Comfrey Salve; making your own in simple to follow steps

Comfrey Salve

On a day where the sun shines and the soft falling rain glistens in its bright rays, I decided to harvest some of my comfrey from the garden and make a comfrey healing salve.

Why Comfrey for a Salve?

Used for millennia to help heal burns, sprains, bruises and even slight bone fractures, comfrey contains allantoin which is thought to speed up production of new cells. It’s also known as knitbone. Even its Latin name, symphytum, is derived from the Greek, “symphis”, meaning growing together of bones, and “phyton,” meaning plant.

Ingredients: (yield: 300ml, shelf life: several months

300ml organic sunflower oil (I used sunflower but olive or sweet almond oil is also recommended)
large handful of fresh comfrey leaves (make sure they are dry just so they aren't so 'splattery' in the oil
25g-30g beeswax, grated for faster melting (organic if possible)

Half a grated nutmeg
Tsp dried chillie flakes
5 cloves
20 dried hawthorn berries
Tsp black peppercorns

I crushed and blended the above 5 together and added to warming oil. These are my own choice for added warmth and healing benefits

So back to the infusing, I placed the oil into a small pot and as many comfrey leaves I thought could fit in there and placed (jammed) the lid on. The oil was gently heated over a low heat until the leaves were mushy, wilted. 
You can  also  heat the oil in a stove-top water bath (bain marie), to be sure the oil does not overheat and burn.
The oil was left to cool slightly and then strained. For a stronger oil, this process could be repeated a second and third time if need be. 

The grated beeswax was then added to the comfrey oil and placed back over a low heat for a couple of minutes, until the beeswax had melted into the oil.

This was then poured into a clean, sterilized jars and left uncovered until set. It's worth noting that any residue in the bottom of the pan should be left in there and not added to the jar as this excess moisture will cause the ointment to spoil faster than usual.

Apply as needed by rubbing a small amount onto the affected area (not to be used on broken skin - just aches and pains) as often as needed. 
Always try a small tester patch first in case of skin sensitivity

While herbal remedies are generally safe to use , they may still cause problems, if used improperly.
Do not use on this on very young children or if pregnant or on broken skin and always seek medical advice first.

"The place where the sea comes in"

A very shorty story

 by Jacqui Reed

The place where the sea comes in is a wild remote place, at the bottom of slate grey, craggy hill sides. Covered with green mosses and decaying grasses still burned brown form winter winds.

The little road, sometimes found by tourists is still used daily by a few locals. It’s narrow and rough from potholes that have spread across it from drivers trying to avoid them when they first began to appear.

Hidden in over grown hedgerows amides the primroses are the tumbled down remains of stone cottages. The owners and their families long gone, scattered by Atlantic winds. Black rotting wooden beams fallen in under the weight of neglect and water sodden thatch, windowless frames reveal their empty insides.

A rusting old water pub stands like a guardian on the bend in the road. Dry and silent now, echoes of tin buckets filling and splashing down bare legs still vibrate the salty air. Around the bend through a ramshackle little yard that’s been divided in two by the road. On the left the little stone shed with its black pitch rounded roof, held on with blue ropes anchored down by logs, filled with turf and an old fading bicycle.

The family home on the right with white turf smoke billowing from the chimney, across the road like a mist  that drifts in, filling the car with memories of days long gone.

Turning on to the bumpy sand hardened road, that rises a little to tease you and makes your strain your eyes, your head, and your body as you try to catch a glimpse of the sea.

You have to get out of the car and walk the short distance to the pebble topped beach before you can stand and take in “The place where the sea comes in”.

ON LOCATION; Fashion and Style shoot from the Wild Atlantic Way, Northwest Donegal,

Fashion and Style shoot from the Wild Atlantic Way, Northwest Donegal,

By Jacqui Reed

The Wild Atlantic Way is a world-famous coastal route that spans seven of Ireland's counties, taking in some breathtaking scenery along the way. From Donegal to Galway, Kerry to Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is a journey of discovery.

The northwest of Ireland is known for its rugged landscape, towering cliff tops and sleepy fishing villages.

On a calm crisp Sunday morning I had been invited to almost the furthest point along the wild Atlantic way to Glendowen Craft shop. Glendowen Crafts is nestled into the countryside of Donegal with the coast on the doorstep and the village of Clonmany near by.

Proprietor Ann mc Gonigle has joined forces with two Donegal based business owners Jay Doherty of Jay Doherty Photography and Amanda Cavanagh of Vixen Hair and Beauty to showcase some of the local talent of the county.

Coming together they are creating an opportunity to boost their rural business, offering a different perspective to proposed customers and clients.

Jay tells me “the inspiration behind this project - it is one of a number of personal projects I undertake during the quiet time every year. It helps me try new techniques, learn to be a better artist, gets me more familiar with my landscape, people and my wee camera.

Beside the craft shop stands a white washed cottage Ann uses for traditional music sessions. And this is where we are joined by the first of the day’s models. They are  local girls who’ve returned from college for the weekend to do the shoot.

For tester shots Jay decides the cottage light is perfect for the head shots that will be used by Vixen hair and beauty. The models styled in a selection of Glendowen’s Donegal Tweed wraps and capes. Amanda teased any stay hair in to place and a final touch up on makeup and the shoot got under way.

Tester shots are taken by Jay on Polaroid followed by the sound of continuous camera clicks. Jay positions the girls by the small laced windows where the angelic morning light falls on their faces showcasing their opulent hair and makeup.

 After the head shots are complete we all climb in to our vehicles, following Jay as he had the next destination already in mind. Turning on to a wee country road that leads us of into the hills along a stunning large lake we turned down a bumpy windy bog road to Lough Naminn, Mindoran.

Lough Naminn is something of a magical place with two small islands on it and the treasure is that you can walk across a stone way to the first island.

Surrounded by mountains covered with a dustings of snow on top, the models in lavender and fusia Donegal Tweed capes nestled amidst rust heathers and ancient boulders of this wild valley.

Ann who makes all the clothes in Glendowen Craft shop says “She delighted to see how her natural tweed clothes blended with the landscape and came to life.”

“Glendowen specialises in a beautiful range of bespoke ladies garments with a gorgeous hand-crochet finish all designed by myself. The Garments are specially created in the traditional-style workshop. 

“Each piece is both traditional and current will be cherished for many years to come and will be truly a ‘limited edition’.”

These include Donegal Tweed, Irish Linen and Donegal Yarn Coats, Jackets, Capes, Wraps, Skirts and Tunics all accessorised by Hats, Scarves and Bags designed and made to compliment the garments in store.  The Donegal tweed that Ann uses is woven by the world famous Magee’s of Donegal Town and Mc Nutts of Downings, also based in Donegal.

Leaving the magical valley we then take a tour around the Mamore area, beautiful unspoilt area of Inishowen stopped at the divine Mamore holiday cottages, located at the foot of the hill after which they are named. - Mamore Hill.

Five beautiful original 'Donegal Style' thatched cottages. Originally built 150 years ago: - Each cottage is named after the last owner/tenant who occupied it - Mary's Cottage, Kate's Cottage, Mickey's Cottage, Seoirse's Cottage and Willie Dan's Cottage.

The quaint cottages make the perfect backdrop for the next stage of the shoot where we are joined by four more models. And the synergy between the makeup artists, the hairdressers, the clothing designer, the models, the photographer all combine to create something very unique and monumental.

While Jay is capturing the breathtaking shots I take a moment to ask Amanda about her business Vixen Hair and Beauty.

“Our boutique salon based in Carndonagh offers the highest levels of expertise in hairdressing and beauty and we hold a 5 Star rating from the good salon guide. 

“Vixen Hair & Beauty provide a modern concept in hair and beauty where the emphasis is on the provision of excellent hairstyling, beauty and customer service.

“We provide all aspects of hairdressing from cutting, colouring, blow-dry, up styling, Bridal hair to Human Hair Extensions. Our Makeup artists offer. Occasional makeup. Nail art, manicures and pedicures. Waxing and brow shaping.

“And coming together today with Ann and Jay is a fabulous way to utilize the skills and talents that each have to promote their business in their stunning country side.” said Amanda.

Leaving the cottages with the nosey donkeys that gathered to watch the goings on and nibble the models hair to drive to the rocky shore near Leenan Head.

We leave the cottages with the nosey donkeys that gathered to watch the goings on and nibble the models hair to drive to the rocky shore near Leenan Head.

Our next location, an unspoiled beach with boulders of all sizes have been rounded, sculpted and worn down by wild Atlantic seas. The models are helped to the top of the craggy pre-historic headland again and have any straying hair tamed, garments tweaked and as the evening light draws in the final shoot gets under way.

The results are awe-inspiring set against the jaw dropping beauty of this Inishowen coastline.

As equipment gets packed away Jay finally has a moment to tell me about himself and his feelings about the day.

“I’m a wedding and portrait photographer from Donegal in Ireland. I have a few cool awards under my belt, PPANI wedding photographer of the year 2015 runner up, a pair of FEARLESS Awards, a SWPP wedding photography gold award in 2014.

“But that nonsense aside I have always been a photographer, my father before me was too. I began my photographic business 6 years ago.

“I love to shoot weddings; I love to shoot children and family moments. My style is unique; my approach is informal, fun and often verging on high-energy.

“My wedding clients and families mean a great deal to me, and I do realise how lucky I am in becoming such an important part of your lives, for a while anyway. I like to meet with couples, drink tea, eat fancy biscuits and get to know their stories, their loves and fears before we make any photographs.

“With each new assignment I will try to push our creativity levels. I am constantly seeking new photographic locations; I thrive on Donegal hilltops, golden barely fields, leave-carpeted forests, cosy Irish pubs.

“On days like this, I learn skills I'll use the rest of the year at a wedding. I invite others that I believe have a great positivity and creative energy. We all bring your own good energy and we all get to live the dream for a day.

“This session was wonderful. I love Inishowen and its rugged beauty. Beyond the obvious there are so many hidden gems; one such is Mindoran. I pass it from time to time and have stopped briefly for the occasional wedding photo but this time I really wanted to explore its gifts.

“The colours in winter are so unique to this part of the world, purple, browns and greens, slate rock, dark skies, low winter sunlight. A massive lake, mountains surround, trees, wild life - maybe it was just an excuse to spend a day in the area. A day well spent.”

Our day “On Location” had come to an end. With it there was a real feeling that these local businesses coming together in this astounding area of natural beauty had just created something very special.

Taking Part “On Location” were,

Glendowen Craft Shop for Donegal Tweed Garments & Accessories plus a Selection of Local Arts & Crafts http://www.glendowen.com/

Jay Doherty Photography www.jaydohertyphotography.com.

A gallery of natural, creative and fun wedding photography from Derry and Donegal venues and some further afield by Jay Doherty.

Vixen Hair & Beauty is a modern concept in hair and beauty where the emphasis is on the provision of excellent hairstyling, beauty and customer service.

http://www.vixenhairandbeauty.com/

Short Story: The boy in odd shoes

 By Jacqui Reed.

It’s one of those memories that stayed with me, even now some years later. The little boy and the look on his face is what I recall the strongest in my memory of that journey to Aguas Calientes, just below the ruined Inca city of Machu Picchu.

It began as the train slowed down to a complete halt, they had to let another train pass and then move on to the single line, or something like was said as the announcer had spoken in broken English.

Gazing out the window and taking in the wild landscape, I notice the ramshackle houses that clung precariously to the hillside on stills with clothes hung from makeshift clothes lines like faded rainbows.

As the train stopped children’s laughter drifted in the small openings at the top of the windows and everyone in the carriage turned to see where it came from.

Four children, an older boy of about eight, two young girls about six or seven and a smaller boy all jumping up and down, chattering to the passengers and laughing.

They began to make hand signals, small outstretched hands, begging and then putting them up to their mouths.

In the packed carriage no one moved or said anything at first. Then a woman stood up and threw something out her small window to them. The children half slid, half ran further down the banken and scrappled about till one grabbed and lifted what was thrown out to them. It was a bread role wrapped in cling film and the victor, one of the little girls was shrieking with glee.

It was then that I looked down at the cardboard box on my knee, recalling when the rectangular boxes where handed out to each passenger, how it filled my heart with a pleasant feeling of simple joy to open it up and see the neat little compartments. Each filled with something tasty to eat, a bread roll, butter, cheese, crackers, grapes and plastic cutlery wrapped in a white napkin with the trains logo embossed on it, all neatly packed in plastic.

After eating some cheese and crackers I had closed the lid, planning on saving the rest till later. It was when I closed it I noticed in block red letters “DO NOT THROW CONTENTS OUT THE TRAIN WINDOWS”.

At first I though it was odd to put on them, as if anyone would litter this beautiful place, but now I realised it was the contents they meant. Do not to throw them out to the children along the line, wither to feed them or save them from dangers of the train or just the sight of children begging from tourists. Who knows which reason was the real one?

So I opened the lid, lifted out the remaining contents and threw them out my window, I threw them far so not to bring the children close to the track and just like before the kids ran excitedly for them.

All except the older boy, he held back.

I looked at him; he returned my gaze and held it. I took in his jet black hair, his skin the colour of coco, his t-shirt with some logo on it, his shabby trousers and finally his shoes.

He had two different shoes on, one black, scuffed leather and burst open at the side, no laces and the other, a black rubber sandal made from recycled tyres. I noticed these before; a lot of the local people wore them in other towns I’d visited.

I look up into his eyes again, and he looks deep into mine, suddenly a quick movement catches my eye. His hand moved quickly down to his side. I followed his hand and saw that he was trying to cover the long rip on the side seam of his trousers from me.

His small hand could not cover the whole long tear.

It was when I looked back into his eyes I saw his embarrassment, his realisation of his poverty for the first time in his short life.

His innocence gone in a glance, taken by a gesture of kindness.