Caring for Cast Iron Cookware

Modern cast iron pans come unseasoned and pre-seasoned.
If you purchase unseasoned cookware it must be seasoned before using.

Step 1
Seasoning:
This is done by rubbing the pans all over with either lard or shortening. Bacon grease can be used as well but I don't like it as much. Do NOT use vegetable oil. Place the pan in a cool oven of 250-300 degrees. After about 1/4 hour take it out and pour off any excess grease. Return the pan to the oven and let it bake for 2 hours. Repeat this process several times to allow the coating to adhere to the pan. In essence, you have created a primitive "non-stick" cookware.

Step2

First Uses:
When first using newly seasoned cast iron try cooking something high in fat content like bacon. This helps build up the seasoned coating and makes sure no spots have been left unchecked.

Step3

Cleaning:
First of all, throw out all concepts of soap and scouring pads. Do NOT use either on cast iron as a scouring pad will scratch and nick the seasoning barrier. Soap may seep into it and cause food to taste funny. Clean dirty pans when they are still hot by rinsing well with hot water. If the pan needs a little extra cleaning scrape it with a nylon scraper.

Step4

Storage:
Moisture is the number one enemy of cast iron so before storing cast iron cookware make sure it is completely dry. Do NOT store the pans with their lids on as condensation can cause moisture to build up inside the pan. Moisture creates rust and no one wants to eat rust in their food. Try storing the pans with an unused coffee filter inside of them. The filter will help absorb any moisture to keep the pans from rusting.

Step5

Maintenance:
There may come a time when food starts to stick or you may notice a spot or two of rust. If this happens the cookware needs to be re-seasoned. Simply heat the pan to open the pores of the cast iron and then scrape off any food residue before seasoning. Follow the instructions above to re-season if necessary.

Step6

With proper care and maintenance you will have a lifetime of use from your cast iron cookware and just like many pioneer ancestors you will be able to pass them on to the next generation. [I can't wait to get my Grandmother's large skillet from my Mother. Many good memories have been created in that pan!]

How to Relieve Sinus Pressure

When sinus congestion builds it can cause unbelievable face pain. Pain or pressure may be present behind the eyes, forehead, sides of the nose, cheeks or even upper teeth! Sinus headaches are not uncommon with sinus congestion as well. Left untreated, the congestion may become infected. Before running off to the drugstore, try these natural methods and relax. Relief is on the way...

Step1
This method is my number one remedy to relieve sinus pressure. Make a cup of strong peppermint tea [any mint will do]. Set the tea bags aside. Drink the tea and then lie down placing the discarded tea bags on either side of the nose. Allow the mint properties to seep down into the sinus area. The mint will soothe while helping break up the congestion.

Step2
This remedy helps the congested mucus thin so that it drains easier.
Rub a drop of tea tree oil under the nose. The vapors will be inhaled as you breathe and will help the sinuses open up.

Step3
Use a neti pot with a warm saline solution regularly to wash away bacteria, pollutants and bacteria from the sinus canals. Make your own saline solution by dissolving salt in warm water. If you are not familiar with neti pots see the resource link at the bottom of this article.

Step4
Another remedy useful in reducing sinus pressure is to take a bowl of hot water and add a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil to it. Drape a large towel over your head and water creating a tent that will allow the vapors to be inhaled.

Step5
I have recently discovered that tapping and rubbing sinus pressure points can have a dramatic effect as well. Tapping the forehead above the eyes and rubbing in a circular motion the points at the top of the nose between the eyebrows helps break up mucus and will encourage draining.

Step6
Every body responds differently to treatment of any kind. You may need to use one or more of these techniques to relieve sinus congestion. Now, go forth and breathe happy!

Burdock Root Anti-Itch Cream

Burdock is a common herb that grows in most of North America. Different parts of the plant can be used for various ailments but for an anti-itch agent we want to use the tap root. Using this recipe you can make a simple salve to help combat the itchy effects of insect bites or other skin problems. Good for man or beast.

Instructions:

Things You’ll Need:

• Burdock Root
• Grater
• Olive Oil
• Beeswax
  

Step1

First, wash and grate the tap root of the Burdock plant and place in olive oil in a pyrex dish. Cover the dish.

[You can make your salve stronger by adding more burdock root.]

Step2

Set the dish in an electric skillet that contains water. Cover at 200 degrees for 2 to 3 hours until the root looks like it has seen better days.

Step3

Strain and return liquid to the pyrex dish along with some grated beeswax; figure 1/4 oz beeswax for each 2 oz liquid. There are 5 teaspoons in 1 ounce of Beeswax. A good formula is to use 1 1/2 ounces of Beeswax to 1 pint of olive oil.

Pour into clean, dry jars and add lids.

How to Propagate Roses

The first secret in successful propagation is to take your cuttings from HEALTHY plants. Choose plants that have recently bloomed. Count down six sets of leaves [three on each side]. Make your first cut from the parent plant with a straight across cut. [see diagram] Make the cut just below the sixth set of leaves. Make sure your cutters are very sharp so they don't crush the stem.

Step2

click to enlarge

Using the diagram as a guide cut off the two bottom sets of leaves leaving the nodes. Nodes are the little joint at the base of the stem that the leaves grow out of.

Step3

Again, using the diagram as a guide, cut directly below the top two sets of leaves. This time make the cut at an angle.

Step4

You should now have a stick with two sets of leaves. Leaves these leaves on as they will help carry vital nutrients to the plant as it roots itself.

Step5

Find a place in the yard where the young plants will get a bit of sun. Loosen the ground with a spade or large spoon. Fluff the dirt and then pat it back down into the hole. You can add a 50-50% blend of potting soil and pearlite to help encourage root growth. My grandmother would also add a little clay based kitty litter. It helps hold moisture.

Step6

Make a few tiny slits in the bottom inch of the stem to encourage root growth.

optional step: to help the rooting process along you can dip them in a rooting hormone available in any garden center.

Step7

Next, take an old chop stick, knitting needle or other such item and poke a hole in the ground you've just fluffed. Stick the stem in the hole and pat the soil around it.

Step8

To protect the plants from animals, children and absent minded professors place a quart sized glass jar over it. This makes a tiny little greenhouse for the plant. Twist the jars a few times to secure in the ground. Water the area well. Then, continue to periodically water the soil around the jar, otherwise the rose stem will dry out. You will not need to remove the jars to water as they will condensate and rain on the plants.

Step9

If your area gets too much sun cover the jars with white bags to prevent sunburn. If your plant is rooting you should start to see tiny little leaves starting to form in 3 to 4 weeks. Soon thereafter, the original leaves will wilt and fall off. The plant may take up to 8 weeks to root.

Step10

Leave the jars on the plants over winter. In the spring you should be able to remove them and share plants with your friends or move to a rose garden bed. Make sure you keep a good dirt ball around the roots when you dig them up to protect the new roots.

Homemade Carpet Cleaner

Make a paste with the following ingredients:

1/4 cup salt

1/4 cup borax

1/4 cup vinegar

Rub the paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum well.

Keep Cayenne in your "Kitchen First Aid Kit"

Cayenne stimulates digestion and helps muscle movement in the intestines. This helps restore balance in the intestines and aids in the absorption of food nutrients.

Cayenne is great to stimulate circulation and blood flow to the outlying parts of the body. Cayenne actually can raise the body temperature a bit, as it stimulates circulation and blood flow to the skin. An herb such as cayenne or ginger that promotes fever and sweating is considered to have a diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) action. [That is why in some hot climates of the world people eat hot peppers of all kinds. They will initially heat the body but this actually cools it down.]This action then can help reduce fevers and relieve the congestion of colds and sinusitis.

Cayenne has become a popular home treatment for mild high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels. It also helps in the relief of stomach aches.

Preparation: Since it is thought to help improve circulation, those who have cold hands and feet often use it. Sprinkle some in your shoes or boots in the winter. [can stain socks] To drink- take a rounded teaspoon of cayenne pepper in juice or water, stir and drink.

Homemade Petroleum Jelly

Make this easy recipe and use it alone or as a base for other homemade products calling for petroleum jelly.

[You may substitute a natural oil, such as olive, grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil for the baby or mineral oil but try it first to see if you like it before using it as a substitute in other recipes for petroleum jelly.]

Melt 1 ounce beeswax in a double boiler and add 1/2 cup baby or mineral oil stirring until well blended. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir until cool.

Lemony Fresh

Lemon juice is a great household cleanser. [Use it straight from the bottle or use fresh lemons.]

Use it to clean your shower doors and walls. It dissolves soap scum and hard water deposits while leaving the air smelling lemony fresh .

Make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda to clean copper or brass.

Make a natural scrubber by cutting a lemon in half and fill half way with baking soda. Use the lemon to clean out the interior of your dishwasher, remove stains from sinks, countertops, etc.

Make a simple furniture polish by mixing 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice.

When finished with the lemons put the rinds down the dish disposal with the water running. The disposal will grind the rinds freshening the air and cleaning the disposal at the same time.

Tea Tree Oil Lip Gloss for Chapped Lips

This simple recipe is a great lip gloss for the winter. The tea tree oil soothes and comforts while the gloss moistens the lips.

2 teaspoons grated beeswax

1 teaspoon petroleum jelly

Melt the ingredients in a small can placed in boiling water. Add a few drops of tea tree oil; adjust to wanted strength. Stir it well and pour it into a small jar.

Victorian Dream Pillows

Dream or Sleep pillows were once called comfort pillows. In Victorian times they were fashioned to help ease the smell of the sickroom and to help eliminate the bad dreams associated with some of the medical concoctions of the day. As our sense of smell is the most direct route to our mind and memory collection, a sleep pillow can help unlock repressed memories while ensuring a good night's sleep. Tuck under your regular pillow for a good night's sleep.

Mix together herbs in a glass or plastic bowl using a wooden or plastic spoon. Avoid metal. Toss herbs together as if making a salad.

Herbs to Consider Using:
* Angelica: prophetic dreams
* Anise: repel nightmares
* Balsam Fir: soothing
* Basil: psychic dreams
* Bay: clairvoyance and wisdom
* Bay Laurel: positive energy
* Camphor: awakens memories
* Cedar: repels bad dreams [use sparingly]
* Chamomile: Retrieves buried memories
* Dill: sleep aid
* Hops: promotes healing
* Lavender: peaceful sleep
* Lemon Grass: prophetic dreams
* Marigold: prophetic dreams
* Marjoram: relieves depression
* Mint: vivid dreams
* Mugwort: aids in remembering dreams
* Mullein: repels bad dreams
* Rosemary: headaches and sweet dreams [use sparingly]
* Rose: clairvoyance
* St. Johns Wort: banishes spirits
* Thyme: attracts fairies, peaceful sleep, gives psychic powers
* Valerian: deep rest [some cats like this as much as catnip so keep out of reach of cats]
* White Sage: door to the spirit world Set mixture aside.

Step 2:
Fabric and batting alignment Lay the 12 X 20 inch fleece fabric down on a tabletop. Align the 17 X 6 Inch batting in the center of the fleece [width wise] but lined up on one length wise end. [This end will be the end you roll first.] The opposite end will be without batting.

Step 3:
Spread your choice of herbs [TOTAL of 1/2 cup] over the batting and then starting with the end that has the fleece and batting lining up roll the layers of fleece, batting and herbs. It will look like a jelly roll. Pin.

Step 4:
Pinch one end together about where the batting ends and secure with a rubber band. Repeat with the other end. Then, remove pin and carefully glue down the open long side with the glue gun glue.

Step 5:
End decorations Tie the ribbons on each of the roll and secure adornments such as artificial flowers, pine cones, etc. with a dab of hot glue.

Step 6:
Place under your regular pillow and have a great night's sleep! These make wonderful gifts for a house guest or friend.

Herbal Tea Bag for the Bath

Pamper yourself and luxuriate in the bath with an herbal tea bag of your own making. Filled with powdered milk, oatmeal and herbs it will "take you away" to a happier state while softening your skin at the same time.

Step 1:
Mix in a large bowl: 1/2 cup oatmeal [put in blender], 2 cups instant powdered milk, 1/4 to 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 tablespoon of various soothing herbs [lavendar, rosemary, rose, etc.]

Step 2:
To reuse allow to dry out and turn inside out once in a while Fill large [about 4 X 6 inches] muslin bags about 1/2 full. Draw drawstring or tie with ribbon creating a knot at the end. [This will make several bags]

Step 3:
Place bag on the bottom of tub near faucet end or and let the warm water pour onto the bag as it fills the tub. This will help dissolve the milk, oatmeal and disperse the herbs emollients.

Calendula Skin Ointment Recipe

Calendula is a type of marigold with healing properties. Calendula contains high amounts of flavonoids which are plant-based antioxidants that protect the skin against cell-damaging free radicals. Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects and when added to a base cream or ointment is most effective to heal dry skin and promote healing of wounds.

Step 1:
Measure out 1/2 cup of dried calendula petals [grow your own or purchase from an herbal supply store] into a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 2:
Melt 8 oz. of 100% vegetable shortening and 1 Tablespoon beeswax into a small saucepan. [The shortening is sometimes called "Cream C" and is often recommended by dermatologists as it's very emollient, does not cause acne, is hypo-allergenic, etc. It's a very neutral, useful cream believe it or not.]

Step 3:
Add the calendula petals and allow to "steep" in the hot oil mixture. Cool and repeat this time pressing the petals against the sides of the pan to release the natural properties of the calendula into the hot mix.

Step 4:
Use cleaned, used jars or purchase small jars from a supply house Pour into small, clean glass jars or tins and cool. Place lid on top and label.

Step 5:
To Use: Lather on liberally to skin that has been irritated or patches of psoriasis or eczema. It is great for insect bites or small scrapes and bruises. Use at night on feet [covering with a light sock] to restore dry skin.

Treating a Cough

Coughing once or twice during a day is nature's way of eliminating irritants from the air passageway. However, when a cough becomes excessive due to infection or other triggers it can be quite annoying. They can come in two forms: a dry, hacking cough or a productive cough that helps get rid of the phlegm and mucus in your chest. Before running off to the doctor try this simple remedy. It really does work!

Step 1:
Our feet have a greater rate of absorption than most other areas of the body. In a way that can't be explained they somehow are able to carry remedies upwards in the body. If you don't believe me rub the bottoms of your feet with crushed garlic and cover with white socks. Within a half hour you will be able to taste the garlic.

Step 2:
Using this principle to stop a cough rub the bottoms of your feet with Mentholatum. There are many brands on the market and even some that are made for children. Once the bottoms of the feet have been slathered with the smelly stuff cover the feet with socks and go to bed...

Step 3:
Within a short time you will find the cough has subsided.

Killing Dust Mites

Dust mite feces and their remains are one of the leading causes of allergies in the home. You can't completely get rid of dust mites but you can significantly reduce the number of mites thus reducing the allergic effects. Here are some natural ways of dealing with these little microscopic creatures.

Step 1:
Dust mites feed off of your dead skin cells and carcasses of fleas, silverfish and other household insects. Eliminate the food source and you can help reduce the number of mites.

Step 2:
Because dust mites live in fabrics, carpets and upholstery you must learn to be fastidiously clean. Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly. If possible rip up the carpet and install wooden floors. Dust regularly.

Step 3:
Dust mites do not like sunlight. On a nice day hang out comforters, blankets, etc. on the line to bask in the sun.

Step 4:
Hang pillows on the line with multiple clothespins and then beat with a broom handle to shake the debris from the mites and your skin loose.

Step 5:
Wash bedding often adding several drops of eucalyptus oil to the water.

Step 6:
Make a spray of 1 cup vodka and 20-30 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Spray your pillows and bedding a couple times per week. Use the spray on upholstery and carpets as well. If you have children spray stuffed animals and place them in a plastic bag for several hours before putting away.