Chapter 5 Preview

CHAPTER FIVE

BOTANICAL REMEDIES

NATURE’S APOTHECARY Explore the healing and transformative power of nature for health, wellbeing, beauty and home use by immersing yourself in the wonders of the Plant Kingdom.

Setting up a home apothecary is a lovely way to begin that journey, and to add an element of plant-based peace to your home and daily routine.

There are an increasing number of modern herbals being produced on the medicinal, therapeutic and rejuvenating benefits of plants – many of them outlined in the pages to follow, along with inspiring remedies from the wonderful herbalists and aromatherapists who have taken time to create and share them. But there’s no better way to acquaint yourself with such knowledge and wisdom than to immerse yourself in nature. Take a walk, get to know the plants in your local vicinity or garden and learn to identify the species that are well known for their medicinal properties – under the tutelage of an expert if you can (see Further Reading, page 392).

Choose a specimen that intuitively appeals to you – something simple, such as a herb that is known to promote calm (lavender), sleep (chamomile) or better digestion (peppermint or fennel), for example. Then gather your herb – with care to the wild (always get permission if required, avoid protected specimens, don’t pick too much and give thanks to the plant in question) – or from a reputable vendor that bears sustainability in mind.

Dry herbs if necessary, laying them out on drying racks, hanging them in small bunches, placing them in the oven on low heat or in a dehydrator. Once dried, store in an appropriate glass jar, label with common name, botanical name (see page 124) and the date and location where they were collected, and store in a cool, dark place to protect sensitive ingredients.You are now ready to try your hand at preparing a few basic remedies – an infusion (see page 271) or aromatic massage oil (see page 271 or 284) perhaps.

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Once you’ve mastered a remedy or become familiar with a herb, move on to the next one. Soon you’ll find that your home apothecary has grown organically to include numerous jars of herbs or shelves of successful preparations for you or loved ones.You’ll also find that you become familiar with commonly used apothecaryworthy ingredients, too, such as plant-based essential oils, carrier oils, salts, butters, waxes and clays – plus any vital rules of use.

Notice how your knowledge of plants increases accordingly. There are, for instance, optimum times to pick leaves, flowers, stems and roots, which requires a greater awareness of the seasons, plant morphology (see page 92) and plant anatomy (see page 88). Buds and flowers are best harvested just as they are opening, leaves often before a plant is in full bloom (although there are exceptions), and roots or bulbs in autumn or spring when the energy of the plant remains below ground. Some ‘magical’ potions may also require picking herbs in tune with the moon, or as part of an intention-setting ritual.

Most of all, learn to trust your instincts and enjoy the unfurling of your wisdom as you become more familiar with aromas, flavours, various medicinal properties and indeed your own senses through plant identification, remedy preparation, aromatherapy or massage. Remedy your way to better health and wellbeing, and enhanced beauty and a more restful home will most likely follow.

Opposite The 1224 Arabic edition of De Materia Medica by Greek physician and botanist Pedanius Dioscorides (c. 40–90 CE) shows two physicians harvesting a medicinal plant.

THE HEALING POWER OF PLANTS CROWN CHAKRA I understand

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Lavender flower and Lotus

THIRD EYE

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I see Chamomile, Mint, Eyebright, Juniper, Mugwort, Poppy, Rosemary, Lavender

THROAT CHAKRA I speak

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Blue cypress, Red clover, Coltsfoot, Peppermint, Sage, Lemongrass, Lemon balm

HEART CHAKRA

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I love Eucalyptus, Cayenne, Hawthorn berry, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Rose, Basil, Sage, Thyme, Coriander, Fennel

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SOLAR CHAKRA

1 SACRAL CHAKRA

I do

I feel Lemon, Rosemary, Anika, Celery, Cinnamon, Lily of the valley, Marshmallow, Mint, Ginger, Melissa, Turmeric, Cumin, Fennel

ROOT CHAKRA I am Dandelion root, Ginger, Elderflower, Burdock, Cloves, Clover, Rosemary, Horseradish, Hot paprika, Chives, Cayenne, Carrots, Potatoes, Parsnips, Radishes, Onions, Garlic, Pepper

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Hibiscus, Calendula, Coriander, Fennel, Gardenia, Licorice, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Carob, Sweet paprika, Sesame seeds, Caraway seeds, Sandalwood

THE HEALING POWER OF PLANTS

Of the many connections between plants and people, one of the most ancient and vital is the use of plants to heal, leading to millennia of remedies for health, wellbeing and beauty, and paving the way for much of modern medicine.

At its most ancient, the medicinal properties of plants are believed to have been harnessed by early Prehistoric hominids using local specimens or those accessed by a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Around three million years later, Kew’s second State of the World’s Plants report (2017) stated that some 28,187 known plant species are recorded as being of medicinal use. Of these, 4,478 specimens are cited in a medicinal regulatory publication such as a modern pharmacopoeia, a significant enough amount to beg the much-debated question: how did humans discover all these wonderful properties?

The most obvious explanation is that humans must have discovered such medicinal herbs and the most therapeutic preparations of them empirically, through millennia of accidental discovery, observation and trial and error. The same premise would have applied to which plants could be eaten as foods. Indeed, many well-known medicinal herbs such as peppermint and rosemary have culinary properties, too.

The other route to the potential healing power of plants stems from the notion that people received this knowledge directly from plants. Such received wisdom was the result of communing with plant spirits, often via a traditional or spiritual healer such as a medicine person or shaman. It’s an abstract idea, but not without foundation.

Of the 4,478 medicinally regulated plants

Opposite According to Ancient Indian wisdom there are seven spiritual energy centres in the human body – the chakras. One way to support them is with therapeutic herbs.

in Kew’s report, many have curative qualities first rooted in the transcendental art rather the science of plant-based healing.

At the same time, those who work with plants or their derivatives – through gardening, cooking or, most relevantly, herbalism – will most probably report a certain amount of intuition where their usage is concerned, along with a boost in wellbeing from communing with nature.

Consider, too, the way in which plants affect us on a cellular level or in relation to certain body parts, organs or systems, resulting in physiological and emotional healing. This surely deserves room for a bit of magical thinking – the ultimate proof of just how connected plants and people are.

Whichever school of thought you subscribe to, plants are undeniably linked to human survival, longevity and quality of life, from disease-busting drugs such as quinine (from Cinchona officinalis), painkillers such as morphine (from Papaver somniferum) and circulation-boosters such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) to multi-tasking herbs such as lavender (Lavandula spp.)

– relaxant, skin tonic and antibacterial among its talents.

Modern medicine is vital to the treatment of many life-threatening diseases or conditions, but time-honoured practices such as herbalism, aromatherapy, Chinese herbalism and Ayurveda also have their place, not least by empowering people to self-heal (for minor ailments at least), prevent rather than cure, potentially gather materials directly from nature and, importantly, treat body and mind holistically for optimal health, wellbeing and happiness – chakras be open, all praise to the botanical world . . .

BOTANICAL BOTANICAL REMEDIES REMEDIES

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MAKING PREPARATIONS One way to create a home apothecary is to gather together key tools plus some basic ingredients, including herbs, oils, waxes, butters, clays, salts, vinegars and honey. Another, more intuitive, way is to get out into your garden or the countryside and become more familiar with your botanical world. Take the route that works for you, savouring those moments where the real alchemy takes place: the satisfaction of plant identification, the creativity of preparing remedies, the power to enhance the human experience, the joy in communing with nature.

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MAKING PREPARATIONS

The home apothecary Basic ingredients

Herbs Medicinal herbs form the backbone of an apothecary, gathered sustainably from nature or sourced from a responsible supplier – read on to find herbs suitable for health, wellbeing, beauty and the home.

Essential oils Essential oils are also key to many herbal remedies and, of course, aromatherapy.

The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Sourcebook (2018) by leading British aromatherapist Julia Lawless, is an ideal introduction to their properties and uses.

Carrier oils Ideal for massage, ‘carrying’ essential oils onto skin or hair or whipping up into moisturising ‘butter’, experiment with grapeseed, sweet almond, avocado, coconut, argan, castor, macadamia nut, rosehip, sesame, olive, wheatgerm or black seed oils.

Clays Use clay as a base for masks to help absorb impurities and soothe and heal skin. Choose from bentonite, fuller’s earth, kaolin, French green or Moroccan rhassoul clay, depending on skin type or condition.

Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can help aid digestion, improve immunity, soothe skin and increase mineral absorption. It can also be used to make alcohol-free tinctures. Neutralising white vinegar is ideal for home cleaning.

Butters Plant-based butters can be melted, whipped or stirred into lotions, lip balms, salves, soaps and other bodycare recipes. Choose from commonly used shea or cocoa butter, or antioxidant mango.

Waxes Beeswax is a natural emollient and can help soften the skin. It is also useful as a thickener in recipes and is perfect for making scented candles.

Vegan alternatives include soy and candelilla wax.

Salts Dead sea salt, Epsom salts and Himalayan pink salt are all packed with soothing and detoxifying minerals. Gather a selection of these beneficial salts for making salt scrubs, salt soaks, bath tea and bath bombs.

Flower waters Flower waters (or hydrosols) are produced by distilling leaves, fruits, flowers or other plant materials and are useful for perfumes, skincare and cleaning recipes. Try lavender, rose, peppermint or chamomile.

Raw honey Raw honey is antibacterial, antifungal, packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and, when sourced locally, can help with pollen allergies. Use it in pastilles, elixirs, oxymels, teas or infusions, or apply topically to skin.

Opposite The most important element of a home apothecary is to really know your medicinal plants. Setting a space up to enable the gathering of this wisdom, and reflect who you are, can be a wonderful part of this journey.

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BOTANICAL REMEDIES The health edit

MY BOTANICAL WORLD . . .

t seems that as one begins to study herbs, the plant’s essence infuses ‘ Ione’s entire life with joy. People become happier, healthier, more in balance and in tune with their inner dreams. The beauty of the herbs work their gentle magic on the heart of the user.

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HEALTH

Rosemary Gladstar, Herbalist, Sage Mountain Retreat Center and Native Plant Preserve,Vermont

Makes 1 litre (4½ cups)

Fire cider vinegar

This is my favourite herbal vinegar, first concocted in the kitchen at the California School of Herbal Studies, where I taught between 1978 and 1987. I was constantly experimenting and concocting medicinal herbs into a variety of recipes; those that turned out well were shared freely with my students, our community, and later as I travelled around. The idea was to bring medicinal herbalism back into people’s kitchens, as part of their food and as a way of being, not just for medicinal purposes. The original formula contained garlic, onions, horseradish root, ginger root, hot peppers, sometimes turmeric, and often echinacea; all powerful immune-enhancers that help ward off infections, colds, flu and bronchial congestion. It’s an amazingly effective remedy for staying healthy in the winter and keeping colds and flu at bay and is delicious. Use it as a salad dressing, but be sure to save some for medicinal purposes.

1 medium onion, chopped 4–5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped 3–4 tbsp freshly grated ginger root 3–4 tbsp freshly grated horseradish root Up to 1 litre (4½ cups) apple cider vinegar (preferably unpasteurised) Honey, to taste Cayenne powder, to taste

Opposite The flower- and leaf-bearing rhizome of common ginger (Zingiber officinale) not only allows the plant to spread, it contains volatile oils including gingerol which deliver its warming aroma, flavour and therapeutic properties.

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Combine the onion, garlic, ginger, and horseradish in a widemouthed glass 1-litre (32-oz) jar and add enough warmed apple cider vinegar to cover them. (Warming the vinegar allows it to more actively draw the properties out of the herbs.)

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Place in a warm spot (near a sunny window is fine) and let sit for 3–4 weeks.

Strain, then discard the spent herbs. Now the fun part: Add honey and cayenne to taste. The finished product should taste lively, hot, pungent, and sweet.

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Take 1–2 tablespoons at the first sign of a cold, and repeat the dose every 3–4 hours until symptoms subside. To avoid garlic breath, chew a few parsley sprigs or anise, fennel, or dill seeds.

From Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar (Storey Publishing, 2012). Also see Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family (Storey Publishing, 2008)

MAKE THE CONNECTION

Find out more about Rosemary’s botanical world at www.sagemountain.com; @sagemountainherbal

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MY BOTANICAL WORLD . . .

botanical world consists of connecting with the plants wherever I go, from mugwort in the ‘ My cracks of city sidewalks to the majestic redwood cathedral of northern California – I take time to send my love to the plants. Before I harvest any plant I offer it some tobacco and then connect to the plant spirit, asking if and how it would like to work with me. I ask these questions through song or meditation – whichever feels more appropriate for that specific plant. I began working with plant spirit medicine a decade ago and still have so much to learn. I’m grateful to be a student of Mother Earth in this way.

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WELLBEING

Makes 1 ritual bath

Deborah Hanekamp, Mama Medicine, New York

Inner radiance ritual bath In spiritual practices all over the world, bath rituals serve as a form of rebirth, cleansing, and healing.

We unify with the sacred waters for detoxification, regeneration, and clarity. As we bathe, we’re taking a moment to reflect, set intention, and wash away old habits and patterns that no longer serve our highest good, all while making our skin sing from the inside out. I was personally introduced to ritual bathing during my shamanic studies traveling back and forth from the Peruvian Amazon over the course of eight years. Working with plants, plant spirits, crystals, and mantras I came up with a recipe that would nourish the mind, body, and spirit in one sacred bath. Practise once a week as a special treat to honor yourself and your total beauty.

For the altar A candle you love Rose quartz crystal A flower that represents beauty to you For the bath 160g (2 cups) dried calendula flowers Lemon balm tea 100g (1 cup) cacao powder 520g (2 cups) pink Himalayan salt 250ml (1 cup) red wine vinegar (recommended) or apple cider vinegar 160g (2 cups) fresh or dried pink rose petals Raw local honey White sage

Note You can steep dried calendula flowers, lemon balm tea and cacao powder together in a tea prior to the bath, then add the brew to your tub. Or toss them all in as is for a pretty (albeit messy) bath.

Opposite Rose (Rosa), calendula (Calendula officinalis), sacred sage (Salvia apiana) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) come together with healing crystals, salts, cacao and honey to bring radiance back to the self.

Create a sacred space Make a small altar near the tub using a candle, a rose quartz crystal, a flower, and any other personal power items that represent beauty to you.

Perform the ritual Set up your altar and combine all the bath ingredients in your tub.

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Cover yourself head-to-toe in raw local honey (yes, even your hair!), then light a piece of white sage with the flame from your altar candle and burn it around your entire body, even under the soles of your feet (lifting your feet to do so).

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As you stand there naked, covered in honey, burn sage around you and take a moment to ask yourself if there are any outdated, untrue, or unkind beliefs you’ve held about yourself.

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After letting the honey set into the skin for 7 minutes, step into the bath.

Practise a type of yogic breathing called Kapalabhati (shining skull breath) by exhaling from the nostrils, inhaling three-quarters of capacity and then taking at least eight quick, sharp, forceful exhales through the nose. Repeat three times.

Then say this mantra at least three times: I am precious, I am worthy, I am beautiful, I am.

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Close your eyes and soak for as long as you’d like in the powerful energy you’ve created.

When you’re done with the bath, blow out the candle to signify the close of the ritual, and enjoy all its beautiful benefits.

MAKE THE CONNECTION

Find out more about Deborah’s botanical world at www.mamamedicine.nyc; @mamamedicine

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WELLBEING

Makes up to 4 bath treatments

Nicola Cunningham, Stem Apothecary, London

Breathe in the forest salt bath and balm The forest is a place close to my heart, a place where I can breathe so deeply. To recreate this breathe-easy aromatic experience at home, combine woody and uplifting oils with remineralising Epsom salts and add to the bath. Let all their medicinal goodness sink in while you lie back and let your mind wander through the woods.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is ideal for its immune-boosting and vasoconstrictive properties, helpful for easing conditions such as varicose veins.

Pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a natural pain reliever, which can help clear congestion and is naturally uplifting.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) provides the perfect top note, a synergy of zest and earth and is also a tissue toner, eases muscles, and lifts and energises the nerves.

While vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) has a musky earthy aroma that can only come from the ground and has centring and relaxing properties, which can help relieve anxiety and provide a protective forcefield for sensitive souls.

For cold spells or to help relieve symptoms of a chest infection, finish with a chest rub of frankincense (Boswellia carteri), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus smithii), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and wheatgerm oils to help loosen mucus, support and strengthen immunity and bring lasting woody warmth.

Notes If you are pregnant, it is not recommended to use any essential oils other than mandarin. Please also note that pine essential oil can raise blood pressure with prolonged use. Do not use with clinically high blood pressure. In addition, rosemary essential oil should be avoided if you suffer from epilepsy. Consult your doctor or an aromatherapy practitioner before beginning if you have concerns.

MAKE THE CONNECTION

Find out more about Nicola’s botanical world at www.stemapothecarystore.com; @stem_apothecary 288

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Breathe in the forest salt bath 5 drops of cypress essential oil 3 drops of vetiver essential oil 8 drops of pine essential oil 4 drops of lemongrass essential oil 100g (scant ½ cup) Epsom salts

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Add the oils to the salt and mix well in a bowl.

Decant into a sterilised 100g (3.5oz) glass jar with a lid and store in a cool, dry place.

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To best absorb the benefits use about 25g (1oz/a small handful) per bath and soak for 30 minutes.

Breathe in the forest chest balm Makes 1 x 28-g (1-oz) jar or tin 1 tbsp beeswax beads 1 tbsp wheatgerm oil 5 drops of frankincense essential oil 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil 2 drops of rosemary essential oil

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Melt the beeswax in a bain marie, add the wheatgerm oil and stir well.

R emove from the heat, add the essential oils and stir well again.

Pour into a small, sterilised 28-g (1-oz) ointment jar or non-reactive tin and leave to cool.

Once cooled, seal with a lid and use in the morning or evening as required.

Opposite Breathe in the Forest Bath provides an aromatic portal to enchanting forest realms such as Hoh Rain Forest’s verdant cathedral of ancient moss- and fern-covered deciduous and coniferous trees in Olympic National Park, USA.

MY BOTANICAL WORLD . . .

smells for a reason. We must learn to read with our noses for the benefit of our health. ‘ Everything Just like our tastebuds, our sense of smell will lead us to what our body does and doesn’t need.

A few years ago I couldn’t bear the scent of clary sage, but as I mature I am beginning to like it.

It will have something that my body can now use. Throughout life we have different needs and we can find the plants to help us at any stage in our life. Plants can be a forcefield if we use and respect them wisely. Here on Earth animals and plants rely on each other chemically and can nurture each other full circle.

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