Frog in the throat....use this to coat.

My favorite little adopted sisters down at Herbally Grounded came up with this one. It is simple, soothing, and has worked for us everytime. We have used it for all things throat related. It tastes great too and the kids like it.

1 8 oz. bottle of water
1/2 cup Elderberry Syrup (found in your local health food store, if local-Herbally Grounded)
2 squirts or 2 tbsp. Agave nectar

Shake and drink throughout the day. You can make it in larger batches also.

Garlic, how I love you!

Garlic Shooter

Garlic is fantastically antibacterial. It is one of the most powerful things we can take into our body for health and healing. Here is an easy and fun way to get it down without ever tasting it!

Freshly squeezed juice of ½ Lemon (1-2 Tablespoons)
1-2 Tablespoons Water
1 clove Garlic, crushed

Put Lemon juice and Water into cup. Add freshly crushed garlic clove. Immediately swirl cup to achieve a circling motion and drink in one gulp.

The ‘shooter’ experience is reportedly followed by an immediate feeling of rejuvenation called the ‘shooter rush’. The original recipe came from the Arizona Garlic Festival, Verde Valley, Arizona, found in the International Garlic Festival Cookbook by Caryl Simpson.

Slippery Elm Lozenges

Slippery elm is the number one herb for throat, respiratory and digestive help. It is amazing! You can buy these lozenges over the counter, but they are so fun and easy to make on your own!

1 Tbsp. Slippery Elm bark powder
1 tsp. honey
Optional: 1-2 drop essential oil to flavor (I like peppermint or lemon)

1. Put the Slippery Elm powder into a bowl.
2. Make a little nest in it and add the honey.
3. Coat your hands with vegetable or olive oil, and work the dough until the honey is incorporated.

4. Roll into snake. (just like play-doh)

5. Wrap in saran wrap and chill.

6. Cut into lozenge sized discs.

4. Store in refrigerator, or dry on screen until dried through.

Sylvia’s Hot Toddy Recipe (non-alcoholic)
for cold’s, flu, congestion, etc…

Juice from one lemon-(fresh)
1 tbsp. raw honey
1/2 can frozen OJ -preferably a more natural kind like Trader Joe’s
2 cups water
Sprinkle of cayenne

Heat all (except cayenne) together in saucepan until heated through– pretty warm. Pour into mug, sprinkle with cayenne, and drink it down. Go to bed!
*Variation– add 1 tbsp. slippery elm powder for a super effect!

Onion Ear Poultice

1/2 onion, chopped, 1/4 cup water
Heat ingredients in a pan and bring to a simmer (not a boil), and turn off heat. Strain onion from water (reserving water in pan) and wrap in several layers of cheesecloth, muslin, or a washcloth. Apply this poultice over the affected ear, lying on the other side. Leave for at least 5 minutes or until cool. The onion can be heated and reapplied several times. Do this as many times as needed to ease the discomfort. This old fashioned technique is a little messy, but worth it! You may also add a drop or two of lavender essential oil, to help calm and ease the mind. This remedy creates a vacuum to help remove liquid and infection. The heat and antibacterial properties of the onion also help ease the earache and reduce inflammation. It is helpful to rub a mullein and garlic infused oil blend around the outer part of the ear and mastoid area if an ear infection is present.
Adapted by Jonelle Hughes from Kathy Keville's book Herbs for Health and Healing

Aromatherapy in Childbirth

In labor with our twins...(July 24, 2003)
The bath
Essential oils
Coconut water
3 midwives
1 doula
2 excited sons (ages 7 and 4)
1 supportive husband
4 hour homebirth
Priceless

"Aromatherapy is easier to administer and costs very little. It changes the whole atmosphere of the birth room. It is not just the mother who can be more relaxed, but the staff caring for her feel calmer and happier too.
Aromatherapy is not a magic charm. But it is one way in which a midwife can communicate warmth, sensitivity and friendship in an institutional and medical environment" .
by Sheila KitzingerThe Independent, Health Page 21 Oct 1999


Maggie Tisserand recommends; clary sage compress to the lower abdomen.
Apply warm, replace when cooled.

Studies
Nursing Times - March 2, 1994, Vol. 90, No. 9, "Using Aromatherapy in Childbirth"


Summary: A study of 500 women in the delivery suite. Essential oils used: Lavender, Clary Sage, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Frankincense, Jasmine, Rose, Lemon and Mandarin.
Methods of Application:

(1) *Spray of 100 cc water with 2 drops e.o on face sheet, pillow, or bean bag or
(2) 4-6 drops oil in bath or 2-3 drops of oil in footbath or

(3) Inhalation or
(4) Massage with 2 drops in 50 cc of almond oil.
Results: Overall satisfaction with the "aroma" -helped eliminate the hospital smell which decreased anxiety.
Lavender - reduce maternal anxiety, pain relief, lighten mood, calm contractions if woman needed rest (Early in Labor)
Peppermint- Nausea & Vomiting
Clary sage - Increase Contractions

74% of women used no other form of pain relief

My Favorite Essential Oils for Labor

Clary Sage– relieves tension, helps to increase speed of contractions, helps with after pains and expulsion of placenta
Jasmine– helps with milk supply, excellent for perineal massage mixed with carrier oil, dulls uterine pain
Lavender– all purpose calming and pain relief oil
Myrrh, Frankincense, & Spikenard– Ancient oils to help aid in childbirth. Emotional clearing and fear reduction
Neroli– Relaxes, reduces fear, insomnia, tension and anxiety
Rose– Uplifting, soothing, grounding, creates a sense of euphoria
Peppermint– Uplifting, awakening, anti nausea
Basil– Grounding, awareness, mental focus
Citrus Oils– mood lifters, energy, helps to restore gentle breathing
(my favorite citrus at births is Pink Grapefruit)
Miracle Menthol Salve-helps with back labor tremendously, helps with nausea and breathing