Our speaker today.

 Dawn Ireland, the Torbay Herbalist who works from the Hawthorne Practice in Torquay, came to talk to us today about kitchen remedies. What do we store in our kitchen which can be used to benefit our health? Such a fascinating talk! We learned such a lot! NB If you already take strong medicines, it is wise to check before using any extra remedies. 

Tea promotes healing of small wounds - slap a tea bag (cool!) on to a cleaned wound and leave it while you enjoy the cup of tea. Blisters on your feet? Make a cup of tea, pour it into a foot bath and relax.

Mushrooms boost the immune system and vitamin D, particularly if, when you bring your mushrooms home turn them upside down on a plate and put outside in the sun so they can soak up the vitamin D. Prepare mushroom soup to give your body a boost. 

Eat a rainbow of fruit and vegetables each day. Red, purple and blue fruit and vegetables are especially good for the heart

Onions and garlic -anti viral, anti microbial and antiseptic, with garlic especially good for the heart, lowers cholesterol and aids digestion. At this time of year chop onions (garlic, too, if you like) and layer in a jar with honey or sugar (or glucose) ending with a layer of the sweet. Put on the lid and leave for a week or so. Strain off the onions and use in cooking. The remaining syrup is an excellent cough mixture, it is an excellent layer of defence against catching a virus. 1tsp  at a time.

Lemon - 1 tsp on the tongue will stop hiccoughs. Also vinegar which doesn’t taste quite the same!

Mustard - when you feel chilled or have a cold or flu, add 1tsp of mustard (powder or ready mixed) to a foot bath. 

Mustard and or chilli make an excellent poultice to help reduce inflammation and pain. Mix the chilli with a little oil and the mustard with water, place in a handkerchief and apply to an aching joint. Best not to apply directly on the skin, as it can be very hot.

Turmeric - an anti inflammatory more effective than ibuprofen. It takes a while to build up, and is more effective when used with ginger or black pepper.

Hawthorne tea is very good for those with high blood pressure.

Cinnamon and fenugreek are both effective in maintaining even blood glucose levels.

For those who don’t sleep well: a lettuce sandwich- lettuce has sedating properties, especially wild lettuce, which is very bitter! 1/2 tsp nutmeg in a drink or on food is a good sedative, as well.