Food Stuff

Pine Needle Soda Recipe - make natural soda with pine needles

Did you know that you can make fizzy soda with pine needles? This pine needle soda recipe only requires 3 ingredients: pine needles, sugar, and water. Simply add a few slices of lemon and some ice cubes, and you will get a glass of refreshing and natural carbonated soft drink. It is said to taste like Sprite.

White Pine

Although most pine needles are edible, white pine is considered to be the best-tasting one, and it’s very easy to be recognized –  the only pine tree that has five needles per bundle. 

So if you want to make pine needle soda at home, the safest and easiest way is to find a pine tree that has five needles per bundle. 

EQUIPMENT

• Flip Top Glass Bottle (1L size)

INGREDIENTS

•   2 cup pine needles

• 2½ cup water (use bottled or filtered water)

• 4 tbsp sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

•  Collect pine needles from white pine trees. Remove woody ends from the pine needles. Put pine needles in a large bowl, immerse them in cold water, and wash and drain 3 times.

• Spread washed pine needles on a wire rack, and let dry on your countertop for about 1 hour.

• Place pine needles and sugar in a flip-top glass bottle

• Fill the bottle with filtered or bottled water.

• Close the lid and give the bottle a good shake, so that the sugar is distributed evenly.

• In cold weather, you can put the bottle by a window so that the water is under the sunlight. In hot weather, keep the bottle in a bright room but avoid direct sunlight. (*See Note 3)

• 3 days later, fill a cup with ice cubes and a few slices of lemon. Open the bottle and pour the pine needle soda over the ice cubes. Stir and enjoy.

LILAC syrup

Use this syrup in place of regular simple syrup in all kinds of recipes.

You can make an easy lilac lemonade by combining equal parts freshly squeezed lemon juice and lilac syrup with 4-6 parts water or sparkling water.

Use lilac syrup to sweeten hot or iced teas, or whipped with coconut milk for a soothing lilac latte. You can also use it to make a seasonal fruit salad with late spring berries, peach slices, and a splash of lilac syrup.

Ingredients:

This incredibly simple syrup is made with:

• 1 cup lilac blossoms

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup hot water

• Handful of blueberries, for color (optional)

How to make the syrup:

Begin by collecting your lilac blossoms. For 1 cup of flowers, you’ll want to gather at least 6-8 large clusters. Look for flower clusters that are fully in bloom.

Give the clusters a good shake to remove any bugs or debris, then carefully pull the purple petals from the stems.

If the blooms are at their peak, the flowers come off fairly easily, without any green parts. Make sure that you collect only the purple flowers, as those little green parts can lend an unpleasant flavor to the syrup.

Generally speaking, simple syrups will last about 2 weeks in a covered container in the refrigerator.

You can also lengthen their shelf life a bit by adding an ounce of vodka or grain alcohol to the syrup.

• Once your lilac blossoms are prepared, heat 1 cup of water just until boiling. Combine 1 cup of white sugar with the hot water and stir to dissolve the sugar.

• As soon as the sugar has dissolved, stir in the lilac blossoms and blueberries (if using them), and cover the mixture with a cloth.

  Allow the syrup to steep covered for 4-5 hours, then strain out the flowers. Store the finished syrup in the refrigerator in a clean, covered container such as a mason jar.
  
  Digestive bitters

• 3 parts dandelion leaf

• 2 parts dandelion root

• 2 parts burdock root

• 1 part mint leaves

• 1 part ginger root

• 1 part citrus peel

• 1 part pine tips

  Instructions:

  Combine all ingredients in jar, cover with 80-100 proof alcohol (I used vodka). Shake jar twice daily for 2-4 weeks. Keep out of direct sunlight. Strain and pour into dark glass bottles. Dose 1 dropper full before or after meals to aid digestion.

Medicated Ghee

Medicated ghee is an Ayurvedic preparation. Medicated ghees has its origins from India. It is made from clarified butter with added herbs; some cultures use cultured or raw butter. Butter can be a very beneficial way to use and introduce and use herbs. Ghee has therapeutic characteristics, even when used as a simple food ingredient. When used with herbs, it helps them reach the tissues or organs of their destination.

Ghee is prepared by heating a pound of unsalted butter on a low flame for 10-15 minutes. The butter begins to boil, the heat should be reduced to low. Soon after, the butter will turn a golden yellow and start to smell almost like popcorn. The ghee is ready when a drop or two of water dropped into it produces a crackling sound. This signifies that all the liquid has evaporated from the milk solids. Allow it to cool slightly, then strain it and then pour it into a container. Ghee doesn’t go rancid at room temperature. Shelf life is six months. You can also purchase ghee at many grocery or health food stores.

To prepare medicated ghee, prepare a double-strength herbal decoction. Add this to half the amount of ghee, pour, and mix slowly and thoroughly. The standard dosage is 1 tsp.

To Infuse- Heat the ghee on low. Add the herbs and keep on medium heat for 20 minutes, very low heat, and infuse for at least 2 hours.
Some popular herbs to add to the ghee are garlic, lavender, licorice, ashwagandha, turmeric, shatavari, ginger, or peppers, you can use bitter herbs or culinary herbs. (via Demetria at Heart of Herbs)

Skin Care

 Here's how to make my Dandelion oil sore muscle bath scrub recipe

Be sure to use dandelion flowers from an area away from pet waste, that has not been sprayed with fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides for many years.

Pick flowers, and spread them out to dry on a paper towel, baking sheet or basket for 2-4 hours. Add all flowers to a jar, and cover with oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil and almond oil all work well. All to infuse for 4-8 weeks, shaking daily. Strain flowers and then put oil in a clean jar. Store away from sunlight.

Drawing salve

This is my first attempt at making a drawing salve.

Drawing salve is an essential tool to help draw out infection from wounds. My family member had been applying polysporin to the wound and it is likely partially responsible for her wound still being infected after antibiotic treatment.

If you have Polysporin- please throw it out!!!! I hate polysporin, and I've seen so many wounds get infected from this! It creates a seal across the top of the skin- healing only the top layer and leaving the infection underneath to fester and grow! THROW it OUT!!!

Here's what I made:

• 2 parts coconut oil- about 1/2 cup- anti-bacterial, -microbial, -viral

• 1 part beeswax- about 1/4 cup

melt these in a double boiler. Remove from heat then stir in

• 2 tbsp bentonite clay- draws out toxins

• 4 capsules of activated charcoal- emptied into the oil- draws out toxins

• 1 tbsp turmeric powder- anti-inflammatory

• oil from 6 garlic oil capsules- fights infection

• oil from 2 vitamin E capsules- preservative

• 1 part or about 1/4 cup of olive oil infused with comfrey, bergamot, yarrow and arnica

Stir to combine well and then pour into jars and allow to cool.

We'll see how well this works. I'm going to try it on some bug bites too.

Super Healing Heel balm

·         1/2 cup beeswax

·         1/2 cup shea butter

·         1/2c coconut oil

·         3 drops vitamin E oil

·         10 drops lavender essential oil

·         10 drops tea tree essential oil

In double boiler melt beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil. Stir to combine well. Remove from heat, when cooled but not solidified, stir in vitamin E and essential oils. Pour into jars and allow to solidify. Apply to soles of feet, heels and any other areas that are very dry.

Pain relief balm

• • 1/3 cup dried calendula flowers

• • 3 tbsp dried arnica flowers (or 1 tsp arnica mother tincture)

• • 2 tbsp St John's wort (or 1 tsp hypericum mother tincture)

• • 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper

• • 6 tbsp plantain infused olive oil

• • 2 tbsp beeswax

In a double boiler add herbs to plantain infused oil. Allow to infuse for at least 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain herbs from oil. Add double infused oil back into the double boiler and add beeswax and cayenne powder. Stir well. Remove from heat once beeswax is melted. Stir well again and pour into jars to cool and solidify. Apply to affected areas for pain relief. Do not apply to open wounds.

Sun balm

• ·         1/2 c dandelion and plantain infused oil

• ·         1/2 c calendula and goldenrod infused oil

• ·         1/4 c coconut oil

• ·         1/4 c beeswax

• ·         1 tsp vitamin E oil

• ·         10 drops Lavender EO

• ·         10 drops Frankincense EO

In double boiler melt coconut oil and beeswax with infused oils. Once melted and combined removed from heat and add vitamin E oil and essential oils, stir to combine. Pour into jars and allow to cool and solidify. Apply generously to burnt (but no longer internally hot) skin, itchy or inflamed skin, scratches and bug bites.

Bug off balm

• • 1 part dried lemongrass (omit if your area has a lot of wasps)

• • 1 part dried lavender

• • 1 part dried catnip

• • 1 part dried peppermint

• • 1 part dried lemon balm

• • 4 parts olive oil

Infuse herbs in olive oil for at least 2 weeks. Strain.

• • 1 cup infused oil

• • 1/4 c beeswax

• • 1/3 cup shea butter

• • 20 drops lemon EO

• • 15 drops Eucalyptus EO

• • 15 drops lavender EO

• • 10 drops peppermint EO

Add beeswax, shea butter and infused oil to double boiler. Heat and stir until wax melts and remove from heat. Stir in essential oils, stir well. Pour into jars and allow to solidify. Apply to exposed skin before going outside in the summer.

Bug bite/itch balm

• 2 parts Plantain infused oil

• 2 parts coconut oil (or other solid oil)

• 1 part beeswax

• 15 drops peppermint EO

• 12 drops lavender EO

• 10 drops tea tree EO

• 8 drops lemon EO

Melt your beeswax and solid oil of choice in a double boiler and add plantain-infused oil while still hot to combine. Remove from heat. Add all essential oils and stir. Pour into jars or sticks (old chap stick or deodorant containers work well) and allow to cool and set. Apply to any itchy spots and bug bites as needed.

DEODORANT

I’ve tried a wide variety of natural deodorants and recipes over the years. Here are a few notes if you want to make your own.

• Most recipes contain baking soda, which is a great natural deodorant but can be quite irritating to the skin. I’ve since omitted it from my regular recipe.

• Most recipes will use a solid oil or butter of some kind. Beware of recipes with too much coconut oil, although it is economical it can stain your clothing with oil stains as you apply the deodorant and as you sweat. Hemp butter is fantastic if you have it.

Melt in double boiler:

• 3 parts solid oil/butter- a combination of coconut oil, shea butter, hump butter or mango butter

• 1 part bees wax

Once melted, remove from heat and add:

• 2 parts arrowroot starch or cornstarch

• 1 part bentonite clay or diatomaceous earth

• 1/2 part baking soda if desired

• essential oil for your desired scent- I like bergamot, citrus, cedarwood and lavender

• 5 drops of vitamin E per bar

Mix well to a thick state and pour into moulds or clean empty deodorant tubes.

Apply as needed, and allow to air dry before getting dressed.

Cold and sinus steam

·        2 parts mint leaves

·        2 parts eucalyptus leaves

·        1 part citrus peel

·        1 part pine tips with pollen (do not use if you are allergic)

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a sealable container. When congested add 2 tbsp of mixture to a medium sized bowl of steaming hot water (about 4 cups). Hold your face a comfortable distance above the steaming water and inhale slowly through the nose if possible. Cover head and bowl with a towel if desired for more intense steam. Continue for 10-20 minutes or as needed to ease congestion.

yoni steam blend

This lovely blend can be adjusted to your own needs. Steams are best done weekly or several times before your expected menstrual cycle. To use add to a stainless steel bowl and pour previously boiling water over it. Test temperature by holding your wrist above the bowl. When it is a comfortable temperature on your wrist it will be safe to sit over the bowl. Use a Yoni steam stool or modified chair/bench as needed. DO NOT use essential oils in your yoni steam, these are too strong for this sensitive area.

Combine all ingredients in an airtight container and use 1/4- 1/2 cup of herbs per steam.

• 2 parts yarrow

• 2 parts marigold

• 2 parts lemonbalm

• 2 parts rose

• 2 parts calendula

• 1 part lavender

• 1 part

• dandelion leaves or flowers

• 1 part rosemary herb

Instructions:

1. Add 1/3 cup of mixture to a medium sized pot of steaming water. Boil for 10 minutes then steep for another 5-10 minutes off the stove.

2. You can transfer it to a bowl or keep it in the pot. Place the pot/bowl of water and herbs under the stool or slotted chair, or in your toilet.

3. Sit over the pot without underwear. Be careful to make sure the steam has cooled enough so that you do not burn yourself! Put your hand and forearm over the heat to test it.

3. Cover yourself with a blanket from your waist down to the floor so that no air can get in. Cover yourself well so you are comfortable and cozy.

4. Stay seated over your pot of herbal steam for approximately 20-30 minutes or until the steam as decreased. Relax.

When not to do a vaginal steam/Precautions:

• If you have extremely heavy menstrual cycles, if you have a vaginal infection, open wounds, sores, or blisters.

• During your period

• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

• If you have genital piercings, remove them, the heat will cause the piercings to burn you.

• Don’t use essential oils because they are too potent. Only fresh or dried herbs.

Teas

Passion Tea

I created this tea while I was in peri-menopause, with hormone changes causing hot flashes, low libido, vaginal discomfort and mood changes. This tea was a lifeline, and delicious! Brew as a strong tea and take as often as needed, daily for hormone changes. Combine and store in an air-tight container. Use 1-3 tsps of mix per cup.

• 2 parts hibiscus

• 2 parts stinging nettle

• 2 parts red raspberry leaf

• 2 parts red clover leaves and flowers

• 1 part organic orange peel

• 1 part hawthorn berries
  

Morning Brew

I created this blend when I was quitting coffee. I still use it to decrease my coffee intake. Brew as you would coffee. If you use a French press steep longer than regular coffee.

• 3 parts dried dandelion root

• 2 parts dried chicory root

• 1 part dried chaga mushroom

• 1 part dried burdock root, powdered maca root or ashwaganda as desired for hormone balancing

Mix well and store in a dry dark location in an airtight container.

Cold Rx Tea

Brew as a strong tea and take as often as needed when congested, sore throat or flu-ish. Combine and store in an air tight container. Use 1-3 tsps of mix per cup.

• 2 parts hibiscus

• 2 parts astragalus

• 2 parts lemongrass

• 1 part organic orange peel

• 1 part juniper berries

• 1 part rosehips

• 1 part mint

UTI tea

This is a great tea for cystitis or any irritation. You can add cornsilk to this as well, but I keep it separate from my tea mix. Brew as a strong tea and take as often as needed. Combine and store in an air tight container.

• 2 parts lemongrass

• 2 parts goldenrod flowers and leaves

• 2 parts horsetail

• 2 parts Astragalus

• 1 part rosehips

• 1 part mint

Instructions: Add 1- 2 tsp of mix per cup of boiled water, allow to steep for 10-15 minutes, strain and drink.