Natural remedies using Spanish herbs and plants

Natural home-made remedies

Aromatics have been traditionally used in herbal medicines and cosmetics in Spain throughout its history. Many of the ingredients used grow freely is Spain, rosemary and lavender being important distillation products in the North-west of Murcia during the last century.
 Local expat residents attended a workshop run by the Cemacam Centre inTorreGuil , Murcia, learning how to make simple cosmetics using mainly items which could be grown in their own gardens.

Many cosmetic and cleaning materials that we buy in our supermarkets or pharmacies today are not only elaborately packaged, but may also contain synthetic preservatives as well as potentially toxic ingredients, all of which can be damaging to our optimal health and to the environment.

Here are a few natural alternatives:

Extract of Garlic and Hot Chillies
This is a very effective insecticide against white fly, red spider, aphids, ticks and fleas.  5 – 7 ml is diluted in a litre of water to make a very effective garden spray. If handling the hot chillies, take care not to touch your face and wipe your hands well with lemon juice
50 grams garlic
50 grams chillies
I litre alcohol
Fine filter
Crush the garlic cloves and chillies in a mortar and pestle.  Place in container and cover with alcohol. Seal and shake well.  Leave in a sunny place for seven days.  Filter well and place the remaining liquid into a sealed container. Dilute before using.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is well known for its regenerative and moisturizing properties.  In addition it is anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It also soothes burns and insect bites and other skin blemishes,
Ingredients:
1 large aloe leaf (or two small ones)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
A few drops of Calendula essential oil
Wash the leaf well and then carefully remove the thorns from either side of the leaf.  Peel one side of the leaf and scoop out the slippery gel from the centre and place in as bowl with the other ingredients.  Using a food processor, mix all the ingredients until they are smooth and mixed together. Heat the mixture for about 20 minutes without boiling.  Cool and bottle.  Will keep in the fridge for about three weeks.  Before using, wash the area to be treated before applying the gel.

Tincture of Rosemary
This is useful for digestive problems when a teaspoonful is diluted in a glass of water and taken before meals.  It is also used to ease muscular pains, bruises, stiff neck, sprains by applying to the affected area.
20 grams fresh Rosemary
Alcohol diluted 3 parts alcohol to 7 parts water
A few drops of Rosemary essential oil (or salvia or lavender)
Take the rosemary leaves off the stems and place in a mortar and pestle. Crush the leaves well and then place in a glass jar and cover with the alcohol mixture. Add the few drops of essential oil and shake up well.  Leave the jar on a sunny windowsill for 9 days, shaking from time to time. After the 9 days, strain the liquid and bottle.  This tincture can be kept in the medicine cupboard for use when needed.