Using sound judgment to be more self-reliant.
In this post we'll share how to make elderberry syrup with fresh or dried elderberries or elderberry juice. I noticed years ago that the ingredient lists on most commercial elderberry syrups for kids doesn't contain much elderberry. Now we make our own so we know it's the real deal.
Note: If you're looking for the elderberry jelly recipes, those have been moved to their own post at Elderberry Jelly Recipes – Low Sugar and Sure-Jell Options. [Read more…]
Less daylight, cold weather and busy schedules often lead to colds and flu making the rounds. The discomfort (and even pain) associated with nasal congestion is one of the most common symptoms. (Not to mention that the inability to breath is just plain annoying.) I've gathered together several home remedies for congestion to relieve your stuffy nose and sinus pressure so you can breathe easy. I don't like the side effects of over the counter decongestants (they either make me jittery, knock me out or make my head feel like it's going to shrivel up like a raisin), so natural decongestants are my option of choice. [Read more…]
Common Plantain is also known as broadleaf plantain, plantain, dooryard plantain, Ripple Grass, Waybread, Slan-lus, Waybroad, Snakeweed, Cuckoo's Bread, soldier's herb, Englishman's Foot and white man's foot. [Read more…]
Common Mullein is also known as Great Mullein, Aaron's Rod, candlewick plant, flannel plant, flannel leaf, lungwort, feltwort, cowboy toilet paper, shepherd's staff, velvet dock, woolly mullein, torch plant, torches, miner's candle, big taper, blanket mullein, “Hig candlewick”, “Bullicks lungwort”, “Hare's-beard”, “Ice-leaf”.”Beggar's blanket”, “Moses' blanket”, “Poor Man's blanket”, “Our Lady's blanket” or “Old Man's Blanket”.
(There are more names, but this list is getting pretty long already. Do you get the impression this thing is pretty widespread?) Note: This is not the same plant as Lambs Ears (Stachys byzantina), which also has fuzzy leaves and grows low to the ground.) [Read more…]
New England Aster is also known as starwort, blue chamomile, blue daisy, New England aster, fall-rose and frostweed.
