Summer Soothers Tip #1

Question #1- What do I do for a sunburn?

The first thing you need to do is cool the body so that the dermal layers of skin do not continue to burn deeper. Keep in mind that sun is good for us, overexposure can be harmful and painful.

1. Take a luke warm bath. You do not want it cold or it can shock the body. A great neutralizer for the skin is baking soda, or himalayan salt. I would put one or both in the water as well. You also want to be drinking lots of room temperature water. Again, if you drink it cold, your stomach has to warm it up before it can use it. But, cold water is better than no water!

2. Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic Bragg's is the best) You want to see some sedimentary looking floaty stuff at the bottom to indicate that the ACV is good stuff. This is called the "mother", and just like your mother is important to you, this is important to good ACV! Put this in your bath, or swab the burned areas with it and let dry. ACV is a natural coolant and balances PH. It is also highly antibacterial and good food for the skin. It helps rehydrate and nourish.

3. Mix 100 drops of pure lavender essential oil with 2 oz. of good quality aloe vera gel. My favorite is Aloe Life. Shake it up well and roll it in your hands to warm it a bit so the oils disperse in the aloe. Apply to burned areas, often. This is key. The skin will continue to burn unless cooled. I would apply this every hour or so for the first 6 hours.

4. For rehydration of lost minerals, fresh young coconut water is the best.Click here: How to use young coconuts for your vibrant health! Second to that is bottled coconut water. This is full of electrolytes and minerals and replenishes depleted mineral stores better than anything I have ever used. You can usually get these at grocery stores, Asian markets or raw food cafes. I would also suggest the Inflease tincture from HerballyGrounded to work on the body from the inside out.

5.For continual healing Angel Oil from Herbally Grounded is fantastic. You can purchase this or make your own. Calendula oil is also amazing and is super easy to make. (see recipes below)

Angel Oil

1 part Lobelia Herb
2 parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil
10 ml. Lavender Essential Oil

In a clean glass mason jar that has been cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, add lobelia and cover with the olive oil. Cap tightly and keep on counter. Shake every day for
1-2 weeks. Strain through washed (no softener) unbleached, cotton muslin, squeezing out as much oil as you can, which will leave a powdery looking dried herb that can be discarded. (I like to put it on my plants or add to compost) Put in clean bottle with squirt top. Add Lavender EO to it and shake well.

Calendula Oil

1 part Calendula
2 parts Extra Virgin Oilve Oil

Same process as above. Essential oils can also be added. I like Roman Chamomile and Lavender for sunburns. IF you have Helichrysum or Imortelle Essential oil it is an amazing skin healer.

All of this can safely be used on people of all ages.

PS... using a natural good quality sunscreen is of course foremost! :)

Summer Soothers

I have decided to do a running list of important things to have on hand for summer. Even if you are new to herbalism and essential oils, these things are easy to buy or prepare, and are worth having in your home or car for summer fun and travel. Plus, they work. When you think of it, what better things to use then the gifts nature has given us? More now than ever in my lifetime, natural remedies are "popular". They have always been popular with my family because of their efficiency and healing powers. My mission is to share my favorite remedies for a happy summer with you so that you too can enjoy what nature has to offer and see the benefits for yourself.

We are preparing to go on our annual family reunion. I am the family's official witch doctor and welcome the task! I start preparing my summer kit in spring, but never fear, there are many things you can buy prepared or start making now to still use. I welcome questions and will post answers to some in the actual blog so we can all learn from each other.

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