The Cottage Smallholder

Chop 100g mature eucalyptus leaves and grate 10g of fresh ginger(no need to peel). Place in a heatproof bowl with half tsp ground black pepper, add 200g petroleum jelly (vaseline) and mush them all together.

Cover the glass bowl and place over a pan of boiling water (like melting chocolate), leave for 1 hour, making sure that the water doesn't boil dry.

Turn off the heat and strain the mixture - easiest way to do this is through muslin, so that you can really wring out as much of the mixture as possible. Stir in 20 drops of peppermint essential oil. Bottle in small wide mouthed jars.

This is excellent for blocked sinuses and head colds, rub on to chest and throat, especially before bed.