3 herbal recipes for earaches and fever

In winter weather when earaches and fevers are more prevalent, it is smart to keep these recipes on hand for emergencies.

• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) fresh or dried mullein flower
• 125 ml (1/2 c) olive or almond oil1. In a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the garlic and mullein flower. Cover with the oil, seal the top and shake to blend. Store in a cool, dark place and shake daily.
  2. Make sure the herbs remain under the oil for two weeks, then strain and store the oil in a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.
  3. To treat an earache, let the oil come to room temperature or run it under warm water. Dispense two or three drops at a time with a sterile eye dropper. Gently massage the ear to help the oil make its way through the ear canal.

You can certainly take acetaminophen, but this tea will make you feel better without putting any additional strain on your liver.

• Yarrow
• Linden flowers
• Chamomile
• Spearmint
• Elder flowers
• 250 ml (1 c) boiling water1. In a small bowl, mix equal amounts of dried, crushed yarrow, linden flowers, chamomile, spearmint and elder flowers.
  2.Combine 15 millilitres (three teaspoons) of this mix in a large cup, and add boiling water.
  3. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink hot. After drinking, get under the covers to induce sweating.

Spraying pulse points with a cool, soothing solution is said by many to bring down a fever quicker than any pill you can buy.

Whether it does work that well or not, it feels great when you are hot and feverish. The pulse points are the places on the body where you can easily feel your heart rate when you touch them with your fingers — typically inside your wrists, just under each side of the jaw, and the back of the knees.

• 50 ml (1/4 c) rubbing alcohol
• 50 ml (1/4 c)  witch hazel
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil1. In a clean spray bottle, combine the rubbing alcohol, witch hazel and essential oils. Shake to mix and then chill in the refrigerator.

  2. Spray onto pulse points to reduce fever, avoiding eyes and mouth.