Living Naturally
Peanut butter is delicious, but did you know it’s useful, too? From shaving cream and leather polish to mousetrap bait, here are some of the best uses for peanut butter.Warning: If you or a family member suffers from a peanut allergy, please do not try these solutions.According to the National Peanut Board, Dr. George Washington Carver developed more than 300 products from the humble…
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a humble but amazing native North American shrub. For centuries, this plant has been used to calm skin irritations and heal. You can even make your own tincture! Learn more.Witch hazel is rare among flowering plants in that its delicate, spidery blossoms open in late fall, alongside last year’s fruits, and after its leaves have fallen.A History of …
Family gatherings, office potlucks, holiday buffets, neighborhood cookie exchanges, church suppers, mail order food deliveries, gifts of home-preserved foods—from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day (and sometimes beyond), Americans go on what seems like a nonstop food binge.I’ve always loved the special holiday foods and traditions of late fall and winter that have passed down through my…
This gardening season, try growing an herb known to lessen stress and anxiety: Ashwagandha. It’s gained popularity over the past few years for its health benefits. What many gardeners don’t know is that this medicinal herb is fun and somewhat easy to grow.Winter offers us a chance to slow down a bit and perhaps pick up that book we’ve been meaning to read for months. It’s a time for making soups…
Elderberries! This year, I made elderberry syrup with these gorgeous, deep purple berries. The sweet syrup is delicious in foods and drinks, and a daily teaspoon is a natural immune booster. Learn more about the power of elderberries and enjoy my simple recipe.Have you encountered elderberry in the wild? The branches of these humble roadside and streambank shrubs festooned in summer with…
We’ve been harvesting a lot of turkey tail this season. No, we’re not talking about plucking the feathers of a Thanksgiving turkey! Instead, turkey tail is one of the most common medicinal mushrooms for good reason; she’s a powerhouse of health benefits! See how to incorporate these mushrooms into meals to keep immune systems strong!What is Turkey Tail?Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)…
Don’t throw out those lettuce stems and kitchen scraps! Regrow them at home! Here are a few easy vegetables to propagate from scraps—without planting a single seed!You may wish to regrow your vegetables from the original stem or root for many reasons. First, it’s just fun. Second, waste not, want not. Third, it saves money. Finally, you can resprout some vegetables any time of…
It’s been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Our eyes are the second most complex organ after the heart, yet we know little about how they work. But if we have issues, we take notice because our eyesight is critical. Discover five important herbal plants for good eye care, health, and eyesight.Herbs have been used for centuries to nourish and protect the eyes. Take the example…
Fire cider! Try this age-old remedy to strengthen the immune system and ward off illness. Made with healthful herbs stewed in apple cider vinegar, this drink is remarkably easy to make. See what fire cider is all about—plus a great recipe.What Is Fire Cider?Fire cider. The very name sounds like something you should try. Or run from.This potent tonic is the modern reincarnation of a…
Cuts, scrapes, scratches, burns, coughs, canker sores, heartburn, stomach upsets, diaper rash—mostly minor ailments, but sometimes painful and always inconvenient—are common occurrences in most households. What to do? Some people reach for the honey!Since prehistoric times, traditional healers used honey for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. A growing body of modern research confirms…
Shortly after returning from a long hike in the woods near my house, an online news headline caught my attention: “Noise Is No. 1 Quality-of-Life Complaint in NYC.” Your body needs peace and quiet time for good health. Learn more about the physical and emotional benefits of turning down the noise. The caption under the newspaper headline about noise complaints stated, “The city’s 311…
Mmmm, it tastes like fall! Homemade applesauce is so easy to make … Preserve your apple harvest by canning your applesauce in a water-bath canner for year-round deliciousness!With homemade applesauce, you can control the texture and the amount of sugar (or, you don’t need sugar at all if you use naturally sweet apples). Then, of course, there’s the explosive taste…
