Gardening the Natural Way...with Essential Oils!

The weather is warm and the dirt is ready....it's gardening time!

I come from a long line of green thumbs, but unfortunately it didn't get passed down to me.  One thing I have noticed about our new  home, North Dakota is great for gardening and pretty hard to kill things, even for me!  So with that, I set out on a quest to find natural ways to help in the garden...and it had to include essential oils

.  Here is what I found......

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The All-Around Insect Spray

TerraShield is called the Repellent Blend for a reason!  More effective and safer than DEET, this blend is great at repelling just about any insect.  You can spray it on you to keep the insects from biting, or spray directly onto your plants to keep the nibblers off them!

For a body spray, try 16 oz of witch hazel to 30 drops of the Repellent Blend and apply liberally. 

For the plants, try 16 oz of water, 1 tbs of a natural soap like castile soap, and 25 drops of the blend.  Make sure you shake well!

Thyme and Lavender are great at protecting your plants, also.

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Insect Blends

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Some critters in your garden can be helpful, some not so much.  One of the main problems with using a chemical insect killer is it kills everything and poisons your crop.  Here are some natural blends to repel the pests and keep you safe.....

For specific insect problems, try mixing 8 oz of water in a spray bottle with 1/2 teaspoon natural soap, and 12 drops of the doTERRA essential oil from the guide below – remembering to shake the bottle frequently to keep the oil mixed with the water:

ANTS – Peppermint

APHIDS – Peppermint, Sandalwood, White Fir

BEETLES – Peppermint, Thyme

CATERPILLARS – Peppermint

CHIGGERS – Lavender, Lemongrass, Thyme

CUTWORM – Thyme

FLEAS – Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint

FLIES – Basil, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary

GNATS – Patchouli

MOSQUITOES – Lavender, Lemongrass

MOTHS – Lavender, Peppermint

PLANT LICE – Peppermint

ROACHES – Eucalyptus

SLUGS – White Fir

SNAILS – Patchouli, White Fir

SPIDERS – Peppermint

TICKS – Lavender, Lemongrass, Thyme

WEEVILS – Patchouli, Sandalwood

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Ways to Apply

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When we use essential oils on our bodies, we use them 3 ways- aromatically, topically, and internally. We can use them in similar ways on our plants.

Sprays: Add drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of natural liquid soap such as castile soap to act as a surfactant, which will ensure uniform coverage on leaves and insect bodies. Spray directly onto fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc.

String: Soak a string in a mixture of water and essential oils. Hang the string between crops in the garden. This will deter flying insects.

Cloth Strips: Use a drop of essential oil on strips of fabric and hang throughout the garden. Add more drops as needed.

Cotton Ball: Use for animals or pests that like to burrow. Place directly on top of nests, burrows, etc.  This works great in your pantry BTW.....

Cartons & Containers: Bury the carton into the ground up to the top of the container. Add drops of essential oil to deter slugs, snails, mice, ground insects, etc.

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Mildew & Fungus Spray

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According to St Clare Seeds, conditions that favor mildew formation include wet foliage, high humidity, low light and moderate temperatures. These conditions cause the vegetable garden plants to never dry out, creating the perfect environment for the powdery mildew fungi. Pro active steps to avoid or minimize this risk include:

Buy disease-resistant Heirloom / Open Pollinated varieties.

Provide adequate air circulation by not crowding plants.

Plant your garden plants where they will get sufficient light.

Avoid over-fertilization. Leaves are more susceptible within 2 to 3½ weeks of unfolding.

Of course, this is only one kind of many plagues of mold and mildew in the garden.  Here is a great remedy to try..... 

1 Teaspoon High Proof Alcohol (alternatively, leave this out and add 1/2 tsp. of Baking Soda dissolved in the water.)

6 Drops each Melaleuca, Oregano, Thyme

8 oz. Water

Combine the first two ingredients. Shake to incorporate. Add water to oil mixture and place into a spray bottle. Spray in the evening when the sun cannot burn the leaves.

Remember – A little goes a long way!

Essential oils are powerful, so apply to plants sparingly. Begin by spraying the solution on the plants, making sure to spray underneath the leaves as well as the top. You can also apply the solution with a brush if you want to be more precise in your application to a specific area. Several applications, every few days, may be necessary.

To get your CPTG essential oils, email me at thenaturalcollective514@gmail.com then get planting!  How will you incorporate natural ways to grown your garden?

Source1, Source2, Source3

This page is for informational purposes only, and is educational in nature. Statements made here have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please discuss with your own, qualified health care provider before adding in supplements or making any changes in your diet.  I would not recommend anything I do not use on myself or my family.

The Joys of Exploring the American West....with 5 kids....On a Budget

Recently my family went on a great adventure.  We explored the American West.  From June 4th through June 16th, we had the best time of our lives camping in various places from North Dakota to Texas....and it was AWESOME!

On day one, we started from our home in North Dakota, drove through the north western part of South Dakota, then to Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming.

We then back-tracked to Keystone, South Dakota and visited the Mount Rushmore National Monument.  That's my son Ethan holding up Roosevelt's head.....

Our plan was to have our first camp night around Lusk, Wyoming.  Due to flooding and our youngest daughter throwing up in the back of the car for two hours, we got a hotel in Wright, Wyoming instead.  Thank goodness for the digestive blend or it would have been much worse, I'm sure! 

After a good night's sleep, we were ready to roll!  From our stop in Wyoming, we ventured into the Rockies of Colorado by way of the Arapaho National Forest.  Let me just say, driving up a mountain peak at 10,000 feet is both amazing and anxiety filled!  But, I had my calming blend of Balance and Serenity to help me...and my 18 yr old daughter who fell right to sleep after applying it.  That pic above is the range we ended up topping.  There are so many cute towns on this path in Colorado that I will go into more detail about in my next few blog posts.  They are must visit places!

We finally arrived at our camp site in Cañon City, CO just in time to set up camp while there was still daylight.  

Once the older kiddos got over the initial shock of no service on their phones, they were happy with the warm fire, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows for s'mores, and telling ghost stories!

Upon waking the next day, after a beautiful sunrise with bacon and eggs, we set off for New Mexico.  We drove until we got to the Capulin Valcano National Monument.  This place was a lot more interesting than I planned on it being.  I highly recommend this on your trip.

Our next stop for the majority of our trip was the Mother Land.....TEXAS!  We stayed a couple of days in Odessa with family, then headed to Lake Brownwood State Park to camp for 4 days.

Lake Brownwood State Park is home to me.  I grew up here during the summer months.  As far as camping goes, it's pretty great.  They have good bathrooms and showers, the swimming area is great, you can boat, and the fishing is FREE!  It's even better now that the lake is full....but bring water shoes as the overgrowth from the drought has left the water kind of bushy in places.  Be prepared for lots of bugs..especially mosquitoes and ants...and heat.  You can get all you need to make effective and safe insect spray and sun screen from my doterra store!  Learn how to order!

When we left Texas, we were in for a treat.  Our next camp site was in the Gila/Apache National Forest in Quemado, New Mexico.  The weather was perfect, and the stars seemed so close!  Lots of Elk so drive careful.  And if the sound of coyotes and wolves howling put you to sleep, then this is the place for you!

From there we drove past the Petrified Forest in Arizona, to the Grand Canyon.  If you thought this was just a big hole in the ground, I encourage you to go see it!  Be prepared, this was the most expensive thing on our trip.  It cost $30 a car, so make your stay last a while.  It was so worth it!  Oh, and another tip.  When emailing pics from your phone to yourself, always save the original or largest size.  If you do the smaller size because it takes longer to send, they turn out kind of blurry like this....I forgive myself....

Our final camp site was in Shonto, Arizona at the Navajo National Monument.  This place is full of beauty and history, and will hold a special place in any one's heart that have Native American in their heritage like I do.  I will expand on this more in blog posts to come.

On our way back to North Dakota, we drove through Monument Valley on the Arizona and Utah side.  We planned to go through the Arches, but ran out of time.  We will go back, though.  The pic above is the Utah side.

We had one final stop in Parachute, Colorado by way of Palisade...probably one of the cutest towns ever!  We stayed the final night at a very nice and affordable Comfort Inn to hot tub and rest before our long 12hr drive home the next day.

We did all this for around $2,000 total!  It was so worth the effort.  My only regret is we were not able to do this before our two oldest boys grew up and developed responsibilities of their own.  Take my word on this.....take your family on a cross-country camping trip ASAP!

How are you spending your summer this year?





Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, psychological, or psychiatric problem, or a disability that requires medical attention, then you should consult your licensed medical doctor or appropriate health care provider. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Natural Summer Remedies with Essential Oils

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Summer is upon us!  In a few days, we will be heading on a cross country camping trip from North Dakota through Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas!  I’ve been looking high and low for all the oily tips and tricks to use on this adventure, and that’s what we are going to talk right now.  

Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint

The first thing I want to cover is seasonal issues.  With summer comes pollen and bug bites.  The LLP blend is a must have for these issues.  If you start to feel the sneezing, sniffling, itchy throat, or watery eyes coming on, use Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint!  You can layer these on, or my favorite, put the blend in a roller bottle for convenience.

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• Lavender is a natural antihistamine
• Lemon is naturally an antibiotic & antiviral
• Peppermint contains menthol

3 drops of each to a shot glass of water the most effective for me.

If layering, I just smudge my finger with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, then Lavender, then Lemon, and finally Peppermint, to my pulse points or bottoms of feet, and my forehead.  I also like to apply to the spine.  You can apply directly to any insect bites for a soothing effect.

To make a 10ml roller bottle blend, take the same essential oils….I do 10 drops each….and then top with the carrier oil.  If using on younger children, dilute more with carrier oil.  I apply to the same areas as if layering.  If applying to a younger child, stay away from the face.  The best bet is to apply to the spine or bottoms of feet.

This is also a great blend to have going in your diffuser if you are able to do that!

I have a great way to get these three oils at a great discount.  Email me for more info...thenaturalcollective514@gmail.com

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Insect Repellent

DEET (also known as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide ) is an additive in many insect repellent products used to repel biting pests. Sounds great right? Prevents bites so what’s the problem?

DEET has also proven to be harmful when consumed, inhaled, or used in excess. You better believe those toxins and pesticides in bug sprays are absorbed and eventually enter the bloodstream potentially creating awful side effects. Have you even read the warning labels on a can of bug spray?  The EPA clearly states: “Do not apply to eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays do not spray directly onto face; spray on hands first and then apply to face. After returning indoors, wash your child’s treated skin and clothes with soap and water or bathe." And the Centers for Disease Control: “Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them. Keep repellents out of reach of children." (source)

Thanks for the warning!

Want to avoid it all together?  I do too.  Here’s how….The Repellent Blend!

Per Dr David Hill, this super concentrated blend only needs to be applied every 4-6 hours. A couple of drops on exposed skin. You can also use 15-20 drops of The Repellent Blend, with water or Fractionated coconut oil, in a small, dark, glass spray bottle. You want the bottle to be dark so the oil doesn’t loose it’s effectiveness. If you choose water, shake before each use.  If you’ve already been bit try a couple of drops of Lavender or Melaleuca oil to relieve itching.

Sunscreen

Exposure to the sun aids in vitamin D absorption.  Low vitamin D levels can lead to many health issues.  But, we can't just sit out and bake in it all day.  We need some level of protection.  Here's a DIY recipe to make your own healthy moisturizing sunscreen.

This recipe is roughly around SPF 20* with the help of Helichrysum essential oil and zinc oxide. Zinc oxide can absorb ultraviolet radiation of sun and protect the skin from sunburn and other damaging effects of UV radiation. Because it absorbs the broadest spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, the FDA has approved its use in sunscreen, lotions, creams, makeup, deodorant, soaps, and more.

*Note: this recipe is not suitable for SPF protection during water-related activities.  Avoid citrus oils in sunscreen because they are photosensitive.

What you need:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil

1/4 cup beeswax

2 tablespoons zinc oxide (you can purchase zinc oxide here as well as at some pharmacies)

1 teaspoon vitamin E

2 tablespoons shea butter

12 drops Helichrysum essential oil (or Geranium)

Note: You can purchase beeswax and shea butter at most health food stores or Amazon.

Directions:

Add everything except zinc oxide and Helichrysum essential oil in a medium sized glass mixing bowl.

Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat. Place the glass bowl on top of the saucepan so that the saucepan is cradling the bowl.

As the ingredients start to melt, stir occasionally to mix.

TIP: Use a popsicle stick to help stir for an easier cleanup.

Once all ingredients are melted, remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 3 minutes.

Add the zinc oxide and Helichrysum essential oil and stir well to mix.

Note:  Adding additional zinc oxide will increase the SPF factor.

Pour into a pint-sized tin or mason jar and store in a cool place (like a refrigerator). Use within six months.

TIME-SAVER SUNSCREEN

If you are in a rush to head to the beach or pool, you can still make an effective sunscreen with fewer ingredients.

What you need:

1 tube Spa Hand and Body Lotion

12 drops of  Helichrysum essential oil

2 tablespoons of zinc oxide

Directions:  Add ingredients to a 8-10 ounce empty lotion bottle and mix well by either stirring the mixture with a straw or shaking vigorously. Apply before sun exposure and reapply every couple of hours.
Pin it here!

I also found a neat Sunscreen Bar recipe here!

Sunscreen Bar Ingredients:

1 cup coconut oil     1 cup shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter (or a mix of all three equal to 1 cup)     1 cup beeswax (can add an extra ounce or two if you want a thicker consistency, which leaves less lotion on the skin when used)     2 tablespoons (or more) of Zinc Oxide (available online or in many stores on the diaper aisle, just make sure it is pure zinc oxide- For those concerned about contaminants or nano-particles, this version has larger particles)   5-10 drops of your favorite Essential Oil  (she  recommend Lavender since its soothing to the skin – especially in cases of burns. Do not use Citrus Oils since most can cause skin sensitivities in the sun.)

After Sun Spritzer  

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Just in case you do get a little red, here is a great after sun spritzer…

1 oz Water

2-4 Drops of Lavender

2 drops of Peppermint

1 Drop Helichrysum (both found here)

1/2 teaspoon of Pure Organic Aloe Vera

  

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle suitable for holding essential oils and spray as needed.  You can find the bottles on Amazon.  I personally keep it in the fridge.

Tension Support

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Ever get that tension feeling in our head and neck?  I do every time we travel. Doesn't matter how we get there or where we go.   There is a simple fix- peppermint!  A drop or two of peppermint rubbed on the temples, forehead, and/or back of neck and that vice grip starts to loosen.  Vacation can go on.

For those more persistent afflictions you can also try The Tension Blend (a blend specifically for the needed support), Soothing Blend, Frankincense, or Lavender.

Aches and Soreness 

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Summer is an active time….hiking, water sports, sleeping on the ground under the stars…. And with an increase in physical activity come sore muscles and joints. Although sore muscles can remind you that you are alive and active (and man can they remind you!), the morning after a boating trip sleeping on the ground can make you feel anything but awesome.  But the ache doesn’t have to stop the fun!

Oils for aches and soreness are:
Wintergreen Leaf, Camphor Bark, Peppermint
Plant, Blue Tansy Flower, Blue Chamomile
Flower, Helichrysum Flower, and Osmanthus
Flower essential oils.

Email me to find out how to get a wonderful Soothing Blend!
thenaturalcollective514@gmail.com

Cooking

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I only recommend a certain brand of oils for internal use.  Not all brands are created equal.  I love to cook out during the Summer. With edible essential oils, even if you are cooking in, it makes it a special occasion. Here are some oils to help you make some beautiful Summer meals.

Essential Oils for Summer Cooking:

Basil

Cilantro

Coriander

Thyme

Rosemary

Marjoram

Oregano

Lemon

Lime

Grapefruit

Wild Orange

You can have a safe and natural summer with essential oils!  Email me for more info!
thenaturalcollective514@gmail.com

  How do you use essential oils?

Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, psychological, or psychiatric problem, or a disability that requires medical attention, then you should consult your licensed medical doctor or appropriate health care provider. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Hurry Scurry Chicken Curry

So I saw this awesome article called What India Can Teach The Rest Of The World About Living Well....and I started craving Curry!  Hence, the following recipe.  This is a very mild heat version, kid friendly, and a time saver.  I made this on a Tuesday night in about an hour...prep time and all.  I have 9 people I feed in my home, so I doubled the recipe.  If you batch cook, you could too!  This will freeze up quite nice.

Makes: 6 servings

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 boneless chicken breasts, skinned, halved and cubed (16 ounces total)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, less or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground fenugreek seed (or fennel)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• *Another time saving option is to use 2 tablespoons (more or less to taste) Wild Oats Organic Curry Powder
• 2 cups plain yogurt (can use coconut or nut milk for dairy free version)
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Raw Honey for finishing garnish, to taste
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*Optional: 

• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves

2 cups uncooked rice or 4 cups "riced" cauliflower

PREPARATION

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté garlic and onions until golden. Add chicken and sauté until browned. Add water, dry spices, and apricot preserves and raisins if using. Simmer uncovered until chicken is cooked, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid will be mostly absorbed.

1. Gradually stir yogurt into arrowroot poweder until dissolved. Stir mixture into the pan. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Do not boil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Put the curry onto a bed of rice or cauliflower.  Drizzle raw honey on top to taste.

My picky 6 year old devoured this stuff, so make sure you have plenty to go around!  Hope you enjoy!

If you use EO's in this recipe, I recommend only one brand of essential oils for ingesting...... coriander, black pepper, ginger, fennel, cinnamon, and clove are all available.  Start by adding 1 drop each to about 30ml of coconut or olive oil.  Add more oils 1 drop at a time to taste.  Add the EO and cooking oil mixture to the pan to cook the chicken.  Get your EO's for cooking HERE.....or email me at thenaturalcollective514@gmail.com

Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, psychological, or psychiatric problem, or a disability that requires medical attention, then you should consult your licensed medical doctor or appropriate health care provider. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.