Many flowers have traditionally been associated with romance throughout the centuries. Rose is perhaps the most well known of romantic flowers. However, did you know that there are several species of other flowers which are also associated with romance – and which also have therapeutic benefits? Herbs Which Were Used in Weddings Today we might [...]
Pine cones are prevalent throughout the winter months and you can find many pine cones lying on the ground, either in your own yard or when you are out walking on trails, depending upon which state you live in. Once a pine cone has fallen from the tree, its botanical life is usually over. However, [...]
As your children get older and venture out into the world, making their own decisions, you wonder if they will adhere to the values you taught them at home—especially when it comes to living a natural lifestyle. “Will they choose the fruit over the ice cream?” or “Will he remember how to treat his headache [...]
June 6, 2011
You may dream of growing all of your own food, but your personal reality might not be as romantic as a rural retreat with an acre of ground in the south of France (my as yet unfulfilled vision for living my good life). You may be an urban eco-warrior, or like me a suburban greenie. [...]
Aromatic waters, more commonly known as hydrosols or hydrolats in aromatherapy practice, have a number of health benefits; most people associate the therapeutic practice of aromatherapy with essential oils, but interest is growing in the use of aromatic waters. Once considered the by-product of distillation of an essential oil, aromatic waters are actually valuable commodities [...]
May 26, 2011
I’ve seen wild roses in abundance along many country roads. Most people only think of the rose as a fragrant flower; and in the wild, a pesky weed. But I’d like to share not only fragrant ways to use the roses, but healthful ways to use the rose hips. Source of Vitamin C The rose [...]
May 19, 2011
Some plants we eat, I think, by default. Because they do not poison, we ingest them to fill hungry stomachs. Like turnips, they bring no other satisfaction or inspiration to life. Other plants we eat for the sheer delight they bring, arousing the palate and brightening the mood—like berries. Red, black, blue, a veritable rainbow [...]
May 1, 2011
Jewelweed is a common weed, marked by its bright orange flowers, often found growing along the edges of creek beds and lawn borders. This plant has long been recognized as a natural remedy for dermatitis: Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac, bug bites, and eczema. The juice from Jewelweed has been used by Native Americans in the Appalachian region for [...]
Commercial garden pesticides contain lethal and toxic chemicals that impose many health risks; as an alternative, you can use many different plants as natural insect and pest repellents in the garden. The Lamiaceae plant family probably contains the highest number of plants that are widely available for many gardens. Plants such as lavender, thyme, rosemary, [...]
August 2, 2010
We’re puppy-sitting in our house and found out quickly that she loves to chew on leaves and sticks. Before we just let her do her thing, we decided to do some research about what houseplants are poisonous for her. Many of us have pets in our homes that are really part of our family. Just as we [...]
The aloe vera plant is amazing, having many healing properties to it. The leaves of the plant are where you will find the yellow-colored liquid that can work wonders. You may already know that aloe vera gel can be very beneficial to the skin, helping with sunburn, insect bites, rashes, cuts, and the like. The [...]
If you like eating a lot of organic vegetables and enjoy working in a garden, you might think about setting up your own vegetable garden. Not only is having your own vegetable garden saving you a trip to the store, the ultimate savings in grocery bills is well worth it. If you’re worried because you’ve never had your own garden before, here are some organic vegetable growing tips for beginners…