Homemade Medicinal Herb Gifts

By Corinne Martin
Published on December 1, 1993
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Some of the ingredients you need to make medical herb gifts will already be growing in your garden.
Some of the ingredients you need to make medical herb gifts will already be growing in your garden.
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Men of all ages will will appreciate bay rum aftershave.
Men of all ages will will appreciate bay rum aftershave.
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An herbal salve, made of herbs, oil, and beeswax, heals minor skin irritations and chapped lips.
An herbal salve, made of herbs, oil, and beeswax, heals minor skin irritations and chapped lips.
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White pine bark cough syrup will quiet coughs and soothes irritated throats.
White pine bark cough syrup will quiet coughs and soothes irritated throats.

Making natural medicinal herb gifts for the holidays is an uplifting and affordable way to offer a bit of earthy wealth to the family and friends in your life. Best of all, you’ll be able to shop for many of the ingredients right in your own kitchen or garden.

The ones you don’t already own can be purchased from local health-food stores. (Ask the manager or clerk to order them for you if you can’t find them.) I usually invite a bunch of friends over every year for a “gift-making” party; that way we can share our supplies and experience while gratefully avoiding hectic holiday shopping. Don’t forget to make extra gifts for yourself. These herbal products are an ideal way to pamper yourself — something you’ll probably need as the holiday season begins to wind down.

Herbal Bath Powder

This soothing and absorbent powder is excellent for all ages. It is also simple enough for children to put together themselves, providing they are old enough to run a blender and read measurements. It contains no talc, so it isn’t irritating to mucous membranes if inhaled, and it can be scented with the pure essential oils of your choice.

Use equal parts (I recommend two cups) of:

– clay powder (absorbs and balances the skin)
– slippery elm powder (absorbs and soothes)
– cornstarch (absorbs)
– dried rose petals ground to powder (acts as an astringent)
– essential oils (adds pleasant scent)

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