Teas.

Here are some suggestions for some easily prepared teas.

Sleep Tea – to promote and natural and restful sleep

• Chamomile
• Passionflower
• Lemon Balm

Digestive Tea – to aid digestion

• Fennel
• Peppermint
• Chamomile

Cleansing Tea – to remove toxins from the body

• Nettle
• Marigold

Cold and Flu Tea – to relieve symptoms and combat infection

• Elderflower
• Yarrow
• Echincea
• Lemon juice
• Honey to taste

Herbal baths

Dried or fresh herbs can be tied inside squares of muslin and hung under the tap when running the bath. Alternatively, a few drops of the appropriate essential oil can be added to the running water, but make sure they are well mixed in. The herbs can be chosen for their different actions and scents to suit you. Some suggestions are:

Relax and unwind

• Chamomile
• Lavender

Supple skin

• Porage oats
• Marshmallow
• Comfrey
• Chamomile

Enlivening mix

• Rosemary
• Ginger
• Thyme

Syrups

hese are a soothing and pleasant way to take medicine and are particularly useful in treating children. They are especially good for sore throats and coughs.

Onion Syrup

A useful syrup for soothing coughs and warding off colds. If you use honey in this recipe it gives the syrup an extra antiseptic effect.

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 450g/1lb granulated sugar or honey

equipment:

• one sterilised jam jar
• smaller sterilised bottles with lids

Method

Peel and thinly slice the onion. Place a layer of onion in the bottom of the jar then cover with honey or sugar. Repeat the layers until the jar is full ending with a layer of honey or sugar. Press each layer down before starting the next. Cover and leave overnight. The next day strain off the liquid and pour into the bottles. Label and store in a cool, dark place or in the fridge. It will keep for up to a week.

Dosage:

Adults: take 2 teaspoons three times a day, or every two hours.
Children: take half the adult dose.
Infants: not recommended for children under 2.