How To Make An Herbal Medicine Chest

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and nothing in this article should be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before using any of the herbs and/or remedies mentioned in this article.

When you or a member of your family gets a runny nose, a sore throat, aching muscles, a minor burn, or a scraped knee, do you reach for popular over-the-counter medications?

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You’re not alone. Most people have a medicine cabinet filled with conventional store-bought remedies such as Benadryl, Tylenol, Advil, Robitussin, and Neosporin or their generic equivalents.

You can take care of many common ailments effectively, inexpensively – and most importantly, naturally – by stocking the ingredients in an herbal medicine chest. Many herbs and oils can be combined to create healing salves, poultices, and other remedies.

You can grow herbs in your summer garden and on your windowsill year-round. Another option is to dry your summer bounty for use throughout the seasons. What’s rewarding is that the more you get accustomed to using herbs, the more ways you will find to use them. Plus, they taste great in your meals and as juices and teas.

If you are new to natural home treatments, here is a list of basic ingredients to get you started.

Essential Herbs

Basil

Although it is perhaps best known as a mainstay for Italian chefs, basil has impressive antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be used treat a headache, soothe the stomach, calm a cough, or take the pain out of an insect bite. Here is a video showing how to make a basil salve.

Chamomile

Best known in tea form, chamomile can treat an upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting. Chamomile can promote relaxation and sleep. Here is how to make your own chamomile tea.

Echinacea

Whether you employ it as a tincture or a tea, echinacea can work magic on cold and flu symptoms. Here is the way to make an echinacea tincture.

Elderberry

Elderberry syrup can help boost your immunity when a chilly is approaching , and it helps increase bronchial secretions once you are congested. Plus, it tastes great, which helps when offering it to children. this text has step-by-step instructions for creating elderberry syrup.

Lavender

Lavender oil has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties which will help heal minor burns and bug bites. It can also help ease anxiety and insomnia. Here may be a video showing the way to distill lavender oil.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, which is a component of the Labiatae , can help treat anxiety, sleeplessness, indigestion, and minor wounds. you'll make an easy lemon balm tea by steeping one-fourth to at least one teaspoon of dried lemon balm in predicament . This video shows the way to make a lemon balm tincture.

Oregano

This tasty herb has antiseptic and antifungal properties, and it can be used to treat menstrual cramps, respiratory tract, and urinary tract disorders. Applied topically in a salve, oregano may help heal skin conditions, including acne and dandruff. Here is how to make your own oregano oil.

Parsley

Parsley is so much more than just a decoration on a restaurant dinner plate. Parsley is a natural detox remedy, diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. This video shows how to make parsley tea and explains some of its health benefits.

Rosemary

Fragrant and tasty rosemary has antibacterial properties and can help fight stress, ease headaches, and boost memory. This video shows some of the many ways you can use rosemary for health benefits.

Sage

Sage, which is an easy-to-grow perennial plant, can help ease anxiety, digestive problems, bloating, diarrhea and heartburn. This article offers a recipe for healthy sage infused water.

Thyme

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb that can help treat diarrhea, stomachache, sore throat, and arthritis. Here is a recipe for thyme tea using either fresh or dried thyme.

Carrier Oils

You’ll notice that you will need carrier oils for many herbal recipes.

Beeswax will come in handy for making healing salves and oils.

Also, having olive oil and coconut oil on hand is a good idea for the beginning herbalist. Other good options are Jojoba oil, avocado oil, and almond oil. Almond oil is excellent for the skin.

Here is a simple recipe for making almond oil at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups unroasted almonds
• 2 to 3 TB extra-virgin olive oil
• Mixer or blender

Directions

1. Using the mixer or blender, grind the almonds. Start on a low speed and gradually increase the speed as the pieces get smaller. The resulting paste will stick to the sides of the blender, so you may need to stop to wipe it off the sides as you go.
2. Continue to grind until the paste becomes creamy in texture.
3. Add olive oil in small increments and continue mixing in the blender.
4. Remove mixture from blender and store the mixture in an air-tight container in a dry place for two weeks.
5. After two weeks, open the container. The oil should have separated from the cream. Place the oil in a sieve to separate out any loose almond parts.
6. Store the oil in an air-tight bottle.

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