Herbal Medicine and Body Recipes
Homemade Gummy Vitamins
I haven't tried these but the recipe looks good. www.wellnessmama.com/6357/chewable-vitamins/. For other uses and benefits of gelatin check out www.wellnessmama.com/7419/gelatin-uses/
I haven't tried these but the recipe looks good. www.wellnessmama.com/6357/chewable-vitamins/. For other uses and benefits of gelatin check out www.wellnessmama.com/7419/gelatin-uses/
Herbal Mouthwashes and Dental Remedies
Below is an excerpt from a Mother Earth News Article. I often make my own mouthwash with 2-5 drops of peppermint oil, about 15-30 milliliters of rosemary and/or white oak tincture all diluted in about 6 ounces of water. I typically swish and swallow for the added benefits of these herbs, but you'd want to check with your doctor before swallowing in case you have any conditions where this would not be recommended. This mouthwash helps fight gingivitis and bad breath. Chamomile or mint tea can also be swished as a mouthwash, and swallowed. A good dentist is worth finding and seeing regularly, also using toothpaste with fluoride is often still recommended, even by biological (natural) dentists. Other herbal dental ideas are below (and a recipe for toothpaste on this Herbal Medicine and Body page also):
Toothaches
Experiencing nagging pain near your tooth and gums? While you should make an appointment with your dentist soon to diagnose the cause of the pain, there are many natural herbal therapies that can help ease your discomfort in the mean time. Try the following ideas:
1. Turmeric. Massage ground turmeric around your aching tooth to eliminate pain and swelling.[1] 2. Peppermint. The essential oil of peppermint acts as an analgesic and reduces pain when applied topically.[1] Soak a cotton ball in peppermint oil and place it in your mouth, or rub it directly on the aching tooth.[2] A few drops can also be added to a glass of water to make a pain-relieving mouthwash. 3. Cloves. Oil of cloves can help ease pain in teeth or sore gums.[2] Rub a few drops onto the source of the pain with your finger or a brush.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis, a common form of gum disease, causes irritation and inflammation in the gums. While gingivitis itself can be mild and even unnoticeable in some cases, it is important to treat as it can lead to more serious oral diseases. These herbs can help you to find relief from gingivitis:
1. Myrrh. Effective for treating inflammation of the gums and fighting oral mucosa that contributes to gingivitis, myrrh can be made into a mouthwash. Dilute 30-60 drops of myrrh tincture in a glass of water. Alternatively, apply the undiluted form to affected areas 2-3 times daily.[2]
2. Sage. Sage is also a natural gingivitis treatment. Make sage tea by adding a few tablespoons of chopped sage leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let steep and cool slightly, then gargle.[2]
3. Peppermint. This herb is also helpful to help relieve inflammation in the gums. Make a mouthwash with a few drops of peppermint oil stirred into a glass of water.[3]
4. Turmeric. Rub a past of 1 turmeric and 1/2 tsp mustard oil onto the teeth and gums twice daily to treat gingivitis.[1]
Bad breath
Nobody likes to deal with bad breath. Luckily there are many bad breath remedies that can help you to stay fresh. Some herbs that help fight bad odor include:
1. Rosemary. Try adding rosemary essential oil to water to make a mouthwash for treating bad breath.[3] 2. Myrrh. Gargling with myrrh-infused water can also eliminate bad odors.[3]
3. Chrysanthemum. This flower has antimicrobial activity, which can help to fight the bacteria that cause bad breath.[4] Make a chrysanthemum tea to be used as a mouthwash by boiling the herb in water.
4. Tea tree oil. This essential oil effectively combats bacteria associated with bad breath.[5] Try gargling with diluted tea tree oil in a glass of water.
Natural Dentistry
These herbal remedies will help you to find relief from a variety of oral health issues. Keeping your mouth healthy and preventing oral diseases is very important; your oral health can impact the health of your entire body. Try finding a biological dentist, who is a dentist trained to approach your dental care in a holistic manner, to care for your oral health. Biological dentists avoid toxins commonly used in dentistry, encourage a lifestyle that will benefit your dental health, and use holistic, naturopathic treatments to care for you.
Below is an excerpt from a Mother Earth News Article. I often make my own mouthwash with 2-5 drops of peppermint oil, about 15-30 milliliters of rosemary and/or white oak tincture all diluted in about 6 ounces of water. I typically swish and swallow for the added benefits of these herbs, but you'd want to check with your doctor before swallowing in case you have any conditions where this would not be recommended. This mouthwash helps fight gingivitis and bad breath. Chamomile or mint tea can also be swished as a mouthwash, and swallowed. A good dentist is worth finding and seeing regularly, also using toothpaste with fluoride is often still recommended, even by biological (natural) dentists. Other herbal dental ideas are below (and a recipe for toothpaste on this Herbal Medicine and Body page also):
Toothaches
Experiencing nagging pain near your tooth and gums? While you should make an appointment with your dentist soon to diagnose the cause of the pain, there are many natural herbal therapies that can help ease your discomfort in the mean time. Try the following ideas:
1. Turmeric. Massage ground turmeric around your aching tooth to eliminate pain and swelling.[1] 2. Peppermint. The essential oil of peppermint acts as an analgesic and reduces pain when applied topically.[1] Soak a cotton ball in peppermint oil and place it in your mouth, or rub it directly on the aching tooth.[2] A few drops can also be added to a glass of water to make a pain-relieving mouthwash. 3. Cloves. Oil of cloves can help ease pain in teeth or sore gums.[2] Rub a few drops onto the source of the pain with your finger or a brush.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis, a common form of gum disease, causes irritation and inflammation in the gums. While gingivitis itself can be mild and even unnoticeable in some cases, it is important to treat as it can lead to more serious oral diseases. These herbs can help you to find relief from gingivitis:
1. Myrrh. Effective for treating inflammation of the gums and fighting oral mucosa that contributes to gingivitis, myrrh can be made into a mouthwash. Dilute 30-60 drops of myrrh tincture in a glass of water. Alternatively, apply the undiluted form to affected areas 2-3 times daily.[2]
2. Sage. Sage is also a natural gingivitis treatment. Make sage tea by adding a few tablespoons of chopped sage leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let steep and cool slightly, then gargle.[2]
3. Peppermint. This herb is also helpful to help relieve inflammation in the gums. Make a mouthwash with a few drops of peppermint oil stirred into a glass of water.[3]
4. Turmeric. Rub a past of 1 turmeric and 1/2 tsp mustard oil onto the teeth and gums twice daily to treat gingivitis.[1]
Bad breath
Nobody likes to deal with bad breath. Luckily there are many bad breath remedies that can help you to stay fresh. Some herbs that help fight bad odor include:
1. Rosemary. Try adding rosemary essential oil to water to make a mouthwash for treating bad breath.[3] 2. Myrrh. Gargling with myrrh-infused water can also eliminate bad odors.[3]
3. Chrysanthemum. This flower has antimicrobial activity, which can help to fight the bacteria that cause bad breath.[4] Make a chrysanthemum tea to be used as a mouthwash by boiling the herb in water.
4. Tea tree oil. This essential oil effectively combats bacteria associated with bad breath.[5] Try gargling with diluted tea tree oil in a glass of water.
Natural Dentistry
These herbal remedies will help you to find relief from a variety of oral health issues. Keeping your mouth healthy and preventing oral diseases is very important; your oral health can impact the health of your entire body. Try finding a biological dentist, who is a dentist trained to approach your dental care in a holistic manner, to care for your oral health. Biological dentists avoid toxins commonly used in dentistry, encourage a lifestyle that will benefit your dental health, and use holistic, naturopathic treatments to care for you.
Medicinal Infused Honey -- for colds, viruses and immune boosting
Source: Rachelle Price, ND
Last fall I made this infused honey and it tasted so delicious. I am still adding it to teas, especially bitter or medicinal ones as the honey itself is anti-microbial...even stronger with the added immune boosting herbs. I pack the jar with the herbs and then add the honey around it so choose a small jar that fits your herb/food size before adding honey to cover completely. By the way, you can do the same thing with apple cider vinegars, make a medicinal vinegar infusion (called an acetract) by adding these herb/foods.
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Pack in a Small Jar (best made in small batches), I used an 8 oz. mason jar with a large mouth for easy access:
2. Add honey to fill in the cracks around the medicinal food and herbs*. Wait a while to let the honey settle and come back to top it off. Place lid on jar and invert a few times.
3. Let it sit for a few days at least before using, invert it a few times daily if you remember. I like to set it in a warm place to infuse if I'm using it right away. Otherwise store in a cool, dark place and it will keep for a few months or longer. You can warm it to strain it after a few weeks if you prefer. Add to medicinal teas or anything you like the flavor in.
*optional: add any other immune food or herb such as chopped garlic, onion, black pepper, horseradish root, organic citrus peel
Source: Rachelle Price, ND
Last fall I made this infused honey and it tasted so delicious. I am still adding it to teas, especially bitter or medicinal ones as the honey itself is anti-microbial...even stronger with the added immune boosting herbs. I pack the jar with the herbs and then add the honey around it so choose a small jar that fits your herb/food size before adding honey to cover completely. By the way, you can do the same thing with apple cider vinegars, make a medicinal vinegar infusion (called an acetract) by adding these herb/foods.
Ingredients:
- Honey - best is local, raw honey this is unrefined or only heated at low temperatures
- Medicinal Herbs to support the immune system . What I like best is below in bold.
Directions:
1. Pack in a Small Jar (best made in small batches), I used an 8 oz. mason jar with a large mouth for easy access:
- Rose Hips: open them and scoop out the soft seeds with a small spoon as shown in the picture. These can be harvested in the fall after the first cold snap or frost. They are high in Vitamin C.
- Ginger Root: Fresh is easier to slice thinly but dried can be used as well. Chop or thinly slice.
- Mustard Seeds (or stone ground mustard paste): Add about a Tablespoon to an 8 ounce jar.
2. Add honey to fill in the cracks around the medicinal food and herbs*. Wait a while to let the honey settle and come back to top it off. Place lid on jar and invert a few times.
3. Let it sit for a few days at least before using, invert it a few times daily if you remember. I like to set it in a warm place to infuse if I'm using it right away. Otherwise store in a cool, dark place and it will keep for a few months or longer. You can warm it to strain it after a few weeks if you prefer. Add to medicinal teas or anything you like the flavor in.
*optional: add any other immune food or herb such as chopped garlic, onion, black pepper, horseradish root, organic citrus peel
First Aid Calendula Salve
Source: Rachelle Price, ND
This cooling salve for topical abrasions is firm and smooth. It provides a physical barrier against infection protecting a healing wound. This salve has the soothing, healing properties of Calendula and Vitamin E as well as the styptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Yarrow. It also relieves itching in eczema and other skin conditions. Note that the herb infused oil must be prepared ahead of time, ideally at least two weeks prior to use.
Ingredients:
2/3 c. Yarrow and Calendula infused oil (see below)
9 T. shredded beeswax
1 T. Vitamin E oil
Directions:
Source: Rachelle Price, ND
This cooling salve for topical abrasions is firm and smooth. It provides a physical barrier against infection protecting a healing wound. This salve has the soothing, healing properties of Calendula and Vitamin E as well as the styptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Yarrow. It also relieves itching in eczema and other skin conditions. Note that the herb infused oil must be prepared ahead of time, ideally at least two weeks prior to use.
Ingredients:
2/3 c. Yarrow and Calendula infused oil (see below)
9 T. shredded beeswax
1 T. Vitamin E oil
Directions:
- Prepare the herb infused oil 2 weeks or more ahead of time
- Combine 1/4 c. dry Yarrow flowers (Achillea millefolium) and 1/4 c. dry calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis).
- Place herbs in double boiler with 1 c. almond oil and heat bath to 100 degrees F.
- Cover mixture and stir frequently for 45 minutes carefully maintaining the temperature of 100 degrees F.
- Place in jar and let cool. Then cap the jar and let it sit for 2 weeks either in sunlight or in a cool, dark place.
- Strain and press the herb to yield approximately 2/3 c. of herb infused oil.
- Place a metal spoon in the freezer for a few minutes for later use for testing the salve’s consistency during the preparation process.
- Pour oil into double boiler and slowly add beeswax, stirring until melted. As you add the beeswax, test the thickness/consistency by dipping the chilled spoon into the mixture and rubbing the cooled salve onto your skin.
- Once you are close to the consistency you like, add vitamin E oil and mix well.
- Pour into desired storage containers and let cool. Note: lip balm cases work well for ease of use and small size.
Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste:
From: The Paleo Mama at www.thepaleomama.com/2013/12/diy-remineralizing-toothpaste/
INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup of Bentonite Clay (where to buy)- this comes from pure sources of undisturbed
deposits in the ground. What is special about bentonite clay is that it draws toxins out of
the body.
1/4 cup of boiling water
1 Tablespoon of coconut Oil (where to buy) – coconut oil is amazing for oral health. It is
highly effective with getting rid of viruses and bacteria in the mouth
1/4 teaspoon of Real Salt (where to buy) – real salt is unrefined and full of natural
minerals.
1/2 teaspoon of REAL stevia (where to buy)- this is the dry herb that is green and
unprocessed in it’s natural form.
15 Drops of OnGuard (or Thieves) Essential oil (where to buy) – OnGuard essential oil is
full of antibiotic properties and is known for killing germs (or cavities)!
10 Drops of Peppermint Essential oil (where to buy) – this gives the toothpaste a great
flavor and helps to freshen breath
DIRECTIONS:
Step One: Put your bentonite clay in a bowl. Heat the water on the stove and then stir in
the coconut oil till it is melted.
Step Two: With a hand mixer, mix on medium speed the bentonite clay and the
water/oil mixture till blended through.
Step Three: Add the salt, stevia, and essential oils and continue to blend until it is
completely blended.
Step Four: Keep in a covered jar!
*The mixture will harden a little bit as it sits because of the coconut oil. This makes it
easier to add a bit to your toothbrush when you brush.
From: The Paleo Mama at www.thepaleomama.com/2013/12/diy-remineralizing-toothpaste/
INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup of Bentonite Clay (where to buy)- this comes from pure sources of undisturbed
deposits in the ground. What is special about bentonite clay is that it draws toxins out of
the body.
1/4 cup of boiling water
1 Tablespoon of coconut Oil (where to buy) – coconut oil is amazing for oral health. It is
highly effective with getting rid of viruses and bacteria in the mouth
1/4 teaspoon of Real Salt (where to buy) – real salt is unrefined and full of natural
minerals.
1/2 teaspoon of REAL stevia (where to buy)- this is the dry herb that is green and
unprocessed in it’s natural form.
15 Drops of OnGuard (or Thieves) Essential oil (where to buy) – OnGuard essential oil is
full of antibiotic properties and is known for killing germs (or cavities)!
10 Drops of Peppermint Essential oil (where to buy) – this gives the toothpaste a great
flavor and helps to freshen breath
DIRECTIONS:
Step One: Put your bentonite clay in a bowl. Heat the water on the stove and then stir in
the coconut oil till it is melted.
Step Two: With a hand mixer, mix on medium speed the bentonite clay and the
water/oil mixture till blended through.
Step Three: Add the salt, stevia, and essential oils and continue to blend until it is
completely blended.
Step Four: Keep in a covered jar!
*The mixture will harden a little bit as it sits because of the coconut oil. This makes it
easier to add a bit to your toothbrush when you brush.