As I have written in previous posts, my homestead experience is not just about growing our vegetables, fruits, and livestock. It’s also about providing at least some of our own energy so that we are not dependent on the system that the government has in place. In addition, it’s about protecting the environment so that I can pass on what I know to future generations.
I know that I can’t grow and produce everything here on the homestead. For instance, I am not going to be creating my own essential oils or all of the dried herbs I use. I might learn how to do it, but right now, I don’t need to make my own. I can purchase them online so I do.
I’m not one for using many different herbs for all sorts of ailments. Right now I am using three for some very specific purposes.
The Herbs I Use Regularly
Lavender
Lavender smells great and is used in perfumes. It can be used as an oil or dried for teas.
Lavender oil is produced via steam distillation from the flowers of the lavender plant. The plant has a distinctive, fragrant scent. Its has a sweet, flowery aroma that many like.
Lavender essential oil can be used in many ways. It has positive effects on the nervous system, and calms both your body and mind.
This is why I like to use it for washing clothes and bedsheets. I add a couple drops to each load of laundry. Not only do I wash the sheets and clothes with it, but I also put a few drops on the bed pillows and throw them in the clothes dryer for a few minutes to give them the essence of the lavender as well.
I also use Lavender as an antiseptic to support healthier skin. I have bath salts with dried lavender. A great addition to a bubble bath.
I also add lavender oil to my favorite carrier oil coconut oil to help decrease wrinkles and age spots. Dermatologists also recommend lavender in acne treatment and it helps regulate hormones and reduce scarring.
Lavender oil in coconut oil is also great for easing the ache of muscles and joints at the end of a physically taxing day.
I also use Lavender oil to treat mild skin irritations such as burns and wounds. Its anti-inflammatory properties repel bacteria and other irritants. Lavender is believed to also help the wound heal faster.
It soothes insect bites and can act as a repellent. We have a spray bottle of water in which we put several drops of lavender oil and spray ourselves whenever we go outside.
The oil can be added to shampoo to ward off fleas, ticks, and lice. It can also be used to treat and prevent dandruff.
Do not use lavender on cats, however, as it is toxic to them.
Although I have never made it myself, lavender soap works great as a cleanser.
A tea made of lavender leaves is good for relieving respiratory problems associated with colds and flu.
Tea Tree Oil
Although I have had tea tree tea and it is extremely useful, I don’t use it. However, I do use tea tree essential oil. Tea tree essential oil also has several uses, including keeping skin, hair, and nails healthy.
A couple of drops of tea tree oil to my liquid hand soap to help ward off bacteria and fungus every time I wash my hands.
Tea tree oil’s antibacterial effects may help manage underarm odor related to perspiration.
I want to make my own safe and effective natural deodorant from tea tree oil and other ingredients and it’s on my list of things to do.
Mix one teaspoon of coconut oil and one drop of tea tree oil to make a great antiseptic.
A drop of tea tree oil on the bandage every time you change it to help promote healing.
Every year I seem to get a fungal infection on one nail. I have successfully used tea tree oil to get rid of nail fungus alone or in combination with other natural remedies. Usually, I place a drop directly on the affected nail and allow it to dry before covering it or putting on socks and shoes. I reapply the oil every time I bathe.
Tea tree oil can be added to a glass of water and used as a mouthwash to help reduce the inflammation of gingivitis. Do not swallow! Spit it out.
Tea tree oil added to your shampoo can also be used to treat dandruff. It also helps deter lice.
Tea tree oil makes a great all-purpose cleaner that also sanitizes surfaces. In addition to being effective against certain bacteria and fungi, it is also believed to be a disinfectant and prevents transmission of coronaviruses, including COVID-19.
A few drops of tea tree oil in water, when you’re washing fruits and vegetables, are said to prevent mold from growing on them. With the price of food today anything we can do to keep our foods fresh longer is a plus in my book!
Peppermint
Peppermint is an aromatic herb in the mint family. It’s a hybrid mint that’s a cross between spearmint and watermint.
Peppermint tastes good. I have always loved the soul-opening flavor of steeped tea made with peppermint leaves. A few peppermint leaves added to a glass of tea will cool me on even the hottest summer day.
A remedy for a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and other digestive issues, as well as the common cold and headaches.
Drinking peppermint tea can help relieve an upset stomach.
I have used a couple of drops of peppermint oil dropped into coconut oil as a carrier oil as a topical application for relief from itching, muscle pain, and headache. I have even put a drop of peppermint oil directly on my forehead and on the back of my neck to relieve stress headaches.
I like mixing tea tree oil and peppermint oil in the mornings to help relieve achy joints.
Peppermint oil also has mild antimicrobial properties. Various studies have determined its effectiveness against different types of bacteria and fungi.
It has a fresh, pleasing scent added to soaps and cosmetic products either homemade or purchased from the store.
If you’re interested in putting in a vegetable garden this year, I have written several books that can help you get started. All available on Amazon.
Gourmet Weeds
Simply Vegetable Gardening
The Survival Garden
The Four Seasons Vegetable Garden
Help From Kelp
Using Diatomaceous Earth Around the House and Yard
The Perpetual Homesteader 