Make It Yourself Monday - A Cold Remedy

It's that time of year when every other person you pass is sneezing and coughing. Even if you properly wash your hands and try to stay away from the sickies, in all likelihood you will still end up, sometime or the other, with the cold/flu bug in your home. When this happens, there are some things that you can do to make the symptoms more bearable. Today I want to share a home made cough drop recipe with you. While I did not create this recipe (and I do not sell this product), I have had it in my recipe box for several years. I am not sure who to credit with it, but it is a good recipe for sure!  

One really great thing about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time, so you can be prepared. Additionally, you can easily change up the flavor profile, adapting it to your preferences. I have listed some alternative ingredients, as well as the reasons they may be good choices, but before cutting or changing ingredients, you should know that; lemon has antiseptic properties and has been noted to help open the air passageways, as well as reduce phlegm. And honey is a natural humectant, which means that it draws moisture (goodbye dry, scratchy throat), and it has antiseptic qualities, while also being a bacteria inhibitor. Actually, these two ingredients are often used in commercial cough drops and other throat soothing products, because of their natural properties, not simply for their flavoring. In other words....leave them  in the recipe if there is any way you can. 

LEMON  DROPS

1 3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup honey

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 tsp. lemon extract

1/2 cup water

Line a baking pan (9x9) with foil, making sure that the foil goes all the way up the sides of the pan, or you will be sorry! Then, butter the sides of a 2 quart saucepan. Combine the corn syrup, sugar, honey, and water in the pan. Cook over a medium-high heat until the mixture boils. Make sure that you stir constantly, in order to dissolve the sugar and keep it from burning. This usually takes about five minutes, give or take a few minutes. Once the sugar is dissolved, turn the heat down to medium and continue cooking at a light boil. Stir occasionally. Once it reaches the soft crack stage (which is 290 degrees F. on a candy thermometer), keep cooking for 20 more minutes, still stirring occasionally. 

Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Stir it occasionally, as it cools, for the next 2-3 minutes, then add the lemon. **If you are going to add any other vitamins or herbs, add them at this point**  Then pour the mixture into the foil-lined pan to finish cooling. As it cools (another 3-10 minutes), it is a good idea to use a spatula and mark some "break" lines into the drops. Make squares in the size you want, remembering that they are for individual-size portions. These marks will stay when the mixture is completely set up, making it easier to portion correctly and consistently. If your marks do not stay, it means that the mixture is still too hot and needs more cooling time, just wait a while and  try it again. Once properly marked, let the pan sit overnight then use the foil to lift it out of the pan. Break the pieces apart along your marks then package them in individual candy wrappers or wax paper. Make sure to twist each end tightly, then put all of the wrapped pieces into a large baggie or a paper bag. This recipe will make from 100-200 pieces, depending upon the size that you mark and break. They will last from 6-8 months, when properly wrapped and stored.

**To make this recipe more holistic and herbal you can add one each of the  

following; zinc, vitamin C, echinacea, and goldenseal. If these are in tablet form, finely crush them before adding, if in capsules, just pull apart and drop the inner content into your mixture. 

Of course you could also change up this recipe by either substituting (for the lemon), or just by adding an herb or two (some essential oils are ok too) to the lemon.

*when using fresh herbs, it is probably best to infuse them into the liquid portion of the recipe, but you can also finely chop them. 

*You may also substitute a food-safe flavoring oil, however you will NOT receive any of the benefits listed for that flavor. The way in which they are created destroys their natural benefits.

*If you plan to use essential oils, you MUST be aware of, and familiar with, the warnings, as well as the necessary dilution rate (which are not provided for you here). 

*If you are not familiar with the proper use of essential oils in edible products, you should NOT attempt to use them in this recipe.

If you want, you may add another herb/spice (in addition) to the lemon. Basil, bay, bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lime, orange, rosemary, vanilla, all blend well with lemon.

If you would like to substitute another herb/spice for the lemon, you may want to consider one of the following;

-Basil has a beneficial action on the respiratory tract, and is often used for asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs and sinus infections. It blends well with; black pepper, ginger, geranium, grapefruit, lavender and lemon. 

-Black Pepper has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, and is good for coughs, colds and flus. It blends well with bergamot, clary sage, coriander, fennel, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, nutmeg, and rosemary. 

-Ginger is good for colds and flu, congestion, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats,   fever and chills. It does have a slight warming affect, so be extra cautious in the amount that you add. It blends well with; basil, black pepper, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, coriander, eucalyptus, geranium, lemon, lime, orange, rose, rosemary, spearmint, and vanilla. 

-Geranium is good for sore throats and tonsillitis, and blends well with; basil, grapefruit, lavender, lime, orange, and rosemary.

-Grapefruit is good for colds, flu, and headaches and blends well with; basil, black pepper, geranium, lavender, lime, and lemon.

-Lavender is good for bronchitis, asthma, colds, laryngitis, and throat infections. It will blends well with everything, so use your imagination.

-Lemongrass is good for sore throats, laryngitis, and fever as well as  indigestion and gastroenteritis. It blends well with; basil, bergamot, black Pepper, clary Sage, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange, rose, and vanilla.

-Lime is good fevers, colds, sore throats, flu, coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis and  asthma. It blends well with; basil, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, peppermint, rose, rosemary, and spearmint. 

-

-Margoram, an antiseptic and calming agent

-Eucalyptus, an antiseptic and calming agent, good for bronchitis, colds, flu, headaches, sinusitis sore throats, and throat infections. The antiseptic properties in the essential oil increase with age. 

-Orange (Sweet) is good for colds, flu, and fever, blending well with; basil, black Pepper, cinnamon, ginger, clary Sage, lavender, lime, peppermint, and  spearmint.

-Peppermint, an antiseptic, expectorant and a muscle relaxant, so it is good for   

dry coughs, sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, as well as   bad breath (in case you want to make breath drops along with the throat drops). Peppermint blends well with; basil, black pepper, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, lime, orange, and rosemary.

-Rose (use pure essential oil or untreated rose petals to infuse the water) posses anti-infectious, antiseptic, antiviral, and bactericidal properties that help with asthma, headaches, and coughs. It blends well with; bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, lavender, lemon, and madarin.  

-Rosemary is an antiseptic and works well for respiratory track issues, including asthma and bronchitis. It blends well with; basil, bay, black pepper, chamomile, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lime, lemon, lemongrass, peppermint, rose and spearmint.

-Spearmint. While spearmint has properties of a local anesthetic, an antiseptic, a decongestant and an expectorant which can benefit fevers, headaches, asthma, bronchitis and colds, its effects are less powerful than those of peppermint. For this reason, spearmint may be better in children's products. It blends well with; basil, lavender, peppermint and rosemary.  

-Thyme is frequently used in commercial applications of mouthwash, gargles, toothpastes and cough drops because of its analgesic, antifungal,  anti-infectious, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and antiseptic properties. It is good for bronchitis, chills, colds, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. It blends well with; bergamot, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, marjoram, and rosemary.  

There may be a few more, but these the ones that popped into my mind to begin with. While I hope that you won't need them this year, I wish you luck making these flavored drops! 

Teaching Tuesdays - Steaming for Your Health

As you probably are aware, there are several different ways to reap the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. If you want more information about these various methods you can read this old post.
One fast, simple, inexpensive, yet effective, method is to inhale them, and this is what I want to focus on today. Inhalation can be accomplished in a few different ways. Perhaps the easiest way is to simply place five drops of your oil choice(s) on a tissue or a cotton ball, then sniff for five minutes. Of course you can always diffuse oil(s) in a burner or a light ring, but this will disperse scent throughout a room, and is perhapse better suited for mood altering treatments rather than acute treatments. Another inhalation method is steam. Steam can be used for both the aromatherapy benefits and/or skin care treatments. For acute issues, such as headaches or cough and congestion due to colds, steam is an excellent delivery system [for the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils]. The oils are carried deeply and immediately into the lungs, as well as being absorbed through the skin pores. As part of routine skin care, steam should be used once a week because it deep cleans the face. It opens the skins' pores, extracts impurities, and increases the blood circulation to facial capillaries. There are several combinations of essential oils to benefit various types of skin issues, and skin types. See this old post for some recipes and suggestions. For today however, I want to concentrate on acute issues that can be relieved by utilizing the steam method of inhalation.

To begin with, let's understand how to prepare, and then how to use a steam. Take one gallon of spring or distilled water and place it in a pan, heat until it is almost brought to a boil. Set out a glass bowl large enough to hold the water. While your water is heating, prepare your oil blend in a small glass dish/cup. Do not use metal as it may cause an unwated chemical reaction. Know that heat breaks down some essential oils, therefore you may need to allow the water to cool slightly before you mix in those oils,in order to maintain their full therapeutic value. Once the water is properly heated and the recipe prepared, carefully pour into your glass bowl. You will then need to place a towel over your head and lean your face over the bowl, keeping about 12 inches away from the water. Relax as you breath in the vapors and your skin absorbs the steam. Make sure that you exercise extreme caution so that you don't scald your skin. When you first breath in, if the inside of your nose feels like it is burning, uncover and wait a few minutes for the water to cool down before you try again.

Now that you are all prepared, I have listed some essential oils to help you get you started. These lists are by no means all inclusive, they are not even all that I have categorized in my personal notebook. But, since there are over 300 known essential oils, I had to pare it down!  Just be sure to use only therapeutic grade essential oils. While you can blend several oils together, you will want to keep the total drops to about 8-10 per gallon of water. Until you get comfortable with mixing essential oils, I suggest that you use equal parts of the oils that you select. The combinations are endless, so use what smells good to you, and learn what works best for you. 

ESSENTIAL OILS

For Headache Relief                                                                

Lavender                                                                                   

Blue Chamomile                                                                        

Eucalyptus                                                                                 

Grapefruit                                                                                  

Jasmine                                                                                     

Marjoram                                                                                   

Peppermint                                                                                  

Rosewood                                                                                   

Red Thyme                                                                                 

Rosemary     

  For Cough Relief  

All Spice

Rosemary

Eucalyptus  

Tea Tree

 Red Thyme

Sandalwood  

Black Pepper                                                                        

Angelica Root

Jasmine

Rosewood

                                             For Migraine Headache Relief                                             

    Angelica Root                                                                               

     Basil                                                                                                 

     Clary Sage                                                                                   

     Citronella                                                                                        

     Peppermint                                                                                   

     Valerian                                                                                          

For Sinus Headache Relief

 Lavender

 Eucalyptus   

 Spearmint 

 Peppermint 

 Rosemary 

 Cardamom

 Bronchitis Relief

  Cedarwood

  Angelica Root

  Cypress

  Myrr

  Hyssop

  Frankincense

  Lemon

  Lime

  Rosemary

  All Spice

                           Eucalyptus  *Not for children* 

                                                                                      

      For Congestion associated w/ colds and flus                                   

Marjoram

Ginger

Grapefruit                                                                      

Patchouli

Tea Tree

Asthma Relief

Clove

Cypress                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Eucalyptus                                                                

Fennel

Frankincense

Myrtle

Myrrh

Hyssop

Pine                                                                        

Rose                                                                                                                                                                     Tea Tree                                                                           

Red Thyme                                              

For Sinusitis Relief

Cajeput

Camphor

Tea Tree

Red Thyme

 * Clary Sage- for Whooping Cough  

 *Cedarwood is good for respiratory infections                                                                                                                                               

**Please read this page for an important disclaimer and warnings related to essential oils**                                                         

*Essential oils have several indications, and can accomplish multiple outcomes. While I have narrowed the lists to only address these few acute ailments, each oil fits onto several lists, in several categories. For instance,  Eucalyptus is an antiseptic, antiviral, deodorant, and has insecticidal properties. It also fights mental fatigue. Tea Tree works well for sinus relief, sore throats, and chest-colds, and is an excellent inhalant for asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions, yet it also works well as a topical antiseptic for skin injuries, and in rubs for arthritis. Lemon Grass has invigorating and antiseptic properties, is an  anti-depressant, and tones and fortifies the nervous system. In a bath it is used for soothing muscular nerves and pains. And, while Ginger rids the body of flu-type symptoms and respiratory ailments, it is also a good stimulant and cleanser. So, as you can see, the blending of oils can be quite intricate.  Even a simple, one or two ingredient steam can offer you several benefits.
                 

To illustrate my point, consider the Rosemary Peppermint Facial Steam. It is used as a facial steam to                                     open the skins' pores and extract impurities. In fact, it is highly recommended for skin with acne problems.  However, this steam will also clear the sinuses, alleviate headaches,  and reduce bronchitis, cold and flu symptoms. It also helps relieve muscle spasms. So, if you happen to have a cold or headache, using this steam for your weekly skin care treatment, will make you feel better and cleanse your skin at the same time. Many birds, one stone!  If you want to make this recipe, simply add 4 drops of peppermint and 4 drops of rosemary essential oils to the water, but make sure that you allow the water to cool slightly before doing so. Steam for 10 minutes before patting the skin dry.

Reach for the Spice Rack Instead of the Medicine Cabinet

Long before commercial medicines, herbs, spices and their volitile oils (called essential oils) were used to treat ailments. If researched, you would find that most of todays medicines have their roots in plants, pardon the pun. Some still actually use plant materials, while others recreate plant ingredients synthetically. Still, the spice rack in your kitchen can double for the medicine cabinet if you know what you are doing! Try these spicy remedies the next time you have need, and avoid the pahrmacy.


Cayenne has an ingredient in it that iterferes with pain transmission, capsaicin. This makes cayenne the perfect spice for relieving a toothache. Take the cayenne and make a paste out if it by adding a few drops of water to a teaspoon full of cayenne. Then dip a cotton swab into the paste and dab onto the affected tooth. Make sure that you put it on the tooth and NOT the gum.

Cinnamon can help ease diarrhea, as well as dry up the sniffles. For either, just take a teaspoon of cinnamon and add one cup of boiling water, steep for fifteen minutes. After the fifteen minutes, strain it and drink.

Ginger is great for almost any upset stomach, including morning sickness and motion sickness. In fact, it has been proven to be as effective for motion sickness as any over-the-counter remedy. Make a tea from it by adding one teaspoon to one cup of boiling water. Steep for fifteen minutes, strain and drink.

Sage will help reduce the hot flashes and night sweats of menopause if you drink a cup of its tea three times a day. Add 3/4 teaspoon of sage to one cup of boiling water. Steep for ten minutes, strain and drink.

Thyme is an effective expectorant and antispetic, as it is rich in germ-killing compounds. For a cough remedy, add one teaspoon dried thyme to one cup of boiling water. Steep for ten minutes, strain, and drink. For sore throats; brew two teaspoons of thyme in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Gargle with the brew, then spit it out.

Wrap It Up!

The Basics of Body Wrapping

While the treatments listed here are more time consuming than some of the facial or hair treatments, they are well worth the indulgence! In addition to the physical benefits brought forth by the various ingredients used, the rewarding spiritual effects cannot be ignored. So go ahead and wrap yourself in the ocean's best and emerge like a new creation, a mermaid perhaps?

Tips to Enhance Your Treatment

Prior to a treatment, make sure that you remove all lotion, perfume, deodorant, and dirt by taking a quick shower. It will be better if use a non-perfumed soap (an all natural soap is best, but a mild one will do). Warming the tools , towels, sheets and wrap ingredients will help with your body's heat retention, thus enhancing your experience. To this end, use of a space heater is also recommended. Placing it near your relaxation area will not only prolong the heat of the wrap for as long as possible, but it will increase your comfort level. You can further intensify your treatment, as well as raise your body's temperature by sipping on some hot herbal tea before your treatment. The cotton strips or sheet that you use to wrap should be immersed in water that is approximately 180 degrees F or 82 degrees C. Wearing rubber gloves to wring out the sheets will help you avoid burning your fingers. Begin by wrapping the strips snugly around your legs, then your arms, and lastly your torso. Make sure to tuck the ends of the strip under a wrapped area nearby to ensure a snug fit. Once you are finished, lay yourself on a plastic sheet (or a shower curtain) and wrap yourself up in it, then cover yourself with blankets, as this will help to maintain the warmth and heat helps activate your treatment. Once you are finished wrapping, put on a warm robe and sit and relax for 20 minutes, unless otherwise directed. Keep in mind that it is very important that you do NOT attempt any physical activity immediately after your treatment. It is usually best to slowly remove the strips and simply roll into bed after relaxation type wraps. Showering shortly after many treatment is not recommended, so please do so only if the recipe specifically mentions it in the instructions.

Recipes/Directions

To get prepared, select your relaxation spot, such as your bed, the bathtub or a lounge chair, then place the plastic sheet or shower curtain liner on it. Set up the space heater next to it and turn it on. Place blankets nearby.

Relaxation Wrap

1 Cup fresh, chopped, chamomile OR 1/2 Cup dried chamomile 1 Cup fresh, grated valerian root OR 1/2 Cup dried valerian root 1 Cup fresh, crushed lavender OR 1/2 Cup dried lavender 1 cotton or linen sheet cut into 3" wide strips 1 large pot for boiling water (a lobster or spaghetti pot works well) 1 plastic shower curtain liner or plastic sheet blankets Place the herbs in a large pot and fill with water, then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for five minutes. With a strainer, scoop out as many of the herbs as possible. Then place the sheet strips in the pot and allow to steep for five minutes. Once your five minutes is up, remove the strips one at a time, as you use them, and wring out the excess water. Proceed to wrap yourself as described above, making sure to cover and relax for 10 minutes, after which you should remove the strips slowly and roll on into bed. Valerian has been used since ancient Roman times as a mild sedative, and is used today as a mild sleep aid and anxiety reliever. Chamomile offers calming and anti-spasmodic properties, while lavender lends its balancing, relaxing, and restorative properties, all of which combine to make this wrap the perfect end to a stressful day. Using this wrap just prior to bedtime will maximize its effectiveness, as will delaying washing until the next morning.

Detoxifying Wrap

1 Cup fresh, chopped lemongrass OR 1/2 Cup dried lemongrass 1 3" long piece of grated or minced ginger root 1 large pot for boiling 1 cotton or linen sheet cut into 3" wide strips 1 plastic sheet or shower curtain liner blankets place the lemongrass and the ginger in a large pot and filled with water. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit for another 5 minutes. Scoop out as much of the herbs as possible, then place the sheet strips in the pot and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the strips one at a time, as you use them, and wring out the excess water. Apply as instructed in the tip section above. Once completely wrapped, cover with blankets and relax for 15 minutes. After you remove the wrap strips, shower off. Ginger has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for over 2,500 years for its medicinal properties. It has been found to rid the body of flu-like symptoms, colds, and respiratory ailments, while the scent of lemongrass uplifts and rejuvenates moods. Lemongrass has tonic, invigorating and antiseptic properties, while ginger offers stimulating and cleansing effects, which makes this wrap perfect for part of your morning ritual.

Remineralizing Wrap

8 oz dried or powdered seaweed OR 3oz fresh seaweed water (enough to make a paste) 2 Plastic sheet or shower curtain liner blankets This wrap is probably best executed in the bathtub for ease of cleanup. Put a blanket (or blankets, enough so that you are comfortable) on the bottom of the tub, then set the plastic sheet or shower curtain liner on top of the blanket(s). While sitting in the tub, on top of the plastic, cover yourself with the seaweed past or the fresh seaweed, then wrap yourself with a plastic sheet and blankets. Relax for 20 minutes, then slowly unwrap yourself, remove the blankets and sheets from the tub, fill with warm water and relax for an additional 10 minutes. After the treatment pat your skin dry, and don't forget to moisturize. *Make sure that you use the space heater for this treatment. Seaweed wraps are a quick way to remineralize the body while replenishing the body with nutrients and elements that are lost on a daily basis, such as amino-acids, calcium, copper, iodine, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, protein, and vitamins. The molecular formation of the human blood cell and that of seawater is very similar, which allows nutrients from the seawater to easily filter through the pores of the skin and directly into the bloodstream. The most popular type of seaweed used for cosmetic and healing purposes is kelp, which is the common name for the leafy brown algae that grows along colder coastlines. Although using fresh seaweed is optimal, a seaweed powder (mixed with enough water to create a mayonnaise-like paste) will give you equally satisfying results.

I am Jazzed on Essential Oils

I have joined with several other bloggers to help advertise for each other during this holiday shopping season. An experiment of sorts, thought of by the owner of neat-o-stuff. So, today the featured shop is - www.maryzoom.etsy.com
Please check her out! Sunday is going to be the feature day for Unique Garden, so be on the look out!

*The majority of this post has been deleted due to my impending book

ESSENTIAL OILS

-GINGER essential oil is a hot, spicy, and sweet fragrance. While not an irritant, in high concentrations it can be. It is also slightly phototoxic, so avoid use on the face and neck, and on babies and children. make sure that you use a low dilution rate, no more than 1%.



-GRAPEFRUIT has a citrusy, floral, and fruity scent. Grapefruit should not be used while pregnant. It is generally nonirritating, however some people are sensitive, so use with caution.


-HYSSOP essential oil is a sweet, yet camphoraceous scent, with warm adn spicy notes. This oil is moderately toxic due to the pinocamphone content and has caused a few reactions in some individuals, so use with caution. It should only be used in moderation. It should be avoided in pregnancy and by epileptics. It is also contraindicated in cases of high blood pressure.

-JASMINE has a very intense, rich, warm, floral scent with a tea-like undertone. ...... its use during pregnancy is not recommended. Although generally a non-irritant, some people have reported allergic reactions.



-JUNIPER has a fresh, clear, slightly woody scent. ..... be avoided during pregnancy and by people with kidney problems ......