Blister Prevention

Photos: Erica McCartney

Deodorant as Blister Prevention

Make breaking shoes in less of a pain. Rub clear-gel deodorant on spots prone to blistering before you step out in a stiff new pair.

*WE ARE NOT GIVING MEDICAL ADVICE HERE.

Mosquito Repellents ALL NATURAL RECIPE

K. I have a similar recipe here but I'm here to pass great information to everyone!

MOSQUITO REPELLENTS   ALL NATURAL

Do It Yourself - DIY

1/4 cup vegetable oil mixed with these essential oils (mix and store in a spray bottle):
8 drops cedar
5 drops eucalyptus
4 drops lavender
2 drops rosemary
2 drops juniper
1 drop peppermint
1 drop cinnamon
1 drop clove
-OR-
2 cups witch hazel
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
20 drops citronella essential oil
20 drops lemongrass essential oil
Mix in a spray bottle and shake well before use.

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Syrup
1/2 C. dried elderberries
2 tsp. ginger powder (or a 1" chunk of fresh ginger)
2 cinnamon sticks
1 echinacea tea bag
2 C. water
1 C. honey (preferably raw, local honey)

Place everything but the honey in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over med. heat.  Simmer 5 minutes.

Strain liquid into the honey and mix well.

Take 1 tsp. for children or 1 Tbsp. for adults once a day to boost your immunity.  You can take it every 2-3 hours if you are feeling like you might be catching something.  You can also use the "syrup" on pancakes or place it in juice or yogurt. 

*Because of the raw honey I would not give this to an infant or toddler without first checking with your pediatrician! 

~Store syrup in the refrigerator, it will last several weeks.

~This makes a nice addition to a care package for a sick friend.

~You can buy dried elderberries from many herb shops and natural food stores, or you can order them online from here.

~I use echinacea tea that is available at any grocery store, it contains more than just straight echinacea, but I like the flavor.  You could use 1 Tbsp. of dried echinacea if you have some on hand.

http://heart-hands-home.blogspot.com/2011/02/elderberry-syrup-for-immunity.html

Throat Drops

Honey Lemon Throat Drops

"A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down." ~Mary Poppins

These soothing throat drops not only soothe the throat, the lemon helps clear up the phlegm and open the passageways.  There is no corn syrup, artifical colors or additives which makes them great for kids or anyone with allergies.  They are easy to make with just a few simple kitchen ingredients.

Honey Lemon Throat Drops

2 C. sugar
1/2 C. honey
3/4 C. water
juice of 1/2 lemon
1-2 Zinc tablets, crushed (optional)
1-2 Vitamin C tablets, crushed (optional)

Butter an 8"x8" pan. Set aside.

Place sugar, honey and water in medium saucepan. Place pan over medium heat.  Cook and stir until mixture boils, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. 

Turn the heat down to med.-low and continue to lightly boil , stirring occasionally until a candy thermometer reads 285 degrees (soft crack). Approx. 20 minutes total.

Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice. Add zinc and Vitamin C (if desired), letting mixture cool for 1-2 minutes. 

Pour into prepared pan.  Cool for 10 minutes, score top of mixture.  If not cool enough to score, wait a few minutes and try again.

Cool completely.  Break into pieces using score lines. 

You can wrap pieces individually or store in a baggie or other container until ready to use.

Store in a cool dark place.

http://heart-hands-home.blogspot.com/search/label/lemon%20honey%20throat%20drops