Make It Yourself Monday- Rash Balm

My Grandson will be one in just another 3 more short months! My how the time has flown! In his honor, today's make it yourself recipe is a baby balm. Healing and soothing, this recipe is great for preventing as well as healing diaper rash and prickly heat rash. And rubbing a balm into baby skin also helps to calm and reduce stress, so that's a bonus too! 




To make, you will need to brew an infusion of the following dried herbs;

3 Tbsp.  lavender buds 
1 Tbsp.  calendula petals 
1 Tbsp. chamomile flowers heads 
1 Tbsp.  rose petals *Make sure that these are from plants that are not chemically treated or colored. Roses that are sold in florists shops or stores are usually treated for bugs and/or colored. So if you do not know for sure, do NOT use the petals. You certainly don't want to introduce a poison to your balm! Also, you do not have to use any rose petals if you do not want to include them, but they do add some nice properties to the balm.




Take the dried herbs and place in a pot. Begin the process by slightly mashing them, then add 1 cup of your favorite carrier oil. My favorites are olive oil, hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, camelina, or sweet almond oil. If you can't decide, mix a few! Then simmer over a low heat for about four hours. You can also use a crock-pot set on low too. Another way is to use powdered herbs. If you do this, you will only need to simmer for two hours. 
Once made, strain the oil from the solids and toss out the plant material. The easiest way to strain is by pouring through cheesecloth, but if you don't have any available you can also use a wire strainer with a coffee filter inside of the strainer. Just be very careful to not allow the filter to break, and you will have to squeeze some of the oil out of it, in order to make sure that you get all the oil you need, as it loves to hold onto some. *If you use the powdered herbs, you will be better off using the coffee filter. 


In a glass bowl, blend; 
2 Tbsp. vitamin E oil
1 1/2 tsp. of emu oil OR jojoba oil 
then add in the herbal infused oil and stir well.


Next, melt 8 Tbsp. of beeswax in a double boiler. Once it is completely melted, slowly add it to the bowl of oil, whisking as you go. I prefer using a stick blender at this point, but you can keep whisking or use an egg beater. At this point add 4 drops of lavender or Roman chamomile essential oil. You can add 2 drops of each if you'd prefer, and that is a great blend! Whatever you do though, do NOT add more EO than 3 drops when making this for a baby! Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then put into dark jars and seal. This will stay good for about 3 months without refrigeration, but to extend its shelf life, store it in the fridge. In fact, I like mine refrigerated because the cool feels soothing. How do I know? Well this balm is great for adults too, especially for healing minor burns, cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.  

Tripod Thursdays- Misty

From animals

What's Happening Wednesday- My Apologies

I am sorry that I did not get a recipe up for Monday or a Tuesday teaching post up either. Sunday night we had to take our  companion of 12 years, Mother to my little Gizmo, and Mom's Twinkles and Feisty, to the emergency Veterinary hospital at OSU. Unfortunately, Misty Morning lost her life yesterday, and we have been mourning and making decisions. Needless to say, this blog was the farthest thing from my mind, but I do apologize.

So what is on my mind this Wednesday is second opinions. To begin with, Misty was diagnosed with a heart disease and given medicine for that condition. As she became more and more ill, her doctor was contacted and his directions were followed. Eventually we decided to take her to the "big city" animal clinic, because she was degrading as we watched, and he seemed put off that we continued to call him. In fact, he said to give her more medicine, she could not be given too much of it, and just give her pain medicine so she would rest.

The problem was, when we got her to the animal hospital, they told us that they saw no evidence of her supposed heart disease, and, not only that, but that the medicine we were giving her was 5x more than what was recommended for her weight. So we, in effect, had been poisoning her each and every time we gave her that medicine. Not only that, but that day alone, under the advice of her doctor, we had given her 4 tablets, so 20 times the dosage she should have received IF she had the disease in the first place! All of that medicine was too much for her little body and she could not be saved. Misty paid with her life for our ignorance.

So how is that a certified Veterinarian, an experienced animal doctor, did not know that he was prescribing an overly high dose of medicine for this small dog? How did he decide that she had heart disease in the first place? Well, come to find out, he magically diagnosed the heart disease by simply listening to her heart with a stethoscope. Amazing, because in the big city they diagnose that ailment with an xray and/or an echo-cardiogram, just as it's done for humans. But I was not with my Mom, Misty's Mom, when she was diagnosed, and I never thought to question him or his diagnosis.

Of course I am sad, and mad, and many other things. But the reason I am sharing this story is to point out that we all need to get second opinions, both for our human families, and for our animal families alike. Before we  accept the word of one doctor for a new diagnoses, or the need for a new medication regimen, we need to investigate it ourselves and seek a confirming opinion with another doctor. I know that you may think this is not necessary because your doctor or veterinarian has been in business x number of years, but so had Misty's vet. And Misty's vet had been treating her for years. He was trusted. He was kind. He was wrong!  Had we simply made it a matter of policy to get second opinions for all new medications and diagnoses, Misty would be here today.  Every human is fallible, any person can be lazy, incompetent, or just wrong. So use our sadness as an object lesson, get a second opinion!

Frankly Speaking Friday- Exotic Oils Cont.- Neem Seed Oil

Franky Speaking, I am becoming anxious to get to the end of this exotic oil series! Lol. So, here we go again, today's topic is Neem Seed Oil.

Neem oil is extracted from the nut of the neem tree, botanically identified as Azadirachta indica. This tree is native to India, but can now be found growing in a number of semi-tropical and tropical countries. The oil is Cold Pressed

and is an incredibly rich, dark in color, viscous (thick), and highly odoriferous oil, smelling strongly of garlic. In fact, it really needs to be diluted before being adding to your products. Anyone using it, should experiment with it in small batches, in order to make sure that the odor does not adversely affect the final products. Neem oil is semi-solid in its natural state. For this reason, many vendors add a percentage of olive, or other oil, to the neem, in order to assist in its pourability. Even so, you may still have to liquefied the neem [mixture] oil in a pot of simmering water, a microwave, in the sun, or at a temperature higher than 85 degrees F. While some people do use neem oil internally, and its use in this way has been proven beneficial, it really needs to be done under the direct supervision of someone who is qualified in the administration of this substance. Neem is extremely potent, and more studies are needed before I would feel safe recommending its internal use straight off the market shelf.  

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The neem tree has many uses in traditionak medicine, hygiene and is even one of the best natural insecticides available today. It possess a chemical called azadirachtin that is the insecticide part of neem oil. This chemical prevents the bug from eating the plant or leaf, so it starves to death. I actually think its the smell, but I couldn't find any documentation to back me up on this! Lol! 
But it does not seem to interfere with beneficial insects, animals, or delay the harvest in any way, even though it must be reapplied every few days. This is really its only downside, the lack of persistence so to speak, but many gardeners consider this to actually be another benefit. 


Medically speaking, neem oil has been proven to be useful in treating a myriad of illnesses and diseases. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiparasitic properties. Meaning that it truly has earned its reputation as "the curer of all ailments", as it was called in ancient Indian texts that date back to as early as 2000 to 4000 BC. All of the neem tree is, and has been used. In fact, it has been so well used, that this tree is considered good luck, and was often referred to as the "village pharmacy." 

This amazing oil can be found in medicines, toiletries, pest control, cosmetics, plant and animal nutrition and other products. Its pharmaceutical effects cover a wide spectrum too, from skin-care and health, to agriculture and veterinary uses. In fact, it is even being taughted as the active ingredient in the first male birth control pill. Studies dating back to 1959 show neem to be an effective spermicidal and [female] contraceptive agent. And, in 1993, published reports state that "vaginal creams and suppositories made with neem oil are quickly becoming the birth control method of choice in India." 


So what can this fascinating oil do for you? Well, as already stated, you can use this in the garden quite easily. Simply mix 2 Tablespoons of neem oil, with a bit of dish soap, and a gallon of water. (The dish soap acts as a surfactant, so the water and the oil will mix). Spray infested plants with this mixture and the insects will avoid the sprayed leaves, and die of starvation. It is also good as a personal bug repellent when it is incorporated into a body lotion. 
For athlete's foot, just add a few drops into a foot soak, powder, or salve recipe. For dandruff and head lice, add some neem to olive oil, or the carrier oil of your choice, and massage it into the hair and scalp, leaving in for one hour, then shampooing out. Repeat this treatment once a week for 3 weeks, or as long as the problem persists. 


Some people like to add neem leaves into their baths, or just a few drops of the oil,  before soaking. Adding neem oil to your liquid hand soap will create an antibacterial soap, where adding it to bar soap or facial clay, will make a great acne treatment. Neem can be added into your soap, up to 30% of your base oil, if you can stand the smell, or in amounts of 5-10% for superfatting. 
  
 The neem seed kernel is very rich in fatty acids, and essential fatty acids, as well as vitamin E, making it an excellent moisturizing oil, with regenerative properties. While it is known to boost the immune system and to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, as well as other, specific health issues [ranging from malerial fevers, Aides and leprosy, to gangrene, tuberculosis and heart disease] its strong, strong smell, and its bitter taste, has limited its commercial viability for all intent and purposes. If, however, you can get past the scent, or sufficiently mask its odor with essential or fragrance oils, you will find that this oil has amazing, useful, healing qualities. Because the lye process naturally cuts some of the scent (and the fragrance can further cover the odor), soap makes an excellent delivery mode for neem oil. Neem oil is especially good for treating  skin lesions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, diaper rash, insect bites, and even hot spots on animals. So making a soap bar with these maladies in mind is a natural and smart use of the oil! If, however you still cannot stomach the scent, try Karanja Oil, which is pressed from the seeds of the Pongam Tree, a cousin of Neem, which offers similar therapeutic benefits.  




Warning wise, I want to reiterate, neem oil is VERY strong. Large doses of Neem may even be toxic. I highly recommend additional research and study before using this oil internally. You should understand that it has been documented, infants have died as a result of the internal use of neem.
No matter what, children and pregnant or nursing women should NOT use neem oil. Long term use of this oil has been linked with liver and kidney dysfunction. Additionally, if you are on any type of medication you should consult with a physician before using Neem oil. There simply has not been enough studies done on drug interactions with this oil. Be sure to keep oil away from children and pets.

*For references please see the reference page, link is at the top of this post

Tripod Thursdays- More Scenery

It's picture day again! Here are more scenery photographs. Some from home (Ohio) and some from Florida, but all were inspiring to me!

What's Happening Wednesday- Exotic Oils Cont.- Macadamia Nut Oil

Have you ever broken your nut crackers? Well, you might have, if you'd ever tried to open a macadamia nut with them! But nut crackers won't work on this hard nut, in fact, if you dont have acces to a commercialo grade macadiam huller, you pretty much need a hammer! It's all this work that causes this nut and its byproducts to be costly.  

I bet, when anyone says macadamia nut, you probably automatically think of Hawaii. But you may be surprised to know that, this nut was first domesticated in 1858, in Australia. In fact, it is the only native Australian plant ever developed as a commercial food crop. The first commercial macadamia nuts orchard was established (in Australia) about 1888.

Botanically named Macadamia integrifolia, the macadamia tree is a long lived tree. Under favorable growing conditions, the tree can begin to produce after six or seven years of growth. It is a long lived tree, and may have a productive life of sixty years or more. In full production, well grown, mature trees produce from sixty to one hundred fifty pounds, or more, shell buts per year. The macadamia tree can reach heights of sixty feet, and obtain a spread of some forty feet. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and closely resemble holly leaves. It also produces a pink, or creamy white flower. The fruit consists of a fleshy husk, which encloses a spherical seed that is one-half to one and one-quarter inches in diameter,  with a very hard, durable shell. In fact, the shell is next to impossible to crack, and it is inside of this super hard shell that the macadamia nut can be found. 

Before the nineteenth century, the macadamia nut was known only to the aboriginal tribes who gathered them each autumn, but in all probability, did not cultivate the trees. Hawaii was not introduced to the macadamia nut until 1882, when William Herbert Purvis obtained seeds from Queensland,  and  planted several seedling trees on the island of Hawaii. Throughout the years, many more commercial farms were planted in Hawaii, resulting in thousands of acres of trees. In fact,  Hawaii is the largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world, with Australia being the second-largest. While they currently only have about 7,000 acres of producing trees, each year Australians plant about 1,000 more acres, steadily increasing their crop potential. The Republic of South Africa (with approx. 6,000 acres), Kenya (with approx. 4,000 acres), Guatemala (with about 2,000 acres), and Brazil (with about 1,800 acres), also produce macadamia nuts for commercial trade/consumption. The macadamia nut tree thrives best in mild, frost-free, subtropical climates, in areas without shade, that get at least fifty inches of well-distributed rainfall annually, and have good drainage, and adequate protection from strong winds. While some other countries have made experimental plantings, California is the only state in the continental United States that has been successful in growing macadamia on a scale approaching commercial. However, to date, there are no large scale, commercial orchards in California. 

Macadamia nut oil is expeller pressed from the meat of the macadamia nut, and is an unrefined oil. It has a deep amber color, and has 

a nutty odor, with sweet undertones. However, when buying it in the grocery store, you may not get the best quality oil, as quality can vary quite a bit.

Macadamia Oil is Very rich in essential fatty acids, which is why it has become such a well sought after cooking oil. It is 

made up of about 80% oleic acid, which is 

monounsaturated fats, at the same time, it has very low amounts of polyunsaturated fats.  

Studies have proven that monounsaturated fats are good for the heart and lower the bad cholesterol [LDL] in the blood, while maintaining the good cholesterol [HDL]  cholesterol. Additionally, the essential fatty acids, which are precursors of prostaglandins [hormone like substances] control blood pressure, pain, and the inflammatory process, as well as aide in the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles. The Linoleic acid present is responsible for burning the brown fat in the body for heat, rather than storing it as white fat. So macadamia nut oil also aids in weight  maintenance and weight loss. Some of the other health benefits attributed to this oil are; it promotes a healthy heart, reduces hypertension, reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases and cancers, acts as a blood thinner, improves depression, fights the free radicals in the body, preserves cell membrane integrity, and prevents the formation of clots.  One of the oddest, if not best property of this oil, is that it has no allergens and can be used by people who are allergic to nuts and nut oils! In all of my studies, I dont think I have ever come across this before! 

Aside from all of the healthful benefits gained through consuming this oil, macadamia nut oil has become prized, and is quite a priceless delight, for the skin and the benefits it imparts through cosmetic applications. In fact, some would argue that it has proven itself to be one of the best regenerative oils available. Macadamia nut oil closely resembles sebum, the oil that our body makes to protect the scalp and the skin. Because of this likeness to sebum, it is a fabulous, protective oil, one that is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin. It has been successfully used as a healing oil for scars, sunburns, minor wounds and other irritations. It also makes an ideal enriching and replenishing agent for the skin, as well as the scalp. Because of its high palmitoleic acid content, it is ideal for use in cosmetics, and all of its properties make it quite valuable in 

moisturizers, sun screen creams, hair products and more.  In soap it is best used at one ounce per pound of oils, but even this small amount will make a difference! 

  

Although macadamia nut oil certainly makes a great emollient, many cosmetic makers will be surprised to know that it is also a great fragrance fixative. The only problem with this oil is that it can be pretty expensive, in fact, the nut itself is one of the most expensive nuts on the market today. However, because  it has a shelf life of 10 months to 2 years, [which is dependent upon whether or not it is cold pressed or refined and how it is stored]  you can easily purchase a large quantity, which tends to drop the price, making  it a more affordable choice. You will need to store the oil some place dark, as it is sensitive to light and needs stored accordingly, but it does not need refrigeration, so this is a small concession to make for having a great oil! 

   

Teaching Tuesdays- Face the Facts about Face Care

Just so you know, tomorrow we will be continuing the exotic oils series with Macadamia nut oil. But today, we are going to review what it takes to care for your face. If you are like me, you just grab a soap and wash and dry and that's that, but really, there are five steps that we should all be taking, to get and keep that perfect face! With winter about over and summer well on its way, it's time to begin caring for, and protecting your facial skin. If you have been practicing one or more of these steps all along, good for you! I am sure you will be rewarded with a few less wrinkles and more smooth skin. But it is never too late to begin being healthy, so let's review!


First of all we need to properly cleanse. This will rid the skin of dirt, makeup and oils. Then we need to steam. This opens up the pores, increases blood circulation in the facial capillaries, and deep cleanses the skin. Then we need to apply a facial mask or a peel. This will further remove residue deep in the pores, and it nourishes and replenishes the skin with essential vitamins and minerals. Next is applying a toner. Toners tighten the pores, and prepare the skin to accept the moisturizer, which is the fifth step. A moisturizer  replenishes the skin with fluid, and gives it a fine layer of protective film, which helps ward off the affects of elements that seek to destroy our skin daily.

Here are a few more tips for face care. Remember, we need to treat our skin well, it is our first line of defense against bacteria and viruses.

• Remember to ALWAYS clean your face BEFORE doing a steam.
• Pull your hair back so that you can clean right up to the hairline.
• ALWAYS wear a sunscreen when outside. It does not need to be sunny for the ultra violet rays to affect your skin.
• Don't forget to moisturize above your upper lip, as well as the area above the cheekbones, below the eyes. These areas tend to be particularly lacking in moisture.
• Make time to provide yourself with routine skin care, You are worth it!