Just thought this was a cute picture to share

Top Ten Anti-Aging Herbs and Spices

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/top-10-anti-aging-herbs-and-spices

DIY Plantain Salve

This happens to be the exact recipe I use, so easy to make and great to have around the house. I personally use the old fashioned method for infusing all herbs and suggest you do as well.  However it is personal preference so do as you like.  :-)

To prepare this recipe you will need:

1/2 cup Olive oil
1/3 cup dried plantain
1/2 ounce beeswax

Makes 1/2 cup of salve.

You will also need a pot, cheesecloth, measuring cup, and a jar (if infusing the oil via the slow/cold method).

Step One: Infuse oil

Infusing oil may sound fancy, but it is nothing more than letting herbs sit in oil for a time. Anyone can do that!

My preferred method - slow/cold/old fashioned:

The best way to infuse oil and keep as much of the herbal goodness intact is to place herbs in a jar, cover with oil, cap, and allow to sit for about 10 days.

For this recipe I used 1/3 cup of dried plantain and 1/2 cup of oil (I use grapeseed oil).

Method 2:

A quicker method, which is still good, but does reduce the potency of the herbs a little (due to the heat) is to place the herbs and oil in a heavy duty saucepan and warm over the lowest possible heat setting for 30 minutes.

When using this method, perhaps turn off the heat and cover the pan to keep some of the warmth in and let the herb/oil mix sit for longer. This is done to keep as much of the herbs properties to get into the oil as possible.

Step Two: Strain out the herbs

Once the oil is infused, strain the herbs out of the oil by pouring through some cheesecloth.

Be sure to squeeze out all the oil. You don’t want to waste any! (I have even used a new unused "knee high" if I did't have cheesecloth)

Step Three: Add beeswax

Measure 1 ounce of beeswax per cup of infused oil.

For this recipe I used 1/2 cup of oil and 1/2 ounce of beeswax.

Place beeswax into a heavy-duty saucepan and begin to melt over low heat. Once the beeswax has begun to melt add the infused oil and stir to combine.

Once the beeswax is completely melted, pour into clean a clean jar (or jars).

I have already sold some and have orders for more!

DIY - Homemade Antiseptic Ointment

This recipe is similar to one I make myself and thought I would share:

This antiseptic ointment is a breeze to make and is not only completely natural, it is also nontoxic so if you use it on your animals and they lick it it's not a problem.

Antiseptic Ointment 

2-1/2 ounces beeswax
3/4 cup olive or coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon liquid vitamin E (helps repair damaged skin)
10 drops lavender essential oil (relaxant, pain reliever, antibacterial, anti-fungal)
10 drops lemon essential oil (antibacterial, antiviral)

Melt beeswax with olive or coconut oil over low heat in a double boiler or a glass bowl set on top of a saucepan of boiling water. 
Remove from heat and stir in oils until well mixed.
Pour into a small metal or glass container and allow to cool and firm up. Store in a cool dry place and apply as needed to cuts and scrapes.

Originally viewed at Farm Chick Chit Chat

How to get rid of House Flies with Cloves

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-House-Flies-with-Cloves

DIY Natural Room Scents

http://www.theyummylife.com/Natural_Room_Scents

Happy September

I have been busy the past few days, most of it just stress and didn't really have the desire to write or do much on the computer.  Also I will be returning to work part time next week so I need to get ready for that.  However I am going to try and catch up and post some recipes and tips that I enjoy in the meantime.

While I didn't write much, I did make some new items and have already sold some.  I made many new flavored lip balms, a new eczema cream for a friend of my daughter's, plantain salve, and some more soap.  I also made some cold capsules to get ready for winter and elderberry syrup.  Oh and I made a new deodorant with a recipe I tweaked and am loving it!

I will either be back on later tonight or tomorrow for more posting.  But for now, have a great night!