Image by Stocksy
Hot weather, dehydration, tiredness and intense sunlight can all lead to summer headaches. Here’s where a few garden herbs can really come in handy.
These soothing herbs are traditionally made into a compress for tension headaches. This tea is also useful for stomach cramps and can be sipped to help with traveller’s tummy, too.
A few fresh peppermint leaves
A few fresh sage leaves
Boiling water
Muslin cloth
1 Place the herbs, whole, in a mug. Pour over the boiling water. Cover the mug with a small saucer to allow the essential oils to be trapped into the infusion. Leave it to cool enough to make a warm compress. (You can also refrigerate the infusion for a cold compress).
2 To make the compress, soak the muslin in the liquid, remove the excess, but don’t squeeze it out, it needs to remain nicely damp.
3 Lie down, place the folded, damp muslin on your forehead, take a few deep breaths and relax.
Learn to use your garden as your own pharmacy in our feature, The Herbal Apothecary in our August issue. You’ll find natural cures for everything from upset tummies and summer sniffles to restless nights and insect bites.
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