Tooth Powder

Dear DIYers, herbalists, etc....

How many of you have tried different recipes of making tooth paste/powder? Well, I have and  I think I may have found the one I like. (I  enjoy trying out new recipes for fun and you never know if you'll like one  better than the other.) I recently decided after I saw Neem powder  at the health food store that I would try that in my tooth powder. I recommend only putting a tiny amount since it is bitter. For now, I have just baking soda and Neem plus spearmint and a little bit of Stevia. My plan though is to add a little bit of bentonite clay( supposed to remineralize your teeth), powdered Myrrh gum, and clove essential oil to it. I might powder some Sage that I grew last summer in the garden and add to it, as well. Sage is supposed to whiten teeth. Of course, naturally our teeth are supposed to be slightly off white not yellow or bright white. Oh, and Neem twigs is what they used in India to brush their teeth with at one time. I will include a link to the benefits of Neem and clove essential oil.

http://www.theneempeople.com/neem-bark-powder/

http://www.neemfoundation.org/neem-articles/neem-in-health/neem-cures/dental-care.html

http://www.beeyoutiful.com/clove-essential-oil.html

I think this book would be worth buying: http://www.beeyoutiful.com/the-complete-book-of-essential-oils-aromatherapy.html


http://www.etsy.com/listing/119401535/neem-herbal-clay-tooth-powder  Andrea's sells Neem tooth powder and tells you how to make tooth powder here:  http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/03/the-benefits-of-brushing-with-tooth-powder-and-a-make-your-own-recipe/

What new DIY "thing" or "project" have you made?


Have fun trying something new!


~Karla

Oregano Essential Oil, the King of oils

 If you struggle with a yeast infection why not give this a try. A good probiotic would work great with Oregano essential oil for a yeast infection.

The King of Oils for its across-the-board contribution to internal and external health. Especially in these uncertain economic times, it’s prudent to keep a bottle (or two) on hand to help you avoid extra trips to the internist, dermatologist, allergist, and dentist. Beeyoutiful’s pure, therapeutic Oregano Essential Oil is distilled from origanum vulgare, the oregano plant which grows wild in the Mediterranean region. You will probably not find this oregano in the grocery store. The one labeled “Oregano” in the spice section is in most cases not really oregano. It’s Spanish marjoram (origanum marjoram) which does not share wild oregano oil’s healing abilities.

Hippocrates—the ancient Greek “father of medicine”—knew oregano oil to be a potent agent for reducing pain and inflammation. Its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties enable it to fight off infection of all kinds. The Greek philosopher Aristotle noticed that tortoises who ate snakes, then ate oregano. This appeared to prevent them from being poisoned, so he began to recommend it as an antidote for poison.

Oregano Oil has a strong, spicy, camphorous aroma that can be as uplifting and invigorating as it is cleansing and refreshing. Used for centuries by many civilizations, it's modern day popularity stems from it's volatile oil content and strong purifying properties.Beeyoutiful's Oregano Oil is 100% Pure and Natural and steam distilled from dried flowering tops.

Probably best known as a workaholic in the kitchen, oregano also has many valuable therapeutic uses. In fact, it may well have first been used for its health properties before its seasoning properties were discovered. Ancient Egyptians prized oregano for its ability to disinfect wounds and aid the repairing process. It's also believed that they used it in mummification.

Throughout the centuries, oregano has been used to soothe coughs, calm digestive disorders, relax tension, and relieve sleeplessness. As far as kitchen use, it was the Roman gourmet Apicius who loudly proclaimed oregano to be an important part of his culinary creations, leading it to play an vital part in Mediterranean cuisine. When GIs returned from overseas after World War II, they demanded to have the Mediterranean herb staple in their dishes back home. Their insistence on enjoying this herb is what helped to make it popular in the United States. Today, oregano not only reigns in the kitchen, but also rules in the world of aromatherapy.

Good for Whatever Ails You

The compounds carvacrol and thymol are the oil’s unique, healing ingredients, and its flavonoids provide natural antiseptic action. Oregano oil also contains many minerals such as copper, niacin, and beta-carotene along with essential nutrients and anti-oxidants that some experts believe help to lower blood pressure, help degenerative arthritis, and slow aging.

Some experts recommend calming an upset stomach and mild indigestion by drinking a glass of milk or juice mixed with 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil. Or you can chug it in water (if your lips burn after drinking, apply lip balm or carrier oil for instant relief).*

Try it to ease the sniffling , sneezing, and watery eyes from an allergy attack. Oregano Oil contains rosmarinic acid which acts as a natural antihistamine, reducing fluid buildup and swelling during an allergy episode. Some experts recommend taking a couple of drops internally* while inhaling the vapors from a diffuser, a drop on a tissue held to the nose, or even dissolved in a bowl of steaming hot water.  

Some recommend to boost your immune system, especially during the cold and flu season, with a daily dose of 3 drops 3 times a day.* A European study showed wild oregano to be the best of 70 plants in immune-boosting capability. If you travel on planes or spend time in other enclosed areas, you can’t help but breathe stale, re-circulated air, but regular oregano use will keep your system fit for combating the germy-ness. If you still manage to succumb to the flu, get extra sleep, drink plenty of water, and frequent doses of oregano oil to shut down the illness. Rub diluted Oregano Oil onto the chest (Check for sensitivity first!) to break up mucus and act as an expectorant. If it can be avoided don’t confuse your body with over-the-counter, symptom-treating medications.

Lab tests show that oregano oil treats even strong, antibiotic-resistant superbug staph infections like MRSA. Strep, E-coli, and other bacteria also hate Oregano Oil, which kills bacteria without downside effects such as yeast infections. Oregano oil has even been shown to combat giardiasis. For empatigo or other flesh-eating sores, try applying the diluted oil while taking regular doses internally throughout the day.*

Gargle several times a day with 2 to 3 drops of Oregano Oil in water and then swallow it to help combat a strep throat.* Take 4 drops 4x/day as a remedy for bronchitis,* and breathe vapors from a few drops in a bowl of steaming hot water—preferably with a drop or two of eucalyptus oil added as well. This regimen may be able to help whooping cough because of oregano’s anti-spasmodic effects.

Dilute Oregano Oil with carrier oil for acne, being careful to avoid contact with your eyes. This will help to kill bacteria that aggravates even hormonally-induced acne.

Candida is an overgrowth of fungal yeast in the body which starts in the intestines— often due to use of antibiotics or a diet of processed foods and sugars—and then spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. Oregano oil combats systemic candida and treats yeast-related symptoms such as:

• Nail fungus—Dilute a drop of Oregano Oil with carrier oil and apply regularly to unsightly finger and toenails. Also rub into peeling, fungal athlete’s foot infections.

• Psoriasis and eczema can also be improved for many with regular Oregano Oil treatments.

• Thrush is yeast in the mouth. Gargle and swallow 2 drops of oil in water 3 times a day.*

• Vaginal yeast infections—Remove applicator from half a tampon, soak tampon in olive oil, add 2 or 3 drops of Oregano Oil, replace applicator, and insert. Repeat several times per day. If oregano oil is used around genital area, be certain it is diluted and carefully check for sensitivity ahead of time!

• Dandruff is frequently based in a yeast infection of the scalp. Add a drop of Oregano Oil to a dab of shampoo in your hand, and massage it into the scalp when washing your hair. Or add a few drops of oil to the entire shampoo bottle, and shampoo frequently.

Mouth ulcers and cold sores can respond to oregano oil, also has been an effective remedy for herpes.

Work to neutralize the poison and lessen the pain from bee stings, spider bites, and even snake bites with oregano oil (and see a doctor immediately!) Mix Oregano Oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz liberally to help repel mosquitoes and other irritating bugs.

Research in Turkey, where medical use of oregano oil is common, shows that oregano oil works better than ibuprofen and nearly as well as morphine for controlling chronic pain, making it valuable for arthritis and fibromyalgia sufferers.

As “icky” as it sounds, if you eat any imported fruits and vegetables or have pets, you almost certainly have parasites. These pests cause many symptoms from fatigue to anemia and worse. But before you spend money on expensive parasite cleanses, consider giving your body a few months of oregano oil treatment. Start with two weeks of heavy attack (4 drops in liquid 4x/day). Then scale back to a maintenance dose of 2 or 3 drops 3 times a day. You should notice an improvement in your energy level. The cavacrol and thymol phenols work together for a double punch of microbial power.

Try oregano oil in cooking, too! It makes mouthwatering Italian dishes with just a drop. And the anti-bacterial qualities make it one of nature’s finest preservatives. Used in meat, eggs, milk, or salad, it slows the growth of microbes and reduces the risk of food poisoning.

Directions for Safe Use Diluting with olive, coconut, or another non-petroleum carrier oil is important when using oregano oil externally because full strength it is stout enough to burn the skin (a ratio of 1:4 oregano oil to carrier oil works well). Internally, oregano is generally considered safe by many experts when taken even daily in small amounts (9 to 10 drops per day in juice, water, or milk for adults—half or quarter the amount for children). Taking larger amounts (4 drops 4x/day) for illness should be limited to 2 weeks at a time, and you should take a 2-week break between heavy usages. High levels of prolonged use can damage the liver and kidneys, including reducing the body’s ability to absorb iron. Oregano oil may be put into capsules to avoid the taste. Some health experts discourage the use of oregano oil by pregnant mothers—especially during the first trimester—because it may cause contractions and bleeding. Moderate use after then likely will cause no problems, but it is very important to check with your health care provider to be sure its use is appropriate for you.

The secret to healing well with alternative treatments like Oregano Essential Oil is to jump on a health problem before it gets out of hand, and treat it consistently. Since oregano is not addictive and has no side effects when used in the moderate amounts described above, repeated use is not a problem. So if you have ailments or want to avoid getting them, Oregano Essential Oil will treat you royally.

Important: While most people are not allergic to oregano oil, it is recommended that you test to make sure you’re not one of the few who are. Apply a drop diluted with a bit of olive oil to the inside of your elbow. If there is no reaction after 10 minutes, you are probably not allergic to oregano oil.

Mixes well with: Atlas cedar, basil, bergamot, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, tea tree, thyme, and wintergreen.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

More information on essential oils, please read the following article: Good Scents of Balance and The Essentials of Essential Oils

Lavender Lemonade

Directions: In a 2 quart pyrex measuring bowl (I never use one. I heat mine up on the stove since we purposely don't have a microwave). Place 8 cups of water in and 7 heaping tbs of lavender flowers. Boil 24 minutes in microwave. Steep 2-3 hours in a 1 gallon container. Put two cap fulls of Country Time lemonade (if you do not want to use that since it's full of junk you can always use lemon juice but I'd add a little at a time. I usually squeeze lemons but I use less than what I would for regular lemonade. So, maybe 4 lemons...I'd do according to your taste then add sugar according to your taste. If it to tart no matter what then pour a little of the lemonade out and add more water and sugar. I should of wrote down my adjustments but the thing on the sugar is that I have never measured the sugar out when I make any kind of sweet tea or lemonade...I like my stuff sweet so why measure anymore?). Strain lavender water into container. Add enough water to fill to top of container. Then you're done:) Chill till you're ready to drink.


Hope yall enjoy this! I have been meaning to post this recipe for ages but never got around to it till now:)


I love lavender and it's tartness!

Ginger Candy

from learningherbs.com written by Rosalee

Ginger Candy:

Ginger is one of those spices that does everything. Rather than seeing it as a "Jack of all trades" without ever truly performing well in one area, I see it as a renaissance spice; doing it all and doing it extremely well. Ginger originally comes to us from Asia and nowadays most of the ginger found in North America is grown in Jamaica.
Ginger is found fresh in most US grocery stores all year round. Quality ginger is firm and vibrant looking. If ginger at your store is wrinkled or soft, request that fresher ginger be made available.
If you take a bite of fresh ginger you’ll notice it’s quite spicy! If you compare fresh ginger with dried ginger you’ll notice that the dried ginger is even spicier. Fresh ginger is classified as warming, while dried ginger is hot. Because of this we use them for different purposes, with more caution being used with dried ginger, as it is more heating.
You know how some people can experience discomfort after eating food that is too spicy for them? The same principle applies here.
Let’s look at a few ways in which ginger can be used.
Ginger tea is often drunk after meals to help with the digestive process. Anytime a meal doesn’t sit right just reach for ginger tea and ginger candy.
But why wait to drink ginger after eating when you can include it in your meals!
Ginger is a powerful antimicrobial, which is why, like garlic, it has been traditionally used in cooking to help preserve foods and keep them safe for eating. We regularly add ginger to our meals, especially those involving meat.
Ginger is also the herb of choice for motion sickness. When making first aid kits for those who often get car sickness I include ginger candy and ginger tincture; both work quickly to quell the nausea.
Ginger excels at helping relieve many different kinds of pain.
Ginger can calm spasms, making it a great ally for women with menstrual cramping. Ginger can reduce pain receptors and is often used by those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to reduce pain. It works especially well for those with arthritic pain who also feel cold or who know that heat can relieve the pain.
Herbalist Steven Buhner recommends cooled ginger tea as an external wash for burns. Not only does it prevent infection, it also acts as a pain reliever.
Ginger is a perfect herb for many symptoms of colds and the flu.
Fever: In the beginning stages of a fever when you feel cold and are shivering, a strong ginger tea is a great way to help your body warm up. In herbalism we call this a stimulating diaphoretic.
Congestion: Ginger keeps mucous flowing and can break up thick congested mucous in the sinuses and lungs. We call this a stimulating expectorant.
Sore Throat: Ginger is antimicrobial and pain relieving. Taken as a tea or as an infused honey it soothes painful sore throats.
Coughs: I recently came down with a cold and I was coughing nonstop especially at night when I laid down to sleep. I found that by sucking on a ginger candy it quelled my cough and relieved my sore throat, and I was soon sleeping peacefully.
Ginger candy can bring welcome relief for colds and the flu or even motion sickness but is also a sweet and spicy treat.
To make ginger candy you’ll need...

• A pound of fresh ginger
• About a pound of sugar
• Water
• Saucepan
• Kitchen scale (very helpful)
• Wax Paper

Begin by preparing the ginger. I don’t feel that it’s necessary to peel ginger. However, if you’d like to do this I recommend using a spoon to gently scrape off the papery sheath. Once the root is either peeled or well washed, slice it fairly thin, but not paper thin.

Place the sliced ginger into the saucepan and cover it with water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 30-40 minutes. It’s done when the ginger has become more translucent.

Drain off the ginger tea and reserve 1/4 cup. The rest you can drink but you may want to dilute it a little since it’s going to be very strong!

To determine how much sugar you will use, weigh the ginger. You’ll use the same amount of sugar by weight. So if your ginger weighs 8 oz then measure out 8 oz of sugar by weight.

Return the ginger to the saucepan along with the sugar and the 1/4 cup of ginger tea.

Turn the stove to medium high heat and stir the ginger frequently. The sugar will quickly dissolve and what will remain is the ginger and the sugar liquid. Once this starts to simmer turn the heat down to medium and continue to stir very frequently.

In between stirrings lay out a sheet of wax paper on the counter.
Total stirring time will be around 20 minutes. During the twenty minutes the liquid will continue to reduce and will finally crystalize. Remove the pan from heat once the mixture looks fairly dry.
Warning: If you don’t stir often enough the mixture will easily scorch.
Lay the ginger out on the prepared wax paper and allow to cool.


Once cool keep these in a covered container in a cool place. They should keep for at least a couple of weeks.