Tools for Natural Living

The peppery flavor of arugula is mellowed with sweet mandarin segments and the slightly bitter, nutty crunch of toasted almonds, topped with a sweet and tangy dressing. Ingredients For the Salad: 4 cups arugula 1 small red onion, sliced thin 15-ounce can mandarin orange segments, drained ½ cup sliced almonds For the Dressing: 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons orange juice 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Heat a small skillet over medium

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiac), also known as lion’s ear, lion’s tail and throw-wort, is a perennial plant that is native to Europe, Central Asia, Russia and Scandinavia. With hairy, palm-shaped, toothed leaves and tall, reddish stems that support clusters of delicate, lipped, pink-to-purple blossoms, it is an attractive plant grown in ornamental gardens as well as in medicinal herb gardens. Of course, as a member of the mint family, the herb can easily escape cultivation. In

This tangy vinaigrette is the perfect finish for a salad of greens or to splash over grilled asparagus or other veggies. It can also be used as a marinade. Ingredients ¼ cup balsamic vinegar ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons raw, local honey 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped) 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese 1 clove garlic, minced ½ teaspoon fine sea salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Directions Comb

The scent of this summery lip balm will remind you of the creamy orange-flavored pops you enjoyed as a kid. But try not to eat it! Ingredients ¼ cup organic sweet almond oil 4 teaspoons beeswax pastilles (or grated beeswax) 15 drops organic sweet orange essential oil ½ teaspoon organic vanilla extract Directions Combine the almond oil and beeswax in the top of a double boiler. Gently heat the mixture until the beeswax is completely melted. Turn off the heat and stir in the es

Making your own ketchup is very satisfying, not only because the flavor is fresher and deeper but also because it gets that way with far less sugar and salt and no preservatives or artificial flavors. If using homegrown tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes, core and quarter them and then simmer them in a heavy saucepan until thickened (about 30 to 45 minutes). Put through a strainer and then proceed with the following recipe. Ingredients 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (

Smudging is a traditional Native American practice that is used to create sacred space and to spiritually cleanse objects, people and places. It involves directing the smoke of a burning smudge stick, which is constructed of one or more herbs, while invoking a blessing or a purification. The traditional method also calls upon the four cardinal directions to assist, starting in the East where new life emerges, proceeding South and West where spiritual and emotional growth take

Basil is one of the best loved and most commonly cultivated herbs of summer. She lends sweet, spicy aroma and flavor to marinades, vinegars, herbal butters, teas, cocktails and even ice cream. And when a sun-kissed tomato meets up with a few sprigs of fresh basil – magic! But there’s more than one way to harvest basil and a myriad of ways to preserve it. No Pruning, No Gain Basil, like most herbs, loves the sun. Without regular pruning, however, the herb can get lanky and end

Eyebright is so-named because it has been used to address eye problems -- from sties to conjunctivitis and blepharitis – since the 14th century. In addition to astringent tannins, the herb’s effectiveness is due to the presence of aucubin, an iridoid glycoside that defends the plant from predators and also demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory properties. In this formula, eyebright combines with the antiviral and antibacterial effects of Oregon grape root and lemon balm to he

In one the of the largest echinacea clinical trials published to date, scientists have found that a proprietary formula containing 95% echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) herb and 5% root is as effective in addressing early flu symptoms as oseltamivar (Tamiflu®). The results of this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, which involved 473 people who experienced flu symptoms for 48 hours or less, were published in the open-access journal Current Therapeutic Research in April

Your carpet gets a lot of traffic. Bare feet, muddy sneakers and four-legged fur friends traverse across your carpeted floors on a daily basis, leaving a trail of -- let’s face it – foul-smelling funk behind. While vacuuming lifts the fuzz and grit, this pre-treatment will keep your carpet smelling fresh and clean. Ingredients 1 cup whole lavender buds 2 cups baking soda 15 drops lavender essential oil Directions Mix the lavender flowers and baking soda together in a bowl. Ad