Village Raw - ISSUE 1

VILLAGE RAW
WELLBEING
THE HERBAL HOME
Medical herbalist, Ola Nwakodo, discloses which herb essentials
every home’s medicine chest should have.
Words by Ola Nwakodo. Illustration by Em from The Mossy Hill.
1. CHAMOMILE FLOWER, LAVENDER FLOWER
AND LEMON BALM HERB TEA BLEND
A great remedy for tension, whether it is
caused by teething, stress, restlessness,
irritability, upset stomach, cramps or
fevers - safe and effective for inducing
calm. All three herbs are rich in volatile
oils that have soothing, muscle relaxing
and wound healing effects.
2. CASTOR OIL
A castor oil rub can give good pain relief
for aches and pains affecting the head,
abdomen, muscles, kidneys or chest.
Comprised of fatty acids, its main active
component is considered to be ricinoleic
acid, which exerts analgesic and
anti-inflammatory effects. Castor oil also
makes for a softening conditioning oil for
dry skin and hair.
3. CLOVES AND CLOVE OIL
I use clove oil to relieve tooth and gum
ache as well as pain due to respiratory infections.
Cloves have strong anaesthetic,
antiseptic, disinfectant and pain-relieving
effects when taken internally or rubbed
topically on infected wounds. For bronchial
infections I add a few cloves to any tea
- it is mildly stimulating yet calming.
4. GARLIC OIL
This remedy is always made fresh whenever
the need for an antibiotic arises.
A few fresh garlic cloves crushed and
mixed into extra virgin oil releases its
most known biologically active compound,
allicin, which is antibacterial,
antibiotic and antimicrobial. It can work
wonders in clearing up ear infections
and common stomach bugs while healing
wounds (internal and external) steadily
and effectively.
5. HOPS AND PASSION FLOWER
TINCTURE (LIQUID HERB)
I like this blend because it has significant
relaxing, sedative and sleep inducing activity.
When stress, anxiety and tension
take over and the mind will not turn off,
try a cup or two of this remedy an hour or
so before bed.
6. GINGER ROOT
Good for all things inflamed or requiring
immediate soothing, for example colds
and flu symptoms, sinusitis, throats and
chest infections, digestive upsets, joints,
and knee pains. Essential oil, gingerols and
much more found in ginger root provide its
medicinal benefits. I also use fresh ginger
root tea or infusion to refresh and stimulate,
giving all systems an extra boost.
7. LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Lavender flowers soothe and heal skin and
tissues. Lavender manages to look pretty,
smell wonderful and yet provide powerful
calming and relaxing effects on nerves
alongside its gentle antibacterial activity.
Try a few drops of the essential oil in the
bath, in body rubs, on minor burns, or on
recent surgical and acne scarring.
8. OAK BARK TEA
When bodily fluids need to be contained
and reduced, as in cases of acute diarrhoea,
this tea can be very helpful. Oak
bark contains a lot of tannins, which have
a drying effect on tissues so it can be used
to slow the flow of any excessive liquid
and even blood in minor cuts and wounds.
9. SWEDISH BITTERS
This is a digestive health tonic combining
up to 16 herbs, originally formulated by a
Swedish physician. When blended well, the
bitter (not so bitter in taste!) should be a
balanced digestive tonic; it contains stimulating,
modulating, soothing, cleansing,
and regulating properties as well as promoting
overall health and energy levels.
10. ST JOHN’S WORT FLOWER AND
MARIGOLD INFUSED OIL
I use this topically to speed up healing of
sores, scars, bruises, bites, broken skin,
sunburn and minor burns (with aloe gel),
lesions, dermatitis, nerve pain and injury,
and to get relief from itching and sciatica
(with peppermint essential oil added).
11. THUJA AND PAU D’ARCO TINCTURE
(LIQUID HERB)
I blend these two plants to create a powerful
response to common bacterial, fungal
or viral infections – persistent stomach
bugs, athlete’s foot, warts, ringworm,
and psoriasis. This is taken internally and
also rubbed externally on affected areas.
12. PEPPERMINT, PARSLEY AND NETTLE
TEA BLEND (FOR INFUSION)
When feeling sluggish and out of whack
energetically, this is a go-to nutritive
tonic that can bring the shine and swing
back into the body. The respiratory, digestive
and circulatory systems, and the
adrenals, all get a kick. The blend works by
nourishing the system with vital vitamins
and minerals, restoring mood, re-establishing
balance quickly, increasing energy,
and aiding sleep. For effective results,
infusions work best. A large infusion can
be prepared, stored in the fridge and
drunk over the course of a few days.•
If you are interested in a bespoke home herbal
dispensary Ola is happy to answer your enquiries:
www.saintandsmith.com
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