Written by Mindy, Contributing Writer When I first read about skin brushing several years ago, it took me a while to grasp the concept. I didn’t really understand what it was or why anyone would want to do it. The idea did intrigue me however, so I continued to research and soon found out that …
How We Reversed Asthma Symptoms in our Family
; Guest Post by Daniele of Domestic Serenity Many moms can relate to dealing with children’s health issues. In some way, we all act as Dr. Mom in treating often minor and manageable illnesses. Our family has faced ups and downs in sickness, but it wasn’t until we dealt with serious asthma attacks that my …
5 Ways to Use Oil as Part of a Natural, Skincare Routine
Written by Stacy Karen, Contributing Writer Switching to non-toxic skin care is a logical step for those wanting to lead a healthy and natural lifestyle. Using natural products on our skin is helpful in reducing the toxic load we carry since the skin so readily absorbs whatever we put on it. Many mainstream skin care …
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My Review of Essential Oil Brands (and how much of a difference does quality really make?)
Written by Stephanie Langford, Creator of Keeper of the Home Although I am in love with using natural remedies, including herbs and essential oils, I have remained skeptical about just how much of a difference the particular brand of oils that you use really makes. Perhaps you, like me, have heard what you deem to …
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Homemade Teething Tea for Babies
I have tried all kinds of methods for soothing teething. With my oldest two, we relied on Hyland’s teething tablets and then either chamomilla (my oldest) or belladonna (my second). These worked. We have also used an amber teething necklace with both my second and third. The amber necklaces definitely seem to take the edge …
Make Your Own Herbal Vitamin and Mineral Tincture
Herbal tinctures have been on my “learn to make” list for a long time. Just over a month ago, I got inspired and tried it for the first time. The process was far easier and more straightforward than I ever imagined it would be, and I’m only sorry I waited so long to try. What …
Clay As a Natural Home Remedy (Yes, Really)
Of all things, did you ever think that I would tell you to go eat some dirt? Well, mark your calendars. Today’s the day. Stephanie has officially gone off the deep end. Bizarre as it may sound, clay has actually become one of my favorite go-to remedies for health and healing over this past year. …
Does the GAPS Diet Make You More Sensitive?
I’ve talked about the GAPS diet on this blog previously, and I know that there are many of you that have been or are currently on the diet. Today we’re privileged to have Caroline share with us. I was blown away to read the blog of this very spunky, knowledgable and passionate 18 year old, and today …
How I Healed My Son’s Skin Infection (Without Antibiotics)
This is a tale of how a mom can take charge of her family’s health. It isn’t necessarily meant to read like a “how-to” (although you may find what I share useful), nor is it meant to make some sort of definitive statement about doctors and home remedies and antibiotics (although some may read that …
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Backyard Medicinal Plants: Do You Have Herbal Remedies Right Under Your Nose?
Written by Kate Tietje, Contributing Writer Last summer, my husband spent a few hours cleaning up our yard. We had a lot of vines growing everywhere, some of which were poison ivy. We were worried the kids would get into it, so he took care of it. Unfortunately, he’s very sensitive to it, and despite …
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How to Treat Bug Bites Naturally
; Written by Stacy K, Contributing Writer Summer is a time for fun and sunshine. Unfortunately, this wonderful season often includes bites and stings from various bugs and insects. Today I’d like to share a few home remedies to help you treat bug bites naturally: Prevention The easiest way to deal with bug bites is …
Homemade Calendula Oil
Written by Mindy, Contributing Writer Calendula is such an easy and fun flower to grow. Besides being beautiful to look at, it offers a wealth of beneficial healing properties for your skin. It is an herb that will definitely earn it’s spot in your garden! Homemade Calendula Oil What you will need: dried calendula petals …
Natural Ways to Recover from Pregnancy
Written by Kate Tietje, Contributing Writer Post-pregnancy, there’s a lot going on. You have a brand-new baby to get to know, learn to breastfeed, and care for. You still have your home and possibly other children that need care. And of course, there’s the physical recovery from pregnancy. I always thought it seemed a little …
How I Stock My Natural Medicine Cabinet
If you were to come over to my home and complain of an ailment, or your child got an injury while visiting, you may be surprised to see me open up my “medicine cabinet” and proceed to pull out various natural remedies to treat what ails you. I’m no expert, but I have a love …
Essential Oils for Baby
Essential oils make home remedies quick and easy to prepare. With a select few on hand you will be able to create all manner of healing products and all-natural cleaning supplies. When it comes to using essential oils with infants and babies, it can be daunting (and should be approached with caution). I have often …
My Attempt at This Crazy Thing Called Oil Pulling: Does It Really Make a Difference?
Today I’m over at Simple Organic, sharing my two-week oil pulling journal, and more thoughts on the why’s and how’s and “does it work” of this truly unique (and only slightly crazy and gross) health practice. A friend of mine is doing a lot of research on how to strengthen teeth, and both reverse and …
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Favorite Winter Herbal Remedies: Colds and Coughs, Stomach Viruses, and Headaches
Written by Kate Tietje, Contributing Writer It’s winter time (already! I’m still in denial!) and we’re in the thick of the “sick season.” In fact, we’ve just gotten over our first round of “major” colds. That’s no fun. We choose not to use any form of over-the-counter or other pharmaceutical products in our home — …
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Healthy Skin Tips and Recipes for the Winter Months
I’m from Minnesota. It isn’t exactly the North Pole, but it’s getting awfully close. Most of us up here are well acquainted with the dry skin woes, including eczema, cracked and bleeding knuckles, flaking facial skin, cuticle cuts, chapped lips and rough, hard, dried out feet. It’s not pretty. To make matters worse, women are …
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Treating First Aid Situations Naturally
I have used my NaturoKit natural first aid kit more than 5 times in the past two weeks. I usually think of first aid kits as getting more use during the outdoor, summer months, but our family is rapidly disproving that theory. What did I need it for? An upset stomach due to travelling and …
Homemade Herbal Vapor Rub to Relieve Coughs and Congestion
Seeing our children suffer from a cough is no fun at all. However, coughs have their place in healing and should usually not be suppressed. If we prevent a cough from doing its part in recovery, we can set our child up for a much more serious illness. What starts out as a simple cold could …
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Keeping Your Family Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
Written by Brandy, Contributing Writer It’s that time of year again. The season that many moms dread for their families – cold and flu season. Each year I review my old list and research new ways to try and keep our family as healthy as possible. It’s hard enough when a family of four or …
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Treating Depression During Pregnancy, Naturally
This post is the follow up to last month’s post on Stacey’s experience with Depression in Pregnancy. The first post was intended to bring awareness to the issue and offer hope and encouragement, and this second post takes a closer look at some of the natural and wholistic methods of treating depression while pregnancy. There …
Boosting Your Immunity: Mushroom Soup with Herbs
Written by Meg Dickey, Contributing Writer Our Valley finally began its annual cooling trend last week. After several months of nearly 100 degree heat, we were able to enjoy a rainstorm, complete with chilly temperatures and a delightful nip in the air. Along with those blissful breezes come the sniffles and sneezes… when we start …
Gardening with Herbs 101: Preserving Your Herbs
Written by Meg Dickey, Contributing Writer Last time we talked about how to harvest your herbs – now that you’ve harvested them, what are you going to do with them? Here are my favorite ways to preserve herbs for out-of-season use: Freezing This method best preserves flavor. Rinse the herbs and chop coarsely. Place about …