Wound healing herb

Calendula  (Marigold)

Calendula or Marigold is my herb of choice for healing wounds.  I had a mark on my leg caused by sun damage, at least that's what the consultant said for my fee of 150 euro.  I used Calendula cream on it and it has almost disappeared.  I will, of course, use sunscreen on that area, but I feel better about it now.   So I will confidentially recommend its healing ability.  The petals are also edible and brighten up a salad with their lovely sunshine colour. They are also anti-inflamatory. I like to make an infused oil with the flower heads.  This can be used directly or made into a cream.  A definite medicine cabinet standby.
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Sewing and knitting

This year I got a new sewing machine.  I have not used one in over 30 years so I am really rusty.  So far I have made a pinafore for my grand daughter Willow (4) and a dress for my granddaughter Lucy(3).  They were passable but I cheated a little with the facings on the dress.  I attached a complete bodice to make it easier.  Now after some cushion covers and some alterations, I have tackled a dress again.  With lots of patience and a fair amount of unpicking, plus some help from YouTube, I have successfully placed the facings on a square neckline.  There is a lot more work to be done but I think I will get there.  Meanwhile I completed knitting Willows long line cardigan and have started on Riley's (2) as they both live in Ireland and woollies will be needed for a while yet.  Lucy and Will ( 10months) live in Florida. Senan(2) lives in Ireland too and this year I knit two warm sweaters for him.  My two older grandchildren Ronan (12) and Brandon (8) got sweaters last year, so I have been a very busy Nana.
PS.  Any advice from sewing experts would be really appreciated :)

Thyme Honey

Absolutely the most used remedy in my family for children's coughs.  It can be given from the spoon or put in warm water for a soothing drink.  If sore throat is involved I add a little sage. 

Pour a 1lb jar of honey into a saucepan.  Add about six sprigs of washed and crushed thyme.  Simmer very gently for 20 minutes.  Never allow it to boil.  Cool and replace honey in jar for use.

The honey is soothing and healing and the thyme is antibacterial and expectorant, helping to loosen a tight cough.  Best of all, children love it.  So once your child has reached the age when honey is safe, it is the best standby for coughs because it is simple, cheap and it works.  Manuka honey (more expensive) will give added healing.  Thyme is also helpful for whooping cough.  It is one of the ingredients of Listerine.

Turmeric

Turmeric

The internet is filled with information on this spice.  It is one of the new wonder foods.  So what is a good way to make sure it is in our diet.   My way is using it as a condiment.  I mix a teaspoon of turmeric with three teaspoons of coarse sea salt and usually one of my favourite herbs like basil or marjoram, put into the grinder and use to season meals.   It is really nice on salads and in stir fries. This means you get a small amount several times a day, but no overload that might cause a reaction.
Turmeric is antioxidant, antibacterial, anti inflammatory and helps the digestive system by stimulating bile flow.

You can find more information at the following address:

http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/turmeric-the-miracle-medicinal-spice.htm

Chickweed

Chickweed ( Stellaria media)

A plant that grows in most gardens.  Normally it is thrown on the compost along with all the other weeds.  What a waste.  It is a food and a medicine.  As a food it is packed with vitamin C. Use it on salads and in soups.  It is an excellent remedy for itching skin.  You can make an infused oil and use it on psoriasis and other itching skin problems.  Helpful when a wound is healing and has reached that itching stage.  It will prevent children scratching the wound.  Stops itching of varicose veins. It has good drawing ability so is useful for removing splinters. Add a little beeswax to infused oil to make an ointment.  Use on burns swellings and sunburn.
This is one little weed that should have it own place in your garden.

Chickweed Vinegar

Place chickweed in a blender with Cider Vinegar and blend.  Strain and bottle the vinegar.  Add a couple of tablespoons to bath water to relieve itching and restore ph balance to skin.

Also use this vinegar on salads.

More information can be seen at the following address:
http://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/herbal-library/herbal-encyclopedia/chickweed-skin-rejuvenator/

Our Food as Medicine

Adapting to our changing world

Our world is changing dramatically.  It has become a world or extremes.  From the changes in our weather patterns to the collapse of our banking and economic systems.

The world is experiencing the most powerful storms, the hottest temperatures, the coldest temperatures, the most powerful super-bugs, the biggest crop failures, the worst flooding, the most terrible crimes and the most horrific wars. At the same time we are seeing amazing medical and scientific discoveries.

We have discovered that we cannot trust the people we used to place total trust in like the Bankers, the Church, the Charities, the Teachers and even the medical profession.  All of the standards of behaviour that we believed in have been shattered.  So what can we believe in. 

We can believe in ourselves both individually and as communities.  

We must learn how to help ourselves.  

Our grandmothers and great grandmothers could not run to the doctor with every sniffle.  They had a knowledge of how to treat common ailments and we need to regain that knowledge for ourselves.  We have science and the internet at our disposal for all the information we need.  What we need are a few tried and trusted remedies for simple ailments and an idea of which foods, herbs and spices can prevent illness, and can be added to our diet for extra nourishment.  Locally grown foods will have far less contamination in them and therefore will be healthier.
Many of us have learned in recent times what it is like when the electricity is down for days at a time,  when the floods cut off our access to daily needs and when fires force us from our homes.  A little preparation can ease us through these times.

Helping to cope with the everyday ups and downs will be the topic of my blog.  Using our food as a preventative medicine and our local plants as simple remedies.  Suggesting the items you need to keep on standby for emergencies.  I will probably throw in a few crafting ideas too.

I do not claim to be an expert in any field and you can find information on all my topics from more knowledgeable people. My aim is to tell you how I use them and I hope you will find something useful and helpful in my posts.