Check out Alter Herbalism

http://alter-herbalism.tumblr.com/

Lime Essential Oil Soap

DIY- Castille Soap with Lime Essential Oil

Lime essential oil has a reputation for helping to destroy microbes. So when you sit down to eat, you won’t have to worry about germs. It can also neutralize odors that like to cling to your skin (even garlic and onions), and it leaves behind a mouth-watering scent.

You can clean your hands with a fresh slice of citrus to experience this. Or you can make your own Lime Aloe Foam Soap:

Lime Aloe Foam Soap

• 1.25 oz (40 ml) Castile soap
• .25 oz (5 gm) dash of Aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis)
• 20 drops distilled Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) . (Aromahead,2016).

Reference

Aromahead Institute.(2016).Free Trainings. Website. Retrieved 

                   from http://www.aromahead.com/

Let’s #BreakTheWalls with SheaMoisture

Cooking with ChristopherCooking with Christopher originally initiated as an effort to provide meals to children and families in transition. Chef Christopher aka Chef CD collaborated with the Gray's Project providing meals to families in extended stay housing on the 192 corridor in central Florida. The cooking and baking classes were so successful Chef Cd began teaching classes for both adults & children, finding the demand so great, he began booking events as well as birthday parties. Cooking with Christopher is a fun way to introduce cooking & baking to both children and adults.

Cheerful Mind Balm Aromatherapy, 0.60 oz /17g (W.S. Badger Co.) - Penn Herb Company On-Line Herb Store

I love Badger Products, can get their products on several websites but I reccommend going to their site as well.



Cheerful Mind Balm Aromatherapy, 0.60 oz /17g (W.S. Badger Co.) - Penn Herb Company On-Line Herb Store

If you are anything like me, you do not want to read an entire page to be told nothing or to have some add pop up. That will not occur as my reviews are real and I am not compensated by anyone or any product, if anything my goal is to save you money and prevent you from wasting money on junk that does not work. So here is my simple quick as possible story and review.

Cheerful Mind Balm Aromatherapy, 0.60 oz /17g (W.S. Badger Co.) - Penn Herb Company On-Line Herb Store

I love Badger Products, can get their products on several websites but I reccommend going to their site as well.



Cheerful Mind Balm Aromatherapy, 0.60 oz /17g (W.S. Badger Co.) - Penn Herb Company On-Line Herb Store

If you are anything like me, you do not want to read an entire page to be told nothing or to have some add pop up. That will not occur as my reviews are real and I am not compensated by anyone or any product, if anything my goal is to save you money and prevent you from wasting money on junk that does not work. So here is my simple quick as possible story and review.

Awesome way to include peppermint -Menthol Crystals, 1 oz - Penn Herb Company On-Line Herb Store

Menthol Crystals, 1 oz - Penn Herb Company On-Line Herb Store



Awesome way to incorporate peppermint into soaps, lotions and salves.

Want better looking skin, then apply more lotion??? Is it really that simple.

Hello,



As I have stated before I love lotion, and must admit have tried several different types as I apply lotion anywhere from 7 to 10 times a day. My lotion regiment of course increased over time, and the results were actually amazing.  I admit at first I had some reservations with applying lotion so frequently; I did not want to clog my pores and get acne, nor did I want to melting down my face as I live in Florida and it is hot here.  To my surprise neither was the case, if anything to my surprise I began to notice a visible improvement, a change I could actually see, as could others.

Originally my goal was to tackle my dry heels which is another story as I am working on "heels" but now I want to share my legs and face with you. What I found was applying lotion to the face multiple times throughout the day made notable improvements such as firming, my face actually appeared firmer, especially in the lower chin and neck area.  I also seen fullness in my check and in the laugh lines around my mouth.  The pigment in my face appeared brighter, and believe this or not my face is so smooth. If I was to estimate I apply lotion to my face about 5 or 6 times a day and when I do make these applications I use about 5 different variations of lotions, applying some in different areas. I found the key is the type of lotion you apply and where it is applied.

Now of you recall a few sentences ago I mentioned face, legs and feet, but to make this short and simple I will discuss my face moving to legs in the next posting.

Something different before I post my process and my favorite lotions for the face, please tell me what products you're interested in?  Any lotions you been dying to try, let me know?

Have you tried any of the following?

• Dr. Bronner's Peppermint
• C.Booth Vanilla Butter body lotion 
• Shea Moisture Olive & Green Tea

Or share with me your favorites, I would like to see what people are using before I tell you all the ones I apply on my face!

left to right
C Booth, Dr. Bronner's Shea Mositire

Sharing Remedies- Several Herbal remedies

Sharing Remedies

• 'Bee' Hurtful No More January 2014
• Pain Reliever June 2013
• Acne Rosnea Remedy June 2014
• All Around Infection Cure December 2012
• All Burns cure July 2012
• Another Remedy for MRSA Boils June 2010
• Antibiotic April 2013
• Asthma Relief December 2009
• Asthma Treatment May 2012
• Bay Leaf Combats Thrush December 2009
• Beautiful Hair Mixture for African-American Hair September 2012
• Bentonite Clay and Clove for toothache October 2012
• Bentonite Clay Bath Recipe July 2012
• Best Tea (decoction) for Colds and Flu October 2005
• Bleeding Profusely from the Mouth? No Problem! May 2005
• Body Cream to Heal Diaper Rash! October 2012
• Boils May 2010
• Bug Repellent February 2011
• burn remedy July 2012
• Catnip for Cockroaches September 2014
• Clear up boils FAST! November 2010
• Clogged Up Sinuses January 2014
• Cold/Flu and Sore Throat? No Problem! October 2006
• Common Cold February 2011
• Cure for Mastitis October 2012
• Defeating a Sore throat! November 2012
• Diaper Rash, a "Thyme-ly" remedy November 2009
• Ear Infection Cure August 2012
• Ear Infection Cure (Almost Instant) July 2008
• Elderflower Fizz July 2012
• Faucet-Nose Stopper March 2006
• Foot Fungus Remedy November 2010
• Glowing acne free skin August 2012
• Good-bye Athlete's Foot September 2009
• Great Garlic! February 2010
• Hand Foot and Mouth Disease September 2012
• Hayfever Relief July 2008
• Healing Boils With Thyme June 2014
• Hemorrhoid Salve May 2006
• Home-made Deodorant June 2013
• Hot Tea (infusion) for parasites October 2006
• Hullify! Your Itchy, Red, Dry Rashes Caused by Yeast or Parasites July 2008
• Indigestion March 2011
• Itchy Chigger Bites Bathed Away! August 2008
• Kidney Cleanse November 2014
• Lice Remedy with Tea Tree November 2009
• Mastitis October 2006
• Mastitis Remedy January 2011
• Migraine Prevention June 2009
• Motion Sickness, Beat It With Ginger February 2010
• Natural Toothpaste January 2010
• NO MICE! December 2005
• Orange and Vinegar Cleaner November 2010
• Pink Eye August 2012
• Plantain Salve June 2013
• Plantar Warts June 2013
• Plantar Warts Finished Off! April 2014
• Pnemonia October 2006
• Poison Ivy on the Run May 2006
• Poison Oak Remedy October 2012
• Postpardum Herbal Bath January 2014
• Pregnancy Tea December 2005
• Psoriasis and Skin Issues Dealt With February 2014
• Relax and Sleep Tea November 2014
• Relieve Bug and Chigger Bites October 2009
• Remedy for MRSA Boils June 2008
• Remedy for Pneumonia or Lung Infection December 2012
• Remedy To Rid Your Pet Of Parasites September 2012
• Remove Plantar Warts September 2009
• Simple Green Plantain Salve May 2006
• Sinus Infection "Fightback" Formula June 2008
• Sinus Infections January 2011
• Solution to Bites September 2012
• Stomach Virus January 2006
• Stop Cold & Flu October 2009
• Styes June 2010
• Tea-riffic Pink Eye Remedy June 2008
• Toe Nail Fungus April 2013
• Urinary Track Infections January 2006
• Wanda Knows First-Aid March 2006
• Warming Flu/Cold Drink November 2009

Reference

Bulkherbstore.(2016), Website.http://www.bulkherbstore.com/sharing-remedies

How to make a Tincture & Eggshell Water

Make a Tincture


Tinctures are concentrated, liquid forms of herbal medicine that are simple to make and easy to assimilate. They are so concentrated that sometimes we take our doses in tea or water. They are usually made with consumable alcohol, but can also be made with vegetable glycerine, vinegar, honey, etc.
Alcohol tinctures (also known as extracts) are the most popular because alcohol is the most effective at drawing out the important properties of the herbs. Tinctures made with it have a long shelf life (2 years or longer). Almost all store bought tinctures use alcohol as a base or include some amount of alcohol as a preservative. Vodka is what we use because it doesn't have a strong odor and is very affordable (rum will also do).
Make your tincture by filling a jar 1/3 to 1/2 full of herbs and pour in just enough hot water to get them wet. (Half full makes for a stronger brew, just do not pack in the herbs.) Then fill the jar to the top with alcohol, close it, and store for 3-6 weeks in a dry, cool place. Shake the jar daily. After 3-6 weeks, strain and discard the herbs, bottle the liquid and label it.
Pregnant mamas can easily evaporate the alcohol by placing their dose in a hot liquid like tea or water before taking it.
Tinctures can also be made by using vinegar in place of the alcohol, following the same directions. Vinegar does not draw out an herb's properties as well as alcohol. But it is very inexpensive, can be used as a gargle, and can be used to fight fungal infections. You may want to rinse after each dose to avoid enamel damage from the vinegar.

Make Eggshell Water


Tid Bit on Eggshell and Bone Health
1. Studies have shown that taking eggshell with vitamin D3 improves bone mineral density. Egg shells have been used for the pain, and treating, of all kinds of arthritis and joint pain.
2. Pour 2 cups of hot water over 4-5 (free-range or organic is best) crumbled egg shells. Add 1 tsp fresh lemon juice or vinegar. Cover and let sit for 2 hours. Strain the shells out and put liquid in a clean glass jar with a lid. Take a sip of the liquid one or two times a day. Just because it works, does not mean you should take more than you need. So, slowly increase your dosage until pain is the gone. After that do not increase it. Some of us need more calcium than others, but remember our bodies cannot handle too much calcium.
Store extra liquid in the refrigerator. Eggshell Water will last for 3 to 4 days.
3. Egg shells are high in Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Glycine, Gelatin, Collagen, and Other trace minerals

How to make a Tea

Make a Tea


Teas (infusions and/or decoctions) have the advantage of being well assimilated, which make them easier for a weakened body to digest. Hot water releases more of the herb's active elements. Best of all, most teas taste great. We regularly add Spearmint and sweeten with raw honey to taste—now that's good medicine!

We should mention something here about the different forms in which herbs are offered: whole, cut or powder. A few herbs can be offered in "whole" form. This means they have been picked, dried, and packaged as carefully as possible to maintain their original state (although some crumbling is inevitable). Most herbs are offered in a "cut" form for ease of use and packaging. Whole and cut herbs are the best forms for storage and work excellently in teas. Some herbs are ground into "powder" for use in specific applications, such as for filling capsules, seasoning food, adding to salves, etc. Powdered herbs are generally not used to make teas as it's very difficult to strain the powder from the liquid.
Incorporating a nutritionally rich tea into your daily routine is what we call smart! Every morning we make a blend of herbs into a tea that is suited for our nutritional needs and you can do the same. If you have poor eyesight, add Bilberry leaf to your tea blend. If you tend to have high blood pressure or retain water, add Nettle leaf. If you need a "wake-up", use Cinnamon, Cloves, and/or Ginger, like in our Rise and Shine Tea. Just remember to avoid using herbs with sedative properties in the morning, as that would be counterproductive! Teas can be made by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs. Cover and let tea steep for 5 minutes or so (roots and bark take longer). Teas can be served hot or cold, and brewed many different ways:
Electric percolator: This is our favorite way to brew our teas. Sometimes we brew the herbs twice using a little less water the second time. A percolator heated on the stove is also effective.
Pot on the stove: Place the herbs and water in a covered pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Turn burner off and remove from heat. After it steeps for a few minutes, strain and serve.
Pot with a strainer on the stove: Another variation of the stove method is to place a metal strainer in the pot before adding the herbs to the water. When the tea is done steeping, simply lift the strainer and the tea is ready to serve.
Tea pot: Bring water to a boil and pour over herbs in a tea pot. After steeping, place a small strainer over each cup as you serve it.
Rays of the sun: Fill a clear glass jar with herbs and water and place the jar in an area with ample sun exposure. This method works best for teas made with flowers and/or leaves rather than roots or barks. You'll need to determine how long the jar should be exposed to the sun before your tea is ready to be strained and served.

How to make a Salve, Poultice & Glycerite

Make a Glycerite


Glycerites (tinctures/extracts made with glycerine) are syrupy liquids that provide an alcohol-free alternative to the more popular alcohol tincture. Glycerine has a sweet taste but doesn't affect sugar levels. It is preferred by children over an alcohol or vinegar tincture. We normally mix our glycerites with alcohol tinctures to reduce the sweetness. Honey can also be used in place of glycerine.
As with all remedies, directions for making glycerites vary from one book to another. We make ours by filling a jar 1/3-1/2 full of herbs (1/2 full makes the brew stronger). Add just enough hot water to get the herbs wet and fill the jar to about 1/2 inch from the top with glycerine. After closing the jar tightly, place it in a crock-pot with a small towel underneath to keep the jar from breaking. Fill the crock-pot with water up to the top of the jar (not touching the lid), and leave it on the lowest setting for 3 days, keeping the glycerine hot but not boiling, and add water as necessary.
After about 3 days, carefully strain the hot and sticky herbal mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass container. Squeeze the herbs a bit, pour a small amount of boiling water over them, and then discard them. Close tightly and label the glycerite tincture. We have kept and used our tinctures for several years.
By the way, if your crock-pot gets too hot on the lowest setting, the herbs will smell like they are burning and turn dark and strong smelling within 24 hours. This will not ruin the glycerite, but it does speed up the process and may not be quite as effective as a slow heat. We have a crock-pot that gets too hot, so after about 42 hours, we go ahead and strain the mixture and it is just fine. You can also water bathe the herb/glycerine mixture by placing the closed jar in hot water on the stove for 3 days. The idea is to break down the herbs so that the properties are released into the glycerine. You have succeeded when the mixture becomes dark and strong smelling.

Make a Poultice

Poultices, also called plasters, can easily be made by pouring a small amount of boiling water over herbs and steeping them for a few minutes to release their healing properties. Strain the warm herbs, fold them in gauze or thin cloth and place them on the affected area. Powdered herbs do not need to be steeped. Simply make the powder into a paste with hot water and apply in a cloth.

Make a Salve


Salves/ointments are generally antiseptic and bring healing to scrapes, cuts or burns by forming a protective layer over them.
1. Fill glass jar 1/3 full of herbs and cover with coconut oil or your oil of choice. Screw on lid and place jar on top of a dishtowel in a crock pot. Fill the crock pot with water (but not above the jar’s lid) and turn on warm for three days.
2. Check the water level everyday to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated, and fill as needed. NEVER pour cold water over a hot glass jar.
3. After three days, strain the herbs off of the oil (while warm).
4. Melt a 1/2 cup (approximately 2 oz. of grated beeswax for 8 to 9 oz. of infused oil) of beeswax in a saucepan on low heat and add oil. Remove from heat and stir until completely melted. Add a drop of vitamin E oil or Grapeseed oil for every ounce of oil. This is a natural preservative.
5. Pour into metal tins and let sit over night or carefully place in refrigerator to cool and harden.
Tips:
~ If it is too soft for you, reheat it and add a bit more beeswax. If it is too hard reheat it and add a touch more oil.
~ Salve is a thick oil that is used for, cuts, bites, burns, rashes, boils, massage, and more. Salves can keep up to five years or more.
~ Keep out of light and extreme heat.
The following books have been our best references on making our own salves and ointments at home:

Salve and Herbal Infused Oils Made Easy

Salve and Herbal Infused Oils Made Easy

1. Making a salve might sound difficult, but it isn’t. The thing that takes the longest is infusing your herbs with oil. The best way for you to do this is in a crock pot on very low heat.
2. Stuff a mason jar one-thirds full with herbs.

3. Fill jar with oil of your choice (coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, etc.), leaving at least one inch from the top of jar. Screw a lid on tight.

4. Put a wash cloth in the bottom of the crock pot. Put jar in the center of the pot (on the wash cloth). Fill the crock pot with water, one inch below top of jar.

5. Keep crock pot on low heat (oil needs to be very hot but not boiling) for 3 days. Water will evaporate out of the pot, so keep adding water as needed.

6. As the herbs’ properties release in the oil, the oil will have more color and smell like herb oil.

With a cheese cloth (cotton sheet or t-shirt will work too) strain herb solids out of oil. Now you have a herbal infused oil. It is good for massage oil!!!

7. To make the oil into a salve you need bees wax. You need approximately 2 oz. of grated beeswax for 8 to 9 oz. of infused oil.

8. On low heat, warm oil and bees wax until wax is all melted.

9. Add a drop of vitamin E oil for every ounce of oil. This is a natural preservative.

10. While salve is still hot, pour into your container (wide mouth jar, can, etc.).

11. Let sit over night or until salve is hard.

12. Screw a lid on tight and label with name and date. Voila!! You have a salve!!!

Reference

BulkHerbstore.(2016). Salve and Herbal Infused Oils. Website. Retrieved

from http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Salve-Mix-Kit