Herb' N Wisdom And Natural Living Podcast

Definition of thyme 1: any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves especially: a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris) 2: thyme leaves used as a seasoningMerriam-Webster This is the dictionaries version but, it does not do it justice. Thyme is so much more than just an herb; it's a powerful healer. For those of us who love natural living and Herb 'N Wisdom™, thyme is a must-have in our gardens and dried in our cupboards. For those of you, not familiar with its uses, please continue to read so you too may fall in love with this herb. Table Of ContentsThyme in FoodRaspberry-Thyme VinegarLemon Water and ThymeFoodborne BacteriaHow to Use Thyme for Medicinal PurposesThyme Cough SyrupKilling the Tiger Mosquito With ThymolThyme Oil to Treat AcneA Cleanser for the SkinA Cleanser for Oily Type SkinHair Rinse All-Purpose CleanerRepel BugsDiffusing OilThyme Repels Garden PestsIt Attracts PollinatorsUse Thyme Oil To Repel MosquitoesDIY Mosquito Repellant Camping Food Uses

Hello food lovers! Do you ever crave a certain type of cuisine? Yes? Me too. In our house, everyone has been craving Mexican food. Since that's a pretty healthy meal, I haven't said much, but I did feel the need to change it up a bit. That's where this dip comes in. Seven-Layer Dip has awesome ingredients on each level so when combined in your mouth they give a mighty punch of flavor. To add another layer, (no pun intended :) I'm going to share our family's guacamole recipe so you can add fresh guacamole each time you make this easy fan favorite. Ready? Let's start... Click here to get our families Homemade Guacamole Recipe Once you have the guacamole recipe then you're ready for the next step. Seven-Layer Taco Dip Items needed: 2-quart square glass pyrex dish spatulaknifecutting board Ingredients: One 16oz can of refried beansGuacamoleEnough sour cream to cover and put a layer on top of the guacamoleShredded Colby or your choice cheeseSliced olivesChopped onions (I use g

What is guacamole? Well, guacamole is a dip or spread, with a base of avocados that was developed by the Aztecs in Mexico. However, as it found its way to America it's now used in salads, as a condiment, or as a dip. There are multiple brands and places to buy a guacamole spread or dip, but making it at home using fresh ingredients is my preferred method. That being said, let's get into the recipe. Fresh Guacamole Items needed: knifechopping boardmedium to a large bowlfork Ingredients: 3 avocados peeled and pitted1 lime, juiced1/2 cup diced onions1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon minced garlic3 Tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro2 Roma tomatoes diced Directions Place your avocados in a medium to large bowl and mash them. Then add your lime juice and salt. Mix. Next dump you chopped onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic into the bowl and stir. For full flavor cover and refrigerate 1 hour. If you don't want to wait you can serve immediately. Note: To kee

My first introduction to hamburger soup was while having a game night with some friends. My good friend got the recipe from her sister, who is the wife of a farmer and makes it each year when they have their bull sale. Hearty and filling, she makes a substantial amount that satisfies the hungry crowd. As I had never tried it before, I was excited to see how it tasted. Besides a person who loves a new recipe, I'm always looking for something the kids will enjoy and isn't our norm. In short, the hamburger soup tasted phenomenal! The kids had two bowls a piece and raved about the flavor; a compliment to the cook. Well, that was it, the very next week the kids requested I make it again and the rest is history. So, here it is, the popular... Hamburger Soup By Jenn Cook time 1 1/2 -3 hours Items Needed: Large stockpotMedium potChopping boardCutting knifeWhisk Ingredients: 6-9 cups of chicken broth8 cups of diced potatoes (with or without skin).1 1/2 cups chopped carrots1 1/2 cu

Why should you care if you have metals in your body? Well, “overexposure can lead to heavy metal poisoning, such as what occurs in Wilson’s disease. This can be fatal."  Also, metals stored in our body CAN cause a missed diagnosis by Doctors. Foggy brain and or memory loss, excess body weight even when the patient is exercising and eating right, fatigue, high blood pressure, and in some cases, thyroid dysfunction.  A missed diagnosis can be very harmful because metals attacking your liver and or kidneys can turn into metal poisoning, as stated above. Therefore detoxifying is crucial. How Do I Know If I Need to Detox? Symptoms can vary depending on the type of metal your exposed to. Some symptoms may include: headachesabdominal pain and crampingnauseavomitingdiarrheafatiguedifficulty breathing In more severe cases of chronic heavy metal poisoning, you may experience symptoms, including: burning and tingling sensationschronic infectionsbrain fogvisual disturbancesinsomniaparalysis Ho

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…”                           Ecclesiastes 4:1 It’s that time of the year. One year is fixing to leave and another one looms over the horizon with the promise of a fresh start. We approach the date with anticipation hoping to achieve our dreams this time. That enthusiasm, however, it’s gone by January 31st and out with normal selves we go, until next December. This post is going to give you the cutting-edge tools to achieve your goals this year. Let this be the year you achieve your dreams and the results you want. But for now, let’s clarify a few definitions and realities. First, dreaming is good but a dream will remain just a dream if we don’t set a realistic deadline to achieve it. A goal is a dream with a deadline. Remember that. Second, objectives are part of a larger goal, mini-steps if you would. Third, and final are the tasks. Tasks are the little actions you take to achieve your objectives. Goal Characteristi

Your skin reflects the climate where you live and that isn't always a healthy climate. This is one of many reasons why we need to take of our health. Each year I work on getting as many toxins out of my life and home as possible. This simple idea of health has opened my eyes to many simple ingredients we so often take for granted. In short, it shouldn't take a label that covers an entire product to tell you the list of ingredients. The list instead should hold very few ingredients that are easily read. For instance, This face scrub we are making today has two elements, coconut oil, and sea salt. What is Coconut Oil? Coconut oil or copra oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It has various applications. Because of its high saturated fat content, it is slow to oxidize and, thus, resistant to rancidification, lasting up to six months at 24 °C without spoiling.Wikipedia Healthy skin "Applying a coconut extract to human sk

First, what is Hydrogen Peroxide? "Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid. It’s a combination of hydrogen and oxygen and is available in many strengths (indicated by the percentage of dilution with water). One dilution of hydrogen peroxide is 35 percent H2O2 and 65 percent water. Food producers use 35 percent H2O2 for a variety of purposes, including processing cheese and bleaching wheat flour. It’s also used to kill microorganisms in food packaging materials. This 35 percent dilution is called “food grade” in part because it doesn’t contain certain stabilizers: acetanilidephenolsodium stannatetetrasodium pyrophosphate These stabilizers are found in most other commercially available hydrogen peroxide and should not be ingested. No matter the dilution — even if food grade 35 percent H2O2 — you should never drink any hydrogen peroxide. Types of hydrogen peroxide Beyond food-grade, hydrogen peroxide is available in a number of dilutions: 3 percent H2O2 (“househ

Witch-Hazel, what the heck is that? Definition of witch-hazel 1: "any of a genus (Hamamelis of the family Hamamelidaceae, the witch-hazel family) of shrubs or small trees with slender-petaled usually yellow flowers borne in late fall or early spring especially: one (H. virginiana) of eastern North America that blooms in the fall 2: an alcoholic solution of a distillate of the bark of a witch hazel (H. virginiana) used as a soothing and mildly astringent lotion." -Merriam-Webster "Native Americans are believed to have been the first to use witch-hazel extensively for medicinal purposes.  The extract was produced by boiling the stems of the shrub and producing a decoction that was used in treating swellings, inflammations, and tumors. In addition to being used as a medication, early European settlers also observed Native Americans using American witch-hazel to find underground sources of water. This activity is probably where the common name witch-hazel came from. Because of the native’s assoc

"In these changing times, let us be reminded of the beliefs held by our Founding Fathers, and remember them on Thanksgiving Day. Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:" Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that and glorious Being who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him o

What Is A Goal? The dictionary states that a goal is: the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. Now, we know each person has different ambitions, but how different people get to each aspiration is almost always the same. There is a formula for almost anything in life, including that of achieving success through habits and goal setting. Read this list to see what is NOT in the formula and the reason most people do not complete their goal. A Bad Formula Lack of ambition or driveGets discouraged easilyTries to take the easy routeThey do not have a plan because they do not see the importance of one.Has no patientsFalls apart when something does not go according to what they had planned.Fear of rejectionFear of failure According to the University of Scranton, a whopping 92 percent of people who set New Year's goals never actually achieve them. That leaves 8 percent of us in a very elite category of goal-achievers.By Marcel Schwantes Elite group, alright. This perce

Last week, we talked about my top Holiday Shopping tips, which will help reduce your stress this season. Preparing your home for the holidays and making your space your own is another way to help reduce stress. Your home represents a welcoming atmosphere for yourself, your family, and friends. Welcoming doesn't mean jammed full of stuff, nor does it suggest, no one can touch anything. There's a happy medium when it comes to having your home feel welcoming, yet not cluttered, or bare. Often our homes represent how we feel inside. For instance, when you feel out of control or no longer in control, you tend to collect things or go on buying binges. When you feel happy and satisfied, your home will reflect that. Decorated, yet not overdone. The holidays can bring unexpected joy, but for some, all they see is what they need to get done. To avoid the latter, try to clean out a room each week before the holiday season approaches. Depending on your home, you may only need a touch up in each room. Or repla

Each year the holidays seem to sneak up on us as does the shopping. Planning for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years can be stressful enough without the worry of last-minute decisions. This year why not try something new to ease the holiday stress so you can add more enjoyment and cheer while still accomplishing everything; shopping wise, that is? Here are my tips for Holiday Shopping: #1 Keep a Notebook of What Friends and Family Need/Like Pre-Order Your Journal Here One of my dearest friends is an Angel when it comes to listening. Because of this each year, she gives gifts that mean a great deal to each person. It could've been the smallest comment about what a person likes, but she stores it away in her memory, or writes it down in a Christmas Journal, and is therefore never stressed when it comes to ideas. #2 Start Early It's no surprise that getting a head start on your shopping would be one of the first tips I give. Don't wait until the last minute because it usually costs mor

Did you know that vanilla extract only has two ingredients? You heard right, two parts, vodka, and vanilla beans. My sister in law told me how to make the recipe years ago, and I couldn't believe how easy it was. There I was traipsing into the liquor store trying to find an 8 oz. glass bottle of vodka. The salesclerk immediately saw I was not in my element or a usual customer, and politely asked if I needed any help. I must have had the OMG look on my face-scanning all of the shelves. "Yes," I responded. "I'm looking for a smaller bottle of vodka, preferably in glass that is at least 80 proof.""Oh, I bet you're having a party.""Um, actually, I just want to make some vanilla." The young clerk stared at me and didn't speak for a moment."What do you mean vanilla?""You know, vanilla extract like you use to bake with?""I didn't know you used vodka."I proceeded to explain how you make it, and the clerk seemed extremely excited."I'm going to try it!""You should, oh, and it's great to give away as a gift for

One of the best ways to make your home smell like the holidays, other than baking, is by making a pot of simmering potpourri. With so many possible combinations you can make your home smell like anything you want. If you like oranges, add oranges, if you love the smell of cinnamon add a few sticks. Simmering Potpourri is just that, placing your ingredients in a slow cooker or saucepan with water and simmering your ingredients. As some of you are not familiar with this method of making your home smell delicious, I'm going to give you a few starter recipes that you can use, or as I like to call it, make them your own. There is not going to be a specific amount of each ingredient this way you can add more of what you like. Recipe #1 Orange Clove Orange slicesCranberriesCinnamon sticksVanilla extract ClovesNutmegWater Recipe #2 Cranberry Evergreen Orange slicesClovesApple slicesCinnamon sticksVanilla extractEvergreen sprigsCranberriesWater Recipe #3 Lime Mint Everg

Who Doesn't Love a great Pizza Sauce? Whether you live in Italy, Ireland, the United States, or any other country, I'm betting you have a favorite pizza joint you frequent often. There's just something so flavorful and down to earth when you bite into a well-made pizza spread on your choice crust. The thin or chewy dough melts in your mouth as all of your favorite toppings are combined, leaving your mouth watering and ready for the next bight. That is if your pizza sauce passes the test. Without the right base, a pizza can taste like wet cardboard. Since we don't want that happening, we're going to make you a pro at sauce making. Full of fresh, yet simple ingredients, this recipe will have people coming to your house instead of the local pizza place! Ready for the directions and recipe? Here you go. Prepping Your Tomatoes If you have your own garden, then gather the number of tomatoes you want to process or buy them from a farmer's market or store.Now, wash them and place them in

I don't know about you but I'm so ready for Fall. Each season has its own beauty, and as I am a person who loves taking pictures, among other things, Fall is one of my favorites. Some of the highlights for me are to capture colors, and cozy up in a new or really loved and worn-out sweater. I also love choosing or making fresh tea from the herbs I grow in the Summer. What else do I do? Well, as I love a list, I've made a printable Fall checklist which you can download here. The checklist has beautiful pictures and colors and something you can use for school, youth groups, family, or as your own personal checklist each year. The activities are ones everyone can enjoy and do at their own pace (well weather permitting :). Did you know the last time we started a fire in the Spring to our first fire this Fall was only three months? Three months people. Depressing, I know, but all the more reason to start checking off my list:). Who knew that looking at a sheet of paper full of fun and festive design

turmeric mask Turmeric offers a wide range of healing benefits and is something every person should use or take. I know this article is about skin, but here is a quick look into other areas in which turmeric can help. What about the skin? The skin internally will benefit greatly if you are consistent and take 1 teaspoon of turmeric each day. But, we don't just want results that we can't see, we want something that will help us now. Turmeric masks can help stop signs of aging and leaves your skin soft and supple, improving your overall complexion. Don't believe me, then take a look below. This is me. I am one of those people who was not born with flawless skin. In my teens, I tried a plethora of things from natural dieting, doctor prescribed prescriptions, and ointment you get over the counter. The dieting helped but at my young age, I was not consistent and as to the others there were so many side effects I eventually stopped using anything. Now, however, I use turmeric masks and my skin

This week I'm diving into the Wisdom side of Herb 'N Wisdom™. The majority of us try each day to live in a way that will add to who we are. We also try to live a healthy or natural type of life to preserve and take care of our bodies. This doesn't mean we're bunny huggers or radical individuals; it merely means we live simple and use natural or homemade products. We are staying true to the land and what we believe is right for us. Life should be lived so you can stay true to yourself. After all, you are the one in control and making the decisions. Every decision you make in life has consequences allowing you to take one step closer or farther away from the person you long to be. For instance, If you decide to make homemade soap, you are adding to your health, and also reducing your stress because you're not worried about ingredients in regular soap that could cause cancer. Same with where you live. Do you live by a chemical plant or, have you chosen to move to a safer environment? Where do

Adult or child, everyone loves hot cocoa. I remember coming home from the farm, frozen fingers, a cherry nose but that didn't matter; mom had a cup of hot chocolate waiting. I cherished those good times and happy memories and wanted to continue the tradition when I had my own family. Now, I start a batch of homemade hot cocoa for my kids. When they head out in the frozen north and after chores or building forts and snowman, they hurry inside in anticipation. Their cheeks are freezing but not their spirits. Ladling the steamy drink each adds marshmallows dipping them in and out until the savory drink has cooled enough to sip. Oh, my taste buds are going crazy thinking about it. As everyone loves cocoa but doesn't have their own recipe, I thought I would share mine. Simple yet satisfying, this recipe is for any level of cook. But first things first. Here are the directions to make your mix. To make your mix take organic cocoa and organic coconut sugar. Now, add and mix them until you