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VAPOR RUB

INFUSE OIL

1/3 CUP LOBELIA (at risk plant UPS)—Excellent for spastic “dry” coughing and wheezing.  Superb expectorant (expectorants help expel or expect excess mucus from the system)  Best remedy for asthma bronchitis.  Antispasmodic, meaning relaxes the chest and opens constricted bronchial passages, Stimulates the respiratory center in the brain, producing deeper and stronger breathing. 

1/3 CUP MULLEIN  Helps with respiratory infections 

1/3 CUP HOPS  Relaxes the nervous system

1 Tbl.  ROSEMARY Antiseptic (help prevent the growth of bacteria), helps open nasal passageways

1 TBL. PEPPERMINT Helps to open nasal passages

Oil of choice

Solar-Infused oil

Place the herbs and the oil in a glass jar.  Cover tightly.  Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and let steep for 2 to 4 weeks.   Strain the oil through cheesecloth or muslin.   Squeeze every last drop.  

Double Boiler Method

Place the herbs and the oil in a double boiler and bring to a low simmer.  Slowly heat for 30 to 60 minutes, checking frequently to be sure the oil IS NOT OVERHEATING.  The lower the heat the longer the infusion the better.   I do cycles, low heat on, then off and repeat several times.

Make Vapor Rub

1 cup of infused oil

1/4 cup bees wax

15 drops Rosemary EO

15 drops Eucalyptus EO

25 drops Camphor EO

10 drops Orange EO  

15 drops Clove EO

8 drops Peppermint EO

Other Combinations:

20 drops eucalyptus, 10 drops rosemary, 10drops lavender, 10 drops tea tree, 10 drops lemon

20 drops each rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus

20 drops each rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus

20 drops eucalyptus, 20 drops peppermint, 10 drops basil and 10 drop pine needle

5 drops each lavender, rosemary, tea tree and eucalyptus

Essential Oils For Congestion: 

Eucalyptus – Potent antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant.

Tea Tree – An effective antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic. Peppermint – Helps to open nasal passages.

Basil – Helps open nasal passages. Antiseptic.

Rosemary – Antiseptic, helps open nasal passageways. 

Pine- Great for colds and sinusitis. Has decongestant and antimicrobial qualities.

Lavender – Antihistamine, antiseptic and antimicrobial.

Clove – cooling expectorant

Marjoram – Antimicrobial. Helps with breathing.

Chamomile – Relieves congestion and helps calm cranky patients.

Lemon – Stimulates immune function, but take care if using in sunlight because it increases sensitivity

Sweet Orange – Helps with detoxification , helps with nerviness, anxiety, sedative, antispasmodic

Camphor—antispasmodic

What is the centering of self, the centering of life through chaos, sadness ,madness, fear, disappointment, and loss.  How do we as humans deal with the stresses of life, in a world that is moving faster?  How do we center ourselves to protect our own health?   

What is centering the self?  Does this mean anything to you?  Do you feel most of the time like life is out of control?   Does your heart take too many leaps, to many extra pumps, do rapid heart beats become normal in life due to the anxiety that hits daily?  

Many of us , these days, are dealing with a lot on our plates. It is important for our health that we deal with it effectively or else it will take a toll, cause stagnation in our bodies and create problems down the road.

  I had a productive day and at one point I had come inside to do some computer research.  After I was done I stepped away and did some light movement and some deep breathing after my shower. It was time to head outside with my cup of tea, a backpack that had books, a writing journal and my camera.  I walked over to my sun gazing spot, (this is one of the things that gives me rejuvenation), worked on clearing my head and wrote things down that bothered me throughout the day.  When I write I always find something positive to jot down at the end of my thoughts.    

My thoughts for this day...journaling  to purge, write down ideas, concerns, and ramblings.   

My thoughts today seem to be to many.   Recovering from my accident has left our world spinning, a lot of work to catch up on and a chronic neck issue. Thoughts of how to understand running a business in a world of technology, how to understand people, how to understand death, loss, letting go, ego, and fear.    

Also, we had a family pet pass away and it has been incredibly hard.  I find that when I am sitting still I am haunted with all the memories of him..   I play the game of pushing all thoughts away as I get teary eyed, and move on to something else.  It is like a high tide coming in and leaving.     

A day to push away thoughts of a quiet house, I don't hear the Rocky thunder, that used to vibrate through, the big white fuzzy is gone, sadness, ... I get an overwhelming urge to cry, letting go is so fucking hard...It's not how he died or when he died, it is the happiness he gave us that needs to be remembered.. Keeping busy pushing thoughts away, time heals.  So many things in this last year and a half, so much loss, in a short period of time.  At the same time we have had incredible things happen to.  It always amazes me that somehow we can get overwhelmed by stress, loss, sadness and feel it in our bodies and heart, but if we have incredible things happen we don't seem to hold on to it that same way as negativity.  What would it be like to ignore negativity and be overwhelmed by happiness? I enjoy researching, but after many hours on the computer it is always  a reminder how unhealthy screen time is. I end up craving a book. a real book and I turn off everything.  Technology is a gift, but also a curse.  Over used , yes.  Screen time addicts have been created.  Screen time vibrates our bodies in such a negative way that it is vitally important that we take vacations from it.  Stress caused by screen time is taking it's toll on our bodies.  We seem to be becoming a society that is in search of people on their social media only to find that they are becoming more lonely.   More people in search of people, but still becoming more lonely.  I, to, am guilty of this, I miss my kids. My day of gardening,  tea time, mountain time, cutting scotch broom up in the mountains, to keep the chemical sprays off of the ground. My duty to do my best to protect the earth from the chemical addicts that enjoy spraying their herbicides and god know what else. Sunsets bring me joy, I take a moment and watch the clouds move,  I feel the breeze, I hear the wind whisper in my ears, I feel the ground under my bare feet. As I watch the sunset, and purge out everything on paper, I remind my self to breath, deep breaths,.  I hear the Robins sing their heart out, the sun is setting,   Breathing gives the breath of life..   

Rocky May 2007 - April 1, 2015

I am remind as I watch the sun go down, that it is time to put the journal down, sit still and breath.  No thoughts, just quiet the mind.  These words came to me.  

The sunset is a reminder to find the light in life at your most saddest, darkest times.  The light brings peace, beauty, love, forgiveness, urges you to open your heart, let go of ego, and bring down those walls.  A heart with walls, eventually stops beating..   For the light reminds us that being in the dark is OK, as long as we remember to rise. 

My message for today is that I don't want all of that emotional clutter staying in me.  Just think how my body would feel if I did not purge any of that out.  It is like putting bad gas in a car or  not putting oil in it.   You get dry, start smoking, blow a gasket, and then need to rebuild your motor.  That can take some time.   

If you are stressed, sad, mad etc. what are some of the things that you do?   Here are a few that I do.  

BREATH (this is what gives you life)

EXERCISE (at least 5 days a week)

DANCE/SING 

MOUNTAIN TIME/NATURE TIME

GOOD HEALTHY ORGANIC FOOD MADE WITH A PLETHORA OF HERBS 

TEA TIME WITH FAMILY MEMBER

RELAXING HERBS

FAMILY TIME WITHOUT SCREENS

TEA TIME WITH SELF

SELF TIME

JOURNAL

I am going to end this blog by leaving some great information with you, by Rosalee on Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.  She does such a great job that I wanted to share this with you.  

Peace to you and here's to finding our happy center! 

A great article on Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, written by Rosalee de la Foret

http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/adrenal-fatigue-syndrome.html

Centering Self..

  It teaches you to focus on the here and now, taking power away from outside concerns and negative thoughts, and helping you remain stable and grounded.

How to Center Yourself: 

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTCS_83.htm

Relaxing Teas, Sleepy Time Teas and more at the Wild and Weedy Apothecary 

Assorted Tea Recipes: 

http://adelightfulhome.com/diy-tea-recipes/

Tranquil Tea Blend: 

http://www.bulkherbstore.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-make-your-own-tranquil-tea-blend/

Today I had a bad migraine. I made a cup of tea and decided it was best to go outside and get some fresh air. The greenhouse has a relaxing atmosphere. I sat on our cob bench and zoned out. My migraine was not letting up. I wanted to curl up and lay on the bench. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths and then opened them. The little voice said Rosemary. I was sitting there looking at my three big Rosemary plants. It was a light bulb moment. I took a few snips of the plant and started taking deep breaths of Rosemary's heavenly scent. I think it took less than five mintues to get rid of my migraine. Yeah!! I tucked the Rosemary in my pocket and finished doing my greenhouse chores. Next time you get a headache or a migraine and you have a Rosemary bush, you might want to try this.

Congratulations to all that joined Seven Steps To Wellness Workshop.  Joining this class takes some serious commitment and it truly shows how strong you are for joining this class.  

You are working hard toward great accomplishment with your health and it gives me great joy to help guide you on your path to becoming a heather new you..   

First Class:  Tea time conversations,  book,  homework, food diaries and recipe handed out.   

"TAKE BACK YOUR HEALTH"

Disease goes away as a side effect of getting healthy

Hand in food diaries

Hand out food diaries

Recipe of the week

Discussion 

Meditation

Positive Words

Picture 

Get a journal 

Slow Medicine:

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsaymZARwOg

Web-Site

http://slowmedicinedoctor.com/

Parasympathetic nervous system:  

http://www.mercola.com/article/mind_body/applied_psycho_neurobiology/dca.htm

http://www.mercola.com/article/mind_body/thought_field_therapy/overview.htm

Tea Recipes:

Flower Nerve Tonic Tea

1 part chamomile

3 parts lemon balm

1 part oats

1/2 part chrysanthemum flowers

1/2 part lavender flowers 

1/2 part rose petals

Root Nerve Tonic Decoction: 

1 part licorice root 

1 part astragalus

1 part cinnamon

1/2 part ginger

2 parts dandelion root

2 parts burdock root

Make a mix, put in a jar, label

1 tablespoon per cup of water 

Make a decoction, strain

Then add 15 drops of american ginseng root tincture and 15 drops of eleutherococcus (siberian ginseng) tincture, sweeten and enjoy.  

Instructions on how to make a tea and decoction, click on link below: 

http://mountainroseblog.com/medicine-making-basics-herbal-infusions/

Breakfast Nut Shake: 

http://bloodsugarsolution.com/2012/07/31/nut-shake/

Califlower Tortillas: 

http://www.recipegirl.com/2014/05/05/cauliflower-tortillas/

Lite Russian Style Macaroni and Cheese 

Preparation Time: One Hour

Yield:  At Least 6 Servings (cut in square and freeze) 

You can improvise further by increasing or varying the vegetables.  Try cauliflower, broccoli, and /or carrots, leeks and other root vegetables:   Go for color 

Bake at 350, lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan 

3 cups cooked pasta of choice 

3 tablespoons organic butter

2 cups chopped onion 

6 cloves garlic, minced 

1/2 lb shitake mushrooms, sliced

4 cups organic cabbage, shredded (about 1/2 an average head)

1 tsp sea salt or celtic salt

1 tsp caraway seeds

2 tsp dried dill

1 tsp black pepper

1 lb of meat of choice chopped and cooked

1/2 cup organic sunflower seeds

1 bunch organic spinach, stemmed and coarsely chopped 

2 cups organic cottage cheese, omit if you need this to be dairy free

1/2 cup organic yogurt, omit if you need this to be dairy free 

Dairy free option 6 eggs liquid scramble

Diary free option 1 cup Nutritional Yeast

Preheat oven to 350, lightly grease pan

Cook the pasta until just barely tender.  Drain thoroughly, and transfer to a large bowl

Melt the butter in a large, dep skillet, and add the onions and meat.  After saute'ing for about 5 minutes, add garlic, mushrooms, cabbage, salt and caraway.  

Stir, cover, and cook until the cabbage is just tender and meat is cooked. 

Stir in spinach, and remove from heat.  

Add to the pasta

Stir in cottage cheese, yogurt, dill, and black pepper.  Taste to adjust seasonings, then spread into the prepared pan.  

Dairy free option:  Once you have poured  mixture into the pan, mix egg liquid  with nutritional yeast and pour liquid over pasta and veggies in prepared pan.   

Sprinkle with sunflower seeds 

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until heated through.  

Healthy Halloween Treat:

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons honey or organic maple syrup

1/4 Cup organic almond, sunflower or peanut butter

1/2 Teaspoon  organic pure vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons honey or organic maple syrup

2 Tablespoons  organic extra virgin coconut oil

1/4 Cup organic almond, sunflower or peanut butter

1/4 Cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 Teaspoon organic pure vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons  honey or organic maple syrup

Instructions

1. MAKE THE BOTTOM LAYER: Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until very smooth.
2. Set 10 mini baking cups in a mini muffin pan. Pour about one tablespoon of the bottom-layer mixture into each baking cup without dribbling it down the inside of the paper (or you’ll get streaks in the final product). Place on a flat surface in the freezer. 

1. MAKE THE TOP LAYER: Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until evenly incorporated. Remove the pan from the freezer and fill each baking cup to the top with the top-layer chocolate mixture.
2. Put the tray back in the freezer and let chill until the chocolate layer has hardened, about 15 minutes. Store the peanut butter cups in the freezer for up to 4 months. 

High Vitamin C Tea

Ingredients:  rose hips, hibiscus flowers, lemon grass, cinnamon chips

Note:  Vitamin C is a noted antioxidant with disease-fighting abilities.  

Rose Hips:  They contain more vitamin C than almost any other herb, many times the amount found in citrus fruit when measured gram by gram.  

Hibiscus:  high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids.  It has slightly astringent properties.  It is useful for treating mild colds, flus, bruising, and swelling. 

Lemon Grass:  http://planetwell.com/lemongrass-health-benefits-and-healing-proper...

Cinnamon:  Although cinnamon is considered to be simply a spice by most Westerners, herbalists have been using it for centuries as a warming digestive aid.  It is a wonderful mild stimulant and can be combined with ginger to treat circulatory and digestive problems.  It has antiviral and antiseptic activities, making it useful for fighting infections.  

High Vitamin C Tea Recipe: 

4 parts rose hips

3 parts hibiscus

2 parts lemongrass

1 part cinnamon chips 

Wild and Weedy Apothecary is sponsoring a scholarship for the Seven Steps To Wellness Workshop.

Scholarship covers class but not book.  Book cost is $17.00.  Book pick up is  Saturday October 24th 2015. 

See details below

How to apply for the scholarship: 

Send me an e-mail with your name, age and e-mail addresses with the following: 

What are your hobbies?

How active is your present life style?

Do you cook?

Do you have type one or type two diabetes? 

Do you have other health issues or concerns? 

What would you like to gain out of this workshop? 

I must receive your e-mail by Friday October 23rd by 8:00 PM  

Send To: wildweedyherbs@gmail.com

This workshop requires a commitment to yourself, the group and me. Only serious inquires please.  

Seven Steps To Wellness Workshop Details

It is time to take action and take back your health.

 Why wait for a New Years Resolution, when you can start now. Yes, this class starts right before the holidays and what better time to start a wellness program!   We will be getting healthy together and working on life style changes right through the holidays.   

The Seven Steps To Wellness class will be using the book "The Blood Sugar Solution" by Mark Hyman, MD  as our guide.  

You will learn how to boost your nutrition, regulate your hormones, reduce inflammation, improve your digestion, maximize detoxification, enhance  energy metabolism, gain cooking skills,  and soothe your mind. 

This is an ultra healthy program for preventing disease and feeling great.

Class meets weekly for 7 weeks and there will be reading homework each week. 

Don't wait , act now, Isn't it time to take your health back? 

PRE-PAY by Oct 17th 2015 

Cost:  $160.00 (includes book) 

You can pay through Eventbrite, visit Wild and Weedy Apothecary or come by the Farmers Market On Third St. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seven-steps-to-wellness-weekly-workshop-tickets-18638067963

When:  Saturdays

Time 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

Class Schedule: 

Oct 24th  10:00 am - 10:45 am Intro class, pick up book

Oct. 31st 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

Nov. 7th 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

THURSDAY Nov. 12th 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Nov. 21st 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

NO CLASS NOVEMBER 28TH 

Dec. 5th 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

LAST CLASS WILL BE TWO HOURS

Dec 12th 10:00 am - Noon 

Herbal First Aid Basics 

It is always a great idea to take a First Aid/CPR class.  Contact your local fire department for a class or go to www.redcross.org and look for a class in your area. 

Red Cross first-aid training teaches that before you do anything, assess the situation as a whole. Then assess your level of ability to handle it.  If it is beyond the scope of your strength, ability, or training, do what you can to stop any imminent dangers that may cause more harm, then go for help. The same holds true at home.  Step back and calmly view the situation before embarking on any treatment.  

A great first aid kit, would handle more than just cuts and scrapes. Ideally, I would not include any chemical preparations. For me the medicines would be all-natural, potent and effective.  Please keep in mind if there are some things you need to add to this please do.

OBSERVE THE FIRST RULE OF FIRST AID

You are assembling your home medicine chest with the hope that you'll never use it....It is your homemade insurance policy.  However the chances are good that you may have to use it, and before you do, be sure to heed the first rule of herbal medicine.  Written down by Hippocrates thirty-five hundred years ago, its truth is universally recognized.  

"FIRST DO NO HARM"  

Factors Affecting What's In Your Family's Medicine Chest 

Ages of members

Personal health needs

Personal goals and temperaments

Lifestyle demands 

Access to herbs 

Travel requirements and interests 

While there are specialty preparations you'll want to have handy tailored for you/roomates/neighbors and your family's particular health needs, there are a few standard items that are useful to have in almost any herbal medicine chest.  

My Personal Favorites: 

1.  Bach Flower Essence/Rescue Remedy: The Rescue Remedy Flower essence  deals with emergencies and crises.   It can be used for  any stressful situation, from last-minute exam or interview nerves, to the aftermath of an accident or bad news. Rescue Remedy  helps you relax, get focused and calm.  

2. Activated Charcoal:  is a potent natural treatment used to trap toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so the body doesn't reabsorb them.

Activated charcoal is estimated to reduce absorption of poisonous substances up to 60%.

It works by absorbing chemicals, thus reducing their toxicity (poisonous nature), through the entire length of the stomach and small and large intestines (GI tract).

Activated charcoal itself is a fine, black powder that is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic.

Activated charcoal is often given after the stomach is pumped (gastric lavage). Gastric lavage is only effective immediately after swallowing a toxic substance (within about one-half hour) and does not have effects that reach beyond the stomach as activated charcoal does.

I have used activated charcoal for nausea from Giardia and it works great.   Also Activated charcoal can be  used as a poultice for infections.   Activated Charcoal Poultice: http://www.charcoalremedies.com/how_to_make_a_charcoal_poultice

3.  Oregon Grape Root UPS (untied plant savers):  Exceptional anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral properties.  Works great for treating skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis.  A decoction made from the root helps with poor digestion and as a tonic for the liver.   I've had great results using it for fighting systemic infections, cleaning wounds and as topical wash for external infections.

4.  Echinacea UPS:  Immune system booster, first sign infection fighter, boils, venomous bites, abscesses, clean wounds, colds and flu. 

5.  Pine: antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.  Treat wounds – apply it to cuts like you would super glue.  Follow first-aid protocol for cleaning/flushing first.  Stop bleeding – apply a soft glob (heat if necessary) to help stop bleeding.  Treat skin rashes and eczema with ointments,tinctures, and salves. For tinctures, use 190 proof Everclear since resin won’t dissolve with watered down alcohols.  Use the tincture for  colds, coughs, and bronchitis. Chew softer sap straight off the tree like a gum for sore throats and colds.   More information on Pine:  http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pine-Keeps-You-Fine.htm

6.  Garlic:  Kills parasites, lung ailments, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal 

7.  Calendula:  Promotes cell repair, antiseptic (prevents infection from occurring in injuries) anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Use for bruises, burns, sores, skin ulcers and as a tea wash. 

8.  Lavender Essential Oil:  To clean wounds 

9.  Plantain:  Soothing, drawing herb.  Use as poultice/spit poultice for bee stings, bug bites, blood poisoning and skin irritations.  Spit Poultice:

 http://crabappleherbs.com/blog/2007/06/30/herbs-for-irritated-skin-spit-poultices/

10.  Yarrow:  Fights bacteria, helping to cure simple infections. Poultice or a tea wash for deep cuts and slow healing wounds.    I have used this herb for very serious infections and it worked great!  Aid in healing skin conditions and is anti-inflammatory

11.  Comfrey:  For treating torn ligaments, strains, bruises and any injury to the bones or joints.  

12.  Elderberry:  Immune enhancing properties and  is a good preventive.  This herb rocks! 

13.  Honey:  Powerful antibacterial properties.   Pure honey literally sucks the moisture out of bacteria, effectively killing them while leaving you unharmed.   Applied straight it heals external ulcers, wound and cold sores.  Apply to burns.  Other techniques using honey, blend equal amounts honey and tincture, or mix equal amounts of freshly chopped herb and honey let rest for twenty minutes then apply as needed.   

Herbal First Aid Kit: 

1.  Comfrey Calendula/Injured Healing Salve:  Clean wound first.  Use on minor cuts and scraps.  Moisturizes dry skin. With calendula’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and comfrey’s ability to help heal wounds, this salve is perfect for minor cuts and scrapes.

2.  Lip Balm:  Dehydration  

3.  Valerian Tincture:  Helps with stressful situations, frazzled nerves and sleep. The sedative properties of valerian make it useful for relieving anxiety, insomnia and tension; it may also provide mild pain relief.

4.  Dried Yarrow:   anti-bacterial, styptic( a substance capable of stopping bleeding when applied to a wound), circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, astringent, anti-microbial, bitter, anti-inflammatory, for wounds, fevers, colds, flu, insect repellent stopping bleeding, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, cystitis. It is especially good for deep, clean cuts. Bruises, too. It’s one of the best herbs to stop bleeding.  Use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed. Its use is not recommended while pregnant.  

5.  Lavender Essential Oil:   disinfects cuts and scrapes. Can use for an eye compress. Multi-purpose lavender has sedative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It’s helpful for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, wounds and burns. Most people can tolerate lavender essential oil applied directly to the skin, or apply to a cotton ball and apply to the area dabbing with the cotton ball.  Headaches (place cold compress on forehead)  and inflamation make a cold compress:  Ice water, soak cloth add 4 to 5 drops lavender essential.  Toothache, muscle aches make a warm compress. 

6.  Peppermint Tea Bags:  Heart burn and gas. Peppermint soothes an upset stomach, eases congestion from the common cold and curbs itching from insect bites.  For some people peppermint tea may aggravate heartburn.

7.  Chamomile Tea Bags:  Ease nausea, helps with anxiety and pink eye.Gentle enough for children, chamomile tea promotes relaxation, relieves indigestion and, applied topically, soothes skin irritations.

8.  Slippery Elm Lozenges:  Sore throat 

9.  Echinacea Tincture:  Take when you feel something coming on, helps boosts immune system. 

10.  Wormwood Tincture:  Food poisoning, parasites. The tincture is recommended for gastritis, , fever, flu, pneumonia, intoxications and infections with Giardia.      Do not ingest in large amounts and for extended periods of time. Not to be used while pregnant. More information on wormwood: http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_wormwood.htm

11.  Yarrow Tincture:  Disinfects, helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms, brings down fevers, can use to make a bug spray. Use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed. Its use is not recommended while pregnant.  More information on Yarrow:  http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_yarrow.htm

12.  Tea Tree Oil:  Use on herpes, cold sores, disinfectant for abrasions.  

13.  Arnica Homeopathic 30C:  Use Immediately, helps with bumps and bruises   Helps reduce inflammation from injuries  

14.  Bach Rescue Remedy:  Helps settle nerves after an accident 

15.  Small Bag Bentonite Clay:  Poison oak, bug bites, can take a little for diarrhea  With drying and drawing properties, clay is useful for healing skin rashes and insect bites. Store in a small plastic container.

16.   Ginger capsules, tea bags and crystallized ginger: The antispasmodic and gas-relieving properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) soothe digestive upsets. Ginger also has been proven to relieve motion sickness better than Dramamine, the conventional drug treatment. 

17.  Witch hazel extract: Distilled witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has mild astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for insect bites and skin irritations. It’s also an excellent base for diluting essential oils for a variety of simple, topical herbal first-aid remedies. Do not take it internally.

18.  Aloe vera gel: Cooling and healing, aloe vera (Aloe vera) soothes the inflammation of sunburn and common kitchen scalds and burns.

19.  Eucalyptus essential oil: A potent antibiotic and antiviral, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is excellent for treating colds, flus and sinus infections when used as a steam inhalation. Dilute with oil or witch hazel extract before applying to the skin, and do not take internally.

20.  Goldenseal capsules or powder or Oregon Grape(Oregon grape may be used as an effective substitute for the goldenseal) : A powerful antimicrobial, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is effective against a variety of microorganisms that cause traveler’s diarrhea. The powder has antiseptic properties and can be sprinkled onto cuts or wounds to stop bleeding. Do not take goldenseal internally during pregnancy. Oregon grape is a great substitute for Goldenseal and considering goldenseal in on the endangered plant list you might want to look into using oregon grape . Information on Oregon Grape:  http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_oregon_grape.htm

21.  Arnica oil: Arnica (Arnica montana) flowers have anti-inflammatory and circulation-stimulating properties; the gel or cream is excellent for sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruises. Do not apply arnica to broken skin.

22.  Cayenne:  Stops bleeding 

23.   Chaparro:   Gastroenteritis, giardia, parasites, fungal infections and where to purchase it:  http://www.desertortoisebotanicals.com/products/chaparro-amargosa-tincture/

Additional First-Aid Essentials

• Adhesive bandage strips: Various sizes, including butterfly closure bandages.

• Bandage materials: Sterile gauze pads, a roll of gauze, adhesive bandage tape.

• Elastic bandage: For sprains or strains.

• Electrolyte replacement: Powdered drink packets such as Emergen-C.

• Moleskin: Blister treatment.

• Scissors: Small pair for cutting bandages, adhesive tape, moleskin.

• Thermometer: Instant-read type.

• Tweezers: For removing ticks and splinters.

* Cotton Balls 

*Small Flash light

* Ice Pack

*Small tissue packs 

*Latex gloves

*syringe

Quick Natural Remedies for Common Conditions

Anxiety: 
• Drink chamomile tea, 3 cups a day.
• Take valerian tincture, 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon up to 3 times daily.
• Take a bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil or place a drop of lavender oil on a tissue and inhale as desired. 

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

Bruises: 

*Chamomile, Lavender and St. Johns Wort
• Immediately apply ice to relieve pain and swelling.
• Take Arnica Homeopathic, follow instructions on the bottle

* Apply salve or Arnica Oil  

Burns: 
• Immediately immerse the affected area in cold water until the burning sensation subsides. Then apply aloe vera gel mixed with lavender essential oil (5 drops of lavender oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel).
• For sunburn, soak in a cool bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Colds and Flus: 
• Take 1 dropperful of echinacea tincture four times a day until symptoms subside.
• Take 1 dropperful of elderberry extract four times a day until symptoms subside.
• To relieve soothe a sore throat, slippery elm lozenge.
• To ease congestion, add 2 drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils to hot water; inhale the steam vapors.

Wounds:

• Add 1 dropperful of echinacea extract to 1⁄2 cup of water as an antiseptic wash.
• To stop bleeding, sprinkle cayenne directly into the wound and apply pressure with a clean cloth.
• Apply a salve made from calendula-comfrey — only after a scab has formed, to prevent trapping bacteria.

Diarrhea: 
• Replenish lost fluids and soothe the digestive tract with chamomile or ginger tea.
• For diarrhea caused by infectious microorganisms, take 1 capsule of goldenseal three times daily for up to two weeks.
• To boost immunity and fight infection, take 1 dropperful of echinacea four times daily.

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

Indigestion: 
• Sip warm chamomile, peppermint or ginger tea.
• Chew on a piece of crystallized (candied) ginger.

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

Insomnia: 
• Drink a cup of warm chamomile tea.
• For stronger sedative action, take up to 1 teaspoon of valerian tincture before bed.
• Take a warm bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Nausea: 

• Take 1 to 2 capsules of dried ginger every 15 minutes until symptoms abate.
• To prevent motion sickness, take 6 to 8 capsules of powdered ginger about 45 minutes before departing.
• To calm a queasy stomach, chew on a piece of crystallized ginger.

Poison oak/ivy: 
• Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cool water, or sponge with alcohol to remove the oily resin.
• If a rash occurs, make a paste out of the  Bentonite clay

* Apply Dr. Kloss liniment with a cotton ball

Strains and sprains:
• Immediately elevate and apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling and inflammation. After 24 hours, apply hot compresses to increase circulation and speed healing.
• Apply arnica oil or salve to the affected area three times daily. 

Toothache

*Echinacea tincture, spilanthes tincture, plantain leaves mixed with salt and clove essential oil and more information on toothaches:  http://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/toothache-remedy/

Liniment:

A liniment is an herbal preparation made by infusing herbs in rubbing or grain alcohol. The liniment will be applied to the skin and the alcohol will evaporate rapidly allowing the herbs to penetrate quickly to accomplish such actions as relieving sore muscles and increasing circulation.

Dr. Kloss Liniment:

http://frugallysustainable.com/2011/10/building-your-medicine-chest-herbal/

It is one of the most effective recipes for disinfecting wounds you could ever have on hand. However, this liniment is not only useful for disinfecting, it is highly beneficial in treating the following: all pains,insect bites,painful swellings,bruises,boils,skin eruptions of any kind (i.e. pimples, eczema, etc.)

How to Make the Herbal Kloss Liniment

-1 ounce Echinacea powder
-1 ounce goldenseal root powder
-2 ounces myrrh gum powder
-1/2 ounce cayenne pepper powder
Everclear or witch hazel to cover (approximately 1 quart)

Directions: In 1 quart glass jar combine all of the powders. Pour Everclear or witch hazel over herbal powders to fill jar, leaving 1-2 inch head space. Mix thoroughly. Place lid tightly on jar and let mixture stand in a warm location. Let jar stand for at least 4 weeks, shake well every day. After 4 weeks strain liniment well using a piece of cheesecloth and rebottle. Note: Be sure to clearly label For EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

Dosage: Apply the liniment every few minutes for an hour or two in acute instances. Otherwise, use freely until desired results are achieved.

Tips:

-I like to rebottle my liniment in 2-4 ounce spray bottle for ease of use.

-This liniment is so powerful it will stop a stye from developing on the eye. Simply apply to the exterior lid with a saturated q-tip until resolved. Take care not to get it in the eye.

- By applying the liniment to the temples, back of the neck, and to the forehead it can be used as an excellent remedy for a headache.

-Spray on to painful and swollen joints to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

-Useful as a treatment for athlete’s foot. Apply frequently and saturate the affected area thoroughly.

Sore Muscle, Injury and Bruise Liniment

The smell of this liniment will remind you of blueberry pie

1 ounce (weight) of comfrey root (NOT powder) 

3/4 ounce valerian root (NOT powder) 

1/2 ounce calendula flowers (NOT powder) 

3/4 ounce cinnamon (powder) 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne (powder) 

Grain alcohol such as Everclear (available in liquor store in some states) OR Witch Hazel

Supplies: 

Quart Jar, strainer, cheese cloth, #4 coffee filter and filter holder

How to make herbal liniments:

• Weigh out the appropriate amount of each herb and put them into a quart jar.
• Pour  grain alcohol Everclear or Witch Hazel (preferred) over the herbs to fill the jar.
• Stir to release any bubbles, and put a lid on the jar.
• LABEL the jar.
• Stir or shake once each day for two weeks.
• Strain through cheese cloth, squeezing the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.
• Pour into new jar through coffee filter to get out any extra particles.
• LABEL the jar you are storing the liniment in.

How to store your liniments:

Store the liniment in a spray bottle or small jar in your medicine cabinet. Be sure to label the jar with the words:“For External Use Only"

The  cayenne and cinnamon are warming herbs that will help increase circulation in the area affected.The valerian root will work to relax the muscles. The comfrey and calendula are soothing herbs that will help with healing bruises and injuries. This combination can also be helpful in easing the pain of arthritis.How to use the liniment is simply spray or rub this liniment on the affected area, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the herbs to penetrate and do their work.

Poultices, Warm Compress or Cold Compress:

A compress is a way of applying herbal extracts directly to the skin to reduce the inflammation or promote healing.  Usually an infusion or decoction of the herb is prepared for use in the compress or simply hot or cold water can be used.  

Compress:  Soak a clean cloth or flannel in hot or cold water.  Place on affected area and hold firmly in place.  Use a towel or bandage to tie in place if kept on for long.   

Poultice:  A poultice acts in a similar way to a compress, but the herb itself is used, rather than just a liquid extact. Do not do if wounds are deep.  

Use fresh or dried herbs, quickly scalded with hot water and drained, or dry herbs that are brewed to make a very strong tea. Use twice the amount of herbs you would use for normal brewing, and infuse for 10 minutes.   Squeeze the herbs lightly while still almost hot to get the excess liquid out, spread on to a clean cloth and apply to the sore area. it can be a little messy, but the direct contact between herbs and skin is extremely soothing and effective, especially for painful joints or muscles and swellings of various origins.  You can use powdered herbs mixed with hot water into a thick paste.

Charcoal Poultice:

Mix 3 Tbs. with a little water to form a wet paste.  It needs to be moist but not crumbly or drippy.  Spread the paste on one half of a cloth or piece of guaze cut to fit the area.  When ready the cloth should be moist  and thoroughly saturated with the paste.  Then cover the paste by folding over the other half of the paper towel or cloth. Place the charcoal poultice on the affected body part making sure it completely covers the area.  If you can, cover the poultice with plastic or another cloth.  Plastic will keep the cloth from drying out.   If the charcoal dries out, it will not be able to drawing toxins or infection out.    Finish off by bandaging or taping the poultice securely in place.  Leave it on for several hours, or better yet, overnight.  After a few hours repeat if necessary.. 

Spit-Poultice:   http://crabappleherbs.com/blog/2007/06/30/herbs-for-irritated-skin-spit-poultices/

Herbal Wash:  Make a strong herbal brew and apply to the wound.  You can use tinctures diluted with warm water.  

Use common sense and seek additional assistance when necessary and if you or other persons are sensitive to any of the suggested remedies, don't use them...