Jane’s Journal

This reduces skin irritation from stings, insect bites or chickenpox. It also makes you drowsy so is good before bed.

You need:

Square of muslin

Porridge oats – 1 tablespoon

Calendula (fresh or dried) 2-4 teaspoons

Chamomile (fresh or dried) 2-4 teaspoons

Hop flowers – 2 teaspoons

Method:

Mix everything together and wrap it in a piece of muslin with a tie at the top.

Put the muslin parcel into a bath and let it steep for 10 minutes, swishing it around. The bath should be warm rather than hot to avoid irritating the skin.

This uses magnesium rich Epson salts along with herbs to relax muscles and improve circulation. It is perfect for an after-gardening soak. Do not use Epson salts if you have an open wound.

You need

2 handfuls of epsom salts

Square of muslin

A selection of these herbs:

Rosemary (fresh or dried), 2-4 tsp - stimulates circulation

Daisies (fresh or dried), 2-4 tsp - prevent bruising

Lavender (fresh or dried), 2-4 tsp - relaxes muscles

Eucalyptus (fresh or dried), 2-4 tsp - anti microbial

Pine leaves (fresh or dried) - stimulates circulation

Ginger - stimulates circulation

Method

Chop the herbs finely and put into the muslin, tying at the top and float in the bath or tie to the tap with the water flowing through it.

Put the Epson salts into the bath and swirl to dissolve.

Soak in bath for at least half an hour.

This herbal tea works as a final rinse on hair to soothe itchy scalps – you can also use it as a cooling toner on inflamed skin.

You need

Fresh rosemary chopped finely – about

2 tablespoons

A teapot/cafetiere

Sterilised bottle or jar

Method

Put the rosemary into the teapot/cafetiere and cover with boiling water.

Leave it to steep for an hour until the liquid changes from green to more of a rusty colour.

Pour into your jar and put to cool into the fridge.

Use as a final rinse on hair or gently dab onto inflamed skin.

It only lasts a few days in the fridge so don’t make more than you need.

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