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When you think about it, our skin is the largest organ on our bodies.   When you put synthetic fragrances and petroleum products on it, it is absorbed into your body and it will eventually take a toll on your health. 

 The FDA and the EPA, do not protect you and they are more than willing to allow toxic ingredients in body products.

Isn't it time we wake up and start thinking about the levels of toxicity that we allow in our daily lives? The other thing to think about is that none of the synthetic ingredients will ever leave this earth.   Synthetic fragrances are adding up in our water ways with a zillion other toxic body care, skin care, beauty care products creating a super toxic environment for life on this earth.   

Is vanity so important that we are willing to sacrifice our earth?  Is blue hair (hair dye in general) that important?  

On the subject of deodorants, it really is easy to make and the great part about it is, you are taking charge of your own health!

Liquid Deodorants:

For the strongest cleansing effect, apply deodorant onto a cotton swab or cloth under the whole armpit area.  If you choose to put it into a spray bottle, keep in mind, it might have a less cleansing effect.

These recipes have a shelf life of about a year and are referenced from the book Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair, by Dina Falconi  

Remember to shake before each use.  

Do Not Use Fragrance Oils (there is no such thing as a natural fragrance oil)

Only Use Essential Oils 

Sage Fir Deodorant

1/4 cup 80 proof vodka

1/4 cup distilled water

10 drops fir essential oil

10 drops sage essential oil 

5 drops tea tree essential oil

6 drops bay essential oil

6 drops black pepper essential oil 

Pour the first two ingredients into a jar

Add essential oils

Cap and shake the jar

Label

Antimicrobial Deodorant For Strong Body Odor 

1/4 cup distilled witch hazel

1/4 cup vodka

1/2 tsp. glycerin

24 drops tea tree oil

10 drops rosemary essential oil

6 drops cedarwood essential

4 drops lime essential oil

4 drops lavender essential oil 

Pour first three ingredients in a jar.  

Then add the essential oils

Cap and shake the jar.

Label

Your Personal Choice: Create your own 

1/4 cup vodka or witch hazel

1/4 cup distilled water

30 to 40 drops of  an essential oil  or essential oil blend of choice

Pour first two ingredients into a jar

Add essential oils

Cap and Shake

Label 

More Recipes: 

http://myhealthygreenfamily.com/blog/wordpress/home-made-all-natura...

https://frugallysustainable.com/how-to-make-a-homemade-all-natural-...

https://wellnessmama.com/1523/natural-deodorant/

https://www.mommypotamus.com/homemade-deodorant-recipe-for-sensitiv...

If you are interested in making more of your own personal body care products Dina's book is full of awesome recipes.  I personally feel hers is the best book out there .  

This is a great video to understand the chemicals being used in the cosmetic industry.   Although, I personally do not believe this industry is going to clean up the toxins they are using in their products.  Keep in mind this video was created in 2010, and the toxins in body care products have gotten worse.   I am only sharing this in hopes that you will take the steps to find safe, truly natural body care products and watch out for the buzz words, like green, natural fragrance, herbal, because they mean nothing in this world.  It is up to you to read the labels and do the research. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=pfq000AF1i8

Today's Harvest: Nettle, kale, mustard greens, collard greens, arugula, salad mix, curly top garlic, garlic chives, nasturtium spicy mix, peas,  yellow dock leaf, parsley, dill, basil, pineapple weed, self heal, calendula, mint tea mix, 

Article: Natural approach to help you with Hay Fever: 

http://www.westernherbalmedicine.com/Western-Herbal-Medicine/Hayfever-A-Natural-Approach.html

Books on Wild Edibles: 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423601505?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1423601505&linkCode=xm2&tag=naturalliving00-20

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402767153?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1402767153&linkCode=xm2&tag=naturalliving00-20

Nasturtiums: The Edible Flower With A Bite

http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/nasturtium-zmaz82mjzglo.aspx#axzz35fogvpeS

Nasturtium Pesto

This recipe require a lot of leaves and flowers.  Just half the recipe or make it even smaller.  Enjoy! 

http://www.gardenbetty.com/2013/01/nasturtium-pesto/

Self Heal 

http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/an-herb-to-know-7.aspx#axzz35g7NWskX

Self heal (Prunella vulgaris) This scentless perennial mint is one of the great unsung healers of the world. The leaves and flowers contain more antioxidants - which prevent cancer and heart disease, among other healthy traits - than any other plant tested. And as part of the mint family, self heal is imbued with lots of minerals, especially calcium, making it an especially important ally for pregnant, nursing, menopausal, and post-menopausal women.   You  can put self heal leaves in salads in the spring and fall, make a medicinal vinegar with the flowers during the summer, and cook the flowering tops (fresh or dried) in winter soups. 

Pineapple Weed: 

http://www.commonsensehome.com/pineapple-weed/

Kale Recipes

In our  house we LOVE KRISPY KALE CHIPS 

Spicy Krispy Kale ( I love this recipe)  

http://www.veggiecation.com/recipe-of-the-month/spicy-krispy-kale-chips.html

Spice with Cashews and Nutritional Yeast:

Side note:  If you do not have the time to soak the cashew you could use organic cashew butter.  You will have to adjust the recipe a little.  

http://www.thisrawsomeveganlife.com/2012/02/ellusive-kale-chip.html#.U6sVYfldUfg

Cheezy Spicy Kale Chips:

Omit the Agave and use honey instead or just leave out the sweetener.  Never use vegetable oil.  Use organic olive, avocado, sunflower etc. 

http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2011/08/cheezy-spicy-kale-chips-vegan.html

Nettle Pesto: Note:

Omit the pine nuts they are not good for you.  Add walnuts, almonds or pumpkins seeds instead. 

http://jessthomson.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/stung/

Creamed Collard Greens:  

Make sure you get organic cream and make sure it is not ultra pasteurized!  You could also use full fat coconut milk.

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/creamed-collard-greens

Basil :) 

Sage Fir Deodorant Sample

Vodka, distilled water, essential oils of fir, sage, tea tree, black pepper, bay, intentions of Love, Beauty and Health

Curly Top Garlic (Scapes)

http://islandvittles.com/2010/07/02/top-five-friday-garlic-scapes/

Calendula

Calendula Tea recipe:  Remember when following a tea recipe that uses dried herbs and you have fresh herbs, double the amount of herb used in the recipe. 

http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart_remedy.php?rem_ID=173