Black Drawing Salve: Recipe

Personally, I think that no herbal first aid kit is complete without black drawing salve. This common ointment treats infections and draws splinters, stingers, thorns and infections from the skin.

Black drawing salve (Black Ointment) is a natural remedy traditionally used in Pennsylvania Dutch country in the late 1800s. Today it's considered a staple of a modern medicine cabinet, and it's used liberally for bee stings, splinters, or rose bushes. While still unregulated by the FDA, and not considered a medicine in the United States, over-the-counter demand for drawing salve remains high. The ointment can be purchased from many major drug stores or online in a variety of brands.

I have made a number of variations of black drawing save, but this one is my favorite. It does take some time to make, but I swear it works, and its shelf life is long. This is how.

Black Salve Ingredients:
3 Tbsp infused oil (comfrey, calendula & plantain)
2 Tbsp shea butter
2 Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp shaved beeswax
1 tsp Vitamin E
2 Tbsp activated charcoal powder
2 Tbsp Kaolin Clay
1 Tbsp honey
20 drops essential oil of choice

Directions:

1. Infuse oil with herbs for 6 weeks. To do so, place 2 Tbsp of each herb (comfrey, calendula & plantain) in a glass jar. Cover with olive oil. Let sit in a dark corner for 6 weeks, mixing every so often to be sure the herbs remain covered with oil.

2. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine infused oil, shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E, and honey. Heat until melted, and stir.

3. Remove from heat and add charcoal powder, kaolin clay, and essential oil. Mix thoroughly.

4. While the mixture is hot, pour in to tins and let sit until hardened.

To use the salve, clean the surface of infected or wounded skin. Place a generous amount of black salve on the area and cover with gauze. Leave it for a few hours or overnight. Wipe clean and repeat if necessary.

Note, I'm not a doctor. Consult your doctor before using.

Rock Necklace Design Tutorial

Instead of making earrings like I should have all day (I'm low on inventory), I spent my morning creating a natural rock necklace. I've been itching to make it, so put off making earrings until tonight. Sigh.

I thought it would fun to share the "how-to" with you, a step-by-step picture tutorial. I won't go into verbal details. Those of you who make jewelry will know (presumably better than I do) what each step entails. Those of you who don't make jewelry might appreciate the effort that goes into creating a rock piece like this. Whichever the case, enjoy!

Rock Necklace Design Tutorial

1. Choose 4 relatively flat rocks.

2. With a diamond coring bit, punch a large hole through one of the rocks.

3. With the same coring bit, grind down the bottom of each rock so that it's entirely flat.

4. Create a bezel for all 4 rocks.

5. Using silver wire, a hammer and an anvil (mine is tiny), shape 8 pieces like this, and then punch a hole in each end. I call these "links".

6. Solder one link onto each side of a bezel.

7. Again using silver wire, make a whole bunch of tiny headpins.

8. Thread 2  links on either side of the bezel link onto a head pin. Melt the other side of the headpin to hold the links together.

9. Continue attaching links together until all 4 bezels are connected. Note: links on one side should be shorter than the other side so that the necklace curves naturally.

10. Add additional links until you obtain the necklace length you desire. Attach a silver chain to each end using the same headpin method.

11. Make a hook and solder it to one end of the chain. Sand the point down so that it's smooth.

12. On the other end of the chain, embellish it with a bead on jump ring - my signature is a little hand-drilled rock bead.

13. Polish the necklace. Place each rock into the appropriate bezel, and press shut. Continue to polish.

14. Using a small amount of felt, form it into a tight ball.

15. Secure the felt ball in the middle of your hollow rock with E6000 glue. Use a pin to poke it down into the hole. Let dry for 30 mins.

That's pretty much it! I hope you like it!

Yarrow Tea

Yarrow tea dates back to the ancient Greeks. It is mentioned in the story of Achilles in Greek mythology, hence its scientific name Achillea Millefolium. Achilles is said to have used Yarrow to protect himself and his soldiers. Millefolium means "of a thousand leaves". This refers to the fine, delicate and feathery leaves of the plant.

Yarrow was commonly used by Native American tribes for bleeding, wounds, and infections. It is still used in Ayurvedic traditions, and traditional Chinese medicine credits the herb with the ability to affect the spleen, liver, kidney, and bladder.Yarrow tea is currently used to help stimulate the appetite, fight fevers and colds, combats gastric and digestion issues, as well as protects the gallbladder.

If yarrow is not available for you to harvest yourself, you can purchase it at your local health food store, coop, or online.

To prepare Yarrow Tea:

1. Cut the stems and flowers from a fresh yarrow plant.
2. Place them in a food processor, and process until the entire plant is well diced (not juicy).
3. Spread the diced herb onto a tray in the sun and leave to dry for 2-3 days. You can speed up the process with a food dehydrator.
4. Once dry,  steep one tablespoon of yarrow in boiling water for 5-10 mins.

Note, it is recommended not to consume more than 3 cups of yarrow tea in one day.

Chive Blossom Vinegar

Chive blossoms have a gentle onion fragrance when steeped in vinegar for a week or two, and the vinegar becomes an attractive transparent pink. Add a tablespoon of chive blossom vinegar to a salad dressing, or drizzle it over sushi. It's fabulous.

Chive Blossom Vinegar

Directions:
Pick a generous number of chive blossoms.
Soak them in cool water overnight to remove any dirt or bugs.
Dry them well (salad spinners are great for this).
Stuff them into a glass jar so that it is between 1/2 filled with blossoms.
Fill the jar with white wine or white balsamic vinegar. Let steep for 2 weeks.
Strain and add to any recipe.

How To Make Lavender Salve

Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy, and I love to use it in my products.

English lavender yields an essential oil with sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. Dutch lavender yields a similar essential oil, but have a sharper overtone to the fragrance.

According to Wikipedia, "essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during World War I to disinfect floors and walls. These extracts are also used as fragrances for bath products.

Lavender has many uses. Infusions of lavender soothe and heal insect bites and burns. Bunches of lavender repel insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil soothes headaches. In pillows, lavender seeds and flowers aid sleep and relaxation. An infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water soothes and relaxes at bedtime. Lavender oil heals acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel; it also treats skin burns and inflammatory conditions.

A recent clinical study investigated anxiolytic effects and influence on sleep quality. Lavender oil with a high percentage of linalool and linalyl acetate, in form of capsules, was generally well tolerated. It showed meaningful efficacy in alleviating anxiety and related sleep disturbances."

Ingredients:
3-4 C. lavender oil
1 C. (shredded) beeswax
2 capsules Vitamin E

Directions

To Make The Lavender Oil:
Fill jar 1/2 full with dried lavender flowers.
Pour oil (I prefer olive oil) into jar until lavender is covered. Stir. Cover tightly and leave the mixture to steep for 2 weeks. Shake or stir it every day.
Lay a piece of muslin over the jar and strain the oil. Gather up the muslin and squeeze the material to extract as much as you can.
Transfer the oil back into the jar and add fresh flowers. Repeat this process until you obtain the aroma you want.
After final straining, strain through a fine mesh sieve and set aside to make salve.


To Make The Salve:
Heat the lavender oil and melt beeswax in 2 separate pans.
Once the beeswax has melted, mix the two together.
Pour the mix into tin cans or small glass jars to cool.

Oregano Infused Simple Syrup

Oregano Infused Simple Syrup

Ingredients:
1 C. water
1 C. sugar
2 C. fresh oregano

You will also need:
Small saucepan
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Funnel
8 oz glass jar with tight fitting lid

Directions:

1. Carefully rinse your herbs clean.
2. Bring water to a boil. Add the sugar and whisk into the boiling water. Continue whisking until sugar has dissolved.
3. Add fresh oregano to the syrup. Let it boil for 60 seconds. It will wilt significantly.
   Remove from heat and let the herbs steep for 30 mins as the syrup cools.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the herbs from the syrup.
5. Pour the cooled syrup through a fine mesh strainer or multiple layers of cheesecloth into a glass bottle or jar.
6. Close the bottle and label it.
7. Store syrup in the refrigerator. Add to your favorite drinks for a sophisticated, herbal essence and added sweetness.

How To Make Ginger Liqueur

If you go shopping for a liqueur, it may be a challenge to decide which one you want to buy. As you meander down the aisles, you see quality liqueurs on the shelves interspersed between neutral grain spirit-based liqueurs made with artificial colors and flavors. Packaging and pricing are suggestive of quality, but that can be deceptive.

Have you thought of making your own? Doing so is very simple, and a great way to ensure that you get a quality, tasty liqueur for an affordable price.

This homemade ginger liqueur tastes so elegant that people will not believe you made it yourself. The steeping time is only a matter of days, so it's a perfect DIY gift. Store it as you would any liqueur; no refrigeration is required.

Ginger Liqueur

Ingredients:

• 2 oz ginger root, peeled and cut into thin slices
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1/2 C. sugar
• 1/2 C. honey
• 1.5 C. water
• Lemon zest from 1 whole lemon
• 1.5 C. St. Remy Brandy

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over high, bring the ginger, vanilla, sugar, and water to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the ginger is soft, approximately 20 mins. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
3. Place the honey and lemon zest in a glass jar along with the syrup and brandy. Close tightly and shake. Let this mixture steep for 24 hours.
4. After one full day, remove the vanilla bean (or else the vanilla will be overpowering) and let the mixture steep for another 24 hours.
5. Strain out the solids through a fine mesh strainer. Then strain again through a coffee filter.
6. Let your liqueur sit for one more day to allow the flavors a little time to settle. For a clear liqueur, allow any remaining solids to sink to the bottom, then filter the liqueur several more times.
7. Enjoy

 

Honey Face Wash: DIY

Honey is one of Mother Nature’s most versatile foods. It not only serves as a delicious, natural sweetener, but it’s a helpful tool in supporting a healthy body and glowing appearance.Most people use honey to sweeten foods and beverages, but few realize that it’s a powerful food, beauty aid and a topical antibiotic. According to Dr. Lindsey Duncan on Dr. Oz, honey naturally contains 18 amino acids, plus small amounts of a many vitamins and minerals. Not only can honey soothe and lubricate a sore throat, but because of its nutrient-rich profile, it has been used internally and externally for a variety of other benefits, including:

Honey is one of Mother Nature’s most versatile foods. It not only serves as a delicious, natural sweetener, but it’s a helpful tool in supporting a healthy body and glowing appearance.

Most people use honey to sweeten foods and beverages, but few realize that it’s a powerful food, beauty aid and a topical antibiotic. According to Dr. Lindsey Duncan on Dr. Oz, honey naturally contains 18 amino acids, plus small amounts of a many vitamins and minerals. Not only can honey soothe and lubricate a sore throat, but because of its nutrient-rich profile, it has been used internally and externally for a variety of other benefits, including:

1. Better athletic performance: Many athletes rely on carbohydrates for an energy boost during intense training. Studies have shown that the glucose found in honey, plus other natural sugars, can provide the same boost to athletes. Instead of consuming refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup, which is on my list as one of the worst things we can consume and is found in many sports drinks, opt for an all-natural boost of honey.
2. Improved sleep and relaxation: Honey can promote relaxation and help ease you to sleep at night. The natural sugar found in honey raises our insulin slightly and allows tryptophan, the compound famous for making us sleepy after eating turkey at Thanksgiving, to enter our brains more easily. Taking a spoonful of honey before bed can help you get restful sleep.
3. Fewer allergies: Taking a high-quality raw local honey for two months before allergy season can actually lessen your allergies. Bees carry the pollen that aggravates seasonal allergies, and some of that pollen becomes part of the honey. Consuming honey daily before allergy season can help your body grow accustomed to the pollen and immunize your body against it.
4. Healed cuts and scrapes: Honey has antibacterial properties that prevent infection in minor abrasions. Plus, its thickness will protect against bacteria and dirt entering a wound. Simply dab a little honey onto your cut and cover with a bandage.
5. Moisturizing skin: Honey not only attracts water but it helps absorb and retain it on hair and skin. Because of this, honey is added to countless shampoos, soaps and cosmetics. You can enjoy the moisturizing benefits of honey at home by stirring it up with milk for a facial, adding it to your bath water to soften skin, or mixing it with olive oil as a natural hair conditioner. You can even make your own moisturizing exfoliator: Just add sea salt or crushed oats to the honey and rub it on the body. 

The benefits of honey for your skin are innumerable. The chemical makeup of honey gives the substance properties that can speed healing and prevent infection. The smooth, thick texture also keeps moisture close to the skin, which can help your complexion become supple and glowing.

It may sound bizarre, but you can literally wash your face with honey if you’re very sensitive and looking for a really gentle cleanse. Lately I have begun to add baking soda to honey for a subtle scrub. This is what I do and it feels delightful:

Honey Face Wash

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp raw organic honey

1 tsp baking soda

Directions:

• With a spoon, mix together honey and baking soda.
• Pat your face with warm water.
• Gently massage the mixture into your cheeks, chin and forehead using circular motions.
• Allow it to sit for a moment, and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

31 Days of Salad: Day 31

My favorite vegetable may be bok choy, or Chinese cabbage. We started growing it a few years ago, and now I'm hooked. Here's a quick salad recipe to entice you to grow it yourself:

Bok Choy Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp sesame oil
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• Lemon juice from 1/2 of a lemon
• 4 whole fresh bok choy, steamed
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium-high, heat olive oil.
2. Add ginger and garlic, stir fry for 1 min.
3. Then add honey, sesame oil, soy sauce and lemon juice. Whisk while heating.
4. Slice bok choy in half and place face up on individual plates.
5. Drizzle the warm dressing over the bok choy.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
7. Serve immediately.

I also love the bok choy grilled.

How To Grow Bok Choy

Many people wonder how to grow bok choy. It is grown best in cool weather. You can harvest two crops each year, both in the spring and fall. Because it's a cold weather vegetable, it can withstand cooler temperatures, so you could always start them directly in the ground after your snow melts, right around the time you plant your peas. Start a second crop in late summer for a late fall harvest. They generally mature in 45-50 day.

Growing bok choy requires rich, loose soil. Fertilize your bed soon after planting. Once your seedlings are about 4" tall, thin them so that they're 6-10" apart. If you have more than one row, place the rows 18" apart. Weed regularly.

Harvest your bok choy before the hot weather kicks in. Hot weather tends to make the plants bolt. It'll be ready to harvest when it's 12-18" tall.

Enjoy!!

31 Days of Salad: Day 30

Tempeh is a high protein-based Indonesian treat. Not only does this compact cake of fermented soybeans have a distinctive nutty taste but its hearty texture readily absorbs any flavors with which it's cooked. Tempeh is typically made by dehulling and cooking soybeans, inoculating them with a culturing agent, and then incubating the inoculated product overnight until it forms a solid cake.

Like tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans, but it is a whole soybean product with different nutritional characteristics and textural qualities. Tempeh's fermentation process and its retention of the whole bean give it a higher content of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins than tofu. It has a firm texture and an earthy flavor. Because of its nutritional value, tempeh is used worldwide in vegetarian cuisine, where it is used as a substitute for meat analogue.

Ginger Marinated Tempeh Salad

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

4 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
4 Tbsp honey
Lime juice from two limes
1 bunch of fresh cilantro
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Sesame seeds

For the salad:

2 Tempeh cakes
Fresh baby spinach
Carrots, grated
Fresh chives, chopped
Fresh mushrooms, sliced thin
Fresh sprouts

Directions:

1. Blend all marinade ingredients except the sesame seeds until smooth. Stir in the seeds. Pour half in a zip top bag or bowl. Marinate the tempeh for 24 hours. Reserve the other half as dressing.
2. Remove the tempeh after marinating and place on a preheated grill. Grill for 4 mins per side. Remove from grill to cool then slice thinly.
3. Layer your salad fixings on a plate, top with tempeh and drizzle with the reserved dressing.
4. Enjoy!