Category: Homestead

Oklahoma Ice Storm Disaster

1/17/2017

Well, disaster struck Northwestern Oklahoma and the Panhandle. High-line poles are broken for miles and sparking wires have been draping homes, barns, and garages. People out here are being reminded that life does not revolve around things that plug into the outlet. The way people are reacting is varied but mostly they are loving and sympathetic, trying to help each other. There are a few unprepared individuals who are panicky or angry. If you are new to the area, that's understandable. Panic and anger do nothing but make things worse for yourself and everyone around you though. There are so many better ways to rise to the challenge of this situation. What we need is good old-fashioned pioneer spirit and determination.

For those with medical needs there have been places set up to help. If you cannot travel safely yourself, emergency personnel can provide someone to transport you.

For those who are able-bodied:

Stay out of the way. Seriously. Let the utility crews and other personnel do their job. I know you are probably stir crazy but be courteous.
Check on your neighbors. This is a good time to get to know them if you don't. It's a good time to mend relationships if things have been strained between you. Turn the other cheek and be the better person.
Consider your resources. If you have a gas range and can cook, ask a neighbor with a deep-freezer if they would like for you to cook up thawing meat for them. If you are one of the blessed with electricity or a generator, offer to move food to your place to keep for a neighbor.
Clean up. Refer to #1 before you do anything and make absolutely sure it's safe first! If you have a chain saw or a chipper, do whatever maintenance and get it ready.

Fire prevention. One big concern as things thaw and dry out is LOTS of DEAD WOOD piled up ready to CATCH fire. BAD. If you have a chipper, please chip as much as you can. If not, find out who does. Also, some houses had VERY LOW voltage which is bad on wires and circuits. Be very careful and watch for smoke around your neighborhood.

For those of you still angry. I'm going to rant here and probably not be very nice... If you are new to the area: we are Panhandle Pioneers and have lived through Dust Bowl, Devastating Droughts, Range Fires, Flash Floods, and Tornadoes. Buck up and help or Pack up and leave. We don't need bad attitudes telling us WE aren't doing enough for YOU. We are Pull-Together people and if you can't join us, just go away and leave us alone. We're better off without you here if that's how you insist on acting.

For the rest of my neighbors, community, and those coming from all over to help us. THANK YOU. You are awesome and so much appreciated!

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Propaganda vs. Common Sense

8/16/2016

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The land here is laid out in square mile sections with circles of green in some of it from the irrigation circles. There are tan or gold strips I'm assuming are wheat and brown strips of either fresh cut or plowed ground. There's nothing like it. At night, from the sky, the world literally twinkles with the lights of the irrigation systems.

I pulled up Bing search engine this morning and got a bit teary-eyed from their wallpaper image. You may find it a bit silly. It's an areal view of prairie farm land. The land here is laid out mostly in square mile sections with circles of green in some of it from the irrigation circles. There are tan or gold strips I'm assuming are wheat and brown strips of either fresh cut or plowed ground. There's nothing like it. At night, from the sky, the world literally twinkles with the lights of the irrigation systems. Flying over in the dark is an awesome sight. I can stand on a hill and look out over miles and miles. On a clear night I can see lights from towns in Texas and Kansas. I love it!

I try really hard to refrain from publishing blog posts about political things. This is hard because a majority of my life revolves around potentially volatile issues such as:

Education - We were the first family in our county to homeschool. (Other than the pioneers...) I do not believe I should have to pay for the education of others. I know, understand, and sympathize with the fact that not everyone can homeschool. I'm an advocate of small community schoolhouses paid for and run by local communities and non-profit organizations. Education should never be under state or federal jurisdiction.
Healthcare - I'm an herbalist and while I am ever so grateful for my doctor's knowledge and expertise, he knows I'll try everything else I possibly can and maybe even ask a veterinarian before I visit him. I'm also a faith midwife and have helped families give birth in their own homes. This also pegs me as a breastfeeding advocate. I do NOT believe in socialized health care or that my family should be forced to have insurance or pay for others' lifestyle consequences. Hospitals and clinics should be owned and operated privately or by non-profit organizations. Healthcare should never be under the jurisdiction of the state or federal government.
Private Property - On one hand, from a Biblical perspective, I know God owns everything and I am only a steward of what HE puts in my care. On the other hand, the governments of the world have always tried to tell the working people how and when to do their work, plus take as much of the production as possible. It has always been a struggle and will be until the LORD returns. This doesn't mean I don't fight for my God given right to have dominion over what HE has provided and I have worked hard for.

Now that you have a basis I'll get to the point. The United States of America is struggling with Property Rights issues. It's a sad state of affairs that have left some law abiding citizens six foot under after being shot by the very government that is supposed to be providing for their defense. Land owners, especially homesteading farmers and ranchers are upset and scared. A few states have already passed a so-called "Right to Farm" amendment to their state constitutions. Oklahoma has such a state question before the people this year. One of the main proponents and lobbyists is the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. I have to say I am very disappointed, yet not really surprised. Let me get straight to the issues. Here is what the ballot will say:

BALLOT TITLE FOR STATE QUESTION NO. 777

This measure adds Section 38 to Article II of the Oklahoma Constitution.
The new Section creates state constitutional rights. It creates the following guaranteed rights to engage in farming and ranching:

The right to make use of agricultural technology
The right to make use of livestock procedures, and
The right to make use of ranching practices.

These constitutional rights receive extra protection under this measure that not all constitutional rights receive. This extra protection is a limit on lawmakers’ ability to interfere with the exercise of these rights. Under this extra protection, no law can interfere with these rights, unless the law is justified by a compelling state interest - a clearly identified state interest of the highest order. Additionally, the law must be necessary to serve that compelling state interest.
The measure—and the protections identified above--do not apply to and do not impact state laws related to:

Trespass,
Eminent domain,
Dominance of mineral interests,
Easements
Any state statutes and political subdivision ordinances enacted before December 31, 2014.

I have highlighted the areas I'm concerned about & will explain why.

Technology & Procedures - Ag tech includes diagnostic testing, computerized data, robotics (including the use of drones), economic tracking, and Genetic Engineering. Monster companies like Monsanto, Bayer, and other pharmaceutical companies have a lot invested in Ag Tech. Many medications and immunizations are made from animal genetics. A big worldwide and nationwide debate is going on right now about the ethics of growing Chimera body parts in livestock for human transplants. (CDC.org, WashingtonTimes.com, MedicalDaily.com, TechnologyReivew.com, ObservatorioBioEtica.org, Agriculture.com, Zenit.org, SkywatchTV.com)
State Interest - This is 'meant' to be a protection, but it also means any unethical technology & procedures can't be stopped until it's gone through the whole legislative process and a law is passed. This really worries me...
Do not apply or impact - Do you get this? This means any infringements on our agricultural rights in affect before Dec. 31, 2014 are permanent. This amendment doesn't repeal any unfair laws or regulations. This is being promoted as something that will "ensure that you have access to great-tasting, healthy, affordable nutrition" but it will not give me the right to sell fresh eggs, chicken, or raw milk from my little barn door or at a farmer's market.
Eminent Domain & Easements - Again, this doesn't give me the right to farm land that has already been taken over by some duly ordained company or agency. Two examples: If my neighbors allow a windfarm to be installed and operated on their property I must adhere to the windfarm's rules and not build a new barn for my livestock or put up a new silo for my grain. If my neighbors allow a corporate hog farm to be installed and operated on their property, I can't purchase a pig to raise pork even for my own family use.

I understand that people are scared of overreaching federal control. I agree something should be done. I honestly feel something should have been done long ago. Cowboys & Farmers should have never let down their guard. We need something that renews rights we have already been stripped of. We need something that will protect personal property from the infringements of Federal Agencies & Departments, Corporate & Factory Farms, AND Political Subdivisions...

If you are a resident of the USA and especially Oklahoma right now, I ask you to prayerfully research the references I've provided above and the links below. This is something that affects all of us and since we are providing food for much of the rest of the world, consider what we are growing to feed future generations. Who doesn't prefer a basket of organic or home-grown produce over most of what's available from the grocery store produce department? Have you compared the quality of meat, eggs or milk from a local farmer to that of the grocery store?

If you live outside the USA, please pray for us.

"Oklahomans for Food, Farm and Family, a nonprofit formed specifically to fight against SQ 777, is made up of members of the Oklahoma Municipal League, the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Farm and Food Alliance with support from the Oklahoma Food Cooperative, the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, the League of Women Voters, the Choctaw Nation, the Cherokee Nation, the Chickasaw Nation, Muscogee Creek Nation, the Seminole Nation and other organizations." ~ RedDirtReport.com

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Honoring our Heritage

7/3/2016

5 Comments

They raised a passel of ornery young'ns who passed on generations of hard working & spry individuals. The Hennigh family endured the Dust Bowl & Great Depression and descendants still farm the same land.

Darrouzett, Texas has been hosting the annual "Deutsches Fest" since the year I was born, 1972. As part of the festivities this year, my dad's family was honored as a "Heritage Family". I was thrilled to participate in the parade with a host of distant cousins and some great-aunts. I lost track of where everyone landed on the family tree with 6 or 7 generations of people buzzing around! We had a lot of fun though. We decorated our old flatbed trailer and two pickups and packed them full of newly acquainted family members. Most of my children escaped the throng by riding in a horse drawn wagon instead. (Little traitors...) We proudly flew the colors of our God Blessed United States of America through the tiny town.

Don't quote me on all this but... Once upon a time, after the Homestead Act finally hit Cimarron Territory and squatters were allowed to file claims on the land they were on... Two brothers, George & Charlie Hennigh came from Pennsylvania and bought homesteads. They sent for their families (or maybe bought mail-order brides). These two fellers were blessed to have picked land next to a creek with good water. They raised a passel of ornery young'ns who passed on generations of hard working & spry individuals. The Hennigh family endured the Dust Bowl & Great Depression and descendants still farm the same land.

I think they picked some of the most beautiful land in Cimarron Territory. It is also some of the most interesting. Stories of outlaws and ghost towns abound.

Some of the facts I find interesting:

Eva was 8 years younger than George. He was born 1/10/1871 & she was born 6/27/1879.
They had 5 children (that I know of) Roy in 1898, Ray in 1903, Clinton in 1906 (my great-grandfather), Emma & Fannie
My great-grandfather Clinton and his wife Bessie (Baxter) also had 5 children.

I think they picked some of the most beautiful land in Cimarron Territory. It is also some of the most interesting. Stories of outlaws and ghost towns abound. If you catch the farmers and ranchers out here in the right mood, they'll share tales passed down through the generations. After spending a little time with some of women this weekend, I'd really like to hear more of the women's perspective.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Independence Day weekend! To all veterans and soldiers in uniform, Thank You for your service to our country. For those of you outside of the USA, please pray for us. We are in bad trouble and need the LORD.

God bless you all!

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Exploring Herbs: Lavender

6/21/2016

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One of my favorite old fashioned homemaking things is to make lace sachet pillows filled with dried Lavender flowers to stash in drawers, suitcases, & chests. It smells so lovely.

We use Lavender Essential Oil in our home daily. It is so soothing and relaxing. It's especially wonderful for cramps and aching muscles. It is also antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial & stimulates blood flow. Herbalists of the 1600's believed Lavender was good for "all griefes and pains of the head and brain." (John Parkinson) I'd have to agree. I especially loved rubbing the essential oil on our babies' sleepers and blankets. I don't believe in rubbing essential oil directly on babies' skin unless it is very diluted, but putting it on clothes & bedding can be calming to tired parents as well as fussy little ones. It's also nice for sick and elderly loved ones. It's so relaxing, often blood pressure will lower.

Lavender can also be made into a tincture or infusion. The tea isn't my favorite but will calm digestion. Probably my very favorite thing to do with Lavender is add it to my bath. When my muscles are aching, a few drops in a warm bath with Epson salts really help.

I use so much Lavender essential oil that I buy it in bulk. Before internet stores made such things more readily available I had to be creative. My once-a-year trip to the city included visiting "the witch's shop". Now, please realize, I was raised 'new age', crystal ball, tarot cards & all... (I asked Jesus into my heart very early at a vacation Bible school. I know I was very young because I was on the very front row. Pastor Marcus Adair did a wonderful job explaining the salvation message using a valentine heart box. I have used the same object lesson with each one of our children. I praise YHWH for HIS protection throughout my childhood.) ...Where was I? Oh yes, the witch's shop. Because I grew up with lots of mystical gadgets, gizmos, art, and incense... I was prepared for her establishment... (After covering myself in prayer, walking through the door alternately quoting scripture and humming hymns under my breath.) As the lovely witch finished with another customer, I prayed for him (that someone would share the Gospel with him and God would reveal to him that the things he was purchasing were cursed or possessed and needed to be burned ASAP). Then she came to me asking what she could help me with. (I'm sure she was wondering what this Christian 'Denim Jumper' mom was doing in her shop.) I smiled sweetly and told her I needed 16 ounces of Lavender Essential Oil. She stood in shock saying, "How much are you wanting?" I repeated, "Sixteen ounces please." While she looked for a 16 oz amber bottle, I browsed the store. (Praying & hymning the whole time.) Thankfully the internet has made such purchases much easier.

One of my favorite old fashioned homemaking things is to make lace sachet pillows filled with dried Lavender flowers to stash in drawers, suitcases, & chests. It smells so lovely. Pinterest has some wonderful tutorials on making these. It's a good sewing project for small children and an excellent gift idea.

The best quality Essential Oils I've found are from Young Living.

Here are two of my friends videos about how they use Lavender Essential Oil in their homes. I think you'll find them helpful.

More posts you might like:
Exploring Herbs: Lemongrass
Exploring Herbs: Cloves
Exploring Herbs: Peppermint
Exploring Herbs: Spearmint
Exploring Herbs: Echinacea
Elderberry: Herbalist Basics
Herbal Basics
Rosemary

The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Exploring Herbs: Lemongrass #AfterMyCoffee

5/26/2016

2 Comments

I use Lemongrass a lot. It numbs the nerves and helps relieve pain. I had untreated whiplash several times as a child in addition to a broken pelvic bone from a horse flipping over on top of me. I experience pain almost constantly. Lavender oil helps relax the muscles but the Lemongrass essential oil really helps with the pain. Unfortunately I still end up taking some ibuprofen all too often. I keep lemongrass near me on the couch, next to my bed, in the medicine cabinet, and by the table. Be careful with this oil though. It can burn sensitive skin. I use it directly but most people will probably need to dilute it with olive or almond oil. Essential oils can cause chemical burn.

Lemongrass can also be used as a tea. It has a wonderful lemony taste.

Calming Sleep Aid
Digestive Support
Menstrual Relief
Stimulate Metabolism
Decrease Cholesterol
Relieve Acne

Lemongrass is also a bug deterrent. I mix it with citronella, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar for a homemade bug spray.

I usually get Lemongrass from Vitacost. They have their own brand of essential oils that we like. There are tons of other things available with lemongrass which is refreshing and smells nice.

More posts you might like:
Exploring Herbs: Lavender
Exploring Herbs: Cloves
Exploring Herbs: Peppermint
Exploring Herbs: Spearmint
Exploring Herbs: Echinacea
Elderberry: Herbalist Basics
Herbal Basics
Rosemary

Last week's favorite:

This is my last week to host After My Coffee linkup, at least for summer. I have a busy summer ahead and want to concentrate more on our home and family. Thank you all for participating. I'll still be posting about herbs and such, Lord willing. Have a wonderful summer!

Capturing the Heart of a Strong Willed Child

After My Coffee Blog Hop Linky Party at Prairie Dust Trail

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Please also follow my lovely co-hostesses:

Phyllis Sather @ Phyllis-Sather.com
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Google Plus

Kathryn @ Depths Of Imagination
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An InLinkz Link-up

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Peppermint #AfterMyCoffee

5/12/2016

1 Comment

Who wants a peppermint stick with their hot tea?

"Me!" is always the overwhelming response.

No, I don't ask if they want one lump or two, or one spoonful or two... I think I'm the only one who occasionally likes lemon in my tea. Peppermint is the favorite around our house. After all, who wouldn't want a pretty, striped, sweet, minty, sticky, peppermint? If the children are young, grab a warm, wet wash rag and set beside each of them instead of a pretty napkin. It will serve much better and you'll be glad you did!

Since I covered Spearmint last week, I won't go into all the same information that applies to all the mint family. Peppermint is special. When I was going through morning sickness (six times!) I made up a tea of peppermint and ginger and sipped it ALL DAY LONG. I still felt miserable, but it did help immensely.

We have also made our own tooth brushing powder before. My tooth powder is very, very simple:

Baking Soda
Crushed Mint Leaves

Yep, that's it. I like putting mine in a Tupperware salt & pepper shakers. They are the perfect shape to pour just a little into your hand. I soak our toothbrushes in peroxide and scoop up the powder out of my hand and brush away. Simple as that. If that's too easy, here are a couple of really nice tooth powder recipes:

While my mother was sick with cancer, I rubbed a Peppermint essential oil mixture on her after her bath. She would sigh and say how much better it made her feel. It didn't stop her from being sick, but it gave her a bit of soothing and comfort.

Our oldest always likes Peppermint flavoring in her birthday cake. Yummy! Just use your favorite Chocolate cake recipe and substitute the Vanilla extract for Peppermint. Sometimes I put it in the frosting instead. (...now I'm getting hungry!)

Isn't it wonderful how GOD created this little herb that even I can grow in my yard that can be so comforting to the whole family? Thank you Lord!

More posts you might like:
Exploring Herbs: Lavender
Exploring Herbs: Lemongrass
Exploring Herbs: Cloves
Exploring Herbs: Spearmint
Exploring Herbs: Echinacea
Elderberry: Herbalist Basics
Herbal Basics
Rosemary

Last week's favorite:

God has shown me four basic ways that I can embrace the gift of waiting and make the most of this lovely season in my life. I would like to share them with all the ladies who may be in a similar season in their lives.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.prairiedusttrail.com/blog/category/after-my-coffee" title="After My Coffee Blog Hop Linky Party at Prairie Dust Trail"><img src="http://www.prairiedusttrail.com/uploads/3/9/2/2/39225855/442505.jpg" alt="After My Coffee Blog Hop Linky Party at Prairie Dust Trail" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Please also follow my lovely co-hostesses:

Phyllis Sather @ Phyllis-Sather.com
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Google Plus

Kathryn @ Depths Of Imagination
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Google Plus

An InLinkz Link-up

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Farm #WhatToRead Children's Books

5/11/2016

2 Comments

I've always been on or around a farm. I can't imagine growing up not knowing that milk comes from a cow AND that the cow doesn't have to die to harvest the milk. I literally did see a picture recently of some women holding signs in the grocery store, "Save the cows, don't drink milk!" Wow.

A few years ago I ordered a meat and cheese plate without pork. The girl taking the order said, "Oh, we don't put pork in these, just ham." I giggled and told her that ham is pork from a pig.

Our world is suffering economically. Knowing about farming could be good.

Children should be taught some basic life skills. Teaching them about farming, animals and gardening is prudent and can be lots of fun. They should learn that chickens lay the eggs we use for breakfast and to make cake and cookies. When we eat a hamburger or ice cream, we can thank God for cows. If you don't live on a farm yourself, make sure to take your children to visit one. They should get a chance to gather eggs and milk a goat. It's an extra special thing to see children watch a baby animal be born.

Here are some wonderful books to help teach children about farms and farming.

Dawnita Fogleman is an Independent Consultant for Usborne Books & More in the USA. We can ship to all 50 states plus Military APO addresses. If you are outside the USA & not an American Military family, please check out these wonderful books at London's Usborne site. For more information see my disclosure policy for details.

This charming picture book shows scenes from farms around the world, and on every page, there are dozens of things to spot. The detailed pictures provide hours of looking and talking, and dedicated spotters will be unable to put the book down until they have found all the water buffaloes in the rice fields, the cocoa pods on the tropical farm, or eight lambs on the sheep farm. Counting sheep has never been so much fun!

How do pigs keep cool? Why do farmers shear their sheep? Which farm animals live underwater? In this book you’ll find the answers and lots more facts about farm animals around the world.

This irresistible book contains vibrantly illustrated farm puzzles. Each page is full of things to find, similarities to spot, differences to detect, and hundreds of other delightful details to talk about. Young children can search through the arrays of animals while developing their powers of observation, and their number and language skills.

My favorite from last week:

The Coffee Mug Christian - Journey of the Word

And now for the link up!

This list has our topics for 2016, but you don't have to stick to that, any family-friendly posts are welcome. Our hosts will still share a themed selection each week. If you'd like to join us as a co-host in the new year, please contact Anne.

Exploring Herbs: Spearmint #AfterMyCoffee

5/5/2016

4 Comments

Mints are amazing herbs. They contain constituents that increase digestive juices and relax gut muscles making them very soothing to the tummy. The menthol in Spearmint is anesthetic and antifungal. We often use menthol products when we have respiratory illness, usually rubbing salve on our feet and chests. I remember my grandmother rubbing menthol salve on my feet as a child. I was incredibly ticklish and she had a hard time holding my feet still. Out of all six of our children, only one has had the super ticklish problem. I like cough drops with menthol too. I only use it in Essential oil if it's in a mixture with other oils. It always has a nice clean smell.

I personally don't care for Spearmint tea but our children do enjoy it. The tea has a very strong flavor so I like to blend it with other herbs. If you have a clear glass teapot, the Hibiscus Mint Tea is really pretty in addition to tasty. It would make an awesome "tea for two" gift for Mother's Day. My husband prefers Spearmint mouthwash. Of course, Spearmint gum is popular too.

The only caution I have for Spearmint is that if you have someone in your family who has recently quit dipping or smoking tobacco, they may be extra sensitive to the smell of the Spearmint. Make sure to ask because they often don't want to bring attention to the struggle.

My favorite spearmint product is Christopher's Menthol Rub. I usually get it from Vitacost. The stuff is AMAZING when fighting a nasty winter cold...

More posts you might like:
Exploring Herbs: Lavender
Exploring Herbs: Lemongrass
Exploring Herbs: Cloves
Exploring Herbs: Peppermint
Exploring Herbs: Echinacea
Elderberry: Herbalist Basics
Herbal Basics
Rosemary

Last week's favorite:

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.prairiedusttrail.com/blog/category/after-my-coffee" title="After My Coffee Blog Hop Linky Party at Prairie Dust Trail"><img src="http://www.prairiedusttrail.com/uploads/3/9/2/2/39225855/442505.jpg" alt="After My Coffee Blog Hop Linky Party at Prairie Dust Trail" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

An InLinkz Link-up

4 Comments

Exploring Herbs: Echinacea #AfterMyCoffee

4/28/2016

3 Comments

Echinacea is something that does grow naturally out here on the prairie. It's one of the easier flowers to grow too. That is always helpful. Granted, it's not as easy as dandelions, but we'll get to them later. Ten to fifteen years ago there was a lot of hype about Echinacea. I hate hype, but the fad did seem to make people a bit more comfortable with the idea of using herbs. I saw people who would otherwise never even consider herbal remedies taking supplements with Echinacea as an ingredient. A few of the doctors out here even hinted that it might be beneficial. Unfortunately people forget things pretty fast and move on to the next fad before they really learn much.

What is there to learn about Echinacea? Hasn't everything been written about it that can be?

Maybe, but have you read everything that has been written about it? I know I haven't. I'll just start with a 'Did You Know' and let's see... Pop quiz anyone?

Did you know Echinacea is an immune system stimulant?
Did you know the Sioux Native Americans took it for snakebites and rabies?
Did you know it's antibiotic?
Did you know the petals are harvested yearly but the roots need to be at least four years old to harvest?
Did you know the Comanche used it for sore throats and toothaches?
Did you know it can be used topically on acne and cold sores?

Bonus question: Can you guess my favorite way to use Echinacea?

TEA!

Yep, when anyone in our home starts to get the sniffles or a scratchy throat, I pull out the tea pot again. During allergy season I mix it with other herbs that are also good for the respiratory system. We like our Echinacea tea with a cinnamon stick. When you're filling in your flower garden this year, make sure to put in some of these beautiful cone flowers. They are so pretty, you may not want to gather them. They look pretty and rustic too when they are hanging upside down by strings drying for your cold & flu season tea. I keep my dried Echinacea in a 1/2 gallon mason jar with a pretty label. It's something that delights me long after the flower garden is gone!

Here are some seeds, dried herb, tea bags already made up, and a devotional to go with your tea!

I usually get our Echinacea from Mountain Rose Herbs.

More posts you might like:
Exploring Herbs: Lavender
Exploring Herbs: Lemongrass
Exploring Herbs: Cloves
Exploring Herbs: Peppermint
Exploring Herbs: Spearmint
Elderberry: Herbalist Basics
Herbal Basics
Rosemary

Last week's favorite & Congratulations on your new book Beth!:

Krista Hamrick’s beautiful original art print, Name Above All Names Alphabet, has so inspired me. Each of the 26 individual Names she has identified are so special, as Krista has intricately painted, almost like stained glass windows, each one with its Scripture reference.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.prairiedusttrail.com/blog/category/after-my-coffee" title="After My Coffee Blog Hop Linky Party at Prairie Dust Trail"><img src="http://www.prairiedusttrail.com/uploads/3/9/2/2/39225855/442505.jpg" alt="After My Coffee Blog Hop Linky Party at Prairie Dust Trail" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

An InLinkz Link-up

3 Comments

Exploring Herbs: Elderberry #AfterMyCoffee

4/21/2016

2 Comments

Elderberry is one of my very favorite herbs. The berries are good for everyone in the family. Berries in general tend to be very nutritious but elderberries are special. My favorite way to use the dried berries is in tea with Nettle and Echinacea. I'll usually put a tablespoon of elderberries in ANY herbal tea I make. They mix well with anything, give a nice flavor, and beautiful color to the herbal teas. I don't buy any of the fancy cough syrups for our children, I just make up tea with peppermint for them. They really like it and it's soothing when they aren't feeling well. A hot cup of tea is always comforting.

I usually buy my elderberries by the pound. I use a strainer like the one below and I have a dark green teapot. (The rose color is on my wishlist!) I heat up our purified water to a boil and slowly pour it into the pot over the herbs in the strainer. Then I let it set for about 3-5 minutes before pouring. I usually get 2 or 3 pots from the same strainer full of herbs. The more they soak, especially the berries, the more they release their wonderful juice. In summer sometimes I will even pour it over a glass of ice for an herbal ice tea. Yum! If you have a sweet tooth, add a spoonful of honey for added benifit. When the children are having a tea party, I let them stir their tea with a peppermint stick. (King Leo peppermint sticks are made with real sugar.)

I really feel like elderberries should be a staple in every home. I'm not a "health care professional" so I have to be careful or the FDA may try to come get me... But our family seriously loves our Elderberry Tea. I encourage you to try it.

We usually get our elderberries from Mountain Rose Herbs. They also have already made tonics which are nice.

More posts you might like:
Exploring Herbs: Lavender
Exploring Herbs: Lemongrass
Exploring Herbs: Cloves
Exploring Herbs: Peppermint
Exploring Herbs: Spearmint
Exploring Herbs: Echinacea
Herbal Basics
Rosemary

Last week's favorites (These young ladies are doing an awesome job with their blogs!):

A couple weeks ago the sand plum bushes were in bloom! They were gorgeous so I had to capture photos of Ike in them.

Sand Plum Blossoms at Faith Has Made Me blog

WAITING? OR LIVING OUT GOD’S PLAN? at Shining Stars Magazine

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.prairiedusttrail.com/blog/category/after-my-coffee" title="After My Coffee Blog Hop Linky Party at Prairie Dust Trail"><img src="http://www.prairiedusttrail.com/uploads/3/9/2/2/39225855/442505.jpg" alt="After My Coffee Blog Hop Linky Party at Prairie Dust Trail" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

An InLinkz Link-up

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Star Chronicles: A Bible-Based Study of the Stars

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Howdy Y'all! I’m Dawnita, 5th generation Oklahoma Panhandle Pioneer, mother of six young'ns and author of Star Chronicles: A Bible Based Study of the Stars. I love hot drinks, sewing & crafts, and very old books.

☕ Howdy! I'm @DawnitaFogleman □ Bringing the past into the future to stay connected, weathering the storms of life with God's Divine help.

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