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Nick A – Page 11 – Homesteader Depot

Homesteader Depot

Author: Nick A

  • 11 More Natural Mosquito Repellents

    11 More Natural Mosquito Repellents

     

    From the early 90’s encephalitis scares to today’s news of Zika and West Nile virus, people are looking for as many options for mosquito repellent as possible.  And, thanks to the chemical scares that occurred long before, effective organic options are highly desired.

    Fortunately, there are a number of options to make spring and summer night much more comfortable and much less life-threatening.

    From Lemongrass to Citronella Oil

    One of the most well-known mosquito repellent plants is lemongrass. Lemongrass is the plant citronella oil is extracted from. Use as a natural spray, burn in candles or put in oil burners to create a “safe area” outdoors.

    Basil

    Yep, the same stuff you use to cook with and make pesto.  Adding this to your outdoor garden or in pots on your patio will do more than keep you cooking with fresh herbs.  The fantastic smell it gives off will also ward off several types of insects including mosquitos.

    Catnip

    Not just for making your cat go gaga, Catnip is also known as one of the powerful natural insect repellents. It is actually 10 times stronger than DEET.  Whether you use it fresh by planting it in your garden or buying an essential oil version, the aroma will repel mosquitos (and your cats will LOVE you).

    Lavender

    Lavender’s aroma is popular for its calming effect on us, but did you know its also a great mosquito repellent?  Fortunately, because of its popularity as a stress reliever, it’s very easy to find.  From candles and incense to essential oil to wear or disperse through a burner, you can de-stress and be bug-free all at the same time.

    Marigolds

    Another option to add to your garden, Marigolds are not just colorful, they are a natural mosquito repellent.

    Cedar

    This natural option works on more than just moths. Used to make some repellent sprays on the market, you can make your own with essential oils.  The smell is not only repellent to mosquitos but destructive for them as well.

    Chamomile

    Keep that used tea bag instead of tossing it.  Since most tea bags can be used more than once, just make one cup for you and one cup to cool and add to a spray bottle for a fresh smelling repellent spray.

    Chrysanthemums

    These beauties are known for their insecticide compounds.  Chrysanthemums contain Pyrethrum. This compound actually attacks the nervous system and disrupts female mosquitoes. They are also a great air purifier so feel free to plant them inside and out to get their full benefits.

    Horsemint

    Several members of the mint family are known to be effective repellents.  In the case of horsemint (aka bee balm) simply crush them to release the essential oils and rub onto your skin.

    When planted outdoors, it will also attract bees and hummingbirds to your garden.

    Related Article:  “Natural Relief for Insect Bites”

    White Sage

    This particular plant will keep blooming all summer making consistent repellent for mosquitos and several other animals, including deer.  Just keep an eye on them, they can be invasive if left alone.

    Lemon Verbena

    As the name suggests, this herb has a very lemony aroma that is ever stronger when crushed.

    You Don’t Have to be Afraid to go Outdoors

    Creating a mosquito barrier around your home can go a long way to making your backyard activities much more comfortable and safer to your health.  Thanks to the options we’ve discussed above, you have a number of ways to accomplish building a barrier without having to rely on harsh chemicals that can pollute the environment.

    [Bonus] 3000-Year-Old Experiment Promotes Natural Healing – Pain Relief, Heart Health and Optimal Blood Pressure without drugs or surgery.

  • Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Even with modern science, many home remedies are even more effective than their commercial alternatives. If you prefer to save the commercial remedies for more severe symptoms, learning some simple home remedies will make you feel better while they make your family feel better.

    Whether you choose to cultivate them in your garden or forage for them, medicinal plants and oils have been successfully used for millennia.  In fact, some of them have been used as far back as ancient Egyptian times.

    Marsh Mallow

    Treats inflammations and irritations of the respiratory mucous membranes and urinary membranes. On the outside, you can apply it to bruises, aching muscles, insect bites, splinters, and sprains.

    Aloe Vera

    Well known for its ability to relieve skin irritations like burns and sunburns as well as cuts and other inflammation, Aloe Vera sap can also be ingested to help with digestive problems, chronic constipation, and ulcerative colitis.

    Pot Marigold

    On the outside, you can use pot marigold for bites, stings, sore eyes, and sprains. On the inside, it can treat chronic infection and fevers.

    Chamomile

    In addition to being great for stress relief and helping you sleep, it can also be used for toothaches, earaches, and neuralgia.

    Free Report: What the Heck is CBD?

    Chinese Yam

    This sweet tasting option is great for calming your stomach, as well as counteracts tiredness, helps with weight loss, poor digestion, asthma, and even emotional issues. Used as a balm, it can treat skin ulcers, abscesses and boils.

    Echinacea

    We could have a home remedy list without including this immune booster.  In addition to helping you fight off whatever bug is making its way around the office, it can also be used topically for stings and bites.

    Siberian Ginseng

    Use this herb as a preventative measure for, well, almost everything.  Its properties can be used to help:

    • Angina
    • Anti-Inflammatory
    • Geriatric Debility
    • High Cholesterol
    • Improves Memory
    • Increases Endurance
    • Insomnia
    • Menopausal Problems
    • Mental Stress
    • Physical Stress
    • Bone Marrow Suppression (due to radiation and chemotherapy)

    Related Article: 5 Natural Medicines You Are Unaware of

    Tea Tree Essential Oil

    Look at any label for a natural remedy; there is a good chance one of the ingredients listed will be tea tree oil.  Nicknamed the “medicine cabinet in a bottle,” it can be used dozens of ways.  We’ve narrowed the list down to just over sixty, but there are many more. If you can only keep one thing handy in your first aid kit, this would be your one. So, without further ado, away we go, you can use tea tree oil for:

    1. Abrasions
    2. Acne
    3. Allergies
    4. Arthritis
    5. Asthma
    6. Athletes Foot
    7. Bacterial Infections
    8. Bad Breath
    9. Bladder Infection
    10. Blisters
    11. Boils
    12. Bronchitis
    13. Bruises
    14. Bunions
    15. Burns
    16. Calluses/Corns
    17. Canker Sores
    18. Carbuncles
    19. Chapped Lips
    20. Chicken Pox
    21. Insect Bites
    22. Cold Sores
    23. Coughs
    24. Dandruff
    25. Dermatitis
    26. Dry Skin
    27. Eczema
    28. Emphysema
    29. Fungus
    30. Gout
    31. Gum Disease
    32. Hives
    33. Homemade Mouthwash
    34. Immune System Booting
    35. Inflammation
    36. Insect Repellant
    37. Jock Itch
    38. Laryngitis
    39. Muscle Aches/Pains
    40. Nail Fungus
    41. Psoriasis
    42. Rashes
    43. Rheumatism
    44. Ringworm
    45. Rubella
    46. Scabies
    47. Sciatica
    48. Seborrhea
    49. Shingles
    50. Shock
    51. Sinusitis
    52. Sore Muscles
    53. Sore Throat
    54. Staph Infection
    55. Sunburn
    56. Thrush
    57. Tonsillitis
    58. Vaginal Infection
    59. Viral Infections
    60. Warts

    Final Words…

    Keep in mind that the information above should not take the place of advice from a doctor, especially for serious illnesses or infection.  Additionally, some natural remedies can have adverse reactions if mixed with prescription or over the counter meds.  If you are thinking of starting a supplement or are taking a prescription, check with your doctor to see what you should avoid preventing any harmful side effects.

    How to make the Lost Samurai Superfood>>>

  • Building Your Very Own Smokehouse

    Building Your Very Own Smokehouse

     

    There are a number of DIY smoker methods, ranging all sizes and prices.  If you only need to smoke small items or one medium item at a time, like a Christmas turkey, all you need is a large terracotta pot or unused metal trash can.

    But, if you need a good-sized smokehouse to help you prepare for winter on a homestead or other rural area, this design based on pallet wood should provide what you need without breaking the bank.  Its also designed so that you only need the most basic of woodworking skills to complete it.

    An important note about using pallets, most are treated with industrial chemicals. You’ll need to make sure that any pallets you use for this project are food grade wood.

    If you can get your hands on enough leftover wood from friends or other projects you’ve done, you can still use this plan; you’ll just need to adjust a little when the word “pallet” is mentioned.

    Materials List

    • 20-30 Deconstructed Food Grade Pallets or other Food Grade Wood
    • 4’ x 3’ Raw Corrugated Tin (this metal must be raw, do not use galvanized)
    • 3 Hinges
    • Aluminum Flashing
    • Aluminum Screening
    • Handle (for the door)
    • Heavy Duty Tin Foil
    • Screws – 2 1/2 inch stainless steel or other weather resistant screws
    • Screws 1 1/4 inch stainless steel or other weather resistant screws

     

    Select Your Materials

    Whether you are using actual pallets or sourcing your wood another way, there can be some challenges if you are working with low-cost or free materials.

    The wood you get will probably have some issues such as warping and splitting. But, if its free (especially if its free) it can be worth the hunting and sorting to keep expenses down.  Just consider that time spent as sweat equity.  If you are using pallets, you will need at least 20-30 for this plan.

    If you are using pallets, you’ll want to get your length from the middle of the panels, so the ends are trimmed off.  Doing this will help avoid splitting and remove most of the nail pieces you’ve just cut through. If you are using other wood sources, use the wood cut list below to create your pieces.

     

    Wood Cut List

    Make the following Cuts from 2x4s unless otherwise noted.

    1. 2 each 33”
    2. 2 each 70”
    3. 2 each 29”
    4. 2 each 6’ (Front End of Side Wall)
    5. 2 each 5’ 6” (Back End of Side Wall)
    6. 8 each 33” 2 x 2 (Used 2x2s or cut 2x4s in half lengthwise
    7. 8 each 32 ¾”
    8. 8 each 30 ½“

    Cut this from a 1×1 sized piece

    1. 2 each 5’4” (part 6)

    Cut these from Pallet Panels:

    1. 36 ¼“ pieces, enough to cover the left and right sides (part 10 and 11)
    2. 35 ¾” pieces, enough to cover the front and back (part 12 and 13)
    3. 38” pieces for the roof (part 14)
    4. 2 each 18” to 24” vent (part 15)
    5. 1 each 36” (Part 16)

    As a precaution against your wood splitting as you work, it’s a good idea to pre-drill and countersink each screw.

    Smoking your food is a great way to preserve your meat.  Check out this other method that will allow your food to last for up to 2 years.  Learn More Here>>>

    Getting Started

    Begin by putting together the 2 sides wall frames of the house that include the rack supports.

    Take one piece from the cut pieces listed above for the first side unless otherwise noted:

    #4 – 6’ Wall frame front

    #5 – 5’6” Wall back

    #6 – 4 pieces of 33”

    Make sure the bottom of your #4 and #5 pieces are squared at the bottom then attach the 33” pieces across at 24” from the bottom, 36” from the bottom, 44” from the bottom, and 52” from the bottom.

    NOTE:  Secure the cross pieces to the 6’ upright flush to the end, BUT secure the cross pieces on the 5’6” upright 1.5” in from the end.  This is to leave room for the #9 pieces later.

    Create the first side with the 6’ (front) board on the right and the 5’6” (back) board on the left.

    Create the other side with the 6’ (front) board on the left and the 5’6” (back) board on the right.

    When you’ve completed the 2 sides, you’ll have mirror image sections that resemble ladders with one side higher than the other.  The Difference in heights from front to back provides support for a slatted roof.

    The cross pieces become the rack (shelf) supports on the inside of the smokehouse.

     

    Making the Door Frame

    Next, you’ll need the two pieces each from #2 – 70” and #3 – 29”.  Simply connect them to make a 37” x 70” rectangle.

     

    Attach the 3 Sides Together

    To make the next steps easier, screw the door frame to the face of the walls for better stability. There will be a 2-inch difference at the top between the highest point of the side walls and the top of the door frame

    Related Article:  “Cooking Skills Every Homesteader Should Cultivate”

    Cut the Roof Angle

    Using a spare panel or another straight edge, draw a line from the back of the side panel to the front to create the slat line for the roof and cut off the excess.  Do this on both sides.

    Use the pieces from #1 to (33”) to span the width of the smokehouse at the front and back ends of each wall.

     

    Add the Rear Support Frames

    Attached both #9 pieces 5’4” to the backs of the side walls, under the roof supports.

     

    Adding the Paneling

    Starting with the Back, fill in your walls with paneling from the ground up, then move on to the left and right sides.

     

    Finishing the Door

    1. Unscrew the door from the smokehouse after the side and back paneling is in place.
    2. Add the hinges to one side
    3. Install the door frame to the house.
    4. Add paneling to the door in such a way that the door has clearance to swing open.
    5. Add the handle to the side opposite the hinges.

     

    Put on the Roof

    Attach paneling from the front to the back of the house, across the pieces that span the width.

    Screw on the corrugated tin.

     

    Building Your Smoke Rack Shelves

    Create wooden frames that fit inside your smokehouse and can slide on and off the supports constructed on the interior.

    Stretch your metal screening across and around the wooden frame to complete your “shelf.”

     

    In Conclusion

    With the most basic woodworking skills, scrap pallets and some determination, you could have your own smokehouse build by none other than yourself.

  • Game Meat: From Field to Freezer

    Game Meat: From Field to Freezer

    You’ve chosen your weapon, you’ve stalked your prey, you’ve made your shot, you’ve downed your first kill…Now What?

     

    First – Get Those Guts Out

    The faster you can remove the entrails, the better off you’ll be.  But what is fast?  Most experts will tell you if you can get it accomplished in less than 4 hours after the kill, you’ll probably be OK.

     

    Next – Skin the Hide

    You’ll need to remove the skin shortly after the guts so the meat can begin to cool.

    As you go, avoid puncturing the meat or cutting through the hide to let fur onto the meat as both ways can let harmful bacteria in.

    When you do get fur on the meat, you can pick it off with your fingers or burn it off with a torch to kill any bacterial contamination.

    Once the animal has been relieved of its skin, cover it with a cloth game back or clean fabric.  This cover will absorb any oozing blood and guard it against contamination.

     

    Cool It

    While gutting and skinning gets the cooling process started, you’ll need to continue and speed up this process to ensure the meat doesn’t spoil.

    If you are dressing your kill before you leave the area, keep a portable cooler in your vehicle so you can expedite the cooling process. If you only have ice available, try to keep it in sealed containers.  Exposure to water (ice) can compromise the texture of your meat and affect its flavor.  If you have the means, consider a clean ice alternative like ice packs or frozen water bottles.

    Have your cooler cooled and ready to go so there will be no delay in getting your meat down to optimal temps.

    Get Slicing

    Using a sharp set of tools, butcher your meat for optimal storage and to make easy use of it later.

    This process also is the time to rid the meat of unwanted items like silverskin, tendons, or large vessels that sometimes appear in the muscle tissue.  Basically, if you know you don’t want to eat it, cut it out now.

     

    Keep it Stored – Correctly

    If you are dealing with a big game kill, like a deer, you probably aren’t going to be able to consume all your fresh meat before it spoils.  Freezing the surplus will give you access to protein months later, but you need to make sure you are using the proper storage supplies.  Containers and storage bags specifically designed for “Freezer” use are what you want.  Anything else isn’t going to be made of a thick enough barrier to prevent freezer burn.  Ziplock and Glad both make excellent products for long-term deep freeze storage, or you can go old school with freezer paper and masking tape.  This option also makes labeling what’s inside, a breeze.

    Suggested Article:  “Your Guide For Need to Know Bullet Information”

    Ideally, you’ll want to portion your meat according to how much you and your family will eat in one sitting.  This eliminates thawing out more than you need since it’s dangerous to re-freeze meat after it’s been thawed unless you cook it first.

     

    Keeping it Cheap

    If you have the ability to hunt for food, you could save hundreds on grocery bills.  Whether you live in a rural area or take the time to spend a long weekend stocking up before going back to the urban jungle, being able to dress it, butcher it and store it in a timely manner will is a wonderful skill. These skills will also allow you to provide for yourself in an emergency survival situation.

     

    [Bonus] Simple shooting system that will double or even triple your shooting accuracy.  Watch Video>>>

  • Simple 15 Step Chicken Hoop House

    Simple 15 Step Chicken Hoop House

     

    If you are gearing up to add chickens to your homestead, or your current chicken coop isn’t cutting it, here’s a design that works well and doesn’t take a lot to put together.

    The goal of this design is to have a good amount of space for the chickens to graze, in an area that was safe from predators and that can be moved around as needed.

    For this project you will need:

    • 2x4s
    • Cattle Panels (enough to cover the roof)
    • Hardware Cloth (enough to cover the cattle panels and the side walls
    • Expanded Metal (enough to cover the base as flooring)
    • Zips Ties
    • Bailing Wire
    • Decking Screws
    • Wood Screws
    • Industrial Castors (7-9 depending on where you place them)

    Instructions:

    1. Start by building an 8’ x 8’ square base using 2x4s. Then add corner braces for added strength.
    2. Add a center joist down the middle of your square and then two more on either side for extra support of the base. Attach the industrial castors underneath so you can easily move your coop to avoid mold developing underneath.
    3. Install the flooring on top of the base. If you want to avoid having to crawl inside and shovel chicken poop out on a regular basis, its best to use expanded metal for flooring instead of a solid alternative like plywood.  This also provides better drainage and airflow.
    4. You will need to construct the wooden rafters.  These will help give added strength to the top in case of heavy snow, or if local animals decide to climb on top.  To make these, you’ll essentially be creating a bottomless triangle.  Each side will be attached to the outsides of the base.  Then attach the two pieces over the middle of the base.  If you want a higher roof, you’ll need longer pieces.  Connect the apex of the rafters with a cross piece, creating a solid top to attach the top part of the roof too.
    5. Begin to attach the cattle panels to the frame starting at the top. Center the first panel on the ridge of the roof support and zip tie into place.  Adjust the panel as you go to make sure it’s centered over the area of the coop.

    1. Use baling wire to secure the centerline to the ridge of the roof then remove the zip ties. Overlap the next cattle panel with the left flank of the top panel and zip tie.  Do the same thing on the right side.
    2. Continue to add panels until you reach the base structure of the coop on either side. The zip ties will keep the panels in place while you add the hardware cloth.
    3. Drape the hardware cloth over the roof and zip ties together until you cover the entire roof with the cloth.
    4. At this point, if you’ve used durable zip ties, you could just trim them and move on. If you have the time and the inclination, you can connect all the areas held together by zip ties by “weaving” them together with baling wire.
    5. Once you’re done, you can clip off the ties or leave them for added durability. By weaving in the baling wire, you can also make the holes of the walls and roof smaller, making it more difficult for smaller animals like snakes and lizards, to sneak in and steal eggs or hatchlings.
    6. Now for the front and back walls. Use the hardware cloth and zip ties to “hang” each panel of the front and back wall, adjusting and trimming to the varying heights as you go.
    7. “Sew” the seams of the roof and walls together with more baling wire, then secure the bottom of each wall to the wooden base.
    8. Cut an area out of the front wall to install a gate, then install your gate.
    9. You can install roosts within the coop by placing long tree branches or 2x4s across each side and securing them to the lower parts of the rafters.
    10. Finally, cover the roof with a plastic tarp and secure it, and there you have it, a nice place to for your chickens to be safe and secure at night, away from predators and protected from the weather.

    I wanted to show you another option for your chicken pen so I included this video from Chris.  He has made a great hoop pen out of PVC that might be a better option for you, check it out:

  • 4 Nifty Alternatives to the Standard Root Cellar

    4 Nifty Alternatives to the Standard Root Cellar

    If you have your own garden and:

    • You’ve used all your canning supplies
    • Your freezer is full
    • Your friends refuse to take any fresher produce off your hands

    Chances are you may need to consider an alternative method of storing your crops rather than just letting them all rot in their earthy homes.

    In cases like these, a good root cellar is an excellent alternative to mass vegetable homicide.

    However, unless you already have a handy hole dug in the ground complete with a door to keep out foraging animals.  You may need a viable alternative.  Fear not!  Alternatives do live among us and for your convenience, we’ve compiled a list just for you.

    So, without further ado, here are 4 alternatives to a traditional root cellar.

     

    Metal Can Root Cellar

    What you’ll need:

    • A Metal Trash Can and lid
    • Waterproof tarp or other covers
    • Straw
    • Shovel

    How to Do It:

    This couldn’t be simpler.  Dig a hole deep and wide enough to fit the can into with 3-4 inches left above the ground level.  Set the can into the hole and backfill the dirt around the can.  Fill the can with your root produce and put on the lid.  Pile several inches of straw on top of the lid and cover with the tarp to keep out rain and hold the straw in place.

     

    5 Gallon Root Cellar

    What you’ll need:

    • 5-gallon bucket with lid
    • Drill
    • Shovel
    • Straw (optional)

    How to Do It:

    Similarly, to the metal can version, dig a hole to fit all but the top 3-4 inches of the bucket. Drill several holes in the bottom of the bucket to provide drainage for any moisture that may get in.

    Fill the bucket with the veggies, place the lid, cover with straw.

    Upcycle a Fridge or Freezer

    What you’ll need:

    • Old Chest freezer/fridge
    • 15-20’ of 3-4” diameter PVC pipe
    • 2 PVC elbow connectors
    • 2 PVC T connectors
    • Tarp
    • Shovel

    How to Do It:

    Remove all the working parts.  If your unit still has Freon, you’ll need to have a pro remove and dispose of it properly.

    Once everything not needed is gone, cut two holes centered vertically on each side the diameter of your PVC pipe.  Measure and cut your PVC pipe to fit into the connectors when they are attached to the holes you cut into each side.  Attach the piping combos to the holes cut into the sides.  These provide air circulation to avoid mold and mildew from developing and spoiling what’s being stored.

    Once the “plumbing” is in place, bury the unit up to the bottom of the lid.

    Suggested Article: “5 Simple Methods to Preserve Food”

     

    The Zeer Pot

    What you’ll need:

    • One small unglazed clay pot with a lid
    • One large unglazed clay pot
    • Sand
    • Duct Tape

    How to Do It:

    This idea is based on an ancient way of keeping water cool in the desert or other hot regions.  The general mechanics involve taking advantage of the cooling process that takes place when an object sweats.

    Like our bodies also do when we sweat, a vessel made of porous material, like terracotta clay, will cool as the small amount of moisture that seeps through the pores evaporates.  This evaporation creates a cool enough environment inside the vessel that would rival any crisper drawer GE or Maytag can develop.

    Depending on the size of the pots you are using, you will probably want to put together your Zeer pot in the location you are going to keep it. Otherwise, you may be stuck with lugging a very heavy contraption across your patio. You’ll want to keep it in a shaded location that provides good air circulation around the pot.

    Begin by using the duct tape to seal the premade hole at the bottom of each pot. Next, add an even layer of sand to the bottom of the larger pot, just deep enough so that when you place the smaller pot on top of it, the rims of both pots are even with each other.

    How to Store Food All Winter Long…

    While keeping the smaller pot centered inside the big pot, fill the area in between with the sand and pack down. Once you’ve filled that area between the two pots with sand and evened it out on top, start adding water.  Continue to carefully add water until the sand is completely soaked.

    Clean out any sand and water that may have splashed or fallen into the inner pot.

    Cover the inner pot with a lid, then cover the whole Zeer with a damp cloth.  This will expedite the initial cooling process so you can start storing items more quickly. If you weren’t able to find a lid the right size, the damp cloth would work well on its own. Once the inside has had the chance to cool, fill it with your produce and replace the lid.

    [Must Watch Video] Build Your Own Root Cellar in Your Backyard For $400 <<<Watch Here>>>

  • Powerful Spices You Need In Your Pantry

    Powerful Spices You Need In Your Pantry

     

    Whether you choose to stock up on canned goods or live off the land with your own garden of fruits and veggies and a storeroom full of meat and fish you’ve hunted yourself, you can give your taste buds more variety with the addition of different seasonings.

    So, take some advice and make sure you maintain a supply of spices, herbs, and other seasonings to your pantry.

    These may be especially useful if you happen to run into a “lean winter” scenario and need to break into your stock of canned meats and veggies or other prepackaged emergency supplies you may have stocked up on.

     

    Common Seasonings to Keep around

     

    We’ll start with the more common varieties.  The items on this list will add a lot of extra interest and flavor to the deer meat you may have been eating every night for the last week, or month.

    • Basil
    • Bay Leaves
    • Black Pepper
    • Chili Powder
    • Chives
    • Cilantro
    • Cinnamon
    • Crushed Red pepper
    • Garlic – Minced
    • Garlic – Powdered
    • Garlic Salt
    • Mint
    • Mustard – Powdered
    • Mustard – Seeds
    • Onion Powder
    • Oregano
    • Parsley
    • Rosemary
    • Salt

    First, I realize Garlic is listed three different ways.  However, you will find that there are different uses for each type so having all of them will make your recipes more diverse.

    Any of these can be sprinkled on or added to a water or oil base to be used as a marinade or coating.  Bay leaves are a great addition to a good soup or stew you can create from tidbits and leftovers.  Simmer for most of the day, serve with freshly baked bread and you’ll have a feast that rivals any 5-course meal.

    If you’d like to get adventurous, several of these herbs, like basil, chives, cilantro, mint, and rosemary can be grown in a pot inside your home and harvested.  If you get a surplus from pruning the plants back, let the cuttings dry and ground them up to make your own herb supply.

     

    Less Common but Still Handy Options

     

    The next list contains additional options that will lend a hand to the seasonings on our first list.  When used together, you can turn the plainest dish into a spectrum of flavor.

    • Cajun Seasoning
    • Horseradish Sauce
    • Oils – Olive, Sesame, Canola, Coconut
    • Pickled Peppers – Banana, Green Chili, Jalapeno, Pepperoncini, etc.
    • Sriracha Sauce
    • Tabasco Sauce
    • Vinegar – Balsamic, Red Wine, Rice
    • Wasabi
    • Wasabi Powder
    • Worchester Sauce

    These options can be used alone or with just about anything on the first list to add much more variety to your daily meals.

    Finally, let’s talk briefly about Honey.  While not technically an Herb or Spice, it can be an extremely convenient addition to your pantry.  Like herbs and spices, it doesn’t spoil and can be used as a sweetener for just about anything.

    Suggested Article:  What Does “Free Range” Really Mean

    When mixed with different spices, you can achieve a wonderful spicy sweetness that will dress up fish or meat nicely.  It’s also good for use in tea, lemonade, and baked goods.

     

    Buy in Bulk and Save

     

    One of the nice things about herbs and spices is that they have a wonderfully long shelf life.  In fact, technically they never spoil.  They can go a little stale after a while and lose some of their potency and flavor, but that’s all.

    If you know you will be using them a lot, consider buying in bulk to save money in the long run and avoid running out when you want them.

    Check for the expiration dates to be sure, but typically the shelf life of most of our listed items are 2-3 years or more, so there’s a very good chance you’ll use them up before they lose their flavor.

     

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  • 7 Little-Known Miracles of Beeswax

    7 Little-Known Miracles of Beeswax

    Bees are amazing creatures.  Well organized and extremely productive, they are able not only to make their own food (honey) but also the custom facilities they live in and store the food (honeycomb).  In addition to pollinating naturally occurring and farmed produce, they do more for us than we can imagine.

    Beeswax is literally bee’s wax.  It is the waxy secretion their bodies produce to make their honeycombs. And, it has as many health benefits and other uses as the honey that makes them so popular with us.

    Beeswax has been used for millennia.  It has appeared in Egyptian tombs and ancient Viking ships alike. From medicines to cosmetic creams and solid perfume, there are tons of ways to use it.

    In this article, we’ll talk about some of the health benefits that this miracle of nature can provide.

    The Ultimate Skin Care Product

    In general, beeswax has rejuvenation properties for our skin.  It contains large amounts of vitamin A, improves blood circulation in skins cellular structure, reduces skin inflammation and detoxes the skin. Some conditions it can be used to treat include:

    Acne

    Beeswax is rife with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents. Combined with the healing properties of the vitamin A mentioned above, it is a power packed natural way to fight unwanted blemishes.

    Fungi and Bacterial Skin Issues

    Beeswax can help prevent fungi and bacterial growth on the skin.  This prevention makes beeswax excellent for reducing breakouts of eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash and jock itch.  For a quick and easy natural ointment, mix equal parts honey, beeswax and olive oil to affected areas three times a day for up to a month.

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    Chapped Lips and Skin Relief

    There is a reason most quality lip balms contain beeswax. Not only do they help heal skin, they also provide a moisture barrier to keep the surface of lips and skin from drying out even more.

    Stretch Marks

    The dread of every first-time mom and an unfortunate side effect of weight loss. Stretch marks are easy to get and difficult to make disappear.  If you want to be ready for bikini season, mix shea butter, royal jelly, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil with beeswax to help treat and prevent stretch marks.  Use twice a day for best results.

    Related Article: 22 Ways to Use Beeswax

    Dietary Supplements

    Beeswax is not just beneficial to your outsides.  It can also help keep you healthy on the inside.

    Lowers High Cholesterol

    Beeswax contains extremely long chain fats and alcohols in their chemical makeup. These ”long-chain” fatty alcohols have been shown to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.

    Liver Health

    The high level of antioxidants in beeswax also help protect you from liver damage.  It can also assist in returning the liver to normal functions and improve fatty liver symptoms that have already been diagnosed.

    Aids in Glucose Processing and Insulin Resistance

    Glucose is the essential energy source for all of our bodies systems, especially your brain. The waxy alcohols in honeycomb have been shown to significantly reduced the markers for insulin resistance.  Insulin resistance leads to type-2 diabetes and other health issues.

    Beeswax – A Naturally Occurring Miracle

    We mentioned just a few of the primary ways beeswax can help you feel better, inside and out.  Purchasing Organic Beeswax is much simpler than it used to be, which is convenient unless you decide to become a bee-keeper or know a friend who is one.

    A word of caution.  If you decide to take Beeswax as a supplement to help with your internal health, make sure you follow the recommended doses.  Overconsumption will lead to gastrointestinal issues but won’t increase the benefits you receive.

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