Do you use Colloidal Silver?

I had read about a decade ago about Colloidal Silver.  It interested me, but sounded too good to be true.  At the time I was a busy mom and the thought to buy a bottle was put on the back shelf in my mind.  It's not like it was jumping off store shelves at me anyway.

When I finally DID find it at a store (about 8 years ago), I paid $23 for about 5-6 ounces of the stuff.  It came in a dark brown plastic bottle with a pretty silver label. I brought it home and promptly shelved it; I was afraid to actually use it. Then one day in the following months we found that our cat had a really bad infection from a cat fight.  I wish I had pictures to share, but I don't.  He was a rescue and although I don't condone sending cats outdoors overnight, and I try to keep mine in since we have coyotes in the area, this guy is determined, and he loved the outdoors. Anyway, he'd been in a fight and days passed before I noticed the problem, because I was always with a baby on my hip and two little guys running around.  And the dog was ALL OVER the cat.  She was constantly loving him up.  Turns out, she was trying to fix his wounds!

At this point, with his ear swollen up and red and oozing green exudate, I decided it was worth 12-24 hours with this silver stuff on the cat before I'd take him to the vet.  I had no expectation that it could work that fast, but figured if I could see reasonable improvement and if he was doing well at the 12 hour mark, we'd give it a day or two.

What followed blew my mind!  I saturated a few cotton balls and held them over the area for as long as he'd let me. (probably 10 minutes or so).  I did this about 5-6 times the first day.  I also poured 1/2 tsp of it into the palm of my hand and he lapped it out, just like it was water.

Honest to goodness, no word of a lie, by that night, it was no longer red.  There was no more exudate and the swelling had almost disappeared.  By mid next day, fur was starting to come back in.  Seriously.  I know it sounds unbelievable.  I didn't believe it.  My husband didn't believe it.  We both wished we had pictures.  This hasn't been the only time this stuff has saved this particular cat either.  He's still with us today. :)  It changed my mind about colloidal silver.  For the next four years I purchased several brands, all with satisfactory to excellent results.  But IT WAS EXPENSIVE.

I'd read about people making their own and thought that was just crazy.  Then one day I came across TheSilverEdge.com and realized that there are companies out there that produced GENERATORS that were designed for the lay person at home to use.  There are specific (easy) instructions, and so long as you follow them, you can quite literally make a quart (litre) of colloidal silver that is EASILY as good as any you will find on a shelf, and I would argue EVEN BETTER in your own kitchen in three hours for less than 40 cents US...so way less than a dollar Canadian.  Hello??

After a load of research and looking at a few generators, about 4 years ago I jumped in and bought The Silver Edge Microparticle Colloidal Silver Generator.

I have never regretted it.  I make silver for my entire family, four sisters (one of them has a horse who uses it sometimes!)  and their families, my parents, and anyone else who uses it.

The reason for this post today, is to share this incredible offer.  I was too late to share it initially, but since they've extended the deadline on the offer to December 18th, I wanted to get this up ASAP.

Full Disclosure: If you chose to purchase one because of my pointing you in this direction, please use the code THEPUREOIL at checkout.  I have an affiliate account with them.  You too can sign up for a free affiliate account and spread the word!   When I bought mine I didn't get all the 'extra stuff", but it was still worth EVERY PENNY and more.  I have so many stories of seeming "miracles" that stemmed from having this generator and the ability to share CS with anyone wanting to try it.  Prior to buying this generator, I was purchasing SilverBiotics brand from Swanson online from the US.  It too was worth every penny and saved my family much trouble, but honestly, the cost difference is unbelievable.  I would purchase another generator over going back to buying by the bottle.

Please see below for more information directly from The Silver Edge.

Offer Extended!
Here's How You Can Still Save $100
On a Brand New Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver Generator!

And You'll Get $152.65 Worth of Valuable Bonus DVDs, CDs, Books and Special Reports on Making and Using Colloidal Silver!

Here's a quick overview of everything you'll get FREE with your new Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver Generator from The Silver Edge:

• 2 full-color, 60-minute instructional DVDs covering everything you need to know about making and using colloidal silver, (Regularly $59.90 – yours FREE!)
• A full-color Operating Instructions DVD featuring a pretty model demonstrating in four simple steps how easy it is to make colloidal silver with your new Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver Generator from The Silver Edge (Regularly $12.95 – yours FREE!)
• A 60-minute audio CD chock full of insider secrets of colloidal silver usage (Regularly $19.95 – yours FREE!)
• A 95-page softbound book detailing exactly how people use colloidal silver against dozens of specific infectious illnesses and diseases (Regularly $29.95 – yours FREE!)
• A 25-page Special Report covering multitudes of little-known household uses for colloidal silver (Regularly $19.95 – yours FREE!)
• A 16-page Special Report on the "Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Making and Using Colloidal Silver" (Regularly $9.95 – yours FREE!)

It's a bona-fide $152.65 value. And it's all designed to have you making and using colloidal silver like you've been doing it all of your life, starting thesame day you get your new Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver Generator!

The offer is extended only until December 18th – Midnight, so please actquickly and decisively while there's still time. There will be no further extensions.

Remember, use the code THEPUREOIL at checkout!

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

November 2016 Canadian Young Living Promotions

This months promo is a great one to keep everyone at peak performance through our Canadian winters!

Receive up to $316.71 in retail value products FREE with November’s PV Promotion! 

There’s no time like the holidays to bring increased balance and harmony to your body, and essentials for restocking your Raindrop will do the trick! A revolutionary means of harnessing physical, mental and emotional balance, the Raindrop Technique® combines the art of aromatherapy with Vita Flex and massage techniques in the application of essential oils. With the busy holiday season fast-approaching, harness your energy with November’s promotion and rejoice with the power of Raindrop.

Reach any of our PV minimums in your November order to qualify for these Raindrop freebies, which now include an additional Essential Rewards (ER) exclusive bonus for members who reach 100+ PV or 190+ PV in a single November ER order.

Not enrolled in ER? Learn more and enroll today to access exclusive Young Living® loyalty perks.

100 PV Reward

Retail Value: $23.68
Introducing a new 100 PV ER exclusive bonus reward! Order at least 100 PV through ER and enjoy a FREE Marjoram 5 ml!

Marjoram (ER Bonus): A relaxing oil excellent for massage after physical activity.

Quick Orders: Does not qualify for 100 PV Reward.

ER Orders: Limit of one free Marjoram 5 ml per qualifying order.

Single orders over 100 PV do not earn duplicate rewards.

190 PV Reward

Retail Value: $145.72
Order 190 PV and receive a free Oregano 15 ml. PLUS if you place your qualifying order through ER, you will also enjoy aBasil 15 ml, V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex and Marjoram 5 ml as a special ER bonus!

Oregano: Warming and soothing to the skin, this oil promotes relaxation.

Basil (ER Bonus): Known for its strong, spicy aroma, this Raindrop oil is invigorating to the body and spirit.

V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex (ER Bonus): May be used to create custom massage oils or to dilute essential oils that may irritate the skin.

Quick Orders: Limit of one free Oregano 15 ml per qualifying order.

ER Orders: Limit of one free Basil 15 ml, V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex and Marjoram 5 ml per qualifying order.

Single orders over 190 PV do not earn duplicate rewards.

250 PV Reward

Retail Value: $194.67

Order 250 PV and receive a free Wintergreen 15 ml, Oregano 15 ml and 20 ER Points. If you place your qualifying order through ER, you will also enjoy a bonus Basil 15 ml, V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex and Marjoram 5 ml.

Wintergreen: A freshly scented oil known for its soothing properties, especially for massage.

20 ER Points: Use ER Points like cash to purchase oils of your choice.

Quick Orders: Limit of one free Wintergreen 15 ml, Oregano 15 ml and 20 ER Points per qualifying order.

ER Orders: Limit of one free Basil 15 ml, V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex and Marjoram 5 ml per qualifying order.

Single orders over 250 PV do not earn duplicate rewards.

300 PV Reward

Retail Value: $316.71

Order 300 PV through Quick Order and receive a free Peppermint 15 ml, Thyme 15 ml, Cypress 15 ml, Wintergreen 15 ml, Oregano 15 ml and 20 ER Points.

Enrolled in ER?

Place your qualifying 300 PV order through ER and you’ll also enjoy the important Raindrop essentials of Marjoram 5 ml, Basil 15 ml and V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex FREE!

Peppermint: A revitalizing oil that refreshes and creates a renewed feeling of vigour. Popular for easing digestive discomfort.

Thyme: A powerful oil that can be applied topically to relieve minor skin irritation and muscle pain. Can also be inhaled to enhance relaxation and ease cold symptoms.

Cypress: A refreshing oil to ground and restore. Wonderful for relieving joint or muscle pain.

Quick Orders: Limit of one free Peppermint 15 ml, Thyme 15 ml, Cypress 15 ml, Wintergreen 15 ml, Oregano 15 ml and 20 ER Points per qualifying order.

ER Orders: Limit of one free Basil 15 ml, V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex and Marjoram 5 ml per qualifying order.

Single orders over 300 PV do not earn duplicate rewards.

Reward Offer Details

Offer is valid only in the Canadian market, except where restrictions prevent promotional product(s) from entering the country.

Offer is valid from 12:00 midnight, MT, November 1, 2016, to 11:59 p.m., MT, November 30, 2016.

Limit of five qualifying orders per month.

In the event that supplies of these items become unavailable, Young Living may replace promotional products with equivalent products of a similar value.

PV minimum must be reached in a single order. Partial orders placed throughout the qualifying month cannot be combined in order to receive the offer.

PV is not earned on free product.

Offer does not apply to ER point redemption orders.

Offer earned via phone, ER, and online orders only.

Member is responsible for shipping costs associated with ordered and free product.

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

First Frost Diffuser Blend

Here in Southern Ontario we woke up to our first frost of the season.

The grass was painted with white crystals, the windshield needed to be scraped this morning, and out in the back deck my collection of rainwater was frozen over with the thinnest sheet of ice.   It's official, Mother Nature is moving from fall to winter.

Isn't this a pretty picture?  I had to use it to post the 'recipe' for the blend.  Love those autumn golds, with the texture of the frozen crystal water.  ;)

After getting the kiddies off to school, I decided to start the diffuser to welcome the frostiness of winter that follows our short fall around here. 

I love this blend Earth and Wood from Edens Garden.  It is a synergy, meaning no carrier oil.  It contains the following essential oils:

Cardamom

Cedar leaf

Cedar wood

Fir needle

Patchouli

Sandalwood 

To brighten it up some and cool it down I opted to add some Spearmint. I'm definitely going to give it another go with Wintergreen or Birch tomorrow and see which I prefer.  The Spearmint is soft and compliments the Earth and Wood blend beautifully though. I'll use this again for sure!

I often reach for cinnamon, clove and ginger this time of year, so this was a really nice change up to the routine diffusing around here. 

**I am not an affiliate of Edens Garden, as they currently don't have an affiliate program.  I have nothing to gain from your purchase there at this point.  (If they do open an affiliate program, I will be one of the first to join though!)

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

Fall Diffuser recipe

The chilly weather has arrived here in Southern Ontario, and to wind down the weekend I just tried blending some oils together in the diffuser, making a new blend I've not tried before.

It's really lovely, and I decided to do an impromptu post tonight with it. ;)

This past week we had an absolutely brilliant day weather wise, and I was able to get my sweet furs out for a walk at a local nature reserve.  We took a few pics while we were there. 

I

Brewster says hello!

Bella does too.  (She's just a lot louder about it!)

Diffusing this blend reminds me of the walk through crunching leaves with my fur babies. ;)

Here is the recipe on another photo I took that day. 

The cinnamon and clove and orange have all been studied for anti-microbial effects. Frankincense is well known for immune boosting properties. The patchouli gives it just a touch of that musty fallen leaves scent. All together I find it lovely. 

Please share your favourite fall blends for diffusing as well. I love to have the diffuser going daily, and I'd love to add to my list of diffuser recipes. 

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

DIY black walnut stain

I love walnut stain, and I'm lucky to have a big, beautiful black walnut tree in my backyard. As I was using my can of Minwax stain last time, I had to wonder if I could use the fruit from my tree and make my own. Well, guess what?  I not only could, but I Did!!  

---

Let's start with a look at my beautiful tree "Wally".  Isn't she stunning?  

I

Her leaves turn a brilliant gold in the fall.

She provides a place for the kids to climb, strong branches that the kids swing on, and an abundance of shade.  She also feeds all the squirrels and chipmunks in the neighbourhood.  She also drives our neighbor crazy, because she has a pool on the other side of that fence, and is very bothered by the dropping leaves and in the fall, dropping nuts.  I'm sorry good neighbour, we love Wally.  She stays. 

This is what walnuts look like on the tree. 

And this is what the stain looks like!  

And the finished piece...

So, here's what the mixture looks like, with the recipe. 

And this is what it will do to your hands.  Looks like FUN, no?

It does wash off...but it takes some scrubbing. Lol

 I left tthe stain for about a week to develop before using it.   I also sealed the wood with my home made wood butter.


So, what do you think?  Would you give a shot to making your own, rather than stick with the toxic Minwax?

I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

Motherwort Vinegar

The Motherwort harvest continues at our house. I have some out in the garden that is actually still flowering even!  Because of that I decided to do a second batch of infused vinegar this week. I have  the spring batch as well, so you can see in the photos how it develops over time.

The spring batch is on the left. I haven't strained it yet, and I have been using some for switchel and salad dressings. 

It could not be easier to make either. If you can cut herbs and pour vinegar, you've got this!

 This here is pretty well the whole of it. Fill your glass jar with the fresh Motherwort (leaves, flowers and stems) chopped up a bit. If you have a mortar and pestle you can mash up some of the leaves to bruise them. 

Then just pour over your Apple cider vinegar. 

I don't find much of a flavour difference in the infused stuff which makes it easy to use in place of regular ACV. I suspect it's just because the ACV on its own is such a strong flavour that the Motherwort doesn't change it much. 

This needs to be left to infuse for at least 6 weeks. At that point it can be strained if you prefer. I would bottle it in a dark bottle or keep it in a dark cupboard after straining.

Use it just as you would Apple Cider Vinegar alone, knowing you have the added benefits of Motherwort. 😍

This method could certainly be applied to many kitchen herbs as well if you have a big harvest that you aren't sure what to do with. 

To learn more about making herb infused vinegars and their benefits, visit Susun Weed's site HERE.

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

DIY Peace and Calming

Today I'm excited to share with you my own knock off recipe for Young Living's Peace & Calming (P&C). It's a very popular blend, and for very good reason! 
 Unfortunately that popularity comes with a downside.  When everyone and their dog (I mean this quite literally...my Brewster Loves his Peace and Calming!) wants it, quite often there isn't enough to go around.  Maybe this is more the case here in Canada than south of the border, but I know it's a hard one for me to keep stocked at home. 

Whenever YL does have it, they put strict limits on ordering, and more often than not, it's just plain out of stock. To make things worse, even when they have it available it only comes in a 5 mL bottle, which is more costly than it would be in a 15 mL bottle.

The trouble seems to be the Blue Tansy. It's the same oil that causes shortages of Valor, which is possibly my most coveted blend. 

For this reason when Jade Bloom had straight up Blue Tansy as a single oil, I scooped it up!  (Hint, as of the publishing of this blog post, they have it back IN STOCK!)

If you don't have blue Tansy, you can try swapping it out for German Chamomile (or Young Living German Chamomile) as they have similar effects. 

 (check back in another post to come soon, about JB and some other companies I have come to trust)

The ingredients in Peace & Calming are:
Tangerine
Orange
Ylang ylang
Patchouli
Blue Tansy

So, since hubby has been really loving and using his wee bottle a lot lately, and I've had difficulty ordering it, I decided to try replicating it so we don't have to do without. Admittedly, this is not an exact blend. Comments from my hubby are that mine is sweeter smelling than YL. Comments from my kids are that they actually prefer my blend to the real thing. Makes sense because it smells sweeter. Figures. My daughter specifically commented that my blend "smells less like a grave yard. It smells less dusty". Well then....


My suspicion from these reviews is that a bit more patchouli, and perhaps a bit less wild orange, or even a switch to YL's orange (which I do have and love, but it's still sealed, so I used what I had open) would bring it closer to the real deal.  Also this blend is DARK blue in stark contrast to the real McCoy, which is very pale, almost greenish and translucent. I have to say, I find them really similar, and though I'll add a few drops of Patchouli and switch to YL orange next time for hubby, I'm really very happy with how it came out.  If you're pining for P&C and can't seem to get your hands on it, this is certainly a great jumping off point!!  Into a 10mL bottle add the following:17  Drops Tangerine EO10  Drops Orange EO (I used wild orange from SPARK Naturals)6  Drops  Ylang ylang EO5 Drops Patchouli EO3  Drops Blue Tansy EO (or German Chamomile)Swish the bottle to blend and fill the rest of the way with Fractionated coconut oil. I chose to use a roller bottle for easy application, but a dropper bottle does the trick as well.  This makes roughly a 3.5% dilution, which is safe for topical application, even on children. 
If you try it, tell us in the comments what you think of it.  Does it come close enough to the real thing to help you bridge the gaps when Peace & Calming isn't available? 

I've come up with a Stress Away knock off as well....that's coming soon!   Stay tuned!!

This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through a link I provide, I will benefit by making a few pennies.  Thank you!

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

Let's bake some GLUTEN FREE Banana Bread!

Today was a good day to heat up the oven and bake up some Gluten Free banana Bread.

I decided to stray a bit from recipes of the past and play with an attempt at making it just a wee bit healthier. 

This is the result. It's yummy!

I have over the years moved away from mashing bananas with a fork to just tossing them in the blend with the rest of the wet ingredients. I find it makes a perfectly smooth banana bread, and that's how my crew prefers it.  

 Once that's all blended up, we pour it into the dry which have already been whisked together.

Mix that up, then I like to toss a hand full of Gluten Free oats in....it's not scientific.  A hand full is perfect. :)
\

Then add a hand full of chocolate chips too. :)

Pour into your loaf pan, and to top it off, a spoon full of raw cane sugar adds crunch and sweetness and takes the whole thing over the top. 

About 25-45 minutes later you pull this out of the oven.  OMGosh!  Soooo good.

Now, let's have a look at the health-ified ingredients!

*1 1/2 cups gluten free flour blend (with xanthan gum already in it.  Otherwise, add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum as well)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp of pink Himalayan salt

2 large bananas
2/3 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 cup raw cane sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut oil

Optional
Hand full of certified gluten free rolled oats
Hand full of chocolate chips (gluten free of course!)



Mix the first three ingredients in a large bowl with a whisk.

Put everything in the bottom block of ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth.

Pour the contents of the blender over the dry ingredients and incorporate it.  Then add the optional oats and chocolate chips if you elect to use them, then pour into prepared pans.

(This one recipe made the two small loaves and the one large loaf)

Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for approximately 25 minutes for smaller loaves, and 45-50 minutes for large loaf.

*I use Selections brand Gluten Free flour blend that I buy in Canada at Food Basics.  It's generally $5 per kilo, and I have found it to work well for quick breads.  It does have xanthan gum already blended in. You can also find Selections brand at Metro here  in Canada.  If you have a favourite blend, try it in the recipe and tell us about it!


**This would also make fantastic muffins, and would likely take about 20 minutes for regular sized muffins to bake.

This turned out delicious, and now the wheels are really turning for me on how to incorporate other healthy harvest goodies in quick breads and muffins.  I will hopefully play some more this Thanksgiving weekend and share my results!

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

October 2016 Young Living Canada Promotions

The October promtions are up!  They are a fantastic bunch of oils with a value of $61.85 that you get FREE with a 190 PV order.

Cedarwood, even if you're not fond of the scent (because I know many aren't), is FANTASTIC when diffused with PEPPERMINT.  Try it.

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

Re-thinking weeds; Introducing Motherwort

Do you have any weeds in your yard that you pull out year, after year, after year....and they just keep coming back?

I totally feel your pain.  From the very first spring when we moved into this house (9 years ago now) I've been pulling this dreaded prickly weed gem from the tiny garden bed just off the deck thinking it was only there to annoy me and make more work.

But you know what they say about the way we see things right?  When we change the way we see things, the things we see change.  I think it was the fantastic Dr. Wayne Dyer who said that.

So before you carry on for years like I did pulling a gift out and tossing it away, look a little deeper and see what you might be missing!

THIS BOOK

This is the book I found my beloved Motherwort in.  I can't say enough about how much I love having this book as a reference.  If you're in another part of the world, I'm betting there's a book for your area as well. 

It took me no less than eight of those years, pulling, and pulling and pulling to come to the realization that it MUST be good for something!  If it was going to be so darn insistent, I might as well identify it and see if I could use it.  You see, over the time we've lived in this home, I've become more and more interested in learning the ways of my grandmothers, and great grandmothers and so on, especially the mentality of using what is given to you.   I'm all about the FREE. lol


One summer the kids and I decided we'd study the how the Native Canadian's lived off the land, and this opened my eyes to seeing things differently, but it was still several years after this and much time studying complimentary medicines and getting interested in herbalism before I had the Eureka moment this summer that lead me to identify some of my "annoying weeds".  Last summer I learned about Goldenrod, and I'll share some of that with you in another post.

For now, I'm going to share my love-affair with Motherwort. :)

This prickly plant is a treasure trove of 'ancient' medicine, and it grows everywhere!  This year instead of pulling this weed, I actually transplanted some it, and now this fall I'm harvesting seed to share and keep for future.  I don't spray my lawn or gardens with anything chemical, and since we've now lived here 9 years, I feel fairly safe in using my own Motherwort for it's therapeutic benefits.  Please be aware of where you may be harvesting from.  If it's not clean land, I wouldn't trust the plant for making vinegars or tinctures, or infusions.

I turn to Susun Weed most often to learn about herbals.  She is an ABUNDANCE of information!
I'm not an hearbalist, so I won't go on about the beneficial properties of Motherwort, I'll let the expert speak to you through her site.  As I get more and more aquainted with herbals I'm using, I'll be happy to share my experiences with them.  For now, I'm just a baby in this, and I'll defer to the expert.  ;)


These prickly little burrs are the seed pods.  To harvest the seeds I've found it best to cut off these dry stems, and invert them in a tall glass jar and just tap them against the inside of the jar.  The seeds will fall out, but some of the prickles will come off too.

Once you separate the seeds from the prickles, they can be left to further dry out in your dry home for about another six weeks before putting them in a paper envelope and then storing them in a glass jar with an airtight seal.

Honestly, these things just GROW.  You can 'broadcast' (just toss the seed on the ground), and they're likely to germinate.

I highly recommend checking out the link above to Susun Weed's site.  (What a fortunate name she has!) lol

I have so far dried some of my Motherwort for infusions, and I have also put some of the fresh leaves and blossoms this spring into ACV (apple cider vinegar) to make a lovely medicinal vinegar.  I've used this vinegar to make Switchel, and salad dressings.  I'm needing to get some more Vodka soon, so I can also put some of what's left to tincture.

I hope this encourages you to change the way you look at the things in the garden that may annoy you now a little differently, and see how they just might be a blessing in disguise. :)

This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through a link I provide, I will benefit by making a few pennies.  Thank you!

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com

Throat Drops DIY

Happy Sunday all!  It's been a busy time around our house and very recently I've put much of my energy into something unplanned. As a result, I'm left today with a scratchy throat and a bit of a cough.

So, that made it a good day to whip up some Pure Oil throat drops!

This is how it all looks when you start cooking it up

This mess gets boiled to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and then poured into tiny molds.

To purchase a tiny heart mold, click HERE

It's not the exact one I am using in this recipe, but it's one that I have and it works exactly the same way. :)  Very easy release of the candies, just soap and water clean up!

Once they are totally cooled and fully set. Pop em out and toss them in some icing sugar to keep them from sticking together. You could (and probably should) mix that powdered sugar about 50/50 with a starch such as arrowroot to reduce the sugar a wee bit. 

They're really soothing and very yummy!  

Ready for the recipe?

That's about it!  It might seem a little too "Martha Stewart" to make your own throat drops, but they're sooo good, and there aren't any scary ingredients you can't pronounce. That makes me a happy momma. 

Another day I'll share my vile vodka concoction I've had tincturing for for a while. Today was the first time I tried it, and WOW.  It's potent stuff!!!

Thanks for stopping by, and if you try this recipe, please share your thoughts!!

 I am a Young Living Independent Distributor, which means I buy my essential oils at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. I save 24% off retail, receive discounted shipping, and can earn free products through the Essential Rewards program as well as the ability to earn commissions. 

If you would like to become an Independent Distributor, I would love to sponsor you!  You can click HERE and enter 2066298 in the “Sponsor  and Enroller ID” boxes. 

I am always happy to answer any questions!  

Email me at thepureoil@gmail.com