Chickweed - Stellaria media

This is one of my favorite little medicinal plants. Once I  realized what it had to offer, I thought back to all those times I used to pull this "weed" out of my flower beds wondering, what in the world is this and how can I keep it from growing back! Since that time, chickweed has become my go to plant for just about any skin issue.  

Plant description and where to find it 

The light green leaves are small, oval shaped with pointed tips. The
leaves are smooth but yet at times can be slightly hairy.
Slender stems stretch along the ground forming a dense mat 
anywhere from 1 to 10 inches tall. It has tiny white flowers. Each flower has 5 petals that are lobed. Lobed is like having a cut in the individual petal which gives it the appearance of having 2 petals and not just one. Hence, with chickweed, 5 petals looking like it has 10. 


Chickweed grows in a wide variety of habitats and soil textures. It's one of the most common plants found in yards. (No wonder it was always growing in my veggie and flower beds.) You can also find it in fields, pastures and along the roadside. This plant loves cooler weather so start looking for it as early as April and into the early summer months, then to reappear again in the late fall and in some areas throughout the winter months.  

Parts used: leaves, stems and flowers

Medicinal properties: diuretic, lymphatic, nutritive, anti-viral, anti-bacterial 

High in nutrients. Delicious when mixed with other greens in a salad or made into an herbal infusion
High in saponins; regulates blood sugar, reduces internal inflammation.

 As a lymphatic cleanse, chickweed tea or an herbal infusion is commonly taken in the spring to aide in stimulating and clearing toxins from the body. 

As a diuretic, the medicinal properties release excess water from your body through an increased urine flow. (Makes you pee more) This process flushes out bacteria from the kidneys and urinary tract system, helping to relieve painful urination and inflammation associated with urinary tract infections. Although not commonly used to "treat" UTI's, but rather, to soothe the symptoms.

Chickweed has a cooling effect on red, itchy, inflamed skin associated with poison ivy, poison oak, bee stings, bug bites, minor burns, eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, minor cuts, scratches, boils, rashes and just about anything else that has to do with issues with the skin.            

chickweed loves cool weather

Regarding the eczema and psoriasis; any preparation whether it be herbal or pharmaceutical is really not going to address these types of skin issues head on and will only offer temporary relief. These particular skin issues need to be dealt with from the inside out as well as outside in. 

There is a root cause to the symptoms. It could be from food allergies, a chemical allergy from laundry detergents, soaps, shampoos and lotions. Emotional and or mental stress can also be the cause. 

Another area to look into would be diet. On a daily basis, the body needs a good amount of water to stay hydrated; healthy fats, vitamins and nutrients from fruits, vegetables, nuts and or seeds in order to "feed" the skin from the inside out. So be sure to address the root cause/s in conjunction with any treatment you are using. 👌

Chickweed can also help in drawing out splinters. You can try this by simmering some fresh chickweed in water for 1- 2 hours. Stain the liquid, be sure to keep the plant as well. Soak a cloth in the liquid then squeeze out gently. Be sure to leave a good amount of the liquid left in your cloth. You can wrap the cloth around the area of the splinter just as is or you can take some of the plant you saved and lay that across the area first and then wrap your soaked cloth around the area. Replace this every 1-2 hours until you can see that the splinter has come to the surface enough to where you can safely pull it out. 

* In acute ophthalmia, the bruised leaves will likewise be found a valuable application.            ~King’s American Dispensatory

* An ointment, made by bruising the recent leaves in fresh lard, may be used as a cooling application to erysipelatous and other forms of ulceration, as well as in many forms of cutaneous disease (J King). ~ King’s American Dispensatory

* A tincture of Stellaria media has been extolled in some quarters as a remedy for rheumatic pains of a fugitive and shifting character.
 ~ King’s American Dispensatory

A couple summers ago, I was using a loofah sponge. If you're familiar with one you know how the edges can be somewhat scratchy. I managed to scratch my arm with the edge of the sponge. A couple days later I noticed that the scratch was becoming infected. I used other forms of ointments, however, it kept getting worse and worse. I finally went out and gathered some fresh chickweed and simmered it in water for about 2 hours. I then took some of the plant out of the water and laid it across the infected area on my arm. Then I took an ace bandage and soaked that in the chickweed liquid then wrapped that around the chickweed I had placed on my arm. I replaced the plant and re-soaked the bandage every 2 hours throughout the day. I did this for just one day. 2 days later, I could hardly tell where that infected scratch was on my arm. 😀


My granddaughter, when she gets into poison ivy or gets a bug bite, her skin swells up and is very painful to the touch and itches like crazy. I'll apply chickweed infused oil on her skin every couple of hours. For her, it's usually the next day and the bug bites or the poison ivy is pretty much all cleared up. Now, I'm not saying that it will work this fast for everyone. But I do know from experience how it works for me and my family.

**  For additional information check out Dr. John R. Christopher's research on chickweed.

Infusing Herbal Oils

So, just what are infused oils anyways..

This is a process of extracting the medicinal properties of an herb/herbs. 

We do this first by chopping and or crushing the fresh or dried herb then adding it to a carrier oil and then allowing it to soak in the oil over a slow period of time. The finished oil contains the healing benefits of the herbs used and also the healing benefits of the oil. You can then use this oil for making herbal salves, massage oils, bath oils, body oils, body butters (which are amazing by the way. If you have never used body butters you gotta try it!) shampoos, homemade soaps and so much more!

There are several different methods of infusing. I'm going to share my favorite method. Solar infusing. 🌞 For me, there is just something special about the oils when they have been infused by the warmth of the sun. They smell different to me. They have more of an earthy... a richer, fuller, sweeter smell. Especially dandelion infused oil. It's like capturing summer in a jar. Or perhaps it's the smell that reminds me of summer - it has a light, airy, (reminiscent of a warm summer breeze) slightly sweet fragrance. And chamomile oil, that has such a sweet, warming fragrance. Perfect for using as a body oil. Okay, so lets get into this now...

Fresh or Dried Herbs

You can use fresh or dried herbs. If you choose to use fresh, make sure they are free from any dirt when you're picking them. Do not wash them as you don't want any extra moisture to contend with. Lay them on a screen or a cookie sheet for 24 hours before adding to your oil. This will allow for the moisture in the fresh plant to evaporate. If any moisture or water gets into your oil you stand the chance of it spoiling and you will have to throw it out and start over. And believe me, that is not fun.

Choosing what herbs to use depends on what you're wanting to use your oil for. Once you have that decided, then you can do research on what herbs will give you the particular medicinal benefits you're searching for. 

What oils to use?

Grapeseed Oil - cold-pressed or expeller-pressed - is a lighter, thinner oil. I like how it absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy. Contains your omega fatty acids for hydrating and moisturizing your skin cells. Rich in Beta- Carotene and vitamins C, D and E. Also has astringent properties that work to tighten skin and improve elasticity. Works well with most all skin types. Especially helpful for eczema and minor wound healing and sunburns.  

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - is another good one to use. This is a thicker oil than the grapeseed. It also contains your omega fatty acids that the skin cells need, making it rich, moisturizing and hydrating for the skin. Especially dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Contains antioxidants and squalane - anti-aging and hydrating properties. It helps to stimulate cell repair giving you soft, clear smooth skin. Also has healing properties for minor burns and wounds, which makes it a good oil for making herbal salves. Also for making soaps, bath oils or body oils.    

Solar Infusing 

uses the heat of the sun over a period of time to infuse the medicinal properties of an herb with the oil. There are several different thoughts as to how long one should let the oil infuse. You can go anywhere from 1 to 3 months. The longer you infuse, the stronger your oil will be with the herbs medicinal properties. This could come in handy if you're wanting to make an extra strong massage oil for sore muscles. 

Supplies Needed:  

Sterilized mason jar; mason jar ring
cheesecloth
labels or masking tape
fresh or dried herbs
utensil for stirring 
mesh strainer
carrier oil


I'll mention some important tips before you get started. Regardless of what infusing method you use, always, always, sterilize your jars and any utensils you're using in boiling water before beginning.


Be careful to not let any water come in contact with your oil. If this happens you stand the chance of your oil spoiling. So make sure your jars, utensils and hands are dry before beginning.

Okay, just one more before we go on. When I first started learning how to make infused oils 17 years ago, I quickly discovered that the teaching methods varied, which was really confusing. What it came down to was that every herbalist has their own way of infusing, based on their own experience with trial and error and how they had been taught. That is what I have put together for you here, from my experiences. And it will no doubt be different from someone else's writings on infusing oils. So, take what feels right to you from here and continue learning from other herbal loving people along the way.     

Place your herbs in your jar, about 2/3 of the way full. 

Spearmint infused extra virgin olive oil

Slowly pour your oil over the herbs about 1 inch from the top. Take your utensil and poke the herbs into the oil while gently stirring. Now take a piece of the cheesecloth and place that over the top of the jar, then screw the mason jar ring into that. I have learned from trial and error that using the cheesecloth instead of a lid allows the oil the breathe, therefor preventing any condensation building up inside the jar which will cause spoiling. 

* If you are using dried herbs you can use a metal lid as there will be no moisture issues with your dried herbs.

Okay, now take your label or masking tape and write the date, the name of the herb used and the oil you used and place that on your jar. That's it! Now you're ready to set your jar out in the sunshine.

Be sure to bring the jar in every evening, take the lid off and give your oil a stir. This is to allow any air bubbles to escape. Then place your lid back on. This is what I do everyday for as long as I'm infusing the oil. If I want to infuse longer than 30 days, at each 30 day mark I will strain the used herbs from my oil then replace with more fresh of dried herb. Be sure to use a clean, sterilized jar, just like you did in the beginning.

* When using dried herbs you do not have to stir everyday. There will be no issues with moisture and or air bubbles.  

When your oil is finished, strain and pour in a clean, sterilized jar. Be sure to label with the herb used, oil used and the date. Store the oil in a cool dark place. If you keep it in the refrigerator it will last longer. 

Your oil is ready to use for a massage oil, bath oil, use in place of body lotions or for making herbal salves, body butters, soaps... so many possibilities for you to explore.   

Dandelion infused grapeseed oil

    



   

Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale

I often wonder at what point in time this plant with it's bright beautiful happy yellow flowers became such an eyesore. I mean.. to the point where once that pretty little flower shows it's face in the vast sea of green grass, all hell breaks loose as the pursuit of killing it off with poisons begins. 

It really is harmless. And dandelion infused oil, to me, if you could capture sunshine and summertime, put them in a jar and solar infuse them together, that is what it would smell like. 👌

Parts used: root, leaves, flowers, milky sap 

Medicinal properties:  

Root 
Diuretic - causing increased passing of urine.
Nutritive  - providing nourishment, nutritious.
Choleretic - increases the volume of secretion of bile from the liver as well as the amount of solids secreted.
Cholagogue - promotes the discharge of bile from the system, purging it downward.
Alterative -  gradually restores the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality.

Flowers, leaves 
Diuretic - causing increased passing of urine.
Nutritive  - providing nourishment, nutritious.  
Alterative -  gradually restores the proper function of the body and increase health and vitalitity.   
                          
Medical studies have shown that some doctors have their breast cancer patients use dandelion infused oil as a breast massage oil in conjunction with their other treatments. The oil, when massaged into the breast and under arm areas promotes softening of the fibrous breast tissue and also aides in breaking up and releasing toxins from the lymph nodes. This is something that everyone could benefit from. 

Massaging the oil into your temples, neck and shoulders helps with tension and sinus headaches. Also for soothing sore muscles, diaper rash, dry hands and dry cracked lips. The milky substance found in the stem helps as a wort remover. Just break open the stem and rub the inside liquid on your wort. This has to be reapplied several times before any improvement.

dandelion flowers infusing in extra virgin olive oil

The oil can be soothing for eczema, psoriasis, minor burns, minor wounds and rashes. Dandelion root and or the flowers can be helpful for acne. Simmer the flowers or the roots in water for about an hour then strain. Use that liquid to wash your face. You can also squeeze the milky liquid from the stems of the plant and dab that on the areas of your body that has the acne.

The roots - it's best to harvest in the fall, particularly after a good rain as this helps to pull the roots up and out of the ground easier. Also, those medicinal properties from the above the ground parts of the plant are being sent to the roots. 👍 The roots can be used fresh or dried for making teas, tinctures, decoctions and dandelion root vinegar. These herbals can be used for digestive issues, gull bladder issues, a detox for the liver, bacterial infections in your digestive tract, reproductive organs and also cancers. 

The fresh flowers and leaves are not only delicious tossed in with other salad greens but are a powerhouse of nutrients. One cup of chopped dandelion greens (55 grams) contains approximately:

24.7 calories
5.1 grams carbohydrates
1.5 grams protein
0.4 gram fat
1.9 grams fiber
428 micrograms vitamin K (535 percent DV)
5,588 international units vitamin A (112 percent DV)
19.3 milligrams vitamin C (32 percent DV)
103 milligrams calcium (10 percent DV)
1.7 milligrams iron (9 percent DV)
1.9 milligrams vitamin E (9 percent DV)
0.2 milligram manganese (9 percent DV)

Dandelion greens also contain a small amount of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper. Resource - Dr. Axe

This link here; https://www.cancertutor.com/dandelionroot/  will take you to another site that has valuable information on the treatment of cancer using dandelion.  

For more information on dandelion root, click here.
For information on preparing dandelion root tincture, click here 
 
***  I just recently discovered that there is a correlation with dandelion and latex allergy. 

Dandelion contains latex. If you are allergic to latex be sure to do your research before using any products containing dandelion. That's any and all parts of the dandelion.

I can say from experience that this is definitely something to take serious. I'm allergic to latex. I've been using dandelion medicine for years, both internally and topically, with no problems at all. Several months ago I began experiencing allergy related symptoms. After learning about the correlation between dandelion and latex it now makes sense as to what has been going on with my body. 

So for me, I'm sad that I will not be able to use dandelion medicine anymore. At least for now. However, I am very thankful to have received this knowledge.

One more thing to add in regards to latex allergy. There is also a correlation between latex and certain fruits, vegetables and other medicinal plants. Be sure to check that out. Two of the food biggies are bananas and avocados. Medicinal plant - wild lettuce; Lactuca virosa    
  

Blueberries for Good Health

I just love these beautiful, vibrant, sweet tasting little berries! Used to be a time when food was just something to fill me up when I was hungry. I didn't really think of food in the sense of how it actually helps in healing our body when it's out of balance and how what we choose to eat on a daily basis is so instrumental in our overall health. Take the blueberry for example;  


Did you know this berry is one of the most antioxidant rich fruits in the world? In brief, antioxidants work by protecting and repairing our cells from cellular damage. What causes this type of damage? Diets that lack fruits and vegetables, consuming too many unhealthy fats, the artificial colors, flavorings and other chemicals  in our foods, drinking water, bath and beauty products. Also, air pollution, smoking, stress, lack of sleep. All these factors are what contribute to the weakening of, and damage to, our inner cellular structure. Over time this leads to an imbalance in our bodies, which can then lead to the manifestation of illnesses and diseases - like heart disease, cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, auto-immune disease and skin issues. So eating foods that contain antioxidants is pretty important for our overall health.

Urinary Tract Infections 

These berries contain a compound called proanthocyanidins. What they do is prevent infectious bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract and bladder. With no place to attach to, the bacteria is flushed out with your urine. Bye bye UTI. 😉    


Where do they get that beautiful blue color ?

From a natural plant pigment called anthocyanin. This is also where other fruits, veggies, leaves, stems, roots and flowers get their red, blue and purple coloring. There are many health benefits and medicinal properties associated with anthocyanins as well. 

anti-cancer - inhibits the growth of cancer cells by reducing inflammation within the body.  

anti-viral - inhibits the development of a virus. Giving your immune system a boost which helps your body fight off and shorten the duration of a virus and reduces the severity of symptoms. 

anti-inflammatory - food allergies, consuming foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, smoking, lack of exercise, carrying excess weight, emotional and mental stress, all contribute to creating chronic inflammation in the body. When your body reaches this point, you leave yourself open for heart disease, stroke, cancers, diabetes, arthritis and autoimmune disease. Eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties reduces inflammation in the body. However, if a change in lifestyle is not introduced, there is no way any anti-inflammatory is going to be able to help heal the body from any illness brought on from chronic inflammation.  

 
 Regarding chronic inflammation - Resources

The best way to get the health benefits from blueberries is by eating them in their natural form. Raw. You can freeze them, although some feel this does hinder some of the health benefits and medicinal properties and then again, some feel that it does not. I don't know whether it does or not. I do know that I love eating them frozen as well as fresh. I especially like adding the frozen berries to my oatmeal. Yum.  

The leaves of the plant have the same health benefits and medicinal properties as the berries. Sipping on a warm cup of tea made from either fresh or dried leaves will give your immunity a boost and also help in the recovery of colds and or the flu.  

I could go on and on here about the benefits these sweet little berries have to offer health wise, but then this post would end up being waaay too long. Be sure to do some more research and incorporate them into your daily diet. Your body will thank you with healthier skin and hair, stronger bones, healthier digestive system, enhanced brain health.         

Herbal Body Powders

lavender, calendula, chamomile, body powders

Working on this site has been such an amazing journey. There is always a memory that comes back to me that has something to do with whatever it is I'm working on. Take this post for example. Body Powders. 

In my grandmother's bathroom, she kept several containers filled with body powders. Most of them were from Avon. My favorite was the one that looked liked an ice cream cone. Do any of you remember that particular one? I loved opening up those containers and smelling all the different fragrances. Feeling how soft the powder was between my fingers. Amazed at how it disappeared into my skin. ( Hahaha Hey, I was only 8.) I wondered how in the world did they make this soft as silk powdery goodness. I loved it and I wanted to figure out how to make my own. And I did, years later.    

It's true what they say you know, about how to figure out what to do in one's life. ( That is if one is searching for a direction.) Look back to your childhood. The things that intrigued you, that sparked your curiosity, that kept coming back to you time and time again. Look there and you will find what your true passion/s are. Then all you need to do is figure out how to bring that passion into your present day life.   😊  

Okay, lets get back to the body powders. These are the ingredients I used for my recipe.


1 cup of arrowroot powder
1/2 cup kaolin clay
2 tablespoons finely ground fragrant dried herbs, ie; lavender, chamomile, roses, calendula
Container

About the ingredients

Arrowroot is a starchy powder that comes from the rhizomes of Marantha arundinacea. The rhizomes are dried then ground up into a very fine powder. It can be used as a substitute for corn starch in your cooking recipes. You can also use it to make a face powder by adding cocoa powder and a little cinnamon until you get the shade that matches your skin. Also, a little beet root powder mixed with the arrowroot will give you an all natural blush. How cool is that! There are many more uses for arrowroot. Be sure to do some research and see what else you can come up with.        

Kaolin can be found all around the world. Here in the United States it's mined in Georgia and South Carolina. The clay is used in facial masks, body powders, soaps, body scrubs and deodorants. It's a mild clay. Naturally absorbent and good for sensitive skin types.

lavender body powder

The dried herbs, be sure to ground them up into a very fine powder before adding to your other ingredients. I used the milling blade on my NutriBullet. You can also use a coffee bean grinder. If you don't have access to either of those, I would omit the dried herbs. If you don't grind them into a fine powder they will be very rough on your skin! You can always substitute an essential oil for the herbs. In that case, add a few drops on a cotton ball then place in the bottom of your container before adding the powder. The powder will absorb the fragrance from the essential oil. Once my dried herbs were sufficiently pulverized, I added the rest of my ingredients and used the milling blade until well incorporated. 

You can order powder shaker containers online or even recycle a powder container or use a container with a powder puff. This really is a good alternative if you're looking for a natural body powder. It feels silky smooth, blends in quickly and smells amazing.       

Rose Petal Vinegar

This stuff is easy to make and so good to have in one's medicine cabinet.



Just fill a glass jar about 3/4 of the way with fresh or dried rose petals. Then fill to the top with apple cider vinegar. Place a plastic lid on and give it a good shake. I would not recommend using a metal lid as the vinegar will corrode the metal and ruin your finished product. Place your jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, giving it a shake every now and then. Strain and your ready to go. Be sure to keep it stored in a cool dark place.  

Before using dilute 1 part vinegar to 7 parts water. The vinegar works by pulling heat away from an inflamed area of the body - such as a cloth soaked in vinegar and then wrapped around a sprained ankle, or a cloth placed on your forehead for headaches. Also works awesome for sunburns too! You can keep re-soaking your cloth and re-applying several times as the cloth gets warm. 

You can also use for a hair rinse by diluting 1-2 tablespoons of rose petal vinegar in one cup of water. After shampooing pour this over your hair and massage through then rinse with cool water. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps remove the buildup from shampoos, conditioners and other products we may use and leaves your hair soft and shiny. You may have to use the rinse several times before noticing a difference. 

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is formed from volcanic ash that has weathered and aged for many years. When you purchase the clay it comes in a powdered form. After adding your liquid it forms into a soft clay. Bentonite has a negative electromagnetic charge, when applied to your skin works like a magnet pulling and absorbing the metals and toxins (which are a positive charge) from your body through your skin and into the clay. Also works as a gentle exfoliator, helping to unclog pores and speed up cell turnover for healthier skin.


There are several types of clay out there you can use for skin care. Each clay has it's own unique healing properties and is said to be suited for different skin types. With the bentonite clay, I've found some writings suggesting it works best for oily skin. Then again I've come across writings suggesting it works best for all skin types. From personal use, I find it a tad bit drying on my face, but not drying as a body mask. I suggest doing a small patch test first before applying to your entire face or body.

Uses for bentonite clay; applying a paste using water can be soothing for insect bites, minor cuts, insect bites, poison ivy, minor burns, eczema, psoriasis and itchy rashes. Leave on until paste dries then gently wash off.

As a face / body mask; I make a paste, you can use water, apple cider vinegar or rose water as your liquid. If you do use the vinegar be sure to dilute it with water before adding to your clay. Scoop out small amount of powder into a glass bowl. Add a SMALL amount of liquid at first, slowly mixing and adding more until desired consistency. The more you mix the creamer it will become. Scoop out small amount into palm of your hand with a wooden spoon. Apply to finger tips and gently massage into clean damp face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes or until clay dries. Use a warm damp cloth to gently remove mask from face. 

Be sure to drink plenty of water after you have rinsed the clay from your face/body and for the next couple of days, as this also helps rid your body of the toxins that are being released through the detox stage. Because Bentonite Clay has a negative electromagnetic charge, you should never use any metal bowls or utensils as the clay will absorb the metals and become less effective. 

Aloe Vera

I love, love, this plant. The glycoproteins and polysaccharides contained in the liquid part of the plant is where the anti-inflammatory, cooling, skin growth and repair properties are. Works wonders for minor burns, sunburns, and those ooooh, so painful steam burns. The thick liquid inside those leaves provide a protective layer over the burn which helps to retain moisture, cool the burn and aide in healing.  

One of my favorite ways to use fresh aloe is to squeeze the liquid in my hands and gently apply that to my face and neck before bedtime. 

Before applying to your face, rinse with warm water as this will open your pores and allow the aloe to soak into your skin better. Then the next morning, rinse your face with warm water, then with some cold- to shrink the pores which helps to keep air borne pollutants out. I just love what this does for my complexion. It doesn't clog my pores or leave my skin feeling dry or greasy. Feels very soft, refreshed and hydrated. Gives the skin a bit of a glow too. 

Also increases collagen production which firms the skin and reduces the look of wrinkles. Some people have had good results in using aloe for acne by applying the liquid to areas on their face. Also, my granddaughter had fallen and skinned her knee, it was like a bad rug burn, after applying fresh aloe to the sore for a couple of days, it was already well on it's way to being healed. Yep, most definitely "one" of my favorite plants.

Spearmint - mentha spicata - for the body and hair

I love the smell and taste of spearmint. I like infusing it in my water to drink and making spearmint flavored ice-cubes. You can put a few sprigs in a spray jar, fill with water and keep it in the frig. Then use that as a mister on those hot summer days and nights. It's so cooling and refreshing. 

Medicinal properties  

antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties are calming to stomach muscles. So sipping on a cup of tea can help with digestive issues, nausea, gas, bloating and menstrual cramps.

 Did you know that spearmint stimulates your hair follicles and helps to maintain the natural pH of your scalp? And using on a regular basis as a hot oil treatment can give you healthy, shiny hair and a healthier scalp? To use as a hot oil treatment, massage about 1 tablespoon (or more depending how long your hair is) of spearmint infused oil into your scalp and all the way down to the ends. Leave it in for 20 minutes then wash and rinse hair as usual.You could even add a little fresh or dried rosemary with your spearmint before infusing. Rosemary helps stimulate hair growth. Some say it prevents balding and also slows graying of the hair and helps with dry scalp - which can lead to dandruff.

*Update 

I've been using the spearmint infused oil on my hair once a month for several months now. Having long curly hair, the ends sometimes had a tendency of becoming dry. Now my hair is soft, silky and shinier from the roots to the ends! I love it! 😍      

I first warm some of the oil in a double boiler then apply to my dry hair, starting at the roots all the way down to the ends. I massage it into my scalp for a few minutes, twist into a bun to the top of my head, then wrap a piece of saran wrap around my hair securing it in place. Yes, I know that may sound a little strange, but believe me, it works. The saran wrap holds in the warmth of the oil which helps it to absorb and moisturize deeper into the hair shaft. After 20 minutes I shampoo and condition as usual. 

Elder Bark for Bruises

One of the first tasks Sarah assigned to we Springfield Sanctuary year 1 folks, was to use elder bark to make a double infused bruise salve. First off is peeling the bark off

It peels quite easily and soon I had quite a bit peeled.
Next was to divide this peeled bark roughly into two piles.

Half went into the top pan of my double boiler with enough olive oil to well cover the bark. This smaller pan is fitted into a slightly larger pan, partially filled with boiling water.

(A double boiler can be any sort of arrangement where you have a smaller pan that fits into a larger pan. The idea of one is to fill the bottom larger pan with water that is heated to a boil, while the smaller pan sits inside it holding the  substance you are  infusing or melting. They are wonderful for melting chocolate, wax or other things that if put directly on the source of heat, would either burn or possibly burst into flames! Care must be taken to not have the bottom pan have so much water in it that when boiling it splashes water into the upper pan though, so that is something to watch for. You must not walk away from a  double boiler either, as vigilance must be maintained to make sure it does not boil dry!)
The elder bark was infused by this method for two hours, then strained through a piece of a clean old cotton pillow case, (use what you have folks! no need to go buy anything special). I let it cool a bit and then gave the cloth filled with this infused bark some good hard squeezes to get every bit out I could. The other half of the fresh bark was then placed in the top pan of the double boiler and the first infused oil was poured over this new bark and again, infused for two hours. (I did end up having to add a little bit more olive oil to the second batch to make sure the elder bark was covered.)

                Double infused elder bark oil
Sarah recommends that when you are using fresh plant material, it is best to wait three days to make sure any water content separates out.
The next thing was to make a bruise salve out of the oil. Using the double boiler method again, I heated the double infused elder bark oil in one pan and melted beeswax in another. You could just grate the beeswax right into the warming oil, if you prefer.

The usual proportions used in salves is 1 ounce of melted beeswax to 8 ounces of warmed oil. I always work on a glass cutting board, so after the warmed oil and melted wax have been combined, I  just put a bit on the glass, so it cools quickly, and I can see if I would like it either a bit firmer (add more wax) or a bit looser (add more oil). You can see my little test blob in this next picture

When you have the oil and beeswax in the proportions you like, just pour into containers to cool.
My friend Marci, had given me some lovely lavender essential oil, so I added a few drops to part of the salve, as lavender eo is good for bruising also. The other part I just left plain though, as I am curious to see how the elder bark plain does with bruising and I like the smell of it just fine plain. In fact, I thought it smelled wonderful while heat infusing on the stove top! I have never used elder bark before, myself, have you? You haven’t?! Would you care to? Leave me a comment letting me know if you prefer to try a tin with or without the lavender essential oil and I will draw a name Saturday and mail the winner a tin to try!

So just what is the structure and function of skin? And how does a bruise form?


Skin is our largest organ, covering approximately 20 square feet. It helps regulate our body temperature and allows us to have the sensations of heat, cold and touch. It helps protect us from the elements and microbes. It performs an essential role in respiration in the form of perspiration. Vitamin D synthesis also occurs here.
Skin is divided into three layers:
Epidermis – Outmost layer, creates our skin tone and a waterproof barrier (It might make you wonder when I said that skin is a waterproof barrier, how this salve will affect a bruise. Well skin might be a waterproof barrier, but it readily absorbs other things, like this oil/salve)
Dermis – Beneath the epidermis, contain hair follicles, sweat glands, and tough connective tissue
Hypodermis/Subcutaneous Tissue – The deepest layer, made from fat and connective tissue
Bruises form when small blood vessels under the skin tear or leak, most often caused by a bump or fall. Blood leaks into surround tissue, causing the black and blue color. As bruises (contusions) heal, they can change colors, as they heal, from purplish black, to reddish blue, or yellowish green. Initially, the bruise can appear quite red. It is the hemoglobin in the red blood cells, and the breakdown products of hemoglobin, that causes these colorful changes.
Most bruises are not cause for concern. You should be aware though, that if you have a severe bruise form, swelling and pain that begins within 30 minutes of an injury,  you might have a sprain or fracture.
It is possible to get a bruise and not even remember what you did to cause it. As we age, we loose our some of the fat under our skin, causing it to be thinner and less flexible. This change, along with skin exposure, causes blood vessels to break easily. When blood vessels break, bruising happens.
Ladies are more prone to bruising than gentleman, especially in areas like the buttocks, upper arms and thighs. A tendency to bruise easily can even be a family trait.
Sometimes a bruise will travel in the direction of gravity, so a leg bruise might take longer to heal than one on the arm, for example.
Arnica , Calendula , and Comfrey are a few herbs which might also help heal a bruise. If you find you bruise easily, you might consider adding Bilberry to your diet. It helps strengthen and protect capillary walls, which makes it a good addition to help any bruise heal and to help prevent new ones.
Big Hugs to all who visit Comfrey Cottages xx