Ever thought about making your own medicine, but weren't sure if it would be too challenging? Well, let me tell you- it's easier than you think! There are many herbal remedies that can be made with just a few ingredients, and without needing any fancy supplies. Here are a few of my favorite tried-and-true recipes that are safe for the whole family to use!
Let's start with my all-time favorite: Elderberry syrup. Elderberry syrup can be used to boost your immune system, prevent and treat the common cold, and is packed full of antioxidants and vitamin C (Flaherty, 2020). Not only is this syrup a potent, but it's also likely to be the best tasting medicine you'll ever try.
ELDERBERRY SYRUP
(Adapted from healthyhappymama.com, 2020)
Ingredients
3/4 cup dried elderberries
3 cups water
1 teaspoon dried cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon dried cloves or 4 whole cloves or 1 drop clove essential oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger or 1 drop ginger essential oil
1 cup raw honey
Preparation
1. In a large pot, bring the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, about 40-45 minutes.
3. Allow the liquid to cool, and then drain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth.
4. Press all liquid out of the berries using the back of a wooden spoon.
5. Add the raw honey and mix well.
6. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Next up: Pregnancy Tonic Tea. This was a favorite drink of mine while I was pregnant. It was great hot, and even better over ice. Good news- you don't have to be pregnant to take advantage of the nutritional value this tea has to offer. It's great for everyone! This tea has many vitamins and minerals within, so drinking 2-4 cups per day can benefit your overall health (Gladstar, 2012)!
PREGNANCY TONIC TEA
(Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar's medicinal herbs: A beginner's guide, 2012)
Ingredients
1 part green oat top (milky top of just-ripening oats)
1 part lemon balm leaf
1 part nettle leaf
1 part raspberry leaf
Preparation
1. Put 4 to 6 tablespoons of dried herb (or 6 to 8 tablespoons of fresh herb) into a glass quart jar.
2. Pour boiling water over the herbs, filling the jar.
3. Let steep for 30 to 45 minutes. (The length of steeping time and the amount of herb you use will affect the strength of the tea.)
4. Strain and drink.
Now we have something that is bedtime ritual worthy:
ROSEMARY'S FAMOUS FACE CREAM
(Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar's medicinal herbs: A beginner's guide, 2012)
Ingredients
3⁄4 cup Calendula Oil, made with equal parts grapeseed and apricot kernel oil
1⁄8 cup cocoa butter
1⁄8 cup coconut oil
1 rounded tablespoon grated beeswax
1⁄4 cup commercially prepared aloe vera gel
3⁄4 cup distilled water
A few drops of lavender essential oil
Preparation
1. Combine the calendula oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a saucepan over very low heat and warm until everything is melted together.
2. Pour into a measuring cup or bowl and let cool for at least several hours or overnight, until the mixture is somewhat firm, thick, and creamy.
3. Scrape oil mixture into a blender.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the aloe vera gel, distilled water, and essential oil.
5. Turn the blender on at high speed and slowly drizzle the water mixture into the oil, continuing to blend until all the water mixture has been absorbed by the oil. The blender should “choke” as the mixture thickens and becomes white and creamy.
6. Turn off the blender and scoop the cream into small jars. Apply the lids and store in a cool, dark location, where the cream will keep for up to a year.
Last but certainly not least: Lemon Balm Glycerite. This herbal medicine is used for relaxation and its calming effects.This is similar to a tincture, but instead of alcohol it contains glycerin (great for those who want to avoid or limit alcohol consumption).
LEMON BALM GLYCERITE
(Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar's medicinal herbs: A beginner's guide, 2012)
Ingredients
Lemon balm leaves
3 parts vegetable glycerin
1 part water
Preparation
1. Fill a widemouthed glass jar with lemon balm leaves.
2. Prepare a solution of 3 parts glycerin and 1 part water.
3. Fill the jar with the solution.
4. Cover, then let the jar sit in a warm spot for 3-4 weeks.
5.Strain and bottle the liquid.
6. Store at room temperature, where the glycerite will keep for at least several months.
References
Flaherty, M. (2020, August 21). Homemade elderberry syrup recipe. Happy Healthy Mama. Retrieved from https://happyhealthymama.com/homemade-elderberry-syrup-recipe.html
Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar's medicinal herbs: A beginner's guide. StoreyPublishing
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