DIY herbal recipes: teas, tinctures, salves, syrups
TITLE:Sour Fig Beauty Secrets: The African Skin Plant the Cosmetic Industry Is Finally Catching Up With CATEGORY: Healthy Aging / Herbal Remedies READ TIME: 6 min While European and American beauty brands spend millions developing synthetic anti-ageing ingredients, the women of southern Africa have been using a remarkable coastal succulent for generations to keep their […]
There is something quietly magical about placing a jar of blossoms in vinegar and returning two weeks later to find it has transformed into the most beautiful pink-lavender liquid you have ever seen in your kitchen. Chive blossom vinegar is one of the simplest herbal preserves you can make — and one of the most
How to Make Pink Chive Blossom Vinegar Read More »
Every spring, chive plants burst into those delicate lavender pompoms — and most gardeners promptly snip them off and throw them on the compost heap. That is a missed opportunity. These modest little flowers are one of the most useful edible plants you can grow, and they have been sitting in your garden all along.
The Benefits of Chive Blossoms:The Edible Flower Most Gardeners Ignore Read More »
This gentle respiratory tea uses herbs you can easily forage or find at your local health shop. Perfect for supporting your breathing during seasonal changes or when you need a little extra comfort. Ingredients: Simple Preparation: Mix all dried herbs together in a bowl. Store in an airtight jar. The blend will keep for up
Respiratory Support Tea Read More »
A soothing blend using herbs you likely already have in your garden or can easily purchase. This tea helps settle the stomach and promotes healthy digestion after meals. Ingredients: Simple Preparation: Lightly crush the fennel seeds with the back of a spoon to release their oils. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and store in
Everyday Digestive Tea Read More »
This straightforward tincture combines two powerhouse herbs that are abundant in the UK countryside. Perfect for beginners to tincture-making who want effective immune support. Ingredients: Simple Method: Clean your elderflowers by gently shaking off insects (don’t wash as this removes pollen). If using fresh nettles, wear gloves when handling. Roughly chop fresh herbs or crumble
Elderflower and Nettle Immune Tincture Read More »
A gentle nervine tincture using two of the most beloved calming herbs. Both are easy to grow or forage, making this an accessible introduction to herbal stress management. Ingredients: Preparation: Harvest chamomile flowers when fully open and lemon balm before it flowers for best potency. If foraging chamomile, ensure you have true chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile and Lemon Balm Tincture Read More »
This basic healing salve uses plantain, the “band-aid plant” that grows everywhere, combined with calendula for a simple but effective first aid preparation. Ingredients: Making the Oil: Clean fresh plantain and calendula (plantain is the common “weed” with ribbed leaves found in most lawns and paths). Place herbs in a slow cooker with olive oil
Simple Healing Salve with Plantain Read More »
A simple warming salve using herbs from your garden or easily purchased dried herbs. Perfect for sore muscles, stiff joints, or general aches and pains. Ingredients: Oil Preparation: Combine all dried herbs with olive oil in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. The cayenne will give the oil a slight orange tint and
Warming Muscle Rub with Common Herbs Read More »
A simplified version of traditional elderberry syrup that’s safe for the whole family and uses easily available ingredients. Perfect for immune support during cold and flu season. Ingredients: Simple Method: Put elderberries, water, and spices in a pot. Bring to boil, then simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until liquid reduces by half. The mixture should
Elderberry Syrup for Families Read More »