Do It Your self Herbal Medicine

PART 3. THE REMEDIES

9

COMMON AILMENTS

FEVER

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Sounds counterintuitive, but running a temperature isn’t just a symptom of sickness, it’s a natural healing function. By dialing up the heat, the body triggers the immune system to destroy viruses and infectious bacteria. Smart, huh? These treatments allow your fever to run its course while stimulating sweat glands to eliminate toxins and keeping your body temps from getting dangerously high. Seek medical treatment if your fever exceeds 102 degrees Fahrenheit or lasts longer than three days.

Peppermint–Yarrow Tea

YIELD: 4 CUPS
STORAGE: GLASS CANNING JAR
TIME: 4 HOURS FOR BREWING

Yarrow attacks fever on two fronts: It helps cool the body by making you sweat, and it lowers temps with salicylic acid, an active ingredient in aspirin. Peppermint’s menthol-like cooling effects help clear sinuses.

1 ounce dried peppermint leaves, 3 ounces fresh peppermint leaves, or 1 peppermint tea bag

1 ounce dried yarrow or 3 ounces fresh yarrow

4 cups boiling water

1.Place the peppermint and yarrow in a heat-resistant bowl.

2.Pour the boiling water on top of the herbs.

3.Cover the bowl.

4.Let the infusion sit at room temperature for 4 hours.

5.Strain the liquid into a glass canning jar. Use the back of a spoon to press excess liquid from the herbs before discarding them.

6.Drink 1 cup of the infusion 3 times daily for up to 3 days, storing the jar in the refrigerator between doses.

Cool Peppermint Compress

YIELD: 1 TREATMENT
STORAGE: NOT RECOMMENDED
TIME: 20 MINUTES

Peppermint essential oil has a wonderful cooling effect that relieves the discomfort of a fever. While this treatment won’t break you out in a temperature-reducing sweat, it makes a low fever easier to live with.

½ cup cool water

6 drops peppermint essential oil

1.In a large bowl, combine the water with the peppermint essential oil.

2.Soak a facecloth or hand towel in the bowl. Wring out excess moisture.

3.Fold the cloth to fit your forehead.

4.Recline or lie comfortably for 15 minutes, refolding the cloth to permit heat to dissipate as needed.

5.Repeat as often as you like. Try alternating the compress’s position from your forehead to the back of your neck for additional relief.

Cooling Triple Oil Bath

YIELD: 1 TREATMENT
STORAGE: NOT RECOMMENDED
TIME: 20 TO 30 MINUTES

Lavender, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils combine with cool water to bring relief from fever while offering comfort by way of their lovely scent. If you’re missing one or two of the essential oils, don’t worry. Simply relaxing in a lukewarm bath with just one of these oils can help you feel better fast.

1 tablespoon olive, almond, or flaxseed oil

6 drops lavender essential oil

6 drops rosemary essential oil

6 drops peppermint essential oil

1.Draw a bath. The water should feel lukewarm to cool, not cold.

2.Add the oil and essential oils, and submerge your body in it as far as possible.

3.Soak in the tub for 20 to 30 minutes.

4.After toweling off, take a short nap or go directly to bed (if bathing in the evening).

5.Enjoy this bath treatment 1 to 3 times daily while fever persists. If fever does not reduce by the third day, see your doctor.



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