Tuesday 4 October 2011

It's the Shep and Jo time again, on BBC Radio Devon!

We've had a good run of weather in the last week or so, but October is here and sadly things are set to change. As things get colder, we don't tend to feel as good as we might in the summer. So how about we talk over some simple self sufficient homemade soothers for everyday ailments?

Please note: These are not in place of a doctor, and they don't cure, all they do is sooth and hopefully make you feel a little bit better.

For example:

Fatigue: Take ginseng tea or capsules.

Common cold: Drink tea made from elderberry extract and ginger - and never underestimate the soothing effect of a thick chicken soup if you have a cold. Also, add eucalyptus oil and clove oil to your bath.

Water retention (including swollen ankles): Drink dandelion-leaf tea and increase your intake of vegetables that have diuretic properties, such as carrots, onions, cucumbers and leeks.

Sadness: Before going to bed, add some pine needles, willow bark and larch bark (the inner part) to a mug of boiling water. Place it, still steaming, on your dressing table to scent the room while you sleep. Do not drink.

Sore throat: Blackberry tea to sip.

Ingredients can be found in a most heath food shops.

I'm really, really, really close to finishing my book, and when it's written i promise to blog again properly. Honest Injun, no fingers crossed promise.