Love Your Skin Even If You Love the Sun

By Maria Noël Groves, RH (AHG)

Love this $5 sunhat from the feed store!

Registered Clinical Herbalist & Co-op Wellness Educator

Summer is just about here! Sitting out in the sun on a nice summer day is the epitome of a relaxing good time. But, excess sun exposure can damage the skin over time, encouraging wrinkles and skin cancer to take hold. Take a queue from hot climates. Your best sunscreen is a tightly woven sun hat, sunglasses, light, loose-fitting clothes, and hanging out in the shade when possible. The runner up: a good sunscreen.

Not all sunscreens are made equal. Some make false claims while others contain potentially toxic chemicals. Of course, you can trust the Co-op to offer good, safe brands like Badger and All Terrain (both New Hampshire companies). See the complete list of approved sunscreens on the Environmental Working Group's 2014 Guide to Safe Sunscreen or ask the Co-op’s helpful Health & Beauty staff to assist you.

Remember that while using sunscreen does protect against sunburns, there is no consensus that using sunscreen prevents skin cancer. And some sun, without sunscreen, is essential to allow your body to make the important nutrient vitamin D.

A favorite!

Got Kids? Childhood sunburns may increase the likelihood of dangerous melanomas in adulthood. Shade is really the best sunscreen, especially for infants. With toddlers and older children, choose one of the many kid-friendly sunscreens as a backup and apply heavily.

Got Burned? Turn to remedies with cooling and antioxidant-rich ingredients to help minimize the damage and find relief.

• Green Tea: Make quart or two of strong green tea, add it to a tepid bath, and rest in the cool water or soak a towel to apply as a compress.
• Aloe Gel: Store-bought gels work, and freshly sliced aloe leaves are even better. For extra cooling, store your aloe gel or leaves in the fridge.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar helps restore the acid mantle to the skin and does a surprisingly good job relieving sunburn pain (although you will smell a bit like salad dressing!) Dab or spray to onto the burn. Feel free to add a few drops of lavender essential oil for extra healing properties… and improved scent. Store your vinegar in glass or plastic – it will break down metal containers and lids.

Lyme Disease: The Great Imitator

Guest post by by Dr. Amanda Hegnauer, N.D., Naturopathic Doctor & Co-op Wellness Educator

Lyme disease is often referred to as the “great imitator” because it mimics other conditions, often causing patients to suffer a complicated maze of doctors in search of appropriate treatment. It is a disease whose diagnosis is synonymous with anxiety, fear, and frustration. As with any chronic disease, Lyme disease ebbs and flows; three steps forward and four steps back. I find that it is important to keep this in mind as we begin our journey to beat back the symptoms of this bacterial menace.

Some Basic Information

Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of a tick. Ticks lack respect and know no boundaries. People travel, pets travel, and ticks travel; therefore, residence does not accurately reflect a person’s disease risk. The disease is caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria (spirochete) called Borrelia burgdorferi. The Lyme spirochete can cause infection of multiple organs and produce a wide range of symptoms.

Symptoms Can Include…

• Bull’s eye rash
• Flu-like symptoms
• Joint pain
• Numbness or weakness of limbs
• Paralysis of one side of the face
• Impaired muscle movement
• Meningitis-like symptoms
• Irregular heart beat
• Eye inflammation
• Severe fatigue

It is very important to note that fewer than 50 percent of patients with Lyme disease recall a tick bite. In some studies this number is as low as 15 percent in the culture-proven infection of the Lyme spirochete. Fewer than 50 percent of patients with Lyme disease recall any rash. Although the erythema migrans (EM) or “bull’s-eye” rash is considered classic, it is not the most common dermatologic manifestation of early-localized Lyme infection. Atypical forms of this rash are more commonly seen.

Not only are we to combat Borrelia burgdorferi but there are five subspecies and more than 100 strains in the United States and 300 strains worldwide. This diversity may contribute to its ability to evade the immune system and antibiotic therapy, leading to chronic infection. Not only should we test for Borrelia but also Lyme co-infectors including Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella. The presence of a co-infection with these organisms leads to infection with the Lyme spirochete as well. If these co-infections are left untreated, their continued presence increases morbidity and prevents the successful treatment of Lyme disease.

Click here for more on what to do in the event of a tick bite.

The Difficulty of Testing

The accuracy and reliability of testing for Lyme disease is surrounded by a great deal of controversy and opinion. The ELISA screening test is unreliable; it misses 35 percent of culture-proven Lyme disease (only 65 percent sensitivity) and is unacceptable as the first step of a two-step screening protocol. By definition, a screening test should have at least 95 percent sensitivity. The next test to consider is the Western Blot Blood test. Of patients with acute culture-proven Lyme disease, 20 to 30 percent remain seronegative on serial western blot sampling. Antibody titers also appear to decline over time. So, while the Western Blot may remain positive for months, it may not always be sensitive enough to detect chronic infection with the Lyme spirochete. And since these bands are so specific to Borrelia borgdorferi (Bb), the CDC chose them for vaccine development. If a patient has formed an antibody (a protein against a foreign substance) to a specific Bb protein, a “band” will form at a specific place on the immunoblot (the process when proteins are identified by their reaction with antibodies). By looking at the band pattern of patient’s results, the lab can determine if the patient’s immune response is specific for Bb.


According to a recent alert from the NH Divisions of Public Health Services, recent reports of sudden cardiac death attributed to Lyme disease carditis highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. New Hampshire has the highest reported incidence of Lyme Disease per capita than any other state in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lyme Treatment

Antibiotic TreatmentMost cases of chronic Lyme disease require an extended course of antibiotic therapy to achieve symptomatic relief. The return of symptoms and evidence of the continued presence of Borrelia burgdorferi indicates the need for further treatment. The very real consequences of untreated chronic persistent Lyme infection far outweigh the potential consequences of long-term antibiotic therapy. Many patients with chronic Lyme disease require prolonged treatment until the patient is symptom-free. Relapses occur and re-treatment may be required. There are no tests currently available to prove that the organism is eradicated or that the patient with chronic Lyme disease is cured.  High-dose antibiotic treatment is overwhelming and speculative. Benefits versus risks must be taken into serious consideration.

Naturopathic medicine offers a unique approach in which the doctor can determine the root cause of disease and individualize a treatment plan that may or may not include antibiotics as well as natural therapies. We often support the immune system, balance hormones and the adrenal glands, eliminate toxins, focus on a whole foods diet, and eliminate food sensitivity. We always focus on the center of the body’s universe: the gut. High-dose antibiotics have a propensity to eat away at the gut, disrupting the natural course of healthy bacteria.

Natural TherapiesSelf-treatment of Lyme with natural remedies is tricky because it is so individualized. Treatment is based on fighting the disease intra- and/or extra-cellularly and per symptoms. Self-treatment – even with natural therapies – can be challenging because a patient may start to utilize a therapy that is not appropriate for his/her needs.

We always treat the immune system because Lyme disease can initiate an underlying autoimmune concern. It takes a real toll on the immune system even if there is no underlying pathology.  It is important to note that any treatment may exacerbate a Herxheimer Response.  Therefore, please consult your health care provider prior to initiating treatment.  However it is always valuable for patients to educate themselves about possible therapies! These include....

Immune system support:

• Citrus bioflavonoids
• Cordyceps mushroom
• Maitake mushroom
• Reishi mushroom
• Shiitake mushroom
• Gingko
• Vitamins: Vitamins C & D-3, B Vitamins

Herbs specific to Lyme disease and general symptoms of inflammation:

• Andrographis
• Cats Claw
• Eleuthero
• Pau D’Arco
• Teasel Root

Homeopathy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, reiki and massage therapy can also help in a natural approach.

As we tackle individual symptoms, it is important to step back, breathe, and consider the body as a whole. Ask yourself, how is this chronic illness affecting me emotionally? Are my symptoms exacerbated by other factors? Keep in mind that an illness not only affects you but reaches others as well. Lyme disease is a serious diagnosis and not to be taken lightly.




Dr. Hegnauer practices naturopathic medicine at Whole Health Concord. Her specialties include autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and women’s health. Learn more at www.naturalmedicinenh.com.


The statements made on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, prescribe, recommend, or offer medical advice. Please see your health care practitioner for help regarding choices and to avoid herb-drug interactions.

DeVita Natural Skincare Products at the Concord Food Co-op

By Jaimie Jusczyk, Marketing Specialist at the Concord Food Co-op

As part of our mission to provide our community with high quality natural and environmentally sound products at reasonable prices, Sandrine in the Health and Beauty Aids Department has been busy, as usual, sourcing new and exciting products for the Co-op shelves. The latest addition to the beauty department is a completely vegan line of products by Devita Natural Skincare from Arizona. If you are looking for products that don’t contain animal products, lists of chemicals and impure oils, come in to the Concord store to try these luxuriously essential creams, cleansers and toner.

Watch the video below...

 

DeVita Natural Skincare was created by a mother in Arizona, Cherylanne DeVita, Ph.D., who needed to find a solution for her acne prone skin after realizing that all the big brand name products contained ingredients that couldn’t produce the results they claimed. After trying countless products and not finding a solution with her dermatologist, she decided to put her chemistry background to work. Using natural products, pure essential oils and an aloe base, DeVita was created to heal and protect our largest organ! With ingredients like chamomile, rose oil and Japanese green tea, DeVita Natural Skincare products will leave you feeling clean, calm and ready to take on the world with your new found confidence that comes naturally with clear, soft skin.

Sandrine is stocking the core eight products that are just the beginning to beautiful, youthful skin in the Concord store. You will find on the Co-op shelves an Aloe Vera Moisture Cleanser, Gentle Aloe Facial Scrub, Moroccan Rose Facial Toner, Perfect Timing Moisturizer, Evening Rich Nutritional Moisturizer, Revitalizing Eye Lift Cream, Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+, and an Optimal Rejuvenation Age Defying Serum.

 

Sandrine raves about the Moroccan Rose Facial Toner, “I plan to use the rose toner as a spritzer. It is very refreshing and has a delicious smell!” and she definitely knows about the difference high quality rose oils can make. She had me try the SPF 30+ cream on the back of my hand that has been suffering through the dry air this winter. It went on nice and smooth, not greasy or heavy feeling like I was expecting for a sunscreen with the first ingredient listed as zinc. Hours later as I am sitting here writing this, the back of my hand still feels smooth and soft, the papery dryness hasn’t come back. This is definitely a product I am going to have to try out this summer when I want to enjoy the sun safely.  Let me know in the comments if you have tried these products yet and share your experience.

Sandrine is happy to help answer your questions and select the right products for you. For more information about DeVita Natural Skincare, visit their website www.devitaskincare.com where you can find ingredient lists and the full story behind the brand. And this month only, enjoy 20% off all the Devita Natural Skincare products in the Concord Food Co-op, March 2014.

See you in the Co-op!

Jaimie

The Heart of the Matter: Cardio Tonic Herbs

By Maria Noël Groves, RH (AHG), Registered Clinical Herbalist & Co-op Wellness Educator

Think of the cardiovascular system as the highways and byways in the road map of our body. Nutrients, hormones, oxygen, immune cells, and other important compounds speed their way through your body through this intricate system of vessels. These vessels need to be smooth, flexible, and resilient to handle the day-to-day stress of traffic flow. At the center of this universe lies your heart, a literal symbol of vitality and life for your entire body, pumping blood to the rest of your body. The heart also plays a psycho-spiritual role; almost every culture sees it as the seat of emotions. Unfortunately, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States, and it can be difficult to catch in the early stages.

Risk factors for heart disease and cardio-related death include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and insulin resistance, smoking, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, inflammation, oxidation, stress, obesity, and family history. But keying in on just one of these risk factors can give us a false sense of security. For example, approximately half of first-time heart attack patients have normal cholesterol levels, and the jury is still out on whether artificially lowering high cholesterol with statins actually reduces your overall morbidity and mortality risk. While nothing is a guarantee, keeping a wide range of our risk factors at bay certainly improves our odds, as do a slew of wonderful herbs and delicious foods.

Hawthorn Berries, Leaves & Flowers (Crataegus spp) research amazes me. How can one herb – growing happily at the forest’s edge – have such affinity for the human heart? The berries, leaves, and flowers of this thorny tree strengthen the pumping ability of the heart muscle, enhance blood flow and supply to the heart, dilate and relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and protect the cardiovascular system from oxidative stress. Antioxidant pigments called procyanidins in hawthorn also appear to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme, an enzyme that catalyzes blood vessel constriction and the target of ACE-inhibitor hypertension drugs. Over time, hawthorn improves oxygen supply to the heart and strengthens the muscles of the cardiovascular system. The red rosehip-like berry tastes good, is rich in antioxidants, and has traditionally been used. Modern phytopharmacology focuses on the leaves and flowers, and many herbalists combine all three parts into their preparations. Hawthorn is a gentle, slow-acting tonic, so it may take a couple months of steady use to notice the effects. Blood pressure numbers may only improve a bit, but overall benefit throughout the cardiovascular system is impressive. Hawthorn shows promise for mild, chronic congestive heart failure, cardiac insufficiency, post-heart attack care, an aging heart, arrhythmia, angina, cardiomyopathy, and overall heart health. It’s very safe with few side effects or contraindications. However, hawthorn has a potentially dangerous synergistic effect when combined with digitalis/ digoxin and blood pressure meds. Practitioners in Europe purposely combine hawthorn with digoxin to lessen the drug dose and side effects while maintaining efficacy, but this requires the skill of a trained practitioner.  If you take blood pressure medication, work with your doctor to determine whether or not your medication doses should be reduced.

Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), are two tasty red teas that have been making headlines for their cardiovascular benefits. Popular in Central America, hibiscus offers similar plant chemicals and antioxidants as berries: blue-red pigments called anthocyanins, citric acid, malic acid, polyphenols, bioflavonoids, and as small amount of vitamin C. The plain, strong tea tastes like unsweetened cranberry juice. A handful of recent preliminary studies have found that drinking just a few cups of hibiscus tea lowers hypertension. In one study, four weeks of hibiscus outperformed the blood pressure drug lisinopril while also lowering sodium (but not potassium) levels and inhibiting ACE. Hibiscus also appears to have a positive effect on cholesterol and triglycerides and may have protective effects for the capillaries, blood sugar/diabetes, insulin resistance, and the liver. South Africans sip on rooibos, an antioxidant-rich fermented caffeine-free tea that tastes like a mild black tea with fruity, plum-y undertones. Preliminary research shows that rooibos protects the liver and reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. In one study, participants who drank six cups of rooibos tea daily for six weeks (as opposed to just water), increased blood levels of polyphenols and nutrients, decreased cholesterol oxidants, increased function of the body’s natural antioxidant systems, decreased LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increased HDL cholesterol. Another study found that it reduced hypertension and inhibited ACE. Even though the research on both plants is still preliminary, they have such a high degree of safety, they’re worth adding to your daily routine.

Pomegranate frequently makes headlines for its antioxidant and health-promoting properties. Research suggests the puckery, sweet seeds reduce atherosclerosis, enhance nitric oxide, improve endothelial function, reverse plaque buildup, and reduce heart disease risk. Pomegranates are in season sporadically throughout the winter months but are available year-round as juice. Look for products made with 100 percent pomegranate. Drink it straight and add it to seltzer water, smoothies, salad dressings, and sauces.

Berries pack a healthy punch in a tasty, little package. In a Finnish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating about five ounces daily of mixed berries reduced blood pressure and increased good cholesterol. Cranberries and cherries also appear to reduce bad cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood pressure while enhancing endothelial health. Dark purple grapes contain antioxidant resveratrol, noted for cardioprotective actions including the ability to tighten and tone the vascular lining. Though it’s most famous in the form of red wine, drinking 100 percent dark purple grape juice offers similar benefits. Check out the juice section as well as frozen concentrates. Aim for at least a 1/2 cup of berries fresh, frozen, pureed, juiced daily.

Linden Leaves and Flowers (Tilia spp) are abuzz with bees when in bloom. The ornamental trees, also called lime (no relation to citrus) and basswood, line the streets in cities throughout Europe and America. The leaves are shaped like hearts and are almost always enjoyed as a pleasant tasting, honey scented tea. Europeans enjoy the calming, flavonoid-rich tea after dinner. Although research is slim, European herbalists have long relied on linden to calm and strengthen the heart, reduce blood pressure, decrease inflammation, relax spasms, and soothe the nerves. It’s specific for stress that manifests in the heart and heart issues aggravated by stress, as is the less pleasant tasting motherwort (Leonorus cardiaca).

Cocoa & Dark Chocolate (Theobroma cacao) may be our most delicious heart tonics. Native people who consume cocoa beverages have reduced hypertension, and researchers back that up with clinical studies on more than 66,000 people showing that cocoa consumption reduces the risk of death due to heart disease. Chocolate is made from cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, and often milk. Beneficial compounds including antioxidant flavanols and magnesium seem to work together to have broad-reaching benefits on the cardiovascular system. Preliminary studies show that chocolate reduces the oxidative stress that aggravates atherosclerosis and plaque formation, decreases the inflammation known to aggravate cardiovascular disease, increases circulation, decreases blood pressure, improves the integrity of the walls of our blood vessels, and may also improve cholesterol and glucose levels. The higher the cocoa content, the better the effects. Dark chocolate has 120 to 150 mg of beneficial polyphenols while pure cocoa has almost five times that amount and milk chocolate has almost none. And, it boosts your mood! Enjoy a few squares of dark chocolate and incorporate cocoa nibs and cocoa powder into smoothies, hot beverages, and recipes.

Heart-Healthy Diet & Lifestyle

Dean Ornish proved that we can slow, stop, and even reverse heart disease with diet and lifestyle, and these tactics remain our most heavy-hitting heart remedies. Here are the basics:

Eat Well: Opt for low-glycemic, high-fiber whole foods (whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds), foods rich in omega 3s (fatty fish, flax oil, chia, hemp, walnuts, purslane), olive oil, ideally nine servings of vegetables and fruit daily in a rainbow of colors, garlic, onions, plenty of antioxidant and inflammatory herbs and spices, green tea, and red wine and dark chocolate in moderation. Vegetarian and vegan diets are most promising; if you opt to eat meat, choose grass-fed or wild sources (which will provide some heart-healthy omega 3s), and keep them in moderation.

About those spices… a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers gave study participants highly spiced meals (about a half ounce of high-antioxidant spices added) or the same meal without spices. The spices meals demonstrated 20 to 30 percent less of an insulin and triglyceride response as well as 13 percent higher ORAC (antioxidant) levels. The spice blend included rosemary, oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, garlic powder, cloves, and paprika. The researchers estimated that the spices provided similar antioxidant levels as a glass of wine or one and a half ounces of dark chocolate. Take a cue from some of the heart-healthiest, most heavily seasoned, plant-based diets in the world: Mediterranean, Indian, and Asian.

Exercise: We call it “cardio” for a reason! All forms of exercise have merit, but mild to moderate intensity cardiovascular exercises like walking, dancing, and biking strengthen the heart and lung muscles, improve circulation, and decrease blood pressure. If you currently have heart disease or are completely sedentary, work with a trainer or qualified expert to slowly work your way into a regimen.

Calm Mind: Stress has an incredible effect on heart disease and is actually a better predictor for heart disease than cholesterol, cigarette smoking, or obesity! Work-related stress doubles your risk of dying from heart disease. On the flip side, regular meditation, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and other forms of stress management and mind-body balance have a direct beneficial effect on the heart.

Safety Note

If you have heart disease or are currently taking medication, it is particularly important that you work with your doctor before adding herbs to your regimen. Though herbs can have a profound benefit even in serious heart disease, they may not be sufficient to replace conventional care and may also interact with medications. Many cardiovascular medications pose serious herb/food-drug interaction risks, particularly blood-thinning medications.



The statements made on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, prescribe, recommend, or offer medical advice. Please see your health care practitioner for help regarding choices and to avoid herb-drug interactions.

Stress Less: Herbs to the Rescue!

By Maria Noël Groves, RH (AHG), Clinical Herbalist & Co-op Wellness Educator

'Tis the season for holiday parties, gift-giving, and mad rushes to get it all done. It's easy to push ourselves to the limit this time of year. While subscribing to a calmer lifestyle would certainly be ideal, it's good to know that taking herbs can also reduce the wear and tear of stress during these busy times. A specific category of herbs known as "adaptogens" hold superpower-like capabilities for modulating stress hormones and helping us stay healthy and sane in spite of the craziness around us. By their nature, they're nontoxic and have a variety of side benefits, depending on the specific herb. Some are more energizing while others are more relaxing; you can choose what fits you best. Here are a few of my faves to consider...

The Energizers

When you need a kick in the pants, these are my go-to herbs. Combining them with spices, cocoa, tea, or mate tends to amplify their effects. Combining them with the "zen herbs" will mellow them out a bit.They are available in many forms in the Co-op's Health & Beauty Department, both singularly and in blends.

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Formerly known as Siberian ginseng, eleuthero is an affordable, sustainable ginseng relative that has somewhat similar benefits. (True ginsengs - both American and Asian - are over-harvested and expensive, so I limit their use and opt for organically cultivated when I do buy them.) Russian researchers have tested eleuthero on literally thousands of people and found that it does a remarkable job making stressful situations less bothersome. People taking eleuthero stayed healthier, felt better, performed better, in spite of physical and psychological stressors. Eleuthero also has the reputation for supporting immune health (which tends to fail during times of stress, by the way), and is among our more stimulating adaptogens. It tastes ok as a tea, better when mixed with chai spices. Most people prefer it as a tincture or capsule.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea): I find it fascinating that adaptogen roots tend to grow in harsh environments, and rhodiola is no exception. Like eleuthero, it grows in Siberia, and it's also called arctic root, rose root (because it smells a bit like roses), and golden root (because of it's color). I love rhodiola for people who need a little kick in the pants. It's a fabulous herb for both physical and mental energy, particularly those who don't feel their memory is up to snuff. Specifically, consider it if stress or lack of sleep are aggravating brain fog, which is particularly common during menopause. Studies have shown good results for night-shift workers and students taking tests as well, and it's often used by athletes. Since it is not particularly tasty, tincture and pill forms are most popular.

Neither of these energizing adaptogens should be taken before bedtime because they might cause insomnia. Use caution if you have anxiety, high blood pressure, or episodes of mania because the stimulating effects of the herbs may aggravate these conditions.

The Zen Herbs

These are some of my favorite adaptogens because they provide calm energy that is more appropriate for a wider range of people. Several of them come from the healing practice of Ayurveda in India.

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum, syn O. tenuiflorum): Also called Tulsi and Sacred Basil, this herb is planted throughout temples in India and has an aromatic minty-floral scent. It is a tremendously useful herb in that it balances the stress hormone cortisol (which also plays a roll in metabolism, sugar balance, and food cravings), reduces inflammation, supports immune health, and so much more. It has a calm-energy effect that reminds me of the feeling you get after completing a yoga or meditation session. Holy basil leaves and flowers gently uplift the spirit while quelling anxiety and improving the overall sense of wellbeing. You can use it in any form, and even grow it in the garden as an annual. My favorite way to take it is as a tea, often combined with green tea as a morning beverage.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Compared to the other herbs mentioned here, gotu kola's effects are not as easily noticeable; however, its benefits are profound. In addition to having calm-energy properties, gotu kola improves circulation to and function of the brain, calms anxiety, improves vascular health (including varicose veins, hemorrhoids, capillary health, and spider veins), and enhances connective tissue health both topically and internally. It's a bland herb that blends well enough in teas and can also be taken as a capsule or tincture. It grows in rather sludgy conditions in India, though, so seek organically cultivated to help ensure quality material free of bacterial contamination. Some companies call gotu kola "brahmi," but this can be confusing because another Ayurvedic herb called bacopa is also called "brahmi." Fortunately, they have some overlapping properties, but it's best to be sure you know what you're taking.

Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis): Another fantastic calm-energy herb, what I love most about this Traditional Chinese Medicine berry is its unique affinity for the liver. It appears to improve liver function while also protecting it from toxins, which from a holistic perspective is important for overall health and digestion. It also has a reputation for improving sleep, libido, respiratory and immune health, so you'll find it in a wide range of herbal formulas. Schizandra berries are also called "five flavor fruit" because they're simultaneously sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and pungent. I feel like it works better if you taste it, so tincture is my favorite way to take it. However, pills and teas are also fine. (I really like blending the berries with hibiscus blossoms and honey to play on the sweet-sour flavors. Add some dry elderberries for a tasty immune-enhancing blend.)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): This Indian root bridges the gap between the energizing and calming adaptogens. Although it's useful to uplift and energize, it's also very supportive to the nervous system and often taken before bedtime - infused in milk - for anxiety, insomnia, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Other uses of ashwagandha include libido, immune health, thyroid support (particularly for hypothyroid - it appears to nudge the thyroid to produce healthier levels of thyroid hormones), and as an anti-inflammatory for pain. I often combine it in formula with holy basil for pain that has a stress-related component, and clients often notice improvements within a week. Ashwagandha is tasty enough to be added to chai tea and other blends, but capsules and tinctures are also easy. Ayurvedic healers often simmer the chopped or powdered roots in milk (or other fatty milk replacement like almond or coconut milk) for a beverage that targets the nervous system, which is lined with fat. You can add a little maple syrup and cinnamon or nutmeg to taste.

Similar topics

• Brain Boosters
• Sleep Better
• Immune Support
• Zen Herbs - the Loooong Set of Notes

The statements made on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, prescribe, recommend, or offer medical advice. Please see your health care practitioner for help regarding choices and to avoid herb-drug interactions.

Stop the Itch! Poison Ivy & Bug Bite Remedies

by Maria Noël Groves, Clinical Herbalist & Co-op Wellness Educator

Lavender Essential Oil Works for Almost Everything in a Pinch!

The Itch Meter goes up a few notches in June in New Hampshire. Black flies and mosquitoes swarm hiking trails and seemingly serene backyards, and poison ivy pops up to disturb our most well-intentioned yard clean-up days and woodland romps. Even if you don’t step outside the door, Fido and Fluffy can bring ticks and itchy poison ivy oils (urushiol) inside to us.
Fortunately, the Co-op has plenty of natural solutions for these summertime woes on the Health & Beauty shelves, and you can even make some of your own easy, cheap, and effective remedies.

Repel Mosquitoes, Black Flies & Ticks

Essential oils may repel these nasty critters more safely and just as effectively as DEET. Citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, rose geranium, catnip, and lavender essential oils are particularly helpful. The Co-op offers many products that contain these oils; look for a scent and consistency you like. Lavender and rose geranium appear best for repelling ticks, a big concern in my neck of the woods.

_________

DIY Bug Spray
This simple spray will need to be reapplied frequently. You can use one ounce of vegetable oil such as olive or grapeseed oil in place of the water/vodka mix as a base for something longer lasting, but this will probably be too thick to spray on.

• 1/2 ounce water
• 1/2 ounce vodka
• 30 drops of essential oils (choose from lavender, rose geranium, citronella, and/or lemon eucalyptus...)

Combine the ingredients in the bottle. Shake well before using, apply as needed.
_________

In a pinch, plain lavender essential oil will often work; I keep a bottle in my car and lavender wipes in my purse. Not only does it help repel bugs and ticks, but it also helps disinfect and ease the itch of a bug bite, poison ivy, and other unexpected rashes after the fact.






Also promising is a simple tincture extract of yarrow. To make a yarrow extract spray, chop of the fresh leaves and flowers, losely fill a jar, and cover it with vodka. Let it steep - shaking regularly - for about one month and then strain/squeeze it out through a cloth. Yarrow extract is much less heavily scented than the essential oils, which can be an advantage for some.

Yarrow Leaves

Yarrow Flowers

Don’t underestimate simple barrier methods: a lightweight, long-sleeve hoodie and long pants and/or clothing, hats, or shelter made of lightweight screen. This works VERY well for young children, adults with super-sensitive skin, and those for whom no amount of bug spray fends off our tiny villains. Mosquitoes can pierce through thin or tight clothing, so make sure to choose thicker material or baggier options if they are your current enemy.

For ticks, do a thorough tick check every night (and at least a quick one after coming indoors), even if you applied a repellant. Click here for more information on ticks.

Avoid Poison Ivy Rashes

If you’ve inadvertently landed in a patch of poison ivy (or oak or sumac), immediately rub your skin with freshly crushed jewelweed stems, leaves, and flowers – which usually grow nearby – then rinse with cold water (or jump into the lake or river).

Jewelweed in Bloom

Young Jewelweed Sprouting

You can also simmer whole jewelweed plants, strain, and freeze into ice cubes for on-the-spot itch relief. If your family is a magnet for poison ivy, keep a bag of these ice cubes in the freezer for easy access.

Or, you can use a poison ivy soap from the Co-op (we have a couple options), which helps pull urushiol off your skin and relieves  itches. A cool bath or compress made with sweet fern (available in the wild as well as at the Co-op as  Nature’s Poison Ivy Relief) will help to quell poison ivy rashes.

Nix the Itch, Be It a Bug Bite or Poison Ivy

Plantain is a Common Weed

Many herbs do a phenomenal job relieving the maddening itch of a bug bite or poison ivy rash, although results can vary from person to person. Lavender essential oil applied “neat” (undiluted) does nicely, and I also keep packets of lavender wipes handy for emergencies and camping trips. Homeopathic tablets of Rhus toxicodendron or Hyland's Poison Ivy/Oak product, taken internally, can also help ease the itch.

If you’re “in the field” and know some plant ID, the common plantain leaf can be chewed and applied as a paste to bug bites, poison ivy, and even spider bites to help draw out irritating compounds and infection and help soothe the skin. Infused oils and salves made with  plantain, calendula, chickweed, grindelia, sweet fern, and/or jewelweed also work nicely. I keep a simple plantain salve on hand in summer, which stops poison ivy itches in minutes - though the freshly chewed herb is even better. (Except for grindelia, these plants grow wild or can be cultivated in New Hampshire.) Co-op customers really love the Nature's Poison Ivy Relief remedy, which is basically a tea of dried sweet fern (a common weed/shrub in yards and recently logged forests) that you make, store in the fridge, and apply as a compress as needed.

Apple cider vinegar can also provide immediate relief for poison ivy (as well as sunburns). Apply it directly to a small area first to see how it works for you. If you'd like,  you can infuse healing herbs into the vinegar overnight or add a few drops of a soothing essential oil like lavender.

Learn More

Virtual Herb Walk - Identifying, Harvesting & Using Wild Herbs
Make Your Own Herbal Oils, Salves & Creams
Kitchen Apothecary: Basic Herbal Recipes


The statements made on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, prescribe, recommend, or offer medical advice. Please see your health care practitioner for help regarding choices and to avoid herb-drug interactions.

Making Herbal Oils, Creams & Salves - Summer Skin Care

by Maria Noël Groves, Clinical Herbalist & Co-op Wellness Educator

Skin can have its issues at any time of year (think: dry, itchy skin in winter), but summer really takes its toll with bug bites, sun exposure, poison ivy, foot fungus, etc. Of course the Co-op sells a wide range of great remedies in the Health & Beauty Department, but you may be surprised at how simple it is to make your own.

Starting Out: Herb-Infused Oils

For most herbs, oil is not the best solvent (alcohol and water tend to be better). However, we prefer to infuse herbs in oil for most topical recipes. It has the added benefit (in most situations) of holding in moisture and keeping skin soft with soothing and moisturizing an area. Infused oils can be used “as is” for many health concerns—warmed mullein flower oil dropped in the ear for earaches, St. John’s wort oil applied along nerve pain or for bedsores, calendula oil on sore mama nipples, eczema, and rashes. Or, you can use your herbal oil as a base for other products—salves, lip balms, massage oils, creams, etc.

Note: Herbal oils are NOT the same as essential oils (EOs). An EO is made through distillation in a process that is not available to most home herbalists unless you have some fancy equipment. EOs are highly concentrated due to their processing, so their medicinal value is often increased or changed compared to home herbalist preparations of the same plant. They’re also more apt to pose health risks—EOs are often extremely toxic when taken internally, particularly in doses more than a drop or two. Even topically, most EOs need to be diluted to about 2%. Herbal oils are much gentler, bring out different constituents, and have a much more mild fragrance. You can certainly dilute an EO in an herbal oil to combine their healing effects.

There are MANY methods for making an herbal oil. Some of it is personal preference. Also, some herbs extract better through different methods. Use whatever resonates and works best for you.


Alcohol-Intermediary Oil: With Alcohol & a Blender (24 hours)
This is an unusual but effective method to make great herbal oils in a short span of time.
Pros: Fast, highly effective extraction, especially for more alcohol-soluble constituents. Longest shelf life (the dry herb and alcohol really help prevent microbes from growing in the oil). Vivid color, especially for green herbs.
Cons: You can only do it with dried herb, and some people may not want to use alcohol and a blender (which requires electricity and is noisy). Better for leaves and flowers than roots and tough parts of plants.

• 1 oz of dried herb
• 1/2 oz whole grain alcohol (vodka can be substituted)
• 7 oz olive or other carrier oil

1. If your herb isn't already ground, place it in a blender with the lid on and pulse  until coarsely ground. In a Pyrex container, mix dried herb with alcohol. It will be a similar consistency as damp sand. Let sit, covered, for 2-24 hours.
2. Place the mix into a blender, add oil, and slowly blend the mixture. Increase the speed. Let blend until the blender gets warm, about 5 minutes.
3. Strain through cheesecloth or clean muslin, squeezing out as much oil as you can (and again through a coffee filter, if desired) to desired clarity.
4. Store in glass in a cool, dark place. Should keep for 6-12 months.

Note: I often like to combine this method with Simple Method #2, especially for calendula. After I blend it in the blender, I put it all in a mason jar and let it sit in the car for a few days, then strain it out.


Simple Method #1: Maceration In a Mason Jar (2 weeks)
This is the classic way to make herbal oils. It's very simple, and many people take great joy watching the oils infuse on the windowsill or a shelf.
Pros: Simple. This works well for fresh or dry herb and so it is preferred for herbs like St. John's wort, cleavers, and chickweed which are really best fresh.
Cons: Most apt to go bad (especially if using fresh herb), time-consuming, and not always a great extraction.

• 4 oz dry herb or 6 oz of fresh wilted herb
• 8 oz of olive or other carrier oil (or enough to completely cover the herbs)
• Loosely pack your herb in a mason jar. If you're using a particularly juicy fresh herb, you may want to let it wilt to about half its weight before putting in the jar. This helps prevent microbial growth.
• Cover with oil to the very top. If using dry herb, cover with a lid. If using fresh herb, fasten cheesecloth to the top with a rubber band instead; this will help let moisture escape and reduce microbial growth.
• Leave in a warm spot for 2 weeks. Shake or stir daily (important!) to keep things from hanging out on top and getting funky. 
• Strain through cheesecloth or clean muslin, squeezing out as much oil as you can (and again through a coffee filter, if desired) to desired clarity. (Watch for mold if using fresh herbs.) 
• Store in glass in a cool, dark place. Should keep for 6-12 months.

Simple Method #2: Low-Heat Extraction (Few Hours to 1-3 days)
The ideal temp for extracting herbs in oil is approximately 90-100 degrees, which is difficult to get with standard kitchen equipment. You can make do with a low-temp crockpot (ie: appetizer) or double boiler, shutting it off periodically so it doesn't get too hot. Other methods include keeping a jar in a warm, sunny car, in a yogurt maker, or in a dehydrator.
Pros: Relatively fast, traditional way to extract herbs in oil. Ideal for resinous herbs that are more oil/heat soluble, such as calendula. Less apt to get moldy compared to the Simple Method #1.
Cons: Too hot for "best fresh" herbs, and if you're not careful, you can fry your herbs and oxidize your oil

• 4 oz dry herb or 6 oz of fresh wilted herb
• 8 oz olive oil or other carrier oil or enough to cover

1. Place ingredients in crock-pot or in pan on stove top. Bring to 90-100 degrees (this can be difficult to maintain with most kitchen equipment) or as low as possible. 
2. Let warm gently for 2-6 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally. You may opt to turn the heat on and off periodically if your temps are higher than 100 degrees. Use caution not to cook the herbs or smoke the oil. (A warm, sunny car can range from 100-200 degrees depending on the outdoor temps, sun exposure and where you place the oil (windshield, floor, shady spot).) 
3. Strain through cheesecloth or clean muslin, squeezing out as much oil as you can (and again through a coffee filter, if desired) to desired clarity.
4. Store in glass in a cool, dark place. Should keep for 6-12 months.

Infused Oil Caution: Avoid Microbial Growth & Rancidity
Many microbes thrive in the anaerobic environment that oils provide. Without harsh or synthetic preservatives, infused oils and products made from them can potentially harbor bacteria, mold, etc. Of particular concern is the botulism toxin, which can exist on almost any plant matter (roots, flowers, leaves). This is more of a concern for oils that are consumed (basil or garlic oil, for example) than ones put on the skin, and it is not all that likely to occur. However, it can happen. Also, infused oils made with fresh plant material are at a particularly higher risk of growing nasty critters. You may want to stick to infusing oils with dried herbs; however, some herbs are only useful when fresh (St. John’s wort, chickweed, plantain, cleavers). Reduce the risk: Don’t let your herb sit around for more than two weeks before straining. And, wilt particularly juicy plants to 1/2 their weight before you add oil. Oils will eventually go rancid. To prolong the shelf life, opt for fresh carrier oils with a reputation for a one- to two-year shelf life like olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and sesame oil. Most oil companies put a “best buy” date on the label. Store your oils in a cool, dark, dry spot in the smallest container possible (heat and light and oxygen will accelerate the rancidity process). Although I rarely find it necessary, you can also add antioxidant ingredients to your oil to help slow rancidity: vitamin E oil, essential oils of rosemary, lavender, etc. Preservatives like grapefruit seed extract (not really natural), certain essential oils, and benzoin can help protect against both rancidity and microbial growth. Try to make a fresh batch of oil every 6 to 12 months and don’t make more than you think you’ll use, which will reduce the chances of having to toss it because it went bad (always a sad things to do).

Choosing Your Carrier Oils

A carrier, or fixed, oil is your base oil for massage oil, infused oil, lip balms, body butters, etc. It generally has little to no scent and does not evaporate. By far the most popular carrier oil in herbal products is olive oil. However, there are other options for carrier oils as well, each with slightly different properties. (* May have slight SPF protection.)
These are my favorites...

• Olive Oil: Advantages: As mentioned, olive oil is the carrier oil of choice for most herbalists and natural bodycare craftswomen. It will go rancid more slowly than other oils, meaning you can still use your lip balm a year later without getting a nasty, acrid flavor and gummy texture. It is of medium viscosity, is easily available, and not too expensive. It is easily available unrefined. Disadvantages: Olive oil has a distinctive scent that may not be popular in bodycare products. Some people do not like the texture and feel that it does not sink into the skin well. It does  not withstand high temperatures well.
• Grapeseed Oil: Advantages: Grapeseed oil is a light, fragrance-free oil with possible antioxidant properties. Many favor it for massage oils because of it’s lighter viscosity and glide effect. It is priced comparatively with high quality olive oil. It has a relatively long shelf life and withstands high temperatures. Disadvantages: Grapeseed is always refined and often a bit expensive.
• * Coconut Oil: Advantages: This saturated fat is semi-solid at room temperature, hard at cooler temps, and liquid in warm climates. It is very rich and soothing for dry skin. Extra virgin, raw, and unrefined coconut oil is the best for skincare and has a slight coconut scent and flavor. It has a good shelf life if kept in a cool, dark spot, and withstands higher temperatures. Refined coconut oil is not as useful herbally but it does have an even longer shelf life and is scent/flavor free for those who prefer it. Coconut oil is lovely solo as a body moisturizer or tanning oil. Some report that it has light sunscreen properties. Disadvantages: Quality coconut oil is somewhat pricy. The temperature-sensitive consistency can be a pain since lip balms turn to liquid on a summer day and massage oils solidify in the jars during the winter. Some people find it too thick for their tastes. While the coconut scent and flavor can be a boon to some bodycare makers, others don’t care for it.
• Cocoa Butter: Advantages: This chocolate-y, rich butter of the cocoa bean is a great addition to lip balms, thicker massage oils and body butters. Opt for fair-trade products, if possible. It has a long shelf life. It can be used to solidify a balm or salve without beeswax (for vegans). Disadvantages: It is extremely solid, which makes it hard to get out of the container and mix into recipes. It’s a bit pricy and too thick/rich/hard for most bodycare recipes. It’s strongly chocolate scent mixes nicely in some formulas but can overpower others. Coca butters can be adulterated with other ingredients—look for 100% pure AND double check the ingredients list.
• *  Jojoba Oil: Advantages: This liquid wax is similar to the skin’s oil and makes a nice addition to advanced skincare products or as a light facial moisturizer. Common golden jojoba is slightly thicker and better for dry skin. Filtered clear jojoba is lighter and more appropriate for oily skin. It has the longest shelf life of all the carrier oils. (Almost never goes rancid.) Unlikely to clog pores, which is great for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Disadvantages: Probably the most expensive of all carrier oils. Filtered clear jojoba is hard to find (try Heather Lorraine brand). For some jojoba is not moisturizing enough. 
• Almond and avocado oils are popular for skin care, though they are more expensive and tend to go rancid more quickly. Unrefined sesame, hemp, and shea may offer a small amount of sun protection. 

Great Summer Skin Herbs

Leaves and flowers most readily lend their properties to oil. You can use “harder” parts of the plants like roots, bark, and nuts, but they may not extract as well. If you only keep two herbal oils in your pantry, make them calendula and St. John’s wort. In my opinion, they’re the most useful and “miraculous.”
* May have slight SPF action.

•  Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis) – This is one of the most common herbal oils, and it can be purchased by the ounce in most natural food stores. Use dried bright yellow or orange blossoms, which make a golden oil. Calendula flowers have slight antimicrobial properties and are soothing to inflamed skin. It’s great in formula’s for baby’s skin, itches and rashes, superficial wounds, and some cases of dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Dry or fresh (wilted) herbal oil infusion. Also try it as a wash (same as making a tea) or an herbal bath (add 1 quart of strong tea to bath). 
• * St. Johnswort flowers & buds (Hypericum perforatum) – The fresh yellow buds and flowers of this important weed yield an amazing crimson oil. Only fresh buds and flowers should be used (top bit of the plant, it’s ok if you get a few leaves and some stem), and the oil will be stronger if you let it infuse in the SUN (this is a SUN PLANT) for a few days or weeks. You can purchase St. Johnswort in 1 to 4 oz quantities in natural food stores. It’s an amazing medicinal oil for most skin conditions including burns, cuts, wounds, bedsores, radiation burns, etc. It can be applied along an inflamed nerve or muscle for pain including sciatica or shingles. It is reported to have mild sunscreen properties and also helps with sunburns. Fresh (no need to wilt) herbal oil infusion. Though drying, SJW tincture can be used in a pinch.
• Gotu Kola leaves (Centella asiatica) – The dried leaves of this ivy-like vine make a vibrant green oil (it does not color the skin). Gotu kola is a wound healer and general cure-all for circulation, collagen support, and the nervous system. We are seeing it more in formulas for varicose and spider veins, cellulite, skin imperfections, and wrinkles. It is occasionally available in natural food stores in jojoba or other carrier oil. Dry herbal oil infusion. Not local, but it can be grown as an annual or indoors.
• Plantain (Plantago spp), Chickweed (Stellaria spp), and/or Cleavers (Galium spp) leaves – These three miracle weeds are usuallyonly used fresh (slightly wilted) in classic folk herbalism. The three can be used separately or together for wound healing and itchy skin including eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and poison ivy. Fresh (wilted) herbal oil infusion. These herbs make lovely fresh poultices for a variety of irritated skin conditions, bug bites, stings, poison ivy, rashes, etc. Simply mash them up with a bit of water and plaster them to the skin. Just chew a plaintain leaf and apply it to bee stings and bug bites for healing in a jiffy.
• * Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) – Chaparral is a supreme summer skin herb that grows prolifically in the southwest. It seems to have some sun-protective properties as well as antioxidants that may be helpful for post-burn healing. Chaparral is also amongst our best herbal antifungals, making it a nice choice for foot fungus and other “icky critter” salves. (If you’d like, you can combine it with oregano, lavender, sage, thyme, thuja, or other anti-fungal/bacterial infused oils… a few drops of essential oil would work nicely, too.) Dry herbal oil infusion. Note: Internal use is controversial. Also consider chaparral as a wash or soak. For foot fungus, make a foot bath. For sunburn, make a tea, cool it in the fridge, and spray it as needed.
• Lemon Balm leaves (Melissa officinalis) – Lemon balm is our classic for the herpes virus, whether it be cold sores, chicken pox, shingles, or genital herpes. The herb appears to bind to cell receptor sites, blocking the herpes virus from entering and replicating. It’s best used at the very first tingle of an outbreak. (Lemon balm tea or tincture can be taken internally as well, since it’s soothing to a frayed nervous system, which often is what gave the virus an opportunity to emerge.) Lemon balm essential oil can be added to an oil or salve—it’s the strongest form—but it’s extremely expensive and often adulterated. Lemon balm leaves lose their essential oils quickly once dried, so it’s important to make this oil as quickly after harvesting to ensure good quality. Fresh (wilted) or freshly dried herbal oil infusion. (Fresh lemon balm is apt to mold in herbal oil infusions. Also a wonderful tea, wash, bath, poultice tincture…. It’s not a bad idea to take it internally (tea or tincture) since it is soothing, calming, and slightly anti-inflammatory, which usually benefits its external uses.
  * Comfrey leaf (best for salves) or root (Symphytum officinale, S. x uplandicum) – This is a classic herb for wound healing and strengthening the skin. The primary known constituent allantoin is a cell proliferative and may or may not be extracted in oil (modern science says it’s water soluble only—more so in hot water—yet herbalists have traditionally used in oil-based products). Dry herbal oil infusion. Note: Internal use is controversial. Comfrey also makes a great wash, fresh or dry poultice. Taking it internally is controversial due to liver toxins in the plant.
• * Green or White Tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) – As we know, the tea plant is one of our most useful antioxidants. This can be helpful in fighting free radical damage including sun damage and signs of aging. Tea has astringent properties that lend it to varicose and spider vein and cellulite formulas, and can be used safely for most people. Dry herbal oil infusion. Green tea is also lovely as a bath, tea/wash, or a cooling spray.

Essential Oils

Essential, or volatile, oils are highly concentrated, strongly aromatic, evaporate quickly, and are used in small quantities only (1-2% of an entire formula). They’re usually made via a complex distillation process. LOTS of plant material makes just a little essential oil, which is why they’re so strong (just a drop or so will do it) and often expensive. Essential oils provide natural fragrance, healing properties, and natural preservative properties to your products. They’re generally much better than synthetic fragrances—which are often carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting—but they are still potent extracts that should be used with caution, and in only as little of a dose as you need.
Note: Essential oils are generally toxic when used internally, particularly in doses of more than a DROP. 1/4 teaspoon of wintergreen essential oil can kill an adult.

Essential Oil Simples: Lavender, Orange, Peppermint, and Spearmint are all popular and inexpensive single oils if you don’t feel like blending. Rose and Sandalwood (note: often unethically harvested) are expensive, but also popular.

Simple Skin Care Recipes

Simple Lip Balm
Makes 25-35 lip balm tubes (~5 oz lip balm base total). Divide/multiply the recipe as needed.

• 1 oz of beeswax, crushed or grated*
• 4 oz of olive, grapeseed, and/or coconut oil or other carrier oils like jojoba, apricot, almond…
• essential oils, optional for scent

Gently melt beeswax and olive oil together in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently. When the beeswax melts thoroughly, test consistency by dripping some of the mixture onto a cold metal spoon or bowl. If too hard, add more oil. If too soft, add more beeswax.  Once desired consistency is reached, remove from heat. Add essential oils and pour into lip balm tubes or jars. Allow to harden before capping.

*Beeswax Tip: Wrap beeswax in a clean cloth, place on a hard surface (ie: concrete, a rock, pavement), and bang with a hammer until broken up. Note: Lip balm tubes hold 0.15 oz. You can also use jars, tins.


Salve
Same basic idea as a lip balm!

• 1 oz of beeswax, crushed or grated*
• 4 oz of herb-infused oils
• essential oils, optional for scent and added medicinal activity

Follow same instructions as above for lip balm. Pour into jars or tubes for use.


Perfect Cream
This recipe is adapted from Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal (Storey Books, 2001) recipe “Rosemary’s Perfect Cream” (recently reprinted in softcover as Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health (Story, 2008)). This recipe does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. If it separates, just stir it with a spoon.

Oils:

• 1/2 to 1 ounce grated or smashed beeswax*
• 3/4 cup (6 oz) “liquid oils” (grapeseed oil, herb-infused olive or sesame oil…)
• 1/3 cup (2.5 oz) “saturated fats” (coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter...)
• (Note: In my favorite recipe, I use .75 oz beeswax, 6 oz grapeseed oil and/or herb-infused oils, 1.5 oz coconut oil, 1 oz cocoa butter)

Waters:

•  2/3 cup (5.5 oz) distilled water, vanilla extract, rose water, herbal tinctures, flower essences…
• 1/3 cup (2.5 oz) shelf stable aloe gel or juice, optional
• 1-2+ drops of essential oil of choice per jar, optional
• (Note: In my favorite recipe, I use 2 oz Frontier Coop vanilla extract and 3.5 oz distilled water, no aloe or essential oils. It comes out smelling like cake.)

1. In a double boiler over low heat, combine the oils. Heat just enough to melt. Once melted, pour into a glass mason jar (for immersion blender) or blender. Let cool to room temp. The mixture should become thick, creamy, semisolid, and cream colored.
2. While the oils are cooling, combine the “waters” in a pour-able container. Let warm to room temp.
3. When both mixtures have reached room temperature (1-2 hours), use an immersion blender or regular blender to mix the cooled “oils.” Slowly drizzle the “waters” into the whirling oils. If necessary, stop blending occasionally to mix with a spoon or spatula until everything has combined.
4. Pour or scoop into cream or lotion jars with clean caps, preferably sterilized to discourage mold and bacteria growth. Store in a cool, dry place. The cream will thicken as it sets.

Simple Aromatherapy Mist
This basic concept can easily be adapted to be perfume, air spray, bug spray, sunburn spray, anti-microbial spray, etc, depending on what essential oils you choose (and if  you decide to mix up the base).  

• 1 oz distilled water & 1 oz vodka (or tinctures, vanilla ext, flower h2o, vinegar)
• 10+ drops of essential oils (lavender or lavender-rose geranium is a great combo for many uses!)

Mix all ingredients and essential oils of choice.
Pour into spray bottles and use as needed.

Quick Guide to Summer Skin Herbs                                             

My favorites are underlined

Sun Protection (Slight):

• Herbs: St. John’s wort, Comfrey leaf, Chaparral, maybe Green Tea
• Oils: Sesame, Coconut, Shea, Jojoba, Hemp
• Minerals: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide

Post Sunburn:

• Herbs: Pure Aloe Gel (fresh leaf = best), St. John’s Wort oil, Green Tea, Chaparral, Witch Hazel, Lemon balm &/or Anise Hyssop tea
• (internally & externally)
• Essential Oil: Lavender
• Other: Vinegar (apple cider), Cool Bath or Spray, Yogurt
• General: With a few exceptions (SJW oil, Lavender EO), oils are usually not good at the beginning of a sunburn. Opt for cool water-based remedies instead. Oils may be used after the initial “burn feeling” is gone to support healing.

Rashes & Poison Ivy

• Herbs: Jewelweed (frozen in ice cubes = great!), Grindelia (not local), Plantain, Calendula, Chickweed, Cleavers, St. John’s Wort, Witch Hazel, Lemon Balm, Gotu Kola (not local)
• Essential Oils: Lavender, Peppermint
• Oils: Olive, Coconut, Shea (although certainly others are ok, too)
• Other: Clay, Ice
• General: Although salves can be helpful, often in the first stage of poison ivy it’s best to use drying or water-based remedies like tincture, vinegar, or water sprays.

Bug Repellent

• Herbs: Catnip or Yarrow in vinegar or vodka spray, Rub basil on the skin
• Essential Oils for All: Lemon eucalyptus (not local), Citronella, Lavender, Lemongrass
• EOs for Mosquitoes: Catnip
• EOs for Ticks: Rose Geranium

       
Bug Bites

• Herbs: Plantain, Calendula, Chickweed, Cleavers
• EOs: Lavender, Peppermint
• Other: Ice, Clay (esp w/a few drops of lavender or peppermint)

Learn how to ID some common summer skin herbs here.
More herbal recipes here.


The statements made on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, prescribe, recommend, or offer medical advice. Please see your health care practitioner for help regarding choices and to avoid herb-drug interactions.