Relief for what ails you

Nightmare

Enjoy your time outdoors, knowing nature can provide you with remedies for
the occasional sting or bite you may unexpectedly acquire along the way!



Don't let the discomfort of insect bites and stings take the edge off your
Summer fun. Make sure you use herbal insect repellents and sleep under a net
during the mosquito season. If you're still bitten, take the irritation out of
stings with simple but effective herbal and kitchen first aid remedies.
Types of bites
Try to identify the insect that has bitten you so you can apply the right
treatment. Bee, and ant stings are acidic and need alkalis to neutralize them;
a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water or crushed parsley leaf is
effective. Wasp slings are alkaline and need acids such as lemon juice or cider
vinegar to reduce itching. Remove a stinger with sterilized tweezers. grasping it
below the poison sac.

Herbs to treat bites and rashes
When out in the country, use wild herbs to combat irritating bites and
stings. The leaves of dock, chickweed or plantain can effectively ease nettle
stings
From simple lo serious
Insect bites are often just annoying, but multiple bee and wasp stings may
need hospital attention and, in rare cases, may result in anaphylactic shock
You can rub dock leaves on your skin to ease the sting of nettles.
Fortunately, they are commonly found growing close together. The aloe vera plant has
a soothing gel in its green branches that's a cure-all for burns and stings.

Insect bites, especially in tropical countries, can carry infections.
Antiseptic herbal creams based on marigold or aloe vera are cooling Herbs for bites
and stings.
You can make herbal remedies with ingredients found in your own backyard to
treat minor irritations you probably picked up in the same place,and can
reduce the risk of bacterial infection.


Aloe vera
This cactuslike plant has fleshy, succulent leaves packed with natural
healing juices. Apply as a cream or gel to insect bites and bee stings for pain
relief. Anthraquinones in the leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, and
aloectin B stimulates the body's immune system, reducing the risk of infection.
Use a freshly cut branch of aloe vera for the most effective result.

Arnica
A member of the daisy family, arnica thrives in the high mountain areas of
America and Europe. Its scented yellow flowers were used by tribes of Native
Americans for treating skin disorders. Ointments, gels and creams are prepared
from its dried, crushed flowers Apply it to stings and bites to reduce pain
and relieve irritation. Its active ingredients are sequisterpenoid lactones.
Arnica also contains helanalin, which can cause contact dermatitis. Check for
skin sensitivity before applying, and always use this plant well diluted.


CHICKWEED
A scrambling weed, chickweed is a traditional European folk herb. The aerial
parts are mashed to create poultices, ointments or creams. Chickweed gives
cooling and anti-inflarmmatory relief from insect bites and stings Chickweed
contains saponins, which reduce skin irritation.

Plantain
Dried plantain is easy to store.
The crushed fresh leaves of common plantain make an excellent first aid
treatment for bee and wasp stings. This perennial herb grows wild in grassland
and hedgerows throughout North America. Its leaves contain plant oils, tannins,
mucilages and anti-inflammatory flavonoids. Plantain can be applied as an
ointment or a body lotion.

Marigold
Flower petals from the marigold's orange, daisy like flowers can be made
into healing infusions, lotions and tinctures. Apply externally to gently soothe
bites and stings Marigold petals contain resins, flavonoids and glycosides,
which reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Apply this tincture with an
iced compress to help reduce any swelling.
A tincture of marigold petals gives relief.

Onion
The humble onion makes an excellent kitchen remedy for Bee and nettle stings
and for mosquito bites. Simply place a slice of onion over the affected area
for rapid pain relief; the juices in onions are analgesic. Anti-inflammatory
enzymes in the onion break down the prostaglandins produced by the body in
response to trauma.
Onions contain antiseptics that fight bacterial infection.


MAKING THEM

If you find yourself covered with mosquito bites, horseradish can help to
break down the toxins released into the bloodstream
To make a horseradish tincture, you will need"
* 2 oz horseradish root
1 pint alcohol
1 Grate the horseradish root and steep it in the alcohol for 3-4 days, stir
the mixture twice a day.
2 Strain it through muslin at the end of this period, and store the liquid
in dark, sterilized glass bottles. Apply your tincture to the affected area
when you suffer from a bad bite.
You can create your own horseradish tincture with easily bought items

*Prolong the life of your tincture by storing small amounts of it in tightly
fastened tinted glass bottles.

Nightmare

You will need;
Lavender essential oil
Tea tree essential oil
Witch Hazel, small bottle
bottle of water
cotton balls, cotton pads, roll of glaze, tape, small scissors,
tweezers, needles, matches, and a few empty film canisters, also some
cotton swabs, a box of assorted size band aides and a plastic zip bag or
a small plastic box to put all this in.

The matches are for sterilizing the needle if you need to pick a
splinter out. And the film canisters are for storing the needle and for
mixing in if needed.

ABRASIONS.....
Clean the area well with 5 drops of lavender diluted in a bowl of warm
water. Apply one neat drop of lavender ad leave to heal.

CUTS AND WOUNDS...
Bathe the area with warm water(2 cups) to which you have added the
following;
5 drops lavender oil
2 drops tea tree oil
Put 3 drops of lavender oil on a piece of gauze and place it over the
cut. Renew it twice a day and expose the cut or wound to air on the
third day if possible.

BLISTERS...
Apply neat 1 drop of lavender and 1 drop tea tree. Pat in thoroughly but
carefully.

BLISTERS FROM BURNS AND SCALDS
(DO NOT PIERCE)
Put 1 neat drop of lavender oil onto the blister and then hold and ice
cube on the blister for ten minutes. Cover wit a piece od clean dry
gauze. Repeat 3 times a day. Tea tree oil also can be used.


BRUISES.....
Pour witch hazel into a film canister and add 1 drop of lavender oil,
soak a cotton pad and bathe the bruise.

BLACK EYES....
In a film canister put 2 teaspoon witch hazel, 2 drops lavender, and 2
teaspoons of cold water mix and soak 2 cotton pads, close eyes and apply
pads to eyelids.

FAINTING....
Undo any tight fitting clothing and raise the legs higher then the head.
Hold a open bottle of lavender oil under the persons nose.

HICCUPS...
Put 1 drop of lavender oil in a brown paper bag and hold over your nose
and mouth. Breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose.

INSECT BITES...
Remove the stinger if applicable and apply 1 neat drop of lavender oil
to the site.

Nightmare

f you feel worn down or are lacking energy due to a hectic schedule and
day-to-day stressors, learn how to fight fatigue naturally. Taking a few minutes
for yourself and performing simple breathing exercises can be helpful, as
can daily moderate exercise and getting adequate rest. Certain nutrients,
botanicals and other compounds can also help to ward off or lessen the effects of
general fatigue. Experiment with the following:
* Magnesium and calcium. Oral magnesium supplementation has been shown
to improve symptoms of fatigue in persons with low magnesium levels.
* Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Studies
show that Eleuthero can help enhance mental activity as well as physical
endurance.
* Coenzyme Q10. This vital nutrient is involved in cellular energy
production throughout the body.
* Ashwaganda. An Ayurvedic herb prized for its ability to help the
body deal with stress.
* Cordyceps. A traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom that may help
fight fatigue and boost energy levels.

Nightmare

Adapted from Aromatherapy for Everyone, by P.J. Pierson and Mary
Shipley (Vital Health Publishing, 2004).

Be sure to use essential rose oil, not a synthetic fragrance.
Undiluted rose oil is very costly, but even essential rose oils that
have been diluted with other, less expensive oils still possess
therapeutic properties.

For allergies and asthma, use 3-4 drops in a diffuser or 8-10 drops
in bath water regularly.

To better bear anger, depression, grief, jealousy, and resentment,
use 3-4 drops in a diffuser.

To alleviate anxiety and nervous tension, use 2-3 drops in a carrier
oil and massage on body, or add 8-10 drops to bath water.

To ease headache and migraine, use 3-4 drops in a hot or cold
compress (whichever works best for you). Can also use 3-4 drops in a
diffuser.

To restore libido, use 6-8 drops in a bath, or use 2-3 drops in 1
ounce of carrier oil and massage on body.

For overall skin care, mix a few drops in a carrier oil and massage
on body. Can also be mixed with water and applied to face;
especially good for mature and/or sensitive skin.

NOTE: Rose oil is not indicated for use during the first four
months of pregnancy.

Nightmare

Lavender contains up to 50 percent of an ingredient called linalool
which kills bacteria and viruses. Put 20 drops of pure essential oil
of lavender in 1 cup of water, and spray the air, table tops, door
knobs, etc., anywhere you would usually use a disinfectant.

Nightmare

If you toss and turn and just can't get to sleep try this blend.

You'll need 4 oz of carrier oil
add
15 drops Chamomile
7 drops Clary Sage
10 Drops Frankincense

Massage on chest and base of neck

Nightmare

The Short Monk's Cough Mix

Half teaspoon cayenne powder
Half teaspoon ginger powder
3 teaspoons cider vinegar
1-3 teaspoons honey
6 teaspoons hot water
Pinch of sea salt
Mix & Sip slowly

by Zeek from The Art of Shen Ku
(passed on to me by G_man )

Nightmare

Please remember that when dealing with potentially
serious injuries, first aid is a stop gap measure until adequate medical
attention can be found! Follow up on any serious injuries with a
qualified physician!

Aloe
Break off an aloe leaf and scrape the gel to soothe
minor burns,
scalds, and sunburns. Aloe has tissue regenerative
properties and
will help heal all wounds.

Arnica
Arnica cream or oil can be used on bruises or sprains
where the skin
is not broken. Caution should be used with Arnica
however since it can become toxic in high doses.

Calendula Cream
Homemade or store bought, this is antiseptic and
antifungal. If you make it, try adding comfrey to the cream; it will help
speed the healing process.

Clove Oil
Clove oil is an excellent antiseptic for cuts and is
also useful for treating toothaches. It should be cut with a carrier
oil when used on the skin since severe irritation can occur.

Compresses
Keep squares of gauze or cheesecloth on hand to make
compresses. Use comfrey, witch hazel, or arnica for sprains; St.

John's Wort for
deep cuts; comfrey or witch hazel for burns.

Crystallized Ginger
Chew for motion sickness or morning sickness.

Eucalyptus Oil
This is a good inhalant for colds, coughs, and
respiratory infections.

Rescue Remedy
This combination of 5 of the Bach Flower Remedies is
effective for shocks and emotional upsets, especially in children.

St. John's Wort Infused Oil
Excellent for minor burns and sunburn.

Slippery Elm
Slippery elm powder is used to make poultices for
drawing out splinters and bringing boils to a head.

Tea Tree Oil
Antiseptic and antifungal. Useful for cleansing
wounds.

Witch Hazel Extract
Use it to treat minor burns, sunburn, and insect
bites. Apply to nasal passages to stop nosebleeds. Wash cuts with it
to help cleanse them

Nightmare

Honey-based herbal syrups make a most wonderful remedy for all kinds
of imbalances.
They preserve the healing qualities of herbs and can be used to
soothe sore throats, and provide relief from coughs . To make an
herbal syrup, combine two ounces of dried herbs with one quart of
water in a large pot. Boil down until it is reduced to one pint.
Add one to two tablespoons of honey. Herbal syrups can be stored in
the fridge for up to four weeks.
Use soothing herbs such as chamomile flowers, hyssop, jasmine
flowers, lemon balm, mullein,
passion or rose flowers, and slippery elm.
--source unknown

Nightmare

Ingredients
1 2/3 oz dried St Johns Wort
1 oz Valerian
1 oz Linden flowers
1/4 oz Juniper berries
Use 1 tsp of mixture per 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes &
strain.

Nightmare

4 clusters (or 2 tbsp) of hops
1 tsp. each of lavender, rosemary, thyme, mugwortand sage
1 tbsp. chamomile and wintergreen
1 pinch of valerian root (be careful NOT to smell it!)
honey to taste
Take a tsp of the mixture and pour into 1 cup hot water. Wait for 3 minutes, then strain. Drink it after it cools a little. This mixture should make 8 or 9 cups. Store the unused tea in a tight-sealed container for later use.

Nightmare

1 quart apple cide vinegar
1/8 cup rosemary (whole)
1 tbsp fennel seeds (whole)
1 tbsp rose petals
2 bay leaves (shredded)
1 pinch genuine saffron (may be omitted)
Put the ingrediants in a bowl one at a time. Pour the vinegar into a jar larger than the one it is already in. Add the herbs. Tightly cap the jar, shake and let stand for 1-3 days. Strain the resulting liquid through a coffee filter. Bottle, label and add 6 tbsp to every bath to speed healing