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health – Homesteader Depot

Homesteader Depot

Tag: health

  • Mold is Growing in Your Home RIGHT NOW…But Where?

    Mold is Growing in Your Home RIGHT NOW…But Where?

    If you’re sitting in your house sneezing, coughing, and dealing with skin, eye, and throat irritations, there is most likely mold present somewhere. People that are suffering from asthma or allergies know precisely how damaging mold can be to their health. Those with a healthy system aren’t going to notice mold growing somewhere quite as quickly. While you can’t control the mold you come in contact with outside of your home, it is possible to contain and eliminate it from your house. Start by checking some of the most common places where it gets found.

    What is Mold and Why Do You Have It?

    Your home offers the perfect growing conditions for mold. There is darkness, oxygen, warmth, and a place for it to reproduce. As soon as humidity levels rise or stagnant water is present from a water leak, the growth of mold is almost impossible to stop.

    It’s a fungus by definition. Microscopic spores float through the air, and when small clusters start to form, you can see them growing. The spores can cause attacks and other health issues with those that have existing breathing conditions. Without a health issue, you might not be able to tell there is even mold in your home. You should still be checking these common areas regularly to be sure.

    Basement

    The basement is most likely the darkest and dampest section of your home. When you walk down there, if you smell a musty odor, there’s a good chance it is mold. Some of the areas to look at while you’re in the basement inspecting for mold are:

    • Around ducts and pipes
    • Around the sump pump area
    • Anywhere the foundation is leaking
    • Windows or vents

    Prevent mold growth by using a dehumidifier and fixing any leaks.

    Suggested Article: 15 Things That Will Help Conserve Your home Energy

    Bathroom

    The bathroom is another damp area that is ideal for mold growth. You have to be sure that there is proper ventilation through the use of fans and windows to prevent it. While the mold on the tile is apparent because you can see it, there are other places to check like:

    • On the floors and wall
    • Sink and toilet
    • In the shower or tub

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    Kitchen

    Mold in the kitchen tends to multiply because of the use of the hot water for dishwashing and a warm oven increasing the temperature. Food in the sink or left in the fridge can be sources for mold growth. With all the great real estate, make sure you’re looking at these areas:

    • Microwave and stove
    • Refrigerator and pantry
    • On, in, and around the kitchen sink
    • Trash cans
    • Cutting boards
    • Behind the stove

    Living Room

    You might think that there aren’t favorable conditions in your comfortable living room for mold, but there are. Think about when you or your kids eat in there. Food undoubtedly falls off the plate which can start mold growth. Houseplants also have the potential of producing mold. Look in these spots:

    • On the couch or the curtains
    • The plants
    • Chimney or fireplace

    Keep everything clean and use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity down in your living room to prevent mold growth issues.

    Bedroom

    All of your rooms are susceptible to mold, including your bedroom. Keep your humidity levels down and regularly check these areas for growth:

    • Windows and window sills
    • Mattresses
    • Vents for air conditioning and heat

    A waterproof mattress cover or a mold resistant mattress can assist with keeping mold out of the area where you sleep. If you see any condensation forming, clean it up and see if there need to be repairs made.

    Related Article: Simple Bed Bug Check

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  • 8 Amazing Uses for Tea Tree Oil

    8 Amazing Uses for Tea Tree Oil

     

    Contrary to its name, tea tree oil is not remotely related to the tea plant.  It is actually native to and only grown in Australia.  Which is probably why its benefits have gone largely unspoken of until recently.

    It is important to note that tea tree oil is very toxic if swallowed.  However, it can be used topically, and its ability to disinfect naturally makes it a viable alternative to harsher synthetic products.

     

    Antiseptic and Antifungal

    One of the most popular uses of tea tree oil is as an antiseptic and antifungal treatment.  Its antibacterial properties make it an excellent treatment for wound care and skin irritations.

     

    Cough Relief

    Bring a pot of water to a simmer then remove from the heat.  For convenience, consider pouring the water into a bowl.  Add two drops of tea tree oil to the hot water. Using a towel draped over your head to act as a tent, inhale and exhale the vapor for several minutes.

    If you aren’t comfortable inhaling the oil vapor, an alternative method is to massage a few drops directly onto the chest.

     

    Insect and Pest Repellant

    Tea tree oil is known to not only repel certain pests but also have pesticide properties.

    A few recipes to keep in mind include:

    Tick and Head Lice Repellent Spray

    • 1 Cup Witch Hazel
    • 2 Tsp Tea Tree Oil
    • Mix and spray on your feet, shoes, your pets and where ever else you want to create a tick barrier. Did you already pick one up?  Apply two drops of tea tree oil directly on the tick to eliminate it.
    • Spray directly onto hair and massage into scalp to keep your child coming home with this unwanted guest.

    Insect Repellent

    • 1 Quart Water
    • 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil
    • Mix and spray anywhere you want to repel insects.

     

    Parasitic Infection Treatment

    Apply tea tree oil to insect and parasite bites to soothe any itching and ward off infection.

     

    Personal Care

    Make your own antibacterial soap by adding it to basic liquid soap and mixing well.

    Problems with itching and irritation in the more personal areas of your body? Add 15 drops of the oil to a lukewarm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes.

     

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    Pain Reliever

    Tea tree oil’s natural properties let it penetrate the skin and muscle underneath quite easily.

    Massage a few drops into affected areas to soothe pain from inflammation.

    Sunburnt?  Mix a drop of tea tree oil with a drop of lavender oil, and a Tsp of coconut oil for a soothing topical ointment after a day in the sun.

     

    Disinfectant Spray

    Mix with water to use as a disinfectant spray throughout the house.  Mix a Tsp of oil with a cup of white vinegar to clean taps, light switches, doorknobs and more to kill off cold and flu viruses that may be lurking.

    Suggested Article: The Best Essential Oils to Start a Collection

    Air Freshener

    Tea tree oil is also a popular aromatherapy scent.  Just soak cotton balls in the oil and place them discreetly around the home to ban odors and freshen the air.  Make sure they are out of reach of children and pets since the oil is toxic if eaten or swallowed.

    And the List Goes on and On

    We have touched on many of the most popular uses for tea tree oil, but truthfully, the list could continue for days.

    Regular users of tea tree oil will tell you how versatile and effective it can be around the home.  From the medicine cabinet to the cleaning supply shelf, this amazing oil is your one-stop shop to stay healthier and happier.

  • 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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  • 7 Steps for Easy Canning

    7 Steps for Easy Canning

    If you decide to get into the wonderful world of canning, be prepared to experience some of the more flavorful food you’ve ever experienced at a fraction of the cost. Canning allows you to pick or buy produce when it’s at its peak maturity and preserve that flavor year-round. The simplest canning process is Water Bath Canning.

    To get started you’ll need a few inexpensive basics, many of which you may already have, or be able to find at your local thrift store or flea market. The absolute essential musts are:

    • A pot that holds enough water to cover any sized jar.
    • A Jar Lifter or Canning Rack, or at least something to help you remove the jars from boiling hot water.
    • A set of jars with the seals and rings intact.

    I found this inexpensive, complete set on Amazon “9 piece canning set”

    Getting to Work

    Step 1

    Fill your canning pot about one-third full of water and a secondary pot completely full.  Heat water until hot, not boiling.

    Step 2

    Wash your jars seals and lids, then keep warm until ready to be filled.

    Step 3

    Prepare food and fill jars according to the recipe you are using. Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic utensil around the inside of the jar. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean, damp dish towel or paper towel.

    Step 4

    Place the seal and ring on the jar and gently finger tighten.

    Canning is a great way to “stockpile food”, check out this “Complete System for Building a Delicious Food Stockpile”

    Step 5

    Place a small board or hand towel in the bottom of your canning pot to keep the jars from making contact with the bottom.  Place jars in your canning pot making sure the water can flow freely around the jars. Add hot water as needed until the jars are covered at least halfway up.

    Step 6

    Cover and bring to a full boil. Start timing according to your recipe.

    Step 7

    When your time is up, turn off the heat, carefully remove the jars and set upright to cool. As the jars cool, the seals pull down into the vacuum that is created and compress with a small pop.

    When They’re Cool

    After jars have cooled, press on the lid to check the seal.  It should be sucked down, not popped up.

    If you find a jar didn’t seal, just put it in the fridge and use the food within 2-3 days like you would leftovers.

    Caps will sometimes rust if left on during storage so it’s a good idea to remove the screw caps then wash the jars.  If one gets stuck, just leave it one and try to use that jar of food first.

    Label the jar with the food type and date and store them in a dark, dry and relatively cool area like a kitchen pantry.  Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, or in utility rooms with where they will be exposed to heat or high humidity.

    A Note on Jelly, Jam, and Preserves – What’s the Difference?

    They may all look the same in their jars, but there are differences, mostly in what form the fruit is in when it’s prepared for canning.

    Preserves

    Once upon a time, preserved fruit was just that. Whole or large chunks of fruit preserved in sugar for use out of season. Not designed to spread on toast, they were more often opened and served as a side dish in the absence of fresh produce.

    Jams

    These still contain pieces of fruit but they have been pulverized into pulp.  Lately, Jams and preserves have become almost interchangeable but at one time there was a considered difference between the two.

    Jelly

    Jellies are made using only the juice of the fruit that is then thickened so it can stand on its own.  Usually with pectin, sometimes with gelatin.

    Tip: How to Properly Store Your Food and Increase its Shelf Life

  • The 6 Easiest Superfoods to Grow

    The 6 Easiest Superfoods to Grow

    We talk a lot about health on this blog and a lot about gardening. Of course, there’s a huge area of overlap between the two subjects! Gardening is so beneficial for your health, as there is no better produce to eat than the kind you grow yourself, not just because you can control everything that goes into the soil, but because you can pick it fresh and enjoy it on your plate within hours of picking. This means you will be eating the optimum nutrition since the produce has so recently been alive.

    For this reason, pretty much anything you grow yourself is incredibly healthy and good for you. But of course, not all plants are created equal, and some fruits and vegetables, commonly dubbed “superfoods”, are loaded with valuable nutrients and antioxidants. You might associate superfoods with exotic berries or herbs grown halfway around the world, but there are actually quite a few superfoods that are very easy to grow at home.

    Here are some of the easiest superfoods to grow to pack your garden full of healthy fruits and veggies.

    Blueberries

    Blueberries have often been referred to as the top superfood in the world. They are full of vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants and are surprisingly easy to grow. They thrive in zones 5-10 and have long seasons as well, so you can enjoy their healthful benefits nearly all year long.

    Kale

    Kale is a great started green for beginner gardeners and has been enjoying quite a bit of popularity in the last few years among the healthy hipster elite. You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a kale salad from Whole Foods to enjoy its free-radical absorbing nutrition, you can very easily grow it in your own backyard. It’s very versatile and easy to incorporate in many dishes. Also, you can harvest from a single kale plant for months, making it a great staple green for your garden.

    Related Article: The Best All Natural Fertilizers For Your Garden

    Sweet Potato

    Another very trendy vegetable as of late, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin C, as well as minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. You can grow them in a deep garden bed, in well-tilled soil, even a barrel or a trash can! They’re definitely worth growing for their calorie content and nutritious benefits, and make a wonderful and healthy alternative to grains or white potatoes if you’re trying to lose weight or eat less starchy foods.

    Microgreens/Sprouts

    We’re covering all the trends here! Microgreens have been appearing in posh urban eateries in the last few years, but they’re essentially a glorified version of the healthy and easy-to-grow sprouts that health nut hippies have been using to top sandwiches for decades. Microgreens are essentially sprouted seeds of common salad greens–chard, kale, lettuce–that have been grown in a soft, delicate medium indoors and allowed to grow for a week or so. Sprouts, on the other hand, are harvested within a few days. But both microgreens and sprouts are incredibly easy to grow and a great way to eat fresh superfood greens all year round. When seeds are freshly sprouted, they contain vital nutrients that only newly living organisms can. These are a great option for urban or apartment homesteaders.

    Related Article: 4 Critical Methods to Improve Your Garden Soil

    Beets

    Beets are commonly featured in many superfood powder drink mixes and the juice of beets is a staple of the healthy juicing world. They also happen to be a great vegetable to grow for beginner gardeners! And of course, there’s nothing as nutritious as a freshly dug beet. They also keep well too. Beets contain a high concentration of nitric oxide, which is incredibly crucial for heart health and circulation, and difficult to find in other foods.

    Aloe Vera

    Most people think of slathering some aloe on a bad sunburn for some quick relief, and it’s definitely amazing for this! But did you know it’s also a very nutritious superfood? You can eat the leaves as well as juice them, and it’s incredibly beneficial for your health. Also, if you are doing all this gardening, you’ll probably want some to ease the effects of the sun! Keeping one or two aloe plants in your garden or in a pot on your porch is very easy and you’ll find many uses for it beyond eating.

    When it comes to superfoods, don’t be swayed by fancy supplements or expensive packaged products. You can grow your very own superfoods in your garden, with no more effort than growing anything else! The best kind of superfood is the kind you grow yourself, and your body will certainly thank you for these fresh, homegrown nutrients. Happy gardening!

  • Healthy Sweet Tea (Video)

    Healthy Sweet Tea (Video)

    Well, Memorial Day has come and gone, and while it’s not officially summer until June 21st, the bar-b-ques have started, the pools are open, and you’ve probably already done some tanning in your front lawn.

    With summer often comes delicious sweet tea, which is a staple summer drink in the South (apparently, this is what “tea” means in the Southern states. There is no other kind of tea but sweet tea, so don’t ask, or at least this is what I’ve been told).

    The downside of many sweet teas, especially those purchased at the store as opposed to homemade, is they’ve got lots of sweeteners and even sometimes artificial coloring. It’s very easy to make sweet tea at home, and you can even make it healthy. While unrefined organic cane sugar is better than nothing, you can step it up a notch by using stevia instead, as used in this video. Enjoy, and happy summer!

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  • 8 Health Benefits of Green Tea

    8 Health Benefits of Green Tea

    Green tea is much more than the complimentary beverage offered at Chinese food restaurants! Whether you love or hate the taste, it’s worth knowing about its amazing health benefits.

    Green tea has been used for centuries in China and throughout Asia to treat a number of maladies and diseases, everything from regulating blood pressure to killing cancer cells.

    It is a wonderful natural supplement to take because it’s list of benefits is long, but it’s also quite affordable. You can get a month’s worth of green tea for a few dollars! That sure beats a lot of other expensive herbal supplements.

    If you don’t like the taste of green tea, there are many ways you can take it. Its taste is certainly not sweet on its own, but it’s easy to mask by infusing with sweet fruit flavors or simply squeezing some lemon juice in it. Iced green tea has a considerably more muted flavor than hot green tea, so keeping a pitcher iced in your fridge with some lemons cut up in it can be a much more tasty drink that a hot cup of green tea.

    If you’re still not sold, consider these health benefits before dismissing the idea entirely:

    Increased Metabolism

    Green tea is a wonderful and natural weight loss supplement, and far better for you than the unnatural, unhealthy, synthetic products on the market. It contains valuable polyphenol, which intensifies levels of fat oxidation and can help boost the rate at which your body burns calories. Not to mention, it’s a zero-calorie drink, making it a great replacement for diet sodas or coffee.

    Regulate Blood Sugar

    Green tea has been shown to regulate glucose levels in your blood, which helps regulate overall blood sugar. This makes it a great option for diabetics and again,  assist with weight loss.

    Heart Health 

    Some scientists believe that green tea assists in the healthy function of blood vessels, keeping them relaxed and better prepared to handle changing blood pressure. This means a healthier heart. Green tea can also prevent the formation of blood clots, which are the main cause of sudden heart attack.

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    Lowered Cholesterol 

    You may be aware by now that there is “good” and “bad” cholesterol in the body, and that it is important to have a proper ratio between the two. Well, you guessed it, green tea can help with this! It helps reduce the bad stuff and keep good cholesterol in proper balance.

    Dental Health

    Some studies have shown that “catchin”, a property in green tea, actually kills the bacteria that contributes to tooth decay and poor gum health.

    Blood Pressure 

    Frequent consumption of green tea has long been linked to regulated, healthy blood pressure.

    Anti-Viral/Anti-Bacterial/Anti-Fungal

    On top of all these great benefits, green tea can also actually kill harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi in your system. This mean it can help with everything from the common cold, to candida yeast overgrowth, to cancer. Many studies have shown it essentially stops cancer or disease dead in its tracks. If you’re not convinced that you should regularly consume green tea already, I don’t know what will!

    Beauty

    OK, so maybe your vanity is my last chance to convince you how great green tea is. If all the health benefits don’t phase you, perhaps green tea’s amazing ability to ease wrinkles and slow aging will. Green tea is incredibly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and studies consistently show it improves skin, reduces the effects of sun damage, and tones and clears complexion.

     

  • How to Flavor Milk Kefir

    How to Flavor Milk Kefir

    A few months ago, we shared an article on how to make milk kefir, a cultured dairy product that’s packed with nutrition and beneficial probiotic bacteria.

    If you’ve ever bought kefir in the store and enjoyed it, that could be due to the fact that it tends to be flavored when packaged and sold. So, if you make your own milk kefir and dislike it compared to something you’ve bought from the store, this could easily be why.

    Flavored kefir is delicious and just as healthy, and relies entirely on the sweetness of the cultured dairy and the fruit added to it for its sweetness, as opposed to other sugary flavored drinks or yogurts that are full of artificial coloring or way too much refined sugar.

    Fortunately for you, it’s easy to flavor your milk kefir at home! Cultures for Health is a fantastic resource for all things relating to cultured food, and this video shows some very simple and easy-to-follow instructions for how to flavor your milk kefir at home. Enjoy!

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