October CSW Share
October Share
Let it Fade
Herbal Blend for Tea or Bath
This blend of chamomile and catnip is designed to bring calmness to the entire being. Both herbs are relaxing to the mind, easing you into a restful state after a stressful day. The herbs are also very soothing to the digestive system. This blend is perfect for drinking after a heavy meal. It is especially helpful for drinking before bed if troubled digestion gets in the way of sleeping (in such cases, it’s helpful to drink 20-25 minutes before bed rather than immediately). Both of these herbs are commonly used to ease children into bed. They are gentle and sweet in flavor.
Sip as tea or slip into an herbal bath and let your worries fade away.
TO USE AS TEA
Steep 1 tsp. of herbs in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Try the tea both with honey and without: honey brings out the sweetness of the chamomile, while the catnip flavor is more prominent if left unsweetened. This blend is intensely calming, and nice for sharing with a friend.
Note: Chamomile is, at its heart, a bitter herb. If left to steep for more than 15 minutes, the bitter flavor will be released, thus increasing the helpful digestive effects but potentially decreasing the palatability.
TO USE AS A BATH
My favorite way to infuse herbs into bathwater is to make a strong infusion then add the infusion to the water. To do this, use 1 Tbsp. of herbs per cup of hot water for the infusion. Let steep as you draw your bath. After at least 15 minutes, strain out the herbs. Bring your infusion to the bath and pour it in. If the infusion is cool enough, I like to get in the bath and pour it over my head, letting it run into the bath water.
Another option is to put the herbs in a stocking or other infusing vessel and infuse the herbs directly into the bathwater. This can be pleasant but gives a less strong infusion.
For more information on the benefits and magic of herbal baths, see the “Herbal Information” packet.
CHOOSE THREE:
Herbal Facial Spray
Witch Hazel infused with White Yarrow
This is an astringent facial spray to keep your skin clear and healthy.
As we move into colder weather, washing the face with soap can be too harsh for those with sensitive skin. This spray removes dirt and excess oil from the face without being drying.
TO USE
Close eyes and spray over face. Dab with cotton ball. Alternatively, moisten the cotton ball with the spray and dab onto face.
Immune-Boost Tincture
Tincture of Echinacea Root and Flower blended with Hyssop
Echinacea effectively works to stimulate the immune system, while hyssop has strong anti-septic and cough suppressant properties.
TO USE
Echinacea tincture is most effective if taken in high amounts for a few days, then paused. Also, it is less effective if taken with water, so take the tincture directly, undiluted. This will feel strong on the throat, but will be very effective against any illness that is settling in the throat.
Take 60 drops 3-4 times a day for 5 days, then stop for 2 days. Repeat for up to four weeks if desired.
Spearmint Tincture
Tincture of Spearmint Leaf
To calm the stomach and lift the spirit.
TO USE
Take 20-30 drops in a little water after a meal or when in need of a lift.
Let it Fade Tincture
Tincture of Catnip and Chamomile
Like the herbal blend, this tincture is calming for both the mind and the digestive system. The tincture can give you a stronger dose; and it is portable, which is nice for travel, when the potential for stomach troubles, stress, and sleeping troubles is high.
TO USE
Take 30-60 drops in a bit of water as needed.
Chamomile Tincture
Tincture of Chamomile
Chamomile is an incredible herb for a wide varieties of wellness challenges. See the attached info and be awed.
TO USE
Take 30-60 drops in a little water as needed.
Catnip Tincture
Tincture of Catnip
This is also a helpful multi-purpose herb to have in your apothecary. I use it if I wake feeling anxious in the night, when I’ve allowed someone to stress me out, or if I feel stressed soon after eating.
TO USE
Take 30-60 drops in a little water as needed.
Radiance Moisturizing Oil
Olive oil infused with comfrey, lavender, nettle, plantain, calendula, white yarrow; essential oils of lavender, rose geranium, atlas cedar
As the weather becomes cold and dry, it is important to keep your skin glowing and healthy. Olive oil is extremely moisturizing, and these herbs are nourishing to the skin.
TO USE
Apply the oil all over your body after you shower or bathe. This is a lovely ritual to practice caring for yourself and your body. Self-care, self-love, and compassion are crucial tools to keep our spirits joyful as the seasons change.