Tag Archives: Holistic

Spring Clean the Natural Way: The Medicine Cabinet {Guest Post and a Link-up}

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We are in Week 4 of our Spring Clean the Natural Way series! I hope you have been able to get rid of some unhealthy clutter and start fresh in a couple of areas of your home. This week I am proud to have Jill from Jill’s Home Remedies with us to  encourage us to spring clean in another important area…the medicine cabinet! {oh…there is another giveaway coming up too!} Guest Post by: Jill @ Jill’s Home Remedies (photo credit)  This Spring, I challenge you to “Spring Clean” your medicine cabinet. Why, you may ask? Medicines made from herbs are easily assimilated into the body and the body eliminates whatever is not required.  Medicines made from inorganic substances are only assimilated in small amounts and the rest lies in weakened areas of the body, thus causing damage and toxic buildup. Since I “spring cleaned” my medicine cabinet about 9 years ago, I have found that natural medicines and remedies work just as well as anything I ever used without the harmful side effects!  The only inorganic medicine I’ve had in my home (with rare exception) in the past 9 years or so is a pain reliever for my occasional horrible migraines.  I have, however, found something to help those headaches {which I will share below!}. My Natural Medicine Cabinet Here is my basic collection of medicines.  I also have a drawer of different herbs downstairs, and am expanding my medicine cabinet by concocting something new from time to time. Oops!  … Continue reading →

Medicinal Herbs…Common Forms and Preparations

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Whether you are new to herbs or have been using them for a while, something we can all agree on is the fact that there are so many ways to use and prepare herbal medicine. Upon searching, many find and purchase herbal remedies from health food stores, bulk herbs stores or online. However, they can be pricey and there are no regulations on herbs or herbal medicine. I have found that there are several great ways to prepare your own herbal medicines right at home! With some good research and quality products, you can make many types of healthy, helpful remedies for you and your family and save some money. So, today I wanted to share the different ways you can prepare herbal medicine in your own home. Please understand that not all herbs can be prepared the same and diligent research is vital in preparing safe, homemade remedies. I am not an expert, but a wife who is crazy about natural health for my family…I have done my own research and like to share my findings with others.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, but to encourage others to do their own research. Infusions and Decoctions  Herbal infusions and decoctions are commonly called herbal “tea”. While they generally don’t contain actual tea leaves, they are prepared in a similar fashion. They both are medicinal strength and may be drunk either hot or cold. To determine whether you would use an … Continue reading →

“How To” DIY of the Week!: Medicinal (and Yummy) Chicken Broth

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I know that several of you probably already make your own chicken broth. And I am sure that some of you know how good homemade chicken broth is for your health. But a few of you might not know what makes this broth so wonderful, therefore I am going to share the what’s and how’s for you today! Remember when I posted about cold remedies and boosting your immune system? I mentioned chicken broth as a remedy. It may sound like folk-lore or something Grandma used to say, but the truth is…homemade chicken broth can seriously halt an on-coming cold. Chicken soup (mainly broth) has been used for centuries as a cold remedy. James Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods says, “Not only does the soup provide the fluids you need to help fight off viruses, but studies have found that it reduces inflammation, which can lead to colds.” Although researchers haven’t pinpointed exactly which ingredient in the broth makes it so effective against colds and flus, many believe it is the combination vegetables, herbs, chicken and bones that help to sooth and fight symptoms. Making a hearty, healing broth does take some time, but its effects are well worth the wait! How to Make Homemade Chicken Bone Broth You will need: Phase One: Crockpot A roasting hen or other bone-in chicken 1-2 nice sized onions (great medicinal food) Several cloves of garlic (great medicinal herb) Black pepper and celtic sea salt Other veggies (celery/carrots) or … Continue reading →

Healthy You…TMI on Periods.

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Hey there! It is a cold day in my part of the US. It’s a wonderful day to stay indoors, nice and toasty warm! And that’s not the only reason. (photo credit : Ambro) My period…also, more dearly known as Aunt Flow (AF). sigh. Okay, so this isn’t the most beautiful or fun thing to talk about, but it is something that comes up in most women’s conversations at least once a month. And since it is my turn…I have a couple of things to say. I “started” when I was young…ever since I can remember, I hated it. Even though my mother told me it was great and a special part of being a woman, I thought it was the worse thing that ever happens to a girl. I did not appreciate the fact that my body was working properly and ovulating regularly, or that I could track my monthly cycling and that one day I could be a mommy. All I could think about was how much I didn’t like being cranky, having terrible abdominal cramping, headaches, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, sore boobies and a bloody mess. Does that sound like you? If so, we need to talk! Did you know that your periods don’t have to be like that? In fact, you could have almost symptom free cycles! Seriously! Ok, just to note, I am not a expert by any means, but I have done tons of research, especially during my great ovarian cyst escapade. I found so … Continue reading →