Ok, so I really wanted to make my sleep pillow but I have had no energy thanks to COVID. So instead, I will share with you the various items that I have been making to try to help us heal quickly and ease our symptoms. Some of these recipes are from our very own @Mistress_Of_Herbs, who I’ve dubbed the Herbal Queen, some are my own concoction, while others are from various herbal remedy books. I’ll note the source of each one below.
To ease my symptoms, I have been living on Christeena’s COVID Tea. It is a great tasting blend of herbs that help ease the symptoms of COVID.
I made a chest rub to use similar to vicks vapor rub (my own recipe). I put 4 tablespoons olive oil and 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets in a small saucepan (I have a dedicated one for melting beeswax) and stirred over low heat until fully melted. I removed from heat and added 40 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 4 drops peppermint oil. I then poured this into small screw-top containers and let it cool completely before sealing. If stored in a cool place out of light it should be stable for up to a year. I rub roughly 1/2 tsp on my chest and it helps clear my sinuses. I will add more peppermint next time though.
Three times a day, we are taking an elderberry tincture that I made prior to cold/flu season. We mix it with juice but you can take it straight or mix it with your drink of choice (I would not recommend citrus as the flavors don’t mix well). To make you will need a 1:5 herb to alcohol mixture (50% alcohol/50% water). I used vodka but you could also use brandy or whisky, whatever you have on hand. I had a full bottle of vodka but if you have a lesser amount, check to see how much alcohol you have and then measure out your herbs from there. I used 50% elderberry, 25% Bonset, and 25% Echinacea. You could also add Chaga if you have it on had but I did not. Grind them to a consistency of coarse cornmeal. I used a coffee grinder that I have dedicated to my herbs. Measure the and mix the alcohol/water in a jar, you want the actually weight so either ounces or grams. Then measure out your herbs, remember the 1:5 ratio, and place into a macerating container - I used a mason jar. Slowly pour the alcohol/water over the herbs. Cover tightly, shake, and set in a dark place a room temperature. Label with current date and herbs. Shake daily for three weeks. At this time, pour the mixture into a strainer lined with cheesecloth over another jar, express thoroughly by hand. Take this jar and let it sit undisturbed overnight. The following morning, carefully pour off the liquid through a filter into a brown bottle. Store in a cool room, away from sunlight.
- You will have to experiment with the dosage that works for you and your family. Start with about 5 drops to ensure there is no allergic reaction. I have found that for adults (over 10 yo), 30 - 60 drops 1 to 2 standard droppersful, 3 to 5 times a day works the best. I have not given this to children but have seen similar tinctures with recommended dosages of 5-10 drops well-diluted in water or juice taken 3 times a day for children 4-10 yo. I do not recommend it for under 4 yo without consulting your physician.
- If you don’t want any alcohol to remain (either for children or due to alcohol dependency), place the drops in a cup of boiling hot tea or water and let the alcohol evaporate. Then you can drink it hot or when it has cooled off. It is only necessary to let it sit for 3-5 minutes for evaporation to occur.
A couple other teas that I have tried are as follows:
- Throat Coat (from The Modern Herbal Dispensatory): 2 parts licorice, 1 part Marshmallow root, 1/2 part peppermint. Can also be made as a glycerite.
- Lung-Lubricating Tea (from Herbal Medicine for Beginners): 1 c marshmallow root, 1 c mullein leaf, 1/2 c fennel seed, 1/4 c licorice root; mix and store in airtight container. Make a cold infusion by measuring 2-4 tablespoons per quart of water and place in mason jar/french press. Add cold/room-temp water and steep for 4-8 hours. Strain and drink directly. Can warm up and add honey.
- Tamed Wild’s Cold & Flu Tea
Lastly, I am doing some herbal steamers where I place some peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary in a bowl and add hot water. I then create a tent with a towel over my head and lean over the bowl to inhale the steam. This will open my sinuses for a small amount of time and ease my sinus headaches.