Absolute Beginner's Guide to Alternative Medicine

126 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

SOOTHING POTIONS

ROSEWATER

Instead of using soap, try splashing your face with rosewater, a simple infusion from rose

petals that contains some of the flowers’ essential oils. Rose oil has mild antiseptic and

anti-inflammatory properties, can constrict the tiny blood vessels in your skin to reduce red-

ness, and it’s also used in aromatherapy to calm your nerves and elevate your mood. You

can buy rosewater in any natural food store, but you can also make your own. Put a hand-

ful of fresh rose petals into a small saucepan, add enough water to cover the petals com-

pletely, simmer for 15 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat. When it’s completely

cooled, strain away the petals and transfer your rosewater to a clean glass bottle.

CALENDULA SALVE

Calendula is a relative of the common marigold and is an easy-to-grow perennial.

Calendula flowers have antibacterial and antifungal properties and also speed up the skin’s

healing process. The salve is extremely effective for diaper rash and other skin irritations.

You can buy the salve, or you can make your own from home-grown or store-bought cal-

endula flowers. Grind one-half cup of dried flowers in a blender or clean coffee grinder.

Combine with one cup of olive oil in a glass canning jar with a lid. Place the jar in a large

pan filled with enough water to cover the bottom half of the jar, and put the pan in the

oven. Turn the oven on to the lowest temperature possible and allow the herbs to gently

heat in the oil for several hours. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temper-

ature. Filter the oil through a strainer lined with several layers of cheesecloth. To make the

salve, place one-half cup of the herbal oil in a small heavy saucepan and add one-eighth

cup of grated beeswax. Gently heat until the beeswax is completely melted. Test the consis-

tency of the salve by placing a teaspoon of the mixture into the freezer for a minute. If you

want a firmer salve, add more beeswax, and if you want a softer salve, add more oil. Pour

the salve into small wide-mouth glass jars with lids. If stored in a cool, dark place, the salve

will stay fresh for about one year.

As a general rule, you should purchase essential oils in natural and health food

stores rather than stores selling beauty products and perfumes. They should be

stored in dark vials, tightly closed and away from heat, light, or dampness.

Professional aromatherapists use up to 300 oils. Most people can meet their home

needs with fewer than 30 or even just 10: chamomile, clove, eucalyptus, geranium,

lavender, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme.