Interestingly enough, two of the common active ingredients in commercially-made vapor rubs are eucalyptus essential oil and menthol. But, the classic ointments also contain less healthier things like petroleum and turpentine oil. Luckily, we can make a homemade version utilizing organic botanicals!
1. Heat the olive oil and beeswax in a double boiler until the beeswax has melted.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool a little.
3. Add menthol crystals (1/2 tsp for a gentler balm, 1 tsp for a stronger product) and essential oils, stir, and quickly pour into jars.
4. Immediately place lids loosely over the jars so that the oils do not escape.
5. This balm will last for years, I have some that I made 7 years ago and it is still effective!
Note: The menthol crystals may be irritating when inhaled so use in a well ventilated area or wear a mask if needed.
This recipe is courtesy of our Quality Control and Laboratory Manager, Steven Yeager. In addition to his work at Mountain Rose Herbs, he has also been teaching at the Columbines School of Botanical Studies for 13 years. These pastilles are great for sore throats and after a long night of singing or howling at the moon!
1. Combine and mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. With a one ounce glass dropper, add one dropperful of water at a time to the bowl. (Steven likes to use Osha root or Elecampane root tincture instead of water).
3. Keep adding one dropperful of water or tincture until the mixture holds together in a clump, similar to the consistency of cookie dough. Be careful not to add too much liquid.
4. Form into small pastilles/lozenges/stars/hearts etc. Keep the shapes small as the pastilles will be strong! These are medicinal, not candy.
5. Coat the outsides with additional Licorice root powder if desired. Allow to dry on a screen or plate for a few days. Store in a glass jar.
Simple to make, this old-fashioned remedy is a favorite therapy for quickly and effectively relieving sinus congestion.
1.Use any of the above herbs or essential oils, or create a blend.
2. Place 2-3 tablespoons of dried herbs or 1-2 drops of essential oil into a large ceramic or glass bowl.
3. Boil water and pour over the herbs or essential oil, immediately placing a towel or lid over the bowl so that the oils being released do not escape.
4. Steep for 5 minutes (skip this step if using essential oils).
5. Place the bowl on a table or other surface where you can comfortably sit and hold your face over the bowl covering your head and the bowl with a large towel so that no steam can escape.
6. Make sure to keep your eyes closed and breathe deeply to inhale the therapeutic properties. Steam for 5-10 minutes.
Sore Throat Gargle with Sage
This delightfully simple recipe comes from our friends at Herb Companion. The Sage (Salvia officinalis) used in the following recipe is a classic gargle, but other herbs such as marjoram, thyme or hyssop can be used instead.
Pour the boiling water over the sage, cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and add the salt. Gargle as needed. May be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
When you’re huddled at home nursing a cold or flu, a warm cup of herbal tea is comfort in itself. If possible, tuck yourself into a warm bed and .
1. Combine the herbs in a teapot and pour the boiling water over them.
2. Steep for at least 20 minutes.
3. Strain and drink throughout the day.You can make a double batch and keep it in the refrigerator, just be sure to warm it before drinking.
Sore Throat Gargle and Cold Flu Tea recipes reprinted with permission from The Herb Companion magazine, a division of Ogden publications. Recipes written by Kathi Keville. Kathi Keville is the author of eleven books, including Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art and Herbs for Health and Healing. She teaches herb and aromatherapy seminars throughout the United States and is director of the American Herb Association (www.ahaherb.com). Click here for the original article: Herbs for Cold and Flu
Don't have the time to make your own medicine? Check out these herbal products:
~ irene
Topics: Recipes
Irene's extensive experience with herbal products and DIY recipes goes back to 1997, and since 2012 she’s owned her own skincare business, Fawn Lily Botanica, where she specializes in botanical-based facial care products. Irene’s recipes have been featured in local and national publications including the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) Journal, Amaze Magazine, Willow and Sage magazine, MaryJanesFarm Magazine and Newsletter, Earth First Journal, Farming Magazine, Eugene Magazine, and the Eugene Weekly. Irene also served as a member of the Board of Directors for nonprofit Cascadia Wildands from 2013-2016.
Interestingly enough, two of the common active ingredients in commercially-made vapor rubs are eucalyptus essential oil and menthol. But, the classic ointments also contain less healthier things like petroleum and turpentine oil. Luckily, we can make a homemade version utilizing organic botanicals!
1. Heat the olive oil and beeswax in a double boiler until the beeswax has melted.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool a little.
3. Add menthol crystals (1/2 tsp for a gentler balm, 1 tsp for a stronger product) and essential oils, stir, and quickly pour into jars.
4. Immediately place lids loosely over the jars so that the oils do not escape.
5. This balm will last for years, I have some that I made 7 years ago and it is still effective!
Note: The menthol crystals may be irritating when inhaled so use in a well ventilated area or wear a mask if needed.
This recipe is courtesy of our Quality Control and Laboratory Manager, Steven Yeager. In addition to his work at Mountain Rose Herbs, he has also been teaching at the Columbines School of Botanical Studies for 13 years. These pastilles are great for sore throats and after a long night of singing or howling at the moon!
1. Combine and mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. With a one ounce glass dropper, add one dropperful of water at a time to the bowl. (Steven likes to use Osha root or Elecampane root tincture instead of water).
3. Keep adding one dropperful of water or tincture until the mixture holds together in a clump, similar to the consistency of cookie dough. Be careful not to add too much liquid.
4. Form into small pastilles/lozenges/stars/hearts etc. Keep the shapes small as the pastilles will be strong! These are medicinal, not candy.
5. Coat the outsides with additional Licorice root powder if desired. Allow to dry on a screen or plate for a few days. Store in a glass jar.
Simple to make, this old-fashioned remedy is a favorite therapy for quickly and effectively relieving sinus congestion.
1.Use any of the above herbs or essential oils, or create a blend.
2. Place 2-3 tablespoons of dried herbs or 1-2 drops of essential oil into a large ceramic or glass bowl.
3. Boil water and pour over the herbs or essential oil, immediately placing a towel or lid over the bowl so that the oils being released do not escape.
4. Steep for 5 minutes (skip this step if using essential oils).
5. Place the bowl on a table or other surface where you can comfortably sit and hold your face over the bowl covering your head and the bowl with a large towel so that no steam can escape.
6. Make sure to keep your eyes closed and breathe deeply to inhale the therapeutic properties. Steam for 5-10 minutes.
Sore Throat Gargle with Sage
This delightfully simple recipe comes from our friends at Herb Companion. The Sage (Salvia officinalis) used in the following recipe is a classic gargle, but other herbs such as marjoram, thyme or hyssop can be used instead.
Pour the boiling water over the sage, cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and add the salt. Gargle as needed. May be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
When you’re huddled at home nursing a cold or flu, a warm cup of herbal tea is comfort in itself. If possible, tuck yourself into a warm bed and .
1. Combine the herbs in a teapot and pour the boiling water over them.
2. Steep for at least 20 minutes.
3. Strain and drink throughout the day.You can make a double batch and keep it in the refrigerator, just be sure to warm it before drinking.
Sore Throat Gargle and Cold Flu Tea recipes reprinted with permission from The Herb Companion magazine, a division of Ogden publications. Recipes written by Kathi Keville. Kathi Keville is the author of eleven books, including Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art and Herbs for Health and Healing. She teaches herb and aromatherapy seminars throughout the United States and is director of the American Herb Association (www.ahaherb.com). Click here for the original article: Herbs for Cold and Flu
Don't have the time to make your own medicine? Check out these herbal products:
~ irene
Topics: Recipes
Irene's extensive experience with herbal products and DIY recipes goes back to 1997, and since 2012 she’s owned her own skincare business, Fawn Lily Botanica, where she specializes in botanical-based facial care products. Irene’s recipes have been featured in local and national publications including the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) Journal, Amaze Magazine, Willow and Sage magazine, MaryJanesFarm Magazine and Newsletter, Earth First Journal, Farming Magazine, Eugene Magazine, and the Eugene Weekly. Irene also served as a member of the Board of Directors for nonprofit Cascadia Wildands from 2013-2016.
