The many uses of Raw Honey

  As a beekeepers' wife, honey is a staple in our home. My husband and daughter use it for anything from fighting off a cold to a cough suppressant. There are so many benefits of raw honey, we learn new uses for it all the time. Buying honey from a local beekeeper is ideal, as store bought honey has little nutritional value because it has been processed so much. Honey has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which is why it has so many health benefits.

NEVER give any kind of honey to children under the age of one, it can lead to a disease called botulism.

   I helped my husband write a short blog about the benefits of honey, which you can find here: Wonderful Benefits of Honey , but I would like to build on that and share the benefits and uses with you.
 
   -You can apply a thin layer to minor burns to help with the burning sensation and have an anti-inflammatory effect. It may also prevent infection, and could help with quicker healing time because of the anti-bacterial properties.

   -A few teaspoons of honey each day can give you relief from seasonal allergies.

   -Natural alternative to cough medicine, soothes a sore throat and reduces cough.

   -One or two teaspoons can help fight indigestion.

   -Honey contains vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6 and vitamin C. These vitamins also have many health benefits.

   -A spoonful of honey before bed helps you relax and fall asleep faster.

   -Apply a thin layer to minor cuts and scrapes and cover with a band-aid. Honey will sterilize the wound and aid in the healing process. If the wound appears to be infected or is deep, please seek medical advice.

   -A natural source of energy, honey refreshes nerves, strengthens muscles and sharpens the mind.

Raw honey mixed with other ingredients can have even more health benefits.

   -Honey and Cinnamon have been reported to help with the following:
     -upset stomach
     -weight loss
     -bladder infection
     -arthritis

   -Mixing raw apple cider vinegar and honey with hot water to make a tea can be helpful with:
     -migraines
     -stomach aches
     -constipation

   Raw honey is also a great natural beauty product for the hair and skin. Try using these hints in your beauty routine.

   -Moisturizing Mask: apply 1 teaspoon of honey on dry, clean skin. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

   -Pore Cleanser: Stir 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons coconut oil until its spreadable. Gently massage in circular motion into clean, dry skin. Rinse with warm water.

   -Exfoliation: Mix 2 parts honey and 1 part baking soda and rub into your face. Also can be used for an all over body scrub.

   -Milk and Honey bath: 1/4 cup honey mixed with 2 cups milk and a few drops of essential oil. Add to hot bath water.

   -Glossy hair: Coat hair with raw honey and let sit for 10 minutes then wash as usual.

   -Acne Treatment: Apply a dab of honey to affected areas and let sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Other things honey may help with:
     -lower blood sugar levels
     -stabilize blood pressure
     -relieve pain
     -calm nerves
     -ulcers
     -asthma

Honey has so much usefulness in our everyday lives. I hope you found some of this helpful. Leave me a comment on what you would like to get out of using honey, and in what way you plan to introduce it into your home.

Dealing with Migraines and Headaches

   Do you deal with migraines or headaches? If so I am sure you have tried everything under the sun to get help, probably with no relief. 

   I have dealt with severe headaches and debilitating migraines most of my life, and my 12 year old daughter has been dealing with them for a few years now.  My daughter also has visual migraines, which is where she will see dancing lines and spots along with the head pain, as you can imagine this is very disruptive for her.  On our mission for relief we have tried any and almost all over-the-counter pain aids and many prescription medications. We have found relief in some things we have tried but it never lasts long plus there are so many negatives associated with these types of relief aids. So I am looking for more natural, healthy ideas to help us fight the pain.  In my search these are some items I have found that may help, I will be trying them till I find the most helpful for us.

   Lavender Oil:  Should NOT be taken orally! Inhaling 2-4 drops for every 2-3 cups of boiling water is recommended for headache treatment. External application without needing to dilute it can also be helpful.

   Peppermint Oil: (We have tried this applied to the forehead. Worked well to get rid of headache but didn't last long.) Shown to benefit tension headaches as a soothing home remedy. Helps open and close blood vessels to promote blood flow. Peppermint also gets more oxygen into the bloodstream by opening up the sinuses.

   Basil Oil: Helpful for headaches caused by tight muscles or tension because it is great as a muscle relaxant.

   Cayenne: Great natural remedy for treating pain and inflammation. Capsaicin is an ingredient in Cayenne that inhibits pain perception. When applied topically to the nasal passages can significantly reduce the severity of pain.

  All you need is:

  1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

  1/2 cup warm water

  cotton swabs

Dissolve powder in water, soak cotton swab in solution. Apply the swab gently to the inside of each nostril. May be uncomfortable at first but you will find relief from the headache.

   Heat and Cold: (Ice pack is one of our go-to remedies, along with a nap.) Safe headache treatment for anyone. To relieve neck tightness apply heat to the back of your neck.

 Apply ice pack to temples and forehead for a pulsating headache.

   Thyme and Rosemary Oil: Dab a drop or two of thyme or rosemary essential oil on your forehead and each temple. Gently rub into the skin.

   Coffee: Caffeine reduces swelling of blood vessels, and can reduce frequency and intensity of your headaches.

   Feverfew: Effective in treating migraines by taking pressure off of the nerves and reduces inflammation.

   Vick's Vapor Rub: (I have used this for years and have always found relief.) Great for stopping headaches. Rub Vick's on your temples and forehead.

   Willow Bark: Natural alternative to aspirin, contains a pain relieving compound call salicin.

Is there anything you have used to find relief? Any ideas or tips are greatly appreciated.

Top Herbs for the Heart

   Heart conditions are one of the most common problems we have. As we try to elevate these conditions with medication sometimes we suffer from side effects, these side effects can be annoying. Some natural resources can be helpful with heart conditions and symptoms that go along with them. Here I have compiled a list of herbs that can be helpful to anyone dealing with heart conditions. As always check with your Doctor before trying any medicinal alternative.

   Hawthorn: Can be used for most heart conditions. Considered to be safe to use with heart medicine and is non-toxic.
   Valerian: Used for high blood pressure and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Relaxes and strengthens the heart.
   Garlic: Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
   Yarrow: Helps perspiration which helps relieve pressure on the heart. Dilates peripheral blood vessels which helps lower blood pressure.
   Motherwort: Very helpful with rapid heartbeat. Good for stress and anxiety causing heart conditions.
   Cayenne: Good effects on the heart muscle.
   Oats: Good for stress, anxiety, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure.
   Ginkgo: Improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and increases peripheral blood flow.

I would like to hear if any of these have been or are helpful to you. Leave me a message of your heart condition and what you have used or tried to treat your condition.

Have a Homemade Christmas

 

 We all have that one person who is hard to buy for, or the one who already has everything, this year try making special gifts for them. Homemade gifts are far more personal and heartfelt than something just picked up at the store. It's also fun! Whether you want to bake, sew, craft or mix, these gifts are guaranteed to be a hit. Homemade gifts usually can save you money too if you have a tight budget. I hope these ideas help you and you have a good time making them.

   This year I am compiling old family recipes to make a cookbook for my 12 year old daughter. Here are some other ideas for you.

   Headband Organizer:
Take an empty oatmeal container and wrap with pretty and colorful wrapping paper. Secure with tape. You can add a puffy fake flower on the lid to cover it. The headbands wrap around the outside, and you can throw hair ties inside so you know where they are too.

   Jazz up a Pair of Pants:
Cut out a design from heavy card stock, and lay on the pants. Use a sponge or foam paint brush to paint design on with fabric paints.

   Sweater Animals:
Get an old sweater or get a cheap one at the thrift shop with a cool pattern. Look online for a template of the animal you want to make.  Cut out 2 of the shapes that you picked, choose one for the front. Use that piece to stitch eyes, ears and feet with black thread. Inside out sew the edges together except for the head. Turn right side out, fill with stuffing, then sew head closed. You can add any other details you would like.

   Bubble Bath Paint:
My daughter always loved painting the tub, if you have kids in your family gift this to them.
   Mix together  1 cup clear baby body wash or bubble bath, and 4 tablespoons cornstarch.
   Pour mixture into 4 small containers with lids.
   Mix a couple drops (be careful too much will cause staining) of 4 different colors of food coloring (1 color per container)
Add in a cool paint brush or they can use their fingers.

   Peanut Butter Dog Treats:
Our furry friends like Christmas presents too. Make these treats they are sure to love.
Preheat oven to 350
Combine in a medium bowl
   1 cup flour
   1/4 cup oats
   1/2 tablespoon baking powder
   1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
   Add 1/2 cup creamy organic peanut butter
   1/2 cup milk
   1 tablespoon olive oil
   1 tablespoon apple sauce
 Mix until well combined. Knead into a ball, then roll out to 1/2 inch thick on wax paper.
Cut out treats with a cookie cutter and place on unlined cookie sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

   A Pamper Kit:
Buy an inexpensive large cosmetic or toiletry bag. Add in a bath cookie, a package of face mask, a package of hair mask, a little box of chocolates, and a small bottle of wine.
Good for any woman to have a relaxing day.

   Bath Cookies:
Heat oven to 350.
In a large bowl mix together
   1/2 cup baking soda
   2 cups rock or sea salt
   1/2 cup cornstarch
   2 tablespoons Almond oil
   1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
   2 eggs
   6 drops of any essential oil
Flatten balls to make cookie shape or you can use a cookie cutter of your choice.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles.
Store in air tight container

   Beauty Gift Basket:
Use Google to sign up for free beauty samples. Get a cute basket to add samples to and finish with a ribbon.

   Sleepy time Balm:
Do you know someone who has trouble sleeping? This would make a great gift for them.
In a glass or metal bowl add:
   1 cup olive oil
   1 cup coconut oil
   4 tablespoons grated bees wax
Heat over a double boiler.
When everything is melted stir mixture, then remove from heat.
Add to mixture about 50 drops each of essential oils
   Lavender: soothing effect
   Orange: calm nerves
   Peppermint: eases muscle pain
   Cinnamon: calms nerves
Carefully pour Sleepy time Balm into clean jars and let cool until room temperature, then add lids.
   Use on feet and cover with socks, or massage into hands, temples, and sore muscles for a calming effect.

   BBQ Basket:
Buy some locally made steak or barbecue sauces, add a nice basting brush.

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

 A lot of people suffer from high blood pressure, myself included. Many don't take it seriously until it's time to take medication. Having high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) puts you at risk for strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. High blood pressure is 140/90 or above.
 There are many causes of high blood pressure but the most common ones are

•  using a lot of salt
•  stress
•  a lack of exercise
•  excessive caffeine consumption
•  obesity
•  smoking
•  heredity

 High blood pressure is a very serious condition, but understanding foods different nutritional values can help control it.
 Here is a list of home remedies that can help control your blood pressure.
THESE ARE IN NO WAY A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL CARE!

 Honey:
Mix 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon ginger juice, and 2 teaspoons cumin seed powder. Drink twice a day.
You can also try 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey first thing in the morning instead.
Honey has a relaxing effect on blood vessels and helps reduce pressure from the heart.

 Celery:
Eating celery everyday can be profitable as it will relax the muscles lining your arteries. Celery reduces the stress hormones and helps control high blood pressure.

 Garlic:
Raw, cooked, or in a pill, garlic helps with blood circulation and promotes good blood flow.
Try eating 1 clove a day to help fight high blood pressure.

 Aloe:
Taken early in the morning, aloe is an amazing home remedy for high B.P.

 Coconut Water:
Good for lowering blood pressure. When trying to control your blood pressure stay well hydrated. Water is extremely important, but coconut water is even more beneficial in helping control you blood pressure. Consume coconut water on a regular basis to help keep blood pressure under control. You can also try using coconut oil in your daily diet.

 Lemons:
Drink a cup of warm water and add the juice from 1/2 a lemon on an empty stomach each morning.

 Bananas:
Try eating 1 or 2 each day. Bananas are a great source of potassium which lessens the effects of sodium.

 Exercise:
Simply walking or riding a bike for 30 to 60 minutes a day can help bring down your numbers. Gradually increase the intensity of your activities.

Medical Alternatives You May Already Have At Home

Sometimes taking medicine over the counter, gives you nasty side effects. Here is a list of alternatives to try next time instead of grabbing for those medicines.

     For achy muscles caused by the flu, try mixing 1 tablespoon horseradish with 1 cup olive oil. Let        mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then apply like a massage oil for instant relief.

     Have you been dealing with a sore throat? Mix 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup vinegar together. Take 1 tablespoon 6 times a day.

     Drinking 2 glasses of Gatorade gives almost immediate headache relief.

     Overnight blemish remedy: Place a dab of honey on the blemish and cover with a band-aid.                Honey speeds healing, kills bacteria and keeps the skin sterile.

     A excellent burn salve is Colgate toothpaste.

     Try using Alka-Seltzer at the onset of urinary tract infection symptoms. In a glass of water              dissolve 2 tablets and drink. Almost immediately the Alka-Seltzer starts eliminating the                      infection. DO NOT use Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine, it contains aspirin and cause stomach bleeding if  you have ulcers.

     Great splinter removal: Put white glue all over the splinter and let dry. When glue is completely dry peel it off your skin. It's that easy, the splinter will stick to the glue and come out.

     Soothing arthritis relief for your hands. Heat 1 cup water and 2 cups oats in the microwave for 1        minute. Let cool slightly and apply to hands.

     Listerine isn't just for your teeth anymore. As a powerful antiseptic use a few dabs to disinfect a        broken blister.
     If you are dealing with toenail fungus try soaking your toes in Listerine and have healthy looking nails again.

A Couple Easy Cleaning Tips

I hope these fast and easy to make cleaners help make your life a little easier.

 To clean mildew:
Use 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water in a spray bottle.
Spray on the mildew and leave on for a few minutes before cleaning off.
If mildew is still present repeat in a few hours then again in 24 hours.



 To clean soap scum:
Use 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol in a large spray bottle.
Fill the rest of the bottle with water and add a few drops of automatic dish washing detergent.
Spray and clean.

A Few Foods for a Healthier Heart

We all seem to be trying to lead healthier lives. Sometimes it's hard to figure out what to eat and why. Here is a short list on foods that a good for a healthy heart.

1) Fruits and Veggies of all different colors: 

The different colors indicate different antioxidants in the foods. You should consume each color as part of your daily nutrition to maximize the health benefits.

2)Whole Grains, Nuts, Fatty Fish, and Beans:

All of these foods contain natural chemicals that protect your heart. For example Brown Rice offers fiber, magnesium, B-complex vitamins and niacin.  Walnuts and Almonds are good for fiber, omega3 and vitamin E. Salmon and Tuna, as we know, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

3)Cooking Oils:

Adding some oils to your diet could help with achieving a healthy heart. Try incorporating Flax seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil or Hemp seed Oil.

As we strive for a healthy lifestyle, is there anything you make sure to have in your diet?

What advice would you give to someone who is confused about starting a healthier life?