Autumn Herbal Medicine Chest

With the change of seasons from summer to autumn we need to change our supplies in our herbal medicine cabinet. With cooler weather comes a different set of illnesses that can be nipped in the bud with the right herbal medicine.

Please remember that any herbal remedies and essential oils can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before starting any homemade treatment, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self treatment. You should always inform your GP of any self treatment before taking any other prescribed medication.

ARNICA: This year round herb helps stop pain. Use this for arthritic aches, often set off by seasonal changes.Also good for bruising and sprains. Rub the tincture, cream, or gel on sore spots. Do not use on broken skin.

ASTRALAGUS: Take two capsules of this antiviral herb twice a day to prevent or treat colds and flu.

CALENDULA: Use calendula tinctures, oil, lotions, or creams to soothe chapped skin and lips. Look for products with at least 10-percent extract of Calendula.

CHAMOMILE: This soothing herb works great as a dust-irritant reliever. Brew a cup of tea and let it cool. Place the room temperature tea soaked in cotton on your eyes. Drink a cup of chamomile tea for upset stomachs, heartburn, indigestion, or to promote relaxation.

ECHINACEA: Treat colds, flu, sore throat, and other common infections with this natural enhancer of immune system function. It's sold as tinctures and extracts, as well as capsules and tablets. When you feel something coming on, take two capsules of the extract four times a day or a dropperful of tincture, in water, four times a day.

GINGKO: Take ginkgo for low circulation or insufficient blood flow, mental fuzziness, memory loss, or vertigo. Take 120 milligrams per day in divided doses with food. Look for products with 24-percent flavonoid glycosides, or else 5- to 7- percent terpene lactones (including 3-percent ginkgolides).

SIBERIAN GINSENG: This treatment for lethargy and fatigue also boosts resilience to environmental stresses. Take two capsules, or one dropperful of tincture, twice a day or as a tea 2-3 times a day -- unless directed otherwise.

VALERIAN: An assitant to sound sleep and a treatment for insomnia, Valerian comes in tincture, extract, or tablet form. Use one teaspoon of the tincture in a quarter cup of water, or take one or two tablets at bedtime.

Autumn Essential Oils To Try

Autumn, like Spring, is a time of extreme change for many living in non- temperate areas. The air becomes drier or in some circumstances wetter and cooler. These and other changes can foster the dreaded cold or flu, which would normally be fought off by your body. Emotional stress tends to be stronger in the autumn as we tend more torward reflection. To assist in staying healthy, there are a number of things you can do using essential oils in your environments. The air becomes drier in the autumn and the membranes in your nose can become dry and non-effective. This lack of proper filtering of air can result in germs and bacterial agents gaining access into your body and causing problems. Thus, creating a moist environment in your home or work space is vital. You can use a pan of water on the cooker (with essential oils added) or an oil burner. As always remember safety and do not leave the cooker or burner unattended. Some also find placing water with essential oils in front of a fire place or on a radiator to also work very well. The moisture plus the addition of the essential oil will help your body to fend off various types of infections. Changing the water frequently is, however still needed. Key essential oils to use include Lavender and Tea Tree. These help the immune system in the body to function normally and in themselves kill germs, bacteria, mould, etc. Be sure to buy pure essential oils and use enough when attempting to purify the air. Autumn can also be an emotionally uncertain time for people as well. While the leaves falling and the colours may be a time of great beauty, the shorter days can lead to sadness and light depression commonly known as "the blues" or SAD. Essential oils, particularly Lavender, have uplifting and mood balancing qualities that may help one on both a mental and physical level. You may want to consider these other essential oils for your autumn herbal medicine chest.

Bergamont (Citrus bergamia): Bergamot oil is a powerful antiseptic. In appropriate dilution, it has proven its use in the treatment of many troublesome skin complaints, such as eczema, some of which can be reluctant to respond to other forms of treatment. Stress-related complaints such as headaches and irritability will often respond well to a massage with oil of bergamot in the blend. The effect of the oil is vitalizing and uplifting, soothing tension away without any sedative effect. Bergamot eases problem gastrointestinal spasm and flatulence and gentle abdominal massage can bring relief from constipation and colic. The oil is also detoxifying and is thought to help in the treatment of cellulite when used in massage. In addition to this, when used for bathing, berga-mot oil can soothe inflammation and can help alleviate vaginal itching and the symptoms of cystitis. In inhalation or massage, it can be used in the treatment of respiratory infections such as sore throats and bronchitis. Bergamot can also be used in a mouthwash to deodorize bad breath and fight mouth and throat infections, or on the hair to control dandruff. Suitable methods of use Bathing, hair care, inhalation, massage, mouthwash, skin care, vaporizer/diffuser.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) : Cedarwood oil has a rich, honey color and a warm, woody, sweet smell that appeals to both sexes. The oil is extracted from wood - sawdust, chips and shavings - by the process of steam distillation. Aromatherapists use Cedarwood oil for the treatment of respiratory ailments. It has antiseptic properties, and is effective against coughs, bronchitis and catarrh. Its use in skin and hair care is well recognized, and it can be very beneficial in the treatment of dandruff, eczema and acne. As an ingredient in a blend to perfume a room, cedarwood oil is warm and pleasant. The oil is particularly useful in treating stress and tension.

Cinnamon (Cinnamoma Cassicia): There are two different oils extracted from the tree. Cinnamon-leaf oil has some use in aromatherapy, but cinnamon-bark oil is a strong irritant, high in toxicity and should not be used. Cinnamon-leaf oil is extracted from the leaves and young twigs of the tree by steam distillation. Commercially, it is used in the food and drinks industry in some sweets and carbonated drinks, and in the pharmaceutical industry it is used in cough medications and dental preparations. Aromatherapists can use cinnamon-leaf oil in massage to relieve rheumatism, and it can also be beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders. It is a stimulant and is used to treat circulatory problems. It can also be of benefit to those who are suffering from nervous exhaustion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cinnamon is used to warm the interior as well as used for exterior conditions such as a common cold or flu.

Clove (Eugenia aromatica): This essential oil is extracted from the buds of the tree. The scent of the oil is hot-spicy, sweet, penetrating. Clove is a tropical evergreen tree that grows to a height of about 40-70 feet and has aromatic dark green leathery leaves and bright pink buds that bloom into yellow flowers, followed by purple berries. Heating the oil creates vapors which open sinuses and breathing passages. This oil is uplifting, an aphrodisiac and reviving, is a mental stimulant, improves mental clarity and memory; improves digestion; reduces pain by numbing the area; a disinfectant and repels insects. Clove bud oil can irritate the skin and should either be avoided or used with extra care by people who have sensitive skin. Use small amounts.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) : Essential oil of patchouli is obtained by the process of steam distillation from the leaves of the plant which are previously dried and fermented. The oil is thick and viscous and is orange-amber in color. It has a distinctively sweet and earthy smell that is long-lasting and unlike other essential oils, actually improves with age. Patchouli oil is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and can be used in skin care to treat acne, oily skin and open pores as well as minor sores that are weeping and reluctant to heal. It is also beneficial in the treatment of athlete's foot, chapped and paintful skin and eczema. Patchouli is particularly beneficial to aging skin and will also help prevent scars and stretchmarks. When used in a massage blend, particularly in abdominal massage, or alternatively in a warm compress, patchouli can relieve constipation and combat flatulence. Patchouli can also be used to strengthen the spirits when exhaustion has set in and will help restore a sense of calm and determination in stressful times. The oil also has aphrodisiac properties and can benefit in particular those whose desire or sexual performance has been adversely affected by stress and fatigue. Patchouli oil can also be used as an insect repellent.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides): Vetiver grows to a height of approximately 6 feet. It has deep, strong roots and is planted in some countries to protect the soil from erosion. Therapeutically, Vetiver oil has a profoundly relaxing effect on the nervous system, relieving tension and stress. It can be used to good effect in the treatment of insomnia. In India, vetiver oil is known as the oil of tranquillity. In baths or in massage, vetiver is beneficial in the treatment of the symptoms of disorders such as arthritis and rheumatism, stiff muscles. It is warming and comforting and will help to relieve the tension that is often associated with chronic pain. Vetiver oil also benefits the circulatory system, stimulating and warming, especially when used in combination with massage. In skin care, the antiseptic and slightly astringent properties of vetiver can be used to good effect in the treatment of oily skin that is prone to spots.

Autumn Blend: Add 10 drops of Lavender 5 drops of ginger 2 quarts of water. Set your stove on extremely low to allow the steam to diffuse into the air. You can also do the same with a tea pot without a whistle. Remember to always watch the stove and turn it off when no adults are present.

Autumn Cheer: • Add 10 drops of Bergamot • 4 drops of Clove • 3 drops of Cinnamon • add to water in a diffuser. Light a tea light under the oil to gently diffuse the scent into any room.