Basil

Basil is the sweet smelling herb which is a member of the mint family. It is often used in cooking to make sauces or added to salads. In addition to cooking, however, this herb has many uses for natural health.

This wonderful herb is filled with vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium.

The leaves of the basil plant can be eaten straight from the plant, as long as they are washed to remove dirt or other unwanteds from the leaf. When eating the leaves the stomach becomes strengthened and perspiration may be cut down. In addition, just by eating the leaves phlegm can be removed from the bronchial passageways.

When mixed with a couple of drops of coconut oil, or other carrier oil, basil as antiseptic properties so it can be used to help heal ulcers, cuts, wounds and bug bites.

Other uses for basil include:

Fever: 

Basil is high in phytonutrients and healing oils. By boiling the leaves into a tea and then drinking it, every few hours it will help to alleviate fever.

Colds and Coughs:

Just by chewing a few leaves or drinking a tea made of dried basil leaves relief can be found from colds, coughs or sore throats.

Anti-stress

To feel relief from stress, try chewing up to 12 leaves two times a day.

Headaches

When suffering from a headach place one tablespoon of dried basil leaves in two cups of hot water in a large pot. Then cover the head with a towel, lean in, carefully, over the pot and breath this in for five to ten minutes. 

Essential Oils

There are also many uses for Basil essential oil. ****Remember essential oils are not made to be taken internally****

Basil essential oil has been used to treat indigestion, constipation, respiratory problems, nausea, motion, sickness. 

Just by diffusing, or inhaling a drop or two from a clean cloth, anxiety will seem to melt away. 

As someone that suffers from migraines, I have used basil essential oil from time to time to ease the pain. Just by diffusing it or by massaging it into the temples, the base of the neck or other areas of pain, really helps. 

Place 1-2 drops in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil (about 3 drops) to apply to insect stings, or cuts.

To aid in carpal tunnel place this mixture on the areas that are effected and massage with moderate pressure toward the heart along the tendons and muscles.

A beauty tip for basil is to place one to drops of basil essential oil to any shampoo to help cut down on oily hair. 

As with any herbs or medicines, it is always a good idea to check with a physician before using basil regularly as a treatment for any ailment.

Arrowroot

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is used as a thickener is some cooking recipes and in natural cosmetics.

It is harvested from a number of plants including the roots, tubers, or rhizomes of Maranta arundinacea

, or 

Zamia pumila.

 

To create a powder from these tubers, they must be washed first, then the paper-like skin needs to be removed. After removing the skin wash the root again and then let it drain thoroughly. Next the roots are placed in a mortar and mashed into a pulp. The milky liquid that is obtained needs to be passed through a coarse cloth and then the pure starch should be allowed to settle at the bottom. Place this in the sun to dry. When it is finished a light, white powder is the product which is odorless when it is dry. If moist it has a peculiar odor. 

If you don't want to make the powder, it can be purchased at Amazon.

Deodorant

The powder is great when made into a deodorant. The recipe is very simple

combine 1/4 c. baking soda; 1/4 c. arrowroot powder; 5 T. coconut oil until it makes a firm texture, similar to that bought in a store. If desired, a few drops of essential oil can be added, depending on the desired results, I have added up to 10 drops of lavender oil to create a calming scent. When finished the mixture can be transferred to a lidded container and then store in a fridge. This should last a couple of months. 

Foundation

I also enjoy using arrowroot in a homemade foundation for my makeup. Many days this is all that I put on my face. The shade can be varied by changing the amounts of some of the ingredients. 

For example for lighter skin:

1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder should be slowly added to up 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/4 t. nutmeg, 1/4 t. ginger until it is the desired tone.

After playing around with this recipe I have also added about 10 drops of vitamin E.

If you have a darker complexion begin with less arrowroot powder. 

I have also seen, but have not tried, recipes that use bentonite clay and essential oils. I don't know the amounts or how this works out, but if you try it and like it, let me know the amounts and if you like it. 

I also prefer a powder foundation, but have heard that by adding a drop or two of olive, jojoba or sweet almond oil, you can have the creamy foundation you are looking for. Maybe I will become brave enough to try this some time. If I do I will let you know how it works. 

If you have any other ways that you enjoy using arrowroot, please let me know.

Angelica or Master Wort

Angelica, or Master Wort, is found in wet areas and is recognized by the purple stems and the downy white flowers edged with pink.

This plant has fragrant stems which can be candied for a nice treat plus it has the added advantage of relieving flatulence.

It also has angelicin, a resin, in the roots. Angelicin has been shown to stimulate the lungs and the skin.

To make an infusion of this plant pour two cups of foiling water for every ounce of bruised roots used. To use to help with digestive pain from flatulence take two tablespoons twice daily.

In addition, Angelica is also great to plant when desiring bees as they find this plant very appealing.

In Iceland they chew the stems and roots of Angelica raw with a bit of butter to help with rheumatism and gout.

Angelica can also be found in an essential oil. When used in this form it calms and settles the nerves. It can be applied to the bottom of the feet, over the heart, on the forehead, or wrists to help give a sense of protection and security.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has been used for millennium by many different cultures. According to Web MD, it has been used for healing and softening skin, constipation and for skin disorders.

It can also be taken as a juice, latex, which works as a very strong laxative. However, those that have heart conditions need to take care and check with their physicians as it can lead to other troubles.

As with most items, there can be side effects or risks that will need to be watched for. It can cause skin irritation. Or if taken orally it can lead to cramping or diarrhea. Those that are allergic to garlic, onions or tulips may be allergic to aloe vera.

I checked various locations around the internet and discovered on How Stuff Works a list of 40 ways to use aloe vera. I encourage anyone interested to check out the site. Here are just a few of the ways to use it.

It is great to apply topically to treat minor burns, or for a scald it can be mixed with vitamin E to be applied as a person prepares to see their physician. When stung by a bee or a mosquito, applying a little of aloe vera can help reduce or eliminate the resulting pain or itch.

It can also be applied to help fight athlete’s foot, or to help relieve blisters.

Aloe and Honey Mask

This handy little recipe can be made very easily with equal proportions of honey and aloe gel. For example, one tablespoon of each can be mixed in a bowl. Then this can be applied to any place where the acne is. Let it stand for about 20 minutes then rinse with warm water.

More can be made just make sure the ratio is 1:1 and that the ingredients are pure without any other chemicals added.

Aloe can also be used as a lotion, either by itself or by placing it in a favorite lotion recipe. It can also be used on the hair, in a conditioner.

Aloe Hair Conditioner

This wonderful plant can also be used as a deep conditioner on the hair. Take one of the leaves off a plant, then scrape it with a knife and apply the gel directly to the hair. Work it in from the roots to the ends of the hair and then let it set, wrapped up in a towel, for up to 25 minutes. Finally, rinse it with warm water and marvel in the wonderful texture of the hair. Wow!

Aloe Scrubs

We Love Aloe has several scrubs that can be made with Aloe also. Just remember that if the gel is coming directly from the plant, to only use the amount that is needed to help spare the plant.

Fruit and Sugar Scrub

Place one cup of white sugar, two tablespoons citrus juice such as lemon, lime or grapefruit, use 2 drops of the same type of essential oil in a bowl and stir. Add four tablespoons jojoba oil, two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and two tablespoons aloe vera gel.

This can then be placed on the skin and used to exfoliate by scrubbing. When rinsing, to get the best results begin with warm water and gently allow it to become cooler until it is cold. Gently pat the skin dry and seal the extras in a jar for another time.

Have fun experimenting with this wonderful plant in other skin products to enjoy a refreshing and toning new item.