Natural Remedies for your Non-Medicine Cabinet: August Edition

On the first of every month, I share a home remedy that you can keep in your medicine cabinet. I've been sharing these remedies in the Holistic American Health Academy (HAHA) and decided to share them here too!

The aim of this monthly "challenge" is to gradually create a holistic at home medicine cabinet that can support your health during any time of the year. Several over the counter medicines have been shown to damage our liver, gut or block Glutathione production which is a very powerful antioxidant that naturally occurs int he body. Unlike over-the-counter medication, natural remedies aid in our long-term health while also preventing illness.

After the monthly natural remedy "challenge" you will find bonus material that consists of a Bach Flower remedy. The natural remedy is to support your physical health while the Bach Flower remedy supports your mental and emotional health.

To know more about Bach Flower Remedies, go here.

To learn more about the Holistic American Health Academy or become a member go here.

Disclaimer: These natural remedies are not a substitute for medical care especially in the case of emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or serious illness, please consult with your doctor. This post may contain affiliate links.

August's Natural Remedy: Lavender Infused Grapeseed Oil

This month’s remedy features a homemade product to support your skin health from possible sun damage and over exposure while supplying several health benefits. This combination of ingredients protects you from both pre and post sun exposure, improved skin health and fights signs of aging.

Let's Get Started!  👇

DIY Lavender Infused Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil benefits:

·       Anti-inflammatory

·       Antimicrobial

·       Antioxidant

·       Natural SPF

Grapeseed oil also contains vitamin E which is found in our natural skin sebum and defends our skin cells against damage.

Lavender benefits:

·       Heals from burns, cuts, rashes, and acne

·       Collagen production

·       Tones Skin

·       Soothes sun burn

·       Fights free radicals

·       Anti-microbial

What you will need:

2 Mason Jars

Mesh strainer (or cheesecloth)

Funnel(s) 1 large (needed) one small (optional)

Grapeseed oil

Dried lavender

Dropper bottles (optional)

You can purchase dried lavender from a local apothecary or order online if you don’t live near an apothecary. If you grow your own lavender and would like to use it go for it! If you plan on using your own homegrown lavender and have never used it to make an oil infusion before there are a couple things you need to know.

Whenever you make an infused oil with any herb, the herb NEEDS to be dry to avoid mold production during the infusion process. But before you get to drying you need to harvest your lavender first by cutting (not picking) the stem just above the first leaves towards the bottom. You can do this at any time during its growth process but most herbalist would tell you to harvest just before or right after the flowers open because this is when the blooms smell the best. The best time of day to harvest is after the morning dew has dried from the plant.

The amount of oil you plan to make depends on how much lavender you want to harvest. You could harvest and dry all of it at once, so you have some on hand for the future. For the oil, I use the entire stem, leaves and flower. You want to have enough dry lavender to fill your mason jar at least half-way to ¾ of the way full, so how much lavender you will need depends on the size of your mason jar.  

Once you’ve harvested your lavender there are a few different ways you can dry it.

1.     Lay them flat and allow them to dry for several days (check every few days for mold)

2.     Tie the stems and hang dry them upside down for several days

3.     Dry them in the oven on the lowest setting with the oven door slightly open for about 20-30 minutes.

Once the herbs are dry you can carefully chop the stems and flowers and store them in an air-tight container or make the oil infusion right away. 

Directions:

1.     Fill mason jar half-way to ¾ of the way full with dried lavender

2.     Fill the mason jar completely with grapeseed oil. Make sure the lavender is covered completely in the oil.

3.     Allow infusion to sit for 4-6 weeks

4.     After 4 weeks strain your infusion into another mason jar using a mesh strainer and funnel by placing the funnel into the empty mason jar and holding the mesh strainer above the funnel. Pour the oil into the mesh strainer and allow the infused oil to funnel into the mason jar. Discard remaining herbs.

If you don’t have a mesh strainer and would rather use a cheesecloth you can place the cheese cloth directly over the empty mason jar and pour your oil over the cheese cloth that will catch the herbs which you can then discard.

5.     You can either keep your oil infusion in the mason jar or transfer it into smaller bottles using a smaller funnel. See pictures below for a better visual.

6.     Be sure to label your jar along with the date. The shelf life is generally one year. 

BONUS MATERIAL

August’s Bach Flower Remedy: Agrimony “Communicate Openly”

Agrimony is for those who put on a brave face over inner constant stress and turmoil. They tend to turn away from the dark side of life rather than addressing it in a healthy way. Driven by restlessness they often turn to drugs, alcohol, or food as a distraction as well as finding ways to keep themselves constantly busy to avoid their minds from wandering. Agrimony types actively avoid confrontation and only identifies themselves with the cheerful side of their personality. This keeps agrimony types from unifying with their Higher Selves.

“Attempts are made to conceal torturing thoughts and inner restlessness behind a façade of cheerfulness and freedom from care.”-Bach Flower Therapy by Mechthild Scheffer

If you feel like you would benefit from Agrimony Remedy, you can find Agrimony remedy here.

Yours In Health,

Ashley CNP, CRM