There are many ways to stay healthy using remedies that are easy to make at home. Examples include teas that can help reduce fevers, ease coughs and promote mental clarity; creams and salves that reduce skin inflammation and itching; and tinctures that can boost your immune system and help your body relax. With home remedies you know the quality of the ingredients you are using and can avoid harmful chemicals that come from many commercial products. Always consult your primary doctor when using at-home health remedies, especially if you are under any type of medical treatment.
Healing Teas
Making herbal teas is an at-home approach for restoring and promoting health. Simple herbal formulas such as green tea with hawthorn berries serve as antioxidant remedies that help fight free radicals in your body and boost your immune system, says the book "Family Herbal---A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality" by Rosemary Gladstar.
Some herbs have carminative properties, which, according to Simon Mills in his book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism," promote healthy digestion and help ease flatulence when taken as a tea; while diurectic herbs stimulate urination and are used in teas to help cleanse the body of toxins and reduce water retention.
Always choose organic herbs for your herbal teas, since conventionally grown herbs may contain pesticides and other chemicals that may harm your health. Look for bulk herbs at your local health food store or buy ready-made packets and remember to use filtered water when preparing your herbs.
Healing Creams
Skin infections can successfully be treated with creams that you can make at home. An antifungal cream will both cleanse and soothe your skin, and requires simple ingredients such as essential oils, oils and beeswax, according to the book "Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair, Natural and Healthy Personal Care for Every Body" by herbalist Dina Falconi. Examples of essential oils that can be used to make good antifungal creams are lavender, thuja and tea tree.
Health Through Tinctures
The extraction of the medicinal properties of herbs with alcohol or glycerin is called a tincture. Tinctures are easy to make and can prove to be a powerful ally for your health. To make a tincture of a tonic herb such as American ginseng, herbalist Richo Cech, in his book "Making Plant Medicine," recommends a ratio of 1:2 fresh American ginseng to alcohol. The two parts alcohol should be diluted 25 percent with water. Let the herb macerate in the liquid for at least two weeks and add 30 drops of tincture per day to a glass of filtered water to boost your energy and tone your nervous system. Tinctures of sedative herbs, such as valerian, are made in a similar fashion.
References
- "Family Herbal-A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "Perscription for Nutritional Healing, The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
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