Tools for Natural Living

Bay, Ginger & Mint Muscle Rub This easy-to-make herbal rub will help to soothe tired, aching muscles. You can also use it on knees, elbows and other joints to ease inflammation and pain associated with arthritis or just a day of overdoing it. Ingredients 4 whole bay leaves 2 tablespoons powdered ginger root 1/2 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup grated beeswax (2 ounces, or 4 tablespoons) 5 drops peppermint essential oil Directions Combine the bay leaves, powdered ginger and coconut oil

Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil Research shows that a diet that includes pumpkin seed oil may help to prevent heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pumpkin seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, a cultivar of winter squash native to North America. Abundant in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenoids, antioxidants and vitamins A and E, it’s one of the most nutritious culinary oils there is. In fact, it’s oft

DIY Herbal Salves Learn how to make herbal salves for psoriasis, eczema, insect bites, burns and other irritations. Salves are time-honored traditional remedies for a variety of skin problems, including wounds, burns, boils, acne, rashes and insect bites and stings. Salves can also be formulated to contain herbs that address pain and inflammation associated with inflammatory skin conditions, like arthritis, psoriasis and eczema. Making your own salve is simple and satisfying.

How to use essential oils in your DIY natural cleaners. Essential oils are the concentrated volatile aromatic compounds obtained from the flowers, leaves, stems, roots, bark and/or seeds of a plant via steam distillation or solvent extraction. In addition to their use in aromatherapy, essential oils are used to make cosmetics, soaps, perfumes and medicines. Because many essential oils possess antimicrobial properties, they are also incorporated into natural household cleaners

With a bright, uplifting scent, this aroma spray is perfect to use as a personal body spray or deodorant, or even as a room spray. Ingredients 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) organic neroli (orange blossom) hydrosol 2 1/2 tablespoons organic witch hazel extract 12 drops organic sweet orange essential oil 6 drops organic pink pepper essential oil 4 drops organic organic vetiver essential oil Directions Combine all ingredients in a 4-ounce amber bottle with a mister top. Shake gently

Also known as Peruvian pepper and false pepper, pink pepper (Schinus molle) is an evergreen native to the Peruvian Andes and naturalized elsewhere, including California. Pink pepper is not botanically related to black pepper (Piper nigrum), although the berry-like drupes of this South American tree do resemble true peppercorns. In fact, pink "peppercorns" are typically included with and provide the pink-to-red color interest in packages of mixed peppercorns. In addition to us

Updated 2/11/19 Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a shrubby, flowering plant in the daisy family that’s native to South America, where the indigenous Guaraní people have used the leaf for more than 1,500 years. Also known as Sweet Herb of Paraguay, Honey Plant, Sweet Leaf and Yerba Dulce, stevia contains more than a half dozen glycosides, such as steviosode and rebaudioside, which tickle the tongue with a sensation of sweetness that’s 150 to 300 times greater than that imposed by

Herb Infused Honey Infusing honey with herbs not only adds flavor, but also lends additional nutrients and antioxidant value. Be sure to use raw, local honey from a trusted source. The majority of honey sold in conventional supermarkets contain little more than corn syrup or are so highly processed that they all traces of pollen (and nutrients) are gone. Try infusing honey with one or more of these herbs and spices … Ginger (chopped fresh root or powder) Lavender Vanilla Bean

Coconut Oil & Herb Spread This soft spread is a great alternative to butter. Try it on breads, hot toast, crackers, steamed vegetables – anything you would normally treat to a pat of butter. The choice of herb is up to you. Finely chop a small bunch if using fresh, or use 1 tablespoon (more or less to taste) of dried herb. In either case, let the spread rest in the refrigerator for a few hours before using to allow the flavors to infuse. Ingredients ½ cup organic, unrefined

How to Use Coconut Oil The humble coconut (technically a drupe, not a nut) is the fruit of Cocos nucifera, a member of the palm family that’s distributed throughout the tropical regions of the world. Its meat, milk and oil has provided food and medicine for centuries. In fact, Pacific islanders refer to the coconut tree as the “tree of life,” and consider its fruit to be a panacea for a wide variety of ailments ranging from psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory skin condi