Ice cube aftersun

Not for your G&T but to apply to sunburnt skin, these clever DIY cubes are natural coolers

The soothing anti-inflammatory properties of chickweed and aloe mean these cubes are also good for easing the symptoms of rashes or bites, too.

Chickweed & aloe cooling cubes

100g fresh aloe vera gel (see method) or pre-mixed aloe vera gel
2 handfuls of fresh chickweed (see below)

1 If you’re making fresh, slice the gel from the inner aloe leaves, taking care to discard the inner green and yellow leaf lining. Measure the gel (you need 100g).

2 Put the gel into a blender with the chickweed and blitz until combined.

3 Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze until solid (the cubes will keep for up to a year in
the freezer).

4 To use, apply a frozen cube to the affected area as and when required.

Notes about chickweed: The plant has numerous tiny white flowers and is recognisable by a single line of hairs that grows up the stem between each leaf node and swaps over to a different side after each leaf. Chickweed works wonders for itchy or inflamed skin. Simply squeeze the fresh juice from the plant directly onto the skin to soothe nettle stings, skin rashes and eczema.

Recipe from Handmade Apothecary by Vicky Chown & Kim Walker (Kyle Books).

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Natural first aid | Jellyfish stings

Anaphylactic shock is possible from jellyfish stings. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the symptoms of an allergic reaction: nausea, difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, fever, heart palpitations.

WHILE YOU WAIT FOR MEDICAL HELP:
* Prevent further stinging by brushing away tentacle fragments.
* Scrape off any remaining stinging cells with a sharp-edged object such as a credit card. A towel will suffice if nothing else is available.
* Rinse with seawater, not ever with fresh water (which can trigger further stings).
* Apply up to five drops of lavender essential oil to help neutralise the sting. Reapply every 15 minutes. (Pouring urine on the stung area has the same effect.)
* Start healing. Apply vitamin E or aloe vera juice to heal tissue and reduce inflammation.

Adapted from The Natural First Aid Handbook by Brigitte Mars (Storey Publishing).

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Elderflower toner

The scented cream blooms of elderflowers have been used by women since time immemorial – in infusions to soften the skin and even out tone. The addition of glycerine gives a moisturising effect, leaving the skin silky smooth.

Makes around 200ml
1 head of fresh elderflowers (or 2 tsp dried)
200ml boiling water
5ml glycerine (optional)

1 Remove the stalks from the elderflowers (if using fresh) and put the tiny flowers in a mug or heatproof bowl.
2 Pour over boiling water, then cover with a plate and leave to infuse until cool.
3 Strain out the elderflowers, then add the glycerine (if using) to the liquid and mix well.
4 To use, soak cotton pads or a muslin cloth in the liquid and use as a toner or simple cleanser, once make-up has been removed. Use twice a day. The liquid will keep in the fridge for up to three days.

Turn to page 34 of May's The Simple Things for more on spring hedgerow foraging. 

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Natural first aid | Bee and wasp stings

Seek immediate medical attention if their tongue swells, they’re having trouble breathing, blurred vision or nausea, or you see skin rash or flushing. 

WHILE AWAITING MEDICAL ATTENTION:
Check to see if carrying an EpiPen.
Remove the stinger. Being careful not to squeeze the venom sac at the stinger’s base, gently drag a fingernail edge or a credit card across the stinger in the direction opposite from its entry.

AT-HOME FIRST AID
After extracting the stinger, wash with soap and water before finding relief.
Mud and freshly chewed plantain leaf help, or try baking soda (mix with vinegar into paste), onion (lay fresh slices over wound) or dip a clean cloth in milk, wring out, fold and apply.
Two drops of lavender essential oil are also effective applied topically.

Adapted from The Natural First Aid Handbook by Brigitte Mars (Storey Publishing).

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Natural first aid | Asthma attacks

Seek immediate medical attention if the individual is wheezing, not getting enough oxygen or has signs of cyanosis: bluish lips and nail beds, pale colour. While you wait for medical attention:

FOLLOW THE DOCTOR’S INSTRUCTIONS.
Administer any medication that was prescribed by the individual’s doctor.

HAVE THEM SIT UP STRAIGHT IN A CHAIR.
Ask them to lean forward and rest their forearms on a table, elbows pointing away from the body.
OFFER A BEVERAGE.
Coffee, black tea or a hot liquid like clear tea can help dilate the airway. If available, lobelia tea (1⁄4 tsp of herbs or 5 to 10 drops of tincture to 1 cup warm water) may help.

APPLY A COLD-WATER COMPRESS TO THE CHEST.
In some cases, it may stop the attack.

Adapted from The Natural First Aid Handbook by Brigitte Mars (Storey Publishing).

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Cucumber, matcha and lime face mask

This refreshing, zingy mask can be made with ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

Makes approx 380ml
1 green tea bag or 5g (1 tsp) Matcha green tea powder
75g cucumber
2.5g (1⁄2 tsp) vegetable gelatine powder, such as Vegeset
20 drops lime essential oil

1 Pour 300ml hot (not boiling) water on the green teabag or matcha powder in a mug or jug (follow the packet instructions for ratios of tea to water). If using powder, stir to combine or leave the teabag to infuse for 10 mins. Leave to cool a little.
2 Chop slices of cucumber and whizz in a blender with the green tea until cucumber is fully blitzed. When completely cool, add gelatine to the liquid and stir to combine (check the ratios of gelatine powder to water on the packet (typically 1 tsp per 600ml).
3 Place mixture in a pan over a low heat, stirring all the time. Once it has reached boiling point, remove pan from the heat and allow to cool to around 40C. Add the lime essential oil. For 300ml use 20 drops.
4 Pour into a bowl and allow to cool before placing in the fridge to set.
5 Spread mask over face and neck and relax while the antioxidant, anti-ageing green tea and cooling, soothing cucumber get to work. Leave for 5–10 mins before removing with warm water and a muslin cloth.
6 Use straight away ideally, but can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. 

Taken from Handmade Spa by Juliette Goggin and Abi Righton (Jacqui Small).
 

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Seasonal winter shots

Ginger tops the list of effective natural home remedies. Try these combinations to help settle upset tummies, soothe migraines and ward off viruses

To make: Peel and juice the ginger first, then feed the herb or spice through the juicer. Finally, juice the fruit.

Each of the following recipes makes one winter shot.
Asian Pear Drop: 2cm piece of ginger, 1⁄4 of a stick of lemongrass and half
a pear.
Sunshine Ginger: 2cm piece of ginger, 1 blood orange or 2 clementines and
a dusting of cinnamon.
Winter Ginger: 2cm slice of ginger, 1 apple and a drop of oregano essential oil.
Blushing Ginger: 2cm piece of ginger, 2 cardamom pods (feed whole through a juicer or grind the seeds and add later after juicing), 4cm piece of rhubarb and 1 small or 1⁄2 medium-sized beetroot. Solo Ginger: 2cm piece of ginger,
1⁄4 lemon (zest and all) and a dusting of cayenne pepper.
Persian Ginger: 2cm piece of ginger, 1 tbsp fresh rose petals or 1⁄4 tsp rosewater and 15 pitted cherries.

From Tonics & Teas by Rachel de Thample (Kyle Books).

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Vietnamese lemongrass tea

A simple, aromatic brew that’s brilliant for taming achy tummies, soothing coughs and helping to prevent colds and flu

Makes 2x250ml servings
4 lemongrass stems
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
1⁄2-1 tbsp coconut sugar or raw honey, to taste
Lime slices to garnish (optional)

1 In a medium saucepan, bring 600ml water to a boil over a high heat. Bash and cut the lemongrass into thin shreds. Peel and julienne the ginger. Add both to the water and boil for 5 mins.
2 Reduce the heat to low and simmer the tea for an additional 5 mins. Sweeten to taste with coconut sugar or honey.
3 Serve warm, or refrigerate and serve over ice, garnished with lime slices.

WHY LEMONGRASS?
With its distinct lemon flavour and citrussy aroma, lemongrass offers an impressive array of medicinal benefits. The main component of the grass is lemonal, a compound that has powerful antiseptic and astringent qualities. It’s widely used in Southeast Asia for its well-reputed health benefits that also include lowering cholesterol, treating insomnia, improving respiratory function and aiding digestion.

Recipe from Tonics & Teas by Rachel de Thample (Kyle Books)

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Nest | Soak in a spruce needle bath

Don’t throw away your Christmas tree clippings. Spruce needles are an invigorating natural remedy, great for clearing the head. If you feel a cold coming on or are simply exhausted, have a bath with this spruce tree essence and let the scent of a forest work its magic

You will need:

3 fresh twigs from a spruce tree, washed
1 litre water

1 Cut the spruce twigs into small pieces, place them in a saucepan and add the water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2 Now remove the pan from the heat, cover with a cloth, and let the solution of twigs infuse for another 10 minutes while you run your bath.
3 Strain and add the solution to your bath. Relax in the bath for 20 minutes, breathing in deeply and taking in all the wonderful forest scents.
4 Go to bed immediately and rest!

From Vinegar Socks, Traditional Home Remedies for Modern Living by Karin Berndl and Nici Hofer

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Seasonal tonic

Make a batch of these immune-boosting shots to prevent a cold from ruining your Christmas

Opt for fresh, organic produce to maximise benefits – and if one ingredient is unavailable, just double up one of the others.

Makes 6 x 50ml shots
2 tbsp chopped garlic
2 tbsp chopped onion
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 tbsp grated horseradish root
2 tbsp chopped cayenne pepper (or any other chilli)
350ml raw apple cider vinegar

1 Pile the garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish and pepper into a 350ml lidded sterilised jar. (To sterilise, wash it in hot soapy water, dry with a clean cloth, then place in a 200C/Fan 180C/ 400F oven for 10 mins.)
Fill the jar with raw apple cider vinegar, close the lid tightly and shake.
2 Store in a cool, dark place, shaking at least once a day for two weeks.
3 Filter the tonic through a clean piece of muslin, pour into a sterilised bottle. Take a 50ml shot three times a day (on an empty stomach) as soon as you feel the symptoms of a cold. It will keep at room temperature for up to six months.

Recipe from Tonics & Teas by Rachel de Thample (Kyle Books)

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Homemade cough drops

These antiviral lozenges help to soothe sore throats and ease tickly coughs. Make in advance for the winter months ahead, or boil up a batch for a poorly friend

You will need:
5cm piece of fresh ginger, sliced
1 tbsp whole cloves
4 tbsp dried elderflowers (or 5 fresh elderflower heads, main green stalks removed)
Elderflower cordial (optional) 
400g unrefined sugar
250ml honey
Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
Icing sugar, to dust or for covering

1 Take a very large, heavy based saucepan (2-litre capacity is ideal). Put the spices into the pan with 300ml water. Bring gently to boil, then simmer, covered, for 10 mins.
2 Remove from the heat and add the fresh or dried elderflowers, set aside to infuse for 20 mins.
3 Strain the liquid into a heatproof jug and measure it – you’ll need 250ml of the infusion for this recipe (if it needs topping up use water or elderflower cordial for extra flavour). Return the 250ml liquid to the pan and then add sugar, lemon juice and honey.
4 Carefully heat until the mixture comes to a gentle rolling boil. Continue boiling gently until the sugar reaches hard crack stage (149–154C on a sugar thermometer), about 15–20 mins. This is the point at which a drop of liquid turns to brittle strands when dropped into chilled water (caution: the liquid is extremely hot). Take off the heat.
5 Drop teaspoonfuls onto a tray lined with greaseproof paper and leave to set. Then, once hardened, sprinkle with icing sugar to prevent them sticking together.
6 Suck one sweet as needed. Store wrapped in greaseproof paper individually or covered in a thick layer of icing sugar in an airtight container.

Taken from The Handmade Apothecary by Vicky Chown and Kim Walker (Kyle Books). 

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Lavender and peppermint bath soak

If you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, the essential oils in this bath soak will leave you feeling extra relaxed, while the naturally therapeutic salts will soothe muscles and comfort irritated skin. Aaaaah. That’s better...

Makes 700g (enough for a week of baths)
600g Epsom salts*
75g sea salt
160g bicarbonate of soda
20 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and then tip them into a jar or another airtight container. The salts can be stored for up to three months. When you come to use them, pour about 100g into the bath while the water is running. Use your salts as often as you like. For a
truly luxurious experience, sprinkle a few flower heads into the bath.
* Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) have been used for their therapeutic effect on aching joints and muscles for over a century. Used with potassium- and iodine- rich sea salt, these minerals are absorbed directly into the skin and will also help soothe dermatitis and any inflammation. Avoid using if pregnant.

From The Art of the Natural Home by Rebecca Sullivan (Kyle Books).

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Make | Natural food colouring

There’s no need to rely on artificial food colourings when most colours can be created with natural ingredients found in your kitchen. Add a teaspoon at a time, increasing gradually for a more intense colour

Pink
125g pack of cooked beetroot
2 tsp juice from the pack
Blitz the beetroot and juice in a food processor until smooth. Strain if desired. Store in an airtight contained for up to two weeks in the fridge.

Purple
70g blueberries
4tsp water
Blitz the berries and water in a food processor until smooth. Strain through a superfine mesh sieve to separate solids. Store in a jar for up to a month.

Green
60g spinach
Enough water to cover it
Cover spinach in water and boil for 5 mins. Strain and discard liquid. Blitz spinach and6tbsp water in a food processor. Add more water if needed. Strain through a fine sieve, cool and store in a jar for up to a month.

Yellow
120ml water
1⁄2 tsp turmeric
Put water and turmeric in a small pan and heat for 5 mins. Allow to cool and store in an jar in the fridge up to a month.

Red
80g raspberries
4 tsp water
Blitz berries and water in a food processor until smooth. Strain to remove seeds. Store in a jar for up to two weeks in the fridge.

From The Art of the Natural Home by Rebecca Sullivan (Kyle Books).

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Make: Vanilla linen spray

The rich, sweet scent of vanilla is one many of us find familiar and comforting. Making your own vanilla extract is easy and economical, but you do need to be patient as it takes a couple of months to infuse.

Use it to make this versatile spray, which freshens up bedlinen and doubles up as a body and hair mist (any leftover extract can be dabbed on as a perfume or added to cakes, of course).
 
DIY VANILLA EXTRACT
8 whole vanilla pods (fresh with a strong smell of vanilla)
500ml spiced rum (such as Captain Morgan or any good-quality brandy, unflavoured vodka, bourbon or dark rum) 
Pint-size mason jar with lid
Cling film

Slice each vanilla pod lengthwise and chop into tiny pieces. Add the chopped vanilla to the mason jar, then fill the jar with rum. Place a piece of cling film over the top of the jar and screw on the lid. Shake for one minute.Store the jar in a dark cabinet for two months, shaking daily for 10–15 seconds. There’s no need to strain the vanilla bits, just leave in the jar. The flavouring will get stronger and more aromatic as it ages.

LINEN SPRAY
2 tbsp vanilla extract* 
2 tbsp purified water

Add the vanilla extract and water to a 60ml dark glass spritzer bottle, screw on the top, and shake vigorously. Set aside for 24 hours. Store at room temperature away from heat and light and use within one year. Shake before spritzing on sheets and pillowcases.

Recipe from Making Love Potions by Stephanie L Tourles (Storey).

 * If you don’t have time to make your own, use an extract made with Madagascar Bourbon or Tahitian vanilla pods.

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Make: Stress-busting Massage Balm

Massage this fragrant balm into skin for a relaxing treat

MAKES: 130ml
KEEPS: Around three months

INGREDIENTS
For the lavender-infused oil: 
30g dried lavender flowers
180ml olive oil
180ml grapeseed oil
1tsp grated beeswax

Essential oils:
10 drops lavender
10 drops sandalwood
10 drops cedarwood
10 drops bergamot

1 Make your infused oil in advance. Fill a jar with lavender flowers and cover with the oils. Leave to infuse for 3 to 4 weeks, strain and bottle. 
2 Melt the beeswax into 125ml of the infused oil in a double boiler or bain-marie.
3 Add the essential oils and pour into a container.

Found in The Domestic Alchemist: 501 Herbal Recipes for Home, Health and Happiness by Pip Waller (Leaping Hare Press).
 

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Homemade lip balm

Ward off winter lips!

Dry and cracked lips are often a sign it’s getting colder. One of the best remedies for this perennial problem is a restorative mix of a few simple ingredients even the barest kitchen will have stocked. Use this homemade scrub in conjunction with lip balm to keep lips smooth and ready for even the boldest of lipsticks.

Things you’ll need:

2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil

Whisk all the ingredients together.
Apply to your lips and give them a gentle scrub until they feel like new.
Rinse the scrub off with plenty of water and apply a moisturising lip balm.

Why this works...

Sugar works superbly as an exfoliant. Honey has wound-healing, anti-microbial and antibacterial properties. Olive oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and protects and nourishes skin.

From All Natural Beauty by Karin Berndl and Nici Hofer (Hardie Grant). 

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Be a kitchen witch!

Introducing a little magic into your cooking can be great fun: it’s exciting to go to the shops or garden and gather ingredients to bring love, luck or health to those you cook for. 

Start with these pearls of witchy wisdom:

• Pick parsley for parties. It’s said to bring eloquence and extra charm, helps reduce drunkenness and is a proven breath freshener! Serve with potatoes as they are grounding.
   
• Share a jasmine tea with someone and it will help you bond. Jasmine is a vine and represents the intertwining of people.
   
• Make an autumnal soup with leeks, squash, carrots, potatoes, fresh sage and chives. Prepare with love and serve to friends and family to bring warmth and happiness for the new season.

For more spells, recipes and magical meals read The Book of Kitchen Witchery by Cerridwen Greenleaf (Cico)

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Make: Rosemary water

A delicious  flavouring for foods, and a great tonic for hair and skin

MAKES: 300ml
KEEPS: 2 years
INGREDIENTS:
150g dried rosemary (300g fresh) 
2.5 litres water

METHOD:
1 Put everything in a pressure cooker near the sink. Close lid and remove pressure regulator to expose the vent pipe.
2 Connect a hose to the vent pipe. Pass the hose beneath the water tap and then on and into a glass collecting bottle.
3 Turn the heat to high. When water boils, open tap to let cold water cool the hose.
4 The distillation process should be slow with minimum heat. Simmer on low until you have distilled 300ml of water – in a household pressure cooker, this should take around 30-45 mins.

Found in The Domestic Alchemist: 501 Herbal Recipes for Home, Health and Happiness by Pip Waller (Leaping Hare Press).

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Make: Exfoliating seaweed scrub

Kelp's wonderfully fresh seashore scent makes this exfoliating scrub a summer shower must-have

Exfoliating seaweed scrub

MAKES: 100g
KEEPS: At least 6 months
INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp fine sea salt
1 tbsp kelp powder
5 tsp vegetable glycerine
7 tsp sweet almond oil
5 drops juniper essential oil
5 drops lemon essential oil

METHOD:
1 Mix the sea salt and kelp together.
2 Add the glycerine and half the almond oil and mix well. If the mixture is too stiff, add more oil until it makes a thick, gloopy paste.
3 Add the essential oils and stir really well.

Note: this recipe isn’t suitable for dry skins

Courtesy of Lynn Rawlinson. Found in The Domestic Alchemist: 501 Herbal Recipes for Home, Health and Happiness by Pip Waller (Leaping Hare Press). 
 

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How to prevent travel sickness

Putting these tips in motion can take the edge off suffering

Go gingerly
Ginger is the most trusted traditional remedy. Have it a couple of hours before travelling. Try popping a fresh slice between your teeth and gums, or nibble on a real ginger biscuit .

Take your position
One bonus of track sickness: making the call on where you sit. Go for the front seat in cars so you can see out, likewise the window seat on planes.

Eyes on the horizon
Motion sickness is caused by a conflict between what you see and what your ears – which help with balance – sense. Help your brain cope is by fixing your eyes on a stable object. Or go the other way and keep them closed.

Listen to music
Distract yourself by relaxing to calming music. But avoid reading or checking your phone as they disturb that whole eyes/ear thing.

But ultimately...
Some people are more prone to motion sickness, including women who’ve had kids and, it’s been said, introverts... 
 

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