Plant-Based Remedies You Can Make at Home

Do you like to take care of your health using natural products and home remedies? Here are some suggestions for herbal medications you can make yourself.

Elderberry Syrup

There are many known benefits of elderberry syrup. Elderberry is a rich source of anthocyanin antioxidants. Its most popular use is to strengthen the immune system against colds and flu. 

Some indicate that elderberries also help with hay fever, constipation, and sinus infections. Yet others report having success using it for toothaches, sciatica, and burns. Be sure to use distilled water for this recipe. Tap water contains all kinds of impurities that you don’t want to add to your syrup. You can search online for a good place to buy distilled water near me.

So, how do you make elderberry syrup? You’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups dried elderberries. Find them online or in health food stores.
• 4 cups cold distilled water
• 1 cup honey

Combine the dried elderberries with the distilled water in a heavy saucepan. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring periodically.

Remove the mixture from the heat and let it steep for an hour. Strain it into a glass bowl covered with cheesecloth (or a clean kitchen towel). Reserve the liquid, and discard the used berries.

After the syrup is cool, stir in the honey. Pour the syrup into a sterile container, and seal it. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three months.

To help protect against colds and flu, adults and children 12 and over can take two teaspoonfuls daily. Children under 12 take one teaspoonful daily. These dosages can be doubled for intensive use, such as when one is already feeling the effects of a cold.

Swedish Bitters

Swedish Bitters are a bitter tincture commonly used for digestive problems like nausea, vomit, heartburn, bloating, and constipation. They can also be used topically for relief of skin problems like rashes, allergies, and insect bites.

To make your own, you’ll need the following:

• 1 tablespoon Swedish Bitters, 22 Dry Herbs Mixture (sold online or in health food stores)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1-liter high-grade vodka

Combine the dry herbs, sugar, and vodka in a jar with a lid. You can omit the sugar if you have diabetes. Store the closed jar in a dark place for 20 days, then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel.

The tincture should be stored in a dark bottle away from light sources. It will keep for three years.

To prepare an alcohol-free version, use the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of the herb mixture
• 5 cups of boiling water

Combine the herb mixture with the boiling water. Stir frequently. Allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

To use this bitters tea, add two tablespoons of the tea to a cup of boiled warm water and drink twice a day. If you prefer, the same amount of tea can be mixed with juice.

CBD Balm

CBD balm is made from extracts of the hemp plant and is indicated for skin ailments like psoriasis and dermatitis. It can also help alleviate burns, rashes, skin infections, and muscle soreness.

For your CBD balm, you will need:

• 15 grams cold-pressed coconut oil
• 5 milliliters CBD oil (order it online)
• 5 grams beeswax or candelilla wax
• Optional: A few drops of the essential oil of your choice

Melt the coconut oil and beeswax together in a double boiler. Remove the mixture from the heat and quickly stir in the CBD oil. After cooling slightly (not so much that it hardens), you can add your essential oil for fragrance if you wish.

Calendula Salve

Calendula salve can be used for a variety of skincare needs. It can be used as a facial moisturizer or lip balm, or applied to skin irritations like scrapes, burns, and bug bites.

To make calendula salve, you’ll need:

• 4 ounces calendula oil (buy it online or make your own)
• ½ ounce beeswax (by weight), or about 2 tablespoons grated and packed
• Optional: 25-50 drops essential oil. Lavender, chamomile, tea tree, or frankincense go well with calendula.

Melt the beeswax in a double boiler, then add the calendula oil. Allow 30-60 seconds for the mixture to warm up, and stir until well blended. 

After the salve has cooled a bit, you can add essential oil for fragrance. Pour the mixture into a clean, dry container with a large mouth and allow it to cool completely.

Conclusion

There are many herbal remedies that you can make at home. Among them are elderberry syrup, Swedish bitters, CBD balm, and calendula salve, which together have a multitude of uses. Try making one of them today!