I make this tea for different illnesses.

I start with a green tea base.  Decaffinated is best, but always remember tea has more caffiene in it than coffee, and even decaffinated tea has alot of caffiene in it.

Then for upper respiratory illness (with cough, junk in the chest, congestion, etc) I steep:

• 1 tbsp pleurisy root (this will work miracles on any chest congestion!) 
• 1 tbsp ecinacia root
• 1 tsp valerian** root (AKA Grave Yard Dirt) for aches and pains.

For the flu:

• 1 decent sized sprig of fresh mint (for nausea)
• 1 tsp valerian** root OR chammomile** (for sleep)

for common cold:

• 1 tbsp ecinacia root
• 1 tsp valerian** (for the aches and pains)

**VALERIAN ROOT:  This is excellent for headaches, body aches and insomnia.  WARNING:  This root WILL MAKE YOU DROWSY!  Don't drive after you use this root.

**CHAMMOMILE WARNING:  This herb is used for insomnia and to aid with sleep.  DON'T DRIVE AFTER YOU USE CHAMMOMILE, IT WILL MAKE YOU DROWSY.

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Here's a very easy herbal for a blasting headache...

Infuse 2 heaping teaspoons of sage for 10 mininutes, strain, sweeten with a little bit of honey & drink. Your headache will be gone in a matter of minutes, sooner if you can relax or lay down for a minute or so.

Ladytree* 

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Thanks for these! We have property down in the country & I'll definately have mint around on a constant basis along with catnip.

Ladytree*

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I'm not sure of the link (I'll search it out and put a link in here later) but it's always a good idea to check any drug interactions with herbs before making anything.  Especially with the large amount of prescriptions for things like Zoloft and Prozac being filled.

Megan

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www.herbalgram.org has a great Commision E area.  Easy to use and understand.  Hope it helps. 

Megan

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I would like to place some of these remedies in our Winter issue of Spirit Spot DFW e-zine. With credit back to the writer. Please let me know if you would like to submit something to the Winter issue.

www.geocities.com/spiritspotdfw/Home.html

Thank you

Shirley Crow

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With the dry winter weather approaching I thought I would share my favourite remedy for itchy dry skin. Put whole oats in cheesecloth and tie it all up. Let steep in a hot bath for a while and then get in and slather it all over you. Soak and soak until you're ready to get out. Rinse yourself and the tub since it will leave a bit of a residue. Oats are amazing! They are healing inside our bodies and outside!

I have ridiculously sensitive skin and can't use moisturizers because most have alcohol and/or fragrance so this is my natural remedy to the itchy-skin winter blues!

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Spirit Spot DFW e-zine is a magazine I started last year. If you would like to see it. Please follow the link.

www.geocities.com/spiritspotdfw/Home.html

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I like gensing for a pick-me-up too.

Be careful with it though, especially if high blood pressure is an issue, as it can raise the BP a bit.

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This tea works well for soothing anger and the antsinses associated with pre-menstrual syndrome (PM. The mixture lasts indefinitely when stored in a jar with a screw on lid.

You Will Need:

• 2 Tablespoons of Catnip
• 5 Tablespoons of Chamomile
• 3 Tablespoons Of Rose petals
• 2 Tablespoons Of Lemon Balm
• 4 Tablespoons Of Lavender
• 1 ½ Tablespoons of Vervain

Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Use two tablespoons of tea for every cup of water. As the tea steeps chant:

"Fiery anger, go away,Calmness come, and with me stay.Soothe my mind, so I can think,Steep peace of mind within this drink"

Sweeten your tea with sugar or honey if desired.

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Excessive licorice root will also raise your BP, btw. 

And to me, valerian root tastes almost worse than it smells, I'll use it once in a blue moon in capsules, but I wouldn't ever drink or serve it as tea.   In fact, I won't use it for anything but worst case scenarios, because it's tranquilizing effect is too strong for me.  I much prefer chamomile/passionflower/scullcap preps., and they don't taste bad, either.  I've never found anything strong enough to mask the taste of valerian.

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Yes, Mels, you might find some or all of these ingredients in a health food store, if they have an extensive herb section, but I wouldn't.

Most herbs lose potency in storage, leafy herbs should be replaced every year, roots last a year or two. 

Most stores aren't aware of the fact that dried herbs should be stored in a cool and dark place, and many of them aren't aware of the need to rotate their herb stock, in order to ensure viability of the herbs. 

I buy whatever I can't grow in pots, from www.mountainroseherbs.com , because they ensure their herbs are fresh, pesticide and pest-free, and because they have darn near everything!

The best option, of course, is to grow,and dry, your own herbs.

The best selection of medicinal and culinary herb seeds I've ever found was at www.horizonherbs.com .

BB,-Sunny

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Sigh....

Please insert, "buy them there" in the first sentence of my previous post, after the word "wouldn't".....

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it does like to travel and spread. 

 Planted spearmint outside my apt. back door, in the landscaping, to keep the ants away, and because I use it a lot as a flavoring agent or to mask the taste of some medicinal teas....It spread and took over, but doesn't seem to do a darn thing for my ant problem, I suspect this apt. complex was built on an ant hill...!  Maybe I'll try pennyroyal in pots with the tansy.

Tansy's feathery leaves are very pretty, though.

BB,Sunny

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For the flu I make an infusion of Peppermint, Melissa (lemon balm) & catnip. It helps with ALL flu problems.

BB,Kimberly

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Kimberly, if there are no problem with aspirin, (drug interactions or drug allergies) you might check into a little meadowsweet, too, in a flu mix.  I use meadowsweet for aching bones, n occasionally, fevers, too.   It tastes a lot better than white willow bark...which is an alternative. 

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Hi!  I think we are dealing with a ringworm, a friend of mine told me to try Black Walnut salve, but I am highly allergic to Blk Walnuts and I am worried that my little son could be too, I don't want to find out the hard way. So does anybody have any suggestions for ringworm?

Also I read in here somewhere that Rosemary can over-winter in the house?  I must be doing something wrong because I have to replace mine every year.   Suggestions on this?

Blessed Be

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Ringworm is a fungus, like athletes foot, jock itch, or toenail fungus, so I think that what gets rid of athlete's foot, would probably work on ringworm, too. 

A friend of mine from work mentioned that her itching feet were keeping her awake at night, so I told her what I used on my son's athlete's foot.

These skin fungi are contagious, so cleanliness is a must, so the problem area must be kept clean and dry.  Frequent laundering is important.  What I used on my sons was a mix of essential oils; Geranium, tea tree,eucalyptus, lavender, palmarosa, thyme,& oregano.

The proportions of these essential oils that I used were: 3p,(parts),3p, 3p,3p,2p,1p,1p.  I divided the oils into 2 bottles, one of them equipped with a sprayer top.  Into that one I added a mix of high proof grain alcohol and distilled water.  Into the other bottle I added a blend of oils, 1/4 rosehip seed oil, 1/4 hazelnut oil, and 1/2 jojoba oil, to the essential oil blend.  The spray was used on my son's feet, after bathing, to kill the fungus and dry it up.  The oil was used at night, (to stop the itching)and I made sure that the boys changed socks every night and day, for two weeks.  I washed my older son's sneakers every day, and sprayed them, too.  I made my younger son wear sandals,and he healed faster, so maybe fresh air or sunlight helps.  This stuff worked really well, but was too expensive to spray the shower with....(since this fungus is contagious, I thought that maybe I should spray the shower n tub, too.  I had to resort to using bleach, for that).  I don't like bleach, but I didn't know what else to use.

Now, essential oils are pretty strong stuff, that's why they're diluted before use, and a skin patch test, before applying them, is a pretty good idea, too.  And I wouldn't use them near mucous membranes, or on particularily sensitive skin, either.  But if one of my family members had ringworm on an arm, leg, or head, or back,I would consider using the same thing I used to get rid of my kid's athlete's foot...

Don't think I would use the spray on jock itch, though, that's pretty sensitive skin.  I'd probably try a double, or triple, dilute strength oil, made with the above essential oils.

Lots of luck!

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These are great ideas, but I had a question.

How do you dilute essential oils?  Do you use more of the carrier oil or something else?

Robin

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unrefined vegetable oils blends, such as almond or jojoba oils (jojoba is actually liquid plant wax).  If I want a EO product to keep as long as possible, and I want it to be absorbed quickly, I use pure jojoba oil as a base, or carrier, oil.  I use almond for EO (essential oil blends) that I will use up quickly, and a 50%-50% almond, or other plant oil -jojoba oil blend for products I don't use up within a week.  Sometimes, when I want a drying effect, I use high proof alcohol/distilled water for a diluent.  If I'm making a floral water, such as lavender water, I use a lavender hydrosol, mixed with extra lavender EO, (this is like undoing the EO distillation process, which separates EOs from their hydrosols)  Sometimes I use plain distilled water, when I make a floral water, as I don't always have hydrosols for whatever I'm making.

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Baikal Scullcap and Nettles, dried.  3 C per day, but you may wish to add other herbs for flavor.  I use freshly ground rosehips, hibiscus, and peppermint.

The benefit of this is that although they help with allergies, nettles are also very rich in iron and minerals, the vitamin C in the rosehips helps our bodies absorb iron.  The hibiscus is for a pretty rose color, so it's optional, and the peppermint is an antispasmodic, among other things, and also aids respiration, as it helps open airways.

This tea is pleasantly lemon-mint flavored, but if you like a more pronounced lemon flavoring, you can add fresh lemon slices (more V-C!) and or lemon verbena and lemon ("bee") balm, as well.

Even though these herbs are what I consider "low risk" herbs, one should always consult a qualified herbal practitioner before using herbs, and if one uses conventional medicines, one should also notify their medical practitioner of their intent to use herbs, and which ones.  Herbal teas are not a "quick-fix", unlike the pills used in conventional medicine, you don't drink a cup of tea, and have your allergies immediately cleared up.  They work over time, which means one uses herbal teas over the course of a month or two, sometimes longer.  Some herbs are preventatives, which means that one uses the herb regularly before one has symptoms, to prevent them.  (Like Feverfew, for migraines).  Some herbs are for short term use only, and lose effectiveness if used regularly.  And sometimes when one acquires their herbs, they can be ineffective due to poor quality, depending on the storage conditions of their supplier; they don't have any life to them, and they won't help at all.   So you do want to be certain of your herb supplier, ( I like www.mountainroseherbs.com myself, they have excellent quality controls implemented, and they'll also sell you seeds to grow your own herbs, as will www.horizonherbs.com ;(-- you can grow your own nettles and Baikal skullcap).  Fresh, and freshly dried herbs are the most effective ones you can use, medicinally; you'd be surprised how many herbs do well in pots.  Growing both these herbs are easy, btw., but if you buy nettle seeds, you may want to grow them in pots, (they can be invasive) and wear gloves when picking the nettles fresh, (they have stinging hairs).  Nettles are also a great pot-herb, once steamed, they don't sting, and they taste somewhat like spinach, but are more nutritious and don't contain the oxalic acid that spinach does.   Once nettles are dried, they also no longer sting.  If you do get "bit", you might consider planting some orange jewelweed and chickweed by your nettles, and using their fresh juice, as an antidote to nettle stings.  Or you can make a salve from the two herbs...As a bonus, you can also eat the chickweed in salads, fresh

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Hi and thanks for suggestions. It was right by his eye so I was avoiding the chemical based stuff. I ended up using Lavendar essential oil and a product called Grapefruit Seed Extract (by Nutribiotic ) and it worked!  I still don't know where it came from, we are clean, have cats but they are clean too.

Another note about the Grapefruit Seed Extract, its great for helping keep colds & flu at bay as its got anti viral & anti bacterial properties too. It is edible, but a word of warning: it tastes like stomach acid so put it in juice or in a little gel cap.  : )

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A remedy for ringworm and it works right away... is clorine bleach... dab it directly on the marks, one treatment is usually enough if you get all the spots. Repeat as necessary. Hope it helps...

Magiick  

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Honey mixed with lemon juice is great for quieting a cough or soothing a sore throat... I usually do equal parts... taken a tablespoon at a time.

Honey mixed with apple cider vinegar, is a great tonic...  mix 2 parts honey to 2 parts cider vinegar and a little water .... it is supposed to ease joint pain, help you sleep, good for the blood(thinner) and fight infections... taken 2 tablespoons in the morning...  hey, it can't hurt

Magiick

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Botanical Name- Extracted from organically grown Grapefruit (Citrus paridisi)
Origin- USA
Extraction- Glycerin Extracted-USP
Shelf life- 3-5 years
Notes- Heavily concentrated! Is severely irritating to the skin in its undiluted form. Must be diluted to a 1-2% concentration. Avoid contact with eyes. Not to be used internally unless properly diluted to a concentration of 1-2%. Citricidal brand Grapefruit seed extract is fully biodegradable, safe for water treatment, and is safely and effectively used for sanitation, food, cosmetic, and agriculture use.

Specifications
Color- Lemon Yellow
Odor- Mild Citrus
Total Ingredients- Grapefruit Extractives (60%) and Glycerin-USP (40%)
Density - 9.5
Specific Gravity - 1.110
Melting Point - n/a
pH- 2.6

Ascorbic Acid- 2.7%

Glycerol- 36.8%
Solubility- Water, alcohol and organic solvents

Grapefruit Seed Extract Uses

Grapefruit seed extract is a marvelous creation from Mother Nature that is in need of more respect and is an underrated treasure. It cleans us, protects us, preserves our delicate foods, and so much more. Outlined here are some of the greatest uses for grapefruit seed extract and a list of very simple to administer recipes.

*** Internal (never use full strength extract)***
Dental Rinse: (For healthy gums and fresh breath)
Stir 1-2 drops of extract into 2 oz or more of water. Vigorously swish the water around your mouth for about 10 seconds. 1-2 times daily .

Throat Gargle
Stir 1 drop of extract into a small glass of water (3 oz or more) Gargle several times and use as often as needed.

Ear Rinse
Thoroughly mix 1-3 drops of extract into 1 oz of vegetable glycerin or alcohol. Apply 1-2 drops of this solution into the ear 1-2 times daily. Use as often as needed

Nasal Rinse
Mix 1 drop of extract with 6 oz of water. With head tilted back, fill one nostril at a time with an eyedropper full of mixed solution. Bring head up and down in a forward motion to force mixture into passages. Return head to normal position to allow the solution to drain. Do not inhale this mixture.

Vaginal Rinse
Mix 1-2 drops of extract in 8 oz of water. Douche once daily for about a week.

***External Use***
Facial Cleanser
Thoroughly splash, or moisten face with water (either cool or warm is fine).
With hands still wet apply 1-2 drops of extract to your fingertips and massage into skin using a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly after use and pat dry. You may notice a minor tingling sensation afterwards. This is the deep cleansing properties of the grapefruit seed extract.

Skin Rinse (For very minor skin irritations)
Dilute extract with water (about 1-2 drops per tablespoon). Apply this solution directly to irritated area of the skin twice daily. If additional irritation continues discontinue immediately and seek the advice of your physician.

Nail Treatment
Dilute extract with water or alcohol (1-3 drops per tablespoon).
Apply this solution directly on the surface of the nail along the cuticle and underneath the front of the nail. Or soak nails twice daily for as long as needed

Scalp Treatment
Add 2-3 drops of extract to each shampooing. Massage into scalp and leave on for a minimum of 2 minutes. Rinse of thoroughly and be cautious not to get in eyes.
This may also be used without shampoo.

*** Household Use ***
Toothbrush Cleaner
Stir 2-4 drops of extract into a glass of water. Immerse toothbrush for 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse toothbrush before using. Change water and remix every 2-3 days.

Vegetable Wash
(Sink Washing) Add 20 or more drops of extract into a sink full of cold water. Briefly soak any vegetables, meats fruits, or poultry.
(Spray Washing) Add 20 drops per 32oz bottle of water with sprayer pump. Shake thoroughly and spray on any vegetables, meats, fruits, or poultry. Rinse when done.

Dish & Utensil Cleaner
Add 10-20 drops of extract to sink dishwashing water or to final rinse. You may do the same for dishwashers.

(Continued below)

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Cutting Board Cleaner
Apply 5-10 drops of extract to cutting board and work into entire board with a wet sponge or dishcloth. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with water before using.

All Purpose Cleaner
Add 15-30 drops of extract to any 32 oz pump sprayer filled with your favorite cleanser or this can be added just to water. Use on all surfaces of the house.

Cautions:
Do not put in eyes and do not use in its undiluted form.

(This information is from Mountain Rose Herbs-www.mountainroseherbs.com )

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Sunny, thank you for all that good data on ways to use this wonderful substance (Grapefruit seed extract)  I have been using it straight internally & externally for over a year as I did not know any better and have suffered no ill effects.  I never thought about it for cleaning stuff like toothbrushes etc.

Thanks!  Jen

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A lemon, cut in half and rubbed (pulp side to skin) on dry elbows leads to softer skin.

Pure aloe gel works wonders for cracked and tired feet.

A cup of chamomile tea with a squirt of lemon juice, poured over the hair after shampooing, leads to natural highlights if you'll sit in the sun for a couple of hours.

For an ear ache, heat helps, so boil the white heads of scallions (those tiny onions with the long, green stalks) and let one sit in the ear until your skin has soaked up the heat.

For nasal congestion, eat a couple of pieces of crystallized ginger.

For a migraine, use a coin or a small/flat/round stone to put pressure on the loose skin on the palm of the hand, between the thumb and the first finger. Push hard, and hold the coin there for as long as you can (a couple of minutes). It's a pressure point. Also, drink a tea made with yarrow.

For oily hair, use dish detergent (liquid, not powder) to cut through the grease.

For a toothache, bite down lightly on a whole clove for distraction. Avoid using excessive amounts of toothpaste flavored with mint or cinnamon, as these increase salivation and may irritate the mouth.

For lumbago, crush aspirin, mix with water to make a paste, spread over the afflicted area (hips, lower back) and leave for only 1-2 minutes (more will burn, but works as a mild anasthetic)

For breaking nails, soak nails in bowl of warm pectin (gelatin without color or flavor). Warm olive oil helps too. 

For skin problems (pimples, canker sores, rashes, boils, etc.) increase zinc intake with vitamins and zinc-rich foods. Use a toothpaste and facial cleansers with "triclosan," like CVS brand antibacterial face wash, Colgate total, and CVS brand anti fungal powder (instead of talc). Oragel with zinc is good and doesn't sting.

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potato in half and hold on burn for 5-10 minutes... burn will still hurt but the morning after you'll find you bearly notice it..

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Making Bath Herb Blends

Taking a fragrant herbal bath has become a reliable refuge from the turmoil of everyday life. Be sure to use only plants from the safe botanicals list in your bath.

Safe botanicals include:

Lavender, chamomile, rose, comfrey, lemon verbena, tangerine and sage. These have a relaxing effect. For energizing properties, use rosemary, peppermint, bay, jasmine, rose geranium, lemon, lime, lemon balm. For uplifting qualities, use orange jasmine, or rosemary. For antiseptic uses, try eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender or tea tree. Sore muscles? Use eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, comfrey, rose or sage.

For headaches, try peppermint, grapefruit, lavender, or chamomile. For help with insomnia, use chamomile, lavender, or mint.

To make Herbal Bath Blends, gently mix ingredient in a large bowl. Store in a jar or a basket. Add 1/4 cup oatmeal (for dry skin) or 1/4 cup cornmeal (for oily skin) to your botanical mixture before simmering for extra scrubbing action. To Use: Place about 1/4 cup of the blend in a small cotton bag. Simmer gently in a glass pan over medium heat with 1 quart of water for 10 minutes to make a fragrant "tea." Take a quick cleansing shower and draw a tub of water. Pour the "tea" along with the bag in the bath. Hop in and relax. Use the bag to scrub with. Discard the botanicals when finished. Dry the bag for future use.

Recline and Relax Bath Blend:

This mix is for when you have nowhere to go and you need a stress reducing soak in the tub. This recipe makes 16 applications. 1 cup chamomile flowers, for relaxing and soothing 1 cup lavender buds, for scent 1 cup lemon verbena, for relaxing and scent 1 cup strawberry leaves, which are good for aches and pains Mix as directed above.

Romantic Bath Blend

This is a wonderful calming but energizing blend that leaves your skin scented. This recipe makes 12 applications. 1 cup rose petals for scent 1 cup rose geranium for refining pores and energizing 1/2 cup lemon balm, for scent and stimulating effects 1/2 cup chamomile, for soothing properties Mix as directed above.

Sparkling Start Bath Blend

This refreshing and stimulating blend is perfect for the start of your day or to help refresh you after a busy day. This recipe makes 12 applications. 1 cup rosemary, for scent and stimulation 1 cup peppermint leaves, refines pores and is stimulating 1/2 cup lavender buds for scent 1/2 cup sage for aching muscles 1/4 lemon peel, for energy Mix as directed above.

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 Hey I know this hasn't been used in a while but i'll add these simple recipes anyway .

Bath bomb :

• 10 drops Lavendar essential oil ( can use any herb yoou want prefer lavendar )
• 5-6 dried lavendar sprigs
• 1 tsp veg oil
• 3 tbsp bicarbanate of soda
  
• 1 tbsp citric acid powder

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Poultices are similar to compresses, except the whole herb is applied rather than a liquid extract, providing effective first aid treatment.

Poultices are simple herbal preparations that can be made at home. Moist, hot herbs are pasted onto the skin to give soothing, healing relief from small wounds or painful muscles.

Fresh, powdered or dried herbs are used to prepare a hot herbal pulp, covered in muslin and applied to the area with a bandage. They can be used to treat infected cuts, bruises and sprains.

Poultices containing astringent herbs, such as shepherd's purse, applied directly to the skin can be used to ease out splinters and thorns, or to draw out pus and impurities from boils, abscesses and bites. Barley, honey or onion are also especially good for these purposes.

Powerful healers

Astringent herb or vinegar poultices reduce bleeding and bruising, and help to tone and tighten damaged tissue.

Poultices of soothing marshmellow help reduce swelling associated with minor injuries and, in an emergency, a poultice of crushed strawberries soths sunburns.

Ideal ingredients for herbal poulttices

Black tea- restore tired eyes with tea bags, soothe and relieve itchy insect bites, black tea is highly astringent due to its potent content of natural tannins

Cabbage- folk remedy for burns, boils, blisters and bruises; cooling, cleansing and detoxifying; applied to the chest or neck, it treats coughs or sore throats.

Neem- natural insecticidal properties, use dried, crushed leaves to create your poultice; use neem to create an effective treatment for clearing ringworm; a soothing and healign treatment for eczema sufferers can be created using neem.

Borage- decorative herb with rough leaves and pretty blue flowers. Use leaves to soothe weeping eczema conditions. Wrap a poultice of borage around inflamed joints to relieve arthritic and rheumatic pain. It also reduces swelling of minor injuries.

Marshmellow- the root is rich in mucilage, polysaccharides and tannins, good for treating skin inflammations. Draws splinters and reduces subsequent inflammations.

Juhua(chrysanthemum)- an ancient Chinese treatment for eye infections. Use a poultice made from Juhua flowers to create soothing eye pads to relieve sore eyes. Juhua also possesses anti-inflamitory, antiseptic and cooling actions.

Simple steps to make a poultice:

1. Chop fresh herbs or use a food processor to mash them into a pulp. If using dried or powdered herbs, add a little water to make a stiff pulp from the mix. Use sufficient herbs to cover the affected area.

2. Place the herbs in a little water or cider vinager in a heat-proof bowl, hold over a pan of vigorously boiling water, for 5 minutes or until the herbal mixture is very hot.

(herbal poultices are prepared to very high temperatures, therefore, to prevent scalds and burns to the skin, make sure you take great care when following Steps 3 and 4.)

3. Wearing protective rubber gloves, squeeze out any excess water and spread the hot mixture between two pieces of fine gauze or muslin cloth.

4. Apply the poultice to the affected area while it's still hot. To keep the poultice from sticking to the skin, rub a little olive oil onto the skin before application. Keep it in place with a cotton bandage.

5. Place towels or a hot water bottle on top of the bandage so that the poultice retains heat. Apply a fresh, hot compress every 1-2 hours.

(preparation usually takes about 5-10 minutes)

Sage and vinegar poultice

Make this simple poultice for rapid relief from strains, sprains or bruising. Both sage and vinegar are natural astringents, which will reduce inflammation. Sage also speeds tissue repair.

1. Place fresh sage leaves between two sheets of greaseproof paper or two kitchen towels. Bruise with a rolling pin, taking care not to tear the leaves.

2. Place the leaves in a pan and cover with vinegar. Simmer(do not boil)for approximately 3-5 minutes over low heat.

3. Working quickly to ensure that the leaves remain hot, remove the mixture from the pan and spread between two sheets of gauze.

4. Apply the poultice to the injured area, rplacing every 1-2 hours until the swelling subsides.

Herbalists in the past believed in the healing properties of sage and vinegar, especially used in combination.

The renowned 17th-century apothecary Nicholas Culpeper advised adding the juice of sage to vinegar and drinking it as a tonic to ward off all signs of "plague."

Boiled sage was also used to warm cold joints and sinews, and to relieve muscle cramps.

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