Treating the Winter Bugs With Herbs

I'm an herbalist. I know I've said that before. I guess I say that again because it is one of my passions. It's part of who I am. I love to work with the plants. I love to watch how they interact with humans. Plants meet us on so many levels. Think of the smiles you give when you see a flower, or smell the wonderful aroma. Your favorite foods wouldn't be what they are without the flavor plants add. Plants added to bath salts help ease your muscles and you mind. I could go on, but you get the idea. This week the winter bugs hit our household. So, I was reaching for my favoirte medicinal plants to ease my family.
I made decoctions to gargle. Teas to drink.
I brought out some dried elderberries from the depths of my herbal closet to make this sore throat and cough syrup. It is really yummy and effective. All you need to do is:
Add 4 oz. of dried elderberries to 3 cups of water.
Simmer for about 30 min. Reduceing to about 2C.
Squish the berries while they are still in the pan.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer.
Add 3/4 - 1 c. of honey. Stir til honey is well blended.
This will keep in your frig 3-4 months.

I was busy taking care of everyone. I was sorry that they were sick, but I was having fun making herbal remedies. Then I decided to make something we could all use.
I gathered ingredients for some body cream. Melting oils and some beeswax together. Then pouring them into a blender and letting them cool to room temperature. Mixing aloe vera gel, secented water, lanoline, a few drops of essiential oil, and a few drops of vitaman e, letting them rise to room temperature.
Pouring the waters into the oils as the blender runs on high. In a moment, the mixture turns into this beautiful white cream. Kind of the same process as making your own mayo.
It is the best body lotion. A little goes a long way. I know what all the ingredients are, nothing I can't pronounce or reconize. Dealing with illness doesn't need to be a hardship. I enjoy using the plants for healing. It's an amazing process to watch and be involved in.