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Page 36
| traditional therapy for activating the kidneys to relieve fluid retention. |
| An effective treatment for circulatory problems is to alternate between cold compresses and hot fomentations. For example, in the treatment of varicose veins, apply alternating cold compresses and hot fomentations of arnica tea. |
| Oil Infusions and Salves |
| To make an oil infusion, such as an herbal massage oil to help calm the nerves or increase circulation, you can use the stove, an oven or the sun. |
| Lavender is one of the most effective plants to use for relaxation, while rosemary and cayenne are stimulating herbs that help increase blood circulation. |
| Cover the appropriate fresh or dried plant material with olive oil and heat it gently in the top of a double boiler above simmering water or in a closed glass jar set on a rack in a pan of simmering water for an hour or longer. If using dry herbs, additional oil may be needed as the plant matter absorbs it. Use enough oil to cover the herbs well but not so much that your result is weak and ineffective. Start with 2 cups oil to 1/2 cup dried herbs and adjust the proportions as desired. Fresh herbs will absorb less liquid, so simply cover them with oil. |
| Instead of olive oil, almond, hazelnut, jojoba, grapeseed, canola, peach kernel, apricot kernel, sesame or any other light, natural oil can be substituted, but olive oil is the traditional choice. Be sure you like the smell of an oil, which should be of good quality. |
| To make a solar infusion, which is my favorite |
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