JB's Random information

[JBRaven]

Also some of the recipes call for measurements so here are some to help
Apothecaries Measurements
1 scruple is 20 grains
1 dram is 3 scruples
1 ounce is 8 drams
1 pound is 12 ounces
1 drop would be taking an eyedropper and doing one drop ..

[JBRaven]

Some herbal remedies

Athlete's Foot - soak feet for 2 nights in a row in as warm as possible water with 3 Tbls Baking Soda, 9 drops of Lavender oil, 1 Tbls of almond oil.
Ring Worm - apply 100% aloe vera juice directly to the spot and let dry - 3 times a day for 3 days.
Warts -Mix crushed vitamin C and water until it forms a spreading consistency and apply to the wart, cover and keep on for 24 hours.

Lavender:
1. Rub Lavender oil on the feet for a calming effect on the body.
2. Rub a drop of Lavender oil on your palms and smooth on your pillow to help you sleep.
3. Put a drop of Lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching and reduce swelling.
4. Put 2-3 drops of Lavender oil on a minor burn to decrease pain.
5. Drop Lavender oil on a cut to stop the bleeding.
6. Mix several drops of Lavender oil with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil and use topically on eczema and dermatitis.
7. To alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, place a drop of Lavender oil on the end of the tongue or around the naval or behind the ears.
8. To stop a nosebleed, put a drop of Lavender oil on a tissue and wrap it around a small chip of ice. Push the tissue covered ice chip up under the middle of the top lip to the base of the nose and hold as long as comfortable or until the bleeding stops (do not freeze the lip or gum).
9. Rub a drop of Lavender oil over the bridge of the nose to unblock tear ducts.
10. Rub Lavender oil on dry or chapped skin.
11. Rub a drop of Lavender oil on chapped or sunburned lips.
12. To reduce or minimize the formation of scar tissue, massage Lavender oil on and around the affected area.
13. Rub 2 - 4 drops of Lavender oil over the armpit area to act as a deodorant.
14. Rub a drop of Lavender oil between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.
15. Rub several drops of Lavender oil into the scalp to help eliminate dandruff.
16. Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a cotton ball and place in your linen closet to scent the linens and repel moths and insects.
17. Place a drop of Lavender oil in your water fountain to scent the air, kill bacteria and prolong the time between cleanings.
18. Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a wet cloth and throw into the dryer, which will deodorize and freshen your laundry.
19. Put a drop of Lavender oil on a cold sore.
20. Diffuse Lavender oil to alleviate the symptoms of allergies.
21. Spritz several drops of Lavender oil mixed with distilled water on a sunburn to decrease pain.
22. Drop Lavender oil on a cut to clean the wound and kill bacteria.
23. Apply 2-3 drops of Lavender oil to a rash to stop the itching and heal the skin.



Tea Tree Oil Healing Powers

Tea tree oil has been proven to be a powerful yet natural antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal medicine (essential oil).
It is being used as a very effective first aid remedy and against countless skin ailments, infections, cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and skin spots etc.
Tea tree oil is effective against nail fungus, ringworm, athlete's foot, dandruff, acne, blackheads and many types of infestations including lice, mites, scabies and mosquitoes etc... (For humans and animals alike)
Tea tree oil is not just soothing and disinfecting, it is capable of penetrating into the lower skin layers with its anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, analgesic (pain-killing) and wound-healing qualities.
It has a diuretic effect - It promotes sweating - which enhances the body's own natural preventative response when threatened by infection.
Tea tree oil exhibits expectorant and balsamic characteristics, which are especially beneficial in the case of throat or chest infections, having a generally soothing and clearing (mucus-expelling) effect on the entire respiratory tract. It is also effective against head colds

[JBRaven]

oil for sore muscles,

Chop about 1/2 cup Ginger root, add it to a cup of olive oil, heat at a low heat for at least 1/2 an hour, an hour is better. Let it sit until cooled, strain. Rub into sore muscles.

[JBRaven]

This is an old traditional remedy for dermatitis (psoriasis,excema, chicken pox, poison ivy,or anything else that itches.) it works great and leaves your skin very soft.
[ also helps with sun burn or irritated skin].
* don't use if allergic to oats or coconut*

Take a clean old sock or better still old stocking..
Fill with two cups of porridge oats, add a little coconut oil ]
Tie the sock closed and put under the hot tap of your bath tub.
Run your bath through this bag...The water goes creamy, and it sooths the skin really quickly.
Just relax in your bath...enjoy

[JBRaven]

"Bath Bombs" for a relaxing bath.

These can cost a great deal in stores..
They are simple to make and cheap!
[just remember to keep everything dry OK]

You will need>
1tsp citric acid powder.
2tablespoon bicarbonate of soda[ as used in cookery].
1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers.
6 drops essential oil of lavender.
approx 1 tablespoon of a base oil [ olive/almond , what ever you prefer].

Method.
in a clean dry bowl, mix the flowers, citric acid and bicarb together.
add the lavender oil.
add enough base oil to make a crumb like consistency.

You can use this , as it is as a bath salt..
however to make a bath bomb,
Press the mix firmly into a ring mold, and leave to firm up for approx half an hour.
You can store these in a dry air tight container until use.
to use>
Throw the bomb into a hot bath and relax..
{ you can vary the flowers and essential oils to suit your mood...rose petals and rose oil is lovely]
Enjoy Friends

[JBRaven]

use lavender floral water for ironing with, it scents the linen and makes bedding very relaxing to sleep on....You can use other herbal or floral waters around the home or personally as a fragrance.



[ this creates a true hydrosol]

get a large pot[ not aluminium] with a lid....best if this lid has a knob or handle.

you need two heat proof bowls, that will fit inside this pot, without touching the lid.

put one bowl [ inverted] to act as a stand for the second bowl into the pot.
.
stand the second bowl [ right way up] on top of the first bowl.

place the flowers or herb material around the bottom bowl...the amount you use can vary according to what you have available...just cover with cold water [ spring is best]

now put the pot lid on upside down, so the knob or handle is over the top bowl.

heat the mixture until all the water has evaporated..

as this water rises through the plant material and hits the lid, it will condense and collect in the top bowl.

you can preserve this hydrosol, by adding some alcohol....vodka is best.

store in a clean seal able container.

Hope you enjoy making and using floral/herbal waters

[JBRaven]

"Lady Time Tea"

Mix together

1/2 cup of raspberry leaf
1 tbsp rose petals
1 tbsp kava kava root
1 tbsp jasmine flower
Steep I tbsp of this mixture for every mug of boiled water. Let steep for 15 min strain and sweeten. Drink tea up to 3 times a day. This should make that time of the month much easier to deal with

[JBRaven]

Here is something simple I found that comes in pretty handy for insect bites.



A mixture of one part baking soda and one part powdered sea salt, this can be combined with water to make a paste, that is effective in relieving skin irritation of insect and spider bites. You can also lightly moisten skin area around the bite and sprinkle with powdered sea salt to end irritation.



Also a little side note toothpaste also acts as a great topical remedy for the itching of insect bites.

[JBRaven]

HAVE FUN MAKING THESE, KEEP THEM AIR TIGHT FROM HUMIDITY!

BATH SALTS YOU CAN MAKE YOURSELF

3 parts Epson salt, 2 parts baking soda and 1 part table salt
add table salt last...after color and essential oils
if your making more then one bath salt separate them into different containers
add just regular food coloring to the salts drop by drop and evenly distribute it
add the essential oils drop by drop mixing each drop evenly within the salt
one part oil may equal 6 drops but no more then 11 drops per half cup of salt
as always visualize the purpose or intent these bath salts are going to be used for
focus your personal power into them
earth bath---4 parts patchouli, 3 parts cypress, 1 part Comfrey color green
air bath---3 lavender, 2 rosemary, 1 peppermint, 1 part bergamot mint bouquet, color yellow
fire bath---3 frankincense, 2 basil, 2 juniper, 1 orange, color red
water bath--2 chamomile, 2 yarrow, 1 ylang-ylang, 1 rose, color blue
high awareness bath--3 cedarwood, 2 sandalwood, 1 frankincense, purple
purification bath--3 geranium, 2 rosemary, 1 frankincense, clear
protection bath--3 rosemary, 2 frankincense, 1 lavender, light blue
Hope you enjoy this and share with many...merry meet and merry part and blessed be with all me heart!

[JBRaven]

Immune Boosting Soup



Large handful greens (dandelion, Kale, chard)
• 2 quarts water
• 1 stick astragalus root, broken in half 2-inch piece ginger root, peeled and grated or chopped fine (about 2½ tablespoons)
• 1 small dried cayenne chile pepper,stemmed and seeded, diced fine
• 1 whole garlic bulb, peeled and thinly sliced
• About 1/2 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, broken or chopped coarsely (about ½ cup chopped)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 large sweet potato, diced into small cubes (between 3 and 4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon packed dried calendula florets, minced
• 2 generous teaspoons dried thyme leaves, minced
• 1 cup diced red or yellow bell pepper
• Couple pinches cinnamon
• 1 bunch spinach, cleaned (about 2 cups packed leaves, coarsely chopped)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper



If you prefer less heat, use just a pinch or two of cayenne instead of the chiles. Feel free to add other ingredients you have on hand or use whatever you like best.

[JBRaven]

Alright, I am going to give you the recipe to making oils.

The simplest method is known as enfleurage. Fill a small jar with the leaves and petals of the herb or herbs you wish to make an oil from. Dried herbs will do is the fresh are unavailable. Next, pour olive oil over them to cover. Tightly cork or cap the jar and keep in a warm place (out of sunlight) for three days. Shake the bottle each day to thoroughly wet the leaves.
On the third day strain the oil, fill the jar with fresh leaves or flowers, and pour the same oil back into the jar. Repeat several times until the oil is heavily saturated with the fragrance.
Finally, strain the oil through a filter paper or a piece of fine muslin and store in a tightly stoppered bottle, opaque being the best.
Some herbalists add a few drops of benzoin tincture to the oils as a preservative. To make benzoin tincture, soak one tablespoon powdered benzoin in one-fourth cup good-quality vodka or apple cider vinegar for three weeks. Strain and keep tightly corked in a dark bottle.

This recipe I got from the book Magical Herbalism. I have found it useful and simple. Making your own oils puts your own magic and power into them. You can buy prepared oils, but I strongly recommend that you make your own. Anything worth doing takes time.


Benzoin is a wonderful preservative but it often has a sticky consistancy. An alternative is to use vitamin E oil, easily obtainable at a natural food store

[JBRaven]

Please remember that when dealing with potentially serious injuries, first aid is a stop gap measure until adequate medical attention can be found! Follow up on any serious injuries with a qualified physician!

Aloe
Break off an aloe leaf and scrape the gel to soothe minor burns, scalds, and sunburns. Aloe has tissue regenerative properties and will help heal all wounds.

Arnica
Arnica cream or oil can be used on bruises or sprains where the skin is not broken. Caution should be used with Arnica however since it can become toxic in high doses.

Calendula Cream
Homemade or store bought, this is antiseptic and anti fungal. If you make it, try adding comfrey to the cream; it will help speed the healing process.

Clove Oil
Clove oil is an excellent antiseptic for cuts and is also useful for treating toothaches. It should be cut with a carrier oil when used on the skin since severe irritation can occur.

Compresses
Keep squares of gauze or cheesecloth on hand to make compresses. Use comfrey, witch hazel, or arnica for sprains; St. John's Wort for deep cuts; comfrey or witch hazel for burns.

Crystallized Ginger
Chew for motion sickness or morning sickness.

Eucalyptus Oil
This is a good inhalant for colds, coughs, and respiratory infections.

Rescue Remedy
This combination of 5 of the Bach Flower Remedies is effective for shocks and emotional upsets, especially in children.

St. John's Wort Infused Oil
Excellent for minor burns and sunburn.

Slippery Elm
Slippery elm powder is used to make poultices for drawing out splinters and bringing boils to a head.

Tea Tree Oil
Antiseptic and anti fungal. Useful for cleansing wounds.

Witch Hazel Extract
Use it to treat minor burns, sunburn, and insect bites. Apply to nasal passages to stop nosebleeds. Wash cuts with it to help cleanse them.

[Little Shadow]

I was very impressed with the information about natural remedies,just had to copy the whole page.Did you know that Bee Pollen is the worlds strongest natural antibiotic,or that Blackberries will stop diahrea[I keep a jar of preserves on hand always,but you can also make a tea from the roots/leaves].There is a root or herb for every ailment on this earth,and many will take care of multiple problems,as there are multiple herbs that will take care of the same problem.I love natures pharmacy,natures medicine will cure the problem bringing the body back to a chemical balance,unlike many pharmaceuticals which treat symptoms but not the problem[get rid of the problem and you also get rid of the symptoms]while at the same time creating an even worse problem[liver and kidney damage or shutdown].

[JBRaven]

Golden seal capsules or powder: A powerful antimicrobial, golden-seal (Hydrastis canadensis) is effective against a variety of microorganisms that cause traveler’s diarrhea. The powder has antiseptic properties and can be sprinkled onto cuts or wounds to stop bleeding. Do not take golden-seal internally during pregnancy.

Peppermint essential oil and tea bags: With its high concentration of menthol, peppermint (Mentha xpiperita) soothes an upset stomach, clears sinuses and curbs itching from insect bites. If you have sensitive skin, dilute peppermint oil before applying. Taken internally, peppermint may aggravate heartburn.

Blisters:
• To dry a blister, soak a gauze pad in witch hazel, lay it over the blister and cover with an adhesive bandage. After blister has broken, wash with a mixture of echinacea extract diluted with an equal part of water. Finally, apply calendula-comfrey salve and cover with an adhesive bandage.

Headache:
• Drink chamomile tea as often as desired.
• For more severe headaches, take 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of valerian root extract; repeat every two hours until pain abates.
• Take a warm bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Massage 2 drops of diluted peppermint essential oil onto temples, forehead and neck. Keep away from eyes

[JBRaven]

Insect bites and stings:
• Cleanse the bite with echinacea extract.
• Apply a drop of undiluted peppermint or lavender oil to relieve itching and as an antiseptic.
• Mix clay with enough water to make a paste, and apply to the bites to relieve itching and draw out toxins.


Herbal Vinegars
Specialty vinegars are becoming ever more popular throughout the country. They are sought after for their culinary uses and as medicinal aids. For those lucky enough to have their own herbs available, here is a simple recipe and method for making your own herb vinegars.



1 gallon jug of white vinegar
assorted fresh herbs
2 Glass Jugs .. 1 gallon size
Plastic wrap
Sunshine
Patience



A good assortment of herbs for vinegar, are Oregano, Chives, Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, Tarragon, and Basil.

Harvest your fresh herbs early in the morning before the sun warms them too much. Wash the herbs thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Do not remove the leaves from the stalks, but do use tender, not woody, stalks.

While the herbs are drying .. Wash and sterilize the glass jugs Fill the jugs with the fresh herbs of your choice .. you might try combining Oregano, garlic and chives ... or Tarragon, with a few slices of lemon, ... Rosemary & Thyme make a nice vinegar, and Basil, all by itself is a treat.

Fill the jug to the top with the white vinegar, and cover the jug opening with a piece of plastic wrap, before putting the lid on tightly.

Invert the Jug and place it outside where it will get full sun ... then forget about it for the next 4 to 6 weeks ... you can leave the jugs out longer if you don't have time to decant them.

When you are ready to decant the herbal vinegar .. wash and sterilize smaller containers... some people use canning jars, some use recycled liquor bottles, and some use attractive bottles found at flea markets or yard sales.

Strain the herbal vinegar twice through cheesecloth .. if it still seems a bit cloudy, strain again .. it couldn't hurt (smile). Then simply pour the herbal vinegar into the prepared containers, cap and label them. That's all there is to it. They are ready to use, or give as gifts. Have fun experimenting with different flavors. This "Sun Tea" type of brewing the vinegars is great because the herbal oils slowly leech into the vinegar and do not separate. For those watching their diets, these vinegars can be used on salads with no need to add oil.