Category: How-to

  • A Cold Sore-fighting Lip Balm

    A Cold Sore-fighting Lip Balm

    Homemade Cold Sore Treatment (with Lemon Balm)
    If you’re one of the unfortunates who struggle with the occasional cold sore, you know how annoying they can be. Fortunately, I don’t, but S tends to get one or two a year, and that cracking and oozing just doesn’t look like a whole lot of fun.

    Cold sores (or fever blisters) are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They often start with a tingling around the lips, then a day or two later, the full-blown blister. Based on seeing my wife with them, they’ll last about a week or so. She’s tried a bunch of OTC and prescription cold sore treatments, and, at least to my eyes, nothing really seems to offer any kind of significant help.

    A couple weeks ago, I did a post about lemon balm, and if you recall, one of its benefits is being an antiviral. And sure enough, there are a number of studies that demonstrate lemon balm’s positive effects on cold sores. Following my normal course of action, I decided to take that and run with it.

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  • How to Save Tomato Seeds

    How to Save Tomato Seeds

    How To Save Tomato Seeds

    As I was picking tomatoes earlier this summer, I came across a funny looking fruit that definitely was not one of the varieties I had planted. Ever on the lookout for something new, I decided I’d save the seeds, replant them next year, and see what happens. Who knows? Maybe I accidentally cross-bred some new variety that they’ll name after me someday.

    With most plants, you just let the fruiting/flowering part mature and you can generally just pull out your bean or pepper or squash or whatever seeds. Tomatoes, because of all that jelly-goop-stuff, need a little more work, but nothing that you can’t do. To easily save tomato seeds, you’ll just need a jar and a couple days – the key is fermentation!

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  • Basic Homemade Lip Balm Recipe

    Basic Homemade Lip Balm Recipe

    Homemade Lip Balm - lifefromthegroundup.us

    As I skim through the archives, I realize that I write a lot about personal care products. I suppose that, to some, this could be grounds for taking away my hypothetical man card.

    But even manly skin needs attention, especially on this frozen tundra that is Northeast Ohio from November until April. And I’m not ashamed that even during the worst of times, my hands are smooth, my teeth are clean, my hair is shiny, my face is smooth, and I don’t stink. All while I split logs and grunt. So there.

    Yes, I’m on a mission to replace everything in the bathroom with my own creations, and next up on the list is this surprisingly easy homemade lip balm.

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  • Homemade Lotion (Non-Greasy and Moisturizing!)

    Homemade Lotion (Non-Greasy and Moisturizing!)

    Non-Greasy Moisturizing Homemade Lotion

    Last January, we whipped up a super-decadent body butter to help counteract that harsh northern Ohio winter air. It’s a nice thick lotion (similar to lotions you can buy online) that can make even the driest of hands smooth again, and against my better judgment, I even called it body butter for the ladies.

    But part of what makes it work so well can also make it a bit of a hassle to use. It contains a lot of coconut oil, which is great for skin, but takes a while to be absorbed. It’s perfect for applying right before bed, but not perfect if you’re trying to knit or practice calligraphy.

    So if you’re looking for something a bit lighter for the summer months, or just want to drink your coffee without dropping the mug, here is a great homemade lotion (non-greasy and moisturizing) alternative for you! This one’s made with shea butter and almond and jojoba oils, which are much more easily absorbed. And of course, it doesn’t contain anything you can’t pronounce, unless you’re adding helichrysum or ylang-ylang essential oils, or you’re like me and prefer to say jojoba with a hard “J” sound. (To learn more about the amazing benefits of essential oils, see my Essential Oils page!)

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  • The Backyard Medicine Cabinet: Elderberry

    The Backyard Medicine Cabinet: Elderberry

    Elderberry Tincture - lifefromthegroundup.us

    About a year ago, I started to take an interest in using more natural remedies for the everyday ailments that we face here on the homestead.

    Minor cuts, scrapes, bee stings, and the occasional coyote attack are all regular occurrences, and instead of relying on antibiotic creams, Benadryl, and Tylenol, I wanted to find something a little less… pharmaceutical. So I stepped outside.

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