Herbal Household Remedies

mustard, chives, ginger, thyme

• Grandma’s Old Time Mustard Plaster still helps for a variety of disorders, just like it used to do: asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, fever and chills, sciatica, neuralgia, gout, bumps, bruises, sprains, tendinitis, common cold and flu, eruptive sores and boils. Mash leaves and stems of fresh mustard plant into a pulp. Coat the surface of the skin with petroleum jelly (Crisco lard or Vaseline) before applying the pulp to prevent serious blisters or raising welts on the skin. Bind into place with gauze and adhesive tape and keep on for several hours or overnight for best results.
• Chives and ginger tea relieves headaches due to sinus congestion caused by colds and flu. In 1 cup of boiling water put 1-1/2 tbsps of finely chopped chives and 1/2 tsp finely shredded ginger root. Cover with a flat plate and steep for half an hour. Strain, then drink lukewarm. Headaches usually go away within 20 minutes or less. Repeat as often as needed.
• For hot compresses to put on the chest to help break up lung congestion, or as a massage lotion for aching muscles and joints, put 1 1/2 handfuls of fresh thyme in 2 pints of boiling water. Cover and move away from the heat. Let steep for 40 minutes. Strain and use.