You don't have to live off the grid to have an accident in the kitchen or out in the paddock or shed. Sometimes you cut yourself and need to stop the bleeding.

A great way to do this is to carry a little bottle of Styptic Powder in your pocket at all times, or at least have it somewhere that you can get to quickly.

I have a little bottle of home made Styptic Powder in my kitchen, in my first aid kit and one in the car. This is easy to make yourself from stuff you probably have in your kitchen cupboard (and if you don't, perhaps you should, lol).

Making styptic powder is simple, inexpensive, and it contains no harmful ingredients. Here's what you can use:
Yarrow: dried
Cayenne Pepper: dried
Stinging Nettle: dried
Comfrey Root or Leaf: dried
Cinnamon Powder: dried
Turmeric Powder: dried
Bentonite clay

Mix equal amounts of the powders together and pop them into a little bottle. That's it!!! Simple..... YEESSSSSS!!!!!!

If you don't have all the ingredients don't stress even using any of those powders on their own, can work, if you are caught out without your little bottle of prepared powder.

To use, apply the styptic powder to a wound and press lightly. The bleeding should stop within a minute or so. If the wound is large or deep, it may take a few tries.

I know what your saying.... oooh the Cayenne or the Nettle is going to sting too much to use, but for a start once nettle is dried it doesn't sting and while it’s true that cayenne pepper may cause some temporary stinging, it can help to desensitize the nerve receptors in a wound temporarily. Cayenne is antibacterial and anti-fungal, so it can really help with wound healing.

Make some today and have it ready for any accidents you have.

Obviously, if you need to visit a doctor if the wound requires stitches or whatever, then you should do that. :)

I'm going to be making a few different vanilla extracts today. Why? because who doesn't love vanilla? Vanilla doesn't just smell and taste delicious it's also really good for you. So we should never feel guilty about enjoying this yummo bean.

I like to use vanilla extract when cooking, especially when I make my ice cream or custard. But I also like to use different vanilla extract when I make my own salves and skin creams.

You can extract vanilla a few different ways so that you have different products for different purposes. For example extracting into alcohol which is the most common way. You can also extract it into glycerine to make a non alcoholic one or use a mixture of the two, half glycerine and half alcohol. You can make an Extra Virgin Olive Oil Vanilla extract and you can also make some Vanilla infused fractionated coconut oil.

The process is similar for all the extracts. Take 4 or 5 vanilla beans and slice them down the middle. Place them in a glass jar and fill the jar with the medium of choice. You will need to sit the closed jar somewhere for a few weeks and then strain through a coffee filter and voila.

If you are totally impatient, in the case of the oils not the alcohol or glycerine, you can place the jar into a saucepan with some water and let sit on the wood stove for a day or two as long as the stove isn't roaring hot that is. When I want to cook and have the stove hot then I just remove the saucepan and put it back when it has cooled down enough and leave it overnight. I actually prefer to leave it for a couple of nights like this.

One way I like to use the vanilla coconut oil is to make my roller blends with some essential oils added. You get the benefits of the vanilla and the essential oils and the coconut oil so it is a win win win!

The vanilla extracted into the glycerine or the glycerine/alcohol can be used to make an awesome room spray or body spray or added to your home made deodorant etc etc.

I hope you enjoyed this read. Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions. cheers Kerri-Ann

HERBAL TINCTURE MAKING

A tincture is a concentrated liquid form of an herb that is easy to make and easy to take. Tinctures preserve and concentrate the properties of the herb, making them more effective and longer lasting.

Alcohol based tinctures have a shelf life of several years and are easy to use when needed! I keep several tinctures on hand for my kids, as they can be used externally even on small children for relief from common problems.

Tincture Making Supplies
I make most tinctures in an alcohol base as this makes them the most long lasting, but tinctures can also be made with glycerine, vinegar or even with honey to make a syrup!
To make a tincture, you will need the following supplies:
A clean glass jar (at least pint size) with lid
Consumable alcohol like vodka or rum- at least 80 proof (or Apple Cider Vinegar or food grade vegetable glycerine)
Herbs of choice (do your own research)

How to Make a Tincture

Fill the jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herbs. Filling half full will make a stronger tincture. Do not pack down.
Pour boiling water to just dampen all of the herbs. (This step is optional but helps to draw out the beneficial properties of the herbs)
Fill the rest of the jar (or the entire jar if not using hot water too) with alcohol and stir with a clean spoon.
Put the lid on the jar. Store the jar in a cool/dry place, shaking daily, for at least three weeks and up to six months. (I usually leave herbs for six weeks)
Strain through cheesecloth and compost the herbs. Store the tincture in coloured dropper bottles or clean glass jars.

NOTE: The alcohol can be evaporated before use by placing a few drops in boiled water and allowed to cool to drinking temperature or a tincture can be made in the same way using apple cider vinegar, though it will need to be stored in the fridge and will only last 3-6 months.


Tummy Tamer Digestive Tincture

Use this when feeling unwell in the tummy


Ingredients
1/2 cup dried dried peppermint leaves
1/4 cup-1/2 cup very finely diced fresh ginger root
1/4 cup dried fennel seeds
Approximately 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Approximately 1 1/2 cups vodka or rum
A quart size glass jar with airtight lid


Instructions
Put peppermint, ginger and fennel in glass jar and pour boiling water until they are just covered.
Fill the rest of the jar with vodka or rum (food grade only! no rubbing alcohol) and put on air tight lid.

Keep in a cool dark place for at least two weeks, but up to six, shaking daily.
After 2-6 weeks, strain through mesh strainer or cheesecloth and store in vials or small jars.


Notes
Dosage: for adults up to 1 teaspoon can be taken straight or in water as needed. For heartburn indigestion or nausea, one dose is usually sufficient, though sometimes a second dose is needed. In pregnancy, 1/2 teaspoon in the morning often helps with morning sickness, with additional doses if needed throughout the day. For children, 10-20 drops is usually enough, or it can be used externally. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, you should check with your doctor or midwife before using any herbal remedy or supplement.

There is nothing worse than being sore. Try a natural pain relieving salve. Here is a recipe.

Usually, thinking of the health benefits of herbal tea brings to mind how these delicious, refreshing beverages can help to ease or relieve all sorts of physical ailments (like encouraging a sound sleep, boosting sluggish digestion, or easing achy arthritic joints).

But... beneficial herbal teas can enrich emotional, mental, and spiritual health in countless ways, too.