naturopathic news, kitchen cupboard remedies and therapeutic herbal cream inspirations
I hope this message finds you well, and coping reasonably with this extreme heat. I write to update you with naturopathic news as well as send you a wonderful recipe for a therapeutic cream.Many readers may know that my lovely baby is now almost five months old and I am enjoying maternity leave (Please feel free to email me if you would like to see a photo!) Naturopath Sarah Harris is practicing in the clinic during my absence and is busy seeing patients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Sarah and I have regular clinical review meetings, and although I will return to practice and teaching next year, until then I would like to extend my confidence to you in her practice.
I continue to remain involved in the naturopathic industry, for the moment particularly in fertility and maternal health. Below is an article that will be published in Barefoot magazine in the New Year. Also, please keep an eye on the Herald Sun for the next few Saturdays, as there will be a piece about natural birthing options for women which I have contributed to. Lastly, I am currently writing a course in conjunction with Kerry Hampton of Wise Women business. It is an advanced course on natural health treatments for fertility and menstrual health.
Rest assured that I will continue to provide you with e-newsletters on a range of health concerns. For today however, I hope you enjoy the article about more homely matters!
By the way, I have stocked up the clinic with the luschious cream, so if the idea of making it seems too hard, and you would like to come and purchase some, please give Sarah a call.
Kitchen Cupboard Remedies
I have always enjoyed the earthy satisfaction of making herbal medicines from home and seeing the colourful preparations waiting for use in the cupboard. It brings me great joy to care for my unwell loved ones with these remedies and know that all of the ingredients are natural and therapeutically potent.
This satisfaction and pride is amplified now, as I support my 5 month old daughter through the little ailments that she encounters. To know that most of the things I use to treat her are simple and effective remedies made in the kitchen, either from my garden or herbal stockpile, fills me with so much pleasure. I also know that I am supporting her immune system with gentle organic preparations and thereby not exposing her to unnecessary chemicals.
Whilst I was pregnant, I made use of the last trimester’s nesting instincts and stocked up on many of the herbal remedies I thought I may use. One of the most enjoyable to make and most frequently used is Calendula cream. Many readers will know that Calendula cream is the bee’s knees in nappy rash treatment, but you may not know how to identify a cream of good therapeutic quality ingredients, and how easy and satisfying it is to make yourself. Once stocked up, you may also find out how marvellous Calendula cream is as an on-hand gift for the generous family and friends who help out in such a busy and astounding time in life.
This is a remedy that uses quality natural ingredients for both the therapeutic aspect and the base of the cream. It is actually more like an ointment, as the consistency is quite thick, so that it forms a barrier on the skin for rashes etc. There is one ingredient that is not natural and that is emulsifying wax. This helps the therapeutic ingredients penetrate the skin well, however it may be omitted and you can use more beeswax in its place.
Calendula CreamIngredients
250ml Almond Oil
250ml Almond Oil4 Cups of dried Calendula Officinalis flowers, finely chopped
25gms beeswax
20gms emulsifying wax
50mls rose water
5 drops citrus seed extract
1000iu capsule of vitamin E (contents only)
MethodPlace the dried calendula flowers in a stainless steel bowl and pour on the almond oil until it just covers the flowers. Put bowl on a gently simmering water bath and heat for two hours, or until the calendula becomes crisp. Stir occasionally but be careful not to burn the herb.
Place the dried calendula flowers in a stainless steel bowl and pour on the almond oil until it just covers the flowers. Put bowl on a gently simmering water bath and heat for two hours, or until the calendula becomes crisp. Stir occasionally but be careful not to burn the herb.Strain the herbs through muslin cloth and return the infused oil to the bowl over the simmering water bath. Add the beeswax and emulsifying wax and melt gently. Put some cold water in the sink and cool the bowl of oils in that. Whilst whisking gently, add the rose water, citrus seed extract and contents of the vitamin E capsule. As the cream thickens, pour into sterilised jars with the contents and date clearly labelled.
To sterilise jars, clean them thoroughly and place them in a moderately hot oven for 20 minutes. Wait until they cool and then use. The cream will keep for a year.
InstructionsTo be used for skin rash, infection, cuts and excema. Apply to affected part once to three times daily.
To be used for skin rash, infection, cuts and excema. Apply to affected part once to three times daily.I would like to acknowledge Kate O’dwyer of Kalorama Natural Therapies, for this recipe, and herbal inspirations.