THE SKIN is the largest organ of the body & the best barrier against harm. Because the skin mirrors internal health, treatments for its ailments are sometimes taken internally to restore a healthy balance in the body, its important to pay close attention to this extensive protective covering & to maintain it well.
To keep the skin & the rest of the body well hydrated, drink plenty water – at least 8 oz. a day… stir in a teaspoon or 2 of lemon juice or herbal vinegar for internal cleaning.
A number of fairly common plants & mushrooms are of value for soothing & clearing skin troubles. Selectively knowing the best ones, as our ancestors did, is relatively easy. You can dust the green – gold spores of club moss, lycopodium clavatum & other related species on skin irritation for relief of itchy, irritating rashes.
The olive -brownish spores from healing when used as a dry talc & dusted on irritated skin.
NOTE: AVOID pigskin poison puffball, SCLERODERMA CITRINUM
The antibiotic properties of purple loosestrife, Lythrum -salicaria, make it a good plant for poultices & skin washes to use on skin ulcers minor wounds, eczema,
A strong infusion of yarrow, Achillea millefolium USED CHILLED, IS ANOTHER FINE ANTISEPTIC skin wash.**
The gel of aloe Vera, Aloe vera, used right from the plant or raw leaf is a calming – healing – burn treatment. Many of us keep aloe plants for this very good reason.
**Tinctures….
Tinctures are stronger preparations of herbs & some fungi. They provide stronger healing action & have a longer life on a shelf than other preparations, up to 2 yrs. or more. It is best to use all homemade preparations within a prescribed amount of time, which usually specific to the herb, & then make a new supply.
When buying herbal Tinctures they come in 1 – 2 ounce amber bottles w/ dosage recommendations on the label. Depending upon the herb, the dose is usually 10 – 30 drops, taken 3 x”s a day.
YOU should not exceed the max. number of drops. A smaller dose may work but just not as well. Which using Tinctures measure it into a cup of water, hot water or an herbal tea & then drink it. Focus your attention on the process & concentrate your mind on wellness, healing, & nothing but good energy.
Alcohol – sensitive people / patients, pregnant women should add the recommended tincture dosage to a cup of hot water or herbal tea & allow it to stand, uncovered for 5 min. This will allow the alcohol to evaporate.
BASIC RECIPE –
7 1/2 OZS {200G} DRIED HERB/FUNGI, OR 11 OZS.{300G} FRESH MATERIAL CHOPPED.
1 QUART {1 LITER} ALCOHOL PREFERABLY VODKA – RUM – OR BRANDY
In a tightly covered sterile jar – soak herbs or fungi in alcohol for 3 days to as much as 6 wks. this will depend upon whether you are infusing
rose petals or other leafy herbs – which take only 3 days
bark or other woody material – which take much longer.
Gently shake the jar once or twice a day.
To filter the tincture – pour it through a cloth-lined sieve or sterile filter-store in dark sterile jars-tightly close or capped.
NOTE- NEVER USE RUBBING ALCOHOL {isopropyl} or industrial {Methyl} in Tinctures.
THIS WOULD MAKE THEM POISONOUS!!!!!!!! MOST COMMERCIAL TINCTURES ARE MADE IN GRAIN ALCOHOL USUALLY 60 percent by Volume, W/ distilled water
COMPRESSES……………….
A SIMPLE WAY TO USE HERBS…… externally is to soak a cloth in an herbal infusion or decoction & hold it against areas of irritated skin. You can also use both hot & cold compresses to reduce fevers, soothe inflammations, treat sports injuries, & ease eyestrain, headaches.
SALVES………………
A SALVE SITS ON THE SKIN SURFACE & PROVIDES PROTECTIVE HEALING BENEFITS.
HERE IS A GOOD SIMPLE SALVE TO MAKE……….
3 ozs. powdered herbs
7 ozs. coca butter or pure vegetable shortening
1 oz. beeswax,more or less, depending upon the consistency desired
1 oz. raw honey
2-3 drops vitamin E oil
mix- the herbs, cocoa butter, beeswax & heat in a small covered pot over low heat for 1 – 2 hrs. stirring frequently
if you like you can add honey & the vitamin E oil toward the end of cooking.
Blend the mixture thoroughly and pour it into small containers or onto clean foil in little cookie like pools.
Allow it to cool & become firm & ready to use.
VARIATION…………………..
to make a lip balm, cooling & pleasant add a drop or 2 fragrant essential oil of mint or cedar during final process…….
CREAMS…………………..
CREAMS are absorbed into the skin, they provide natural cooling & soothing relief, which is enhanced if you chill the cream before applying it on. This can be pleasant especially in summer.
Cream’s are composed & simmered in a double boiler for about 3 hrs. to create a fine emulsion………
2 1/2 ozs. {70g} glycerin
5 ozs, {150g} emulsifying wax
2 1/2 ozs. {80g} water
1 oz. {2-28g} dried or 2 1/2 oz. {50-70g} fresh herbs
MEASURE………..
all ingredients into top of a double boiler, heat at a low temputure, to simmer.at end of the cooking time, strain out the herbs, pour the cream into a clean bowl & stir or whip it continuously until it cools & sets.
Spoon the whipped cream into sterilized dark glass jars label & put in fridge.
USE THIS WITHIN 3 MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TO counter mold growth or spoilage & extend the shelf of the life of the cream, you can add at the VERY END….. of cooking…….. 1ml. of an essential oil… 5ml. of fine borax or several drops of benzoin…. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DANDELION – DOCK ROOTS DECOCTION FOR CLEAR SKIN……
2 herbs that can promote skin healing & soothe many minor irratitions are dandelion root, Taraxacum officinale & yellow dock root.
Rumex crispus.
Make a mild decoction of 2 teaspoons of each of their dried roots in 10 ozs. of water.
Drink 2 cups a day & use rest remaining liquid, once it has cooled, as a surface wash or mist on irritated skin.
Repeat this for a week until you experience relief. If problem persits, see a medical doctor. {professional]
DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT
You can use this dandelion – dock decoction & other cooling herbal antiseptic washes to soothe moist minor burns & keep them from becoming infected. Soak a clean cotton cloth in the cooled decoction, then place it over burned area for 2 to 3 hrs. to quiet inflamed skin.
