Herbs

Favorite Winter Herbal Remedies: Colds and Coughs, Stomach Viruses, and Headaches

December 20, 2011

Written by Kate Tietje, Contributing Writer
It's winter time (already!  I'm still in denial!) and we're in the thick of the "sick season."  In fact, we've just gotten over our first round of "major" colds.  That's no fun.
We choose not to use any form of over-the-counter or other pharmaceutical products in our home -- at least [...]

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Using Herbal Powders to Supplement a Healthy Diet: An Alternative to the Daily Multivitamin

December 13, 2011

Written by Courtney, Contributing Writer
The foods we consume and the lifestyle we live form the foundation of our health. The nutrients in the foods we eat are the building blocks for all of the biological activity within the various systems of our bodies. Disease occurs when our bodies lack the nutrients necessary to perform these [...]

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Homemade Herbal Vapor Rub to Relieve Coughs and Congestion

November 8, 2011

Written by Courtney, Contributing Writer
Seeing our children suffer from a cough is no fun at all. However, coughs have their place in healing and should usually not be suppressed. If we prevent a cough from doing its part in recovery, we can set our child up for a much more serious illness. What starts out as [...]

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11 Herbs and Spices for the Holidays

November 4, 2011

As 2011 comes to an end, we’re sharing helpful lists to help you save money, stay healthy, get organized, creatively repurpose, frugally gift-give, intentionally celebrate and more in our “11 Things for 2011” series throughout these holiday months.
Written by Stacy K, Contributing Writer
The holidays are a wonderful time to enjoy herbs and spices. There are [...]

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Family Friendly and Pregnancy-Safe Liquid Herbal Products: TriLight Health Review and $100 Giveaway

October 20, 2011

I'm a big believer in using herbs to naturally and gently treat many health concerns, as well as to nourish the body with additional nutrients.
The easiest form of herbs for most amateurs is usually dry herbs, made into simple teas, poultices, baths and that sort of thing. However, the most effective form of herbs is usually [...]

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Boosting Your Immunity: Mushroom Soup with Herbs

October 14, 2011


Written by Meg Dickey, Contributing Writer
Our Valley finally began it's annual cooling trend last week. After several months of nearly 100 degree heat, we were able to enjoy a rainstorm, complete with chilly temperatures and a delightful nip in the air.
Along with those blissful breezes come the sniffles and sneezes... when we start to feel [...]

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Gardening with Herbs 101: Preserving Your Herbs

September 14, 2011

Written by Meg Dickey, Contributing Writer
Last time we talked about how to harvest your herbs - now that you've harvested them, what are you going to do with them?
Here are my favorite ways to preserve herbs for out-of-season use:
Freezing
This method best preserves flavor.  Rinse the herbs and chop coarsely.  Place about 1-2 teaspoons in [...]

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Simple Summer Herbs: Refreshing Infusions

June 10, 2011

By Meg Dickey, contributing writer

Behold the flowers that deck the field,
The gentle breeze perfuming
And tender herbs their fragrance yield
Are health and life diffusing.
~Harvard Shaker Community Herb Catalog, 1843~

For some of us, the tantalizing breezes of summer are already wafting over our gardens.  As the days warm and the herbs in our gardens increase in [...]

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Gardening with Herbs 101: What to Grow

April 6, 2011

Written by Meg Dickey, Contributing Writer
This month at Keeper of the Home, we're discussing Gardening 101, and we're continuing this week with the second part of Gardening with Herbs 101.  Let's jump right in to my favorite part of gardening: what to grow!
First, consider your needs:
What herbs do you love the smell of?  What tastes do [...]

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Gardening with Herbs 101: Where to Begin

March 11, 2011

Written by Meg Dickey, Contributing Writer
This month at Keeper of the Home, we're discussing Gardening 101.  What better way to throw off the weariness of winter than with the joyous awakening of the earth around us?  Today I'll be sharing some tips on gardening with herbs, and next time we'll talk about what herbs work [...]

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