Our Holistic Herbal Apothecary

Staples in Our House

Okay, I don't have them all listed, but here are some basics that you will always find here.  people often ask me, "What can I do to improve my family's health?"  Below are some simple things and a great place to start.   I am continually adding to this page so check back for more.    Our Coping with Chemo page has tons of nutritional and herbal info as well.

Purified Water!

There is no substitute for clean chemical free water.  When we travel, we take our water with us.  Use purified water to make herbal teas.  Herbal teas nourish the body and quench thirst extremely well.  Nourish your body with Nettle Tea, your nerves with Oat Straw Tea, ease a cold with Ginger Tea, and add a hint of mint to any of these with Peppermint/Spearmint.  Green Tea is also wonderful with a little Peppermint.  Water is the #1 recommended way to improve your health according to Holistic Healers.  Drink half your body weight in ounces per day.

We are a microwave free household.  A table top convection oven cooks and reheats foods with more taste and no radiation.  Defrost frozen items in a bowl of hot water or in a crock pot.  The little extra time it might take to cook your food is WORTH it.

We clean with natural cleaners whenever possible and make our own.

We have removed all plastic kitchenware and storage devices as well as all Teflon and moved on to glass, ceramic crocks and stainless steel.

ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC

We support local growers and have organic local produce delivered weekly.  We choose organic whenever possible when it comes to the food that goes into our mouths.  It IS worth the cost.  We make as many things from scratch as we can with organic ingredients.  Our children help and they love it.  Unfortunately, we have become so used to organic fruits and veggies that when we go somewhere and the produce is NOT organic, we taste pesticides and residue.

We educate our children about our choices so that they will someday make better choices when they are not in our presence.  They take a good quality whole food vitamin/mineral supplement daily.  We wash our hands a lot and keep away from sick people.  We are absolutely conscious about what we put into our bodies.

We exercise as a family by hiking together and exploring God's world.  We laugh, we love, we get mad, we sometimes cry, and it is all okay within the walls of our home and in the arms of our family.

Aloe Vera

I use aloe Vera gel that I purchased from a health store for many many things.  The gel is 99% aloe and the other 1% is the solution that holds it together.  If you pick an aloe leaf, once the air hits the gel inside, it turns watery.  So it can only be preserved so long.  If you cut off a leaf, or one breaks off, put it in a Ziploc and into the fridge, it will last several weeks this way.   Aloe is great for acne prone skin as it is slightly drying.  New studies are proving it helps in preventing wrinkles as well.  It is great for sunburn, mosquito bites, and most other skin afflictions.  I have diluted it and used it as a hair conditioner as well.

I have also found an aloe Vera hand cream that was in the herbal store as well that has worked wonders for dry skin.  It also helped ease stretch marks.  It  hardly smells and absorbs immediately with no after residue.  I use it on the baby as it is so gentle.

Gel soothes chicken pox itch and mosquito bite itch.

Sunburn, I think that goes without saying.

You may also purchase aloe vera juice and drink it as a tonic.  It is antibacterial and antifungal as well and will help keep your body free of affliction.  Be aware that drinking too much can result in loose stools, but if you are constipated..................we will leave it at that!  Avoid this during pregnancy as it can stimulate contractions.

I use the liquid weekly for Samuel due to it's germ killing properties.

Apple Cider Vinegar

If you know me personally, you are probably tired of me discussing this.  But I used to buy it by the gallon.  Now I just make my own.  .  I cook with it, drink it with my water, wash with it, rinse my hair with it, use it in diaper wipe solutions, the list is endless. 

As a tonic, this particular vinegar has special acidic qualities that when drank, will kill off indigestion and heartburn on contact which is especially useful while pregnant.  It is the only thing I have found that works.  It also helps keep the body cool in warm climates.    I drink about a TB to each glass of water I drink per day.  This also helps regulate blood pressure.  During pregnancy my BP was never over 110/70.  Normally I am 100/60.  Vinegar helps your body cope with extreme heat.  It is antifungal and antibacterial and will help eliminate bacteria buildup in the body.  It is said to help in losing weight also and I am doing pretty good in this area after pregnancy as well.  I personally believe that it is delivered through the breastmilk to baby.  Samuel and Anna never had any stomach irritation at all from my breastmilk and I eat dairy, spicy foods, and chocolate. 

Please note!!!!!  As a tonic, buy the ORGANIC apple cider vinegar with "mother" in it.  I was drinking the regular stuff and it was great on indigestion, however I recently switched to the organic and can indeed notice a difference.  I sleep better, I have MORE energy.  No kidding, I can't believe it.  It is not as strong tasting as the regular stuff and easier to get down.  I personally have an acquired taste for it so it does not bother me.  But you may add a little honey to it if you cannot stand it.

My IL's just started drinking it and noticed the same things.  Plus my FIL is diabetic and has noticed a difference in his blood sugar.  He is currently off all medications.

I have included some links about apple cider vinegar.  Please take the time to look into the MANY health benefits of this tonic.

Miracle tonic

Weight Loss

More Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar Diet

You can dilute this into water for a final hair rinse.  It will restore the natural ph to your hair and scalp.

I have used this vinegar with baking soda to remove countless stains and these two are my new favorite cleaning remedies.  I have gotten marker ink out of carpet, grease off clothing, merconium off bed sheets, blood out of clothing, spaghetti stains our of clothing(provided you soak immediately) and the list goes on.  Dump some vinegar and soda into greasy pots and watch the fizz action remove dried on, burned on whatever.  Disinfects tubs, floors, etc and is not hazardous to your senses.  Gentle but effective.   If you are using this vinegar for scrubbing or wash purposes, use the cheap stuff.

Remove pet odors from carpet with vinegar.  Animals HATE this smell and will not "go" in that area again.  While potty training our dog, I diluted vinegar and sprayed ALL the floors with this and it wasn't long after and he did not go in the house again.  Will kill any odor, puke, poop, etc, of course then you get to smell vinegar awhile, but it fades.

Diaper wipe solution recipe:

3 cups water

1/4 cup vinegar

5 or so drops of tea tree oil

Smells good, works great especially in a diaper warmer.  Cleans and gently disinfects and removes odors.  Also use cloths from the warmer to wipe up spills or stains on carpet.  Very effective.

FOR SAMUEL, this is vital to his diet.  The enzymes in this vinegar aid in his digestion, as well as a blood and liver purifier.  Vital in ridding the body of chemo poison.  This is a blood cleanser and liver tonic as well as helps to normalize ph in the gut stopping diarrhea.

Make your own.....

Time frame:  3-4 months

Juice FRESH apples, do not strain.  Add 5% by volume of organic apple cider vinegar.  (store bought)    Pour in a wide mouthed glass vessel and cover with cheesecloth.   Leave out at room temperature in a dark cupboard.  Begin tasting at 2 months.  When vinegar is brewed to taste, pour off by half and replace with fresh apple juice.  This can be done indefinitely.

Tinctures with Apple Cider Vinegar

You can use this special vinegar to make herbal tinctures, either as medicine or as culinary vinegars.   Tinctures are wonderful medicines because they concentrate the herb and a very small amount is needed to make a full dose.   Tinctures are also very easily absorbed in to the blood stream vs. herbs in capsules which are dependent on the condition of the GI tract and/or how much food you have eaten.  

Making tinctures is simple and delicious.   For dry herbs, use a 1:5 ratio of herb to vinegar.   Measure herbs by weight.  Measure vinegar by volume.  So for one oz. of herb, you will need five oz. of vinegar.  If using fresh herbs, use a 1:2 ratio instead.  Dry herbs soak up liquid and fresh herbs do not.   Infuse for 3 weeks to a year or longer.  Vinegar acids draw the most potent parts of the herbs out so the longer they can infuse the stronger they are.  I generally just use a dropper to take liquid out of the jars until I cannot get any, then decant and use my juicer to extract the tincture.  Strain and bottle in dark glass jars.  Store in a dark cool place.   These are generally only good for a year and will last longer if refrigerated.

You can make herbal vinegars for hair rinses with rosemary, calendula, chamomile, yarrow, etc.  You can make herbal skin astringents the very same way.  I have one going now that has rosemary, sage, myrrh and yarrow in it.    I currently have a vinegar gut tonic going for Samuel and a Super Virus Killer Vinegar going for acute sickness. 

SUPER VIRUS KILLER VINEGAR

  I have used the Virus Vinegar in culinary dishes as well as straight .  Take 1-2 tbs every hour at the onset of acute illness for relief within 24-48 hours.  Take several doses daily after improvement is seen and then for a week or so after the illness has subsided.  Take as a daily tonic for immune support as well as for blood sugar/pressure normalizing.    It is comprised of garlic, ginger, onions, grapefruit seed extract, elder berries, horseradish, oil of oregano, olive oil, cayenne and habenaro peppers.   This has a unique bite to it that is oh so addicting!  A TB or two of this per day wards off any threatened infection and it is delicious in soups, stews and sauces.

  I just made a half gallon of this, letting it infuse for 4 weeks before decanting.  I filled a huge glass jar with all the fresh finely sliced herbs and then the remainder with dry...whatever wasn't readily available here.   Fill to the top with apple cider vinegar, or a mix of ACV and vodka.  mine is about 80/20 ACV to vodka.   After decanting,  keep refrigerated.  You can strain through cloth, a fine metal strainer but I prefer my juicer as it gets virtually every last drop.   Use on everything!  I am going to start another batch and let it infuse longer this time.  Vinegar tinctures should be infused for 3 weeks to 1 year, depending on how badly you need them.  This is a tincture I highly recommend having on hand as it drastically cuts sick time.  My older children will drink it as well.

Chicken Stock

I mean the real stuff.  Not a mix, not store bought.  Real organic whole chickens simmering on low for days in a pot full of veggies, oils, vinegar and salt.  It is easy to start and I either have a pot on the stove or jars of stock in my fridge.   Nothing goes in plastic containers and nothing is microwave.  Both ruin the contents.   Bone stocks are a great source of easily absorbable vitamins, minerals and gelatin.  Stocks are the BEST source of usable electrolytes on the planet.  Yes, better than pedialyte and with good calories.  Stocks are a great replacement for meat in a diet where little meat is incorporated.  Perfect for recipes, a sick family member, etc.  Add healing herbs like nettles and astralagus for their vitamin and immune building qualities.  Shitakes also add flavor and immune support.  A nori sheet also adds a whole new dimension of nutrition and taste.

This is an integral port of Samuel's diet.  Taking time to crush up the bones allowing the marrow to seep into your stock gives your own marrow first aid.  Use ONLY organic meat or poultry of course.   I let my stock simmer for days often using right out of the pot as necessary.  Important ingredients for any stock are salt, apple cider vinegar and ginger.  All of these help draw nutrients out of the ingredients.  All make them more easily digestible.   Stocks can be incorporated into recipes anywhere broth is called for as well as used to cook pasta or rice.   I don't cut slice or peel veggies too much.  Just hack a few in half and toss in.  Nothing is sacred around here either.  I will throw in most anything, apples, oranges, tomato's, spinach, you name it.  And it always turns out wonderfully.  Do not forget the garlic, lots and lots of it.   Making this does NOT have to be difficult.  It is probably one of the easiest things I make.  When finished, I either strain it, or puree big heaps of mash together for Samuel.

Essential Oils

This essential oil has many wonderful uses.   The value of aromatherapy is something we have only recently added to the many things we do for Samuel.    Essential oils have the highest ORAC (oxygen radical absorbencies category) of any known substance known.  They can easily pass through the blood brain barrier.  You can put a drop of cinnamon oil on your heel and taste it in your mouth in less than 60 seconds.   So WHY is this important?   Cancer cells thrive in an atmosphere where there is little cellular oxygen.   Poor diet is a major contributor to low oxygenation.   This is why there is all the buzz about antioxidants, because they help bring oxygen back to cells and clean out or eat up bad cells that are lingering.    Delivering oxygen to cells helps kill carcinogenic cells because they cannot survive where a surplus of oxygen is available.    Essential oils are also antiviral and antibacterial, thereby cleansing the system of germs.   They also help reprogram misaligned DNA and RNA.   Chemotherapy rips apart DNA and RNA so you can see why this is important.    If you want to experiment with oils, my best advice is to buy a good book so that you can know the uses for each specific oil.  There are also a lot of quality control issues with oils.  Two great retailers are Oshadhi  and Young Living

The best way to use oils with a child is to drop a few drops into the bath water or apply it to the soles of their feet. 

Tea Tree Oil

One of my favorites

Will do wonders for acne, just dab some on the area when you think about it.  Will kill off cold sores, cradle cap, eczema and really any skin affliction.  We used this on a one inch in diameter lump on our dog's back in conjunction with cucumber juice and rescue remedy cream and it disappeared.  Or course the vet wanted $150.00 to remove it.  It took a month or so but it did go away.  Tea tree is antibacterial and antifungal and may be used diluted as a cleanser.  I also use it on umbilical cord stumps to dry it up and clean it as well.  Many people ask if it burns baby, it does not at all.  Dump a few drops in your bath for an exhilarating aroma.  This will wake you up in the morning.  Also fantastic for itchy skin, mosquito bites, etc.  Occasionally my kids come in itching like crazy and don't know what they got in.  So, immediately following the hot shower with LOTS of soap, they apply Tea Tree Oil undiluted to the affected areas.  This works well.  Occasionally, they need to reapply over a day or two but the relief is remarkable.

Thieves

One that immediately comes to mind is Thieves.   Essential oils can be safely used on children by gently rubbing them into the soles of their feet.  Test for sensitivity first.  Use a carrier oil to dilute pure essential oils if necessary like sweet almond, apricot kernel, rapeseed, avocado, peanut, olive, pecan, macadamia nut, sesame, evening primrose, walnut and wheat germ.  Essential oils oxygenate the body as well as have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties.

Flax

Flaxseed is a hot topic in the cancer fighting world.  There is some debate over the use of the flaxseed oil.  It can be hard to digest.  It may already be rancid even though the label says it is not.  It does not have lignans, they are added after the oil is pressed.  It is rich in Omega 3, which is known to protect against cancer.  Lignans, however are supposed to inhibit tumor growth.  My ND recommended against the oil.  I have used it off and on.  It is expensive, and it's use is and safety are conflicting.  To be assured of it's cancer fighting properties, buy the whole seed.  Whole flax seeds can be stored a very long time in a sealed container in a dark place.  Grind seeds before use into a meal.  You can use a coffee grinder if nothing else.  Ground seeds still have the oil, omega 3 and lignans.  They are a very good source of soluble fiber which aids the GI tract.  They are mucilaginous, which means when moist, they become mucus, which lubricates and soothes inflamed GI tracts.   They taste great mixed in yogurt, on PB and J, in baked goods of ANY kind and in smoothies.   Ground seeds do go rancid quickly so grind small amounts and freeze whatever is not used immediately. Flax seeds are very reasonably priced, read cheap.  Flax oil is expensive.  Use Coconut Oil for fat calories, immune support, an omega 3 source and cooking.  Use flax seeds for their cancer fighting immune support and fiber.  For an extremely irritated GI tract, you can make a cold infusion of flax seeds.  Put 1/4 cup flax seeds into a pint of lukewarm water.  Cover and let sit at room temp overnight.  The water becomes an oily mucus consistency which soothes inflamed GI membranes.  As a cancer fighter, flax seems to be super charged in lacto-fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, etc.

The Use of Herbs

I love herbs!  Now that Samuel is not on any medications which are traditional, I use them more and more.  People often "try" herbs and give up in a day or two when "nothing" happens.  Herbs, most of them anyway, are gentle healers and do take time to work.  If you are taking an herb known as "tonic" then you can expect to see a difference in 3-4 weeks.  Herbs for acute illness need to dosed more pharmacologically, meaning, taking a bigger dose every hour until symptoms subside.  Other than that, herbs work with your body to strengthen and nourish rather than immediately hide symptoms.  Questioning herb safety?  Most herbs you can purchase in a regular retail store are safe in the doses listed.  Consult an herbalist or educate yourself if you are wanting to delve further into herbal healing with less commercial herbs.  I have some excellent herbal book recommendations for the novice.

HERBS FOR FUNGUS

There is an alarming report that leukemia is directly related to fungal infections.   In my experience and in watching other families go through cancer, it is fungi which are hardest on the immune system and traditional antibiotics are not always effective.  Many children DIE from fungal infections because of crippled immune systems and ineffective treatments.  The following herbs are especially effective at killing fungi and are part of our regimen.  Your body does not build up a tolerance to these as with conventional antibiotics and it is best to be proactive about fungus ESPECIALLY with a child on chemo.  Olive Oil is not listed here but should be in this category as well.

Oil of Oregano -  Antibiotic, Antifungal

This is a great natural antibiotic that your body cannot build up resistance to.  It can be used in a variety of ways.  You may purchase the oil in a bottle, or in gel caps.  I have used the oil to kill strep throat, sinusitis, and most other cold/infections.   Break open a cap and let the oil drip down your throat and it will help kill any bacteria.  Take the caps like an antibiotic.  My herbalist recommended three a day as a maintenance does, but when acute symptoms present, I took two to three times that amount.  I have literally put the oil in my nose to stop sinusitis.  You may rub the oil on your temples to cure a headache.  Antibacterial an antifungal properties.  There is different documentation about whether or not this is safe in pregnancy so use care or avoid completely.  

Garlic - Antibiotic, Anti Viral and so much more!

Eat as much as you can, fresh, roasted, raw, tinctured, whatever.  Natural antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal.  Helps regulate the bowel and flora therein.  A power packed energy herb.   We eat more and more and more as the days pass.   I tincture garlic for antibiotic.  You can also use garlic as a potent antibiotic by soaking minced cloves in apple cider vinegar or red wine overnight.  Drink the whole thing.  Basically, mince or finely cut the cloves, cover with desired liquid, cover and let sit at room temp overnight.  Divide in three equal parts and drink over the next day.  DO NOT STRAIN.

Olive Leaf Extract

Available in capsules, this is another natural antibiotic we have had great success with.  I have used this in conjunction with oregano or echinacea to stop colds or other bacterial infections.  These remedies seem to work better if you start using them the minute you suspect you are getting sick.  This is another that your body will not build up resistance to.   Try to find a highly recommended brand.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are a wonderful way to add vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants to your diet while ensuring you get enough fluids.  Green Tea is a very popular tea for it's antioxidant and cancer killing properties.  It does contain caffeine so steep for only a few minutes and do not use boiling water or you will kill the good stuff.  Peppermint tea is also great, as well as Ginger and Chamomile and any will ease GI issues.  Nettle tea is known and esteemed for it's vitamin packed goodness and often referred to as a superfood.  Oat Straw Tea works wonders on the nerves easing stress.  Parents should drink this to cope in high stress situations.  Adding milk, lemon or honey make these more palatable to children.

Peppermint Tea -  Rescue Remedy for any digestive upset

Where would we be without this?  This has literally saved me during pregnancy with Daniel.  I had the flu so severely and could not get relief from vomiting or diarrhea.  I could get one to stop and the other would start again and when you are nine months along, it is NO FUN.  My MW suggested this tea and it literally stopped it in it's tracks and made me feel human.  We use this for any digestive upset and with the kids too. 

I use this for Samuel anytime I suspect a digestive issue.  The older kids will drink it as well.  .  Buy organic whenever possible.  Or better yet, buy bulk herbs and make your own tea bags.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a great source of health and are beneficial bacteria your body needs both to promote a healthy GI tract but also to keep invading BAD bacteria away.  They will help heal a GI which is wrought by chemo, bad diet, etc  Your GI tract is the #1 line of defense against bacteria invasion.   Most germs are taken in to the body by hands that touch contaminated surfaces and then rub eyes, nose or stick fingers into mouths.    Mouths eat food which is full of bacteria, etc.   Probiotics help kill bad bacteria both living in the gut already and new strains trying to infiltrate.   Bodies NEED these bacteria to stay disease free and you are supporting your immune system by using probiotics.   They also counteract both diarrhea and constipation as well as soothing IBS.   Probiotics and Antibiotics.

.  Everyone buzzes about acidophilus but this is just one of hundreds of strains.  Integrity is the key to probiotics.   Two sources we use because we KNOW the bacteria is alive are homemade yogurt and kefir.  I make them myself.  Kefir lines your gut with healthy bacteria and yogurt feeds it.  Store bought yogurts are pasteurized so all the good stuff is dead.  If you are buying it for this purpose, you are throwing your money away.  Yogurt must be cultured at 110-112*F.  Anything higher or lower kills it.  So when manufacturers pasteurize yogurt at over 180*F, what do you think happens to the bacterias?   Miso is another wonderful source of probiotics in a food that is fantastic and addicting.  Check out South River Miso.  This is the only one I recommend unless you make your own.

Reliable sources of probiotic supplements are Natren.com. and Mercola.com.  Many store bought variations are just dead in a bottle.  Don't waste your money.

The GI tract is SO important in your health and the more research I did, the more disappointed I got that Samuel does not have a colon.  For a child under 4 or so, the colon is the first line of bacterial defense.  After that, it is the small intestine so thank God Samuel still has this.  Probiotics are a vital part of his diet.

If you drink pop or alcoholic beverages on a regular basis, don't waste your time and money on probiotics because these destroy all beneficial bacteria in your gut.  Antibiotics also kill the good bacteria in your gut so if you are forced to use them, remember to follow with probiotics.

FYI, we threw out all the prophylactic antibiotics they gave Samuel and only used Probiotics.  He never got a bacterial infection while on chemo as well as off.

Skin Cleansing

If you are prone to oily skin or acne, this is the section for you.  I have very pale skin and have always had acne problems.  I finally got so sick of all the remedies on the market which only seemed to make it worse.  I threw them all out and started using oatmeal to clean my face and for the last year and a half it has improved significantly.  I just put oatmeal in a mesh bag, piece of tied muslim, etc.  Wet with warm water and squeeze til you get a soapy solution and use like soap on your face.  Throw everything else out.  Change the oats every few days or so.   Oatmeal soap is also great for chicken pox.  Gentle, drying and soothing for those poor kids!  I use aloe gel as a moisturizer and that is it.  I wear minimal makeup.  Cucumber juice also works great on oily acne prone skin.  Just cut one open and rub on your skin.  Very refreshing.  Also a GREAT remedy for acute skin issues such as acne, cold sores or warts is the milky juice found in the stem of dandelions.  Just pick one and open the stem and apply the juice to the area.  Will dry it up fast.  My kids are always bringing me bunches of dandelions, LOL!  I don't need them as often these days!   If you need a scrub for your skin, salt works great for oily acne prone skin and sugar is good of all other types.  I occasionally use a honey and oatmeal mask which will moisturize and make you glow!  However honey will bring out a pimple occasionally so do this on an off day of you have something planned.  Also, see Apple Cider Vinegar Tinctures for skin.

Zinc creams are known to heal acne as well as taking zinc tabs.

Virgin Coconut Oil

The only source of lauric acid other than breastmilk.  Lauric acid is both antifungal and antimicrobial,....it keeps the bad germs out.  This is a stable oil that can be used in cooking in place of butter and other oils for a very healthy and tasty flavor.  High in Omega 3.  It ban be used topically for ANY skin problem.  We have used it around Samuel's stoma, his G-Tube area and on his sore bum.  Helps aid in healing.  Easy on the digestive tract.  This deserves a place in your cabinet.  Recommended source  Mercola.com.