Herbal remedies

I love growing herbs. Over time I have gradually expanded my garden to include thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, lemon balm, chocolate mint and mint. The challenge now is what to do with all these amazing herbs and how to creatively use them. My latest adventure is in herbal remedies includes previously unfamiliar names such as tincture and oxymel.

What is a tincture?

A tincture is a plant extract dissolved in alcohol or vinegar. My preference is to use apple cider vinegar which has other beneficial qualities. Because tinctures contain concentrated plant extracts, they are convenient for digesting beneficial nutrients from a range of herbs and plants.

What is an oxmyel?

The ancient Greek word oxymeli translates to “acid and honey.” Oxymel is a mixture of honey and vinegar, used as a medicine. This can provide a pleasant way of absorbing the healing benefits of a range of plants and herbs including ginger, sage and rosemary. Below is an oxymel during the infusion stage. After around 30 days it will be ready to consume and should last for up to 6 months in a cool environment once prepared. This sage, ginger and honey oxymel can have a range of benefits including to prevent or treat common colds, sore throats and lethargy.

Deodorant vs antiperspirant

Deodorants and antiperspirants are another (almost) everyday product that are often packaged in plastic.

I recently received a product sample box, that allows you to try various low waste and environmentally friendly products. Amongst the various products was a deodorant bar, which actually required you to melt it down, add water and then set in a container. I loved the idea of it being almost waste free (it did come in a little cardboard box) and definitely plastic free but it did start me wondering will it be effective?

In summary, a few fun facts

• Deodorants are different to antiperspirants
• Deodorants help you smell nice but do not stop you sweating
• Antiperspirants do stop you smelling, by containing aluminium which blocks your pores
• There are no scientific studies that have proven any connection between aluminium in deodorant and cancer, despite internet myths to the contrary
• Low waste options typically are deodorants, not antiperspirants

Based on my new-found knowledge, I decided to use my deodorant paste to replace the use of an antiperspirant in the middle of winter (when realistically you aren’t sweating that much!) However for vigorous physical activity, such as running and going to the gym, I’ll stick with the antiperspirant.

So overall, I will be reducing my waste by buying less plastic roll-on antiperspirants, but will still use them when really needed!

The verdict on the deodorant paste so far is: it smells good, spreads easily and has a soapy texture when you are washing it off in the shower. I won’t go so far as to recommend this product as I believe it has been discontinued, but would definitely say that trying a plastic free deodorant is another great move for cutting down on waste.