the herbal handbook for home & health : 501 recipes for healthy living, green cleaning &...

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THEHERBAL

HANDBOOKFORHOME&HEALTH

501Recipes

forHealthyLiving,GreenCleaning&NaturalBeauty

P I P W A L L E R

Designedforthewholefamily,includingpets,TheHerbalHandbookforHome&Healthshowshowanyonecanharnessthepowerofplantstoreducetheamountoftoxinsandallergensintheirenvironment.ExpertherbalistPipWallerprovides501plant-basedrecipesforcleaningproducts,foodanddrink,medicines,beautyproducts,andmoreinthisbeautifully-designedcompendium.

Withrecipesfromtheauthor’sownlibrary,andfromotherleadingherbalists,thishandbookoffersdetailedyeteasytofollowadviceonsourcing,growing,andpreservingherbs.Anillustratedherbdirectoryintroducesreaderstoessentialplantswithdetailsabouttheirhistories,uses,andpreparation.Packedwithinformationabouteverythingfromtincturestotonicstoteas,thisguidegivesreadersresourcestostarttheirowngreenrevolution.

ForKrishna,whois“thepotencyofmedicinalherbs,thedearestwell-wishingfriend,theinexhaustibleseed.”BG.9.16.

Allrightsreserved.Noportionofthisbook,exceptforbriefreview,maybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans—electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,orotherwise—withoutthewrittenpermissionofthepublisher.ForinformationcontactNorthAtlanticBooks.

PublishedbyNorthAtlanticBooksP.O.Box12327

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PRINTISBN:978-1-58394-892-7EPUBISBN:978-1-58394-893-4

Thisbookwasconceived,designed,andproducedbyLeapingHarePressCreativeDirectorPeterBridgewaterPublisherSusanKellyCommissioningEditorMonicaPerdoniArtDirectorWayneBladesSeniorEditorJayneAnsellDesignerAndrewMilneColorOriginationbyIvyPressReprographicsNorth

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LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataWaller,Pip.Theherbalhandbookforhomeandhealth:501recipesforhealthyliving,greencleaning,andnaturalbeauty

/PipWaller.pagescm

Includesindex.ISBN978-1-58394-892-7(pbk.:alk.paper)--ISBN978-1-58394-893-4(ebook)1.Herbs--Therapeutic

use.2.Herbs--Healthaspects.3.Materiamedica,Vegetable.4.Herbalcosmetics.5.Cleaningcompounds.6.Beauty,Personal.7.Naturalproducts.

8.Organicliving.I.Title.RM666.H33W332015

615.3’21--dc23

2014018903

MEDICALDISCLAIMER:Thefollowinginformationisintendedforgeneralinformationpurposesonly.Individualsshouldalwaysseetheirhealthcareproviderbeforeadministeringanysuggestionsmadeinthisbook.Anyapplicationofthematerialsetforthinthefollowingpagesisatthereader’sdiscretionandishisorhersoleresponsibility.

CONTENTS

Chapter1

THEPOWEROFPLANTS

Chapter2

SOURCINGHERBSPICKINGHERBSINTHEWILD

GROWINGHERBS

Chapter3

KITCHENSET-UPKEYPRESERVATIONTECHNIQUES

HOWTOUSETHISBOOKSUCCESSFULLY

THERECIPESHOUSEHOLDPRODUCTS

ECO-LAUNDRYPRODUCTS

KEEPINGWELL

FIRST-AIDPLANTPOWER

KITCHENPHARMACY

FOOD&DRINK

BEAUTY,BALMS&PERSONALCARE

VARIOUSODDITIES

HERBDIRECTORY

Contributors

Sources&FurtherReading

Acknowledgments

ChapterOne

ThePowerofPlants

HERBALLOREBELONGSTOUSALL,AGREATANDLASTINGLEGACY.Throughouthistoryand across cultures, plants have been used for food, shelter,clothes, and medicine. Plants contain the proteins and othernutrientsthatallanimalsneedtothrive,sowedependonthemforoursurvival.Thesoilitselfisnourishedbylivingplants,andeven when they die, they decompose to form soil from whichnewplantscangrow.Plantssustainalllife;everythingweneedcanbeobtainedfromplants.

Today,however,thecentralroleplantsplayinhumanliveshasbeen almost forgotten in the Western world. After severalgenerations of urbanized living, those in modern industrializedcountries are far removed from nature, creating a damagingimbalance and further misuse of our greatest resource. Evenmost of us living in rural areas no longer regularly cultivate,gather,andusethehelpfulplantsthatgrowallaroundus.

ALCHEMISTS OF THE NATURAL WORLD

Herbsarethewondrous“alchemists”ofthenaturalworld.Theytakecarbondioxidefromtheatmospherefortheirenergyproduction,andgivebacktheoxygenthatweneedtobreathe;theytakenitrogenfromtheairanduseittomakeaminoacids,thebuildingblocksofproteins.Plantsbuildallkindsofchemicals,andtheydosoinconstantrelationshiptothecircumstancesinwhichtheyfindthemselves,andincommunicationwitheachother.Theymakemedicines—forthemselves,forotherplants,forthesoilandenvironmentaroundthem,andforus.

NATURAL MEDICINE

Herbalmedicinehasbeenthemainstayandrootofmedicinefromearliesttimes.Insomeancienttombs,archaeologistshavediscoveredtheremainsofplantsstillknowntoherbalistsfortheirpowertotreatconditions,suchasarthritis,whichmodernsciencehasdetectedinthebodiestheyaccompany.Everycultureandeverylandhasarichhistoryofherbalmedicine.Evenuptothepresentday,manydrugsusedinmodernmedicinecomefromplant-basedsources.

Myowninterestinherbalmedicinegrewinthe1980s,whenbothmyparentsexperiencedhealthproblems.Atthetime,usinganythingotherthanconventionalmedicinewasalmostunheardof,andanymentionofalternativemedicinewasmetwithadoubtful,“Doesitactuallywork?”Myparentswereconcerned,however,abouttheimplicationsofmedicinesourregulardoctorwassuggestinganddecidedtoapproachanherbalistforadvice.Theybegantakingherbalremediesroutinelyandtheresultswereincredible—myfatherwasevenabletoavoidsurgery.IwasimpressedandsodrawntothesubjectthatIwentontostudyherbalmedicineattheSchoolofPhytotherapyinKent,UK,andjoinedTheNationalInstituteofMedicalHerbalists.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Ibegantolearnaboutherbalism’srichheritageanditssuccessincuringallkindsofproblems.Duringthegreatcholeraepidemicofthenineteenthcentury,forexample,manyherbalistsinindustrialtownsbecamefamousforrarelylosingapatient;andfollowingthedisastrousexplosionatChernobyl,theSovietnuclearplant,in1986,itwasfoundthatgrowingcomfreyloweredlevelsofradiationpoisoninginthesurroundingsoil.ThisknowledgefascinatedmeandIcontinuetobeenlightened.

ThemoreIexperienceandlearnaboutthepowerofplants,themorebaffledIamthatherbalismissometimesstillregardedasbeingparadoxically“ineffective”ontheonehandand“dangerous”ontheother.Iwantedtowriteabookthatwouldhelpdispelthesemythsandencouragereaderstostarttheirownlifelongjourneyofdiscoveryintoherbalism.

HARMONY & HAPPINESS

“Woodwarmsyouthreetimes—firstwhenyougatherit,secondwhenyouchopit,andthirdwhenyouburnit.”Similarly,makingyourownplant-basedrecipesforhomeandhealthprovidesthreesourcesofhappinessandrelaxation:

First,beingoutsideinnaturegatheringplantsortendingpotherbsonyourwindowsill,dryingandpreparingthoseyouhavegrown,evenenjoyingmeasuringoutdriedherbsandoilsboughtinforpotionmaking;allconnectustonaturewhichbringsharmonyandbalanceintoourlives.Infact,feelingyourinherentconnectiontothenaturalworldwillbringinestimablehappiness.

Second,potteringaroundinyourkitchenlaboratoryisgreatfun.Youwillembarkonanempoweringjourneyofexplorationasyoudiscoverherbsandconcoctuniquerecipesforyourhome,health,andhappiness.

Third,whenyouusethemagicalelixiryouhavemade,orshareitwithafriend,youwillfeelatremendoussenseofsatisfaction.

Inshort,plantscontributetoourhappinessandwell-beinginsomanydifferentways;theirinherentusefulnessisn’ttheonlyjoytheybring.

CONNECTING WITH THE NATURAL WORLD

Thisisabookforanyonewithaninterestinusingplantsinthehome:forherbalistsandkitchenherbalists,forconservationists,foranyonewithevenapassinginterestinherbs.It’sabookforthoselookingtoliveamorenaturallife,towelcomethespiritandusefulnessoftheplantworldintotheirlives,andtoconnectwiththenaturalworld—whetheryouliveinasemi-rurallocation(asIdo)oracityapartment.

The501recipesinthisbookhavebeengatheredbymyselfoveryearsasanherbalist,andincludecontributionsfromexpertsacrosstheUnitedStates,Canada,theUK,andelsewhereinEurope.Theyrangefromteastomeads,fromtoothpastestofacemasks,fromlaundrydetergenttoairfreshener.Somearesimple,requiringalmostnoequipment;othersarecomplex,suchascreamblending,soapmaking,ordistillingaromaticwaters.Myhopeisthatasyourconfidencegrows,youwillbegintoexperimentandcreateyourownvariations.Thenextfewpagesofthisbookarededicatedtoshowingyouallthatyouneedtostartyourplant-basedpreparationsathome.Theyincludeequipmentthatyouwillneed,informationonsourcingandstoringherbs,andsomekeytechniquesforpreservingherbs.

Plantsaretrulylife-enhancing,thusherbalism,andtheloveandappreciationofnaturethatitfosters,isforeveryone.Ihopethisbookhelpstoleadyouonarichjourneyofdiscovery.

ChapterTwo

SourcingHerbs

SOURCING HERBS NEEDS A LITTLE THOUGHT. Whether you choose to pickherbs in thewild,growyourown,orbuy them,youwillneedacertain amount of background knowledge. The following pagesare dedicated to providing a few guidelines, and the HerbDirectory(seehere)canalsobeusedasastartingpointtohelpidentifyandsourceplants.

Even ifyoubeginbybuyingallyour ingredients, Ihopethatasyourconfidencegrowsyouwillbeinspiredtotakeastepfurtheranddiscoverlivingplantsinnature.Nativewisdomfromallovertheworldstatesthatlocalherbsaremanytimesmoreeffectivethan those grownat a distance. It is known that plants adapttheirchemistrytotheirenvironment.

Thefeelingofconnectionthatahumancanhavewiththeplantworld is irreplaceable in its health-giving and balancingpropensity.Whenyougettoknowlivingplants,youwillbegintoseefriendseverywhereyougo.

PICKINGHERBSINTHEWILDForaging, or wildcrafting, is increasingly popular, and you need not

liveinthewoodstodoit.It’samazinghowmanyusefulherbsgrowin

thenooksandcranniesofacity.Whengatheringfromthewild,there

areafewimportantconsiderations.

First,treattheenvironmentwithrespectanddon’toverforage.Agoodguidelineistoalwaystakealittleunderhalfofwhatisthere—andiftheplantisendangered,don’ttakeanyatall.Ifyouaregatheringtherootofaplant,orawholeplant(asopposedtojustsomeflowers,leaves,stems,orbark),thenplantsomeseedsoranewplant.Withsomeplants,youcandividetherootsandreplanthalfagain.

Second,checkforcontamination.Infarmingareas,avoidlandthathasbeencropsprayed,especiallyrecently.Incities,findouttheprevioususeofwasteland,makingsureitwasn’tusedfortoxicchemicalproduction,dumping,orsuchlike.It’salsoimportanttobecarefulthatyouarenottrespassingonprivateland,andtochecklocallawsaboutgatheringplants.

Plantidentificationisaninvaluableskill,andthereareexcellentbookswithclearphotographstohelpthelonelearner.Ifyoutakethisroute,youmustbeextremelycarefulnottousethewrongplant:ifyou’renotsure,leaveitalone.Whilefewplantsareseriouslypoisonous,somecanharmandevenkillyouiftakenbymistake.Thereareusefulresourcesonlineaboutforaging;Ihaveincludedsomeatthebackofthisbook.

BeforeIpick,Ifollowthenativetraditionofaskingtheplant’spermissioninmyheart(respectinga“no”ifIfeelIhearone),andofferinggratitudeandsomethinginreturn.InNorthAmerica,thetraditionalofferingistobacco;inEurope,itisoatsorbarley.Evenifthisseemsstrangetoyou,Iencourageyoutotryit.Youmaybesurprisedatthewarmthitwillbringyou.Theearthisalivingtreasury,andthemoreyourecognizeitsofferings,thericheryourlifewillbe.

GROWINGHERBSPlants, generally, are easy to please—they like enough (but not too

much) light, water, and food, and the right kind of soil. They also

respond to love; talking to your plants and caring for them actually

makes them grow more abundantly. This attitude can be even more

important than the quality of the earth in which they are grown, as

shown by the famous eco-community of Findhorn, near Forres in

Scotland,whohavegrownimpossiblyenormousvegetablesonsoilthat

waslittlemorethandirt-coveredrock.

Youcangrowsomeherbsanywhere.Theyareidealforurbansettingsanddon’trequirealotofspace;manythriveinawindowboxorcontainersaswellasplantedintheground.Alotofherbs—“herbs”beingthegeneralwordfordescribingplantsusedinmedicine,ortogiveflavorandtextureincooking—areespeciallyeasytogrow.

Manyplantslovesomeattention.Themoreyoupicktheflowersofthemarigold,forexample,themoreitwillflower.Andmostplantspreferashelteredspotandthecompanyofotherplants.Checkforanyindividualrequirementsoftheherbsyougrow,andgrowthemsimply,usingorganicorbiomethods,formaximumbenefit.

Startgrowingwhateveryoufeellike,andwhateveryoucaneasilyfind.Youcansowseeds—trymarigold(Calendulaofficinalis),nasturtium,andCalifornianpoppyasafeweasystarters.Orbuysmallplantstostartyouoff,suchasoreganoormarjoram,orthyme.Igrowasteviaplant(agreatnaturalsweetener)onmybathroomwindowsill,whereitkeepscomingyearafteryear;Ikeepcuttingthestemstouseinrecipes,andmoregrowback.EverycoupleofyearsIrepotitcarefullytogiveitsomefreshsoil.Itriedtogrowthisplantinthekitchenforawhile,butthesteaminessinthebathroomseemstosuithermore.

Makeinquirieslocallytoseewhatgrowswellinyourarea,andjusttrygrowingit.Makefriendswithlocalgardeners—theywillgiveyoutips,andprobablysomeplantstostartyouoff.Tryplantingthingsinsideorout:iftheyarehappy,continueasyouare;ifnot,trysomethingelse.Youwillprobablybepleasantlyoccupiedandsatisfiedwithyourhomegrownresults.

P ICKING HERBS

Harvestplantsonasunnyday,pickingleavesandflowersaroundmidmorningwhenthedewhasdried.Remembertotakeasmallpocketknife.Keepaneyeontheplantsyouwantsothatyoucanpickthemattheirpeak.Choosethehealthiestplantsorpartsofplants.Ifyouplantousethemfreshinarecipe,trytopickanduseimmediately.

DRYING & STORING HERBS

Washplants,ifnecessary,thenremoveandcompostunhealthyorunnecessaryparts.Gathertheaerialparts(thoseaboveground)intoabundleandtieupatthebottomofthestems,orputthemintoapaperbag.Hangthebundleorbaginawarm,well-ventilatedplace,indoorsorout.Herbstakeuptoseveraldaystodrydependingonconditions.

Allpartsofplantscanbespreadoutinsinglelayersontraystodryinawarm,well-ventilatedplace.Usemeshtraysortrayslinedwithcleandishtowelsorpaper.Turntheplantmatterdailytoencourageevendrying.Rootscanbeleftwholeorcoarselychopped(it’seasiertocutthemfresh).Flowersandleavesareeasiertoremovefromstemswhendry.Youcanalsodryplantmaterialina

easiertoremovefromstemswhendry.Youcanalsodryplantmaterialinadehumidifier.

Aimtodrytheplantmaterialenoughtostopitturningmoldy,withouttakingallthelifeaway.Storeyourdriedplantsinpaperbagssealedfromtheair,orinairtightjars,andkeepawayfromdirectsunlight.Ifdriedwell,herbswillkeepwithfullpropertiesforatleastayear.Afterthis,theywillnotbeasbeneficial.

BuyingWhatcannotbegrownorforagedcanbebought,choosingorganicallygrowningredientsasmuchaspossible.Beresponsiblewhenbuyingwildcraftedherbs,andmakesuretheywereproperlypickedwithsustainabilityinmind.Reputablesuppliersofherbscanbefoundeasilyonline,andyoumaybeluckyandhaveagoodherbalshopnearenoughtovisit.Findalocalherbalpractitionerandaskhisorheradviceaboutlocalsuppliers.Thisalsoputsyouintouchwithaqualifiedprofessionaltoconsultwhenyouneedto.

Whenyouarebuyingherbsinarelativelyrawstate—forexample,driedtouseinarecipe—youwilleasilybeabletotellthequalitybylooking,smelling,andtastingalittle.

Someoftherecipesinthisbookincludeingredientsyouwillneedtobuy.Allofthesearereadilyavailable.

ChapterThree

KitchenSet-up

LITTLE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED tostartcreatinguseful,plant-basedpreparationsathome,butyouwillwanttoprepareyourworkingarea and acquire a few necessary items before you start togatheryourherbs.Thebasickit(seehere)listsessentialpiecesof equipment and explains how they are used. The recipes inthisbookassumeyouhavethebasickit,notingonlyadditional“speciality”itemsnotonthislist.

Before youmoveon to the recipesection, youwillneedsomeknowledgeof thekey techniquesherbalistsuse toextractandpreserve an herb’s wonderful properties. The following pagesare dedicated to this, and you will be referred back to thissectionfrequentlyduringthecourseofthebook.

KEYPRESERVATIONTECHNIQUESAdomesticalchemistcanextractandpreservethepropertiesheorshe

needsfromplantsinvariousways.Thematerialsyouchoosewillaffect

the quality of the final product. Try to choose organically grown

ingredientswhereverpossible,anduseraw(unpasteurized)honeyand

applecidervinegarforanythingtakeninsidethebody.Waterusedfor

making any preparation should be of good quality; unless you have

access to pure spring water, filtered is best, being both cleaner than

average tap water and more environmentally friendly than bottled

water.

HERBAL INFUSIONS

Leavesandflowersaswellasgroundrootsandbarkscanbemadeintoinfusions(alsocalledteasortisanes).Thesecanbepreparedwithfreshordriedherbs.

HotInfusionsUnlessinstructedotherwise,teasinthisbookaretobemadeasfollows:

Put1tsp.driedherbmaterialor2tsp.freshintoateapotorsaucepanwithalid.Coverwithamugofboilingwaterandletsitwithalidontoinfuseorbrewfor10minutes.Strainbeforeuse.

Ifastrongerteaisrequired,thetraditionaldoseis1oz.driedherbordoublethequantityoffreshsteepedin21/3cupswater.Somerecipescallforthesestrongerherbalinfusions.

ColdInfusionsColdinfusionsaremadebysteepingherbsincoldwaterfor2–3hours.Theyareusuallymadewithfreshflowersandleaves.

DecoctionsPartsoftheplantthataretougher(suchasrootsandbarks)needtobeboiledinwater.Thisisknownasa“decoction,”althoughitcanalsobecalledatea.Decoctionscanbemadewithsimilaramountsastheteasabove,butalittleextra

Decoctionscanbemadewithsimilaramountsastheteasabove,butalittleextrawaterisaddedtoallowforevaporationwhilesimmering.Inmakingdecoctions,theplantmatterisputintoasaucepanwithwater,coveredwithalid,heated,andthensimmeredfor10–15minutes.

Aftertheinfusionordecoctionismade,usually(butnotalways)theliquidisstrainedoffandthesolidplantmatterdiscarded(forcomposting).Iftheliquidisbeingusedinaneyebathoracream,itshouldbestrainedthroughastrainerlinedwithcheeseclothorthincottoncloth(seehere)tomakesureabsolutelynosmallpartsremain.

Infusionsanddecoctionscanbedrunkhotorcold,appliedexternallyaslotionsorwashes,andusedinthemakingofotherpreparations,suchascreams.Theykeepfor3daysintherefrigerator.Ifyoubottlethemhotintosterilizedbottles(seehere),youcankeeptheunopenedbottlesforuptoamonth.

AromaticWatersItisexcitingtoturnateaordecoctionfromanaromaticherbintoa“water,”whichinvolvesdistillation.Asimplemethodusinganadaptedpressurecookerisdescribedwiththerecipes.Aromaticwaterscankeepforanywherebetween3monthsand2years.

BASIC KIT

RACK,STRING,PAPERBAGS,SELECTIONOFGLASSJARS,AND

STORAGECONTAINERS,LABELS

Freshlypickedherbscanbetiedtogetherandhungfromaracktodry.Whendried,storeinpaperbagsorglassjarswithtightlyfittinglids,awayfromdirectsunlight.

Jarsarealsousedtostoretinctures,vinegars,andinfusedoils;youmaywantlargeonesforthispurpose—oldcandyjarsworkwell.Smalljarsareusefulforstoringcreams;bottlesforliquidpreparations.Youmayalsoneedoldshampoobottlesandsoforth,plusspraybottlesanddropperbottles.Almosteverythingyoumakewillneedalabel.

Whateveryouusetostoreyourpreparationsneedstobeparticularlyclean.Itisabsolutelyessentialtosterilizebottlesorjarsusedforstoringsyrups,glycerin,tinctures,jellies,creams,andointments(seehere).

COFFEEGRINDERForgrindingdriedherbsandroots.Groundherbsareusedininfusions,oilblends,chocolates,

snuff,scouringpowder,medicines,andfoods.

TEAPOTORCOVEREDSAUCEPAN(ORATEAINFUSERIFFORONE

PERSON)

Forbrewinginfusions(herbalteas).

FUNNELSForpouringandstraining.Youneedbothlargeandsmalltofitthenecksofstoragebottles.

CHEESECLOTHORTHINCOTTONCLOTH

Forstrainingpotions.Usesquaresofcheesechloth,largecottonhandkerchiefs,ordishtowels.

SIFTERSANDSTRAINERSMetalsiftersandstrainers,fromteastrainersizeupward,areusefulforstraining.(Asmallwinepress,ofthekindnormallyusedforhomebrewing,isgoodforpressingouttinctures,infusedoils,etc.)

COOKINGIMPLEMENTS

Forbrewingupmixtures,usepots,saucepans,heat-resistantstainlesssteelorsiliconespatulasandspoons,andapotatomasher.

DOUBLEBOILER/WATERBATH

Forheatingpotionsgently,useastainlesssteeldoubleboilerora“waterbath,”abakingdishorsaucepanfilledhalfwaywithwateronthestove,withheat-resistantbowlscontainingyourpotionsinsideit.

MEASURINGEQUIPMENTAcoupleofaccuratemeasuringcupsandspoonsformeasuringdryandliquidingredients.For

Acoupleofaccuratemeasuringcupsandspoonsformeasuringdryandliquidingredients.Formedicinaltincturemixtures,useanarrowmeasuringcylinder.

DIGITALSCALESSomerecipesrequireaccuratelyweighedingredients.Digitalscalesforhomeusecannowbefoundinsomelargerdepartmentstoresandonlineforpeoplefollowingweight-lossdiets.

SterilizingItisveryimportanttosterilizeequipmentproperlybeforepreservinganyplantmaterial,asfailuretodosowillnotonlylessentheshelf-lifeofyourproduct,butcouldalsopotentiallycausefoodpoisioning.

Sterilizeitemsimmediatelybeforeuse.Cooljars/bottlesfirstforcoldpreparations,butalwayspourhotpreparations(jellies,hotoils,syrups,etc.)intohotjarsorbottles.Youcansterilizeitemsinanumberofways:

1Removeanyplasticlidsandcookcleanglassbottlesandjarsintheoven,preheatedto275°F,for20–30minutes.

2Boilinwaterfor10minutes(boillidsseparately).Keepbottlesandlidscoveredbywateruntiljustbeforeuse.

3Useamicrowaveordishwasher;checkthemanufacturer’sinstructionsbeforeproceeding.

TheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculturedetailssafecanningmethodsontheirwebsite(www.usda.gov).

HERBAL T INCTURES

Plants’qualitiescanbeextractedandpreservedusingalcohol.Tinctures,astheyareknown,weretraditionallymadebyboilingherbsinwine,butarenowproducedbysteepingtheherbinasolutionofalcoholandwater.Herbalistsusevariableconcentrationsofalcoholfordifferentplants,fromsolutionsof15–25upto190proofalcoholforresins.(Resinsaresubstancesexudedfromcertaintrees,manyofwhichhavestrongantisepticandhealingproperties,suchasmyrrh.)

Producingtincturesathomeusuallymeansusingstore-boughtalcohol.Alwaysaimtouseorganicalcohol.Thebestoneisvodkabecauseithaslittletaste,althoughanystrongalcoholwilldo.Vodkaisusuallyabout80proof.

Ifyouaremakingatincturewithfreshplantmaterial(calleda“specifictincture”),thewaterintheplantwilleventhingsoutnicelydowntoatinctureof50–60proof.Ifyouareusingdriedherbs,however,youmaywanttoadd1/3cup/85mlwatertodiluteeachjustover3/4cup/200mlalcohol.Alternatively,dilutewithaninfusionordecoctionoftheherb,whichgivesyouacombinationofteaandtinctureinoneremedy.

Maketincturesbycoveringplantmaterialwithbetweentwoandfivetimestheamountofalcoholsolutioninalargejarwithawell-fittinglid.Itisbesttouseweightsfortheamountofherbused.Ageneralguidecouldbe7oz.driedherb(101/2oz.fresh)toeach1quartalcoholsolution.

Letsitinacool,darkplaceforatleast3weeks,turningupsidedownorshakingthejaronceaday.(Manytraditionsencouragetalkingorsingingtotheplantsasyoudothis.)After3–8weeks,straintheliquidthroughastrainerorfunnellinedwiththincloth.Pulltheedgesoftheclothupandaroundthemaceratedherbs,thentwist,wring,andpressittoextractalloftheliquid.Storeinacleanbottle.

Fluidextractsaretincturesmadewithequalamountsofplantmaterialtoalcohol.Theycanbemadebydoubleinfusing(seehere).

Tincturesareusedincreams,lotions,andliniments,ortakeninternally.Evenasmalldoseoftinctureiseffective.

Someherbalistsworkentirelywithdropdoses,andsomeherbsaretakenonlyindropdoses(suchas5–20drops,1–3timesdaily);alwaysusedropdosesforchildren.Manyherbalistsuseastandardadultdoseof1tsp/5mlmixedin2tbsp./30mlhotorcoldwater,takenonceadayforatonicorpreventiveor3timesadayforchronicailments.Foracuteconditions,1–2tsp/5–10mlcanbetaken3–6timesdaily.

Tincturesareoftenmixedtogetherinblends;therearemanyrecipesfor

blendsinthisbook.Youcaneitherbuyinthetincturestomakethemorproduceyourown,usingtheguidelinesabove.Fortheseblends,herbaliststendtouseonlymilliliters(ml)asmeasurements,asthisistheeasiestandbestway.Youcanmakethemwithteaspoonmeasures(1tsp.=5ml,1tbsp.=15ml)butitisquitefiddly.Ifyouareregularlymakingthesemixtures,Isuggestyoubuya100mlplasticmeasuringcylinder(theycostabout$2.50).

Noteveryonecantolerate,orwanttotake,alcohol,inwhichcasetincturescanbemadewiththesamequantitiesofglycerin.

Manyleadingherbaliststailor-maketinctureseachtimeinsteadofusingstandardamounts;astheAmericanherbalistMatthewWood,authorofTheBookofHerbalWisdom(1997),explains:“Ilookforthedistinctivetasteofeveryplantintheextract.Therefore,Imakethetincturetothe‘righttaste’…Iprefertothinkoftincturesandotherpreparationsbyanalogytowine,nottopharmaceuticaldrugs.”

Tincturescanalsobemadeintodeliciousalcoholicbeveragesthatarepleasanttodrinkandhavehealth-givingpropertiesinsmalldoses.Thesecanbemadewithwine,mead(mypersonalfavorite),orwithanyalcohol:gin(sloeginisthefamousone),brandy,vodka,rum,whiskey,ifyoulikeit,orthelocalhome-distilledschnapps.Usually,alittlehoneyorsugarisaddedwhilethetinctureissteeping,otherwisethemethodisthesame.

Keptinacoolplaceawayfromthesun,awell-madetincturewillkeepforatleast2years,somemanymore.

HERBAL V INEGARS

Vinegarsareausefulmediumforextractingandpreservingherbs;theyareusedinfoods,takenassupplementsormedicines,andusedinmanyhome-cleaningproductsandhairandskintonics.

Vinegar,especiallyraw(unpasteurized)organicapplecidervinegar,isgoodforyouinsideandout.Takeninternally,itcanencourageahealthypHbalance,reduceinflammation,boostimmunity,andregularizemetabolism.Takenwithfood,itenablesyoutoabsorbmineralsbetter.Externally,itcanbringbruisestothesurface,coolandreduceswellings,andbenefitthehairandskin.

Herbalvinegarsaremadeliketinctures.Steeptheherbin2–3timestheamountofvinegar.Letsitfor2–4weeksinacool,darkplace,thenstrainthroughcloth.Asmedicines,thedoseisthesameasfortinctures(seehere).Vinegarscankeepforatleast2years.

COMPRESS & POULTICE

Vinegars,tinctures,andteascanbeusedtomakeacompress.Soakaclothintheherbliquid,layit,heatedorcold,againsttheskin,andsecurewithasuitablebandage.Itwillhelptosootheachesandpains,sorethroats,headaches,andskinconditions.

Freshplantmaterialcanbeusedtomakepoultices—mashedorcrushedherbsappliedtothebodyalone.Poulticescanstayinplacefor2–3days,althoughmanychoosetoreplacethemdaily.

oxymels

Anoxymelisatastyremedythatcombinesthehealingpropertiesofanherbalvinegarwithhoney—itselfamiraculoussubstance,knowntobeantibioticandencouragingtotheimmunesystem.Oxymelsaremadebygentlywarminganherbalvinegarwithanequalamountofhoneyuntilthehoneyisdissolved.Insterilebottles(seehere),oxymelskeepfor2years.

INFUSED OILS

Infusedoils,madeinthesamewayastincturesandvinegars,canbeusedaloneorinointments,creams,liniments,andlotions.

Tomake,combine1partherbwith2–3partsvegetableoil,thenletsitfor4–8weekstoinfuse.Infusedoilsaremostlymadeintheshade,becausevegetableoilsmayspoil,butsomeneedsunlighttoworkproperly.Therecipesinthisbookwillsayifsunisrequired.Onceinfused,strainandpressthroughcloth,asdescribedfortinctures(seehere).

Youcanmakeaninfusedoilmorequicklybygentlyheatingtheherbintheoil,usuallyinadoubleboilerorwaterbath(seehere),for2–4hours.

Manyvegetableoilscanbeusedtomakeanherbalinfusedoil.Themostcommonlyusedincludeolive,almond,sunflower,coconut,safflower,canola,grapeseed,sesame,andjojoba.Thebaseoilsallhavemedicinalpropertiesoftheirown,andIrecommendresearchingwhichoilwillbestofferwhatyourequire.Alwaysusethebestorganicallygrown,cold-pressedoilthatyoucanafford.Oliveoilinfusionscankeepforuptoayearbeforetheystarttobecomerancid,andcoconutinfusionscankeepfor2years,butmostotherswillspoilinafewmonths.

Sometimesa“doubleinfusion”ismadetoobtainahigher-strengthproduct.Insuchcases,theinfusedoilismadeandthenusedtoinfuseafreshquantityofplantmaterial.(Thiscanalsobedonewithtinctures,vinegars,andallwater-basedpreparations.)

Aninfusedoilcanbemadeintoasalve,balm,orointmentbyadditionofanemulsifier,suchasbeeswax.Themorewaxyouuse,thehardertheointmentbecomes.Forasoftsalve,8–10percentwaxtooilisused.

L INIMENTS

Linimentsarewarming,stimulatingrubsforachesandpains.Theyrubineasilyandarelighterthananoil,soareusefulforcoveringlargeareas.Linimentsaremadebymixinganinfusedoilandatinctureorvinegar.Thetwowillnaturallyseparateinthebottle,sotheyneedtobeshakenbeforeeachuse.Howlongalinimentkeepsforwilldependuponthebaseoil(suchasoliveoil,almondoil)you’reusing.

CREAMS

Creamscanbedifficulttomakesuccessfully.Theymixoilandwatercomponents,whichrequireanemulsifier.Thepuristnaturalcreammakerwillusebeeswaxandaseriousamountofwhiskinginsteadofamanufacturedemulsifier.

Tomakecreamstheold-fashionedway,heattheoilandwatercomponentsseparatelytoasimilartemperatureusingadoubleboilerorwaterbath(seehere);inadoubleboiler,youcanheatthewaterpartinthebottomandtheoilinthetop.Thenpourthewaterpartslowlyintotheoilpart,whiskingfuriously.Oncetheoilandwateraremixed,thecreamisusuallyquicklycooledbyplacingthemixingbowlintoacoldbath(apanofcoldwater).Usually,youcontinuetowhiskwhilecooling,anduntilthecreamisformed,thenputintosterilizedjars.

Usingastore-boughtemulsifyingwaxmakescreammakingasimplerprocess.Thisisasubstanceusedincosmeticmanufacturing;youcanbuyitmadefrompurevegetablesources,butbecauseitisa“man-made”ingredient,puriststendtospurnit.

Howlongcreamskeepforvariesgreatly.Thosemadewithlong-lastingcoconutoil,forexample,couldkeepforayear;withsomeotheroils,creamsmaylastforonly1–2months,unlessapreservativeisadded.

Soapbasicallyconsistsofvegetableoilsthathavebeensaponified(turnedintosoap)withastrongalkaloidknownaslye.Soapmakingiseasytopulloffsuccessfully;however,itinvolvesalotofstepsandsomesubstancesthatneedhandlingandmeasuringcarefully.Forthisreason,ingredientsforsoapsareweighed,andyou’llneedadigitalscaletomakethem.

Solidsoapismadeviaa“coldprocess”usingsodiumhydroxide,whichinvolvesalotofstirringandnoheat.Liquidsoapusespotassiumhydroxideina“hotprocess,”whichinvolvesalotofstirringandtheuseofaslowcookertoprovideheat.Herbsandessentialoilsarethenaddedaftertheoilsandlyehavebeenmixed.Soapskeepforyears,buttheywilllosetheirsmellovertimeastheessentialoilsevaporate.

SYRUPS , HONEYS & CANDIES

Sugarandhoneycanbeusedinvariouswaystopreserveplants.Bothcanbeused

Sugarandhoneycanbeusedinvariouswaystopreserveplants.Bothcanbeusedtomakesyrupsthataresoothingandnourishing,particularlyforthethroatandchest,andaregoodforpreservingvitaminC.

Asimplesyrupismadebyboilinga65percentsugarandwatersolution(thatis,onethatcontainstwicethequantityofsugartoliquid)for3–5minutes,orbyfirstmakingastronginfusionordecoctionandthenboilingthiswiththesugar.

Whenmakingasyrupwithrawhoney,donotboil,becausethisdestroysitshealthfulenzymes.Justaddanequalamountofhoneytoastrongherbaldecoctionorinfusionandthenheatthemixturegentlytodissolve.Infusedhoneyscanalsobemadesimplybymixingthehoneyandtheherbsandlettinginfuseforafewweeks.

Storethesyrupinsterilizedbottles(seehere),firstputtingthelidsonloosely,thentighteningwhencold.65percentsugarsyrupskeepwell.Youcanalsomakea40–50percentsyrupthatwillkeepfairlywellunopenedifitisthoroughlysterilized.Syrupstendtospoilquicklyonceopened,sostoreyoursyrupinseveralsmallerbottlesinsteadofonelargebottletohelpimproveitsshelflife.

Syrupscanalsobesterilizedagainoncebottledtopreservethemfurther.Setthelidsonloosely,thenplacethebottlesonlayersofpaperinasaucepan(thewatershouldreachthree-quartersofthewayupthebottles’sides).Simmerfor10minutes,thenimmediatelyremovefromtheheatandtightenupthelids.

Candiesaremadefroma65percentsyrupthathasbeenboiledforalongtime.Sometimestincturesandessentialoilsmaybeaddedinattheend.Somerecipesusehalfsugar,halfgoldensyruporlightcornsyrup.

Boilthesyrupfor20–30minutestoevaporatethewater,leavingmoreandmoresugarinthemix.Thisthengoesthroughseveralstages.The“hard-ball”stage,whichistheminimumneededforcandies,occursafterthis20–30minutes,sostarttestingafter15minutes.Totest,dropalittleofthemixtureintocoldwaterandwatch.

At“hard-ball”stage,themixturemakesaballshape;itkeepsitsshapebutfeelsstickytothetouch.Thenextstage,knownasthe“soft-crack”stage,canoccurminuteslater.Themixturenowsolidifiesintothreadsthatareflexibletothetouchandwillbendalittlebeforebreaking.Thethirdstage,knownasthe“hard-crack”stage,occursminutesafterthis.Atthispoint,thethreadsbreakimmediately.Becausethethreestagesoccurinquicksuccession,Irecommendtestingyourmixtureeveryfewminutesafteryoureachthe“hard-ball”stage.

Anywherebetween“hard-ball”and“hard-crack”stageworksforherbalcandies;afterthatyouareinburningterritory.Asthe“hard-ball”stageissufficient,pouryourmixontoalightlyoiledbakingtraywhenyoureachthispoint,scoringbothwaystomakesmalllozengeshapesasitcools.Alternatively,pourintosmallmoldsandletset.Ifaddingessentialoils,dothisjustbeforepouringout.Ifaddinghoneytothemixture,Iliketoboilitalittlelongeruntil“hard-crack”stageisreached.Thenaddthehoneyjustbeforepouringitout.Whenthecontentsarecold,theycanbeturnedoutandbrokenintopiecesas

Whenthecontentsarecold,theycanbeturnedoutandbrokenintopiecesasnecessary.

Keepthecandiesinasealedcontainerinacoolplacewithsomeconfectioners’sugar,cornstarch,orgroundslipperyelmtostopthemfromstickingtogether.Storedthisway,theywilllastwellfor3–4weeksandupto6weeks.

EssentialOilsEssentialoilsareavaluableadditiontomanyrecipes.Thesearegenerallybought,becausetheyareextractedbyacomplexdistillationprocess;theycontainpotentpropertiesfromtheplant,andareusedinsmallquantities.Theymixeasilyinfixedoils,buttendtofloatontopifmixedinawaterpreparation,unlessemulsifiedinsomeway.Firstmixingtheoilswithalittlevegetableglycerincanhelp.Essentialoilsarevolatileandarelostbyheating,soareaddedattheendofanyrecipesusingheat.Somewillstrippaintoreatintorubber,soifyouareexperimentingwithrecipes,keepthisinmindandbecautious.

LABELING & STORING

Whenyouhavefinishedmakingaproduct,besuretolabelitwithwhatitisandthedatemade;otherwiseyouwillendupwithashelffulloflovelypotionsandlotionsthatyouhavenoideawhattodowith.

Unlesstherecipesaysotherwise,storeallproductsinacool,darkplaceinanappropriatevessel—asterilizedbottleorjarwithatight-fittinglid,oranairtightcontainer.Thiswillensureeachproductkeepsatitsbestforaslongaspossible.Eachrecipeincludesarecommendedshelflife;thisshouldbeusedasaguide,withcommonsensealwaysprevailing.Ifaproductstartssmellingodd,discardit.

HOWTOUSETHISBOOKSUCCESSFULLYThereisawiderangeofrecipesinthisbook—fromtinctureblendsand

infusions to soaps and creams. To make them successfully, there is

someimportantinformationyouneedtokeepinmind.

INGREDIENTS

Somerecipesaremadefromfreshherbs,othersarebought,andsomeuseamixture.Unlessfreshordriedherbsarespecified,itshouldbeassumedthatyoucanuseeitherfreshordriedherbsforeachrecipe.Iftheamountsdifferdependingonwhetheryouusefreshordried,thiswillbestated.

Manyingredientslistscontainpremadepreparations:tinctures,infusions,andsoon.Whereaspecificrecipefortheseappearsinthebook,youwillbereferredtoit;otherwise,youwillbereferredbacktothekeypreservationssection(seehere)forthestandardtechnique.

EQUIPMENT & METHOD

Beforeyoustartmakinganything,gathertogetherthebasicequipment(seehere).Alltherecipesassumeyouhavethisequipmentonhand;onlyifyouneedsomethinglesscommon,willitbespecified.

Somerecipesaresimpleandotherscomplex.Intheinterestsofspace,thevariousmethodsaredescribedinfullonlyonce,andyouwillbereferredbacktoitasrequired.Alwayscarefullyreadtherecipeand,ifnecessary,thegeneralinformationfoundelsewhereinthebook,beforebeginning.

MEASUREMENTS

Herbalismisn’tanexactscience.Manyherbalistsdonotworkwithroteamounts,tendingtomeasurebyeyetoproducethedesiredresult.Withthisinmind,mostrecipes—suchasfood,cleaners,andsoon—useroughapproximations.

Somerecipes,however,requirethatingredientsbeverycarefullyweighed;thisincludesmanymedicines,allsoaps(becauseyou’reusingcausticsubstances),andsomecreams(whichcanbehardtomake).Insuchrecipes,cupconversionsortablespoonmeasurementsdonotprovidethenecessaryaccuracy,sotheyhavenotbeenprovidedandtheiruseisnotadvised.

Tablespoonandteaspoonmeasurementsprovidedinthisbookarebasedonthefollowing:1tbsp.=15ml1tsp.=5ml1/2tsp.=2.5mlIadviseusingstandardkitchenmeasuringspoonsforallrecipesthatrequireteaspoonortablespoonamounts,andfordoses.

Adultdosesareprovidedasstandardforallremedies;childrentakethesmallerendofthedoserange,or1/4–1/2theadultdose,unlessotherwisespecified.Seehereformoredetailsondoses,andseetheboxonhere,“TakingHerbalRemedies.”

TakingHerbalRemediesHerbalremediescanworkremarkablywell,andsometimestheyworkfast.Oftentheyarenota

quickfix,however,needinginsteadtobetakenoverweeksandmonthstoachievethedesiredeffect.

Recipesformedicinesdependonempirical,traditionalknowledge,someofwhich(butnotall)is

backedupbymodernscientificresearch.

⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄

Responsibilityforself-prescribinganyoftheremediesinthisbookfallssolelywiththereader.

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Ifyouarepregnantorbreastfeeding,haveanyseriousorlong-lastinghealthcondition,orifyouare

alreadytakingmedication,itisespeciallyimportanttofirstseektheadviceofahealthcare

professional.

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TheRecipes

HOUSEHOLDPRODUCTSThe cleaners in this section are wonderful and effective

environmentallyfriendlyalternativestostrong-smellingchemicals.The

essential oils leave a fresh clean smell and mildly disinfect the area.

Herbsalsomakeperfectroomspraysandwonderfulpotpourri.

Chamomile&MarjoramSurfaceCleanerThe addition of chamomile and marjoram gives this gentle but effective eco-cleaner a

beautiful,sweetscent.

INGREDIENTS2cupswhitedistilledvinegar2tsp.marjoramflowersandleaves1–2tsp.chamomileflowerheads20dropslavenderessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keepsupto2years.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththeherbs(seehere).Addtheessentialoilanddecantintoaspraybottle(foreasycleaning).

Foreverydayuse,addanequalamountofwatertothemixture.Sprayon,waitforafewminutes,andwipeoff.

Forreallytoughjobs,usethecleanerundiluted;gentlyheatingforafewminuteswillmakeitextrastrong.Spraydirtysurfaceswithhotvinegarcleanerandwaitfor15minutesbeforescrubbingandrinsing.

All-PurposeCleaningSprayCourtesyofMichaelVertolli

INGREDIENTS3/4cup+5tsp.water,boiledordistilled 3tbsp.+1tsp.whitedistilledvinegar

1dropLiquidCastileSoap(seehere)Essentialoils:5dropslavender3dropspine3dropsspruceorfir1dropgeranium

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Combinetheingredientsinaspraybottleandshaketomix.

Shakewellbeforeuse.Spraythesurface,thenwipeclean.

Lemon-FreshCleaner

INGREDIENTS2cupswhitedistilledvinegar1lemon,sliced

Essentialoils:10dropslemon10dropsorange

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keeps1yearormore.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththelemon(seehere),thenaddtheessentialoils.

UseasforChamomile&MarjoramSurfaceCleaner(seehere).

Bug-BustingSurfaceCleaner

INGREDIENTS2cupswhitedistilledvinegar1–2tsp.thymeleaves2tsp.marigoldpetals20dropsthymeessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keepsupto2years.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththethymeandmarigold(seehere),thenaddtheessentialoil.

UseasforChamomile&MarjoramSurfaceCleaner(seehere).

AntiBacterialMultisurfaceCleanerCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS1tsp.borax(seebox)1tsp.bakingsoda2tsp.lemonjuice12/3cupshotwaterEssentialoils:10dropsteatree5dropseucalyptus5dropslavender

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout12/3cups.Keepsupto2months.

METHOD

Putalltheingredientsintoanemptyspraycleanerbottle.Shakewelltomix,repeatingvigorouslybeforeeachuse.

Rinsesurfacesaftersprayingtoremovetracesofboraxandoils.

ZestyDishwashingLiquid

INGREDIENTS4tsp.washingsoda11/2cupsboilingwater 5tbsp.LiquidCastileSoap(seehere)or12/3(4-oz.)barssolidcastilesoap,gratedEssentialoils:

10dropslemonororange10dropsgrapefruit10dropsteatree

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout13/4cups.Keepsatleast6months.

METHOD

Ifusinggratedsoap,stirintothewateruntildissolved,thenslowlystirinthesoda.Ifnot,dissolvethewashingsodainthewater,thenaddtheliquidsoap,continuingtostiruntildissolved.Letcool.Whencool,stirintheessentialoilsandbottle.

Shakewellbeforeuse.

—Tip—IFYOUUSEGRATEDSOLIDSOAP,YOURHOMEMADEDISHWASHING

LIQUIDMAYTHICKENINTHECOLD.USINGLESSWASHINGSODA

WILLGIVEATHINNERLIQUIDIFYOULIVEINCOLDERCLIMES.

ALWAYSRINSEWELLAFTERWASHING,ASFORANYDISHWASHING

LIQUID.

Eco-PoweredOvenCleanerwithBasilThisisaseffectiveascommercialbrands,withoutthechemicals.

INGREDIENTS1/2cupLiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 11/4cupsbakingsoda 1/4cuprosemaryvinegar(seehere) 4dropsbasilessentialoil(optional)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesenoughforonereallythoroughclean.Mixthecleanerupfreshlyeachtimeyouneedit.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientsthoroughlyinabowl.Removetheovenshelvesandcleanseparately.

Usingapaintbrush,spreadyourmixtureovertheentiresurfaceoftheoven.Letitsitfor6–8hoursorovernight.Duringthistime,themixturewillfoamupslightlyandliftthegrimefromtheovensurface.

Usingabowlfullofcleanwaterandadampfoamscrubber,wipeouttheoven.Changethewaterasneeded.Iftheovenisreallygreasyandhasn’tbeencleanedforawhile,repeattheprocessonceagain.

Rosemary&PineToiletCleaner

INGREDIENTS1smallhandfulofrosemaryleaves1largehandfulofpineneedles,removedfromthestems 2cupswhitedistilledvinegarorAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) 50drops/1/2tsp.rosemaryessentialoil(optional) 50drops/1/2tsp.pineessentialoil(optional)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththefreshrosemaryandpineneedles(seehere).Ifdesired,addtheessentialoilsforastrongerodor.

Pourapailofwaterdownthetoilettoforcewateroutofthebowl.Thiswillenableyoutoreachthesidesmoreeasily.Thenpourtheundilutedcleanerintothebowlandletsitfor10–20minutes.Scrubwellwithatoiletbrush.

Thyme&MarigoldDisinfectant

INGREDIENTS2cupswhitedistilledvinegarorAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) 100drops/1tsp.thymeessentialoil

1/2oz.driedthyme(or1handfuloffreshlypicked,ifpossible,theleavesremovedfromthestems) 1/2oz.driedmarigoldflowers(or1handfuloffresh)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder2cups.Keepsatleast2years.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththethymeleavesandmarigoldflowers(seehere).Addthethymeessentialoilandbottlethemixture.

Useitdiluted50:50withwatertowipedownsurfaces,sinks,toiletseats,andpetareas.

LemonZingerFloorCleanerThyme & Marigold Disinfectant (see here) forms the base of this floor cleaner, ideal for

ceramicorvinyl tile floors.Donotuse itona stone floor,becausevinegarcanerode some

typesofstone,includingmarble.

INGREDIENTS1cupThyme&MarigoldDisinfectant(seehere) 3cupswhitedistilledvinegar

3/4cuplemonjuiceMAKES&KEEPSMakesenoughfor4washes.Keeps3months.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogether.

Add11/4cupsofthefloorcleanertoalargepail(approx.5quarts)ofhottapwater.Sweepthefloorandcleanwithamop(noneedtorinse).

StoneFloorSoapAlittlelinseedinthisstonefloorcleaneraddsextrashine.

INGREDIENTS1cupLiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 2tbsp.linseedoil

Essentialoils:50drops/1/2tsp.grapefruitororange 50drops/1/2tsp.teatree justover

3/4cuphotwaterMAKES&KEEPSMakesjustunder2cups.Keeps3–6months.

METHOD

Mixtheliquidsoaptogetherwiththelinseedoilandessentialoils.Pourthehotwateroverthismixtureandstirgently.

Touse,add3tbsp.toalargepailofhotwater.Cleanthefloorthoroughly,usingamop.Rinsewithcleanwater,ifdesired,butnotessential.

Juniper,Rosemary&LavenderGlassCleaner

INGREDIENTS1cupwhitedistilledvinegar

Essentialoils:25drops/1/4tsp.juniper 25drops/1/4tsp.rosemary 25drops/1/4tsp.lavenderMAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Putthevinegarandoilsintoaspraybottleandshakegently.Letsitfor24hourstosettle.

Touse,add2tsp.ofthecleanerto1quartwarmwater.Donotusemorethanthis,becauseitwillleadtostreaks.

Applythedilutedcleanertotheglass,usingacleanclothorsprayfromabottle.Wipetheglasscleanwithadrycloth.

—Tip—TOAVOIDSTREAKS,DONOTCLEANWINDOWSWHENTHEYARE

WARM—EARLYMORNINGORDUSKISTHEBESTTIME.

Rosemary&HorseChestnutScouringPowderBakingsodaliftsdirtoffsurfacesandisgentlyabrasive,soitcanbeusedtomakeascouring

powder.Addingdriedandpowderedherbsbringsabrasivequalitiestothescouringmixture.

Thehorsechestnutsalsocontainsaponins,whichhaveadetergenteffect.

INGREDIENTS4driedhorsechestnuts(thenutsonly),ground1/2oz.driedrosemaryleaves,ground 2cupsbakingsoda21/2cupschickpea(besan)flour 20dropsrosemaryessentialoil(optional)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes5cups.Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Putallthedryingredientsintoadryjar(ifdamp,thebakingsodawillreact)withatight-fittinglid.Shakewelltomix.Sprinkleintheessentialoil,ifusing,andmixagain.

Sprinkleontoadampclothtocleanbathrings,fooddepositsfromthesink,etc.Foracreamcleaner,mixalittlepowderwithanequalamountofwatertoformapaste.

—Tip—USETHEROSEMARY&HORSECHESTNUTSCOURINGPOWDERTO

CLEANSTAINEDTEACUPS—IT’SMIRACULOUS.

ThymeDisinfectantScouringPowder

INGREDIENTS1cupsalt15dropsthymeessentialoil1/2oz.driedthymeleaves,ground 2cupsbakingsoda

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes31/4cups.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Spreadthesaltoutonaplateandsprinklethoroughlywiththethymeoil.Mixalltheingredientstogether.

UseasforRosemary&HorseChestnutScouringPowder(seehere).

Odor-BustingNaturalDrainCleanerTheherbsandbakingsodacontrolgermsandhelpeliminatebadodors.

INGREDIENTS1/2oz.driedthymeleaves,ground 1/2oz.driedrosemaryleaves,groundEssentialoils:

50drops/1/2tsp.thyme 50drops/1/2tsp.basil 4cupsbakingsoda

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout41/2cups.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Putthethymeandrosemarywiththeessentialoilsintoajar.Mixwell.Addthebakingsoda,thenshakeandstirtomixthoroughly.Storeinadry,airtightjar.

Touse,firstrunthehottapwaterforafewminutestowarmupthedrain.Thenslowlypourabout1teacuporhalfamugofthescouringpowderdownthedrain.Dribbleinalittlehotwatertosenditdownthepipe.Letthecleanerworkovernight,thenrinsetoclear.

LemonFurniturePolishAswellasnourishingthewoodwithoilandgivingagreatshine,thispolishsmellswonderful.

INGREDIENTSjustover3/4cupoliveoilorlinseedoil 3/4oz.driedlemonbalmorlemongrass(or1largehandfuloffresh) 1/2cuplemonjuice(fromabout4lemons)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/4cups.Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedoilwiththeoilandherbs(seehere).Mixtheinfusedoilwiththelemonjuiceandbottle.

Shakewellbeforeuse.Rubwellintowoodenfurnitureorfloorswithasoftcloth.Thismixturewillalsonourishyourhandswhileyoupolish!

SpicyFurniturePolish

INGREDIENTSjustover3/4cupoliveoilorlinseedoil 2tbsp.groundallspicejustunder1/2cuplemonjuice,freshlysqueezedorstore-boughtMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Makeaninfusedoilfromtheoilandmixedspice(seehere).Addthelemonjuicetothemixtureandbottle.

UseasforLemonFurniturePolish(seehere).

—Tip—USESOFTCOTTONCLOTHSFORPOLISHING,ONESTHATDON’T

SHEDTHEIRFIBERS.I USEANOLDCOTTONSHEETCUTUP.

MODERNMICROFIBERPOLISHINGCLOTHSAREALSOGOOD.

Old-FashionedFurniturePolishCourtesyofTeriEvans

Thispolishwillimproveyourwoodandshouldcutthroughresiduesleftbyspraypolishes.

INGREDIENTS1/2cupturpentineormineralspirits 1cup+1tbsp.beeswax,gratedorbrokenintosmallpieces 50drops/1/2tsp.lavenderessentialoilMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout11/2cups.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Gentlyheattheturpentineandbeeswaxtogethercarefullyinadoubleboilerorwaterbath.(Turpentineisflammable,sodonotleaveunattended.)Whenthewaxismelted,pourintoajarandcooltolukewarm.Addthelavenderessentialoilandstir.

Thelavenderwillreleasealovelyfragranceasyoupolish.Itrequiresalittleelbowgrease,soyou’llburnmorecaloriesusingit!

Plant-BasedWaxforRawWood

INGREDIENTS1cupbeeswax,gratedorbrokenintosmallpieces1cupturpentine1cupboiledlinseedoil100drops/1tsp.lavenderessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes3cups.Keeps2years.

METHOD

Inadoubleboilerorwaterbath,meltthebeeswaxintheturpentine,thenaddtheoil.Inordertospreadthewaxeasilyitneedstobewarm,soyoumayneedtoreheatthewaxbeforeusing;returnittoyourdoubleboilerifnecessary.

Brushitwarmontorawwood(itsinksin).Workyourwayawayfromit,andwhenithasdriedcompletely(30–60minutes),buffitupintoashinewithasoftcloth.Themoreyoubuffthewood,theshinieritgets.Youcanaddlayerstoincreasetheshine.

MetalPolish

INGREDIENTS1/4cupinfusedvinegarofyourchoice(seehere) 1/4cupfineclaypowderorfinedirtfromyourownyardifyouhavethattypewhereyoulive(avoidstone-filledorgrittysoil,becauseitwillscratchthemetal)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Mixthevinegaranddirttogetherinabowl.

Rubthepolishonyourmetalornamentswithadampcloth.Wipeoffwithadrysoftpolishingclothandenjoytheshine.Ihaveusedthisonbrass,silver,andgoldwithgoodresults.

—Variation—THISMETALPOLISHCANBEMADEWITHLEMONJUICEINSTEADOF

INFUSEDVINEGAR,IFDESIRED,BUTWILLONLYKEEPINTHE

REFRIGERATORFORAWEEK.

CitrusCarpetCleaner

INGREDIENTS

Essentialoils:25drops/1/4tsp.lemon 25drops/1/4tsp.orange 25drops/1/4tsp.lemongrass 2cupswhitedistilledvinegar

Bakingsoda,asrequired

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Addtheessentialoilstothevinegarandmixwell.Letsitforadaybeforeuse.

Totreatstains,makeapastewithalittleofthevinegarandasmallamountofbakingsoda.Shakebeforeuse.Brushwellintothestainedarea(anoldtoothbrushisidealforthisjob).Letitdry,thenvacuumup.

Youcanalsousethiscarpetcleanerdiluted1partcleanerto5partswaterinacarpetshampooingmachineand50:50inasteamcleaner.Alwayscheckthemanufacturer’sinstructionsbeforeusingwithyourcarpetshampooingmachineorsteamcleaner.

SpicyLaminate&WoodenFloorCleaner

INGREDIENTS1cupwhitedistilledorapplecidervinegar2cinnamonsticks,brokenintopieces(or1/2oz.groundcinnamon) 3/4cuprubbingalcohol 2tbsp.LiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 2cupswarmwater

50drops/1/2tsp.orangeessentialoilMAKES&KEEPSMakesabout1quart.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththecinnamonsticksorgroundcinnamon(seehere).Addtherubbingalcohol,liquidsoap,warmwater,andessentialoil.Mixwellanddecantintoaspraybottleforuse.

Sprayonandmopoffwithwater.

AntibacterialLaminate&WoodenFloorCleaner

INGREDIENTS1cupwhitedistilledorapplecidervinegar1/8oz.marigoldpetals 3/4cuprubbingalcohol 2tbsp.LiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 2cupswarmwater

50drops/1/2tsp.thymeessentialoilMAKES&KEEPSMakesabout1quart.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththemarigoldpetals(seehere).Addtherubbingalcohol,liquidsoap,warmwater,andessentialoil.Mixwell.

UseasforSpicyLaminate&WoodenFloorCleaner(seehere).

ROOM SPRAYS

Plant-basedroomspraysarewidelyusedtofreshenrooms.Theyplayanimportantpartin“space-clearing”or“energy-changing”exercisesinthehome.Tomakethesprays,puttheingredientsintoa4-oz.spraybottle.Shake24times(atraditionalnumberinfengshui)tomakesuretheessentialoilsaremixed,thensprayabundantlyaroundtheroom.Itcanbefuntoaddasmall,speciallyprogrammedcrystaltothebottle.Allsprays,excepttheFlyRepellentonhere,makejustunder1/2cupandkeepforupto3months.

AlltheseroomspraysarecourtesyofLucyHarmer.

HappyHouseAirSprayArichscentusedtobringhappinessandfunintoahome,andhelptorelievedepression.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:12dropsbasil12dropsorange

Space-ClearingSprayThisrefreshingandcleanodorissaidtoclear“heavy”energyinthehome.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:14dropsjuniper14dropslavender14dropsrosemary

ComputerEnergyBoosterSprayTheeffectoftheseclear-smellingoilsincreasesconcentrationandboostsenergywhenyouare

workingonacomputer.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:8dropslemon8dropslemongrass8dropspine

HelpfulAngelsSprayUsewhenyouareinneedofdivineassistance.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:8dropsfrankincense8dropsmyrrh8dropssandalwood

EmotionalBalancingSprayForwhenlife’supsanddownsaregettingtoyou.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:8dropsgeranium8dropsneroli8dropsbergamot

PassionSpraySpeaksforitself!

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:8dropsylangylang8dropspatchouli8dropsamber

LoveSprayToencourageloveofalltypesintoyourlife.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:8dropsrose8dropsjasmine8dropssandalwood

DeepSleepSprayZzzzzzzzzzz!

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:12dropslavender6dropschamomile6dropsmarjoram

Calm&RelaxationSprayDestresswiththislovelyspray.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:8dropshoneysuckle8dropscedar8dropsvetivert

ProtectionSprayTheseplantsweretraditionallyusedtoprotectthehomeagainstattacksorevil.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:14dropsgeranium14dropssage14dropspetitgrain

ProsperitySprayThisspraycontainsoilstraditionallyusedtoattractwealth.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupspringwaterEssentialoils:6dropsmint6dropscinnamon9dropsvetivert3dropsclove

FlyRepellentCourtesyofTeriEvans

Thisisaparticularlystrongmixtosprayarounddoorsandwindowstorepelfliesandother

insects.Itisnotforthebody.

INGREDIENTS1/4cupspringwaterEssentialoils:20dropscitronella20dropslavender

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/4cup.Keeps3months.

METHOD

Mixthewaterandessentialoilstogetherinthespraybottle.

Shakewell,thensprayaroundthewindowframesanddoorframes.Avoidcontactwithskinandeyes,becausethisisastrongmix.

POTPOURRI

Potpourriisacollectionofdriedorsemi-driedherbs,flowers,woods,andspicesthatispleasanttotheeyeandgivesoffalovelyfragrance.Addingessentialoilscreatesastrongerscent,andisalsousefulforrefreshingthepotpourri’sfragrance.

Tomakeanyofthesepotpourris,mixtogetherthedriedplantmaterialsinabeautifulbowlfordisplay.Sprinkletheessentialoilsoverthemix.

Eachpotpourriwillkeepwellfor3–6months.Refreshyourmixtureeverysooftenwithafewdropsofessentialoils.

Inourhouse,wearedevoteesofRadhaandKrishna(theDivineCoupleoftheVedictradition),

andalmosteverydayweofferflowersonouraltartoThakurji(theDivineinstatueform).Imake

potpourrifromthesespecialprasaadamflowers.

Prasaadammeans“mercyofGod”;itgivesyoumercyorgraceintheformofspiritualblessings.

⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄

RainbowPotpourri

INGREDIENTS2handfulsofdriedrosepetals(red,pink,yellow,andorange)Afewofanyofthefollowingdriedflowersandleaves:

marigoldslavenderhydrangeaforget-me-notslemonbalmrosemarysage

Essentialoils:8dropslavender8dropslemonbalm8dropsgeranium8dropsroseorrosegeranium

WinterFestivitiesPotpourriCollecttogetherenoughofthefollowingtofillyourchosendisplaybowl:

INGREDIENTShollyleaves(handlewithcare)hollyberriescedarleavesivyleavessmallpineconespineneedlesdriedorangepeel1tsp.cloves1nutmeg,freshlygroundglitter,toaddsomesparkle(optional)

Essentialoils:10–20dropscinnamon10–20dropsorange5–10dropspine

Breathe-EasyPotpourriThispotpourricanhelpwithbreathingdifficulties.Gatheramixtureof the following to fill

yourbowl.

INGREDIENTSpineneedlesrosemarysprigs(brokenintosmallpieces)eucalyptusleavessageleavesbayleavescedarleavesafewwholestaranise

Essentialoils:10–20dropspeppermint10–20dropsclarysage10–20dropspine

ECO-LAUNDRYPRODUCTSUsing eco-laundry products involves cleaning with amixture of soap

and alkaline substances (such as baking soda andwashing soda), then

removing soap residues and neutralizing the alkaline with vinegar.

Herbs and oils are added for aroma and antimicrobial or soothing

properties.

Youcanbuyinsolidandliquidsoaptouseintheserecipes,ormake

yourown.Soapmakingisfunandrewarding,butmustbeapproached

withcarebecauseitcanbedangerousifnotproperlydone.Seeherefor

general instructions on soap making and molds, paying special

attentiontothesafetymeasures.

Travelers’AntibugLaundrySoapCourtesyofTanyaSmart

Thisvariationgivestravelersextraprotectionfrombugsandinsects.

INGREDIENTS

Lye:5oz.sodiumhydroxide14oz.water

Oilblend:43/4oz.oliveoil 61/3oz.sunfloweroil 22oz.coconutoil

Essentialoils:21/2tsp.lavender 100drops/1tsp.Virginiancedarwood100drops/1tsp.juniper

50drops/1/2tsp.basil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout12–14smallbars(about4oz).Keepsyearsifwellmade,althoughtheodoroftheessentialoilswearsoff.

METHOD

FollowtheinstructionsasforLavenderLaundrySoap(here),takingnoteofthesafetymeasuresinthegeneralsoap-makinginstructions(seehere).Firstpreparethelye,thenheatandcooltheoilsbeforeaddingthelyetothem.Addtheessentialoilsonlyafteryouhaveachieved“trace.”

LavenderLaundrySoapCourtesyofTanyaSmart

Handyforhandwashing,stainremoval,andatraveling laundrysolution, this soapisused

gratedinlaundryliquidandpowderrecipes.

INGREDIENTS

Oilblend:43/4oz.oliveoil 61/3oz.sunfloweroil 22oz.coconutoil

Extras:5tsp.lavenderessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes12–14smallbars(about4oz.).Keepsseveralyears.

METHOD

Takenoteofthesafetymeasuresinthegeneralsoap-makinginstructions(seehere)beforepreparingthisrecipe.

Wearingglovesandplasticgoggles,makethelyebycarefullypouringthesodiumhydroxidecrystalsintothecontainerholdingthewater.Letitcoolto80–86°F.Neverpourwaterontothelye.

Gentlyheattheoilblendtogetheruntilthecoconutoilismelted,andcooluntil80–86°F.

Carefullypourthelyeintotheoilsandstirwiththespatulauntilyoureach“trace”;thisiswhenthemovementofthespatulacreatesalineonthetopofthemixture—atracethatdoesn’tdisappear.Itisasignthatyoursoaphasreachedfullsaponification—whenthelyehasturnedtheoilstosoap—andindicatesyourmixtureisready.Toreachtraceusuallytakesabouthalfanhour,butsoaphasitsowntimescale!Keepstirringcontinuouslyandverythoroughly,allaroundthesidesandthebottomofthepan.

Whenyou’veachievedatrace,addtheessentialoil.Ladlealittleofthesoapmixtureintoabowl.Mixtheessentialoilintothissmallamountofsoapmixture.Thenmixthiswellintothewholebatch.

Next,pourthemixtureintomold(s)andcover(withapieceofboardandthentowelstoinsulate).Placethemixtureoutofthewayfor24hours.

After24hours,removeitfromthemold(s),wearingglovestoprotectagainstresiduallye.Letsitforanother24hourstodry.Youcanthencutupthesoapifyouneedto.

Washallyourequipmentwithveryhotwaterandplentyofdishwashingliquid.Weardishwashinggloves(rememberthattheremnantswillstillbecaustic)andrinseverythoroughly.

Aswithallsoap,letit“cure”inawell-ventilatedplacefor4–6weeks.Thisallowsforallthecausticeffectofthelyetowearoff.

LAUNDRY L IQUIDS

Tomaketheselaundryliquids,firststirthewashingsodaintoalittleofthehotwaterinapailuntilitisdissolved.Thenaddthebakingsoda(orborax,ifusing;seebox)andstiruntildissolved.Mixintheliquidsoapandstirgentlytoavoidtoomuchfrothingup.

Whenalloftheseingredientsaredissolved,addtheessentialoilsandtherest

ofthewater.Stirgently,thenfunnelintostoragebottles.Ifyoudon’thaveliquidsoap,youcanadd3/4–1cuppurevegetablesoapflakesorabouthalfabarofgratedsoapinstead,dissolvingitinalittleboilingwaterbeforemixingin.

Shakewelltoremixbeforeeachuse,ortheingredientswillseparatewhilestanding.

Foralltheselaundryliquids,withtheexceptionoftheGentleSoapNutLaundryLiquidonhere,add1/4–1/3cupperloadofwashingtothecompartmentordrum.

CitrusLaundryLiquid

INGREDIENTS1/2–1cupLiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 1cupwashingsoda1cupbakingsodaorborax(boraxmakesastrongermix,butbakingsodaisbetterforpeoplewithsensitiveskin;seebox) 43/4quartshotwaterEssentialoils:

100drops/1tsp.lemon50drops/1/2tsp.grapefruitMAKES&KEEPS

Makes43/4quarts.Keepsatleast1year.

ConcentratedLavenderLaundryLiquid

INGREDIENTS1/2–1cupLiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 1cupwashingsoda1cupbakingsodaorborax(boraxmakesastrongermix,butbakingsodaisbetterforpeoplewithsensitiveskin;seebox) 43/4quartshotwater 2tsp.lavenderessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixgentlybeforeeachuse.Use1/4–1/3cupperloadofwashing.

—Tip—ADDMORELIQUIDSOAPIFYOUNEEDASTRONGERWASHING

LIQUID.LIQUIDCASTILESOAPISPREFERABLE,BUTIFYOU’RE

UNABLETOUSECASTILE,ANYLIQUIDSOAPWILLDO.

SpicyLaundryLiquid

100drops/1tsp.lavender50drops/1/2tsp.orange 25drops/1/4tsp.cinnamonMAKES&KEEPS

LuxuryLaundryLiquid

100drops/1tsp.rosegeranium25drops/1/4tsp.neroli 25drops/1/4tsp.jasmine 10dropsrose(optional,asexpensive!)

MAKES&KEEPS

AntipsoriasisLaundryLiquid

INGREDIENTS1/2cupLiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 1cupwashingsoda1cupbakingsoda43/4quartshotwaterEssentialoils:100drops/1tsp.lavender50drops/1/2tsp.bergamotMAKES&KEEPS

CautionBorax,orsodiumborate,isanaturallyoccurringmineralsaltfoundindrylakebeds.Itisastrongcleanserandwhitener,andcantreatmildew.Boraxcontainsboron,achemicalthatoccursinallvegetablesandfruitsnotgrownonexhaustedsoil,andisimportantforbrain,bone,andimmunefunction.However,peoplewithdelicate,sensitiveskinoftenfindboraxanirritant,andthereissomeevidencethatitcouldbeharmfultohealth,especiallyhormonalhealth,andthemalereproductivesystem.

Boraxsubstitutescanbemadefromwashingsodamixedwithsoapandvinegar,butbakingsodaalsoworksintherecipes.Afterresearchingthissubject,Iamhappytoincludeboraxinarecipe,butdoresearchthesubjectyourselfbeforemakingadecision.Ifyoudouseborax,aswithanystrongalkaloid,handleitwithcare;itcanirritatetheskinandshouldnotbeinhaled.

GentleSoapNutLaundryLiquidThisliquidissuitableforbabiesandyoungchildren,wool,anddelicatefabrics.

INGREDIENTS1/2cupweakchamomilevinegar(madewith1tsp.chamomileflowersinfusedin1/2cupwhitedistilledvinegarfor1week,p.19) 1cupsoapnuts

1quartfilteredorspringwater

Essentialoils(optional):30drops/1/3tsp.lavender 30drops/1/3tsp.chamomileMAKES&KEEPS

Makesaround21/2cups(enoughfor20loadsinawashingmachine).Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Putthevinegar,soapnuts,andwaterintoalarge,liddedpan.Placeonmediumheatandbringtoalowboil.Simmergentlyfor30minuteswiththelidon.

Removefromheat,mashthenuts(withapotatomasher),andsimmerforanother30minutes,thistimewiththelidofftolettheliquidreduce.Removefromheat.

Whencool,straintheliquidandpresswellbeforeaddingtheessentialoils,ifusing.Storeinanairtightcontainer.

Touse,addabout1/4cupperwashtoyourwashingmachine(halfthisinahigh-efficiencymachine).Aswithallwashingliquids,youcanputitinthedrawerofthemachineorinthedrum.

Pets’BeddingLaundryLiquidUsethistodiscouragefleas.

INGREDIENTS1cupLiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 1cupwashingsoda1cupbakingsodaorborax(boraxmakesastrongermix,butbakingsodaisbetterforpeoplewithsensitiveskin;seebox) 43/4quartshotwaterEssentialoils:

100drops/1tsp.lavender50drops/1/2tsp.teatreeMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixgentlybeforeeachuse.Use1/4–1/3cupperloadofwashing.

SpaceClearer’sWashingPowderThe essential oils in this recipe are used to cleanse and transform negative energy, so this

powderisidealforwashingclothesbeforeaspace-clearingexercise.

INGREDIENTS1(31/2–4-oz.)baroflaundrysoap,grated(about1cup) 1/2cupwashingsoda justover3/4cupborax(seebox);oruseanother1/2cupwashingsoda1/2cupbakingsodaEssentialoils:

50drops/1/2tsp.lavender 50drops/1/2tsp.rosemary 50drops/1/2tsp.juniperYOUWILLNEED

•AFOODPROCESSOR

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesenoughfor30–60washes.Keeps6monthsormore.

METHOD

MakeusingthemethodforSuperstrongCitrusWashingPowder(seehere).Use1–2tbsp.perwash.

—Tip—BEFOREYOUUSETHESELAUNDRYPOWDERS,DOONEWASHWITH

JUSTAHALFMUGOFPLAINWASHINGSODA.THISWILLCLEANOUT

ANYRESIDUESFROMYOUROLDWASHINGPOWDER,WHICHCOULD

OTHERWISEREACTWITHYOURHOMEMADEECO-MIXANDCAUSEA

YELLOWCOLOR.

SuperstrongCitrusWashingPowderThisrecipecontainsborax(seebox),whichmustbehandledverycarefully.

INGREDIENTS1(31/2–4-oz.)baroflaundrysoap,grated(about1cup) 1/2cupwashingsoda justover3/4cupborax(seebox);oruseanother1/2cupwashingsoda1/2cupbakingsodaEssentialoils:

50drops/1/2tsp.lemon 50drops/1/2tsp.mandarinororangeYOUWILLNEED

•AFOODPROCESSOR

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesenoughfor30–60washes.Keeps6monthsormore.

METHOD

Addtheessentialoilstothesoap,thenwhiskormixinafoodprocessortomakeafiner,powderedsoap.

Addthewashingsoda,borax,andbakingsodatothefoodprocessor,andmixalltheingredientswellfor3–5minutes.

Touse,add1–2tbsp.tothepowdersectionofyourwashingmachinedrawer.

BabySoftWashingPowder

INGREDIENTS1cupwhitedistilledvinegar1tsp.chamomileflowers1tsp.rosepetals1tsp.lavenderflowers1cupfinelygratedLavenderLaundrySoap(seehere)orothervegetableoilsoap 1cupwashingsoda

1cupbakingsoda

YOUWILLNEED•AFOODPROCESSOR

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout4cups.Keepsindefinitelyinasealedcontainer.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarofchamomile,rose,andlavender(seehere).

Putthegratedsoapintoalargebowl.Stirinthewashingsodaandbakingsoda.Graduallypourintheinfusedvinegar,alittleatatime.Thiswillmakeitfoamupandthickenintoapaste,sodon’taddtooquickly.

Whiskthemixture.Youcandothisbyhand,butafoodprocessorwillbemucheasier,becauseitneedstobethoroughlymixed.Whiskuntilitbecomesapowder,thenletitsitforanhour.Themixturewillappearevenmorepowdery,justlikeawashingpowder.

Stiragainandstoreinasealed(airtight)container.Youwillneed2–3tbsp.foreachfullloadofwashing.

SoapwortWoolWash

INGREDIENTS2oz.driedsoapwortleavesandstems,orroots(or3cupsoffresh) 1quartwater

1cupwhitedistilledvinegar(orfloralvinegarasforBabySoftWashingPowder,left) 20dropslavenderorlemonessentialoil(optional)YOUWILLNEED

•AFOODPROCESSOR

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups“soapworttea,”enoughfor3–4washes.Keeps12months.

METHOD

Boilthesoapwortleavesandstemsinthewaterforabout10minutes(ifyouareusingroots,boilfor20minutes)withthelidonuntilthemixturehasreducedbyone-third.Letcool,thenmixinablender(theliquidwillbecomefrothy).Letsitforafewhoursforthefrothtodiedown,thenstrainwell.

Addthewhitedistilledvinegar,orthefloralvinegarifyoupreferasofterscent.Mixintheessentialoil,ifdesired.

Storeinanairtightcontainer.Touse,add1/2–3/4cuptoyourwashingwater.

Eco-PoweredLaundryWhitenerThisfresh-smellingwhitenerreliesonthebleachingpoweroflemonjuice.

INGREDIENTSjuiceof5lemons1quartwhitedistilledvinegar20dropslemonessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1quart(enoughfor4–8washes).Keepsupto6months.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogether.

Add1/2cupofthiswhitenerplus1/4–1/2cupbakingsodatoyourregularwashingliquid/powder,plusanother1/4–1/2cupintherinsecompartment.

—Tip—DRYINGCLOTHESONACLOTHESLINEINTHESUNISTHEBESTWAY

TOKEEPCLOTHESFRESH,ANDTHESUNITSELFISTHEBEST

WHITENER.

ZestyStainRemoverThebasicprincipleofa stainremover is touseaconcentratedamountofwashingproduct.

Tryusingthisoncolorfastclothes.

INGREDIENTS1/4cupSuperstrongCitrusWashingPowder(seehere)orBabySoftWashingPowder(opposite) juiceof1lemon

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1/4cup.Keeps2–3months.

METHOD

Mix1–2tbsp.ofyourhomemadewashingpowderwiththelemonjuicetomakeapaste.Thenmixintheremainingwashingpowder.Storeinasmalljar.

Assoonasyounoticeastain,rubinalittleofyourstain-bustingpasteandputtheiteminthelaundrybaskettoawaititsnormalwash.Aswithallstainremovers,thisremoverismosteffectiveifyoutreatthestainbeforeitsets.

—Tip—ANOTHERSTAIN-REMOVALMETHODISTOSCRUBUNDILUTED

LIQUIDCASTILESOAP(see here) INTOSTAINS. LETSITFOR30–60

MINUTESANDWASHASNORMAL.

WoodAshDetergent-FreeWashingLiquidCourtesyofMarcLuyckx

Able to wash effectively in washing machines without any detergent, this is a very strong

alkalineproduct(potashorlye).Prepareitonatiledfloorandwearglovesandgoggleswhile

workingwithit.

INGREDIENTSjustover1/2pailofsiftedwoodash boilingwater

YOUWILLNEED•ACOFFEEFILTER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1/4pail.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Pourboilingwaterintothepailuntilitreaches11/2–2inchesabovetheash.Mixitthoroughly,cover,andletsitfor12hours,stirringoccasionally.

Stir,thenfilterthroughapieceofcheesecloth.Carefullydisposeoftheash(itisstronglyalkaline)andrinseouttheclothandpail.

Lettheliquidsettle,thenplaceasheetofpapertowel,foldedintofour,overtheholeinafunnel.Addacoffeefilterandstraintheliquidthroughthisintoasolidplasticcontainer.Theliquidwillbeyellowtolightbrown,butitwillnotaffectclothesinanyway.(Note:Therewillbenosuds.)Touse,put1/2cupofthewashingproductintothewashingcompartmentofyourmachine.Add1/2cupvinegar-basefabricsoftener(opposite)intothewashingcompartment.Note:Forwashesat32–86°F,usehalfasmuchagainofbothliquidandofvinegar.

Forwhitening:Addanequalvolumeofwashingsodawithhotwaterandthewashingliquidtothewashingcompartment.

SOFT-TOUCH HERBAL FABRIC CONDITIONERS

Theseeasy-to-makefabricconditionersuseaweakinfusedvinegarastheirbase.Vinegar,anacid,basicallyremovesalltracesofsoapfromthefabric,makingitfeelsoft.

Alltheserecipesmake1quart(enoughforabout12washes).

Sweet&SoftFabricConditionerwithRose

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.fragrantrosebudsorpetals1quartwhitedistilledvinegar

Essentialoils:50drops/1/2tsp.lavender 25drops/1/4tsp.chamomile afewdropsroseessentialoil(optional)

Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Infusetherosesinthevinegar(seehere).Addtheessentialoilstotheinfusedvinegar.

Touse,put1/3cupintotherinsecompartmentofthewashingmachine.

Skin-CalmFabricSoftener

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.marigoldflowers1quartwhitedistilledvinegar

Essentialoils:50drops/1/2tsp.lavender 50drops/1/2tsp.bergamot afewdropsroseessentialoil(optional)

Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Infusethemarigoldflowersinthevinegar(seehere).Thenaddtheessentialoilstotheinfusedvinegar.

Touse,put1/3cupintotherinsecompartmentofthewashingmachine.

AntibacterialFabricSoftener

INGREDIENTS1quartwhitedistilledvinegar

Essentialoils:50drops/1/2tsp.lavender 50drops/1/2tsp.teatree 25drops/1/4tsp.thymeKEEPS

Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherandbottle.

Use1/2cupintherinsestageofyourwash(checkthemanufacturer’sinstructionsforhowtodothisinyourmachine).

Pets’BeddingFabricConditioner

INGREDIENTS1quartwhitedistilledvinegar

Essentialoils:50drops/1/2tsp.lavender 50drops/1/2tsp.orange 50drops/1/2tsp.teatreeKEEPS

Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

MakeanduseasdescribedforAntibacterialFabricSoftener(seehere).

HERBAL MOTH REPELLENTS

Traditionalmothballsaretoxic,soyoumightwanttomakeyourownplant-poweralternatives.

Tomakeeachofthemoth-repellentsachets,youwillneedasmallpieceofthincottonclothcutintoacircleabout6inchesindiameter,aswellassilkorwoolthread.Simplymixthedriedherbstogetherinabowlandsprinkletheessentialoil,ifusing,overthemixture.Thenlayyourclothonaflatsurfaceandspoonhalfyourherbmixtureintothecenter.Drawtogetherthesidesoftheclothandfastentightlyatthetopwithapieceofwoolorsilkthread.

Eachofthemoth-repellentrecipesmakestwosachets,whichwillkeepwellforuptoayear.

Beforeyoupackawayclothesforstoring,makesuretheyareproperlycleaned.Useafabricconditionerasarinseafterwashing.Airclotheswellinthesunifyoucanbeforepacking,thenplacethesemoth-repellentsachetsbetweenyourfoldedclothes.

Lavender&RosemaryMothRepellent

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:2tsp.lavenderflowers2tsp.rosemaryleavesandflowers1tsp.thymeleaves1tsp.cloves

Cedar&SouthernwoodMothRepellent

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:2tsp.cedarwood,groundintosmallshavings2tsp.southernwoodleaves1tsp.cloves1tsp.thymeleaves

Essentialoils(optional):20dropslavender20dropscedarwood

Moth-DestroyingSprayIfyoualreadyhavemoths,strongermethodsareneeded.

INGREDIENTS1quartboilingwater2oz.driedthyme3/4oz.driedcloves 2tbsp.neemoil

Essentialoils:50drops/1/2tsp.thyme 50drops/1/2tsp.lemon 1tsp.LiquidCastileSoap(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1quart.Bestusedfresh,butwillkeepfor1–2months.

METHOD

Pourtheboilingwaterontothethymeandcloves.Letcool,thenstrainandaddtheneemoilandessentialoils,plustheliquidsoap.Mixthoroughlyandstoreinaspraybottle.

Ifpossible,puttheaffectedclothesinthefreezerfor2daystobeginthemoth-killingprocess.Thenspraythemonce,thoroughly,withyourmoth-destroyingspray.Checkcarefullyforsignsofmothseveryweekorsoforafewweeksfollowing.Repeattheprocess,ifrequired.

Desert-StyleMothRepellent

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:2tsp.shreddedsagebrush2tsp.whitesage1tsp.cloves1tsp.southernwood

Essentialoils(optional):20dropsclove20dropssage

KEEPINGWELLHere you will find a range of do-it-yourself mineral and vitamin

supplements, tonics, and teas that can be taken every day, as well as

protection andnourishment for the skin, remedies for themind and

spirit,andmore.

FlaxseedRehydrationTeaBeingfullyhydratedcanmakeanenormousdifferencetohowwellyoufeel,andremain.Tea

fromflaxseedsisperfectforrehydrating.Richinomega-3fattyacidsfromtheseeds,thetea

nourishesthecellmembranes,andtonesandprotectsthedigestivetractfromtoptobottom.

Thisrecipegivesmaximumrehydration.

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.flaxseeds1quartwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1cup,enoughfor3days.Keepsupto3daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Puttheseedsandwaterintoasaucepanandbringtoaboil.Removefromtheheatandletsitwiththelidonfor12hoursorovernight.Thenextday,bringtoaboilagainandsimmerfor1hour.

Strainthetea,reservingtheseeds.(Thesecanbeeaten,forexample,addedtooatmealortoacookiedough,withsomegoldenraisins.)Put1/4cupoftheremainingliquidintoalarge(ideally20-fl.-oz.)mug.Dilutethethickliquidwithhalfboilingandhalfcoldwater.Drink1mugofthetea3timesdaily,halfanhourbeforeameal.

—Tip—IFYOUAREINARUSH,YOUCANMAKEFLAXSEEDTEATHEQUICK

WAY.THISSIMPLEMETHODMAKESENOUGHFORONEDAY’STEA:

BOIL1 TBSP.OFFLAXSEEDSAND1CUPWATERINASAUCEPAN

UNTILTHEWATERISREDUCEDBYHALF.DRINKONCEORTWICE

DAILYTOSOOTHEIRRITATION.THETEAKEEPSFORUPTO3DAYS

INTHEREFRIGERATOR.

ProbioticLemonadeCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

Thisdelicious,probioticdrinkcanhelprestorethegoodbacteriainourdigestivetract,easing

bloating,irritablebowelsyndrome(IBS),andtrappedgas.

INGREDIENTS1(16-oz.)containerprobioticplainorganicyogurt(seehere) 1/2cupsugar

1/2cuphoney 31/2–4quartsfreshlyfilteredwater,totopupasrequiredjuicefrom12lemons

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesupto4quarts.Keepsupto2weeksintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Firstmakeawhey:Putathickishpieceofcheeseclothoverabowlandattachitwithathickrubberbandorstring.Pourtheyogurtintoitandletsitfor1hour.

Scooptheyogurtbackintoitscontainer.Inthebowl,youwillhaveaclearishliquid—thewheycontainingtheprobioticsorhelpfulbacteria.

Placethesugarandhoneyintoalargeglassjarwthalid.Addthewheyandfillthejarhalfwaywithfreshwater.Addthelemonjuiceandtopupagainsothatthejarisaboutthree-quartersfull.Tightenthelid.Mixtheingredientswellbyagitatingthejar.

Keepatroomtemperaturefor2days;theprobioticsinthewheywilleatsomeofthesugarandmultiply,leavingyouwithaprobioticlemonadereadytobottle.

—Tip—THISLEMONADEISSHARP,SOYOUMAYLIKETOSWEETENITWITH

HONEYBEFOREDRINKING.

SoothingSloeCSyrupCourtesyofRachelCorby

High in vitamin C, this syrup can help soothe bronchial conditions, colds, catarrh, and

inflammationofthethroat.

INGREDIENTS1cupfreshsloes(thefruitofblackthorn)2cupshotwater11/2cupshoneyMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout3cups.Keepsupto2yearsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Decoctthesloesinthewater(seehere)for20minutes.Donotboil.Strainanddiscardallthepitsandplantmatter.

Measuretheremainingliquid.Eithermatchwhatyouhaveleftwithanequalvolumeofhoneyordiscardanyexcesswatersothatonly11/2cupsremain,thenaddthehoney.Gentlyheattheliquiduntilallthehoneyhasdissolved,andbottle.

Take2tsp.3timesadaydirectlyfromaspoonordissolvedinanherbaltea.

Donotuseifpregnantorbreastfeeding.

—Tip—IFPOSSIBLE,COLLECTTHESLOESAFTERAHARDFROST,BECAUSE

THISMAKESTHEIRSKINSOFTERANDMOREPERMEABLE.IFYOU

WANTTOMAKETHESYRUPBEFORETHEFIRSTFROST,FREEZETHE

SLOESBRIEFLYBEFOREUSING.

RoseHipCSyrupInBritainduringWorldWarII,therewasashortageoffruit,sovitaminCdeficiencybecame

aconcern.TheWomen’sInstitute(WI)organizedmassgatheringsofrosehipsandproduced

rosehip syrupona large scale,madeusinga recipeprovidedby theMinistryofWar.This

recipeisbasedonthat.

INGREDIENTS4cupsfreshrosehips,finelychopped31/2cupsboilingwater 2cupscoldwater1cupsugar

YOUWILLNEED•DOUBLETHICKNESSCHEESECLOTHORJELLYBAG

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups.Keepsfor1yearuntilopened,thenkeepintherefrigeratorandusewithin1month.

METHOD

Dropthefreshlypickedandfinelychoppedrosehipsintotheboilingwater.Stir,removefromtheheat,andletsitfor20minutes.Strainbylettingitdripthroughthedoublethicknesscheeseclothorthejellybag.Transferthehipsfromthecheeseclothtoasaucepan.Washthecheeseclothorjellybagimmediatelyafter—you’llneeditforthenextstageoftherecipe.

Addthestrainedjuiceand2cupsofcoldwatertothepan.Bringtoaboil.Stir,removefromheat,andletsitfor10minutes.(DoingittwiceensuresyougetallthevitaminC.)Strainagainthroughthecheeseclothorjellybag.Donotsqueeze,butletitdrip.Thisistoavoidtiny,irritatingrosehiphairsgettingintoyourpreparation.Asanextraprecaution,pourbackthefirst1/2cupofliquidthatcomesthrough,andmakeitdripthroughagain.

Putthejuiceintoacleansaucepan,bringtotheboil,thenboilwiththelidofffor5minutes.Addthesugarandboilbrisklyforanother5minutes.Pourintosmall,sterilizedjars.

Pourontodessertsandcereal,drinkmixedwithhotorcoldwater,ortake1–2tsp.upto3timesdailytoprotectagainstcoldsandflu.

—Tip—TOFURTHERPRESERVESYRUPS,STERILIZETHEMAFTERBOTTLING

(SEEHERE).

ManyBerrySyrupCourtesyofWizzHolland

Thissyrupisdeliciouswithcarbonatedwaterorpouredovericecreamoryogurt.Itisrichin

vitaminC,soyoucanalsotakeitlikeamedicine,aspoonfulasitisordilutedinhotwater,

towardoffortreatcolds.

INGREDIENTS1cupfreshberries(amixofhawthorn,rosehips,elderberries,blackberries,raspberries,orwhateveryoucanfind) 2cupswater

juiceof1–2lemons11/2cupshoneyMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout3cups.Ifunopened,willkeep1yearintherefrigerator.Onceopened,drinkwithinafewweeks.

METHOD

MakeinthesamewayasSoothingSloeSyrup(seehere),butaddthelemonjuicetoeachjustover3/4cupofliquidbeforeaddingthehoney.KeepthepulptomakeManyBerryFruitLeather(seehere).

Elder,RoseHip&RowanberryOxymelThisisavitaminC-packed,immune-boostinghoneyandvinegardelight.

INGREDIENTS

2handfulsofeachofthefollowing,removedfromthestems:elderberriesrosehipsrowanberries1quartAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) about21/4cupshoneyMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout5cups.Keepsaround2years.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththeberries(seehere).

Measuretheliquidandaddanequalamountofhoney.Gentlyheattodissolve,thenbottle.

Take1–2teaspoons3–4timesdailytohelpfightviralinfections.

ManyBerryFruitLeatherCourtesyofWizzHolland

Thisrecipewasinspiredbythelush-smellingpulpleftoversfrommakingManyBerrySyrup

(seehere).

INGREDIENTS2–3cupsfruitpulp,leftoversfromtheManyBerrySyrup(seehere),pluswhatyouneedofapples,blackberries,rosehips,etc.tomakeupthevolumejuiceof1lemon

1/2cuphoneyYOUWILLNEED•FLATBAKINGSHEETS,LINEDWITHWAXPAPER•ADDITIONALWAXPAPER,FORROLLINGTHELEATHER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes20–30strips.Keeps1–2weeks,orupto3monthsiffrozen.

METHOD

Inasaucepan,gentlycookthepulpwiththeaddedfruitsuntilallaremushy.Pushthepulpthroughastrainertoremoveseeds,stems,andsoon,thenmixinthelemonjuiceandhoney.

Spreadthemixtureoutthinlyandfairlyevenlyoverthelinedbakingsheets.Letdryoutinanovensetonthelowesttemperaturefor3–5hours,oruntilitfeelsrubberybutset.

Sliceintostripsandmakelittlerolls.Dothisbyrollingthestripstogetherwithastripofwaxpaperoraluminumfoil,toavoidthemixturestickingtoitself.Storeinabigjar,ideallyglasssothatyoucanenjoylookingatthecolorfulcollection.

—Tip—YOUCANUSEANYFRUITTOMAKE“LEATHER” INASIMILARWAY.

EXPERIMENTBYADDINGTASTYANDFRAGRANTFLOWERS,SUCHAS

ROSEORHONEYSUCKLE,ORSPICES.

EasyIronTonicAverysimple,easy-to-makeironandmineraltincture.

INGREDIENTS1cupunsulfured(brown)driedapricots(orhunzaapricots,pitted),coarselychopped 1tbsp.molasses

1/2oz.driednettletops(or1cupfresh),coarselychopped 3cupsvodka

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes3cups.Keepsatleast2years.

METHOD

Seehereforfullinstructionsonhowtomaketinctures.

Putalltheingredientsintoajar,seal,andletsittobrew.After4weeks,straintheliquidthroughcheeseclothandbottle.

Take2tsp.dailyinwarmwaterorlightlycarbonatedwaterasanirontonic.Ifyouareanemic,supportyourliverbytaking1tsp.1–2timesdailyofthetincturecomponentoftheDetoxComplex(seehere).EasyIronTonicisnotsuitableforchildrenunder7.

SupergreenJuiceThis juice is incredibly nutritious, packed with minerals, vitamins, and health-giving

enzymes.

INGREDIENTS2oz.freshwheatgrassoroatgrass

YOUWILLNEED•AJUICER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/4cupjuice.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Putthegrassthroughajuicerandenjoy.Ifyoudon’thaveajuicer,justaddthegrasstoasmoothie.

VinegarCalciumTonicCourtesyofJeanneRose

Anedibletinctureforhealthybones,fullofcalcium.

INGREDIENTS3handfulsoffreshdandelionrootsandleaves(digtheseupyourselforbuythematafarmers’market),coarselychopped about22/3cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththedandelion(seehere),lettingitinfusefor6weeks.Therootswilldevelopandexudeamilkysubstanceintothevinegar.

Strainandbottle.

Useinsaladdressingsandmarinadesorsprinkledovercookedgreens.Eachtbsp.containsmorethan175mgcalcium—one-sixthoftheadultrecommendeddailyallowance.

DetoxingMineralVinegarNettlesareapanaceaoftheplantworld,usedforaching joints,skinallergies,orageneral

detoxing/cleansing.Theyarerichinminerals,vitamins,andprotein(seehere).

INGREDIENTS3handfulsoffreshlypickednettletops(ordriedifyoucan’tgetfresh) 2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keeps2years.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarwiththenettles(seehere).

Take1–2tbsp.daily,inwaterorwithfood.

LeafuProteinSupplementCourtesyofMichaelCole

Thereisawayofmaking“leafu,”anediblecurd,fromgrassandstingingnettlestoaccessthe

valuableproteinandaminoacidstheycontain.

INGREDIENTS2lb.freshlypickednettletops(mixedwithanyotherediblegreens,includinggrass,ifdesired)YOUWILLNEED

•ABLENDER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1oz.leafu(enoughfor2meals).Keepsupto1weekintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Pureethenettlesinablender,addingasmallamountofwater,ifnecessary.Filterthejuicethroughfinecloth.

Heatthefilteredjuicejustuptoboilingpoint,sothatagreen“froth”appearsonthesurface.Skimitoffandputinafinecloth(theholesneedtobetinytoretainthe“froth,”whichcontainstheprotein).This“froth”canbeeatenfreshlyasitisoraddedtosmoothies,soups,orstews.

Alternatively,makeintoacurdbypressingslowlybutfirmlytogetallthefluidout(thismaytakeseveralhours).Theprotein-richcurdcanbecutupandaddedtofood.

MultimineralPowderWildplantsareoftenricherinmineralsthancultivatedones.Thiswildherbpowdercanbe

sprinkledontosoupsandstewsoraddedtosmoothiesorjuicesforaninstanthealthboost.

INGREDIENTS

Collectasmanyofthefollowingwildherbsasyoucan:burdockrootdandelionleavesandrootnettleleavesandrootplantainleavesgroundelderleavespeppermintredcloverthymesageyellowdockroot

Alternatively,buyarangeofdriedherbs.

1year.

METHOD

Drytheplantmaterialandgrindtoapowderinacoffeegrinder.Mixthoroughlyandstoreinanairtightcontainer.

Take2–3tsp.dailyasafoodsupplement.Youcanaddtoagreensmoothieorinfuseinvinegartomakeamultimineralvinegar(seehere).

AloeVeraNourishAllAloe vera contains hundreds of health-giving nutrients. To get the full benefit from this

amazingmiracleplant,usetheleavesfresh.

INGREDIENTS1/2aloeveraleaf,withoutthegreenskin 1/2cucumber,chopped 1/2cupapplejuice,freshlyjuicedorboughtYOUWILLNEED

•ABLENDER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2/3cup.Eatimmediately.

METHOD

Cutthealoeveraleaflengthwiseandscrapeoutthegelinside.Addthegeltotheotheringredientsinablenderandblenduntilsmooth.

Drinkonceaweek,takingamonthoffevery6months.Donottakecontinuouslywithoutabreak.

Donotusealoeverainternallyduringmenstruation,ifyouarepregnant,orifyouhaveliverorgallbladderproblemsorhemorrhoids.

MilkVetch,Ginseng&NettleStressSupportTonic

INGREDIENTS2oz.driedmilkvetchroot,chopped2oz.driedginsengroot,chopped2oz.driedSiberianginsengroot,chopped1quartwater1cupchoppedfreshnettletops(or1oz.dried)2tbsp.good-qualityhoney(preferablymanuka)2cupspurevegetableglycerin

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1quart.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Decocttheroots,boilinginthewaterfor15minutesinalarge,coveredsaucepan(seehere).Addthenettlesandletcool.

Strainand,ifnecessary,boilfurthertoreducereduceitoraddwatertoproduce2cupsofliquid.Removefromtheheatandletcoolfor10minutes.

Addthehoneyandstirtodissolve.Addtheglycerinandmixwell,thenbottle.

Take1tsp.2–3timesdailytoboostimmunityandrelievestress.

WalnutFlowerRemedyforAdaptingtoChangeCourtesyofLucyHarmer

Flower remedies harness flowers’ energetic properties to help balance emotions. The most

famous one isDr.Bach’sRescueRemedy.Following tradition,make flower remedies on a

brightsunnydayaround10a.m.

INGREDIENTS3–4stemsofwalnutflowers/leaves,about6inchinlength(gathermainlyfemaleflowers;seebox).

2cupswaterabout1cupbrandy(moreifrequired)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups.Keeps2years.

METHOD

Puttheflowersandleavesintoasaucepanwiththewater.Bringtoaboilandsimmerforabout30minuteswithoutalid,stirringconstantly.Removefromheat,addthelid.andletcool.

Strainintoaglassbottle.Mixwithanequalamountofbrandy.

Keepinadarkplaceandfilladropperbottlewhenyouwanttouse.

Take3–5drops3timesadayorwhenyouarefeelingstressed.

Femalewalnutflowersaresmallandgreenandhaveafiglikeshape,whilethemaleflowersarefat

greencatkins.

⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄

WeightLossTeaTheseherbscanhelptocalmtheappetiteandspeedmetabolismwithoutmakingyoujumpy.

Usealongsideahealthydietandalsoconsideradetoxprogram.

INGREDIENTS2oz.greentea1oz.fennelseeds1oz.drieddandelionleaves

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes4oz.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogetherwell.Maketheteausing1tsp.permug(seehere).

Drink2–4mugsdaily.

WeightLossSpiceAspicemixofplantsthathelptoburnfat.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.groundginger1oz.groundcardamom1oz.groundturmeric5tsp.cayennepepper

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout3oz.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Mixthespicestogetherwell.

Drinkasatea,using1tsp.ofspicepermugofboilingwater(seehere).Drink2–3timesdaily.

—Variation—ALTERNATIVELY,MAKEASOLIDSPREAD.TODOTHIS, MELTA12-

OZ.JAROFEXTRA-VIRGINCOCONUTOILBYPLACINGTHEJARINTO

ABOWLOFHOTWATER.ONCEMELTED,MIXTHESPICESIN

THOROUGHLY.LETSET.TAKE1 TSP. 2–3TIMESDAILYEITHER

DIRECTLYOFFTHESPOONORADDEDTOFOOD.(ALTHOUGHITIS

ANOIL, COCONUTOILSPEEDSMETABOLISMANDHELPSTHEBODY

TOBURNOFFFAT.)

DetoxComplexCourtesyofLouiseIdoux

In thismixture, the herbs encourage the liver to clear toxins into the bile. The prune juice

takesthemoutofthebodythroughbowelmovements.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(eitherboughtorhomemade,here)ofthefollowing:2tbsp./30mlmilkthistleseeds4tsp./20mldandelionroot5tsp./25mlburdockroot5tsp./25mlartichokeleaves

justunder1/2cupprunejuiceMAKES&KEEPSMakesjustover3/4cup.Keepsupto2years.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogetherandbottle.

Take2tsp.inalittlewater3timesdaily.

Donotgivedetoxingmedicinestochildrenunder12.

DetoxTeaThismakesamixtureofdriedherbsfromwhichtomakeadailytea.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1/2oz.nettletops 1/2oz.dandelionleaves 1/2oz.gingerroot,coarselyground 1/2oz.dandelionroot,coarselyground 1/2oz.burdockroot,coarselyground 2cinnamonsticks,coarselyground

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes31/2oz.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientsandstoreinajar.

Maketeausing1tsp.permugofboilingwater.Letinfusefor5–10minutes(seehere).

Drink1–3mugsdaily,addingfreshlemonjuice,andhoneytotaste.

Donotgivedetoxingmedicinestochildrenunder12.Detoxingofanykindisnotrecommendedduringpregnancyorbreastfeeding.Ifyouhaveanyhealthproblems,youshouldonlyundertakedetoxingwiththeguidanceofaqualifiedhealthcarepractitioner.

Mineral-RichSeaweedBathTonourishtheskin,encouragedetoxification,relievemuscleandjointstiffness,andhelpthe

circulation.

INGREDIENTS1oz.driedkelp1oz.drieddulse

Makesenoughfor1bath.

METHOD

Itworksbesttoputdriedseaweedintoacheeseclothbag,otherwiseitblocksyourdrainandisdifficulttocleanup.Ifyoucangatherfreshseaweed,putacoupleofhandfulsofeachintoyourbathtubwhilerunningthewater.

Soakinashotabathasiscomfortableforaround30minutes.

TheBigCleanserSmoothieCourtesyofNeilMcNulty

INGREDIENTS1apple2smallbananas2handfulsofmixedfreshorfrozenberriesjuiceof1lemon(noseeds)10freshrosemaryleaves(nostems)Herbaltea:1smallmugwithpeppermint(1tsp.or1teabag)andnettle(2tsp.or2teabags),infusedfor5–10minutesYOUWILLNEED

•ABLENDER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1–2servings.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Blendalltheingredientstogetheranddrinkimmediately.

WarmtheBonesSmoothieCourtesyofNeilMcNulty

Idealforpeoplewhofeelthecold,orfortreatingrheumatism.

INGREDIENTS1-inchpiecefreshgingerroot1/2tsp.groundcinnamon 1tsp.groundturmeric3tbsp.coconutmilk(orprobioticplainorganicyogurt) 2largebananas2pearsHerbaltea:1smallmugofchamomiletea(madefrom1tsp.driedchamomileor1teabaginfusedfor5–10minutes).

YOUWILLNEED•ABLENDER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1–2servings.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Blendalltheingredientstogetheranddrinkrightaway.

WinterWarmerTea

INGREDIENTS3/4oz.driedgingerroot 2cinnamonsticks3/4oz.driedlicoricerootMAKES&KEEPS

Makes2-oz.herbmixture.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Looselygrindtheginger,cinnamon,andlicoriceinacoffeegrinder—youdon’tneedafinepowder.Storeinajar.

Maketeausing1tsp.permuginfusedfor5–10minutes(seehere).Take1–3timesdailytoimprovecirculation.

Kidney-StrengtheningTeaAdailydrinktosupportthekidneys.

INGREDIENTS3/4oz.driedcornsilk 3/4oz.driednettleleavesMAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/2-oz.herbmixture.Keepsupto1year.

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogether.Maketeausing1tbsp.toateapotofboilingwater.

Drinkovertheday.

Cornsilkisthedriedstamensseenonearsofcorn—ifyoupickfreshorbuywiththeouterleavesstill

on,youseetheselong,thinpaleyellow/greenstrandsallaroundthecob.Removethemandlayto

dryonaflattrayinawarm,darkplace.Whendry,theylooklikebrownhair.Breakthemupand

mixwiththenettles.

⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄

ChilblainOilCourtesyofSueWine

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.vegetableoil(any,butalmondandsesameworkwell)Essentialoils:5dropsgeranium1droplavender1droprosemary

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1tbsp.for1application.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Mixtheoilstogetherandrubintochilblainswhentheyaresore.

EquinoxTeafortheChangingSeasonsCourtesyofChristineHerren-Valette

Thisteahelpstopreparefortheimportanttransitionfromwintertospring,andsummerto

fall—keytimeswhenpeoplefallill,asthebodytriestogothroughapowerfuldetoxification

process.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:

1/4cupnettletops 3tbsp.downybirchleaves2tbsp.marigoldflowers1tbsp.blackcurrantleaves1tbsp.meadowsweetflowers

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1oz.herbmixture.Keepsupto1year.

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogetherandmakeateausing1tsp.permugofboilingwater(seehere).

Take2–3timesdaily.

Honey,Lemon&GingerforColdsCourtesyofSueWine

INGREDIENTS1-inchpiecefreshgingerroot2tsp.honeyjuiceof1/2lemonMAKES&KEEPS

1mug.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Peelandslicethegingerthinly.Placeinamugofboilingwater,thenaddtheotheringredients.Letbrewfor5–10minutes,thendrink(youcanalsoeatthepiecesofginger).Itwillmakeyousweatandbanishyourheadcold.

HyssopCoughSyrupCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS3/4cup+2tbsp.honey 1/4cuphotwater 2tbsp.driedhyssop,moistenedwith1tbsp.hotwater 1tsp.aniseseeds,crushed

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout81/2fl.oz.Keepsupto1yearintherefrigeratoruntilopened.

METHOD

Heatthehoneyandwatergentlyinasaucepanuntilsyrupy.Thenletsimmerfor5minutes,regularlyskimmingoffanyscumthatforms.

Next,addthehyssopandaniseseeds.Stir,cover,andsimmerfor30minutes.Removethelidandletcoolslightlybeforestrainingintoajar.

Adults:Take1tbsp.upto6timesdaily.

Children:Take1tbsp.upto4timesdaily.

TurmericHoneyAntibioticTohelpyourbodyfightanyinfection

INGREDIENTS1jarofhoney1jarthesamesizeofgroundturmeric

2years.

METHOD

Emptybothjarsintoabowlandmixthoroughly.Returnthemixturetotheoriginaljars.Handleturmericcarefully,becauseitcanstain.

Adults:Take1tsp.3–4timesdaily.

Children:Take1/2tsp.3timesdaily.

BirchAromaticSyrupforCoughs&SoreThroatsCourtesyofJohannaHerzog

INGREDIENTS2cupsvodka2handfulsoffreshbirchleavesorleavesandbuds 2cupssugar(whiteorbrown)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout26fl.oz.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherinasaucepanandletthemsimmergentlyforabout5minutes.Strainandbottlewhilethesyrupisstillhot.

Adults:Take1–2tsp.every4hours.

Thyme&LicoriceCoughSyrupCourtesyofJoeNasr

INGREDIENTS2oz.driedlicoriceroot,chopped6cupshotwater3/4oz.driedrubbedthymeleaf whiteorbrownsugar,variableamount2tbsp.+1tsp.purevegetableglycerin

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout34fl.oz.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Inasaucepan,soakthelicoricerootinthehotwaterfor1hour.Coverwithalid,switchontheheat,andsimmerfor25minutes.

Turnofftheheat.Mixinthethymeleafandletcool.

Straintheliquidthroughcheeseclothandmeasuretheliquid’sexactweight.Stiranequalamountofthesugarthoroughlyintotheliquid.

Heatthemixturegentlytoaroundbodytemperature—lukewarm—andstiratthisheatuntilthesugarisdissolved.Thenmixintheglycerinandremovefromtheheat.Pourintobottlesandsealwhencooled.

Adults:Take1–3tsp.2–3timesdailyaftermeals.

Children:Take1/2–1tsp.2–3timesdailyaftermeals.

Garlic&EchinaceaInfection-BustingTinctureGrowingyourownechinaceaifyoucanisagoodidea,becauseitisparticularlyeffectiveasa

freshtincturebutisexpensivetobuy.

INGREDIENTS1oz.driedechinacearoot,or2/3cupfreshrootsandtops,chopped 2headsgarlic,peeledandcrushed

2cupsvodka

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesalmost2cups.Keeps2years.

METHOD

Putalltheingredientsintoalarge,liddedjar.Makeatincture(Seehere).

Adults:Take1tsp.3–5timesdailyforacuteinfections.

Children(under12):Take10–20dropsinalittlecooledboiledwater.

AntiviralElderCourtesyofChaNanBonser

Analcohol-freetincture.Usetopreventanyviralinfectionortoaidrecovery.

INGREDIENTS6–8headsfreshelderflowers2cupspurevegetableglycerinjuiceof2lemons6–8headsfreshelderberries

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Picktheelderflowersofftheheadsandputstraightintoabowl.Covertheflowerswiththeglycerin,makingsuretheyarecompletelycovered.Addthelemonjuice.

Putintoajar.Letsitforatleast1month,shakingatleastonceaday,whileyouwaitfortheelderberriestoripen.Whentheelderberriesareripe,removetheberriesfromthestemsandplacetheberriesintoajar.Separately,straintheelderflowermixturethroughastrainerandpourtheliquidovertheelderberries,makingsuretheyareallcovered.Stirwellandmashthemixture.Letsitforatleastanadditional1month,shakingeveryday.

Afterthistime,straintheliquidagainthroughcheesecloth,andrebottle.

Take1tsp.asrequired,eitherasitisordilutedinyourfavoritedrink.

—Tip—PICKYOURELDERFLOWERSONADRYDAY,IDEALLYAFTERANY

DEWHASBEENBURNEDOFF.

BarrierBarforBusyHandsCourtesyofAnniePowell

Protectshardworkinghandsfromdryskin.

INGREDIENTS2/3cupvirginoliveoil 2/3cupgratedbeeswax 25dropslavenderorchamomileessentialoil(oramixofthetwo)YOUWILLNEED:

•SHALLOWMUFFINPANS•WAXPAPERANDBROWNPAPER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes4–6bars.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Inadoubleboilerorwaterbath,gentlymelttheoliveoilandbeeswaxoverlowheat.Mixtogetherthoroughly.

Removefromheatandaddtheessentialoil(s).Pourintomuffinpansandletcool.Turnoutandwrapinwaxpaper,thenbrownpaper.

ElderberryOxymelThisremedyisanexcellentvitaminCtonicandantiviral.Goodforallages,exceptforbabies

under one year of age because it contains honey, it can also help arthritis and rheumatic

problems. It tasteswonderfulwithhotwaterandalsomakesa refreshingdrinkwhenmade

withsparklingwater.

INGREDIENTS7–8headsfreshelderberries3cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) 21/2cupsunpasteurizedhoneyMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1quart.Keeps1–2yearsuntilopened,thenkeepintherefrigeratorandusewithin6months.

METHOD

Gathertheelderberrieswhentheyareripe.Usetomakeaninfusedvinegar(seehere).

Pourtheliquidintoasaucepanandheatgently.Addthehoneyandstirituntilitdissolves,takingthepanofftheheatafter2minutes.Donotboil,becausethiswoulddestroysomeofthehoney’spowerfulproperties.Pourintobottles.

Take1tsp.dailytopreventcoldsandflu.Totreatthem,take1tsp.3–4timesdaily.

Elders’SherryTonicThistonic isatincturetohelpolderbodiesstayhealthyandstrong.Thereisavariationfor

womenandmen,usingdifferenttypesofginseng.

INGREDIENTS1oz.driedmilkvetchroot3/4oz.driednettletops 1oz.driedginkgo1/2cupunsulfured(brown)driedapricots,chopped 3cupsofyourfavoritesherry

formen:1oz.driedginsengrootorAmericanginseng forwomen:1oz.driedSiberianginsengroot

6tbsp.+2tsp./100mlhawthorntincture(store-boughtorMotheroftheHeartTincture,here) 3/4cup+5tsp.elderberrysyruporAntiviralElder(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1quart.Keeps2years.

METHOD

Grindtherootstoacoarsepowderinacoffeegrinderandplaceinajar.Addthenettles,ginkgo,ginseng,andapricots,andcoverwiththesherry.

Letsitinacool,darkplacefor3weeks,turningdaily.Strainwellandaddthehawthorntinctureandelderberrysyrupbeforebottling.

Take1–2tbsp.inalittlewaterdaily.

Elders’Alcohol-FreeTonic

INGREDIENTS1quartwater1oz.driedmilkvetchroot3/4oz.driednettleleaf 1oz.driedgingkoformen:1oz.driedginsengrootorAmericanginseng forwomen:1oz.driedSiberianginsengroot

1/2cupunsulfured(brown)driedapricots,chopped 1(12-oz.)jarofhoney3/4cupHawthornFlowerSyrup(seehere) 3/4cupelderberrysyrup(seehere)orAntiviralElder(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1quart.Keeps1yearuntilopened,thenintherefrigeratorfor1month.

METHOD

Decocttheherbsandapricotsinthewater,boilingfor10minutes(seehere).Letcool,strain,andpress,thensimmertheliquidfor10–15minutestoreduceitto21/2cups.Addthehoneyandcontinuetogentlyheatfor2–3minutes,stirringtodissolvethehoney,thenmixintheHawthornFlowerSyrupandaddtheelderberrysyruporAntiviralElder.Bottleinto5ormoresmallbottles.

Take1–2tbsdailyinwater.

BrainBoosterThere is some evidence that these ingredients are beneficial to the brain and could help

preventdementia.

INGREDIENTS1(12-oz.)jarofextravirgincoconutoil1oz.driedgroundrosemary2oz.driedgroundgingko

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes15oz.Keepsupto1year.

METHOD

Standthejarofcoconutoilinabowlofwarmwatertomeltit.

Mixtherosemaryandgingkotogetherinabowl,thenpourthemeltedcoconutoiloverthemixture.Stirwellandpourintojars.

Take2–3tsp.twicedailyformaximumeffect.

CoconutInflammationBeaterGinger and turmeric have been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties,

helping to prevent and cure many degenerative diseases. Coconut oil also has healing

properties,reducinginflammation, improvingmetabolism,andnourishingthebrain.It isa

pleasantandeasywaytotakeinthespices.

INGREDIENTS1(12-oz.)jarofextravirgincoconutoil4oz.groundturmeric2oz.groundginger

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes18oz.Keepsupto1year.

METHOD

Meltthecoconutoilinadoubleboilerorbain-marie.Mixtheturmericandgingerinwellandpourintojars.

Take2tsp.twicedaily.

Bedsore&BlisterPreventiveRubthisrubbingalcoholtinctureintotheskintotoughenitandtohelppreventbedsoresand

blisters.

INGREDIENTS10–15freshmarigoldflowers1smallbunchoffreshsageleaves1smallbunchoffreshlavender,strippedfromstems 1smallbunchoffreshthyme,strippedfromstems

1quartrubbingalcohol

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1quart.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Makeatincturefromtheherbsandrubbingalcohol(seehere).

Rubintoanyareasofskinthatneedtoughening,2–3timesdaily.

—Tip—THEACTOFGENTLYRUBBINGTHESKINIMPROVESCIRCULATION

ANDSOHELPSPREVENTBEDSORES.FORDELICATESKIN,APPLYA

HEALINGOINTMENTORCREAMFREQUENTLY.

WELL-BEING TEAS

Agreatwayofenhancingyourwell-beingistogetintothehabitofdrinkingherbalteasdaily.

Thefollowingrecipesarefordriedherbmixturesthatcanbemadeintoteas.Alldriedherbmixturesshouldbestoredinairtightjarsawayfromthelight—

they’llkeepattheirbestforuptoayearthisway.Tomakethetea,mix1–2tsp.ofthedriedherbmixtureintoamugofboiling

waterandleavetoinfuse(seehere).Onceteasaremade,theyshouldbeconsumedimmediatelyforbestresults.

SleepyTeaThisteawillcalmawide-awakemind.

INGREDIENTS3/4oz.passionflower 2oz.valerian3/4oz.lemonbalm 1/2oz.lavenderMAKES

Makes4-oz.herbmixture.

METHOD

Drinkamugofsleepyteahalfanhourbeforebedeverynight.

AntistressTea

INGREDIENTS3/4oz.lemonbalm 3/4oz.woodbetony 3/4oz.oatstraw 3/4oz.skullcap

3/4oz.vervain 1/4oz.lavenderMAKESMakes4-oz.herbmixture.

METHOD

Drink1–3mugsdaily,withhoneytosweeten,ifrequired.

CheeringTeaCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

Thiscolorfulteawillbringasmiletoyourface.

INGREDIENTS1/2oz.lavenderflowers 1/4oz.cornflowers 1/4oz.marigoldpetals 1/2oz.limeflowers 1/2oz.sage 2tsp.dillseeds

1tsp.poppyseeds

Makes21/4-oz.herbmixture.

METHOD

GriefTeaThecureforgriefistomourn—toletfeelingssurface,acknowledgethem,lettearsflow,and

washawaythegrief.Thisisateatohelpthatprocesshappeninagentleway.

INGREDIENTS1/2oz.lemonbalm 1/2oz.rosebudsorpetals 1/2oz.heatherfloweringtopsMAKES

Makes11/2-oz.herbmixture.

METHOD

PregnancyTeaTake this teaduring the last3monthsofpregnancy to strengthenand tone thewomb,and

yourmindandheart,inpreparationforbirth.

INGREDIENTS2oz.raspberryleaves2oz.rosebuds

Makes4-oz.herbmixture.

METHOD

Inthelast3weeksofpregnancy,add2oz.lady’smantletothemix.

Continuetotaketheteadailyforatleast1monthafterthebabyisborntohelpthewombreturntoitsnormalsizeandrecoveritstone.

QuickWakeUpGetgoingwithoutcaffeine!

INGREDIENTS1mugofrosemarytea(madebyinfusing1tsp.driedrosemaryin1mugofboilingwaterfor10minutes,thenstraining) 1/2tsp.cayennepepperMAKES

Makes1mug.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Stirthecayennepepperintothewarmrosemaryteaanddrink.You’reoff!

OakBudRemedyforStrengthIfyouhavenevertried“treehugging,”startnow.Leanrightintotheoaktoconnectwithits

deepstrengthandpowerofendurance,asyouaskthetreetolendyouitsstrength.

INGREDIENTSabout100oakbuds1cupbrandy

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keepsfor2years.

METHOD

Makeatincturewiththeoakbudsandbrandy(seehere).

Decantthestrainedtinctureintoasmalldropperbottleandtake1dropanytimeextracourageandstrengthisneeded.

MASSAGE OILS

Massageisaparticularlypowerfultoolforkeepingwell.“Rubbing”wasconsideredavitalpartofaphysician’sworkinEuropebeforetheDarkAges,whenmuchusefulmedicalknowledgewaslost,anditisstillintegraltoChinesemedicineandAyurveda.Thefollowingrecipesblendvariousoilsforhealingmassage.Theycanbeusedasoils,ormadeintoasoftbalmwithalittlebeeswaxforano-spillversion.

Oilsorbalmsshouldbestoredinairtightcontainersawayfromthelight,andwillkeepforuptoafewmonths,dependingonhowlongthebaseoilkeeps(seeinfusedoils).

Touse,putalittleoftheoilorbalmintoyourhandsandmassageintoskin.

StimulatingMassageOilThisisgoodforwarmingandstimulatingmuscles,joints,andskin.

INGREDIENTS1/3cupalmondoilinfusedwithrosemaryleaves,driedorfresh(seehere)2tbsp.mustardseedoil

Essentialoils:5dropsrosemary5dropsblackpepper5dropscardamom5dropsginger

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/3cup.Keeps1–2months.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientsinabottleandgentlyshake.

RelaxingMassageOil

INGREDIENTS1/2cupLavender-InfusedOil(seehere)Essentialoils:10dropslavender10dropsclarysage

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtheingredientsinabottleandgentlyshake.

—Variation—FORASENSUALMASSAGEBALM,USE

1/2 CUPOFROSEANDJASMINE

INFUSEDOIL(see here) AND10DROPSEACHOFJASMINE,

SANDALWOOD,ROSE,ANDYLANGYLANGESSENTIALOILS.

Stress-BustingMassageBalm

INGREDIENTS1/2cupLavender-InfusedOil(right) 11/2tsp.gratedbeeswaxEssentialoils:10dropslavender10dropssandalwood10dropscedarwood10dropsbergamot

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keepsaround3months.

METHOD

Meltthebeeswaxintotheinfusedoilinadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Addtheessentialoilsandpourintoacontainer.

Lavender-InfusedOilLavenderisarelaxingandsoothingherbwithanti-inflammatoryproperties.

INGREDIENTS1oz.driedlavenderflowers3/4cupoliveoil 3/4cupgrapeseedoilMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout11/2cups.Keepsaround6months.

METHOD

Fillajarwiththebest,mostfragrantlavenderflowersyoucanfind.Coverwiththeoliveandgrapeseedoils.Letinfusefor3–4weeks.Strainwellandbottle.

BirchMassageOilCourtesyofJohannaHerzog

Soothing,forinflammedskinandcellulitis.

INGREDIENTS3cupsoiloramixtureofoilsofyourchoice(apricotkernel,macadamia,jojoba,purealmondoil,orcoconutaresomeofmyfavorites) 2handfulsoffreshbirchleaves,chopped

3tbsp.vodkagratedzestof1lemon

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout3cups.Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Puttheingredientsintoajar.Letsitinawarmplacefor3weeks,thenstrainthroughcheeseclothandbottletheliquid.Shakewellbeforeuse.

FieryMuscleRubAdeepheatrubforachesandpains.

INGREDIENTS1cupFireCider(seehere) 1cupHotOil(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keepsatleast12months.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogetherinabottle.Shakebeforeeachuse.

CautionWashyourhandswellafterapplyingtheFieryMuscleRub,becausegettingitinyoureyesoranywheredelicatewouldreallysting.

StretchMarkPreventionOilforPregnantWomenMassagethisoilintotheabdomenandbreastsbeforebedtimeeverydayfromthestartofthe

secondtrimester.Forthethirdtrimester,alsoapplyitinthemorning.

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.Heal-AllMarigoldOil(seehere) 2tbsp.ComfreyOil(seehere)5tsp.rosehipoil

2tsp.eveningprimroseoil1tsp.vitaminEoil(oranother1tsp.eveningprimroseoil)Essentialoils:10dropsmandarin10dropslavender

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keeps6months.

METHOD

Blendtheoilsinabottleanduseasmuchasrequired,asinstructedabove.

MotheroftheHeartTinctureHawthorn, known in herbalmedicine as “themother of the heart,” is used to support the

heartandcirculationforprettymuchanycondition.Thisisasimpletincture,withtheadded

advantageoftastinggood.

INGREDIENTS2largehandfulsoffreshhawthornberries(driedifyoucan’tfindfresh)3–4cupsvodka

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes3–33/4cups.Keepsatleast2years.

METHOD

Makeatincturewiththeberriesandvodka(seehere).

Take1tsp.inwaterdailytohelpprotectagainstheartdisease.

Alwaysconsultaqualifiedhealthprofessionalforadviceifyouhaveaheartcondition.

ClearVisionDropsCourtesyofSensorySolutions

Althoughthesedropscanbeusedtotreatandpreventeyeproblems,theyalsohaveaneffect

onthe“energetic”vision—ourabilitytoseesolutionsanddirectionsinlife.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(Seehere):2tbsp./30mlbilberrytincture2tbsp./30mlheathertincture

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/4cup.Keeps2years.

METHOD

Mixthetincturesinadropperbottlereadytotake.

Takeafewdropsofthemixture4timesdaily.Ifyouwant,repeatanaffirmation3timesoutloudasyoudoso.Theaffirmationshouldberelatedtowhatyouwantfromthedrops(forexample,“IcanseeaclearpathtothesolutionIseek”).Itwillthusconnectyoutotheirpurposeeverytimeyoutakethem.

AgrimonyTeachers’GarglePerfectforeasingandrestoringoverworkedthroats.

INGREDIENTS1quartboilingwater1oz.driedagrimony1/2oz.driedsage,choppedMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout4cups.Keeps4daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Pourboilingwaterontheherbsandletsituntilcold.Strainandpressthroughacheesecloth-linedfunnel.Storetheliquidinabottle.

Touse,dilute1/2mugwithalittlehotwater.Gargle3timesdaily.

MarshmallowCoughSyrupCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.choppeddriedmarshmallowrootorleavesjustunder2cupswater13/4cupsbrownsugar 1/4cuporangejuiceorjuiceof1lemonMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout17fl.oz.Keeps1yearunopened;onceopened,keeps1–2monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Soakthemarshmallowrootorleavesinthewaterovernight.Straininthemorning,thensimmertheliquidwiththesugarfor5minutestomakeathicksyrup.Addthejuiceandbottle.

Take1–2tsp.asneeded.

QuickOnionCoughSyrupCourtesyofLucyWells

Thissyrupcanhelptosootheacoughandfightinfectioninthelungs.

INGREDIENTS1–2tbsp.brownsugar1onion

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesasmall,variableamount—about10tsp.Useover2–3days.

METHOD

Putthesugaronasmallplateorasaucer.Cuttheonionandputontothesugar,cutsidesdown.

Letsitfor24hours.Thesugarpullsouttheonion’sjuicesandtogethertheymakethesyrupinthesaucer.

Take1tsp.every1–2hoursuntilthecoughissoothed.

—Tip—ACCORDINGTOONIONLORE,ACUTONIONINAROOMWILL

REMOVEANYUNWANTEDINFECTION/IMPURITYFROMTHEAIR

(THOUGHITISNOTRECOMMENDEDFORUSEINFOOD

PREPARATIONS). PUTTINGCUTONIONINASOCKANDHOLDINGIT

TOTHEEARCANHELPGREATLYWITHEARACHE.

EarOilCourtesyofMonikaGhent

Usethisoilforearachesortosoftenupearwaxsothatitcanbegentlyremoved.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.coconutoil2tsp.jojobaoil

Infusedoils(Seehere):2tsp.marigold2tsp.St.John’swort2tsp.mulleinflower

oilfrom3(400IU)vitaminEoilcapsules

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1/4cup.Keeps3–6months.

METHOD

Gentlymeltthecoconutoil,thenmixwithalltheingredientsintoadropperbottle.

Shakethemixturewellbeforeusing.Put1–2dropsintoeachearandcloseofftheearwithacottonball.Keepinplaceovernight,removingthecottonballthenextmorning.

MulleinPileOintmentAnoldeffectivegardener’streatmentforpiles,orhemorrhoids,wasbruisingafreshmullein

leafandputtingitinyourunderwear.Mulleinleavesarevelvetysoft,soitisprobablynice;

ontheotherhand,youmaypreferthisrecipe.

INGREDIENTS3/4oz.driedmulleinleaves,orseveralfreshleaves,shredded 2cupsoliveoil

1/4cupgratedbeeswaxMAKES&KEEPSMakesabout2cups.Keepsupto1year.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedoilbygentlyheatingthemulleinintheoliveoil(seehere).

Gentlyheatthebeeswaxandtheinfusedoiltogetherinadoubleboilerorwaterbathuntilthewaxhasmelted,thenpourintojars.Placethelidsonlooselyandtightenwhenthemixturehascooled.

Touse,washcarefullyaftereachbowelmovementandapplyointment.Canbeapplied3–4timesdailyinaddition.

—Tip—ANYINFUSEDOILCANBEMADEINTOANOINTMENTUSINGTHE

METHODABOVE.

FIRST-AIDPLANTPOWERNature’s kingdom is abundant in all kinds of powerful remedies for

injuries,emergencies,andlife’supsanddowns.Thischapterispacked

withhomeremediesforsoothingandhealingcuts,bruises,breaks,and

strains, and for treating everyday ailments, such as colds and flu,

headaches,hayfever,andstomachupsets.

AntisepticMistCourtesyofLouiseIdoux

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.+2tsp.lavenderaromaticwater(seehere) 2tbsp.+2tsp.bayaromaticwater(seehere) 2tsp./10mlmyrrhtincture(seehere) 2tsp./10mlcalendulatincture(seehere) 1/2tsp.rawhoney(preferablymanuka) 1dropteatreeessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keepsupto18months.

METHOD

Mixtogetherinaspraybottleormister.

Sprayonceortwicedirectlyontowounds,twicedaily.

—Tip—YOUCANMAKEYOUROWNTINCTURESBYFOLLOWINGTHE

GUIDELINES(SEEHERE). YOUCANUSEVODKATOMAKEALL

TINCTURES,EXCEPTFORTINCTUREOFMYRRH,WHICHISMADE

FROMMYRRHRESINANDREQUIRES90PERCENTALCOHOL–YOU

CANGETEVERCLEARGRAINALCOHOLTHATIS190PROOFFORTHIS

PURPOSE.

Honey&MarigoldGrazeRemedyTry this instead of painfully picking gravel out of a graze.Honey is antiseptic,with strong

healingproperties;combinedwiththeamazingmarigold,itmakesformiraculoushealing.

INGREDIENTS20orsofreshmarigoldflowers(or1/3oz.dried) 1(12-oz.)jarofhoney

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes12oz.Keeps1–2yearsormore.

METHOD

Putthemarigoldflowersintoajar.Pourthehoneyoverthem,uptothetop.Letsitfor2–3weeks,oruntilyouneedit(thereisnoneedtotaketheflowersoutofthehoney).

Touse,slatherthehoneyalloverthegrazedarea.Coverwithalargebandageandleaveovernight.Thenextday,carefullypeeloffthebandage.Thehoneywillhavepulledoutallthetinystones,leavingthewoundclean.

QuickChamomileEyePoulticeforSoreEyes

INGREDIENTS1–2chamomileteabags2tbsp.boilingwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Thismakesenoughforoneorbotheyes.Forimmediateuse.

METHOD

Puttheteabagsintoasmallbowlandcoverwiththeboilingwater.Whencooledtojustwarm,lightlydrainthebags.

Liedownandplacethebagsoverclosedeyesfor5–15minutes.

AntibacterialHoneyThisdo-it-yourselfantibioticispowerful.Itcanbetakenforanyinfection,especiallyoneof

theears,nose,throat,lungs,andteeth.

INGREDIENTS2headsgarlic,peeledandcrushed1cupfreshthymeleavesandflowers,removedfromstems(orrubbed,ifusingdried) upto1(12-oz.)jarofhoney

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes12oz.Keepsatleast3–6months.

METHOD

Mixthegarlicandthymeinanempty12-oz.jar.Pourthehoneyoverthemixture,makingsurealliscovered.

Adults:Take1tsp.3–4timesdaily.

Children:Take1/2tsp.3timesdaily.

Ulcer-HealingHoney

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:1oz.licoriceroot1oz.myrrhresin1oz.marigoldflowers1/4cuprawhoney(preferablymanuka)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/4cups.Keepsforyears.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientsthoroughlyandstoreinajar.Applyfrequentlytocankersoresandotheropensoresthatarenothealingwell.

Take1tsp.2–3timesdailyforulcersinthedigestivesystem.

SprayforStrainedorSoreThroats

INGREDIENTS2dropsthymeessentialoil1/2tsp.purevegetableglycerin 2tsp./10mlsagetincture(seehere) 2tsp./10mlechinaceatincture(seehere) 1tbsp.elderberry,rowan,orrosehipsyrup,oramixture(seehere) 4tsp.boiledwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2(1-fl.-oz.)spraybottles.Keeps3–6months.

METHOD

Beatthethymeessentialoilintotheglycerin.Slowlyaddthesagetincture,echinaceatincture,syrup,andtheboiledwater,beatingasyoupour.Mixwell,thenbottleinsmallspraybottlesforeaseofuse.

Touse,spraydirectlyintothebackofthemouthasoftenasrequired.

SimpleTurnipCoughSyrupCourtesyofAnneChiotis

Anexpectoranttohelpyourlungsclearthemselvesofmucus.

INGREDIENTS1freshturnipplentyofbrownsugar

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesavariableamount.Bestusedfresh,butkeepsupto2–3weeksintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Hollowoutthecenterofaturnip,leaving11/4–11/2inchesofflesharoundtheedge.Fillitwithbrownsugarandletsitfor12hours.Adelectablesyrupwillformasthesugardrawsthejuiceoutoftheturnip.Youcansimplystoretheturnipintherefrigerator,usingitasyour“cup,”ordecantthesyrupintoajar.

Take1–3tsp.3timesdaily.

ComfreyOilThismakesapowerfulhealingoil.Driedcomfrey leavesworkbest; freshonesare juicyand

holdtoomuchwatertouseinanoil.

INGREDIENTS2oz.driedcomfreyleaves2cupsoliveoilorothervegetableoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder2cups.Keeps3–12months.

METHOD

MakeasdescribedfortheHeal-AllMarigoldOil(seehere).

Useincreams,ointments,andlinimentsforhealingconnectivetissue.

IntensiveSkinRepairBalmCourtesyofIainStewart

This solid, waxy balm for cracked skin, especially on hands and heels, is popular with

climbers.

INGREDIENTS8tsp.gratedbeeswax2tbsp.jojobaoil7tbsp.grapeseedoil1tbsp.ComfreyOil(seehere)Essentialoils:24dropstangerine12dropspetitgrain6dropspatchouli6dropsblackpepper6dropscypress6dropsbenzoin

oilfrom3(400IU)vitaminEcapsules

YOUWILLNEED•6(1-OZ.)SILICONEMOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes6blocksof1-oz.blocks.Keepsforyears.

METHOD

Placethebeeswax,jojoba,grapeseed,andComfreyOilinadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Heatforacoupleofminutes,untilthewaxhasmelted.

Letcoolfor5minutes,stirringfromtimetotime.ThenaddtheessentialoilsandvitaminE,mixingwell.

Putthemixtureintosiliconemoldsandletsitovernight.Itwillsethard.Removefromthemoldsandstore.

—Tip—USEOLIVEOILTOMAKEALONGER-LASTINGOIL; OTHEROILS

KEEPLESSLONG.

Heal-AllMarigoldOilPotmarigold,oftenknownbyitsLatinnameCalendulaofficialis,hasmanyexcellenthealing

qualitiesandiswonderfullyeasytogrow.Itsinfusedoilisusedaloneorinmanyhealingand

nourishingbalms,ointments,andcreams.Thisrecipeusesthehotmethod,doubleinfused.

INGREDIENTS4cupspotmarigoldflowers,freshlypicked(or1oz.dried) justunder2cupsoliveoilorothervegetableoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout12/3cups.Keeps3–12months.

METHOD

Puthalfthemarigoldsintoadoubleboiler.Heatgentlyintheoil.Keeponespeciallylowheat,justwarmingtheoilreally,for3hours.

Removefromheatandletcool.Whencool,strainandpressthroughastrainerorfunnellinedwithcheesecloth.Composttheremainderoftheherbs.

Addtheremainingmarigoldstotheinfusedoil.Repeatthesimmeringprocessforanotherhours,thenletcoolandstrainagain.Thisisnowadouble-infusedoil(seehere).

Heal-AllMarigoldCreamUsethiscreammadefrompotmarigoldsforitsantibacterialandsoothingeffects.

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:6tbsp.+2tsp.Heal-AllMarigoldOil(left) 1/2cupemulsifyingwaxWaterfraction:Waterfraction:

3/4cup+5tsp.strongmarigoldtea(seehere) 6tbsp.+2tsp./100mlmarigoldtincture(seehere)Extras:

1/2tsp.benzointincture/2ml(Friar’sBalsam)MAKES&KEEPSMakesjustunder2cups.Keeps6–12monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

MakethecreamfollowingthemethodforComfreyCreamforSpeedyHealing(seehere).

—Variation—

FORAMULTIPURPOSEANTISEPTICCREAM,STIRIN1/2 TSP.

LAVENDERESSENTIALOILRIGHTATTHEENDOFTHEPROCESS.

ComfreyCreamforSpeedyHealingCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

Read the cream-making instructions (see here) before you start. Creams made using

emulsifyingwaxareusuallyfoolproof.

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:6tbsp.+2tsp.ComfreyOil(seehere) 1/2cupemulsifyingwaxWaterfraction:

3/4cup+5tsp.strongcomfreytea(seehere) 6tbsp.+2tsp./100mlcomfreytincture(seehere)Extras:

1/2tsp./2mlbenzointincture(Friar’sBalsam)MAKES&KEEPSMakesjustunder2cups.Keeps6–12monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Gentlyheattheoilfractioninadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Oncethewaxhasmelted,addthetea.Keepthemixtureontheheatifitneedstoremelt.

Next,addthewaterfractionandthenputthepaninabasinofcoldwatertoquicklycoolit—hisiscalledacoldwaterbath.Whiskthemixtureconstantlyuntilitemulsifies,whichtakes3–4minuteswithahandheldmixer.Thenmixinthebenzointincture(topreservethecream)andpourintojars.

Applyliberallytoanyinjurywheretheskinremainsunbroken.

—Variation—THECOMFREYCREAMRECIPECANBEADAPTEDTOMAKEANY

CREAM,SUBSTITUTINGDIFFERENTHERBSTOSUITDIFFERENT

PURPOSES. YOUCANALSOADDESSENTIALOILSFORTHEIR

HEALINGQUALITIES(UPTO1/2 TSP. EACH)WHENYOUADDTHE

BENZOIN.SEETHE“HEAL-ALLMARIGOLDCREAM” FOREXAMPLE

(SEEHERE), ANDTHE“STOPITCHCREAM” (SEEHERE).

StopItchCreamCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:3tbsp.+1tsp.chickweedinfusedoil(madeusing1/4cupoliveoilinfusedwith2tbsp.chickweed) 1/4cupemulsifyingwaxWaterfraction:

6tbsp.+2tsp.strongchickweedinfusion(seehere) 3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlchickweedtincture(seehere) 30dropspeppermintessentialoil

20dropsbenzointincture(Friar’sBalsam)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes8oz.Keeps1year.

METHOD

MakeinthesamewayasComfreyCreamforSpeedyHealing(seehere),stirringinthepeppermintoilwiththebenzointincture.

Applyliberallytoeaseitchingasoftenasneeded.Donotuseonbrokenskin.

St.John’sWortOilThisbeautifulredinfusedoilwithanti-inflammatory,healing,andantiviralactionusesthe

sun’spower to capture thehealingpropertiesofSt. John’swort.Youhave tomake thisoil

fromfreshlypickedflowers,anditrequiressunlighttodevelopproperly.

INGREDIENTSanysizejarfulloffreshlypickedSt.John’swortflowers oliveoil,forcovering

MAKES&KEEPS

Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Pourtheoliveoiloveryourfreshlypickedflowers,rightuptothetopofjar.

Addthelidandplacethejarinasunnyspot,turningdaily.Ittakes2–8weekstobeready,dependingonhowmuchsunitreceives.Youknowitisreadybecausetheoilturnsdeepred.

Strain,press,andwringoutthroughacheesecloth-linedstrainerorfunnelintoadarkbottle.Compostthespentflowers.

Addmoreflowersandcontinueforadoubleinfusionifdesired,asforHeal-AllMarigoldOil(seehere).

Thisoilisgreatforapplyingtoherpesandshingles,andaddedtoanyanti-inflammatorycream,ointment,liniment,orrub.

AntisepticHealingLotion

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):1/4cup/60mlSt.John’swort 1/4cup/60mlmarigoldMAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Mixthetincturestogether.

Applyundilutedtobitesandstings,cuts,grazes,acne,coldsores,andsoon.

Diluteafewdropsinamugofwatertowashinfectedskin2–3timesdaily.

AloeVeraInstantBurnRemedyAloe vera is easy to grow. Its long leaves are full of a transparent gel that can be applied

directlytoburnedskin,withimmediatesoothingandhealingresults.

INGREDIENTS1freshaloeveraleaf

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesenoughfor1application.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Cuttheleaflengthwisewithasharpknife.

Scrapeoutthegelandapplyitstraighttoaburn.

—Tip—LAVENDERESSENTIALOILCANALSOBEAPPLIEDUNDILUTEDTO

EVENSEVEREBURNSWITHEXCELLENTEFFECT.

Sage&DaisyPoulticeforBruises&Swellings

INGREDIENTSfreshsageleavesfreshdaisiesvinegartocover

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1application.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Gatherenoughherbstocoverthearea.Gentlyheattheherbsandthevinegartogetherforabout5mins.Donotboil.

Laytheherbs,stillhot,outonathinpieceofcloth.Foldtheclothtoasizebigenoughtocoverthebruisedarea.Placeitonthebody,whiletheherbsarestillhotbutnotindangerofburning.Wrapitwithatoweltoretaintheheat.

Replace1–2timesdaily,asneeded.

—Variation—USEAVINEGARINFUSEDWITHSAGE,ROSEMARY,ORCOMFREY

(P.19) ASAVARIATIONONTHEABOVE.

PoulticeforBrokenBones&StrainsFresh comfrey root is amiraculoushealer.Keep some in the freezer so that youhave it on

handwheneveryouneedit.

INGREDIENTSfreshcomfreyrootabout3tbsp.hotwater

YOUWILLNEED•ABLENDER•GAUZEANDMICROPORETAPE

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1application.Freshrootskeep2weeksintherefrigerator.Keeps3–6monthsinthefreezer.

METHOD

Putenoughcomfreyroottocovertheaffectedareainablender,withthehotwatertohelpitblendup.Mixtoasmoothpaste.Ifyoudon’thaveablender,youcangratetheroots.

Applytotheaffectedarea.Coverthepoulticewithgauzeandmicroporetapetoholditinplace.

Itwillbecomeahard,drycastafterafewdays.Atthispoint,removethepoultice,replacingitwithafreshapplication.

Donotuseonopenwounds.

RibwortPoulticeforInfectedWoundsCourtesyofEliotCowan

Asimpleandhighlyeffectivecure.

INGREDIENTSfreshribwortplantainleaves

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1application.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Mashuptheleaves(orchewthem)tomakeapoultice.

Putthepoulticeoninfectedorsuppuratingwounds,andinsectbitesorstings.Changefrequently.

—Tip—YOUCANUSEDRIEDLEAVESFORPOULTICES–JUSTADDSOMEHOT

WATERTOMAKEITJUICY.

CankerSoreCureCourtesyofEliotCowan

Anincrediblyefficaciousandfast-actingcureforcankersoresinthemouth.

INGREDIENTSsmallpieceofgoldenthreadroot

Useimmediately.

METHOD

Placeasmallamountofthegoldenrootbetweenthegumsorteethandthesore.Itisbitter,butkeepsuckingonituntilthebitternessalmostdisappears,thenremove.

Repeatuntilthesoreiscured.

DaisyBruiseOintmentYoucanusearnicainsteadofdaisies.

INGREDIENTS30–40commondaisyflowers1/3cupoliveoil 1tbsp.gratedbeeswax

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes4oz..Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedoilwiththedaisies(seehere);youshouldendupwith1/2cupofinfusedoil.

Gentlyheatthebeeswaxandtheinfusedoiltogetheruntilmelted.Pourintojars.

Applytobruises3–6timesdailyorasneeded.

JewelweedSalveforSkinInfectionsCourtesyofEliotCowan

Jewelweed is not only a good remedy against fungal skin infections, such as athlete’s foot,

ringworm, pityriasis versicolor, and so on, but it is also an antidote to poison ivy when

appliedtotheskin.

INGREDIENTS1handfuloffreshjewelweedleaves,stems,andflowers 1cupoliveoil1oz.gratedbeeswax

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Gentlyheatthejewelweedandoliveoiltomakeaninfusedoil(seehere).Theliquidwillturnbrightorange,thecoloroftheflowers.

Strainthemixture.Thengentlyheatthebeeswaxintotheoiltomakeasalve.

Applythesalveliberallyandfrequentlytoinfectedskin.

—Tip—YOUCANALSOMAKEATEA(see here) FROMTHEJEWELWEEDAND

DABTHECOOLEDLIQUIDONTHEINFECTEDAREAFREQUENTLY.

MulleinFlowerOilforEaracheYoucanmakethisoilusingeitherthecold-orheat-infusedmethod—seehere.

INGREDIENTSjustunder12/3cupsmulleinflowers,freshlypicked justover3/4cupoliveoilMAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover3/4cup.Keeps3–6months.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedoilwiththemulleinflowersandoliveoil(seehere).Onceready,storethebulkinajarandasmallamountinadropperbottleforeaseofadministeringtheoil.

Putafewdropsdirectlyintotheear3–6timesdaily.

—Variation—

ADD1/2–

2/3 TSP. OFLAVENDERESSENTIALOIL, WHICHISGOODFOR

TREATINGANDPREVENTINGINFECTIONS.

Cold&FluTeaThisclassicremedyhelpstopreventacoldifyoucatchitearly,asyoubegintoshiverandfeel

itsonset.Itstimulatesthecirculationandpromotessweating.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.elderflowers1oz.peppermintleaves1oz.yarrowflowers

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtheingredientsthoroughly.Maketea(seehere)using2–3tsp.permugofboilingwater,infusedfor5minutes.

Drinkfreely.

—Tip—MAKEICEPOPSWITHTHISTEA:MAKE2CUPSCOLD&FLUTEAAND

SWEETENWITHHONEYTOTASTE.LEAVETOCOOL,THENFREEZEIN

POPSICLEORICE-CUBEMOLDS.SUCKONTHEMTOCALMSORE

THROATSANDFEVERS.

BasilSnifterchiefCourtesyofSueWine

Asurprisinglyeffectiveremedytoprotectagainst,andtreat,sorethroatsandviralcolds.

INGREDIENTS5dropsbasilessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1application.Usethesameday.

METHOD

Dropthebasiloilontoahandkerchief.Keepitinyourpocketorunderyourpillowandsniffoften.Justsmelltheoil—donottouchthehandkerchieftoyourskin.

XmasSurvivalTummyTonicHelpstosettlethestomachafteroverindulginginrichfoods.

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:1/2oz.angelicaroot 1/2oz.chamomile 1/2oz.licorice 1/2oz.marshmallowroot 1/2oz.artichokerootsormilkthistleseeds 1(12-oz.)jarofhoney(optional)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes141/2oz.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Mixthegroundherbsthoroughlywiththehoneytomakeapasteorthicksyrup.

Take1–2tsp.inaglassorcupofhotwater1–3timesdailyforaslongasneeded.

HeadachePowdersApreventiveforchronic,regularheadacheandmigraines.

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:1oz.ginkgo1/2oz.feverfewleaves 1oz.valerianroot1/2oz.gingerrootMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Simplymixalltheherbstogetherandstoreinajar.

Take1tsp.inhotwater2–3timesdailyasaheadachepreventive.

CautionDehydrationisacommoncauseofheadaches,andmagnesiumdeficiencycanbeafactorinmigraines.Ifyouexperienceregularheadachesormigraines,consultanherbalistfortailor-madetreatment.

HerbalAspirinAspirin was first found in willow bark. It has been used for centuries as a pain-killer for

headachesandotherpains,andtobringdownfevers.

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:2oz.willowbark1oz.lavender2oz.valerian1oz.skullcap

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogetherwell.

Take1–2tsp.ofthepowderinamugofwaterupto4timesdaily.

HomagetoHildegardHangoverCureCourtesyofTeriEvans

ThishangovercureisbasedonamedievalrecipebyHildegardofBingen.Itdrawsuponherbs

usedatthattimefor“swimmingsofthehead”andsoforth.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):5tsp./25mlchamomile4tsp./20mlholythistle4tsp./20mlmilkthistle1tbsp./15mlmeadowsweet1tbsp./15mlwoodbetony1/2tsp./2mlgingerMAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keeps2years.

METHOD

Mixthetincturestogetherandstore.Take1tsp.twicebeforemidday,dissolvedin21/2cupswater.

HomemadeTigerBalmCourtesyofCatherineJohnson

Afamouspungentpain-killer,originallyfromBurma.Applyasmallamounttothetemples

toeaseheadachesorrubontoitchinginsectbitesortiredmuscles.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cuphempoil 1tbsp.gratedorsmallpiecesbeeswax

Essentialoils:100drops/1tsp.peppermint60drops/1/2tsp.camphoroil 80drops/2/3tsp.wintergreen 60drops/1/2tsp.lavender 60drops/1/2tsp.eucalyptusMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Gentlymeltthehempoilandbeeswaxinadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Letcoolfor5minutes,thenaddtheessentialoils.

Stirwellandpourthebalmintoajar.

Keepitawayfromeyes.

HayFeverMeadIfyoucan,starttakingherbalhay-fevermedicineaweekortwobeforeyouusuallystartto

feeltheallergy.Ideally,makethemeadfromfreshherbs,otherwisedriedwilldo.

INGREDIENTS1handfulofelderflowers1handfulofthymeleavesandflowers1handfulofeyebright,leavesandflowers1handfulofplantainleaves1handfulofchamomileflowers1handfulofnettletops21/2cupsmeadMAKES&KEEPS

Makes21/3cups.Keepsover1year.

METHOD

Gathertheherbs,ifusingfresh.

Removefromstems,thencutuporshred.

Mixtheherbstogetherandmakeatinctureusingthemead(seehere).

Ifalreadyexperiencinghayfever,take1–2tsp.3timesdaily.Topreventonset,try1/2–1tsp.

Childrencantake10–20drops3timesdaily.

FIRST-AID KIT FOR TRAVELERS

For traveling, it is always good to take your own remedies with you,

becauseyoumaynotbeabletoeasilysourcesomeherbswhileyouare

away. Remember that if you are flying, there will be restrictions on

takingliquidsandpastesinyourhandluggage.

TravelSicknessCandiesReadthecandy-makingsection(seehere)beforeattemptingthisrecipe.

INGREDIENTS1handfuloffreshchoppedgingerroot12/3cupswater 11/2cupsbrownsugar 2tbsp.butteroralmondoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes20–40candies.Keeps3–4weeks.

METHOD

Boilthegingerinthewaterfor20minutes.Strainandmeasure.Ifnecessary,reducetheliquidfurtherbysimmeringwiththelidoff.You’reaimingforjustover3/4cup.

Withtheliquidstillovertheheat,addthesugarandboiluntilyoureach“hard-ball”stage(seehere).Removefromtheheatandstirinthebutteroroil.

High-FlierCandiesforAnxiousFliersReadthecandy-makingsection(seehere)beforeattemptingthisrecipe.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.valerianroot1/2oz.passionflower 1oz.redclover(mildlybloodthinning)2cupswater2cupssugar

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes40–70candies.Keeps3–4weeksinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Boilthevalerian,passionflower,andredcloverinthewaterfor15minutes.Strain,andreducetheliquidto1cupbysimmering,ifnecessary.Addthesugartotheliquidandboiluntilyoureach“hard-ball”stage(seehere).

BloodThinningMixforLong-HaulTravelers

INGREDIENTS1/2cupAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) 2tbsp.finelychoppedfreshgingerroot

1headgarlic,clovesseparated,peeled,andcrushed 2tbsp.groundturmeric

3tsp.cayennepowder

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Makeaninfusedvinegarusingalltheingredients(seehere).

Add1tbsp.toalargetomatojuiceatthestartofyourflight,repeatingevery3hours.

Donotuseifyouaretakingwarfarinorotherblood-thinningdrugs.

AntisepticHandSanitizerFortimeswhenyoucannotwashyourhandsorwanttogivethemanextrahygienezap.

INGREDIENTS1/4cupwater,boiledordistilled 2tsp.aloeveragel2tbsp.distilledwitchhazel

Essentialoils:15dropslavender15dropsteatree7dropsthymeoilfrom2(400IU)vitaminEcapsules(optional)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keeps1month.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogether.Decanttheliquidintoapocket-sizespraybottletouse.

Spraydirectlyontohandsonly.Ruballoverasifwashingthem.

Air-ConShieldThiswillhelppreventyoufrompickingupyourfellowpassengers’bugs.

INGREDIENTS

Essentialoils:50drops/1/2tsp.thyme 100drops/1tsp.teatree100drops/1tsp.lavender

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes21/2tsp.Keepsatleast2years.

METHOD

Mixtheessentialoilstogether.

Sprinkleafewdropsontoatissueorcottonball.Wipearoundtheairventaboveyourseat(andtheneighboringseatsifyoucan)intheplane.

MosquitoSprayCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

Onemosquitospraymayworkforonepersonbutnotanotherbecauseof thewaytheherbs

andoilsmixwithourownscenttocreateanewsmell.

INGREDIENTS2/3cupdistilledwitchhazel 6tbsp.+2tsp./100mlmugworttincture(seehere)Essentialoils:

17dropslavender17dropsthyme17dropspeppermint35dropslemongrass15dropscitronella

1tsp.emulsifier(optional)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps2years.

METHOD

Simplymixtheingredientstogetheranddecantintoaspraybottle.Ifyouchoosenottouseanemulsifier,justshakewellbeforeeachuse.

Shakewellbeforeuse.Applytotheskinasneededtodetermosquitoes.

BitingInsectRepellentCourtesyofMichaelVertolli

Thiswilldetermosquitoes,blackflies,deerflies,horseflies,fleas,andticks.Forants,sprayit

for a few days at the point where they are entering the house. You can spray it on pets’

bedding,butnotdirectlyontopets.

INGREDIENTS3tbsp.+11/2tsp.water 2tbsp.+11/2tsp.vodka 1tsp.purevegetableglycerin

Essentialoils:10dropssweetbasil10dropscatnip10dropslavender10dropsfir10dropspine10dropscitronella10dropslemonorlemongrass5dropscedar5dropspatchouli

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherwellandstoreinaspraybottleforeaseofuse.

Shakewellbeforeuse.Sprayonexposedareas,thenspreadtherepellentaroundwithyourhandstomakesuretheentiresurfaceofyourskiniscoated.Avoidcontactwithyoureyes—toapplytoface,sprayyourhandsandrubitincarefully.Ifitgetsintoyoureyes,rinsewellwithwater.

Reapplyasneeded;therepellentwilllastforseveralhours.

Bug-BustingMixforVacationStomachesTake thisherbal remedyalongsideplainprobioticorganic yogurt(oraprobiotic capsuleof

“friendlybacteria”)tohelpprotectyoufromstomachbugswhiletraveling.

PleasenotethatthisrecipeisNOTasubstituteforeatinganddrinkingsensibly–incertain

countries,thatmeansbeingparticularlycarefulaboutwaterandfood.

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:1/4cup.fennelorcardamom 3tbsp.bayberryroot3tbsp.cinnamonpowder2tbsp.cloves

10dropsthymeessentialoiljustover3/4cupAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) 3tbsp.honey

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherwellandputintoastrong,wide-mouthplasticbottlefortraveling.Shakeorstirbeforeuse.

Take2tsp.dailyinalittlewater,mixedwiththefreshlysqueezedjuiceof1/2lemon,ifdesired.

—Tip—IFYOUFEELYOUHAVEEATENORDRUNKSOMETHINGUNWISELY,

TAKEANEXTRADOSEOFTHEBUG-BUSTINGMIXTHATDAYAND

THEFOLLOWINGDAY.

“LemonSherbet”RehydrationRemedyIt’simportanttodrinkwaterfrequentlythroughoutthedaywhileyou’retraveling,especially

in hotter climes. If you feel dehydrated, this simple recipe can help replenish your body’s

fluids.

INGREDIENTS1quartboiledwater8tsp.sugar1tsp.saltgratedzestandjuiceof1lemon

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1quart.Drinkwithin2days.

METHOD

Dissolvethesugarandsaltinthewater.Addthelemon.Sipoftenover1–2daystoreplacefluidslostbydiarrhea,vomiting,orfever.

DiarrheaStopperAlwaysconsultaqualifiedhealthcarepractitionerifsymptomspersistoraresevere,especially

inyoungchildrenwhocangetdehydratedquickly.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1tbsp.greentea1tbsp.agrimony2tsp.bayberry(oryellowroot)2tsp.oakbark2tsp.groundcinnamon

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes3/4-oz.herbmixture(about4doses).Keeps1year.

METHOD

Grindtheherbstopowder.Mixwellandstoreinanairtightcontainer.

Makethetea,using1tbsp.mixturepermugofboilingwater.Letcoolanddrink1/2teacupupto6timesinaday.

AntimalariaMixI carry thismixwithmewhenever I’m traveling toamalariaarea,because theseherbscan

helpprotectagainstthisseriousdisease.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):1/2cup/120mlsweetwormwood 1/4cup/60mlbayberryMAKES&KEEPS

Makes3/4cup.Keeps2years.

METHOD

Simplymixthetincturestogetherinabottleandstore.

Take1tsp.3timesdailyifyouareinanareawheremalariaisactive.Continuetotakethemixture1tsp.3timesdailyfor1–2weeksafteryouleavethedangerarea.

CautionMalariaisapotentiallylife-threateningillnessandprecautionsshouldalwaysbetakenwhentravelingtocountrieswhereitisprevalent.Alwaysconsultahealthpractitionerandresearchthesubjectthoroughlybeforetraveling.

Allopathicphysiciansrecommendtakingacourseofmedicinestopreventmalaria,thoughmostherbalistswilloptfornaturalalternatives.Whileit’spossibletotakebothmedicinesandherbaltreatmentstogether,it’sessentialyoucheckwithyourhealthpractitionerbeforedoingso.It’salsoimportanttonotethatnomedicineorherbplanoffersguaranteedprotectionagainstmalaria.Alwaysbevigilantagainstmosquitoes.Coverupandusenetsandrepellentsasyourfirstlineofdefense.

KITCHENPHARMACYHerbalism is a holistic form of healing that recognizes the close and

vital linksbetweenbody,mind,andspirit.All threeelementsneedto

bekept inharmonyandbalance,becauseallareessential toourwell-

being.SpiritisthemostdifficultconceptformanyWesterners;thebest

explanation I’ve heard is from plant spirit medicine expert Eliot

Cowan,whichIdescribedinmybookHolisticAnatomy(2010):“Ifyouthink

ofallthemovementsyourbodymakesinanhour,thencomparethattowhereyourmindgoes

inthesametime,youcanseethatthemindiswayfasterthanthebody…themindissimply

toofastforthebodytograsp.Well,yourspiritistoyourmindwhatyourmindistoyourbody

—sofarbeyondthemindthatthemindcanonlynowandthengetaglimpseofit.Yetmanyof

us have experiences where we come close to feeling our ‘spirit’: highs, peak experiences,

momentsofdeeppeace,deepjoyandconnection,serendipity.”Intreatingthe“wholeperson,”herbalismacknowledgesthatstressesand

imbalancesinthebodywillhaveaneffectonthemindandspirit,andviceversa.Fortunately,Natureoffersavastmedicinechestofremediesforallkindsof

ailments,disorders,anddiseases,uponwhichwecanalldraw.Herefollowsaselectionofrecipesforvariousproblemsofthebody,mind,andspirit.

Mostoftheserecipesuseweightsfordriedherbamounts,becauseformedicinesaccuracyisparticularlyimportant.Manyrecipesalsocontaintincturesormixturesoftinctures;thesecanbeboughtfromastore,ormadefollowingthemethodinKeyPreservationTechniques(seehere).

Withalloftheserecipes,consultyourhealthcarepractitionerifsymptomspersistorworsen.Conditionsmentionedheremaybetransientorsuperficial,butinsomecasestheymaybeasignofmoreseriousillness,andlingeringsymptomsshouldalwaysbeinvestigated.

Anoteondoses

AdultsTherecipesinthisbookallprovideadultdoses,asstandard.

Thestandarddoseof1tsp./5mloftincture3timesdailyworkswellforchronicconditions;acuteconditions(infections,forexample)couldwarrantuptotwicethisamountoverashorterperiod.

Seetheadvice(here)ifyouarepregnant,breastfeeding,orhaveaseriousorlong-lastinghealthcondition.

Children

Asageneralrule,childrenfromages5to12aregiven1/4to

1/2anadultdose.Fromages

12andup,theycanbegivenanadultdose.Thatsaid,commonsenseshouldalwaysprevail—somechildrenaresmallfortheirage,somearebig—anddosescanbeadjustedaccordingly.Itisgoodtousetheminimaldoseyouneedtogetthedesiredeffect.

BabiesBabiesandyoungchildren1–5yearsoldshouldnotbegiventinctures.However,1–5tsp.

ofteaordecoctioncanbegiven;11/2tsp.ofsyrups.Atthetimeofwritingthisbook,itis

advisablenottogivehoneytobabiesunderoneyearold.

HotStuffCirculationStimulantFeelwarmerwithinminutesastheseherbszaproundyourbloodstream.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):2tsp./10mlcayenne(seeHotCayenneTincture) 2tsp./10mlginger4tsp./20mlpricklyash4tsp./20mlyarrow4tsp./20mlgingko4tsp./20mlhawthorn(seeMotheroftheHeartTincture)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keepsatleast3years.

METHOD

Simplymixthetincturestogetherinabottle.

Take1/4–1/2tsp.inwarmwaterevery3–4hoursasitisneeded.

HorseChestnut&BroomVaricoseVeinLotionThiseffectivelotionismadeintheformofaliniment(seehere),soitiseasytorubinover

largeareas.

INGREDIENTS3tbsp.+1tsp.infusedoilofbroomtops(madewith2tbsp.broomtopsto

1/4cup+2tsp.ofoliveoil,seehere) 3tbsp.+1tsp./50mltinctureofhorsechestnutseeds(seehere)Essentialoils:

20dropsrosemary20dropscypress

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherinabottle.

Shakebeforeuse.Applytwicedaily,massagingasmallamountintothelegsfromanklesupward.

Vein-BuildingComplexCourtesyofLouiseIdoux

Takeinternallytobackupexternaltreatmentofvaricoseveins.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):2tbsp./30mlhorsechestnutseeds5tsp./25mlbutcher’sbroom2tsp./10mlbilberry2tsp./10mlgingko5tsb./25mlbuckwheat(madeusingleavesandflowers)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keeps2–3years.

METHOD

Take1/2–1tsp.3timesdailyinalittlewater.

Sinusitis&InfectedTeethMixCourtesyofLouiseIdoux

Amedicinetotakeinternallytohelpfightinfection.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):2tsp./10mlfreshgarlic2tbsp.+2tsp./40mlechinacea2tsp./10mlwildindigo1tsp./5mlgoldenseal1tbsp./15mlmyrrh4tsp./20mlPaud’arco

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Mixthetincturesandbottle.

Take1tsp.3–5timesdailyinalittlewater.

Heart&BloodPressureTeaCourtesyofSteveKippax

Hawthorn helps to improve the efficiency of the heart as a muscle without increasing the

oxygenused.Yarrowhelpsasamilddiureticandbyreducingbloodpressure(youwillneedto

take the tea for at least 6–8weeks to experience this effect). Lime flowers are good as a

relaxant,specificallyaffectingtheheart.

INGREDIENTS

Equalpartsofthefollowingdriedherbs:hawthornfloweringtopsyarrowlimeflowers

Keeps1year.

METHOD

Infuse1generoustsp.ofthedriedherbsinamugofwaterfor15minutes.Drink3timesdaily.

Ifoneorothersymptomisprevalent,thenoneormoreoftheherbscanbeincreased,uptodoubletheoriginalquantity.

—Variation—IFYOUADDANEQUALAMOUNTOFREDSAGE(DANSHEN), THEN

THETEAMAYALSOBEOFBENEFITFORCHESTPAIN/ANGINA-TYPE

SYMPTOMS.BUTANIMPORTANTNOTE:IFYOUARETAKING

WARFARINOROTHERPRESCRIPTIONBLOOD-THINNING

MEDICATIONS,YOUMUSTCONSULTANHERBALIST,BECAUSETHIS

FORMOFSAGECANPOTENTIATETHEMEDICINESANDTHUSTHE

DOSAGEMAYNEEDREVIEW.OTHERHERBSCANALSOBEOF

BENEFITFORCARDIACSYMPTOMS,BUTTHEYAREONLYAVAILABLE

FROMAQUALIFIEDHERBALIST.

BrightEyesWashThisstronginfusionisaneffectiveeyewashforeyeinfectionsandsoreeyes.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1/2oz.marigold 1/2oz.eyebright 1/2oz.chickweed 1/2oz.coarselygroundOregongraperoot 1/2oz.cornflowersMAKES&KEEPS

Makes21/2-oz.herbmixture,enoughfor15uses.Keeps1–2yearsindryform.Oncemadeup,usethesameday.

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogether.

Infuse1generoustbsp.in1cupboilingwater.Letcool,thenstraincarefullythroughcheeseclothorathincloth.Washtheeyes2–3timesdailyusingasterileeyebath.Washtheeyebathwellbetweeneacheye.Keeptheeyewashcoveredbetweenuses.

CautionAlwaysconsultahealthcareprofessionalforanyeyeproblem.

Sage&ThymeGargleAsimple,classicgarglemixtureforsorethroatsandwardingoffcolds.

INGREDIENTS2cupsboilingwater1oz.sageleaves,driedorfresh4dropsthymeessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups—enoughfor10gargles.Keeps3daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Pourboilingwaterontothesageandletsituntillukewarm.Strainandpressthroughcheeseclothorathinclothtogetadark,stronginfusion.Addtheessentialoilandbottle.

Shakewellbeforeuse,thengarglewithabout3tbsp.Repeateveryhourinacutecases,otherwiseuse3timesdaily.

ColtsfootExpectorantHoney

INGREDIENTS1largehandfulofcoltsfootflowers2cupswater1cuphoney

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keeps1yearunopened.Onceopen,storeintherefrigeratorandusewithin1month.

METHOD

Decocttheflowersinwater(seehere).Simmeruncoveredtoreduceto1cupofliquid.Strainandaddanequalamountofhoney.

Gentlyheatthemixtureforafewminutestodissolvethehoney.Removefromtheheatandpourintobottles.Take1tsp.2–4timesdailyforacough.

Sinus-ClearingInhalation

INGREDIENTS2cupswater,almostboiling1tsp./5mlbenzointincture(Friar’sBalsam)

Essentialoils:1dropthyme1dropeucalyptus1droplavender

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Puttheingredientsintoalargebowl.Carefullycoveryourheadandthebowlwithatoweltotrapthesteaminside.Inhalethroughthenoseuntilthereisnomoresteam.

Repeatevery4hoursasrequired.

—Tip—FRIAR’SBALSAMTINCTURELEAVESARESIDUEOFRESINONTHE

SIDEOFTHECONTAINERTHATISHARDTOWASHOFF.KEEPA

CONTAINERASIDEFORONLYFRIAR’SBALSAMUSE,UNLESSYOU

LIKEALOTOFSCRUBBING!

VaporRubCourtesyofNeilWilliams

Rubintochestandnecktohelprelievebreathingandfightchestinfections.

INGREDIENTSjustover1/3cup+2tbsp.oliveoil 1tbsp.gratedbeeswax

Essentialoils:60dropseucalyptus60dropspine60dropspeppermint60dropscajeput60dropscedarwood

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Gentlymeltthebeeswaxintotheoliveoilinadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Letthemixturecoolfor5minutes,thenaddtheessentialoilsandpourintooneormorejars.

Usesparingly.

CautionDonotuseonchildrenunder2years.Keepawayfromtheeyesanddelicatetissues.

TrulyTastyCoughMixtureCourtesyofGeoffEdwards

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:3/4oz.coltsfoot 3/4oz.Irishmoss 3/4oz.licoriceroot 1/2oz.thyme 1/2oz.elecampane 1/2oz.whitehorehound 11/2quartswater 11/4oz.groundmarshmallowroot 36oz.honey

Essentialoils:60dropseucalyptus60dropsaniseseed30dropspeppermint

1/2tsp.quilleafluidextract(seehere)MAKES&KEEPSMakesabout2quarts.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Simmerallthedriedherbsexceptforthemarshmallowrootinthewaterfor30minutes,thenstrain.Measuretheliquidandmakeupthevolumeto51/4cups(addmorewaterorreducetheliquidfurther,asrequired).

Meanwhile,makeasmoothpastefromthemarshmallowwithalittlewater.Thenaddmorewatertomakeupto2cups.

Addtotheherbalmixinthesaucepanwiththehoney.Bringtoaboilandsimmerbrisklyfor5minutes.Removefromtheheatandcool.

Youshouldhaveabout2quartsofliquid.Separately,mixtogethertheessentialoilsandquilleatincture(thisemulsifiestheessentialoilssotheydonotseparate),thenaddittotherest.

Take1–2tsp.3–4timesdaily,neatorwithalittlewarmwater.

RoseHip,Hawthorn&PineThroatLozenges

INGREDIENTS3generoushandfulsoffreshrosehips2generoushandfulsoffreshhawthornberriesupto11/2cupsgoldensyruporlightcornsyrup upto21/2cupssugar 3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlpinetincture(seehere) 20dropslemonessentialoil

YOUWILLNEED•CANDYMOLDSORBAKINGSHEET(seehere)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes100orsolozenges.Keepsupto6weeksinacontainerintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Collectyourberries,andimmediatelydecoctinenoughwatertocover(seehere),covered,for10minutes.Letcool.Mashupthemixturealittle,thenstrainthroughadoublelayerofcheesecloth.Mixthisliquid(probablyabout12/3cups)withequalamountsofbothsugarandgoldenorcornsyrup.

Makeintocandies(seehere),stirringinthepinetinctureandlemonessentialoiljustbeforepouringthemixtureintomolds.

Lichen,Coltsfoot&ThymeCoughCandies

INGREDIENTS2handfulsoflunglichen2cupswaterupto2cupssugarupto11/4cupsgoldensyruporlightcornsyrup 3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlcoltsfoottincture(seehere) 20dropsthymeessentialoil

YOUWILLNEED•CANDYMOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes100–200smallhardcandies.Keepsupto6weeks.

METHOD

Makeadecoctionbybringingthelichenandwatertoaboil(seehere),thensimmeringfor10minuteswiththelidon.Letthemixturesittocool,thenstrain.

Mixthisliquid(about12/3cups)withequalamountsofsugarandgoldenorcornsyrup.Makeintocandies(seehere),stirringinthecoltsfoottinctureandthymeessentialoiljustbeforepouringthemixtureintomolds.

AntinauseaTeaIfyoucankeepitdown,thiscanhelpwithnausea.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.chamomile1oz.peppermint1oz.roughlygroundrootginger

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes3-oz.herbmixture.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogetherandstoreinajar.

Maketheteausing1tsp.permug,infusedfor5minutes.

Take4–5timesdaily.

AntinauseaSuppositoriesCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandtUsethesewhenyoufeeltoonauseoustotakeanythingbymouth.Thecocoabuttermeltsandreleasestheessentialoils;theseenterthebloodstreamandexerttheirmedicinaleffect.

INGREDIENTS4tsp.cocoabutter

Essentialoils:12dropschamomile4dropspeppermint4dropslemon1dropginger

YOUWILLNEED•7(2-G)SUPPOSITORYMOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes7suppositories.Keeps3monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Gentlywarmthecocoabutterinadoubleboilerorwaterbathuntilmelted.Mixintheessentialoils,pourintomolds,andputintotherefrigeratortoset.Onceset(usuallyafterabout30minutes),removefromthemoldsandstore.

Insertoneintoyourbuttocksasneeded,orevery3–4hours.

MarshmallowWaterforAcidIndigestionThisisalsogoodforcoughsandcatarrh.

INGREDIENTS21oz.grounddriedmarshmallowroot(or1smallhandfuloffreshlydugroots) 2cupscoldwater

1–2tbsp.honey(optional;ifusing,manukaisthebest)MAKES&KEEPSMakes2cups.Keeps3–4daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Soakthemarshmallowinthewaterfor30minutes.Whensoftened,processinablenderforafewminutesuntilsmooth.Addthehoney,ifusing,andletsitfor4hours.Bottleandkeepintherefrigerator.

Take2tbsp.3timesdailyuntilsymptomsarefinished.

IrritableBowelTinctureMixCourtesyofLouiseIdoux

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlchamomile2tsp./10mlcardamom1tbsp./15mlfennel2tsp./10mlwildyam2tsp./10mlcrampbark

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Simplymixandbottle.

Take1tsp.inwarmwater3timesdaily.

HeartburnTeaCourtesyofSteveKippax

Thisteaisgreatforstomachpain,heartburn,andreflux.Themeadowsweethelpstoreduce

the inflammation in the stomach and marshmallow root coats the stomach lining with a

healingcoat.Licoricestopsthepainandrefluxassociatedwithgastritisandheartburn.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:2oz.meadowsweet2oz.groundmarshmallowroot2oz.groundlicoriceroot

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes6-oz.herbmixture.Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Mixthedriedherbstogetherandstore.

Take1generoustsp.ofthedriedherbsinfusedinamugofhotwaterfor15minutes3–4timesdaily.

Gas-ReducingSyrupForpromotinggooddigestionandliverfunction.

INGREDIENTS1handfuloffreshangelicaroot,coarselychopped(or2oz.dried) 1quartwater

1(12-oz.)jarofhoneyjuiceof2lemons

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes22fl.oz.Keepsupto1yearintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Simmertheangelicafor21/2hoursinthewater.Strainandreduceto11/4cupsofliquid.Addthehoneyandlemonjuice.Gentlywarmandstirtodissolvethehoney,thenpourintobottles,tighteningthelidswhencool.

Take1tsp.1–3timesdailyasrequired.

AntispasmodicDropsCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

Apractitioner-level remedy for intestinal spasmconsistingofablendof tinctures.Measure

usingamillimetermeasure—accuracyisimportant.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):10mlcrampbark(fluidextractifpossible,seehere) 4mlpasqueflower4mlyellowjasmine2mlhenbane

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes20ml.Keeps2–3years.

METHOD

Mixthetincturestogetherinadropperbottle.

Take10dropsinalittlewatereveryhouruntilspasmsease.Donotexceed10dosesin24hours(seebox).

Alwaysseekyourhealthcarepractitioner’sadvicetodeterminethecauseofpain.

CautionHenbaneandyellowjasminearestrongherbsthatareharmfulinlargedoses.Verysmallamountsareusedbyherbalpractitioners:amaximumof5ml—1tsp.—perweek(equalto5dropstaken3timesdaily).Insomecountries,onlyherbalpractitionersarepermittedtopurchasetheseplants.

WormSuppositoriesCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

Forgreatestsuccess,usethesealongsidetheIntestinalParasiteTreatment(seehere)

Essentialoils:10dropsvetiver10dropsoregano5dropscloves5dropsromanchamomile

YOUWILLNEED•7(2-G)SUPPOSITORYMOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes7suppositories.Keeps3monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Gentlymeltthecocoabutterinadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Mixintheessentialoilsandpourintothemolds.

Insert1intoyourbuttockseveningandmorningfor4dayseithersideofthenewmoonandfullmoon(whenwormsaremostactive).

IntestinalParasiteTreatmentUsethesealongsidetheWormSuppositories(seehere)forbesteffect.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlcloves3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlbayberry3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlwormwood3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlblackwalnut

Toadminister:2tsp.flaxseeds1handfulofpumpkinseeds(approx.20)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover3/4cup.Keepsatleast2years.

METHOD

Mixthetincturestogether.Put2tsp.ofthetincturemixinjustover3/4cupwater.

Toadminister,grindtheflaxseedsandmixthemwiththedrink.Eatthepumpkinseeds,washingthemdownwiththedrink.

Dothisoncedailyfor3weeks.Letsitfor1week,thenrepeatfor2weeks.

—Tip—IFYOUCANGETHOLDOFTHEM,FRESHPAPAYASCANALSOBE

USEDTOTREATWORMS.TAKE2TSP. FRESHPAPAYASEEDSEVERY

DAYFOR3WEEKS.CHEWTHEMWELL.

BowelCleanseBest usedalongside a detox diet. If possible, eat awhole-fooddiet for at least2–3weeks

beforestartingtotakethismixture.

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:2oz.yellowdockroot2oz.turkeyrhubarbroot2oz.plantainleaves2oz.Californianbuckthornbark2oz.barberrybark

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes10oz.(enoughfor3weeks).Keeps1year.

Fresh:2tbsp.aloeveragel2-inchpiecefreshgingerroot,grated4garliccloves,finelychopped1quartapplejuice2tsp.psylliumhusks

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1day’sdose.Usefresh.

METHOD

Thoroughlymixtogetherthegroundherbs.

Take4tsp.ofthemixtureandaddthealoe,ginger,garlic,andapplejuice.Mixwell.

Takeinthemorning,addingthepsylliumhuskstothelastone-quarteroftheliquid.

Drinkdailyfor3weeks.

Donotgivetochildrenunder12withoutprofessionaladvice.

MilkThistleLiverProtectorMilk thistlehas theability toprotect the liver fromtoxins,aswellas to supportadamaged

liverwhileitregenerates.

INGREDIENTS4oz.milkthistleseeds,driedandground

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes50–60doses.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Take1tsp.stirredinto1/2mugofwarmwater1–2timesdaily.

BentoniteClayCleanserClayisextremelyabsorbent,soitdrawstoxicsubstances.Inthebowel,itwilldrawallkindsof

toxinsandhelptoeliminatethemfromthebody.

INGREDIENTS1tsp.clay1mugofchamomiletea(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1dose.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Soaktheclayinthechamomileteafortheday.Takeonanemptystomachbeforebed.

Takedailyfor3weeks,thenhaveabreakforatleastaweek.

CoconutLiverBlastThismixture isagoodgeneralboost for the liver,helpfulalongsideadetoxdiet.Themix is

takenwithcoconutoil,whichhasbeenfoundtoprotecttheliverfromtoxins.

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:3oz.dandelionleaves3oz.milkthistleseeds3oz.angelicaarchangelicaroot1(12-oz.)jarofvirgincoconutoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes21oz.Keepsatleast6months.

METHOD

Gentlymeltthecoconutoilinthejarinadoubleboilerorwaterbathandthoroughlymixintheherbs.Pourintoalargejarandletsetinacoolplacefor30–60minutes.

Take1tbsp.1–2timesdaily.

CystitisTea

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.buchuleaves1oz.plantainleaves1oz.yarrowfloweringtops1oz.marshmallowleaves

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtheherbswell.Makethetea,using2tbsp.to1quartwater(seehere).

Strainanddrinkover1day.

Repeatdailyandcontinuefor5daysafterthesymptomsclear.Usually,thesymptomsimprovealmostimmediately,butifyoustoptakingtheteatoosoon,theywillcomeback—theinfectionneedstobethoroughlycleared.

—Tip—FORCYSTITISPREVENTION,TAKE1 MUGOFCYSTITISTEA,MADE

FROM1TSP. PERMUG,DAILY.

CystitisRoutineCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):1/2cup+2tbsp./150mlcornsilk 1/4cup+1tbsp./75mlbuchu 1/4cup+1tbsp./75mlbearberryMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout11/4cups.Keeps2–3years.

METHOD

Putjustunder1/2cupofthemixtureinto1quartwater.

Sipitover24hoursandrepeatthenextday.Ondays3and4,putjustunder1/4cupinto1quartwater.Sipitover24hours.Youmustcompletethe4-daycourse.

Donotgivetochildrenunder12.

CautionIfyoudon’tfeelbetterafterthefirst24hoursofthistreatment,thenyouneedantibiotics;seeyourdoctor.Bladderinfectionsmustbetreatedquickly,becausetheycantrackuptothekidneyswithseriousconsequences.

WaterfallSmoothieCourtesyofAnneMcIntyre

Tohelptreattheretentionofpremenstrualfluid.

INGREDIENTS1/3cupofthefollowingfreshherbs:wildceleryleavesdandelionleavesfennelleavesand/orseedscilantroleavesand/orcorianderseedsnasturtiumleavesandflowersparsleyleaves1bunchofcelery,chopped1cucumber,chopped

YOUWILLNEED•ABLENDER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1serving.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Blendalltheingredientsuntilsmooth.

Drinkthesmoothieforbreakfastfirstthinginthemorning,andrepeatthroughoutthedayasoftenasdesired.Continueoverafewdays,oroverafewweeksiftheproblemischronic.

IncontinenceTeaHelpstostrengthenthebladder.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.horsetail1oz.couchgrass1oz.shepherd’spurse1oz.borage1oz.marshmallowleaves

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes5-oz.teamix.Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Makethetea,using2tsp.permug(seehere).

Drink2–3cupsdaily.

Ladies’LoveliesCourtesyofSensorySolutions

These protective, nurturing, and balancing drops help to supportwomen of any age. They

helpwith traumatic pregnancy and birth experiences andother female gynecological issues,

suchasdifficultmenstruation,problemsinconceiving,andmenopause.

INGREDIENTS2tbsp./30mlraspberryleaftincture(seehere) 2tbsp./30mllady’smantletincture(seehere) 2tbsp.nettlesyrup(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover1/3cup.Keepsatleastayear.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogetherinadropperbottle.

Take5–10drops3–6timesdailyasrequired.

NettleSyrupDeliciousandrichinmineralsandvitaminC.

INGREDIENTS3cupswater2oz.driednettles(or2cupsfresh)2cupssugar(Ipreferbrown)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout3cupsKeeps3–12months.

METHOD

Bringthewaterandnettlestoaboil.Simmerfor10minuteswiththelidon.Letsteepfor3–4hours,thenstrain.

Reducetheliquidto2cups.Addthesugarandboilforanadditional4–5minutes,thenpourintobottles.

Take1–2tsp.dailyasamineral-richsyruporusedilutedwithcarbonatedwaterasabeverage.

PMSChocolatesThesebittersweetchocolatescontainadailydoseofPMS-bustingherbs.

INGREDIENTS1/2cupcocoabutter 1/2cupcoconutoil 1cuprawchocolatepowder2tsp.groundchasteberry(thisherbtastesbitter) 1/3oz.driedandgroundlady’smantle about2tbsp.honey,agavesyrup,ormaplesyrup,totaste1handfulofraspberries,driedorfresh

1handfulofchoppednuts2dropsroseottoessentialoil

YOUWILLNEED•SMALLMOLDS,SUCHASICECUBETRAYS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes40icecube-sizechocolates.Keeps2–3monthsinthefreezer.

METHOD

Putallingredientsexceptthehoney/syrup,raspberries,nuts,androseottoessentialoilintoadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Meltthebutterovergentleheat,stirringconstantly.Donotoverheat.Addthehoney/syruptotaste,andtheraspberriesandnuts,continuingtostir.

Whenyouaresatisfiedwiththesweetness,removefromtheheat.Stirintheroseottoessentialoilandpourintothemolds.(Putabout1tbsp.intoeach.)Letsetintherefrigeratorfor30–60minutes.

Eat1chocolatedailytohelpbalanceyourhormones.Youmayusethisremedyfor3–12months.Don’tstopandstart;takecontinuouslyasthechasteberryworksbestthatway.

WhenthePMSismostacuteandyouwanttoeatmorechocolates,switchtoNoStressRawChocolates(seehere).

NoStressRawChocolates

INGREDIENTS1/2cupcocoabutter 1/2cupcoconutoil 1cuprawchocolatepowder2tbsp.groundvalerian4tbsp.driedgroundpassionflower2tbsp.driedrosepetals,brokenintosmallpieces 1–2tbsp.honey,agavesyrup,ormaplesyrup

2dropsroseottoessentialoil2tbsp.cocoanibs2tbsp.shelledhempseeds

YOUWILLNEED•SMALLMOLDS,SUCHASICECUBETRAYS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes40icecube-sizechocolates.Keeps3monthsinthefreezer.

METHOD

Putallingredientsexceptthehoney/syrup,roseottoessentialoil,cocoanibs,andhempseedsintoadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Meltthecocoabutterovergentleheat,stirringconstantly.Donotoverheat.Addthehoney/syruptotaste,continuingtostir.

Whenyouaresatisfiedwiththesweetness,removefromtheheat.Stirintheroseottoessentialoil,nibs,andseeds,thenpouritintothemolds.(Putabout1tbsp.intoeach.)Eatupto4–5dailyinthedaysleadinguptoyourperiod,oratanyotherstressfultime.

PeriodPainChocolates

INGREDIENTS1/2cupcocoabutter 1/2cupcoconutoil 1cuprawchocolatepowder4tsp.groundcinnamon4tsp.driedgroundcrampbark5tsp.skullcap1–2tbsp.honey,agavesyrupormaplesyrup1/4cupcocoanibs,shelledhempseeds,orchoppednutsYOUWILLNEED

•SMALLMOLDS,SUCHASICECUBETRAYS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes40icecube-sizechocolates.Keeps3monthsinthefreezer.

METHOD

Putallingredientsexceptthehoney/syrupandnibs/seeds/nutsintoadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Meltthecocoabutterovergentleheat,stirringconstantly.Donotoverheat.Addthehoney/syruptotaste,continuingtostir.

Whenyouaresatisfiedwiththesweetness,removefromtheheat,addthenibs/seeds/nuts,andpouritintothemolds.(Putabout1tbsp.intoeach.)Eat1chocolateevery20minutesuntilperiodpainhaseased,then1every3hours.

PeriodPainTeaCourtesyofAnneMcIntyre

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:2oz.rose2oz.motherwort2oz.lady’smantle2oz.chamomile2oz.clarysage

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes10-oz.herbmixture(enoughfor10days).Keeps1year.

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogether.Put2oz.oftheherbmixintoateapot.Pour1quartboilingwaterovertheherbsandinfusefor10–15minutes.

Drink1mug3timesdailythroughoutthemonth.

Onthefirstdayoftheperiod,orwheneverthereisthemostdiscomfort,drinkthroughoutthedayasneeded,upto6mugs.

CreamforVaginalThrushThisversatilecreamcanalsobeusedformen’sthrushandfororalthrush.

INGREDIENTS1/4cupHeal-AllMarigoldCream(seehere)Essentialoils:6dropsteatree6dropsniaouli6dropspalmarosa2dropsoregano

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/4cup.Keepsatleast6monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Mixthemarigoldcreamandessentialoilstogether.

Applytotheaffectedarea1–2timesdaily.

PessariesforThrushCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

Thesehelptosootheitchingandrestorevaginalhealth.

Essentialoils:13dropsteatree13dropsniaouli13dropspalmarosa4dropsoregano

YOUWILLNEED•14(2-G)MOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes14pessaries.Keeps3monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Gentlywarmthecocoabutterinadoubleboilerorwaterbathuntilmelted.Mixintheessentialoilsandpourintothemolds.

Insert1pessaryashighasyoucanintothevagina2timesdaily.Liedownfor10–30minutesafterinserting.

MorningSicknessCandies

INGREDIENTS1/2handfulofchoppedfreshgingerroot 1oz.driedblackhorehound(doublethequantityiffresh) justunder2cupswater

23/4cupsbrownsugar 4tbsp.butter(optional)

YOUWILLNEED•CANDYMOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout100hardcandies.Keeps4–6weeksinacontainerintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Boilthegingerandhorehoundinwaterfor20minutes.Strainandmakethecandies(seehere).

Ifusingbutter,additjustbeforepouringthecandymixintothemolds.

Take4–8candiesdaily,andenjoy.

FOR LABOR

Theseareafewremediestoassistlabor.Allaretincturesunlessotherwisestated,whichcanbeboughtfromastoreorbehomemadeasinstructed(seehere).Alwaystaketincturesbymixingthemwithwater.

Pleasebeawarethattheseremediesshouldonlybeusedtoassistbirthwherenecessary,andshouldneverbeusedinplaceofpropermedicalattention.

LaborEnduranceMixTohelpkeepupstrengthforlabor.

INGREDIENTS1oz.driedraspberryleaves1oz.driedlady’smantleleaves1quartboilingwater1/4cup/50mlAmericanginsengtincture(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1quart.Keeps2days.

METHOD

Makeateafromtheraspberryleaves,lady’smantleleaves,andwater(seehere).Addtheginsengtincture.Sipthroughoutlaborfromthestart.

ContractionsBoosterTomakeweakcontractionsstronger,andtohelpexpeltheplacenta.

INGREDIENTSgoldensealtincture(seehere)ordriedgroundrootMETHOD

Take1–2tsp.every1–2hours.Ifusingthedriedform,take1/2–1tsp.Note:Ittastesvile!

RelaxingMixforLaborThisistotakeduringlaborifcontractionsaretoostrongandpainfulearlyon.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):1tbsp./15mllobelia2tbsp.+2tsp./40mlbluecohosh2tbsp.+2tsp./40mlcrampbark1tsp./5mlyellowjasmine

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Take1tsp.every1–2hours.Ifthecervixisnotopening,take1tbsp.inasingledose.

AntihemorrhageMixThismixturecanbeusedtoslowanybleedinganywhereinthebody.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):2tbsp./30mlyarrow2tbsp./30mlshepherd’spurse2tbsp./30mlgoldenseal

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes6tbsp.Keeps2–3years.

METHOD

Mixthetincturestogetherinabottle.

Callanambulanceifmedicsarenotalreadythere.Take4tsp,followedbyanother4tsp.in15minutesifstillbleeding.

No-SweatSageTeaParticularlyusefulformenopausalnightsweats,sagecanhelpanyexcessivesweating.

INGREDIENTS3tbsp.driedchoppedsageleavesandflowers1quartboilingwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1quart(enoughfor2days).Keepsupto3daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Putthesageintoateapotorliddedsaucepan.Coverwiththeboilingwater,addthelid,andletcool.Strainanddrinkcold.

Take1mug3timesdailyforseveralweeks.

SyrupyMenopauseMixAdeliciouswaytotakethesefemalehormone-boostingherbs.

INGREDIENTS1/2cup/120mlwildyamroottincture(seehere) 1/2cup/120mlredcloversyrup(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

1cup.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Mixthetinctureandsyruptogetherandbottle.Take1/2–2tsp.2–3timesdaily.

NoteTreatmentsforhormoneconditionsoftentakeatleast3monthstotakefulleffect.

Herbal“HRT”CreamThis do-it-yourself cream ismade fromwild yam.Manywomen swear by it to help keep

menopausalsymptomsatbay.

INGREDIENTS6tbsp.+2tsp.eveningprimroseoil1/2cupemulsifyingwax 3/4cup+5tsp.wildyamroottea(seehere) 6tbsp.+2tsp./100mlwildyamtincture(seehere)Essentialoils(optional):

20dropsjasmine20dropsneroli20dropsclarysage1/2tsp./2mlbenzointincture(Friar’sBalsam)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder2cups.Keepsupto1year.

METHOD

MakeasforComfreyCreamforSpeedyHealing(seehere),mixingintheessentialoils,ifusing,withthebenzoin.

Touse,rub1tsp.ofthecreamintosoftskin(insidethearms,innerthighs,belly,breasts)1–2timesdaily.

BalancingTinctureforMenopauseCourtesyofAnneMcIntyre

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:4oz.redsageleaves4oz.motherwort4oz.lady’smantle4oz.chamomile4oz.rosepetals(oruse9oz.eachoffreshherbs) 2cupsbrandyorvodka

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout12/3cups/400mltincture.Keeps2–3years.

METHOD

Makeatincturefromtheingredients(seehere).

Take1–2tsp.3timesdailyinalittlewater.

Itmaytake3weeks–3monthstobenefitfully.

TeaforDizziness

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:2oz.rosemaryleaves2oz.gingkoleaves2oz.woodbetonyleaves

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixwellandstoreinajar.

Maketheteaasrequired,using1tsp.permug(seehere).

Take3mugsdaily.

Cramp-RelievingTinctureCourtesyofAnthonySeifert

Helps to treat menstrual cramping and cramping due to dysentery, as well as headaches,

sleeplessness,andanxiety.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):3tbsp./45mlCaliforniapoppy2tbsp./30mlsilktassel1tbsp./15mllemonbalm1tbsp./15mlJamaicandogwoodbark

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Combineallthetincturesandbottle.Take10–30dropsupto5timesdailyuntilpainsubsides.

Women’sBalancingTea(SwissStyle)CourtesyofChristineHerren-Valette

Thisteahelpstoharmonizethemenstrualcycle.

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:3tbsp.yarrow2tbsp.raspberryleaf2tbsp.lady’smantle2tbsp.marigoldflowers5tsp.sage

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogether.Makethetea(seehere),using1tsp.oftheherbmixturepermugofhotwater.

Take1–3cupsdaily.

HerbalTonicforProstateHealthManymenexperienceprostateproblemsandcanbenefitfromprostate-supportingherbs.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1/2oz.nettleroot 1/2oz.sawpalmetto 1/2oz.horsetail 1/2oz.raspberryleaf 1/2oz.plantain 1tbsp.whitecedar

2cupsorganicAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)ororganicvodkaMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout11/3cups.Keeps2–3years.

METHOD

Makeatinctureorinfusedvinegar(seehere).Take1tsp.3timesdailyinalittlewater.

—Tip—TAKE1–2TBSP.PUMPKINSEEDSDAILYTOBOOSTYOURZINC

LEVELS.PLENTYOFEXERCISEWILLALSOHELP.

Men’sReproductiveTonicMaysupportintreatinginfertilityandimpotence.

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:2oz.horsetail2oz.damiana2oz.ginseng

3/4cuppumpkinseeds 1(12-oz.)jarofvirgincoconutoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes22oz.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Mixtogethertheherbsandseeds.Separately,meltthecoconutoilinadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Mixtheherbs/seedsandoiltogetherthoroughlyandjar.Letsetfor30–60minutesinacoolplace.Onceset,storeinacoolplace.

Take1tbsp.daily.

AntianxietyDropswithValerian&Rose

INGREDIENTS1oz.valerianroot1/2oz.rosebuds 2cupsbrandy1tbsp.honey

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder2cups.Keeps2–3years.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherandputintoalargejarwithalid.Letsitinacoolplacefor3weeks.Strainandbottle.

Take5–10dropsasrequired,upto6timesdaily.

HerbalAntidepressantThis mix almost always lifts the spirits, without making you feel numb or interfering with

painfulemotions.

INGREDIENTS

Driedandpowderedherbs:3oz.oatstraw3oz.rosemary3oz.lemonbalm3oz.St.John’swort1(12-oz.)jarofhoneyorpurecoconutoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes24oz.Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogether.Warmthehoneyoroilandmixwellwiththeherbs.Pourintojars.

Take1–2tsp.1–3timesdaily(ifyoufeelreallydown,goforthehigherdoseof2tsp,thenreduceitasyoustarttofeelbetter).

FalseSolomon’sSeal&TeaselforJointsCourtesyofMatthewWood

Thisactsonthecarpalsandtarsalsandonthepelvicfloor.Itisalsogreatforthesmalljoints

ofthefingersiftreatingrheumatoidarthritis.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):1/4cup/60mlfalseSolomon’ssealor“dragonroot”1/4cup/60mlteaselMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Take3–5drops3timesdaily.

Solomon’sSeal&AgrimonyTensionRemedyCourtesyofMatthewWood

Thisremedyfortension,bothpsychologicalandphysical,relaxesmostpeopleinseconds.It’s

madewith7partsagrimonyto4partsSolomon’sseal.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):3/4cup+6tsp./210mlagrimony(butmakethiswith11/2handfulsoffreshagrimonyand1–2cupsgoodbrandy,enoughtocover) 1/2cup/120mlSolomon’sseal(butmakethiswith11/2handfulsofSolomon’ssealroots—unearthed,coarselychopped,andplacedinajar—and2cupsvodka)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups.Keepsatleast2years.

METHOD

Take3–5drops3timesdaily(orasneeded).

—Tip—PICKTHEAGRIMONYLEAVESOFFTHESIDESOFTHELEADERORMAIN

STEM,SOTHATTHELATTERCANGOONTOFLOWERING.

SOLOMON’S SALVES

ThefollowingvariationsonSolomon’ssealsalvecomefromthehighlyregardedAmericanherbalistMatthewWood.AllfeaturetheinfusedoiloftrueSolomon’ssealroot.Tomakeit,use7oz.dryplantmaterialandenoughsaffloweroroliveoiltocover(about1cup)(seehere).Tomakeeachsalverecipe,simplyheatalltheingredientstogetheruntilthebeeswaxhasmelted,stir,andpourintojars.

Alltheserecipesmake4full2-oz.jars,withpossiblyalittleleftover,andkeepforatleast12monthsintherefrigerator.

Applythesesalvesliberallytosore,affectedareas1–3timesdaily.

Joint-AligningSalveThishelpstotightenloosejointsandbringthembackintoalignment.

INGREDIENTS3/4cup+5tsp.infusedoiloftrueSolomon’sseal(seerecipe) 1,600IUvitaminEoil

2tbsp.+2tbsp.ComfreyOil(seehere) 3tbsp.gratedbeeswax

Solomon’sBadBackSalveThismuscleandjoint-relaxingsalvehasaparticularaffinitywiththeback.

2tbsp.+2tsp.gingerrootinfusedoil(seehere) 3tbsp.gratedbeeswax

SalveforDryJointsAddingmarshmallow seems to enhanceSolomon’s seal’s ability tomoistenandnourish the

joints.

2tbsp.+2tsp.marshmallowrootinfusedoil(seehere) 3tbsp.gratedbeeswax

Cartilage-HealingSalve

INGREDIENTS3/4cup+1tbsp.infusedoiloftrueSolomon’sseal(seerecipe) 1,600IUvitaminEoil

2tbsp.+2tsp.horsetailtopsinfusedoil(seehere) 3tbsp.gratedbeeswax

Skin-CalmingTeaThisteahelpstosootheeczemaandotheritchyinflammationsoftheskin.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.redcloverflowers1oz.cleaversherb1oz.grounddandelionroot1oz.dandelionleaf1oz.nettleleaves1oz.heartseasefloweringtops1oz.skullcaptops

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtogetherequalpartsoftheaboveherbs.Storeinalargejar.

Shakeormixwellbeforeeachuse.Maketea(seehere),using2tbsp.ofthemixtureinfusedin3mugsofboilingwaterfor7minutes.

Drinkthe3mugsoveroneday.

Taketheteaforatleast3months.

—Tip—FORACNE,DRINKTHISTEAANDALSOTAKEGARLICAND

ECHINACEATINCTURE(see HERE), 1/2–1TSP. 3 TIMESDAILY.MOST

PEOPLEWITHSKINDISEASESALSONEEDTOMAKEDIETARY

CHANGES.DISCUSSTHISWITHYOURHERBALISTORHEALTHCARE

PRACTITIONER.

AntifungalOintmentCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupcoconutoil 1/4cupavocadooilEssentialoils:8dropslavender8dropsneroli4dropsmyrrh4dropsfrankincense

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Gentlymeltthecoconutoilwiththeavocadooilinadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Puttheoiltoonesidetostarttocool.Whentheoilstartstosolidify,whiskandaddtheessentialoils.Pourthemixtureintoglassjars.

Applygenerouslytotheaffectedareatwicedailyuntilclearofinfection.

ColdSoreOintmentCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupcoconutoil 1/4cupavocadooil 5dropslemonbalm(melissa)essentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

FollowthemethodforAntifungalOintment(seehere).

Applyalittletotheaffectedareafrequently.

PsoriasisOintmentCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

Tryafewdifferentpsoriasistreatmentssothatyoufindthebestoneforyou.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupcoconutoil 1/4cupavocadooilEssentialoils:8dropslavender8dropsneroli8dropshelichynum

oilfrom2(400IU)vitaminEcapsules

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

FollowthemethodforAntifungalOintment(seehere).ThenaddboththeessentialoilsandthevitaminEoilastheointmentcools.

Applyointmentgenerouslytotheaffectedareas1–2timesdaily.

—Tip—PSORIASISUSUALLYNEEDSINTERNALTREATMENTASWELL.SEE

THESKIN-CALMINGTEAOPPOSITE(TAKETHETEAASWELLAS

USINGANEXTERNALTREATMENT). ANHERBALISTCANUSUALLY

HELPPSORIASISANDOTHERSKINDISEASESWITHATAILOR-MADE

TREATMENTDESIGNEDFORYOU.

PsoriasisCream

INGREDIENTS1/2cupHeal-AllMarigoldCream(seehere)Essentialoils:7dropsneroli7dropslavender7dropsbergamot

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtheessentialoilsintothecream.

Apply2–3timesdaily.

PsoriasisLotionIfalargeareaofthebodyisaffectedbypsoriasis,itiseasiesttoapplyalotion.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cuppurevegetableglycerinEssentialoils:50drops/1/2tsp.lavender 20dropsneroli20dropsbergamot

justunder1/2cuplavenderwater(boughtinastoreorhomemade,seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder3/4cup.Keepsupto6months.

METHOD

Whisktheessentialoilsintotheglycerine,thengraduallyaddthelavenderwater.Shakewellbeforeuse.

Apply2–3timesdaily.

AcneOintmentCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

AvariationontheColdSoreOintment(seehere).

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupcoconutoil 1/4cupavocadooil 8dropsteatreeessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

FollowthemethodforAntifungalOintment(seehere).

Applyfrequentlytoacne.

DrawingOintmentCourtesyofNeilWilliams

Helpstodrawoutsplintersorpus.

INGREDIENTS1oz.driedmarshmallowrootjustover1/3cupoliveoil 1oz.driedslipperyelm1tbsp.gratedbeeswax30dropslavenderessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover1/2cup.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Inadoubleboiler,mixthemarshmallowrootintheoliveoil.Simmerfor1hour.Addtheslipperyelmandmixuntilsmooth,thenaddthebeeswaxandletitmeltin.Letitcoolslightlyfor5minutes,thenmixinthelavenderoilbeforetransferringtojars.

Applygenerouslytoaffectedareasuntilthesplinterorpusisout.

FissureSalveCourtesyofStephenBuhner

Healspainfulskinfissures(fingers,feet,oranal)thatdonotrespondtootherinterventions.

INGREDIENTS1oz.Japaneseknotweedroot,driedandcutintotinypieces 1oz.Stephaniaroot(aChinesevinewithstronganti-inflammatoryeffects),driedandcutintotinypieces 1/4oz.driedthyme upto2cupsoliveoil,enoughtocover

1/2tsp.vitaminEoil 3–6tbsp.gratedbeeswax

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesupto2cups.Keepsatleast1yearintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedoil(seehere)byputtingtheherbsintoaliddedovenproofdishandaddingoliveoiltocovertoadepthof1/2inch.Letsitovernightintheovenonitslowestsetting.

Coolforanhourorso,strain,andmeasure,thenaddthevitaminEoilandslowlyreheat,adding2tbsp.ofbeeswaxper1cupofoil.

Applyfrequently.

ColdSoreLotionCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):1/2tsp./3mlmyrrhtincture(thisismadewith190proofalcoholbecauseitisaresin;seetip).

3/4tsp./4mllemonbalmtincture 1/2tsp.St.John’sWortOil(seehere) 3dropslemonbalm(melissa)essentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2tsp.Keeps3years.

METHOD

Mixtogetherinasmallbottle.Dabitonfrequentlythroughouttheday,reducingasthepainofthecoldsoresubsides.

AntiwartTinctureCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS1/3oz.freshgreatercelandine,crushed 1cupAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1cup.Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Makeasforherbalvinegars(seehere).

Dabundilutedontowartstwicedaily.Alternatively,useapadsoakedinthetinctureandplaceontothewartwithabandage.Changedaily.

Wart&VeruccaZapperCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

Suitableforadultsandchildren,thezapperisgoodforclustersofwartsorverrucas.Beaware

thatpersistentwartsorverrucascanindicateanunderlyingproblemorweakness.

INGREDIENTS5tsp.lemonessentialoil5tsp.castoroil7tsp./35mlwhitecedartincture(seehere) 3tsp./15mlgreatercelandinetincture(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherinabottle.

Shakebeforeeachuse.Covertheentireaffectedareatwicedaily.Note:Itwilltakeseveralweekstotakeeffect.

FungalToeNailCureCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

This treatmentworks ifused for severalmonths—andcontinued for1monthafter thenails

lookclear.

INGREDIENTS

Essentialoils:Mixture150drops/1/2tsp.cinnamon 11/4tsp.lemon 50drops/1/2tsp.oreganoMixture2

11/4tsp.teatree 50drops/1/2tsp.thyme 50drops/1/2tsp.palmarosaMAKES&KEEPS

Makes21/2tsp.ofeachmixture.Keeps2–3years.

METHOD

Rubmixture1intothenailbedoncedailyfor1week.Thenswaptomixture2andthenbacktomixture1andsoonforaslongasittakestoclearthenails.

CancerTreatmentSurvivalDrinkTheseherbshelpthebodytocopewiththeadverseeffectsofchemotherapyandradiotherapy.

INGREDIENTS

Driedgroundherbs:1oz.ginsengroot1oz.milkvetchroot1oz.gingerroot1oz.carawayseeds

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixthegroundherbstogetherandjar.

Makethetea(seehere),using2tsp.permugofboilingwater.Infusefor10minutesanddrink1cuptwicedaily.

Alternatively,add2tsp.oftheherbmixturetoyourfavoritesmoothie.

Takeitwhilehavingchemotherapyandradiationtherapy,andforafewmonthsaftertohelptheimmunesystemrecover.

RadiationTherapyHealingSalveCourtesyofCatherineJohnson

This isparticularlygoodforwomenhavingradiationtherapyforbreastcancer.Ithelps the

skin’sintegrityandhelpspreventpainfulreddeningoftheskin.

INGREDIENTSjustover3/4cupHeal-AllMarigoldOil(seehere) 21/4tbsp.gratedbeeswax

1/2tsp.bluechamomileessentialoilMAKES&KEEPSMakesjustunder1cup.Keeps6months.

METHOD

Gentlyheatthemarigoldoilwiththebeeswaxinadoubleboilerorwaterbathuntilmelted.Removefromheat,letcoolfor5minutes,thenstirintheessentialoil.Pourintoajar.

Gentlyapplytotheskinovertheaffectedarea3–4timesdailyintheweekspriortoandduringradiationtherapytreatment.

CautionWashtheskinbeforeradiationtherapy.Donotusesalvefor2hoursbeforeradiationtherapy.

Blood-CleansingFormulaThismixture,forsupportduringcancertreatment,isbasedontraditionalcancertreatments

(includingtheNativeAmerican“Essiac”formula).

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:4oz.burdockroot,finelychopped2oz.sheepsorrelleaves13/4oz.slipperyelm,ground 1/3oz.turkeyrhubarbroot 1quartboilingwater

1tbsp.groundturmeric

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes73/4-oz.herbmixture.Keeps1year.Oncemadeup,keeps3daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Mixallthedryingredientstogether,exceptthegroundturmeric.

Tomake1day’sdose,put1/3oz.ofthemixturewiththewaterintoasaucepan.Simmer,coveredwithalid,for10minutes.Removefromheatandletsitovernight.Thenextday,bringbacktoaboilandaddtheturmericpowder.Removefromtheheat,letsitfor15minutes,thenstrain.

Drinkatleasthalfimmediately.Taketherestoverthecourseoftheday.

VioletSalveforTumorsCourtesyofLouiseBerliner

Violetleavesareknowntodissolvehardnessinthebody.Theyaretraditionallyusedtotreat

lumpsinthebreast.

INGREDIENTS2handfulsoffreshvioletleaves(andflowers)justover3/4cupoliveoil 5tsp.gratedbeeswax1dropofroseessentialoil10dropsfrankincenseessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout3/4cup.Keepsabout6months.

METHOD

Pickthetinyvioletleavesandflowers,andputthemintoabaskettowiltforafewhours.Makeaninfusedoilover5–6weeks(seehere).

Strainofftheoilandheatitgentlywiththebeeswaxinadoubleboilerorwaterbathtomeltthewax.Thenremovethemixturefromtheheat,addtheroseandfrankincenseessentialoils,andpourintojars.

Applyalittletolumps2–3timesdaily.

CautionConsultahealthcareprofessionalimmediatelyifyoufindalumpinyourbreast,orelsewhere.

Peoplehaveingestedherbsingroundformasanasalsnuffformillennia.It’sagreatstrategyandcanbeapleasantexperience.Theplantparticlesmopupinfectedreservoirsofmucussothattheycanbeexpelledfromthenose,whilethegoodstuffintheherbsisabsorbedstraightintothebloodstream.Snuffsaremostlyusedforproblemswiththenoseandsinuses,buttheyalsohavesomegeneralizedeffectsonthebody.

Themethodformakingsnuffsisalwaysthesame.Measurefinelygroundherbsandmixtogether.Thenrubintheessentialoil(wearfineplasticglovesforhygiene).Sift8times,usingasifterorfine-meshstrainer,ormoreuntilthepowdersareblendedandtheessentialoilsmixedin.

Eachrecipemakes6tsp.ofsnuffandkeepsatitsbestfor1year.Storeinasmallairtightcontainer.Takeapinchofsnuffandsniffitupthenose2–3timesdaily.

AlltheserecipesarecourtesyofMelissaRonaldson.

UpliftingSnuffToupliftthemood.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.marshmallowroot2tsp.rosemary2tsp.sweetflag1dropfrankincenseessentialoil

SoothingSnuffCalmssoreandinflamedsinuses.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.marshmallowroot2tsp.plantain2tsp.echinacea1dropchamomileessentialoil

Opening&ClearingSnuffHelpstoopensinusesandclearblockedmucus.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.marshmallowroot2tsp.limeflowers2tsp.elecampane

Essentialoils:1droppeppermint1dropeucalyptus

PolypSnuffToshrinknasalpolyps.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.marshmallowroot2tsp.myrica2tsp.oakbark1dropfrankincenseessentialoil

Up-All-Night-&-Still-DancingSnuffTheseherbalstimulantshelptokeepyougoinglonger.

INGREDIENTS22tsp.marshmallowroot2tsp.ashwagandatinypinchofblackpeppertinypinchofchilipepper2dropspeppermintessentialoil

BABIES ’ & CHILDREN ’S RECIPES

Here,followsomesafeandeffectiverecipesfortreatingchildrenandbabies.Alloftheserecipesarealsosuitableforadults;anadultdoseisuptodoublethechildren’sone.

Someoftheserecipescontainhoney,butpleasenoteit’snotrecommendedthatyougivehoneytobabiesunder1yearold.Alwaysconsultyourhealthcarepractitionerforanyserioussymptomsinyoungpeople.

DryBedSyrup

INGREDIENTS1/2oz.driedagrimony(or1oz.fresh) 1/2oz.driedSt.John’swort(or1oz.fresh) 1oz.fennelseeds

2cupswater1(12-oz.)jarofhoney

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout3cups.Keeps1yearunopened.Afteropening,keepinrefrigeratorandusewithin1month.

METHOD

Decocttheherbsinthewater(seehere).Simmerthedecoctionfor10minutes,thenletsteepuntilcool.Strain.Addthehoneyandreturntotheheattomakeasyrup(seehere).

Give1tsp.atbedtimeuntilthebed-wettingproblemisresolved.

WildCherryCough-CalmingSyrup

INGREDIENTS1cupwildcherryroot2cupswater1cupcherryjuice(freshlymadeorboughtinastore) 2cupswhitesugar

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout31/3cups.Keeps1yearunopened.Afteropening,keepinrefrigeratorandusewithin1month.

METHOD

Decoctthewildcherryrootinthewater(seehere).Simmerthedecoctionuntilreducedbyabouthalf(thisusuallytakes20–30minutes).Strainandaddthecherryjuiceandsugar.Makethesyrup(seehere).

Give1/2–2tsp.atnighttohelpsleep.Alsogive1/2–1tsp.upto3timesadaytocalmanirritablecough(whennomucusneedstobecoughedup;seebox).

CautionThesyrupsuppressescoughing,whichishelpfulatnight.However,ifthereismucusthatneedstobecoughedupfromthelungs,donotusethismixtureduringtheday,becausecoughingthenwillridthelungsofmucus.

Children’sCoughHoneyCourtesyofAnneMclntyre

INGREDIENTS1(12-oz.)jarofhoney2tsp.holybasilleaves2tsp.thymeleaves2tsp.hyssopfloweringtops

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout12oz.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Removesomeofthehoneysothatthejarisfour-fifthsfull.Placetheherbsinareusableteabag(ortietheminasmallpieceofcheesecloth)andaddtothejar.Letsitonasunnywindowsillfor3weeks.Ifyouwantastrongerflavor,removethebagandreplaceitwiththesamequantityoffreshherbs,theninfuseforanotherfewweeks.

Give1tsp.dailyinamugofhotwaterorgingertea(seehere)asapreventive.Give3–6timesdailyinacuteinfections.

CoughTeaThisisagoodalternativetocoughhoney(seehere),whichissuitableforbabiesunder1year

ofage.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.holybasilleaves1oz.thymeleaves1oz.hyssopfloweringtops

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogetherandstoreinajar.

Makethetea(seehere),using1tsp.herbmixto1mugofboilingwater.Puttheherbsintoateapotandaddboilingwater.Infusefor10minutes.

Drinkwhilewarm,1–3cupsdaily.

Baby’sFirstHerbalTeaThisteabothsoothesandcalmsthedigestivesystemandgetsbabyusedtoherbalteas.

INGREDIENTS

Oneormoreofthefollowingdriedherbs:1oz.chamomileflowers1oz.fennelseeds1oz.limeflowers

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1serving.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Makeaweakinfusion(seehere),using1tsp.permugofboilingwater,brewedfor5minutesandthenstrained.

Letcoolandgive1–2tsp.tobabyonateaspoon.(Youcandrinktherest.)

Anybabywhocansipfromateaspoonisoldenoughforthistea.Itcanbeservedeveryday.

SalveforEczemaCourtesyofAnneMclntyre

INGREDIENTS11/4cupscoconutoil 1handfulofamixtureofmarigoldpetals,chamomileflowers,andlavenderflowers(ideallyfresh),coarselychoppedMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Gentlyheattheoilandtheherbsinadoubleboilerorwaterbathfor3–4hours.Strainandpressthroughcheesecloth.Discardtheherbsandpourtheliquidintojars.

Applygenerouslytotheaffectedareaatnightandmorning,aftergentlywashingtheareawithrosewater.

MeadowsweetAntidiarrheaHoneyRawhoney’santibacterialproperties canhelp to treatdiarrhea.Combinedwithastringent,

anti-inflammatory meadowsweet, it makes a delicious and useful remedy for infants’ and

children’sdiarrhea.

INGREDIENTS1(12-oz.)jarofhoneyanequalamountofstrongmeadowsweettea(seehere;makewith11/2cupsboilingwaterover1oz.driedmeadowsweet/1handfuloffresh)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes24oz.Keepsupto1yearunopened.Onceopened,keepintherefrigeratorandusewithin1–2months.

METHOD

Addthehoneytothehottea,stirringwelluntilitallhasdissolved.Bottle.

Give1tsp.every1–2hourstotreatanattackofdiarrhea.Continuetogive2tsp.dailyfor5daysaftertheattackhaspassed.

CautionChildrencanquicklybecomedehydratediftheyhavediarrhea.Replenishlostfluidswiththe“LemonSherbert”RehydrationRemedy(seehere)andseekhealthcareadvice.

Mucus-BustingTeaCourtesyofAnneMclntyre

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1/2tsp.chamomileflowers 1/2tsp.plantainleaves 1/2tsp.elderflowers 2cupsboilingwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout13/4cups.Keeps4daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Mixtheherbstogether.Pourontheboilingwaterandletcool.Strain.

Give2tbsp.inabottleor6tsp.offaspoonbeforefeeding,3timesdaily.

TeethingRubCourtesyofAnneMclntyre

INGREDIENTS1tsp.driedchamomileflowers1mugofboilingwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1mug.Keeps4daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Infusetheflowersinthewater(seehere)for1houruntilcool.

Strainandsoakateethingringorclothinthecoldtea.

Givetothebabytosuck,orrubontosoregums,asneeded.

SoreThroatGargleCourtesyofAnneMclntyre

Manychildrenlovetogargleoncetheyareoldenough—whichcouldbeasyoungas4or5,

dependingonthechild.

INGREDIENTS1/2tsp.groundturmeric 1/2tsp.seasalt 1mugofwarmwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1mug,enoughfor1day.Keepsupto3daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Dissolvetheturmericandsaltinthewater.

Garglefrequentlythroughouttheday.

SweetSleepSyrupHelpsafractiouschildrelaxintosleep.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.chamomile1/2oz.catnip 1/2oz.rosebudsorpetals 2cupsrosewater2cupssugar,or11/4cupshoneyMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout21/2cups.Keeps6–12monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Mixalltheherbstogetherinasaucepanandaddtherosewater.Bringthemixturetoaboil,thenremovefromtheheat.Letcool,thenstrain.Reducetheliquidto11/4cupsbysimmering.Makeasyrupwiththesugarorhoney(seehere).

Give1–3tsp.inamugofhotmilkoralmondmilkatbedtime.

SweetSleepPillowforChildren

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:11/2oz.limeflowers,finelyshredded 3/4oz.lavenderflowers 3/4oz.rosepetalsEssentialoils:

5dropslavender3dropsrose

YOUWILLNEED•ABOUT12X8-INCHRECTANGULARBAGOFCOTTONCLOTH/SMALLPILLOWCASE

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1pillow.Keepseffectivefor6monthsormore.

METHOD

Mixtheherbswellinalargebowl.Sprinkleontheoils.Tomakethepillow,fillthebagorpillowcasewiththemixandbesureit’ssealed.

Placetheherbalpillowbesidethechild’sordinarypillow.

—Tip—REFRESHTHEPILLOWBYADDINGAFEWDROPSOFESSENTIALOILS

EVERYNOWANDTHENTOKEEPITSMELLINGLOVELY.ASAN

ALTERNATIVETOAPILLOW,MAKEA“TRANQUILTEDDY” BY

STUFFINGAFAVORITECUDDLYTOYWITHEITHEROFTHESLEEP

PILLOWHERBMIXTURES(SEEHEREANDHERE). REPLACETHE

HERBALMIXTUREAFTER6–12MONTHS.

HolySleepPillowCourtesyofAnneMclntyre

Promotessleepandpleasantdreams.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1oz.lavenderflowers2oz.chamomileflowers1oz.holybasil

YOUWILLNEED•ABOUT12X8-INCHRECTANGULARBAGOFCOTTONCLOTH/SMALLPILLOWCASE

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1pillow.Keepseffectivefor6monthsormore.

METHOD

MakeanduseasfortheSweetSleepPillowforChildren(seehere).

—Tip—YOUCOULDALSOPLACETHEHERBSLOOSEINABOWLBYYOUR

BEDSIDE.

CalmingHerbalBathsCourtesyofAnneMclntyre

This bath can be used daily or when a child is fussy, in pain or discomfort—or simply

overenergized.

INGREDIENTS

Use1generoushandfulofanyoftheseherbs(ormixanytwoormoreofthem):chamomileflowerslavenderbudsrosepetalslemonbalmleaves

YOUWILLNEED•ASTOCKINGORTHINSOCK

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesenoughfor1bath.Ifusingdriedherbs,youcanprepareinadvance;thedrymixwillkeepfor1year.

METHOD

Placetheherbsintoastockingorthinsockandknotitattheendtomakeanherbalbathbag.Tieitsothatthehotwaterrunsoveritasyoufillthebathtub.Fillthebathtubcompletelywithhotwater,thenletitcooltoacomfortabletemperature.Squeezetheherbalbathbagtoincreasethestrengthoftheinfusion.

Sesame&LavenderBabyOilCourtesyofAnneMclntyre

INGREDIENTS1/2cupsesameoil 30dropslavenderessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogether.

Applygentlyoverthebaby’sskin.Avoidcontactwiththeeyes.

SoothingOatBathAsoothingalternative tobubblebath,good foranykindof itchingor irritated skin. Italso

sootheschickenpoxsores.

INGREDIENTS1cuprolledoats

YOUWILLNEED•ASOCK

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1bath.Keepsdryfor3–6monthsinthebathroom.

METHOD

Puttheoatsintothesock.Tieitaroundthehotfaucetsothatthewaterrunsthroughtheoatsasitfillsthebathtub.Letthewatercooltoacomfortabletemperature.

—Variation—FORACALMANDSOOTHINGBATH,ADDSOMEOFTHEHERBS

SUGGESTEDFORTHECALMINGHERBALBATHS(SEEHERE)TOTHE

RashOintmentCourtesyofTeriEvans

Thiswillnourishyourhandsaswellasyourbaby’sbuttocks.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1tbsp.chickweedleaves1tbsp.marshmallowroot1tbsp.comfreyrootorleaf1/2tsp.goldensealorbaicalskullcapfloweringtops justunder1cupsweetalmondoil

6tbsp.gratedbeeswax

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1cup.Keeps2months.

METHOD

Infusetheherbswiththealmondoil(seehere).Gentlycookfor2–3hoursinadoubleboiler.Strain,meltinthebeeswax,andpourintojars.

Applyeverytimeyouchangeadiaper.

VitaminIcePopsAgoodwaytogethealthyherbsintoyourchild.

INGREDIENTS1/3cupManyBerrySyrup(seehere) 11/2cupscoolednettletea(seehere;makewith4tsp.nettlesinfusedin12/3cupsboilingwaterfor10minutes)YOUWILLNEED

•POPSICLEMOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes8–10popsicles.Eatwithin3months.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogether.Pourintopopsiclemoldsandfreeze.

Eat1–2daily.

Anti-AllergyIcePopsThesecanhelptreathayfeverandpetallergies.

INGREDIENTS11/2cupsnettleleaftea(seemakeasforVitaminIcePops) 1/3cupelderflowersyrup(seehere)YOUWILLNEED

•POPSICLEMOLDSORICECUBETRAYS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes16–20popsicles.Eatwithin3months.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientswell.Freezeinpopsiclemoldsoricecubetrays.

Eat1–3daily.

SpecialBabyWipesCourtesyofAnnaDowding

Theseguaranteepermanentlypeachybuttocks…

INGREDIENTS2tsp.best-qualityAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) 2tsp.calendulatincture(seehere)Essentialoils:

3–4dropsteatree3–4dropslavender

2tsp.vegetableoil(eithercoconut,jojoba,orolive) 2cupsofwater

YOUWILLNEED•COTTONWIPESORCOTTONBALLS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes100–200wipes.Keeps6monthsormore.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherinaquartjar.Squashinasmanywipesorcottonballsasyoucantosoakupthemixture.Closethejarandkeepitsealeduntiluse.

BabyPowderforDryButtocksAnherbalalternativetotalcumpowder.

INGREDIENTS4tsp.cornstarch3tbsp.bakingsoda2tbsp.driedchamomileflowers,groundtoafinepowder 5dropslavenderessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover1/2cup.Keepsupto6monthsinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogether.Siftthemixtureacoupleoftimes.Shakewellbeforeuse.

—Variation—FORASTRONGPOWDERTOHELPPREVENTANDTREATATHLETE’S

FOOT,ADDESSENTIALOILS(30DROPSTEATREEAND30DROPS

LAVENDER)TOTHEMIXTURE.

Antioxidant-RichSunscreenCourtesyofMonikaGhent

Thismakesamoderatelystrongsunscreen.

Readthesectiononcream-makingtechniques(seehere)beforeyoustart.

INGREDIENTS

Oilphase:2tbsp.+2tsp.oliveoil1/4cupcoconutoil 4tsp.sheabutter11/2tsp.liquidlecithin 11/2tsp.gratedbeeswaxWaterphase:1tbsp.freshaloegel1/4cupgreenteainfusion(seehere) 3tbsp.rosewater

20dropscarrotseedoil

Essentialoils:30dropslavenderessentialoil5dropsrosemary5dropspeppermint

10dropsliquidvitaminD5(400IU)vitaminEcapsules10dropsWalnutFlowerRemedy(seehere) 1tbsp.zincoxide

YOUWILLNEED•AHANDBLENDER

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps1–3monthsintherefrigerator.Refrigeratebetweenuses.

METHOD

Measurealltheingredientsandhavethemreadytousebeforeyoubegin.

Melttheoilphaseingredientsinadoubleboiler.Putthealoegelintoabowlandwhipitintoafoamwithahandheldblender.Slowlydrizzletheoilphaseintothewaterphase.Blendwelltogetherforacoupleofminutes.

Addthecarrotseedoil,essentialoils,vitaminD,vitaminE,WalnutFlowerRemedy,andzincoxidetothecreamwhileblending.

LiceTreatmentforKidsUsethistogetherwithagoodnitorlicecomb.

INGREDIENTS1cupstrongdoubledecoctionofquassiabark(seehere) 50drops/1/2tsp.teatreeessentialoil(notsuitableforchildrenunder7years)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1cup.Enoughfora3-daytreatment.Useimmediately.Keepsupto4daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogether,onlyaddingtheteatreeessentialoiliftreatinganyoneover7years.

Washthehairandapplyalotofconditioner,thencombthroughwithanitorlicecomb.

Rinsehair,toweldry,andapplythetreatmentallovertheheadfromroottotip.Wrapupinatowelandletdry.

Repeatdailyfor3days,andthenagainafter5days.Note:Everyoneinthehouseneedstobetreated.

—Tip—

YOUMIGHTWANTTOUSE1/2 CUPOFTHISDECOCTIONTOMAKE

THENIT-DETERRINGCONDITIONER(SEEHERE).

AROMATIC WATERS

Distillingaromaticwatersisalotoffun—yourkitchenwillsoonresembleaninventor’slaboratory.Youcanpurchaseasmallcopperstillormakeyourown.Aromaticwatersarewonderfulproductstouseinfoods,totakeasmedicinesandaidsforwell-being,andtouseontheskin,whetheraloneoraspartofotherrecipes.Iftakenasmedicines,theadultdoseforaromaticwatersis2tsp.3timesdaily.

AlltheserecipesarecourtesyofJoeNasr.

PeppermintWaterThis delicious aromatic water is perfect for treating heartburn and indigestion, and as a

coolinglotionifappliedtotheskin.

INGREDIENTS5oz.driedpeppermint(or10oz.fresh)21/2quartswaterMAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/4cups.Keepsatleastayear.

METHOD

Placethepeppermintandthewatertogetherinapressurecooker.MakefollowingtheinstructionsforGripeWater(seehere).

GripeWaterPrimarilytogivetobabiesforcolic,butanyonewithindigestioncantakethis.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:2oz.aniseseeds2oz.fennelseeds1oz.dillseeds

21/2quartswaterYOUWILLNEED•PRESSURECOOKER•1/4-INCHSILICONEHOSE(FROMBREWER’SHARDWARE)•POSSIBLYAHOTPLATE,DEPENDINGONTHEPOSITIONOFYOURSTOVE

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/4cups.Keepsatleastayear.

METHOD

Puttheseedsandwaterintoapressurecookeronacounternearthesink(useahotplateifnecessary).Closethelidandremovethepressureregulatortoexposetheventpipe(steamexit).

Connectthehosetotheventpipe.Passthehosebeneaththewaterfaucetandthenonandintoacollectingglassbottle(10fl.oz.).

Turnontheheattohigh.Whenthewaterboils,openthefaucettoletcoldwaterflowaroundandcoolthehose.

Simmeronlowheat.Toobtainagood-qualitywater,thedistillationprocessshouldbeslowwithminimumheat;thedistillateshouldnotbewarmtothetouchbutcool,ideally95°F.Simmeruntilyouhavedistilled11/4cupsofgripewater(whichinahouseholdpressurecookershouldtakearound30–45minutes).

Infants:Give10–20dropsinwaterormilkuptotwicedaily.

Breastfeedingmothers:Take1–11/2tsp.3timesdailyaftermeals.

Adults:Take1–2tsp.forindigestion.

LavenderWaterAromaticwateroflavendercanbeusedonitsownasahealingandcalmingtonic(forinside

andoutsidethebody),oraddedtootherrecipes.

INGREDIENTS5oz.driedlavenderflowers(10oz.offresh)21/2quartswaterMAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/4cups.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

MakeinthesamewayasforGripeWater(seehere).

—Variation—YOUCOULDSUBSTITUTEHALFTHELAVENDERFORROSEBUDSTO

MAKEROSEANDLAVENDERWATER.

RosemaryWaterAdeliciousflavoringforfoods,thisisalsoahairtonic,atonerfortheskin,andamedicineto

helpcirculationandmemory.

INGREDIENTS5oz.driedrosemary(10oz.offresh)21/2quartswaterMAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/4cups.Keeps2years.

METHOD

MakeasforGripeWater(seehere).

LemonBalmWaterThis lovely, lemonywateruplifts themood,helps treatheadaches,and isanantiviral. It is

especiallygoodagainsttheherpesviruses.

INGREDIENTS5oz.driedlemonbalm(10oz.offresh)21/2quartswaterMAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/4cups.Keeps6months.

METHOD

MakeasforGripeWater(seehere).

Rose&ChamomileWaterThisisasoothingskinlotion,greatasasprayforhivesandforsoreskin,includingsunburn.

Itcanbetakeninternallyforthestomachandthewomb.

INGREDIENTS4oz.driedchamomileflowers4oz.driedaromaticrose(mustbeorganic)21/2quartswaterMAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/4cups.Keepsfor6months.

METHOD

MakeasforGripeWater(seehere)

PETS ’ CORNER

Animalscanbetreatedsimilarlytopeople,althoughsomeanimalsshouldnothavesomeherbs.Onlyusetheserecipesforthespecifiedanimals,unlessadvisedotherwisebyaqualifiedholisticveterinarian.Theserecipesaresafeforhomeuse;ifindoubt,alwaysconsultaveterinarian.

ForthetincturesprovidedbyholisticveterinarianBarbaraJones,eitherbuythetinctures,ormakeyourownaccordingtothemethodgivenintheKeyPreservationTechniques,(seehere).Theyallkeepfor2yearsormore.Forallthetinctures,mixtogetherinabottleanduseasinstructed.

Valerian&CatnipCatToyCatslovethesmelloftheseherbs,particularlythevalerian.

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.driedvalerianroot,finelychopped1tbsp.catnip

YOUWILLNEED•MATERIALANDASEWINGKITTOMAKEASMALLTOY“MOUSE”

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1.Yourcatwillhuntthemousedownbeforeitgoesoff.

METHOD

Mixtheherbswell.Sewamouse-shapesmallbag,leavingthetailendopen.Stuffitfullwiththeherbmixture.

Sewuptightlyandaddastring“tail”tothemouse.

MangeTreatmentforAnimalsCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

Thisstinks,butworks!

INGREDIENTS3headsgarlic,coarselychopped2handfulsoffreshelderleavesandstems,finelychopped 2quartswater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout11/2quarts.Keeps4–5daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Simmertheherbsinthewaterfor10minutes.Removefromtheheatandletsitovernight.Thenstrainandbottle.

Applydirectlytoaffectedareastwicedailyuntilfreeofmange.

AnimalEardropsCourtesyofBarbaraJones

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.+2tsp.mulleinoil(seehere) 2dropsthymeessentialoil1tsp.Heal-AllMarigoldOil(seehere) 1tsp.garlicinfusedoil(seehere;makebyinfusing2crushedgarlicclovesin2tsp.vegetableoil,letsitfor1–2weeks,thenstrain)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/4cup.Keeps6months.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogetherinadropperbottleforeasyuse.

Put2dropsintotheanimal’searstwiceaday.

ScratchPetFleaRemedyforCats&DogsCourtesyofLouiseIdoux

INGREDIENTS4tsp.neemoil4tsp./20mlwormwoodtincture(seehere) 3tbsp.+1tsp.grapeseedoil

Essentialoils:2dropslemon2dropsorange2dropsgrapefruit2dropscedarwood2dropseucalyptus2dropscitronella2dropslavender2dropssage

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover1/3cup.Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Gentlymelttheneemoiloverlowheat.Mixalltheingredientstogetherandbottle.

Shakebeforeuse,thenrubitwellintofur.Incoldweather,warmthemixturegentlybeforeapplying.

Dogs’UpsetStomachPowderCourtesyofBarbaraJones

INGREDIENTS1oz.driedchamomile,ground2oz.driedslipperyelmpowder

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtogetherwell.

Add1tsp.per66lb.weightofdogtoeachmeal.

Alternatively,givechamomilepowderonitsown,1tsp.witheachmeal.

Continueusefor1–2daysaftersymptomscease.

ChronicDiarrheaMedicineforPetsCourtesyofBarbaraJones

Chronicdiarrheacanbeasymptomofsomethingserious;ifitdoesn’tclearupquickly,seea

veterinarian.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):2tbsp./30mlfrankincense1tbsp./15mlechinacea4tsp./20mlgoldenseal(orbaicalskullcap)1tbsp./15mlmarigold4tsp./20mlchamomile

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keepsatleast2years.

METHOD

Givecats3–5drops3timesdaily.

Givedogs1tsp.foreach66lb.weightofdog3timesdaily.

Pets’MouthwashCourtesyofBarbaraJones

Forproblemteeth,ulcers,andinfections.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):2tbsp./30mlmarigold(madewitha190proofalcohol) 2tbsp./30mlechinacea

2tsp./10mlgoldenseal(orbaicalskullcap)2tbsp./30mlchamomile

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Dilute1tsp.oftheliquidinamugofwater,andflushthroughthepet’smouthwithasyringefromsidetoside.Alternatively,useaspongetoapplytothegums.(Petsdon’tneedtoswallowit,althoughitdoesn’thurtthemiftheydo.)

AnimalEyewashCourtesyofBarbaraJones

Forstickyeyes.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):1tsp./5mleyebright1tsp./5mllemonbalm1tsp./5mlchamomile1tsp./5mlgoldenseal

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes4tsp.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Bathetheeyes2–3timesdailywith1/4tsp.injustunder1/4cupcooledboiledwater.Maketheeyewashfresheachtime.

Dogs’ArthritisMedicineCourtesyofBarbaraJones

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):3tbsp.+1tsp./50mldevil’sclaw4tsp./20mlnettleleaf2tbsp./30mlmeadowsweet2tsp./10mlboswelia

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtogetherinabottle.

Add1tsp.foreach66lb.weightofdogtofood3timesdaily.

CautionTreatingcatswitharthritisismoredifficultbecausesalicylatesarebadforthem.Consultaholisticveterinarianregardingyourcat’sarthritis.

Pets’LiverTonicCourtesyofBarbaraJones

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(seehere):2tbsp./30mlmilkthistle2tbsp./30mldandelionroot4tsp./20mlschisandraberry4tsp./20mlbupleurumroot

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtogetherinabottle.

Givecats3–5drops3timesdaily.

Givedogs1tsp.foreach66lbweightofdog3timesdaily.

ImmuneBoosterforHorsesCourtesyofLesleyCunningham

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:17oz.rubbednettles17oz.clivers17oz.marigoldflowers17oz.dandelionleaves4oz.rosehips,chopped4oz.burdockroot,chopped8oz.echinacearootsandtops,chopped

MAKES&KEEPS

Asackofmixtolastaround10weeks.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Placealltheingredientsinalargesack.Mixtheherbswell.

Add3generoushandfulstoyourhorses’feeddaily.

Horses’WartRemedyCourtesyofLesleyCunningham

Anoldrecipeforsimplewarts.

INGREDIENTS1freshdandelionrootorflowerstem

METHOD

Squeezethemilkywhitedandelionjuiceontothewart2–3timesdaily.

Continueuseuntilthewarthasgone.

Forpersistentwarts,usetogetherwiththeImmuneBoosterforHorses(seehere).

Horses’AntifungalHoofPaintCourtesyofLesleyCunningham

Thrushinhorsesoccurswhenthefrogsofthehoovesbecomeinfected.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupofvegetableoil(walnut,grapeseed,orsunflower)Essentialoils:

50drops/1/2tsp.teatree 50drops/1/2tsp.lavenderMAKES&KEEPSMakesjustunder1/2cup,enoughforabout20applications.Keeps6months.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogetherinajar.

Askahorseexperttotrimthefrogs,removingalldeadtissue.Washthehoofwithstrongsaltwater.

Paintthewholeareaaroundthefrog2–3timesdaily,washingthehoofbeforeeachapplication.

SarcoidsCreamforHorsesCourtesyofDedjLeibbrandt

INGREDIENTS6tbsp.+2tsp.castoroil1/4cupemulsifyingwax 3/4cup+5tsp.chelidoniumtea(seehere;makewith1generoushandfuloffreshherbin1mugofboilingwater,infusefor15minuteswiththelidon,thenstrain)Tinctures(seehere):

3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlbloodroot3tbsp.+1tsp./50mlwhitecedar

ComfreyCreamforSpeedyHealing(seehere)MAKES&KEEPSMakesalmost33/4cups.Keeps1year.

METHOD

MakethecreamusingthesamemethoddescribedforComfreyCream(seehere).ThenmixthiscreamwithanequalamountofComfreyCream.

Apply1–2timesdaily.Note:Thiscouldtakeayeartobeeffective,butitworks.

VitaminERichHealingSalveforAnimals&PeopleCourtesyofLesleyCunningham

INGREDIENTSjustunder2cupsoliveoilinfusedwithmarigoldflowers(seehere) justunder1/4cupavocadooil justunder1/4cupvitaminEoil(oranotherjustunder1/4cupavocadooil) 1/4cupbeeswax,gratedorbrokenintosmallpiecesMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout21/2cupsointment.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Mixtheoilsandmakeintoasalvewiththebeeswax(seeSolomon’sSalves).

Applyasneededtowounds.

—Tip—THISHEALINGSALVEISGREATFORCOWS’UDDERSTHATARESORE

FROMMASTITISOROVERMILKING.IT’SALSOHEALINGFOR

BREASTFEEDINGMOTHERS.

—Variation—FORSKININFECTIONS,ADD4HEADSGARLICCLOVESSEPARATED,

PEELED,ANDCHOPPED,ANDINFUSEWITHTHEMARIGOLD

FLOWERS.THEGARLICHASAPOWERFULEXTRAANTI-INFECTIOUS

ACTION.

FOOD&DRINKThere aremanywonderful things to eat anddrink that can be either

madewith,orincorporate,interestingforaged,grown,orstore-bought

herbs and spices. Nature is bountiful and provides a rich variety of

nourishment.Infact,wild-growing“weeds”arethetrue“superfoods,”

being often many times richer in nutrients—especially in essential

mineralsandvitamins—than theircultivatedcousins. Inrecentyears,

there has been a resurgence of interest in foraging—gathering wild

foods fromnature. Ihopeyouenjoyexploring foraging, alwaysbeing

carefultobecertainyouhavegatheredwhatyouthinkyouhavebefore

eatingit.All theserecipesarebesteatenfresh,butmostwillkeep1–2

days inairtightcontainers in therefrigerator.Hereare some ideas to

whetyourappetiteandencourageyoutostartexperimenting…

ProbioticBreakfastCourtesyofAnneMcIntyre

Healthfulandhealingbreakfastforthedigestivesystem.

INGREDIENTS1largegarlicclove2–4tsp.freshdillleaves1handfulofmarigoldpetals2tsp.freshoregano3tsp.freshbasil5oz.cartonprobioticyogurt2tbsp.aloeverajuice

SERVES&KEEPS

Serves1.Eatimmediately.

METHOD

Addthegarlicandfreshherbstotheyogurtdailyforbreakfast.Alternatively,take2tbsp.aloeverajuicewithalittlewaterorgingerteatwicedaily.

—Variation—YOUCANUSEANYOTHERFRESHHERBSIFYOUDON’THAVETHE

ONESABOVE.

AcornFlourCourtesyofAnnaRichardson

INGREDIENTS4largehandfulsofacorns(discardanywithblemishes) severalgallonsofwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2handfulsofflour.Keeps6–12months,iftotallydry.

METHOD

Drytheacornsforacoupleofdays,thenremoveanddiscardtheshells.Putintoalargesaucepanfilledwith3–4timestheamountofwatertoacorns.Boilforaboutanhour.Strainanddiscardthewater,refill,andrepeattheprocesstwotimes.

Thentasteanacorn;ifstillbitter,boilagain.Whentheyarenolongerbitter,mashthemandletcoolalittle.Strainthroughastrainerlinedwithcloth;gathertheclothandsqueezeasmuchwateroutaspossible.

Thenspreadthemushoutontheclothsomewherewarmtodry.Thisusuallytakesatleast2days.Putinadehumidifiertospeeduptheprocess.

Grindittoflourinthecoffeegrinderandstoreinajar.Useasordinaryflour.

AcornCookiesCourtesyofAnnaRichardson

INGREDIENTS1cupbutterormargarine3/4cuphoney(or1cupbrownsugar) about31/2cupsAcornFlour(seehere) 1generouscupall-purposeflour

1teaspoonbakingpowder

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout30cookies.Keeps10–14daysinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Preheattheovento350°F.

Meltthebutterandhoney,thenaddtheotheringredients.Stirandletcooluntilthedoughstiffensupenoughtorollintoballs(golfballsizeorsmaller).Placetheballsonagreasedbakingsheetandpressdownintoflatcookieshapes.Bakeintheovenfor10–15minutes,untilgoldenbrown.Transfertoawireracktocool.

CautionAcornshavebeenusedasfoodbypeopleeverywhereoaktreesgrow.Acornsarenutritious;1lb.ofacornscontains2,000calories,buttheyalsocontainhighlevelsoftannicacid.Itmakesthemunpalatableandtoxictothebody,unlesstheyareprocessed—basicallywashedalot—toremovethetannins.

Forest&CornGoddessCookiesCourtesyofSharonCohen

Thisrecipeprepares theacorns followingadifferentmethodused in theAcornFlourrecipe

(seehere).

INGREDIENTS1handfulofchoppedacorns(orlessifyouhaveharvestedfewer) 1/3cup(about5tbsp.)meltedbutter 1/3cup+2tbsp.mapletreesyrup 1/2cuphazelnutmilk(atroomtemperature) 1/2cuphazelnutmeal(flour) 1/3cupcornstarchMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout10–12cookies.Keeps10–14daysinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Shelltheacornsandsoakforacoupleofdaysin11/4cupswater.Changethewaterafewtimesduringthisperioduntilitremainsclearafteracoupleofhours.Boiltheacornsinfreshwaterfor5–10minutes,thenfinelychoporchopintosmallchunks.

Mixthechoppedacorns,meltedbutter,andmaplesyrup.

Makeapastewiththehazelnutmilk,hazelnutmeal,andcornstarch,thenstirthepasteintothemixture.

Placesmalltomediumcookie-sizemoundsonagreasedbakingsheet.Bakeintheovenfor12–14minutes,thenremovefromtheovenandletcoolonthesheet.

PlantainSeedyOatBars

INGREDIENTS2sticks(1cup)unsaltedbutter1cupbrownsugar2/3cuphoney 4cupsrolledoats2tbsp.plantainseeds(wild-foraged)2tbsp.sunflowerseeds

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes16–24.Keeps10–14daysinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Melttogetherthebutter,sugar,andhoney,stirringuntilthesugarisdissolved.Thenaddtherolledoatsandseeds,andmixthoroughly.Putintoan8x12-inchbutteredcakepanandbakefor15–20minutes.Scorewhenhot.Letcool,thenturnoutandcut.

BeechNutOatBarsBeech nuts are small and difficult to handle, but they are so nutritious (rich in oils and

proteins)thatit’sworththeeffort.Gatherplentyofnuts,bringtheminside,andwaitadayor

twofortheoutershellstoopeninthewarm.Thenremovetheskin.

INGREDIENTS2sticks(1cup)unsaltedbutter1cupbrownsugar200g/2/3cuphoney 4cupsrolledoats4tbsp.hulledbeechnuts(ifyoucan’tgetenoughbeechnuts,use2tbsp.beechnutsand2tbsp.choppedwalnuts)MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeasforPlantainSeedyOatBars(seehere),usingbeechnuts/walnutsinplaceofplantain/sunflowerseeds.

Pharoah’sOatBarsThisrecipeisinspiredbysacredcakesthattheancientEgyptiansofferedtotheirgods.

INGREDIENTS1/2cupmarshmallowroot(driedorfresh),coarselychopped/shredded 1/2cupdates,chopped 1/4cupalmonds,chopped 1/2cupwater 2sticks(1cup)butter

1/2cuphoney 2/3cupbrownsugar 2tbsp.sesameseeds1/2cuppowderedmarshmallowroot 3cupsporridgeoats1cupquinoaflakes(oroats,ifpreferred)

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Letthechoppedmarshmallowroots,dates,andalmondssoakinthewaterovernight.

Thenextday,meltthebuttertogetherwiththehoneyandsugar.Removefromtheheatandstirinthesesameseeds,powderedmarshmallowroot,oats,andquinoa.Addthesoakedmarshmallow,dates,andalmondswiththewatertheysoakedin.

BakeasforPlantainSeedyOatBars(seehere).

PineCookiesCourtesyofKarenStephenson.

PineneedlesareanexcellentsourceofvitaminC.

INGREDIENTS3cupsunbleachedflour11/2cupswhitesugar 1/2cuppinepowder(pineneedles,driedandgroundtoapowder) 2sticks(1cup)meltedbutter

3eggs/equivalenteggsubstitute1tsp.vanillaestract

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Putallthedryingredientsintoabowl.Inanotherbowl,blendtogetherthemeltedbutter,eggs,andthevanilla.Combinethewetingredientsintothedryingredientsandblendwell.

Rollthedoughintoballsaboutthree-quartersthesizeofagolfball.Placeonalightlygreasedbakingsheet.Useaforktoflattenthecookiesuntiltheyareabout1/4inchthick.Bakefor10–12minutes.

NuttyPlantainSnackCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS1handfulofplantainseeds3handfulsofpumpkinseeds3handfulsofsesameseedsoliveoil(enoughtojustcoattheseeds)seasalt,totaste

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes7handfuls.Keeps1–2weeksinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Puttheseedsintoabowl,andaddtheoliveoilandseasalt.Besuretocoatalltheseeds.Eitherroasttheseedsonabakingsheetinanovenpreheatedto300°Ffor10–15minutes,orsautéinasaucepanfor5minutesovermediumheat.

RowanberryBitterstoStimulateDigestion

INGREDIENTS4largehandfulsoffreshrowanberries1cupgin

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups.Keeps2–3years.

METHOD

Squeezethejuicefromtherowanberriesusingajuicer.Mixwellwiththegin.Ifyoudon’thaveajuicer,processtheberriesandgininablenderandstrainthroughafine-meshstrainer.Thenstrainthroughcheesecloth.

Take5–10dropsinalittlewaterbeforemealstostimulatedigestion,asrequired.

BuckwheatPancakesBuckwheat contains rutin, which strengthens the blood vessels. This recipe adds in

circulation-boostingherbsandisparticularlygoodforrebuildingveins.Italsotastesgreat.

INGREDIENTS1cuprawbuckwheat,measuredthenground1/4tsp.salt 1cupwater2tsp.driedrosemary,ground1–2driedhorsechestnutseeds,ground—donotusemorethanthis(optional) 1/4tsp.cayennepepperorpaprika coconutoilorbutter,forfrying

SERVES&KEEPS

Serves2–4.Servehotstraightfromthepan.Thebatterwillkeepuncookedintherefrigeratorandcanbecookedthenextday.

METHOD

Makeabatterbymixingthebuckwheat,salt,andwaterandbeatingtoasmoothbatter.Letsitfor1/2–2hours.

Addtherosemary,horsechestnutseeds(ifusing),andcayennepepper.Beatthebatteragain,thenheatalittleoil/butterinaskilletandcookforabout10minutesonalowheat,untilbrowned.Buckwheatpancakescookmoreslowlythanwheatpancakes—bepatientandcookthemuntiltheylookjustright.

BuckwheatBlinisCourtesyofSucandraDevidasi

These sweet mini-pancakes are circulation-boosters. Serve with Many Berry Syrup (see

here)foranextraboost,becausebloodvesselsarehelpedbytheflavonoidsfoundinallred

fruits.

INGREDIENTS1cuprawbuckwheat,measured,thenground1/4tsp.salt 1cupwater1tsp.groundcinnamon1tsp.groundginger

SERVES&KEEPS

Serves2–4.Servehotstraightfromthepan.Thebatterwillkeepuncookedintherefrigeratorandcanbecookedthenextday.

METHOD

Makeabatterwiththebuckwheat,salt,water,andspices.BeatandproceedasforBuckwheatPancakes(seehere).

FRITTERS , PAKORAS & TEMPURA

Thefollowingfritters,pakoras,andtempuraaremadewithagluten-freebattermadefromchickpea(besan)flour.

Makeabatterbymixing1cupoftheflourwithalittlewater,sothatthepastehasthetextureofthickcustard.Letstandfor10–30minutes.

Chickpea(besan)flour,availableinIndiangrocerystoresandonline,isanourishingfiber-richfoodcontainingsomehealthyaminoacidsandminerals,anditislowinsodiumandfats.

ElderflowerFrittersCourtesyofWizzHolland

INGREDIENTS6–7headsfreshlypickedelderflowers1cupchickpea(besan)flourbatter(seehere) sunfloweroil,forfryingsugar,totaste

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes6–7fritters.Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Removeinsectsfromtheheadsofelderflowersbyplacingtheminapaperbagscrunchedupatthetopforanhour(thisallowsforinsectstovacate)andthenremovefromthebag,shakinggently.Dipfreshflowerheadsintothebatter,holdingthembythestem,anddeep-fryfor2–5minutes.

Whengoldenbrown,removefromtheoilanddrainonpapertowels.Sprinklewithsugar.

ComfreyFrittersPackedwithmineralsandvitamins,thesecanalsobemadewithborageleaves.

INGREDIENTS1cupchickpea(besan)flourbatter(seehere) sweetversion:1/2tsp.groundcinnamonornutmeg;sunfloweroil,forfrying savoryversion:1/4tsp.asafetida;sesameoil,forfrying 8–10freshlypickedyoungcomfreyleaves

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes8–10.Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Addeithersavoryorsweetspicestothebatter.Wipethecomfreyleavesthroughit,thendeep-frythemfor1minuteinsunflowerorsesameoil,dependingonyourchosenversion.Drainandserve.

PungentPakoras

INGREDIENTS1cupchickpea(besan)flourbatter(seehere) 1handfuloffreshwildgarlic,chopped(orgarlicmustard) 1mediumpotato,chopped

oil,forfryingsaltandblackpepper,totaste

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogether.Dropaballofthebatterintohotoilanddeep-fryfor1–2minutesoruntilgoldenbrown.Drainandservehot.

PennywortSattvicTempura

INGREDIENTS1cupchickpea(besan)flourbatter(seehere) 1/2tsp.wasabipowder(orgrounddriedhorseradishroot) 1generoushandfulofpennywortleaves(orotherediblegreens,seeMessofGreens) coconutorsesameoil,forfrying

tamariorsoysauce,totaste

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Addthewasabiorhorseradishtothebatter,dipthepennywortleavesinit,andfryfor1–2minutes,untilgoldenbrown.

Drainandservewithtamariorsoysauce.

Lamb’sQuartersHerbalSaltCourtesyofKarenStephenson

Lamb’squarters(Chenopodiumalbum,not tobe confusedwithepazote), likemost

otherwildgreenherbs,isrichinvitaminsandminerals.Thisisasaltthatprovidesformany

ofthebody’smineralneeds.

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:4tbsp.dulce(oranyotheravailableseaweed)2tbsp.lamb’squartersleaves2tbsp.thymeorrosemary2tbsp.dill2tbsp.marjoramororegano

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps3–6monthsinanairtightjar.

METHOD

Gentlytoastthedulceusingaheavyskilletorwidesaucepanforafewminutesuntilcrisp.

Grindthelamb’squartersleavesandherbsinablenderoracoffeemillwhiletheseaweedcools.Thengrindthedulceandcombinewiththegroundherbs.Storeinashaker,anduseasyouwouldtablesalt.

HerbSalt

INGREDIENTS1/2cupcoarseseasalt 3tbsp.freshrosemaryleaves,removedfromstems3tbsp.freshthymeleaves,removedfromstems3tbsp.freshmarjoramleaves1cupseasalt(koshersaltisideal)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keeps6–12monthsinanairtightjar.

METHOD

Putthe1/2cupcoarsesaltandherbsintoablenderandpulsetogrinduntilwellmixed(butnotgroundtoapowder).Thenaddtheseasaltandpulseafewtimestomixwellin.

Spreadouttodryonabakingsheetandcoverwithadishtowel.Letdryfor2–3hours.Sprinkleonrawcucumberforatastysnack.

WildHerbSavoryCream

INGREDIENTS1cuprawcashewnutswater,tosoak1/2cupwater 1/4cupmixedfreshherbs,suchasthyme,sage,marjoram,wildgarlic(makeyourownmixturefromwhatisavailable) 1tsp.miso

juiceof1/2lemon(optional) pinchofsalt,totaste(optional)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps3daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Soakthecashewnutsfor3–7hoursinwater.Drainthemandblenduntilsmoothwiththeotheringredients.

Servewithcrackers,oruseasaspreadonbread.

Rose&CashewCreamAwonderfulalternativetodairycreamtoservewithpancakes.

INGREDIENTS1cuprawcashewnutswater,tosoak1/2cuprosewater 1tsp.steviapowder1/4tsp.cardamompowder(optional)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps3daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Soakthecashewnutsfor3–7hoursinwater.Drainandblenduntilsmoothwiththerosewater,stevia,andcardamom.

SweetFlowerSandwichesAlovelyfeastforachildren’steaparty.

INGREDIENTS4slicesofwhitebreadbutterandsugar,totaste1handfuloffreshcloverflowers

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2sandwiches.Eatthesameday.

METHOD

Makethesandwichesbyputtingtheflowersonfreshlybutteredbreadwithalittlesugarsprinkledon.Asanalternative,trymakingthesewithprimrosesorviolets.

Ivy-LeavedToadflaxSandwiches

INGREDIENTSsmallhandfulofivy-leavedtoadflaxleavesandflowers 4slicesryeorwhole-grainbread

butterormayonnaise,andsaltandblackpepper,totasteMAKES&KEEPSMakes2sandwiches.Eatthesameday.

METHOD

Placetheivy-leavedtoadflaxleavesonbreadfreshlyspreadwithbutterormayonnaise.Addsaltandblackpeppertotaste.Youcanalsomakethesewithgarlicmustardandplantain.

PennywortSandwiches

INGREDIENTS1handfulofpennywortleaves,freshlypickedandchopped 1tsp.oliveoil1avocado,peeled,pitted,andmashed1tsp.limejuicesaltandblackpepper,totaste4sliceswhole-grainbread,lightlytoasted

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2sandwiches.Eatthesameday.

METHOD

Mixthepennywortwiththeoliveoil,avocado,andlimejuice.Addsaltandblackpeppertotaste.Spoonthemixtureontothebreadtomakeasandwich.Enjoy!

FennelOatcakesAdaptedfromarecipebySusunWeed

INGREDIENTS2cupsrolledoats1/2tsp.bakingpowder 1/2tsp.salt 1cupoatflour2tsp.fennelseeds2tbsp.oliveoilormeltedorganicbutter1/3–1/2cuphotwater 1/2cuprolledoats,forrollingMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Grindthe2cupsofrolledoatstoafinemealinablenderorgrinder—you’llgetabout11/2cupsofmeal.Mixthiswiththebakingpowder,salt,oatflour,fennel,andoilorbutter.

Addjustenoughhotwatertoformaballofdough.Divideinto2.Sprinkleafewoatsonyourworksurfaceandrollouteachball(addingmoreoatsasneeded)toabout9inchesindiameter.

Cuteachcircleinto6–8wedges.Cookonabakingsheetat350°Ffor15minutes,orinacast-ironorotherheavyskilletfor8minutesaside.

Rosemary&PoppySeedOatcakesAdaptedfromarecipebySusunWeed

INGREDIENTS2cupsrolledoats1/2tsp.bakingpowder 1/2tsp.salt 1cupoatflour2tsp.driedrosemary,rubbedsmall2tsp.poppyseeds2tbsp.oliveoilormeltedorganicbutter1/3–1/2cuphotwater 1/2cuprolledoats,forrollingMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeasforFennelOatcakes(seehere),addingtherosemaryandpoppyseedsinplaceofthefennelseeds.

YellowDockCrackersCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS1handfulofyellowdockseeds,crushed1cupflourofyourchoice1tsp.seasalt

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes15–30crackers.Keeps10–14daysinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Mixtogetherthecrushedyellowdockseeds,flour,andsaltinabowl.Graduallyaddalittlewateruntilthedoughispliable(notsticky).

Rollthedoughthinlyonawell-flouredworksurface,andcutintodesiredshapes.

Transferthemtoawell-greasedbakingsheet,andbakefor10–12minutesoruntilcrisp.

Whenyouharvestyellowdockseedsforthisrecipe,theymustbebrown.Removeall

leaves,stems,oranythingelsetobesureyouhaveonlytheseeds.Storewholeseedsina

paperbag.Onceground,storeinanairtightjar.

⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄

AntifluSoup

INGREDIENTS2cupsvegetablebroth(seeMethod) 3–4scallionsorleeks,chopped2tbsp.coconutoil2tbsp.flour1stalklemongrass,finelychopped2handfulsofwildgreens(orspinach),chopped2cupscoconutmilk

SERVES&KEEPS

Serves1–2.Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.Thoroughlyreheatbeforeeating.

METHOD

Makeyourvegetablebrothbysimmeringaselectionofvegetablesinwaterwithsaltandblackpepperfor1hour.Strainandkeeptheliquid.

Putthescallionsorleeksandcoconutoilintoalargesaucepanandsautéonlowheatfor5minutes.Addtheflourandcontinuetostirovertheheatfor1–3minutes,untilthick.

Addthebroth,lemongrass,andgreens,thensimmerfor15minutes.Addthecoconutmilk,thensimmerforanadditional5minutes.

Sinus-ClearingSoupCourtesyofSueWine

INGREDIENTS4cupswater1cupslicedcelery1cupthinlyslicedcarrots2largehandfulsoffreshparsleyorothergreenherb 2–3wholegreenorredhotchilies

1headgarlic,clovesseparated,peeledandcrushed 2tsp.miso

MAKES&KEEPS

Serves1–2.Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.Thoroughlyreheatbeforeeating.

METHOD

Addalltheingredientsexceptthegarlicandmisotoalargesaucepan.Coverwithalid,bringtoaboil,andsimmerfor25minutes.Thenaddthecrushedgarlicandcookforanadditional5minutes,beforestirringinthemisoandserving.

Nettle&WildGarlicLentilSoupThisdeliciousandnourishing,mineral-richsoupisadaptedfromarecipeinKitchenof

Love(2013).Ifyoucan’tgetthenettlesandramsons,useotherwildorcultivatededible

greens.

INGREDIENTS1cupbrownlentils6cupswater3tbsp.oliveoil1/2tsp.groundblackpepper 1tsp.asafetida,powdered1cupcubedpotatoes1cupdicedcelery,withleaves1largehandfuloffreshnettletops,chopped(weargloves!) 1largehandfuloffreshlypickedramsons(wildgarlic),chopped 1/2roastedredpepper,cutintojuliennestrips 1tsp.groundcoriander

1tsp.groundcumin2tbsp.freshlemonjuice1–11/2tsp.salt,totaste 1/4cupeachparsleyandcilantroleaves,finelychoppedMAKES&KEEPS

Serves4.Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.Thoroughlyreheatbeforeeating.

METHOD

Bringthewaterandlentilstoaboil.Simmerfor15minutesoruntilthelentilsstarttobreakup.

Warmtheoilinanothersaucepan.Addtheblackpepperandasafetidatothepotatoesandsautéovermediumheat.After2–3minutesaddthecelery.Sautéforanotherminute,thenaddtothesimmeringlentils.Cookforanadditional20minutes,thenaddthenettles,ramsons,andalltheotheringredientsexceptthesalt,parsley,andcilantro.Cookfor5–10minutes.

Addthesalt,parsley,andcilantro.Servewithbreadorrice.

Nature’sBountyThesewildplantscanbeforagedandeatenraworcooked(withgreens,salads,stir-

fries,andmore).

hawthornleavesandblossom

limeflowerleaves

dandelion

garlicmustard

woodsorrel

sheepsorrel

oxeyedaisyleaves

chickweed

daisyleavesandflowers

plantainleaves

primroseflowers

cloverleavesandflowers

purslane

blackberryleafbuds

pennywort

violetleavesandflowers

⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄

WildGarlicBread

INGREDIENTS1handfuloffreshwildgarlic,chopped2sticks(1cup)butterpinchofsalt1loafofcountry-stylebread

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1loaf.Eatimmediately.

METHOD

Blendthechoppedwildgarlic,butter,andsalttogetherwell.Makediagonalcutsalongtheloaf—justpartwaythrough—about11/4inchesapart.Spreadtheherbbutterbetweeneachoftheslices.

Wrapthewholeloafinaluminumfoilandplaceintheovenfor15–20minutes.

NatureSmoothieCourtesyofShelleyHarrison

Thisgreensmoothieisamineral-richboostthatcomesstraightfromnature.

INGREDIENTS1cucumber1avocado1handfulofamixtureof2ormoreofchickweed,dandelionleaves,nettles,nasturtiums,plantain,garlicmustard,orotherediblegreens 2cupswater

SERVES&KEEPS

Serves2–3.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Blendeverythingtogetherinablenderandserve.

WildGarlicPestoCourtesyofAnnieGardner

INGREDIENTS1/2cupsunflowerseeds(orcashewnutsorpinenuts),soakedovernightinwater 1tbsp.umaboshiplumseasoning

4–6leavesofwildgarlic(or1/2handfulofgarlicmustardleaves) 2tbsp.oliveoil

1/4cupwater 1handfulofwildgreens,suchaschickweed,dandelionleaves,nettles,orspinachMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1cup.Eatthesameday.

METHOD

Strainandrinsethesoakedseedsornuts.Blendwiththeotheringredientsuntilyoureachtheconsistencyyoudesire.Addmorewaterifitistoothick.

Servewithpasta,bakedsweetpotatoes,orquinoawithsteamedvegetablesorsalad.Alsospreadonoatcakesorbread.

HerbPesto

INGREDIENTS1/2cuppinenuts,soakedovernightinwater fewsprigsfreshrosemaryleaves,stemsremoved

fewsprigsfreshoreganofewsprigsparsley1tsp.asafetida2tbsp.oliveoil1/4cupwater 1handfulofwildgreens,suchaschickweed,dandelionleaves,nettles(orspinach)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1cup.Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

MakeasforWildGarlicPesto(seehere).

Calcium-RichHerbSaladCourtesyofAnneMcIntyre

All of these nutritious herbs are rich in minerals, particularly calcium, which is vital for

keeping your bones strong. The fiery arugula and nasturtium as well as the aromatic dill,

cilantro, and parsley leaveswill promote digestion and absorption,making sure that these

vitalnutrientsreachyourbones.

INGREDIENTSnasturtiumflowersandleavestenderyoungplantainleavesyoungdandelionleavesborageflowersandleavesarugulaparsleycilantrodillmintmarigoldflowers

Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Pickfreshanyorallofthesedelicioussaladherbs.Servewithasimpledressingmadewitholiveoilandherbalvinegar.

ChickweedSagPaneerAdaptedfromarecipeinKitchenofLove(2013).

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.gheeorsesameoil11/2tsp.cuminseeds 1greenchile,seededandfinelychopped1tbsp.choppedfreshgingerroot1tsp.asafetida1tsp.groundcoriander1tsp.groundcumin1tsp.garammasala1tsp.groundturmeric31/2–4cupscoarselyblendedtomatoes 1tsp.flour10cupschoppedspinach(willshrinkwhencooked),lightlycooked 2handfulsor2cupsfreshchickweed,coarselychoppedandcooked 2tbsp.crèmefraîcheorGreekyogurt

12oz.paneer,cubedandfriedtoalightgoldenbrown,thenputintolightlysaltedwaterSERVES&KEEPS

Serves4–6.Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Gentlyheatthegheeoroilforafewminutesandaddthecuminseeds.Addthechileandgingerandreducetheheat.Addallthegroundspices,stirforafewminutes,andaddthetomatoes.

Mixtheflourandadashofwatertoasmoothpasteinasmalldishandaddtothesaucepan,stirringandcookingforafewminutes.Addthecookedspinachandchickweed,andstirforacoupleofminutes.

Addthecrèmefraîcheandmixinwell.Drainthepaneerfromthesaltwaterandaddtotherest,simmeringgentlyfor5minutes.

Servewithriceandpoppadoms.

MessofGreensTogetthemodernpaletteusedtowildgreens,trythisrecipe.

INGREDIENTS6cupsdarkgreencabbageorkaleleaves,looselychopped 4–5headsoffreshyarrowflowers,finelychopped

8–10freshnettletops(gatheredwithglovesandcutupwithscissors) 1handfuloffreshgroundelder,finelychopped

SERVES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixthegreensandsteamlightlyfor4–5minutes.

Toserve,pouronalittleoliveoilandtheherbvinegarofyourchoice.

CattailRiceRecipeCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.oliveoil1/2handfulofcattailshoots,peeledandchopped 4–6shallots,chopped(about1cup)

2garliccloves,chopped3cupscookedbrownrice2tbsp.tamari1/2tsp.cayennepepperSERVES&KEEPS

METHOD

Heattheoliveoilinalarge,heavyskillet.Addthecattailshoots,shallots,andgarlicandsautéfor5minutes.Addtheremainingingredientsandcookuntilthericeishot.Stirfrequentlytopreventitfromsticking.

Gobō—BurdockRootsJapanese-styleCourtesyofLouiseBerliner

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.sesameoil1–2burdockroots,cutintomatchstick-sizepieces2mediumcarrots,cutintomatchstick-sizepieces1–2tbsp.ricewineorGorseWine(seehere)(optional) 2tsp.tamari1-inchpiecefreshgingerroot,grated1–2tsp.toastedsesameseeds

SERVES&KEEPS

Serves2.Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Heattheoilandsautétheburdockrootuntilcoveredinoil.Layerthecarrotsonthetop,andaddalittlewater(and/orwineifusing)tojustcovertheburdock.

Coverwithalidandcookovermedium-lowheatfor10–15minutes.Addthetamariandsimmer.Oncetheliquidhasalmostsimmeredaway,addtheginger,toss,andaddthetoastedsesameseeds.

ButteredBurdockStems

INGREDIENTS2handfulsofburdockstemsbutterandherbsaltandblackpepper,totaste

SERVES&KEEPS

METHOD

Chooseyoungplantsandcutstemsclosetotheground.Cuttheleavesaway.Wearinggloves(theywillstainyourhands),peelawaythegrayishcoveringskinonthestemstorevealbrightgreeninnerstems.

Steamtheburdockinasteamerfor6–10minutes,untiltender.Servehotwithbutter,herbsalt,andblackpepper.Alternatively,eatthestemscold,choppedupanddrizzledwithanherbalvinegar(seehere).

RoastedReedRhizomesCourtesyofKarenStephenson

Adeliciousforagedmeal.

INGREDIENTS12reed(Phragmites)rhizomes(atleast6inchesinlength) 2–3tbsp.oliveoil

seasaltandblackpepper(ornutmegifpreferred),totasteSERVES&KEEPS

Serves4.Keeps2daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

AfterwashingthePhragmitesrhizomes,coatthemwitholiveoilandspices.

Placeonabakingsheet.Bakeat350°Ffor25minutes.

AngelicaSupremeThisisadeliciousIcelandicspeciality.Angelicarootsandstemsarealsogoodtoeatraw—try

themwithadip.

INGREDIENTS1handfulofyoungangelicastems,freshlypicked2tbsp.butter(plusalittleextra)2tbsp.all-purposeflour21/4cupsmilk saltandblackpepper,totaste

SERVES&KEEPS

METHOD

PreparethestemsasforButteredBurdockStems(seehere),eithersteamingorboilinguntilsoft.Putapatofbutteronthemandplaceinacasseroledish.

Makeawhitesaucebygentlymeltingthebutterandstirringintheflour,andcookingfor1–2minutes.Graduallyaddthemilk,alittleatatime,stirringallthetimeandcookingforabout8minutestomakeathicksauce.Addsaltandblackpepper.

Pourthesauceovertheangelicastems.Bakefor10–15minutesinawarmoven.

HotOilThisversatileoilcanbeusedincookingtospiceupdishes,orasalotionforachingmuscles.

INGREDIENTS1cupoliveoil1/4cupcayennepepper 1/4cupgroundgingerMAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Makeasforaninfusedoil(seehere).

WildGreens

INGREDIENTS1generoushandfuloffreshkale,spinach,orothergreens,shredded 1handfulofchickweed

4–5freshborageleaves(ifavailable)1smallhandfuloffreshvioletleavesandflowerspatofbutterorsplashofoliveoilpinchofnutmegandherbsalt(totaste)

SERVES&KEEPS

Serves2–4.Eatsameday.

METHOD

Inasteamer,lightlysteamthekalefor3minutes.Addthechickweed,borage,andvioletleavesandcookforanother2minutes.

Servewithapatofbutterandalittleherbsalt.

WildToothwortSauceCourtesyofKarenStephenson

Toothwort ismilderanda tinybit sweeter thanhorseradish.Try thisdipwith friesorwith

YellowDockCrackers(seehere).

INGREDIENTS3tbsp.toothwortroot,finelychopped2tbsp.sourcream3tbsp.mayonnaiseoregg-freesubstitutecrackedpepper,totaste1/4tsp.cayennepepper(ortotaste)MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keepsupto4weeksintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Simplycombinealltheingredientsinamixingbowlandblendwell.

HotCayenneTinctureforChiliHotChocolate&MoreUse5–20dropsofthisfierytincturetospiceupadrinkoradish.

Thisisknownas“capsicumforte”becauseitisseriouslystrong.Cayenneisagoodadditionto

manymedicines,becauseitstimulatesthecirculationandhelpswithabsorptionofherbs.

INGREDIENTS3/4cupcayennepepper 2cupsorganicvodka

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Makeasfortinctures(Seehere)andstoreinadropperbottle.Becareful:Weargloveswhenstraininganddonotgetthistinctureinyoureyes.

Addaround10dropstoamugofhotchocolate,totaste.

Experimentwithhowmuchtoaddtocooking,accordingtotaste.

Asawarmingandstimulatingmedicine,take5–20dropsinamugofwarmwater.

HorseradishSauceThismakesatraditionalandstrongsauce.

INGREDIENTS3tbsp.freshgratedhorseradishroot2tbsp.sourcream3tbsp.mayonnaiseoregg-freesubstituteCrackedpepper,totaste

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1/2cup.Keepsupto4weeksintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Combinealltheingredientsinamixingbowlandblendwell.

RedCloverSyrupFullofcalciumandotherminerals,thisabsolutelydelicioussyrupisgorgeouswithpancakes—andalsoismedicinal.

INGREDIENTS11/4cupswater 3cupswhitesugar2handfulsoffreshredcloverflowers

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout33/4cups.Keepsuptoayearuntilopened,thenupto1monthintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Makethesyrup(Seehere)byboilingthewaterandsugarbrisklyfor3minutes.Thenpourtheplainsyrupovertheflowersinabowlandletsitfor1–2hoursuntilcool.Strainandbottle.

HawthornFlowerSyrupCourtesyofLucyWells

Hawthorn flowersmakea tasty syrup thatpreserves theirheart-strengtheninganduplifting

qualities.

INGREDIENTS11/4cupswater 3cupswhitesugar7tbsp.rosewater1/4cuplemonjuice 2goodhandfulsoffreshlypickedhawthornflowers,twigsremovedMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout33/4cups.Keepsuptoayearuntilopened,thenupto1monthintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Makethesyrup(Seehere)byboilingthewaterandsugarbrisklyfor3minutes.Mixtherosewaterandlemonjuicewiththesyrup.Thenpourovertheflowersinabowlandletrestfor1–2hours,untilcool.Strainandbottle.

ForsythiaSyrupCourtesyofKarenStephenson

Capturethejoyousyellowofforsythiawiththistastysyrup.

INGREDIENTS3cupswater3cupswhitesugar3handfulsoffreshforsythiaflowers,rinsed

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout4cups.Keeps3monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Makethesyrup(Seehere)byboilingthewaterandsugarbrisklyfor3minutes.Thenpourtheplainsyrupovertheflowersinabowlandletsitfor1–2hoursuntilcool.Strainandbottle.

QueenAnne’sLaceJellyCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS2handfulsoffreshQueenAnne’slaceflowers4cupsboilingwater1/4cuplemonjuice 1(2-oz.)packagepowderedpectin31/2cups+2tbsp.whitesugarMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout5(10-oz.)jars.Besttousewithin1year.Forlong-termstorage,processinahotwaterbath,followingUSDArecommendationsforhomecanning.

METHOD

Steeptheflowersinthewater,covered,for30minutes,thenstrain.Measure3cupsoftheliquidintoalarge,stainlesssteelsaucepan.Addthelemonjuiceandpectin.Bringtoarollingboil,stirringconstantly.Addthesugarandcontinuetostir.

Cookandstiruntilthemixturecomestoarollingboil,thenboilforanother1minute.Removefromtheheat.

Skimthescumoffthetopanddiscard.Pourintosterilizedjarsleaving1/4inchfreeatthetopfora“headspace.”Sterilizethelooselysealedjarsinahotwaterbathfor5minutes.

SpicedHawthorn&RowanberryJellyFullofvitaminC,thisisdeliciousonoatcakesorwithsavorydishes.

INGREDIENTS2lb.rowanberries,spigsremoved2lb.hawthornberries,spigsremoved2lb.crabapples,halved2cinnamonsticks,brokenup6cloves(optional)waterandsugar(variablequantity)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesupto11lb.ofjelly.Keeps1–2years.Forlong-termstorage,processinahotwaterbath,followingUSDArecommendationsforhomecanning.

METHOD

Puttheberriesandapplestogetherwiththespicesinalargestainlesssteelsaucepan,addingenoughwatertocover.Bringtoaboil,thensimmerfor30minutes.Mashandletcoolfor1–2hours.

Pourintoadoublelayerofcheesecloth(orjellybag)andletsitovernighttodripthroughslowly.Inthemorning,measuretheliquid,thenpourintoasaucepanandbringtoaboil.Forevery21/2cupsofliquid,add2cupsofsugar,thenbringtotheboilagain.Boilfor1minute,thenremovefromtheheat.PrepareandjaryourjellyasforQueenAnne’sLaceJelly(seehere).

SpicyElder&BilberryRobA rob is a fruit syrup that is boiled down to a thick paste, sometimesmadewithout added

sugarwhenusingnaturallysugar-richfruit.Addhotwatertomakeit intoawonderfulhot

drink—notonlytastybutalsoanimmune-boostingtonicandacoldandfluremedy.

INGREDIENTSseveralheads/4cupsfreshelderberries,strippedfromthestems 1cupbilberriesorblueberries

1cupwater2cinnamonsticks8cloves1/2nutmeg,grated upto1cupwhitesugar(variable)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1cup.Keepsuptoayearbeforeopeningifmadewellandstoredinsterilizedjars.Keepintherefrigeratoranduseeachjarwithin3–4weeksonceopened.

METHOD

Bringtheberriestoaboilwiththewater,thencoverwithalidandsimmerfor2hours.Mashthemixturewell,thenpressoutthoroughlythroughcheesecloth.(Wearglovesifyoudon’twantpurplehands.)Addthespicesand1cupwhitesugarforevery2cupsofjuice.Returntotheheatandsimmerfor40minutes.Strainthroughastrainerandpourintosterilizedjars.

Takeagenerousspoonfuldailyormoreoftentoprotectagainstcoldsandflu.

Radharani’sFavoriteIceCreamAsimpleanddeliciousicecream,fitforagoddess.

INGREDIENTS1cupheavycream1/2cupElderflowerSyrup(seehere,orHawthornFlowerSyruporRedCloverSyrup) 1cupcondensedmilk

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes8–12servings.Keeps1monthinthefreezer.

METHOD

Beatthecreamfor1–2minutes,thenmixwiththeelderflowersyrupandcondensedmilk.

Putintoafreezeproofcontainerthenfreeze.Itshouldbereadyin2–3hours.

After-DinnerMouthFreshenerSimilarrecipesareknowninIndiaasMukhwas(“mouthfreshener”).

INGREDIENTS

Driedseeds:2tsp.anise2tsp.fennel2tsp.lovage2dropspeppermintessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes6tbsp.Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Mixtheseedstogetherandsprinklewithpeppermintoil.Shakewellandstoreinanairtightcontainer.

Chewasprinkleofseedsafterameal.

SweetPickledPurslaneStemsCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS1/4cupfineseasalt 4cupsice-coldwater3–4handfulsoffreshpurslanestems,washedandremovedfromleaves(theleavescanbeeaten) 2largeonions

11/2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) 2cupswhitesugar1tbsp.mustardseeds1/2tsp.turmericpowder 1cupwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes3(1/2–quart)jars.Keepsintherefrigeratorfor6months.

METHOD

Mixthesaltandicedwater,andputthepurslaneandonionsintoitfor1–2hoursintherefrigerator.

Heattheremainingingredientstoboilingpoint,stirringoccasionally.Addthedrainedpurslaneandonions,andboilfor5minutes.Letcoolfor30–60minutes.

Spoontheonionsandpurslaneintocanningjarsusingaslottedspoon,thenpourinthejuicetofilleachjar.

PickledGingerPickleloverswilleattheseontheirown,orwithsushi—orwithanymeal!

INGREDIENTS2cupsthinlyslicedfreshgingerroot81/2cupsboilingwater 2cupsriceorwhitedistilledvinegar3/4cupsuperfineorgranulatedsugar 1tbsp.salt1nutmeg,grated(optional)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesalmost33/4cups.Keepsintherefrigeratorforupto6months.

METHOD

Dropthegingerintotheboilingwaterandletboilfor3minutes.Drainwellandplaceinasterilized1-quartjar(seehere).

Heattogetherthevinegar,sugar,salt,andnutmeg,ifusing,andboilfor5minutes.Pouroverthegingerslices,putthelidon,andletcoolovernightbeforerefrigerating.Thisisreadytoeatthenextday.

MarshmallowCandiesNothinglikethemodernversion,fullofglucoseandgelatin,theserichcandiescanalsocalm

andhealthestomachandthelungs.

INGREDIENTSabout21/2tbsp.honey 1oz.driedmarshmallowroot,powdered

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes14–20candies.Keeps1–2monthsinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Warmthehoneyandmixintheroottomakeastiffpaste.Rollintoballsandletcool.

—Tip—IFYOUPUTALITTLEALMONDOILONYOURFINGERSBEFORE

ROLLINGTHECANDIES, ITSTOPSTHEMFROMSTICKING.

ElecampaneCandiesThesedelicioussweetsalsohelpthedigestionandthelungs.

INGREDIENTS21/2tbsp.honey 1oz.driedelecampaneroot,powdered

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes14–20candies.Keeps1–2monthsinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Makeandstoreinthesamewayasmarshmallowcandies(seehere).

PureLicoriceForlicoricelovers,amethodofmakingpuresolidlicorice.

INGREDIENTS18oz.driedlicorice,coarselychopped21cupswater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout7oz.solidlicoriceextract.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Decoctthelicoriceinthewater(seehere),simmeringcoveredfor30minutes.Strainwellthroughcheesecloth.

Heatthedecoctedliquidinadoubleboilerorwaterbath,lettingthewaterevaporateoffuntilthelicoriceextractbecomesmoreconcentrated.After11/2hours,youwillbeleftwithanalmostsolid,stickyblackgoo.

Putthemixtureintomoldsorflatonagreasedandlinedbakingsheet.Letsittocontinuedryingoutforabout2weeks(thoughinwarmclimates,orifyouuseadehumidifier,thiscantakeonly5days).Onceyourlicoricehasdried(itwillbecomesolid),cutintopieces.Youcaneatitascandiesordissolveinwatertouseinotherrecipes.

CautionForsome,eatingexcessiveamountsoflicoricecanraisethebloodpressureandcauseedema(waterretention),sodon’tregularlyeatmorethan1–2smallpiecesdaily.Diabeticsshouldbeawarethatlicoriceishighinsugar.

CrystallizedGinger

INGREDIENTS41/2cupsfreshslicedgingerroot 5cupswater2cupswhitesugar

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesalmost11/2lb.Keeps2weeksinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Cookthegingerinthewaterfor20minutesuntilsoft.Drainandreserve1/4cupofthecookingwater.

Mixtogethertheginger,reservedcookingwater,andsugar.Simmer,stirring,forabout20minutesuntilmostofthewaterhasevaporatedandthesyrupisbeginningtocrystallize.Thenspreadthegingerpiecesoutonaracktocool.

—Variation—YOUCANMAKEASIMILARMIXUSINGMARSHMALLOW,ANGELICA,

ELECAMPANE,DANDELION,ANDOTHERROOTS.

ElderflowerSyrupThisdelicious syrup(calleda cordial inother countries) iswonderfulmixedwith sparkling

water.

INGREDIENTS21/2cupswhitesugar 3cupsboilingwater20headsfreshelderflowers,insectsremovedasinElderflowerFritters(seehere) 4lemons,thezestgratedandthefruitsliced

1oz.citricacidpowder(apreservative;optional)MAKES&KEEPSMakesabout4cups.Keepsinrefrigerator;onceopened,usewithin3months.

METHOD

Makeasyrupwiththesugarandwaterinalargesaucepan(seehere).Addtheelderflowers,lemonzestandpieces,andthecitricacid,ifusing,andstir.

Letsteepwiththelidonfor2daysinacoolplace,thenstrainthroughcheeseclothandstoreinsterilizedjars.

Useasyouwouldanysyrup.Orpourindilutedovericecreamforadelicioustreat.

HERBAL V INEGARS

Inherbalvinegars,thehealingandnutritionalpropertiesofvinegarare

unitedwith thearomaticandhealth-protectiveeffectsofmineral-rich

greenherbs.Theycanbetakenasmedicinesorusedinavarietyofways

withfood:pouredoverbeansorgrains,insaladdressings,ortoseason

stir-friesandsoups.

The following herbal vinegars aremade in the sameway, with the

herbsbeinginfusedinthevinegarforseveralweeks(seehere).

Quantitiesareprovidedbelowasaguide,butoftentheamountyou

use will depend upon how much of a particular herb you can find,

grow,orpick—andonthesizeofjaryouaretryingtofill.

Forinternaluse,alwaysmakewithAppleCiderVinegar(seehere);

for externaluse (hair and skinwashes)or cleaningproducts, you can

use white distilled vinegar if you prefer. For use in laundry rinses,

makewith1–2tsp.per1cupwhitedistilledvinegar.

Ifaddingtofood,trythevinegarsincombinationwithcold-pressed

oliveoil tomakeahealthysaladdressing.Asamedicine,take1–2tsp.

withalittlewater,threetimesaday.

Vinegarswillkeepforatleast2yearsintherefrigerator.

RamsonsVinegarCourtesyofRachelCorby

This delicious garlicky addition to salad dressings and rice is antioxidant and antiseptic, so

alsomakesforapowerfulimmuneboost.

INGREDIENTS1cupwildgarlicleaves,finelychopped11/2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES

Makes11/2cups.

METHOD

Seeintroductionandkeytechniquessection(hereandhere).

GoldenrodVinegarCourtesyofKarenStephenson

Delicious with pasta and cabbage, this vinegar will improve your mineral balance, help

preventkidneystones,eliminateflatulence,andimproveimmunefunctioning.

INGREDIENTS1cupfreshgoldenrodleavesandflowers2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES

Makesalmost2cups.

METHOD

Seeintroductionandkeytechniquessection(seehereandhere).

CleaversVinegarCourtesyofSensorySolutions

Helpstosupportthelymphaticsystemtocleartoxinsandtocool“hot”skinconditions,such

asdermatitisoreczema.Itisalsousedasadiuretictohelpwithedema,andtosupportcancer

treatments.Trywithwildsaladorgreens,orasadrink.

INGREDIENTS1cupfreshcleaversherb2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES

Makesjustunder2cups.

METHOD

BalsamicVinegarCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS1cupwhitepineneedles2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES

METHOD

Seeintroductionandkeytechniquessection(seehereandhere).Letthevinegarinfusefor6weeks.

LemonBalmVinegarCourtesyofSensorySolutions

Lemonbalmvinegartastesdeliciousandgoeswellwithanysavorydishorsalad.Lemonbalm

hasbeenknownas“heart’sdelight,”becauseofitsusetodispelmelancholy.

INGREDIENTS1cupfreshlemonbalmfloweringtops2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES

METHOD

OreganoVinegarCourtesyofSensorySolutions

PerfectforanItalian-stylesaladdressing,youcanalsouseitdilutedasagargleforinflamed

tonsilsorforaheadcold.Oreganovinegarisperfecttorebalancedigestionflora.

INGREDIENTS1cupfreshoreganofloweringtops2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES

METHOD

RoseVinegarMakesabeautifulpinkvinegarwithasubtlerosearoma.Goodinsaladdressingsanduseful

fortheskinandhair.Takeasmedicineasalivertonicandanupliftingherbforgrieving.

INGREDIENTS1cupfreshfragrantrosebudsorpetals2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES

METHOD

FireCiderCourtesyofKarenStephenson

Thisspicyhotvinegargoeswellwithtomatojuiceorasastraightshottofightoffcolds.You

canalsouseitexternallyasamusclerub.

INGREDIENTS11/4cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) 1freshhorseradishroot,grated(makingabout1cup) 5garliccloves,chopped

1–2onions,chopped3–4-inchpiecefreshgingerroot,grated1tsp.freshgratedcayennepepper(or1/2tsp.driedpowderedcayenneifyoucan’tgetfresh)MAKES

Makesabout4cups.

METHOD

Seeintroductionandkeytechniquessectionformethod(seehereandhere),steepingfor8weeks.

AppleCiderVinegarVinegar is made by using a “mother”—a culture of bacteria that forms during the

fermentationprocess.Thismotherfeedsoffthesugarsinthefruit,convertingthemtovinegar.

INGREDIENTS5apples,quarteredwater,enoughtocover

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesavariableamount.Eachbatchkeepsfor2yearsormore.

METHOD

Lettheapplesbrownintheair,thenputthemintoalargesaucepan—thepanshouldbelargeenoughsothattheydon’tcomeuptotheverytop—andcoverthemwithwater.

Coverthepanwithathinclothandletsitinawarm,darkplace.Checkiteveryday,stirringtoaeratethemixtureandskimmingoffanyfroththatcomestothetop.Afterafewdays,itwillstartdevelopingathickerlayerontop—thisisthevinegarmotherbeginningtogrow.Stopstirringatthispoint.Theliquidwillbecomeclearerasthevinegarflavordevelops.

Afteramonth,starttastingthemixturebycarefullytakingalittleliquidoutwithacleanspoon.Whenyoulikethetartness,straintheliquidthroughcheeseclothandputintosterilizedjarsorbottlesforuse.Itisnormalforasedimenttoforminthestandingjars.

Beaware:Thefirsttimeyoubrewthis,itwilltakeacoupleofmonthstogetthetasteright;however,subsequentbatcheswillbequicker.Onceyouhaveyourvinegarmotherestablished,youcansimplyaddmorewaterandapplescrapstothejarandletferment.

Tocleanthejar,carefullyremovethemotherbeforelightlyrinsingthejarwithwater.Donotusesoap.

Vinegarmothershavebeenknowntolastforgenerations.

LemonBarleyWaterAthirst-quenchingdrinkthatisalsosoothingforthekidneysandbladder.Drinkitregularly

ifyouarepronetocystitis.

INGREDIENTS1/2cuppearlbarley zestandjuiceof1lemon2cupsboilingwater2–3tbsp.honeyorsugar

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Drinkin1–2days.Keepintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Rinsethebarley,thencoveritandthelemonzestwithboilingwater.Simmerfor10minutes,replacingthelostwater.Strainthewateroffandsetthebarleyaside(itisdelicioustoeat).

Addthelemonjuiceandhoneyorsugartotaste.

EasyCherrySyrupDeliciousonpancakes

INGREDIENTS2cupspurecherryjuice(acartonisfine)2cupswhitesugar

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout3cups.Keeps3monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Boiltheingredientsfor15minutestomakeathickishsyrup(seehere).

ChaiTeawithRedbushAdaptedfromarecipeinKitchenofLove(2013).

Adelicious,caffeine-freechai.

INGREDIENTS1cupwater2redbushteabags3cloves1staranise1cinnamonstick1/2tsp.driedgroundcinnamon 1/4tsp.groundblackpepper 11/2cupsmilkordairyalternative sweetener,totaste

SERVES&KEEPS

Serves2.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Bringthewater,teabags,andspicestoaboil.Addthemilkandsweetenerandsimmerfor5–10minutes.Strainandserve.

Saffron&RoseTeaAlovelytea,richinantioxidants.

INGREDIENTSfewstrandsdriedsaffron1driedrosebud1mugboilingwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1mug.Drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Infuse(seehere)for5–10minutes.Strainandserve.

Rosemary&LovageLemonade

INGREDIENTS4cupswater1/4cuphoney zestof1lemonjuiceof3lemons3sprigsfreshrosemary,stripped3sprigsfreshlovage,choppedborage,primrose,ornasturtiumflowers,togarnishMAKES&KEEPS

Makes4cups.Keepsintherefrigeratorupto3days.

METHOD

Boilthewateranddissolvethehoneyinit.Addthezestandletcool.

Addthelemonjuiceandherbsandmixwell.

Chillfor2hours,thenserve,garnishedwiththeflowers.

Primrose&VioletLemonade

INGREDIENTS4cupswater1/4cuphoney zestof1lemonjuiceof3lemons1handfuloffreshprimroseflowers1/2handfuloffreshvioletleavesandflowers primroseflowers,togarnish

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes4cups.Keepsintherefrigeratorupto3days.

METHOD

MakeinthesamewayasRosemary&LovageLemonade(seehere),butreplacingtheherbswiththeflowers.

Dandelion&Burdock

INGREDIENTS

Fortheplant“mother”:about6-inchpiecefreshdandelionroot,gratedabout6-inchpiecefreshburdockroot,grated1/2staraniseForthepop:21cupsboilingwater11/2–21/2cupswhitesugar 2oz.burdockroot,freshordry2oz.dandelionroot,freshordryjuiceof1lemonorlime

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover5quarts.Keepsatleast2–3months.

METHOD

Tomaketheplant“mother,”makeasforGingerPop(seehere),usingfreshgrateddandelionandburdockrootsinsteadofginger,andadding1/2staranisetothestarter(thisgivesthedrinkitshintoflicoriceflavor).

Addabout1tbsp.ofeachrooteverydayortwotoyourstartermix.Usuallyit’sreadytouseinaboutaweek.

Tomakethepop,firstdecocteachoftherootstogetherwith4cupswaterfor30minutes(seehere).Addanother15cupsboilingwaterandthesugar(addmoreifyouwantitsweeter).Dissolve,addlemon(orlime)juice,andletcool.Addyourstrainedstarterwhenithascooledto80°FandproceedasforGingerPop(seehere).

GingerPopMakinggingerpopissimilartomakingahome-brewedvinegar.Thefirsttimeyoumakeit,it

takeslongertogetthegingerbeer“mother”started,butlaterbatchesarequicker.

INGREDIENTS

Fortheginger“mother”:1cupwater7–10tbsp.freshgratedgingerrootwhitesugar(variableamount)1tsp.baker’syeast

Forthepop:11/2cupswhitesugar 6-inchpiecefreshgingerroot,grated(lessforaweakertaste) 21cupsboilingwater

juiceof1lemon

YOUWILLNEED•COOKINGTHERMOMETER

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Tomakethegingerbeerplant,mixthewaterwith1tbsp.eachofgingerandsugarinascrew-topjar.

Sprinkleintheyeastandcoverwithaclothorlid.Keepitinawarmplace(whereyoucanseeit;tryalsotalkingtoitandinvitingittoferment).Addalittlemoresugarandgingereverydayuntilitstartsbubbling.Afterabout7–10daysitwillbeready.

Whenyouarereadytomakethepop,straintheliquidofftouse.The“gunk”leftinyourstraineristhegingerbeerplant.Feeditwithwater,sugar,andgingertokeepitalive.Aftermakingafewbatches,youcandivideitandstartoneoffforafriend.

Inalargesaucepan,addthesugarandgingertothewaterandsimmerfor20minutes.Letcoolto80°F,thenaddthelemonjuiceandtheliquidyoustrainedofffromtheplant.Putintosterilizedbottlesimmediately,leavingatleast3inchesatthetop.Waitacoupleofhoursbeforeyoucorkthem(sometimestheyexplode,sochooseacorkthatcaneasilypopout).

Thepopwillbereadytodrinkin7–10days;itwillhavealmostnoalcoholcontent,butwillbeniceandfizzy.

—Variation—LETFERMENTFOR2–3DAYSLONGERFORASTRONGERALCOHOLIC

YarrowBeerAdaptedfromStephenBuhner’srecipe

INGREDIENTS5lbmaltedbarley7gallonswater3oz.recentlydriedyarrow(ordoubletheamountfresh) 1/4–1/2oz.brewer’syeastYOUWILLNEED:

•COOKINGTHERMOMETER•FERMENTINGVESSEL

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover61/2gallons.Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Mashthebarleybycoarselycrushingitandcoveringwith21cups(justover11/4gallons)hotwater,thenplaceitintheovenfor90minutes.

Next,strainthemixture,keepingtheliquid,and“sparge”themash—heattheremainingjustover61/2gallonsofwaterandslowlyletitdrainthroughthebarleymash.Collectallofitandmixwiththefirstliquid.

Addhalfoftheyarrowandbringtoaboil.Letcool,thenpourintoafermentingvesselwiththeyeast.Puttheotherhalfoftheyarrowintoacheeseclothbagandhangitinthefermenter.Letitfermentuntilitisfinished(normally5–7days),thenbottleandcap—atthisstagethealcoholcontentwillbenegligible.Letitfermentinthebottles.After2weeks,itwillbereadytodrink.

—Variation—YOUCANALSOMAKETHISASFORGINGERPOP(SEEHERE)AND

DANDELION&BURDOCK(SEEHERE)—THELONGERYOULETIT

FERMENT(FROM7–21DAYS), THESTRONGERITGETS.

NettleBeerCourtesyofSusunWeed

Adelightfuldrinkthatcanbetakenasamedicineforjointpain.

INGREDIENTS21/2cupsrawsugar juiceandpeelof2lemons3tbsp.+1tsp.creamoftartar21/4lb.freshchoppednettles 21cupswater1oz.freshyeast

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Putthesugar,lemonpeel(nopith),lemonjuice,andcreamoftartarintoalargecasseroledishwithalid.Cookthenettlesinthewaterfor15minutes.Strainintothecasseroleandstirwell.Whenitcoolstolukewarm,dissolvetheyeastinalittlewaterandaddtoyourcasserole.

Coverwithseveralfoldsofclothandletbrewfor3days.Strainoutthesedimentandbottle.Itwillbereadytodrinkin8days.

ElderflowerChampagne

INGREDIENTS1lemon13/4cupswhitesugar 1tbsp.winevinegar12freshelderflowerheads19cupsboilingwater91/2cupscoldwaterMAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover2quarts.Keepsupto12months.

METHOD

Inascrupulouslycleanlargebowl,addthejuiceandzestof1/2lemon,andaddtheotherhalf,sliced.Addthesugar,vinegar,andflowers.Bruisewithapotatomasher.Addtheboilingwaterandstirforseveralminutes.Letsitfor1–2hours,thenaddthecoldwater,coverwithcloth,andletsitfor2–4days.Strainthroughcheeseclothandbottleitwithcorks.

Storefor7–10daysbeforedrinking.

DandelionChampagne

INGREDIENTS4cupsfreshdandelionflowers,stemsremoved,fullyopened 19cupsboilingwater

13/4cupswhitesugar juiceof2lemons1tbsp.winevinegar91/2cupscoldwaterMAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder7quarts.Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Covertheflowerswiththeboilingwater.Mixinthesugarandletsitfor12hours.Strainandaddthelemonjuice,vinegar,andcoldwater.

Bottle,cork,andletbrew(10daysforanonalcoholicbeveragedrinkand3–4weeksforamildlyalcoholicversion).

DandelionCoffeeCourtesyofAnniePowell

Adeliciousandhealthyalternativetocoffee.

INGREDIENTS

Dandelionroots,asmany2-inchlongrootsasyoucanfind,scrubbed,chopped,anddriedfor24hoursbyaradiator

Placetherootsinasinglelayeronabakingsheetintheovenatthelowesttemperature.Cookslowlyfor2–5hours(dependinguponthetemperatureofyouroven)untiltherootslookcharred,darkbrownorblack,andwithered.Letcoolthoroughlyfor1–2hours.Storeinjarsuntiluse.

Roastedrootswillkeepuptoayearinanairtightcontainer.Oncebrewed,drinkimmediately.

METHOD

Putasaucepanofwaterontoheat.Addsomedrieddandelionroot(about3piecesshouldbeenoughforacup).Bringtoaboilandsimmerfor10–15minutes.Bythistime,thewaterwillbedarkbrown.Strainintocupsanddrink,addingmilkandsugartotaste,ifrequired.

RECREATIONAL T INCTURES

“Recreational” tinctures are tinctures that have been sweetened with

sugarorhoneytomakeatastyalcoholicdrink.Theyareallmadeasfor

ordinarytincturesbymixingtheingredientsandlettingthemsteepfor

someweeks,thenstrainingandbottling(seehere).

Thefollowingrecipeswillmakealmost3cupsandkeepforyears—though they are sonice they areunlikely tobe given the chance.You

candrinkthemundilutedinsmallglasses,mixedwithsparklingwater

to make a refreshing drink, or made into a hot punch, mixed with

boilingwater.

Pear&NutmegBrandyThisisoneofmymostpopulardrinks,becauseitisabsolutelygorgeous.

INGREDIENTS4–5pears,cutup2wholenutmegs,freshlygrated3cupsbrandy(thebestyoucanafford)2tbsp.honey

METHOD

AphrodisiacBrandy

INGREDIENTS4oz.driedgroundginsengroot4oz.driedgroundrhodiolaroseapowder4cinnamonsticks,brokenup4wholevanillabeans2–6wholechilies(dependsontaste,becausetheywillbehot) 3cupsbrandy

2tbsp.honey

METHOD

SloeVodkaCourtesyofLynnAmandaBrown

Avariationonthetraditionalsloegin.

INGREDIENTSabout3cupsfreshsloes3cupsvodka13/4cupswhitedistilledsugarMETHOD

PlumMead4generoushandfulsoffreshsweetplums3cupsmead(honeywine)1–2tbsp.brownsugar1–2tsp.eachgroundcinnamonandnutmeg(optional)METHOD

MabonWelcomeCup(Blackberry&BlackCurrantBrandy)ACeltic tradition, thewelcome cupwas a special drink, often strong liqueur (with strong

magicinit),offeredtoallatthestartofaceremony.

INGREDIENTS1–2largehandfulsoffreshblackberries1–2largehandfulsoffreshblackcurrants3cupsbrandy1tbsp.honey

METHOD

VeryBerryMeadAdeliciousandenjoyabledrink,packedwithvitaminC.

INGREDIENTS

1generoushandfulofeachofthesefreshfruits:raspberriesrowanberrieshawthornberriesblackberriesbilberries(orblueberries)

3cupsmead(honeywine)1tbsp.brownsugar,dissolvedin2tbsp.hotwaterMETHOD

HorseradishVodkaGoodwithtomatojuiceortryitstraightasashotwithlimejuiceandsalttowakeyouup.Itis

alsoamedicinethathelpstostimulatetheimmunesystemandthecirculation.

INGREDIENTS1cupfreshgratedhorseradish3cupsvodka

METHOD

Iftakingmedicinally,take1–2tsp.1–2timesday.

GorseLiqueurGorseisupliftingandcheering.

INGREDIENTS4handfulsoffreshgorseflowers1–2tbsp.honey3cupshalfandhalfvodkaandmeadmixed

METHOD

Drinksparingly.Beware:Itisstrong.

MedicinalPortBrandyCourtesyofChaNanBonser

This is delicious and, of course, highly medicinal… you can use it for coughs, bronchial

issues,atthefirstsignofacoldorflu;youcanhavelittlesips,mixwithhoneytotaste,and

alsoservewarmifyoulike.

INGREDIENTS2cupsfreshlypickedelderberries2cupsportwine2cupsbrandy2cinnamonsticks1tsp.driedginger(orabout1inchoffreshgingerroot) 6cardamompods8blackpeppercorns8cloves

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout4cups.Keepsatleast2–3years.

METHOD

—Tip—ADJUSTTHESPICESTOYOURTASTE,ADDINGMOREORLESSASYOU

DESIRE.

SwissGentianAperitifWineCourtesyofChristineHerren-Valette

Thisfortifiedwineisgoodasbothanaperitif(apredinnerdrink)andadigestive(takenafter

the meal). Gentian is an excellent liver stimulant that aids digestion. Yellow gentian is a

digestive,reducesfever,andisageneraltonic.

INGREDIENTS3/4cupcoarselychoppedfreshrootofyellowgentian 1cupappleschnapps(60proof)

21/2(1-liter)bottleswhitewine zestof1lemonzestof2oranges1/2cupwater 3cupswhitedistlledsugar

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover3quarts.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Mixthechoppedgentianrootandappleschnapps.Coverandletmaceratefor48hours.Thenaddthewhitewineandthelemonandorangezestandreplacethecover.

Letsitfor10daysinadarkplace,stirringalittleevery2days.

After10days,strainandpressthroughcheesecloth.Makeasyrup(Seehere)byboilingthewaterandsugartogetherfor1minute.

Mixthesyrupandgentianwineandbottle.

—Tip—THEREISOFTENADEPOSITONTHESURFACEOFTHEGENTIAN

WINE,BUTDONOTTHROWAWAY.JUSTSTIRORSHAKETHEBOTTLE

TOREMIXASITISDELICIOUS.

AngelicaArchangelAfter-DinnerLiqueurCourtesyofChristineHerren

INGREDIENTS2cupsfreshangelicastems,cutto1/2inchinlength(washanddrywithadishtowelafterpicking) 3cloves

2quarts+1/2cupappleliquor(40proof) 13/4cupswater 2cups+2tbsp.whitesugar

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout21/2quarts.Keeps5years.

METHOD

Putthechoppedangelicastems,cloves,andappleliquorinalargeglassbottle.Letrestcoveredinadarkplacefor2months.Strainandpress.

Makeasyrup(Seehere)byboilingthewaterandsugartogetherfor1minute.

Mixthiswiththeangelicaliquidandthenpourintobottles.

HOMEMADE WINE

Wine can bemade from anything edible.Whatever kind of wine you

choosetomake,theflowers/leaves/fruitsshouldbeat theirprimeand

picked on a dry, preferably sunny day and placed in plastic liquid

measuringcups.The followingsimplemethod,kindlygivenbyAnnie

Powell,usesnochemicalsoradditives,otherthanwineyeast,andcan

beusedforallthewinerecipeshere.

YOUWILLNEED

•LARGEPLASTICPAILORCERAMICCASSEROLEDISH•CARBOY,RUBBERSTOPPER,ANDAIRLOCK(MUSTBETHOROUGHLYCLEAN:SIMMERTHEAIRLOCKANDRUBBERSTOPPERFOR5MINUTES,RINSEANDPUTCLEANWATERINTHEAIRLOCK)•PLASTICFUNNEL•COTTONCHEESECLOTH(BIGENOUGHTOCOVERMOUTHOFPAIL/CASSEROLEDISH,WITH3-INCHOVERLAPALLROUND

•STRING(ENOUGHTOGOAROUNDMOUTHOFPAIL/CASSEROLEDISHWITH6INCHESEXTRA)

•BOTTLEBRUSH•BLACKGARBAGEBAG•SYPHONTUBE

MAKES&KEEPS

Eachrecipemakesjustunder5quarts,andcankeepforyears.

METHOD

Puttheflowersorleavesintothepailorcasseroledish.

Boilhalfofthewaterandpouritoverthem.Addthelemonjuiceandcoverthepailwithcheeseclothtiedwithstring.Letsitfor3days,shakingorstirringseveraltimesaday.

Boiltheremainingwaterwiththesugar.Addtotheinfusedflowersorleavesandstir.Letcooluntillukewarm,thenaddtheyeast.Letsitfor1hour.

Stirandstrainthemixturethroughthecottoncheeseclothintothecarboy,usingafunnel(thisisatwo-personjob)andfittherubberstopperandairlock.Putthecarboyintoablackgarbagebag(whichkeepsitwarmanddark).Letsitinawarmplace.

Within24hours(sometimeswithinminutes)itshouldstart“blipping”(fermenting).Ifithasn’twithin24hours,giveitashake.Ifnothinghappensafteranotherhouror2,addanother1tsp.yeast.Differentwinesfermentatdifferentrates;whenithasstopped“blipping”foracoupleofweeks,syphonoffintoacleancarboyorbottles.Letsitatleast3monthsbeforedrinking.

GorseWineCourtesyofAnniePowell

Topickgorse flowers, grasp thembetweenyour thumband index fingerandpull.Only the

yellowflowersareused,noneofthegreen,andwatchoutforthespikes.

INGREDIENTS1gallonwater4cupsfreshgorseflowersjuiceof2lemons4cupsgranulatedsugar1roundedtsp.wineyeast

WalnutLeafWineCourtesyofAnniePowell

INGREDIENTS1gallonwater3goodsprigsoffreshwalnutleaves,crushedgentlybyhand juiceof2lemons

4cupsgranulatedsugar1roundedtsp.wineyeast

ElderflowerWineAfavoritewine,perfecttomakehayfeverandcoughmedicinetincturesfrom.

INGREDIENTS1gallonwater8cupselderflowersjuiceof2lemons4cupsgranulatedsugar1roundedtsp.wineyeast

OakLeafWineMakesagoodmedium-drywhite.

INGREDIENTS1gallonwater21cupsfreshoakleavesjuiceof2lemons4cupsgranulatedsugar1roundedtsp.wineyeast

AshwagandhaNightCapCourtesyofAnneMcIntyre

Ashwagandha is a wonderful Ayurvedic herb with deeply relaxing and stress-busting

properties.

INGREDIENTS1tsp.ashwagandhapowder1mugwarmalmondmilk1tsp.rosewaterpinchofcardamompowder

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1mug.Drinkfresh.

METHOD

Warmtheingredientstogether.Sipbeforebedtimeforarestfulsleep.

BEAUTY,BALMS&PERSONALCAREYoucanmakeyourownall-naturalbeauty-andpersonal-careproducts

thatrelyonthewonderfulpowerofplants—fromcleansertolipstickto

bodybutter,fromsoapandshampootoshavingcreamanddeodorant.

Thesepreparationscontainpureingredientsthatenhanceyourhealth

and feed and nourish your skin. Treat yourself and care for the

environmentatthesametime.

Cleopatra’sCleanserCourtesyofTeriEvans

Greatformakeupremoval.ThisisbasedonarecipeusedbyCleopatra—shewouldn’thave

hadgrapefruitseedextract,butshewouldhavehaddonkeymilk…

INGREDIENTS3tbsp.+1tsp.oliveoil8tsp.aloeveragel2tbsp.rosewater4dropsroseessentialoil2dropsgrapefruitseedextract

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Whisktheoliveoilintothealoevera.Continuewhiskingwhileyougraduallyaddtherosewater.Addtheroseessentialoilandgrapefruitseedextractandwhiskwell.Pourorspoonintoajar.

Massageintoyourfaceandnecktwicedaily.Eitherwashoffwithafacecloth(thentoneandmoisturize)orremovewithcottonballs(thenitwillactasamoisturizer,too).

MintChocolateFacePackCourtesyofTeriEvans

Deeplycleansing,likeallfacemasks,andreallyplentyoffun.Itsmellsdivine—almostgood

enoughtoeat.

INGREDIENTS11/2tbsp.rawcocoapowder 1tbsp.whitekaolinclaypowder1/2cupdriedpeppermintleaves upto1/4cupcoconutoilMAKES&KEEPS

Makesalmost1cup.Keepsupto6monthsinajar.

METHOD

Mixthedryingredientstogether.Graduallyaddtheoiluntilyouhaveathickpaste.

Applytocleansedskinandthenkeeponfor15–20minutes.Washoffwellandmoisturize.

—Variation—YOUCANSUBSTITUTECOCONUTMILKFORTHECOCONUTOILAND

REPLACEDRIEDHERBSWITHTHESAMEQUANTITYOFFRESHIF

YOUWILLBEUSINGITIMMEDIATELY.

SoothingFaceMaskCourtesyofTeriEvans

Suitable for all skin types, especially dry and irritated. These quantities will give you 2

applications—orsharewithafriend.

INGREDIENTS3tbsp.whitekaolinclaypowder11/2tbsp.milkpowderEssentialoils:1dropfrankincense1dropchamomile

1tsp.lavenderwater(possiblymore)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2masks.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Mixthedryingredientstogether.Addtheessentialoilsandlavenderwaterandstirwell.Letsitforafewminutes,andthen,ifnecessary,addmorelavenderwateruntilyouhaveaconsistencythatiseasytospread.

UseasdescribedforMintChocolateFacePack(seehere).

Nourishing&CleansingFaceMaskCourtesyofChaNanBonser

Asupersimplerecipe,readyinaninstant.Suitableforallskintypes.

INGREDIENTSsplashofrosewatersplashofwitchhazel11/2tsp.chickpea(besan)flourMAKES&KEEPS

Makes1mask.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Mixtherosewaterandwitchhazelwiththechickpea(besan)flourtoformapaste.

UseasdescribedforMintChocolateFacePack(seehere).

YarrowSoothingSkinWashCourtesyofMaidaSilverman

Yarrowmakesanexcellentastringentskinwash,especiallysuitableforoilyskin.

INGREDIENTS2cupsboilingwater1/2cupdriedyarrowfloweringtops,crumbledMAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder2cups.Keepsintherefrigeratorfor4–5days.

METHOD

Pourthewaterovertheyarrowflowers,letcoolfor30–60minutes,andthenstrain.

Patitontheskinfrequentlytosootheirritation.

LavenderTonerCourtesyofTeriEvans

Thisisasupereasytonersuitableforallskintypes,especiallyblemished.

INGREDIENTS1/4cupvodka 1/4cuplavenderwater(orrose,orange-flower,orotherfloralwateraspreferred) drizzleofvegetableglycerin

9dropslavenderessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Pouralltheingredientsintoabottleandshakewelltomix.

Shakebeforeuse.Usedaily,applyingwithcottonballsaftercleansing.Avoideyearea.

GentleRoseTonerforMatureSkin

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cuprosewater 1tbsp.RoseVinegar(seehere) 1tsp.glycerin

Essentialoils:6dropsrose6dropsrosegeranium

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Pouralltheingredientsintoabottleandshakewelltomix.

UseasforLavenderToner(seehere).

WintertimeFacialTonerCourtesyofJennyPao

Afacialtoningelixirforallskintypes.Itsoothesirritatedskin,tightenspores,andkeepsacne

atbay.

INGREDIENTS11/2cupswater 1peppermintteabag1rooibosteabag1chamomileteabag

Essentialoils:1droprosemary4dropslavender

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/2cups.Keeps2weeksintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Bringthewatertoaboil,thenletcoolfor3minutes.Pourthewaterovertheteabagsinapotandletsitfor5minutes.

Coolcompletelybeforeremovingtheteabags.Addtheoilsandpourintoaglassbottle.

Shakebottlebeforeuse.Applytonerdailytocleanskinpriortomoisturizing.

MedicinalLavenderSkinTonicCourtesyofTeriEvans

Suitableforallskins,theapplecidervinegarmakesitespeciallygoodforproblemskins.The

smelldoesnotlingeronceapplied.

INGREDIENTS2handfulsoflavenderflowersjustunder1cupAppleCiderVinegar(seehere) justunder3cupsrosewaterorLavenderWater(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesalmost33/4cups.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Putthelavenderflowersinthebottomofalargejar.Pourinthevinegarandrosewaterandshaketomakesuretherearenoairbubbles.Letitinfusefor1–2weeks,shakingthejaroccasionally.Strainthroughcheesecloth.

Shakebeforeuse.Applydailyaftercleansing.

—Variation—FORAPOWERFULLOTIONTOTREATACNEANDINTERTRIGO(A

FUNGAL-TYPEINFECTIONTHATCAUSESSORENESSINSKINFOLDS),

ADDTHESEESSENTIALOILSTOTHEABOVELOTION: 100drops/1

tsp. tea tree

100drops/1tsp.lavender50drops/1/2tsp.thymeAPPLYTHELOTION2–3TIMESDAILYTOSOREAREAS.

SimpleRoseFaceCreamCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

Thisisthesimplestcreamyoucanmake.

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:1/2cupcoconutoil 5tsp.avocadooil1tbsp.honey

Waterfraction:5tsp.rosewater

Attheend:10–15dropsrose(orrosegeranium)essentialoil(optional)MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Meltthecoconutandavocadooilsandthehoneyinawaterbath,thengentlywarmtherosewaterinaseparatebowlinthewaterbath.Removefromtheheat,andstarttowhisktheoilandhoneymixture.Asyoudoso,addadropofrosewater.

Keepwhiskingandaddingalittlerosewateruntilyouhaveusedallofit,thenwhiskuntilthemixturestartstosolidify.Whenitissemisolid,addtheessentialoilsandwhiskuntilwellblended.Storeinsterilizedjars.

RosyLotionCourtesyofTeriEvans

Anice,lightlotionsuitableasafacemoisturizerforallskintypes,includingoilyskin.

Itisalsogoodasanongreasyhandnourisherforpeoplewhofindhandcreamstoorich.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cuprosewater justunder1/2cupglycerin 50drops/1/2tsp.rosegeraniumessentialoilMAKES&KEEPS

Makes13/4cups.Keeps6months.

METHOD

Whiskalltheingredientsinabowlforacoupleofminutesuntiltheyareblended.Thenpourintoabottle.

Shakebeforeuse.Massageasmallamountintoyourhandsuntilabsorbed.

AntiagingDayCreamCourtesyofTeriEvans

This has all the ingredients of a top quality, superexpensive skin cream froma laboratory.

CarrotoilcontainsvitaminA,whichhelpstoimprovetheelasticityofcollagenandplumpup

yourskin.VitaminCisafree-radicalscavenger—antioxidantshelptoslowdowntheeffects

ofaging,basicallyreducingdamagefromUVrays.Rosehelpstohealbrokencapillariesand

reduceswrinkles,andglycerintohelpholdmoistureinyourskin.

Creamscanbedifficulttomake,sobeforestarting,readtheguidance(seehere).

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:1/2tsp.beeswax 1tsp.emulsifyingwax2tbsp.mangoorsheabutter1tbsp.carrotoil1tbsp.eveningprimroseoil1/2tsp.vitaminCpowder 1/2tsp.glycerinWaterfraction:5tbsp.rosewater

Extras:10dropsroseessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1/2cup.Keepsatleast2–3months.

METHOD

Gentlyheattogetherthewaxes,mangoorsheabutter,andcarrotandeveningprimroseoilsinawaterbath.Whenthewaxeshavemelted,addthevitaminCpowderandglycerin,andwhiskwelltomix.

Warmtherosewatertothesametemperature.Whisktherosewaterintotheoilfractionmix,addingtheroseessentialoilwhenthecreamiscool.

Applyasmallamounteachmorningtothefaceandneck.

IntensiveEyeSerumCourtesyofMonikaGhent

Oilscanalsobeblendedfordifferentpurposes.Usethiseyeserumforaroundtheeyetotreat

darkcirclesoragingskin.

INGREDIENTSoilfrom5(400IU)vitaminEcapsules11/2tsp.camelliaseedoil 11/2tsp.rosehipseedoil 2tsp.arganoil

Essentialoils:10dropscarrotseed10dropslemon5dropsfennel5dropsgeranium5dropspatchouli5dropsrosemary20dropslavender

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes5tsp.Keepsatleast6months.

METHOD

Putalltheingredientsintoadropperbottleandshakewell.

Applyafewdropstwicedailytotheskinaroundtheeyes.

FacialSerumforSun-DamagedSkinCourtesyofMonikaGhent

Thisserumofblendedoilsrepairssundamageatthecellularlevel.

INGREDIENTS11/2tsp.camelliaseedoil 11/2tsp.arganoil 11/2tsp.rosehipseedoil 1tsp.jojobaoil

oilfrom5(400IU)vitaminEcapsules10dropsofliquidvitaminD

Essentialoils:25dropslavender10dropslemon10dropscarrotseed10dropspalmarosa5dropsrosemary5dropspatchouli5dropsgeranium

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1-oz.bottle(besttousepumpspraydispenser).Keeps6monthsintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Combinealltheingredientsinabottleandshakewell.

Applytotheface1–2timesdaily.

TropicalBodyBuffCourtesyofTeriEvans

Toexfoliateandnourishtheskin.

INGREDIENTS1/2cupcoconutoil 11/4cupsbrownorrawsugarEssentialoils:6dropsorange4dropslemongrass3dropsylang-ylang

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesupto21/2cups.Keeps6months.

METHOD

Warmthecoconutoilinawaterbathuntilitisjustmelted.Blendwiththesugarwell.Addtheessentialoils,makingsuretomixwell.

Touse,massagealittleintodampskinandwashoffwithwarmwater.

CautionDonotuseondamagedskinoronacne.

Choca-CocoSugarBodyScrubCourtesyofMonikaGhent

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupcoconutoil 1cupwholecanesugar1/4cupcoconutsugar 2tbsp.unsweetenedcocoapowder2tbsp.jojobaoil1tsp.vanillaextractoilfrom5(400IU)vitaminEcapsules

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes3(1/2-cup)jars.Keepsupto1year.

METHOD

Gentlymeltthecoconutoilinawaterbath,thenblendwiththerestoftheingredientsinamixingbowlbeforedecantingintojars.

UseasforTropicalBodyBuff(seehere).

ExfoliatingSeaweedScrubCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.fineseasalt1tbsp.kelppowder5tsp.vegetableglycerin7tsp.sweetalmondoil

Essentialoils:5dropsjuniper5dropslemon

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keepsatleast6months.

METHOD

Mixtheseasaltandkelptogether.Addtheglycerinandhalfthealmondoilandmixwell.Ifthemixtureistoostiff,addmoreoiluntilitmakesathick,gloopypaste.

Addtheessentialoilsandstirreallywell.UseasforTropicalBodyBuff(seehere).

Note:Notsuitablefordryskin.

AnticelluliteBodyScrub

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.fineseasalt1tbsp.groundcoffee5tsp.vegetableglycerin7tsp.sweetalmondoil

Essentialoils:5dropsjuniper5dropsgrapefruit

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeanduseasforExfoliatingSeaweedScrubhere),addingthecoffeeinplaceofthekelp.

—Tip—IFYOUOMITTHESEASALTINYOURSCRUBRECIPES, YOUCANUSE

THEMASBODYMASKSINSTEAD.SPREADOVERYOURBODY,LETSIT

FOR20MINUTES,ANDTHENRINSEOFF.

RosyBathBombCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS21/2cupsbakingsoda 2tsp.rosehipoil2tsp.dryrosepetals3/4cupcitricacidEssentialoils:30dropsrosegeranium30dropsjasmine

fewdropsredfoodcoloringwaterinaspraybottle

YOUWILLNEED•MOLDSFORCUPCAKE-SIZEBOMBS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes12bombsthesizeofcupcakeliners(feweriflarger).Keepsupto1yearinanairtightcontainer.(Note:Theycan’tgooff,butthesmellslowlydisappearsastheessentialoilsevaporate.)METHODCombineallthedryingredientsinabowlandmixwell.Mixtheoilstogether,thenaddtothepowdersandmixagain.

Addthefoodcoloringtothewater,thensprayalittleamountofwateroverthemixandblendinquicklyandthoroughly.Ithasenoughwateraddedwhenyoucansqueezeittogetheranditonlyjustholdstogether.Pressfirmlyintomolds.Letsitforupto30minutestoset,thenturnoutcarefully.

RelaxationBathSaltsCourtesyofLucyHarmer

INGREDIENTS31/2cupsseasaltornaturalkoshersalt 1oz.driedlavenderflowers2/3oz.driedchamomileflowersEssentialoils:21dropslavender21dropschamomile

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover41/2cups.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Mixtogetherandthenkeepinasealedglassjar.

Addasmallhandfultoyourbathasrequired.

LoveSpellBathSaltsCourtesyofLucyHarmer

IliketouseHimalayansaltbecauseit’snaturallypink.

INGREDIENTS31/2cupsseasaltornaturalkoshersalt 1oz.drieddamascusrosepetals

Essentialoils:14dropsdamascusrose14dropsgeranium14dropspalmarosa

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes41/2cups.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherwellandthenkeepinasealedglassjar.

PurificationBathSaltsCourtesyofLucyHarmer

INGREDIENTS31/2cupsseasaltornaturalkoshersalt 2oz.driedlavenderflowers

Essentialoils:20dropslavender10dropsrosemary10dropsjuniper

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover41/2cups.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Mixalltheingredientstogetherwellandthenkeepinasealedglassjar.

FruityBodyCustardCourtesyofTeriEvans

Thislightbutdeeplynourishingmoisturizerisalmostgoodenoughtoeat.

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.+1tsp.apricotkerneloil1tbsp.jojobaoil2tbsp.aloeveragel2tbsp.orange-flowerwater

Essentialoils:10dropssweetorange3dropspinkgrapefruit2dropsbergamot

2dropsgrapefruitseedextract

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Whisktheapricotkernelandjojobaoilsintothealoeveragel.Graduallyaddtheorange-flowerwaterwhilewhiskinguntilthemixturethickensandbecomescreamy.Addtheessentialoilsandgrapefruitseedextract.

Massageintotheskinasrequired.

InvigoratingBodyButterCourtesyofTeriEvans

Arichbodymoisturizer(richerthanFruityBodyCustard,left).

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.cocoabutter1/4cupsheabutter 2tbsp.coconutoil1/4cupeveningprimroseoilEssentialoils:10dropsrosemary10dropslemon5dropsginger

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps6months.

METHOD

Gentlyheatthecocoaandsheabutterswiththecoconutoilinawaterbathuntiltheyhavemelted.Removefromtheheatandcooluntillukewarm.Addtheeveningprimroseoilandessentialoilsandwhiskwell.

Thebutterwon’tsetatroomtemperature.Forbestresults,putthebowlintherefrigerator,removingevery30minutesorsotowhisk.Whennearlyset,whiskwellandpourintojars.Returntotherefrigeratoruntilfinallyset.

LuxuriousBodyButter

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.cocoabutter1/4cupsheabutter 2tbsp.coconutoil1/4cupeveningprimroseoilEssentialoils:10dropsjasmine10dropssandalwood5dropsrose

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeasforAll-InvigoratingBodyButter(seehere.

AntisepticBodyButterGoodforskinpronetospots.

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.cocoabutter1/4cupsheabutter 2tbsp.coconutoil1/4cupeveningprimroseoilEssentialoils:10dropsteatree10dropsoregano5dropsthyme

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeasforAll-InvigoratingBodyButter(seehere).

ReviveFacialMistCourtesyofMonikaGhent

Apick-me-upthroughouttheday,thisalsohelpstocombatdryskinandupliftthespiritsin

winter.

INGREDIENTS3/4cup+3tbsp.stillmineralwater 2tbsp.rosewater1tsp.glycerin2tsp.witchhazel

Essentialoils:6dropsspearmint5dropsrosemary3dropspalmarosa

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps1–2months.

METHOD

Measurealltheingredientsdirectlyintoaspraybottle.

Touse,shakewell,closeyoureyes,andsprayontoyourface.

Lavender&RoseHandCreamCourtesyofTeriEvans

Creamscanbedifficulttomake,sobeforestarting,readtheguidance(seehere.

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:justunder1/2cupcoconutoil 21/2tbsp.beeswax 1tbsp.cocoabutter

Waterfraction:1/4cup+1tbsp.rosewater 1/2tsp.borax(seebox)Essentialoils:10dropsrose8dropsgeranium5dropsylang-ylang15dropslavender

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesnearly1cup.Keeps2–3months.

METHOD

Heattheoilfractioningredientstogetherinawaterbath,thenremovefromtheheatandletcoolslightly.Meanwhile,gentlyheatthewaterfractionuntiltheboraxdissolves.

Whisktheoilmixbrisklyuntilthebowlislukewarm.Graduallyaddthewaterfractioningredientswithoutstoppingwhisking.Whiskasthoughyourlifedependedonit.Whenthemixturelookscreamyandwhite,addtheessentialoilswhilestillwhisking.Youwillnoticeapointwhenthecreamstartstoset;atthispoint,pourintojars.

Timingisthekeywiththisrecipe.Ifyouwaittoolong,youwillhavetoscrapethecreamintothejars.Ifyoupouritintoosoon,thecreamwillseparate.

AntisepticHandCream

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:justunder1/2cupcoconutoil 21/2tsp.beeswax 1tbsp.cocoabutter

Waterfraction:1/4cup+1tbsp.lavenderwaterorwitchhazel 1/2tsp.borax(seebox)Essentialoils:

12dropsthyme12dropsteatree12dropsoregano

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesnearly1cup.Keeps2–3months.

METHOD

MakeasforLavender&RoseHandcream(seehere).

Nail&CuticleBoosterCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS1/3oz.driedhorsetail 1/4cupsunfloweroil 3dropslemonessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1/4cup.Keepsupto6months.

METHOD

Makeaninfusedoilwiththehorsetailandsunfloweroil(seehere).Addthelemonessentialoilandbottle.

Massagealittleoilintoyourcuticlesatnighttostimulatebloodflow.

—Tip—FORADEEPNAIL-STRENGTHENINGTREATMENT,WARMTHEOIL

GENTLYINAWATERBATHANDSOAKYOURNAILSINITFOR20

MINUTES.YOUCANREUSETHEOILAGAINANDAGAIN.

NourishingNailOilCourtesyofMonikaGhent

Usethisoiltostrengthenandprotectdry,brittlenails.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.jojobaoil1tbsp.sweetalmondoiloilfrom5(400IU)vitaminEcapsules

Essentialoils:25dropslavender8dropsrosemary6dropsspearmint4dropsblackspruce

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes5tsp.Keepsaround6months.

METHOD

Addalltheotheringredientstoadropperbottleandshakewell.

Apply2–3timesdailytonailsandnailbed.

Foot&LegSprayCourtesyofTeriEvans

Thishelpstotreatsmellyfeet,aswellastosootheandtoneachingvaricoseveins.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupwitchhazel 1tsp.bakingsoda

Essentialoils:10dropspeppermint8dropsrosemary5dropsbergamot

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/2cup.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Gentlyheatthewitchhazelandbakingsodauntilthebakingsodaisdissolved.Addtheoilsandstoreinaspraybottle.

Shakebeforeuse.Sprayonyourlegsandfeet1–2timesdaily.

Soothing&RefreshingFootbathCourtesyofJohannaHerzog

Thishelpstoprotectagainstathlete’sfoot,andtotreatachingandsweatyfeet.

INGREDIENTS2handfulsofbirchbudsorleaves2handfulsofleavesandbarkofivy4cupsboilingwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesenoughfor1bath.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Infusetheingredientstogetherfor10–15minutes(seehere).Addtoabasincontainingenoughhotwaterforafootbath;thewatershouldbeashotascomfortableforthefeet.Sitwithyourfeetinitfor15–20minutes.

“BeachHair”StylingSprayforCurlsYoucansavealotofmoneybymakingyourown“beachhair”sprayforthatwindsweptlook.

INGREDIENTS2cupsboilingwater41/2tbsp.Epsomsalts 1tbsp.rosemarytincture(seehere;use1tbsp.rosemaryinfusedin2tbsp.vodka) 1tbsp.lemonjuice

2tsp.aloeveragel1/2tsp.almondoil 10dropslemonessentialoil(optional)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups.Keepsinrefrigeratoraround3months.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientsintoaspraybottleandsprayasmuchasisrequiredtostyleyourhair.

CitrusHairSprayThisworkswellasahairspraytokeephairinplace,butonlylastsforaweek.

INGREDIENTS2lemons1lime2cupswater(moreifrequired)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1cup.Keeps1weekintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Cutupthelemonsandlime.Simmerinthewaterforabout1hour,keepingthewaterlevelupto1cup(halftheamountyoustartedwith)byaddingmoreasitboilsaway.

Letcool.Strainwellandbottleinaspraybottle.

Sprayasmuchasisrequiredtostyleyourhair.

SuperAnticelluliteOilCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS1/4cupgrapeseedoil 7largefreshivyleaves1tsp.wheatgermoil

Essentialoils:7dropsjuniper3dropsgeranium2dropsrosemary

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Makeaninfusedoil(seehere)withthegrapeseedoilandtheivy.Addthewheatgermoilandessentialoils.Bottle.

Massagewellintotheusualproblemareas1–2timesdaily.

Anti-ColdSoreLipBalm

INGREDIENTS2tsp.cocoabutter2tsp.sheabutter2tsp.beeswax4tsp.coconutoil4tsp.St.John’sWortOil(seehere) oilfrom5(400IU)vitaminEcapsules

10dropslemonbalmessentialoil

YOUWILLNEED•16LIPSTICKMOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes16lipbalmsusinglipstickmolds.Keeps6monthsormore.

METHOD

MeltalltheingredientsexceptthevitaminEandlemonbalmoilsinawaterbath.Whenmelted,removefromtheheatandaddthevitaminEandlemonbalmoilandpourintomolds.

ChocolateBombLipTherapyCourtesyofMonikaGhent

Thislusciouslipbalmhealsandprotectsthedelicateskinofyourlips.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.beeswax2tsp.cocoabutter2tsp.sheabutter3/4oz.semidarkchocolate 4tsp.oliveoiloilfrom5(400IU)vitaminEcapsules10dropspeppermintessentialoil

YOUWILLNEED•16LIPSTICKMOLDSORLIPBALMJARS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes16lipbalmsusinglipstickmoldsorjars.Keeps6monthsormore.

METHOD

Inadoubleboiler,meltthebeeswax,cocoabutter,sheabutter,andchocolate.Whenmelted,addtheoliveoil,thentakeofftheheatandaddthevitaminEoil.

Finally,addthepeppermintessentialoil.Stirwellandthenputintothelipbalmjarsorlipstickmoldsimmediately.

Doux-BaiserLipstick(SweetKiss)CourtesyofChristineHerren-Valette

Protectsthelipswhileaddingatouchofcolor.

INGREDIENTS1tsp.beeswax4tsp.Heal-AllMarigoldOil(seehere)Essentialoils:6dropsrose12dropsrosewood

tinypinchofItalianocherearth(pink)

YOUWILLNEED•5OR6LIPSTICKMOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes5or6sticks.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Meltthebeeswaxandthemarigoldoilinawaterbath.Removefromtheheatandaddtheessentialoils.

Mixalltheingredientswitheitherawoodenstick(suchasawoodenspoonhandle)oraglassone(notmetalorplastic)for2–3minutes.

AddtheItalianocherearthandstirforanadditional1–2minutestoobtainahomogeneouscolor.Pourimmediatelyintomolds.

BeetLippyVitamin-richbeetbothconditionsandcolorsyourlips.

INGREDIENTS4tsp.St.John’sWortOil(seehere) 1tbsp.freshgratedbeet1tsp.beeswax

Essentialoils:8dropsorange8dropslemon

YOUWILLNEED•5OR6LIPSTICKMOLDS

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes5or6sticks.Keeps1year.

METHOD

PourtheSt.John’sWortOiloverthebeet.Letsitinacoveredjarfor3days,thenstrainandsqueezeoutalltheoil(wearglovesbecausethebeetstains).

Gentlymeltthebeeswaxintothebeetoil.Removefromtheheat,stirtheessentialoilsinthoroughly,andpourintomolds.

NaturalMascaraCourtesyofMonikaGhent

Thismascaraisn’twaterproof,soiseasytoremovewithwaterorvegetableoil.

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.whitekaolinclaypowder1/4tsp.blackmineraloxide 1/2tsp.vegetableglycerin 11/2tsp.witchhazel

10dropslavenderessentialoil1droporeganoessentialoil

YOUWILLNEED•ASYRINGE•2WELL-WASHEDMASCARACASES

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2mascaracontainers.Keeps3monthsmaximum.

METHOD

Blendalltheingredientswellinasmallbowl.Usingasyringe,insertthemascaraintothemascaracontainer.Alternatively,storeinasmalljarandapplyitwithanoldmascaraapplicatororeyebrowbrush.

SOAP MAKING

Youcanbuythepurevegetableoilsoapneededformanypersonalcare

and household cleaning recipes in this book ormake your own from

scratch.Making soap involves first preparing the lye, then separately

warmingandmixinganoilcomponent,andfinallymixingthese.Other

ingredients aremostly added later (unless the recipe says otherwise).

The recipe for Citrus Oats & Honey Soap (see here) explains the

process in full; others refer back to it and explain the individual

differences. Make sure you will not be disturbed, and keep children

andanimalsaway.Onceunderway,youcannotstopforsometime.

Read“KeyTechniques”(seehere)beforecommencing.

Allthesesoapswillkeepforseveralyears.

CautionHaveallequipmentreadybeforeyoustart,includingsafetyequipment.Soapmakinginvolveshandlingadangerouschemicalsubstance,soitneedsextracaution.Ithelpstoweighormeasurealltheingredientsbeforeyoustart,andhavethemsafelystowedandreadytouse.

YOUWILLNEED

•SAFETY:OVERALLS,GLOVES,PROTECTIVEGLASSESORGOGGLES,HAIRCOVERING•VINEGARORLEMONJUICEONHAND(TONEUTRALIZEPOSSIBLELYEBURNS)•DIGITALSCALES(ACCURATEWEIGHING/MEASURINGISESSENTIAL)•STAINLESSSTEELORENAMELSAUCEPAN,WITHA3–4-QUARTCAPACITY•SILICONEORSTAINLESSSTEELSPATULA/SPOON•SMALLSTAINLESSSTEEL/GLASS/PLASTICBOWLS•PAIL•LIQUIDMEASURINGCUP

Therecipes(seehere)useacoldprocess.Forcold-processsolidsoapmaking,youwillalsoneed:

•ACANDYTHERMOMETER•MOLDS—EITHERSILICONESOAPMOLDSORALARGEMOLDTHATYOUWILLLATERCUTINTOBARS—FOREXAMPLE,AWOODENBOXLINEDWITHPLASTIC

Therecipes(seehereandhereuseahotprocess.Forhot-processliquidsoapmaking,youwillalsoneed:•ASLOWCOOKER(ONEUSEDONLYFORSOAP)

•AHANDHELDBLENDER(ALSOCALLEDANIMMERSIONBLENDER)•1ORMORECONTAINERSWITHTIGHT-FITTINGLIDSTOSTORE1GALLONSOAP

Citrus,Oat&HoneySoapCourtesyofEmmaWarrener

Theoatsgivetextureandaddafantasticexfolianteffect.

INGREDIENTS

Lye:101/2oz.sodiumhydroxide 30oz.water

Oils:21oz.coconutoil26oz.sunfloweroil25oz.good-qualityoliveoil

Extras:2cupsoatsalmost1/2cuphoney 100drops/1tsp.limeessentialoil100drops/1tsp.lemongrassessentialoil

Makesabout30bars,eachweighing31/2oz.

METHOD

Wearingglovesandeyeprotection,makethelyebycarefullypouringthesodiumhydroxidecrystalsintothecontainerholdingthewater,thenputitsafelyoutofharm’swaytocoolto80.6–86°F.(Neverpourwaterontothelye.)Whileitiscooling,gentlyheattheoilstogetheruntilthecoconutoilismeltedandcoolto80.6–86°F.

Carefullypourthelyeintotheoilsandstirwiththespatulauntilyoureach“trace”—thisiswhenyoustirandthemovementofthespatulacreatesalineonthetopofthemixture—a“trace”thatdoesn’tdisappear.It’sasignthatyoursoaphasreachedfullsaponification—whenthelyehasturnedtheoilstosoap—andindicatesyourmistureisready.Toreachtraceusuallytakesabout1/2hour,butsoaphasitsowntimescaleanditcantakemuchlonger!Makesuretostirverythoroughly,allaroundthesidesandthebottomofthepan,andcontinuously.

Whenyou’veachievedatrace,it’stimetoaddtheextras(oats,honey,andessentialoils).Itiseasiesttodothisbyputtingasmallladleofthemixtureintoasmallbowl,mixingintheextras,thenaddingthisintothemainmixturandstirringwelltobesuretheyaredistributedevenlythroughthemixture.

Pourthesoapintomoldsandputinasafeplace,awayfromchildren,forittosetfor24hours.After24hours,removefromthemolds(weargloves,becausethesoapisstillcaustic)andputitinadryplacetocurefor4–5weeks.

—Tip—MIXINGTHEOILSINASMALLAMOUNTASDESCRIBEDISEASIERTO

WORKWITHANDENSURESTHEYAREWELLBLENDED.ITALSO

MEANSYOUCANEXPERIMENTWITHDIFFERENTESSENTIALOILS

WITHOUTTHEDANGEROFRUININGYOURWHOLEBATCHOFSOAP,

BECAUSESOMEWILLREACTDIFFERENTLY.

BugOff!InsectRepellentSoapCourtesyofTanyaSmart

INGREDIENTS

Oils:13oz.coconutoil101/2oz.oliveoil 31/2oz.cocoabutter 2oz.sheabutter

Essentialoils:2tsp.maychang100drops/1tsp.Virginiancedarwood100drops/1tsp.juniper50drops/1/2tsp.basilMAKES

Makes12bars,eachweighing31/2oz.

METHOD

MakeasforCitrus,Oat&HoneySoap(seehere).First,preparethelyeandsetasidetowarm.Thenwarmtheoils.Mixthelyeandtheoilpartstogethertotrace,beforeaddingtheessentialoils.

Sugar&SpiceBody&ShampooBarCourtesyofTanyaSmart

INGREDIENTS

1tbsp.goldensyruporlightcornsyrup2tsp.jojobaoil

Essentialoils:11/2tsp.orange 100drops/1tsp.ylangylang100drops/1tsp.blackpepper50drops/1/2tsp.groundcinnamon 50drops/1/2tsp.groundnutmegMAKES

METHOD

MakeasforCitrus,Oat&HoneySoap(seehere).First,preparethelyeandsetasidetowarm.Thenwarmtheoils,addingthegoldensyruptothemixasitiswarming.Mixthelyeandtheoilpartstogethertotrace,beforeaddingthejojobaoilandessentialoils.

Gardeners’SoapforDirtyNailsCourtesyofTanyaSmart

INGREDIENTS

Essentialoils:2tsp.clarysage100drops/1tsp.lavender50drops/1/2tsp.rosemary 50drops/1/2tsp.bay 1tbsp.coffee,coarselyground

1tsp.spirulinapowder

METHOD

MakeasforCitrus,Oat&HoneySoap(seehere).First,preparethelyeandsetasidetowarm.Thenwarmtheoils.Mixthelyeandtheoilpartstogethertotrace,beforeaddingtheessentialoils,coffeegrounds,andspirulina.

BabyBubblesCourtesyofTanyaSmart

Gentleandmildsoapforsensitiveskin.

INGREDIENTS

Essentialoils:2tsp.maychang100drops/1tsp.Virginiancedarwood100drops/1tsp.juniper50drops/1/2tsp.basil 4tsp.driedlavenderflowers1tbsp.driedmarigoldpetals

METHOD

MakeasforCitrus,Oat&HoneySoap(p.195).First,preparethelyeandsetasidetowarm.Thenwarmtheoils.Mixthelyeandtheoilpartstogethertotrace,beforeaddingtheessentialoils,lavenderflowers,andmarigoldpetals.

LuxurySoapCourtesyofTanyaSmart

INGREDIENTS

Lye:41/2oz.sodiumhydroxide 131/2oz.waterOils:163/4oz.coconutoil 101/2oz.oliveoil 13/4oz.sheabutter 1oz.beeswax

1tbsp.milkpowder(optional)3tbsp.honey3tbsp.oats

Essentialoils:100drops/1tsp.sandalwood100drops/1tsp.frankincense100drops/1tsp.rose100drops/1tsp.ylang-ylang50drops/1/2tsp.patchouli 2tsp.castoroil

METHOD

MakeasforCitrus,Oat&HoneySoap(p.195).First,preparethelyeandsetasidetowarm.Thenwarmtheoils,addingthemilkpowder,honey,andoatsastheywarm.Makesurethebeeswaxiscompletelymeltedwiththeotheroils.Mixthelyeandtheoilpartstogethertotrace,beforeaddingtheessentialoilsandcastoroil.

PureOliveOilCastileSoapPure castile soap is made from olive oil using a hot process (see here). An extremely

moisturizing,mildsoap,itiskindontheskin.

INGREDIENTS47oz.organicoliveoil

Lye:30oz.distilledwater9.39oz.potassiumhydroxide

80oz.distilledwater(separatefromthelye)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover5quartsofliquidsoap.Keeps1yearormore.

METHOD

Puttheoliveoilinyourslowcookerandturnitontoitslowsetting.

Meanwhile,makethelye.Dothisoutside,ifpossible,orbyanopenwindow.Putthe3ooz.ofwaterintoalarge,stainlesssteelsaucepan.Putongogglesandgloves.

Pourthepotassiumhydroxideintothewatercarefullyandslowly,withoutsplashing.(Note:NEVERpourthewaterintothelye,becausethisisverydangerous.)Next,pourthelye-watermixtureslowlyandcarefullyintotheoilintheslowcooker.Stiritwithaspoonthatcantaketheheat.Theoilwillbecomecloudy.

Stircarefullywithoutsplashing,untilyouhavethe“trace”onthetop,aswithallsoapmaking.Youmayneedtostirforalongtime—animmersionblenderonslowcantakefrom5–10minutesto40minutesormore—and,oncestarted,youcannotstop.

Whenyouhavethe“trace,”putthelidontheslowcookerandletitheat(stillonlow)for20minutes.Every20minutesorsogiveitanotherstirandmixwell;don’tworryifitseparates—thisisnormal.Stirwelltomix,beingcarefulbecauseitisstillcorrosive.

Fairlysoonthemixturewillgettoothicktostirwiththeblender,souseaspoonorspatulatostirinstead.(It’shandytohaveboth.)Themixturewillstarttoresemblethickmashedpotatoesandbedifficulttomix.Continuetostirevery20minutes,untilthethickmixtureistranslucentbutyellowish.Itwilltakeupto12hours,buttheblendedsoapmaybedonein4–5hours.Ifyouneedto,turnofftheslowcookerandgotobedforthenight,resuminginthemorning.

After4–5hours,testitbycarefullydissolving1oz.ofthemixtureinto2oz.veryhotwaterinaclearglasscontainer.

Stirit:Ifitturnsmilkyorcloudy,itneedstocookforlonger;ifitisclear,it’sready.

Whenitisready,carefullyweighthethickpaste(wearinggloves)andputitintoalargesaucepan.Bringthesamequantityofwaterbyweight(16oz.watertoevery16oz.paste)almosttoaboilandpourontop.

Stirgentlytodissolve.Thiscantakealongtime—youneedtostir,possiblyheatitsomemore,andstiragain.Ifitkeepsformingawhitishlayerontop,youneedtodilutemore—adduptothesameamountofwateragainandheat,stirringgently.Storeinlargejars.

AlthoughIhaveuseditimmediately,itbecomesmoregentlewithtime,andIrecommendlettingitsitfor4–6weeksto“cure”beforeuse.

LiquidCastileSoapNowadays,manyblendedvegetableoil soapsare called“castile”or“Marseille” soap.This

blendedsoapislessmoisturizingbutmorestronglycleansingthanthepureoliveoilone.

INGREDIENTS20oz.oliveoil14oz.sunfloweroil15oz.coconutoil

Lye:30oz.distilledwater91/2oz.potassiumhydroxide 80oz.distilledwater(separatefromthelye)

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover5quartsofliquidsoap.Keeps1yearormore.

METHOD

MakeasforPureOliveOilCastileSoap(seehere),replacingthesinglequantityofoliveoilwiththeblendof3oils(above).TheseingredientswilltakelesstimetosaponifythanthePureOliveOilCastileSoap,soyou’llfindyouwon’tbestirringthemixtureforaslong.

LuxuryMoisturizingHandwash

INGREDIENTS2tsp.avocadooil

Essentialoils:10dropschamomile10dropslavender10dropsneroli

1tsp.glycerin2tbsp.liquidsoap(PureOliveOilCastileSoap,willbethemostmoisturizing) 2tbsp.+2tsp.boiledordistilledwater

2tbsp.+2tsp.rosewater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keepseffectiveatleast3months.

METHOD

Whisktheavocadooilandessentialoilsintotheglycerin.Slowlymixintherestoftheingredients.Pourintoahand-soapdispenser.Shakefromtimetotime.

LavenderHandwash

INGREDIENTS2tsp.Lavender-InfusedOil(seehere) 30dropslavenderessentialoil1tsp.glycerin2tbsp.LiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 2tbsp.+2tsp.boiledordistilledwater

2tbsp.+2tsp.lavenderwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keepseffectiveatleast3months.

METHOD

WhisktheLavender-InfusedOilandessentialoilintotheglycerin.ThenmakeanduseasforLuxuryMoisturizingHandwash(seehere).

MandarinHandwash

INGREDIENTS2tsp.infusedlemonoil(seehere)Essentialoils:20dropsmandarin20dropsorange10dropsteatree

1tsp.glycerin2tbsp.LiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 2tbsp.+2tsp.boiledordistilledwater

2tbsp.+2tsp.orange-flowerorwitchhazelwaterMAKES&KEEPSMakes1/2cup.Keepsatleast3months.

METHOD

MakeasforLuxuryMoisturizingHandwash(seehere).

AntibacterialLiquidHandwashThiscombinesthebacteria-zappingactionsofwitchhazel,teatree, lavender,andthymeto

makeapowerfulsoapwithafreshodor.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.almondoil

Essentialoils:20dropsteatree20dropslavender10dropsthyme

1tsp.glycerin2tbsp.LiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 3tbsp.+1tsp.boiledordistilledwater

2tbsp.distilledwitchhazel

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keepsatleast3months.

METHOD

MakeasforLuxuryMoisturizingHandwash(seehere).

MoisturizingWorkingHandScrubCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS51/2tbsp.fineseasalt upto63/4tbsp.sunfloweroilEssentialoils:10dropslemon15dropslavender10dropsgeranium

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Putthesaltintoabowlandtrickleenoughsunfloweroilintoittomakeathickpaste.Addtheessentialoilsandstirwell.Storeinajar.

Wetyourhandsandmassageabout1tsp.ofthescrubgentlyintoyourhands.Rinseoff.Theoilshouldleaveyourhandsfeelingsoft.

ClaySoapAlternativeA simple claywash for your face, hands, body, and hair.Use any fine clay earth, such as

TilakfromIndiaorRassoulClayfromMorocco,orwhateveryouhavelocally(ifyoudigup

yourown,besuretocarefullysiftandfilterittoremovepebbles).

INGREDIENTS1–3tsp.fineclay1–3tsp.rosewater

MAKES&KEEPS

1wash.Makeandusesameday.

METHOD

Wetyourskin,takealittleclaypowder,andrubitoveryourskin,applyingmorewaterasneeded.Letitstayontheskinforafewminutes,andwashoff.Foralovelyfacewash,mixtheclaywithalittlerosewaterandthenapply.

PsoriasisSkinScrubCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

Usethisgentlealternativetosoapinthebathorshowertohelpwithdescaling.

INGREDIENTS1/2cupcoconutoil 1/4cupLavender-InfusedOil(seehere) ³cupoatmeal25drops/1/4tsp.helichynumessentialoilMAKES&KEEPS

Makesalmost1cup.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Meltthecoconutandlavenderoilsinadoubleboilerorwaterbath.Letsituntilitstartstocool.Whiskuntilitislukewarmandtheoilisstartingtosolidify.Blendintheoatmealandaddtheessentialoil.

Beforebathing,applyskinscrubtoafaceclothandlightlyruboverthebody.Soakinthebathorshower,rubbingtheskinwhileinthewater.Toweldry,leavingtheskinsoftandsmooth.

AntiagingSkinScrubCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

INGREDIENTS1/2cupcoconutoil 1/4cupLavender-infusedOil(seehere) ³cupoatmeal

Essentialoils:15dropsfrankincense4dropsgeranium4dropsnerolilight10dropslavender

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeanduseasforPsoriasisSkinScrub(seehere).

HealingSkinScrubCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

INGREDIENTS1/2cupcoconutoil 1/4cupLavender-infusedOil(seehere) 1/3cupoatmealEssentialoils:

1/4tsp.lavender 10dropsgeranium

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

CoconutScrubforBlemishesCourtesyofLynnRawlinson

INGREDIENTS1/2cupcoconutoil 1/4cupLavender-infusedOil(seehere) 1/3cupoatmealEssentialoils:

30dropslavender10dropschamomile

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes/almost1cup.Keeps1year.

METHOD

SoapwortShampooforDarkHairCourtesyofTeriEvans

Thisleavesyourhairsosoftandglossyyouwillloveit!

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1/2oz.Irishmossseaweed 1oz.soapwortroot,coarselyground1/2oz.sage 2/3cupboilingwaterMAKES&KEEPS

Enoughfor1–2applications.Usewithin3days.

METHOD

CrumbletheIrishmossandmixinwiththeotherdryingredients.Putintoabowlandpourintheboilingwater.Letcoolstirringoccasionally.Strainthroughcheesecloth,pushingitthroughtoleaveagreenishslime.

Uselikenormalshampoo,butdon’texpectittofoam.Rinsewell.

Note:Avoidgettingitinyoureyes—itwillstingalot.

SoapwortShampooforBlondesCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1/2oz.Irishmossseaweed 1oz.soapwortroot,coarselyground1/2oz.chamomile 2/3cupboilingwaterMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeanduseasforSoapwortShampooforDarkHair(seehere).

SoapwortShampooforRedheadsCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS

Driedherbs:1/2oz.Irishmossseaweed 1oz.soapwortroot,coarselyground1/2oz.marigoldpetals 2/3cupboilingwaterMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeanduseasforSoapwortShampooforDarkHair(seehere).

RedCloverMildShampooFornormalhair,andalsogoodforchildren.

INGREDIENTS1cupboilingdistilledwater1/4cupfreshredcloverflowers(or1/4oz.dried) 1tsp.apricotkerneloiloralmondoil

2dropsRomanchamomileessentialoil2tbsp.liquidsoap,castileifdesired(seehere),oranykindofshampoobaseMAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustover1cup.Keepsupto2months.

METHOD

MakeanduseasforComfrey&ElderShampooforDryHair(seehere).

Comfrey&ElderShampooforDryHairCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS1/4cupfreshcomfreyroot(or1/4oz.dried) 1/4cupfreshelderflowers(or1/4oz.dried) 1cupboilingdistilledwater

Essentialoils:6dropsneroli6dropslavender1tsp.apricotkerneloiloralmondoil2tbsp.liquidsoap,castileifdesired(seehere),oranytypeofshampoobaseMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Infusetheherbswiththeboilingwaterfor20minutes(seehere).Strainandmixtheessentialoilswiththeapricotkerneloralmondoil,thenmixthoroughlywiththesoaporshampoobase.Gentlymixwiththeinfusedherbs.

Shakegentlybeforeeachuse.

WillowShampooforOilyHairCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS1cupboilingdistilledwater1/3oz.driedwhitewillowbark 1/3oz.driedlemongrass(or1/4cupfreshlygrated) 1tsp.apricotkerneloiloralmondoil

Essentialoils:6dropsbergamot6dropscedarwood2tbsp.liquidsoap,castileifdesired(seehere),oranykindofshampoobaseMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeanduseasdescribedforComfrey&ElderShampooforDryHair(seehere).

BurdockAntidandruffShampooCourtesyofKarenStephenson

INGREDIENTS1cupboilingdistilledwater1/4cupgratedfreshburdockroot(or1/4oz.dried) 1/4cupfreshchamomileflowers(or1/4oz.dried) 1tsp.apricotkerneloiloralmondoil

12dropsrosemaryessentialoil2tbsp.liquidsoap,castileifdesired(seehere),oranykindofshampoobaseMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Cornstarch&RosemaryDryShampooAquickalternativetowashingyourhair.

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.driedrosemary,groundtoapowder1cupcornstarch

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1cup.Keepsatleastayearifkeptdry.

METHOD

Thoroughlymixtherosemaryandcornstarch.Storeinasugarshakerforeasyuse.Applyalittleofthepowdertoyourhairroots.Rubitinwellwithyourfingers,thenbrushitthoroughlytoremovethegrease.

—Tip—ADDACOUPLEOFDROPSOFANESSENTIALOILTOYOURSHAMPOO

FORASTRONGERFRAGRANCE.

Nettle&SageShampooforGrayingHairUsethistoslowdowngraying.

INGREDIENTS1cupboilingdistilledwater1/3oz.driednettles 1/3oz.driedsage 1tsp.almondoil4dropsrosemaryessentialoil2tbsp.liquidsoap,castileifdesired(seehere),oranykindofshampoobaseMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

HairMudCourtesyofTeriEvans

Suitable forallhair types exceptverydry.Eitheruse itasa shampooor leave it in for20

minutesasadeepcleansinghairpack.Yourhairfeelsincrediblycleanafteruse.

INGREDIENTS1/2tbsp.rhassoulmudpowder(thisisaMoroccanmudfromtheAtlasMountainsbutyoucanuseanykindofclay) 2tbsp.herbalinfusion(seehere):chamomileforblonde;marigoldforred;nettleforbrown;sageorblackteaforblackMAKES&KEEPS

Enoughfor1–2applications.Keepintherefrigeratorandusewithin1week.

METHOD

Mixthemudandherbalinfusionwell.Letitsitfor5minutes.Stiragainandaddmoreinfusion,ifneeded.

Massagetheclaythroughyourhairlikeashampoo.Letsitforafewminutes,thenrinseoffthoroughly.

Orange,Lime&GrapefruitConditionerCourtesyofEmmaWarrener

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:1tsp.coconutoil2tbsp.emulsifyingwax1tsp.grapeseedoil

1/2cupwater(orfloralwater,orherbalinfusion) 1tsp.glycerinoilfrom2(400IU)vitaminEcapsules

Essentialoils:30dropssweetorange30dropslime30dropsgrapefruit

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder2/3cup.Keepsupto1year.

METHOD

Gentlyheattheoilfractioninadoubleboilerwiththewater(orfloralwaterorherbalinfusion)inthebottompan.Whentheoilsaremelted,removethepanfromtheheatandletcoolfor5minutes.

Meanwhile,measurethewarmedwaterandtopupto1/2cup.Addtheglycerintothewaterandstirthoroughly.

Slowlyaddthewatermixturetotheoilmixture,whiskingcontinuously.Themixturewillthickenupasitcoolsdown.Onceallofthewaterhasbeenadded,mixinthevitaminEoilandessentialoils.

Letcoolcompletely,whiskingnowandthentomakesurethattheliquiddoesn’tseparate.

Storeinarecycledplasticshampoo/conditionerbottleforeaseofuse.

Applytoclean,wethair,leaveinfor2–4minutes,thenrinsethoroughly.

Nit-DeterringConditioner

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:1tsp.coconutoil2tbsp.emulsifyingwax1tsp.neemoil

1/2cupwater(orlavenderwaterorquassiainfusion) 1tsp.glycerinoilfrom2(400IU)vitaminEcapsules

Essentialoils:30dropsteatree40dropslavender20dropsthyme

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder2/3cup.Keeps1–2months.

METHOD

MakeanduseasforOrange,Lime&GrapefruitConditioner(seehere).

—Variation—VARYTHEESSENTIALOILSTOSUITYOURNEEDS.SEETHEHERBAL

INFUSIONSANDOILSUSEDINTHESHAMPOORECIPESFOR

INSPIRATION.IFYOUADDANHERBALINFUSIONINPLACEOFTHE

WATER,THECONDITIONERWILLKEEPONLYUPTO1–2MONTHS.

—Tip—PURE,PLAINYOGURTISAGOODCONDITIONER.APPLYTOHAIRAS

YOUWOULDASTORE-BOUGHTCONDITIONER.ONCEEVERY1–2

WEEKSUSEADEEPTREATMENT,SUCHASHAIRMILKOROIL.

TropicalHairMilkCourtesyofTeriEvans

Thisalternative toahotoil treatment is less greasybutdeeply conditioning for thehair. It

smellsdeliciouslytropical.Suitableforallhairtypes.

INGREDIENTSjustunder1/2cupcoconutmilk 7dropslemonbalmoil4dropsylang-ylangessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Enoughfor1application.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Combinealltheingredientsinabowl.

Massageintoyourhairandleaveitinfor10–20minutes.Washwithagentleshampoo.

Youcanusethistreatmentuptoonceaweek,asdesired.

All-NaturalHotOilHairTreatment

INGREDIENTS1cupoliveoil3tbsp.driedrosemaryleaves

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Makeaninfusedoilwiththerosemaryandoliveoil(seehere).Washyourhairandtoweldry.Apply2–5tbsp.oftheoiltoyourhairandmassageit.Putaplasticcaponandwrapyourheadinatowel.After45–90minutes,washyourhairwithagentleshampoo.

Useweeklyorless,asrequired.

SweetRoseHairOilAsweet-smellinghairoil,simpletomake.

INGREDIENTS1/2oz.driedrosepetalsorbuds about1cupcoconutoil4–8dropsrose(orrosegeranium)essentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1cup.Keeps6–12months.

METHOD

Puttherosesandthecoconutoilintoadoubleboiler.Heatonlowheatfor2–3hours.Strain,addtheessentialoil,andpourintoajar.

MeltanduseasdescribedforAll-NaturalHotOilHairTreatment(seehere).Alternatively,applyalittletoyourfingersandmassageintotheendsofyourhairdailytomoisturize.

HairGrowthTonicCourtesyofJohannaHerzog

Helpstostimulateandwarmthescalp,sohelpinghairgrowth.

INGREDIENTS2cupsvodka1/2cupwater 2handfulsoffreshyoungbirchleaves(collectedinspring),shredded 2handfulsoffreshnettleleavesandroots

1–2freshburdockroots,chopped1vanillabean(optional)

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Mixinacoveredjarandletsitfor2weeks,thenstrainasforanytincture(Seehere)

Dilutealittleofthetonicwiththesameamountofwaterandmassageintothescalpdaily.

RosemaryVinegarHelpstopromotehairgrowthasahairrinse,andtoimprovethememoryandcirculationasa

drink. It has a fresh smell and some antiseptic properties, so is also useful in cleaning

products.

INGREDIENTS1cuprosemaryfloweringtops2cupsAppleCiderVinegar(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesalmost2cups.Keepsatleast2years.

METHOD

Makeasforvinegars(Seehere).

Foruseonhair,dilute1partto2partswater.Applyonwethairafterwashing/conditioningasafinalrinse.Youcanalsoputitinaspraybottleandsprayontowethair.

Hair&HerbalVinegarsHerbalvinegars,whenusedasahairrinse,willencourageshineandhelprestoreyourhair’s

protectiveacidpH.Differentvinegarscanbeusedfordifferenteffect.Trynettleandrosemaryfor

promotingthicknessandincreasedhairgrowth,orrosemaryandafewdropsofteatreeoiltotreat

dandruff,orsagetodarkengrayinghair.

⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄

CinnamintToothpasteCourtesyofMonikaGhent

Towhitentheteethandstrengthenandhealgums.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.bakingsoda2tbsp.whitekaolinclaypowder1tbsp.arrowrootpowder1/2tsp.vitaminCpowder 1tsp.groundcinnamonupto11/2tsp.pureliquidsoap(castilesoap,especiallyDr.Bronner’s,isrecommended) 15–20dropspeppermintessentialoil

Tinctures(Seehere):30–50dropsstevia1tsp.echinacea1tsp.sage1tsp.3percenthydrogenperoxide(naturallywhitensteeth)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesjustunder1/4cup.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Combinealltheingredientsinajarandstirwell.Slowlyaddalittlewatertomakeapaste,andstore.

Useasyouwouldanytoothpaste.

Teri’sToothPowderCourtesyofTeriEvans

Asimpleandeffectivetoothpowder.

INGREDIENTS1tbsp.arrowroot1tsp.seasalt1/2tsp.bakingsoda 2dropspeppermintorcinnamonessentialoil

YOUWILLNEED•AMORTARANDPESTLE

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes41/2tsp.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogetherwell.Poundtoadrypastewiththemortarandpestleandstore.

Useasyouwouldanytoothpaste.

—Variation—ADD2DROPSOFCLOVEOILTOTHISTOOTHPOWDERFORA

STRONGLYANTISEPTICEFFECT.

MedicatedToothPowderforGumDisease

INGREDIENTS1/2tsp.groundmyrrh 1/2tsp.groundcloves 4tsp.bakingsoda1tsp.salt3tsp.chickpea(besan)flour

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes3tbps.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Combinealltheingredients,mixingwell.Storeinsmallairtightjars.

Useasmallsprinkle,applyasanytoothpaste.Useddaily,thisamountcouldlast1–3months.

MedicinalMouthwash&GargleHelpstotreatgumdisease,mouth,andthroatinfections.

INGREDIENTS

Tinctures(Seehere):4tsp./20mlmyrrh4tsp./20mlcloves4tsp./20mlpeppermint4tsp./20mlsage4tsp./20mlhorsechestnut

Essentialoils:1droplavender1dropgeranium1dropeucalyptus

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keeps2yearsormore.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogetherinabottle.

Shakebeforeuse.Dilute1/2tsp.in2tbsp.warmwater.Usetogargleormouthwashtwicedaily.

Sage&LavenderDeodorantCourtesyofTeriEvans

Afloralscentthatwomenmayprefer.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.driedsage2tbsp.+2tsp.witchhazel3tsp.freshcleavers(2tsp.dried)1tbsp.vodka1tsp.benzointincture(Friar’sBalsam)

Essentialoils:5dropssage5dropslavender

YOUWILLNEED•2-FL.-OZ.SPRAYBOTTLE

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesalmost1/4cup.Keeps3–6months.

METHOD

Letthesageinfuseinthewitchhazelfor2weeks,andthecleaversinfuseinthevodkafor2weeks(seehere).Strainandpressboth,thencombine.Addalltheotheringredientsandmixinabottlewithaspraytop.Shakewell.

Shakebeforeuseanduseasanormaldeodorant.Menmaypreferitwithoutthelavender;simplyaddsageoilinplaceofthelavender.

CitrusFreshDeodorantCourtesyofTeriEvans

Afreshsmellthatmenmayprefer.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.driedsage2tbsp.+2tsp.witchhazel1tbsp.freshcleavers(2tsp.dried)1tbsp.vodka1tsp.benzointincture(Friar’sBalsam)

Essentialoils:5dropslemongrass5dropstangerine

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeasforSage&LavenderDeodorant(seehere).

SandalwoodDeodorantCourtesyofTeriEvans

Amuskyandsexyfragranceformenandwomen.

INGREDIENTS2tsp.driedsage2tbsp.+2tsp.witchhazel1tbsp.freshcleavers(2tsp.dried)1tbsp.vodka1tsp.benzointincture(Friar’sbalsam)

Essentialoils:5dropssage5dropssandalwood

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeasforSage&LavenderDeodorant(seehere).

TeaTree&LemonDeodorantPowder

INGREDIENTS1cupwhitekaolinclaypowder1/4cupbakingsoda 11/2oz.arrowrootEssentialoils:20dropsteatree20dropslemon

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/2cups.Keeps1–2yearsinanairtightcontainer.

METHOD

Combineallthedryingredientsinabowl.Slowlyaddtheessentialoils,stirringcontinuously.Siftthepowderbeforestoring.

Lavender&SageDeodorantPowderCourtesyofMonikaGhent

This effective, body-friendly, underarm deodorant can also be used as baby powder.Men

maypreferitwithoutthelavenderoil.

INGREDIENTS4oz.whitekaolinclaypowder1/4cupbakingsoda 11/2oz.arrowrootEssentialoils:20dropslavender20dropssage

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes/11/2cups.Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Mixallthedryingredientswellinabowl.Slowlydripintheessentialoils,stirringconstantlythroughout.Siftthedeodorantintoasecondbowluntilallthepowderhaspassedthroughthesifter.

Youwillbeleftwithlittleballsofpowderandessentialoil.Usingyourfist,gentlyrubyourhandaroundthesiftertobreakuptheseballssothattheypassthrough.Repeattheprocesstwotimes.Thentransferthemixtureintooneormoreglassjars.

Applyadustingofthepowderafterwashinganddrying.

LuxuryShavingCreamforWomen

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:1/4cupsweetalmondoil(orapricotoilorjojobaoil) 2tbsp.sheabutterorcocoabutter

Waterfraction:11/2cupsspringwater/filteredwater 1tsp.bakingsoda1/4cupLiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 1/4cuphoney 1/4cupaloeveragelEssentialoils:

5dropsrose5dropsjasmine

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups.Keepsatleast3months.

METHOD

Heattheoilandbutterinadoubleboilerforafewminutesuntilitlooksclear.

Removethepanandletcool.Usethelowerpanofthedoubleboilertoheat.Gentlyheatthewater,bakingsoda,andliquidsoap.Stiruntiltheyarecompletelydissolvedandmixed,thenaddthehoneyandaloeveraandmixin.

Slowlymixthismixtureintotheoils,alittleatatime.Stircontinuously.

Finally,addtheessentialoilsandblendforafewminutes.Thenletstandforafewminutesandblendagain.Pourintojars.

Massagealittleintotheskinbeforeshaving.

MoisturizingShavingCreamforMen

INGREDIENTS

Oilfraction:1/4cupsweetalmondoil(orapricotoilorjojobaoil) 2tbsp.sheabutter

Waterfraction:11/2cupsspringwater/filteredwater 1tsp.bakingsoda1/4cupLiquidCastileSoap(seehere) 1/4cupaloeveragelEssentialoils:4dropspine5dropsrosemary

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout2cups.Keepsatleast3months.

METHOD

MakeanduseasforLuxuryShavingCreamforWomen(seehere),addingthealoeverawhenyouwouldhaveaddedaloeveraandhoney.

TreePowerAntisepticAftershaveThissimpleaftershaveisantisepticandstronglyastringent.

INGREDIENTS20dropsteatreeessentialoil1/2cupdistilledwitchhazelMAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1/2cup.Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientsandstore.

Applyalittletoskinaftershaving.

GreenDragonShavingOilCourtesyofAlainaMecklenburgh

INGREDIENTS1/3cupalmondoil 4tsp.glycerin

Essentialoils:20dropseucalyptus20dropslavender50drops/1/2tsp.peppermintMAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Combinealltheingredientsandstoreinaglassbottle.

Shakebeforeuse.Wetyourface,put5–6dropsonyourhands,andapplytoskin.Shaveasusual.

HerbyAftershave

INGREDIENTS2tbsp.rosemaryleaves(freshordry)2tbsp.lavenderflowers(freshordry)2tbsp.chamomileflowers(freshordry)1/4cupspringwater 1/4cupvodka 1/4cupwitchhazel 1tbsp.oliveoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesalmost2/3cup.Keeps6months–1year.

METHOD

Mixeverythingtogetherexceptfortheoliveoil.Makeatincture(Seehere).Afterstrainingandpressingouttheliquid,addtheoliveoilandbottle.

Shakebeforeeachuse.

Splashalittleontotheskinaftershaving.

VARIOUSODDITIESEverythingweneedcomesfromplants—andsomethingswedon’tneed,too.Frominktocarwaxandsomeweirdandwonderfulthingsinbetween,thissectioncontainsamiscellanyofusefulrecipesIhaveconcoctedandgatheredovertheyears.

Blue-PurpleInk

INGREDIENTS2handfulsofripeelderberries(orbilberries/huckleberries) 1/4cupvinegar 1/2tsp./2.5mlbenzointincture(Friar’sBalsam)ormyrrhtincture 5dropsthymeorrosemaryessentialoil

1tsp.gumarabic

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout1/4cup.Keepsaround6months.

METHOD

Simmertheberriesinthevinegar,mashingwithapotatomasherandstirringtopreventthemfromburning,for15minutes.Strainandpressthroughcheeseclothtogetallthejuiceout(wearglovesbecausethisjuiceseriouslystains).

Mixtheotheringredientswiththedye/vinegarmixtureandbottle.

Usetheinkforpaintingorforwritingwithadippingpenandinkwell.

BrownInkCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS6–8wholewalnuts,gatheredfromthegroundwhenblackenedwithage 1/2cupwater 1/2cupvinegar 1tsp./5mlbenzointincture(Friar’sBalsam)ormyrrhtincture 5dropsthymeorrosemaryessentialoil

1tsp.gumarabicforeach1/4cupofdyeMAKES&KEEPSMakesabout1/4cup.Keepsupto1year.

METHOD

Simmerthewalnutinjustenoughwatertocoverfor30minutes–1hour,toppingupwiththevinegarasthewaterboilsaway.Youshouldendupwith1/4–1/2cupofdarkbrownliquid.

Straintheliquidandpressthroughcheesecloth(useglovesandbecareful,becausethisdyewillseriouslystain).Mixtheotheringredientswiththeliquidandbottle.

UseasforBlue-PurpleInk(seehere).

RosePetalBeadsCourtesyofKamalaTodd

TheoriginalRosaryprayerbeads.

INGREDIENTS101/2cupsfresh,fragrantrosepetals springwater(variableamount)

YOUWILLNEED•IRONPOTORCAULDRON

Well-madebeadscanlastmorethan100years.

METHOD

Puttherosepetalsintoalittlespringwaterintheironcauldronandcoverwithalid.Gentlysimmer(neverboilhardortheessentialoilswillbelost)for5hoursadayforupto5days.Addmorewaterasrequiredtostoptherosepetalsfromdryingoutorburning.

Strainandpresstheliquidthroughcheeseclothtoleaveathick,smooth,blackpaste.Rollthepasteintobeadshapes,usingyourhands(theyshrinktoone-quartertoone-halfofthesizewhendry).

Placethebeadsonaplateandletsitinadry,warmplace(awayfromdirectsunlight)for5–10daystodry.Rolleachdaytogetadense,smooth,roundbead.Beforetheyarecompletelydry,pushathickneedlethroughthemiddle.

Storefullydriedbeadsinglassjars.Donotletthebeadsgetwet.

WaterproofingMixforCanvasCourtesyofTeriEvans

INGREDIENTS1cupsoy,grapeseedoralmondoil1/2cupturpentineMAKES&KEEPS

Makes11/2cups.Keepsatleast1year.

METHOD

Mixtogetherandstoreinacoolplace.

Towaterproof,paint2–3coatsontodrycanvas.

LemonBootPolishCourtesyofTonyHaslegrave

INGREDIENTS5tsp.beeswax1/4cup+2tsp.turpentine 1tbsp.linseedoil20dropslemonessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1/2cup.Keepsforyears.

METHOD

Heattogetherthebeeswax,turpentine,andlinseedoiluntilthewaxmelts,beingcarefulnottoputitontoohighaflameoritwillcatchfire.Addthelemonessentialoil,thenpouritintocanswhilestillliquid.

WalnutProtectionRemedyCourtesyofLucyHarmer

Helpstorelievethestressofmovingandtoprotectifyoufeelunsettledorunderattack.

INGREDIENTS15greenwalnuts,cutinto6–8pieces2cupsbrandy

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes2cups.Keepsforyears.

METHOD

Maceratethewalnutsinthebrandyfor6weeksinadarkplace.Stirevery6days.Strainandbottleasfortinctures(Seehere).

Touse,fillasmalldropperbottlehalfwaywiththeremedyandtopitupwithspringwater.Take3–5drops3timesdailywheneveryoufeelvulnerable.

SageSmudgeStickCourtesyofLucyHarmer

Smudging,whichoriginatesinNativeAmericantraditions,isagreatwaytocleanseaspace,

home,oroffice.Mostsmudgesticksaremadeofsagebecauseitissuchagreatpurifier.

INGREDIENTSseveralsmallstemsfreshsage,about6–15incheslongYOUWILLNEED

•THINSTRINGORCOTTONYARNABOUT5FEETLONG

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1stick.Keeps1–2years.

METHOD

Laythesagestemstogethersothatallthecutendsareonthesameside.

Windthestringorcottontightlyaroundthestems,leaving2inchesofloosestringorcottonwhereyoubegan.Next,windthestringalongthelengthofthebundleuntilyoureachtheleafyend.Returntothestemend,thuscreatingacrisscrosspattern.

Whenyougetbacktothestems,tietheremainderofthestringorcottontothe2-inchloosepieceyouleftatthebeginning.

Hangthebundleuptodryinadryplacefor3–7days.

Whenyoursmudgestickhasdried,youcanlighttheleafyend.Letitsmolderandsendthesmokearoundaperson,anobject,oryourhometocleanseandpurify.Snuffthesageoutbypressingthestickdownonaplateorsmallbowl—donotextinguishwithwater,becauseitisthenreallydifficulttolightagain.

Sage&LavenderSmudgeStickCourtesyofLucyHarmer

Usetoincreasementalenergyandfeeluplifted.

INGREDIENTS5stemsfreshsage,about6–15incheslong5stemsfreshsage,about6–8incheslong5stemsfreshlavender,about6–8incheslong

YOUWILLNEED•THINSTRINGORCOTTONYARNABOUT5FEETLONG

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeasfortheSageSmudgeStick(seehere).

—Variation—ADDALITTLEFRESHMUGWORTTOTHISBUNDLEFORAMORE

HEALINGVIBRATION.

ProtectionSmudgeStickCourtesyofLucyHarmer

Usetoclearoutandcleanseaspacefromallnegativeenergyandoutsideinfluences.

INGREDIENTS3stemsfreshrosemary,about6–15incheslong3stemsfreshlavender,about6–15incheslong3stemsfreshjuniper,about6–15incheslong

YOUWILLNEED•THINSTRINGORCOTTONYARNABOUT5FEETLONG

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

MakeasfortheSageSmudgeStick(seehere).

HerbalHouseCleansingStickCourtesyofLucyHarmer

AnancientEuropeantechniqueforclearingdomesticspace.

INGREDIENTS2cupsspringwater3largepinchesofsalt2sprigsfreshmint2sprigsfreshrosemary2sprigsfreshmarjoram

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesenoughfor1use.Useimmediately.

METHOD

Pourthewaterintoabowlandaddthesalt.

Weavetheherbsprigstogethertomakeathickloosestick.

Dipthestickinthesaltwater.Sprinklearoundtheinsideandoutsideofthehome.

HappyHomeCharmCourtesyofLucyHarmer

AtraditionalEuropeancharm.

INGREDIENTSpinchofdriedrue2oakleaves3deadbumblebees(thathavediednaturally)

YOUWILLNEED•ASMALLPOUCHOFNATURALCLOTH

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1charm.Keeps1year.

METHOD

Puttheingredientsintothepouch,thinkingofyourgoal.Hangthepouchnexttothefrontdoor.

HouseProtectionCharmCourtesyofLucyHarmer

INGREDIENTS1tsp.driedvervain1tsp.dillseeds1tsp.driedrosemaryleaves1tsp.driedbayleaves1tsp.driedSt.John’swort1tsp.juniperberriespinchofsalt

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Puttheingredientsintothepouch,thinkingofyourgoal.

Squeezethepouchtoreleasetheherbs’fragrance.Hangnexttothefrontdoortobringprotectiontoyourhomeandwardoffevil.

GoodSleepCharmCourtesyofLucyHarmer

INGREDIENTS2tsp.driedmugwort2tsp.driedrue2tsp.driedlavender2tsp.driedangelica2tsp.driedchamomile

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Squeezethepouchtoreleasetheherbs’fragrance.Hangonabedpostorplaceunderyourpillowforprotectionwhileasleepandforgooddreams.

GoodLuckCharmCourtesyofLucyHarmer

INGREDIENTS4oakleavessmallpieceofdriedheather1tsp.driedorangepeel1acorn1citrinequartzcrystal

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Squeezethepouchtoreleasetheherbs’fragrance.Hangitnexttothefrontdoororcarryitwithyouthroughtheday.

ProsperousHouseCharmCourtesyofLucyHarmer

INGREDIENTS1tsp.oats1tsp.cloves1tsp.smallpiecesofcinnamonstick1tsp.mandrakerootfewgoldflakes

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Squeezethepouchtoreleasetheherbs’fragrance.Hangitnexttothefrontdoortobringabundanceandwealthtoyourhome.

HerbalMouseDeterrent

INGREDIENTS1cupwater2tbsp.basil2tbsp.peppermint

Essentialoils:2tsp.peppermint2tsp.rosemary2tsp.clove

MAKES&KEEPS

METHOD

Pourboilingwaterontheherbsandletcool.Strainandaddtheessentialoilstothestrongherbtealiquid.Mixwell.

Soakacottonballthoroughlyinthestrong-smellingmix.Placearoundthemouse’sentrypointtoyourhome.Repeatevery2–4weeks.

StingingNettleString

INGREDIENTS10ormorefreshnettlestems(tall,longstraightonesareneeded)MAKES&KEEPS

Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Wearinggloves,pullthenettleoutoftheground.Rubthestinginghairsandstriptheleavesoffthestem.

Cutabout1inchoffthebottomandtoppiecesofthestem.

Crushthestemallalongwithyourfingers.Putafingernailinatthebottomandopenitupallthewayalongtothetop,spreadingitopenlikeabook.

Bendtheflattenedstemoverafinger,withtheinsidefacingupwardtosnaptheinsidefibers.Carefullypeeloffanddiscardthese.

Thenettle’stoughoutsidefiberscanbebraidedtomakeacord.Take2ormorefiberstogetherandsecureoneend.Twistbothfromtheotherend,thenfoldtheminhalf.The2twistedsideswilltwisttogetherandnaturallyformastrongcord.

Letthecorddrysomewherewarmfor2hours.

PungentPestControlSprayforPlantsControlspestsonoutdoororindoorplantswithoutharmingtheplant.

INGREDIENTS6largefreshchiles2cupswater1headgarlic,peeledandcrushed

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesnearly2cups.Keepsabout1weekintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Boilthechilesinthewaterfor15minutes.Addthegarlicandletsteepforseveralhoursorovernight.Strainwellthroughcheeseclothandputinaspraybottlereadytouse.

Sprayaffectedplantsthoroughly,coatingtheleaves,stems,andsoil.

CautionBestusedoutside.Becarefulwhensprayingbecausethechilecanreallystingifitgetsupyournoseorinyoureyes.Keepawayfromchildrenorpets.

Tobacco&TeaTreePlantSprayAneffectiveremedyagainstmanyinsects.

INGREDIENTS2cupsboilingwater1handfuloftobacco(suchasacheappipetobacco) 100drops/1tsp.teatreeessentialoil

MAKES&KEEPS

Makesnearly2cups.Keepsabout5daysintherefrigerator.

METHOD

Pourtheboilingwateroverthetobacco.Letcool.Strainandaddtheteatreeessentialoilandputinaspraybottle.

Sprayaffectedplants.

Eco-SudsyCarSoapAsoapymixthatisperfectforwashingthecar.

INGREDIENTS1cupliquidsoap1/4cuplaundrypowder 1largepailofwater

MAKES&KEEPS

Makes1wash.

METHOD

Mixtheingredientstogetherasyouneedthem.

Washthecarwiththemixture.Rinsewell,thenusePlantPowerCarWax(seehere).

PlantPowerCarWaxThislemonywaxusescarnauba—arich,thickwaxfromtheleavesofthecarnaubapalmfrom

Brazil.Youcanmakethiswithoutthecarnaubaifyoucan’tget it,butitwon’tbeaslong-

lastingoreffective.

INGREDIENTS1cuplinseedoil1/4cupcarnaubawax 2tbsp.beeswax11/2cupsinfusedlemonvinegar(seehere)MAKES&KEEPS

Makesabout3cups.Keepsindefinitely.

METHOD

Heattheingredientsgently(inadoubleboiler)untilthewaxhasmelted.Stir,thenpourintoaheat-resistantcontainer.

Whenthemixtureiscool,itwillsolidify.Rubitonthecarwithalint-freecloth.Polishtoadeepshinewiththecornerofacottondustersoakedinvinegar.

HerbDirectory

ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM

Yarrow

Longusedtostaunchwounds(onbattlefieldsandelsewhere),yarrow’spinkywhiteflowersandfeatheryleavesgracemanyafieldandgrasslandareaintemperatezonesacrosstheworld.

USES Yarrowisusedtotreatperiodpains,highbloodpressure,bloodvesselproblems,fevers,andrespiratoryallergies;itcanalsoimprovedigestion.Althoughyarrowstopshemorrhaging,takenbothinternallyandusedexternally,theleavesandflowersareanticlottingforthecirculatorysystem.Takeastea,tincture,lotion,salve,orpoultice.

Itsrootsecretionsareknowntobestrengtheningtootherplants,makingthemmoreresistanttodisease,andtheplantrepelsharmfulinsectsintheyard.

Somepeopleareallergictoyarrow.Donotuseinpregnancy.

AESCULUSHIPPOCASTANUM

HorseChestnut

Thismajestictree,anativeofsoutheasternEurope,isnowcultivatedthroughouttheworld.Itproducesfragrantcandlesofsmallflowersandaprofusionofbrown,shiny,nutlikeseeds,protectedbyspikygreencases.

USES Theseeds,or“conkers,”areusedininternalandexternalmedicinestostrengthenbloodvessels,especiallytheveins.Inlargedoses,horsechestnutsarepoisonous—donotmistakeitforsweetchestnutandeattoomany.

Thesafemedicinaldoseisabout1–2gthreetimesdaily.Takeasatinctureorinpowderform,orapplyasalotionorcream.

AGRIMONIA SSP.

Agrimony

A3-foottallperennialherbwithcarrotlikeleaves,agrimonyisgreenontopandsilveryunderneath,withthinspikesofsmallyellowflowers.Itprefersawethabitat.

USES Agrimony’smainqualityisitsastringency,whichmeansitisdryingandtoningtomucousmembranes.Thismakesitusefultotonethedigestivesystem,andasamouthwashforgumdisease.Itisusedtotreatbladderandkidneyweakness.

Agrimonyisalsoaflowerremedyfortensionandpressure,especiallyforthosewhoputonabraveface.Externally,itisanexcellenthealerofwounds,includingvaricoseulcers.Takeasatea,tincture,orexternalpreparation.

ALCHEMILLAVULGARIS

Lady’sMantle

Thisdelicate,yellow-greenplanthassoft,capelikeleavesthatcollectdewandtiny,green-yellowflowers.Itisusuallyfoundindampmeadows,woods,andgrassymountains.

USES Anexcellentgeneraltonicforthewomb,lady’smantlestopsexcessbleeding—menstrualormenopausal—andregulatesthefemalehormonalcycle.Theherbalsohelpswomentorecoverfromemotionalandphysicaltraumarelatedtothewomb.Beingastringent,itcaneasediarrheaandmucousproblemsofthedigestivetract.Itsastringency,coupledwithanabilitytostembleeding,makeslady’smantleagoodhealerofwounds.Takeasateaoratincture,orinahealingsalveorpoultice.Itisnotgenerallyusedinpregnancy.

ALLIUM SATIVUM

Garlic

Thebulbofthistypical,easytogrowmemberoftheonionfamilyisusedincookingallovertheworld.Itscousin,Alliumursinum(wildgarlic,beargarlic,orramsons)—availableonlinetogrowfromseeds—growsalloverEuropeandcanbeusedsimilarly.

USES Garlicishighlyeffectiveinfightinginfectionsofallkinds,includingcoughsandcolds,sinusitis,andintestinalparasites.Usedintreatinghayfeverandotherallergies,itcanalsolowerbloodcholesterolandhighbloodpressure.

Someresearchhasfoundittobeapossibleneurotoxinthatadverselyaffectsthebrain,soitmaybebestregardedasamedicineforoccasionaluse.Garliccanbeeatenrawormadeintoapowerfultincture,orappliedexternallytoinfections.

ALOEVERA

Thiscactuslikeplanthaslong,pointed,succulentleavesedgedwithsmallwhiteteeth.Itisgoodtogrowasahouseplant,soyoucansplitthedarkgreenleaves,reachthecleargelwithin,anduseitfresh.

USES Aloejuiceisrichinvitamins,minerals,andhealth-givingenzymes.Itispowerfullydetoxifyingandanexcellentcleanser.Anti-inflammatoryforthestomachandcolon,aloejuiceisusedtotreatirritablebowelsyndrome(IBS)andotherdigestiveinflammations.Ithelpstohealburnsandulcersandisusedinmanyskinproducts.

Donottakeinpregnancyorwhenbreastfeeding,orifthekidneysareweak.Donottakeinternallylong-termwithoutregularbreaks.

ALTHAEAOFFICINALIS

Marshmallow

OriginallyfromAfricaandnowwidelycultivated,marshmallowisatallperennialherb.Ithaspalepinkflowersandsoft,furry,lightgreenleaves.

USES Theleavesandrootareusedtosoftenandsootheinflammationsofthelungs,digestivetract,urinarytract,andskin.Theroottendstobeusedmorefordigestionandlungs,theleavesforthekidneys.

Therootcanbechewedbyteethingbabies.InancientEgypt,marshmallowwasmixedwithoatsandhoneytomakeasacredconfectioneryofferedtothegods.

ANGELICAARCHANGELICA

Angelica

AtallandpowerfularomaticbitteroftheUmbelliferaefamily,angelicahastinyflowerswithdistinctive,umbrella-shapeflowerheads.Angelicaisfoundmostoftengrowingalongsiderivers,preferringdampandshadyplaces.OriginallynativetoSyria,itisnowwidelycultivated.

Becarefulwhencollectingthisherbbecauseangelicacaneasilybemistakenforhemlock,whichispoisonous.

USES Stemsandrootscanbeeaten.Inmedicinalterms,angelicaisanaromaticbitterthatremovesdampandcoldfromthebody.Itstimulatestheliveranddigestivetracts,andisavaluabletonicforthewholesystem.Therootisespeciallyusefulforthelungs.Allpartsoftheplantareused,inteas,tinctures,andfoods.Donottakemedicinallyduringpregnancy.

ARCTIUM LAPPA

Burdock

Inburdock’sfirstyear,onlytheleavesappear.Theyarelowtotheground,large,andflannelly,withadistinctivesmellandfeel,beingwoollyontheunderside.Initssecondyear,theplantgrowsatall,robuststemwithleavesandsmallpinkypurple,thistlelikeflowers,whichformseedburrs.NativetoEurope,itisnaturalizedintheUnitedStates.

USES Burdockisablood-cleansingherbthatisantibiotic,antifungal,andadaptagenic(protectsthebodyfromstress).Itlowersbloodsugar,stimulatesthekidneys,promotessweating,andisusedtotreatmanyskindiseases,aswellasarthritisandanyconditionwheredetoxifyingisnecessary.Theroot,leaves,andseedsareusedinteas,tinctures,andfoods.

ARMORACIARUSTICANA

Horseradish

HorseradishisamemberofthecabbagefamilynativetoEuropeandwesternAsia,thenintroducedtoNorthAmerica.Ithasstrong,largegreenleavesandsmallwhiteflowers.

USES Thoughbestknownasaculinaryherb,horseradishrootisausefulantibioticandimmune-stimulatingmedicine.Itisespeciallygoodforinfectionsofthesinuses,lungs,kidneys,anddigestivetract,andremovalofmucusfromthebody.Itisalsoastrongdiureticthatbreaksupkidneystonesandastimulantforthecirculation.

Horseradishiseasytogrowandbestusedfresh.Itistakeninternallyasatincture,tea,andfood,andusedexternallyinlotions.

ARTEMISIAABSINTHIUM

Wormwood

ThisbitterherbwithsmallyellowflowersisnativetoEurope,butnowalsogrowninAsiaandtheUnitedStates.Itcaneasilybegrownfromseedorbydividingtherootsinfall.

USES Wormwoodisusedtotreatparasiteinfectionsofthedigestivetractandasageneraltonic.Itisabitterliverstimulantthataffectsthecentralnervoussystem,andisbestusedinsmallamounts.Wormwoodwasakeyingredientintheliquor“absinthe,”whichhasmind-alteringeffects.

Itscousin,A.annua,orChinesewormwood,hasbeenfoundtobeeffectiveagainstmalaria.Incountrieswherethediseaseisprevalent,therehavebeenprogramstoencouragegrowingofChinesewormwoodforuseintreatments.

Donottakeduringpregnancy.

ARTEMISIAVULGARIS

Mugwort

AlsoknownasChrysanthamumweed,mugwortgrowsovermostofEuropeandNorthAmerica.Theunderleavesarewhite,theflowerswhite-greenandsmall,buttheygrowinprofusespikes.

USES Mugwortleavesandflowerbudscanbeusedtoflavorsoupsoreatenfortheirminerals(andtheirabilitytohelpthebodyabsorbminerals).Itisabitterlivertonicofparticularhelptothewomb,nervoussystem,andstomach.

Mugwortcanbetakenasateaortincture,andcanbesmoked,likeacigarette,orburnedasanincense.Itisalsousedinacupunctureinaprocedurecalled“moxibustion,”whereitisburnedintothepatient’sskin.Mugwortissaidtohelptodeveloplucid(conscious)dreaming.

ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS

HuangQiorMilkVetch

Therootofthisyellow-floweredmemberofthevetchfamilyhasbeenusedforthousandsofyearsinChinesemedicineforitsinvigoratingqualities.ItisnativetotemperateregionsoftheNorthernHemisphere.

USES Atonicfortheimmunesystem,milkvetchincreasesourabilitytofightoffviraldisease.Itsupportstheimmunesystem,sohelpswithchronicfatigue,andalsosupportspeoplehavingchemotherapyandradiationtherapy.Milkvetchisageneraltonicforthedigestion,heart,andliver,andmayalsobeusedtohelpprolapsedorgans,especiallythewomb.Therootisdecoctedintoateaormadeintoatincture.

AVENASATIVA

OatStraw

Oatsareatallgrasswithstraightstemsandsmallseedheads.Herbalistsuse“oatstraw”—thegreengrassandtopsofoatsbeforethematureoatsareformed—asapowerfulmedicine.ItisnativetotemperatepartsofEuropeandAsia,andiswidelycultivatedaroundtheworld.

USES Superrichinmineralsandvitamins,oatsareanutritious,health-enhancing,cholesterol-loweringfood.

Atonicandnourishingherbforthenerves,includingthebrain,oatstrawisusedforfatigue,depression,andanxiety,andtoimproveconcentration.Itcanhelpwithinsomniacausedbyoverexhaustionandmayalsobeusedasanaphrodisiacandreproductivetonic.Itistakenasateaortincture;thegrassmaybeeateningreensmoothies.

BAPTISIATINCTORIA

Horseflyweed/WildIndigo

Ayellow-floweredperennialinthevetchfamily,horseflyweedisnativetoNorthAmerica.Widelyusedinherbalmedicine,whereitisalsoknownaswildindigo,whichreferstoitstraditionaluseasabluedye.

USES Wildindigorootisusedinherbalmedicineasanantisepticbloodcleanserandtostimulateimmunityagainstinfection.Itisespeciallysuitedfordigestiveinfections,includingtyphus,gastricflu,mouthinfections,andsepsisanywhereinthebody.

BERBERISVULGARIS

Barberry

BarberryisathornydeciduousshrubfromAfrica,Asia,andsouthernEurope,nownaturalizedintheUnitedStates.Ithassmall,leatheryleaves,yellowbark,andflowersandredberries.

USES Inmanycountries,barberry’startredberriesareeateninsavorydishesandpreserves.Theyellowbarkofitsstemandrootareusedasadyeandapowerfulmedicine.

Barberrycontainsberberine,anantibacterial,antiprotozoal,andantiparasiteantibioticthatisalsoanti-inflammatory.Usedforintestinalinfectionsandeyeinfections,parasites,andmalaria,barberryisabitterstimulantfortheliver.

Donottakeduringpregnancyorlong-term(morethan2months).

MAHONIA AQUIFOLIUM

OregonGrape

Alsoknownashollyleavedbarberry,OregongrapeisanevergreenfromNorthAmericaintheBerberidaceaefamily,nowgrowninEurope.Growingto6feet,ithasprickly,hollylikeleaves,clustersofyellowflowers,andsmallblackberries.

USES Abittertonicfortheliveranddigestivesystem,Oregongrapealsocontainsberberine(socanbeusedinasimilarwaytobarberry,here).Itismuchusedtotreatpsoriasis,eczema,andotherskindiseases,beingadetoxifierandtonic.

Theinnerbarkproducesayellowdye,theberriesapurpleone.Berriescanalsobeeaten,usuallycookedandmixedwithasweeterfruit.Therootisusedinmedicines.

BORAGOOFFICINALIS

Borage

NativetotheMediterraneanandwidelygrownelsewhere,borageisabristlyhaired,brightgreenherbwithcharacteristicblue,star-shapeflowers.Star-floweroilisextractedfromitsseeds.Star-floweroilcontainshighlevelsofGLA(gammalinoleicacid),whichhasmanybeneficialhealtheffects,includinghelpingtoregulatehormonelevels,soitcanhelpreducePMS.

USES Borageiscoolingandmoistening,andisusedinherbalmedicineasanadrenaltonicforstress,exhaustion,anddepression.Itsoothesstomachinflammationsandreducescatarrhinthebody.

Borageleavesandflowerscanbeeatenandaredelicious.Theleavescontainlowlevelsofpyrrolixidinealkaloids,sotherearesomeconcernsaboutborage’ssafety,becauseinhighdosesthesedamagetheliver.Takeborageforonlyafewweeksatatime,anddonottakeifyouhaveanyliverdiseaseorweakness.Ifindoubt,consultamedicalherbalist.

CALENDULAOFFICINALIS

PotMarigold

OriginallyfromsouthernEurope,potmarigoldgrowsinanytemperateclimateandisnowfoundallovertheworld.Itiseasytogrowandidealfornovicegardeners.Thevibrantorangeflowershavemedicinaluse.

USES Potmarigoldisoneofthemostversatileandamazingplants.Theanti-inflammatoryflowershealwoundsandworkagainstbacteria,viruses,andfungalinfections.Theyareusedinpreparationsforskinproblemsofallkinds.

Potmarigoldflowersarealsoeffectiveasahealingremedyforthedigestivetract,andforstrengtheningtheliveraswellasthenervoussystem.

CAPSICUM SPP.

CayennePepper

Cayenneisahotchilepepperwithlonggreen“fruits,”whichusuallyturnredonripening.ItisnativetobothSouthandCentralAmerica.

USES Cayennepepperfruitsaretakenasapowerfulcirculatorystimulant,dilatingbloodvesselsandspeedingupflowaroundthebody.Theplantspeedsupmetabolism,helpstoburnfat,andsuppressestheappetite:itisalsosaidtobeanaphrodisiac.

Cayennepepperisconsumedasapowderortincture,ortakenexternallyasawarmingpain-killer.Itisalsousedasaspraytodeterinsectsonotherplants.Donotuseonbrokenskinordelicateareas,andkeepawayfromtheeyes.

Donottakemedicinaldosesinpregnancy.

CHELIDONIUM MAJUS

GreaterCelandine

Amemberofthepoppyfamilywithsmallyellowflowers,thestemofgreatercelandinesproducesanorangelatex.(Latexisamilkyexudatethatsomeplantscontain,includingopiuminpoppiesandrubberfromrubberplants.)NativetoEurope,itiswidelygrownintheUnitedStates.

USES Abittertonicforallmannerofliverandgallbladderdiseases,greatercelandineisalsoamildsedativefortheinternalorgans.Itisusedtotreatwhoopingcough,asthmaandbronchitiswithspasm,andforpaininthedigestivesystem.Theherbistakenandappliedforeczema,andforeyediseaseandcancers.Itisusedasatea,tinctureandlotion,andthelatexcanbedirectlyappliedtowarts.

CIMICIFUGARACEMOSA

BlackCohosh

AgracefulwoodlandperennialnativetotheUnitedStatesandnownaturalizedinEurope,blackcohoshhaslong,bendingspikesofwhiteflowers(3feetinlength).NowreclassifiedasActaearacemosaandsometimescalledblackbaneberry,blackcohoshrootwastraditionallyusedformedicinebymanyNativeAmericantribes.

USES Ananti-inflammatory,blackcohoshishelpfulforsciatica,backpain,cramp,arthritis,andissometimesusedformigraines.Itisarelaxingnervetonicthatcanquietenacough.

Blackcohoshcanalsobehelpfulforperiodpains,andforpainfulbreastsandheadachescausedbyhormonalimbalance,aswellasmenopausalhotsweats.

Donotuseinpregnancyorwhenbreastfeeding.Donottakeformorethan6monthswithoutabreak.

CRATAEGUSMONOGYNA

Hawthorn

Thiswonderfulcommonhedgeplantandfieldtreewithitsruggedbark,profusionofwhite-pinkflowers,andredberriesisfoundthroughoutEurope.SeveralNorthAmericancousinshavesimilarmedicinalproperties,includingCrataeguschrysocarpa(fireberryhawthorn)andC.douglasii(blackhawthorn)aswellasC.pinnatifida(Chinesehawthorn).

USES InGermanherbalmedicine,hawthornisknownas“themotheroftheheart,”anditsfloweringtopsandberriesareusedtotreatallmannerofheartdisease:angina,abnormalheartrhythms,heartfailure,highbloodpressure,anddiseasesofthearteries.

CURCUMALONGA

Turmeric

ThistropicalplantisnativetoSouthIndia,andiswidelygrowninhotandwetareasofthetropics.Itslargegreenleavesgrowtoaround3feetanditsflowersarewhitishgreen.Theyellowrhizomes(roots)areusedincooking.Turmericisconsideredtobeanexceptionallypowerfulmedicinalplant.

USES Asupremeanti-inflammatory,liveractivator,andantioxidantbloodcleanser,turmericisusefulinanyinflammatorycondition.Theseincludearthritis,skindisorders,asthma,cancers,andheartdisease.Theherbhasbeenshowntobeofhelpindementiaanddiabetes.ItisnormallyusedindriedpowderformbecauseitisimportedfromIndia,butifyoucangetturmericfresh,tryeatingitgrated,orasajuice—itisamazing.Italsomakesaboldyellowdye.

DIOSCOREA VILLOSA

WildYam

NativetoNorthandCentralAmerica,wildyamwillgrowinsubtropicalandtemperatezonewoodlands.Itconsistsofavinegrowingfromtubers(potato-likeroots),whicharethepartusedinmedicine.

USES Wildjamistraditionallyusedasanantispasmodic,especiallyfordigestivetractspasmorcolic,andalsoasananti-inflammatoryforinflamedbowelsandarthriticconditions.Itisalsousedtotreatwomen’shormonalimbalances;commoninmenopausalmixes,theplantisfamousforcontainingdiosgenin,fromwhichthefirstcontraceptivepillwasdeveloped.Itistakenasatea,tincture,andcream.

ECHINACEA SPP. (E. PURPUREA AND E. ANGUSTIFOLIA)

PurpleConeflower

NativetotheUnitedStatesbutnowcultivatedandknownfarandwide,thisperennialboastsalovely,large,daisy-typepurpleflower.Thewholeplant(rootandfloweringtops)isusedformedicine.

USES Echinaceaisanimmunestimulant,helpingthebodytofightinfectionsandcleaningtheblood.Itisantimicrobialandcanbeusedtotreatboils,ulcers,eczema,andanyinfectionanywhereinthebody.Good-qualityechinaceamakesthetonguetinglewhenyoutasteitorchewit.Itistakenasatincture,tea,andpills.

ELEUTHEROCOCCUSSENTICOSUS

SiberianGinseng

NativetoRussia,China,Korea,andJapan,Siberianginsengisawoodyshrub,10feetinheight,withblackishberriesandlarge,darkgreenleaveswith3–7lobes.

USES Therootisusedasastrongadaptogen(meaningthatithelpsprotectthebodyfromthedamagingeffectsofstress)andstimulant.Itisoftenusedtoboostlong-termimmunity,includingforpeoplewithimmunosuppressionfollowingradiationtherapyorchemotherapy.Siberianginsengishelpfulinanystress-relatedcondition,includingthosecausedbyhormonalproblems,suchaspostnataldepressionandmenopausaldifficulties.

Itisbestusedforshortperiodsoftime.Forsomepeople,itistoostimulating,causinganxietyandpanic,especiallyinhighdoses.Siberianginsengismostlyusedasateaandtincture.

EQUISETUM SPP. (E. ARVENSE AND E. HYEMALE)

Horsetail

Thisancientplantwiththin,rigid,drybranchingstemsandleavesresemblesahorse’stail.Itlikeswet,marshyplacesandgrowsupto2feetinheight.

USES Horsetailisrichinsilicainareadilyabsorbableform.Alackofsilicacanberecognizedbyweaknessofthehairandnails,multipleallergies,chronicbladderinflammation,andmuscleandjointproblems.

Horsetailhelpstostopbleeding,especiallyofthebladderandreproductiveorgans,andisalsousedforurinaryincontinence.

BecarefulnottoconfuseitwithE.palustre(marshhorsetail),whichismuchlargerandistoxic.

FILIPENDULA ULMARIA

Meadowsweet

AlsoknownasQueenoftheMeadow,thislovelyherbaceousperennial,withitsshowerofcreamy-whiteflowersanddistinctivesmell,isnativetoEuropeandAsiaandnaturalizedintheUnitedStates.

USES Meadowsweetisausefulanti-inflammatoryforthestomachandintestines,andforthejoints.Itrelievesandhealsstomachulcersandheartburnandcalmsanoveractivedigestion,socanhelptostopdiarrhea.Theherbalsocontainssalicylicacid(aspirin),solowersfeversandthinsblood.

GALIUMAPARINE

Cleavers,Goosegrass

ThiscreepingplantgrowsalloverEurope,NorthAmerica,andpartsofAsia.Cleaversstaysclosetothegroundandclimbsoverotherplants.Itshairystemsaresquare,itsflowerstinyandwhite,anditsfruitsresemblelittleballs.

USES Cleaversisusedtoencouragethelymphaticsystemtodetoxifythebody.Itistakenforanyconditioninwhichtoxicbuildupcouldbeanissue,includingconditionsoftheskinandjointsandcertaincancers.

GENTIANALUTEA

Gentian

GentiangrowsintheAlpsandothermountainousregions.Ithasovalleavesandstar-shapeyellowflowers,andgrowstoaround4feetinheight.Itsbitterrootsarecollectedinfallfromplantsthataremorethan8yearsold,whichiswhentheyfirstbegintoflower.

USES Gentianstimulatestheliveranddigestion,regulatesbloodsugar,andisageneraltonic.Itisusedusuallyinsmallquantities,withatinctureoftherootnormallybeingtakenat2–10dropsperdose.Takendirectlyonthetongue,gentiancanhelpreducesugarcravings.Avoidifyouexperienceacidindigestionorastomachulcer.

GINKGOBILOBA

Ginkgo

Thismagnificentandancienttree,withgreen,fan-shapeleaves,hasbeenaroundforabout190millionyears.Growingto100feet,itisnativetoChinaandJapan,butisnowgrownallovertheworld.

USES Theleavesarefamousasabrainmedicine,stimulatingtheflowofbloodtothebrain.Ginkgoisusedtotreatmemorylossandproblemsofthecentralnervoussystem,includingdementia,stroke,andmultiplesclerosis.Ithasananticlottingeffectintheblood.

Ginkgocanalsohelpwithasthma,beingstronglyanti-allergicandanti-inflammatory.Itisusuallytakenintinctureorpillform,oraspowder.

GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA

Licorice

Awoodystemmedmemberofthepeafamily,withcreamy-whiteflowers,licoriceisnativetosouthernEuropeandAsia.Itisnowwidelycultivated.

USES Licoriceisfamousasaconfectionery,fullofdeliciousnaturalsugars.Itissuchausefulmedicinethatithasbeencalled“theuniversalherb.”

Anadrenaltonicforexhaustionandfatigue,itisanti-inflammatoryforthestomachanddigestivetractandsoothesthelungsandurinarysystem.Licoricealsohealsexternallyandcanhelpulcersandeczema(itmakesanespeciallyblackointment).

Donotuseduringpregnancy,orwithliverdamageorhighbloodpressure.

HYPERICUMPERFORATUM

St.John’sWort

ThisbeautifulwaysideweedwithsmallyellowflowersisindigenoustoEurope,butintroducedintemporatezonesoftheAmericas.Ifyouholdtheleavesuptothelight,youwillfindlittlesee-throughdots;theseareoilglands.

USES Inadditiontoitsnowfamoususeasanantidepressant,St.John’swortistakenasatea,capsules,ortinctureforstressandanxiety,andtotreatdamagetoanddiseasesofthenerves(includingshinglesandmultiplesclerosis).Itsupportstheimmunesystemandstimulatestheliver.Thelovelyinfusedoilisanti-inflammatory,antiviral,andwound-healing.

Itcancausesensitivitytosunlightandinteractswithsomemedicines,includingtheoralcontraceptivepill.Seekmedicaladviceifyouaretakinganymedication.

INULAHELENIUM

Elecampane

ThisrobustmemberofthedaisyfamilyisnativetoEurope,butnaturalizedintheUnitedStates.Itgrowsinmanyplaces,preferringshadywoodsanddamppastures.Itgrows3–5feettall,withyellowflowersandpointedleaves.Theroot,duginfallfromplantsover2–3yearsold,isusedformedicine.

USES Elecampanerootisawarmingtonic,especiallygoodforthelungs;ittreatscoughs,catarrh,andseriouslungdisordersofallkinds.Elecampanerootisalsousefultoimprovedigestionandtotreathemorrhoids,debility,andexhaustion.

Donottakeduringpregnancyorifbreastfeeding.

IRISVERSICOLOR

BlueFlag

Thisbeautifulwetlandiris,anativeofNorthAmerica,hascharacteristicpurpleyellowandwhitishflowersmuchlovedbyflorists.TherootisusedinherbalmedicinethroughouttheUSAandEurope.

USES Usedinsmalldoses,theroothastheactionofstimulatingasluggishliver;italsoimproveseczemaandotherskindiseases,encouragesthelymphaticsystem,andmovesthebowels.Blueflagrootisusefulforacne,psoriasis,andshingles,andcanalsohelppeoplewithanunderactivethyroid.

Donottakeinpregnancy.Itcanalsocausevomitinginlargedoses.

JUGLANS NIGRA

BlackWalnut

ThisbeautifultreeisnativetotheUnitedStatesbuthasbeenwidelyintroducedinEurope.Itproducesafruitthatfallswithitshusk,green,infall,andthisgreenfruit,aswellastheleavesandflowers,allhavemedicinaluses.

USES Thenutsaredeliciousandnutritious.Interestingly,theyareespeciallygoodforthebrain—theyevenlooklikelittlebrains!

Blackwalnutcalmsinflammationofthebowelsandparasiteinfestation.Italsoimprovesdigestionandcleanstheblood.

Walnuthullsmakeabrownishblackdye,whiletheflowermakesaremedytohelpadjusttoperiodsofchange.

Donotusewalnuthullsduringpregnancy;theflowerremedyisfineatthistime.

LACTUCA SPP.

WildLettuce

Thewildcousinofallthecultivatedvarieties,wildlettucehassmall,slightlypricklyleavesandyellowflowers.Itismuchmorebitterthancultivatedlettuce.NativetoAsiaandEurope,itisnaturalizedintheUnitedStates.

USES RememberTheTaleofPeterRabbit?HeatetoomanyofMr.McGregor’slettucesandfellasleep…Wildlettucehasalatex(awhitewaxyjuicethatoozesfromthefreshstems),whichcontainsanopiate.Thelatexformsanopiate-likesedativeandpain-killerusedtotreatinsomnia,hyperactivity,anxiety,andpainofvariouskinds.

Wildlettuceistakeninherbalmedicineasateaortincture.Inlargedosesitcausesdrowsiness.

LARREATRIDENTATA

CreosoteBush

ThisfragrantevergreenshrubisafamiliarsightinthedesertsofthesouthwesternUnitedStatesandnorthwesternMexico.Growingto3–9feetinheight,ithasdarkgreenleavesandyellowflowers.

USES Teamadefromcreosoteleaveswastraditionallyusedfordetoxification,andtotreatcoldsandpainfromkidneystones.

Creosotebushisantifungal,antimicrobial,antiviral,andanti-inflammatory;itisalsoastringentandantioxidant.Theplantmakesawonderfulinfusedoilthathealswoundsandsoothesinflammations,bruises,andskininfectionswhenappliedtotheskin.

Itmaybeharmfultothelivertakeninlargedosesoveralongperiod,orinsusceptibleindividuals,sodonottakeitinternallyunlessdoneundertheguidanceofaqualifiedherbalist.

LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA AND SPP.

Lavender

Thisaromatic,purple-floweredperennialprefersdry,welldrainedsoilandplentyofsun.Itisgrowncommerciallymainlyforproductionofitsessentialoil,whichisantisepticandanti-inflammatory.Manyrelatedspecieshavesimilarproperties.IthasbeencultivatedacrossEurope,Asia,andAfricaforthousandsofyears.

USES Lavenderisusedincookingcakesanddesserts,andsometimesforflavoringcheese.

Medicinally,theherbisrelaxingandantiseptic.Itencouragesliverfunctionandisusedtotreathighbloodpressure,exhaustion,anxiety,insomnia,headaches,andpainfulspasms.

Theoilisusedneattohealburnsandwounds,andisoftenusedinhouseholdandpersonalcareproducts.Itisusedalsoasatea,tincture,andaromaticwater.Donottakeessentialoilsinternallywithoutprofessionalsupervision.

LEONURUS CARDIACA

Motherwort

OriginallyfromsouthernEuropeandAsia,motherwortlongagospreadacrosstheworld.Thistall,strongperennialofthemintfamilyhashairy,serrated,3–5-lobedleaves,andlilactopinkflowersaroundtheupperpartsoftheplant.

USES Fromthebittertaste,youcantellthatmotherwortstimulatestheliver(asallbitterherbsdo).Itsnamesreflectitsmainmedicinaluses—asanherbtostrengthentheheart(“lionheart”inLatin)andtotreatwomen’sconditions.Motherwortwasparticularlyusedtopreventwomendevelopinguterineinfectionsafterchildbirth,andisstillwidelytakenformenopausaldifficulties,especiallynervousproblems.Itisanexcellentremedyforheartpalpitationsandweakness,henceitsboldLatinname.Itiscommonlytakenasateaandtincture.

LOBELIAINFLATA

Lobelia

Thishairy-stemmedplanthastoothedleavesandsmall,palepurpleflowersthatareyellowishinside.ItisnativetotheUnitedStates.

USES Lobeliacontainsstrongalkaloidsthatrelaxthemuscles;itisparticularlygoodforasthmabecauseitwillopenandrelaxtherespiratorypassages.Itcanbetakeninternally,andalsoappliedexternally,torelievemusclespasmsandcramps.

Ifyouaregivingupsmoking,putadroportwoofthetincturedirectlyonyourtongueifyouneedhelptoreducecravings.

Treatlobeliawithrespectbecauseitisstrong.Itwillmakeyousickinlargeamounts,socanbeusedasanemetic.

MATRICARIACHAMOMILLA

Chamomile

OrGermanchamomile,amuch-lovedmemberofthedaisyfamilywithsmallyellowandwhiteflowersandadistinctivefragrance.ItisnativetoEuropeandAsia.Acloserelative,AnthemisnobileorRomanchamomile,issimilarlyused.

USES Knownas“themotherofthegut,”chamomileisarelaxing,antispasmodicsedative.Itisusedforallinflammationsofthedigestivetract,fromtoptobottom,andalsohelpsinsomnia.

Chamomileisamildemmenegogue,meaningitcanbringondelayedmenstruation,andithasbeenusedtraditionallyasateatotreatvomitinginpregnancy.(Pregnantwomenshouldnotusetheessentialoil.)

Usedasatea,tincture,infusedoil,oressentialoil,chamomileisalsosoothingfortheskin.Peopleallergictoragwortaresometimesalsosensitivetochamomile.

MELISSAOFFICINALIS

LemonBalm

Thissweetlylemon-scentedhardyperennialisnaturalizedallovertheUnitedStates.Similartomintinappearance,butwithbrightgreenleavesandsmallwhitishflowers,ithasalsobeenknownas“heart’sdelight.”

USES Aneffectivesedative,lemonbalmisgoodforinsomnia,headaches,anxiety,stress,andhyperactivity.Thefloweringtopsaretakentoincreasementalstamina,andasadigestiveherb.

Aswellasbringingafeverdown,lemonbalmisantiviralinternallyandexternally.Itisgoodforcoldsoresandshingles,andthefreshjuiceappliedtocutsandgrazeshelpsthemheal.

Lemonbalmisanantihistamineandthereforegoodforallergies(includingeczemas).Itissafeforalltotake.

MENTHA PIPERITA AND SPP.

Peppermint

Peppermintisanherbaceousperennialwithsquarestemsandoppositedarkgreenpointyleaves,growing12–35inches.Itisparticularlyeasytocultivate,spreadingbyundergroundrootstoformnewplants.Mintstendtopreferdampandshadyhabitats,andareeasilyrecognizablebytheirdistinctivesmellandtaste.

USES Richinanessentialoil,whichgivesitmanyofitsproperties,mintgivesasensationofcoolingwhenappliedtotheskin.Itstimulatestheliveranddigestion,soisusefulfornauseaandvomiting,indigestion,andheartburn(andoftenusedtotreatIBS).

Mintactsasastimulantandgivesafeelingofimprovedconcentration.Itlowersfever,improvesappetite,andisanutritiousfood.Theherbiswellusedasatea,oil,andtincture.

OCIMUMBASILICUM

Basilisastronglyaromaticmemberofthemintfamily,withshinygreenleavesandverysmallwhiteflowers.NativetoIndia,ithasbeencultivatedinsouthernEuropeandacrossAsiaforthousandsofyears.Itiseasytogrowonasunnywindowsill.

USES Basilisadeliciousandversatileculinaryherb.Anantiviralandantimicrobialplant,itisasuperbstrengtheningtonicforthewholebody.Ithelpsthedigestionandincreasesmilkflowinnursingmothers.Basilmakesarelaxingtonicforthenervesandisgoodforrespiratoryailments.

Itscousin,O.sanctum,orholybasil,isconsideredinAyurvedicmedicinetobeasupremehealingtonic.ItissacredtoVaisnavas,beingKrishna’smostbelovedplant.

ORIGANUMVULGARE

Oregano

Oreganoanditsclosecousin,O.marjorana(marjoram),arenativetotheMediterraneanandAsia.Botharesmall-leaved,highlyaromaticmembersofthemintfamily,withtiny,pink-purpleflowers.Theyprefertheheatandawell-drainedsoil,butcanbesurprisinglyhardywhengrown.

USES Oreganoandmarjoramarewell-knownculinaryherbsthatlendadistinctive“Italian”flavortodishes.Botharehealthful,nutritious,andtastyadditionstothediet.Theyareusedintraditionalmedicinefortheirantisepticproperties,especiallyintreatingstomachandrespiratoryinfections.Theyarearomaticbitters,helpingthedigestion.

PANAX GINSENG & P. QUINQUEFOLIUS

ChineseGinseng&AmericanGinseng

Panaxginseng,aperennialplantintheivyfamily,hassmallredberriesandafleshyroot.ItisfoundmainlyinKoreaandChina.AmericanginsengissimilarbutnativetoNorthAmerica;itisalsocultivatedinChina.Theyarebothparticularlyprizedasmedicines.

USES Ginsengisan“adaptogen,”meaningthatitprotectsthebodyandmindfromthedamagingeffectsofstress.Itisbeneficialtotheimmunesystemandcanhelpwithrecoveryfromcancer,especiallywithproblemsarisingfromradiationtherapyandchemotherapy.Itistraditionallyusedasanaphrodisiac.Toomuchcanleadtoagitation(aswithtoomuchcaffeine).

PASSIFLORA INCARNATA

Passionflower

Alsoknownasmaypop,thisvinehascurlytendrilsthathangonasitclimbs.Itproducesgorgeouspurpleflowers,manyvarietiesofwhicharecultivatedforflowersandfruit.ItisnativetotheUnitedStates.

USES Theleavesandflowershavelongbeenusedasageneralrelaxingandcalmingsedativeforinsomniaandanxiety,epilepsy,andhighbloodpressure.Theyarearemedyfortwitchylimbs,hyperactivity,pain(inparticularnervepain),andtohelpmanagewithdrawalfromaddictionstoalcoholandotherdrugs.

Donottakehighdosesinpregnancy.Passionflowercanalsocausedrowsiness.

PHYTOLACCADECANDRA

PokeRoot

AU.S.nativewithredstems,narrowgreenleaves,small,greenishwhiteflowersinspikes,andblackberries,pokerootgrowsupto10feettall.Inlargedosesitispoisonous,butitisausefulmedicineinsmallamounts.

USES Pokeroothelpsthelymphaticsystemandkillsparasitesinthedigestivetract.Itisusedforsoreandswollenglands,forbreastdisease,andtoassistthebodytoriditselfofcancer.

Theherbisanti-inflammatorywhenappliedexternally.Atincturemadefromthefreshrootisusedinsmallamounts,usuallynotmorethan2tsp.perweek(3–4dropsperdose).

Largedosescausevomiting.Donotuseinpregnancy.

PLANTAGO SPP.

Ribwort,Plantain

Bothherbsareherbaceousperennials.Ribwort(Plantagolanceolata),whichisalsoknownasnarrowleafplaintain,isnamedforthecharacteristicveinsrunningstraightupthenarrowleaves,stemtotip.Plantagomajor,orplantain,issimilar,butwithroundleavesinsteadoflong.Theflowersofbotharebrownishbobblesattheendoflong,squarestems.TheyarenativetoEuropeandAsia,andnaturalizedintheUnitedStates.

USES Plantain/ribwortaresonutritiousthatthewholebodyfeelstheirbenefitwhentheyareeaten.Asamedicine,theytoneanddrythemucousmembranesofthebody,thushelpingthelungs,digestivetract,kidney,bladder,andreproductiveorgans.Theyhelptocalmallergiesandsupportthelymphaticsystem;theyarealsooutstandingwoundhealers.

POLYGONATUMBIFLORUM

SmoothSolomon’sSeal

NativetotheUnitedStatesandChina,Solomon’ssealiscultivatedasagardenplantinEuropeforitselegantarchedstems,fromwhichhangmanysmallwhiteflowers.

USES Theyoungshootsandleavescanbeboiledlikeasparagus,andtherhizomesgroundtomakeflourforbaking.

Therootistakenandappliedexternallyforarthritisandanymusculoskeletalproblem,includinginjuries.Additionallyitisasoothingdemulcent(meaningithasasofteningaction)forthelungsanddigestionandanadrenaltonicthatsupportstheheart,liver,andkidneys.Solomon’ssealisamildsedativeandsometimeshelpsdiabetesandhighbloodpressure.

Theaerialparts,especiallytheberries,arepoisonous.

ROSA SPP.

Therearemorethanahundredspeciesofrosesfoundallovertheworld.TheonesadvisabletouseformedicineorfoodincludeR.canina,R.arkansa,R.laevigata,andR.rugosa.

USES Theflowersareedible,asarethefruits;knownas“hips,”theyareexceptionallyrichinvitaminC.Theseedscontainanoil,whichisextractedasanantioxidantandscar-reducingagent.Roseisalsoknowntoreducetheeffectsofagingwhenappliedtotheskin.

Takeninternally,roseisanupliftingherb.Helpfultothestomachanddigestion,itisalsoaliverstimulantandtonicforthewombandkidneys.Somespecieshaveanticanceractivity.

Usethelistedwildspeciesforfoodandmedicine,notgardenhybrids.

ROSMARINUSOFFICINALIS

Rosemary

Thisaromatic,perennial,woody-stemmedshrubisnativetotheMediterraneanandneedsplentyofsunlighttoflourishfully.Itsgreen-white,needlelikeleavesandpurple,pink,white,orblueflowerssmellstronglyoftheessentialoilinwhichrosemaryisrich.

USES Boththefreshanddriedherbandtheessentialoilareoftenusedinmedicines,foods,andhouseholdproductsasagoodantibacterial.

Rosemarypromotesthecirculation,especiallythebloodflowtothebrain.Itisusedtotreatheadaches,depression,andweakness,tostimulatetheliveranddigestion,andtostrengthentheheart.

Makeateaortinctureofthefloweringtopsforinternaluse.Donottaketheessentialoilinternallywithoutsomeprofessionalsupervision.

RUBUSIDAEUS

Raspberry

Thisred-fruitedplantwithalightgreenpricklystemandleavesthataregreenontopandwhiteunderneathisnativetoEuropeandAsia,butnowwidelygrown.Itsclosecousinshavesimilaractions.Forexample,theU.S.blackraspberryisasuperantioxidant,whichseemstohaveanticancerbenefits.

USES Thefruitisadeliciousandhealthyfood,richinantioxidants.Leavescanbetakenasawombtonicforthreatenedmiscarriage,toprepareforpregnancy,oraspartofinfertilitytreatment.Itisalsotakenasateaforthelast2–4monthsofpregnancytoprepareforchildbirth,andtakenafterbirthtonourishtheuterusandincreasemilkproduction.

Raspberry’sastringencymakesitusefultotreatdiarrhea,andasawashforcankersoresandtonsillitis.

SALIX ALBA AND SPP.

WhiteWillow

Thesebeautifultreeslovedampplaces,especiallyriverbanks.Theyhaveflexiblewoodandgreen-whiteleaves,andbeeslovetheirsmall,pollen-richflowers.Theanti-inflammatorymedicinesalicylicacid(aspirin)wasfirstisolatedfromwhitewillowbarkin1838.Willowsgrowinmosttemperatezonesoftheworld.

USES Willowisalsousedtofuelecologicallyeffectiveandsustainableheatingsystems,asitgrowsveryfastandtakesmoreCO2fromtheairwhenitgrowsthanitreleaseswhenitisburned.Itisagoodcharcoal-

makingplant.Youcanalsosteamtheyoungleavesandeatthem.

Willowbarkisanantisepticanti-inflammatoryandamildpain-killerthatreducesfevers.Itisusedforarthritis,headaches,andstomachinflammation.Avoidifyouareallergictoaspirin.

SAMBUCUS SPP.

SambucusnigrainEuropeandS.canadensisintheUnitedStatesisasmalltreeorlargeshrub.CommoninEuropeandNorthAmerica,itproducescreamywhiteclustersofsmallflowers,whichdevelopintosmall,juicy,purple-blackberries.

USES Theflowersandleavesincreasesweating,arediuretic,andanti-inflammatory.Theyareusedinteas,tinctures,andlotionsforcoughsandcolds,andtotreatarthritisandrheumatism.

TheberriesarerichinvitaminCandareapowerfulantiviralagent.Theyhaveanormalizingeffectonthebowelandsocanbeusedtohelpdiarrhea,althoughtheyarealsoamildlaxative.

SCUTELLARIABAICALENSIS

BaicalSkullcap—HuangQin

AnherbaceousperennialfromChinawithpurple-blueflowersandlance-shapeleaves,baicalskullcapgrowsto1–4feetinheight.InChina,itiscultivatedbothasanornamentalplantandanimportantmedicine.ItisnowalsowidelygrownintheUnitedStates.

USES TheyellowrootisoneofChinesemedicine’sfundamentalherbs,used“toclearheat”fromthebody.Anexceptionalbloodcleanser,itisusefulfordetoxingandforfightinginfections—especiallyfeversofthelungs,throat,nose,andsinuses,whenthemucusisthickandyellow.

Baicalskullcapstopsbleedingandaidsthehealingofwounds.Alivertonic,itcanbeusedinplaceofgoldenseal,whichisendangered.

Donotuseinpregnancyexceptundersomeformofprofessionalsupervision.

SCUTELLARIALATERIFLORA

Skullcap

Aperennialmemberofthemintfamily,thisherbloveswethabitats.Ithasnettlelikeleaveswithserratededgesandblue-pinkflowers.ItisnativetotheUnitedStatesandiscultivatedinEurope.

USES Skullcapisgoodforthenerves,andiswidelyusedallovertheworldforalmostanyproblemofthenervoussystem.Itreducesanxiety,helpsrelaxation,andaidsrecoveryfromdebilitycausedbylongperiodsofoveractivityandoverwork.Relatedspeciesaresimilarlyused.

SALVIA OFFICINALIS AND SPP.

CommonSage

Anaromaticfloweringherbinthemintfamily,commonsagehasgray-greenleavesandlilacflowers.ItisaMediterraneannative,butisnowwidelynaturalized.

USES Sageisaculinaryherb,deliciousinsavorydishesandsalads.

Itisusedallovertheworldasamedicineforinfections,lunganddigestivedisorders,andskinproblems.Itisalsoanexcellentgeneraltonicforweaknessanddebilityfollowingillness.

Sageisanourishingtonicforthebrainandcanrelieveexcessivesweating,includingthatoccurringduringmenopause.Externallyithelpstospeedthehealingofbruisesandinflammations.

Donottakemedicinaldosesifpregnant(butasaspiceinfooditisfine),orifepileptic.

SILYBUM MARIANUM

MilkThistle

Thisrobust,pink-purple-floweredthistleisnativetoEurope.Ithasprickly,variegatedgreenandwhiteleavesandcangrowupto5feettall.Milkthistleiswidelycultivated,anditsseedshavebeenusedinhealingformorethan2,000years.

USES Milkthistleseedsareapowerfulhealingagentfortheliver,bothprotectingitfromtoxinsandencouragingitsregeneration.Theherbisusedtotreatseriousliverproblems,includinghepatitisandliverdamagefromdrugandalcoholuse.Milkthistlecanbetakentoprotecttheliverfromthetoxicityofmedicines,includingthoseusedinmedicaltreatment,butthiscanmakemedicationslesseffective,becauseitspeedsuptheirremovalfromthebody.Thegroundseedsarecommonlytakenascapsulesortea.

SOLIDAGO SPP.

Goldenrod

NativetotheUnitedStatesandintroducedinEurope,goldenrodisanherbaceousperennialwithalovelyspikeofpollen-heavyyellowflowers.

USES Goldenrodflowers,seeds,andleavescanbeaddedtosoups,stews,andstir-fries.

Itisagoodtonicherbforthekidneys,evenbeingusedtotreatseriousproblems,suchasnephritis,andalsosupportsthebladderandprostate.

Goldenrodisananticatarrhalandanti-inflammatorytonictothemucousmembranes,usedtotreatthedigestivesystemandchronicmucusinthenose,throat,andears.Itistakenasatinctureortea.

STACHYSOFFICINALIS

WoodBetony

AlsoknownasStachysbetonica,thisperennialherbisnativetograsslandsinEurope,NorthAfrica,andAsia.Ithassmallish,toothedleavesandclustersofpurpleflowers,onspikesthatgrowto1–2feettall.ItiscultivatedinNorthAmerica,whereitisalsoknownashedgenettle,andsometimesisfoundnaturalized.

USES Woodbetonyisapowerfulremedyforthestomachandthenervoussystem.Itisabittertonic,especiallybeneficialforthebrain.Ateaortinctureisusedtotreatdizzinessanddementia,aswellasasluggishliver,gallbladderproblems,andpoordigestion.

STELLARIAMEDIA

Chickweed

ThiscreepingannualgrowsinthecolderseasonsinmanylocationsinEuropeandNorthAmerica.ItsLatinnamecomesfromitstiny,star-shapewhiteflowers,whichpeepoutfromitsbrightgreenleaves,shapedlikemice’sears.

USES Chickweedistastyandnutritious,goodtoeatraworlightlycooked;itisalsogreatfoodforchickens.Inherbalmedicine,itisusedforskindiseasesandarthritis,andforbronchitisandlungdisease.Theplantistakeninternallyasateaortinctureandexternallyasacream,ointment,orinfusedoil.

SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE

ComfreyComfreythrivesindampandcoolconditions.Ithasfleshy,darkgreen,hairyleavesandblue-purple,orsometimeswhite-pink,flowers.Itsblackrootsconcealawhite,gloopy(mucilaginous)interior.

USES Alsoknownasknitbone,comfreyconsiderablyspeedsthehealingofconnectivetissue(ligaments,tendons,bones,andskin).Itisusedinsideandoutasteaandtincture,buttherootisnottakeninternallybecauseitcontainspyrrolizidinealkaloids,toxictotheliverinlargeamounts.

Peoplewithliverproblemsandthosetakingmedicationsshouldavoidcomfrey.Otherwisetheleavesarefineforshort-termuse.

Donotuseonopenwoundsbecausecomfreymakestheskinhealsoquicklyitcanhealoverdirtorinfection,tendingtoformraisedscars.

TARAXACUMOFFICINALE

Dandelion

Acommon,yellow-floweredweedthatgrowseveryyearfromitsdeeproot.Leavesarelongandtoothed,growingfromamainflowerstalk.Theclusterofflowerslaterformsaseedheadofhundredsoftinyseedswithfluffyhairsattached,enablingittotraveltonewlocationsonthewind.ItisnativetoEurope,Asia,andtheAmericas.

USES Therootsandleavesofdandelionarenutritiousandusedasfoodsandmedicineseverywheretheherbgrows.Medicinally,theleavesareapowerfuldiureticandkidneyandlivertonic.Therootisastronglivertonicandstimulant,andagentlelaxative.

Dandelionisusedtodetoxifyandcleansethebodyintreatingskinandjointproblems,cancers,headaches,andgeneralweakness.

THUJAOCCIDENTALIS

WhiteCedar

Anevergreeninthecypressfamilybearingsmallcones,whitecedarisnativetoeasternNorthAmericaandgrowninEuropeasanornamentalplant.Thebranches,stem,andtiny,flat,scalelikeleavescontainastrongessentialoil.

USES Theplantistraditionallyusedtotreatmenstrualproblems,headaches,andheartailments.

Itisadiureticusedtorelieverheumatismandalsohelpscatarrhalchestcomplaints.Theherbisalsousedtoreducegrowths,includingwarts.

Liquidextracts,tinctures,andteamadefromwhitecedararetakeninternallyinsmalldoses(thetincturegenerallyusedat1tsp./5mlaweek).Theessentialoilisusedexternally.

Donottakewhenpregnantorbreastfeeding.

THYMUS SPP.

Therearemanyspeciesofthissmall-leaved,aromaticherbwithwoodystemsandtinypinkflowers.Thymusserpyllum,orwildthyme,isnativetosouthernEuropeandacultivatedvarietyofthis,T.vulgaris,isgrownallaroundtheworld.

USES Thymecontainsanessentialoilhighin“thymol,”apotentantiseptic.Itisusedagainstinfections,particularlyofthelungsandthedigestivetract,includingworms.Becauseitisrelaxingforspasm,thymeishelpfulforasthmaandtight,achingmuscles.Itisagoodgeneraltonic.

Donotusetheessentialoilwhenpregnant,andnevertakeinternallyinanybuttheminutestamounts(andnoteventheseifyouhaveliverorkidneyproblems).

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE

RedClover

Abeautiful,low-growingmeadowflowerwithpink,globe-shapeflowerheadsmadeofmanytinyflowers.Whitemarkingsdecoratethe3-lobedleaves(occasionallyyoumayfinda4-leavedclover,saidtobelucky).ItisnativetoEurope,Asia,andAfricaandisnaturalizedinNorthAmerica.

USES Thisisanourishingflowertoeatanytime,includingduringpregnancy.Redcloverwastraditionallyusedforcoughsandrespiratoryproblems,andalsointreatingcancer;ithelpstostimulatetheimmunesystemintohealthyfunctioning.Theherbalsohasamildlyblood-thinningeffectandishelpfulformenopausalproblems,suchashotflashes.

Donottakeredcloverifyouareonwarfarinorotherbloodthinners.

TUSSILAGOFARFARA

Coltsfoot

ColtsfootisnativetoEurope,andcannowbefoundinCanadaandAmerica’snortheasternstates.Itsyellowdandelion-likeflowersemergeinlatewintertoearlyspring.Theythendiedown,andamonthorsolatertheheart-shapegray-greenleavesappear.

USES Boththeleavesandflowersofcoltsfootareanexcellentexpectorantandstrengtheninglungtonic.

Likecomfrey,itcontainspyrrolizidinealkaloids,whichinlargeamountsaretoxictotheliver;therefore,coltsfootisnotrecommendedforlongperiodsofuse,norforpeoplewithliverproblemsorthosetakingmedications(becausemostofthesearetoxictotheliver).

Donottakewhilepregnantorbreastfeeding.

UMBILICUSRUPESTRIS

NavelwortorWallPennywort

NativetoEurope,navelwortgrowsonwallsinshadyplaces.Itisafleshysucculentwithroundleaves.Thesteminthemiddle,whichcanbefoundallyearround,ismoreprolificinthesummermonthswhentheflowerspikesgrow.

USES Itisdelicioustoeatandcanbegatheredinallseasons.Navelwortjuiceiscoolingandeasespains,bothtakeninternallyandappliedexternally.

Applythejuiceorfreshpoultice,oranointment,topainfulears,painfulhemorrhoids,wounds,gout,nervepains,andsorethroats.Takenavelwortasajuiceorteaforpainsinthekidneysanddigestivesystem.

URTICADIOICA

StingingNettle

Thisperennialplantcangrowmorethan3feettallfromitsnetworkofthinwhitishroots,andhasgreen,sharplyserratedleaves.Theundersidesoftheleavesarecoveredinfine,histamine-containinghairswhichstingyouiftouched.ItisnativetoEurope,UnitedStates,Asia,andNorthAfrica.

USES Nettlesareoneofthegreatpanaceasoftheplantworld.Richinmineralsandvitaminsandaminoacids,insomecountriestheyareoneofthebest,andeasiesttofind,wildplantstouseasafood.Thenewgreentopsandtheseedsareedible.Nettleleavesareusedforarthritis,skinproblems,andallergies,andaregenerallydetoxifyingandcleansing.Nettleroothelpstheprostategland.

VACCINIUM

BilberryorHuckleberry

Bilberryisalow-growing,shrubbymemberoftheheatherfamilythatgrowsonheaths,moors,andmountainousareasofEurope,Asia,andNorthAmerica.Ithassmallleavesandproducesdeepred-blackfruits(resemblingsmallblueberries).

USES Bilberriesareedible.Theleavesandberriesgatheredbeforetheberriesripenareusedtoprotecteyesightandhelpwithmaculardegeneration,cataracts,anddiabeticeyeproblems.Bilberriescanalsohelpwithhighbloodsugar,soareidealfordiabetics.

Likeotherdeepred-blackfruits,theplantnourishesandhelpstorepairarteriesandveins.Freshberriesarelaxative,butdriedonesareanti-infectiveandbinding,sogoodfordiarrhea.Leavesarealsousedtotreatcystitis,kidney,andbladdercomplaints.

VALERIANAOFFICINALIS

Valerian

Everyspring,thisperennialbeginstogrowfromabundleofrhizomeandthinrootstoatall,leafyplant,withflowerheadsofmanysmall,pale,whiteandpinkishflowers.Itprefersdampsoil.ItisnativetoEuropeandnorthernAsia,butismuchusedinherbalmedicineintheUnitedStates.

USES Thepartofvalerianusedinmedicineistherootandrhizome,andtheyhaveanextraordinarysmell—youeitherloveorhateit.Valerianisoneofthemostresearchedherbalsedativesandisusedforanxiety,stress,insomnia,andphysicaltension.Itistakenasatea,pills,andtincture.Cats(includinglions)adoreit.

Valeriancancausedrowsinessandmayreactwithsedativemedication.

VERBASCUMTHAPSUS

Mullein

NativetoEuropebutnaturalizedintheUnitedStates,thisbeautifulherbhasatallspikeofyellowflowersatitstopandpalegreen-grayleaves.Theyfeelassoftasvelvet,beingdenselycoveredwithfinehairs.

USES Mulleinissorichinvitaminsandmineralsthatitisagoodherbtodrinkastearegularly—althoughnotverynicetoeatbecauseofitsfurriness.

Mulleinleavesandflowerssootheandcalminflamedlungs,helpingdeepandpainfulcoughing,andeasetheexpectorationofmucus.Theyarealsousefulintreatinghayfeverandbed-wetting.Externallymulleinisagoodwoundhealerandhelpstoreducepiles.Anoilmadefromtheflowersisspecificforearache.

Itisusedinsmokingmixtures.

VERBENA SPP.

Vervain

Vervainflowersformspikesofsmall,blue-purpleblossoms.TheEuropeanplantV.officinalisisspindlywithpurplishflowers,anditsU.S.cousin,V.hastate,hassturdierstemsandblueflowers.Bothplantsareusedinsimilarways.

USES Vervainisakeyherbfortreatingthenervoussystem.Herbalistsvaluetheplantasarelaxingnervineusedforstress,tension,andnervousexhaustion.Itisalsoastimulatingbittertonicfortheliver.

VervainwasoneofthemostimportantplantsoftheDruids,beingconsideredapowerfulmagicalplant.

Donotuseduringpregnancy.

VIBURNUM OPULUS

CrampBark

Thisdeciduousshrub—alsoknownascranberrybush—isalmostatree,hasvinelikeleaves,whiteflowers,andredberries.ItisnativetotheUnitedStatesandEurope.AnAmericancousin,Viburnumprunifolium(blackhaw),isalsousedinherbalmedicine.

USES Asthenamecrampbarksuggests,thisplantisamusclerelaxantandantispasmodic.Crampbarkisusedtotreatmusclecrampsandtension,periodpainsandthreatenedabortion(itrelaxesthewomb),asthma(itrelaxesspasminthebronchialtubesofthelungs),colic,andspasticpainsinthedigestivetract.Theherbalsoimprovesthecirculationbyopeningbloodvessels.ItsAmericanrelative,blackhaw,isusedsimilarly;italsotreatsmorningsicknessandproblemsinmenopause.

VIOLA SPP.

SweetViolet&Heartsease(Johnny-Jump-Up)

Thesetwomembersofthevioletfamily(ViolaodorataandV.tricolor)arenativetoEuropeandnaturalizedintheUnitedStates.Sweetvioletshaveadelicioussmellandarethetraditionalvioletcolor.Heartseaseisa“tricolor”pansy,withwhite,purple,andyellowflowers.

USES Bothherbsareusedtotreatbronchitis,asthma,andotherlungproblems.Theyarealsousefulforcystitisandanirritatedbladder.

Sweetviolethelpstorelievecongestedlymphflow.Ithasalsobeenused,internallyandexternally,intreatingcancersandgrowths,bothasacurativeandapainreliever.

Heartseaseisparticularlyusedforweteczemaandotherskindiseaseswithstickydischarges.

VITEXAGNUS-CASTUS

Chasteberry

Thetiny,yellow-redberriesofthisbeautiful,aromaticMediterraneanfloweringtreeareknownas“monkspepper”forits“an-aphrodisiac”effect—henceitsothernameoflilacchastetree.

USES Chasteberryisusedtotreatpremenstrualsyndromeandmenstrualirregularities,includingthoseassociatedwithmenopauseandpolycysticovariansyndrome.Theplantcanalsohelpsomewomentoconceiveifinfertilityiscausedbylowprogesteronelevels,anditincreasesproductionofbreastmilk.Chasteberrycanalsobeusefulforacneandheadachesassociatedwithhormoneimbalance,andcancalmacneinteenageboys.

ZINGIBEROFFICINALE

Ginger

Gingeriswidelyknownasapungentculinaryspice.TherootofthisrelativeofturmericandcardamomoriginatedinAsia,butisnowusedallovertheworld.Itisaperennialplantresemblingareed,withlovelyyellowflowers.

USES Usedincookingsavoryandsweetdishes,aswellasinpicklesandconfectioneries,gingerstimulatesthewholesystem.Theherbmakesyousweatandsoreducesfever,clearsmucusfromthehead,sinuses,andlungs,andrelaxesandstimulatesthedigestion,thushelpingtotreatindigestion,gas,andcolic.Gingerhelpstoreducenauseaofallkinds,andissafetotakeformorningsicknessinpregnancy.

Itisalsoanexcellentcirculatorystimulantandcanhelptoreducehighbloodpressure.

CONTRIBUTORS

Ioffergratefulthankstothefollowingplantexpertswhohavekindlysharedtheirrecipes.

LouiseBerlinerisanartistandwriterfromMassachusetts,wholovestoplaywithherbs.1,2

ChaNanBonserpracticescreativekinesiologyandruns“ElementalMedicine,”offeringphysicaltherapytreatmentsinWales,UK.1,2,3

Lynn-AmandaBrownisamultifacetedtherapistandhealerwhoworksinalliancewiththesacredenergiesofthenaturalworld.ShelivesinWales,UK.1

StephenBuhneristheaward-winningauthorof15booksonnature,indigenouscultures,theenvironment,andherbalmedicine.HeisoneofthecofoundersofTheFoundationforGaianStudies,anorganizationthatexploresandpromotesourreconnectionwithNature.HelivesinNewMexico.1,2

AnneChiotisisanherbalistbasedinWolverhampton,UK.1

SharonCohenisanativeplantexpertlivingintheforestsofMaryland.SherunsNativeDesign,acompanyprovidingheart-baseecologicalrestorationandgardendesign.1

MichaelColeisaUKforagerpassionateaboutmakingleafu—aprotein-richfoodmadefromnettlesandotherediblewildgreens.1

RachelCorbyisagardener,forager,andwriterbasedinStroud,UK.SherunsGatewaystoEden,offeringtreatmentsandrunningworkshopsonthepowerofplants.1,2

EliotCowandevelopedPlantSpiritMedicineandlivesattheBlueDeerCenter,

NewYorkState.Hetravelswidely,teaching,healing,andpromotingabalancedrelationshipwiththehumanandother-than-humanworlds.1,2

LesleyCunninghamknowsalotabouttreatingherhorsefriendswithherbs.1,2

AnnaDowdingisatruedomesticalchemistfromNorthWales,UK,whoinventsbrilliantlotionsandpotionsandcorunsGetafixfirstaidandwildwatersportsexperiences.1

GeoffEdwardswasanherbalistformanyyearsandnowrunsUK-basedt’aichicenterWutanBournemouth.1

TeriEvansisamedicalherbalistandrunsCunnyngeHerbsinShropshire,UK.Here,shesellsartisanherbaltincturesandholdsworkshopsonusingherbs.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28

AnnieGardnerisanherbalistbasedinTotnes,UK.1

MonikaGhentisanherbalistandaPlantSpiritMedicineHealer.SherunsDreamingWillownaturaltherapiesinToronto,Canada,anddesignsandmakesnaturalskin-careproducts.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

LucyHarmerisaninternationalauthorandteacherbasedinGeneva,Switzerland.Sheisalsoafengshuiandspaceclearingexpert,andahighpriestessontheCelticShamanicPath.1,2,3,4,5,6

ShelleyHarrisonisahealerandyogateacherbasednearOttawa,Canada.1

ChristineHerren-ValetteisaSwissherbalistwhotrainedasamedicalnurse.Shenowrunsasuccessfulsmallbusiness,SanctaHerba,makingherbalproducts.1,2,3,4

JohannaHerzogisanherbalistandPlantSpiritMedicinepractitioner.Sherunsaschoolofmedicinalplants,orHeilkraeuterausbildung,nearHamburg,Germany.1,2,3,4

WizzHollandisaPlantSpiritMedicinehealer,forager,firekeeper,andanimalcommunicator.Alsoapoetandartist,sheisbasedinDevon,UK.

LouiseIdouxisamedicalherbalistfromShropshire,UK.SherunstheOswestryHerbarium,providingtreatmentsandcoursesonmakingherbalproducts.1,2,3,4,5

CatherineJohnsonisaconsultingmedicalherbalistinWales,UK.1,2

BarbaraJonesisanexperiencedveterinarysurgeonwhorunsVetHolisticinShropshire,UK.1,2,3,4

SteveKippaxisanherbalistandTCMpractitioner.HeisHeadofComplementaryMedicineatTheThirdSpaceMedicine,London’sleadingintegratedmedicalcenter.1,2

DedjLeibbrandtisanherbalistandteacherinHampshire,UK.DedjwasawardedaFellowshipoftheNationalInstituteofMedicalHerbalistsforherworkonacutemedicineandherbalfirstaid.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11

MarcLuyckxisadomesticalchemistinSwitzerland.1

AnneMcIntyreisanexperiencedherbalist,plantgrower,writer,andteacher,basedintheCotswolds,UK.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

NeilMcNultyisanherbalist,iridologist,andfacilitatorwholivesinZagreb,Croatia.HispracticeiscalledHerbaVitalis,andhishealingsanctuaryiscalled“WildatHeart.”1

AlainaMecklenburghisamasterherbalistpracticinginthesouthernpartoftheLakeDistrictintheUK.1

JoeNasrisamedicalherbalist,osteopath,andseniorlecturerinherbalmedicine,aswellasadedicatedandexperiencedplantdistiller.In1997,JoefoundedAvicenna,acompanyproducingunique,high-qualityherbalproductsinWales,UK.1,2

JennyPaoisaholistichealthpractitionerandaromatherapist.SherunsNectar

Essences,acompanybasedinSanFrancisco.1

AnniePowellrunstheLittleGreenCreamCompany,asmallethicalcompanymakingtop-qualityskin-careproductsinWales,UK.1,2,3

LynnRawlinsonisaconsultingmedicalherbalistandholistictherapist.ShelivesandworksinMerseyside,UK.1,2,3,4,5,6

AnnaRichardsonrunswildfoodforagingcoursesforCircleofLifeRediscovery,UK,andisaForestSchoolleaderandauthor.1,2

MelissaRonaldsonisaUK-basedherbalistwithapassionforsnuff.SheiscofounderoftheHerbalSnuffCompany.1

JeanneRoseisanaromatherapistinSanFrancisco.Sheruns“TheAromaticPlantProject”andisthedirectorandprincipaltutoroftheInstituteofAromaticStudies.1

AnthonySeifertisaCalifornianherbalistwhoisonthefacultyattheOhloneCenterforHerbalStudiesinBerkeley,CA.Heworkswithbothhumansandanimals,andalsorunsanherbalsupplycompany,GreatBlueHeronBotanicalMedicineMakingProject.1

SensorySolutionsisaUK-basedcompanyrunbytraditionalherbalistsKarenLawtonandFionaHeckels.Theyteach,grow,andcollectplantstoproducebeautiful,high-qualityremedies.1,2,3,4

MaidaSilvermanisanexpertonwildplantsthatgrowinNewYorkCity,whereshehaslivedallherlife.1

TanyaSmartrunstheYemoyacompanyinGlastonbury,Somerset,UK,whichmakesthebestorganicsoapsever.1,2

KarenStephensonhascreatedandrunsEdibleWildFoods,awonderfulwebsiteaboutforagingandeatingwildfood.ShelivesinOntario,Canada.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14

IainStewartisanherbalistworkingwiththeRhizomeCommunityClinicinBristol,UK.1

SucandradevidasiisadomesticalchemistfromHertfordshire,UK.1

KamalaToddisanartistbasedinMalvern,UK,whomakesrosepetalbeadjewelry.1

MichaelVertolliisaWesterntraditionalherbalistwholivesinOntario,Canada.HeisthefounderanddirectoroftheLivingEarthSchoolofHerbalism.1,2

EmmaWarrenerisanherbalistinLincolnshire,UK.SherunsHerbsforHealthandWellbeing.1,2

SusunWeedisanherbalistandteacherbasedinWoodstock,NY.SheisthevoiceoftheWiseWomanWay.1,2,3

LucyWellsisaplantspiritmedicinepractitionerandfirekeeperbasedinShropshire,UK.1,2

NeilWilliamsisanherbalistwhopracticesinthenorthwestofEngland,UK.1,2

SueWineisaMcTimoneychiropracticbasedinChester,Cheshire,UK.1,2,3

MathewWoodisaprofessionalmemberoftheAmericanHerbalist’sGuildandtheauthorofsixbooksonherbalmedicine.HelivesinOregon.1,2,3

SOURCES&FURTHERREADING

Bartram,Thomas,1995.TheEncyclopediaofHerbalMedicine(Dorset:GracePublishers)Bond,AnnieB.,2005.HomeEnlightenment(Kindleedition)

Buhner,StephenHarrod,2004.TheSecretTeachingsofPlants(Vermont:Bear&Company)Buhner,StephenHarrod,2002.TheLostLanguageofPlants(Vermont:ChelseaGreenPublishing)Buhner,StephenHarrod,1998.SacredandHerbalHealingBeers(Boulder:SirisBooks)Chevallier,Andrew,1996–2000.EncyclopediaofHerbalMedicine(London:DorlingKindersley)Corby,RachelandStudd,Stephen,2009.TheMedicineGarden(Preston:TheGoodLifePress)Cowan,Eliot,2014.PlantSpiritMedicine(Boulder:SoundsTrue)

DauDayaldas,2014.TheBeautifulSongofGod–SrimadBhagavadGita(Llangollen:TheDreamingButterfly)Hawes,Zoe,2010.WildDrugs:AForager’sGuidetoHealingPlants(London:Gaia)

Hedley,ChristopherandShaw,Non,1996.NonHerbalRemedies:APracticalBeginner’sGuidetoMakingEffectiveRemediesintheKitchen(Bristol:Parragon)Hoffman,David,1990.HolisticHerbal:ASafeandPracticalGuidetoMakingandUsingRemedies(Shaftesbury:HarperCollins)Hughes,NathanielandOwen,Fiona,2014.IntuitiveHerbalism(Stroud:Quintessence)Jeffery,Josie,2011.Seedbombs–GoingWildWithFlowers(Lewes:LeapingHarePress)McIntyre,Anne,2011.DrugsinPots(London:Gaia)

Michael,Pamela,1986.ACountryHarvest(London:PeerageBooks)

Silverman,Maida,1997.ACityHerbal(Woodstock:AshTreePublishing)

Waller,Pip,2009.HolisticAnatomy—AnIntegrativeGuidetotheHumanBody(Berkeley:NorthAtlanticBooks)Weisse,Vivien,2002.TheGourmetWeedCookeryBook(Norderstedt:VIWO)

Wood,Matthew,1997.TheBookofHerbalWisdom(Berkeley:NorthAtlanticBooks)

Yasodanandadas,2013.KitchenofLove(Haarlem:Bhaktimedia.org)UsefulWebsites

www.pipwaller.co.uk(myprofessionalwebsite)www.thedomesticalchemist.com.org(forherbalnewsandmylatestrecipes)www.americanherbalistsguild.com(forfindinganherbalistintheUnitedStates)www.anamed.net(forgrowingArtemisiaannuaintheTropics)www.ediblewildfood.com(forgreatforaginginformationandrecipes)www.gaianstudies.org(forU.S.-basedtrainingfromTheFoundationforGaianStudies)www.globalhealingcenter.com(forinformationaboutgrowingplantsintheUnitedStates)www.herbnet.com(foreverythingherbalintheUnitedStates)www.herbworld.com(foranonlineencyclopediawithherbalinformation)

www.mercola.com(forahealthinformationandresearchsiteintheUnitedStates)www.nimh.org.uk(theNationalInstituteofMedicalHerbalists:forfindingaUKherbalist)www.wddty.com(WhatDoctorsDon’tTellYou:Asitewithinterestingreviewsofresearch)

THEPAGENUMBERSINTHEINDEXCORRESPONDTOTHEPRINTEDITIONOFTHEBOOK.PLEASEUSEYOUREBOOKREADER’SSEARCHFACILITYTOFINDASPECIFICENTRY.

Aacidindigestion101,231

acne118,120,181,232,243

AcneOintment120

AcornCookies141

AcornFlour140

acupuncture226

adaptogens226,230,235

adrenaltonics232,236

After-DinnerMouthFreshener159

aftershave213

agrimony76,116,224

AgrimonyTeachers’Gargle76

Air-ConShield91

alcohol18,78

All-NaturalHotOilHairTreatment207

All-PurposeCleaningSpray26

allergies57,131,224,225,230,231,234,236,237,241

aloe58,83,225

AloeVeraInstantBurnRemedy83

AloeVeraNourish-All58

Americanginseng235

angelica155,175,225

AngelicaArchangelAfter-DinnerLiqueur175

AngelicaSupreme155

AnimalEardrops135

AntiagingDayCream182

AntiagingSkinScrub201

AntiallergyIcePops131

AntianxietyDropswithValerian&Rose115

AntibacterialMultisurfaceCleaner27

AnticelluliteBodyScrub185

anticlottingagents224,231

Anti-ColdSoreLipBalm192

AntifluSoup150

AntifungalOintment118

AntihemorrhageMix112

anti-inflammatories69,73,225,227,228,229,230,231,232,233,236,237,238

AntimalariaMix93

AntinauseaSuppositories101

AntinauseaTea100

AntipsoriasisLaundryLiquid43

AntisepticBodyButter188

AntispasmodicDrops103

AntistressTea70

antiviralaction66,83,134,228,232,233,234,235,238

AntiviralElder66

AntiwartTincture121

AntibacterialFabricSoftener49

AntibacterialHoney79

AntibacterialLaminate&WoodenFloorCleaner35

AntibacterialLiquidHandwash200

AntioxidantRichSunscreen132

AntisepticHandSanitizer91

AntisepticHandcream189

AntisepticHealingLotion83

AntisepticMist78

anxiety90,114,115,227,230,232,233,234,236,238,242

AphrodisiacBrandy172

aphrodisiacs172,227,228,235

appetitesuppression60,228

AppleCiderVinegar165

aromaticwaters15,133–4

arthritis7,67,116,226,229,230,236,237,238,239,241

pets137

AshwagandhaNightCap177

asthma229,231,234,240,243

athlete’sfoot86,131

BBabyBubbles197

babyoil129

BabyPowderforDryButtocks131

BabySoftWashingPowder46

babywipes131

Baby’sFirstHerbalTea126

backs117,229

baicalskullcap238

BalancingTincturefortheMenopause114

BalsamicVinegar164

barberry227

BarrierBarforBusyHands66

basil28,87,235

BasilSnifterchief87

bathbomb185

bathsalts186

“BeachHair”StylingSprayforCurls191

beads215

Bedsore&BlisterPreventive69

bed-wetting125,242

BeechNutOatBars142

beers169,170

BeetLippy193

BentoniteClayCleanser105

BigCleanserSmoothie62

bilberry159,242

BirchAromaticSyrupforCoughs&SoreThroats64

BirchMassageOil74

BitingInsectRepellent92

blackcohosh229

blackwalnut233

Blackberry&BlackCurrantBrandy173

bladder106,107,166,224,225,230,232,236,239,242,243

bleeding112,224,230,238

blinis144

bloodcleansing123,226,227,229,230,233,238

Blood-CleansingFormula123

bloodsugar226,231,242

BloodThinningMixforLong-HaulTravelers90

blueflag232

Blue-PurpleInk214

bodybutters187,188

bodyscrubs187,188

bootpolish215

borage145,228

borax43

BowelCleanse104

bowels61,102,104,105,225,230,232,233,238

seealsodiarrhea

brain68,69,225,227,231,233,237,238,239

BrainBooster68

brandy172,173,174

breastcancer122,123,236

breastfeeding139

Breathe-EasyPotpourri39

BrightEyesWash97

brokenbones84,240

bronchialconditions53,229,239,243

BrownInk214

bruises84,85,233,238

BuckwheatBlinis144

BuckwheatPancakes144

Bug-BustingMixforVacationStomach92

Bug-BustingSurfaceCleaner27

BugOff!InsectRepellentSoap196

burdock154,155,168,204,226

BurdockAntidandruffShampoo204

burns83,225,233

ButteredBurdockStems155

buyingherbs13

CCalcium-RichHerbSalad153

calciumtonic57

calendulaseemarigold

CallingAllAngelsSpray37

Calm&RelaxationSpray37

CalmingHerbalBaths129

CancerTreatmentSurvivalDrink122

cancers122,123,164,229,231,235,236,237,240,241,243

candies21–22

CankerSoreCure85

cankersores79,85,237

pets137

carpetcleaner35

cars221

Cartilage-HealingSalve117

catarrh53,101,228,232,239,240

catnip135

CattailRiceRecipe154

cayennepepper156,228

Cedar&SouthernwoodMothRepellent50

cellulite185,192

cellulitis74

ChaiTeawithRedbush166

chamomile26,79,134,234

Chamomile&MarjoramSurfaceCleaner26

change59,63,216,233

charms218–19

chasteberry243

CheeringTea70

chemotherapy122,227,230,235

chickweed153,239

ChickweedSagPaneer153

ChilblainOil63

childbirth112,234,237

Children’sCoughHoney126

Chineseginseng235

Choca-CocoSugarBodyScrub184

chocolate108,109,156,178,184,192

ChocolateBombLipTherapy192

cholesterol225,227

ChronicDiarrheaMedicineforPets136

CinnamintToothpaste209

circulation75,87,95,134,144,174,224,226,228,237,242,243

CitrusCarpetCleaner35

CitrusFreshDeodorant211

CitrusHairSpray191

CitrusLaundryLiquid42

Citrus,Oat&HoneySoap195

ClaySoapAlternative201

ClearVisionDrops75

cleavers164,231

CleaversVinegar164

Cleopatra’sCleanser178

CoconutInflammationBeater69

CoconutLiverBlast105

CoconutScrubforBlemishes202

Cold&FluTea87

ColdSoreLotion121

ColdSoreOintment118

coldsores118,121,192,234

colds53,63,87,97,165,225,233

colic133,230,243

coltsfoot97,100,241

ColtsfootExpectorantHoney97

comfrey8,80,82,84,145,203,240

Comfrey&ElderShampooforDryHair203

ComfreyCreamforSpeedyHealing82

ComfreyFritters145

ComfreyOil80

compresses19

ComputerEnergyBoosterSpray36

ConcentratedLavenderLaundryLiquid42

ContractionsBooster112

cookies141,143

Cornstarch&RosemaryDryShampoo204

cornsilk63

CoughTea126

coughs64,65,76,80,97,99,100,101,125,126,177,225,229,232,241,242

crackers149

cramp229,234,243

seealsospasm

crampbark243

Cramp-RelievingTincture114

CreamforVaginalThrush110

creams20–21

creosotebush233

CrystallizedGinger162

cystitis106,166,242,243

CystitisRoutine106

CystitisTea106

Ddaisy84,85

DaisyBruiseOintment85

dandelion168,171,240

Dandelion&Burdock168

DandelionChampagne171

DandelionCoffee171

dandruff204

decoctions15

DeepSleepSpray37

dehydration88,93,127

seealsorehydration

dementia229,231,239

deodorant210–12

depression116,164,227,228,230,232,237

Desert-StyleMothRepellent50

DetoxComplex61

DetoxTea61

detoxification57,61,63,104,225,226,228,231,233,238,240,241

DetoxingMineralVinegar57

devil’sclaw137

diabetes229,236,242

diarrhea93,127,224,231,237,238,242

pets136

DiarrheaStopper93

digestion102,126,140,143,165,175,224,225,226,227,228,229,230,231,232,234,233,234,235,236,237,238,239,240,241,243

seealsoindigestion;stomachdiosgenin230

dishwashingliquid28

disinfectants29,31

diuretics96,164,226,238,240

dizziness114,239

Dogs’ArthritisMedicine137

Dogs’UpsetStomachPowder136

Doux-BaiserLipstick193

draincleaner32

DrawingOintment120

DryBedSyrup125

dryingherbs13,16

dyes227,228,229,233

EEarOil77

ears77,79,239,241

earache76,77,86,242

pets135

EasyCherrySyrup166

EasyIronTonic56

echinacea65,230

Eco-PoweredLaundryWhitener47

Eco-PoweredOvenCleanerwithBasil28

Eco-SudsyCarSoap221

eczema118,126,164,228,229,230,232,234,243

elder55,66,67,145,159,162,171,177,203,238

Elder,RoseHip&RowanberryOxymel55

ElderberryOxymel67

ElderflowerChampagne171

ElderflowerFritters145

ElderflowerSyrup162

ElderflowerWine177

Elders’Alcohol-FreeTonic68

Elders’SherryTonic67

elecampane161,232

ElecampaneCandies161

EmotionalBalancingSpray37

epilepsy236

EquinoxTeafortheChangingSeasons63

equipment16–17,23

essentialoils21,22,39,195,204

ExfoliatingSeaweedScrub185

exhaustion227,228,232,233,242

eyes75,79,97,183,227,229,242

pets137

Ffabricconditioners48–49

facemasks/packs178,179

FacialSerumforSun-DamagedSkin183

FalseSolomon’sSeal&TeaselforJoints116

fatburning60,69,228

fatigue227,232

feet86,131,191

FennelOatcakes148

fertility108,115,237,243

fever88,165,175,224,231,234,235,238,243

FieryMuscleRub74

Findhorn12

FireCider165

FissureSalve120

flatulenceseegas

FlaxseedRehydrationTea52

fleas44,92,136

floorcleaners30,35

flu87,150,227

fluidextracts18

FlyRepellant38

flying90,91

Foot&LegSpray191

Forest&CornGoddessCookies141

ForsythiaSyrup157

Friar’sBalsam98

fritters145

fruitleathers56

FruityBodyCustard187

fungalinfections86,118,122,131,181,226,228,233

horses138

FungalToenailCure122

furniturepolishes32–34

Ggallbladder229,239

Gardeners’SoapforDirtyNails197

gargles76,97,128,165,210

garlic65,139,151,152,225

Garlic&EchinaceaInfection-BustingTincture65

gas53,102,163,243

Gas-ReducingSyrup102

gentian231

GentleRoseTonerforMatureSkin180

GentleSoapNutLaundryLiquid44

ginger63,160,162,169,243

gingerbeer169

GingerPop169

ginkgo231

ginseng59,67,230,235

glasscleaner30

Gobo-BurdockRootsJapanese-style154

goldenrod163,239

GoldenrodVinegar164

GoodLuckCharm219

GoodSleepCharm218

goosegrassseecleavers

GorseLiqueur174

GorseWine177

gout241

grazeremedy78

greatercelandine229

GreenDragonShavingOil213

grief71,116,165

GriefTea71

GripeWater133

growingherbs12

gumdisease210,224

Hhair134,165,191,196,202-8,230

HairGrowthTonic208

HairMud205

hands66,91,130,182,189,190,200,201

seealsonails

hangovercure88

HappyHomeCharm218

HappyHouseAirSpray36

hawthorn96,99,157,158,229

HawthornFlowerSyrup157

hayfever89,131,177,225,242

HayFeverMead89

headlice132,206

HeadachePowders88

headaches88,89,114,229,233,234,237,240,243

Heal-AllMarigoldCream81

Heal-AllMarigoldOil81

HealingSkinScrub202

heart75,96,227,229,234,236,237,240

Heart&BloodPressureTea96

heartburn102,133,231,235

HeartburnTea102

heartsease243

hemorrhoids77,232,241,242

henbane103

HerbPesto152

HerbSalt147

HerbalAntidepressant116

HerbalAspirin88

HerbalHouseCleansingStick217

Herbal“HRT”Cream113

HerbalMouseDeterrent219

HerbalTonicforProstateHealth115

HerbyAftershave213

herpes134

highbloodpressure96,224,225,229,233,236,243

HighFliersCandiesforAnxiousFliers90

hives134

HolySleepPillow129

HomagetoHildegardeHangoverCure88

HomemadeTigerBalm89

honey19,21,127

Honey&MarigoldGrazeRemedy78

Honey,Lemon&GingerforColds63

hormonalimbalance114,224,228,229,230,243

horsechestnut31,95,224

HorseChestnut&BroomVaricoseVeinLotion95

horseradish157,174,226

HorseradishSauce157

HorseradishVodka174

Horses’AntifungalHoofPaint138

Horses’WartRemedy138

horsetail230

HotCayenneTinctureforChiliHotChocolate&More156

HotOil155

HotStuffCirculationStimulant95

hotflashes/sweats113,229,238,241

HouseProtectionCharm218

“HRT”cream113

huangqiseemilkvetch

huangqin238

huckleberryseebilberryhyperactivity233,234,236

HyssopCoughSyrup64

Iicecream159

icepops87,130,131

ImmuneBoosterforHorses138

immunesystem55,163,174,226,227,230,232,235,241

impotence115

incontinence107,230

IncontinenceTea107

indigestion101,102,133,235,243

seealsodigestion;gas;stomachinfertilityseefertilityinfusedoils20

infusions15

doubleinfusion18,20

inks214

insectbites89,92

insectrepellents38,44,50–51,91,92,196,220,221

insomniaseesleep

IntensiveEyeSerum183

IntensiveSkinRepairBalm80

intertrigo181

IntestinalParasiteSuppositories103

IntestinalParasiteTreatment104

intestinalparasites104,225,226,227,233,236

seealsoworms

InvigoratingBodyButter187

irontonic56

IrritableBowelTinctureMix102

irritablebowelsyndrome(IBS)53,102,225,235

itching82,111,118

Ivy-LeavedToadflaxSandwiches148

Jjelly158

JewelweedSalveforSkinInfections86

Joint-AligningSalve117

joints57,72,116,117,170,230,231,240

Juniper,Rosemary&LavenderGlassCleaner30

KKidney-StrengtheningTea63

kidneys63,166,224,225,226,236,237,239,240,241,242

stones163,226,233

kit16–17,23

Krishna39,235

Llabeling22

LaborEnduranceMix112

seealsochildbirth

Ladies’Lovelies108

lady’smantle224

Lamb’sQuartersHerbalSalt146

lavender30,41,42,50,73,129,134,180,181,189,200,210,212,217,233

Lavender&RoseHandCream189

Lavender&RosemaryMothRepellent50

Lavender&SageDeodorantPowder212

LavenderHandwash200

Lavender-InfusedOil73

LavenderLaundrySoap41

LavenderToner180

LavenderWater134

laxatives238,240,242

LeafuProteinSupplement57

leathers,fruit56

legs95–6,191

lemonbalm134,164,234

LemonBalmVinegar164

LemonBalmWater134

LemonBarleyWater166

LemonBootPolish215

Lemon-FreshCleaner27

LemonFurniturePolish32

“LemonSherbet”RehydrationRemedy93

LemonZingerFloorCleaner30

lemonade53,167

LiceTreatmentforKids132

Lichen,Coltsfoot&ThymeCoughCandies100

licorice65,161,232

liniments20

LinseedRehydrationTea52

lipbalm192

lipsticks193

LiquidCastileSoap199

liver61,102,105,165,175,225,226,227,228,229,231,232,233,234,235,236,237,238,239,240,242

pets138

lobelia234

lovage167

LoveSpellBathSalts186

LoveSpray37

luciddreaming226

lungs76,79,80,161,225,226,232,236,238,239,240,241,242,243

LuxuriousBodyButter188

LuxuryLaundryLiquid43

LuxuryMoisturizingHandwash200

LuxuryShavingCreamforWomen212

LuxurySoap198

lymphaticsystem164,231,232,236,243

MMabonWelcomeCup173

makeup193

malaria93,226,227

MandarinHandwash200

MangeTreatmentforAnimals135

ManyBerrySyrup55

ManyBerryFruitLeather56

marigold12,29,78,81,228

marjoram12,26,235

marshmallow76,101,117,161,225

MarshmallowCoughSyrup76

MarshmallowCandies161

MarshmallowWaterforAcidIndigestion101

mascara193

massageoils72–74

mastitis139

meadowsweet127,231

MeadowsweetAntidiarrheaHoney127

measurements18,23,103

MedicatedToothPowderforGumDisease210

MedicinalLavenderSkinTonic181

MedicinalMouthwash&Gargle210

MedicinalPortBrandy174

memoryloss134,231

menopause108,113,114,224,229,230,234,238,241,243

Men’sReproductiveTonic115

menstruation108,109,110,114,165,224,229,234,240

MessofGreens154

MetalPolish34

migraine88,229

milkthistle105,239

MilkThistleLiverProtector105

milkvetch59,227

MilkVetch,Ginseng&NettleStressSupportTonic59

Mineral-RichSeaweedBath62

MintChocolateFaceMask178

MoisturizingWorkingHandScrub201

MoisturizingShavingCreamforMen213

morningsickness111,234,243

MorningSicknessCandies111

MosquitoSpray91

mosquitoes91,93

Moth-DestroyingSpray51

mothrepellents50–51

MotheroftheHeartTincture75

motherwort234

mousedeterrent219

mouthfreshener159

mouthinfections227

moxibustion226

mucus80,124,125,127,224,226,238,239,242,243

Mucus-BustingTea127

mucousmembranes224,236,239

mugwort165,217,226

mullein77,86,242

MulleinFlowerOilforEarache86

MulleinPileOintment77

MultimineralPowder58

multiplesclerosis231,232

muscles72,74,89,117,155,165,230,234,240,243

NNail&CuticleBooster190

nails122,190,197,230

NaturalMascara193

NatureSmoothie152

nausea100,101,235,243

navelwort241

nephritis239

nervoussystem226,228,231,238,239,242

nettle59,108,151,170,205,220,241

Nettle&SageShampooforGrayingHair205

Nettle&WildGarlicLentilSoup151

NettleBeer170

NettleSyrup108

nightsweats113

Nit-DeterringConditioner206

NoStressRawChocolates109

nose79,238,239

Nourishing&CleansingFaceMask179

NourishingNailOil190

NuttyPlantainSnack143

Ooatbars142

OakBudRemedyforStrength71

OakLeafWine177

oats130,148,149,195,227

oatstraw227

Odor-BustingNaturalDrainCleaner32

Old-FashionedFurniturePolish33

oliveoil20,80,198

onion76

Opening&ClearingSnuff124

Orange,Lime&GrapefruitConditioner206

oregano12,165,235

OreganoVinegar164

Oregongrape228

ovencleaner28

oxymels19

Ppainrelief88,89,228,233,236,237,241,243

pakoras145

pancakes144

papaya104

parasitesseeintestinalparasites;wormspassionflower236

PassionSpray37

Pear&NutmegBrandy172

pennywort146,148,241

PennywortSandwiches148

PennywortSattvicTempura146

peppermint133,235

PeppermintWater133

PeriodPainChocolates109

PeriodPainTea110

periodpains109,110,114,224,229,243

PessariesforThrush111

pesto152

Pets’BeddingFabricConditioner49

Pets’BeddingLaundryLiquid44

Pets’LiverTonic138

Pets’Mouthwash137

Pharaoh’sOatBars142

pickingherbs11,13

PickledGinger160

pilesseehemorrhoids

pine29,99,143

PineCookies143

pityriasisversicolor86

Plant-BaseWaxforRawWood34

PlantPowerCarWax221

plantsprays220,221

plantain142,143,236

PlantainSeedyOatBars142

PlumMead173

PMTChocolates108

poisonivy86

pokeroot236

polycysticovariansyndrome243

PolypSnuff124

port174

postnataldepression230

potmarigoldseemarigoldpotpourri39

PoulticeforBrokenBones&Strains84

poultices19

premenstrualsyndrome(PMS)107,108,228,243

pregnancy71,74,108,111,234,237,241,243

PregnancyTea71

Primrose&VioletLemonade167

ProbioticBreakfast140

ProbioticLemonade53

ProsperitySpray38

ProsperousHouseCharm219

prostate115,239,241

ProtectionSmudgeStick217

ProtectionSpray38

proteinsupplement57

psoriasis43,119,201,228,232

PsoriasisCream119

PsoriasisLotion119

PsoriasisOintment119

PsoriasisSkinScrub201

pumpkinseeds115

PungentPakoras145

PungentPestControlSprayforPlants220

PureLicorice161

PureOliveOilCastileSoap198-99

PurificationBathSalts186

purpleconeflowerseeechinaceapurslane160

QQueenAnne’sLaceJelly158

QuickChamomileEyePoulticeforSoreEyes79

QuickOnionCoughSyrup76

QuickWakeUp71

RRadharani’sFavoriteIceCream159

radiationtherapy122,227,230,235

RadiationTherapyHealingSalve122

RainbowPotpourri39

RamsonsVinegar163

RashOintment130

raspberry237

redclover147,157,203,241

RedCloverMildShampoo203

RedCloverSyrup157

reflux102

rehydration52,93,127

RelaxationBathSalts186

RelaxingMassageOil72

RelaxingMixforLabor112

reproductiveorgans230,236

respiratoryproblems98,224,229,234,235,241

ReviveFacialMist188

rheumatism62,67,238,240

ribwort85,236

RibwortPoulticeforInfectedWounds85

ringworm86

RoastedReedRhizomes155

rob159

roomsprays36–38

rose48,115,134,147,165,167,180,181,182,185,189,207,215,237

Rose&CashewCream147

Rose&ChamomileWater134

RosePetalBeads215

RoseVinegar165

RosehipCSyrup54

Rosehip,Hawthorn&PineThroatLozenges99

rosehips54,55,99,237

rosemary29,30,31,50,134,149,167,204,208,237

Rosemary&HorseChestnutScouringPowder31

Rosemary&LovageLemonade167

Rosemary&PineToiletCleaner29

Rosemary&PoppySeedOatcakes149

RosemaryVinegar208

RosemaryWater134

RosyBathBomb185

RosyLotion182

rowanberry55,143,158

RowanberryBitterstoStimulateDigestion143

SSaffron&RoseTea167

sage84,97,205,210,212,216,217,238

Sage&DaisyPoulticeforBruises&Swellings84

Sage&LavenderDeodorant210

Sage&LavenderSmudgeStick217

Sage&ThymeGargle97

SageSmudgeStick216

St.John’swort83,232

St.John’sWortOil83

salad153

salts146,147

SalveforDryJoints117

SalveforEczema126

SandalwoodDeodorant211

sandwiches147,148

SarcoidsCreamforHorses139

scars237

sciatica229

scouringpowders31

ScratchPetFleaRemedyforCats&Dogs136

scrubs185,201,202

seaweed62,185

sepsis227

Sesame&LavenderBabyOil129

shampoo196,202–5

shavingcream212,213

sherrytonic67

shingles232,234

Siberianginseng230

silica230

SimpleRoseFaceCream181

SimpleTurnipCoughSyrup80

Sinus-ClearingInhalation98

Sinus-ClearingSoup150

sinuses96,98,150,225,226,238

Sinusitis&InfectedTeethMix96

skin49,57,66,69,72,74,80–84,86,118,119,120,122,126,130,134,164,165,201,202,225,226,228,229,230,231,232,233,234,237,238,239,240,241,243

personalcare178–89

Skin-CalmFabricSoftener49

Skin-CalmTea118

skullcap238

sleep37,70,114,128,129,177,218,227,233,234,236,242

SleepyTea70

SloeVodka173

sloes19,53,173

smoothSolomon’ssealseeSolomon’ssealsmudgesticks216–17

snuff124

soaps21,40–41,194–99,221

SoapwortShampooforBlondes202

SoapwortShampooforDarkHair202

SoapwortShampooforRedheads203

SoapwortWoolWash46

Solomon’sBadBackSalve117

Solomon’sseal116,117,236

Solomon’sSeal&AgrimonyTensionRemedy116

Soothing&RefreshingFootbath191

SoothingFaceMask179

SoothingOatBath130

SoothingSloeCSyrup53

SoothingSnuff124

SoreThroatGargle128

seealsothroat

soups150–51

Space-Clearer’sWashingPowder45

Space-ClearingSpray36

spasm103,229,230,233,234,240,243

SpecialBabyWipes131

SpicedHawthornandRowanBerryJelly158

SpicyElder&BilberryRob159

SpicyFurniturePolish33

SpicyLaminate&WoodenFloorCleaner35

SpicyLaundryLiquid43

SprayforStrainedorSoreThroats79

stainremover47

sterilizing17

stevia12

StimulatingMassageOil72

StingingNettleString220

seealsonettle

stomach87,88,92,100,101,102,134,161,225,226,228,231,232,235,237,239

pets136

seealsodigestion

StoneFloorSoap30

StopItchCream82

storingherbs13,16

strains84

stress59,70,73,109,177,226,228,230,232,234,235,242

Stress-BustingMassageBalm73

StretchMarkPreventionOilforPregnantWomen74

stroke231

Sugar&SpiceBody&ShampooBar196

sugarcravings231

sunburn134

sunscreen132

SuperAnticelluliteOil192

SupergreenJuice56

SuperstrongCitrusWashingPowder45

suppositories101,103

sweating87,113,226,238,243

Sweet&SoftFabricConditionerwithRose49

SweetFlowerSandwiches147

SweetKiss193

SweetPickledPurslaneStems160

SweetRoseHairOil207

SweetSleepPillowforChildren128

SweetSleepSyrup128

swellings84

SwissGentianAperitifWine175

syrups21

SyrupyMenopauseMix113

TTeaforDizziness114

TeaTree&LemonDeodorantPowder211

teas15

teasel116

teeth79,96,127,209,210

pets137

teething127,225

TeethingRub127

tempura146

tension116,224,242,243

Teri’sToothPowder209

throat53,64,76,79,87,97,99,128,210,238,239,241

thrush110,111

thyme12,29,31,65,97,100,240

Thyme&LicoriceCoughSyrup65

Thyme&MarigoldDisinfectant29

ThymeDisinfectantScouringPowder31

thyroid232

tigerbalm89

tinctures18–19

recreational172–75

TobaccoandTeaTreePlantSpray221

toiletcleaner29

toners180

tonsils164,237

toothpowder209,210

toothpaste209

toothwort156

TravelSicknessCandies90

Travelers’AntibugLaundrySoap40

travelers’firstaidkit90–93

TreePowerAntisepticAftershave213

TropicalBodyBuff184

TropicalHairMilk207

TrulyTastyCoughMixture99

turmeric64,229

TurmericHoneyAntibiotic64

turnip80

typhus227

Uudders139

Ulcer-HealingHoney79

ulcers224,225,230,231,232

seealsocankersores

UpAllNight&StillDancingSnuff124

UpliftingSnuff124

urinarysystem225,232

seealsobladder

Vvaginalthrush110,111

valerian115,135,242

Valerian&CatnipCatToy135

VaporRub98

varicoseveins95,96,191

Vein-BuildingComplex96

veruccas121

vervain242

VeryBerryMead173

VinegarCalciumTonic57

vinegars19,163–65,208

violet123,167,243

VioletSalveforTumors123

vitaminC53,54,55,67,108,158,173,182,237,238

VitaminERichHealingSalveforAnimals&People139

VitaminIcePops130

vodka18,78,173,174

Wwallpennywort241

walnut59,177,216,233

WalnutFlowerRemedyforAdaptingtoChange59

WalnutLeafWine177

WalnutProtectionRemedy216

WarmtheBonesSmoothie62

Wart&VeruccaZapper121

warts121,138,229,240

washingliquid48

washingpowder45–6

WaterfallSmoothie107

WaterproofingMixforCanvas215

WeightLossSpice60

WeightLossTea60

whitecedar240

whitewillow237

whitener47

whoopingcough229

WildCherryCoughCalmingSyrup125

WildGarlicBread152

WildGarlicPesto152

WildGreens156

WildHerbSavoryCream147

wildindigo227

wildlettuce233

WildToothwortSauce156

wildyam113,230

willow88,204,237

WillowShampooforOilyHair204

windowcleaner30

wines175,176–77

WinterFestivitiesPotpourri39

WinterWarmerTea62

WintertimeFacialToner180

womb71,134,224,226,227,234,237,243

Women’sBalancingTea114

woodbetony239

WoodAshDetergent-FreeWashingLiquid48

woolwash46

WormSuppositories103

worms103,240

seealsointestinalparasiteswormwood226

wounds78,85,224,228,232,233,234,236,238,240,241,242

XXmasSurvivalTummyTonic87

Yyarrow96,170,179,224

YarrowBeer170

YarrowSoothingSkinWash179

YellowDockCrackers149

yellowjasmine103

ZZestyStainRremover47

ZestyDishwashingLiquid28

zinc115

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Iwouldliketothankthemanypeoplewhohavemadethisbookpossible.

AhugethankyoutoallatLeapingHare,particularlythelovelyMonicaPerdoniwhospottedmeduringmytwo-minuteCountryfileappearanceandhadtheideaforTheHerbalHandbookforHomeandHealth,andJayneAnsellwhoisatirelesslypatienteditor.Alsothankstotheartdirector,WayneBlades,anddesigner,AndrewMilne,formakingabeautifulbook.

Thankstomyparents,SheilaandDavidWaller,whogotmeintoherbalmedicineinthefirstplacebytheirexample,andforalltheirhelpandsupportovertheyears.

ThankstomybelovedDaujiforhislovingsupportandcleversuggestions,mysonAlexandmyfriendswhotriedalotofweirdandwonderfulrecipes—somethatmadeit,somethatdidn’t—andlistenedtoalotofgnashingofteethasIwrestledwiththecomputeroverthisproject.

Thankstoallthefabulousherbalists,plantspiritmedicinepractitioners,andplantloverswhogenerouslygavetheirrecipes—youhavemadethisbooktheinterestingandvariedmixtureofrecipesthatitis.Thanksalsotothosewhoserecipesweretoolongforthisvolume—I’mhopingtofeatureyoursinvolumetwo!

ThankstoLouiseforlettingmeloosewithmycupsandspoonsintheHerbariumshopandhelpingmegettogripswithU.S./Europeanmeasuringeccentricities.

Thankstomyfriendsintheplantworld,theherbsthemselves,forcallingtomeagainandagainandwavingtomewhereverIgo.

Andlastbutnotleast,thankyouRadharani,forbeingtheOnewhoisbehindeverything.

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