Spring planting season ~ Roses and black spots

A Microscopic Fungus -- Black spots on roses appear mainly due to high humidity, and watering late in the day, which doesn't give the leaves a chance to dry. Although black spots can be transferred to roses for a number of reasons, via the air, the moist conditions are a perfect storm. Prevention is the best to deal with this.

Take advantage of the drying and disinfectant quality of sunlight by watering your rose bushes early in the day, and try to avoid wetting foliage. The fungi spores need at least seven hours of moisture before they germinate, so avoiding wetting the leaves is your first line of defense. Use a fungicide spray---trifloxystrobin, ziram and captan are a few of the chemicals available---and choose liquid solutions rather than dust for better control. To increase effectiveness, add a spreader to the fungicide. Protect plants by spraying regularly and by making sure that all leaf surfaces are exposed to the fungicide.

For an alternative, chemical-free fungicide, use Neem oil or two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda diluted in a gallon of water. 

Prevent the spread of the fungus by pruning affected leaves and burning them. To avoid cross-contamination, clean scissors after every cut. Make sure the fungus doesn't overwinter by gathering any fallen leaves from around the plant and burning them as well.

A all natural recipe for Black Spot

1 tsp baking soda

1 Tbsp dormant oil

1/2 tsp dish soap

1 gal water

1. Mix all ingredients in a clean bowl or bucket, mix well. Pour desired amount in a spray bottle. In the morning or early part of day spray your rose bushes genereously. It is best to do this in the early part of spring to also prevent the early pests.

Give your rose bush plenty of sun. If something is obstructing the rose bush from receiving sun, such as an object or their location, take steps to remove that obstruction or move your rose bush. The black spot fungus is more likely to spread in dark, moist places, which sunlight helps eliminate.

Water only the roots of your rose bush. Do not get any unnecessary moisture on the stems, leaves or roses themselves. This will cause the black spot fungus to spread. Always water in the morning so the sun can help dry the rose bush quickly.

Prune the rose bush as much as possible. The denser the bush is, the more likely the black spot fungus is to spread. Cut away any areas that are already infected with the fungus.

Spray the leaves of your rose bush with wettable sulphur and a soap-containing fungicide, both available at plant nurseries. This will help prevent the black spot fungus from returning.

Mix 3 tbsp. of natural apple cider vinegar into 1 gallon of water. Add 1 tbsp. of molasses and spray or pour this liquid onto the roses to rid them of the black spots.

Use a sulfur spray. In most gardening circles, using sulfur is considered to be using an organic product since it is a naturally occurring element. Find a spray that contains sulfur as the main ingredient and spray it on your roses.

Spray a milk mixture on your roses. Although it doesn't seem like a likely cure, milk can be used to treat the black spots on your roses. Combine a little milk with water and spray the milk on your roses to treat the roses with this chemical alternative.

Blend cornmeal with some water until it forms a paste. Rub this on your roses. Let the paste stay on the flowers until it comes off naturally due to the weather and other elements. Cornmeal is a coating substance that can lift the black spots from the flowers.

Use the "Cornell Formula." The formula was discovered at Cornell University and, like the cornmeal, is used to coat the leaves. Mix 1 gallon of water with 3 tsp. of baking soda and 1 tsp. of  canola oil. Coat the leaves until the mixture naturally dissolves.

Making a Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit

Most modern synthetic cleaning products are based on age-old formulas using natural ingredients that were passed down through the generations because the chemistry was right. Going back to the original naturally derived ingredients is a way to make cleaning products that work, don’t pollute and save you money. Most are found in your kitchen cupboards.

Making your own nontoxic cleaning kit will take you no time at all with these simple, straightforward directions, and with this kit you will be supplied with enough cleaning product for months of cleaning.

As an added bonus, ounce for ounce homemade cleaning formulas cost about one-tenth the price of their commercial counterpart—and that includes costly, but worthwhile essential oils, and concentrated, all-purpose detergents for homemade recipes.

SUPPLIES
Baking soda
Washing soda
White distilled vinegar
A good liquid soap or detergent
Tea tree oil
6 clean spray bottles
2 glass jars

CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER

Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.
Note: Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar, to keep the product moist. Otherwise just make as much as you need at a time.

WINDOW CLEANER

1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle
Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.


OVEN CLEANER

1 cup or more baking soda
Water
A squirt or two of liquid detergent
Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn’t work for you it is probably because you didn’t use enough baking soda and/or water.


ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER

1/2 teaspoon washing soda
A dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.


FURNITURE POLISH

1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.


VINEGAR DEODORIZER

Keep a clean spray bottle filled with straight 5 percent vinegar in your kitchen near your cutting board and in your bathroom and use them for cleaning. I often spray the vinegar on our cutting board before going to bed at night, and don’t even rinse but let it set overnight. The smell of vinegar dissipates within a few hours. Straight vinegar is also great for cleaning the toilet rim. Just spray it on and wipe off.


Tea Tree Treasure

Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I’ve used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty rug, and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes two cups.

Vinegar Spray

Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours.

DISHWASHER POWDER

for those with dish washers here is a easy homemade blend to wash those dishes sparkling clean.

2 c. Super Washing Soda
2 c. Borax
1/2 c. Baking Soda
1/2 c. Sea Salt
1/4 c. Citric Acid
a few drops of lemon essential oil
a few drops lavender essential oil

USE 1 TABLESPOON PER LOAD

First aid at a Rainbow Gathering

http://www.herbfirstaid.com/fe/38368-rainbow-gathering?r=y

this is brought to you by LearningHerbs.com

a video you need to see

I thought I would share this hair shamoo idea

http://naturesnurtureblog.com/2013/01/23/how-to-naturally-wash-your-hair-guest-post/?utm_source=Nature%27s+Nurture+Weekly+Digest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=da3def2aef-Weekly+Digests

Cream for skin problems

 

Oregon Grape root has antibiotic and anticancer properties that are receiving more and more attention by researchers and clinicians. Berberine and other alkaloids have been shown to kill a wide range of microbes and have been effective in human studies for speeding recovery from giardia, candida, viral diarrhea, and cholera.

Studies in China show that an alkaloid it contains, called berbamine, helps protect the bone marrow and promotes its recovery from chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer. Combined with its bitter digestive-strengthening properties, Oregon grape has an interesting and distinctive combination of properties.

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup cocoa butter
1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
1 tablespoon lecithin liquid
2 teaspoons Oregon grape root tincture
1 teaspoon tee tree or lavender  essential oil


melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl watching and stirring quite often.1 minute or so. when melted add the rest and stir well and put in a glass jar with a tight lid. use on skin problems including skin cancer, cuts scrapes, and anything your immune system needs a little help with. Use like a salve, do not eat.

Compress for Skin Cancer Boils

Skin Cancer Tea to use as a compress (Do not drink)

2 tablespoons Oregon Grape root
2 tablespoons Burdock Root root
6 flowers Red Clover
2 tablespoons Pokeroot
2 tablespoons of chopped bark Cascara sagrada
1 tablespoon chopped bark Buckthorn
2 tablespoons Licorice root
2 tablespoons Prickly Ash Bark

First you make a tea from these herbs by pouring boiling water over them in a teapot. Allow to cool and sit 2 hours, then strain pot saving the liquid. This liquid is what you will use a a clean, dry, white cloth. warm the tea on the cloth in the microwave 30 seconds or so. Then apply the warm moist heat from the cloth to the cancer boils, allowing it to sit on for 5-10 minutes.  Repeat 3or more times a day.

Red Clover tea for menopauseal symtoms

Red clover contains isoflavones (estrogen-like compounds) which can mimic the effect of endogenous estrogen. The use of red clover to relieve menopausal symptoms has been shown to be sometimes ineffective, but safe. The isoflavones (like irilone and pratensein) from red clover have been used to treat the symptoms of menopause

1 cup red clover blossoms
2 tablespoons mint ( peppermint)
4 cups water
honey, to sweeten (or use sugar) 

 

 Inspect flowers and make sure there are no bugs. Also make sure the flowers have not been sprayed.
  

Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat.Add clover blossoms and mint. Steep about 10 minutes. Strain. Add honey or sugar to taste. Enjoy!
  

You can air dry red clover every year and keep in plastic sealed bags that way you never run out. Make iced tea with it using 6 cups water and 2  tea bags, adding the mint and red clover.

Winter Softness Body Scrub

This softening scrub is a blessing on a winters day. The coconut oil softens and permeates the dryness with silky softness.

2 cups Epson salt
2/3 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup almond oil
25 drops lavender essential oil

Mix all together. It will be a paste. Add more oil if needed to make it spreadable. Use in a hot tub and soak after.

Winter Dry and Achy Peppermint foot scrub

1 cup Epson salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup coconut oil
15 drops peppermint essential oil
2-5 drops green food coloring (optional)

In a bowl mix the salt with the olive, food coloring if using and coconut oil. when all mixed add the essential oil and mix again. store in a jar with a tight lid.

To use simply scrub feet with the the scrub. And rinse. The oils will sooth your feet.

Note, Do not get near eyes or face or other delicate areas.

Make your own Rose hip seed oil and night renewal cream

Rosehip seed oil is widely regarded as one of the most important oils for fighting wrinkles and premature aging and repairing damaged skin.

A study at the University of Santiago in 1983 was the first significant research to reveal the incredible anti-aging properties of rosehip seed oil. 180 individuals with deep wrinkles, premature aging, UV damage, facial scarring, acne and other skin related problems were treated using rosehip seed oil. The results showed that the treatment helped to regenerate the skin, reduce scars and wrinkles and help skin to regain its natural color and tone.

Rosehip seed oil has subsequently been identified as an effective treatment for stretch marks, eczema, psoriasis and dry and damaged hair.

 Rosehip seed oil can be applied directly from the bottle as a moisturizer or it can be used as an ingredient in your own homemade products. It is a gentle oil and so can be used undiluted, even on sensitive skin.


If you grow roses you already have the ingredients to make your own oil. How to is at this link.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/188614-how-to-make-rose-hip-oil/

Once you make your oil you can make this night time face cream I love making this stuff, but be ware everyone will want it.

Night Renewal Cream

2 tablespoons jojoba oil
2 tablespoon coconut oil
3 tablespoons apricot kernel oil
3 tablespoons Rosehip seed oil
20 drops carrot-seed essential oil
1 1/2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
 2 teaspoons vitamin E

Place beeswax, jojoba, coconut oil and place in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds and stir, continue this until all is melted add in the rest of the ingredients.  Stir well, if you want it fluffy then using a hand beater beat until fluffy. if not simply place in a jar and allow to cool.

Dove Body Wash

 This recipe really got around. I found it on JAP added by Cindy Dozier

She wrote:

This is a cheaper way to get the exact same body wash you love without paying the expensive prices! Credit for this recipe goes to: Jillee (so thanks Jillee)

3 bars of dove soap, grated (or your favorite)

6 c water

 

Grate the soap. Add to pan of water and cook until soap is dissolved. Then put into a glass container. Wait 24 hours then transfer to whatever bottle you like to use in the shower. (I kept my last shower wash bottle and just poured it into it.)

Scented Dryer Crystals

 This is an alternative to Purex's scented crystals

4 cups Epson salt
50-70 drops of essential oil or fragrance oils(your choice)

Mix well and add 1/4 cup per load at same time as laundry detergent.


Remember an fragrance oil is scent only, a essential oil will kill germs as well as smell great.
Great combo's are 

30 drops Jasmine  25 drops vanilla either essential oils or fragrance

60 drops lemon drop fragrance oil http://www.saveonscents.com/product_info.php/cPath/291_295_408/products_id/1624

30 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 20 drops menthol EO and 20 drops camphor essential oil  (for the cold and flu season)

35 drops Cherry fragrance oil  30 drops vanilla fragrance oil

35 drops lemon essential oil and 35 drops peppermint essential oil (good to keep the flu bug at bay.)

for other wonderful fragrances try this place for many one of a kind fragrances like Caribbean escape  http://www.bulkapothecary.com/categories/fragrance-flavor/fragrances.html

Then there is always monkey farts fragrance oil

Hair Rinse and Body Scrub

The original recipe (I found on Facebook) called for more essential oil than I felt was safe on your hair so I changed it. Also Special note. Never use essential oils on hair if you dye it. the chemicals in the dye do not work well with essential oils. You will find yourself bald in spots. The hair will grow back but it will be 6 months or longer of strands while your head and hair recoup.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Conventional Shampoos and Conditioners leave a Residue get rid of it to make your hair Shiny again This Recipe works for all hair types and men and women

Mix 1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar with
1/2 Teaspoon tea Tree oil, peppermint or Spearmint
and 5 drops Lavender oil or a handful of Dried Lavender
you can also use Sandalwood
2 Teaspoons honey and 1 cup hot water ( not Boiling )

mix together it should form a Thick Soupy paste
Rub and massage into your hair and scalp

you will feel a tingle as it works and gets rid of Shampoo and Conditioner Residue

(allow it to remain in your hair 5 -10 minutes rubbing it in) this was in the original post found on facebook. Do not do that, chances are you will increase the chance of bald patches.

Rinse and enjoy your shiny hair

This also works to as a natural body scrub (a wonderful idea)

Avoid getting it in your eyes.

Medicine chest ~ soothing the feet

Tea tree foot and hand soak

for fungus problems, also good for nice soft good smelling hands and feet

1/2 cup warm cider vinegar
6 drops of tea tree oil

Add one of these four essential oils (your choice)
1 drop sandalwood oil
2 drops peppermint oil
2 drops patchouli oil
2 drops thyme oil

Add the three ingredients listed above (vinegar, tea tree, and your choice of secondary essential oil) to a basin filled with warm water. The water should be wrist or ankle deep. Soak your hand or foot for fifteen to twenty minutes.

****


Foot and Toenail Fungus

 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil
1 drop of Lavender Oil

Mix in your palm and spread it between the toes and around the nails.
For the rest of the feet, mix 5 drops Tea Tree Oil and 1 drop Lemon EO in 1 teaspoon of Massage Oil (or olive oil) and rub on the feet morning and night.
Keep the feet dry and use only cotton or wool socks.


****

Anti fungal foot powder

2 tablespoon of corn flour or unscented talc
15 drops of lavender
5 drops of peppermint

Put corn flour or talc into a small plastic bag. Add the essential oils. Tie or zip close the bag securely and let sit for 24 hours allowing the oils to spread through base. Shake well before using first time.

*****



For nail fungus

You can apply 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil directly to infected finger and toe nails 3 times daily.

 For people who are sensitive to direct application of tea tree oils may try soaking their nails in treated water or applying lotion or powder on them.

Appetite suppressing Inhalant

Inhale directly from container as needed to suppress your urge to eat.

15 drops Bergamot oil
10 drops Fennel oil

Drop the bergamot and fennel oils in small glass bottle with
airtight cover; gently turn bottle over or roll between your hands
to blend.

Cold Sore Relief

I was researching herbs and Essential oils for my sister who has cold sore trouble quite often. I came up with this a year ago and gave it to everyone who I saw with one and any friend that knew anyone with this trouble. Everyone either wrote back or called thanking me and asking where to buy it as it killed the grems before they came to a head if caught when first felt it coming on. But even if it was already there it killed the germs and they healed in record time. They tell me it was better than anything on the market. Try it yourself and you will be a believer.

1 very small jar with tight cap (i found clear plastic small ones at dollar general in the section with plastic bath jars and toiletrys mine is about 1 inch with a plastic snap top sold in sets of 8 for $1

2 drops lavender essential oil

2 drops peppermint essential oil

2 drops tea tree essential oil

2 Tbsp sweet oil ( walmart used for ears)

1. combine and shake. Shake before each use.

2. When you first feel like a cold sore is coming on (that feeling If you have ever had one you know that feeling)Just dip a q-tip into the oil and put on the area. If you caught it fast enough it will be gone within an hour. if not apply a second coat. This is the most amazing thing ever.

3. If you already have one just apply every two hours until all the pain is gone. Maybe 1 day at most. many only had to do it 2-3 times. is healed within a day after that.

4. Tea tree, lavender and Peppermint have all been used to distroy the herpes virus. Putting them together knocks it out fast

CHICKWEED SALVE for bites, stings, measles, chicken pox

Chickweed salve is what I call a free salve since there is not a place in this world that this weed doesn't grow except maybe in solid ice and snow. It looks like this picture above and enclosed at the bottom of this post is a link to a in depth article that will have you gathering it with ease and confidence.

Chickweed is a great remedy for any type of itchy skin condition. Use for bug bites and stings, chicken pox, measles, rashes or simply dry skin.

Here's some things you'll need:
1 cup organic cold pressed olive oil or sweet almond oil
1 ounce dried chickweed leaves
1/2 ounce grated bees wax
3 vitamin E capsules of 400 units each. (this preserves it) ( 1/2 teaspoon)
strainer or cheese cloth to strain the herbs

Place your herb into a crockette (a 2-4 cup crock pot) I have one just for herbal uses. Add oil and cook on low for 3-4 hours. this ia what you will use for infused herbal oil

After the 4 hours allow to cool slightly and strain while still warm. making sure you get all the oil.

warm the beeswax in a mic in 30 second sessions and stirring in between until melted. Add oil and warn for additional 15-20 seconds

puncture and add the contents of the vitamin E and stir until completely mixed. Cool a minute or two and pour into a wide mouth jelly jar or other small jars. The mixture will become semi solid and perfect for applying salve.

Check out this blog for further info on how to recognize this wonderful weed.
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Chickweed.html

Hemorroid salve

Chop off a section of aloe vera from a  plant and scrape out the inside.
 Then mash with a fork in a bowl.
 Add some cut Nettle and some Slippery Elm bark powder.

 It will be a great consistency for spreading on the offending hemorrhoid.
 Also, You can roll this mixture into small cylinder shapes (shaped like your small finger - only smaller). Freeze until firm. Then when a hemorrhoid pops up, get your salve out of the freezer and apply. Cool and comforting.

Swelling goes down in about 20 minutes.

Herbal uses for Black Walnut Hull

• “Black Walnut Hull may help to lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels and is believed to burn up toxins and fatty materials while balancing blood sugar levels.
• The tannins in Black Walnut Hull (and leaves) possess an astringent quality that is thought to shrink the sweat glands and reduce excessive sweating.  The herb is said to help control menorrhagia, the excessive loss of blood during periods. It is also used to control diarrhea.
• Black Walnut Hull is considered a tonic that aids digestion and the intestinal system. It helps to relieve colic, heartburn and flatulence.  As a cholagogue, Black Walnut stimulates the flow of bile into the intestines and is thought to ease bilious colic and pain in the spleen.”

Perhaps Black Walnut’s most well-known property is its ability to fight intestinal parasites. It is a well documented vermifuge that is effective at helping the body rid itself of parasites. As a laxative, it expels parasites as part of its cleansing of the body and the high tannin and juglone content is thought to oxygenate the blood and kill parasites. Black walnut is effective against pinworm, ringworm, tapeworm and other intestinal parasites.

From Mountain Rose Herbs: “Black walnut hulls contain juglone, a chemical that is antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and a fungicide. As a skin wash, black walnut hulls are used to treat ringworm and yeast infections of the skin. Taken internally, black walnut hulls are used to treat intestinal worms.”

Black walnut hull tincture

Green black walnut hulls 
Old pillowcase Hammer 
1 bottle cheap vodka 
 Large glass jar with lid 
 Wire mesh strainer 
Large bowl 
Amber or other colored glass bottles with lids

Place a half dozen green black walnut hulls in a old pillow case and tie the top closed.
lay the pillowcase on the sidewalk or other concrete surface. Using a hammer smash the hulls inside the pillowcase. Measure out 2-3 tablespoons of hull and place in a qt jar with a vodka( least 90 percent alcohol content) Secure the top and place in the dark for 30 days. Strain and place in dark colored glass with tight lid and keep in cool place


 NOTE
 Drinking a tincture black walnut hull home remedy too quickly can cause an upset stomach or dizziness. However, you want to drink your entire dose within 15 minutes. You may not like the taste. If you find the taste displeasing, mix the tincture with juice, honey, jam, dulce de leche, or anything else that will help you get it down.

Want another craft. Learn to make black walnut dye
http://www.practicalprimitive.com/skillofthemonth/blackwalnutdye.html

Remedy for MRSA Boils

This kills the bacteria and takes away the pain while the charcoal draws it out of the system.

Mix in a little dish some activated charcoal powder, turmeric powder, few drops of tea tree oil and a white willow bark capsule. 

Rub on sore until healed. This has worked successfully on numerous boils. 

It also helps to take turmeric, activated charcoal, and white willow bark capsules internally as that will fight the toxins released inside the body.

licorice root tea for sore throats and so much more

There is nothing like licorice root tea to sooth a sore throat. To make this  the tea you simply place

six or seven 1/2-inch root pieces
in 3 cups of water and bringing to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer until about half the water has boiled away. Strain and drink as needed.

Licorice has been used traditionally to treat sore throat, colds and coughs for hundreds of years

Licorice root has an impressive list of well documented uses and is probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal remedies. It is used for many ailments including asthma, athlete's foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, viral infections, fungal infections, ulcers, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendinitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, yeast infections, prostate enlargement and arthritis. Licorice root contains many anti-depressant compounds and is an excellent alternative to St. John's Wort.

Neem oil spider mite Spray

Spider Mite Spray (good natural remedy for grow rooms)

1 Tbls Neem oil
1 tsp dish soap
1 qt water
1 qt spray bottle

Mix, shake well and spray especially on the underside of leaves. Spray before flowers form. Do not spray during flowering stage.

Lady bugs are a wonderful alternative. Neem oil kills the lady bugs so take care. Also a little fact. Lady bugs will transport spider  mite larva from a sprayed pot to one that hasn't been as they farm them. They will dwindle down the population of spider mites but they will not wipe them out as they use them for their young.

Spray the dirt with cold water. this will dround some of the spider mites and the lady bugs will need the water.

Chest rub for the cold and flu season

This is my newest Chest rub. Remember to test essential oils before applying them over a large portion of your body. Also if pregnant ask your doctor first.

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/8 cup cocoa Butter
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops lemon essential oil
2 drops camphor oil

1. Mix the coconut oil and cocoa butter  together in a small bowl and mic for 30 seconds, stir and repeat if necessary. Add in the rest and stir well. Put in a jar to set up.

To use" Rub into your chest and upper back or bottoms of feet . Can also benefit from just smelling it.

Lavender essential oil uses

1.  Acne
   Lavender is one of the most valuable oils for the treatment of acne, according to aromatherapists. “It inhibits the bacteria that cause the skin infection, helps to rebalance the over-secretion of sebum, which the bacteria thrive on, and reduce scarring”. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a plain cream sold by chemists and use as a moisturizer or cleanser.
   
2. Bugs & Bacteria
   French laboratory studies in the early 20th century showed that lavender is a powerful antibacterial in dilutions of 5 per cent or less it is lethal to bacteria that cause typhoid, TB & diphtheria. Combined with Lemon Balm, for its clinically tested anti-viral properties.
   
3. Burns (minor)
   After you have cooled the area by immersing it in running cold water for 5 minutes, gently stroke on neat lavender oil. Pain relief is almost immediate, and burn usually heals without scarring.
   
4. Cuts & Wounds
   Apply lavender oil to sooth pain, prevent bacterial infection and aid scar-free healing. Apply neat.
   
5. Earache
   Warm a bottle of lavender oil in hot water for a minute or two, then gently massage a few drops into the skin around the ears and throat. For babies & small children, add 2-3 drops of the warmed oil to a little olive oil and massage in the same way.
   
6. Eczema
   Stroke infused lavender oil (a few drops of lavender oil & carrier oil) into dry, itchy skin—small children will find this especially comforting or add a few drops of lavender oil to calamine lotion, shake before use.
   
7. Fatigue
   Add 5 drops of lavender oil to a hot foot bath and relax while your feet soak in it. The soles of the feet are particularly porous, so lavender reaches your bloodstream very quickly, exerting its stimulating and soothing effects on various systems of your body.
   
8. Fevers
   For babies or small children, sponge them down very gently with tepid water to which you have added a drop of lavender oil. Take care not to let them get chilled. This works for adults too.
   
9. Giddy Spells, Faintness or Pulpitations
   Make your own smelling salts—sea salt , lavender oil, peppermint oil & basil oil.
   
10. Headache
    The distilled water of Lavender (Hydrosol) Mist around your head, is refreshing and soothing. Alternatively, make a compress of a piece of cause or muslin soaked in icy cold water then sprinkled with a few drops of lavender oil and apply to the forehead, or massage a few drops into the forehead, temples and nape of the neck.
    
11. Insomnia
    In a number of small studies, elderly psychiatric patients have been shown to sleep better and be more alert during the day when their sleep medication is replaced with lavender oil either dropped on their pillows, or placed in a diffuser on the ward. To help to induce sleep, put 3 or 4 drops of lavender oil on your pillow. For babies, add 1 drop of lavender oil & geranium oil in carrier oil and massage into a babies back or a few drops in their bedtime bath.
    
12. Long-Haul Travel
    Combine lavender, rosemary, Neroli, frankincense & clary sage, into your hand luggage and roll it over your pulse points to help you keep a clear head during those endless hours in the air.
    
13. Menstrual Cramps
    Massage a few drops of lavender oil into your lower abdomen or apply a hot compress onto the area, which a little lavender oil has been sprinkled.
    
14. Moths,Midges & Mosquitos
    These annoying little insects all hate the smell of lavender. To prevent bites, splash yourself with lavender hydrosol before you go out at sunset or to bed, put 3-4 drops of oil on your pillow or soak cotton wool ball in the oil and leave it on a saucer in front of the window. Lavender oil is also a terrific remedy for insect bites, soothing itching & inflammation: dab it on to them neat as soon as possible. To keep moths off your clothes, hand lavender bags on you coat hangers or keep them among your sweaters and refresh them with a drop or two of lavender oil from time to time.
    
15. Scabie
    This infestation by a tiny mite burrowing into your skin causes intense itching. Rub the whole body with neat lavender oil, then following every day until better with a mixture of lavender oil and alcohol. Change and wash bedding and clothes and sprinkle lavender oil on the mattress.
    
16. Shingles
    Combine a mix of lavender oil with, analgesic, antiviral & scar preventing essential oils neat or on compresses on the agonizing lesions of shingles. It usually produces a cure within 5-8 days.
    
17. Sinusitis
    Lavender is one of several essential oils that aromatherapists recommend for inhalations to relieve sinusitis, add two drops of lavender & thyme oil to a bowl of near-steaming water and inhale slowly and deeply, with a towel over your head & bowl.
    
18. Stress & Anxiety
    Keep a spritzer of Lavender Mist - Hydrosol handy to spray on your face during the day, or apply lavender oil neat to your temples.
    
19. Sunburn
    Spray pure Lavender Mist – Hydrosol directly onto the skin or Add 8 drops of lavender oil and 4 drops of peppermint oil to a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Pour it into a cool-to-lukewarm bath and soak for 10 minutes.
    

Natural laundry detergent Makes 5 gallons

Shave a bar of soap I use "fels naptha" and then put in pot of 4 cups of water to melt

In a five (5) gallon bucket fill halfway (about 3 gallons) with hot water and add the melted soap and 1 cup Borax and 1/2 cup of washing soda and u want to mix all this very well then finish filling with hot water and cover and let sit 24 hrs. it will have thicken so u want to stir it again and I use my hands to break it all up.

When  done you  will want to fill 5(1 gallon bottles) I use empty milk jugs and when u go to use the product u want to shake good and only use 1/4 to 1/2 cup in your wash

Note: This is good for HE machines as well and this is not going to suds but suds is not what cleans your clothes in the first place. 

If you want, you can add some essential oil to each 1 gallon bottle. I use 1 tablespoon of essential oil in each gallon. 

Lemon Essential oil Antitumoral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, astringent, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant,  improves concentration.

Lavender essential oil antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, calm and allow you to sleep. Added benefit is is beneficial to eczema. So many detergents actually inflame the skin condition. It also kills scabies.

Forget those flu shots get Natures Flu shot

 

Here is one a gfriend also gave me

 

 

Mine is made in a smaller quanity.

         The Juice of 2 whole lemons.
2 cups of Pineapple Juice
4 ounces of Elderberry Extract
1 tablespoon of Cinnamon
1/2 cup of honey
1 ounce of whiskey

Mix thoroughly in glass jar and shake before using. Take 30 ml daily.

Refresh jar as needed. Keep refrigerated. The alcohol content disbursal in 30 ml is less than you get in a dose of Nyquil. No worries.

Garden Secrets- Copy cat recipe

Many people (here in Michigan) are using a product called "SNS-203" on their grow room pest problems. A four ounce packet costs just over 10 dollars and will make 2 gallons. Well here is the best copy cat recipe you will ever find, and it is free.

It is antimicrobial, kills fungus gnats, spider mites, root aphids, thrips, shore flies, white flies, ants, beetles, fleas, dust mites, roaches, and spiders.

It  can be used  on delicate new growth, clones, cuttings, tomatoes, roses and other plants. 

Copy cat for SNS- 203

In a 4 oz bottle put 

1/2 teaspoons Clove essential oil

1/8 teaspoon Rosemary Essential oil

1/4 teaspoon Polyglycerl oleate

1 Teaspoon lauric Acid

Fill with water and shake well. To use put 1/2 of mixture into a gallon jug and add water. use as a spray both on and around plants.

Polyglyceryl oleate.When used as a foliage spray Kills and Repels Fungus Gnats, Root Aphids, Thrips, Shore Flies and White Flies.Properties: Excellent emulsifier (enables water & oil to mix) for brilliant w/o creams with good heat & cold stability, compatible with all kinds of cosmetic oils & active ingredients, very pleasant application properties.

Clove oil kills and repels variety of insects, including ants, beetles, spider mites, gnats, flies and roaches

Rosemary oil kills fleas. Fleas, like dust mites,  arachnids and are susceptible to rosemary by drying them out.

Lauric acid is used for treating viral infections including influenza (the flu); swine flu; avian flu; the common cold; fever blisters, cold sores, and genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV); genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV); and HIV/AIDS. It is also used for preventing the transmission of HIV from mothers to children. Other uses for lauric acid include treatment of bronchitis, gonorrhea, yeast infections, chlamydia, intestinal infections caused by a parasite called Giardia lamblia, and ringworm. In foods, lauric acid is used as a vegetable shortening. Found in Coconut Oil In manufacturing, lauric acid is used to make soap and shampoo. Like many other fatty acids, lauric acid is inexpensive, has a long shelf-life, and is non-toxic and safe to handle. It is mainly used for the production of soaps and cosmetics.Lauric acid has been claimed to have antimicrobial properties

Make your own Magnesium Oil

.

Magnesium is one of the most vital minerals that our body needs. Every cell in our body uses magnesium in some way and a magnesium deficiency can have a huge number of symptoms, including:

• muscle weakness
• anxiety
• lack of concentration
• confusion
• depression
• irritability
• poor memory
• headaches and migraines
• cravings for junk food
• osteoporosis
• low sex drive
• infertility
• high blood pressure
• insomnia
• diabetes
• stroke

You should take magnesium internally, preferably via food, or alternatively with a magnesium supplement, but applying magnesium oil on to your skin is another great way to benefit from this vital mineral.

If you are interested visit the blog site  listed below

http://wellnessmama.com/5804/how-to-make-your-own-magnesium-oil/

Another Homemade Cough Syrup

This one comes to you by Good food matters at 

http://nancyvienneau.com/blog/articles/home-remedy/

It as only a few ingredients 
An easy one, too, using four items found in most pantries:
Apple Cider Vinegar,
Honey,
Ginger,
Cayenne
plus some water.

Check out how to make it

free online look up herbal

http://www.complete-herbal.com/culpepper/completeherbalindex.htm

healing recipes

Healing potions: please ask a doctor before taking any herbs, different herbs will effect everyone differently...

Herbal Bath Tea:
2 cups water
4 tsp. Herb tea
Bring water to a simmer. Add herbal tea to the water. Cover and let
simmer gently for 10 minutes. Strain into bath water.


ALLERGY / DECONGESTANT

(Infusion)
1 part nettles
1 part peppermint
1 part mullein leaf
1 part comfrey leaf
1/2 part eyebright
1/2 part licorice
1/2 part rosehips
1/4 part marshmallow
1/4 part elder berries
1/4 part hyssop
Mix. Boil. Sweeten if necessary. Drink.

IMMUNE VITALIZER

(Infusion)
1 part lemon balm
1 part peppermint
1/2 part ginger, dry
1/2 part elder flowers
1/2 part lemongrass
1/2 part yarrow flower
1/4 part Echinacea root
Mix. Boil. Sweeten if necessary. Drink.

LIVER CLEANSER

(Decoction)
1 part dandelion root, roasted
1 part burdock root
1 part chicory root, roasted
1/4 part ginger, dry
1/4 part milk thistle seeds, crushed
1/4 part flaxseeds, crushed
Mix. Boil. Sweeten if necessary. Drink.

MONTHLY STABILIZER

(Infusion)
4 parts raspberry leaves
1 part chamomile
1/2 part burdock root
1/2 part licorice root
1/4 part dong quai, broken into pieces
Mix. Boil. Sweeten if necessary. Drink.

RELAXATION TEA

(Infusion)
2 parts lemon balm
1 part chamomile
1/2 part catnip
1/2 part skullcap
1/2 part passionflower
1/4 part St. John's Wort
1/4 part lavender
Stevia to taste
Mix. Boil. Sweeten if necessary. Drink.

Arthritis Salve

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz fresh Mint Leaf
1 1/2 oz crushed fresh Eucalyptus Leaf
1/4 oz crushed dried Bay Leaf
1/2 oz crushed or powdered dried Golden Seal Root
1/2 lb. Vegetable Shortening (in the "old days" lard was used) (if the fresh herbs cannot be found, substitution with dried herbs is OK)
Mixing Directions:
Mix all herbs together. Melt the Vegetable Shortening in a pot on low flame, adding a little at a time to speed the melting process. When all the Shortening has been melted, turn off the fire, and slowly stir in the mixed herbs. When all is mixed well, pour the liquid salve into a jar. DO NOT USE PLASTIC!!! USE GLASS ONLY!!! (plastic will draw out the essence of the herbs...) Cap the jar and refrigerate until the shortening has become a solid again, and is cold. Will keep for about a week.
Directions of Use:
Gather a small amount onto hand and massage onto skin of afflicted joint. Let set for at least one hour. Repeat as necessary.

Coconut Oil Deodorant

I found this on face book on a site called Confessions of crafty witches

DIY Coconut Oil Deodorant That Actually Works :)

I’ve always known that store-bought deodorants have some pretty nasty ingredients in them (they’ve even been linked to cancer) but I hesitated on making my own because I feared homemade deodorants wouldn’t really do the job.
I don’t mind sweating a little as that’s your body’s way of eliminating toxins, but I didn’t exactly want to walk around smelling “crunchy” if you know what I mean.
After trying two natural brands of deodorant (Tom’s and the Natural Crystal), and being sorely disappointed (ie. smelling crunchy by the end of the day), I decided to give this recipe a try.
Boy, I’m so glad I did!
This natural deodorant recipe works amazingly well. My only wish is that I tried it sooner!

Homemade Deodorant Recipe using Coconut Oil
Ingredients:
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
4 tablespoons cornstarch (this will add an antiperspirant effect to the deodorant.)
essential oils (optional, but you could use tea tree oil, sweet orange, cinnamon, etc.)

.How to make:
Mix baking soda, cornstarch, and arrowroot powder in a bowl.
Add coconut oil and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend into the dry ingredients.
Add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil (I used tea tree oil).
Add more coconut oil or baking soda to achieve your desired consistency.
Viola! Now you have easy-peasy, good-for-you, all-natural deodorant!

Other Notes:
This recipe uses coconut oil which will liquefy at 76 degrees (it will remain solid at any temp under 76 degrees) but in summer my hubby doesnt care he just takes a little on his finger and rubs his pits with it LOL :D


I’ve heard of people putting their homemade deodorants in cleaned-out store-bought deodorant containers but it didn’t work for me. My DIY deodorant leaked out the bottom of the container and was a gooey mess.
Instead, I store this coconut oil deodorant in a small glass jar and I keep it in my medicine cabinet.
To apply, I take a small amount and rub it together with my hands to soften and then rub it into my underarms like a lotion.
Me and my husband both use this deodorant and absolutely love it. We’d never switch back to store-bought. You really must give it a try. ~Frisky

My notes: I plan on trying this but have to get arrowroot first.

Valentines Day Love sick solid perfume

Love Sick solid Perfume

Everyone starts thinking sweet hearts about this time of year. so I thought I would create a little help.

1 tablespoon beeswax
2 tablespoon coconut butter
1 Vitamin E gel tab Liquid only
10-20 drops Crafters Choice™ Love Sick Fragrance Oil 390

Put the beeswax and coconut butter in a microwave safe small dish and mic for 30 seconds and stir. continue until melted add fragrance and vitamin E,  stir well. Allow to set up in a small jar.  Cap and use as you would any solid perfume on pulse points

Valentines day solid perfumes for those darling little ones

XOXO Solid Perfume

This easy kids solid perfume has both ease of applying and is a no spill  perfume. suitable for those little ones purses on (Ostara) Easter morning as well as Valentines day.

1 tablespoon beeswax
2 tablespoon coconut butter
1 Vitamin E gel tab Liquid only
10 drops Crafters Choice™ XOXO Fragrance Oil 362

Put the beeswax and coconut butter in a microwave safe small dish and mic for 30 seconds and stir. continue until melted add fragrance and vitamin E,  stir well. Allow to set up in a small jar or lip balm container. Cap and use as you would any solid perfume on pulse points


 

Lavender Vanilla or Vanilla Peppermint Lip Gloss

Lavender Vanilla Lip Gloss 

The vanilla flavors the gloss and the lavender makes it a healing salve for those cracked dry lips. You can substitute  peppermint for the lavender and have the same effect

1 tablespoon grated beeswax
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/8 teaspoon sweet almond oil
1/8 teaspoon vanilla-flavored oil (not extract)
1 drop lavender essential oil (or peppermint essential oil)

Put beeswax and coconut oil  in a small microwave-safe container and microwave on low heat for 30 seconds, stir and repeat until all is melted add vitamin E oil.
Add vanilla oil and lavender essential oil and stir until well mixed. Pour mixture into a small, clean container and let it cool completely.

To use: Spread gloss onto your lips.



How to make the vanilla infused oil
 

Vanilla infused oil for lip gloss

a glass small bottle

1/2 cup with sweet almond oil

1 vanilla bean

Run the tip of a sharp knife down the length of the vanilla bean to reveal all those minute seeds and pop the whole vanilla bean (or cut in half to fit the bottle) into the glass bottle. Close and give the bottle a gentle shake which will release some of the seeds into the oil.

Store the bottle in a cool dark place for about a week to two weeks, (depending on the strength of the vanilla bean used) remembering to give the bottle a gentle shake every other day to help with the infusing process.

If making Peppermint Vanilla  lip gloss and do not have the essential oil here is the recipe for you.

Peppermint Vanilla infused oil

a glass small bottle

1/2 cup with sweet almond oil

1 vanilla bean

1/8 cup fresh peppermint leaves

Run the tip of a sharp knife down the length of the vanilla bean to reveal all those minute seeds and pop the whole vanilla bean (or cut in half to fit the bottle) into the glass bottle. Add the oil and peppermint leaves. Close and give the bottle a gentle shake which will release some of the seeds into the oil.

Store the bottle in a cool dark place for about a week to two weeks, (depending on the strength of the vanilla bean used) remembering to give the bottle a gentle shake every other day to help with the infusing process.

After the 2 weeks strain.  Use 1/8 teaspoon and omit the essential oil

Plasma cleaner

Mix 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol with 1/4 cup distilled water in a spray bottle.

Cleaning the Display

Before you clean your LCD display, unplug it. Use a spray bottle to dispense a small amount of your homemade solution onto a soft cloth. Never spray it directly onto the TV. Wipe the LCD screen in gentle, circular motions using a soft, clean cloth. Don't use a cloth that has an uneven or harsh surface, such as a washcloth or paper towel. A microfiber cleaning cloth can also be used. After cleaning, remove any moisture with the cloth and let the screen dry completely before you turn it back on.

BLADDER INFECTIONS TEA

1 ½ oz dried Goldenrod
1/4 oz Juniper Berries*
3/4 oz chopped Dandelion root
3/4 oz chopped Rose Hips

Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 tsp of mixture. Steep 10 minutes & strain.
*can become toxic, so only drink 2 cups of this mixture daily for no more than 3 days*

herbs for your hair

Herbs for Dry Hair: Burdock root, comfrey, elderflower, Lavender , marsh mallow, parsley, sage, stinging nettle.

Herbs for Damaged Hair: sage, rose, calendula, chamomile, burdock, thyme, rosemary

Herbs for Oily Hair: Calendula, horsetail, lemon juice, lemon balm, lemongrass, lavender, mints, rosemary, southern wood, witch hazel and yarrow.

Herbs to Prevent and Treat Dandruff: burdock root, chamomile, garlic and onion bulbs (powerful but unpleasantly scented), goose grass, parsley, rosemary, southern wood, stinging nettle and thyme.

Herbs that Soothe the Scalp: Cat-mint (leaves and flowering tops), chamomile, comfrey, lavender, thyme, Yarrow

Beer Butterfly bait

A wonderful brew to attract butterfly's to your garden

1 can beer

2 cups molasses

2 pounds dark brown sugar

2 pounds very ripe fruit

Put it all in a gallon ice cream pail with a loose fitting lid. And allow to sit in the sun all day. The loose lid will allow the fermenting gasses to escape. Then move to a storage area in the shade. Do not keep where children or pets can get into it.

Using a old paint brush dab it on rocks in your rock garden or on a fence. Reapply every couple of days. Put in the same place each time, near flowers is ideal.

Cream of Tartar for UTI's

I had placed a recipe on another site for for Grandmas cures. Under there Sandy gave me this bit of info. (Wasn't sure if she wanted her last name casted to the heavens or not, so I didn't)

My mother taught me to use "cream of tarter" when I first could feel a urinary tract infection coming on. I take about 1 tablespoon and mix it with about 1 cup water, then I follow with a couple more cups of plain water. This has always worked for me and now my daughters use this when they feel one coming on.

Now that I have it, I am allerting the people I know to try it. Putting things to the test is always the best Idea. So if anyone trys this please let me know if it worked or not.

kombucha Tea

•  Kombucha Mushrooms – (also known as a kombucha culture or kombucha SCOBY)
• 1 cup of kombucha mushroom starter tea
• 1 cup organic sugar – you can use white sugar but make sure it says “cane sugar”
• Four to Six tea bags
• Breathable cover – (you can use a simple paper towel or handkerchief and will allow fruit flies in your brew
• rubber band to fasten the cloth cover over the kombucha brewing vessel.
• Water
• Kombucha brewing vessel – glass,

 Boil 4 cups water and make a tea using 6 teabags in a teapot. allow ti steep 10 -15 minutes and pour into the bowl add the sugar and stir.  (2 or three qt glass bowl or crock pot or a gallon jar) then  fill with water to make 2 qts.  stir, when cool add the mushroom and starter liquid Cover with your breathable cover and secure with the rubber band.  Place in a slightly warm, dark and ventilated place – open closet is good, counter top is also good but make sure it is away from smoke.. so if you burn stuff on the stove a lot, the kitchen might not be the best place.  Wait 5 to 10 days.  Your kombucha culture might sink or swim.  Either is ok, you also might notice a thin layer growing on top.  If left undisturbed this will be your new kombucha baby!   The one thing to mention is that ideally you want you Kombucha PH when you test it to be below 3.0 as this will ensure that the likely hood of pathogens or mold happening is next to none.Start off with 2 to 4oz up to 3 times a day (6 to 12 ounces total) in the morning,  with meals to help with digestion and at night. Drink plenty of water as it is a natural detoxify-er and you want to flush the newly released toxins out. 

 Personally I wait 10-14 days for it to be done

Kombucha Tea - Illness Helped:

acne
aging (increased longevity)
A.I.D.S
anaerobic dysentery
angina
arteriosclerosis
arthritis
asthma
balding
bladder infections
blood cholesterol (lowering)
boils
bronchitis
cancers
candida
chronic enterocolitis
chronic fatigue syndrome
chron's disease
colds, prevention
colibacillosis
conjunctivitis
constipation
coronary heart diseases
depression
diabetes
dysbacteria
dysentery
eczema
enterocolitis
fibromyalgia
flu
fluid retention
follicular
furunculosis
gastritis
glycolysis reduction
gout
graves disease
hair graying
hair loss
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
H.I.V.
hypertony
hypertension
impotence
immune system (strengthen)
incontinence
infectious diarrhea
insomnia
internal diseases (various)
interstitial cystitis
intestinal catarrh
intestinal inflammations
intestinal parasite
irritable bowel syndrome
kidney stones & ailments
lacunar
low blood pressure
low energy
lupus
menopause
multiple sclerosis
obesity
osteoarthritis
parkinson's disease
P.M.S.
pneumococcae
prostate conditions
psoriasis
rheumatic conditions
rheumatoid arthritis
sleep disorders
stomach catarrh
staph infections
thyroid disease
tonsillitis
tumors
ulcerated mucosa
ulcerative colitis
weight loss
wrinkles, skin
xerophtalmia
yeast infection

Homemade Onion Seasoning Salt

Homemade Onion Seasoning Salt

• 1 onion, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices 
• 2 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 tsp. whole peppercorns

Strew the onion slices on a dehydrator sheet and dry at about 125 degrees until completely dry, about 6-8 hours.
Place the dried onion slices, salt, and peppercorns in a clean coffee grinder. Pulverize until smooth. If necessary, work in batches to fit the ingredients into the coffee grinder. The mixture will be finely ground but slightly clumpy.
Store the onion powder in an airtight container for up to a week. It become slightly more moist the longer it is stored.
Makes about 1/4 cup.
NOTE: You may dry many onions at once and store the dried onions slices for many months in an airtight container, and grind fresh batches of seasoning salt when desired.


From "the prairie homestead blog "

The amazing orange peel

 Not sure where I got this but since the link for the bread goes to condo blues blog I believe it originated there.

For Food

1. Make orange zest. Grate the peel with a hand grater or zester and use it in baking or cooking like my amazing pumpernickel bread.

2. Soften a brick of brown sugar. Put a piece of orange peel in a container of brown sugar to keep it from drying out.

3. Make candied orange peels . Yum!

4. Make orange liquor. Seal a container filled with orange peels and vodka and put it in a dark place. A few weeks later, strain out the orange peels, and have orange infused vodka. Double Yum!

For Cleaning

5. Destink your sink. Run orange peels through the garbage disposal to freshen up a stinky garbage disposal. Add a few ice cubes and you’ll sharpen the disposal blades too.

6. Rid a room of odor. Simmer orange peels, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in pot of water on the stove to freshen the air naturally. For safety’s sake, keep an eye on that pot and do not leave it boiling unattended on the stove.

7. Scrub a sink. Use a fresh orange peel to scrub through the gunk in your sink. The natural oils in orange peel are an excellent cleaner and shine your sink too.

For Pest Control

8. Scat cat! Scatter orange peels in your garden to deter cats from using it as a litter box. Cats hate the smell of orange oil and will do their business elsewhere.

9. As bug repellent. The oils in orange peels are also a natural insect repellent. Puree orange peels and water in a blender, and pour the solution down anthills to kill ants or pour/spray it outside the house to keep ants from coming into your home. Some folks rub a fresh orange peel on their skin and use it as a natural mosquito repellent too.

For Fire

10. Light your fire. Use dried orange peels instead of newspaper to start a fire. Orange oil is flammable and lights easily which makes it an excellent fire starter. Burning orange peels in your wood burning fireplace is supposed to remove any creosote that’s inside your chimney too. Just use caution because you are playing with fire in this tip.

Here is some from Logan McCall

 Oranges are a real ray of sunshine on the tongue, especially in the winter. The left over orange peels are tossed out in the garbage by most of us, but there's a long list of alternative uses for the peels:
1. Compost
If you're throwing them away anyway, consider adding them to a compost pile if you have the space and any use for fresh, healthy soil. Orange peels have all sorts of good stuff that will make your soil extra fertile.
2. Exfoliating Scrub
Ground orange peels with a dash of some other ingredients can be used as a powerful exfoliating scrub. Recopies can be found online through a simple web search.
3. Bath Oil
Rendering the essential oil of orange peels is easy, and there are several walk throughs available for it online. Adding a little orange peel oil to you bath will make it extra stimulating as well as imparting healthy benefits to your skin.
4. Potpourri
Dried orange peels have long been used as an ingredient in potpourri mixes for an extra citric tang. If your home feels a little musky or stuffed up, boiling some potpourri in water on the stove can really lighten the air.
5. Orange Zest
Orange peels were used in cooking for far longer than the fruit itself was used for cooking. The zest of oranges can be used in an endless variety of dishes, but it is perhaps best known as a flavor used in baking.
6. Flower Arrangements
Tastefully cut orange peels can be added to dried flower arrangements for extra color, shape, and style.
7. Kindling
The oil in orange peels is flammable. To see for yourself, try squeezing a fresh orange peel in front of a candle. Be careful, because a small burst of fire will be the result. Dried orange peels retain some of this oil, and they will burn longer than twigs, giving a new fire more time to spread. Smells nice too.
8. Fire starter
Because the oil in orange peels is so volatile, I make my own high octane fire starter by squeezing the oil of orange peels onto a bundle of drier lint. When I start a fire out camping with some dried orange peels on top of it for kindling under the larger wood, it always impresses my fellow campers.
9. Cat Repellant
Cats generally don't like strong smells, and orange peels are no exception. Adding orange peels around the outside of your home will keep the neighbors cats away, and rubbing fresh orange peels over the leaves of houseplants will teach your cat to keep to its own food bowl.
10. Candy
The use of orange peels in candy confections remains very popular in Europe. Sugar glazed orange peels are delicious. Dipped in dark chocolate, they are simply intoxicating. Take a look at your favorite internet cooking site for recopies.
11. Flavored Olive Oil
Aging olive oil with orange peels adds extra zest to the oil. Great on salads, pasta, you name it.
12. Ant Repellant
Got ants? Get orange peels, ants hate 'em. You can simply set some orange peels around problems areas, or use ground orange peels or oil in more visible areas. Helpful on picnics and camping too.
13. Plastic
Okay, you probably can't make this yourself. Scientists have discovered a method of making plastic by combining orange peels and carbon dioxide.
14. Brown Sugar Preservative
Brown sugar will become hard and crunchy in storage after a while. A few dried orange peels mixed in will draw away the moisture.
15. Cattle Feed
Another industry use for orange peels is by processing the left over peels made by the orange juice industry into feed pellets.
16. Bath Powder
If you don't want to go to the trouble of rendering the essential oil of orange peels, you can simply wait for them to dry out and grind them into a fine powder. A mortar and pestle work best. The powder has a similar effect to the bath oil.
17. Deodorize Garbage Cans
The powerful aroma of orange peels can fight the nasty smells that accumulate in a garbage can over time. Try dropping the peels of a couple oranges in the bottom of the can before you put in the trash bag. This will also keep away bugs if you have them.
18. Sponge
Before the orange peel dries out, they can be used as a very effective sponge due to the degreasing properties of it's oil. Give it a shot on a greasy stove top or sink some time.
19. Cleaning Dirty Water
Orange peels can be used as an effective cleaning agent to remove certain dies from industrial waste water from the textile industry.
20. Mosquito Repellant
Rubbing fresh orange peels over your skin will repel mosquitoes from biting you when you are exposed in the outdoors.
21. Celloistic Ethanol
The millions of tons of orange peel waste produced by orange juice companies could possibly be converted into liquid energy. Scientists are in the process of researching the efficiency of this energy alternative.
22. Tobacco Additive
We all know smoking isn't too smart, but smokers can add a little dried orange peel to their herbal blend for some extra flavor.
23. Lowering Blood Pressure
Herbalists recommend consumption of orange peels as an effective method of lowering your blood pressure. The Chinese have used the peels of bitter oranges as herbal medicine for thousands of years.
24. Aromatherapy
The oils of orange peels can be used as aroma therapy to treat the conditions of depression and anxiety.
25. Slug Repellant
Spreading some orange peels around the surface of the soil in your garden is an effective method of getting rid of slugs.

Gunk Remover Vs Sticky Bye-bye

I saw this on another blog and thought I would check it out. It doesn't have much in the line of ingredients but it isn't as good as Sticky Bye-bye. So from there I checked out what Sticky Bye-bye actually has in it and this is what I came up with. First the product that got me going.

Gunk Remover.
Mix 1 part baking soda and 1 part coconut oil, rubbed a little on the sticky spot, and let it sit for a minute or so. Then I scrubbed the spot with a scouring pad, rinsed it off, and voilà! Good as new, gunk is gone.

http://www.rosybluhandmade.com/2012/03/05/diy-gunk-remover-easy-recipe-to-remove-sticky-adhesive-residue/

NOTE
After reading it I thought that doesn't sound so great. So I tried it. Well it helps some but so would any abrasive like salt. so I thought a moment. I know some friends who swear by Sticky Bye-bye      
So I worked on the ingredient list and came up with these measurements to make my own version of this stuff.

Copy Cat Sticky Bye-Bye

This stuff is used by teachers to remove gunk from kids hands after craft projects, by the cannabis caregivers after trimming buds, By fishermen, by chefs who peal a lot of onion or garlic and need to remove it from their hands,  and by people who want to remove sticky labels from jars they want to keep. It does everything the recipe above does,  plus it leaves your hands smelling fresh and removes any cannabis residue if you are a caregiver. It also helps remove smells from plastic ware. This is my own creation taken from the list of ingredients.

3 tablespoons Caster oil
1 cup sea salt
1 teaspoon Castile soap
15 drops sweet orange essential oil
15 drops Lemon essential oil 
witch hazel (enough to make a thick paste)
 
Mix together everything but the witch hazel and then add just enough witch hazel to create a thick paste.  To use simply add a little to the palm of your hands and rub it in them use soap and water to remove the residue.