“A grandmother’s recipe book is a treasure trove of family history and tradition. They're the things that makes us feel connected to our past and remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. With this blog post, I introduce you to Emilie’s Recipe Book.” – Founder of Emilie’s Botanicals, Katerina
For me, using natural ingredients in my life has never been limited to just skincare. I incorporate nature and its benefits into my every-day life, inspired wholly by my grandparents and their constant belief in their powers. As you may know, I'm also a firm believer in the power of natural products for your body. However, it’s not just about how they make you feel physically; it's also about what they can do for your appearance too.
The seasons are changing, and with winter approaching, I've decided to delve deep into my family recipe book and provide you with my top 3 favourite winter home remedies for immunity, sensitive skin, and hair.
- Onion Cough Syrup
Ah, it's here again. The time for crunchy leaves, woollen sweaters and steaming hot cups of cocoa. Perfect, right? Well... it's also the time when all of a sudden, we feel tired and can start battling the dreaded common cold. Did you know that something so simple as an onion could help it?
You might be wondering why an onion would be the solution. Onions have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. They're packed full of antioxidants and Vitamin C which are both great for boosting immunity and fighting off those pesky germs! They also contain quercetin which has been shown to help reduce inflammation within our bodies, leading to less mucus build up in our lungs during a cold or flu season. This means you won't have to worry about those annoying nasal congestion issues either.
The onion syrup you're about to create is the perfect way to tackle your cough and cold. You'll need two peeled and chopped onions, two tablespoons of honey, or three tablespoons of cane and coconut sugar. You may also add a sprinkle of ginger if you wish, as its anti-inflammatory effects are beneficial for coughs.
Simply mix these ingredients together in your favourite mason jar (if you have one!) and set aside for two hours. After a couple of hours, you will soon see that a juice has been created. Take one tablespoon 2-3 times per day. Store your new syrup in the fridge for up to 6 months – lasting you the entirety of the winter.
- Onion Peel Rinse for Healthy Hair
If you knew your vegetable peels contained something precious for your locks, would you be so quick to throw them away every time? I'm guessing no. And if you're anything like me, you probably have a little stash of leftover trimmings from all the vegetables you've been chopping up lately. I know what you're thinking: "But what am I supposed to do with these?"
Well, here's the answer: make a homemade hair rinse! It's as easy as collecting a few onion peels throughout the week. Once you've got a good amount (a couple of handfuls), boil them in water for at least 20 minutes over a medium heat setting. Let the liquid cool down and pour into a spray bottle. Spray over your hair 30 minutes before your hair wash.
The most important thing to know about this hair peel spray is that it won't leave your hair with an unpleasant smell. Instead, it will leave your hair shinier, healthier, and stronger. Onions have healing and strengthening properties. This will result in your scalp not only being healthier but also promoting hair growth.
- Natural Chamomile Face Toner
Chamomile is a perennial herb that is commonly used to make tea. It has a sweet, earthy, and slightly bitter taste. It's used in many lotions, soaps, and other cosmetics because of its soothing and calming effect on the skin.
To create our natural face toner, bring a pot of water to boil and place two tablespoons of fresh or dried chamomile into a mug or jar. Pour boiling water over it and let it simmer and finally cool down. Strain, et voila! For application, you can use a spray bottle or cotton balls. This toner can be used every day before you apply heavier lotions or moisturisers, or as an extra step in your cleansing routine.
We hope you love these natural remedies as much as we do. Let us know via our social media how you get on and if you'd like to see more from Emilie's Recipe Book.
Emilie's Botanicals ❤️