From the home apothecary
Herbal Formulas
Simple preparations inspired by traditional plant use, made in small batches for the season at hand.
To use: Shake very well before every use, as the oils will naturally separate. Patch-test first, then mist lightly over exposed arms and legs. Avoid the face, eyes, broken skin and freshly shaved areas. Reapply as needed.
For adult external use only. Do not use on babies or young children, during pregnancy, or on pets. Neem and essential oils can irritate sensitive skin; discontinue use if irritation occurs. This is a traditional home preparation, not a standardized or clinically tested insect repellent. Where mosquito- or tick-borne illness is a concern, use an EPA-registered repellent.
To serve: Garnish with a fresh tulsi sprig, citrus wheel or a few butterfly pea flowers. Makes approximately four glasses.
Use culinary, food-grade herbs. Seek qualified guidance before herbal use during pregnancy or while taking medication.
To use: Place beside the pillow, beneath its outer edge or on a bedside table. Replace the herb when its fragrance has faded, usually after two to three months.
For aromatic external use only; do not ingest or burn the contents. Mugwort may provoke reactions in people sensitive to ragweed or other members of the daisy family. Discontinue use if it causes sneezing, irritation or breathing discomfort. As a precaution, avoid during pregnancy and keep away from children and pets. Traditional associations with dreaming have not been scientifically established.
To use: Apply a small amount to minor insect bites, stings, scrapes, chafing or dry, irritated skin.
Patch-test before use. For external use only. Do not apply to deep wounds, punctures, serious burns or skin showing signs of infection. Seek medical care for severe reactions, spreading redness, increasing pain, pus or fever.
To use: After shampooing, slowly pour over the scalp and hair and massage gently. Leave in as the final rinse, or allow it to sit for several minutes before rinsing lightly with cool water. Avoid the eyes. If apple cider vinegar is included, its scent will fade as the hair dries.
Best made for immediate use. Refrigerate any remainder and use within three days, discarding sooner if its smell or appearance changes. Patch-test first and discontinue if irritation occurs. Avoid use on broken or inflamed skin. This is a traditional cosmetic rinse, not a treatment for hair loss or scalp disease.
Storage: Keep refrigerated and use within 2–3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions.
Use only correctly identified, fully ripe elderberries and remove stems and leaves. Raw or unripe elderberries and other parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; the berries in this recipe are thoroughly cooked before use. Honey should not be given to children under 12 months. Elderberry has a long tradition of seasonal use, but this syrup is not a substitute for medical treatment.
To use: Apply a very thin layer to clean, completely dry skin at diaper changes, especially where moisture or friction tends to cause irritation. A little goes a long way.
For external use only. This formula is intentionally free of essential oils and fragrance. Patch-test first and discontinue if irritation develops, particularly in children sensitive to ragweed or other members of the daisy family. Do not use on open, blistered, weeping or infected skin. Seek medical advice if a diaper rash is severe, spreading, accompanied by fever, or is not improving after a few days. For very young infants, check with a pediatric clinician before using new topical products.
Preparation: This 1:5 tincture follows a traditional European preparation using hawthorn leaf and flower and 60% alcohol. Store tightly closed, away from heat and direct light.
Hawthorn is an herb with important cardiovascular associations, so this formula is provided for educational purposes rather than as a dosing recommendation. Do not use hawthorn to self-treat chest pain, palpitations, heart disease or other cardiovascular symptoms. If you take prescription medicines — particularly medicines for the heart or blood pressure — speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using hawthorn. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath or new or worsening heart symptoms.
To serve: Begin with 1–2 teaspoons stirred into a glass of still or sparkling water and adjust to taste. It can also be used in salad dressings or drizzled sparingly over fruit.
Keep refrigerated and use within one month, discarding sooner if the appearance, smell or taste changes unexpectedly. Use correctly identified, food-quality lemon balm and clean utensils throughout. Honey should not be given to children under 12 months. Vinegar may aggravate reflux or sensitive teeth; dilute before drinking and rinse the mouth with plain water afterwards. Lemon balm has a long tradition of use for mild stress, sleep and digestive complaints, but this oxymel is presented as a home herbal preparation rather than a treatment for any medical condition.
For learning and identification only. Always confirm a plant’s identity and seek qualified guidance before medicinal use.