You can expect a raw view of my adventures in: canning, chickens, recipes, my musings, essential oils and natural remedies, meal prepping, maybe some goats, gardening, fun fails, humor and sarcasm; I speak both fluently – because if you can’t laugh at life, what’s the point?
While it is frequently used for cooking, Rosemary has long been revered by many cultures for its internal benefits and energizing scent.
Description
Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen shrub whose leaves are frequently used to flavor foods such as stuffing's, pork, roast lamb, chicken, and turkey. Along with its culinary applications, Rosemary oil has many benefits. Rosemary essential oil supports healthy digestion and internal organ function when ingested.* Long revered by experts, Rosemary was considered sacred by the ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Hebrew cultures. Rosemary oil's herbaceous and energizing scent is frequently used in aromatherapy. Taken internally it helps to reduce nervous tension and occasional fatigue.*
Uses
Diffuse Rosemary oil to create an atmosphere conducive for studying.
Helps to support endocrine system. Direct body through hormone secretion, hypothalamus, thalamus, pineal, pituitary, parathyroid, thyroid, pancreas, and adrenals.*
Helps to support the reproductive system (Ovaries, uterus, breast, testes, prostate).*
Take internally to help reduce nervous tension and occasional fatigue.*
Add 1–2 drops of Rosemary essential oil to meats and favorite entrées for flavoring and to support healthy digestion.*
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice. Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid. Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional cautions below. I will add a couple of drops to my shampoo bottle as well as rosemary is good for the scalp.
This oil is Kosher certified.
Primary Benefits
Supports healthy digestion when consumed*
Internal use may help support healthy respiratory function*
When taken internally, may help to reduce nervous tension and occasional fatigue*
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, so please always check with your doctor for health concerns or before starting anything new (like using an Essential Oil Internally). I have done my homework for myself. I know the medicinal value of doTERRA’s oils and that I can trust them. Please do not take anything you read here as medical advice. I am simply sharing my experiences and what I have learned.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Known as a popular cooking spice, Oregano oil also acts as a powerful cleansing agent, and offers powerful antioxidants*—extending its uses far beyond the kitchen.
Description
Oregano oil is one of the most potent and powerful essential oils and has been used for centuries in traditional practices. The primary chemical components of Oregano is carvacrol, a phenol that possesses antioxidant properties when ingested. Due to its high phenol content, caution should be taken when inhaling or diffusing Oregano essential oil; only one to two drops is needed.
Additionally, Oregano oil should be diluted with a carrier oil when applied to the skin. One drop taken internally each day can help maintain healthy immune function; Oregano oil can be taken more frequently as needed to further support the immune system.* In addition to being a popular cooking spice, Oregano oil also supports healthy digestion and respiratory function when taken internally.* Oregano oil's aroma acts as an enhancer and equalizer in essential oil blends.
Uses
Add one to two Oregano oil drops to a veggie capsule to support healthy respiratory function and gut health (you do not want to do this more than 10 days in a row -
Repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria after the 10 days by taking PB Assist).*
Improve cellular function & oxygenation to the cells by mixing 2 drops with 2 TBS coconut oil and applying to the back.*
Use Oregano Touch to rub on the bottoms of your feet at night to help support immunity and prevent sickness*
Put one drop of Oregano essential oil in place of dried oregano in spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or on a roast.
Use Oregano Touch and use on warts, moles, and skin tags to help get rid of them.*
Put 10 Oregano oil drops in a 16-ounce spray bottle with water for a surface cleaner.
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use one to two drops in the diffuser of your choice. Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid. Topical use: Dilute 1 drop essential oil to 10 drops carrier oil. See additional precautions below.
This oil is Kosher certified.
Primary Benefits
Oregano essential oil used as a powerful cleansing and purifying agent
Supports a healthy immune system, healthy digestion, and respiratory function when used internally*
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, so please always check with your doctor for health concerns or before starting anything new (like using an Essential Oil Internally). I have done my homework for myself. I know the medicinal value of doTERRA’s oils and that I can trust them. Please do not take anything you read here as medical advice. I am simply sharing my experiences and what I have learned.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Renowned as one of the most prized and precious essential oils and sometimes called the King of Oils, Frankincense oil has extraordinary health benefits.*
In addition to its notoriety in the New Testament, the Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies and the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense resin for everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin. This centuries-old knowledge contributes to the modern uses of Frankincense oil today.
Its soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and help reduce the appearance of imperfections when applied topically. As the king of oils, Frankincense is known to support healthy cellular, immune, nervous, and digestive function when used internally.* Combine Frankincense essential oil with essential oils likeBergamotorLavenderand inhale or diffuse to create an experience of peace and satisfaction.
Uses
Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening. (This is a go to for me)
Apply topically to help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.
Massage Frankincense oil on the bottoms of feet.
Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to support healthy cellular function.
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice. Internal use: Dilute one drop in four fluid ounces of liquid. Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. Frankincense Touch is a great option for this as it is already in a roller bottle and diluted in a carrier oil of Fractionated Coconut Oil.
This oil is Kosher certified.
Primary Benefits
Ingest to support healthy cellular function*
May provide a soothing aromatic experience
Helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections when applied topically
Supports healthy immune and nervous system function when taken internally*
Aromatic Description
Warm, spicy, clean
Watch this clip to learn about doTERRA's co-impact sourcing.
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, so please always check with your doctor for health concerns or before starting anything new (like using an Essential Oil Internally). I have done my homework for myself. I know the medicinal value of doTERRA’s oils and that I can trust them. Please do not take anything you read here as medical advice. I am simply sharing my experiences and what I have learned.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Alright you know that bag of dry beans sitting in the back of your pantry?
Yes the one that has been there for 3+ years.... (You know who you are).
It's time to put those things to use.
Things you can do with a bag of dry beans.
Make bean bags for a games (such as corn-hole). This is a fun endeavor if you have kids about middle school age and it teaches them some skills (as in some basic sewing and measuring).
Cut two squares of fabric in the desired size (five- to six-inch squares should do the trick). Sew together the two squares by sewing three sides of the square, leaving one side open to create a pouch. Use a funnel to fill the square with beans. Sew the fourth side closed to complete the bag.
Make heated weighted neck/shoulder wraps. Let me tell you, carrying around and nursing babies can result in sore neck muscles. So if you are prone to a stiff neck, use beans to make your own heating pad to relieve those sore muscles. This is also great for travel.
Cut fabric into two equal sizes (a long rectangle is great for draping over your neck) and sew them together like a pillowcase. Fill with beans (and lavender if you like), then sew the final side to close up the bag. Heat it up in the microwave (1-1.5 min) before using for nice, warm relief. Add extra relief with a few drops of lavender essential oil.
Plant them - yes for real. I planted several last year just to see if they would grow - 5 out of 8 did.
Use them as pie crust weights. Just be sure to line your pie crust with foil or parchment paper first. You can reuse them over and over for this too.
DIY Maracas.
Fill plastic Easter eggs with beans, tape together, place egg between two plastic spoons, and then use some fun colored tape to cover the whole thing. (Side note... this noise maker does not have batteries you can remove... food for thought), you may need the neck pillow after this.
Sensory play for children.
A sensory tub is a plastic tub filled with things to help young kids and toddlers develop their senses, explore textures and use their imagination. You can use a large Tupperware; it doesn't need to be fancy. Usually, a sensory tub has a base filler (i.e. sand, rice, shredded paper, water beads or, of beans)The dried beans keep for a long time, letting you reuse the same sensory bin again and again with different toys. This is a great one for those rainy days where your small child needs something to do but can't play outside OR take it outside and have fun outside with it - it's mobile.
Can them for cooking!
Canning dry beans has some advantages.
They are widely available at most grocery stores
No preservatives and you know every ingredient used
They are cheap - considerably cheaper than buying them already canned.
You can always have them on hand for meals.
How do you can beans?
I use the dry canning method. I find that soaking them overnight first makes them too mushy when I can them and I am going to be cooking them with meals, soups and such anyway so I would like them to be a little firm. That said - trust me they are cooked ALL THE WAY THROUGH still.
So first thing WASH your beans. You would be surprised how dirty they can be. I don't know how well they are washed in factories prior to being canned but I know how well they are washed in my house. Pour them into a big bowl and run cold water over them while stirring. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear.
Using CLEAN canning jars measure:
For QUARTS:
1 Cup dry beans per Quart.
1 tsp kosher salt (optional)
For PINTS:
1/2 Cup dry beans per pint.
1/2 tsp kosher salt (optional)
Fill with boiling water leaving 1 inch of head space. Place new lids and rims on jars and tighten rims to finger tightness. Place into canner.
Process your jars adjusting for altitude and size of jars. So for my altitude I use 10 lbs of pressure for 75 mins for pint size jars and 90 mins for quarts.
NOTE: if you have both Pints and Quarts in your canner together you will need process for Quarts (so 90min)
Follow the instructions for your canner. I have a weighted-gauge canner so I have to let the steam go full blast for 10 min prior to starting my timer.
Table 1. Recommended process time for Beans or Peas in a dial-gauge pressure canner.
Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of
Style of Pack
Jar Size
Process Time
0 - 2,000 ft
2,001 - 4,000 ft
4,001 - 6,000 ft
6,001 - 8,000 ft
Hot
Pints
75 min
11 lb
12 lb
13 lb
14 lb
Quarts
90
11
12
13
14
Table 2. Recommended process time for Beans or Peas in a weighted-gauge pressure canner.
Canner pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of
Style of pack
Jar Size
Process Time
0 - 1,000 ft
Above 1,000 ft
Hot
Pints
75 min
10 lb
15 lb
Quarts
90
10
15
Make sure that once your time is up, that you shut the stove off and WAIT until the pressure is back to zero! DO NOT open your canner until the pressure is gone. Once the pressure is back to zero, then you can take your jars out and set them somewhere where they won't be in a draft to cool.
In case you were wondering, the jars are piping hot when they come out of the canner. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES do you loosen, or open the rims or lids. There is a great deal of pressure in these jars before they cool.
Once you are comfortable with that process, you can start to experiment with spices and such. Here is the recipe I use to make my homemade chili beans. These are great for chili dogs, crock pot chili, spicing up Taco Tuesday,
Recipe for dry canning method for Chili Beans in Quarts.
(just cut measurements in 1/2 for pints.)
1 C dry kidney beans (sometimes I use pinto)
1/4 C tomato sauce
1/2 tsp canning or kosher salt
1 tsp smoked paprika (yes the smoked makes a difference, but regular works too)
1 tsp granulated garlic (use minced if that is what you have)
1 tsp granulated onion (minced onion works too, I have even just diced up onion)
Nasturtiums I planted this week with my little one
In case you haven't picked up on it, I love to garden. I love that my children are playing in dirt while getting fresh air, learning a skill, where their food comes from and eating natural healthy food.
In my last post I talked about pest management with things like Neem Oil, DE and others things for organic critter control but there are other ways too. Essential oils, herbs and companion planting are some other ways to deter the unwanted pest. But there is one that is really easy and convenient to use, it's readily available at any grocery store and it is not super expensive... and that is Cinnamon folks! Wait whaaaat - use it in my garden you say? Yup and in more than one way so you really get your money's worth... you know the whole $2.99....
Check it....
1. It's a rooting agent. You don't have to spend money on expensive hormone rooting powders or gels. Use cinnamon (side note: Aloe is another good rooting agent). Put a spoonful on a paper towel. Dampen the ends of the stem, roll them into the paper towel and plant and viola!
2. It prevents Damping Off Disease. What's that you ask? It is a jerk of a disease. It is a fungus that attacks small seedlings just as they start to grow. Cinnamon kills the fungus before it has a chance.
It also works on other fungus as well. You can use it as a fungicide on older plants too. Mix 1-2 spoonful's of cinnamon into water and let sit (overnight works best in my opinion). You will need to strain it before you use it, but once you do you can just put it in a spray bottle. Use it on soil, leaves, stems, or where ever.
3. Ant Removal or rather "deter-ant"... Girrr little buggers. Last year we battled over my Luffa... We are not friends. Cinnamon came in handy. Use it like a border so to speak. In the end I found that the essential oil version of Cinnamon worked better in this instance.
Fun fact - especially fun if you have boys as I do who love bugs: Did you know if you dig up and swap out two separate ant colonies - they fight/kill each other? That my friends is guerilla warfare there. Basically a good shovelful of colony A gets dumped on ant colony B and sit back and watch the carnage unfold. I know I'm sick. To each his/her/their own.
4. Prevents Rust. No not the kind on a car. It's a fungal infection and it is soil borne. Just sprinkle it when you plant. (Calendula can be prone to it.)
5. It can help heal plants. When applied to a fresh plant wound it can help healing and prevent infections. I have small children with clumsy hands; this can be a handy item in the garden basket.
6. It deters small rodents. Rabbits, Mice, Squirrels, you get the idea. I am not saying it will completely get rid of them but they don't like it. This is where I generally use the Cinnamon Essential Oil mixed with water in a spray bottle. Cinnamon is strongly scented and small rodents don't like that so they tend to avoid it. Just remember if it rains you need to re-apply.
7. Repels Mosquitoes. I live in "The Mitten State", and when we don't have snow, we have mosquitos.... they are a bad word I can't say in front of my children. Which one? Pick your favorite and it works. I HATE them!
Same concept as with the rodents. I prefer the cinnamon essential oil in a spray bottle with water for this BUT you can just sprinkle it around the garden too.
NOTE:
For the record I do not find this to be as effective as Citronella but it does help.
As far as wearable bug sprays go, TerraShield is my hands down go-to personal bug repellant. Made with essential oils and safe for skin.
8. Cinnamon can be used indoors and in greenhouses. It can be used to kill spider mites, whiteflies, gnats, mildew and mold and other pests. Just sprinkle on the surface of the soil around plants. Non toxic and organic!
Sooooo next time you are at the grocery store and you walk by the spice rack... Scoop up some cinnamon for your garden. Your plants will thank you and so will your wallet.
I am pretty sure that my two year old planted some Airsoft BB's in with my peas. LOL
Ok given the hype lately around CBD Oil I thought I’d talk about Copaiba Essential Oil.
No, they are not the same however like CBD oil, Copaiba has some pretty impressive effects. (click HERE to learn more about CBD vs Copaiba). Copaiba Essential oil is one of those oils that
can be used in SO many ways which I love because its like a buy one & get
five kind of deal I love to find!
Copaiba essential oil is derived from
the resin of the copaiba tree which can grow upwards of more than 100 feet and
can be found in tropical South America. Copaiba oil is widely used in cosmetic
products including soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes. Since the 16th
century, copaiba essential oil has been utilized in traditional health
practices by the natives of north and northeastern Brazil.
Similar to Black Pepper essential oil,
Copaiba can help soothe anxious feelings and it can be applied to the skin to
promote a clear, smooth complexion. Taken internally, Copaiba essential oil
supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and
respiratory systems.* Although Copaiba does not contain psychoactive
cannabinoids, the main component caryophyllene may be neuroprotective and have
cardiovascular and immune benefits.* It’s also a powerful antioxidant that
promotes immune health.*
REDUCES
PAIN - Copaiba essential oil is a wonderful analgesic and has been used in this
capacity for generations. It has been known to help reduce pain, loosen
muscles, and ease the discomfort of headaches and migraines, muscular cramping,
back pain, gout, and arthritis.It is
one of my go to oils for when I get a headache. I add it to fractionated
coconut oil and apply it to my temples, neck, and forehead. I use it the same
way for sore muscles & joints and rub it into the affected area. I have a
friend that swears by this for her Lupus; because of its incredibly high
concentration of beta-caryophyllene, copaiba essential oil can be a remarkable
anti-inflammatory remedy for some people.
SKIN
CARE - One of the most notable and popular health benefits of copaiba essential
oil is derived from its astringent property. Copaiba’s active components
tighten the skin, which can help the skin look younger, reduce the appearance
of wrinkles, and even strengthen the skin to prevent lesions or wounds as the
body ages. It can help moisturize, tone and rejuvenate sagging and tired
looking skin. It does this by boosting the skin’s production of collagen which
helps make it firmer and more elastic. I add a few drops to my daily facial
moisturizer and use after I wash my face each night. Or you can just add a few
drops of copaiba to a damp cotton ball and apply it to your face daily as part
of your daily skincare routine.
REDUCING
SCARS - Ok Mommas... this is one I use on those post baby stretchmarks. To get
rid of my scaring and stretch marks, I dilute my copaiba essential oil with a
skin-friendly healing oil like coconut or olive oil and apply the mixture to my
stretch marks and scars each day for as long as it takes to speed their healing
and reduce their visibility. This includes acne scars, blisters, marks, and
pimples.
IMMUNE
BOOSTING - The strong antibacterial nature of copaiba essential oil can act as
a major booster for your immune system. It can act as a shield for your skin,
protecting wounds from developing an infection.It can also protect you internally by eliminating harmful bacteria and
microorganisms that may be negatively affecting you internally. (see disclaimer
below) This is one those oils I use in my all-purpose healing ointments, sprays
and balms, which we go through a lot of (#boyswillbeboys)
MOOD
- In aromatherapy, copaiba essential oil has often been used to lighten the
spirit and improve mood. There aren’t many essential oils that have such a
sweet, pleasant smell of rich honey, and the combination of the scent and its
gentle effects on hormonal balance can significantly improve my day.
ANTI-FUNGAL
- When it comes to fungal infections (yuck), there aren’t too many essential
oils that can do the trick, but the unique terpene structures found in copaiba
essential oil are effective as antifungal agents.My teenage boy has got some nasty feet (like
oh muh gawd gross) due to his orthotics and this is one that really helps with
athlete’s foot or any sort of nail fungus. I make him a foot spray that has
copaiba in it and it helps a great deal.He also sprays his orthotics each night which seems to help a great
deal.
ANTI-MICROBIAL
- A 2016 study published in The Open Dentistry Journal revealed that copaiba
essential oil gel proved to be effective against all strains of Streptococcus.
Researchers suggested that it can be used as a natural, alternative dental
biofilm control. Other studies suggest exploring the therapeutic potential of
the essential oil for oral care due to its potent antimicrobial properties. All
that means is copaiba kills bacteria including Strep. Cool!
BUG
BITES - Because of its wonderful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions,
copaiba essential oil is a great antidote to minor wounds, scrapes, burns, and
bites. It can soothe the pain, reduce any swelling and most importantly it can
prevent the spread of infection. All I do is apply a dab or two of essential
oil to the affected area on my skin (because Michigan has bugs folks).
INTERESTING
- Another interesting fact about copaiba essential oil is that it is a
magnifier, which means that copaiba oil enhances the effects of other essential
oils. In particular; it pairs well ylang-ylang, vanilla, citrus oils,
sandalwood, jasmine, rose, and frankincense (good ol’ Frankie!).
Drip
a few copaiba oil drops into the palms of your hands. Breathing it in deeply
will absorb it into your bloodstream quickly and possibly benefit the lungs and
sinuses.
Have
a good soak in a bath with a few drops of copaiba essential oil. The oil will
absorb into the skin, and also from inhaling the bath water steam.
Applying
a few drops of copaiba oil to the soles of your feet is apparently especially
good for a restful sleep.
Directions:
Combine all ingredients together in a two-ounce bottle, transfer to a
sterilized 15ml dark-glass bottle, and seal with a dropper or cap. Apply two
drops to a cotton ball and apply directly to your affected area on the skin.
Directions:
Combine all ingredients together in a two-ounce bottle, transfer to a
sterilized 5ml dark-glass bottle, and seal with a dropper or cap. Add a few
drops to bath water for optimal relaxation and muscle pain relief.
Directions:
Combine all ingredients together in a two-ounce bottle, transfer to a
sterilized 5ml dark-glass bottle, and seal with a dropper or cap. Place your
head over a bowl of steamy water and cover your head with a towel to keep the
steam inside. With your eyes closed, have someone add two drops of the
essential oil mixture to the bowl. Inhale through the nose, and breathe deeply
for five minutes, or until the oils evaporate and you achieve relief.
Possible skin
sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or
under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner
ears, and sensitive areas.
Disclaimer:
I
am not a doctor, so please always check with your doctor for health concerns or
before starting anything new (like using an Essential Oil Internally). I have
done my homework for myself. I know the medicinal value of doTERRA’s oils and that
I can trust them. Please do not take anything you read here as medical advice.
I am simply sharing my experiences and what I have learned.
* These statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Rosemary Essential Oil Rosmarinus officinalis
