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May 9, 2018

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy has been garnering more and more attention as its popularity spreads. And with good reason – it is convenient, safe, effective, and affordable. So what is homeopathy? Contributor Rheagan will tell you all about it below!

What is homeopathy and what does it do?

Homeopathy is a unique form of energy medicine discovered/founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, in the late 18th century. This system of medicine is based on the premise of “like-cures-like,” otherwise known as the law of similars.

This law of similars was known to Hippocrates and Paracelsus, and several traditional cultures have used this principle in their healing practices, but it was Dr. Hahnemann who developed it into the system of medicine we know today as homeopathy. The term homeopathy literally means same (homoios) suffering (pathos).

The terms “homeopathy” and “homeopathic” are often erroneously used interchangeably with terms like “holistic” or “natural.” While homeopathy is a form of holistic or natural care, not all natural or holistic remedies are homeopathic. To be considered homeopathy, a remedy must adhere to the law of similars.

For example, elderberry syrup is a great natural remedy, but because it is not utilized in a like-cures-like manner, it is not homeopathic.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy utilizes remedies formulated from various substances found in the plant, animal, and mineral kingdoms which are then diluted to “potentize” them.

The more diluted a remedy is, the stronger its effect on the body. As the physical aspect of the remedy is weakened (through dilution), the energetic properties are heightened.

Each remedy has a symptom picture which is matched to the symptoms of the person seeking relief. This picture is established through a series of scientifically documented processes called a proving. The proving reveals what symptoms the remedy can cause in a healthy person. This then correlates with the symptoms it can relieve in a person suffering dis-ease (like-cures-like).

How does homeopathy work?

Homeopathy works by matching a remedy to the symptoms, whether physical or emotional, that someone is experiencing. One looks at the whole picture of the person and compares it to the whole picture of the remedy. Even tiny details that one may not think are relevant can make the difference between the correct match or not.

For example, a common remedy for the common cold is allium cepa and one of its chief indications is nasal discharge that burns and causes a raw upper lip. Conversely, euphrasia, another common cold remedy, is indicated by the lack of burning from the nasal discharge.

While trying a poorly-matched remedy won’t cause harm, it will not provide relief of symptoms.

Homeopathy can also be used for deeper healing, often referred to as constitutional care. In this case, a single remedy is matched to the person as a whole. This is best done under the care of a trained homeopath.

Homeopaths undergo extensive education and training to practice. These skilled professionals are trained and experienced in taking a complete case of a person seeking treatment and will know best what to look for when matching a remedy.

What are the benefits of homeopathy?

The benefits of homeopathy are numerous. Here are a few:

Homeopathy is safe for all ages, from newborn to 100+, though it would be best to seek the care of a homeopath when seeking treatment for very young babies as their vital force tends to be more sensitive.
Treatment is perfectly customized for each individual, no matter the issue at play.
Remedies are accessible and inexpensive.
Remedies are also easy to administer.

What can homeopathy be used for?

Because homeopathy works by addressing physical and emotional symptoms, the underlying diagnosis does not have much bearing on treatment, so homeopathy can be used for anything from acute annoyances to deep-seated chronic issues.

Types of homeopathic remedies

Homeopathic remedies come in several different formats.

Pellets- the most common and most easily available remedy. Homeopathic pharmacies buy or make blank pellets made of sugar, and then coat the pellets with the liquid remedy. Once dry, the pellets are packaged in plastic or glass bottles or dispenser tubes.

Since the remedy is on the outside of the pellet, it is important not to handle the pellets to avoid the risk of the remedy rubbing off. Pellets are said to be more resistant to the negative effects of travel than tinctures, so that may be something to consider if you know you will be travelling with your remedies frequently.

Tinctures- also popular, but harder to come by, are tincture remedies. These are made with water or alcohol and often have to be ordered from a homeopathic pharmacy. Often easier to administer to young children and those with physical limitations, wet remedies (also known as water doses) are said to be slightly stronger than dry dose pellets.

Topical remedies- Homeopathic remedies can also be applied topically. Arnica cream is a common and popular example of this application. A remedy can be applied directly to the site of injury or complaint. Try this arnica cream.

When a remedy is needed for more systemic use but oral administration is not an option, a wet remedy or pre-prepared cream can be applied to pulse points of the body, such as behind the knee or the inside of the wrist.

Paper remedies- not so well-known and often harder for our allopathically-trained minds to grasp. Since homeopathy is an energy medicine, and the remedies are so diluted as to not contain any of the original substance past 12C potency, remedies can also work by intention. The mind leads and the emotions and body follow.

For a paper remedy, the name of the remedy is written on a piece of paper which is then carried in the pocket or held under a glass of water to be sipped. The energetic properties of the remedy are imparted to the water being consumed as the remedy itself. While certainly handy to use in a pinch, the effects of a paper remedy are said to wear off sooner than that of a physical remedy.

Remedies similar to homeopathy

Flower essences are a close cousin to homeopathy. While not homeopathic in that they are not administered under the like-cures-like premise, they are another form of energy medicine.

Dr. Edward Bach who discovered the flower essences was himself a homeopath, but his work with the flower essences focused solely on flowers and transmuting their energy to the remedy and addressing the emotional field rather than the physical one. We like Bach Flower Remedies. Scroll down here to learn more about them.

Cell salts are another remedy similar to homeopathy. Developed by Dr. Wilhem Schuessler in the 19th century, these are 12 homeopathically-prepared remedies of the 12 inorganic mineral compounds (“salts”) necessary for cellular health. While not necessarily administered under the law of similars, cell salts can help address a variety of physical and emotional complaints by promoting the balance of these salts in the body. Buy cell salts here.

How long does it take for homeopathic medicine to start working?

Homeopathy can work in seconds or it can take years. It depends on the circumstances and what you are expecting from your remedy. A really good constitutional remedy should begin to alleviate symptoms fairly quickly, sometimes within days, and then continue to have a positive effect over time.

Considerations and contraindications

Homeopathy will not interfere with other medications, but some people may experience sensitivities to the base material of the remedy. Many homeopathic pellets use lactose in their formulation. For those with dairy sensitivities or allergies, this can be problematic. In this case, it is best to seek pellets made with sucrose instead.

While antidotes to homeopathy are a debated topic amongst homeopaths, certain environmental influences have been reported by some to hinder the effects of homeopathic remedies. Direct sunlight, high heat, and strong odors can be problematic, as well as essential oils, particularly peppermint.

Camphor and menthol may also antidote remedies, so you may need to consider switching toothpaste and mouthwash and avoiding throat lozenges, as well as using caution with topical applications such as Tiger Balm, vapor rub, or other preparations containing essential oils. Coffee has been known to antidote remedies, so consider the timing of when you take your remedy with respect to your morning cup of coffee (or consider opting for a bulletproof tea latte instead).

X-ray does not appear to be problematic to homeopathic remedies, but electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been known to antidote remedies, including ultrasound and MRIs. Take care to store your remedies away from sources of EMF exposure (WiFi router, cell phone, etc.) and be prepared to re-administer a remedy following exposure to ultrasound or MRI. (source)

Is homeopathy right for you?

Homeopathy is an alternative healing modality that can be used whether you’re battling an acute or chronic condition.

For those seeking to expand their healing journey, homeopathy deserves consideration. It is safe, convenient, easy to use, does not interfere with other allopathic treatments or medications, and can be very effective when used in conjunction with other diet and lifestyle adjustments to promote health and healing. As with any new therapy, it is best to consult with a trained professional for input on your unique considerations.

We suggest The Complete Homeopathy Handbook to learn more about how to treat your family using homeopathy. Buy it here.

March 12, 2017

Everything Extract: How To Make Your Own Natural Antibiotic

In a time when it’s becoming rapidly clear that antibiotics are causing gut health problems that lead to chronic disease and creating drug-resistant bacteria that no longer respond to treatment, one may wonder what to do in the event of a serious infection. You already know I’m a fan of DIY supplements, so it will come as no surprise that I’ve created a DIY natural antibiotic for just such occasions.

When my oldest was a baby, I practically demanded a prescription for every cough and sneeze, without realizing that the use of antibiotics have long-reaching, negative health consequences.

I know now that antibiotics should be a last resort choice when nothing else works… but thankfully, since learning about herbs, I’ve found that there are better options.

Why antibiotics should be avoided

Here are a few reasons you might want to avoid conventional antibiotics in favor of natural herbal antibiotics:

1. Antibiotics kill bacteria. Duh. That’s why we use them. But- our bodies are filled with both good and bad bacteria, and antibiotics aren’t picky.

Antibiotics take an unbiased sweep through the body, killing off every type of bacteria they encounter, including the good stuff your body actually needs.

Where do antibiotics hit first? The stomach, where they damage healthy gut flora. Once that good bacteria gets diminished, the bad guys have an opportunity to get stronger and take over.

2. Antibiotics cause disease. Because the majority of your immune system is found in your gut, your gut bacteria controls how healthy you are and how well your body can fight off invaders.

When antibiotics change the gut terrain for the worse, opportunistic bacteria becomes strong enough to wreak havoc throughout the body, causing everything from autoimmune diseases to bowel disorders.

Antibiotic use has even been linked to autism (read Gordon’s story of healing from autism here, and learn about how several rounds of antibiotics preceded his diagnosis of autism).

3. Antibiotics create superbugs. This is becoming more and more apparent all the time, as drug-resistant infections become more common.

We have let our profligate use of antibiotics reshape the evolution of the microbial world and wrest any hope of safe management from us…

Resistance to antibiotics has spread to so many different, and unanticipated types of bacteria, that the only fair appraisal is that we have succeeded in upsetting the balance of nature. -Marc Lappé, When Antibiotics Fail

The evolution of life-saving medicines has had unintended consequences, as the frequent and overuse of antibiotics has left us with persistent and recurring infections that are harder and harder to treat.

Natural antibiotic herbs

Thankfully, there are lots of herbs that are effective for treating a variety of infections and illnesses. Here, I’ve created what I call “Everything Extract” because it contains a few key herbs to target anything and everything.

Our family recently used it as part of a protocol for a particularly nasty respiratory infection that went through all of our kids, and it did its part to help them recover.

Here’s what you’ll find in my natural antibiotic.

Everything Extract: The Players

Oregano- A long-time, go-to remedy for our family, oregano has been a powerful ally in our house for battling everything from strep throat to PANDAS and oppositional defiant disorder.

Oregano is high in vitamin A, which has been found to help in recovery from measles. (source) The high level of vitamin A may be part of oregano’s immune-bolstering magic, along with vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, and iron.

Oregano is also antibacterial and contains antioxidants. The essential oil is especially powerful against particularly nasty infections, which is why I use Oregano Spirits (the only time I’ll use essential oils internally) sparingly for serious infections like strep throat or when an illness isn’t responding well to other herbal treatments.

Get Oregano Spirits here and organic loose leaf oregano here.

Thyme- like oregano, thyme is one of my favorite herbs for cooking, but it’s also powerful for fighting infection

Thyme is anti-fungal and may help to battle candida infections and restore balance in the gut and body.

It is also has powerful antiseptic and disinfectant components and has been used to break up mucus, fight colds, coughs, fevers, headaches and sore throats.

Get organic loose leaf thyme here.

Rosemary- Perhaps my favorite culinary herb, rosemary graces everything from sweet potatoes to chicken in my kitchen, frequently.

Rosemary also helps stimulate the immune system and promote healthy digestion.

It’s been used as a remedy for coughs and colds, as well as a wash for mouth, gums, and sore throat.

Get organic loose rosemary leaves here.

Ginger- a synergistic herb that helps to strengthen the benefits of other herbs it’s used with, ginger is one I use almost every day.

I use it in this herbal pain killer for headaches, as well as to help drain the lymph system anytime I’m fighting a cold.

Ginger is high in vitamin C, B6, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. It’s helpful for pain, nausea, and has anti-bacterial properties, which make it a good choice for including in your recovery routine regardless of the illness.

Get organic dried ginger root here.

Everything Extract: The How-To

If you’ve read about how to make an herbal extract, you know it’s really simple to do.

To make this herbal antibiotic “Everything Extract,”

Combine the herbs in equal parts in a large jar, filling the jar halfway. (For my Everything Extract, I used 1/2 cup each oregano, thyme, rosemary, and ginger, to equal two cups total.)
Fill the jar the rest of the way with vodka (I use a gluten-free vodka in a glass bottle).
Tighten the lid and label the jar with date and contents.
Place the jar in a cool, dark cabinet.
Shake the jars once or twice a day for 6 weeks before straining into a clean dropper bottle.

I use a dropperful in a small amount of water 1-3 times a day during illness.

This natural antibiotic is safe for children and pregnant or nursing mothers, though oregano can dry up breastmilk, so should be used carefully.

Do you know a friend who’d like to hear about natural antibiotic options? Sharing is caring!

March 2, 2017

Herbal Pain Killer Shot for Headaches & More: Stop Taking NSAIDS!

Herbal Pain Killer Shot for Headaches & More: Stop Taking NSAIDS! | The Family That Heals Together

Migraines have been my longest-standing, most life-disrupting health problem since I can remember. And while lifestyle changes have helped tremendously, as soon as my diet lags, my sleep gets disrupted, or my stress levels rise, headaches are the first thing to get worse. I recently created this herbal pain killer shot and have been pleasantly surprised at how effective it is.

Do you need an herbal pain killer?

The big question is: why wouldn’t you just take an over the counter pain killer? They’re cheap, readily available, and easy to pop down with a little water.

However, taking these over the counter pain killers (aka NSAIDs- non steriod anti-inflammatory drugs), has serious consequences for your health. As a long-time migraine sufferer, I have taken more NSAIDs than I care to admit.

Why you should avoid NSAIDs:

increased risk of heart failure- by 19%! (source)
kidney damage (if you have any level of kidney disease, you SHOULD NOT take NSAIDs)
gut damage and GI distress, as well as ulcers and internal bleeding (source)
liver damage
muscle regeneration delay and reduction of ligament, tendon, and cartilage healing (not ideal for post-workout pain!) (source)

I used to take them like they were candy. Headache? Down a couple 200 milligram ibuprofen. Full-fledged migraine? Take three or maybe a couple acetaminophen.

In the last year or so, it was taking 800 mg at once to take the edge off of my worst migraines, and I was still taking over the counter pain killers on occasion even recently… until I discovered this herbal pain killer shot.

I whipped it up on a whim knowing each of the components alone can be good for relieving pain. I had a monster migraine setting in and I was feeling the pressure. My natural attempts at relieving the pain weren’t working but I didn’t want to take a toxic over-the-counter drug.

Out of desperation, I made my concoction and downed it… and within minutes, my pain began to ease. I was astounded!

A little while later, when the pain threatened to return, I made and took another shot, and this time the pain stayed gone for good.

Now, anytime I feel like I could possibly have a headache coming on, I take my herbal pain killer shot, and I’m happy to say I haven’t had a headache, let alone a migraine, since I first took this shot.

What’s in it?

Just three simple ingredients. It doesn’t taste too bad at all, and takes just a minute to mix up.

Herbal Pain Killer Shot: The Players

#1. Turmeric- extensively studied and found to be beneficial in relieving respiratory illnesses, including asthma, turmeric is also a powerful anti-mucosal.

You already know it’s great for dental health if you’ve tried my tooth powder recipe (if you haven’t, you should!).

But what about turmeric for pain relief?

The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Curcumin is known to inhibit inflammation by suppressing nuclear factor κB (NF-kB), a protein complex responsible for creating cytokines (some of which are responsible for pain responses), restricting various activators of NF-kB as well as stemming its expression. (source)

Because black pepper increases the efficacy of turmeric up to 2000%, I keep a bag of bulk organic turmeric on hand with a little black pepper already mixed in. (I mix with a small amount of whatever ground black pepper I have on hand- less than two teaspoons of pepper per cup of turmeric.)

Buy the organic ground turmeric I use here.

#2. Ginger extract- theoretically, you could use ground ginger along with the ground turmeric, but I haven’t tried that, and I’ve had great success with ginger extract for a variety of conditions, including pain and swollen lymph nodes.

According to one study,

Ginger and its constituents also show a vital role in anti-inflammatory processes. Earlier studies on in vitro investigations of ginger preparations and some isolated gingerol-related compounds showed the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger such as inhibition of COX (the enzyme blocked by pain killers) and inhibition of NF-kB.”

Buy the organic ginger extract I use here.

#3. White willow bark- one of my recent favorite discoveries, white willow bark is an old folk remedy that was used for pain relief prior to the invention of Aspirin, and has been found to be as effective without the side effects.

Like Aspirin, white willow bark is a nonselective inhibitor of COX-1 and COX-2 (those enzymes targeted by pain killers), used to block inflammatory prostaglandins. (source)

I make my own white willow bark extract by combining white willow bark and vodka in equal parts in a glass jar and allowing to sit in a cool, dark place for at least six weeks. I shake the jar as often as I can remember during this time.

Get white willow bark here.

Keep in mind, white willow bark may not be safe for children or for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. For use with children, you can replace the white willow with meadowsweet. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, these ingredients are best left out of the formulation.

In addition, those exhibiting symptoms of chicken pox or flu, those with asthma, or those who are allergic to aspirin should not use white willow or meadowsweet.

Get meadowsweet herb here.

Note: Due to the natural blood thinning effects of this combination of herbs, people with blood disorders or taking anti-coagulants should talk to their care provider before taking them.

Herbal Pain Killer Shot: The How-To

When I’m in need of some pain relief, I fill a glass with about a quarter cup of water, add a dropper-ful each of ginger and white willow bark extract, and about 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric and give it a stir before drinking it down in one gulp.

I generally feel relief within minutes.

Who needs NSAIDs?

I’ve been so thrilled to finally be able to ditch over the counter pain meds once and for all. This herbal pain killer shot has been so effective, I can’t imagine ever needing to go back, as it stops pain in its tracks every time.

Best of all, the ingredients are non-toxic and even promote long-term health benefits and overall wellness.

Are you ready to ditch your toxic pain killer pills? Share for a friend who needs relief!

Herbal Pain Killer Shot for Headaches & More: Stop Taking NSAIDS! | The Family That Heals Together

December 28, 2016

Why I’m Just Not That Into Using Essential Oils

Sometimes I say things that tick people off, because I don’t shy away from controversy and I tell it like it is. So I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I have to come clean: I’m just not that into using essential oils.

I’ll stand here while you get the rotten tomatoes ready.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve used essential oils for years, but when it comes to keeping my family healthy, they’re not really at the top of my list. Let me explain.

There are a few specific reasons I’m not that into using essential oils, and below, I’ll lay ’em all out for you.

Why I’m not that into using essential oils

Before I get into my specific reasons, I will tell you this: I do use essential oils. I mean, they smell nice. And they do have their strengths (which I’ll tell you about below). However, when it comes to keeping my family healthy, I’m just not that into them. Here’s why:

Essential oils are a bandaid

While they are natural and smell lovely (ok, some of them do- have you ever smelled vetiver? Stiiinky!), I feel that a lot of people simply replace their over the counter meds with essential oils.

Instead of Rolaids, they rub a digestive blend on their tummy. Instead of acetaminophen, they rub a little peppermint on their temples (I’ve even written about doing that here). Allergy meds have given way to popular “allergy bombs,” aka essential oil cocktails.

It is good to get away from pharmaceuticals and over the counter drugs; don’t get me wrong. But if you’re simply swapping one out for the other, you’re not healing the underlying condition.

Essential oils are not a substitute for a healthy diet. You cannot go on eating sugar and processed foods and just essential oil harder to make up for it.

Using essential oils can’t replace using a good probiotic, which will actually change the bacterial content of your gut, and thereby create lasting change in your health.

They also can’t replace healing a child’s behavioral disorder like ADHD from the inside with diet changes like the GAPS diet. In fact, I’ve tried lots of essential oils for calming and they have never had any affect on my hyperactive kid.

Essential oils are not as effective as other herbal solutions

Just like I’ve never had any luck with using essential oils to calm my child, I’ve never had luck using them to heal an infection, get rid of a cough or cold or the flu, or improve gut health. It’s just not what they do.

When I need to tackle an illness, I reach for teas and tinctures.

Using herbs in tea and tincture form has been much more effective for our family than essential oils for clearing a respiratory infection or calming a cough, balancing neurotransmitters and calming a child, and kicking everything from sinus infections to Lyme disease.

My favorite ways to use herbs include

scooping loose herbs like nettle and horsetail (both very nourishing herbs) into my French press and pouring boiling water over them to make a tea, which I drink after steeping and cooling
making or buying herbal tinctures and extracts, which involves steeping herbs for many weeks in alcohol to release the herbs’ constituents before straining them out
or taking herbal capsules, which contain an herb or herb mixture and are easy to quickly swallow for quick and simple usage.

Based on my personal experience of using herbs in these ways and getting outstanding results, healing my family, and never having had any significant improvement with essential oils, I just can’t say that essential oils are as effective as other herbal remedies.

Essential oil marketing makes me batty

Here’s where things get dicey. I have always been turned off by the marketing ploys of essential oils companies. Everyone who uses X company says their oils are the best and purest, and everyone who uses Y company says the same about theirs.

The problem with this is that there are a lot of wonderful essential oil companies making excellent products for reasonable prices, and no one trusts them because the bigger companies have done such a great job marketing their oils as the best, and convincing you that buying cheaper oils isn’t safe.

Hogwash.

I’ve used tons of essential oils from lots of different companies (including the expensive ones) and guess what? No one brand has been any more effective than another. They all smell nice. They all perform the same minor tasks in my overall health routine. Some just cost way more than others. (Psst… you can even find certified organic essential oils for good prices, which I am all about!)

I think it’s great that I have friends who have been able to make a living selling essential oils and that those products have really improved their families’ lives. I don’t fault anyone for that. And if you’re most comfortable with and already love one brand, I don’t see anything wrong with that.

But I don’t find it necessary to get involved with an MLM and pay higher prices to enjoy the benefits of essential oils.

P.S. I love using this inexpensive, high quality brand!

Essential oil misinformation is rampant

When I first started using essential oils, they weren’t very well-known. I used them to scent homemade lotions and soaps. That was about it.

These days, everyone uses essential oils, and for all kinds of things. Again, not necessarily a bad thing, but I’ve never felt comfortable with some of the information and “education” floating around about essential oils.

Lots of people promote taking essential oils internally, which I have personally never condoned, as they can be hard on the liver to process, and even do damage to tissues and organs.

I’ve seen children get burned by them due to improper dilution or failure to dilute. (Read: Essential Oil Safety for Kids.)

And, of course, there’s the promotion of using them to create a healthy lifestyle, which, as discussed, cannot be accomplished without major lifestyle changes.

Here is what is telling to me: members of popular MLMs frequently promote using essential oils internally or to heal various ailments, while personal friends and family members of mine who are trained in aromatherapy and essential oil usage have told me they would never take essential oils internally, nor do they promote them as a solution to health problems.

I wonder if essential oil safety is always the top priority with so much misinformation floating around.

How I do use essential oils

I’m not anti-essential oils, I promise. I’ve got a pretty extensive collection of them sitting in a lovely wooden box Mr. Incredible made me just for the purpose of housing them. I don’t reach for them in the case of battling illness, but I do use them for lots of little things, including:

keeping my home smelling nice. I stopped using candles and other toxic fragrance sources years ago, so I switched over to using a diffuser, which allows me to let the subtle aromas of essential oils keep my home smelling like four little boys don’t live here (although they do). I have an inexpensive diffuser that I’ve used for years and love diffusing this germ-fighting blend, and this super calming and soothing blend.
keeping my home clean. I make a simple all-purpose cleaner from water, germ-fighting essential oils, and a tablespoon or two of Dr. Bronner’s castile soap and keep it in a spray bottle for cleaning everything from toilets to counter tops. It’s inexpensive, effective, and it smells really good.
minor skin conditions. I love using an all-purpose salve for everything from stings, to scrapes, burns, and bruises. If I burn myself cooking, I slather on a little salve, which contains both herb-infused oils and essential oils, or I’ll use a combination of lavender and frankincense essential oils, which I have actually found to be very effective for soothing the skin and promoting healing.
headaches. I’ve mentioned in this post about getting rid of migraines that I do use a little peppermint oil on pain points when I have a headache or migraine. However, if I’m eating well and getting plenty of sleep, as well as minding my stress levels, I rarely get headaches, which I why I suggest healing the underlying conditions through lifestyle changes rather than relying on essential oils to mask the problem.

I’m just not that into essential oils.

To each their own, and my own is not turning to essential oils when illness strikes. That doesn’t mean they’re bad or that I don’t have plenty of uses for them, I’m just not sure they are worthy of the pedestal they’re placed on in the healthy living community.

Do you like using essential oils? Share this post and generate a conversation!

September 23, 2016

Soothing Salve Recipe: The Simple Herbal Remedy for Bites, Stings, Scrapes, Cuts, and More

The more and more I learn about herbs, the more in love with them I fall! Herbs have revolutionized how I take care of my family. I’ve told you about how to make herbal extracts, and today contributor Heather will show us how to use a simple soothing salve recipe to address a number of skin conditions for your family. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a special offer, only through Monday, September 26th! -Jaclyn

As herbal medicines are becoming more mainstream, many are eschewing conventional lotions and creams and making their own soothing salves. Below, I’ll give you a simple soothing salve recipe that can help you replace creams for eczema, poison ivy, diaper rash and so much more.

First, let’s define the difference between a salve, a balm, and an ointment. Many think those words are interchangeable, and that can be true in some cases. However, there IS a difference between them.

Salves are made with a mixture of fats and herbs in a semi-solid state. Generally, they consist of herbal infused oils and wax. They are the ones most often used by the home herbalist. They are quick and easy to make, and you can use wild foraged herbs from your backyard or garden.

Balms are similar to salves. They start with herbal infused oils and beeswax. Then, essential oils are added, making it very aromatic. They tend to be thick and very creamy, and most often in a solid state. If you make lip products, deodorants, or lotion bars, you are essentially making balms.

Ointments are similar to balms. They start with herbal infused oils, and add wax and essential oils to the finished products. However, the main difference is texture. They are usually thinner and not as creamy as balms.

General soothing salve recipe

To make a healing salve, start with a basic recipe of:

1/2 cup carrier oil: coconut, olive, jojoba, or almond are great choices.
3-4 grams dried herbs of choice
3 teaspoons beeswax pellets

Infuse the oil by pouring it over the herbs in an oven safe bowl.
Place in a 200 degree oven for 2 hours, then allow to cool.
Drain the herbs using a cheesecloth, squeezing out as much of the oil as you can from the plant matter.
Add the beeswax to the oil and reheat gently to allow the wax and oil to melt together.
Place melted oils in an airtight container with a lid and write the ingredients on the jar. If you wish to make this into a balm at this time, add 20-25 drops of essential oils.
To use, simply rub a quarter-sized amount on the affected area 2-4 times a day, allowing it to absorb into the skin.
Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. Discard after 2 months or if you see signs of mold in the product.

Herbs to add

Lavender: calming, relaxing, and even muscle pain.

Chamomile and Calendula: healing skin wounds, acne or diaper rash. (Caution: those with ragweed allergy should NOT use Chamomile as they are in the same family.)

Lemon Balm: relieves painful inflammation, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins.

Comfrey: a rapid cell healer; great for any bug bites or stings. The only caveat is that you should NOT use comfrey on broken skin, such as a scrape.

Yarrow: used most often to help stop bleeding, and to promote skin regeneration. This is what you would use on a scraped knee or elbow. Yarrow is in our sports bags for every sport my kids are in.

Essential oils to consider

Lavender: calming and relaxing as well as soothing irritated skin.

Rosemary: uplifting, energizing, and useful for soothing headaches.

Tea Tree: used for anti-microbial benefits such as healing acne or on skin wounds.

Peppermint: used for soothing headaches, stomach pains, and bug bites.

Gentle, baby-friendly salve recipe

To make a skin soothing salve that will go from diaper bag to sports bag with ease, follow the basic salve recipe above, using 3 grams dried calendula and 2 grams dried lavender in 1/2 cup jojoba oil. This will be safe for anyone to use up to 3x a day, with great skin-soothing benefits.