Peppermint: It is possibly the most well known variety of mint. It is a hearty herb that gives off a minty smell when you rub its leaves. When dried, the leaves can be made into a tea, but it can also be used fresh when cooking. Both forms are good for soothing an upset stomach, freshening breath, and relieving cold symptoms. As a tea, it can promote sweating, which can help modulate fever. And as an essential oil, rubbing a few drops on a patient's temple will ease the pain of a headache. Peppermint has a cooling sensation when applied topically, so it can be used to help with minor aches and pain.
Lemon Balm: Lemon balm a type of mint that can be used to treat colds, the flu, and insomnia. It can also be used to ease some allergies. Lemon balm has a calming effect and therefore may be able to help remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. When used in cooking, it can be used as a garnish for drinks and tangy dishes to add a delicate lemon flavor. It is especially good when used with fish.
Water Mint: Water mint is a strongly scented herb that smells similar to peppermint. It requires a lot of moisture in order to thrive, and is known for its sphere shaped lavender flowers. Water mint leaves can be dried and used in teas that will help with digestive problems, fevers, and headaches. It can also be used as a gargle to ease sore throats. When fresh, it can be used in salads.
Wild Mint: Wild mint is also known as field mint, or corn mint. It can be found growing in gardens, along streams, ditches, and riverbanks, as well as in fields and meadows. It is a useful plant that can be used to help repel rodents, and insects. Dried or fresh, the leaves can be used in herbal teas, and a variety of foods. This herb can be used to treat a number of conditions, including fevers, flu, pneumonia, headaches, heart issues, colds, and diarrhea.
Catnip, or catmint is particularly appealing to cats, who love to roll in its leaves. Under the influence of catnip, cats will often act as though they are drunk, something that many cat owners find amusing to watch. It can be used as either a tea, or a salve to treat a variety of conditions such as dandruff, hemorrhoids, fever, headaches, diarrhea, insect bites, and anxiety. It can also be used as a cold and flu remedy. Its sedative influence on the nerves adds to its soothing quality. Catnip combines well with the pleasant taste of mint and sage for a pleasant herbal remedy for fever.
Ginger: Fresh ginger root can be grated or chopped very finely, and made into a tea that is very good to help with sore throats. Ginger tea has a warming quality, so it is good to give someone who is suffering from the effects of the cold. It is also a good expectorant (allowing people to cough up mucus more easily), and it could be used to fight inflammation and pain when in powdered form. Ginger is very good for both nausea and vomiting. Powdered ginger doesn't need to be fresh to be made into a tea, so it is easier to keep on hand than ginger root is. Unfortunately, since it is so spicy, it has to be diluted for children. It can, however be flavored with lemon or honey to improve the flavor.
Echinacea: Echinacea is a good preventative. It does little to treat the symptoms of a cold, but it does make the body stronger, allowing someone to fight off a cold more easily. Putting thirty drops of echinacea tincture in a cup of water and gargling with it iss known to shorten the length of a cold. It can also be drunk in tea form as needed. And if someone begins drinking echinacea tea as soon as they were exposed to someone who had a cold, or the flu, it is possible that they might not even get sick at all.
Astragalus: Astragalus is another preventative. When taken as soon as someone is exposed to a person suffering from a cold or flu, it may stave off the illness entirely. Even if not, it will shorten the duration of the illness by strengthening a person's ability to fight illness. It has the added benefit of being able to increase blood flow to an area when applied to the skin, and as a result, speeding healing.
Elder Flower/Elderberry: Elder flower can be used both as a preventative to strengthen the body and shorten the duration of a cold, and to treat the symptoms of a cold, or flu (the berries tend to be more effective against the flu than the flowers), especially a runny nose. It can be used to treat asthma, and some allergies as well. It is good for lowering fevers. And it can be used to cause the body to sweat our liquids and eliminate metabolic waste. Used topically, it can reduce pain and swelling in joints due to some forms of arthritis and it can also be used to stop bleeding. As a gargle or mouthwash, it can help relieve the pain of a toothache. It can also be used as a laxative to help with constipation. The tea also has a calming effect, so it can be used to help reduce stress. It is a gentle herb, so it is safe to be given to children. And since both the flowers, and the berries have a sweet flavor, it is often a preferred remedy for the ailments it can treat.
Licorice Root: Licorice root is a good preventative, used to strengthen the body and shorten the duration of a cold. But also eases congestion and coughing by helping to loosen and thin mucus in airways. It can also help with sore throats. This herb is good for healing ulcers. It can lower stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild laxative. Licorice root is helpful in relieving fevers and soothing pain such as headaches. It can also ease the irritability, bloating and breast tenderness that women suffer during their monthly cycle.
Garlic: Garlic is an expectorant, so it helps a patient cough up mucus while it strengthened their body's ability to fight off the illness that afflicted it. It is also able to reduce the number of colds a person gets when taken regularly. Since it is a food as well as a medicinal herb, it has the benefit of being easy to convince people to take. Many already eat it as a normal part of their diet, so telling them to eat more isn't a hardship for them.
Stinging nettle: As a tea, stinging nettle will help cure mucus congestion, skin irritations, water retention, and diarrhea. It can also help nursing mothers produce milk. And it is good for digestion because it stimulates the digestive glands of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gall bladder. When applied externally, it can relieve rheumatism in both people and animals. It makes a good gargle for mouth and throat infections. And it helps to clear up acne and eczema and promotes the healing of burns if used as a salve. Nettle juice will even ease the stinging of the rash brought about by contact with the plant's own bristled leaves. And if you simmer a handful of young nettles for two breaks in a quart of water, then strain, and bottle the liquid, you'll have a potion that will make hair soft and glossy when used regularly as a scalp conditioner.
Ginsing: Ginsing is capable of both reducing the severity of cold symptoms as well as shortening the length of a cold.
Ephedra: Ephedra can be used to treat bronchial asthma cold and flu, chills, lack of perspiration, headache, nasal congestion, aching joints and bones, cough and wheezing, and edema. It clears up respiratory congestion, and relaxes the airways. But it also stimulates the heart. Large doses of the herb can raise blood pressure. It can also cause palpitations, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, flushing, and headaches. Due to this, it should not be given to a patient with a weak heart, and when it is used, the patient should be carefully monitored to see if any complications arise.
Eucalyptus: As an essential oil, eucalyptus has a wide variety of uses. It is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including colds, coughs, runny noses, sore throats, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis, and sinus problems. It is especially good for asthma. Massaging a few drops of essential oil onto the patient's chest, and the soothing effect of the aroma and vapors will calm the throat and dilate the blood vessels. This will allow more air into the lungs and make breathing easier. Eucalyptus can also be used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. As a salve, is also good for insect bites and stings. In addition to soothing the affected area, it also protects the open wound or irritated area from developing infections from exposure to the air. Eucalyptus oil has a a cooling and refreshing effect. It is a stimulant, so it removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness as well as rejuvenating the spirits of those who are sick. It can also help to relieve stress. Massaging eucalyptus oil on the surface of the skin in a circular motion will help to relieve joint and muscle pain and stress. Eucalyptus essential oil is also very effective against cavities, dental plaque, gingivitis and other dental infections. The herb has qualities that makes it a bug repellent. It can also be used as a treatment for getting rid of lice. When used topically, it is good for treating skin infections, and increasing blood circulation. Eucalyptus oil is also used for treating fevers, and reducing body temperature. Another common name for it is “fever oil” for this reason. It works especially well when combined with peppermint oil, and sprayed on the patient's body as a mixture of a deodorant and a temperature reducer. It makes a good room freshener, especially in a medical clinic or hospital because it kills germs that can cause dangerous infections. Eucalyptus oil has a pleasant aroma, so it is often used in soaps.
Sage: Sage can be used for sore throats, coughs, fevers, and sinus congestion. As a gargle, it is good for gingivitis and sore gums. When used topically, it can help to eliminate body odor, and ease muscle aches, as well as the itch of insect bites. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use this herb because it can dry up their milk. But when it comes time to wean a child, even this can be a benefit as it helps to deal with the ache of breasts when they are full of milk. Older women can use it to help with relieving hot flashes, and women with heavy menstrual cycles can use it to slow heavy menstrual bleeding.
Hyssop: Hyssop’s fragrant flowers and leaves are used to relieve chest congestion, and coughs, as well as to soothe sore throats. They also act as a mild sedative. They are good for relieving gas and intestinal cramping. When used topically, it can soothe burned skin.
Lavender: Lavender is an herb that has a wide variety of uses. And it can be used in many different ways, including teas, infusions, essential oil, tinctures, salves, and muscle rubs. Its scent has a very calming quality. When diffused, it can calm coughs and colds; it is also an expectorant, so it can aid in coughing up mucus. It can also be used as a treatment for flatulence, colic, insomnia, nervous stomach, anxiety, depressive headaches, and the migraines that women get in menopause. The herb is good for relaxation, relieving stress, and is thought to be an aphrodisiac. It can promote restful sleep (as an essential oil, tincture, or dried and added to pillows), and is often used as a sleep aid for that reason. As a dried herb (using the flower heads), it can be used to make a relaxing herbal tea (often mixed with chamomile, and/or oat straw) by steeping it in hot (not boiling water) for a few minutes and adding honey. The essential oil has even more uses. Adding a few drops of the essential oil, or a cup of strong brewed tea, and a cup of epsom salts to a bath will help relax sore muscles and aching joints. It can sooth sunburns and other burns if a few drops of the essential oil are added to a bottle of cool water and rubbed onto the burns to offer relief; the same effect can be achieved if the dried herb is brewed into a strong tea and rubbed on instead. Smelling lavender and peppermint oils or rubbing into into the temples often helps to relieve headaches. The essential oil can be used topically to help with acne and skin irritations. A few drops of lavender essential oil put into a warm foot bath will help to ease your child into a peaceful sleep (this also helps them pee before they go to sleep, so they won't wake up as often at night). Lavender infused oil also helps with dry, itchy skin; it is especially good for children. A few drops of lavender essential oil rubbed into the skin can help soothe bug bites. Sprinkle lavender essential oil on your pillow at night for a peaceful night’s sleep; this is even safe for babies and toddlers. Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to a carrier oil (light olive, sweet almond, jojoba, etc.) and massaging it over the lower abdomen will help relieve menstrual cramps. Lavender water (made by adding 5 drops of lavender essential oil for every 5oz of water) makes a refreshing facial tonic. Lavender has many non medical uses as well. Its pleasant scent makes it great for making soaps, candles, perfumes, lotions, and massage oils. Simmering dried lavender herb in a pot of water with some citrus peels makes a wonderful air freshener. Pouches of dried lavender can be used to freshen rooms, and clothes. The dried flowers can be infused into vinegars for use in cooking or as a skin toner (when diluted). A strong tea can be cooled and used as a scalp rinse to remedy dandruff. Crushing fresh flowers and spreading the pulp on your arms and legs will help repel flies and mosquitoes. Finally, lavender is edible. The flowers can be added to salads. The herb can also be used in baking, and added as a seasoning to dressings, and vinegars.
Feverfew: Feverfew can be used to treat coughs and colds, arthritis, asthma, constipation, earache, fever, headache, inflammatory conditions, insect bites, labor, menstrual disorders, potential miscarriage, spasms, stomachache, swelling, tinnitus, toothache, vertigo, and worms. It is also known to prevent migraine headaches and the nausea and vomiting that comes with them. Feverfew can be used as an insecticide. Due to its potential anti clotting actions, it is not recommended for use in patients undergoing surgery. Pregnant women should not use it because the leaves stimulate menstruation and may induce abortion. It is not recommended for breast-feeding mothers or for use in children younger than 2 arcs old. Handling fresh feverfew leaves may cause allergic skin reactions. Possible side effects include swelling of the lips, tongue, and lining of the mouth, as well as mouth ulcers. Effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and gas, may also occur.
Yarrow: Yarrow is a common weed that grows freely in grassland, chalk land, roadsides, and other sites with well draining ground. It is instantly recognizable due to its feathery leaves, strong stems and broad white flower heads made up of many small individual flowers. Yarrow is helpful in relieving fevers, shortening the duration of cold and flu, helping improve relaxation during illness, and relieving cramps associated with growing pains, or illness. It has the added benefit of being safe for children. Applied topically, it is helpful with skin itching, rash or other issues. As a salve, it staunches bleeding, and is also known for its pain relieving ability. Drinking hot teas of yarrow can help break a fever by relaxing the circulation and the pores of the skin, allowing us to sweat freely and ridding the body of infection. An especially good tea for colds and flus is made up of yarrow, peppermint, and elder flower; it should be drunk as a hot tea as soon as possible. The the patient should then wrap up warmly, keeping a hot water bottle at their feet and wait to sweat. When there is a high body temperature but no sweating, this formula is especially useful to help release the heat via the skin. Yarrow is also good for poor circulation because it gets the blood moving, and it is able to prevent blood clots. It is known for both stopping, and causing nosebleeds; to stop one, pick a few fresh leaves (they are available all arc-round, but are at their best in Ashan and Vhalar) and rub them between your hands to bruise them, releasing the aromatic oil. Then roll the leaves into a nasal plug, insert it into the affected nostril and leave it in until the bleeding completely stops before gently removing the plug. Yarrow is a bitter, aromatic, pungent herb, and that makes it good for digestion; it has a very bitter aftertaste. It can also be used to help with bloody diarrhea and dysentery. Yarrow tea can both staunch heavy bleeding and stimulate scanty bleeding. It is also useful when there is congestion resulting in dark clotted blood and menstrual pains. It is useful for vaginal infections and irregular discharge as well as spotting between periods. It can even help people who have problems with frequent urination. Preparations are usually made from the areal parts including leaf, flower and some stem, though it is best to leave out the toughest bits. They can then be used in a variety of ways: tea – take hot for colds and flus and warm or cool for cystitis. Or use as a wash for grazes or rashes, tincture – for chronic congestion in the reproductive system and high blood pressure (teas could also be used here), baths – for skin irritations, sitz baths – for cystitis, vaginal infections, bleeding fibroids, hemorrhoids, post-partum healing, heavy periods etc., foot baths – for chilblains, infused oil – for first aid healing ointments or soothing creams for irritated skins, a poultice or compress – spit poultices for wounds and first aid situations, compresses for larger areas of grazed skin, wound powder – finely powdered dried herb can be sprinkled on minor wounds, spray – the tincture or herb infused in witch hazel can be sprayed onto varicose veins to tone, and move stagnant blood, and essential oil – a wonderful anti-inflammatory for skin conditions. Chewing the fresh leaves can help to relieve toothaches. The young leaves and flowers of yarrow are used in salads. Some people will notice relief from allergy symptoms by drinking a tea of yarrow and mint. And an external tincture or poultice will often help with rashes and broken skin. Yarrow is good for closing bleeding wounds caused by weapons or tools made of iron; find a plant, strip the leaves, crush them and pack them into the wound. It won't introduce infection into the wound. Yarrow should not be given to pregnant women.
Mullein: Mullein is a woolly-leafed biennial plant. During its first arc of growth, the large leaves form a low-lying basal rosette. In the Ashan of its second arc, the plant develops a tall stem that can grow to more than 1.22 meters in height. The top portion of the stem develops yellow flowers that have a faint, honey-like odor. This, along with the stamens, constitutes the active ingredient. It can be used to treat asthma, colds, coughs, tuberculosis, and related respiratory problems. It is also good for treating hemorrhoids, burns, bruises, and gout. Mullein can be ingested, applied topically, and smoked. The yellow flowers can be used as a source of yellow hair dye. The boiled root can be administered for croup. The leaves can be applied topically to soften and protect the skin. And an oil derived from its flowers can be used to soothe earaches.
Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow leaf and root are used for pain and swelling (inflammation) of the mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract. They can also used for suppressing a dry cough, inflammation of the lining of the stomach, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, constipation, urinary tract inflammation, and stones in the urinary tract. Marshmallow leaf and root can be applied directly to the skin to treat abscesses, and skin ulcers, and as a poultice for skin inflammation or burns, and for other wounds. Marshmallow leaf is used topically as a poultice for insect bites. Marshmallow root can be applied to the skin as an ingredient in ointments for chapped skin as well as for pain and swelling of the feet and hands due to exposure to the cold (chilblains). Both marshmallow leaf and root are used as a flavoring agent.
Slippery Elm: Slippery elm is a tree. The branches are very rough, the leaves long, unequally toothed, rough with hairs on both sides, the leaf-buds covered with a dense yellow wool, and the flowers are stalkless. The inner bark (not the whole bark) is what is used in herbal remedies; it can be used to create balms or salves. It is collected in Ashan from the bole, and larger branches, and dried. The powdered bark is comes in two forms: a coarse powder that is used in poultices, and a fine powder used for making a mucilaginous drink. The powder should be either greyish, or fawncoloured; if it's dark or reddish, it won't work well. The disintegrated bark can be moistened to form a flexible and spongy tissue, which is easily molded into pessaries, teats, and suppositories. Slippery elm has a soothing and healing action on all the parts it comes in contact with. Taken orally, slippery elm can be used for coughs, sore throat, colic, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, bladder and urinary tract infections, protecting against stomach ulcers, too much stomach acid, and for expelling tapeworms. When used externally, it can help heal wounds, burns, gout, rheumatism, cold sores, boils, abscesses, and be used as a lubricant to ease labor. Slippery Elm can be combined with the bark of wild cherry trees, the leaves of a sweetgum, and mullein to make a very effective cough syrup. Another good cough remedy is the following: cut at least an ounce of bark into pieces about the thickness of a match, then add a pinch of cayenne powder with a slice of lemon, and sweeten, infusing the whole in a pint of boiling water and letting it stand for 25 bits. Take this frequently in small doses. It can also help indigestion and heartburn when mixed with water and consumed. Slippery elm is also taken by mouth to cause an abortion. It is edible, and possesses as much nutrition as is contained in oatmeal. When made into a gruel, it forms a wholesome and sustaining food for infants and invalids. People who are so ill that they can tolerate no other food can stomach slippery elm gruel easily. It has a pleasant taste, tasting much like oatmeal; it can also be flavored with sugar, salt, cinnamon, etc. as desired.
Plantain: Plantain is a useful herb that is often considered a weed by most people. The plants don’t have any stems above the ground; all you see is a tuft of leaves coming from a point. The characteristic flower stalks help identify plantain among other rosette-forming plants, but they may not be present all the time. It grows just about everywhere; people often find it growing in their own yards. There are two types of plantains; ones that have broad leaves, and ones that have narrow leaves. Both can be used for healing purposes, but most herbalists seem to prefer the broad leaf plantain with larger, but softer, edible leaves. The leaves of the broad leafed plantain are actually edible and some what similar to spinach, though slightly more bitter. Tender leaves can be eaten fresh in salads, but older leaves have to be cooked. Plantain leaves can be made into both a tea or a tincture, that can help with indigestion, heartburn and ulcers when taken internally. Plantains also have an astringent property that has a cleansing effect on the body. It helps to dry up excess secretions in the respiratory tract, and the digestive system, which makes it useful in treating both colds and diarrhea. It is gentler than most astringints, so it is safe to use on children. When used externally as a salve or poultice, plantain is good for insect and snake bites, and as a remedy for rashes and cuts, and bruises. A tea, tincture, or salve made with plantain greatly eases the itch of poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Plantain salves are good for injuries because they are effective in stopping bleeding. It can also prevent infections, and accelerate healing.
Horehound: Horehound is a perennial, aromatic herb of the mint family. The plant has oval leaves covered with white, woolly hairs, and bears small, white flowers. The leaves and flower tops of the horehound can be used to make a bitter tea that is good for colds. It is a suppressant, and an expectorant, so it is also good for coughs. For an ordinary cold, a simple infusion of Horehound (Horehound Tea) is generally sufficient in itself. But for a severe cold, two or three teaspoons of the expressed juice of the herb may also be given. The tea may be made by pouring boiling water on the fresh or dried leaves, 1 OZ. of the herb to the pint. It is a gentle herb that can be given to children; in the form of syrup, it is a most useful medicine for children, not only for the complaints mentioned, but as a tonic and a corrective of the stomach. It has a pleasant taste, so children don't mind taking it. Taken in large doses, it acts as a gentle purgative (but it can cause irregular heartbeat when used in large quantities, so the patient should be monitored). The powdered leaves can be used as a vermifuge (serving to expel worms or other animal parasites from the intestines), and it is good for dysentery. The green leaves, bruised and boiled in lard, are made into an ointment which is good for wounds. As a wound cleanser, crush Horehound leaves, boil them in a pan of lard, let cool, and use as an ointment on the wound. It has non medical uses as well, and can be used as flavorings in liqueurs (such as Horehound Ale, an appetizing and healthful beverage), candies, and cough drops. Candied horehound is best made from the fresh plant by boiling it down until the juice is extracted, then adding sugar before boiling this again, until it has become thick enough in consistence to pour into a paper case and be cut into squares when cool.
Osha Root: Osha root is also known as loveage, loveroot, or bear medicine because bears take to nuzzling each other after chewing it for health reasons. It is very good for coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments. Osha can also be taken when traveling to higher altitudes to promote easy breathing. Osha's seeds and leaves are also edible. Osha has a pleasant taste, similar to a peppery celery, or a bit like anise. Consuming it in any form has the side effect of making someone feel "cuddly."
Onion: Onions are great for coughs. Raw onions will keep the respiratory tract open. It has the added benefit of being readily available at all times since it is a food that most people already include in their diets.
Thyme: Thyme is a seasoning that is often used in cooking. But it is also great for colds. It eases sore throats and coughs when made into a tea. And it has the added benefit of strengthening the body so it is able to fight illnesses of faster, which in turn shortens the duration of a cold or cough. If you rub thyme leaves between your fingers, it will release an essential oil that makes a great repellent that will drive away mosquitoes. You can also make homemade repellent by mixing four drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of olive oil, or mixing five drops for every 2 ounces of water. Thyme has a pleasant scent, so it is a popular ingredient in deodorants, and it is also often included in potpourri.
Cayenne powder: Cayenne powder is a stimulant, analgesic, and an expectorant. It can help prevent a cold or flu, as well as shorten their duration if you do come down with one. Cayenne powder brings heat to the body, which can help dispel coldness.
Honey – Honey has a wide variety of uses. As a sweetener, it is better for you than sugar, and it can be used to sweeten many of the more bitter herbal teas. People who need to lose weight can still enjoy sweet things if they substitute honey for sugar in their cooking. It is also the base of herbal honey, and is used as an ingredient in some of the syrups. But it also has medicinal uses in its own right. One of which is that it is very good for sore throats. And when mixed with lemon essential oil, and peppermint oil, it is even more effective. When mixed with ginger and lemon juice, it can help to relieve nausea. This makes it good for someone who has the flu. It is also good for helping with morning sickness. Honey promotes restorative sleep; adding a tablespoon of it to warm milk will create a nice sleep aid. If bought locally, raw honey can help reduce seasonal allergies. A tablespoon or two of honey will counteract indigestion. Raw honey can also strengthen the heart, and improve blood circulation. When used externally, raw honey can help speed up the healing time for mild burns, wounds, rashes, and abrasions. It can also help with acne; take half a teaspoon, warm it between your hands, and spread it on your face gently, then leave it on for 10 bits before rinsing with warm water, and pat dry. Honey makes a great exfoliator, too; use it on dry skin by adding two cups of honey to a bath, soak the affected area for 15 bits, then add one cup of baking soda before soaking for 15 bits more. A spoonful of raw honey mixed with olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon can be used as a hydrating lotion. Raw honey can also cleanse and restore the health of your hair and scalp when used as a shampoo.
Lemon – Lemons will help to decrease the strength of the cold and flu virus in the body, and reduce phlegm. Many folks use lemons to build resistance to cold and flu, and speed up healing. They will help with both fevers, and chills if you drink a cup of hot water mixed with some honey, and the juice of one lemon. If you add the juice of a lemon, and a teaspoon (5ml) of sea salt to a cup (250ml) of lukewarm water, and use the mixture as a gargle three times a trial, it will help to ease a sore throat. Lemons can also accelerate the healing process of canker sores if you mix the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon into a glass of lukewarm water, and rinse your mouth with this solution; this should be done three times a trial. There may be a burning sensation when the lemon juice comes into contact with the canker, but the more frequently you use it, the less burning there will be. Eating a lemon peel can reduce cramping and gas pains while it aids digestion; it increases circulation, stimulates urination, and strengthens the immune system. Lemons will help with bad breath if you rinse your mouth with lemon juice several times a trial, or chew a slice of lemon after every meal. Drinking the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon mixed into a glass of lukewarm water after each meal will aid in digestion. When used externally, lemons can help with acne; apply fresh lemon juice on acne, and leave it overnight. Then wash the area with water the following morning. There may be an uncomfortable sensation of burning at first, but it will soon disappear. Another method is to mix one part freshly squeezed lemon juice with an equal part of rose or honey water. Put the mixture on affected areas for at least half a break. Then wash it afterwards with water. This application should be repeated twice daily, ideally in the morning and the evening. Inhaling lemon oil can help increase concentration and alertness. Lemon poultices applied overnight are a good home remedy for corns and calluses. To make one, place a slice of lemon approx 5 mm thick on to the corn, then bandage it. Dabbing the affected area with lemon essential oil also helps accelerate the healing process. But take care to only use the undiluted oil on the callused area using a cotton ball, as it is too strong for un-callused skin. Lemon wraps can help with skin infection such as eczema; add 8 drops of lemon essential oil to one cup (250ml) lukewarm water, and one tablespoon (15ml) of liquid honey (honey also has anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the healing power of lemon). Soak a linen cloth in the liquid, squeeze out the excess, and then gently place the cloth on the affected area for 15 bits, 2 to 3 times a trial; not only will this ease the infection, it will counter the overwhelming urge to scratch. Lemon juice will repel insects if you rub it on any skin that isn't covered by clothing before going outside. And lemons can help ease the sting a bug bite if you massage one or two drops of lemon oil mixed with a teaspoon of honey into the skin around the bite. Lemon oil can ease pain if you massage the affected area every trial with several drops of lemon oil mixed with 1 tablespoon (15ml) jojoba oil. Lemon juice can be used to stop a nose bleed if you apply it to cotton, and place it in the nostril.
