ADVENT GIFT - Plants

Teal Jasperware I by Sea Dean here

“Eat your vegetables!” We’ve all heard our mothers say that when we were children and its certainly a good idea to eat as many varieties as we can, but there are also other ways to use plants. Our planet is called the blue green planet for a good reason, greenery is everywhere and from early cave man to modern man we have explored this gift. It is one of the natural gifts we all have access to.

My grandmothers on both sides used natural healing remedies made from plants. This was partly due to things not being available in wartime but also because they were carrying on family tradition. I've also studied natural extracts and although I visit a regular doctor and use pharmaceuticals, I like to leave all possibilities open.

Natural remedies can be cheaper, work more effectively and with fewer side effects, especially if you nurture the ingredients yourself. The problem for drug companies is that they can’t be patented.

I have sensitive skin and occasionally have flare ups, so when I came across this soothing salve I was thrilled. Tea Tree and Lavendar have excellent healing properties and the other ingredients work symbiotically. Another idea is adding a few drops to your regular shampoo, hand soap, conditioner, or even vaseline, which is less trouble and a faster alternative. It isn't a good idea to use pure oil extracts without a carrier though because they can be too intense and burn.


HOMEMADE SALVE

1. Warm oil in a double boiler or in a pot over very low heat. Using medium or high is volatile and destroys natural properties.

2. Slowly add bits of beeswax and melt gently.

3. Add honey and stir until smooth.

4. Add lavender and calendula and keep warm for at least half an hour - longer will allow more healing properties to transfer.

5. Cool to room temperature and add the tea tree and lavender oil.

6. Stir and pour into a jar. It will set to a gel like consistency.

7. The salve will keep for a year, or longer in the freezer.
Ingredients

• 4 tsp olive oil
• 4 tsp coconut oil
• 3 tsp dried lavender
• 3 tsp dried calendula
• 2 Tbsp beeswax equals 2-3 oz. if using bars
• 1/2 Tbsp raw honey
• 5 drops tea tree oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil 
• one or more small glass jars

I am not a doctor and published remedies are not a substitute for a doctor's advice or a prescription. Use at your own risk.