernes;andglycosides.It’smostoftenconsidered“brainfood”becauseitssweetspotishelpingtreatandsupportthenervoussystem.

DidYouKnow?TheearliestEuropeancolonistsshippedvalerianalongwithalloftheirbelongingstostartanewlifeinAmerica.Becausethisherbisanaturalstressandpainrelieverthat’seasytogrow,packingitasacure-allwasano-brainer.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:treatsinsomnia,stress,anxiety,headaches,nervepain,depression,andnervoussystemissues;suppressescentralnervoussystemactivity;relaxescolon,uterus,andbronchialpassages;relievesmuscleandbacktension;manageshighbloodpressureandirregularheartbeats.

COSMETIC:n/a

ApplicationMethodsApplyasatincture,oil,poultice,orsalveDrinkasatea

PrecautionsValerianissafeforshort-termuse(nostudieshavebeendoneontheherblongerthanonemonth).Sideeffectsinsomepeoplecanincludeinsomnia,headache,anxiety,andamorning-aftersluggishnessor“hangover.”Youcan’treallyoverdoseonit,butifyourmusclesorlimbsstarttofeelheavyorsluggish,you

maywanttocutbackthedosage.

OtherNamesCommonValerianGardenHeliotropeIndianValerianMexicanValerianPacificValerianTagar

Locating&GrowingThisperenniallovesmoist,richsoilandpartialshade.Anotherself-sower,onceyouplantvalerian,you’lllikelyfinditinabundanceeverywhereinyourgarden.

WITCHHAZEL

HAMAMELISVIRGINIANA

Outdoorenthusiastslovetheanti-itch,anti-inflammatorypowerofthiswildshrub.Excellentfortreatingsunburn,bugbites,andbruises,you’llfinditanecessaryadditiontobackpacksandcampinggear.Witchhazelisjustaspopularinbeautycircles.Itseyebrighteningandastringentpropertiesmakeitanexcellentcomponentinanti-agingskincareformulasandnourishingspatreatments.Foreverydayuse,addittoacottonballandswipeoverfacetofightacne,reducefinelinesandwrinkles,shrinkpores,andremovemakeup.

DidYouKnow?Manypeoplethinktheseshrubsareactuallytreesbecausetheygrowupto30feethighandarearound15feetwidewhenfullgrown.Atonepoint,theshrubwascalleda“waterwitch”becauseitsbrancheswereusedtolocateundergroundwaterandmineralsources.Becausetheyflowerinthewinter,they’reoftenplantedbypeoplewhoneedavisualmentalboostoraromatherapeuticpick-me-upduringthelongwintermonths.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Relievesitching,swelling,irritation,andpainrelatedtoskinconditionsaswellashemorrhoids;treatsdiarrhea,colds,fever,varicoseveins,andbruises;treatsdamagedgums,swimmer’sear,andsorethroats;soothesdiaperrash,stings,andbites;easescrampinganddiscomfortfrommenstruation.

COSMETIC:Healseczema,soothesskinpost-shave,andtreatsundereyebagsanddarkcircles;worksasanastringent,treatsvaricoseveins.

••

ApplicationMethodsApplyasasalve,ointment,orpoulticeUseasasplashortonic

PrecautionsAvoidusingifskinissunburnt,dry,overlysensitive,orwindburned.

OtherNamesHazelSnappingTobaccoWoodSpottedElderWinterBloom

Locating&GrowingWitchhazelshrubsaremassiveinbothsizeandfloweroutput.Withgorgeousyellowflowers,ripefruits,burgeoningbuds—oftenbloomingatthesametime—it’sfoundquiteofteninforestsorwoodsyareas.Adaptabletosunlightandsoiltypes,it’slovedbyherbalistsandgardenersbecauseofitscolorandsweetaroma.

YARROW

ACHILLEAMILLEFOLIUM

Yarrowisoneofthemostfascinatingherbsyou’llfind.Saidtobeacure-all,it’sbeenwidelyusedaroundtheworldforcenturiesinavarietyofmodalitiesandcultures.It’sbestknownforitsdualnature.Forexample,itbothtriggersbleedingandstopsbleeding.Itmakessensebecauseyarrow,likespearmint,isknowntobe“amphoteric,”meaningthatitmovestothelocationinoronyourbodywhereit’sneeded.Atthesametime,it’sstimulatingandcalmingdependingonthepatient’sneeds.Evenmorefascinating,itworksalmostimmediatelyparticularlywhenreducingswellingorstoppingbleeding,andtakesdownhighfeversinrecordtime(that’sbecauseit’salsodiaphoreticandtriggerssweating!).

DidYouKnow?YarrowisnamedafterAchilles,theGreekTrojanWarleader,whouseditduringbattle.Heboundhiswarriors’feetintheherbtostopbleedingandhealtheirwoundsmorequickly.

HerbalPowerMEDICINAL:Healsbruises,wounds,andsprains;reducesinflammation;slowsandstopsbleeding;regulatesmenstrualcycles,triggerslateperiods,easescrampsandotherPMS(premenstrualsyndrome)symptoms;reducesfever;lessensbloating,gas,stomachcramps,andrelatedGIissues;triggershungerandappetite;supportsliverfunctions.

COSMETIC:n/a

•••

ApplicationMethodsApplyasasalveorpoulticeDrinkasateaUseasanoilortincture

PrecautionsYarrowisconsideredsafeandnontoxic,however,becauseofitseffectsonbleeding,cramping,anduterinemuscles,pregnantwomenshouldavoidusingit.

OthernamesBloodwortCarpenter’sWeedDevil’sNettleErbaDaFalegnameGandanaSchafgarbeMilefolioStaunchweedWoundWort

Locating&GrowingThisisone-stopseeding.Plantyarrowinyourgardenonce;itwillgroweasily,thriveinmoistsoilandfullsunlight,andbestofall,willself-sow.Likeitseffectsinyourbody,yarrowishighlyadaptabletonearlyanygrowingconditions.

THEREMEDIES

(PlusaFewProducts)TreatmentsinthesechaptersaddresseverythingfromoilyhairandbodyodortoseriousailmentslikeUTIsandmigraines.Remediesarealsoincludedforanxiety,depression,insomnia,andotherconditionssoimportanttooverallwellness.Finally,thissectionwrapswithahandfulofgo-toremediesfornaturalhomecleaningproductsandself-treatmentsforthedayaftersomeofthemostcommonnon-medicalissuesweencounter.

5

FACEANDHAIRCAREAcne

ChappedLipsColor-DamagedHair

Crow’sFeet&LaughLinesDandruffDrySkin

Dull,DryHairEczemaoftheFace

OilyHairPuffyEyesRosaceaSplitEnds

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

ACNE

Yourteenyearsarebehindyou,sowhat’swiththepersistingacne?Unfortunately,acnewillrearitsuglyhead(andwhiteheadandblackhead)wheneveroilanddeadskincellsclogfragilepores.Youmayalreadyknowthatscrubbingtoohard,usingharshchemicals,andpickingatthemcanmaketheissueworse.Mildandgentle,theherbsusedtotreatacnecanaddressinflammation,helpclearuppimples,andminimizescarring.Usealoneoralongsideothertreatments.

SoothingAloeVeraandCalendulaFacialYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Calendulaisagentleastringentthateliminatesbacteriawhileeasinginflammation.Thissoothingfacialstopsrednessandrelievesdiscomfortwhilerestoringskin’sbalanceandimprovingyourcomplexion.

½teaspoonalcohol-freealoeveragel½teaspooncalendulaoil1dropchamomileessentialoilInasmalldish,combinethealoeveragel,calendulaoil,andchamomileessentialoil.

Usingyourfingertips,applyathinlayertoyourfreshlywashedface.Leaveinplacefor5to10minutes.Rinseyourfacewithcoolwaterandpatdry.Repeatthistreatmentoncedailywhileacnepersists.Followupwithyourfavoriteoil-freemoisturizerifneeded.

JuniperBerry–LavenderTonerYIELD:30TREATMENTS

STORAGE:DARK-COLOREDGLASSBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Thisfacialtonerissimplebutpowerful.Theessentialoilsofferapleasantaroma,plustheyarepowerfulantisepticsthatstimulateyourcirculationandhelpdamagedskinheal.

½cupalcohol-freewitchhazelextract4dropsjuniperberryessentialoil4dropslavenderessentialoilInadark-coloredglassbottle,combinethewitchhazelextract,juniperberryessentialoil,andlavenderessentialoil.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.

4.5.6.7.8.9.10.

Captightlyandshakewell.Usingacottonball,applyathinlayertoyourfreshlywashedface.Followupwithoil-freemoisturizer.Usethistonermorningandevening.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Rosemary–MintFacialScrubYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Byexfoliatinggently,thisfacialscrubhelpstounblockcloggedpores.Thewhitewineandhoneysoftenskinandtherosemarystimulatescellrenewal.Usethisscrubtostopacneoutbreaksfast.

½teaspoonchoppedmintleaves½teaspoonrosemaryleaves½teaspoonthymeleaves2tablespoonswhitewine1teaspoonhoney2teaspoonsfineseasaltInasmallsaucepan,combinethemint,rosemary,thyme,whitewine,andhoney.

Turntheheattomedium-highandbringtoasimmer.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor10minutesoruntilthevolumehasbeenreducedbyhalf.Allowthemixturetocoolcompletely.Transfertheliquidtoasmallglassbowl.Addtheseasaltandstirgently.Usinggentlecircularmotions,applythescrubtoyourfreshlywashedface.Leaveinplacefor5to10minutes.Rinseyourfacewithcoolwaterandpatdry.Followupwithoil-freemoisturizer.Usethisscrubtwiceweeklyduringacnebreakouts.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

1.

CHAPPEDLIPS

Regardlessofwhetheryouspendlotsoftimeinsideoroutside,chappedlipsplaguejustabouteveryoneatsomepoint.Blamesunburn,orwind,ordryindoorair.Whilethereisnoshortageofcommercialremediesavailable,homeremediesmadewithherbscanhelpprotectdelicateliptissueandhealchappedlipsquickly.Doyourbesttostayoutofextremecoldanddirectsunlightuntilyourlipsaresmoothagain.

ChamomileLipScrubYIELD:10TREATMENTS

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:5MINUTES

Thisfour-ingredientlipscrubgentlyexfoliates,revealingnewskinandallowingmoisturetopenetratewhereit’sneededmost.Nourishingchamomileessentialoilhelpseasethediscomfortassociatedwithinflammation,dryness,andcrackedskin.

1teaspoonalcohol-freealoeveragel1teaspoonhoney2dropschamomileessentialoil1teaspoonsugarInasmalljar,combinethealoeveragel,honey,andchamomileessentialoil.

Addthesugarandstirthoroughly.Withafingertip,applyadabofthescrubtoyourlips.Usinggentlecircularmotions,lightlyscrubfor10seconds.Rinseyourlipswithcoolwater.Followupwithmoisturizinglipbalm.Repeatthistreatment1or2timesdailywhilesufferingfromchappedlips.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Lavender–GeraniumLipBalmYIELD:30TREATMENTS

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:10MINUTES

You’lllovehowsilkysoftyourlipsfeelasthishealingbalmboostshydrationandsoothesirritation.Thelavenderandgeraniumessentialoilshelpdamagedskinhealwhileleavingahintofpleasantfragrance.

1tablespoonbeeswax1tablespooncoconutoil1teaspooncalendulaoil2dropslavenderessentialoil1dropgeraniumessentialoilInadoubleboiler,combinethebeeswaxandcoconutoiloverlowheat.

2.3.4.5.6.7.

Stirgentlyuntilthebeeswaxhasmeltedcompletely.Removefromtheheatandaddthecalendulaoil.Stirwell.Addthelavenderandgeraniumessentialoilsandstirwell.Pourthebalmintoasmalljarandcoolcompletely.Usingyourindexfinger,applyathinlayertoyourlips.Usethisbalmasoftenasyoulike.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Whilethisbalmhelpshealchappedlips,italsoworkswellfordrykneesandelbows.

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2.3.4.5.

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2.

COLOR-DAMAGEDHAIR

Whetheryou’velightenedyourhairorgoneafewshadesdarker,it’slikelythatallthosedyesthatgaveyourlockslusciouscoloralsoleftthemwithsomedryness,breakage,orfrizz.Whiletheonlywaytopermanentlyeliminatechemicaldamagelikethekindthatcomesfromrelaxers,perms,andhaircoloristocutyourhair,thesenourishingherbalremediescansmoothcuticles,repairends,andhydratethirstytressessohairgetsbackontheroadtohealth.

AloeVera–PeppermintHairMaskYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Aloeveraprovidesthemoisturethatdehydratedordamagedlockssodesperatelyneed,whilejojobaoiladdsshine,andpeppermintessentialoilstimulatescirculationinyourscalp(read:helpsnewhairgrow).

1tablespoonalcohol-freealoeveragel1tablespoonjojobaoil6dropspeppermintessentialoilInasmallbowl,combinethealoeveragel,jojobaoil,andpeppermintessentialoil.

Applytheentiretreatmenttoyourhairandscalp,massagingwell.Placeadisposableshowercaponyourheadandleavethetreatmentinplacefor15minutes.Whenfinished,washandconditionyourhairasusual.Useonceortwiceweeklyforbestresults.

ChamomileConditionerYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Conditioningchamomileandfortifyingeggproteinarethedynamicduointhisshineboosterandstrandstrengthener.Bonus:Itreducestanglesandpreventsfuturebreakage,too.Dampenhairbeforeusingthistreatment.

1eggyolk,beaten1teaspoonsunfloweroil4dropschamomileessentialoilInasmallbowl,combinetheeggyolk,sunfloweroil,andchamomileessentialoil.

Beatvigorouslytocombine.

3.4.5.

6.

Massagetheentiretreatmentintoyourhairandscalp.Leaveinplacefor15minutes.Whenfinished,rinseyourhairthoroughlywithcoolwater.Followupwithyourfavoriteshampooandconditioner.Useatleastonceweeklyforbestresults.

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4.5.

CROW’SFEET&LAUGHLINES

Crow’sfeetandlaughlinesdon’thavetobeaninevitablesignofagingskin.Whiletheselittlewrinklesarethenaturalresultofourdailyfacialexpressions(including,butnotlimitedto,smilingandlaughing),youcansoftenthemandpreventthemfrombecomingdeeperbywearingsunscreendaily,applyingweeklyhydratingmasks,andnourishingyourskinwithnutrient-densemoisturizers.Smileandgivetheseremediesatry.Usedregularly,skinstaysyoung-lookinglonger.

Rosemary–PapayaFacialMaskYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Readytogetyourglowback?FreshpapayacontainsvitaminCtostimulatecollagenproduction,andpapain,anenzymethatexfoliatesandtightenspores.Rosemaryessentialoilspeedscellrenewalandimprovescirculation.

¼cupfreshpapaya,puréed6dropsrosemaryessentialoilInasmallbowl,combinethepapayaandrosemaryessentialoil.

Usingyourfingertips,applythemixturetoyourfreshlywashedface,focusingoncrow’sfeetandlaughlines.Relaxfor15minutes.Ifthemixtureseemstooslippery,keepitinplacebycoveringyourfacewithapaperorcottonfacialmask.Whenfinished,rinseyourfacewithcoolwaterandapplyyourfavoritemoisturizer.Youmayfeelatinglingsensationwhilethismaskisdoingitswork.Ifyouexperiencediscomfort,stopthetreatment.

Frankincense–LavenderSkinSerumYIELD:2OUNCES

STORAGE:DARK-COLOREDGLASSBOTTLEWITHDROPPERTIME:5MINUTES

Thislightherbalserumoffersapowerhouseofage-defyingoils.Macadamiarejuvenatestired,agingskin.Lavendercalmsandmoisturizes.Meadowfoamdeliversmajorantioxidants.AndfrankincensebalancespHwhilerepairingskincells.

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2.3.4.5.

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.

2tablespoonsmacadamianutoil1½tablespoonsmeadowfoamseedoil15dropsfrankincenseessentialoil10dropslavenderessentialoilAddalltheingredientstoadark-coloredglassbottlefittedwithaglassdropper.

Shakefor30secondstoblend.Withyourfingertips,applyathinlayertoyourskin,focusingoncrow’sfeetandlaughlines.Lettheserumabsorbintoyourskin.Followupwithyourfavoritemoisturizer.Youcanusethisserumtohydrateyourentirefaceifyoulike.Storeitinacool,darkplace.

LavenderTonerwithVitaminsCandEYIELD:ABOUT2OUNCES

STORAGE:DARK-COLOREDGLASSBOTTLETIME:10MINUTES

Thisfragranttonernourishesskinandprovidesalightweightlayerofprotectivemoisture.Withdailyuse,itreducestheappearanceofcrow’sfeet,ordry,indoor-air-damagedskin.

1¾ouncesrosehydrosol¾teaspoonvitaminCcrystals20dropslavenderessentialoil20dropsvitaminEoilInasmallbowl,combinetherosehydrosolandvitaminCcrystals.

StirgentlyuntilthevitaminCcrystalsaredissolved.Usingafunnel,transfertheliquidtoadark-coloredglassbottle.CarefullyaddthelavenderessentialoilandvitaminEoiltothebottle.Shakewell.Usingacottonball,applyafewdropstoyourcleanface.Followupwithyourfavoritemoisturizer.Usethistonereachmorningandnight.Storeinacool,darkplace.

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2.3.4.5.6.

7.

DANDRUFF

Don’ttossoutthatblacksweaterjustyet.Thereareeasy,effectivewaystodealwithannoyingdandruff,whichcanbecausedbyeverythingfromadry,overlyoily,orunder-shampooedscalptoskinconditionslikeeczema,psoriasis,orfungus.Treatmentsliketheonesbelowmakeitsimpletocontrolboththesideeffectsandtheunderlyingcausesoftheproblem.

Ginger–TeaTreeScalpTonicYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Ginger’santi-inflammatoryactioneasestheitchingassociatedwithdandruff.Oliveoilimpartsnaturalmoisturetodry,flakyskin.Teatreeessentialoillendsahandbykillingfungus.

1palm-sizedpieceoffreshgingerroot,peeled1tablespoonoliveoil2dropsteatreeessentialoilUseagarlicpressorjuicertoextractasmuchjuicefromthegingerrootasyoucan.Ifusingagarlicpress,gratethegingerbeforepressingit.

Inasmallbowl,mixthejuice,oliveoil,andteatreeessentialoiltogether.Wetyourhairandapplytheentireremedytothescalp.Massagegently.Leavethetreatmentinplacefor15minutes.Whenfinished,rinseyourhairthoroughlywithcoolwater.Followupwithyourfavoriteshampooandconditioner.Repeatthistreatment2to3timesweeklyuntilthedandruffisgone.Ifyouuseahairdryer,avoidexposingyourscalptohighheat,asitslowsthehealingprocess.

HerbalDandruffShampooYIELD:15TREATMENTS

STORAGE:SHAMPOOBOTTLETIME:30MINUTES

Thisnaturaldandruffshampooisafantasticalternativetocommercialpreparationsthankstoacocktailofhigh-powered,antioxidant-richherbsthathealthescalpsansthesignaturemedicinalscentofover-the-counteroptions.

1cupwater1heapingtablespoondriedlavender1heapingtablespoondriedmint1heaping

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3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

tablespoondriedrosemary⅓cupliquidcastilesoap¼teaspoonalmondoroliveoil5dropseucalyptusessentialoil5dropsteatreeessentialoilInasmallsaucepan,bringthewatertoaboil.

Addthelavender,mint,androsemary,coverthepan,andreducetheheattolow.Simmerfor20minutes.Strainthemixtureintoabowlandletitcool.Addthecastilesoapandmixgently.Addthealmondoil,andeucalyptusandteatreeessentialoils.Mixgently,thenuseafunneltotransfertheshampootoabottle.Shampooandfollowupwithyourfavoriteconditioner.Styleasusual,avoidinghighheatfromtheblowdryer.Usedailywheneverdandruffisaproblem.Storeintheshower.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

DRYSKIN

Theonlyupsidetodryskinisthatitcomeswithasomewhatsimplesolution.Becausedrynessiscausedbyalackofhydrationintheskin’supperlayer,naturaloilsandherbsworkbrilliantlytorejuvenate,rehydrate,andmoisturizecells.Trythesefastandeasytreatmentsonotherproblemareaslikeelbowsandknees,too.(Andifyou’reexposedtoanaridclimateordryindoors,useahumidifieratnight.)

HoneyMoistureMaskwithHyssopandLavenderYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Thistrioofskinsaviors—hyssop,lavender,andhoney—soothesirritation,nourishesparchedcells,andcalmsinflammation.Over-the-counteraloeveragelisagreatsubstitutionifyoudon’thaveanaloeveraplant.

1aloeveraleafor1teaspoonstore-boughtalcohol-freealoeveragel1teaspoonhoney,warmed1teaspoonfreshhyssopleaves,finelychopped2dropslavenderessentialoilSplitthealoeveraleafopenlengthwiseandscoopoutthealoeveragel.

Inasmallbowl,combinethealoeveragelwiththehoney.Usingaforkorasmallwhisk,stirwell.Addthehyssopleavesandlavenderessentialoil.Stiragaintoblendalltheingredients.Usingyourfingertips,applytheentiremasktoyourfaceandneck.Liebackandrelaxforatleast10to15minutes.Rinseyourfacewithcoolwaterwhenfinished.Followupwithyourfavoritemoisturizer.Enjoytwiceweeklyforbestresults.

RichChamomileFacialCreamYIELD:30TREATMENTSSTORAGE:GLASSJARTIME:20MINUTES

Withrichoilsandbeeswaxforasmooth,supplefeel,thismoisturizermakesthemostofchamomile’shealingability.

1teaspoondriedchamomileflowers½cupboilingwater3tablespoonsalmondoil3tablespoons

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2.3.

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5.6.7.8.

avocadooil1tablespoonjojobaoil1ouncebeeswax2teaspoonsglycerin10dropschamomileessentialoil10dropsgeraniumessentialoilInasmallbowl,combinethechamomileflowersandboilingwater.Coverthebowlandsteepfor15minutes.

Meanwhile,inthetopofadoubleboiler,combinethealmond,avocado,andjojobaoils.Addthebeeswaxtotheoilsandstiroverlowheatuntilmelted.Strainthechamomile-infusedwater,beingcarefultokeepflowerbitsoutoftheliquid.Measure1ounceoftheinfusion.Discardanyunusedportion.Transfertheoilmixturetoamediumglassbowl.Onedropatatime,addthechamomileinfusiontotheoilmixture,stirringwithasmallwhiskuntilitthickensandcools.Addtheglycerinandmixthoroughly.Addthechamomileandgeraniumessentialoilsandmixagain.Transferthecreamtoaglassjarwithatight-fittinglid.Withyourfingertips,massageasmallamountontoyourfreshlywashedface,neck,andchest.Usenightlybeforebed.Storeinacool,darkplace.

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2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

1.2.

DULL,DRYHAIR

Dull,drytressesoccurwhenbrittlehairshaftsareunabletoabsorborretainthemoisturethat’snecessaryforalush,radiantmane.It’strue,harshchemicalsandheatedstylingtoolsarepartoftheproblem,butyoucanminimizetheirimpactandrestorestrandhealthwithremediesthatlockoutheat,sealinhydration,andrestorevitality.

RosemaryHairBalmYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Theproteiningelatinfortifiesdamagedhair,whileapplecidervinegarandrosemarygiveitlustrousshine.Preparethistreatmentjustbeforeyoushampoo.

1cuphottapwater1tablespoonunflavoredgelatin1teaspoonapplecidervinegar5dropsrosemaryessentialoilInasmallbowl,combinethetapwaterandgelatin,whiskingtoblendwell.

Setthemixtureasideforabout5minutes.Onceitbeginstogelslightly,addtheapplecidervinegarandrosemaryessentialoil.Stirwelltocombine.Workthroughyourfreshlyshampooedhairandontoyourscalp.Leavethebalminplacefor10minutes.Rinsewithwarmwater.Repeatonceortwiceweeklyforbestresults.

LavenderHairMaskYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Yogurt,honey,andrichoilsinfuseproteinandmoistureintoparchedhair,repairingdamagewhileampingupshine.Preparethistreatmentjustbeforeyoushampoo.

¼cupplainyogurt1tablespoonhoney1tablespoonoliveorsunfloweroil5dropslavenderessentialoilInablender,combinealltheingredients.

Processonmedium-lowspeeduntilblended.

3.4.5.6.7.

1.

2.3.

4.5.6.7.

Transfertoaplasticsqueezebottle.Workthetreatmentthroughyourfreshlyshampooedhairandmassageintoyourscalp.Leavethemaskinplacefor15minutes.Rinsewithwarmwater.Usetwiceweeklyforbestresults.

FloralHotOilInfusionYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:45MINUTES

There’sareasonhotoiltreatmentsaretime-honoredsalonfavorites.Theystrengthenbrittlehair,addshine,andrestoremoisture.Nosunfloweroil,noproblem.Oliveorcornoilworkswonders.

¼cupsunfloweroil1tablespoonlavenderflowers1tablespoonchoppedrosemaryleavesInasmallsaucepan,addthesunfloweroil,lavender,androsemary.Heatoverlowheatfor30minutes.

Straintheoilintoabowl,thenuseafunneltotransferittoaplasticsqueezebottle.Whencomfortablywarmtotouch,applytheentiretreatmenttoyourhairandscalp,gentlymassagingitin.Wrapyourheadinadamp,hottowel.Leavetheinfusioninplacefor15minutes.Shampooandconditionasusual.Useonceortwiceweeklyforbestresults.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

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2.3.4.

ECZEMAOFTHEFACE

Thankstoinflammation,reddening,andirritation,facialeczemaisnotjustuncomfortable,it’salsohardtohide.Becausesomanyunderlyingfactorscantriggerthiscondition,yourfirststepistoworkwithyourdoctortodeterminewhyit’shappeningsoyoucantreattherootcauseeffectively.Inthemeantime,useherbalremediestosootheyoursymptoms.

SoothingCalendula–CarrotFacialMaskYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Calendulaoilandcarrotseedessentialoilcometogethertosootheandmoisturizeirritatedskin.Thecarrotsandhoneyinthisrecipearenaturalantisepticsthatleaveskinfeelingfreshandhealthy.

1organiccarrot,boiledandmashed1teaspoonrawhoney5dropscalendulaoil3dropscarrotseedessentialoilInasmallbowl,combinethecarrotandrawhoney,mixinguntilsmooth.

Addthecalendulaoilandcarrotseedessentialoil,mixingagaintoincorporate.Usingyourfingertips,applythemasktoyourfreshlywashedface.Relaxfor15to20minutes.Rinseyourfacewithcoolwaterwhenfinished.Followupwithyourfavoritemoisturizer.Use2to3timesweekly.

ChamomileFacialCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Instantrelief!Thissoothingcompressisaquick,easyremedythateasesdiscomfortquickly.Chamomileessentialoilhelpsstopinflammationanditchingwhilepromotingfasterhealing.

½cuphottapwater1teaspooncoconutoil6dropschamomileessentialoilInashallowbowl,combinethehottapwaterandcoconutoil.

Addthechamomileessentialoilandstir.Soakasoftclothwiththemixtureandsqueezeouttheexcessliquid.Placetheclothoveryourfaceandrestfor15minutes,refreshingtheclothwiththewarmsolutioneach

5.timeitcools.Applyonceortwicedaily.Useforasmanydaysaseczemapersists.

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2.3.4.5.

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2.

OILYHAIR

Ifyourstrandsgetthatstringy,middayclingdespitedailywashing,you’renotalone—butthere’snotmuchsolaceinbeingpartoftheoilycrowd.Shampooingeachdayisjustpartofthesolution.Keepoilinessatbaywitheasy-to-maketonersandrinsesthatleavelockssoft,shiny,andgrease-free.Remembertoconditionjusttheendsofyourhairtokeepbuildupfromforming.

Rosemary–LemonRinseYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Rosemaryandlemonessentialoilsandapplecidervinegarcutthroughexcessoil,nourishyourscalp,andleavehairlookingfresh.Otheroilstotry?Teatree,peppermint,lavender,orsageworkbeautifully,too!

½cupwater2tablespoonsapplecidervinegar4dropsrosemaryessentialoil2dropslemonessentialoilInaplasticsqueezebottle,combinethewater,applecidervinegar,androsemaryandlemonessentialoils.

Justbeforeuse,placeyourindexfingeroverthebottle’stipandshakewell.Aftershampooing,applytheentiretreatmenttoyourscalp.Donotrinse.Gentlysqueezeanyexcesssolutionfromyourhair.Applyalittleconditionertotheendsifneeded.Towelyourhairdryafterwardandstyleitasusual.

WitchHazelScalpTonerYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:PLASTICSQUEEZEBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Witchhazelisastylist’ssecretweaponthankstoastringentcompoundsthatcutthroughscalpoileffortlessly.Lavenderessentialoilleavesanintoxicatingfragrancethathelpsyouforgetthisisatreatment.Mixitupwithotheroilsliketeatree,sage,lemon,orpeppermint.

4ouncesalcohol-freewitchhazelextract1teaspoonlavenderessentialoilInaplasticsqueezebottle,combinethewitchhazelextractandlavenderessentialoil.

Justbeforeuse,placeyourindexfingeroverthebottle’stipandshakewell.

3.4.5.6.

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2.3.4.5.6.

Afterwashingyourhair,applyenoughoftheentiretreatmenttomoistenyourscalp.Donotrinse.Gentlysqueezeanyexcesssolutionfromyourhair.Applyalittleconditionertotheendsifneeded.Towelyourhairdryafterwardandstyleitasusual.Usedaily.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Ifyoufindthatyourscalpisbecomingtoodry,usethetreatmenteveryotherdayortryonemadewithapplecidervinegarinsteadofwitchhazelextract.

Lavender–RosemaryDryShampooYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:SUGARSHAKERTIME:10MINUTES

Thisdryshampoorefreshestresseswhenyoudon’thavetimetolatherup.Ifyouhavedarkhair,addtheoptionalcinnamonorunsweetenedcocoapowdertodisguiseanycornstarchthatbrushingfailstoremove.

½cupcornstarch¼cupbakingsoda2tablespoonsgroundcinnamonorunsweetenedcocoapowder(optionalfordarkhair)2dropslavenderessentialoil2dropsrosemaryessentialoilInalargebowl,addthecornstarch,bakingsoda,andgroundcinnamon(ifusing).Blendusingawhiskorafork.

Addthelavenderandrosemaryessentialoils1dropatatime,whiskingthoroughlyaftereachaddition.Usingaspoonandfunnel,transfertheshampootoasugarshaker.Sectionyourhairandshakeasmallamountofthedryshampooontotheroots.Lightlymassagewithyourfingertips.Brushvigorouslytoremove.Usewhenneeded.Storeinacool,dryplace.

Toaddvolume,flipyourheadupsidedownandmassageagain.Brushyourhairwhileyourheadisupsidedown,andbrushasecondtimewithyourheadinitsnormalposition.

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1.

2.3.

PUFFYEYES

Sure,drinkingbinges,cryingjags,latenights,andseasonalallergiescanallcauseprettymajorbagsunderyoureyes,butrednessandpuffinessdon’tneedtobethefirstthingsotherpeoplesee.Usetheseherbalremediestobringdowntheswellingandimproveyouroutlookonlife.

Lavender–LemonBedtimeSerumYIELD:ABOUT1OUNCE

STORAGE:DARK-COLOREDSMALLGLASSBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Letthismagicalde-pufferworkwhileyousleep.Lavenderandlemonessentialoilshelpalleviateswollenunder-eyetissue.Almondoiladdsmoisture,smoothingtheappearanceofdelicateskin.

1ouncealmondoil10dropslavenderessentialoil10dropslemonessentialoilInadark-coloredglassbottle,addthealmondoil,andthelavenderandlemonessentialoilsandshakewell.

Usingyourfingertips,gentlydab1or2dropsofserumtotheareaundereacheye.Usenightlybeforebed.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Elevateyourheadwithanextrapillow.Sleeponyourbacktohelppreventfluidfromaccumulatinginthetissuebeneathyoureyes.

CoolChamomileTonerYIELD:ABOUT2OUNCES

STORAGE:DARK-COLOREDSMALLGLASSBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Thischamomile–witchhazelcombocreatesanamazingastringentthattightenstissue,reducesswelling,andeasesinflammation.Itisn’tnecessarytorefrigeratethistoner,butusingitcoldshrinksswellingmorethanapplyingthetoneratroomtemperature.

2ouncesalcohol-freewitchhazelextract4dropschamomileessentialoilInadark-coloredglassbottle,combinethewitchhazelextractwiththechamomileessentialoil.

Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Usingacottonball,apply2to3dropsoftonertotheareaundereacheye.

1.

2.3.4.

Ifyouhavealittletime,liebackandrestfor5to10minutesafterapplication,placingaclothunderyoureyesandtoppingtheclothwithanicecubebeneatheacheye.

RosemaryUnder–EyeBalmYIELD:ABOUT1OUNCE

STORAGE:DARK-COLOREDSMALLGLASSBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Rosemaryessentialoilactsasamilddiuretic,whichreducesunder-eyeswelling.Italsocontainsanti-inflammatorycompoundsthathelplightendiscolorationandnutrientsthatbolstercompromisedcapillaries.

2tablespoonsarganoil7dropsrosemaryessentialoilInadark-coloredglassbottle,combinethearganoilandrosemaryessentialoil.

Shakewelltocombine.Usingyourfingertips,apply1to2dropstotheunder-eyearea.Thistreatmentissuitablefordailyuseandcanbeappliedmorningandnight.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Allowafewminutesforabsorptionbeforeusingothertreatmentsorcosmetics.

1.

2.

3.4.5.6.

ROSACEA

Theredness,swelling,andinflamed,irritatedpatchesassociatedwithrosaceaoftenleavesufferersdesperateforatreatmentthatbringsthisincurableconditionundercontrol.Insteadofpayingtopdollarforexpensivechemical-basedsolutions,trythisroundupofherbs,proventoeraseand/orminimizehard-to-banishsymptoms.Withminimalsideeffects,surprisingefficacy,andtinypricetags,theseremedieseaseirritationwhilemoisturizingyourskinandalleviatingdiscoloration.

GentleChamomileFacialTonerYIELD:ABOUT½CUPSTORAGE:GLASSJARTIME:30MINUTES

Withterpenebisabolol,anaturalpainandinflammationreliever,chamomilebalancestroubledskin,easingdiscomfortandredness.Makeanewbatchofthistonereveryfewdayssoyoualwayshavesomeonhand.

1cupwater1handfuldriedchamomileflowersor3handfulsfreshchamomileflowersInasmallsaucepan,combinethewaterandchamomile.Onhighheat,bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattolowandsimmerthechamomilefor15minutesoruntilthevolumeofthewaterhasbeenreducedbyabouthalf.Coolcompletelyandstrainthechamomileinfusionintoaglassjar.Toapplythesolution,soakacottonballandspreadathinlayeroveryourfreshlywashedface.Letthetonerdrynaturallybeforeapplyingyourfavoritemoisturizer.Useonceortwicedaily.Storeintherefrigerator.

Lavender–AloeVeraMoisturizerYIELD:ABOUT1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:5MINUTES

Lavenderandaloeveramakeanextremelyeffectivehealingduowiththeirnaturalantiseptic,anti-inflammatory,andsoothingpower.Keepthisoil-freemoisturizerrefrigeratedifyouusefreshaloeveragelratherthanthepre-packagedkind.

1.

2.3.4.5.

2tablespoonsalcohol-freealoeveragel8dropslavenderessentialoilInasmallbowl,addthealoeveragelandlavenderessentialoil.Usingawhiskorfork,mixuntilthoroughlyblended.

Transferthemoisturizertoaglassjarwithatight-fittinglid.Usingyourfingertips,applyathinlayerofmoisturizertoyourface,neck,andchest.Letitabsorbcompletelybeforeapplyinganyotherproducts.Useonceortwicedaily.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

SPLITENDS

Whiletheonlywaytogetridofsplitendsforgoodistohavethemtrimmedoff,therearesomeeasywaystosmooththemdownsoyourhairlookslessfrazzled.Speedthehealingtimeofdry,damagedlocksbyavoidinghotstylingtools,saltwater,andchemicalssuchasthosefoundinhomehair-colorkits.Theymaketheproblemworse—andyourherbalremedieshavetoworktwiceashard!

Geranium–HoneyHairRepairYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Withhoneyandoliveoiltomoisturize,thisnourishingtreatmentalsocontainsgeraniumessentialoiltostrengthenhair.Usebetweenhaircutstofortifystrandsandpreservethathealthy,freshlycutsalonlook.

1tablespoonoliveoil1tablespoonhoney3dropsgeraniumessentialoilInasmallglassbowl,combinetheoliveoilandhoney.

Microwaveonlowpowerfor15seconds.Stirthehoneyandoliveoiltogether.Ifnotquitewarmenough,repeatstep2.Addthegeraniumessentialoil.Dampenyourhairandapplytheentiretreatment.Coveryourheadwithadisposableshowercap,thenwrapitwithatowel.Leavethehairrepairinplacefor10to15minutes,thenwash,condition,andstyleasusual.Repeatonceortwiceweekly.

Rosemary–AloeVeraLeave–InConditionerYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:PLASTICSQUEEZEBOTTLETIME:10MINUTES

Thisintenselymoisturizingaloeveraandoilblendsmoothessplitendsbylockinginhydrationandreversingdamagedstrands.Whilefreshaloeveraispreferableinmanypreparations,thisrecipecallsforpre-packagedgeltopreventspoilage.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.

7.8.

¼cupcoconutoil½cupalcohol-freealoeveragel¼cuparganoil12dropsrosemaryessentialoilInasmallsaucepanoverlowheat,warmthecoconutoiluntilmelted.

Combinethealoeveragel,arganoil,andcoconutoilinasmallbowl.Whiskthoroughlytoensureallthemoisturizersarethoroughlyincorporated.Addtherosemaryessentialoilandwhiskagain.Transfertheconditionertoaplasticsqueezebottle.Anempty,cleanshampoobottleworkswell.Afterwashingandconditioningyourhair,rinsethoroughlyandapplyasmallamountofthisleave-inconditionertotheends.Dryyourhairnaturallyifpossible,thenstyleasusual.Usedailyforbestresults.Keepintheshower.

6

BODYCAREAthlete’sFootBodyAcneBodyOdor

ContactDermatitisDrySkinEczemaFootOdor

Hand&NailCareHyperpigmentation

PsoriasisSpiderVeins/VaricoseVeins

Sunburn

1.

2.3.4.5.6.

ATHLETE’SFOOT

Athlete’sfootisn’tjustfordamplockerroomfloorsanymore.Withsymptomsincludingpainfulblisters,itching,burning,andscaly,crackedskinbetweenthetoes,thisall-too-commonproblemiscausedbythetineafungus.Thegoodnewsisthatthestrongeryourimmunesystem,thelesslikelyyouaretocatchthecondition.Whilethereareplentyofover-the-countertreatments,naturalremediescaneasilydothetrick.

Garlic–TeaTreeFootSoakYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:35MINUTES

Garlicisoneofthebestherbsforathlete’sfoot,particularlywhencombinedwithteatreeessentialoil.Thissimplefootsoakrelievesitching,burning,andredness.

3clovesgarlic,peeled1gallonhotwater1teaspoonrubbingalcohol2teaspoonsantibacterialliquidsoap10dropsteatreeessentialoilInablenderorfoodprocesser,puréethegarlicintoafinepaste.

Pourthehotwaterintoabasinorfootbath.Addtherubbingalcohol,antibacterialsoap,teatreeessentialoil,andgarlic.Soakyourfeetfor30minuteswhilesittingcomfortably.Toweloff,ensuringthatyourfeetarecompletelydrybeforeputtingonsocksandshoes.Repeatoncedailyuntilyourathlete’sfootsymptomsaregone.

TeaTreeFootPowderYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:SUGARSHAKERTIME:5MINUTES

Thisone-twopunchofbakingsodaandteatreeoilcombinesastringentsandantifungalstokeepfeetdrywhilestoppingfootfungusandpreventingitfromrecurring.Usethispowderalongsideothertreatmentstomaximizeitseffectiveness.

1cupbakingsoda

1.

2.3.4.5.

6.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.

20dropsteatreeessentialoilInamediumbowl,addthebakingsodaand5dropsofteatreeessentialoil.Blendusingawhiskorfork.

Add5moredropsofteatreeessentialoilandmix,blendingwell.Repeattheprocessuntilall20dropsofessentialoilhavebeenmixedin.Usingafunnel,transferthefootpowdertoasugarshaker.Applyaliberalamounttoyoursocksandshoesbeforewearingthem,andsprinkleonyourfeetandbetweenyourtoesaftershowering.Useonceortwicedaily.Storeinacool,dryplace.

GingerFootBalmYIELD:ABOUT1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:24HOURS

Likegarlic,gingerisastrongantifungalherb.Thisremedytakessometimetoprepare,butitleavesyourfeetwithasurprisinglyexotic,spicyfragrance.Topwithsocksatnightforsmootherskinbymorning.

2tablespoonsfreshginger,choppedorgratedfinely1ouncesesameoilInasmalljarwithatight-fittinglid,combinethegingerandsesameoil.

Placethejarinawarmareafor24hours.Usingasieveorcheesecloth,straintheoilintoacleanjar.Squeezeorpressthegingertoextractasmuchoilaspossible.Placealidonthejarandkeepitintherefrigeratorbetweenuses.Touse,applyathinlayertoaffectedareaswithacottonball.Storeintherefrigerator.Makeanewbatchifnotcompletelyusedwithin1week.

Besuretoreapplyaftershoweringorbathing,andspeedthehealingprocessbyapplyingeachnightbeforebed.Continueusefor3daysaftertheathlete’sfootsymptomsaregone.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.

BODYACNE

Bodyacnetypicallyrespondswelltogentle,naturalremedies.Harshchemicalantisepticsoftencausepainandirritationthatcanmaketheaffectedareaslookandfeelworse.Whetheryou’vegotamildoutbreakononepartofyourbodyorhavepainfulpimplesinseveralplaces,thesesimplepreparationstreatblemishes,improvetheconditionoftheskin,andpreventfuturespots.

LavenderBathSaltYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:GLASSJARTIME:5MINUTES

Epsomsaltisawell-knownfolkremedyforbodyacneforgoodreason.Iteasesinflammationandhelpstopurgetoxins.Lavender’snaturalantisepticpropertiesstopbacteriainitstracks.

1cupEpsomsalt20dropslavenderessentialoil

Inamediumbowl,addtheEpsomsaltand5dropsoflavenderessentialoil.Blendusingawhiskorfork.Add5moredropsoflavenderessentialoilandmix,blendingwell.Repeattheprocessuntilall20dropsoftheessentialoilhavebeenmixedin.Usingafunnel,transferthebathsalttoaglassjarwithatight-fittinglid.Touse,mix¼cupofthebathsaltintoacomfortablywarmbath.Soakforatleast15minutes.Useasoftenasyoulike.Storeinacool,dryplace.

TeaTreeBodyWashYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:PLASTICSQUEEZEBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Teatreeessentialoilisapowerfulantibacterial,yetsafeforuseonblemishedskinandeffectiveineasinginflammationandredness.Rawhoneysmoothesskintextureandfasttracksthehealingprocess.

1.

2.3.4.

5.6.

⅔cupunscentedliquidcastilesoap¼cuprawhoney2teaspoonssesameoil1teaspoonvitaminEoil60dropsteatreeessentialoilInamediumbowl,addtheliquidcastilesoap,rawhoney,andsesameoil.Blendusingawhiskorfork.

AddthevitaminEoilandteatreeessentialoil.Blendagain,stirringfor30secondstoensurealltheingredientsarewellincorporated.Usingafunnel,transferthebodywashtoaplasticsqueezebottle.Anempty,cleanshampoobottleworkswell.Squirtadime-sizedamountofbodywashontoabathpouf,washcloth,orbathingbrush.Gentlyscrubyourbody,payingcloseattentiontotheareaswhereacneisprevalent.Storeinacool,darkplace.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

BODYODOR

Bodyodorisn’texactlythesexiesttopic,especiallywhenyou’relookingforasafealternativetodeodorantswithharmfulingredientsyoucan’tpronounce.Thesecompletelynatural,easy-to-prepDIYoptionstakeawaytheriskinessoftrialanderror(plustheanxietyofgoingsansprotection)becausethey’vebeenvettedbycenturiesofprovenuse.

Lavender–WitchHazelFresheningWipesYIELD:20WIPES

STORAGE:GLASSJARTIME:5MINUTES

Freshenupbetweenshowers,post-gym,orbeforeastressfulmeetingwithhandywipesthatkillbacteriainaninstant.YoucanbuyabagofcottoncosmeticpadsatyourlocalWalgreensorsupermarketfordirtcheap,andyou’llusethemtomakethewipesinthisrecipe.Boththelavenderandwitchhazelstopstinkfast.

½cupalcohol-freewitchhazelextract20dropslavenderessentialoil20cottoncosmeticpadsInaglassjar,combinethewitchhazelextractandlavenderessentialoil.

Swirlthejarforabout30secondstocombinetheingredients.Stackthecosmeticpadsinthejar.Captightlywithalidandshakeitgentlytoensureallthepadsaresoakedwiththesolution.Swabunderarmsandothersmellyareasasneeded.

Packageafewofthesewipestogobyplacingtheminaplasticstoragebagwithasecureziptop.

RosemaryDeodorantBarYIELD:ABOUT1½CUPS

STORAGE:TINORPLASTICSTORAGECONTAINERTIME:30MINUTES

Rosemaryandteatreeessentialoilsstopbacteriaproductionlikepros.Thisfragrantdeodorantbarwon’tstopthesweat,butitwillkeepyousmellingnaturallyfresh.

3tablespoonsgratedbeeswax2tablespoonscoconutoil1tablespoonsheabutter2tablespoonsbakingsoda2tablespoonscornstarch15dropsrosemaryessentialoil15dropsteatreeessentialoilInasmalldoubleboiler,meltthebeeswaxandcoconutoiltogether.

2.3.4.

5.6.7.

Addthesheabutter,stirringconstantlyuntilalltheingredientshaveliquefied.Removefromtheheatandpourintoalargebowl.Addthebakingsoda,cornstarch,androsemaryandteatreeessentialoils.Blendwithawhiskorfork.

Workingquickly,pourthemixtureintoamuffintin,dividingtherecipeevenlybetweenoneortwocups.Hardenatroomtemperaturefor3hoursbeforeuse.Rubasmallamountofthedeodorantontoyourunderarmarea.Applyafteryourdailybathorshower.Keepinacool,dryplace.

Ifyouhappentohaveanolddeodorantcontainer,youcanrepurposeittocontainthisblend.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

2.

CONTACTDERMATITIS

Characterizedbyitchiness,redness,andperhapsevenmildswelling,contactdermatitisoccurswhenskinisdirectlyexposedtoanirritatingsubstance.Thiscanbeanimmuneresponsetoanallergenortheresultofminordamagetotheskin’sdelicateupperlayer.Onethingtowatchoutfor:Becauseahot,itchyrashcanbeasignofotherissuesincludingunderlyingillness,visityourdoctorifsymptomspersistorworsen.

GoldensealSprayYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:SMALLBOTTLEWITHASPRAYTOPTIME:20MINUTES

Thishealingsprayprotectsitchy,redskinfromfurtherirritationwhileinfusingitwithhealingherbs.Therecipecallsforpreparedgoldensealtincture,butfeelfreetouseagoldensealtinctureorinfusionyou’vemadeathome.

3ouncespurifiedwater2teaspoonsorganicoliveoil1teaspoonalcohol-freegoldensealtinctureUsingafunnel,carefullypourthewater,oliveoil,andgoldensealtinctureintoasmallbottlethatcanbefittedwithaspraytop.

Screwthetopontightly.Shakewellbeforeeachuse,astheoilwillseparatefromtheotheringredients.Sprayalightcoatofliquidontotheaffectedarea.Applyrightaftershowering,andreapplyagainbeforebedforbestresults.Useasoftenasneeded.Storeinacool,darkplace.

CoolingAloeVeraGelwithWitchHazelYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Thisquickgeleasesthediscomfortofhot,itchydermatitisfasterthanittakestomake.Formaximumresults,takeahotbathorshowerrightbeforeapplicationtoopenporesandallowthetreatmenttopenetratefaster.

1tablespoonalcohol-freealoeveragel½teaspoonalcohol-freewitchhazelextractInasmallbowl,addthealoeveragelandthewitchhazelextract.Blendwithawhiskorfork.

Usingfingersoracottonpad,applythegeltotheaffectedbodypartandletitpenetrate.

3.4.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.

Waitafewminutes,andthenapplyasecondcoatifitchingorheatisstillpresent.Reapplyevery1to2hoursasneeded.

Makethetreatmentmoresoothingbystoringthegelintherefrigeratorbetweenuses.

SoothingCalendulaSalvewithLavenderYIELD:ABOUT8OUNCESSTORAGE:JARORTINTIME:10MINUTES

Makeabatchofmultipurpose,powerhousesalveasago-toinyourfirstaidkit.Thisprovenhealerisfantasticfortreatingitchy,irritatedskinaswellasminorcuts,scrapes,andburns.

7ouncescalendulaoil1ouncebeeswax,grated½teaspoonvitaminEoil10dropslavenderessentialoilInadoubleboileroverlowheat,addthecalendulaoilandbeeswax.Blendwithawhiskorfork,untilcombined.

Removefromtheheatassoonasallthebeeswaxismelted.AddthevitaminEoilandlavenderessentialoil.Whisktocombine.Pourthesalveintoajarortin.Leavethejaruncovereduntilthesalvecoolscompletely.Oncesolidified,covertightly.Applyathinlayerofsalveontotheaffectedarea.Use2to3timesdailywhilerecoveringfromdermatitis.Storeinacool,darkplace.

1.2.3.4.5.

6.

DRYSKIN

It’snosecretthatdryskinfeelsitchy,flaky,tight,anduncomfortable,butwhatyoumaynotknowisthatherbalremediesareoneofthefastest,easiestfixes.Whetheryourproblemischronic,seasonal,oroccasional,you’llfindtheseremediescanbevariedtofitalmostanylifestyleandseverityofcondition.Whileyoutreatthesymptoms,sometimessimplestepslikedrinkingmorewater,takingcoolershowers,andreducingexposuretotheelementscannourishdehydratedcells.

ChamomileMilkBathYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:AIRTIGHTCONTAINERTIME:15MINUTES

There’sareasonmilkbathshavebeenusedforgenerationstosoftenandsmooththebody.Thisparticularblendgoesonestepfurtherbyeasingitchinessthankstoaconcentrateddoseofchamomile.

1cupfull-fatpowderedmilk24dropschamomileessentialoil

Fillthebathtubwithwarmwater.Inanairtightcontainer,stirtocombinethepowderedmilkandchamomileessentialoil.Add1cupofmilkbathtothebathtubandswishuntildissolved.Spendatleast15minutessoakinginthetub.Whenyouarefinished,patyourselfdry.Followupwithyourfavoritelotion,payingspecialattentiontoareasofdry,problemskin.Useonceortwiceweekly.Storeinacool,dryplace.

GeraniumSugarScrubYIELD:6OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORRESEALABLEPLASTICCONTAINERTIME:5MINUTES

Withgeranium,rawhoney,andrichalmondoiltonourishandmoisturizeskin,thissmoothingscrubalsocontainssugartogentlyexfoliate.Ifyoudon’thavegeraniumessentialoil,it’snotadealbreaker.Trylavender,rosemary,or

1.

2.3.4.

5.

6.

7.

peppermintinstead.

6tablespoonsdarkbrownsugar2ouncesalmondoil1ouncerawhoney6dropsgeraniumessentialoilInaglassjar,addthedarkbrownsugar,almondoil,andrawhoney.Stirgentlytocombine.

Addthegeraniumessentialoilandstiragain.Captightlywithalid.Thealmondoilwilleventuallyrisebacktothetopofthemixture,whichisnormal.Beforeshowering,mixthesugarscrubwithyourfingers.Scoopoutatablespoonorsoandapplyittoyourdryskin,rubbinggentlywhilemakingcircularmotions.Onceyouhavescrubbed,turnonthewaterandrinseyourselfwell,continuingtouselightcircularmotionstobuffyourskin.Whenyouemerge,patyourselfdrywithasofttowelandapplyamoisturizerallover.Storeinacool,dryplace.

1.

2.3.

4.5.

1.

2.

ECZEMA

Eczemaisaskinconditionoftenmadeworsebychemicalsfoundincommerciallotionsintendedtohelpsymptoms.Herbalremedieswilleasethesymptomsofeczema—itching,swelling,redness,andflaking—butlikecommerciallotions,theywon’tcuretheunderlyingcause,whichcanbeanythingfromaninheritedtendency,toallergies,stress,orotherlifestylefactors.SeeyourdoctortogettotherootissuewhileusingtheseherbaltreatmentstogiveskinTLC.

BurdockInfusionYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Burdockteaisoneofthemosteffectivenaturalremediesavailableforeczema.Whilethetasteleavessomethingtobedesired,you’llgetusedtoit.Addinghoneyorsteviahelpsitgodownalittleeasier.

1¼cupswater1teaspoondriedburdockrootRawhoneyorstevia(optional)Inasmallsaucepanoverhighheat,combinethewaterandburdockroot.Bringthemixturetoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor10minutes.Straintheburdockinfusionintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheburdockrootbeforediscardingit.Sweetenwithrawhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Drink3timesdailyforupto3weeks.

SoothingPatchouliEczemaSalveYIELD:ABOUT1CUPSTORAGE:GLASSJARTIME:15MINUTES

Patchouligrowsbestinwarmclimates.Luckily,it’seasytoobtainintheformofessentialoil.Thissalvesootheseczemawhileimpartinganintoxicatingfragrance.

½cupcoconutoil8dropspatchouliessentialoil¼cupoatflour¼cuporganicoliveoilInasmallsaucepan,meltthecoconutoiluntilitliquefies.

Addthepatchouliessentialoilandtheoatflour.Stiruntilblended.

3.4.5.6.

1.

2.3.4.5.

Addtheoliveoilandmixagain,stirringuntilalltheingredientshavebeenincorporated.Removefromtheheat.Pourthesalveintoajarandletitcoolcompletely.Coverwithatightcap.Applyathinlayertotheaffectedareaasneeded.Keepinacool,darkplace.

Thissalvehasaslightlygrittytexture,whichisnormal.Thefinelygroundoatshavehealthyfatsthathelpyourskinheal.

Comfrey–PlantainPoulticeYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Comfrey,plantainleaf,andcalendulaflowerscombinetosootheitchingandrelievediscomfortquickly.Theoptionalingredientswillmakethisblendmorepotent.Applythepoulticeasitsowntreatmentorasacomplementtoothertherapies.

1teaspooncoconutoil,melted1teaspoondriedcomfrey1cupfreshplantainleaves1tablespoonfreshcalendulaflowersor1teaspoondriedcalendulaflowers1tablespoonfreshyarrowleavesor1teaspoondriedyarrowleaves(optional)1droprosemaryessentialoil(optional)Inablenderorfoodprocesser,combineallingredientsandblenduntilsmooth.Ifusingmostlydriedingredients,youmayneedtoaddupto1teaspoonofwater,afewdropsatatime.

Usingfingertips,applyathinlayertotheaffectedarea.Layacleanclothovertheherbs,andleaveinplacefor10to15minutes.Rinsecleanwithcoolwaterandpatdry.Use1to2timeseachdaywhilepainfuleczemapersists.

1.

2.3.4.5.

6.

1.

2.3.

FOOTODOR

Noticeafoulodorwhenyoukickoffyourshoes?That’snotuncommon.Bacteriaarenotoriousforgrowinginthedark,moistenvironmentmostfootwearprovides(evenyourhighheels).Thetricktokickingtheproblemisdryingupexcessmoistureandaddingantibacterialherbstoyourfootcareregimentomakeyourskinandshoeslesshospitabletoodor-causingmicrobes.

PeppermintFootSoakYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Peppermintactsasamildantibacterialwhilerefreshingfeet,improvingcirculation,andimpartingaclean,upliftingfragrance.

1tablespoondrymintleaves,3tablespoonsfreshmintleaves,2peppermintteabags,or3dropspeppermintessentialoil1cupboilingwater1galloncoolwaterAddthepepperminttotheboilingwaterandletitsteepfor5minutes.

Strainthepeppermintfromthewater(ifusingfreshordriedleaves).Inashallowbasinorfootbath,pourthepeppermintfootsoakintothecoolwater.Immerseyourfeetinthebasinandrelaxfor15minutes.Afterdryingyourfeetcompletely,usealittlelotion,footpowder,orfootspraytokeepyourfeetsmellingfresh.Useasoftenasyoulike.

QuickTeaTreeFootSprayYIELD:ABOUT4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLEWITHSPRAYTOPTIME:1MINUTE

Withteatreeessentialoiltokeepbacteriafrommultiplying,thisfootsprayimpartsafreshscentthatkeepsfootodortoaminimumallday.

4ouncesunflavoredvodka12dropsteatreeessentialoilInaglassbottle,carefullycombinethevodkaandtheteatreeessentialoil.

Captightlywithaspraytop.Shakewellbeforeeachuse.

4.

5.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.

Sprayalloveryourfeet,ensuringyougetbetweenthetoes.Waitafewsecondsforthespraytodrybeforeputtingonsocksandshoes.Usedailyafterbathingorshowering.Keepinacool,darkplace.

Lavender–PeppermintFootBalmYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:20MINUTES

Pampertiredfeetwithnourishingmoistureandaluxuriousfragrance.SpreadthelovebyturningyourDIYpreparationintoaspagiftforanyonewhoneedsalittleTLC.

7ouncesorganicoliveoil1ouncebeeswax,grated1teaspoonvitaminEoil10dropslavenderessentialoil20dropspeppermintessentialoilInadoubleboiler,addtheoliveoilandbeeswaxoverlowheat.Stirtocombine.

Removefromtheheatoncethebeeswaxmeltscompletely.StirinthevitaminEoilandthelavenderandpeppermintessentialoils.Transfertoajarortin.Coolcompletelybeforecappingwithatight-fittinglid.Usingyourfingertips,applyathinlayertofreshlywashedfeet.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Forarefreshingat-homespaexperience,trythepeppermintfootsoakandfollowupwiththisbalm.

1.2.

3.4.

5.6.

7.8.

1.

HAND&NAILCARE

Youdon’tneedtobookexpensivesalonappointmentstogetgorgeousnails.DIYspatreatmentscontainmanyofthesamenaturalingredientsyoufindinhigh-endproducts.Plus,make-your-ownletsyoudoctoruptherecipestofityourpamperingtastes.Puttheseremediesinyourweeklyroutineforhealthyhandsandnails,nomanicurerequired.

PamperingChamomile–LavenderScrubYIELD:6OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARTIME:20MINUTES

Ifyourhandsarefeelingdryandlookingoverworked,treatthemtoaquickpick-me-up.Thisthick,richsugarscrubexfoliatesandmoisturizes,leavingskinfeelingrefreshed.Tryitondryfeet,knees,andelbowstoo.

6tablespoonssugar1ouncebeeswax,grated2ouncesorganicoliveoil4dropschamomileessentialoil2dropslavenderessentialoilPlacethesugarinasmalljar.

Inadoubleboileroverlowheat,addthebeeswaxandoliveoil.Stirgentlyuntilthebeeswaxiscompletelymelted.Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Pourtheoliveoilandbeeswaxblendintothejarontopofthesugar,andallowthemixturetocoolfor5minutes.Stirinthechamomileandlavenderessentialoilsandcapthejartightly.Gentlymassageyourhandswith1teaspoonofthescrubforatleast1minute,beforerinsingwithwarmwater.Followupwithyourfavoritemoisturizer.Use3timesweeklyforsoft,smoothhands.Storeinacook,darkplace.

AloeVeraandGeraniumNailSoakYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Withprotein-richgelatintostrengthennailsnaturally,thissoothingsoakalsocontainsaloeveraandgeraniumforsoft,smoothskin.

1tablespoonunflavoredgelatin½cupboilingwater1tablespoonalcohol-freealoeveragel4drops

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2.3.4.5.

6.

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2.

3.4.5.6.7.

geraniumessentialoilInawidebowl,combinethegelatinandwater.Withaspoonorwhisk,stiruntilthegelatindissolvescompletely.

Cooluntilcomfortablywarm.Stirinthealoeveragelandgeraniumessentialoil.Immerseyourhandsintothebowlandletthemsoakfor5to10minutes.Whenthewatercools,removeyourhandsandpatthemdrywithatowel.Followupwithyourfavoritemoisturizer.Repeatonceweeklyforstrongnailsthatresistcrackingandpeeling.

Lavender–SageHandSalveYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Indulgeinthisrichsalvetocomfortandhealdry,crackedskin.Whetheryourhandsareoverworkedoraffectedbyanaridenvironment,thissoothingremedybringsinstantrelief.

2ouncescoconutoil5ouncesorganicoliveoil1ouncebeeswax,grated6dropslavenderessentialoil6dropssageessentialoilInadoubleboiler,addthecoconutoil,oliveoil,andbeeswaxoverlowheat.

Whenthecoconutoilandbeeswaxmeltcompletely,useawhiskorforktoblend,andremovefromtheheat.Stirinthelavenderandsageessentialoils.Transfertoajarortin.Coolcompletelybeforecappingwithatight-fittinglid.Applyathinlayertocleanhands.Useeacheveningbeforebedforbestresults,andapplyatothertimesasneeded.Keepinacool,darkplace.

1.

2.3.4.5.

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Insteadofusingover-the-counterchemicalbleachingagentstodealwithhyperpigmentation,whynottakecareofitnaturally?Causedbytheover-secretionofnaturalskinpigmentthesedarkspotsaretypicallypurelycosmeticandcanbetriggeredbysunexposure,hormoneimbalance,vitaminandmineraldeficiency,andstress.Ifthey’representalloveryourbody,besuretohaveyourdoctorruleoutanunderlyingproblem.

TurmericFacialYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

YoumightknowturmericasoneofthespicesthatgivesIndiandishestheirsignatureflavor.Thisherbalsohelpstoevenoutskintone.Thedownsideisthatitincreasessunsensitivityforafewdaysaftertreatment.Bevigilantwithsunscreentopreventburns.

1teaspoonturmeric1teaspoonfull-fatpowderedmilk3teaspoonshoneyInasmalldish,addtheturmeric,powderedmilk,andhoney.Usingawhiskorfork,stiruntilblended.

Withacircularmotion,gentlyscrubyourfaceandotherareasaffectedbyhyperpigmentation.Afterscrubbing,leavethetreatmentinplacefor15minutes.Rinseyourface.Followupwithyourfavoritecleanser,toner,andmoisturizer.Use3timesweeklyuntilspotshavefaded.

Becauseturmericadherestothewhorlsandloopsonyourfingertipsandcausesyellowing,it’sbesttoweardisposablelatexglovesforthistreatment.

AloeVera–LimeMaskYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:25MINUTES

Turnsoutyourgrandmotherwasright:Thealoevera–and-limecombodoesfadedarkspots.Together,theylightenexcesspigmentwhilesloughingawaydeadskinandpromotingnewcellgrowth.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1tablespoonalcohol-freealoeveragel1teaspoonfreshlimejuiceInasmallbowl,addthealoeveragelandlimejuice.Usingawhiskorfork,mixuntilsmooth.

Withyourfingertips,applytheentiretreatmenttoyourfreshlywashedface.Coverwithapaperspamaskandrelaxfor25minutes.Repeat3timesweekly.

FrankincenseFacialYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:35MINUTES

Frankincenseessentialoilisanexcellentweaponinyouranti-agingarsenal.Thehoneyandyogurtintensifythistreatment,moisturizingwhilegentlyexfoliatingtorenewskin.Forpureindulgence,doublethedoseandapplytohands,neck,anddécolletage.

1teaspoonhoney1teaspoonyogurt1dropfrankincenseessentialoilInasmallbowl,addthehoney,yogurt,andfrankincenseessentialoil.Usingawhiskorfork,blenduntilsmooth.

Withyourfingertips,applytheentiretreatmenttoyourfaceandanyotherareaswithdarkspots.Relaxfor30minutes,thenrinsewithcoolwater.Followupwithyourfavoritemoisturizer.Repeat2to3timesweekly.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

1.

PSORIASIS

Whethercausedbyanemotionaltrauma,stress,abnormalliverfunction,orsomeothercontributingfactor,thesymptoms—anddiscomfort—ofpsoriasisarethesame.Atitsworst,theconditionleadstoreddishlesionstoppedbysilveryscalesofskinthatpileupbeforeflakingoff,leadingtosevereitchingandbleeding.Useherbaltreatmentstomanageboththeskineruptionsandrelatedsideeffectswhenpsoriasisbeginstoflareup.

TeaTree–LicoriceSprayYIELD:ABOUT8OUNCES

STORAGE:BOTTLEWITHSPRAYTOPTIME:10MINUTES

Withwitchhazelextracttostopitching,thissprayalsocontainsteatree,calendula,andlicoricetoeasepainandpromotehealing.

1tablespoonlicoricerootpowder2tablespoonscalendulaoil7ouncesalcohol-freewitchhazelextract16dropsteatreeessentialoilInamediumbowl,addthelicoricerootpowderandcalendulaoil.Whisktocombinecompletely.

Add1ounceofthewitchhazelextractandwhiskagain,stirringuntilsmooth.Addtheremainderofthewitchhazelextractandstiragain.Addtheteatreeessentialoilandstiragain.Usingafunnel,transfertheliquidtoabottlewithaspraytop.Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Spraygenerouslyonaffectedareas.Useatleasttwicedailywhilesymptomsarepresent.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Goldenseal–St.John’sWortSalveYIELD:ABOUT8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES,PLUS2WEEKSBREWING

Makethissoothingsalveaheadoftimesoyouhavesomeonhandwhenpsoriasisflaresup.Applydailyduringflare-upstoeasepain,swelling,andredness.

1tablespoondriedgoldensealroot5ouncesorganicoliveoil2ouncescoconutoil1ouncebeeswax,grated10dropsSt.John’swortessentialoil3dropslavenderessentialoil3dropsteatree

1.

2.

3.

4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.

essentialoilInaglassjarwithatight-fittinglid,combinethedriedgoldensealrootandtheoliveoil.

Capthejartightlyandplaceitinasunnywindowfor2weeks.Everydayortwo,swirlthejarfor10seconds.Straintheoliveoilintoadoubleboiler.Usethebackofaspoontopressasmuchoilaspossiblefromtheroot.Addthecoconutoilandbeeswaxtothedoubleboiler.Overlowheat,stirgentlyuntilthecoconutoilandbeeswaxmeltcompletely.Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.AddtheSt.John’swort,lavender,andteatreeessentialoilsandstiragain.Carefullytransfertoaglassjarortin.Letthesalvecoolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Usingyourfingertips,applyathinlayerofsalvetoaffectedareas.Repeat2to3timesdailywhilesymptomsarepresent.Keepinacool,darkplace.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

SPIDERVEINS/VARICOSEVEINS

Appearingasblueandpurplelines,usuallyinthelowerlegs,spiderveinslookunsightlyandvaricoseveinsoftenbringachingandthrobbingwiththem.Herbalremedies,supporthose,andlegelevationrelievesymptoms,butunfortunatelydon’tmakethenetworkofveinsdisappear.Seeyourdermatologistaboutconventionaltreatmentsthatcanremovethemcompletely.

Lavender–WitchHazelSpritzYIELD:ABOUT8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLEWITHSPRAYCAPTIME:5MINUTES

Witchhazeltonesandtightensskin,whilelavenderhelpstoalleviatepainandinflammation.

1(8-ounce)bottlealcohol-freewitchhazelextract32dropslavenderessentialoilInaglassbottle,combinethewitchhazelextractandlavenderessentialoil.

Captightly,thenshakewell.Sprayontoyourlegseachmorningandevening,massaginglightlyafterward.Useasoftenasneededtokeepyourlegsfeelingcomfortable.Storeinacool,darkplacebetweenuses.

Packagein3-ouncebottlesandstashinyourcarry-onorgymbagforextrareliefduringtravelorlongdaysonyourfeet.

Calendula–ChamomileLegLinimentYIELD:ABOUT8OUNCESSTORAGE:GLASSBOTTLE

TIME:5MINUTES

Calendulaandchamomileeaseinflammation,whilerosemary,lavender,andwitchhazelnixdiscomfortandswelling.Doubledownonsymptomsbymassagingtheherbsintotheskinlonger,whichincreasescirculationtotheaffectedareas.

4ouncesalcohol-freewitchhazelextract4ouncescalendulaoil16dropschamomileessentialoil16dropslavenderessentialoil8dropsrosemaryessentialoilInaglassbottle,combinealltheingredients.

2.3.

4.

1.

2.3.

4.

Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Withyourfingertips,applyabout½teaspoonofthelinimenttoeachleg.Massageusingfirm,upwardstrokes.Usethistwicedaily.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Geranium–CypressMassageBlendYIELD:ABOUT4OUNCESSTORAGE:GLASSBOTTLE

TIME:5MINUTES

Givelegsinstantreliefwiththiscirculation-enhancingessentialoilduothatknocksoutpainanddiscomfortfast.Resultsareheightenedthelongeryoumassage.

4ouncesarganoil32dropsgeraniumessentialoil12dropscypressessentialoilInaglassbottle,combinethearganoilwiththegeraniumandcypressessentialoils.

Captightlyandshakefor20secondstocombine.Usingyourfingertips,applyathinlayeroftheblendtotheaffectedareas.Massageusingfirm,upwardstrokes.Repeatonceortwicedaily.Storeinacool,darkplace.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.

SUNBURN

Youforgotyoursunhat,youdidn’tapplysunscreen(orreapplyaftersweatingorswimming),oryoufellasleeponthebeachduringprimeUVhours.Sunburnhappenstothemostdiligentsunworshipers.Nexttimeyou’vehadtoomuchUVexposure,treatyourselftoaquick,simpleherbalremedytoeasepainandrednessinaflash.Thefasteryouapplytheseremedies,theloweryourchancesareofdevelopingblistersandpeeling.

AloeVeraGelwithLavenderYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:PLASTICSQUEEZEBOTTLETIME:1MINUTE

Sootheandhealskinwiththisquick,easyremedy.Keepthebottleintherefrigeratorforevenmorecoolingpower.

1(8-ounce)bottlealcohol-freealoeveragel32dropslavenderessentialoilInamediumbowl,whiskthealoeveragelandlavenderessentialoiltogether.

Usingafunnel,transferthegelbackintothebottleitcamein.Applyliberallyaftersunexposure,lettingthegelpenetratetheskincompletelybeforedressing.Reapplyatleasttwicedailywhilerecoveringfromsunburn.

St.John’sWortSpraywithCalendulaYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:BOTTLEWITHSPRAYCAPTIME:1MINUTE

Thistrioistheultimatefirst-aidtreatmentforsunburn.CalendulaandSt.John’sworteasepainandhealdamage,whileultra-coolingwitchhazeltakesdownthetemperatureoftheskin.

7ouncesalcohol-freewitchhazelextract1ouncecalendulaoil16dropsSt.John’swortessentialoilInabottlewithaspraycap,combinethewitchhazelextract,calendulaoil,andSt.John’swortessentialoil.

Shakewellbeforeeachapplication.Sprayliberallyonaffectedareas.Letthewitchhazelpenetratetheskincompletelybeforedressing.

Keepthebottleintherefrigeratorbetweentreatmentstomaximizeitsabilitytosootheskin.

7

UNDERTHEUNDERWEARErectileDysfunction

JockItchMenstrualPain&Cramps

PainfulSexUrinaryTractInfection

VaginalOdorYeastInfection

1.

2.3.

1.

2.3.

ERECTILEDYSFUNCTION

AlsoknownasED,erectiledysfunctionisexacerbatedbysmoking,drinking,andlackofphysicalexercise.Ifyourguywouldrathernottakeprescriptiondrugswithalistofoff-puttingsideeffectsforamildcase,havehimgivetheseherbalremediesatry.Mencan,understandably,besensitiveandinsecurewhenitcomestoED.Whilelifestylemodificationsmayhelptoo,takethingsoneatatimeandexerciseasmuchpatienceandunderstandingasyoucan.

GinsengTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Mostginsengcontainsginsenodes,aningredientthatincreasessexdriveandstopsEDsymptoms.Koreanginsengispreferablebecauseithasthemostginsenodes.Don’tbotherwithSiberianginsengasit’sginsenode-free.

1tablespoonginsengroot,thinlysliced1cupboilingwater2teaspoonsrawhoneyPlacetheginsenginateaballorinfuser.Inamugfilledwithboilingwateraddtheteaballandrawhoney.

Steepfor15minutes.Drink.Usetwicedailyfor3days,discontinuefor2weeks,andthenuseforanother3days.Ifthetreatmentworks,continuethecycleforaslongasyoulike.

SawPalmetto–PomegranateIcedTeaYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:1MINUTE

Youcantakesawpalmettosupplementsdaily,butextractswithconcentrationsof1:4orhighermayworkabitfaster.Drinkingpomegranatejuicedailymayalsobehelpful.

1tablespoonsawpalmettoextract8ouncespomegranatejuiceInaglass,combinethesawpalmettoextractandpomegranatejuice.

Addice,ifdesired.Sweetenwithhoneyorsteviabeforedrinking.

4. Enjoydailyforaslongasyoulike.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

2.3.4.

JOCKITCH

Causedbythetrichophytonrubrumfungus,jockitchcanquicklyspreadthroughoutthegroinareaifleftuntreated.Worsecasescanalsoaffecttheinnerthighsandbuttocks.Whiletheherbaltreatmentsforthisconditionarepotent,theyworkbestwhenyouusethemassoonasahot,itchyrashstartstodevelop.Ifyouexperienceswellingorpain,seeyourdoctortoruleoutamoreseriouscondition.

WitchHazel–TeaTreeAntifungalSprayYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLEWITHSPRAYTOPTIME:5MINUTES

Thisremedyeasesdiscomfortbyrelievingitchinesswhileprovidingapleasant,coolingsensation.Theteatreeessentialoilkillsthefungusthatcausesjockitch.

1(8-ounce)bottlealcohol-freewitchhazelextract80dropsteatreeessentialoilInaglassbottle,combinethewitchhazelextractandteatreeessentialoil.

Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Spraytheaffectedareawithathincoatofliquidaftershoweringandtowelingoff.Lettheremedypenetratebeforedressing.Applyatleasttwicedailyforbestresults,andkeepusingfor3daysaftersymptomsdisappeartobecertainthatthefungusisgoneforgood.Storeinacool,darkplace.

GarlicSalveYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Garlicisapowerfulantifungalagentthathelpsstopjockitchquickly.Whileyoumightbetemptedtomakeabigbatchofthisremedytosavesometime,freshlygroundgarlicworksbest.

5clovesfreshgarlic,peeled1teaspoonorganicoliveoilInablenderorfoodprocesser,combinethegarlicandoliveoil.

Usingafinestraineroverasmallbowl,separatethepulpfromthegarlicjuiceandoil.Applytotheaffectedareawithacottonball,workingfromtheoutsideoftherashtowarditscenter.Usetwicedailyforbestresults,andkeepusingfor3daysaftersymptomsdisappeartobecertainthat

1.2.

3.4.5.6.

thefungusisgoneforgood.

Ginger–ThymeWashYIELD:APPROXIMATELY10TREATMENTS

STORAGE:REFRIGERATEINGLASSBOTTLEORJARTIME:25MINUTES

Gingerandthymeeaseitchingandrednesswhilekillingthefungithatcausejockitch.Thisremedyisagoodonetouseforringwormandathlete’sfoot,too.

1cupboilingwater1tablespoonfreshgingerroot,peeledandfinelygrated1tablespoondriedthymeleavesor2

tablespoonsfreshthymeleavesInasmallbowl,combinealltheingredients.Allowthemixturetosteepfor20minutes.Oncecool,transferittoaglassbottleorjarwithatight-fittinglid.Topreventcontamination,pourasmallamountintoaseparatecontainerbeforeuse.Withacottonpad,applyagenerousamounttotheaffectedarea.Allowtoairdry.Repeat1to2timeseachdaywhilejockitchsymptomspersist.Thewashwillremainfresh,whenrefrigerated,foruptoaweek.

1.

2.3.4.

MENSTRUALPAIN&CRAMPS

Rangingfrommildlyannoyingtounbearable,menstrualpainandcrampstypicallybeginatthesametimeasyourperiodandcontinuefor2to3days.Theseremediesrelaxmuscles,easecontractions,andlessendiscomfort.Contactyourdoctorifyoudevelopafeverwithcramping,orifyoursymptomsareoccurringoutsidethenormaltimeframe.Fibroids,abnormalpregnancies,ovariancysts,andotherpotentiallydangerousconditionscausesimilarsymptoms.

BlackCohoshTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Thisteaisatraditionalremedyforpainandcrampingassociatedwithmenstruationthankstoaneffectiveroundupofanti-inflammatoriesandpainrelievers.Blackcohosh,theleastwell-knowningredient,containssalicylicacidwhichhasthesameinflammation-reducingeffectsasaspirin.

1cupwater1teaspoondriedblackcohosh¼teaspoonpowderedcinnamon¼teaspoonpowderedgingerHoneyorstevia(optional)

Inasmallsaucepan,bringthewatertoaboil.Removefromtheheat,andaddtheblackcohosh,cinnamon,andginger.Steepfor15minutes,thenstraintheteathroughcheeseclothintoamug.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired,anddrinkwhilerelaxing.Drink3to4cupsdailywhenpainandcrampsareaproblem.

Raspberry–LemonBalmTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Easepainandcrampingwiththismiraculouslineupofmusclerelaxers.The

1.2.

3.4.

beautyofthisrecipeisthatyoudon’tneedallfiveherbstoalleviatesymptoms.Missingoneortwo?Replacethemwithalittlebitmoreoftheonesyoudohave.

1cupwater1teaspoondriedcatnip1teaspoondriedclarysage1teaspoondriedlemonbalm1teaspoondriedraspberryleaf¼teaspoondriedgingerHoneyorstevia(optional)

Inasmallsaucepan,bringthewatertoaboil.Addtheherbsandremovefromtheheat.Steepfor15minutes,thenstraintheteathroughcheeseclothintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheexcessliquidfromtheherbs.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired,anddrinkwhilerelaxing.Drink3to4cupsofthisteaeachdaywhilepainandcrampsarepresent.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.

1.2.3.4.

PAINFULSEX

Ifvaginaldrynessiscausingdiscomfortduringsex,tryoneofthesenaturallubricantsinsteadofapriceycommercialonemadewithsomeofthesamechemicalsfoundinproductslikebrakefluidandovencleaner.Inthemeantime,workwithyourdoctortodeterminewhethertheunderlyingcauseisamoreseriousgynecologicalcondition.

Ylang–YlangLubricatingBalmYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Withcoconutoilthatchangesfromsolidtoliquidwhenwarmed,thislubricantcontainsylang-ylangessentialoil,whichalsoactsasanaturalaphrodisiac.

8ouncescoconutoil½teaspoonylang-ylangessentialoilInadoubleboiler,meltthecoconutoiloverlowheat.

Removefromtheheatwhenliquefiedandcoolfor2minutes.Addtheylang-ylangessentialoil.Pourthebalmintoaglassjarortin.Coolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Usingyourfingertips,applytointimateareasbeforesex.Useasmuchasisneeded.Thislubricantissafetouseasoftenasyoulike.Storeitinacool,darkplace.

WarmingGeranium–JasmineLubricatingBalmYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLETIME:15MINUTES

Withnourishingalmondoiltolubricate,plusgeraniumandjasmineessentialoilstohelpbalanceyourhormones,thisbalmcontainspeppermintessentialoilforawarm,tinglysensation.

4ouncesalmondoil10dropsgeraniumessentialoil10dropsjasmineessentialoil3dropspeppermintessentialoilInaglassbottle,combinealltheingredients.

Shakewelltoblend.Shakefor2to3secondsbeforeeachuse.Applyasmallamounttointimateareasbeforesex.Useasmuchasisneeded.Storeinacool,dark

place.

Thislubricantissafetouseasoftenasyoulike.Omitthepeppermintifyouprefertouselubricantthatdoesn’ttingle.

1.2.3.4.5.

1.

2.

URINARYTRACTINFECTION

Urinarytractinfections(UTIs)occurwhenbacteriamultipliesintheurethralopeningandtravelsuptowardthebladder.Startusingnaturalremediesassoonasyounoticepainoranurgentneedtourinateeventhoughyourbladderisalreadyempty.Ifyoudevelopafeverorsymptomsfailtoimprovewithintwodays,seeyourdoctorforantibiotics.

Cranberry–GreenTeaTonicYIELD:

½GALLONSTORAGE:REFRIGERATEINPITCHER

TIME:15MINUTES

PutatraditionalcranberryUTIremedyintoover-drivebypairingitwithgreentea.Thecombinationmoreeffectivelyreducesbladderinflammationandkillstheinfection-causingbacteriathanfightingwithcranberryalone.

4cupsboilingwater4greenteabags4cupsunsweetenedcranberryjuiceHoneyorstevia(optional)Inasaucepan,combinetheboilingwaterandgreenteabags.

Steepfor15minutes,thendiscardtheteabags.Inapitcher,combinethegreentea,cranberryjuice,andhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Drinktheentirepitcherofteaandjuiceoverthecourseoftheday.Repeateachdaywhilefightingaurinarytractinfection.

SawPalmettoTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Likecranberries,sawpalmettoberriesareusefulintreatingurinarytractinfections.Ofalltypesofsawpalmettosupplementsavailable,extractprovidesrelieffastest.Finditatahealthfoodstoreoronline.

1tablespoonsawpalmettoextract1cuphotwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Inamug,combinethesawpalmettoextract,hotwater,andhoneyorstevia,ifdesired,anddrink.

Taketwicedailyforupto3days.

Sawpalmettoextracthasaslightlyacidictaste.Ifyoudislikethetea,blendtheextractwithabouta

1.

2.3.

tablespoonofcoolwateranddrinkitallatonce.

MulleinTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Mulleinleafhasasoothingeffectontheurinarytract.Inaddition,itactsasamilddiureticthatpromotesurination,helpingtoflushbacteriafromyourbladder.

2teaspoonsdriedmulleinleaf,crumbled1cupboilingwaterPutthemulleinleafinateaballorinfuser,andplaceinamugofboilingwater.

Steepfor15minutes.Drink.Enjoy2to3cupsdailyforupto3days.

Mulleinisamildsedative.Donotdrinkthisteabeforedrivingordoingothertasksthatrequireconcentration.

1.

2.

3.4.

1.2.3.

VAGINALODOR

True,vaginalodorisanembarrassingissue,butthegoodnewsisthatitalsoservesasanindicatorthatthebeneficialbacteria—akalactobacilli—inhabitingyournetherregionisoutofbalance.Ifyou’vebeentakingantibiotics,cleansingwithcommercialfemininehygieneproducts,orusingdouchesfrequently(allofwhichdepletethevagina’shealthybacteriapopulation),usethesepreparationstobringyourvaginalflorabackintobalance.

LavenderSuppositoryYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Plainyogurtwithlive,activeculturescontainslactobacillusbacteria,andlavenderessentialoilhelpstokillofffungusthatcouldbecontributingtotheunpleasantodor.

1tablespoonplainyogurt2dropslavenderessentialoilInasmallbowl,combinetheyogurtandessentialoil.

Applytheentireamounttoatampon.Ifusingatamponwithanapplicator,removethecottonportionandcoatitwiththeyogurtmixture.Insertthesuppositoryintoyourvagina.Removeanddiscarditafter30minutes.Repeatthetreatmenttwicedailyfor3daysinarow.

CleansingTeaTreeBathYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Teatreeessentialoil,bakingsoda,andapplecidervinegarcombinetoeliminateexcessbacteria.Ifyouhavenoteatreeessentialoil,trylavenderoreucalyptusinstead.

2cupsapplecidervinegar6dropsteatreeessentialoil½cupbakingsodaDrawawarmbath.Addtheapplecidervinegarandteatreeessentialoiltothebath,thenswishwithyourhand.Sprinklethebakingsodaontopofthewater.

4.

5.6.

Soakinthetubfor30minutes,openingyourlegstoletthewatermakefullcontactwiththeexteriorportionofyourvagina.Afterbathing,dryyourbodywell.Excessmoisturefeedsthebacteriathatleadtovaginalodor.Usethistreatmentoncedailyforaslongasneeded.Keepyourvaginalareadrybywearingcottonunderwearandusingbodypowderbeforedressingeachday.

1.2.

3.4.

1.

2.3.

YEASTINFECTION

Ifyou’veeverhadayeastinfection,you’reprobablyalltoofamiliarwiththeaccompanyingitchiness,soreness,andsmellywhitedischarge.UsuallycausedbyafunguscalledCandidaalbicans,yeastinfectionsthriveonsugarsthataredeliveredviathebloodstream.Shortentheirdurationbycuttingbackonsugarwhilegivingthesenaturalremediesachancetowork.Eatinggarlicandtakingprobioticscanhelp,too.

GarlicSuppositoryYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:OVERNIGHT

Putgarlicupthere?Um,yes.Thistrulyalternativeremedyisonethatworksbestduringthebeginningstageofayeastinfectionwhentheherb’santibacterialforcescangettowork.Useitassoonasyounoticeitching.

1clovefreshgarlic,peeledWrapacloveofgarlicinapieceofgauze.Encasethegarlicbytyingtheopenendofthegauzesecurelywithapieceofthread.Leave3to4inchesofthreadhangingfromthesuppository.Insertthesuppositoryintoyourvaginaatbedtime.Removeanddiscarditinthemorning.Repeatthetreatmentfor3to5nightsinarow.Ifsymptomsworsenorfailtoimprove,seeyourdoctorforsomethingstronger.

TeaTreeDoucheYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Teatreeessentialoilandapplecidervinegarworkintandemtogreatlyreducethevagina’syeastpopulation.Usethistreatmentassoonasyounoticesymptoms.Thisremedyrequiresthepurchaseofadouche—arubberbulbwithasmoothed,curvednozzle—thatyoucanfindonline.

2quartswarmdistilledwater3tablespoonsapplecidervinegar2dropsteatreeessentialoilInapitcherorlargejar,combinealltheingredients.

Transfertoadoucheanduseperthemanufacturer’sinstructions.Repeattwicedailyforupto5daysuntilsymptomsaregone.Ifsymptomsworsenorfailtoimprove,see

1.2.3.4.5.

yourdoctorforsomethingstronger.

Lavender–MyrrhBathYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Lavender,myrrh,andteatreeessentialoilsarepotentantifungalagents,andcoconutoilcontainsfattyacidsthatthatworkagainstyeast.Thisbathhelpstorelievediscomfortwhileimpartingaromatherapybenefits.Justrelaxingforawhilecanhelpyoufeelbetterand,asanaddedbenefit,yourskinwillfeelsoftandsmoothwhenyouemergefromthebath.

1tablespooncoconutoil10dropslavenderessentialoil6dropsmyrrhessentialoil4dropsteatreeessentialoilDrawawarmbath.

Addthecoconutoilandessentialoils.Spend15to20minutesinthebathwiththelowerhalfofyourbodyfullysubmerged.Aftergettingoutofthebath,dryyourbody,andespeciallythegenitalarea,well.Enjoythisbathtreatment1to2timeseachdaywhiletheinfectionpersists.Itisanexcellentcomplementtoothertreatments.

8

MENTALHEALTHANDWELLNESS

Addiction&SubstanceAbuseADHD

Anxiety–OCDAnxiety–PTSDBipolarDisorderDepression

EatingDisordersInsomnia

MemoryProblemsMoodiness

NervousTensionStress

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.

ADDICTION&SUBSTANCEABUSE

Addictionandsubstanceabusetaxthebody,floodingitwithchemicalsthatcancausegreatharm.Whiletherearemanyimportantstepstostoppinganaddictionorcontrollingsubstanceabuse,includingprofessionalsupport,goodnutrition,andalternativetreatmentslikeacupuncture,herbalremediesareexcellentathelpingyoumanagetoughwithdrawalsymptoms.

St.John’sWort–LemonBalmTeaBlendYIELD:2½CUPS

STORAGE:AIRTIGHTCONTAINERTIME:5MINUTES

Sometimesreferredtoas“nature’sProzac,”St.John’swortboostsyourbrain’sserotoninlevels,liftingyourmoodandbringingsomerelieffromtheeffectsofwithdrawal.Thelemonbalmimpartsanupliftingfragrance.

1½cupsdriedSt.John’swort1cupdriedlemonbalmleavesHoneyorstevia(optional)Inanairtightcontainer,combinetheSt.John’swortandlemonbalmleaves.

Use1teaspoonoftheherbmixturewith1cupofboilingwatertomaketea.Addsomehoneyorsteviatosweeten,ifdesired.Drink2cupsofthisteaeachday.

St.John’swortworksbestwhentakenregularly,anditcantakebetween2and3weeksforyoutoreallynoticeitseffects.

MilkThistleLiverCleanseYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Enjoythiscleanseaspartofacompletedetox.Milkthistlecontainssylmarin,acombinationof3powerfulantioxidantsthatprotectandrepairlivercellswhilereducinginflammation.

20dropsmilkthistleextract1teabag,anyflavor1cupboilingwaterInamug,combinethemilkthistleextract,teabag,andboilingwater.

Steepfor5minutes.

3.4.

1.

2.3.4.

Sweeten,ifdesired.Drink4cupsperdaybeforemealsandsnacks.Usethisremedyfor1to2weekswhiledetoxifyingyourbody.

DandelionTonicYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Helpyourliver,kidneys,andspleenhealwhileclearingtoxinswiththissimpletonic.Itstasteissmooth,mellow,andmild,anddrinkingitwillhelpyoufeelbetter.

2teaspoonschoppeddandelionroot1½cupswater2teaspoonsrawhoneyInasmallsaucepan,combinethedandelionroot,water,andrawhoney.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor15minutes.Pourintoamugandcoolslightly.Drink2cupsoftonicdailywhilerecoveringfromsubstanceabuse.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.4.5.

ADHD

Characterizedbyimpulsivity,hyperactivity,andinattention,attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder(ADHD)commonlyaffectschildrenbutoftenlastsintoorstartsinadulthood.ConventionalprescriptivemedicationsusedtotreatADHDarestimulants.Likethesedrugs,stimulantherbscanhaveacalmingeffect,diminishingsymptomsandenhancingfocus.NeverstoptakingprescriptionsforADHDwithoutfirstconsultingyourdoctor.

GingkoBilobaTeaYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Gingkobilobahelpsincreasefocus,anditalsohelpsenhanceyourmemory.Ifyoutakeprescriptionsofanykind,besuretospeaktoyourdoctorbeforeuse.

1tablespoondriedgingkobiloba,crushed1¼cupsboilingwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Placethegingkoinateaballorinfuser.Inamugfilledwithboilingwateraddtheteaball.

Steepfor15minutes.Addhoneyorsteviatosweeten,ifdesired,anddrink.Enjoythisteaonceortwicedailyduringthemorningandearlyafternoonhours.

Ginseng–SpiceIcedTeaYIELD:½GALLON

STORAGE:REFRIGERATEINPITCHERTIME:30MINUTES

Ginsengcanboostdopaminelevels,helpyoufocus,andimproveyourmemory.UseAmericanorKoreanginseng,astheyaremoreeffectivethanSiberianginseng.Sweetspicesaddflavor.

8tablespoonsdriedginsengroot,chopped2wholecinnamonsticks5wholecloves1tablespoonfreshgingerroot,peeledandgrated8cupswaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Inasaucepan,combinetheginsengroot,cinnamon,cloves,ginger,andwater.Bringtoaboil.

Removefromtheheat.Lettheherbssteepfor15minutes.Straintheteaintoapitcher,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheexcessliquidfromtheherbs.Cooltoroomtemperature.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Serveoverice.

6.7.

1.

2.3.4.

Storeintherefrigerator.Drink2to4glassesofteadaily,duringthemorningandearlyafternoonhours.Cutbackifyouhavetroublesleeping.

LavenderSmellingSaltYIELD:1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:2MINUTES

Lavenderessentialoilstimulatesthelimbicsystem,helpingyoutomanageyouremotionsandformnewmemories.Italsoaidsfocuswhilehelpingyoufeelcalmandrelaxed.

1ouncecoarseseasalt20dropslavenderessentialoilInasmalljar,combinetheseasaltandlavenderessentialoil.

Captightlyandshakewelltoblend.Inhaledeeplyfor20seconds.Useasneededtoincreasefocus.Refreshwithmorelavenderessentialoilwhenthefragrancebeginstofade.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.

ANXIETY–OCD

Naturalremediesforobsessive-compulsivedisorder(OCD)helpstopnervousnesswhilepromotingrelaxationandheighteningfocus.Theherbsusedinthesetreatmentsarewellknownfortheirabilitytoalleviatethestressthatleadstoanxiety,eitherwhenusedaloneoralongsideconventionaltreatments.Ifyou’retakinganyprescriptions,talktoyourdoctorbeforeusingherbalremedies.

BergamotSmellingSaltYIELD:1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:2MINUTES

Bergamotcalmsnervousness,focusesthethoughts,andhelpseliminatestressfulfeelings.Thissmellingsaltcanhelpimproveyourstateofmindquickly.

1ouncecoarseseasalt20dropsbergamotessentialoilInasmallglassjar,combinetheseasaltwiththebergamotessentialoil.

Captightlyandshakewelltoblend.Inhaledeeplyfor20seconds.Usethisremedyasoftenasyouliketoeaseanxietyandrefocusyourmind.Refreshthesaltwithadditionalessentialoilwhenthefragrancebeginstofade.

Chamomile–GingerTeawithLicoriceYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Whenfocusandcalmarewhatyouneed,looktochamomile,ginger,andlicoricetokeepnervousnessandracingthoughtsatbay.Itssweet,spicytastemakesitadeliciousoptionasaneverydaydrink.

1tablespoondriedchamomileflowers1teaspoonfreshgingerroot,peeledandgrated1teaspoondriedlicoriceroot,chopped1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,combinethechamomile,ginger,licorice,andwater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor15minutes.Straintheteaintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheexcessliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.

4.

1.

2.3.

Drinktheteaanytimeyouarefeelinganxious.Enjoyitasoftenasyoulike.

St.John’sWort–PassionflowerTonicYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

St.John’swortandpassionflowercombinetohelpeasefrayednerveswhilereducinganxietyandcalmingthemind.Thisrelaxingblendisbestenjoyedwhenyouhavetimetounwind.

1tablespoondriedSt.John’swort1tablespoondriedpassionflower1cupboilingwaterInamug,combinetheSt.John’swort,passionflower,andboilingwater.

Steepfor15minutes.Drinkeachnightbeforebed.Donotusebeforedrivingordoingothertasksthatrequireyoutoconcentrate.

1.

2.3.

1.

2.3.4.

ANXIETY–PTSD

Naturalremediesforpost-traumaticstressdisorder(PTSD)canhelprelieveterrifyingflashbacksandnightmares,alongwithassociatedproblemslikeinsomniaanddepression.Theherbsusedintheseremediesarerenownedfortheirabilitytopromoterelaxationwhilealleviatingstress.Theyworkbestwhentakeninconjunctionwithconventionaltreatmentssuchastalktherapy.Ifyou’retakingmedications,talktoyourdoctorbeforeaddingherbaltreatmentsorstoppingprescriptions.

Hyssop–PeppermintTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Whenhyssopandpeppermintteamup,nervesandstressdon’tlastlong.Thisfragrantblendalsohappenstobeasecretweaponagainstcoldandflusymptoms.

1teaspoondriedhyssopleaves,crumbled1teaspoondriedpeppermintleaves,crumbled1cupboilingwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Placethehyssopandpeppermintleavesinateaballorinfuser.Inamugfilledwithboilingwateraddtheteaball,andhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.

Steepfor15minutes.Drinkhotoricedasoftenasyoulike.

Lavender–St.John’sWortSmellingSaltYIELD:1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:2MINUTES

Whenanxietyhasgotyoudown,lavenderandSt.John’swortcanliftyourspiritsbackup.Thisultra-relaxingblendalsobringscalmandfocuswhenyourthoughtsareracing.

1ouncecoarseseasalt20dropslavenderessentialoil2dropsSt.John’swortessentialoilInasmallglassjar,combinethesalt,andlavenderandSt.John’swortessentialoils.

Captightlyandshakewelltoblend.Inhaledeeplyfor20seconds.Usethisblendasoftenasyoulike.Refreshitwithmoreessentialoilwhenthefragrancebeginstofade.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.

ValerianInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Valerianhelpseaseanxietywhilepromotingdeeprelaxation.Thisteaispowerful,soenjoyitwhenyouhavetimetounwind.

1teaspoondriedpeppermint,crumbled1teaspoondriedvalerianroot,chopped1¼cupswaterRawhoneyorstevia(optional)Inasmallsaucepan,combinethepeppermint,valerianroot,andwater.

Bringtoaboil.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandallowtheherbstosimmerfor10minutes.Removefromtheheatandstrainintoamug.Sweetenwithrawhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Drinkwhilerelaxing.Donotusebeforedrivingorundertakingothertasksthatrequirehighlevelsofconcentration.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.4.

BIPOLARDISORDER

Someherbalremediesforbipolardisorderhelpmanagesymptomssuchasirritability,anxiety,andimpulsivebehavior.Othersaddressdepressivesymptoms,likepoorappetiteandlowmood.Theseriousnessofbipolardisordercannotbeoverstated,andanherbalapproachshouldnotbethesoleapproachtomanagingit.Donotdiscontinueprescriptionsorsupplementwithherbalremedieswithoutconsultingyourdoctorincaseofpotentialharmfuldruginteractions.

Mandarin–PeppermintSmellingSaltYIELD:1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:2MINUTES

Mandarinandpeppermintcombinetoalleviatedepressivesymptoms.Thissmellingsaltcanbeusedalongsideothertherapiesifneeded.

1ouncecoarseseasalt20dropsmandarinessentialoil10dropspeppermintessentialoilInasmallglassjar,combinethesaltandthemandarinandpeppermintessentialoils.

Captightlyandshakewelltoblend.Inhaledeeplyfor20seconds.Enjoythisremedyasoftenasyoulike.Refreshtheblendwithmoreessentialoilwhenthefragrancebeginstofade.

LavenderLinenSprayYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLEWITHASPRAYTOPTIME:5MINUTES

Lavenderessentialoilcalmsnervousnessandhelpsstopracingthoughts.Thislinenspraysmellswonderfulandmakesyourbedamorerelaxingplacetobe.

8ounceswater1teaspoonlavenderessentialoilInaglassbottle,combinethewaterwiththelavenderessentialoil.

Shaketightlybeforeeachuse.Justbeforebed,sprayyoursheetsandpillowswiththelinenspray.Usenightly.Inhaledeeplywhilerelaxingasyoufallasleep.

1.

2.3.4.5.

HerbalBalancingTeaYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Chamomile,hyssop,rosemary,andmintcombinetoalleviatestressandpromoteabalancedmood.Inhalethesteamwhiletheherbssteep.Thefragrancewillhelpyoufeelslightlyrelaxed.

1¼cupswater1tablespoondriedchamomileflowers1teaspoondriedhyssop,crushed1teaspoondriedmint,crushed½teaspoondriedrosemary,crushedHoneyorstevia(optional)Inasmallsaucepan,boilthewater.Addthechamomile,hyssop,mint,androsemary.Removefromtheheat.

Steepfor15minutes.Strainintoamug,pressingexcessliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired,anddrink.Enjoythisteaasoftenasyoulike.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.

DEPRESSION

Milddepressionimpactsyourmood,makingitdifficult,andmanydaysimpossible,foryoutoenjoydailyactivities.Herbalremediescanliftyourspiritsandsharpenyourthinkingwhilehelpingtoincreaseyourinterestinthethingsthatareimportanttoyou.Theycanalsohelpyoustayalertduringthedayandsleepbetteratnight.Iftheseremediesdon’thelp,talktoyourdoctoraboutothertreatmentoptions.

UpliftingSt.John’sWortSmellingSaltYIELD:1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:2MINUTES

St.John’swort,lavender,androsemarycombinetoeasefeelingsofmilddepression.Thissmellingsaltcanbeusedalongsideothertreatments.

1ouncecoarseseasalt10dropslavenderessentialoil10dropsrosemaryessentialoil10dropsSt.John’swortessentialoilInasmalljar,combinethesaltandthelavender,rosemary,andSt.John’swortessentialoils.

Captightlyandshakewelltoblend.Inhaledeeplyfor20seconds.Usethisremedyasoftenasyoulike.Refreshtheblendwithadditionalessentialoilwhenthefragrancebeginstofade.

SpicedLicorice–LemonBalmInfusionYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Licorice,cloves,andlemonbalmcombinetoliftfeelingsofminordepression.Youcanreplacethelemonbalmwithpeppermintifyoulike.

1teaspoondriedlicoriceroot,chopped1tablespoondriedlemonbalm,crushed3wholecloves1¼cupswaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Inasmallsaucepan,addthelicorice,lemonbalm,andclovestothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheexcessliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.

4.5.

1.

2.3.4.

Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Enjoyacupofthiscomfortingteaanytimeyouneedamentallift.

FeelGoodHerbalTeaBlendYIELD:4CUPSDRIEDHERBALBLENDSTORAGE:AIRTIGHTCONTAINER

TIME:15MINUTES

Thisherbalblendbringsfastrelieffromfeelingsofminordepression.Ifyoutakeantidepressants,eitheromittheSt.John’swortortalktoyourdoctoraboutincludingitinyourdailyregimen.

1½cupsdriedlemonbalm,crushed½cupdriedlavender½cupdriedmarjoram½cupdriedrosepetals½cupdriedspearmint,crushed½cupdriedSt.John’swortInanairtightcontainer,combinealltheherbs.

Tobrewthetea,use1tablespoonoftheherbalblendpercup,andplaceinateaballorinfuser.Inamug,pourboilingwaterovertheherbsandsteepfor15minutes.Flavorwithvanilla,lemon,orhoney,ifdesired.Drinkupto3cupsofteadailytoalleviateminordepression.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.4.

EATINGDISORDERS

Aneatingdisorder—whetheritcausesyoutoundereat,overeat,orbingeandpurge—cantakeoveryourlife.Theseherbalremediesarebestwhenusedalongsideconventionaltreatmentssuchastalktherapy.Theyaidinsupportingthehealthylifestylechangesyouwanttomake,aswellasbalancehormonesandmanagetriggerslikestress.

Licorice–GinsengTonicYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Easebulimiasymptomswiththistonic.Thelicoricehelpstostabilizebloodsugarwhiletheginsengrelievesstress.Together,theyreducethedesiretoovereat.

1tablespoondriedlicoriceroot,chopped1teaspoonginsengroot,chopped1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addthelicoriceandginsengtothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopressexcessliquidfromtheherbs.Drinkacupofthistonic2to3timesdaily,especiallywhentheurgetobingearises.

LemonBalm–YarrowTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Lemonbalmandyarrowcombinetostimulateappetite,helpingtoencouragesufferersofanorexiatoeat.

1tablespoondriedlemonbalm,crumbled½teaspoondriedyarrow1cupboilingwaterStevia(optional)Putthelemonbalmandyarrowinateaballorinfuser.Placeinamugofboilingwater.

Steeptheherbsfor15minutes.Sweetenwithstevia,ifdesired.Drinkthistea2to3timesdaily,about30minutesbeforemealtimes.

1.

2.3.

4.5.

Chamomile–CloveTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Spicyandnaturallysweet,cloveshelptoshort-circuitthebrain’sdesireforexcessiveamountsoffood.Chamomilealleviatesassociatedstress.Ifbingeingisaproblemforyou,givethisteaatry.

1teaspoondriedchamomileflowers5wholecloves1¼cupswaterStevia(optional)Inasmallsaucepan,addthechamomileandclovestothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopressexcessliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Sweetenwithstevia,ifdesired.Drinkhotoricedasoftenasyoulike.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.2.3.4.

INSOMNIA

Insomniatoucheseverypartofyourlife,makingitdifficulttofunctionduringthedayandleadingtofeelingsofhopelessness.Insteadofrelyingonpharmaceuticalstogiveyouthequantityorqualityofsleepyouneed,considertheseherbalremediesinstead.Withnoharmfulsideeffectsormorninggrogginess,theyeaseyouofftoslumbergently,keepyouasleep,andleaveyoufeelingrefreshedwhenyouwake.

Valerian–HopsTeawithPassionflowerYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Valerian,hops,andpassionflowercombinetopromotecalm,bringdeep,restfulsleep,andminimizetossingandturning.

1teaspoondriedhops,crushed1teaspoondriedpassionflower1teaspoondriedvalerian1¼cupswaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Inasmallsaucepan,addthehops,passionflower,andvaleriantothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Drinkthisteaabout15minutesbeforebedtimeasoftenasneeded.

Helpyourmindrelaxbyturningoffelectronicsabout30minutesbeforehand.

SoothingChamomile–LavenderBathSaltYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Washoffthestressoftheday,relaxyourbody,andprepareyourmindforsleepwiththisfragrantspatreatment.Bathe1to2hoursbeforebedforbestresults.

1cupEpsomsalt5dropslavenderessentialoil3dropschamomileessentialoilDrawawarmbath.AddtheEpsomsaltandletitdissolve.Addthelavenderandchamomileessentialoils.Spend15to30minutessoakinginthetub.

1.2.3.4.5.

HerbalBedtimeTeaBlendYIELD:ABOUT4CUPSDRIEDHERBALBLEND

STORAGE:AIRTIGHTCONTAINERTIME:15MINUTES

Apotentblendthatbalancesthebodywhileinducingrestfulsleep,thisrelaxingbedtimeteahasapleasantflavorthatmostpeopleenjoy.

1½cupsdriedchamomileflowers1cupdriedlemonbalm,crushed½cupdriedcatnip,crushed½cupdriedoatstraw½cupdriedpassionflowers¼cupdriedhops,crushedHoneyorstevia(optional)Inanairtightcontainer,combinealltheherbs.

Tobrewthetea,use1tablespoonoftheherbalblendpercup,andplaceinateaballorinfuser.Inamug,pourboilingwaterovertheherbsandsteepfor15minutes.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Drink1cupofthisteaeachnightbeforebed.Storeinacool,dryplace.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.

MEMORYPROBLEMS

Mostpeoplethinkforgetfulnessisasignofbrainfunction,butit’softenaresultoflifestyle.Forgetfulnesscouldbecausedbytoolittlesleep,stress,orevendiet.Whateveryourreason,naturalremediescanoftenhelp.Whileworkingtoalleviateyoursymptoms,considerthecauseofyourmemoryproblem.Becauseforgetfulnesscanbeasignofamoreseriousissue,talktoyourdoctorifitcontinuesorworsensdespiteyourefforts.

RosemarySmellingSaltYIELD:1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:2MINUTES

Rosemaryessentialoilhelpstoimprovememory,reduceanxiety,andpromoteasenseofoverallwell-being.Usethistreatmentaloneorincombinationwithothers.

1ouncecoarseseasalt20dropsrosemaryessentialoilInasmallglassjar,combinetheseasaltandtherosemaryessentialoil.

Shakewelltoblend.Breathedeeplyfor20seconds.Usethisremedyregularly,particularlywhenundertakingcognitivetasks.Ifyoulike,youcanleavethejaropennearyourworkarea.Refreshthesmellingsaltwithmoreessentialoilwhenthefragrancebeginstofade.

GreenTeawithGinsengandSageYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Greentea,ginseng,andsagecombinetoboostthechemicalsresponsiblefortransmittingmessageswithinyourbrain.

1tablespoondriedsage,crushed1teaspoondriedginsengroot1cupboilingwater1greenteabagHoneyorstevia(optional)Placethedriedsageandginsenginateaballorinfuser.Inamugfilledwithboilingwateraddtheteaballandthegreenteabag.

Steepfor15minutes.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Addlemonifthesageflavorseemstoostrong.

4.

1.2.3.4.

Enjoy2to3cupsofthisteaeachdayduringthemorningandearlyafternoonhours.

Blueberry–GingkoIcedTeaYIELD:½GALLON

STORAGE:REFRIGERATEINPITCHERTIME:15MINUTES

Blueberriesenhancecognitivefunctioningandboostmemory,asdoesgingkobiloba.Youcanfindunsweetenedblueberryjuiceathealthfoodstoresandsomesupermarkets,andgingkobilobaliquidextractisavailableathealthfoodstoresoronline.

4cupsboilingwater4greenteabags4cupsunsweetenedblueberryjuice1¼tablespoonsgingkobilobaliquidextractStevia(optional)Inapitcher,combinethewaterandgreenteabags.

Steeptheteafor15minutes.Removetheteabags.Addtheblueberryjuiceandgingkobilobaextract.Drink2to3cupsofthisteaeachday,addingalittlesteviatosweeten,ifdesired.

1.2.3.4.5.

1.

2.3.4.

MOODINESS

Sometimesmoodinessisanindicatorofmilddepressionoranxiety,andothertimeslifestyleissueslikestressordietaretoblame.Despitethereason,onethingisforsure:Erraticmoodsdon’tfeelgoodtoyouorthepeoplewhointeractwithyou.Worktofindoutwhat’sbehindyourfeelingswhileusingherbalremediestotreatthesymptomsthatgetinthewayofhappiness.Gettingplentyofsleepcanhelp,ascanfollowingaclean,naturaldiet.

St.John’sWort–PeppermintTeaBlendYIELD:4CUPSDRIEDHERBALTEABLEND

STORAGE:AIRTIGHTCONTAINERTIME:15MINUTES

St.John’swortandpeppermintcombinetoboostmoodovertime.Youshouldstarttonoticepositiveeffectsafter3to5weeksofconsistentuse.

3cupsdriedSt.John’swort1cupdriedpeppermint,crumbled1cupboilingwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Inanairtightcontainer,combinetheherbs.

Tobrew,place1teaspoonoftheherbalblendinateaballorinfuser,andaddtoamugofboilingwater.Steepfor15minutesbeforedrinking.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Drink2cupsofthisteadailyoveranextendedperiodoftime.

PassionflowerTonicYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Passionflowerrelievestension,nervousness,anxiety,andinsomnia.Thisrelaxingtonicboostsmoodandisagoodoneforoverallmentalhealth.

1tablespoondriedpassionflower1cupwater1teaspoonhoney1lemonwedgeInasmallsaucepan,addthepassionflowertothewater.Bringtoaboilandremovefromtheheat.

Steepfor15minutes.Strainintoamug.Stirinthehoneyandsqueezethelemonjuiceintothemug.Drink.Enjoyacupofthistonicatleastoncedailytoimproveyourmood.

1.

2.3.

Lemon–MandarinShowerSteamYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Lemon,mandarin,androsemaryessentialoilscombinetoenhanceyourmood.Thispleasanttreatmentisalmostcertaintogiveyouamorepositiveoutlookonlife.

4dropslemonessentialoil4dropsmandarinessentialoil2dropsrosemaryessentialoilDripthelemon,mandarin,androsemaryessentialoilsontoawashcloth.

Placethewashclothontheshowerfloor,awayfromthedrain.Takeyourshowerasusual,inhalingthearomawhilebreathingdeep.

Enjoythistreatmentanytimeyoufeeltheneedtoclearyourmind.Followupwithacupofpassionflowerteaforevenbetterresults.

1.

2.3.

1.

2.3.4.

NERVOUSTENSION

You’relivinginamodernworld;you’velikelyexperiencednervoustensionatsometime.Whetherbroughtonbyfinancialstress,difficultiesinyourrelationship,oratoughsituationatwork,thistypeoftensionevaporatesquicklywhenyoumakerelaxationapriority.Insteadofunwindingwithacocktail,trythesehealthyherbalremedies.Ifyoufindyourselffeelingtheeffectsofnervoustensionoften,considertalkingwithyourdoctortoruleoutamoreseriousproblem.

LemonBalmTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Lemonbalmhasafresh,pleasanttaste.Thisteaalleviatestensionwhileleavingyoufeelingcalmandalert.

1tablespoondriedlemonbalm1cupboilingwaterInamug,combinethelemonbalmandboilingwater.

Steepfor15minutes.Drinkacupanytimeyouneedtorelaxbutcan’ttaketimeoutforanap.

Passionflower–RooibosIcedTeaYIELD:½GALLON

STORAGE:REFRIGERATEINPITCHERTIME:10MINUTES

Passionflowerandrooiboscombinetoalleviatenervoustensionandbringyourmoodbackintobalance.Rooibosteabagsareeasytofindathealthfoodstoresandmostsupermarkets.

2tablespoonsdriedpassionflower4rooibosteabags,anyflavor8cupswaterInasaucepan,addthepassionflowerandrooibosteabags.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Removefromtheheat,cool,thenstraintheteaintoapitcherandchill.Sweetenthisteaifyoulike,orflavoritwithlemonorvanilla.Drinkasmuchasyouliketomaintainastateofalertrelaxation.

1.

2.3.4.5.

Lavender–LemonBalmBathSaltYIELD:4CUPS

STORAGE:AIRTIGHTCONTAINERTIME:30MINUTES

Lavenderandlemonbalmcombinetoeasetension.Makethisrelaxingbathsaltaheadoftimesoyou’llhaveitonhandwhenneeded.

4cupsEpsomsalt½teaspoonlavenderessentialoil½teaspoonlemonbalmessentialoilInanairtightcontainer,addtheEpsomsalt,andthelavenderandlemonbalmessentialoils,anduseawhiskorforktoblend.

Drawawarmbath.Add¼cupofthebathsalt.Swishuntilitdissolves.Relaxinthebathfor30minutes.Enjoythisbathsaltanytimeyoufeeltheneedtorelax.Storeinadark,coolplacebetweenuses.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.

STRESS

Lifeisfulloffrustrations,deadlines,hassles,anddemandsthatalladduptostress,anormalresponsetoeventsthatupsetyoursenseofbalance.Sometimesfeelingalittlepressureworksforyoubyspikingyourenergyandcreatingfocussoyoucangetthingsdone.Atothertimes,tensiongetsoutofcontrol,causingproblemsatwork,harmingyourhealth,andinterferingwithrelationships.Nexttimeyoufeeloverloaded,tryoneortwooftheseremedies.

Chamomile–TarragonInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Chamomileandtarragoncometogetherwithrosemaryandsagetorelievestress,evenifonlytemporarily.Thissavoryinfusionpairswellwithavarietyoffoods.

1teaspoondriedchamomileflowers1teaspoondriedtarragon,crumbled½teaspoondriedrosemary,crumbled½teaspoondriedsage,crumbled1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,combinealltheingredientsandbringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink1or2cupsofthisinfusionanytimeyoufeelstressed.Addsomelemonandhoneyifyoupreferasweetflavor.

LemonBalm–OrangeIcedTeaYIELD:½GALLON

STORAGE:REFRIGERATEINAPITCHERTIME:30MINUTES

Lemonbalmhasafaintmintyflavor.Notonlydoesitmakeawonderfullyrefreshingicedtea,ithelpstoalleviatestressandreduceanxiety.

4tablespoonsfreshlemonbalm8cupswater2oranges,slicedthinlyInalargesaucepan,addthelemonbalmandwater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor10minutes.Removefromtheheatandcool.

4.5.6.7.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.

Strainintoapitcher,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Addtheorangeslicesandrefrigerateuntilcold.Serveoverice.Drinkasmuchasyouwant,anytimeofday.

Frankincense–LavenderStressBalmYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Rubyourtemplesandpulsepointswiththisfragrantbalmnexttimeyou’refeelingstressed.Thecombinationoffrankincenseandlavendersmellsamazing,andithelpsyoufeellesstense.

3ouncesorganicoliveoil1ouncebeeswax,grated20dropsfrankincenseessentialoil20dropslavenderessentialoilInadoubleboileroverlowheat,combinetheoliveoilandbeeswax.Stirgentlyuntilthebeeswaxhasmeltedcompletely.

Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Addthefrankincenseandlavenderessentialoils.Pourintoajarortin.Coolthebalmcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Applyathinlayertoyourtempleswhenfeelingstressed.Youcanalsodabthisbalmontoyourpulsepoints.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Thisisafantasticremedyforstress-inducedheadaches.Combineitwithotherstressrelieftechniquesformaximumrelief.

9

COMMONAILMENTSAllergiesBackacheBlisterBruise

BugBitesBurn

CankerSore/ColdSoreCold&FluConstipationCuts&Scrapes

DiarrheaEaracheFever

FlatulenceGastrointestinalDistress(GIDistress)

Headache&MigraineHeartburn/Indigestion

HemorrhoidsHives

Joint&MusclePainLaryngitis

Nausea/MorningSicknessPoisonIvy

PMSSinusitis

SleepDeprivationSoreThroat

Sprain/StrainToothacheWarts

1.

2.3.4.

1.2.3.4.

ALLERGIES

Sneezing,stuffysinuses,wateryeyes,andotherallergysymptomsarepartofyourbody’suniqueimmuneresponsetosubstancesthatarenotnormallyharmful.Theseremediescanbeusedaloneoralongsideotheralternativeorconventionaltreatments.Startusingthemassoonasyounoticediscomfort,andtakepreventativemeasurestolimityourexposuretoallergens.Closingwindowsandusingairpurifiersaretwohelpfulstepstotake.

Passionflower–PeppermintInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Passionflowerandpeppermintcombinetoopenairwaysandpromoterelaxation.Thisinfusionhasapleasanttastewhenservedhotorcold.

1teaspoondriedpassionflower1teaspoondriedpeppermint,crushed1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addthepassionflowerandpepperminttothewaterandbringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drinkassoonasyoufeelallergysymptomscomingon.Itissafetodrinkasfrequentlyasneeded.

Peppermint–EucalyptusSoakYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Peppermintandeucalyptuscombinetobringrelief.Ifseasonalallergiesarecausingwateryeyes,soaktwopeppermintteabagsinwaterandplaceoneoneacheyewhilebathing.

7dropspeppermintessentialoil5dropseucalyptusessentialoilDrawawarmbath.Addthepeppermintandeucalyptusessentialoils.Spend30minutesbreathingdeeplywhilerelaxinginthetub.Enjoythisremedyasoftenasneeded.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

BACKACHE

Acomfortablemattress,plentyofexercise,andtherightkindofofficechaircangoalongwaytowardpreventingbackaches.Intheeventoftheoccasionalbackache,you’llfindthatthesesimpleherbalremediesbringcomfort.Ifyourbackpainwascausedbyaninjury,ischronic,orissevere,seeyourdoctor.

BlackCohosh–ValerianInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Nothingbringsonmusclerelaxationandtensionreliefinmusclesquiteliketheblendofblackcohoshandvalerian.Takeawarmbathorshowertoenhancerelaxation.

1tablespoondriedblackcohoshroot,chopped1teaspoondriedvalerian1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addtheblackcohoshandvaleriantothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Removefromtheheat.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drinkwhenyoufeelatensionbackachecomingon.

Thistreatmentislikelytomakeyoufeelsleepy.Donotuseitbeforedrivingordoingothertasksthatrequirehighlevelsofconcentration.

Ginger–CayenneBackBalmwithPeppermintandEucalyptusYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:48HOURSFORBREWING

Gingerandcayennebringtheheataspeppermintandeucalyptusdeliverarelaxing,cooling,refreshingeffectdeepintosorebackmuscles.Donotallowthisremedytocomeintocontactwithyoureyes.

7ouncesorganicoliveoil¼cupcayennepepper¼cupgroundginger1ouncebeeswax,grated20dropspeppermintessentialoil10dropseucalyptusessentialoilInajar,addtheoliveoil,cayennepepper,andginger.

2.

3.

4.

5.6.7.8.

Captightlyandputinawarmplacefor48hours.Invertthejarevery8hoursorsotomixthecontentstogether.Whenthemixtureisfinishedbrewing,straintheoliveoilintoadoubleboiler.Usethebackofaspoontopresstheoilfromthegroundherbsbeforediscardingthem.Addthebeeswaxtothedoubleboilerandstiroverlowheat.Removefromtheheatassoonasthebeeswaxiscompletelymelted.Coolfor2minutes.Addthepeppermintandeucalyptusessentialoils,andpourthebalmintoajarortin.Coolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Applyathinlayertopainfulbackmusclesandmassagewellasoftenasneeded.Storeinacool,dryplacebetweenuses.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

1.

2.

BLISTER

Friction—likethekindcausedbythosecutenewshoesyoujusthadtohave—canleadtoblisters.Althoughtheylookbadandfeelworse,it’srarelyagoodideatopopthesesoresastheliquidinsidehelpsprotectskinunderneath.Theseherbalremediescaneasethepainwhendelicatetissuehasbeenpinchedorirritated.Watchforsignsofinfectionasyourblisterheals.Pusorredstreaksradiatingfromtheareaaresignsthatyoushouldseeyourdoctor.

ChamomileBlisterBalmYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Chamomilesoothespainwhilehelpingblisterstoheal.Thisbalmisalsousefulforminorcuts,scrapes,andburns.

3ouncesorganicoliveoil1ouncecoconutoil20dropschamomileessentialoilInadoubleboiler,combinetheoliveoilandcoconutoiloverlowheat.

Stiruntilthecoconutoiliscompletelymelted.Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Stirinthechamomileessentialoil.Pourintoasmalljarortin.Coolcompletely,thencaptightly.Applyathinlayerofbalmtotheblister.Topwithabandageorblisterpadifneeded.Reapplyasneeded.Keepthebalminacool,dryplacebetweenuses.

Calendula–LavenderBlisterSalveYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Usethissimplesalveforblistersandotherminorinjuriestoskin.Itisusefulforbugbites,bruises,andburns.

3ouncescoconutoil1ouncecalendulaoil20dropslavenderessentialoilInadoubleboiler,combinethecoconutoilandcalendulaoiloverlowheat.

Stiruntilthecoconutoiliscompletelymelted.

3.4.5.6.7.8.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.

Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Stirinthelavenderessentialoil.Pourintoasmalljarortin.Coolcompletely,thencaptightly.Applyathinlayerofsalvetotheblister.Topwithabandageorblisterpadifneeded.Reapplyasneeded.Keepthesalveinacool,dryplacebetweenuses.

CoolTeaTreeCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Theteatreeessentialoilinthissimplecompresshasantibacterialpropertiestohelppreventinfectionand,becauseitisanastringent,itwillhelpdrytheblister,bringingrelieffaster.

½cupcrushedice½cupcoldwater3dropsteatreeessentialoil1icecubeInasmalldish,combinethecrushediceandcoldwater.

Soakacottonpadorsoftclothintheiceandwatermixture.Wringouttheexcessmoisture.Driptheteatreeessentialoilontothepadorcloth.Applythepadorclothtotheblisterandtopitwithanicecube.Useanotherclothtoholdtheicecubeinplaceforupto5minutes.Repeatthistreatment1to2timeseachdaywhilewaitingforablistertoheal.Followupwithablisterbalmorsalve.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.

1.2.

BRUISE

Crashingyourbike,takingaspillonthestreet,ortrippingintoofficefurnitureleavesyouwithmorethanacrushingblowtotheego.Itcanrupturebloodvesselsanddamageunderlyingtissues,causingpain,swelling,andacolorful,hard-to-missmarkontheskin.Thesesimpleremediesbringreliefwhilehelpingtheinjurytoheal.Ifaseverebruiseworsens,staysswollen,andcontinuestobepainfuldespitefirstaidtreatment,seeyourdoctortoruleoutanunderlyingboneinjury.

ArnicaSalveYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:5MINUTES

Arnicaeasespainandswelling,makingitoneofthebestherbalremediesavailableforbruises.Makethisbalmaheadoftimeandkeepitinyourfirstaidkit.

7ouncesorganicoliveoil1ouncebeeswax,grated20dropsarnicaessentialoilInadoubleboileroverlowheat,combinetheoliveoilandbeeswax.Stiruntilthebeeswaxiscompletelymelted.

Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Addthearnicaessentialoil.Pourintoaglassjarortinandcoolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Usingyourfingertips,applyathinlayerofsalvetothebruisedarea.Reapplythesalveupto3timesdaily.Useeachdayuntilthebruisehasfaded.Storeinacool,darkplace.

St.John’sWort–CalendulaSprayYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLEWITHASPRAYTOPTIME:5MINUTES

St.John’swortessentialoilandcalendulaoilcombinewithwitchhazeltostoppainandswellingwhilepromotinghealing.

3½ouncesalcohol-freewitchhazelextract½ouncecalendulaoil20dropsSt.John’swortessentialoilInaglassbottle,addthewitchhazelextract,caledulaoilandSt.John’swortessentialoil.

Captightlywithaspraytop.

3.4.5.

Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Sprayonthebruisedareaandletitpenetrate.Useupto3timesdaily.Keepinacool,dryplacebetweenuses.

1.

2.3.4.

1.2.3.4.5.

BUGBITES

Warmweatherbringsopportunitiesforoutdoorfun—anddrop-insbyunwantedguests:namely,gnats,mosquitos,andotherbugswhosebitescanleavepain,itching,andswellingbehind.Inmostcases,herbalremedieszaptheirritatingstingquicklywithnolastingharmdone.If,however,yoususpectthatyouhavebeenbittenbyatickornoticesymptomsoftick-borneillness,seekmedicaltreatmentimmediately.

AloeVera–PeppermintGelYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:PLASTICSQUEEZEBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Aloeveraandpeppermintcombinetotakethestingoutofbugbiteswhilerelievingswelling.Makeabatchaheadoftimeandkeepitintherefrigeratorindefinitely.

1(8-ounce)bottlealcohol-freealoeveragel20dropspeppermintessentialoilInalargebowl,addthealoeveragelandpeppermintessentialoil,andwhiskuntilwellblended.

Usingafunnel,transferthegeltoaplasticsqueezebottle.Withyourfingertips,applyasmallamounttotheaffectedarea.Reapplyasneededtokeepitchingandswellingundercontrol.

Lavender–TeaTreeSprayYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLEWITHSPRAYTOPTIME:5MINUTES

Withcoolwitchhazelextractplusanti-inflammatorylavenderessentialoilanddisinfectingteatreeessentialoil,thisspraysoothesinsectbitesquickly.

4ouncesalcohol-freewitchhazelextract10dropslavenderessentialoil10dropsteatreeessentialoilInaglassbottle,combinethewitchhazelextract,andlavenderandteatreeessentialoils.

Captightlywithaspraytop.Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Sprayenoughliquidontotheaffectedareatocoverthebugbites.Repeatasnecessarytokeepdiscomforttoaminimum.Storeintherefrigeratororkeepinacool,darkplacebetweenuses.

1.2.3.

4.5.6.

SoothingAloeandCalendulaSalveYIELD:ABOUT1OUNCE

STORAGE:REFRIGERATEINSEALEDCONTAINERTIME:15MINUTES

Calendulahelpsstoptheitchingassociatedwithbugbitesbyeasinginflammation.Aloeandlavenderhelptohealdamagedskinandpreventinfection.Beforegoingcamping,whipupabatchandkeepitintherefrigeratororinacooler—oddsare,you’llneedit!

½tablespooncalendulaoil½tablespooncoconutoil,melted1tablespoonsaloeveragel10dropslavenderessentialoilInasmalldish,combinethecalendulaoilandcoconutoil.

Addthealoeveragelandthelavenderessentialoil.Useasmallwhiskorforktostireveryfewminutesuntiltheoilsandaloegelstopseparatingfromoneanother.Captightlyandstoreintherefrigerator.Touse,applyadabontoeachbugbitewithyourfingertip.Useasoftenasneeded.Topwithacoldcompresstohelpstopanyswelling.

1.2.3.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

BURN

Evenaseeminglyminorincident,likeakitchenaccidentoraslipofthecurlingiron,cancauseapainfulburn.Inmostcases,smallinjuriescanbeeasilytreatedathome.Thefirststepintreatingaburnistocoolitoffbyimmersingtheinjuredareaincoldwaterforafewminutes.Afterward,useoneofthesequickherbalremediestoeasethepainandhelpyourskinhealfaster.

Burn–No–MoreOilYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:GLASSESSENTIALOILBOTTLETIME:1MINUTE

Forminorburns,straightlavenderessentialoilisoneofthebestnaturalremediesavailable.Usedimmediately,iteasespainandhelpstopreventscarring.

2dropslavenderessentialoilDriptheessentialoildirectlyfromthebottleontoyourburn.Leavetheessentialoilinplace.Repeat2to3timesdailywhileyourburnishealing.

FreshAloeVeraLeafYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Freshaloeveragelcoolsburnsquicklywhilehelpingskinheal.Aloeveraiseasytogrowindoors.Keepingoneoftheseplantsensuresyou’llalwayshaveaquickremedyonhand.

1aloeveraleafUsingasharpknife,splitthealoeveraleafopenlengthwise.Placetheleafoveryourburn,gelsidedown.Withasoftcloth,gentlybindtheleaftoyourburn.Leavetheleafinplacefor20minutes.Usingcoolwater,gentlyrinseanyexcessaloeveragelaway.Repeatthetreatment2to3timesdailywhileyourburnishealing.

1.2.3.4.

5.6.

CoolChamomile–AloeCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Chamomileessentialoil,aloe,andcoldwaterhelpkeepfreshburnsfromblistering.Ifyou’reindoubtabouttheseriousnessofaburn,seekemergencymedicaltreatmentaftercoolingtheburnedarea.

½teaspoonaloeveragel2dropschamomileessentialoil1cupcoldwater2dropslavenderessentialoil(optional)Runcoldtapwaterovertheburnfor5minutes.

Inasmalldish,combinethealoeveragelandchamomileessentialoil.Withafingertip,applythealoeandchamomiletotheburn.Wetasoftclothinthewater,wringitout,andplaceitovertheburnedarea.Leaveinplaceforatleastfivetotenminutes.Allowtheburnedareatoairdryafterthecompressisremoved.Forbestresults,followupbyplacing1or2dropsoflavenderessentialoilontotheaffectedareaafteritisdry.Repeatasoftenasneeded.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

2.3.

4.

CANKERSORE/COLDSORE

Coldsoresandcankersoreshavesomethingsincommon,butit’simportanttokeepinmindthatcoldsoresarecausedbytheherpesviruswhilecankersoresareusuallycausedbyfrictionorirritation.Ifyoufeelanitchingortinglingsensationbeforeasoredevelops,itislikelythatyouaredealingwithacoldsoreratherthanacankersore.Thesenaturaltreatmentscanbeusedaloneoralongsideover-the-counterremedies.

LemonBalm–LicoriceInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Lemonbalmandlicoriceareeffectiveagentsagainstthevirusthatcausescoldsores.Iffreshlemonbalmisnotavailable,usefreeze-driedlemonbalminstead.

1tablespoonfreshlemonbalm,chopped1teaspoondriedlicoriceroot,chopped1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addthelemonbalmandthelicoricetothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheatandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drinkhotoriced.Enjoythisinfusion3to4timesdailyassoonasyounoticethetinglingthatprecedesacoldsore.

LicoriceMouthRinseYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLETIME:10MINUTES

Licoriceroothelpscankersoreshealfaster.Ifyouareusinganotherremedyalongsidethisone,applyitafterrinsing.

1cupwarmwater½teaspoonpowderedlicoricerootInameasuringcup,addthewarmwaterandpowderedlicoriceroot,andwhisktoblendthoroughly.

Withafunnel,transferthemouthrinsetoaglassbottle.Use1tablespoonpertreatment.Holdthesolutioninyourmouthandswishgentlyfor2to3minutesbeforespittingout.Repeateachmorningandeveninguntilyourcankersorehashealed.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.4.

COLD&FLU

Causedbyvirusesandspreadbycontactwitheverydayobjects,thecommoncoldandseasonalflucanbedifficulttopreventandevenhardertogetridof.Whilethereisnocurefortheseillnesses,youcanuseavarietyofherbalremediestoeaseyoursymptomsandperhapsshortentheduration.Ifsymptomsaresevere,seeyourdoctorforsomethingstronger.

ComfortingPeppermint–EchinaceaTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Thissoothingteaischockfullofimmunityboosterstostaveoffall-too-familiarcoldandflusymptomsandkickthevirusestothecurb.Startusingitassoonasyounoticesymptoms.

1teaspoondriedpeppermintleaves1tablespoondriedechinacearoot1cupboilingwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Putthepeppermintleavesandechinacearootinateaballorinfuser.Placetheherbsinamugofboilingwater.

Steepfor10to15minutes.Addalittlehoneyorsteviatoyourcupbeforedrinking,ifdesired.Repeat3timesdailywhileexperiencingcoldorflusymptoms.

Eucalyptus–SageBathSaltYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:GLASSJARTIME:20MINUTES

Provencoldfighterseucalyptusandsagetagteamtoopenblockednasalpassagesandeasechestcongestion.Meanwhile,awarmbathwillhelpyoutorelaxwhilealleviatingbodyaches.

1cupEpsomsalt20dropseucalyptusessentialoil10dropssageessentialoilInamediumbowl,addtheEpsomsalt,andtheeucalyptusandsageessentialoils.Withaspoon,stirwelltocombine.

Usingafunnel,transferthebathsalttoaglassjarwithatight-fittinglid.Touse,runawarmbathanddissolve¼cupofthebathsaltinthetub.Soakfor20minutesdailywhilerecuperatingfromacoldortheflu.

1.2.3.4.

1.

CONSTIPATION

Ifyou’veeverdevouredanentirecheeseplate,youknowthatnomatterhowhealthyyouare,nearlyeveryonegetsconstipatedatsometime.Uncomfortableandfrustrating,constipationoccurswhenwastebecomesdifficulttopass.Ifyoustrainduringbowelmovements,havehardstools,orhavetwoorfewerbowelmovementsoverthecourseofaweek,givethesetreatmentsatry.Increasingwaterintake,eatingmorefiber,andexercisingcanhelp,too.

Ginger–FennelInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Gingerandfennelincreasebloodflowtotheintestinaltract,andgentlyalleviateconstipation.Thisremedymayeaseothergastrointestinalsymptoms,too,likegas,cramps,orbloating.

2tablespoonsfreshginger,peeledandgrated1tablespoonfennelseeds1tablespoonhoney1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addtheginger,fennel,andhoneytothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor15minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink2to3cupsdailywhileconstipated.

Thisinfusionhasaspicyflavorthatsomefindoverpowering.Ifitseemstoostrong,mixitwithacupofwaterorapplejuicebeforedrinkingtheentiredose.

Chamomile–RoseHipInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Thiswonderworkswhileyousleep!Thisstimulatingtrioofchamomile,rosehips,andslipperyelmactivatethedigestivetract,bringingrelieffromconstipationasyougetyourZzzs.

1tablespoondriedchamomileflowers1tablespoondriedrosehips,chopped2teaspoonsslippery

1.

2.3.4.

elmpowder1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addthechamomile,rosehips,andslipperyelmpowdertothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheatandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drinkthisinfusionbeforebed.

Inseverecasesofconstipation,drinkuptofourcupsoftheinfusionbeginninglateintheafternoon.Youshouldhavereliefbymorning.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

1.

CUTS&SCRAPES

Thesesimpleremediesarebestforsmallinjuries,thekindsofcutsandscrapesyougetbygoingaboutyournormaldayinthekitchen,duringthecommute,orworkingattheoffice(papercuts,thismeansyou).Startbycleaningtheaffectedarea,andthenapplythesalveorpoultice.Ifawoundisdeep,involvesseverebleeding,orcontainsdeeplyembeddeddirt,gravel,orsplinters,youmayneedprofessionaltreatment.

Lavender–EucalyptusSalveYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Lavenderandeucalyptuscombinewithcalendulatopreventinfectionwhilehelpingminorcutsandscrapestohealfaster.

3ouncescoconutoil1ouncebeeswax,grated3ouncescalendulaoil30dropslavenderessentialoil20dropseucalyptusessentialoilInadoubleboiler,combinethecoconutoilandbeeswax.Stirgentlyuntilthebeeswaxiscompletelymelted.

Removefromtheheat.Addthecalendulaoil.Coolfor2minutes.Addthelavenderandeucalyptusessentialoils.Pourintoaglassjarortinandcoolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Useyourfingertipstoapplyathinlayerofsalvetotheaffectedarea.Repeat2to3timesdailyuntilwoundsheal.Storeinacool,darkplacebetweenuses.

Burdock–YarrowPoulticeYIELD:1POULTICE

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Burdockandyarrowcombinewithcomfreytoeasepainandpromotehealingwhilecleansingwounds.

1tablespoondriedburdockroot,choppedor3tablespoonsfreshburdockroot,chopped1tablespoondriedyarrowor3tablespoonsfreshyarrow1tablespoondriedcomfreyor3tablespoonsfreshcomfrey½cupwater4dropslavenderessentialoil(optional)4drops

1.

2.3.

4.5.6.7.8.

1.

2.3.

4.

eucalyptusessentialoil(optional)Inasmallsaucepan,addtheburdock,yarrow,andcomfreytothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Simmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoashallowbowl,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Addthelavenderandeucalyptusessentialoils,ifusing.Dipasoftclothintothebowl,soakit,andwringouttheexcessliquid.Placethepoulticeovertheaffectedarea.Leavethetreatmentinplacefor20minutes,refreshingthepoulticewithadditionalliquidasneeded.Repeatin1hourifneeded.Switchtoasalvewhenascabforms.

Coconut–LavenderFirstAidSalveYIELD:1OUNCE

STORAGE:JARORTININREFRIGERATORORCOOL,DRYPLACE

TIME:5MINUTES

Makeabatchofthiscouldn’t-be-easiersalvetokeeponhandfortreatingminorwounds.Coconutoilcontainsmedium-chainfattyacids(MCFAs)thathelpcutsandscrapeshealfaster,whilelavenderessentialoilisapowerfulantibacterialagent.

1ouncecoconutoil,melted20dropslavenderessentialoilInasmallcontainer,combinethemeltedcoconutoilandlavenderessentialoil.

Captightlyandrefrigerateorstoreinacool,dryplace.Ifneededimmediately,cleanthewoundwithsoapandwater,andrinseit.Thenapplyathinlayeroftheoilandlavendersalvewithacleanfingertip.Or,ifyouplantoapplyanadhesivebandage,justputadabonthebandagebeforeusingittocoverthewound.Applythesalvetothewound2to3timesdaily.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.

DIARRHEA

You’reprobablynotreadingthissectionforadefinitionofdiarrhea,ratheraremedyfortheuncomfortablecramps,abdominalbloating,andseveresenseofurgencythatsendsyourunningforthenearestrestroom.Insteadofsettlingforchalkysolutionsfromthedrugstore,trytheseherbaltreatmentsinstead.Takecareofyourselfbystayingwellhydratedwhilewaitingforyoursymptomstoimprove.

RaspberryLeaf–PrunellaInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Needreliefstat?Raspberryleaf,prunella,andslipperyelmhavegotyourback.Theyworkfasttostaveoffcramps,dehydration,andfrequenttripstothebathroom.Surprisingly,thistreatmentalsohappenstoworkforsorethroats.

1tablespoondriedraspberryleaf,crumbled1tablespoondriedprunella2teaspoonsslipperyelmpowder1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addtheraspberryleaf,prunella,andslipperyelmpowder,andstirtoblend.Addthewaterandbringtoaboil.

Reducetheheatandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink1cupofthisinfusionevery2hours.Youcandrinkupto4cupsdailytostopdiarrhea.

Comfrey–MulleinTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Thisfabfournotonlystopsdiarrheafast,butdrinkingthemasateahelpspreventdehydration,afrequentsideeffect.Ifsippingthisteainthelateafternoonorevening,omitthecaffeine-richgreentea(unlessyouwanttopullanall-nighter).

1teaspoondriedcomfrey1teaspoondriedmulleinleaf1teaspoondriedpeppermint,crumbled1greenteabag1¼cupsboilingwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Putthecomfrey,mulleinleaf,andpeppermintinateaballorinfuser.Placeinamugofboilingwaterwiththegreenteabag.

Steeptheherbsfor15minutes.

3.

1.2.3.

Addhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Drinkupto4timesdailywhenrecoveringfromdiarrhea.

CarobSmoothieYIELD:1SERVING

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Carobpowder,apopularalternativetococoapowder,isanutritiousherbalfoodsourcethathasawonderfulchocolatetaste.Blendedintoasmoothiewithfiber-richbanana,nourishingyogurtwithprobiotics,andhoney,itcanhelpputanendtodiarrhea.Ifpreparingthisdrinkforachildunder12yearsofage,cuttheamountofcarobdownto2teaspoonsandleavetherestoftheingredientsthesame.

¼cupwater¼cupplainyogurtwithlive,activecultures1½tablespoonscarobpowder1tablespoonhoney1ripebananaInablender,combinealltheingredientsintheordershown.

Blenduntilsmooth,addingalittlemorewatertothin,ifpreferred.Serveimmediately.Drinkthissmoothietwicedailywhilesufferingfromdiarrhea,preferablyonceinthemorningandonceintheafternoon,beforedinner.

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.

1.

2.3.

EARACHE

Whenfluidsbuildupinthemiddleear,thepressurecanbeapaininthe,well,ear.Theissuecommonlyaccompaniesacoldorthefluoroccursafterswimming.Herbalremediestendtobethebestmedicineforminorearaches.Ifpainincreases,afeverdevelops,orothersymptomsreartheirheads,besuretovisityourdoctor.Antibioticsmaybenecessary.

GarlicDropsYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Garlic’sextraordinaryanti-inflammatoryandantibioticpropertiesmakeitanaturalchoiceforkillingbacteriainearsandeasingthepressurefrombuilt-upfluid.Taketheseon-the-goforreliefthroughouttheday.

1clovegarlic,peeledUsingagarlicpress,holdthegarliccloveoverasmallbowl.Crushthegarlic,extractingthejuiceintothebowl.Useadroppertopickupthejuice.Tiltyourheadtothesidesothepainfulearisfacingup.Dripthegarlicjuiceintoyourear.Placeacottonballovertheearopening.Leavethecottonballinplacefor5minutes.Repeatthistreatmenttwicedailyforupto3days.Discontinueimmediatelyifthepainworsensordoesnotseemtoimproveafterthefirst2treatments.

HotPeppermintCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Peppermintessentialoilhelpsalleviateearpain,asdoesmoistheat.Thistreatmentcanbeusedonitsownoralongsideantibiotics.Preparethehotwaterbottlebeforeyouapplytheremedy.

3dropsoliveoil3dropspeppermintessentialoilFillabottlewithhotwater.Wrapitinamoisttowel.

Inaspoon,combinetheoliveoilandpeppermintessentialoil.Withyourfingertips,applytheoiltotheoutsideoftheear,theareabehindtheear,andthesofttissue

4.5.

justbehindyourjaw.Donotputtheoilinsideyourear.Relaxfor15minuteswhilerestingthehotwaterbottleonyourear.Repeat2to3timesdailywhilerecoveringfromanearinfection.

1.

2.3.4.5.

6.

FEVER

Soundscounterintuitive,butrunningatemperatureisn’tjustasymptomofsickness,it’sanaturalhealingfunction.Bydialinguptheheat,thebodytriggerstheimmunesystemtodestroyvirusesandinfectiousbacteria.Smart,huh?Thesetreatmentsallowyourfevertorunitscoursewhilestimulatingsweatglandstoeliminatetoxinsandkeepingyourbodytempsfromgettingdangerouslyhigh.Seekmedicaltreatmentifyourfeverexceeds102degreesFahrenheitorlastslongerthanthreedays.

Peppermint–YarrowTeaYIELD:4CUPS

STORAGE:GLASSCANNINGJARTIME:4HOURSFORBREWING

Yarrowattacksfeverontwofronts:Ithelpscoolthebodybymakingyousweat,anditlowerstempswithsalicylicacid,anactiveingredientinaspirin.Peppermint’smenthol-likecoolingeffectshelpclearsinuses.

1ouncedriedpeppermintleaves,3ouncesfreshpeppermintleaves,or1peppermintteabag1ouncedriedyarrowor3ouncesfreshyarrow4cupsboilingwaterPlacethepeppermintandyarrowinaheat-resistantbowl.

Pourtheboilingwaterontopoftheherbs.Coverthebowl.Lettheinfusionsitatroomtemperaturefor4hours.Straintheliquidintoaglasscanningjar.Usethebackofaspoontopressexcessliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink1cupoftheinfusion3timesdailyforupto3days,storingthejarintherefrigeratorbetweendoses.

CoolPeppermintCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Peppermintessentialoilhasawonderfulcoolingeffectthatrelievesthediscomfortofafever.Whilethistreatmentwon’tbreakyououtinatemperature-reducingsweat,itmakesalowfevereasiertolivewith.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

2.3.4.5.

½cupcoolwater6dropspeppermintessentialoilInalargebowl,combinethewaterwiththepeppermintessentialoil.

Soakafaceclothorhandtowelinthebowl.Wringoutexcessmoisture.Foldtheclothtofityourforehead.Reclineorliecomfortablyfor15minutes,refoldingtheclothtopermitheattodissipateasneeded.Repeatasoftenasyoulike.Tryalternatingthecompress’spositionfromyourforeheadtothebackofyourneckforadditionalrelief.

CoolingTripleOilBathYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20TO30MINUTES

Lavender,rosemary,andpeppermintessentialoilscombinewithcoolwatertobringrelieffromfeverwhileofferingcomfortbywayoftheirlovelyscent.Ifyou’remissingoneortwooftheessentialoils,don’tworry.Simplyrelaxinginalukewarmbathwithjustoneoftheseoilscanhelpyoufeelbetterfast.

1tablespoonolive,almond,orflaxseedoil6dropslavenderessentialoil6dropsrosemaryessentialoil6dropspeppermintessentialoilDrawabath.Thewatershouldfeellukewarmtocool,notcold.

Addtheoilandessentialoils,andsubmergeyourbodyinitasfaraspossible.Soakinthetubfor20to30minutes.Aftertowelingoff,takeashortnaporgodirectlytobed(ifbathingintheevening).Enjoythisbathtreatment1to3timesdailywhilefeverpersists.Iffeverdoesnotreducebythethirdday,seeyourdoctor.

1.2.3.4.

1.

2.3.

FLATULENCE

Flatulencemaybenormal,butthatdoesn’tmeanit’sawelcomedcondition,especiallywhenaccompaniedbyunpleasantsymptoms.Thesetreatmentsbringreliefwithinafewhoursforoccasionalgasandbloating.Seekmedicaltreatmentiftheproblemisconstantoraccompaniedbyabdominalpainandswelling,asitmaybeasignofanunderlyingillness.

Ginger–CloveInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Digestivesystemslovegingerandclove.Togethertheyreducegasinthedigestivetractandeaseflatulencesymptoms.Unfortunatelythistreatmentwon’tworkinstantly,butitisreliable.

2tablespoonsfreshgingerroot,peeledandgrated4wholecloves1¼cupswaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Inasmallsaucepan,addthegingerandclovestothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandlettheinfusionsimmerfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Addhoneyorstevia,ifdesired,anddrink.

Thisinfusionisalsoagoodchoiceforgastrointestinalissuessuchasindigestion.

PeppermintTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Sippeppermintteaafteryourlastmealofthedayifflatulencetendstobeaproblemforyou.Easytomakewithfreshordriedpeppermintorateabag,itmakesagoodpost-mealremedyforstoppinggasbeforeitstarts.

1tablespoondriedpeppermint,3tablespoonsfreshpeppermint,or1peppermintteabag1cupboilingwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Inamug,combinethepeppermintandtheboilingwater.

Steeptheherbsfor15minutes.Addhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.

4.

1.

2.3.

4.5.

Drink.

Peppermintteastopsflatulencewhenitisalreadyinprogress,andifyoudrinkitaftereatingfoodthatbringsgaswithit,itcanhelpstopflatulencefromstarting.

Peppermint–ClarySageAbdominalMassageBlendYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:KEEPINACOOL,DRYPLACETIME:5MINUTES

Massagingtheabdomensoothesnerves,alleviatesupsetstomach,andimprovesthedigestiveprocess,helpingtoputastoptogastricdisturbances.Thisblendisidealfortimeswhenyou’veoverindulgedinrichfoodorhadtoomuchtodrink.

4ouncesorganicoliveoil28dropspeppermintessentialoil16dropsclarysageessentialoil12dropscarawayessentialoilInadark-coloredglassbottle,combinealloftheingredients.Shakewelltoblend.

Apply1teaspoonoftheblendtoyourhandsandrubthemtogether.Usingfirmpressure,massageyourabdomen,beginningundertheribcageandworkingcounter-clockwisearoundtheentireabdominalarea,rubbinginsmallcirclesasyougo.Continuetheprocessforupto5minutes.Youmaynoticemoregasforafewminutesasthingsworktheirwayoutofyoursystem.Youshouldfeelmorelikeyourselfagainwithin10to15minutesofendingthemassage.Useasoftenasneeded.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.4.

GASTROINTESTINALDISTRESS(GIDISTRESS)

Thereareanumberofissuesfromminortomoreseverethatcanleadtogastrointestinaldistress:certainfoods,unhealthybacteria,foodpoisoning,oraninfectiousdisease.Simpleherbalremediesworkwellinmanycases.Seeyourdoctorifyourproblemsarefrequentorsevere,asGIsymptomscanbeindicativeofaseriousmedicalproblem.

Goldenseal–ComfreyInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

GoldensealandcomfreypromotecirculationwithintheGItract,relievingdistressandimprovingdigestion.Theyalsohaveamildantimicrobialeffect,helpingtobringintestinalflorabackintohealthybalance.

1tablespoondriedgoldenseal1tablespoondriedcomfrey1tablespoonhoney1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addthegoldenseal,comfrey,andhoneytothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink1cup3timesdailywhilerecoveringfromGIdistress.

Licorice–PeppermintInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Intestinalpainandspasmsdon’tstandachanceagainstthisantioxidant-richroundupoflicorice,peppermint,fennel,andslipperyelm.Evenbetter,you’lllovetherefreshinglysweetflavorcourtesyofthisuniqueblend.

1teaspoonlicoriceroot,chopped1tablespoondriedpeppermint,crumbled½teaspoonfennelseeds1teaspoonslipperyelmpowder1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,combinethelicoriceroot,driedpeppermint,fennelseeds,andslipperyelmpowder,stirringtoblend.Addthewaterandbringtoaboil.

Reducetheheatandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drinkasoftenasyoulike.Haveacupafterdinnertoimprovedigestion.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

1.

2.

HEADACHE&MIGRAINE

Stress,tension,exposuretoirritants,andlackofsleeparejustsomeofthemanyreasonsheadachesandmigraineshappen.Nexttimeyouexperienceone,trytheseherbaltreatments,eitherontheirownoralongsideothertherapies.Seeyourdoctorifyousufferfromtheseailmentsfrequently,asanunderlyingillnesscouldbetoblame.

PeppermintSalveYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Whenappliedtopically,pepperminthelpseasepainbyincreasingbloodflowtotheheadandneck.Thisremedyisparticularlyusefulfortensionheadaches.

3ouncesorganicoliveoil1ouncebeeswax,grated1teaspoonpeppermintessentialoilInadoubleboiler,combinetheoliveoilandbeeswax.Stirgentlyuntilthebeeswaxiscompletelymelted.

Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Addthepeppermintessentialoilandstirin.Pourintoajarortin.Coolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Applyathinlayertothebackofyourneck,yourtemples,andtheareabehindyourears.Massagegentlyfor1minutewhilebreathingdeeply.Reapplyevery10to15minutesuntiltheheadachesubsides.Storeinacool,darkplace.

SoothingValerianTeawithHopsandPeppermintYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Valerian,hops,andpeppermintjoinforcestorelaxthebodyandmind.Ifyouenjoythistea,makealargerbatchofblendeddriedherbsandstoreitinanairtightcontainerforeasyprepnexttimeamigrainehits.

1tablespoondriedhops,crushed1tablespoondriedpeppermintleaves,crushed1tablespoondriedvalerianroot1¼cupsboilingwaterPutthehops,peppermintleaves,andvalerianrootinateaballorstrainer.Placeinamugwiththeboilingwater.

Steeptheherbsfor15minutes.

3.

1.

2.3.4.5.

Drinktheteawhilerelaxing.

Thisteacanbesedating.Donotdrinkitbeforedrivingordoingothertasksthatrequireconcentration.

Lavender–PeppermintCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Chooseahotcompressifyouaresufferingfromatensionheadache,anduseacoldcompressifyourheadacheisaccompaniedbyafeverornausea.Ifyouaresufferingfromamigraine,alternatingbetweenhotandcoldcompressescanbringquickrelief.

3dropslavenderessentialoil1droppeppermintessentialoil2dropsvalerianessentialoil(optional)IcepackforcoldcompressorhotwaterandfaceclothforhotcompressInasmalldish,combinetheessentialoils.

Usingyourfingertips,applytheblendtotheareawherepainisprevalent.Layaclothoveryourheadandapplythecompress.Keepthetreatmentinplacefor10to15minutes.Repeatonceanhourwhilesufferingfromaheadacheormigraine.

1.

2.3.4.

HEARTBURN/INDIGESTION

Withmajorburning,bloating,andotherpainfulsymptoms,heartburnandindigestioncancauseseriousdiscomfort,disruptingyourdailyroutineorkeepingyoufromgettingthesleepyouneed.Theseteasarenomagiccureforthecondition,butthey’llprovideincrediblerelieffromthesymptoms.Thatsaid,seeyourdoctorifyousufferfromtheseproblemsfrequently,asaseriousunderlyingmedicalproblemcouldbetoblame.

Chamomile–SageTeawithPeppermintYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Thisthreesomescoresmajorpointsforrelievingdigestivediscomfort.Itstaste?Notsomuch.Maskthestrongherbalflavorwithhoneyorsteviatosweetenitifneeded.

1tablespoondriedchamomileflowers1tablespoondriedsage,crushed1tablespoondriedpeppermintleaves,crushed1¼cupsboilingwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Putthechamomile,sage,andpeppermintinateaballorinfuser.Placeinamugwiththeboilingwater.

Steeptheherbsfor15minutes.Addhoneyorstevia,ifusing.Drinktheteawhilerelaxing.

Ifyoufindthisteahelpful,makealargerbatchandkeeptheblendinasealedcontainer.

GingerTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Fasterthanpoppinganover-the-counterpill,thisteaquicklyalleviatesgasinthedigestivetractafterameal.Becausegingerboastsadeliciousspicy-sweettaste,noonewillknowyou’resippingittopreventanuncomfortablesocialsituation.

1.

2.3.4.

1tablespoonfreshgingerroot,peeledandgrated1cupboilingwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Inamug,combinethegratedgingerrootwiththeboilingwater.

Steepthegingerfor15minutes.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired.Drinktheteawhilerelaxing.

Thisteamakesagoodafter-dinnerdrink.Enjoyitasoftenasyoulike.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.

1.

2.

HEMORRHOIDS

Hemorrhoidsformwhenexcesspressureisplacedontheveinsinsidetheanalcanalorneartheopeningoftheanus.Thiscanhappenduringpregnancy,oritcanhappenbecauseofstrainingduetoconstipationordiarrhea.Usetheseherbalremediestobringrelief.Seeyourdoctorifsymptomsworsenorfailtoimprove.

SoothingWitchHazel–GeraniumWipesYIELD:30WIPES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORRESEALABLEPLASTICCONTAINERTIME:5MINUTES

Theincredibleanti-inflammatory,antibacterial,antifungal,antiseptic,andantihemorrhagicforcesinthesewipesshrinkswollentissue,banishitching,andtempertheburningassociatedwithhemorrhoids.

¼cupalcohol-freewitchhazelextract10dropsgeraniumessentialoil30cottoncosmeticpadsInajarorresealableplasticcontainer,combinethewitchhazelextractandgeraniumessentialoil.

Swirlthecontainerfor10secondstoblend.Stackthecottoncosmeticpadsinthecontainer.Covertightlyandinverttosoakthepads.Afterbathingorshowering,applyapadtotheanus.Presslightlyfor5to10secondstoensuretheliquidcontactstheirritatedarea.Repeatasoftenasneededtoobtainrelief.Keepinacool,darkplace.

Plantain–PrunellaSalvewithLavenderYIELD:ABOUT8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:48HOURSFORBREWING

Thebadnewsisthatthisrecipetakes2daystoformulate,buttheupsideisthatusingitbringsrapidrelief.Makeabigbatchinadvancetostreamlinehealingandkeepitonhandfortreatingminorwoundsandburns,too.

7ouncesorganicoliveoil4tablespoonsdriedplantainleaves,crushed4tablespoonsdriedprunella,crushed1tablespoonbeeswax,grated20dropslavenderessentialoilInajarwithatight-fittinglid,combinetheoliveoil,plantainleaves,andprunella.

Captightlyandputinawarmplacefor48hours.

3.

4.5.6.7.8.9.

Straintheoliveoilintoadoubleboiler,usingthebackofaspoontopressasmuchoilaspossiblefromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Addthegratedbeeswax.Overlowheat,stiruntilthewaxmeltscompletely.Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Addthelavenderessentialoil.Pourthesalveintothejarortinandcoolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Afterbathingorshowering,applyathinlayertotheanus.Repeatasoftenasneededtoobtainrelief.

1.2.3.4.5.

1.

2.

HIVES

Ifyougethives,youknowwhattheylooklike,butyoumaynotknowwhat’scausedthem.Couldbeanumberoffactors,likevitaminsupplements,drugs(aspirinorpenicillin),foods(berries,nuts,chocolate),andevenheat,cold,orsunlight.Regardlessofthecause,thesymptomsarethesame:swollenareasthatusuallyitchlikecrazy.Irritationcanlastanywherefromjustafewhourstoseveraldays.Trytheseremedieswhileworkingwithyourdoctortodeterminewhichallergenorirritanttoavoidinthefuture.

CoolingPeppermintBathYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Whilethistreatmentisalittlebitmessy,itworkswell.Groundoatsandpeppermintcombinetoeasethepainfulitchandswellingassociatedwithhives.

¼cupoatflour10dropspeppermintessentialoilDrawawarmbath.Addthepeppermintessentialoil.Sprinkletheoatflourontothesurfaceofthewater.Spend30minutessoaking.Repeattwicedailywhilerecoveringfromhives.

AloeVera–WitchHazelSprayYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:SPRAYBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Thisfast-workingaloeveraandwitchhazeltwosometeamsupinahandyspraytoeasetheitching,swelling,andrednessofhivesinhard-to-reachspotslikeyourback.Usethistreatmentaloneoralongsideothers.

3ouncesalcohol-freewitchhazelextract1ouncealcohol-freealoeveragel10dropspeppermintessentialoilInaspraybottle,combinethewitchhazelextract,aloeveragel,andpeppermintessentialoil.

Shakewelltoblend.

3.4.

1.

2.3.4.5.

Sprayliberallyonaffectedarea.Repeatasoftenasneededtokeepitchingtoaminimum.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Nettle–ChamomileWashYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Thoughthisremedymayseemcounterintuitive,nettlesareamongthebestherbsforeasingtheitchandrednessassociatedwithhives.Nettleoffersbothanti-inflammatoryandantihistamineaction,aidingyourbodyinmoderatingitsresponsetoallergens.

1cupboilingwater1tablespoondriedstingingnettleleaves1teaspoonoliveoil4dropschamomileessentialoilInasmallbowl,combinetheboilingwaterandstingingnettleleaves.Allowittosteepuntilcool.

Straintheliquidintoasecondbowl.Discardthenettles.Withaspoonorwhisk,blendtheoliveoilandchamomileessentialoilintotheliquid.Usingasoftcloth,dabthemixtureontotheaffectedarea,thenairdry.Repeat2to3timesdailywhilehivespersist.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

JOINT&MUSCLEPAIN

Youdon’thavetobeaproathleteorgymrattoexperiencejointandmusclepain.Infact,thesimpleactofeverydaylivingcanleadtotheminorinjuriesthatleadtostrainanddiscomfort.Time,rest,andsimplehomeremediescanbringfast,effectiverelief.Trythesealoneoralongsideotherremediesandcomplementarytherapieslikemassageoracupuncture.Ifyourpainworsensorfailstoimprove,checkinwithyourcareprovider.

CayenneSalveYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:48HOURSFORBREWING

Cayenneoffersdeep,penetratingheatthatquicklyeasesjointandmusclepain.Becarefultokeepthisformulaawayfromyoureyesandwashhandsthoroughlyafterpreparing(usefreshlemonjuiceinapinch).

½cupcayennepepper7ouncesorganicoliveoil1ouncebeeswax,gratedInajar,combinethecayennepepperandoliveoil.

Capthejartightlyandputitinawarmplacefor48hours.Pourtheoilthroughafinesieveintoadoubleboiler.Addthegratedbeeswaxandstirgentlyoverlowheatuntilthewaxmelts.Cooltheblendfor2minutes.Pouritintoajarortinandcoolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Usingyourfingers,applyathinlayertotheaffectedarea.Use2to3timesdailytostoppain.Storeinacool,darkplace.

CoolingMintCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Thatrefreshingzingthatpeppermintgivesyoursensesisthesameeffectithasonyourcirculation,triggeringanincreaseinbloodflowthatstopspainandswelling.Afterapplyingthecompress,elevatetheinjuredareatobringfurtherrelief.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.

2cupscoldwater2cupsice½teaspoonorganicoliveoil5dropspeppermintessentialoilInalargebowl,combinethewaterandice.

Inthepalmofyourhand,combinetheoliveoilandpeppermintessentialoil.Rubtheoilsontotheaffectedarea.Soakasoftclothintheicewaterandwringouttheexcessmoisture.Applytheclothtotheaffectedarea,coveringtheoils.Relaxfor20minutesorso,refreshingtheclothwithmorecoldwater.Repeat2to3timesdaily.

Arnica–PeppermintLinimentYIELD:1PINT

STORAGE:DARK-COLOREDBOTTLEORJARTIME:4WEEKS

Sorenesswillretreatinthefaceofaquadruplethreatfromarnica,peppermint,cayenne,andgoldenseal.Becausethispreparationtakesseveralweekstomature,it’sbesttomakeitbeforeyouneedit.Ifyouregularlysufferfromjointormusclesoreness,orhavesomeintensivephysicalactivitylinedup,don’tdelayinputtingthistogether.Themixturelastsindefinitelywhenproperlystored.

1pintrubbingalcohol4tablespoonsdriedarnicaflowers4tablespoonsdriedpeppermintleaves2tablespoonsgoldensealpowder1tablespooncayennepowder1teaspoonpeppermintessentialoilIna1-quartcanningjar,combinetherubbingalcohol,arnica,peppermintleaves,goldenseal,andcayenne.Capthejartightlyandshakewell.

Placethejarinawarmarea.Shakeitoncedailyforamonth.Whenfourweekshavepassed,straintheliquidintoaglasspitcher,discardingtheherbs.Addthepeppermintessentialoilandmixwell.Pourthefinishedlinimentintoadark-coloredglassbottleorjar(asterilizedwinebottleworkswell).Applytotheaffectedareawithacottonpadandallowtoairdry.Reapplyasoftenasneeded.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

1.

2.3.4.

LARYNGITIS

Usuallybroughtonbyexcesscoughingduetoacold,bronchitis,oranotherillness,laryngitistypicallylastsforthreedaystothreeweeks.Usetheseherbalremediesalongsideothertreatments,andletyourdoctorknowiftheproblemlastsformorethanthreedaysincaseaninfectionistoblame.

Cayenne–MyrrhGargleYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Cayenneandmyrrhcombinewithapplecidervinegartobringreliefwhilereducingbacteria.Thisgargleisgoodforsorethroats,too.

2½ounceswarmwater1ounceapplecidervinegar1tablespoonhoney1teaspooncayennepepper2dropsmyrrhessentialoilInaglass,combinealltheingredients.

Stirwelltoblend.Garglewith1mouthfulofthesolutionatatime,spittingitoutafterward.Repeatuntilallofthesolutionisgone.Rinseyourmouthwithwater.Use2to3timesdaily.

Goldenseal–GingerInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Sorethroatslovethiscomfortingmixtureofspicy-sweetherbsdesignedtosootheirritationandpromotehealinginminutes.Withagenerousdollopofhoney,yourtastebudswon’tbecomplainingeither.

1teaspoonfreshgingerroot,peeledandgrated1teaspoondriedgoldenseal1teaspoonlemonjuice1tablespoonhoney1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,combinealltheingredients.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink2to3timesdailywhensufferingfromlaryngitis.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.

Echinacea–CloveThroatSprayYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Echinaceacombatsinfectionandinflammation,makingitidealforeasinglaryngitissymptoms.Freshgingerrootandcloveessentialoilcombinetonumbthepainandkillbacteria.

½cupboilingwater1tablespoondriedechinacearoot,chopped1teaspoonfreshgingerroot,peeledandfinelygrated2dropscloveessentialoilInacup,combinethewater,driedechinacearoot,andfreshgratedgingerroot.

Allowthemixturetocoolcompletely.Straintheliquidintoasmallglasspitcheranddiscardtheherbs.Transfertheliquidintoa4-ouncespraybottle.Addthecloveessentialoilandshakewell.Sprayintoyourmouth,aimingforthebackofthethroat.Waitatleast10minutesbeforeeatingordrinking.Useasoftenasneeded.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

2.3.

NAUSEA/MORNINGSICKNESS

Whetheryou’rebattlingmorningsickness,motionsickness,orthekindofnauseathatcomesalongwiththeflu,herbalremediescanoftenbringquickrelieffromyourmisery.Usethesegentle,butpotent,naturaltreatmentsaloneorincombinationwithanothertofeelmorelikeyourselfagain.

GingerSmellingSaltYIELD:1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:2MINUTES

Thearomaofgingeressentialoilisapowerfulweaponinyourarsenalagainstnausea.Thissmellingsaltisagoodchoicefornauseaassociatedwithmotionsicknessandmorningsickness,too.

1ouncecoarseseasalt20dropsgingeressentialoilInasmallglassjar,combinetheseasaltwiththegingeressentialoil.

Shakewelltoblend.Captightly.Inhaledeeplyfor10to15secondswhenfeelingnauseous.Useasoftenasneeded.Whenthefragrancestartstofade,refreshwithadditionalessentialoil.

Peppermint–GingerTeaYIELD:ABOUT1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Peppermintandgingercombinetohelpthedigestivetracttorelax,easingthemusclespasmsthatleadtofeelingsofnausea.

1tablespoondriedpeppermintleaves,crushed1teaspoonfreshgingerroot,peeledandgrated1¼cupsboilingwaterHoneyorstevia(optional)Putthepeppermintleavesandgingerrootinateaballorinfuser.Placetheteaballinamugoftheboilingwater.

Steeptheherbsfor15minutes.Sweetenwithhoneyorstevia,ifdesired,anddrinktheteawhilerelaxing.Enjoyasoftenasneeded.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

2.3.4.

POISONIVY

NotrekthroughtheGreatOutdoorsseemstobecompletewithoutatleastoneunfortunaterun-inwithpoisonivy,poisonoak,orpoisonsumac,allofwhichcauseitching,redness,andpain.Thesesymptomsarecausedbyanirritantcalledurushiol,anoilyresinthatstickstoskin,clothing,gardeningtools,andotheritems.Seeyourdoctorifyoureyesormucusmembranesareaffected,oriftherashseemstobespreading.

PeppermintSprayYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLEWITHSPRAYTOPTIME:5MINUTES

Peppermintessentialoilcoolsburningandsoothesitchingquickly.Usethisremedyimmediatelyafterbathingorshowering.

4ouncesunflavoredvodka20dropspeppermintessentialoilInaglassbottle,combinethevodkaandpeppermintessentialoil.

Captightlyandshakewellbeforeeachuse.Spraydirectlyontotheaffectedareas.Lettheareadrybeforedressing.Repeatasoftenasneeded.

Eucalyptus–LavenderSprayYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLEWITHSPRAYTOPTIME:5MINUTES

Getyourcoolonwiththishealingmixofeucalyptus,lavender,andwitchhazel.Onesprayspritzesawayitchingandburningandleavesskinfeelingcalmerandmorerefreshed.

1tablespooneucalyptusessentialoil1tablespoonlavenderessentialoil3ouncesalcohol-freewitchhazelextractInaglassbottle,addtheeucalyptusandlavenderessentialoilstothewitchhazelextract.

Captightlyandshakewellbeforeeachuse.Spraydirectlyontotheaffectedarea.Lettheareadrybeforedressing.

5.

1.

2.3.

4.5.

Repeatasoftenasneeded.

Peppermint–KelpBathYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Ifyouanticipatearun-inwithpoisonivy,keepthepeppermintessentialoil,driedkelp,andseasaltonhandsothey’rereadilyavailablewhenyouneedthem.Thesoonerafterexposureyouusethistreatment,thebetteritworks.

10dropspeppermintessentialoil3tablespoonsdriedkelp,wrappedincheesecloth3tablespoonsDeadSeasaltorHimalayanseasalt½cupbakingsodaRunacoolbathandaddalloftheingredients.

Submergeyourselfinthetubandsoakforatleast30minutes.Patyourbodydrywhenfinished.Applypeppermintspray,eucalyptus-lavenderspray,oranotherleave-onpoisonivyremedy.Putonlooseclothingmadeofanaturalfibersuchascotton.Enjoythishealingbathonceortwicedailywhilesufferingfrompoisonivy.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.

PMS

Ifyou’rereadingthissection,youprobablyknowfirsthandthatheadaches,moodswings,bloating,andfatiguearejustsomeofthesymptomsthataccompanyPMS.Triggeredbyhormonalchangesassociatedwithyourmonthlycycle,symptomscanstarttwoweekspriortoyourperiodandmakeyoumiserablefordaysonendonceitstarts.Nexttimeyou’resuffering,seekreliefusingthesesimpleherbalremedies,eitheraloneorasacomplementtoothers.

BlackCohosh–RaspberryLeafInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Blackcohoshandraspberryleafcombinetobalancehormonallevelsandrelievediscomfortcausedbytensionandcramping.

1tablespoondriedblackcohosh1tablespoondriedraspberryleaf,crumbled1tablespoonhoney1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addtheblackcohosh,raspberryleaf,andhoneytothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheatandsimmerthemixturefor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink2to3cupsdailywhilesufferingfromPMSsymptoms.

HerbalPMSBathSaltYIELD:4CUPS

STORAGE:AIRTIGHTCONTAINERTIME:20MINUTES

Thisessentialoilblendwillliftyourmoodandfightdepression,whilethewarmbathwaterwillhelpeasediscomfort.Makethisbathsaltaheadoftimeforconvenience.

4cupsEpsomsalt40dropsgeraniumessentialoil20dropschamomileessentialoil12dropsclarysageessentialoil8dropsmarjoramessentialoilInanairtightcontainer,addalltheingredients.Stirwelltocombine.

Drawawarmbath.Add1cupofthebathsaltandletitdissolve.

4.5.

1.

2.3.4.

Spend15to20minutessoaking.Breathedeeplywhileenjoying.Repeatasoftenasyoulike.

All–AroundPMSMassageOilYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Targetingbothcrampsandmoodswings,thissix-oilblendisapowerfulwaytoaddressallofthesymptomsofPMS.Ifyou’remissinganoilortwo,don’tworry.Thisremedyworksbestwithallingredients,butitwillprovidesomereliefevenifoneortwoingredientsareleftout.

1ouncecoconutoil,warmedto90degrees2dropschamomileessentialoil2dropsclarysageessentialoil2dropsgeraniumessentialoil2dropsgingeressentialoil2dropslavenderessentialoil2dropsmarjoramessentialoilInasmalldish,combinethewarmcoconutoilwithalloftheessentialoils.

Usingyourfingertips,massagegenerouslyintothelowerabdomen,hips,andlowerback.Allowthetreatmenttofullyabsorb.ApplythemassageoilonceortwicedailywhilePMSsymptomspersist.Ifyouhavetime,enjoyahotbathbeforeapplyingit.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.2.3.4.

SINUSITIS

You’resneezing,blowingyournose,feelingcongested.Mustbeacold,right?Maybe,maybenot,butthesymptomsarethesame.Whenthedelicatetissuethatlinesyoursinusesbecomesinflamedandswollen,mucusandairaretrappedinside,leadingtopainandpressure.Speedreliefbyusingtheseherbalremediesalongwithconventionaltreatments.Thisconditioncanbeaseriousproblem,soletyourdoctorknowifsymptomspersistformorethanaweekorso.

EucalyptusSinusSteamYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Eucalyptusopensblockedsinusesquickly.Thevaporsfromthistreatmentpenetratedeeply,helpingtokillharmfulbacteriaintheprocess.

4cupsboilingwater2dropseucalyptusessentialoilInashallowbowl,combinetheboilingwaterandeucalyptusessentialoil.

Placethebowlonatabletopandsitcomfortablyinfrontofit.Coverthebowlandyourheadwithalargetowel.Breathethevaporswhilerelaxingandcomeoutforairasneeded.Keeptissueshandy.Useonceortwicedailywhilerecoveringfromsinusitis.

HerbalShowerSteamYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Theessentialoilsinthisremedycombinetoalleviatesinusitissymptomswhileyou’reenjoyingyourdailyshower.Ifyouaremissingoneortwoofthem,usealittlemoreofwhicheveroilsyoudohaveonhand.

2dropseucalyptusessentialoil2dropslavenderessentialoil2dropspeppermintessentialoil2dropsrosemaryessentialoilDriptheessentialoilsontoawashcloth.

Placethewashclothintheshower,positioningitoppositethedrain.Breathedeeplywhileenjoyingahotshower.Enjoythistreatmentonceortwicedailywhiledealingwithsinusitissymptoms.

1.

2.3.4.

Eucalyptus–RosemarySmellingSaltYIELD:1OUNCE

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARTIME:5MINUTES

Eucalyptusandrosemaryworkinconcerttoknockoutstuffinessandotherdiscomfortsassociatedwithsinusitis.Thisremedyiseasytotakealongsoyoucanenjoyquickreliefasneeded.

1ouncecoarseseasalt20dropseucalyptusessentialoil20dropsrosemaryessentialoilInasmallglassjar,combinealloftheingredients.

Closethejartightlyandshakewelltoblend.Removethecaporlidandplaceyournoseovertheopening,inhalingdeeplyfor20seconds.Inhalethissmellingsaltasoftenasneeded.Ifyounoticethatthearomaisbeginningtofadeafterseveraluses,refreshthesaltbyaddinganother10to20dropsofeachessentialoil.

Whenyouareoveryourillnessandnolongerneedthesmellingsalts,transformthemintobathsalts.Add10dropsoflavenderessentialoilandrinsethejaroutintothebathtubwhiledrawingawarmbathforyourself.

1.

2.3.

1.

2.3.4.

SLEEPDEPRIVATION

Whetheryoursleepdeprivationiscausedbylonghoursatwork,stress,orafussychildinneedofattention,itcanleadtolong-andshort-termproblemsineveryareaofyourlife—fromwork,tohome,toplay.Overtime,lackofsleepcanbringmoreseriousillnesses,whichiswhyit’simportanttolookforsolutionstotheunderlyingcauseoftheproblem,whiletheseremedieshandlethesymptoms.

Chamomile–ValerianInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Chamomileandvaleriancombinetoreducetheamountoftimeittakesyoutofallasleep.Drinkthisinfusion30minutesbeforebed.

1tablespoondriedvalerian1teaspoondriedchamomileflowers1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addthevalerianandchamomileflowerstothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmertheherbsfor10minutes.Drink1cupnightlyasoftenasnecessary.

Thisinfusioncanbesedating.Donotusebeforedrivingorundertakingothertasksthatrequireintensefocus.

HopsInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Offeringstrongsedativeproperties,hopsworkasanaturalsleepaid.Besuretocrushthehopswellbeforeaddingthemtotheinfusion.

1tablespoonhops,crushed1tablespoonhoney1teaspoonlemonjuice1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addthehops,honey,andlemonjuicetothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerthemixturefor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromthehopsbeforediscardingthem.Drink1cupnightlyforasmanynightsasnecessary.

Thisinfusioncanbesedating.Donotusebeforedrivingorundertakingothertasksthatrequireintensefocus.

1.2.3.4.5.

1.2.3.

SORETHROAT

Sorethroatscancomefromlifestylehabits,likepublicspeaking,singing,orcoaching.Or,theycanbeoneofthefirstsignsofailmentssuchascoldsorstrepthroat.Thesesoothingremediesknockoutdiscomfortjustasfastasanover-the-counterlozenge,sansthesugarandpreservatives,regardlessofthepaintrigger.Usethemalonetobringrelief,orcombinethemwithtreatmentsforothersymptomsaspartofacompletenaturalhealingplanforsickness.

LicoriceInfusionwithSlipperyElmYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Licoriceandslipperyelmpowdercombinewithhoneyandlemontocoatyourthroat,bringingcomfortquickly.

1tablespoondriedlicoriceroot,chopped2teaspoonsslipperyelmpowder1tablespoonhoney1tablespoonlemonjuice1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,combinealltheingredients.

Bringtoaboil.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandallowtheherbstosimmerfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink2to3cupsdailywhilerecovering.

Ginger–CayenneGargleYIELD:ABOUT4OUNCES

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Gingerandcayennecombinewithlemonandhoneytorelieveyoursorethroat,bringinginstantrelieffromthepain.

¼cupwarmwater1tablespoonhoney2tablespoonslemonjuice1pinchcayennepepper1pinchgroundgingerInacup,combinealltheingredients,stirringtoblendthoroughly.

Garglewith1tablespoonofthesolutionatatime,usingtheentireamount.Repeat2to3timesdailywhilerecovering.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.

SPRAIN/STRAIN

Minorsprainsandstrainscaneasilyhappenanytimeyoufall,twistalimb,orliftsomethingalittletooheavyforyourmusclestohandle.Ifpainandswellingareminor,thesetreatments,alongwithrest,elevation,andacoldpack,maybeenoughtohealtheinjury.Besuretoseeyourdoctorifyoudon’tseeanimprovementorifthepaingetsworse.

SoothingAloeVera–GingerGelYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:PLASTICSQUEEZEBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Thinkofthealoeverainthistreatmentasavehiclefordeliveringthewarming,pain-relievingingredientsfromthegingerdeepintoinjuredtissues.Ifyouhavenogingeressentialoilonhand,usepeppermintinstead.

1(8-ounce)bottlealcohol-freealoeveragel1teaspoongingeressentialoilInalargebowl,combinethealoeveragelandgingeressentialoil.Withawhisk,stirwelltoblend.

Usingafunnel,transferthegeltoaplasticsqueezebottle.Applyateaspoonofgeltotheinjuredarea.Massagegently.Repeat2to3timesdaily.Refrigeratebetweenuses.

Peppermint–ArnicaSalveYIELD:ABOUT8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Peppermintandarnicacombinetopenetrateinjuredtissue,easingpainandswelling.Usegingeressentialoilifyouhavenopeppermintonhand.

3ouncescoconutoil3ouncesorganicoliveoil1ouncebeeswax,grated1teaspoonarnicaessentialoil1teaspoonpeppermintessentialoilInadoubleboiler,combinethecoconutoil,oliveoil,andbeeswax.

Stirgentlyoverlowheatuntilthebeeswaxmeltscompletely.Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Addthearnicaandpeppermintessentialoils.Pourintoajarortinandcoolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Applyathinlayerofsalvetotheinjuredarea,massaginggently.

7.

1.2.3.4.5.

Use2to3timesdailywhilerecovering.Storeinacool,darkplacebetweenuses.

QuickArnica–SageLinimentYIELD:1PINT

STORAGE:DARK-COLOREDGLASSBOTTLEORJARTIME:5MINUTES

Linimentsmadewithfreshherbstakeweekstomature.Thisremedyisaquickonethatcanbeusedthesamedayitismixed.Thesecretliesintheessentialoils.Botharnicaandsagepenetratedeeply,deliveringsomerelieffromdiscomfortwhileencouragingdamagedtissuetoheal.

1pintrubbingalcohol,vodka,oreverclear1teaspoonarnicaessentialoil1teaspoonsageessentialoilInaglassbottleorjarwithatight-fittinglid,combinealloftheingredients.

Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Withacottonpadorsoftcloth,applyathinlayeroflinimenttotheaffectedarea.Allowthelinimenttoevaporatebeforedressing.Apply2to3timesdailywhilerecuperatingfromasprainorstrain.Useitaloneforminorinjuriesoralongsidepainmedicationandothertherapies.

1.

2.3.4.5.

1.

2.3.4.

TOOTHACHE

Thereareanumberofissuesthatcancauseteethtohurt,somedental(say,toothdecay,abscessedteeth,damagedfillings,orinfectedgums)andotherslifestyle(stress-relatedclenching,forinstance).Bothtypescancausepainandswellingandluckily,thepaincanbetreatedwithherbalremedies.Yourdentistmayofferadditionaltreatmentsifyourtoothacheissevereorlastslongerthantwodays.Earaches,fevers,jawpainaresignstoseeadoctorstat.

CloveRinseYIELD:ABOUT8OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLEORJARTIME:2MINUTES

Clovesnumbpainquickly,easingtoothpain.Ifyouhavenocloveessentialoilonhand,youcantuckawholecloveintoyourmouthandholditnexttothesoretooth.

8ouncesunflavoredvodka½teaspooncloveessentialoilInaglassbottleorjar,combinethevodkaandcloveessentialoil.

Shakewelltoblendbeforeeachuse.Rinseyourmouthwith1teaspoonofthesolution,focusingonthesoretooth.Spitthesolutionoutafterrinsingfor30secondsto1minute.Useonceortwicedailywhilesufferingfromatoothache.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Lavender–ChamomileCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:20MINUTES

Lavenderandchamomilecombinetoeasepainandkillbacteria.Youcanusethistreatmentaloneoralongsideotherremedies.

4gauzesquares4dropschamomileessentialoil3dropslavenderessentialoilStackthegauzesquaresontopofoneanother.

Driptheessentialoilsontothegauze.Placethegauzeontothesoretooth.Leaveinplacefor20minutes.

5.

1.

2.3.

4.5.

Repeattwicedaily.

GarlicDentalCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Freshgarliccontainsallicin,apowerfulantibioticcompoundthatalsonumbspain.Whilepackingfreshgarlicontoasoretoothmightnotsoundlikethebestidea,thisisatime-honoredtreatmentthatworkswondersforpainwhilekillingbacteria.

1freshclovegarlic,peeled1pinchfineseasaltWithasharpknife,carveau-shapedchannellengthwisethroughthegarlicclove.Trytomakethechannelroughlythesamewidthasthetoothareayouplantouseiton.

Sprinklethesaltintothechannelandallowittositfor1to2minutes,todrawoutthegarlic’sjuice.Carefullypositionthegarlicovertheaffectedareaandbitegentlyuntilyouarecertainthecarvedchannelisindirectcontactwiththepainfultooth.Leaveinplaceforatleast10minutes,thendiscard.Donoteatordrinkforatleast60minutes.Repeatthistreatmentasoftenasneededwhilewaitingforyourdentalappointment.

1.2.3.4.5.

1.2.3.4.

WARTS

Wartsareunsightlyskingrowthscausedbyavirusthatinfectstheupperlayerofskin.Becarefulwhentreatingthem—youcaninadvertentlycausethevirustospreadbytouchingawartandthentouchinganotherbodypart,sotakeprecautionstopreventthisfromhappening.Iftheseremediesfailtoremoveyourwarts,seeyourdoctorforsomethingstronger.

GarlicCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:OVERNIGHT

Garliccontainsapowerfulantiviralcompoundthatcanremovewarts.Thistreatmentmustberepeatednightlyoverthecourseof2to6weeks.

1clovegarlic,peeledsmallbandageCutasmallpieceofgarlictofitthewart.Coverthewartwiththegarlic.Putthebandageinplace.Ifneeded,useathletictapetomakethebandagemoresecure.Removethebandageandthegarlicinthemorning.Speedtheprocessbyusingthistreatmentduringdaytimehoursaswell.

YarrowCompressYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:OVERNIGHT

Freshyarrowcontainssalicylicacid(theactiveingredientthatworkslikeaspirin)whichhelpstoremovewartsnaturally.Thistreatmentmustberepeatednightlyoverthecourseof2to6weeksformaximumresults.

1tablespoonfreshyarrowsmallbandageUseagarlicpresstoobtainthejuicefromtheyarrow.Withacottonswab,applythejuicetothewart.Coverthewartwiththebandage.Removethebandageinthemorning.Speedwartremovalbyusingthistreatmentduringdaytimehoursaswell.

10

AROUNDTHEHOUSEAntInfestationDishDetergentDisinfectant

FleasFurniturePolish

LaundryMice

Mold&MildewMothsPetOdor

1.

2.3.4.5.

ANTINFESTATION

Antsareanimportantpartofthenaturalworld—thatis,thenaturaloutsideworld.Insidethehouse?Notsocool,especiallywhenchemicalinsecticidesareoftenthechosenmethodofremoval.Insteadoftoxicstore-boughtoptions,treatinfestationsnaturallywithherbsthatrepelbugsfromyourhome.NotonlyaretheseDIYrecipesfantasticforeliminatinginfestation,theycanalsobeusedasfuss-freepreventativesbeforeinsectsmaketheirwayinside.

GarlicAntSprayYIELD:1GALLON

STORAGE:PLASTICCONTAINERTIME:24HOURSFORBREWING

Garlicrepelsantsbyconfusingtheirsenseofsmell,whichtheyrelyontocreatetrailsthatleadfromtheirneststotheirfoodsources.

1gallonboilingwater1tablespoonliquiddishsoap6fullbulbsgarlic,puréedInametalbucketorlargeglassormetalbowl,combinethewater,dishsoap,andgarlic.

Coverthecontainerandallowittositatroomtemperaturefor24hours.Straintheliquidandtransfertoaspraybottleforindooruseorapumpsprayerforoutdooruse.Applyliberallytoareaswhereantsareaproblem.Storetheunusedportionintherefrigeratorforupto3days.Freezeanyextra.

Thissprayisalsoeffectiveagainstaphidsandfleabeetles.Likeothertopicalsolutions,thisoneneedstobereappliedafterrain.Becausegarlic’snaturalscentdissipates,youmayneedtore-treateveryfewdaysuntiltheantsmovetoalesshostileenvironment.

PeppermintAntRepellentYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:GLASSBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Oneoftheeasiestwaystogetridofantsindoorsistousepeppermintessentialoilstraightoutofthebottleitcomesin.Asanaddedbenefit,thisremedyleavesyourhomesmellingmintyfresh.

1.2.3.

1.

2.

3.

4.5.

5dropspeppermintessentialoilApplythepeppermintessentialoiltoacottonball.Wipetheareawhereantshavebeenseen.Repeatwithadditionalessentialoiliftreatingalargearea.

Thistreatmentkeepsantsawayfor3to4daysatatime,inmostcases.Repeatitasnecessarytopreventthesepestsfromtakingover.

CayenneAntDefenseYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Thisisapotentremedythatcancausediscomforttopeople(aswellasants)ifitisinhaledorgetsintoyoureyes.Handlecayennepowdercautiouslyandconsiderwearingrubbergloves.Diatomaceaousearth,calledforinthisrecipe,canbeeasilypurchasedonline.

4ouncescayennepowder1(4-pound)bagdiatomaceousearthInabucket,combinebothingredients.

Usingascoop,applyaone-inchthicklineofthemixturealongareaswhereyouhavenoticedantactivity.Ifyouknowwhereanthillsarelocated,surroundtheanthillwithaheavylayerofdiatomaceousearthandcayenne.Leaveinplaceforafewdays,reapplyingafterrain.It’sbesttowageantwarfareafterdark,whenmostofthepeskyinsectsarehomeintheirnests.Planforapplicationbeforethesungoesdown.

Diatomaceousearthisafoodgrade,nontoxicpowderysubstancemadefromfossilizedaquaticlife.Nonetheless,it’sbesttokeepcuriouschildrenandpetsaway.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.4.5.

DISHDETERGENT

Youdon’tneedtopayasmallfortuneforexpensivedetergentsfullofchemicals.Thesenaturalsolutionshavewhatittakestogetdishessqueakycleanwithoutthetoxins.Madewithsimpleingredientsthatcutgreaseandremovestuck-ongunk,theysmellfabulousandtakejustafewminutestomake.

Rosemary–LavenderDishwashingLiquidYIELD:ABOUT20OUNCES

STORAGE:PLASTICSQUEEZEBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Rosemaryandlavenderessentialoilsgivethisnaturaldishsoapadelightfulfragrance,makinganecessarychoremorepleasant.

2cupscastilesoap½cupwarmwater3dropsrosemaryessentialoil2dropslavenderessentialoilInalargebowl,combinealltheingredients.Withawhisk,stirtoblend.

Usingafunnel,transferthedishsoaptoaplasticsqueezebottle.Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Squeezeaboutatablespoonofsoapintoasinkfullofhotwater.

Thisdishwashingliquidislesssudsythancommercialbrands.Donotuseindishwashers.

CloveDishwasherDetergentYIELD:4CUPS

STORAGE:SEALEDJARORPLASTICSTORAGECONTAINERTIME:5MINUTES

Madewithnaturaldisinfectantsandmild,naturalabrasives,thisfragrantdishwashersoapgetsdishescleanwithouttoxicchemicals.Uselavender,rosemary,orpeppermintessentialoilifyouhavenocloveavailable.

2cupsbakingsoda2cupsborax20dropscloveessentialoilInalargebowl,place¼cupofthebakingsoda.

Addthecloveessentialoilandmixwell.Addtherestofthebakingsodaandtheborax,stirringtoblendcompletely.Usingafunnel,transferthepowdertoastoragecontainerwithatight-fittinglid.Fillyourdishwasher’ssoapcompartmentandoperatedishwashernormally.

6. Storeinacool,darkplace.

Forbestresults,rinseheavilysoileddisheswithwaterbeforeputtingtheminthedishwasher.Toeliminatespotsondishes,preventodors,andreducemineralbuildupinsideyourdishwasher,filltherinsecompartmentwithwhitevinegar.

1.2.3.

4.

1.

2.3.4.

DISINFECTANT

Cleanersfullofchemicalsaren’tnecessarilythebestdefenseagainsthouseholddirt(especiallywhentheyaddmoretoxinstoyourenvironment).Thesenaturalcleaningsolutionsworkbrilliantlyonkitchensandbathroomsurfaces,includingcountertops,sinks,andbathtubs.Theirstrongherbalingredientscutgreaseandgrime,killgerms,andleaveyourhomesparklingclean.Bestofall,theysmelllikeagardenparty.

Lemon–EucalyptusCleanserandDisinfectantYIELD:16OUNCES

STORAGE:PLASTICSPRAYBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Thissimple,inexpensivesprayistoughondirtwhilebeingeasyonhouseholdsurfaces.Itkillsgermsnaturally,leavingafresh,sunnyfragrancebehind.

2cupshotwater2teaspoonsborax1teaspoonwashingsoda8dropslemonessentialoil4dropseucalyptusessentialoilInaspraybottle,combinealltheingredients.

Captightlyandshakewelltomix.Sprayontosoiledsurfacesandwipewitharagorpapertowel.Forheavysoil,allowthecleansertopenetratefor1minutebeforewipingup.Storeinacool,dryplacebetweenuses.

Rosemary–LemonSoftScrubYIELD:16OUNCES

STORAGE:PLASTICSQUEEZEBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Eliminatebathtubringsandothersticky,grimymesseswiththisnonabrasivescrubthatleavessurfacesshining.Rosemaryandlemonessentialoilsinfusetheroomwitharefreshinglycleanscent.

8ouncesborax8dropsrosemaryessentialoil8dropslemonessentialoil8ouncescastilesoapInalargebowl,placetheborax,rosemaryessentialoil,andlemonessentialoil.Usingawhisk,stirtoblend.

Addthecastilesoap.Usingasturdyspoon,stiruntilathickpasteforms.Withafunnel,transferthescrubtoaplasticsqueezebottle.Applyaboutateaspoonofsoftscrubtoaspongeorbrushandrubontosoiledareas.

5.6.

Scrubvigorouslytoeliminategrime.Storeinacool,darkplace.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

FLEAS

Warningspostedonconventionalchemical-basedflearepellentsprovidereasonenoughtolookfornatural,nontoxicsolutionsthataresafeforyouandyourpets.Sure,youcanusetheseindoor-outdoorremediesalone,butthey’remosteffectivewhenusedtogethertoaddressfleasoutsideaswellasinsideyourhome.Becausenaturaltreatmentslastforjustashorttime,vigilantreapplicationisamust.

LavenderFleaRepellentYIELD:ABOUT4OUNCESSTORAGE:GLASSBOTTLE

TIME:5MINUTES

Thesesimplefleadropsaresafeforcatsanddogs,andthelavenderkeepsfleasaway.Besuretoavoidyourpet’sfacewhenusing,asessentialoilscanburndelicateeyetissue.

4ouncesoliveoil1teaspoonlavenderessentialoilInaglassbottle,combinetheoliveoilandthelavenderessentialoil.

Shakefor20secondstoblend.Pourasmallamountofthesolutionontoyourhandandrubitontoyourpet’sfur.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Use5to6dropsforacatorasmalldogunder15pounds,about¼teaspoonforadogbetween15and25pounds,and½teaspoonforadogweighingupto40pounds.Fordogsover40pounds,apply1teaspoonatatime.Applytooutdoorpetsdaily.Othersshouldbetreatedevery2to3days.

Cedar–WitchHazelFleaSprayYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:BOTTLEWITHASPRAYTOPTIME:5MINUTES

Thisnaturalflearepellentisidealforyourdog,andcanbeusedonyourshoesandtrouserlegstohelpkeepfleasandotherbugsfromhitchingaridewhileyou’reenjoyingtheoutdoors.

4ounceswitchhazelextract80dropscedaressentialoilInaglassorplasticbottlewithaspray

2.3.4.

1.

2.3.4.

5.6.

top,combinethewitchhazelandcedaressentialoil.Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Sprayontoyourpet’sfur.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Foroutdoordogs,reapplydaily.Fordogsthatspendmostoftheirtimeindoors,reapplyevery2to3days.Forcats,formulateasimilarspraywithlavenderessentialoilinsteadofcedar.

Lavender–EucalyptusFleaShampooYIELD:2CUPS

STORAGE:PLASTICSHAMPOOBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Insteadofbathingyourpetwithtoxicchemicals,trythisquickherbalfleashampoomadewithold-fashionedhanddishwashingsoap.Whilegentleonpets’sensitiveskin,thisthick,sudsysoapkillsfleasbydissolvingtheirexoskeletons.

2cupsdishwashingsoap1teaspoonlavenderessentialoil1teaspooneucalyptusessentialoilInabowl,combinealloftheingredientsandstirwelltomix.

Transferthesoaptoaplasticsqueezebottle.Acleanshampoobottlewilldo.Wetyourpetwithwarmwater.Scrubyourpetwiththeshampoo,usingenoughtosudsuptheentirebody.Besuretoapplyinalloftheplacesfleasliketohide—underarms,ears,areabeneaththetail,andbetweenthetoes.Leavethesudsonthepetfor5minutestobesurefleasarekilled.Rinsethoroughly,toweldry,andgiveyourpetatreat.

1.2.3.4.5.

1.

2.

FURNITUREPOLISH

Wanttoknowadirtylittlesecretaboutstore-boughtcleansers?They’rechock-fullofdangerouschemicalsthataren’tnecessarytokeepsurfacessparkling.Insteadofspendingtopdollarforpriceyfurniturespraysandpolishes,savemoneyandenjoygreaterpeaceofmindbywhippingupyourownsolutionsathome.Thesesimplerecipescontainingredientsyoulikelyalreadyhavearoundthehouse,alongwithsomeessentialoilsthatincreasetheirefficiencywhileleavinganenjoyablefragrancebehind.

DustingSprayYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:PLASTICSPRAYBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Treatwoodfurniturerightwiththisfragrantdustingspray.Witholiveoilforshineandtoprotectwoodfrommoisture,itcontainsessentialoilstodisinfectandimpartfragrance.

¼cupwhitevinegar¾cupoliveoil20dropslavenderessentialoil20dropspeppermintessentialoilInaplasticspraybottle,combinealltheingredients.

Shakewellbeforeeachuse.Spraydirectlyontowoodfurnitureorontoasoftcloth.Wipetoremovedustandgrime.Forheavilysoiledfurniture,allowthepolishtositfor1minutebeforewiping.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Lemon–RosemaryFurniturePolishYIELD:12OUNCES

STORAGE:PLASTICSPRAYBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Ifyoulovethefragranceoflemonfurniturepolish,you’llappreciatethisall-naturalversion.Itmoisturizeswoodwhileleavingalovelyshineandapleasantlemonscentbehind.

1cupoliveoil½cuplemonjuice20dropslemonessentialoil5dropsrosemaryessentialoilInaspraybottle,combinealltheingredients.

Shakewellbeforeeachuse.

3.

4.5.

Spraythecleanerontoasoftcloth.Wipethefurniturewiththecloth,thenuseasecondclothtopolishtoashine.Forheavilysoiledfurniture,allowthepolishtositfor1minutebeforewiping.Storeinacool,darkplace.

1.

2.3.4.5.

6.

1.2.

LAUNDRY

Evernoticethattheall-naturallaundrysoapsavailableforpurchasetendtocostmorethantheirconventionalcounterparts?Creatingyourownlaundrysolutionsathomegivesyoucontroloftheingredients,ensuringthatthedetergentyouuseisagoodchoiceforyourskinandtheplanet.Thesequick,easyrecipeswillhelpyousavemoneywhileleavingclothesfreshandclean.

HerbalLaundrySoapYIELD:ABOUT5CUPS

STORAGE:AIRTIGHTJARORPLASTICCONTAINERTIME:10MINUTES

Thislaundrydetergentsmellsfantasticandgetsclothessqueakyclean.Useapure,unscentedbarsoaplikeIvory,Fels-Naptha,orDr.Bronner’sforbestresults.

2cupsborax2cupswashingsoda2barssoap,grated10dropslavenderessentialoil5dropsrosemaryessentialoil5dropspeppermintessentialoilInablenderorfoodprocesser,combinealltheingredients.

Processonmediumspeedfor30seconds.Letthedustsettlebeforeremovingthelid.Transfertoalargeglassjarorresealableplasticstoragecontainer.Use1tablespoonofsoapforasmallloadoflaundry.Increasethatamountto2or3tablespoonsforlargerloadsorheavilysoiledclothing.Storeinacool,dryplace.

HerbalFabricSoftenerYIELD:½GALLON

STORAGE:ORIGINALVINEGARBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

You’llbeamazedathowsoftthisfragrantfabricsoftenerleavesyourclothing.Experimentwithdifferentessentialoilcombinationsifyoulike.

15dropslavenderessentialoil10dropspeppermintessentialoil10dropsrosemaryessentialoil½gallonwhitevinegarAddthelavender,peppermint,androsemaryessentialoilstothevinegar.

Shakewellbeforeeachuse.

3.4.

1.2.3.4.5.

6.7.

Add½cuptotherinsecycleforaverageloads.IfyouhaveanHEwasher,use¼cup.Storeinacool,darkplace.

LemonStainRemoverYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Stockyourlaundryroomwithlemonessentialoil,bakingsoda,andhydrogenperoxidetoworkouttoughstainsassoonastheyhappen.Theimmediatechemicalreactionbetweentheingredientsinthisremedycausesvigorousbubblingactionthatliftsthestain.Thefreshreactioniswhatmakesthemixturesoeffective,sostorageisnotrecommended.

1droplemonessentialoil½teaspoonwater½teaspoonbakingsoda1teaspoonhydrogenperoxide3%

Applythelemonessentialoiltoatoothbrushdesignatedforstainremovaluse.Moistenthestainwithwater,workingfromtheouteredgetowardtheinside.Sprinklethebakingsodaontothestain.Usemoreforalargerstain.Withthetoothbrush,scrubthestainvigorouslyfromoutsidetoinside.Rinsethetoothbrushwithwater,thenuseittoapplythehydrogenperoxidetothestain,whichshouldbegintobubble.Whenthebubblingsubsides,rinsethestainwithwater.Repeatuntilthestainisgone.Mostfreshstainsareeliminatedafter1or2treatments.

1.2.3.4.

1.

2.

MICE

Whetheryouperceivemiceascuteorfrightening,youdon’twanttheminyourhome.Capableofcausingextensivedamage,harboringfleas,andspreadingdiseases,thesetroublesomelittlerodentsbelongoutdoors.Thegoodnewsisthatyoudon’thavetousechemicalsorinhumanetrapstokeepthemaway.Becausemicehatestrong-smellingherbs,youcaneasilyfendthemoffwhilemakingyourhomeamorefragrantplacetobe.

YarrowMouseRepellentYIELD:6CUPS

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Thestrongerthesmell,thebetteranherbisatrepellingmice.Yarrowisaveryeasyplanttogrow.Withitscamphorousfragrance,itisonethatmicehate.

6cupsfreshyarrow,choppedLookinsideyourhomeforareasfrequentedbymice.Sprinklechoppedyarrowalonganytrailsandnearpotentialentrances.Repeattheprocessoutdoors.Reapplytheyarroweveryweekorsotokeepthemicefromcomingback.Drymoreyarrowtouseduringthewintermonths,andapplyitasoftenasneededtokeepthescentstrong.

Yarrowcanbetoxictocats,dogs,andhorses.Keepoutoftheirrange.

PeppermintMouseBombsYIELD:30MOUSEBOMBS

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Micearesensitivecreatures.Theysimplycannotstandthesmellofpeppermintandwillstayawayfromareaswheretheodorisstrong.

30cottonballs90dropspeppermintessentialoilApply3dropsofpeppermintessentialoiltoeachcottonball.

Placethecottonballsaroundyourhomeinareaswheremiceareactive.

Periodicallychecktobesurethatyoucanstillsmellthepeppermintonthecottonballs.Oncethescentis

gone,micewillreturn.Walkaroundwithyourbottleofpeppermintessentialoilandrefreshyourcottonballs,orreplacethemwithnewones.

1.

2.3.4.

1.

2.

MOLD&MILDEW

Moldandmildewhaveatendencytogrowanywheremoistureandwarmtharepresent,butthey’renomatchforequallypotentherbs.Thesefungiareoftensuperficialandeasytoremovefromhard,non-poroussurfaces,noharshchemicalsrequired.Ifyounoticetheykeepreturningdespiteyoureffortstokeepyourhomedryandwellventilated,investinaprofessionalassessment.Uncoveringthesourceandaddressingtheproblemearlycanhelppreventcostlyrepairslater.

TeaTreeMildewRemoverYIELD:3OUNCES

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:10MINUTES

Thispotentmildewremoverworksonavarietyofitems,butmaycausebleachingondark-coloredfabric.Startbytestingitonahiddenarea.

4tablespoonssalt2tablespoonslemonjuice12dropsteatreeessentialoilInasmallbowl,mixtogetherthesalt,lemonjuice,andteatreeessentialoil.

Usingasmall,stiffbrush,applythecleanertomildewedareasandscrub.Leavethecleanerinplacefor10minutes.Rinsewithwater.

Iftreatingafabricitem,washitinwarm,soapywater.Rubthecleanserin,thenplacetheiteminfullsunfor2or3hoursbeforerinsing.Repeattheprocessonemoretimeifthestainpersists.

Eucalyptus–TeaTreeSprayYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:SPRAYBOTTLETIME:5MINUTES

Topreventproblematicmoldandmildewindampareassuchasbathrooms,usethisfresh-smellingantifungalsprayduringregularcleanups.

8ounceswhitevinegar12dropseucalyptusessentialoil12dropsteatreeessentialoilInaspraybottle,combinethevinegarandtheeucalyptusandteatreeoils.

Shakewellbeforeeachuse.

3.

1.

2.3.4.5.

Sprayontosoiledsurfacesandwipeupwithaclothorpapertowel.Storeinacool,darkplace.

Lavender–TeaTreeMoldScrubYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Ifmoldandmildewarecausingstainedgroutortileinthekitchenorbath,you’llfindthatthissimple,inexpensivescrubisaneffective,naturalwaytoeliminateit.Iftheproblemissevere,youmayneedtorepeatthescrubandrinsecycletwotothreetimes.

¼cupbakingsoda10dropslavenderessentialoil10dropsteatreeessentialoilInacuporbowl,combinealloftheingredients,stirringwithawhiskorfork.

Usingadampsponge,applygenerouslytotheaffectedarea.Leavethemixtureinplacefor5to10minutes.Scrubthemixturewiththespongeorabrush,usingsmallcircularmotions,thenrinsecleanwithwater.Usethissolutionanytimeyounoticesignsofmoldormildewreturning.Applytheteatreemildewremoveroreucalyptus–teatreespraytoinhibitfuturegrowth.

1.2.3.4.

MOTHS

Mothsandotherinsectscandamageclothing,furniture,andotherfabricbelongings.Still,youdon’thavetorelyonyourgrandmother’smethodsforremoval:mothballs.Ifyouhatetheirdistinctivesmellandprefernottouseharmfulchemicalsinyourhome,you’llbehappytoknowthatmanyplantsprotectthemselvesbyemittingfragrancesthatnaturallyrepelinsects.Ironically,thesesamescentswillseempleasanttoyournoseanddoubleasnaturalairfresheners.

HerbalPotpourriYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:PLACEINAREASAFFECTEDBYMOTHSTIME:5MINUTES

Thisherbalpotpourrilooksattractiveinabowlorjar,andcanbesewnintosachetstohanginclosets.Don’tworryifyouaremissingoneortwooftheherbs.Allarepotentmothrepellents.

1tablespoondriedbasil1tablespoondriedbayleaves1tablespoondriedrosemary1tablespoondriedthyme4tablespoonsdriedlavenderflowers2dropslavenderessentialoil2dropsrosemaryessentialoil

Inabowlorjar,combinethebasil,bayleaves,rosemary,andthyme.Sprinklethelavenderandrosemaryessentialoilsontopandmixgentlywithyourhands.Stuffthepotpourriintosachetsoruseittofillabowl,jar,orsugarshaker.Placethepotpourriinareaswheremothsareactive.

Thisblendlosesitspotencyovertimeandneedstobereplacedevery2to3months.

SpicyCedarPotpourriYIELD:4CUPS

STORAGE:PLACEINAREASAFFECTEDBYMOTHSTIME:5MINUTES

1.2.3.

Usethispotpourritomakesachetstostashinclosetsordrawers.Freshcedarchipscanbefoundatstoresthatcarrypetsupplies.

3cupscedarchips¼cupwholecloves¼cupbrokencinnamonsticks¼cupdriedorangepeel8dropscedaressentialoil8dropscloveessentialoil8dropsorangeessentialoil

Inalargebowl,combinealltheingredientsandmixwithyourhandsoralargespoon.Fillsachets,jars,bowls,orsugarshakers.Placethepotpourriinareaswheremothsareactive.

Thisblendlosesitspotencyovertimeandneedstobereplacedevery2to3months.

1.

2.3.4.

1.2.

PETODOR

Petsmakefantasticcompanions,buttheirodorsdon’t.KeepingyourhomesmellingFido-freedoesn’trequireharshdeodorizersthatbreakthebank.Instead,test-drivethesesafe,naturaldeodorizersthatemitafragrancejustasfreshasthechemicalkind.Simpleingredientssavecashandsidesteptheworrythatcomesfromsprinklingscentedtoxinsallovercarpets,rugs,andfurniture.

Lavender–TeaTreeCarpetPowderYIELD:2CUPS

STORAGE:SUGARSHAKERTIME:5MINUTES

Thisnaturalcarpetpowderabsorbspetodorandleavesafresh,naturalfragrancebehind.Useiteachtimeyouvacuumtokeepyourhomesmellingitsbest.

2cupsbakingsoda20dropslavenderessentialoil5dropsteatreeessentialoilInalargebowl,combine¼cupofthebakingsodaandthelavenderandteatreeessentialoils.Usingawhiskorfork,mixwell.

Addtheremainingbakingsodaandstirwelltocombine.Usingafunnel,transferthepowdertothesugarshaker.Sprinkleonyourcarpet10minutesbeforevacuuming.Storeinacool,dryplace.

Forespeciallytoughodors,leavethepowderonthefloorovernightandvacuuminthemorning.

All–PurposeLemon–RosemaryDisinfectantYIELD:8OUNCES

STORAGE:BOTTLEWITHASPRAYTOPTIME:5MINUTES

Cleaningupwetpetstainsisnopicnic,butthisnaturaldisinfectantmakesiteasier.Usethiscleanseronhardsurfacesandcarpet.Testitonahiddenareabeforeuse,asthelemoncanlightensomedarkcolors.

½cuprubbingalcohol½cupwhitevinegar4dropslemonessentialoil4dropsrosemaryessentialoilInabottle,combinealltheingredients.

Captightlyandshakewell.

1.2.3.4.5.

6.

Whencleaningupwetpetstains,useatoweltoblotupasmuchliquidaspossiblebeforeapplication.Letthesolutionsitonthestainfor10minutes,thenwipeup.Workfromtheouteredgeofthestaintoitsinsidetokeepitfromspreading.

RosemaryPetStainRemoverYIELD:MAKESABOUT4CUPS

STORAGE:GLASS1-QUARTJARWITHTIGHT-FITTINGLIDTIME:20MINUTES

Whypayhighpricesforspecialpetstainremoverswhenyoucanmakeanequallyeffectivehomemadesolutionwithsimpleingredients?Therosemaryessentialoilwillhelpdeterpetsfromre-stainingthesamearea,andthisformulaisgentleenoughtouseonmosttypesofcarpetandupholstery.

1barsolidcastilesoap,choppedorgrated2½cupsboilingwater½cuprubbingalcohol1teaspoonrosemaryessentialoilInaglassquartjar,combinethecastilesoapandboilingwater.

Stiruntilallthesoapmelts.Whentheliquidhascooled,addtherubbingalcoholandrosemaryessentialoil.Closethelidtightlyandshakewell.Shakeagainbeforeeachuse.Touse,blotupasmuchofthestainasyoucanbeforebeginning,thenpouraboutateaspoonofthestainremoverontoascrubbrush.Usethebrushtoscrubthestain,workingyourwayfromitsouteredgetoitscenter.Allowthesolutiontositonthestainfor10minutesbeforeblottingup.Repeatuntilthestainisgone.

11

THEDAYAFTERBreakup

DeathofaPetDrinkingBingeFenderBender

HomefromtheHolidaysInternationalFlightLayofforFiringMovingHouseOvereating

TVBingeWatch

1.2.3.4.

BREAKUP

Breakupsstinksolet’snotpretendthereareanyeasycuresforabrokenheart.ThebestTLCoftencomesbyindulginginlife’shealthierluxurieslikeripe(organic)strawberries,alittledarkchocolate,andplentyofone-on-onetimewithyourbestfriends.Inthemeantime,sootheyourmoodbytreatingyourbodyandmindtoanaromatherapybathwithessentialoilsthathelpbringemotionalhealing.

Lavender–BergamotBathSaltYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Whenblended,florallyscentedlavenderandcitrusybergamotessentialoilsbothmiraculouslychillyououtandupliftyourmood.

½cupEpsomsalt,seasalt,orHimalayansalt1tablespoonsunfloweroroliveoil4dropslavenderessentialoil6dropsbergamotessentialoilInasmallbowl,combinealltheingredients.

Drawawarmbath.Addthebathsaltandallowittodissolve.Spend30minutessoakingwhilebreathingdeeply.

1.

2.3.

DEATHOFAPET

Whenapetpasseson,thesenseofgriefandlossyoufeelcanbeoverwhelminganddisorienting.Thegrievingprocesstakestime,butcertainessentialoilsmaymakecopingeasierbyrelaxingtensemusclesandcalmingyouremotions.Somegoodonestotryincludebergamot,chamomile,jasmine,frankincense,andlemonbalm.Diffusethemorenjoytheminawarmbath,oneortwoherbsatatime.Extrahugsareencouraged,too.

SoothingBergamot–ChamomileBathOilYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:30MINUTES

Bergamotandchamomilecombinetorelaxbodyandmind.Ifyoudon’thavetimeforabath,combinetheessentialoilsinthisrecipewithanounceofseasaltandinhaledeeplywhenyou’reexperiencingemotionalstress.

1ounceoliveorsunfloweroil3dropsbergamotessentialoil5dropschamomileessentialoilDrawawarmbath.

Addalltheingredientsandswirlwithyourhand.Relaxfor30minuteswhilebreathingdeeply.Repeatasneeded.

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

DRINKINGBINGE

Themorningafteradrinkingbingeisneverpretty.Insteadofgivingintocheeseburgerortacocravingsorcounteringahangoverwiththehairofthedog,hydrateyourbodywithgoodoldH2Oandgobacktosleepforawhile.Eatsomethingplain,starchy,andnutrient-dense—saladsandsmoothiesareagoodchoice—tosootheyourstomachandgiveyourbloodsugaraboost.Herbalremediescanhelp,too.Havesomemilkthistletohelpyourliverdetox,anduseherbalbalms,liketherecipebelow,tosoothethepoundinginyourhead.

HerbalHeadacheBalmYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:SMALLGLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Thismagicalpainrelieveristhenextbestthingtohavingsaidnotothatlastdrink.Makethiscalmingbalmaheadoftimesoyouhaveitonhandwhenneeded.

3ouncesorganicoliveoil1ouncebeeswax,grated20dropsmarjoramessentialoil20dropspeppermintessentialoil10dropsbasilessentialoil10dropschamomileessentialoil4dropseucalyptusessentialoilInadoubleboiler,combinetheoliveoilandbeeswax.

Overlowheat,stiruntilthebeeswaxmelts.Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Addthemarjoram,peppermint,basil,chamomile,andeucalyptusessentialoils.Pourthebalmintoasmalljarortin.Coolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Applyathinlayertothebackofyourneckandyourtemplesandmassagelightly.Repeatasoftenasyoulike.

1.

2.3.4.5.

FENDERBENDER

Evenaminorcaraccidentcanleaveyourbodyfeelingsoreandyourmindinafog.Nottomentionthestressinvolvedindealingwithotherinvolvedparties,insurancecompanies,tow-truckdrivers,andpolice.Herbalteasareanexcellentgo-towhenyouneedcomfort,plusamedicinalkicktocalmthenervesandrelieveachymuscles.

ChamomileChaiTeaYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Thiscomfortingcaffeine-freechaiteacaneasilybemultipliedwhenthestressofthedaycallsforadouble.Foralivelierversion,replacethechamomileandvalerianwithaplainblackteabag—butheadsup,blackteacontainscaffeine.

1tablespoondriedchamomileflowers1tablespoondriedvalerian¼teaspoongroundcinnamon1pinchgroundginger1pinchfreshlygroundblackpepper2wholecloves,crushed1cardamompod,crushed1tablespoonbrownsugar1cupcoldwater⅓cupmilk

Inasmallsaucepan,addthechamomile,valerian,cinnamon,ginger,blackpepper,cloves,cardamom,andbrownsugartothewater.Bringtoaboil.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor10minutes.Removefromtheheat.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Addthemilkandstirbeforedrinking.

1.

2.3.4.

HOMEFROMTHEHOLIDAYS

Holidaysaresupposedtobemini-vacationsbutit’stoughtogetyourlifebackontrackafterstayinguptoolate,eatingtoomuchrichfood,andengagingintheusualdebateswithfamily.Stayinghydrated,eatingright,andrecommittingtoanexercisehabitwillputyouonthefasttracktophysicalandemotionalrecovery.Forextrasupport,incorporateherbsandessentialoilsintoyourhealthplantohelpyoubouncebackfromthestressofgettingbacktoreality.

EnergizingLicorice–GingkoTonicYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Withlicoriceandgingko,thistonichelpsyourbodymetabolizeglucosebetter,plusithelpsyourecoverfrompost-holidayfatigue.

1teaspoondriedgingkobiloba,crushed1tablespoondriedlicoriceroot,chopped1tablespoonhoney1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addthegingkobiloba,licoriceroot,andhoneytothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheatandsteepfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink2to3cupsoftonicdailywhilegettingbacktoyourusualschedule.

1.

2.3.4.

INTERNATIONALFLIGHT

Afteralongtripacrosstimezones,you’relikelytosufferfromjetlag,completewithexhaustion,disturbedsleep,difficultyconcentrating,anddigestiveissues.Herbalremediesworklikemagictoboostimmunityandgetsleeppatternsbackontracksoyoucanavoidotherissuesthatpopupaftermanydaysofplanes,trains,andautomobiles.

Goldenseal–EchinaceaImmunityInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Goldenseal,echinacea,andgingercombinetoboostimmunitywhilehelpingyourbodyrecoverfromtheexhaustionthatoftenfollowsaninternationalflight.

1teaspoondriedgoldenseal1teaspoondriedechinacea2teaspoonsfreshgingerroot,peeledandgrated1tablespoonhoney1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addthegoldenseal,echinacea,ginger,andhoneytothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheherbsbeforediscardingthem.Drink1or2cupseachmorningfor3days.

Thistreatmentisalsoagoodoneforcolds.

1.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

LAYOFFORFIRING

It’snormaltofeellikeyou’reonarollercoasteroftumultuousemotionsafterlosingajob.Herbsaren’tamagicelixirthatcansimplyerasetheanger,vulnerability,pain,orfear,buttheycanhelpyoudealwiththeaftershockandreduceyourstress.Aclearheadgivesyouthefocusandempowermentyouneedtomoveforwardinaproductive,confidentway.

HerbalCourageBalmYIELD:4OUNCES

STORAGE:GLASSJARORTINTIME:15MINUTES

Lavender,chamomile,andylang-ylangessentialoilspartnerupwithsandalwoodtobringemotionsbackintobalancesothatyoucangaintheperspectiveneededtotakepositivesteps.Bonus:Usethisbraveryboosterwheneveryouneedashotofcourage,likepre-intervieworbeforespeakinginpublic.

3ouncesoliveoil1ouncebeeswax,grated20dropslavenderessentialoil12dropschamomileessentialoil8dropssandalwoodessentialoil8dropsylang-ylangessentialoilInadoubleboiler,combinetheoliveoilandbeeswax.

Stirgentlyuntilthebeeswaxmeltscompletely.Removefromtheheatandcoolfor2minutes.Addthelavender,chamomile,sandalwood,andylang-ylangessentialoils.Pourintoasmallglassjarortin.Coolcompletelybeforecappingtightly.Applythebalmtohands,temples,orpulsepoints,breathingdeeplyforatleast20seconds.Useasoftenasyoulike.

1.

2.3.4.5.

MOVINGHOUSE

Therearefewthingsmoreexciting—andenergyzapping,stressinducing,andmuscleoverloading—thanmove-inday.Withyourbodyandmindworkingoverdrive,it’snowondertheday’sactivitiesleaveyouexhaustedanddepleted.Celebrateyournextadventurewithafewofyourfavoritetreats,andthentakealittlewell-earnedtimeouttobreakouttheherbsandbreakinyournewbathtub.

Arnica–LavenderMuscleSoakYIELD:4CUPS

STORAGE:AIRTIGHTCONTAINERTIME:30MINUTES

What’sthenextbestthingtoanEpsomsaltbath?Onethat’sspikedwitharnica,lavender,androsemaryessentialoils.It’sjustwhatthedoctororderedtorelaxtiredmusclesandpromotementalrelaxation.

4cupsEpsomsalt1ouncecalendulaoil½teaspoonarnicaessentialoil½teaspoonlavenderessentialoil10dropsrosemaryessentialoilInanairtightcontainer,combinealltheingredients.

Withaspoon,stirwelltoblend.Drawawarmbath.Add1cupofbathsaltandswishtodissolve.Spend30minutessoakingwhilebreathingdeeply.

Enjoythisbathanytimeyoufeeltiredandsore.It’safantasticonetouseafterworkouts.

1.

2.3.4.

OVEREATING

Theoccasionalfoodbingewon’tkillyou,butitwillmakeyoufeelsluggishalmostimmediatelyandforhoursaftertheeatingfest.Reenergizebydrinkingplentyofwaterorhotteauntilyourdigestivesystemreturnstonormal.Chamomileandgingerarejustsomeofthewell-knownherbsthatcaneasethesymptomsofovereating.Forasavoryalternative,trythisparsleyinfusion.

ParsleyInfusionYIELD:1CUP

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:15MINUTES

Freshparsleycanbringreliefquicklybyeliminatingexcesswaterweight.Trythisinfusioninsteadofnibblingonthisflavorfulherballday.

3tablespoonsfreshparsley,chopped1¼cupswaterInasmallsaucepan,addtheparsleytothewater.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor10minutes.Strainintoamug,usingthebackofaspoontopresstheliquidfromtheparsleybeforediscardingit.Drink1cupupto3timesdailywhilegettingyourdigestivesystembackontrack.

1.2.3.4.

TVBINGEWATCH

Marathonviewingsessionsarealltherage,butthedownsideofthatsuddenspateofsedentarybehaviorincludesunpleasantsideeffectslikefatigueordepressionfromlackofsunlightandsocialcontact,askippedshowerortwo,exhaustionfrompullingall-nighters,andsluggishnessfromathree-daymenuofpizzadelivery.Thisquickherbalshowersteamhelpsrestorebalanceandbringsyoubacktotherealworld.

Rosemary–BergamotShowerSteamYIELD:1TREATMENT

STORAGE:NOTRECOMMENDEDTIME:5MINUTES

Thisrejuvenatinghitofrosemary,bergamot,basil,andpeppermintwillincreaseyourenergylevelandmotivateyoutogetthingsdone.Forextrastayingpower,hidetheremotecontrol.

6dropsbergamotessentialoil3dropsbasilessentialoil3dropspeppermintessentialoil3dropsrosemaryessentialoilDripalltheessentialoilsontoawashcloth.

Placethewashclothintheshower,awayfromthedrain.Spend10to15minutesshoweringwhilebreathingintheinvigoratingaroma.Usethisaromatherapyblendanytimeyouneedtogetupandgetmoving.

GLOSSARY

ADD(attentiondeficitdisorder):Aconditioncharacterizedbyinattentiveness,oftenassociatedwith,butnotlimitedto,children.

ADHD(attentiondeficit-hyperactivitydisorder):Achronicconditionthatbeginsinchildhoodandoftenextendsintoadulthoodwithsymptomsofhyperactivity,impulsivebehavior,anddifficultysustainingattention.

analgesic:Asubstanceorcompoundthateasesorstopspain.

antibacterial:Asubstanceorcompoundthatkills,eases,orstopsthegrowthofbacteria.

antifungal:Asubstanceorcompoundthateasesorstopsthegrowthoffungi.

antimicrobial:Anagentthatkillsmicroorganismsorinhibitstheirgrowth.

antioxidants:Moleculesfoundinplants,herbs,andfood,likevitamins,thatremovefreeradicalsandotherharmfuloxidizingagentsfromyourbody.

antiseptic:Asubstanceorcompoundthateasesorstopsthegrowthofinfections.

antispasmodic:Asubstanceorcompoundthatstopsspasms.

antiviral:Asubstanceorcompoundthateasesorstopstheproliferationofviruses.

aromatherapy:Atypeofherbalmedicinethatusesessentialoilsandothertherapeuticaromastoimprovephysical,mental,andemotionalwellbeing.

astringent:Asubstanceorcompoundthatcausesaconstrictionorcontraction.Inthecaseofthisbook,someherbshaveanastringenteffectontheporesoftheskin.

Ayurveda:InSanskrit,thistermmeans“lifeknowledge.”Asapractice,itisatraditionalHindusystemofalternativemedicine.

botanical:Apreparationmadefrompartofaplant,asfromroots,leaves,bark,orberries.

carotenoids:Aclassofnaturallyoccurringpigmentssynthesizedbyalgae,plants,andphotosyntheticbacteria.

carrieroil:Anoilthatisusedtodiluteessentialoilsbeforetheyareappliedtotheskin.compress:Apieceofcloththatissoakedintheherbsandthenappliedtoaparticularpartofthebody.

corticosteroids:Aclassofchemicalsthatareproducedintheadrenalcortexofvertebratesandtendtoaffectresponsestostressandthreatstotheimmunesystemandplayaroleininflammationregulation.

decoction:Ateamadebyboilingthepartsofaplant,likebark,roots,stems,andotherwoodsycomponents,inwatertobeusedtherapeutically.Seealsoinfusion.

diaphoretic:Pertainingtoperspiration.

essentialoil:Nutrient-denseoilsextractedfrompartsofaplant,likestems,leaves,flowers,andfruits,whichgiveoffaspecifichealingaroma.

ethanol:Anothernameforalcohol.Oftenusedtomaketinctures.

exfoliant:Anagentdesignedtosloughoffdead,drycellsfromtheskin.

expectorant:Asubstanceorcompoundthatexpelsmucous.

extract:Asolutionthatcontainsthehighly-concentratedactiveingredientofasubstance.

flavonoids:Plantpigmentsthatcontainnumerousantioxidants.

gingkobiloba:Atreewhoseleavesimprovebloodflowtothebrainandworksasanantioxidant.

Hippocrates:AnancientGreekphysicianconsideredtobethefatherofWesternmedicine.

infusion:Ateamadebypouringboilingwateroverdelicatepartsoftheplant,likefruits,leaves,driedflowers,orberriessotheliquidsteepsandthenutrientsareimpartedintothetea.Seealsodecoction.

mask:Askintreatmentusedfordetoxing,deepcleaning,andpurifyingskinheadtotoe.

mucilage:Thethick,stickysubstanceinsideplantsthatfacilitatesfoodandwaterstorageandseedgermination,plushousesmanynutrientsandcanbeusedinpreparations.

naturopath:Alicensedpractitioneroftherapythatreliesonnaturalremediestotreatillness.

nutrient:Asubstancethatprovidesnourishmentandisnecessaryforgrowthandsustaininglife.

pHlevel:Achemicalscalefrom0–14thatdeterminestheamountsofacidandalkalinity(pHgreaterthan7)ofasubstance.

poultice:Amoistblendoforganicmaterialsdesignedtobeplacedonapieceofclothandthenappliedtowoundsandinflammationtostoppain,swelling,andsoreness.

prebiotic:Anondigestibleingredientoffoodthatpromotesthegrowthofbeneficialmicroorganismsintheintestines.

probiotic:Asubstancethatpromotesthegrowthofbeneficialmicroorganisms.

rosacea:Askinconditioncharacterizedbyfacialredness,dilatedbloodvessels,bumps,andpustules.

salve:Ointmentsdesignedtoheal,protect,orsoothetheskin.

serum:Aconcentratedproductusedincosmetologythatcontainsgeraniumasacommoningredient.

tannin:Aconstituentfoundinplantsthatcanbeusedforskincare,aswellasothertreatments.

TCM(TraditionalChineseMedicine):Anancientmedicalpracticethatincorporatesformsofherbalmedicine,acupuncture,massage,exercise,anddietarytherapy.

tincture:Anherbalmedicinecreatedbycombiningplantswithasolventsuchasalcohol,vinegar,orglycerine.Whenappliedtopicallyandnotorally,itisknownasaliniment.

UVA(ultravioletA)/UVB(ultravioletB):Twotypesofharmfulraysthatcomefromsunlight.Raspberryprovidesprotectionfromtheseeffects.

HERBALBEAUTYCAREKIT

Therecipesinthisbookofferplentyofroomforcreativity.Theproportionssuggestedcanbechangedslightlytosuityourtaste,particularlywhenitcomestoaddingessentialoilsforaromatherapy.Youcanalsoaddmoreorlessliquidoilorbeeswaxtosalvesandbalmstomakethemmorefluidorthicker,andyoucaneasilysubstituteoilsandotheringredientsforoneanother.CheckouttheseadditionalingredientstocustomizeyourDIYbeautykit.

Clays:Trybentoniteclayinmasksandpoultices.Ithelpstoabsorbtoxinsandholdherbalremediestogether.Greenclay,redclay,andwhiteorkaolinclaycanbeusedaswell.Youcanbuyclaysonlineandatsomehealthfoodstores.

CocoaButter:Ifyou’relookingforaveryrich,thickoiltouseinplaceofcoconutoil,cocoabuttercanbeagoodchoice.Useitsparinglyonoilyskin.Manydrugstorescarrycocoabutter.

Glycerin:Thisvegetable-derivedadditivedrawsmoisturefromtheairtotheskin.Useittomakelightweightlotionsandcreams.Youcanbuyglycerinonlineandatspecialtystoresthatcarrysuppliesformakingsoap.

Hydrosols:Alsoknownasflowerwater,hydrosolsareanaturalbyproductoftheessentialoilmanufacturingprocessandarelessexpensive(andpotent)thanessentialoilsthemselves.Usefragranceslikechamomile,lavender,androsetoaddunadulteratedfragrancestoyourbeautyproducts.Findthemonlineandatstoresthatcarrysoap-makingsupplies.

Lanolin:Anaturalbyproductofwool,lanolinisathick,waxymoisturizer.Lookforitonline.

ShampooBase:Thisisanalternativetocastilesoap.Useitformakingbubblebath,bodywash,andofcourseshampoo.Lookforitonlineandathealthfoodstores.

MENTALWELLNESSCAREKIT

Usingherbsforyourmentalwell-beingcaninvolvemakingteas,tinctures,infusions,balms,bathsalt,andmuchmore.Maketheprocessoftotalself-carealittleeasierbyusingsomeofthefollowingtools.

BathPillow:Useaninflatablebathpillowtoenjoycompleterelaxationwhiletakingherbalbathstoeasestressandanxiety.Theyareeasytofindatdrugstoresanddepartmentstores.

EssentialOilDiffusersandPendants:Withadiffuser,youcanenjoyaromatherapyathomeorattheoffice.Useanaromatherapypendanttotreatyourselftoaconstantstreamofuplifting,soothing,orrelaxingfragrance.

Meditation:There’snoneedtochangewhoyouareorspendalotofmoneyonameditationcoach.Youcaneasilyaccessguidedmeditationsonline,oftenforfree.Usethistooltohelpbringyourmindtothedesiredstatequicklyandeasily.

Music:Softmusichelpsthemindrelax,whilesongswithrhythmicbeatspromoteanenergeticfeeling.Soothingmusicorthesoundsofnaturecanhelpmaskirritatingnoiseandhelpyourelaxorsleep.Incorporatemusicintoyourherbaltreatmentstohelpfosterthedesiredmood.

TeaBall:Alsoknownasateainfuser,ateaballisasmallreusablestrainerthatholdsdriedherbsinsideyourcuporteapot,allowingthewatertopenetratewhilemakingthebrewingprocessalittlebittidier.Kitchenstores,departmentstores,andonlineretailerscarryavarietyofthesetools.

RESOURCES

Formoreinformation,checkouttheseretailersandhelpfulbooks.

Retailers

AnnmarieGianniSkincareannmariegianni.comSkincareandhomeproductsusingnatural,organic,andwild-craftedingredientsAuraCaciaauracacia.comEssentialoilsandessentialoilproducts

BanyanBotanicalsbanyanbotanicals.comAyurvedicherbsinavarietyofpreparations

DragonHerbsdragonherbs.comHerbs,tinctures,teas

HorizonHerbshorizonherbs.comSeeds,culinaryandmedicinalherbs,plants,andtrees

JingHerbsjingherbs.comMedicinalherbs,teas,andtonics

KhushiSpaProductskhushispa.comAll-natural,organicspaandhomeproductsmadewithessentialoilsandherbsMoroccanElixirmoroccanelixir.com

Arganoilinfusedwithorganicessentialoilsforface,body,andhairMountainRoseHerbsmountainroseherbs.comEssentialoils,aromatherapy,home,bath&body,containers,herbs,andmoreNationalInstitutesofHealthnih.govMedicalresearchonherbalmedicine

RockyMountainOilsrockymountainoils.comOrganicessentialoils

SeedsofChangeseedsofchange.comHerbs,seeds,flowers,supplies

WeiofChocolateweiofchocolate.comSourcefororganicchocolateinfusedwithessentialoilsandherbsBooks

Bruton-Seal,JulieandMatthewSeal.BackyardMedicine:HarvestandMakeYourOwnHerbalRemedies.NewYork:SkyhorsePublishing,2009.

EssentialOilsNaturalRemedies:TheCompleteA–ZReferenceofEssentialOilsforHealthandHealing.Berkeley,CA:AltheaPress,2015.

Gladstar,Rosemary.RosemaryGladstar’sMedicinalHerbs:ABeginner’sGuide:33HealingHerbstoKnow,Grow,andUse.NorthAdams,MA:StoreyPublishing,2012.

Kastner,MarkandHughBurrows.AlternativeHealing:TheCompleteA-ZGuidetoMoreThan150AlternativeTherapies.NewYork:HenryHoltandCompany,1996.

Lininger,Shulyer,ed.TheNaturalPharmacy.NewYork:HarmonyBooks,1998.

Tourles,StephanieL.OrganicBodyCareRecipes:175HomemadeHerbalFormulasforGlowingSkin&VibrantSelf.NorthAdams,MA:StoreyPublishing,2007.

Wardwell,JoyceA.TheHerbalHomeRemedyBook:SimpleRecipesforTinctures,Teas,Salves,Tonics,andSyrups.NorthAdams,MA:StoreyPublishing,1998.

Worwood,ValerieAnn.TheCompleteBookofAromatherapyandEssentialOils:Over600Natural,Non-Toxic&FragrantRecipestoCreateHealth,Beauty,andaSafeHomeEnvironment.Novato,CA:NewWorldLibrary,1991.

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