Feeling under the weather? Herbalist Nicole Apelian has just the thing. Here, she shares some of her top DIY remedies for common ailments. Be sure to source your herbs from a trusted source—Apelian recommends Mountain Rose Herbs’s organic and wild-harvested herbs—or better yet, grow your own.
My top immune herb is elderberry in tincture (extract) form. Elderberry not only shortens the duration of colds and flu, but also is helpful for inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, and nerve pain. It’s an outstanding remedy for severe respiratory disease. Elderberry tincture can be used by most people (like me) who have an autoimmune disorder.
Directions: Fill a glass jar about 1/3-full with dried elderberries. Fill the rest of the jar with any liquor that is at least 40 percent alcohol (vodka works well), leaving 1/2-inch headroom. Cap and label with the date and contents. Let sit for 8 weeks. Strain, keeping the alcoholic tincture.
Recommended Dosage: 1 to 2 dropperfuls a day for prevention; 4 to 5 dropperfuls a day if ill.
I make a Bronchial Blend with mullein leaves and lungwort lichen that clears the lungs of congestion and reduces mucus formation, calms coughs and wheezing, and improves asthma and COPD symptoms. This cough syrup is a more DIY-friendly option.
Directions: Slice 2 onions and 4 lemons. Place in a large glass jar in alternating layers. Add 3 tablespoons dried peppermint and 2 cups raw honey. Pour 2 cups brandy or blackberry brandy over the mixture (to extract the medicine). Cap and label with the date and contents. Let sit for 3 days at room temperature, shaking occasionally. Store in the fridge; this should last for 6 to 12 months.
Recommended Dosage: 1 tablespoon every 4 to 6 hours.
To bring down a fever and as an antibacterial, I like yarrow. The leaves and flowers can be used both internally as well as externally as an oil or salve for wound care. It’s an ingredient in my All-Purpose Salve and a plant I always have on hand.
Directions: Fill a glass jar about 1/3- to 1/2-full with dried yarrow leaves and flowers. Fill the rest of the jar with organic olive oil or almond oil, leaving 1/2-inch headroom. Cap and label with the date and contents. Let sit for 6 to 8 weeks. Strain, keeping the oil.
Recommended dosage: 1 to 2 dropperfuls, 2 to 3 times a day, to bring down a fever; or to externally treat cuts and scrapes, simply rub the oil onto the wound 2 to 3 times a day.
Stinging nettle is an antihistamine. My son takes a dropperful of this tincture 3 times a day during allergy season and it works very well.
Directions: Fill a glass jar about 1/3-full with dried stinging nettle leaves. Fill the rest of the jar with any liquor that is at least 40 percent alcohol (vodka works well), leaving 1/2-inch headroom. Cap and label with the date and contents. Let sit for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain, keeping the alcoholic tincture.
Recommended dosage: 1 to 2 dropperfuls as needed, up to 3 times a day.
Find more information on Apelian’s wellness blog, NicoleApelian.com, and online shop, NicolesApothecary.com.
This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Please consult a trusted professional for personal medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment.
This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.