Madeleine's Creams and Ointments

Our respiratory system is intimately linked to our digestive system: look after one and you look after the other. Nature provides the Autumn fruits that are not only yummy for our tummies but also heal, cleanse, and disinfect our lungs.

By October elderflowers have become elderberries out in the great, green pharmaceutical laboratory: the lovely summer flowers we used for cordial are now ripe berries for you to turn into a poweful winter tonic.

The antiviral properties of the flowers are now increased in the berries. They are especially good for respiratory problems as they heal, restore, and tonify the lung tissue. They also help the whole body deal with infections.

It's best not to eat elderberries raw; simmer a batch for a few minutes in a saucepan with a little water and sugar (ideally muscavado or molasses sugar). The resulting cordial is best drunk warm to help with colds and flu.

The steadfast calendular is still blooming in Madeleine's herb garden. A vital ingredient in the creams and ointments, it is antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and soothing to a variety of skin complaints such as acne, eczema, and can be used on cuts, scrapes, burns, scars etc. The flowers are also delicious in salads or sandwiches, as the Madeleine's Cream office can attest!