Winter fights – cold & cough

We are yet again experiencing another extremely mild winter. Most people would agree with me that we can really do with a proper frozen season to clear up those horrid winter bugs. There have been so many unwelcome sickness, cold and flu viruses spreading throughout schools, villages and communities. Unfortunately our daughter is one of the claimed victims. She caught some sort of lurgy at school lately. In fairness, about 80% of pupils in the same school were down with either one thing or another. Our daughter suffered with slight temperature and then followed by the dreaded cough. With the homemade apothecary hat on, many herbal remedies had been applied to help her to get rid of the irritating cough.

Plenty of fluids – herbal teas

It is vitally important to have plenty to drink when having a cold. A warm drink particularly benefits to soothe the throat. It is well known that honey is an effective remedy for cough. A couple of teaspoons of honey in a cup of warm water or herbal tea with a slice of lemon is a much more agreeable alternative than the over-the-counter medicines if it is just a minor cold.

Herbal teas could be more desirable options than simply plain water to keep our body hydrated. Most herbal teas not only taste delicious but also are packed with goodness to help us to fight the cold.

Ginger tea – ginger is wildly used to boost the immune system to prevent against all sorts of ailments. The warming nature of the ginger tea helps to open up the congestive nasal passages and the anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe the scratchy throat. Either dry or fresh ginger can be used. On the stove bring 2 cups of water to boil in a sauce pan. Cut a piece of 3cm ginger into slices and place them in the rapid boiled water. Let the water to bubble for a minute or two and then simmer for another 5 minutes. Add sugar if you prefer and dilute it if too spicy.
Thyme tea – there are several variety of thyme. All of them are known to be effective against bacteria. Use 2 sprig of fresh thyme or 1 tbsp of dried thyme in a cup of hot water. Steep 5-10 minutes before straining and drinking. A pinch of cinnamon or honey can enhance the flavour.
Licorice root tea – licorice helps to reduce the mucus and boost the qi, which is the fundamental body life energy according to the traditional Chinese medicine philosophy. Licorice can be easily purchased online nowadays. Steep 1-2 pieces of dry licorice with boiled water for 8-10 minutes and drain out the root pieces. A spoon of honey can be added to enhance the flavour. Licorice, however, has some side effects, such as raising blood pressure. Hence, it should be used with care and not daily.

DIY inhaler and warm bath

The most common annoying symptoms of having a cold are the blocked nose and the lingering phlegm on the throat. Not being able to breath properly with her nose, my daughter decided to use her month instead. The combination of the cold air straight through to the throat and the built-up thick mucus resulted to even more and worse coughs. I find a drop of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil each in a large bowl with hot water as an inhaler works as a magic. The warm steam helps to relax and soothe the nasal passages. The stimulating and antiviral properties of both essential oils are effective natural treatments not only to help to ease the congestion and reduce mucus but also restrain the virus to spread.

Warm bath before bed definitely helps to improve blood circulation and open up airways. A few drops of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils in the bath benefit to relieve the congestion. Thyme essential oil is another great alternative to combat the cough infection due to its powerful disinfectant and antibacterial natures.

Eucalyptus & peppermint salve

A very true and useful old wives’ tale is to massage the eucalyptus & peppermint balm on the chest and back in order to allow the warmth released from the salve to help to clear phlegm and decongest the airways. It is most beneficial to do this right before bedtime. I also find rubbing the salve on the feet for a few minutes and going to bed with socks on, leaving the warming nature of both oils working its magic throughout the night, help the circulation and decongestion.

My homemade eucalyptus & peppermint salve receipt

20ml home infused peppermint oil
30ml coconut butter
7g emulsifying wax NF
3-5 drops eucalyptus essential oil depend on personal preference
2 drops of vitamin E as natural preservative
a 60ml sterilised jar

Use double boiler method to melt down the wax. Then add coconut butter and stir gently until both ingredients blend well. Then add peppermint infused oil in and again stir gently until mixed completely. Add eucalyptus essential oil and vitamin E and stir well. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into the prepared jar.

Luckily with a couple of days good rest at home and Mummy’s TLC home remedies, our little darling was back on her feet within no time. Home remedies are excellent compliments for mainstream medicines. If you are pregnant or have certain health concerns, always ask doctors advise first.

Winter fights – depression

Unlike the last two days cold and crispy -5 degree weather, this morning when I stepped outside the front door at 6.35am, I didn’t encounter the sharp fresh coldness I was anticipating. Instead, I found it all damp and dreary as I looked around. And my heart sunk. My first thought – I hate January – as most people do! It is the long dull darkness dragging our spirit down and draining our happiness away. ( I just realised that a lot of d- words are carrying negative expressions while composing the last sentence). I became immediately aware that I could not let this pessimistic emotions invade me any further; otherwise it could ruin my day.

As a quick thought, I decided to change the ingredients I used for the diffuser in the car. I normally use ti-tree and Eucalyptus. This combination not only refreshes the dour that results from my daughter’s breakfast but also sterilises the air inside the car if sitting in a traffic. But for this morning, I needed something different! I strongly felt a uplifting scent was required to help me to bright up my mood.

The blend of Basil and Ginger essences is particularly working for me as a mental stimulant. Basil has a great effect on clarifying my head and boosting my mental strength. The warmth of ginger always gives me a feel of the prevention power from those winter ailments.

However, there are many other forms and symptoms of low mood, or in a more serious condition as depression. Most common signs are restless, anxious and stressed. One has to choose the remedies that benefit one’s situation. The essential oils with sedative properties, such as lavender, sandalwood, camomile and clary sage, may help to relax an uneasy and worried mind. Please be aware not to use those if you are about to drive or use heavy machineries. On the other hand, bergamot, lemon balm and rose can enhance the mood without the sedative effects.

Mental health is a vital subject for our modern day living. It has profound effects on every individual with their everyday life. Mental illness is very often the root of many diseases as the long term emotional distress would cause the toxic compounds retained in our body. The best way is to spot the signs as early as possible and open up to seek for help. Sometimes small conversations and gentle exercise might bring unexpected outcome to boost wellbeing or strengthen confidence. As the Mental Health Foundation suggested, sharing a problem is often the first step to recovery.

Love Calendula

Calendula, known as marigold, is not only look and taste good on a summer salad dish, but also its wonderful anti-inflammatory and healing properties are very beneficial for skin blemishes.

Luckily at Court Farm we had many beautiful calendula harvested and dried last summer

I was making up some massage oil for a friend’s small operation scar on her hand. I chose a glass roll-on bottle for easy use and the rolling ball is perfect as a massage tool when gently applying the oil on the wound area. Receipt is as below.

Home infused calendula oil – 2 table spoons
Home infused rose hip oil – 2 table spoons
Lavender essential oil – 2 drops
Frankincese essential oil – 2 drops
Geranium essential oil – 1 drop
Tee tree essential oil – 1 drop
2-3 drops vitamin E oil as preservatives

It is easy to make home infused oil if you have any spare suitable herbs or plants in the garden. You will be surprised that how many possibilities you can gather in a small garden and how easy it is to make infused oil at home. Herb infused oil is wildly used in cookeries to enhance the flavour of dishes and many can be used for home remedy treatments. I normally use traditional folk method to infuse plant oil. Harvest the desired herbs or flowers on a fine dry day, midday preferable and dry them in the dark warm place, like airing cupboard, for 3 to 4 days. Then put the flowers or herbs neatly and tightly in a sterilised jar. Please do not fill the whole jar with flowers or herbs as you will need room for the oil. You can use any vegetable oil to infuse the plants. Most common chosen ones are sunflower oil, sweet almond oil and grape seed oil. Pour the oil in the jar steadily and gradually so that the oil can slowly go between the flowers. Place the jar in the airing cupboard and give it a shake each day. In about 3 to 4 weeks, stain it off and you will have a bottle of beautifully home infused herb/flower oil.

Winter fights – arthritis

Many of us middle aged feel the arthritis pain more as the stiffness gets worse in the winter season. There are any useful self help tips can improve the condition, such as keep warm and lose weight. It is vitally important to keep the affected areas active. Gentle exercise is very beneficial, such as yoga. Home remedies are also proven its added values.

Detox – food & emotion

It is well known that detox every now and then is good for our health. This is particularly true to arthritis. Not only dietary detox is helpful, emotion detox is most valuable. One should look for adequate channel to release inside negative thoughts and energy. Bottling up often leads to depression and accumulating toxic substances in our body in the long run. Cutting down red meats and alcohol would certainly helps to reduce the pain and inflammation.

Massage oil

Gentle massage on the joints or affected areas will improve the circulation and ease the uncomfort and stiffness. The essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties are eucalyptus, lavender, ginger, basil, frankincense, peppermint and rosemary. Use 3 drops of a combination of some of the above oils and diluted with one tablespoon of carrier oil, such as sweet almond, avocado or grape seed. Gently applying on the joints would reduce the swelling and inflammation.

Bath oil

Detoxifying bath can benefit relaxing muscles and enhance circulation. After running bath, put in a large handful of Epsom salt, and add a few drops of the suggested essential oils with diluted carrier oil, mix well with bath water.

Tea

Herbal tea is easily to obtain in supermarkets nowadays and we all enjoy a good cup of tea. Ginger, rose hip, nettle have strong compound of anti-inflammatory and green tea contain rich polyphenols, which reduce the pain on the joints.