Living Naturally
Many of us look forward to winter with its peaceful landscapes and fun in the snow. But winter also arrives with a raft of special health concerns, occasioned by dry air, less light, icy walks, and Jack Frost nipping at our nose (and fingers and toes). Take the cold seriously. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of Raynaud’s, frostbite, hypothermia, and chilblains…
Ever had a blizzard or snowstorm cause power outages or emergency conditions? How do you prepare for and survive the storm? Here are some tips from a winter weather veteran.Up here in northern New England, we have had our fair share of walloping nor’easters. One year, blizzard conditions rolled into town at night, and we’d accumulated 10 inches of wet, heavy snow and…
Winter snow may feel like a nuisance, but it’s surprisingly useful. From lightening pancake batter to protecting garden plants and easing inflammation, snow has practical benefits indoors and out. Before you shovel it away, discover the many clever ways fresh snow can work for your home, kitchen, health, and garden.Whatever you think of snow, it adds a whole other dimension to our lives! I…
Lack of motivation can be a pervasive and debilitating problem, but do not despair—there are ways to get yourself motivated! Read on for a few tips on improving self-motivation.You have a lot to get up for: a stalled work project, that hour of daily exercise your doctor prescribed, your longstanding writer’s block, housecleaning, quitting smoking.Maybe you yearn for a quantum…
Winter can pile on stress like snowdrifts—dark days, icy roads, power outages, and holiday chaos. Luckily, you don’t need a gym, a therapist, or a snow shovel to lighten your load. From laughing (yes, really!) to taking a hot bath, here are five simple, science-backed winter stress-busters that anyone can do—right in their own home.My favorite stress-busters don’t cost anything, require any…
Ready to start the new year with a boost for your mind, body, and spirit? Enter Reishi, the “mushroom of immortality” revered by emperors, monks, and herbalists alike. This ancient medicinal fungus is making a comeback—and for good reason. From stress relief and immune support to cardiovascular health, reishi has a lot to offer. Read on to learn how to forage, dry, and brew your own reishi tea to…
Fresh, homegrown lettuce doesn’t have to stop when winter arrives. With a few containers, simple lighting, and the right greens, you can enjoy crisp salads all winter long—no garden bed required. Lettuce and leafy greens thrive in cool conditions, grow quickly, and are ideal for indoor containers or protected outdoor spaces. Whether you’re growing under lights, in a cold frame, or near a sunny…
When we think of herbal remedies, we don’t often think of the trees right outside our door. There is one tree that grows almost everywhere in North America and provides easy-to-use medicine all year long: the mighty White Pine. Learn about 6 White Pine remedies for your home, including one of our family favorites—delicious Pine Needle Tea—aka a free cup of Vitamin C!About the Mighty White…
For centuries, illness was fought with food… in fact, many modern medicines come from herbs and berries! Elderberry, ginger, and garlic are all proven to boost your immune system, fight colds and flu, and soothe anxiety. Rediscover age-old recipes that are easy and simple to make, even when you are feeling under the weather.Why Cold and Flu Season HappensAs the weather shifts, it…
Used coffee grounds can be great for your garden! But there’s some misinformation out there. In this article, we’ll explore how this nitrogen-rich material can improve your soil—if used correctly—and how to use coffee grounds for plants.I love my coffee strong and black. We get our beans from the local food co-op and grind them fresh for every pot, leaving us with many coffee grounds. These…
Family gatherings, office potlucks, holiday buffets, neighborhood cookie exchanges, church suppers, mail-order food deliveries, gifts of home-preserved foods—from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day (and sometimes beyond), Americans go on what seems like a nonstop food binge.I’ve always loved the special holiday foods and traditions of late fall and winter that have been passed down through…
Warm, spicy, and bursting with aroma—cloves are more than just a holiday spice. These tiny dried flower buds have been treasured for centuries for their powerful health benefits, culinary versatility, and natural healing properties. From soothing toothaches to aiding digestion, cloves bring both flavor and wellness to your kitchen and your body.When you think of cloves, what comes to mind?…