Homemade cough syrup

If you too are suffering from a tickly cough or a cold at the moment, then you might like to try this homemade cold and flu medicine. It’s easy to make, cheap and works brilliantly to soothe the throat, breakdown phlegm and prevent coughing.

First of all, squeeze the juice of a lemon into a bowl. Using a fork, try and scrape as much of the pulp out too as this is all good stuff in the fight against colds and coughs. Lemon dissolves phlegm which makes it the perfect base for a cold and fly medicine. Take 3 to 5 cloves of garlic, peel and grate into the lemon juice. Use as much garlic as you can handle. You will probably need to keep trying it to see what it tastes like. Garlic also dissolves phlegm, particularly in the chest and throat.

Add the same amount of honey as lemon juice into the mixture. Honey also helps break down phlegm and it provides a soothing coat for the throat which often become inflamed and sore from coughing excessively. Honey is a natural preservative and kills infections too. It is an all round excellent remedy for a host of illnesses.

Once the lemon, garlic and honey have been mixed together well, place in a glass jar with a lid and refrigerate. Keeping it cool will stop the garlic from being so potent and it will keep it fresh for longer.

One of the nice things about this recipe is that there are many other variations you can try. For example adding grated ginger will help battle a cold, or a dash of cayenne pepper might just do the trick too by giving it some kick! For something less dramatic, some dried or even fresh peppermint to the base mixture will help rid you of your cold and flu symptoms.

Have you any other homemade recipes or herbal remedies to share? Send in your comments below.

How to make Massage Oil

You can make massage oil or aromatherapy oil at home quite easily. All you need are the essential oils of your choosing and a carrier oil, or base oil to blend it with.

There are a few different type of carrier oil, and each one has its own unique qualities. The first step is to choose the one you want. Some common base oils include:

Avocado Oil: This is a good source of vitamins A,B and D and is a medium weight oil. Those who have very greasy skin may want to choose a lighter oil, similarly those with very dry skin might want something stronger. It is particularly good for wrinkles.
Sweet Almond Oil: This is a heavy oil that is suitable for those with very dry skin. It is a good choice if you are wanting to massage your feet which tend to be have very dry skin. It is very rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6.
Grapeseed Oil: This is is a lightweight oil so good for treating quite greasy skin. Grapeseed oil is a a good source of a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is excellent for light massages and is water-dispersible too.
Jojoba Oil: This is actually a wax, not an oil but it is one of the best carrier oils when making massage oils at home. It is very stable and will last a long time. It is a good base to choose if you are dealing with blemished skin or acne.

Once you’ve selected the carrier oil, choose one or two essential oils of your choosing and mix them together using the following quantities:

6 teaspoons of carrier oil + 8 drops of essential oil.

Essential oils are concentrated extracts and not at all appropriate to rub straight on to the skin. This can be dangerous. That is why carrier or base oils are used to dilute them first. The base oil is also important as it stops the essential oil from evaporating too.

Have any of you got any more tips for base oils? Send in your ideas below.

Incense

Incense the word comes from the Latin word “incendere” which means to burn. It is used in reference to materials that release an aromatic smoke and fragrance when lit. Incense is often used in religious ceremonies, for medicine, aromatherapy and for general aesthetic reasons. Incense has been made into many different forms, shapes and sizes over the hundreds and thousands of years it has been in existence, but commonly today we think of incense as joss sticks or small coloured cones. It has been known to be in the forms of pastes, powders, liquids and oils however.

A wide variety of ingredients have been used to make incense historically speaking, but there has always been a preference for using locally sourced ingredients. Various different types of plant extracts are used in the preparation of incense including essential oils and resins and gums which form a dough like substance when mixed with water. Gums and resins make excellent fixers which is why they are used throughout the incense and perfume industry.

You can use many ingredients found in the garden when you are making incense such as herbs and spices, but using a gum is a good idea as it will hold the other ingredients together well in a dough like substance which makes the incense sticks or cones or other type of incense you are making, easier to prepare.

If any of you have any recipes or preparation techniques for making incense, please send them in to us here at Baldwins. We sell a range of essential oils and gums for making incense here at Baldwins so feel free to browse our site. If you have any questions about us or of course any of our products, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team. We would be only too pleased to answer your questions and provide further information.

How to banish the winter blues

January is always a difficult month with the excitement of Christmas over and spring nowhere in sight! Here are a few ideas on how to lift the winter blues in quick and easy ways:

1. Play with a dog! This may seem like strange one, but just having fun with a dog for a few minutes a day has been shown in scientific studies to lift your spirits and act as an antidote for depression. You don’t need to rush out to buy a dog; borrow your neighbour's!

2. Sniff a lemon! Again, another strange suggestion, but the smell of citrus has a positive effect on moods according to some scientists.

3. Eat fish twice a week. Omega-3 is excellent at keeping depression at bay. Just 2 portions of mackerel or salmon a week is all you need. Flaxseed is also good and can be sprinkled on anything from ice-cream to omelettes.

4. Take a daily multi-vitamin. This will make sure the body is topped up with all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Vitamin B is particularly good for lifting the mood.

5. Get regular massages. Just 10 or 20 minutes of back massages a few times a week is enough to lift your mood dramatically. It is possibly due to a boost in serotonin levels.

6. Stay up all night. Don’t attempt this if you have to be at work the next day, but staying up all night allows the body to readjust its internal clock so you sleep better in the following days and weeks even.

7. Go for regular walks during the day. Exercise is one of the ultimate mood enhancers so get those trainers on and get out there!

8. Sleep in a different room. This is particularly for those who have trouble sleeping (often due to depression). Having a break from your normal sleeping routine can help you get more sleep.

If any of you have any other suggestions on quick and easy ways to boost your mood, send them in.

How to get rid of headaches

Headaches and migraines are a common problem and can easily ruin a perfectly good day. Here are a few ideas on how to rid yourself of a headache in both the short and long term.

Avoid processed food
Don’t consume anything that is not totally natural when you have a headache. In particular avoid monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and preservatives which are often found in man-made, processed food. These types of foods create work for the body to digest which means your headache is likely to continue as the body goes into overtime dealing with these substances.

Drink water
Dehydration is one of the major causes of headaches, and even other illnesses. Water helps the kidneys function and removes toxins from the body. Drink 2 litres of water every day.

Keep blood sugar levels constant
Don’t skip any meals as this will affect your blood sugar levels. Include plenty of fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and pulses.

Avoid chemicals
Chemical smells from perfume, deodorant, shampoos, cigarette smoke and other nasties can all contribute to the onslaught of a headache or migraine. Switch to natural shampoos, conditioners and other cosmetics to avoid this. Natural oils can be used instead of manufactured perfumes and natural cleaning products should replace chemical varieties.

Relieve stress
Don’t be afraid of gentle exercise when you have a headache. This is an excellent way of relieving stress which can reduce the severity of a headache. Yoga, meditation or even just abdominal breathing can also help.

Holistic Therapies
Acupuncture and acupressure points is effective for relieving pain from a headache. Try applying a moderate pressure to the webbing between the thumb and forefinger on both hands for 30-60 seconds. There are other places on the face, head and at the back of the skull that can help when pressure is applied. Massage, reflexology and hypnotherapy have also been shown to help battle migraine sufferers.

Have any of you any other ideas of how to combat headaches and migraines? Send in your comments below.

Flexitol Skin-Nourishing Oil

The question of how to repair damaged or blemished skin often comes up, and I am happy to report that the Flexitol atomiser spray goes a very long way in helping to provide an answer. It is designed specifically to nourish skin with herbal extracts and essential oils that not only rejuvenates tired skin, but also promotes the production of new, healthy skin cells.

It helps to hide a multitude of blemishes that commonly occur on skin such as stretch marks, scars, uneven skin tone and age spots. It rehydrates skin and protects it against harsh pollutants in our environments that result from car fumes, cigarette smoke and other airborne chemicals. I often find skin treatments are too greasy for my skin, however Flexitol doesn’t seem to be greasy at all. I really like the spraying aspect as it makes it very quick and easy to use.

Only natural ingredients are found in this product and include:

Hyperloum Oil - well know for its soothing properties
Rose Hip Oil - for battling the appearance of scars and wrinkles and minimising the visible signs of aging. Rose Hip Oil also helps to balance skin tone and colour.
Calendula - soothes skin and provides dry skin with the moisture it needs whilst promoting cell growth.
Everlasting Oil - promotes cell growth and has anti-oxidant qualities
Arnlea Oil - has soothing properties for your skin
Lavender Oil - this is well known for its antiseptic qualities

I am always looking for effective, all natural skin treatments, and Flexitol offers a lot for the money. Currently at Baldwins this product is on special offer and you can get 100% extra free if you buy now.

Have any of you tried Flexitol Atomiser Spray? Did you like it or feel that it left you unsatisfied? Send in your comments below or even write your own review!

Homemade Soaps

Making soap is a wonderful pass time to have. Both relaxing and satisfying, you can unleash all your creativity that is undoubtedly lurking beneath the surface! Although soap is cheap to buy, it is often full of chemicals and ingredients that are not necessarily good for your skin, and can leave it irritated and dry.

When you make your own soap you can add as many ingredients as you like and design soap for a specific purpose. For example, you could make up a batch of soap designed for a pair of mechanics hands. By using ingredients such as turpentine and ground almonds for a pumice effect, this soap will clean even the most oily and grime caked hands, and leave them soft and lovely. By adding a splash of your favourite essential oil too, hands will smell wonderful as well.

Alternatively you can make clear soaps and add pretty flowers or rose petals. This will look great and with carefully selected essential oils, soap like this will be a treat for both the eyes and the nose.

Homemade soaps are a fantastic gift too. You can experiment with different packages and designs and the end result will be a fantastic looking product that you would be proud to add your name too. The chances are though you will want to keep the first batch of soap you make for yourself, as you will think it too good to give away.

There are many combinations of ingredients you can add to your soap and can experiment with a host of natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, olive oil, honey, milk, colourings even coconut. If you are looking for a hobby or fancy trying your hand at something creative, making your own soap could be just the thing.

At the moment here at Baldwins the Melt and Mold Soap Making kits are on special offer, so you can even save a few pennies in the process.

Do any of you make your own soaps? Do you have any combinations that you find work particularly well? Send in your comments.

Self Sufficient Health Care

Becoming self- sufficient in terms of your health means no longer relying upon over the counter treatments and remedies for your health care. For every single shop bought product, there is an all natural herbal remedy available. Often in fact, many of the chemical preparations sold contain the natural plant extract as the active ingredient.

The first step to self sufficient health care is replacing the commercial elements of your first aid kit with the natural variety. You can keep the basics such as scissors, tweezers, a thermometer, lifesaving and CPR instructions, a first aid book, assorted bandages, sterile gauze, and first aid tape, but anything further should be totally natural. So what should that involve?

Here are a few ideas of what you might add to your first aid kit:

Cayenne Pepper

Why? This is a remarkable treatment for a number of conditions. First and foremost it heals wounds and limits scarring when applied directly to a wound and it stops bleeding both internally and externally. It also prevents shock and reduces the chances of hypothermia setting in when a person is very cold. It can also relieve pain for someone suffering from a heart attack. To administer cayenne pepper for these purposes, simply dissolve one teaspoon in warm water and drink. For the purpose of aiding recovery to frost bitten parts of the body which it also is capable of doing, soak the affected area in the solution of cayenne and warm water.

Golden Seal Root, Comfrey, Oak Bark and Bayberry Bark

Golden Seal Root will counter most infections whilst the other herbs work well to heal open wounds by stopping the bleeding and encouraging the tissues around the wound to pull together and heal it quickly.

Echinacea Extract

This is the perfect natural remedy for stings and bites from insects and even more venomous bites. It should be in a powdered extract form and applied straight to the skin when required.

Ginger Root

Eaten raw, studies have shown that nausea is very effectively reduced. Include it in your emergency kit for gastro intestinal disorder and other instances of nausea.

Slippery Elm Bark

This is a very soothing herb and is an excellent treatment of minor scrapes, burns, bruises and can even be applied to your baby to soothe nappy rash. Either the dry herb can be sprinkled on to the affected area or it can be mixed with water and applied as a plaster as this solution sticks well to the skin.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of natural items that should be included in your emergency kit, but it does give you an idea of the power of some of the natural remedies available to us are. You will find that becoming self sufficient in this way is rather exhilarating and will also reap great rewards. Do any of you follow this idea already and are self sufficient in terms of health? Send in your comments below.

Why use Shea Butter?

I always like to have a supply of Shea butter at home because of the amazing benefits my skin receives when I use it.

It comes from the seed of the nut produced by the Shea tree which is found only in Africa. The nut of the tree is dried and then through a process of boiling and pressing, the fat of the nut is removed and hence top quality Shea butter is produced. It is totally natural and is I believe the best moisturizer for you skin. The reason for this is that the oils within the butter are almost identical to the oils found within your own skin, so you are essentially using your skin’s own naturally occurring moisturizer on your face and body. you can’t really get more natural than that, and natural is so often best!

Benefits of using shea butter include a reduction of inflammation of the skin, reduction of the appearance of stretch marks and even the reduced appearance of wrinkles if used daily on your face. It can also help remove or reduce brown spots or age spots that are a regular occurrence on our skin as we get older.

There is no greasiness with Shea Butter either, it is absorbed quickly and easily by the skin and leaves absolutely no residue. Just daily application can lead to noticeable improvements to the skin in as little as 4 to 6 weeks.

At Baldwin’s this week, Shea Butter is on special offer, so I am going to be definitely be stocking up and taking full advantage of the 20% off offer. I can’t recommend a moisturizer more highly than Shea Butter. Do any of you use it currently? Send in your comments as to whether you agree that it is the best, or whether you disagree.

Soothe Away Aches and Pains

The Synergy range available at Baldwins is an absolute must have. I am so delighted to have discovered this fantastic range of products. The collection is comprised of lotions, balms and creams designed specifically to soothe away all your aches and pains after a hard days work, or even a hard exercise session that has left your muscles feeling rather tender. They are absolutely blissful especially the Body and Bath Oils which when added to your bath or shower give off the most wonderful aroma and really do help you and your muscles relax.

The Synergy range is also not expensive which is another great benefit. All the lotions and potions have been designed in conjunction with the experienced Aromatherapist Nicollanne Turner so you can be sure you are receiving an effective treatment that really works. One test of these products however will leave you in no doubt of their restorative powers.

The ingredients are Nutmeg, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Rosemary and Black Pepper amongst other items. There are bath oils, body balms, foot lotions, massage oil and even shampoo and conditioner available. Furthermore, this month at Baldwins they are on special offer which means 25% off! I am actually going to stock up for both myself and for others - I know it is only September, but these would make fantastic stocking fillers!

If you want cleansed skin and soothed muscles, I highly recommend seeking out these products. You will not regret it. Have any of you tried the Synergy products from Baldwins? Do you enjoy them as much as I do and do you feel the benefits of using them after a hard day or exercise session? Send in your comments below.

Cleanse your home

Have you ever walked into a home and just felt calm and relaxed and surrounded by warmth? Many people strive to create a positive and nurturing atmosphere in their home, and it seems the ones that are most successful are those who care not about expensive furnishings but instead about paying close attention to the use of colour and other decoration.

There are plenty of tricks and tips on how to create a home that is full of warmth and positive energy, a few of which I will outline below.

1. Give your home a good scrub

It is important to have a good clean of your home every now and again, sweeping up dust and making sure you get into all the corners. A clean house is important if you want to ensure a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere is created.

2. Use correct colours

Greens and blues are both very calming colours, so use these in rooms you want to be able to unwind in. Reds, oranges and other intense colours are natural stimulants and so are unsuitable for sitting rooms or kids bedrooms.

3. Don’t forget smells

Smells are an important aspect of setting a particular mood in a home. They should be created in as natural way as possible however rather than through a chemical air freshener. An increasingly popular method to give you home a pleasant scent is through burning a smudge stick. These are bundles of herbs used frequently by native Americans in various rituals.

4. Buy plants

Plants not only provide a calming influence on your home, they also oxygenate the air making your environment cleaner and reducing your indoor air pollution.

These are some of the most important aspects to bear in mind when decorating your home if you wish to provide a healthy and positive atmosphere. There are other ideas you can incorporate if you would like to take this idea further - perhaps even having a dabble in the Feng Shui principles?

Who else has some ideas on what makes the ideal atmosphere in a home?

Snow

The snow has caused enormous disruption all over the UK. The whole country seems to have ground to a halt with thousands of people unable to leave their homes. Although snow does cause great disruption, there is nothing quite like waking up to a fresh blanket. I love the peacefulness of snow, and seeing plants and shrubs weighted down by thick layers.



Snow offers the perfect excuse to just enjoy yourself at home. My advice is to grab as many supplies as possible from the nearest shops and just shut the door to the outside world. The only exception should be to wrap yourself up warm and actually get out into a thick field of snow (or your garden) to build snowmen, make snow angels and have huge snowball fights.

Thick snow is particularly magical for children. Many schools have shut and children are relishing the days off. It’s great fun for them to head out into the snow and enjoy it. If you have a toboggan then grab it and head on out. If you don’t have one then a tray can work as an effective substitute. Waterproof boots and plenty of clothes are essential for everybody though. Some recent research has shown that there may be some scientific truth in wrapping up to prevent a cold. It seems that the virus that causes a cold lies dormant within our bodies, but when we are exposed to cold and wet conditions, the virus grows stronger and brings an onslaught of cold symptoms.




If you do find yourself snuffling over the next week or so, try having lots of steamy baths with some drops of essential oils and drink plenty of hot fluids. That should help stave off the worst symptoms. How do you plan on spending your time during this unexpected break? Send in your thoughts and comments on the best ways to enjoy the snow.

Home Cooking

Have you seen the new Delia Smith cookery programme on TV? I can’t help thinking that her new style of cookery – which consists largely of opening tins and the door of the freezer – is going to put her in the firing line of some other celebrity chefs on our screens. But I say ‘well done Delia’…real cooking for real people who don’t have three days to soak lentils or stuff quail.

On the cookery theme, here’s a couple of ideas you might like to try out in your own home. You can cook in the kitchen if you must, but the bathroom will be even better. The reason for the unconventional cooking environment is that these are aromatherapy recipes fresh from herbalist, Baldwin & Co. Cook up your own gorgeous scented products for bath time pampering or give them away as special personalised gifts. Either way, you’re in for a treat, so here goes.

1. Massage Magic

Pop down to Baldwins and pick up some massage oil, or if you can’t get to the shop, order online. You can either buy the light or the rich version; both contain goodies like vitamin E and evening primrose oil. Choose two or three essential oils to fragrance your base oil. How about Ylang Ylang and Mandarin for a sensual exotic perfume. Simply mix three or four drops of each into 50ml of your base massage oil. Use a jug for mixing and then pour into your final container.

2. Shower Time Wake Up

This recipe is perfect for your morning shower. To 50ml of Baldwins base shower gel add the following essential oils: 8 drops of lavender, 4 drops of peppermint and 2 drops of lime. Mix well, use under a running shower and wait for the ZING!

If you have a favourite recipe for essential oils that you absolutely love (and are generous enough to share with us), then get in touch. We’ll feature some of your ideas on this page over the coming months.

Choosing & Using

I love perfume. If it were up to me the shops would send fragrance through their air vents out on to the pavement and the smell of petrol would be overpowered by jasmine! Seems a bit far fetched? Well, I did recently stay in a hotel where the scent of lilies was omnipresent in the football pitch sized foyer, and there was no way that all that fragrance was coming from a handful of cut flowers. Yes, of course the hotel was in America…silly question!

Essential oils are a great way to fragrance your own world. Baldwins stock a vast variety that can be used for all sorts of things from bath products to home scents, but the problem is…how do you choose? Here’s a short guide, which despite being far from complete might give you some ideas to get you started on the road to perfumed bliss!

Stimulating Scent

Perfume has a very real effect on our moods. Sometimes we need relaxation, other times we crave revitalisation. If the latter is what’s required right now, try the following Baldwins essential oils: lemongrass, black pepper, basil, lime, pepermint or ginger.

Put Your Feet Up Perfumes

If stress is the name of the game then you need fragrances to help you unwind. Baldwins stock many that are well known for their de-stressing properties. Try any, or a mix, of these essential oils: lavender, rosewood, geranium, ylang ylang or sandalwood.

Sensuous Seduction

For something exquisitely feminine and floral, try one or more of these essential oils from Baldwins huge range: rose turkish, jasmine or vetivert. If you’re in generous mood or you’re lottery numbers have come up treat yourself to the deeply lovely, but rather expensive, carnation.

Remember not to put essential oils directly on your skin but dilute them in a base oil first. We’d love to hear about your own favourite oils and how you use them, so why not get in touch?