HOME HERBAL

Rooibos hot toddy

Drinking a cup of this before going to bed will help you sleep, and help ward off colds and flu.

  1. Place all the ingredients in a cup or mug, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
  2. Leave for 10–15 minutes for the flavours to infuse, then remove the teabag and ginger.

Makes 1 cup

Thyme vinegar

Thyme is a wonderful herb. The ancient Romans drank thyme steeped in hot water to lift depression, and Culpepper firmly believed it was a cure for ‘headache occasioned by the debauch of the preceding evening’. Versatile as well as delicious, this vinegar has a myriad uses. Add it to sauces and marinades, or to herb or spice rubs, or drizzle some over a salad. You can also dab it on insect bites or stings. When presented in a pretty bottle, it makes the perfect gift.

  1. In a stainless steel or non-stick saucepan, heat the vinegar to just below boiling point.
  2. Using a pestle and mortar, lightly crush the thyme leaves.
  3. Place the crushed thyme leaves into a clean jar and pour over the hot vinegar. Add the garlic and/or chilli, if using.
  4. Seal and leave in a dark place for about two weeks, then strain the vinegar into a clean bottle, add the sprigs of fresh thyme and seal. It will keep for up to a month.

Makes 500 ml

NOTE Most of these herbal remedies do not contain preservatives (other than vodka in the mosquito repellent!), so make small amounts and use them within a week.

Rosemary-flavoured olive oil

This oil is delicious as a salad dressing, or to flavour sauces, sauté onions and garlic or drizzle over pizza. You can even use it for making popcorn. I toss the discarded sprigs of rosemary into a pasta sauce or baked veggies. There has been some talk over recent years about the dangers of making herb oils with herbs that are not completely dry, as there is a risk of botulism. I wash my herbs, pat them dry, and wrap them in a clean tea towel overnight. I’ve never had a problem, and find the oils keep for up to a month. If you prefer, the oil and herbs can be heated in a saucepan, which speeds up the process, but it can affect the taste and render the herbs a little bitter.

  1. Put a few sprigs of rosemary into a clean jar and fill the jar with olive oil.
  2. Leave the jar in a dark place for 1–2 weeks, checking now and then to see how it tastes. The flavour intensifies over time, so if you like it strong, leave it a bit longer. After about two weeks (that’s how long I leave my oil for), remove the rosemary sprigs from the jar, strain the oil and decant into a clean bottle.

Makes 125 ml

Sage mouthwash

This is an excellent cure for mouth ulcers, and also works as a preventative remedy. Just rinse and gargle daily with about 30 ml (2 Tbsp) of the mouthwash.

  1. Heat the vinegar in a non-metallic saucepan, then add the sage and steep for about 10 minutes.
  2. Remove from the heat, add the water, and strain to remove the sage leaves.
  3. Pour into a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate for up to a week.

Makes 500 ml

Aloe gel

Aloe gel is excellent for soothing minor burns, including sunburn, or any irritated or inflamed skin. It is also handy on cuts and abrasions; simply massage a little into the affected area, the cooling action will soothe and disinfect at the same time. (The gel is safe to use on pets, too.) Citric acid acts as a preservative (you could crush a vitamin C tablet, or add a few drops of vitamin E oil instead). Aloe gel is often used as a base ingredient for natural remedies. You can make aloe gel from the leaves of the indigenous bitter aloe (Aloe ferox) or from Aloe vera. When picking an aloe leaf, always choose a succulent, healthy outer leaf from low down on the plant.

  1. Place the cut aloe leaves in a container, in an upright position but at a slight angle so that the sap can drain from them.
  2. After 10–15 minutes, use a sharp knife to split the leaves from top to bottom, making sure you only cut the surface layer.
  3. Using a spoon, scoop the gel out into a blender. Add the citric acid and coconut oil and blend until smooth.
  4. Store in a clean, airtight container, in the fridge, for up to a month.

Makes 125 ml

Soothing aloe hand wash

For this liquid hand wash, choose an essential oil that matches your needs or your mood. Tea tree makes a good hygiene hand wash, while zingy lemon grass or soothing lavender offer up fragrance.

  1. Blend the ingredients together.
  2. Pour into an airtight container and place in the kitchen or bathroom.

Makes 125 ml

Natural mosquito repellent

Spritz some of this around the room when the mosquitos start to plague you. Just remember to give the spray bottle a swirl before using, to mix up all the components.

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a clean spray bottle and shake lightly to mix.
  2. Store in the fridge and use as required.

Makes 450 ml

Baby powder

Use this talc‐free powder to dust baby’s bum. The particles in cornflour are larger than those found in normal talc, and not as easily inhaled, making it much safer for children. You can also use this on your body and feet, or to freshen up smelly sport shoes.

  1. Stir together and store in a shaker.

Makes 125 ml

Refreshing skin toner

Parsley has mild astringent properties and soothes and refreshes naturally, without stripping any of the skin’s natural oils. Apply with cotton wool as an astringent or after cleansing.

  1. Place the parsley in a bowl and cover with the boiling water. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Strain and decant into a bottle or jar with a tightly fitting lid. Store in the fridge and use as required.

Makes 250 ml

Yarrow face pack

Yarrow makes an excellent treatment for oily skins that are prone to breakouts.

  1. Place the yarrow leaves, lemon juice and water in a small saucepan and bring to the boil.
  2. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the leaves are soft and pulpy.
  3. Remove from the heat and apply to the face while still warm (but not hot), avoiding the eyes and mouth.
  4. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Makes 125 ml

Apple cider vinegar hair rinse

This sounds strange, I know, but it works. A weak vinegar rinse restores the hair’s natural acid balance and removes any leftover shampoo residue, leaving your hair shiny and soft. I kid you not, I use it often. And don’t worry about the vinegar smell, it dissipates very quickly.

  1. Combine the vinegar and water in a clean dry container and mix well.
  2. Use 1–2 cups (depending on hair length) as a final rinse after shampooing.

Makes 1 litre

Sea salt body scrub

Choose an essential oil that suits your mood: grapefruit for an energy boost, vanilla or jasmine for a calming experience. This makes enough for one shower.

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Using your hands, gently massage the scrub over your body while standing in the shower (with the water off). Give dry areas, like elbows, knees and feet and extra rub. Rinse off with warm water.

Makes 60 ml

Natural drain cleaner

Reduce your family’s exposure to harsh chemicals with this effective home‐made drain cleaner.

  1. To clear a blocked drain, pour the salt down the drain. Scoop the bicarbonate of soda over the salt, and follow with the spirit vinegar. Wash everything down with plenty of boiling water.

Makes 1 application

All-purpose household cleaner

Use this when you need a mild disinfectant, or as a light bleaching medium; it is perfect for cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces and is excellent for glass. Harmless to children and pets, it works just as well as commercial products, and the vinegar smell dissipates very quickly, leaving a lemony tang.

  1. Place the citrus peels in a non-metallic container. Pour over the vinegar, water and lemon juice and leave to stand for a few days. Remove the peels and decant the liquid into a spray bottle.

Makes 245 ml

Fishmoth repellent

Bay leaves are wonderful for deterring fishmoths (silverfish) and cockroaches, which don’t like the smell of them. A few bay leaves added to containers for rice, pasta, flour or cereals will help eliminate weevils.

  1. Place the bay leaves and lavender in a small cloth sachet or drawstring bag and put it in drawers or cupboards where clothes are left unworn for extended periods of time. The effect will last for 2–3 weeks, then replace with fresh herbs.