Eco-Wednesday:Sore Throat Remedy

Colds and flus always seem to strike at their worst in transitional seasons such as Spring and Autumn, don't they. If you've got a family, than even worse - once one member of your family has the cold - you are all usually doomed. There are of course healthy practices such as exercise, good nutrition, and hygiene to prevent those nasty little viruses from preying on you and your loved ones continually. But eventually, they are gonna getcha. 

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Marley recently came down with a nasty sore throat and head cold, which of course as soon as she began to get better, Jeff and I picked up as well. Sore throats are probably the worst part of a cold, and I really felt for my baby girl, because other than infant motrin - I thought there was nothing I could do for her (not now, or even when she's older - children's medicines have become too suspect for me). Regular cold medicines always make my body feel weird too...

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So I did some research, and created a delightful tea that is easy to make and the ingredients you are likely to have in your spice rack and refrigerator as well. It really soothes the throat for two - three hours, better than any lozenge or numbing spray I've ever tried - and it tastes yummy too! I felt so good knowing that my family was feeling better with all-natural, organic and healthy ingredients that work with our immune systems naturally. ***If you're pregnant - this is also safe for you to take, so don't suffer a minute longer!***

Here's the recipe (Per mug of tea):

Hot water

Ginger, sliced 1/4" thick, and lightly crushed (toss about 4-6 slices in depending on taste)

1 tsp anise seeds, crushed

1 tsp organic lavender flowers, crushed (you can find these in the spice aisle)

1 tbsp organic thyme or lemon thyme

1 - 2 tsp honey depending on taste

1 tsp lemon juice

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Leave the ginger in the bottom of the mug, but place all seeds and herbs in a tea strainer (the clamping kind are best). Let steep at least five minutes. Remove tea strainer and ginger with a spoon. Drink and rest.

***For little ones, hot drinks are not generally a big hit, so let it cool down - while the heat is generally a soother - the natural power of these herbs and other ingredients are really what soothes. They can drink it lukewarm, tepid, or room temperature.

I'm sorry to say I haven't come up with a cure for a runny nose - other than just accepting that it's your body's way of beating the cold. It can be downright miserable though, especially when you get to a chapped nose. For that, I recommend using Organic Sleep Balm by Badger, the balm soothes your skin, and the lavender, ginger, rosemary and other essential oils really help you breathe easy. Try it as a relaxing massage on your upper chest too instead of products like Vick's VapoRub. 

Here's hoping you don't get a cold - but if you do - here's hoping this helps you this season!

Best,

Tara

Cleanliness is Godliness, Consider Yourself A Goddess

Ladies (and Gentlemen), we are done. We have cleaned our homes from top-to-bottom in a new, efficient way. We have learned new tricks and tools to get the job done faster. We have learned how to spare the environment and our budgets by making our own cleansers from really simple ingredients. And learning how to make anything by hand makes even a sucky job like cleaning a bit more fun. Though I can't emphasize enough - really good music makes it really good too! So take a load off, Sally. You are all done.

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Now, if you were once "Domestically Disabled" like me, you don't have to wake up like this anymore...

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I have one more chore for you today though...and it's a quick errand - you'll be so glad you ran. Here's the shopping list for a recipe that is all about taking care of you:

• Epsom Salt or Sea Salt (3 tbsp)
• Baking Soda (3 tbsp) 
• Vegetable Glycerin (1 tsp)
• 1 tbsp of jojoba oil, kukui nut oil, or any massage oil you prefer
• 5 drops of rose essential oil, or 1 tbsp of rose water (rose water is less expensive)
• 5 drops of ginger essential oil, or 1/4 oz crushed fresh ginger

Mix these ingredients in a jar well, and shake vigorously, pour under the hot water. Make sure the water is as hot as you can take it, this will make the bath last longer; and your muscles thank you later.

• 1 English Cucumber (cut into 1/2" slices)
• Petals of 2 Fragrant Roses (preferrably red roses - the color is stimulating)

Toss these in just before you take the plunge.

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You may also want to make sure you have some tea lights on hand, and buy some fresh flowers to brighten up the house - it is spring after all! Before drawing the bath, spritz your linens with your linen spray, light the tea lights, turn on some soothing music...and remember - this is you time.

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I'll be back Monday with an Etsy Seller Feature and Giveaway!  Now, go shopping for those ingredients, and rest-up, Domestic Goddess.

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Best,

Tara

New Herbal Blends

I've got some exciting news for fans of my Herbal Eye Pillows: I now offer three more complex and sophisticated herbal blends! As with all of my other Herbal Blends - these are also composed of Certified Organic herbs and flowers:

• Halcyon Days: Need some tranquility? Joyful and calming blend of Egyptian Chamomile, Cornflower, Honeysuckle, Lavender, Lemon Thyme, and Spearmint.
• Cottage Garden: If you're trapped in an urban jungle, escape with this refreshing blend of: Red Rose Petals, Lavender, Cornflower, Lemon Thyme, Honeysuckle, Ginger, Jasmine, and Spearmint.
• Silk Road: This exotic blend will revitalize your body and mind. Red Rose Petals, Honeysuckle, Ginger, and Cinnamon.

I've also decided to give my customers more freedom in choosing their favorite blends. I've always enjoyed custom orders - but I thought better to save you, my client, the hassle of contacting me for one. So as of tomorrow - my Herbal Eye Pillows will be listed solely as the design - the Herbal Blend will be your choice, and can easily be specified in the "Message to Seller" upon purchase.

Also, I'll be releasing new handmade products this weekend, and more in the month of January. Can't wait to see you in the shop!