Garden Catalogs are Here, Time to Plan

Many gardeners have been inundated with year 2016 garden catalogs during the holiday season and they've just piled up somewhere. But now that we're in the doldrums of winter, pull them out and give your spirit a boost and think ahead to spring.

Though the last frost date is a few months away, now is the time to start thinking and getting a rough idea of this year's garden plans. Hopefully you've taken notes last season on what worked and what didn't in seed and plant selection, crop rotations, and pest removal ideas.

Though you can buy what seed and plants you'll need at any Agway or farm supply store, if you're into heirloom seeds, new hybrids, or just want a great variety in which to choose, then catalogs are the answer and between now and the end of February is the time to get those orders in.

Below are a few very good gardening catalog companies. They offer a wide choice for gardeners seeking organic and heirloom seeds and plants.

THE COOK'S GARDEN
http://www.cooksgarden.com/

This company specializes in seeds and plants for gourmet gardeners. A true kitchen gardener's inspirational catalog. Not only do they offer a wonderful selection of vegetables, herbs and flower seeds and plants, they give information needed on how to grow for best results. Offered is a nice variety of lettuce types and mesclun blends, very gourmet. Tucked in are some very tasty recipes to encourage you to try new things.

THE FRAGRANT PATH
http://www.fragrantpathseeds.com/

This is a small company specializing only in seed orders. Don't expect a glossy, thick catalog. What they do is send a very personalized newsletter reflecting on their garden experiences with the seed they sell and a suggestion list of what is new. The seed isn't for the vegetable garden. Rather it is for annual, perennial, and biannual flowers, herbs, vines and flowering shrubs and trees. Great for those into fragrance or color themed flower gardens. Very quaint family company.

PINETREE GARDEN SEEDS
https://www.superseeds.com/

Pinetree Garden Seeds is a catalog with a bit of everything. They not only offer a great selection of vegetable and flower seeds, there is a section of vegetables for the cultural gardener. You can try Asian, Continental, French Italian, Latin-American, and Middle Eastern varieties. Listed are your Spring bulbs, tubers and plants such as rhubarb, asparagus and strawberries. Cover crops, sprouting seed, ornamental grasses, and herbs are all here. What is really cool is they offer such fun things such as soap making and body care supplies, gift ideas, unique books, and of course any gardening accessory or tool you may need.

TERRITORIAL SEED COMPANY
http://www.territorialseed.com/

A very well organized supply of organic, heirloom and rare plants and seeds. Each section has detailed educational information on the needs of each plant type, such as culture, disease, insects, harvest and seed specs. Loaded with what you may need in terms of natural fertilizers, irrigation, composting, disease and pest control. For those interested in preserving their harvest, there are plenty of supplies and how-to books offered. Just a wealth of information.

SEEDS OF CHANGE
http://www.seedsofchange.com

100% certified organic, this company is dedicated to help reconnect people with where their food comes from and how it is grown.  By donating organic seeds through a program called Sowing Millions Project, they've inspired many individuals to become passionate about growing their own food. Selection includes rare and heirloom seeds along with traditional, great for those into sustainable organic gardening and farming.

VERMONT BEAN SEED COMPANY
http://www.vermontbean.com

As expected, the Vermont Bean Seed Company has a variety of bean selections, but they certainly don't stop there. Catering to the consumer who seeks healthy food choices, they offer all you need for the environmentally conscious gardener. New this year is The Vermont Bean Garden Planner Software. They even offer a 30 day free trial. Based on your zip code, it becomes a personal tutorial for your own garden success.

BOUNTY BEYOND BELIEF
http://www.bbbseed.com/

BBB Seed is a small, family-owned company located in Boulder, Colorado.  They provide high quality, open-pollinated, Non-GE (genetically engineered) seed. BBB Seed specializes in wildflower seeds, pollinator mixes, native grasses and heirloom vegetable seeds. They strongly encourage heirloom seeds to avoid the common trend of mono crops where only one seed type is used to produce a worldwide crop. We now know this type of growing weakens genetic variations that can withstand emerging pathogens and climate changes.

NATIVE GARDENER'S COMPANION
http://www.nativegardeners.com

Prairie Moon Nursery presents this guide for readers of all experience levels to learn about popular native plants and seeds.  Most of the species offered are plants that had once thrived across the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions of North America. Insects are very plant-specific in their needs.  People have to realize that to attract the birds and butterflies, that includes attracting insects as well.  This catalog is perfect for those who want plants for more than just an ornamental pretty flower.

GARDENER'S SUPPLY COMPANY
http://www.gardeners.com

This is just a very fun catalog! Great for gift ideas for the gardeners on your list. This company shows you how you don't need a lot of space to enjoy a garden. Awesome ideas for container plants, bedding boxes and trellising to utilize small areas. Garden sculptures, gazing balls and bird supplies are all in there. Interested in composting or starting a worm bin, or maybe conserving water with a rain barrel?

GARDENS ALIVE
http://www.gardensalive.com

A catalog for the environmentally responsible gardener. Loaded with information and supplies on how to prepare and take care of your lawn and garden safely and responsibly. A must for the organic gardener or homeowner who desires a beautiful yet nontoxic lawn and flowerbeds.

Herbal Allies

It is better to make little life changes along the way and feel somewhat in control than to wait until the big "change" is upon us and feel helpless.  Menopause is a natural stage of life that women push out of their minds until forced to deal with it.  Rather than living in dread and fear of the inevitable, why not reduce the risk of weakening bones with a few lifestyle changes now.

When people think of osteoporosis they usually just think about bone strength, but what is really important is the flexibility of the bones.  Flexible bones bend, whereas stiff bones snap (a link to more information).  If you cut and burn firewood you can easily visualize the comparison between green limbs and dry wood. Green wood gives when stressed whereas dry wood too easily succumbs to a good whack with its cracking sound.

It is a mistake to think that all we need is extra calcium to give our bones what they need (a link to more information). Bones are rich in many minerals, such as potassium, manganese, magnesium, silica, iron, zinc, selenium, boron, phosphorus, sulphur, chromium and more.  For our bodies to be able to absorb and utilize these minerals there has to be a balance between the supply and demand, and in a form the body can recognize.  For example, we need enough vitamin D present along with enough high-quality fats for proper assimilation.  We cannot just take our 1000 mg. of calcium a day and think that is sufficient.  Calcium all by itself is like a brittle piece of chalk, and if the body cannot break it down it just gets eliminated.  Municipal water treatment facilities can attest to the fact that on a regular basis, countless undigested vitamin and mineral pills  end up being pulled out of their city sewage filters.

According to the Physicians Desk Reference, "supplements in tablet or pill form are only 10% absorbed by the body."  So frustrating to think we're flushing away our money while just complying with our doctor's advice.
Digestion breaks down foods (and supplements) to find the nutrients hidden inside, and it uses whatever nutrients it finds in a useable size/state.  For the body to be able to use a nutrient, the nutrient must be able to enter a cell. Most of the minerals presented to the body through supplements are not recognized by cells as the minerals needed because they are in sizes and forms that are ineffective for cell assimilation. Calcium carbonate (one calcium atom and three carbon atoms) is not calcium (one calcium atom), chromium picolinate is not chromium, copper glutamate is not copper, etc., and none of these kinds of complex compounds are recognized by the cells as welcome nutrients, nor are they able to bond with water to enter the cell membrane. This would help to explain why people can take calcium carbonate supplements religiously, and yet their bodies continue to rob calcium from their bones causing osteoporosis.

So what are we supposed to do?  Farming practices have left our soils deplete in necessary essential nutrients so we are told we have to supplement our diets. Supplement with plants! 

One of the most amazing attributes of the plant kingdom is it's ability to extract metallic compounds (minerals) from simple dirt and rocks and, with the help of the sun, rain, and soil bacteria, transform those metallic minerals into crystalline, water-soluble forms of the same pure minerals, and in doing so, make them usable to the animal life on the planet, including humans!  The minerals in plants are water soluble therefore in a form easily absorbed by our bodies.

Herbal sources of necessary minerals needed for not only strong bones but all of our bodily systems include:  nettles, red clover, red raspberry, dandelion leaf, lamb's quarters, plantain, chickweed, dock, rose petals, rose hips, chicory, lemon balm and horsetail.  Get past the mentality that these plants are just weeds.  These plants have historically been used as a source of food as well as medicine to give the body what it needs. They grow naturally, are not an agricultural crop, therefore their genetic forms have not been altered and our bodies easily recognize their chemical makeup. Get yourself a good book on edible wild plants and you'll be amazed how many there are that we step on or pass by everyday without a second thought as to why mother nature put them here in the first place. A good source you could use is "Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and not so wild) Places.  Written by Steve Brill and Evelyn Dean.

1.  Utilizing plants in the form of tea infusions have been used all over the world for more than 5,000 years.  Tea blends are therapeutic, soothing and nourishing to both the soul and body.  Make tea time a daily ritual and you'll find it a wonderful way to relax and unwind, all while helping your body receive its necessary supplements.

www.mountainroseherbs.com 

http://www.teavana.com/

These sites are wonderful sources for delicious loose-leaf tea blends and various types of teapots.

chickweed

dandelion

2.  Spring greens have historically been eaten to detox and restore a body after a long, sedentary winter eating heavier foods.  Gather dandelion, nettles, chickweed, lamb's quarters and plantain in the spring when they are young and tender.
Add them to your usual salad or serve them as a cooked vegetable sauteed in a little olive oil or butter and seasoned with sea salt and/or vinegar.

pigweed or lamb's quarters

 3.  Herbal vinegars are a wonderful way to put up herbs for later use.  Natural vinegars, preferably raw with the mother (Bragg's vinegar is a good one), are especially effective for extracting the mineral richness of plants.  Gather your plants in late morning (let the sun dry them a bit from the morning dampness and make sure there hasn't been pesticide used on the area), and fill a mason jar with the fresh leaves, flowers or roots (tear or chop them up to expose more surface area).  Cover with your chosen vinegar and cap (don't use a metal lid).  Let sit for about six weeks, occasionally shake the jar, then strain off the herbs.  You now have an ideal salad dressing loaded with goodness from the plants themselves.

 4. A very informative article on how to make a nourishing, mineral rich soup stock boney brew.
The prolonged cooking of bones in water results in a nutritionally rich broth that promotes strength, tonify blood, and helps to prevent bone and connective tissue disorders. Once made, it can be eaten as a soup of just the broth or used as the base for any soup recipe of your choosing. It may also be used as a base for sauces or added in place of water in the cooking of rice or other grains.
Here is an excellent book on how to make boney brews and delicious recipes.

 5. Weight bearing and rhythmetrical exercise helps to strengthen and maintain flexible bones. The body is meant to move, a sedentary lifestyle just isn't natural.  The body is designed to push, pull, lift, bend and stretch. Don't get in the habit of the all or nothing method of visiting the gym once in a while and going overboard. Programs are great, but overdoing it in spurts can cause injury. Choose various activities you enjoy enough to keep it up and that use different muscle groups.  Alternate running or zumba with yoga or swimming.
Though our society has countless appliances and gadgets to save us time and energy, and we all know time is money, for the good of our health let's sometimes try to pass up on those energy savers.  Walk or bike whenever you can, take the stairs rather than the escalator or elevator.  Do your own labor intensive work, just find little ways to put more movement into your everyday life.

Sources for this post came from The Mineral Water Store nutritional supplementation and herbalist Susun Weed.  Her books include "The Menopausal Years" and "Healing Wise"

Light The Fire for Romance

"Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving."
Kahlil Gibran

A little imagination and you can create an evening worthy of any romantic novel. And you certainly do not need to spend a lot of money to impress. Men may not admit it but they do enjoy a romantic setting to stir things up a little, and not just for the woman's benefit as they often say.


Have on hand the following things to please the five senses:

 Touch - Plan a relaxing massage and/ or a warm, sensuous bath.

Taste - Wine and chocolate, what better combination!

Smell - The sense of smell holds deep seated memories. Stir up a fantasy or two with a sensual
bath oil or aromatherapy simmer pot and let the essential oils do their thing!

Hear - "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." - Bob Marley
What better way to forget about the stress of the day!

Sight - A visibly pleasing atmosphere and everything in it will be the first thing a man notices. Candles can set the mood and anyone feels prettier in the glow of candlelight.

Sensual Massage and Body Oil

Sensual Bath Oil

Think you can't cook or no time to bake? The following recipe is a no-cook candy/bar that tastes like a cross between a Tandycake and a Reese's peanut butter cup. Easy to make with only five ingredients and can be done within fifteen minutes!

 CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER TREATS

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 pound box (or 4 cups) confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 Tbsp. butter, divided
1 28 oz. jar chunky or smooth peanut butter
1 12 oz. package semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups) or chocolate melting wafers

Combine brown sugar, confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter and peanut butter.
Mix well. May need to use your hands. Pat the mixture into an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1 inch jelly-roll pan. Smooth the top of the mixture.

Melt the chocolate and remaining 1 Tbsp. butter in the top of a double boiler or the microwave. To melt in the microwave set it for one minute, stir, set it for another minute, stir till creamy.
Spread chocolate over the peanut better mixture.

Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set the chocolate. Allow to come to room temperature before cutting into squares or the chocolate topping will crack.

Store in refrigerator or freeze.

Below is a poem that was written between two teenagers thirty years ago.
Valentine's Day is a holiday that can easily be ruined with unrealistic and fairy tale expectations. Enjoy the day, go with the flow of events.
Remember, love is a verb, far more than short lived emotional feelings.
People love, people lose, they learn, they grow.

EVERYTHING IN DUE TIME
With all things considered, from past events gone by
I know it's hard to trust me, but I wish for you to try.

My heart has been like a pendulum, on and off with love
But as confusion persisted, so did my faith,
and help to me came from far above.

Commitments for tomorrow, I am unable to give
Since I don't want to hurt you, with something more to forgive.

So let us be together, as long as was meant to be,
Because life is to love, and to love is to set free.

Anonymous
(That fateful Valentine's Day so many years ago did eventually result in the reuniting of the relationship.  Everything in due time.)

"The richest love is that which submits to the arbitration of time."
Lawrence Durrell

Every relationship needs effort to keep the fire aflame and not just smoldering.  With busy lifestyles and packed schedules it is too easy to let any free time we have be eaten up by other responsibilities.  A relationship has to be one of those priorities or its energy and passion will slip away.  Take time to play! 

Makeup Artist Review

  I had the opportunity to be reviewed by make-up artist Amy Beth and just had to share!

 http://amydebois.blogspot.com to follow her interesting and educational blog to learn about natural beauty care and sources for healthier choices as a consumer.

Amy Beth : Makeup Artist

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way." Song of Solomon 4:7. Stunning Makeup and Gorgeous Jewelry, Fancy Shoes and Lovely Dresse! All the things a woman adores, nothing compares to the woman who radiates beauty from her very soul! This blog is the attempt to uncover and reveal the beauty inside that makes us unique creations! You are beautiful and you are adored!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Simply lovely skin care!!

I got the awesome opportunity to try Meadow Muffin Gardens Skin Care by Stacy!
For quite awhile now my husband and my daughter have had the to deal with the discomfort and at times pain of severely dry and eczema related skin issues! I am always always on the hunt for all natural, organic skin care to ease their discomfort! previously my husband and daughter were using prescription grade hydrocortisone cream, but very very sparingly as it can cause the skin to thin. This was never an appealing thought to me so I would only use it when it was absolutely necessary.  We have tried vitamin e oil, coconut oil, and even olive oil, over the counter lotions, and although almost each and every one of these provided some relief, they still had to be reapplied numerous times within a day!


 When I received my package from Stacy I was stunned and overjoyed to see what she had sent! I can tell Stacy takes great pride in her work from the generous samples of product she sent me, to the handmade labels including all ingredients, right down to the handwritten note, on stationery no less, she sent with directions! I called my husband, I was so excited! If you havent noticed yet I get a little excited a little to quickly ;)

That night I brought  a sample of the wrinkle wrath cream to my mother in law, and  I used it as well! This cream is absolutely amazing! Initially the scent is a bit over powering but it really doesnt stay that way and for the effects it has on ones skin the scent is a non issue! My mother in law noted that she could apply her makeup shortly after using this cream and it did not leave a greasy residue as many moisturizers have a tendency to do!
For my pregnancy related dry skin, this item was the perfect match it packs a tremendous amount of moisture, it's seriously like a hug for your face!! :D (and for any of you seasoned mommas or expecting mommas try the healing balm on your tummies, cuz as we start to grow and the skin starts to stretch it can get a bit uncomfy am I right?? I use it and I love it!)
I recommended this too ,seriosuly, all my friend and clients alike who suffer from dry skin! One girl has already made her first purchase from Stacy and I was so so excited!!! That same night after my husband got home I used the baby soft butter on his elbows and knuckles (this is where the eczema is the worst) and within just one application we noticed a difference but the true test would come... how long would these benefits last? would we have to reapply in 2 hours? the answers? well... he called me from work the next day and asked if when he got home he could use it again because it made such a difference and lasted all night and all day long!! My daughter had thankfully the same results, in my opinion the beeswax that is in these must lock the moisture in because my sweet baby girl and hubby only need to apply this stuff once a day!! The very best part... a little goes a long way... we havent even made a dent in our sample pack!!!
Stacy offers a whole line of skin care products and I promise you, you will not regret your purchases!!! So please check out http://www.meadowmuffingardens.com and let Stacy know I sent you!!

Xo
Amy

Vinyasa Yoga and Lupus

Those dealing with an autoimmune condition involving the joints, such as Systemic Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, may find the desire to start an exercise routine more of a challenge. More likely than not, you must deal with stiffness and pain on top of just the lack of energy and time to stick with a program.  Two gentle and wonderfully effective types of exercise for those with joints that fight us every step of the way are swimming or yoga.

Swimming is fantastic, just try to use a pool where the temperature of the water will actually feel pleasant and not cause achy backs to stiffen up even more.  Yoga is a program you can do in the privacy of your own home, year round, at your own convenience.

The first misconception you have to get past is that yoga involves pretzel like motions impossible for people who already have difficulty with flexibility.  One of the most important things a Lupus or Arthritis patient has to realize is that they have to keep moving.  You have to work through the stiffness or like any machine you'll lock up altogether.  It may take everything you've got to start and then actually finish the session, but once done you'll realize it is a good hurt. Learning about the importance of better posture, proper breathing techniques, and a stretched out back will greatly benefit you in dealing with your own pain management.

"Challenge your limitations while remaining sensitive to them."  That is a statement by expert and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga, Baron Baptiste.  His type of yoga is called Vinyasa, meaning it is a 'flowing of postures' that create heat and energy.  His techniques help our minds and bodies release accumulated tensions and open pathways of blocked energy, allowing life's energy to flow freely through every part of our being.  For improved health it is paramount to open up those pathways which will increase the flow of oxygenated blood to our organs.  The opening up of the spine helps release those everyday stresses we soak up like a sponge.

Baron Baptise wrote a book, "Journey Into Power" which came out in 2002. This inspiring program helps you to lose weight, increase your physical and mental strength and stamina, and develop an inner sense of calm composure. Known as 'The yoga master for the stars', his gentle approach is as apparent on his dvd workouts as is evident from the book. Power vinyasa yoga is described as meditation in motion. Poses are not the complicated twists often associated with yoga. His gentle, encouraging voice guides you along every step of the way, with alternatives for the harder moves.

 There is the website http://www.baronbaptiste.com with an abundant source of activities and information, but if all you want is the exercise dvds, they can be found on shopping sites such as amazon, ebay or google, Available are a number of great dvds and even vhs tapes from back in the 1990's that are from beginner to intermediate.

Baron Baptiste Foundations of Power Vinyasa Yoga

 
                                                   

Baron Baptiste Soul of Strength

Power Yoga level 2 The Next Challenge

Reflexology..more than a foot massage

My kids think we are just getting old and boring when a Saturday night involves massaging my husband's feet. It does bring a good laugh compared to a night out dancing the night away.  But after a typical workweek takes it's toll, a reflexology session of utter relaxation really can be the highlight of the weekend. 

Break down the word disease and it becomes 'dis' 'ease'.  Approximately 70% of disorders can be related to stress and nervous tension.  Since every part of the body receives its nerve supply from the spine, abnormal tension causes tightening of the muscles of the spine, causing pain as the nerves are affected and blood vessels are constricted.  Stress in life is unavoidable, but long-term fatigue and anxiety drains the immune system, resulting in the body being vulnerable to illness.


Energy is the basis of all life.  Reflexology focuses on the internal body energy,  maintaining balance, and the harmonious flow of that energy.  A holistic healing art which falls into the realm of 'alternative' medicine, reflexology stems from the Chinese healing and Indian Ayurvedic systems of traditional Eastern medicine.  Gaining respect and popularity in the Western world, reflexology can be very beneficial in conjunction with modern health care. 

All matter is made up of energy.  The nervous system is the body's electrical system.  The body is an energy system that is in a constant state of change. This life force energy or ch'i circulates along twelve meridian pathways within the body.  The six main meridians which penetrate the major organs of the body are found in the feet, most specifically in the toes.  Massaging these areas helps clear blockages along these meridians and allows this vital energy to flow.

Gravity works by pulling everything down and out of the body and reflexology is a way of facilitating this by getting the blood flowing and breaking up all the “grit” to be eliminated through our bodies systems.  Excess acidity in the bloodstream increases calcium deposits in the nerve endings of any organ in the body.  Being feet have such an abundance of nerve endings and are at the end point of circulation, blood has to be circulated back up against the force of gravity and if slowed, can result in congestion in the form of crystals.  Elimination is always stressed in reflexology.  Massage can break up these crystals and the residue removed by the blood circulation.  The more the body cleanses itself, the better you will feel and the energy will increase.

Reflexology can be a powerful antidote to stress.  A body needs to relax in order to heal itself and function normally.  For hypertension and anxiety, why not choose something like reflexology rather than nerve calming or sleep inducing pills.  It is safe, no side effects, and can be a bonding experience between two people.

A few excellent books to learn what reflexology is all about and to better understand how to apply it to yourself or a partner are:
The Art of Refloxology by Inge Dougans with Suzanne Ellis
Reflexology for Beginners by David F. Vennells
Better Health With Foot Reflexology by Dwight C. Byers

Here is a good video on how to do a foot massage. This instructional video shows how to do a relaxing massage which does touch on reflexology but not in the detail described in the books.




Below is the link to an informative foot chart to better understand the map of the body.

All points of the foot chart relate directly to how every persons body is made up. Hover your mouse over the sections of the diagram and it will become highlighted. When looking at the chart remember the map is from the 'top down'.  Think of the body from head to toe with its bodily systems and visualize the foot as the body with the toes being the head and the heel being the lower pelvic region.  Start with the left foot and work from the toes down to the heel. The points that reflexologists stimulate in a full reflexology session correspond to the whole body. All nerve endings end at the feet and by putting pressure on the nerve endings that relate to the specific body part or gland, you are actually sending signals through the nervous system to the area and giving it a jump start.

Meadow Muffin Gardens carries various oils and balms utilizing aromatherapy and herbal oils to bring you wonderful aids for your foot massage or refloxology session.  Calming essential oil blends and therapeutic, skin nourishing oils and butters combine with the benefits of reflexology to heal and relax tired feet, bodies, and spirits.

My poor feet massage balm

Sensual massage oil

Restless sleep massage oil

Shea butter herbal balm

 www.meadowmuffingardens.com
www.meadowmuffin2010.etsy.com

Sniffle Sneeze Tissue Please

Not too long ago the yearly flu shot had been available only to the very young, the elderly and those with high risk conditions.  Now it is encouraged that everyone receive the vaccine in hopes to reduce the chances of getting sick.  Just remember the flu shot doesn't protect from the common cold.  Below are a few 'passed down through the ages' remedies to naturally help the body fight infection and strengthen the immune system. 


Honey & Lemon Syrup/Tea
Lemon slices to fill a pint size mason jar
Grated 1 inch piece of ginger root
Enough honey to fill the jar

This is an Asian remedy to combat a cold, cough, or sore throat. High in vitamin C and an immune system booster. Honey is a natural preservative, therefore this mix can be kept in the refrigerator and used as needed. Add extra lemon slices and top with additional honey as needed. The lemons sort of dissolve into the honey to form a marmalade like mixture. Just add a dollop to a cup and add boiling water, stir to mix. Don't offer honey to children under one year of age.

Knock it Out Cold Remedy
1 eight oz. jar honey
1 inch piece of ginger, bruised
1 lemon, chopped including skin
1 tsp cayenne pepper
5 cloves garlic, sliced

Remove 2 - 3 tbsp honey to make room in the jar and add the rest of the ingredients.
Steep for six to eight weeks.
At the first sign of a cold, take 2 tsp in a cup of hot water.
Drink three times a day. Not for children under one year of age.
Store in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.

Lemon n' Honey Grog
1 cup water
1 whole clove
pinch of cinnamon
juice of one lemon
honey to taste

Put the water, clove, and cinnamon in a pot.  Bring to a boil and keep boiling for one full minute.  Turn of the heat and allow to steep for twenty minutes.  Strain, reheat it, and add the juice of the lemon and honey to taste.  Drink while hot.

A cough syrup utilizing garlic or onions:
Take 3 - 4 garlic cloves, remove skin and slice them into a cup with a lid. Add enough honey to cover, put the lid on the container, and let it stand for a few hours. Give a spoonful of the finished syrup to coat the throat and help ease a cough. Being a high sugar content don't give too often. Don't give to children under one year of age. Store in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.

At the first feeling of an earache, try this homemade remedy
Pick the yellow flowers of the mullein roadside weed and add them to a small bottle or jar. Cover with olive oil and steep in a warm place or the sun for two weeks, strain and add fresh flowers for another few weeks. Strain into a glass dropper type bottle (you won't be using this oil that frequently so use a 1 or 2 oz. size bottle). Add a few garlic cloves and store in the refrigerator. I just leave the garlic in the oil. Be sure to refrigerate to avoid botulism. Discard after one year. When needed warm up the oil by putting the bottle in a pan of warm water. Drop 1 - 2 drops in the ear and stopper the ear with a little cotton. Place nothing in the ear canal if your child has ear tubes or has any type of ear drainage. An alternative would be to add a few drops to a cotton piece and then stopper the ear. If you don't have access to the mullein herb, an oil with just the garlic is great as well.

Mineral Mustard Detox Salts for bath or footbath

Peppermint Body or Air Spray

Cold n' Flu Season Elderberry Syrup to boost the immune system 

Lemon & Ginger Raw Honey Syrup

Help to Sleep Linen or Air Spray 

Sinus and Chest Vapor Rub Balm

Cold Sore Fever Blister Lip Balm 

Germ Fighting Air and Surface Spray

Home Remedy Assortment