After a lovely date with my husband on Wednesday night, I started to have a weird feeling in my stomach. I drank some Apple Cider Vinegar, which is my normal remedy for any kind of tummy troubles and the feeling went away… until 3 am.

At 3 am, I was awoken by that feeling of needing to vomit but not being able to. I spent the next few hours with horribly cramping stomach aches and awful nausea. Then the vomiting hit… and did it ever!

I’ll spare you the rest of the details, but basically, I couldn’t keep anything down, including water, for the next 8 hours and I had really bad stomach cramps, dizziness, chills, etc. In fact, I had every symptom under the definition of “Food Poisoning” on WebMD.

At some point Thursday afternoon when I was debating going to the hospital to get an IV so I would have some fluids to be able to nurse the baby, I remembered the vinegar and how it had helped for a few hours. I also remembered something I learned in a class long ago about activated charcoal being a fast remedy for food poisoning.

Figuring I had nothing to lose because I’d be heading to the hospital anyway if I couldn’t stop vomiting, I started slowly sipping a mixture of equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar and Water and chasing with 1/2 tsp activated charcoal mixed into applesauce.

Yes, it tasted awful. Vinegar was pretty much the last thing I wanted at that point and the charcoal in the applesauce looked like tar, but within a few minutes, I actually started to feel a lot better. (Apparently, this is a common remedy that works really well, according to this forum thread)

I took a few more doses of each, probably about 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar total and a few teaspoons of activated charcoal. I was still really tired that night and sore from the vomiting, but was back to normal the next day. From what I’ve read of food poisoning, it can last days or weeks, so I’m very grateful that the Vinegar and Charcoal worked.

I share this so that hopefully any of you who ever get food poisoning can do without the 8 hours of vomiting and just take these two right away. I will definitely be keeping both on hand at all times!

Quick Reference:

- At first signs of symptoms, take equal parts water (or juice) and apple cider vinegar (organic, with the mother!)

-In water or some kind of soft food, take 1/2 tsp or more of activated charcoal (or capsules if you can swallow them)

-Repeat until symptoms stop.

Ever had food poisoning? How did you recover?

Another simple and delicious crock pot drink recipe that is great for cold winter days or an easy drink during parties. If made with herbal or decaf tea, it is also wonderful for kids and the mix of spices is great for anyone who is sick or congested. Try this as a great break from coffee!

Healthy Chai Tea Latte Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 4 cups coconut milk (store bought or well-filtered homemade)
• 8 tea bags OR 1/2 cup loose leaf tea or herbal tea. I use Raspberry leaf.
• 1-2 tsp stevia leaf (I order from here) or stevia powder to taste
• 8 thin slices of fresh ginger root OR 1/2 tsp dried ginger root
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 8-10 whole cloves or 1/4-1/2 tsp clove powder
• 2 cardamon pods (optional but really good)
• 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 Tablespoon chamomile flowers and 1/2 tsp dried fennel seeds

TIP: Put all loose spices and herbs in a reusable tea bag or cloth bag to make straining easier.

To Make:

1. Put milk and water in crock pot and add herbs and spices (I really suggest using a cloth bag or reusable tea bag)
2. Cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or on low for up to 6 (I’ve kept on low overnight)
3. Serve plain or topped with real whipped cream or the cream from a can of coconut milk. Can also be chilled and blended with ice and 2 TBSP coconut oil for an iced version!
4. Enjoy!

What is your hot drink of choice? Ever made it in a crock pot? Share!

With flu season around the corner and signs for “flu shots” in every store, this is a natural alternative that is inexpensive and effective. It can be made easily at home.

If you or your child has ever had a bad case of the flu, you know how miserable it can be. Especially for moms, it is awful to see your children feeling so bad and not be able to fix it. Black elderberries (sambucus nigra) have been shown to prevent flu and speed recovery in those who have the flu.

Elderberries contain high levels of A, B and C and stimulate the immune system. Several natural elderberry syrups are available at natural health stores, but usually for around $20 or more for 4 ounces. This recipe makes 16 ounces for a cost of under ten dollars and kids love the taste!

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup black elderberries
• 3.5 cups of water
• 2 T fresh or dried ginger root
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp cloves or clove powder
• 1 cup raw honey

How to Make Elderberry Syrup:

Pour water into medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves (do not add honey!)

Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half. At that point, remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.

Discard the elderberries (or compost them!) and let the liquid cool to lukewarm. When it is no longer hot, add 1 cup of honey and stir well.

When honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a pint sized mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle of some kind.

Ta Da! You just made homemade elderberry syrup! Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. Some sources recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.

Standard dose is 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp for kids and 1/2 Tbsp to 1 Tbsp for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.

Ever taken elderberry? Will you try this recipe?

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Oil Cleansing

Use olive, coconut or almond oil with Castor oil to clean your skin instead of a harsh soap. This will cleanse your skin naturally and keep from pulling out natural oils. My personal blend is 25% Castor Oil (don’t use straight!) and 75% sweet almond oil.

How to do it: Rub a small amount of oil onto dry face and massage into skin for several minutes. To remove, Soak a clean washcloth in steamy water and place on face until it starts to cool. Gently use the washcloth to wipe your face until the oil is gone. Softest. Skin. Ever! Here’s a website with much more detailed info if you are interested

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Natural Bronzing

Until I switched to eating healthy, I never tanned well at all! I used to try all kinds of natural “bronzers” and self tanning lotions (cringe on the ingredients!) in hopes of golden skin. Now, I’m excited to be able to tan easily, but for days when I want a slightly more bronze look, I head to the kitchen…

How to Do It: Mix cocoa powder, cinnamon and arrowroot (optional) until you get a shade you like. For me, this was at least half cocoa powder, about 30-40% cinnamon and a little arrowroot, but experiment to get your skin tone. Store in a small jar or container and brush onto skin for an instant bronze look. Bonus: it smells good! You can also mix this into lotion for a liquid version!

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Food Facial Mask

No need to drop a lot of money at the spa for great skin, just rub breakfast on your face instead! Many foods are also beneficial for your skin too!

How to Do It: Use honey, plain yogurt or whipped egg whites by themselves or in combination for a great toning facial mask that leaves skin glowing.

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Naturally White Teeth

Use strawberries (I know they are red!) and baking soda as a highly effective and natural teeth whitener. Oil pulling (swishing oil in the mouth and then spitting) is also an effective way to whiten teeth.

How to Do It:Make a paste of equal parts mashed or pureed strawberries and baking soda. Put in mouthguard or tooth tray and leave on teeth for up to 30 minutes. Repeat a couple times a week until your teeth are as white as you want. To speed things up, swish with 1 TBSP of olive oil each night for 20 minutes and then spit and brush well. This supposedly helps remove toxins too, but I can certainly vouch for its whitening capabilities!

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Natural Hair Conditioner

For an occasional hair strengthening treat, mix up some other breakfast foods into a natural hair mask. This certainly isn’t one for everyday use, but it makes hair shiny and smooth and even works on really curly hair (according to a lucky friend with lovely curls!)

How to Do It: Mix one banana and one avocado and puree until smooth (great way to use over ripe bananas and avocados!). Add essential oils if Banana isn’t your fragrance of choice. Comb through clean, damp hair and put a shower cap on. Leave on for at least 15 minutes and rinse out in the shower. Go sign up to audition for a hair commercial!

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Sugar Scrub

Sugar is not good for your body. It is, however, great for your skin! Since your skin doesn’t metabolize and store glucose or fructose like your fat cells do, sugar is a great way to tighten and smooth skin! Sugar scrubs in stores are expensive! Sugar scrubs in the kitchen are not!

How to do it: Mix equal parts of white or brown sugar and olive or almond oil and add essential oils of choice (optional). To exfoliate skin, rub the mixture onto skin and massage in for a couple of minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Enjoy!

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Natural Microdermabrasion

Ever seen those ads for microdermabrasion (not even sure I’m spelling it right!). Well, they look expensive and I’m leery of the chemicals they might contain. No worries though… the kitchen can help! Baking soda is a very effective natural and gentle abrasive that pulls off dead skin cells and makes skin glow!

How to Do It: Wet face with warm water. Pour some baking soda into hands and massage into your face for at least 3 minutes. It will sting a little (its called abrasion!). Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Those are all strange kitchen ingredients I’ve put on my face, hair or skin. What are your beauty tricks and tips? What is the strangest thing you’ve tried in the name of beauty?

Shared at Conversion Diary and Fight Back Friday

This is another of my favorite homemade tincture recipes. We don’t have to use it often, but when one of the kids is sick, or we are traveling and their schedules are crazy, this natural tincture helps them sleep peacefully.

This recipe is good for adults too, if you struggle with insomnia or anxiety. It is a mildly and naturally relaxing and calming tincture that is great for sleep disturbances.

Homemade Sweet Dreams Sleep Tincture Ingredients:

• 2 TBSP dried Yarrow flowers (relaxing and nutrient packed)
• 2 TBSP dried Catnip (naturally calming)
• 2 TBSP dried Oatstraw (also helps with bed wetting)
• 2 TBSP Chamomile flowers (calming and relaxing)
• 1 TBSP dried Mint leaves
• 1 TBSP dried Hops flowers
• 1 TBSP dried stevia leaf
• boiling water
• 2 cups 80 proof or stronger vodka or rum
• glass quart size canning jar with airtight lid

How to Make Sleep Tincture:

1. Put all herbs in glass jar
2. Pour boiling water to just cover the herbs and mix well
3. Fill the jar the rest of the way with alcohol (don’t use rubbing or grain alcohol!)
4. Cap with airtight lid and leave in cool, dark place for at least 2 and up to 8 weeks, shaking daily.
5. After several weeks, strain the herbs out and store in small tincture bottles for use as needed.
6. Normal dose is 2-3 droppersful for adults and 1 dropperful for kids over two.

Ever have trouble sleeping? What’s your remedy?

Even water with lemon or lime gets boring after a while, and when you need to rehydrate, you often need added electrolytes.

Before you stop by the store for a Gatorade on the way to the game, try making your own natural version! It is easy, just as fast, and a lot more healthy.

Regular Gatorade contains: Water, sucrose syrup, glucose-fructose syrup, citric acid, natural grape flavor with other natural flavors, salt, sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, red 40, Blue 1. (This is from a picture of the grape flavored Gatorade label.

I’m all for re-hydrating, but are the monopotassium phosphate, mystery “natural flavors” and artificial dyes really necessary?

Around here, for times when more than just water is needed for hydration (softball games, triathlons, labor, etc), we make our own version, which I prefer… never much liked Gatorade or Powerade myself anyway.

The easiest sports drink that is nutritionally amazing (they even used this stuff for plasma infusions during the pacific war) is plain coconut water or coconut water with a TBSP of added lime juice. Coconut water has more potassium than sports drinks, and more natural sources of sodium. A lot of athletes swear by it these days, and I will be drinking it in labor.

The only downside to coconut water is the price. If you want an inexpensive (and still healthy and tasty) alternative, this versatile recipe is the next best thing…

Homemade Natural Energy and Sports Drink Recipe

Homemade Natural Energy and Sports Drink Ingredients:

• 1 quart of liquid (options: green tea, herbal teas, coconut water, plain water, etc)
• 1/8-1/4 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt (regular table salt will work, but it doesn’t have all the trace minerals)
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed Calcium magnesium tablets or powder (optional)
• 1/4 cup or more of juice (optional. Can use grape, apple, lemon, lime, pineapple, etc)
• 1-2 TBSP sweetener (optional)- can use honey, stevia, etc. I suggest brewing stevia leaf into the base liquid for the most natural option.

[As an example, my normal recipe includes 1 quart of tea (brewed with Red Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa, Nettle and Stevia),  1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp calcium magnesium powder (about 1,000 mg), and 1/4 cup grape or apple juice]

How to Make Natural Sports or Energy Drink:

1. Brew tea if using or slightly warm base liquid
2. Add sea salt and calcium magnesium (if using)
3. Add juice and mix or shake well
4. Cool and store in fridge until ready to use

Another easy alternative is just mixing Vitamin C powder or Emergen-C with water and a little juice!

Ever drink sports drinks? What’s your favorite?

You might have seen my recent recipe for Homemade Healthy Sunscreen, which although it is natural and safe, I don’t recommend using often because it limits Vitamin D production. Depending on where you live, something that might be used much more often is a natural homemade bug spray.

At my house, we joke about mosquitoes being the size of birds, and they certainly do seem to come in flocks! Especially with small children who are prone to scratch mosquito bites, keeping them away is a priority.

Also a priority is avoiding chemicals like DEET, which are present in many commercial insect repellents. According to this site:

One of the most widely used ingredients in store-bought conventional bug sprays for personal use is N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, or DEET, as it’s commonly known. DEET, which is designed to repel, rather than kill, insects. DEET is used by an estimated one-third of the US population each year. Although DEET is approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is a known eye irritant and can cause rashes, soreness, or blistering when applied to the skin. Additionally, DEET has been linked to neurological problems; according to the EPA, at least 18 different cases of children suffering adverse nuerological effects, as well as the deaths of two adults, have been associated with DEET. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that DEET causes diffuse brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats.[1]

DEET has been shown to have a negative impact on wildlife and water sources in production and during use. DEET is toxic to birds and aquatic life. DEET has been found in approximately 75 percent of U.S. water sources, including the Mississippi River.[2]

As with practically every household item, natural bug spray can be made inexpensively and naturally at home. (I’m still working on perfecting recipes for shampoo and dishwasher detergent though! any ideas?)

This recipe literally takes just seconds to mix up and can be varied based on what you have available. I’ve included several variations so you can try whichever one you have the ingredients for.

Wellness Mama Essential Oil Bug Spray

Wellness Mama Bug Spray Ingredients:

• Essential oils: choose from Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, Mint
• Natural Witch Hazel
• Distilled or boiled Water
• Vegetable glycerin (optional)

How to Make Homemade Bug Spray:

1. Fill spray bottle (I used 8 ounce) 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water
2. Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top
3. Add 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin if using
4. Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be. My personal favorite mix is: Rosemary, Clove, Cajeput, Lavender, Cinnamon and Eucalyptus… it works great and smells good too!

Make Bug Spray From Dried or Fresh Herbs

Fresh or Dried Herbs Bug Spray Ingredients:

• Distilled water
• witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
• dried herbs: peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, catnip, lavender, etc. I recommend using at least one herb from the mint family.

How to Make Bug Spray From Fresh or Dried Herbs:

1. Boil 1 cup of water and add 3-4 TBSP of dried herbs total in any combination from the above. I use 1 TBSP each of peppermint, spearmint, catnip and lavender, and also throw in a couple of dried cloves.
2. Mix well, cover and let cool (covering is important to keep the volatile oils in!)
3. Strain herbs out and mix water with 1 cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Store in a spray bottle in a cool place (fridge is great because then its nice and cool!)
4. Use as needed. Added bonus: it smells great and is very refreshing to the skin!

Super Strong Insect Repellent Recipe

Fair warning: this stuff stinks when it is wet, though the smell disappears as it dries. It works incredibly well though, and this is the one I use when I’m going to be in the woods or in tick infested areas. It is based on a recipe that was supposedly used by thieves during the Black Plague to keep from getting sick. They used it internally and externally to avoid catching the disease and to keep the flies and other pests away. According to legend, it worked and they survived… but it definitely makes a great insect repellent these days! Its also very inexpensive to make and you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen!

Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent Ingredients:

• 1 32 ounce bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 TBSP each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint
• At least quart size glass jar with airtight lid

How to Make the Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent:

1. Put the vinegar and dried herbs into large glass jar.
2. Seal tightly and store on counter or place you will see it daily. Shake well each day for 2-3 weeks.
3. After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store in spray bottles or tincture bottles, preferably in fridge.
4. To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed.
5. Use whenever you need serious bug control!

[Note: This mixture is very strong and has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It can also be used as a tincture for any illness. For adults, dose is 1 TBSP in water several times a day,for kids over 2, dose is 1 tsp in water several times a day. More on this in an upcoming post!]

Other Simple Insect Repelling Ideas:

• Add vanilla extract to either of the above recipes, or just rub on the skin. You can also mix vanilla with witch hazel and water for a spray version.
• Rub lavender flowers or lavender oil on your skin, especially on hot parts of body (neck, underarms, behind ears, etc) to repel insects.
• Rub fresh or dried leaves of anything in the mint family all over skin to repel insects (peppermint, spearmint, catnip, pennyroyal, etc or citronella, lemongrass, etc) Basil is also said to repel mosquitoes and I’ve used fresh basil leaves in the garden with great success before!

What are your tricks for keeping bugs at bay? Which do you think is worse… the insects or the chemicals in most repellents?

I’ve gotten several emails lately about resources and advice for natural labor and birth. Since I hit “full term” this week and am working on getting things ready myself, I thought I’d share some of the best resources I’ve found and what goes with me during labor/delivery.

Some books that I read that were influential in my decision to go natural were:

Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care
Birth Matters: A Midwife’s Manifesta
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
Childbirth without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth (Import)

I also highly recommend the documentary The Business of Being Born which breaks down modern maternity care in America and has some touching birth stories.

After delivering naturally, I wouldn’t want to give birth any other way, but it does take a little more perpetration. Except for those women with 2 hour labors (and oh, how I envy you!) labor can often be a test of endurance. In my experience, the ability to relax and “let go” often has the biggest influence on an easy labor, and there are certainly things one can prepare ahead to help with relaxation.

I’m delivering in a hospital this time since I’m planning a v-bac, so anyone planning a homebirth would obviously need a much larger list of supplies.

During Labor:

• Red Raspberry Leaf Herbal Tea
• Homemade Gatorade or Labor Ade (here’s a great recipe)
• Heating pad (I use a rice heating pad that can be heated in the microwave)
• Birth Ball (large exercise ball… great for sitting on to help ease contractions)
• Chamomile Tincture to help relax
• Digestion Tincture for nausea in transition
• Homemade Massage Oil (Coconut or almond oil with essential oils)
• Lip Chap
• Tennis balls tied up in a long sock for counter pressure on my back
• Homemade healthy snacks and drinks since they won’t serve food to laboring women in hospitals
• Peppermints and peppermint essential oil
• Ice packs
• iPod with my “labor soundtrack” containing everything from the Rocky Themesong to Gregorian chant
• Copy of Birth Plan
• Camera/videocamera
• A robe and warm socks (I despise hospital gowns, even in labor)

Realistically, most of these things don’t get used, but I’d much rather have them ready and not need them. I do try to drink some of the labor ade and eat something nutritious before heading to the hospital (which I do during transition to minimize the possibility of interventions). Most of these items don’t go with my to the hospital either, since I’m usually in transition before I leave.

Bring To The Hospital:

• Toiletries including homemade toothpaste, homemade deodorant, homemade lotion, etc
• Healing Salve
• After Ease Herbal Tincture
• Pain Relief Tincture
• My own pillow, pajamas and clothes
• My own food and drinks- hospital food is gross!
• Homemade baby wipes for baby
• Baby clothes
• Nursing tank tops
• Cayenne Pepper capsules (helps in the even of hemorrhage)
• copies of personal papers, insurance info, birth plan, etc

What is your ideal way to give birth? If you’ve delivered naturally before, what is your best advice for me? Share below!

Gardening can be a great way to save money and eat the freshest food available, but it can also come with its fair share of frustrations. From pests to proper watering… there are a lot of factors involved, especially if you are using organic methods to avoid chemicals.

Fortunately, the healthiest approach can be the easiest with a little preparation and research. Companion planting, proper spacing and natural methods of disease and pest control can ensure healthy production without the need for chemicals.

Companion Planting

Some plants have natural properties that help others grow and deter pests when planted close by. Making use of these natural properties is a way to increase production in the garden and fit more plants into a smaller space. The following are a few popular companion plants:

• Basil planted with tomato improves production and flavor. Basil is also good for peppers and has been said to repel mosquitoes. I plant basil throughout the garden for its aroma and beneficial properties.
• Borage is a great companion for tomatoes and cabbage as it repels both tomato horn worm and cabbage moths. It also helps strawberries and is beneficial to practically everything in the garden. I plant throughout.
• Chamomile is a great companion for cabbage, cucumbers, onions and all the brassicas. It improves flavor and is a great herb to have on hand. It attracts beneficial insects and has delicate and beautiful flowers.
• Dill is also great planted with cabbages, cucumbers lettuce and more. It improves flavor, helps repel pests, and is useful in making homemade pickles! It can get pretty big so I plant in the middle of cucumber beds. Don’t plant with tomatoes!
• Catnip is another great herb to grow and have on hand. Planted near squash and cucumbers it will repel squash bugs and aphids. The dried leaves can be steeped into a tea to help sooth the stomach, and can double as a pest control spray for many plants.
• Radishes can be planted throughout the garden and under plants like cucumbers to deter cucumber beetles.
• Marigolds planted throughout the garden help prevent nematodes and repel pests. They will flower all summer as long as you keep pulling the dead flowers off.
• Nasturtiums are also great companion flowers to tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage and more. The flowers are edible and can be added to salads. They benefit melons and squashes as well.
• Onions can be planted freely throughout the garden but help keep pests away from cabbages, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, cucumbers and more. Intercropping a few with all of these plants can greatly reduce garden pests.
• Sunflowers are great companions and beautiful throughout the garden. Plant with Cucumbers, beans, and vining plants to provide a trellis. They are hardy and a great trap crop for aphids and other pests. They typically produce plenty of their own seeds to use next year.

There are many other great companion plants. Check out this chart for some other ideas.

Natural Pest Control Opions

Companion planting is helpful, but if you’ve already planted and are having trouble with pests, some other natural solutions can be helpful:

• A tea or solution made from powdered Kelp will help deter Japanese Beetles and Aphids and is also nourishing to plants. Spray on once a week or so before and during infestation times.
• A garlic and hot pepper spray (see recipe below) repels many garden insects and wildlife pests. It is probably the most inexpensive option to make at home and isn’t harmful to you while applying. Use once a week or more for several weeks before and during infestation times.
• A tea made with lemon Balm repels squash bugs and aphids. Apply 2 or more times a week as needed.
• A solution of several teaspoons of Baking Soda dissolved in water can help prevent and treat fungus and powdery mildew on plants. Use as a preventative and acute treatment as needed.
• Powdered Diatomaceous Earth is a good all purpose insect prevention and treatment for any insect pest, though it kills indiscriminately, so use carefully. I use mainly if I see larvae of any insect on plants, as it is especially effective on these. Has to be re applied after watering or rain. Just sprinkle on plants as needed. [note: if you buy food grade DE it can also be used for indoor pests like ants and even as an internal cleanse for parasites in humans and animals]
• Neem sprays are an increasingly popular pest control option and are available in many stores now.

Natural Hot Pepper Garden Spray Recipe

What You Need:

• 2-4 Cloves of Garlic
• At least 4 hot cayenne (or hotter) peppers
• 2 Tablespoons of vegetable or other oil
• 1 Tablespoon Liquid Castille Soap like Dr. Bronners
• 2-3 cups hot water
• blender
• towel, strainer or cheesecloth

What to do:

• Put garlic, peppers, oil, soap and water in a blender and blend on high for several minutes.
• Leave in a bowl or pitcher overnight or for at least 12 hours to intensify the effects of the garlic and peppers.
• Strain through towel, cheesecloth or strainer and store in a glass jar
• To use, pour about 2 TBSP in a 16 ounce spray bottle (or 3 TBSP in a 24 ounce) and shake well.
• Spray directly on plants as needed… I recommend wearing gloves!
• Can be used as often as needed for preventative and pest controlling effects.

Natural Fertilizing

There are some great natural options for fertilizers. Good planning and companion planting can go a long way to good yield, but if you are starting with poor soil some fertilizer supplementation may be needed.

• Kelp tea is a great foliar spray that nourishes plants when sprayed on the leaves (just don’t spray during the heat of the day). Sprinkling powdered kelp around plants can also have a nourishing effect.
• Nettle Tea is another nourishing option and dried Nettle leaf can be added to supplement the soil and sleep composting if you compost kitchen scraps or leaves.
• Yarrow flowers can be made into a tea or liquid mixture and used to water plants for extra nutrients. You can also just sprinkle yarrow flowers throughout the garden and they are said to have a pest repelling effect also.
• Fish Emulsion is a natural fertilizer that can be sprayed on the leaves of plants to help promote growth. It is especially good for Tomatoes. It smells awful but if very effective.
• Bone and Blood Meal are high in nitrogen and can be very fertilizing to plants but are also somewhat controversial since they are animal products. Organic options are available and can be great if you are comfortable using them.

Do you garden organically? What are your best tips and tricks for keeping pests at bay?

This is by far the most used tincture in my homemade herbal remedy cabinet. It is simple to make, but very effective against early pregnancy nausea, motion sickness and tummy aches that happen when the kids eat unhealthy food when we are not at home.

I’ve used this tincture in transition during labor when nausea hits, to curb morning sickness, and even for stomach bugs to help stop vomiting. It also works great for indigestion, heartburn and other digestive disturbances.

This digestive remedy can be used externally on babies tummies for colic and gas and externally on the head (adult or child) for headaches.

This digestive remedy, along with my homemade chamomile tincture are two that I always keep on hand, especially with kids.

Herbal Digestion Remedy Tincture Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves (available here or grow your own!)
• 1/4 cup-1/2 cup very finely diced fresh ginger root
• 1/4 cup dried fennel seeds
• Approximately 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• Approximately 1 1/2 cups vodka or rum
• quart size glass jar with airtight lid

How to Make Herbal Digestion Remedy Tincture

1. Put peppermint, ginger and fennel in glass jar and pour boiling water until they are just covered.
2. Fill the rest of the jar with vodka or rum (food grade only! no rubbing alcohol) and put on air tight lid.
3. Keep in a cool dark place for at least two weeks, but up to six, shaking daily.
4. After 2-6 weeks, strain through mesh strainer or cheesecloth and store in vials or small jars.
5. Dosage: for adults up to 1 tsp can be taken straight or in water as needed. For heartburn indigestion or nausea, one dose is usually sufficient, though sometimes a second dose is needed. In pregnancy, 1/2 tsp in the morning often helps with morning sickness, with additional doses if needed throughout the day. For children, 10-20 drops is usually enough, or it can be used externally.
6. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, you should check with your doctor or midwife before using any herbal remedy or supplement.

Have you tried any herbal remedies instead of conventional methods? How did they work? Will you try this one? Let me know below!