Tag: herbal remedies

  • How to Make your own Immune Boosting Tonic

    How to Make your own Immune Boosting Tonic

    Jenna shows you how to throw together your own Immune Boosting Tonic full of virus-busting goodness!

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • 1 medium onion, peeled and rough chopped
    • 1 head of garlic, peeled and rough chopped
    • 3 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
    • 1 tablespoon dried echinacea root
    • Apple cider vinegar (organic with “the mother”)
    • Raw organic honey
    • 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
    • cheese cloth (enough to cover the top of the jar with a couple layers)
    • A large glass container of some sort. We used a quart-sized mason jar.

     

    Step by Step Instructions

       

    1. Place onion, garlic, ginger and echinacea root in a mason jar.
    2. Add apple cider vinegar to cover the herbs.
    3. Cover with cheese cloth and screw on the band to hold it tight. (don’t use the lid portion- your tonic needs air!)
    4. Leave in the jar for 2-3 weeks, preferably in a sunny or slightly warm place.
    5. Strain and discard the herbs.
    6. Mix with equal parts raw honey and add cayenne powder.
    7. Store in the fridge and take 1 teaspoon as needed daily or whenever you start to feel run down.

     
    There is more you can do with this tonic: 

    • Immune Boosting Tonic is amazing alone- BUT there are some fun ways to use it:

    • Use it to make a quick Bloody Mary: add to a mixture of tomato juice spirit of you choice

    • It’s a super FLAVOR boost for soups and sauces. It’s the not-so-secret ingredient in my chicken soup and a fix-it for spaghetti sauce that needs a little kick.

    • Bone Broth to the MAX: add this to your bone broth!

     

  • Putting Together Your On-The-Go Essentials

    Putting Together Your On-The-Go Essentials

    Everyday Natural Essentials

    These are a few of our favorite must-haves for your purse, pocket, car or office: natural solutions to help you cope with common colds and more. Read on to see how keeping these products handy can help you conquer any day, no matter where you are.

     

    1. Xyloburst Gum

     

    Everyone needs gum, right? It freshens breath and cleans your palate after a meal on the run. Chances are you have some in your car, purse or pocket right now. But take a look at what’s in it. Read the fine print. Check out what’s making it sweet. Some gums contain sugar – a brilliant idea for cleaning your teeth (NOT!). Other gums contain aspartame or other synthetic alternative sweeteners that we don’t love for many reasons. Try swapping your old gum in for some gym with Xylitol. A sugar alcohol derived from corn or birch trees, xylitol kills bacteria that cause bad breath and cavities. Chewing gum with xylitol after meals can help ensure fresh breath AND a healthy smile.  

     

    2. Urban Moonshine Digestive Bitters

     

    Our bodies are designed to break down the foods we eat and absorb nutrients from them, but our poor modern diets tend to interfere with this. Digestive bitters are a group of herbs that have the power to stimulate digestive function gently and effectively by encouraging the production of healthy enzymes. Bitters can help receive heartburn, gas, bloating and even decrease sugar cravings, according to our friends at Urban Moonshine. We especially love their handy portable spray bottle. If you’re on-the-go and experiencing discomfort, a few sprays are all you need to be on your way!

    3. Ultima Replenisher

     

    These little packets will put you back on course when you are feeling thirsty, tired or dehydrated. Full of electrolytes and minerals, this powder will mix right into your water bottle when shaken and works fast to bring balance to your body! Great for hot days, stressful days, or days when you are recovering from being sick. And they taste amazing, too 😉 Don’t leave home without a packet!

     

    4. Activated Charcoal

     

    Going out to eat can be an adventure- especially for our stomach. This is when activated charcoal can be your best friend. Charcoal can capture unwanted material that can wreak havoc on your body, carrying it through your digestive system and potentially saving you an emergency trip to the restroom. Keep it on hand to relieve gas and bloating and even safeguard against food poisoning!

     

    5. Aura Cacia Peppermint Oil

     

    Peppermint essential oil is a superhero. The cooling effect it has on the senses makes it super useful for so many things. It can provide relief for nausea, hot flashes, fever, sinus congestion, stress, migraines and more. Apply a drop to a tissue and inhale, or dilute with a carrier oil in a roller ball applicator to apply to your skin (such as the back of your neck and temples) to bring calm to what’s bothering you.  The oil can also extinguish the itch of a bug bite and cool the irritation of a hot rash.

     

    6.Bachs Rescue Pastilles

     

    You’re late and that clock is just bearing down on you- this is going to be a long day. You know that pit in your stomach you get from this sort of stress? That’s what Rescue Remedy is all about. Using the power of homeopathic flower essences, this remedy works with your body to bring about a natural sense of calm when you need it most. These pastilles are discreet and easy to take- just pop one in your mouth and let it dissolve. Before long you’ll realize everything is just fine.

    7. Amazing Trio by Amazing Grass

     

    It’s 3:00pm and you need a pick-me-up. But if you reach for that cup of coffee, you know you’re going to be up half the night. This is no longer a predicament when you’ve got a packet of greens handy! This powder mixes quickly with water to provide an instant boost for your system. It oxygenates, alkalizes and detoxifies with nutrient-rich superfoods. These little packets pack a punch of Wheat Grass, Barley Grass and Alfalfa. They fill in nutritional gaps and bring you up to your best potential!

     

    8. Everyday Throat Spray

     

    This soothing throat spray provides instant relief to a dry mouth, a scratchy throat, or a nagging cough. It freshens your breath with peppermint and cools your throat too. The additional of colloidal silver in this formula allows the spray to attack bacteria that cause these problems. It also uses osha root as a trusted herbal cough remedy, and licorice root to soothe irritated mucous membranes. A dash of ginger within helps to calm congestion and reduces nausea. This is a must-have in everyone’s bag!

     

    Click Here to download our

    On-the-go Essentials shopping list! 

     

    Works Cited

    Steinberg, LM; Odusola, F; Mandel, ID (Sep–Oct 1992). “Remineralizing potential, antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of xylitol and sorbitol sweetened chewing gum.”. Clinical preventive dentistry. 14 (5): 31–4. PMID 1291185.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0008816/?report=details

    http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/peppermint-oil.aspx

    Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

  • Building Your Natural Medicine Cabinet

    Building Your Natural Medicine Cabinet

    natural remedies, supplements

    When was the last time you cleaned out your medicine cabinet? If you’re like many others, you may have a few bottles of expired product, unused product, or product you’re not sure how you acquired.  You may not have benefitted from using some of it and some over-the-counter pharmaceutical products may have even generated some unwanted side effects for you.  What a waste of money! (And space!)

    If this sounds familiar, you’re probably interested in seeking alternative natural solutions to managing your health.  We think that’s smart! Save your health AND money… and read on to save your time making selections. We’ve got our top picks for building a fully-stocked natural medicine cabinet with a good solution to nearly all of your wellness needs. Read on…

    Starting with our top shelf, left to right:

     1. XLear:

    If you’re prone to sinus problems or allergies, you need this product; this gentle nasal spray contains xylitol – a sugar alcohol that sends bacteria to the grave

     2. Boiron Oscillococcinum: 

    Always keep a pack handy for when flu-like symptoms hit; this homeopathic remedy is best used at the onset of symptoms and can help you get back to feeling yourself again simply by working with your body’s own natural defense systems to spur needed action

     3. Aura Cacia Organic Eucalyptus Oil:

    So many uses for this aromatherapeutic gem; add a few drops to a humidifier in cold months, or to a facial steam bath to help relieve nasal congestion discomfort

     4. Boiron Nux Vomica:

    When nausea strikes, Nux Vomica is to the rescue; this homeopathic remedy is popular for relieving discomfort from hangovers and more and is easily taken by dropping a few tiny pellets under the tongue to dissolve

     5. Rescue Remedy:

    Available in spray, pastille, gelcap or liquid form, this flower essence remedy is used for addressing mild anxiety, nervousness and tension

     6. Fire Cider:

    Put some pep in your step or boost your immunity with this food-based tonic filled with anti-inflammatory, cold-busting nutrients; one shot and you’ll feel all the goodness this tonic has to offer

     7. Deep Sleep:

    A favorite of those who have trouble sleeping, this formula contains an array of herbs known to help promote restful sleep without groggy, cranky side effects that no one wants to deal with

     8. MigreLief:

    Antioxidants, minerals and vitamins combine forces to help relief symptoms associated with painful migraine headaches without any caffeine or stimulants

     9. Aller-Aid:

    A beautiful blend of herbs and powerful antioxidants that helps address symptoms that so many with allergies suffer with needlessly

     10. Herbalist & Alchemist Peppermint Tincture:

    Peppermint is an herb that has been used for thousands of years to help calm an upset stomach; simply drop this liquid into water, tea, or a comforting beverage

     11. Enzymedica Acid Soothe:

    This formula uses powerful digestive enzymes to break down foods that may cause acid reflux symptoms in sensitive individuals; this product addresses the root cause of the discomfort

     12. Jason Vitamin E:

    Known for its skin healing properties, liquid vitamin E is a great solution for addressing scarring and other troublesome skin issues

     13. Urban Moonshine’s Digestive Bitters:

    This liquid promotes your body’s own production of salivary amylase, which helps break down certain types of food you consume, potentially helping relieve symptoms like gas, bloating and mild digestive discomfort

     14. Oregon’s Wild Harvest Namaste:

    An organic blend of adaptogenic herbs, this liquid tincture is a great solution to help your body best cope with the stressful demands of everyday life

     15. Grapefruit Seed Extract:

    Address fungal issues with power; this liquid can be ingested, applied topically, or even used as a laundry additive or food-grade cleanser

     16. Arnica Montana:

    Used to help relieve discomfort associated with bruising, muscle soreness and inflammation, this homeopathic remedy is often prescribed after falls, injuries or surgery

     17. Arnica Gel:

    A topical version of this homeopathic remedy that is often used on bruises and areas of swelling

     18. Sovereign Silver First Aid Gel:

    Complete with colloidal silver, this topical solution suggests usage on skin requiring protection from bad bacteria

     19. Banyan Nasaya Oil:

    Dry nasal passages or bloody noses? This oil is intended to be swabbed on the inner tissues of the nasal passageway to provide needed moisture

     20. Tea Tree Oil:

    This essential oil has too many benefits to list! No cabinet is complete without it!

     

    At Basil Bandwagon, we have a variety of facial, dental, and skin care products free of the chemicals and preservatives you want to avoid. Don’t forget to make these a part of your natural medicine cabinet, since your skin absorbs what you put on it!

    Not pictured, but another great addition to your medicine cabinet is activated charcoal. A well-known antidote for food poisoning, this supplement is also used for whitening teeth (when added to toothpaste) or as a natural detoxifier.

    As with any substance, you should always check with a doctor or medical professional before use, especially in an emergency or life-threatening situation or if you have any underlying health problems.

    Love this post? Click HERE for a printable shopping list of these items!