Herbs are much more than a garnish. If you are only buying a bunch of cilantro for taco night and chives for your baked potato soup...you are missing out on all the other ways that herbs can enhance your life. Herbs are a powerhouse for healing and every homesteader and natural mother should have an arsenal of herbs in her home apothecary. Herbs also allow you to bring the food supply right to your doorstep. They are easy to grow making them an economical ingredient, no matter their intended … [Read more...]
Learning About Botany and Wildcrafting
This journey we call life is a truly, truly amazing thing. Years ago, as I entered adulthood, I never would have imagined the person I would become and the interests and hobbies I would have. My younger self would probably look at me and think I was "hippy dippy". Even my California surfer dude husband is now a converted hippy dippy. We live quiet lives on an urban homestead, and we go gaga to learn about our land and become more and more self sufficient. Two hobbies that have consumed us for … [Read more...]
DIY Herbal Mouse Deterrent
Mice are part of life in many parts of the Midwest. This fact was a big eye opener for me when I moved to the area from the Southwest. We have so many agricultural crops here that mice and other vermin make their homes among the crops and then come harvest time they decide to move into your home. I just can't share a home with them so if they do decide to make an appearance we break out the traps. Before it gets to that point though I always like to try and deter them first. The following is … [Read more...]
Making Herbal Infusions and Decoctions
There are a variety of ways that we can tap into the ancient practices of using natural remedies to heal and stay healthy. Some of the techniques involved in leveraging herbal remedies include compresses, decoction, ointments, infusions, poultices, syrups, tinctures, and tonics. This article will discuss two in particular and perhaps the easiest ways to use herbal remedies...infusions and decoctions. Quite simply and infusion is a hot or cold drink made from the leaves and flowers of herbs. A … [Read more...]
Small Scale Aquaponics – Growing Greens With a Fish Tank
One of the biggest hopes you can have as a mom and an environmentalist is that your kids will want to take up your causes as they grow and mature. I could not be prouder of my oldest child (nearly 14) as he grows into a stellar young man. He is kind, empathetic, smart, a great cook and fisherman, and very much interested in sustainability and homesteading practices. He helps me in the garden and listens relentlessly to my babbling about political issues, food integrity, and saving the … [Read more...]
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