Living Naturally
Elderberries! This year, I made elderberry syrup with these gorgeous, deep-purple berries. The sweet syrup is delicious in foods and drinks, and a daily teaspoon is a natural immune booster. Learn more about the power of elderberries and enjoy this simple recipe.Have you encountered elderberries in the wild? The branches of these humble roadside and stream-bank shrubs are festooned in summer…
Don’t let fresh herbs go to waste! Whether you have a bumper crop from the garden or simply bought more than you can use, there are easy ways to preserve fresh herbs for months to come. The two best methods are drying and freezing herbs. Some herbs hold their flavor best when dried, while others are better suited to the freezer. Here’s how to preserve your favorite herbs so you can…
Whether you’re dealing with a summer heat wave or a power outage, knowing how to stay cool in hot weather can help prevent heat-related illness and keep you comfortable. These practical tips cover everything from cooling your home to staying hydrated and sleeping better on hot nights.How do you stay cool in hot weather?To stay cool in hot weather, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight…
Wondering what to do with all those extra mint leaves? Fresh mint is one of the most versatile herbs you can grow. From cooking and homemade tea to natural bug repellents and beauty treatments, these 12 uses for mint leaves will help you make the most of every harvest.Meet the Mint FamilyDid you know that the mint family, Lamiaceae, is the sixth- or seventh-largest of the flowering…
Reframe how you define exercise—it’s not just something to do in a gym. Once you get going, you’ll find exercise in surprising places. Read more about natural ways to improve your health.Exercise isn’t about being in a gym. It’s about how you get your heart and lungs pumping, strengthen your muscles, and stretch everything out—including through the ordinary activities of everyday…
Swimmer’s itch is a common, itchy rash that shows up after swimming in lakes or ponds, especially in shallow areas where snails and waterfowl gather. Caused by microscopic flatworm larvae that can burrow into human skin, this harmless but highly irritating condition can last for days or even weeks. If you or your kids spend time swimming in natural water, it’s important to know how to prevent…
Foodborne illness affects one in six Americans every year. Following simple food safety guidelines can help prevent contamination and keep your family safe. These four principles—clean, separate, cook, and chill—form the foundation of safe food handling.Why Food Safety MattersOne in six Americans this year will get sick from something they ate. According to the Center for Disease…
I love things that meet a need so specific that they get the job done when nothing else could. In the push-and-pull of the moment, I’ve discovered many such tools, mostly ad hoc, accidentally or serendipitously, and mostly to use in the garden. Below are five favorites listed in no particular order!Unexpected Tools That Make Gardening Easier1. Kitchen Fork(Especially a sturdy,…
Celery is one of the most underrated vegetables. Most people would never think of this humble stalk as a high-powered health food. Yet, it is! Learn some surprising facts about celery.Yes, we know that celery has a satisfying crunch as well as a handy groove for holding anything spreadable. Cooked, it imparts a delicate flavor to salads, soups, and stir-fries. And it has only 11 calories per…
Looking for an easy way to enjoy fresh pickles all summer long? The perpetual pickle crock is a simple, low-maintenance method that lets you add fresh cucumbers, beans, carrots, and zucchini every day to a brine, creating a continuous supply of crisp, flavorful pickles. Perfect for home gardeners, families, or anyone who loves fresh, homemade pickles, this method is easy to customize and requires…
Eating with the seasons just makes sense. It’s the most delicious and healthiest way to live. This guide explains how eating seasonally works, why it matters, and what a year of seasonal eating can look like in real life.When you grow your own food, you are—by its very nature—eating with the seasons. Even if you don’t garden, you can still use the seasons as your backdrop. Food is at its…
Many flowers are not only beautiful—they’re edible, too, adding color and flavor to salads, teas, drinks, desserts, and savory dishes. From peppery nasturtiums to fragrant roses and calming chamomile, edible flowers bring both garden beauty and fresh, creative ingredients to your table.If you’re planning your garden, consider growing flowers you can eat as well as admire. These 15 easy-to…