5 Natural Sore Throat Soothers

5 Natural SORE THROAT SOOTHERS

Sore throats are a PAIN!

I've found these remedies to be helpful in my household.

         1. Sage Tea

Sage tea is made from the leaves of the sage plant.  Boil some water; pour hot water over a few tea leaves (a little goes a long way), steep for 3-5 minutes.

Drink this tea as needed to soothe the throat.  You can also gargle with the tea after it cools.

Sage is valued as an antimicrobial herb, helpful in fighting infections and congestion, headaches, relieving anxiety, and improving memory. 

Sage is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because of its drying effects

         2. Honey and Lemon

Use your favorite local honey and mix with a bit of lemon juice, eat slowly with a spoon to soothe that achy throat or mix with warm water to drink.  This powerful combination is antibacterial, antiseptic, and immune boosting.
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Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

 

 

Making your own detergent not only saves you money, it also leaves you and the planet less toxic!

 

 

Ingredients and Supplies

 

1/2 c Borax

1/2 c Washing Soda

1/2 c Castile Soap

 Hot Water

Where Do You Get Your Protein From If You Don't Eat Meat?

Where Do You Get Your Protein From If You Don't Eat Meat?

  It's a common question posed to vegetarians, so where is the protein?

Here is a list of common protein-fuled foods

Beans and Peas!
Lentils, Split Peas, Lima Beans, Chickpeas, Butter Beans, Black Beans, Mung Beans

Grains!
Buckwheat, Quinoa, Oats, Brown Rice

Seeds and Nuts!
Flax Seeds, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Pecans, Cashews, Almonds, Walnuts

Vegetables!
Broccoli, Cabbage, Spinach, Kale, Cauliflower, Green Pepper, Artichokes, Potatoes, Mushrooms

Ways to Prepare Herbs for Your Family

There are many ways to prepare medicinal herbs for your family.  I would like to share the simple basics with you.

First, you always wants to use stainless steel, cast iron, or glass containers for preparation.  

INFUSION- an infusion (commonly called tea) is used for the aerial parts of an herbs, this means all of the parts of the plant that are above the ground.  Boil water, remove from heat, add herbs, cover tightly.  Most herbs will steep for 10-20 mins.  

DECOCTION- this method is used for barks and root herbs.  Place herbs into boiling water, cover, simmer for 10-30 mins

POWDER/CAPSULE- use powdered herbs in a capsule, to powder an herbs use a motor and pestle, herb grinder, or purchase prepared powder.  This works well for medicinal herbs with an unpleasant taste.

TINCTURE- this method works well to super-power the herb and extracts different constituents than water, so it is necessary to use this method in order to use for a specific need.  Use a good reference to be sure that the herb is a good candidate for a tincture.  Usually an 80 proof liquor will do the trick.  Fill a glass jar half way with the herb of choice.  Pour in alcohol, wait for it to sink in, add more alcohol until all herb is covered.  Place a small piece of plastic wrap on top, put on lid, shake, shake, shake!

Shake twice a day for 2 weeks or longer.  Keep in a dark location.  Strain and use recommended dose for that herb.

TOPICAL- These methods include chest rubs, poultices, and liniments.  There are many recipes that are helpful for colds, flus, muscles aches, and more.

VINEGARS-This is a type of tincture, but uses vinegar instead of alcohol.  This is a great way to give herbs to your family through foods.  

STEAM INHALATION/AROMATHERAPY- essential oils are used for almost anything you can think of!

SMOKING- Many herbs can be smoked medicinally, mullein for example is a decongestant and lobelia acts as a nicotine replacement.  

GARGLES- This is a diluted infusion or decoction used to treat sore throats or other mouth and throat ailments.

FOOD- culinary herbs are natures magic

SYRUPS- A syrup is an herbal infusion, decoction, or tincture that you heat at a low temperature then add honey, sugar, or glycerine to sweeten.  

DOUCHES/ENEMAS- usually a diluted infusion or decoction used internally

So there you have it, I'm sure there are probably more but those are the basics.  Always research your herb before preparation and test for sensitivity.  Have fun!

Make Your Own All Purpose Spray

Make Your Own All Purpose Spray

Making this at home takes a few seconds, only costs a few cents, and doesn't contain toxic ingredients like most of the store bought sprays.


Thoroughly clean your spray bottle.
Warm 2 cups of water, add 2 tsps. of borax and 1 tsp of baking soda.
Use funnel to add ingredients to spray bottle.