The Bach Flower Remedies (Always handy to have)

There are 38 Bach Flower Rememedies altogether. It is a complete system because although there are many thousands of words to desscribe how we feel, when the mood or the feeling is analysed, there remain 38 fundamental states or character traits. (Bach Flower Remedies for Women, Judy Ramsell Howard)

www.kitespirit.co.uk

Dr. Bach placed the flower remedies into 7 categories:

FEAR

Aspen -> Vague, unexplainable fears/anxieties

Cherry Plum -> Fear of reason giving way, mind being over-strained

Mimulus -> Fear of known things, everyday fears the person bears quietly

Red Chestnut -> Fearful/worrying about others

Rock Rose -> Emergency remedy for fear, terror, panic

OVER CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS

Beech -> Over critical of others and of surroundings.

Chicory -> Over-caring or controlling of others

Rock Water -> Strict lifestyle due to high ideals

Vervain -> Strong opinions and wanting to impress those onto others.

Vine -> Strong-willed leaders

LONLINESS

Heather -> Don’t like being alone

Impatiens -> Prefer to work alone. Quick in thought and action

Water Violet -> Independent, self-reliant, prefer to be alone. Also for grief.

NOT SUFFICIENT INTEREST IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES

Chestnut Bud -> For those who take a long time to learn from experience.

Clematis -> Dreamy, quiet people, dreaming of a happier future.

Honeysuckle -> Nostalgia, homesick or dreaming fondly of the past.

Mustard -> “Dark clouds” of gloom or despair

Olive -> Sapped vitality, no strength to go on.

White chestnut -> Persistent thought or worries circling in the mind

Wild rose -> Loss of enthusiasm for life, resignation.

DESPONDENCY OR DESPAIR

Crabapple -> Feeling dirty, shameful, contaminated

Elm-> Overwhelmed

Larch -> Capable people who lack self-confidence

Oak-> Strength to go on without loss of hope or effort

Pine-> Apologetic, unable to accept compliments, self-blaming

Sweet Chestnut -> When one feels they have reached the limits of endurement

Star of Bethlehem -> Comfort in times of great distress.

Willow -> Resentment, feeling life has been unfair

OVER-SENSITIVE TO IDEAS OF INFLUENCES

Agrimony- want to keep peace at any price, easily disturbed by quarrels

Centaury- Difficulty saying no to others. May neglect their own life purposes.

Holly- Anger and vexations of the heart

Walnut- Protection from all outside influences in daily life and transitions.

UNCERTAINTY

Cerato- Lack of self-confidence in making decisions, always asking advice

Gentian- Easily discouraged

Gorse- Great hoplessness

Hornbeam- Feeling of insufficient strength to meet the demands of life

Scleranthus- UNable to decide between two things

Wild Oat- Deciding on a life path, when many choices look exciting.

RESCUE REMEDY

A combination of Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose and Clematis

Especially beneficial when you find yourself in traumatic situations such as, stress, emergencies, bad news, before an exam or job interview and when we suddenly lose balance mentally.

Castor Oil

For quite some time now I keep coming across Castor Oil Packs as a home remedy so I thought I would delve into it this week and see what the benefits are of this Herb are. 

A little background

Castor Bean Plant (troop75.typepad.com)

The Castor Plant is native to India and Eastern Africa, but has been naturalized and cultivated worlwide in warmer climates. Also known as Castor Bean or Palma Christi, so called as the leaves were said to look like the hands of Christ. The plant itself is a tall,branched shrub, with large, palmate leaves and irregular serrate margins, often with a bluish or reddish tinge. The flowers are monoecious, in terminal racemes. The fruit capsules are spiny and soft, or smooth and grooved, containing the large oval seeds. These are cream or greyish-brown and often mottled or speckled with brown or black marklings.

The parts used from the plant are the leaves and oil which is expresssed from the seed. 

The oil has a very consistent viscosity and wont freeze which makes it ideal for lubricating equipment in severely cold climates. It was forst used in Worl War I as an aircraft lubricant. Modern non-medical uses for Castor Oil include;

• Food additive and flavouring agent
• Mild inhibitor
• Ingredient in skin producrs and cosmetics (lipstick, shampoo, soap and others)
• Used in the manufactoring of plastics, rubbers, synthetic resins, paints, varnishes, lubricant seals, dyes and leather treatments. (The lubricant company "Castrol" took their name from Castor Oil.

Modern medical uses for Cator Oil fall into five general categories;

• Gastrointestinal remedy
• Antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral)
• Labour stimulant
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
• Immune system and lymphatic stimulant

Topical application seems to be useeful for a variety of skin conditions like keratosis*, dermatosis**, would healing, ringworm, warts, acne and other skin infections, sebaceous cysts*** itching and even hair loss. 

*Keratosis  (A skin disease marked by excessive growth of the epidermis or horny tissues. )

**Dermatosis ( Any skin disease, especially one which does not produce inflammation. 

***Sebaceous cyst (A retention cyst caused by the blockage of a duct from the sebaceous gland so that sebum (the fatty secretion from the sebaceous glands) collects. The sebaceous glands are found in the skin, communication with the hair follicles and secreting sebum. 

Studies Supporting Castor Oil's Effiacy as an Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory and Immunostimulant

Some notable studies of Castor Oil include;

(1) Castor Oil has been found to have a strong supressive effect in some tumours. 

(2) An Indian study in 2011 found that Castor Leaf Extract showed better antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria than Gentamycin* (which was their standard fro comparison) 

(3) A 2010 study found Castor Oil packs were an effective means of decreasing constipation in the elderly

(4) A 2009 study found that Castor Oil effectively relieves arthritis. 

(5) A 1999 study was carried out to determine whether or not topical Castor oil would stimulate the lymphatic system. The findings were positive. After a 2 hour treatment with Castor Oil Packs, there was a significant increase in the number of T-11 cells, which increased over a seven-hour period following treatment. 

(6) In a 2000 study of the effetcs of ricinoleic acid on inflammation, researchers found it excreted "Capsaicin-like" anti-inflammatory properties. 

(7) Patients with occupational dermatitis may have a positive reaction to Castor Oil or Ricinoleic Acid. 

*Gentamycin/gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antiobiotic composed of a mixture of related gentamycin components and fractions and is used to treat many types of baterial infections, particuularly thouse caused by Gram-negative organisms. 

Once poisoned, there is no antidote.

If the resin (made from a protein in the castor seeds) gets ingested into the ribosomes of your cells where it prevents protein sythesis, which kills the cells. Ricin is made form the "mash" that is left over after processing the castor seeds into oil. 

Just 1mg of ricin is fatal if inhaled or ingested (much less if injected) 

Eating just 5-10 Castor Seeds would be fatal.  

Castor Bean Seeds (nationalgeographic)

Castor Oil and your body

Castor oil is broken down by your small intestine into ricinoleic acid which acts as an irritant to your intestinal lining. This is what gives Castor Oil the ability to reverse constipation - but it's also the reason that some people report digestive discomfort, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal side effects .

People who are suffering from cramps, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Diverticulitis, Hemorrhoids, Colitis, Ulcers, Prolapses or have recently undergone surgery should avoid Castor Oil due to these possible adverse reactions. 

Castor Oil (Medhealth.net)

A Herbal remedy that has lasted Millenia

Traditionally Indians would boil kernals or hulls into a brew to relive arthritis, sciatica and lower back pain problems. 

Medical problems treated by the Indians using Castor Oil include;

• Constipation
• Dysentery
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Bladder and vaginal infections
• Asthma

In the Canary Islands locals made poutices from the leaves to treat Gynaecologial probelems. Nursing Mothers would apply the poultices to the breasts to increase milk secretion and relieve inflammation of their mammary glands. Women also applied to poultices to their abdomens to promote normal menstruation.

The topical absorption of Castor Oil is the basis for the more modern "Castor Oil Packs". 

Boosting your Lymphatic System to improve healing

It is thought that one of the more compelling health benefits of Castor Oil is it's support on the Immune System (when used externally)

Lymphocytes are your immune systems disease-fighting cells and are produced and stored mainly in your lymphatic tissue (thymus gland, spleen and lymph nodes.)

Hundreds of miles of lymphatic tubules allow waste to be collected from your tissues and transported to your blood for elimination, a process referred to as lympahtic drainage. 

When the lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and make you sick. 

Lymphatic Congestion is a major factor leasing to inflammation and disease. This is where Castor Oil comes in. When Castor Oil is absorbed through your skin (according to Coyce and McGrath), your lymphocytes speed up the removal of toxins from your tissues which promotes healing. 

Castor Oil Packs

Castor Oil packs are an economical and efficient medthod of insfusing the ricinoleic acid and other healing components of Castor Oil directly into your tissues. I would suggest doing a patch test first to ensure you do not have an allergy to the oil. 

There are several ways to use Castor Oil topically, You can simply rub it directly onto the affected area of your skin, or affix a plaster soaked in Castor Oil if only a very small area needs to be treated. 

For larger applications you can use Castor Oil as a massage oil, which reportedly is effective when applied along the spinal column and massage along the lympathic drainage papthways.

(www.pacificalternativeclinic.com)

But the really popular way of using Castor Oil for therapeutic purposes is in a Castor Oil Pack. 

To make the pack you will need;

• High-quality cold-compressed Castor Oil
• A heating pad or hot water bottle
• Plastic wrap, clingfilm or a sheet or plastic
• 2 or 3 1 sq. ft. pieces of wool or cotton flannel, or one large peice big enough to cover the treatment are when folded in thirds. 
• 1 large old bath towel (as the oil can stain)

Instructions for making and using a Castor oil Pack

(courtesy of Daniel H. Chong, ND)

Fold the flannel three layers thick so it is still large enough to fit over your entire upper abdomen and liver, or stack the three squares. 

Soak flannel with oil so it's completely saturated. The oil should be at roon temperature.

Lie on your back with your feet elevated (use a pillow under your knees and feet) and place the flannel dirently onto the abdomen. Cover the oiled flannel with the sheet of plastic and place the hot water bottle on top of the plastic.

Cover everything with the old towel to insulate the heat. 

(Take caution not to get oil on whatever you're lying onm as it can stain. If neccessary cover the area you are using to protect it.)

Leave the pack on for 45-60 minutes. 

When finished, remove the oil from your skin by wasahing with a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of water, or just soap and water. 

(Be sure to wash the towel seperately as the castor oil can make other clothes stink if washed together)

You can reuse the pack several times, each time adding more oil as needed to keep the pack saturated. Store the pack in a plastic container or zip-lock bag, in a convenient location, such as next to your bed. Replace the packs after it begins to change colour. 

For maximum effectiveness, apply at least four consecutive days per week for one month. 

Patients who use the pack daily report the most benefits. 

If you are ensure, check out the link on our blog courtesy of YouTube which shows you step-by-step how to make a Castor Oil Pack. 

Cinnamon Oil Tincture

Of all the herbs that I've come across in my short time on this beautiful Earth Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) is a flavour and scent I've never found appealing. I actual feel nauseous when I smell the scent, December is a nightmare for me to find a candle without this scent, cookies and pies without it is almost impossible and it's well known amongst my family of my somewhat ridiculously adverse reaction to this spice.

Cinnamon scented candles (dianeshouse.com)

However, I have stumbled across what I think may be useful for those of you who may enjoy the scent, taste etc. If I'm in dire need though the following might prove really helpful. I'll just have to pinch my nose and take my medicine.

So Cinnamon Oil's most direct action is upon the uterine muscular fibres, causing contraction and arresting bleeding. Upon the Central Nervous System (CNS), Cinnamon first stimulates then depresses.

Internally, it is very useful in colic, stomach cramps, flatulence, diarrhoea and to allay nausea and vomitting.
{King's American Dispentary 1898}-Harvey Wickes Felter MD. & John Uri Llyod, Phr, M. Ph. D

Cinnamon can be used as an oil added to water or grated over food. People with prostate problems should avoid cinnamon. People who are allergic to balsam of Tolu* of any of the many products containing balsam of Tolu should avoid the medicinal use of cinnamon oil and the use of cinnamon oil in aromatherapy.

*Balsam of Tolu (Myroxlyon balsamum, Myroxylon pereirae) a.k.a Peruvian Balsam, Tolu Balsam.

It is used widely as the basisi for cough mixtures, to provide scent to apertifs, baby powders, baked goods, calamine lotions, chewing gums, fragrances (especially Opium) hair conditioners, hemorrhoid cremas, insect repellents, lip balms and sunscreens.

This potentially allergenic herb is frequently not listed on the label when it's included in these products, therefore allergic reactions can sometimes be a result of the balsam. People who react to these products should not use any form of balsam.
{Prescription for Herbal Healing}-Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Making the Cinnamon Tincture;

Grab;

A jar,
Cinnamon Stick (break them into chips)
Alcohol(anything except rubbing alcohol as you will be injesting it)Alot use Vodka, but most alcohol will do.40% is the best to aim for though.

 Cinnamon Sticks (ifood.iv)

Fill the jar half way with the Cinnamon chips and then add the alcohol. Make sure to fill right to the top. Screw the lid on tight.
Leave the mixture to sit for 2-6 weeks (the longer the better)

Fill the jar up to the top, cover all of the Cinnamon. (candybooze.blogspot.com)

Strain the mixture and bottle.
You're now good to go.

Cinnamon Tincture (comesconewithme.com)

HR's for the Liver

We've all overdone it a bit, woken up with a hangover, that sick twisted feeling in our stomach from overindulgence of the alcohol variety. But do we actually take time to be thankful to our Liver for all it's uses.

We as humans can hardly comprehend how wonderful our anatomy is. How systems just work without us consciously making any effort at all.

A lot of people could point out their Liver if they had to. It works without us feeling it or realizing it but nonetheless it works for us not against us.

Just in case here's a handy diagram;

We think of the liver as an organ of detoxification but this is just one of it's uses. The liver also;

• Filters the blood, removing harmful bacteria & chemicals
• Breaks down excess hormones & maintains water & body-fluid salt balances.
• Assists in the digestion & metabolism of fats, carbohydrates & protein
• Stores & produces some vitamins & minerals
• Manufactures a wide variety of proteins & immune substances

Some herbs that are Liver friendly are;

Milk Thistle,

Dandelion

& Turmeric.

You can take these remedies fairly easily. A. Vogel sell Milk Thistle & Dandelion tinctures (there are other brands I am just more familiar with this one) and a lot of Herbal Stores will have it in stock.

Pukka (again other brands may be available) sell a tincture of Turmeric so these herbs can be very easily taken.

A few drops in water a couple of times usually does the trick. Make sure to read the label before hand and always inform your health care practitioner before beginning any herbal treatments. 

Comfrey ("Knitbone") A.K.A Blackwort EXTERNAL ONLY! BE VERY VERY CAREFUL WITH THIS HERB!

Comfrey-Symphytum Officinale (pictured above) ~ was traditionally used in healing fractures.  Comfrey contains a chemical called Allantoin* which encourages the growth of various tissue cells & so increases healing rates.

In Europe is is acceptable as an External remedy. However, it is currently banned in Australia & many American States.

NB=> DO NOT USE INTERNALLY!

Do not apply to broken skin!!

*Allatoin can speed up tissue growth to such an extent that it can heal the wound before any dirt or pus has had a chance to escape (thus keeping these components in the wound & possibly infecting the blood & surrounding tissues).

The likes of herbal remedies like Comfrey should only be used under the supervision of a Herbal practitioner. 


There is an awful lot of information about Comfrey out on the web. Some is really great advice however there are some people out there putting up posts claiming that you don't need to even clean the wound first, just apply Comfrey directly or if you break a bone just slap some Comfrey on it and forget the Doctor. This "advice" is so reckless and harmful that I just though it had to be highlighted.

Garden Herbs (found naturally without planting a seed)

Hi all, hope everyone is doing well.

Yesterday I was over in the garden cutting back some overgrow plants and as usual came across dandelion's and stinging nettles. It got me thinking that I should do a post about these two herbs that are commonly thought of as weeds and are ripped up, thrown out and considered a "bad" thing amongst many gardeners. However, for the budding herbalist these little gems can be used for an array of home remedies.

Let's start with Dandelion's

(Taraxacum officinale)

The parts of the plant that are used medicinally are the root, both fresh and dried and the young tops.

It is a general stimulant to the system, but especially to the urinary organs, and is chiefly used in kidney and liver disorders. Dandelion is not only official but is used in many patent medicines. Not being poisonous, quite big doses of its preparations may be taken. Its beneficial action is best obtained when combined with other agents. The tincture made from the tops may be taken in doses of 10 to 15 drops in a spoonful of water, three times daily. The tincture can be bought at your local health shop. A. Vogel is a brand I trust and use myself. It is said that its use for liver complaints was assigned to the plant largely on the doctrine of signatures, because of its bright yellow flowers of a bilious hue. In the hepatic complaints of persons long resident in warm climates, Dandelion is said to afford very marked relief. A broth of Dandelion roots, sliced and stewed in boiling water with some leaves of Sorrel and the yolk of an egg, taken daily for some months, has been known to cure seemingly intractable cases of chronic liver congestion. A strong decoction* (above) is found serviceable in stone and gravel: the decoction may be made by boiling 1 pint of the sliced root in 20 parts of water for 15 minutes, straining this when cold and sweetening with brown sugar or honey. A small teacupful may be taken once or twice a day. Dandelion is used as a bitter tonic in atonic dyspepsia, and as a mild laxative in habitual constipation. When the stomach is irritated and where active treatment would be injurious, the decoction or extract of Dandelion administered three or four times a day, will often prove a valuable remedy. It has a good effect in increasing the appetite and promoting digestion. Dandelion combined with other active remedies has been used in cases of dropsy and for induration of the liver, and also on the Continent for phthisis and some cutaneous diseases. A decoction of 2 OZ. of the herb or root in 1 quart of water, boiled down to a pint, is taken in doses of one wine glassful every three hours for scurvy, scrofula, eczema and all eruptions on the surface of the body. * Decoction - a method of extraction by boiling. Preparations and Dosages Fluid extract, B.P., 1/2 to 2 drachms. Solid extract, B.P. 5 to 15 grains. Juice, B.P., 1 to 2 drachms.  Dandelion Tea  Infuse 1 OZ. of Dandelion in a pint of boiling water for 10 minutes; decant, sweeten with honey, and drink several glasses in the course of the day. The use of this tea is efficacious in bilious affections, and is also much approved of in the treatment of dropsy. Or take 2 OZ. of freshly-sliced Dandelion root, and boil in 2 pints of water until it comes to 1 pint; then add 1 OZ. of compound tincture of Horseradish. Dose, from 2 to 4 OZ. Use in a sluggish state of the liver. Or 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1 OZ. Black Horehound herb, 1/2 OZ. Sweet Flag root, 1/4 OZ. Mountain Flax. Simmer the whole in 3 pints of water down to 1 1/2 pint, strain and take a wine glassful after meals for biliousness and dizziness. For Gall Stones 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1 OZ. Parsley root, 1 OZ. Balm herb, 1/2 OZ. Ginger root, 1/2 OZ. Liquorice root. Place in 2 quarts of water and gently simmer down to 1 quart, strain and take a wine glassful every two hours. For a young child suffering from jaundice: 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1/2 oz. Ginger root, 1/2 oz. Caraway seed, 1/2 oz. Cinnamon bark, 1/4 oz. Senna leaves. Gently boil in 3 pints of water down to 1 1/2 pint, strain, dissolve 1/2 lb. sugar in hot liquid, bring to a boil again, skim all impurities that come to the surface when clear, put on one side to cool, and give frequently in teaspoonful doses. Liver and Kidney Mixture 1 OZ. Broom tops, 1/2 oz. Juniper berries, 1/2 oz. Dandelion root, 1 1/2 pint water. Boil ingredients for 10 minutes, then strain and add a small quantity of cayenne. Dose, 1 tablespoonful, three times a day. Medicine for Piles 1 OZ. Long-leaved Plantain, 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1/2 oz. Polypody root, 1 OZ. Shepherd's Purse. Add 3 pints of water, boil down to half the quantity, strain, and add 1 OZ. of tincture of Rhubarb. Dose, a wine glassful three times a day. Celandine ointment to be applied at same time. So the nettles I'm talking about are those tall, dark green you know they're going to sting you nettles. The Latin name is Urtica Dioica. It's also known as the common nettle or the stinging nettle. If you get stung by these nettles you will generally find Dock leaves near by. You take a leaf rub it over the sting and it minimises the pain if not completely rids you of it. Nettles have long be known to provide a rich source of iron and Nettle Soup can be made very easily. Medicinal Uses of the Nettle Parts employed: The whole herb, collected in Mayand June, just before coming into flower, and dried in the usual manner prescribed for 'bunched' herbs. When the herb is collected for drying, it should be gathered only on a fine day, in the morning, when the sun has dried off the dew. Cut off just above the root, rejecting any stained or insect-eaten leaves, and tie in bunches, about six to ten in a bunch, spread out fan wise, so that the air can penetrate freely to all parts. Hang the bunches over strings. If dried in the open, keep them in half-shade and bring indoors before there is any risk of damp from dew or rain. If dried indoors, hang up in a sunny room, and failing sun, in a well-ventilated room by artificial heat. Care must be taken that the window be left open by day so that there is a free current of air and the moisture-laden, warm air may escape. The bunches should be of uniform size and length, to facilitate packing when dry, and when quite dry and crisp must be packed away at once in airtight boxes or tins, otherwise moisture will be reabsorbed from the air. The seeds and flowers are dried in the sun, or over a stove, on sheets of paper. The Nettle is still in demand by wholesale herbalists, who stock the dried and powdered herb, also the seeds. Homoeopathic chemists, in addition, employ the green herb for the preparation of a tincture. Action and Uses Although not prescribed by the British Pharmacopceia, the Nettle has still a reputation in herbal medicine, and is regarded in homoeopathy as a useful remedy. Preparations of the herb have astringent properties and act also as a stimulating tonic. Nettle is anti-asthmatic: the juice of the roots or leaves, mixed with honey or sugar, will relieve bronchial and asthmatic troubles and the dried leaves, burnt and inhaled, will have the same effect. The seeds have also been used in consumption, the infusion of herb or seeds being taken in wineglassful doses. The seeds and flowers used to be given in wine as a remedy for ague. The powdered seeds have been considered a cure for goitre and efficacious in reducing excessive corpulency. In old Herbals the seeds, taken inwardly, were recommended for the stings or bites of venomous creatures and mad dogs, and as an antidote to poisoning by Hemlock, Henbane and Nightshade. An efficient Hair Tonic can be prepared from the Nettle: Simmer a handful of young Nettles in a quart of water for 2 hours, strain and bottle when cold. Well saturate the scalp with the lotion every other night. This prevents the hair falling and renders it soft and glossy. A good Nettle Hair Lotion is also prepared by boiling the entire plant in vinegar and water, straining and adding Eau de Cologne. For stimulating hair growth, the old herbalists recommended combing the hair daily with expressed Nettle juice. The homoeopathic tincture of Nettle is made of 2 OZ. of the herb to 1 pint of proof spirit. The powder of the dried herb is administered in doses of 5 to 10 grains. Preparations Fluid extract of herb, 1/2 to 1 drachm. Infusion, 1 OZ. of the herb to a pint of boiling water. Nettle Soup  In a large pot, melt 1 Tbsp. butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and 1 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add potatoes and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook 15 minutes. Add nettles and cook until very tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 Tbsp. butter, pepper, and nutmeg. Puree soup with an immersion blender or in a blender or food processer in batches. For a silken, less fibrous texture, run mixture through a food mill or sieve. Stir in cream, if using. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if you like. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, yoghurt if you like.  Use glove when picking or you will be stung.  Fill the pot, the Nettles will shrink down.  Mix well. Starting to look more like soup, now.  Look's delicious now doesn't it? :-) Nettle Tea- Very good for period pain, also full of Iron naturally. Hope you all enjoyed the read. As always Stay Safe and we look forward to hearing from you.

Time to get the sunscreen's ready.

So, we've had really bad weather here in Ireland and are only starting to see a bit of a change this weekend. I mean if we hit 20° Celsius here we are having a good "Summer" :-)

I started some time ago looking for some herbal sunscreen's but my local health shop does not strangely provide any which got me thinking about some recipes if you will to make my own without all of those harsh chemicals.

Now what people don't realise is that we need Vitamin D which we get naturally from sunlight. Places, like Scotland and Ireland produce people who are more likely to have a Vitamin D deficiency. Now, years ago Doctor's thought that Vitamin D was mainly good for maintaining healthy bones but this Vitamin also plays a role in the functioning of the human body and helps reduce the risk for certain illnesses.

For instance, did you know a lack of Vitamin D can contribute to;

Flu, Psoriasis, Muscle weakness, Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetes, Asthma, Periodontal Disease, Cardiovascular Disease and even Cancer (some studies show).

So as you can imagine, many people turn to supplements to get their Vitamin D. However, many supplements like these can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get into your system and start taking effect. The easiest way for us to get Vitamin D is through natural sunlight.

But, we must protect our skin when out in the sun. I'm not talking about the hottest of days but even when it's a bright day out. You must wear an SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

Now, say the sun is splitting the rocks as we say here in Éire and you need a quick sunscreen so you can go outside. You can whip up a quick remedy. Here goes;

Grab your favourite lotion. Note: make sure there are no citrus oils in it

Add a few tablespoons of Zinc Oxide (DO NOT INHALE THE POWDER- Wear a mask if you have one)

Mix together and hey presto you're ready to go.

If you have time ahead and want to make up a batch of some really yummy smelling sunscreen that has an SPF of around 20 (although you can increase with more Zinc Oxide) then here you go my dears;

You will need;


1/4 cup of Coconut Oil (ah the smell of Summer with a natural SPF of 4)

1/2 cup of Olive oil or Almond Oil (make sure you do not have a nut allergy for Almond oil, pictured below)

1/4 cup of some Beeswax (you can buy online or in some herbal health stores)

2 Tablespoons of Zinc Oxide (you can get this at your local pharmacy)

Method;

Mix everything except the Zinc Oxide in a jar or glass bowl. If you have a empty jar from say Beetroot, Pickled Eggs or Onions, that kind of size, you can use that. Place the lid loosely over the jar.

Grab yourself a pot and fill with approx 3 fingers of water and put on a moderate/medium heat.

Now take your jar and pop it gently into the pot. The ingredients will all start to melt and mix up so stir them up every now and then until there are evenly mixed together.

Get the Zinc Oxide, again be careful with this ingredient, and stir it in well.

Then pour your mixture into whatever jar you are planning on keeping your sunscreen. I don't recommend a bottle with a pump at all. The mixture will not pump well. It will actually just clog the pump and create more hassle for you.

Stir the mixture as it cools to make sure that the Zinc Oxide is incorporated to the mix.



This sunscreen is good for Six Months.

Options;

You can add 1 tsp Vitamin E oil as an extra to your sunscreen,

or 2 tsps of Shea Butter (gives you an extra 4-5 SPF).

You may also add essential oils if you wish. Vanilla is good, Lavender is a good insect repellent as well. It's up to you.

NOTE: If you just want a lotion, remove the Zinc Oxide and you have a nice body lotion. If you want a thicker sunscreen add more beeswax, less for a smoother one.

Store in a cool, dry place or even the refrigerator. Make sure you label so someone doesn't come along and try to eat it :-)

There you have it, home made sunscreen with an SPF to suit you best.

Remember to take care of your skin when you're young. Your body will thank you as you age, and your skin. You don't want UV (ultra violet) damage. Always use your SPF, it will prevent early signs of ageing, liver spots, wrinkles and crow's feet.

Get yourself into a daily routine at an early age and pass this wisdom on so you can enjoy healthy skin for longer.

As always guys Stay Safe! :-)