The Paleo Mama

Homegrown and Handmade

Jackie Ritz

5 Ways to Use Comfrey

by 1 Comment

 

If you’re following me on Instagram you might have seen a few posts on our new 10-acre “forever farm” that we will be moving into shortly. I am truly blessed with all the healthy garden plants and trees already planted there. One of my greatest thrills is the Comfrey patch just waiting for me to use. Of course, I have been researching all the ways to use this extremely beneficial plant, and I’m excited to share with you here the 5 ways to use comfrey that I’ve discovered and will implement on our new homestead. 

5 Ways to Use Comfrey:

1. Comfrey for preparing the soil of my garden 

It will become my secret weapon to improve my veggie garden soil, to mulch around my plants, and to prevent disease from keeping me from a bountiful harvest of veggies later in the fall. I’ll be using fresh comfrey leaves as fertilizer in my planting holes. I’ll also learn to make comfrey “tea” to add to the water that waters my garden. (Add fresh comfrey leaves to a half barrel of water, cover, and steep for 3-6 weeks.) And by adding a few drops of liquid soap to my “tea,” I’ll be able to spray and coat the tops and bottoms of my plants to keep away the garden pests.

2. Comfrey will be a major part of our compost station.

Comfrey has a higher NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) ratio than either kelp or the average homemade compost pile. It is rich in calcium and many other valuable plant nutrients. It is known to be a compost activator to “heat things up quickly.” Comfrey makes a wonderful mulch, naturally high in nitrogen so it doesn’t pull nitrogen from the soil. It’s high potassium content makes it so beneficial for flowers, vegetables, berries and fruit trees. I’ll be adding 2-3 inches of leaves around my plants. These leaves will slowly break down and release the wonderful nutrients. Comfrey should not be used for root crops or leafy greens because they may cause these plants to go to seed prematurely.

3. Comfrey as a liquid fertilizer

This may be the best use I’ll find. I’ve been told that now that I have comfrey I can throw away the Miracle Grow and other fertilizers. Chopped leaves and stems can be crammed tight into a large container (like 5 gallon buckets) with a brick or rock pressing down on the mass of comfrey. After a few weeks I’ll have a greenish-brownish “soup” mixture ready for use. After straining it through a fine screen, I can add a spigot to the bottom of the container and just keep adding more comfrey to the top to break down also.

4. Comfrey for our livestock

Comfrey has been traditionally used as livestock food. Dry comfrey contains protein and an assortment of healthy minerals. Because it is lower in fiber, it is a good feed for pigs and chickens who have trouble digesting fiber. It has also proven to be an excellent feed for horses, cows, donkeys, sheep, and goats. However, I’ll have to cut the comfrey leaves and wilt them for a day or so to get our chickens to eat them…they would not like the prickly hairs on the leaves. Research indicates I will be able to replace up to 10 percent of the chicken feed without lowering egg production.

5. Comfrey as a healing salve

Comfrey has been in use as a medicinal herb for more than 200 years. The allantoin content of comfrey aids in healing wounds, sores, burns, swollen tissue, and broken bones. It can be applied externally to bruises, sprains, arthritic bones of any inflamed tissue, and acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. I will be able to make a poultice by boiling the leaves, or by putting the roots in a blender or food processor, covering with oil, and grinding as fine as possible. It should be stored in a large glass jar and allowed to soak for several weeks before straining. However, comfrey should never be taken internally. I will follow up with an entire blog on how to make comfrey salve in a coming blog, but in the meantime, you can check out my Healing Salve recipe and replace the calendula with comfrey. 

The comfrey in my new garden is planted with a blueberry patch. You can see from the photo to the right that my kids have already determined they will spend time eating the healthy, large blueberries that have grown up under the protection of the secret power of Comfrey.

Comfrey is a fast growing, hardy plant, and I should get 4-5 pounds of leaves from each plant a year. I’ll remove the flowers from most of the plants because they take a lot of the plant’s energy to create the seeds. However, since I plan to have 5 or more beehives, I’ll leave a few plants with flowers for the bees that love them. Besides, the flowers are beautiful!

Getting Started in Comfrey: 

  1. Find a local gardener (Craigslist is a great place to look) who is selling comfrey plants. 
  2. Plant your own seeds (I like these non-gmo ones) 
  3. Order dried comfrey (I like this one) 

Resources

  1. https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/comfrey-power
  2. https://www.waldeneffect.org/blog/Feeding_comfrey_to_livestock/
  3. https://riseandshinerabbitry.com/2013/08/11/comfrey-the-homesteaders-gold-mine/
  4. https://www.nantahala-farm.com/comfrey-growing-s.shtml

Paleo Jambalaya Soup

by 5 Comments

Jambalaya Soup

Today I welcome Maria from Ten at the Table to the blog! Maria is going to share a delicious and Paleo-friendly recipe for Paleo Jambalaya Soup! This is one of those recipes you can throw in the crockpot and go! I know you will love it! 

Spring is in the air but the weather has no idea if it is winter or summer around here. One day it is in the forties and the next in the eighties. I just start thinking about putting away all the winter clothes and then a cold wet snap of weather comes right on through. And the next day the kids are asking about bringing out the pool. This Paleo Jambalaya Soup is a great meal to have on both days. The crock pot won’t heat up the house but provides a nice warm meal on the cool ones. And this Paleo twist on a Louisiana classic can clear the sinuses better than any allergy pill I’ve tried!

Warning: This soup is not for those sensitive to spicy things!

Paleo Crockpot Jambalaya Soup

Ingredients

  • 5 cups chicken stock (make your own like this) 
  • 4 bell peppers (one of each color), chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 large can of organic diced tomatoes (with the juice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced
  • 2 bay leafs
  • 1 lb large shrimp, raw and de-veined
  • 4 oz. chicken, diced
  • 1 package spicy Andouille sausage
  • 1/2-1 head of cauliflower, riced 
  • 2 cups okra (optional)
  • 3 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Put the chopped peppers, onions, garlic, chicken, cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and bay leafs in the crockpot with the chicken stock.  Set on low for 6 hours.
  2. About 30 minutes before it’s finished, toss in the cut up sausages.
  3. While this is cooking quickly make cauliflower rice by pulsing raw cauliflower in the food processor until it resembles rice.
  4. For the last 20 minutes, add in the cauliflower rice and the raw shrimp. Note: You can choose to quickly steam the cauliflower rice in the microwave and serve the jambalaya OVER it as well.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maria Alison is family-focused Christian, who’s finding new ways to feed her family quality home-cooked food on a budget. She understands how difficult it can be to prepare a meal from scratch with such a busy schedule. On Maria’s blog, Ten at the Table, you will find time saving recipes that are friendly to your budget and your health.

You can find Maria here: 

 
Paleo Jambalaya Soup

DIY Herbal Mouthwash

by 3 Comments

So, many of you might know if you follow me on Instagram, but a few months ago I started the Invisalign braces. I LOVE the changes I am seeing in my teeth and would recommend them to anyone in a heartbeat, but having the braces on my teeth 22 hours a day can make my mouth stale and dry. I am a minimalist and before braces I would just drop a little bit of peppermint essential oil on my tongue and swish around! However, with the new Invisalign braces, I needed something that would swish really good and freshen my breath…which is why I created this DIY Herbal Mouthwash. 

I had some dried peppermint laying around so I infused the water with it and added in some cinnamon and vitamin C powder to act as a preservative. I’m now, sort of, addicted to this mouthwash and I know you will be too!

Note: You can leave the dried peppermint out and just add an extra 5 drops of peppermint essential oil. Also, be sure to use THERAPEUTIC grade essential oil since you will be swishing it around in your mouth. Here’s where I get mine. 

DIY Herbal Mouthwash

Click here to see where I buy therapeutic grade essential oils at a discount! 

How to Make: 

  1. Place the water in a small pot and bring to a simmer. 
  2. Add the peppermint leaves, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. 
  3. Use a cheesecloth and strain out the herbs. Cool. 
  4. Add the essential oils and vitamin C powder to the mixture. 
  5. Store in a glass jar and shake before each use. 

DIY Herbal Mouthwash The Paleo Mama

Essential Oils for Labor

by 2 Comments

Today I welcome Rachel from Healing in Our Homes to the blog! Rachel is a homeschooling mother of 5 wonderful children and a doula and birth photographer to many women. She is a wealth of information when it comes to supporting pregnant and I’m so blessed to have her share more about essential oils and labor. 

Labor, like pregnancy, can involve a lot of changing needs and feelings – first your hot then your cold, youʼre excited then youʼre crying, one minute you want someone to rub your shoulders, the next you want to hurt anyone that touches you. This is normal and essential oils are a wonderful tool to have to manage our changing moods and comfort levels during labor.

As a doula Iʼve been privileged to be a support to many women as theyʼve given birth. I love when my clients use oils already or are open to me using oils to support them. It doesnt matter if you are giving birth at home, at a birth center, or in a hospital there are still many ways for essential oils to bring comfort, both, emotionally and physically.

Where to buy high quality essential oils at a discount

Here are some of my favorite essential oils for labor:

1. Peppermint

This refreshing oils is so fabulous for when you are hot or tired. You can smell directly from the cap for some quick energy or dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the back of the neck for a cooling effect.

2. Wild Orange & Citrus Bliss Blend

Both of these oils make a wonderful compliment to peppermint for energy and stamina. They are also a great mood lifter if you feel discouraged. You can make a spray (see recipe below), diffuse them together in a diffuser or simply put them into your hands to inhale. Citrus oils can also help a laboring mama stay focused and help to calm nausea.

3. Clary Sage or Clary Calm Blend

Clary Sage is a powerful support for labor, especially when labor is stalled. Typically Clary Sage is avoided in pregnancy because of the possibility of this effect on the body. But once you are full term and your body is ready for delivery, it is a great support.

4. Balance Blend

The tree oils that make up this blend are wonderful for stabilizing mood. If you are feeling frustrated, defeated, out of balance or super emotional have someone rub a few drops into your foot and apply some to the back of your neck as well.

5. Lavender, Serenity blend, & Ylang Ylang

These are my top choices for calming during labor. I like to have my client smell the oils and make a choice by what is most attractive to her in that moment. I would offer one of these oils if mama was agitated or stressed. For mood issues, always go with whatever smells the best to you. Your body knows what it needs.

6. Marjoram

This oil is often underappreciated in the oil world. Marjoram is a great oil for soothing the discomforts of contractions. Dilute and apply to the lower abdomen. Its also great after birth for the cramps that can come while nursing so keep it around!

7. Deep Blue Blend & Black Pepper

I can verify, from my own multiple personal experiences, that back labor is the WORST. First, if you can, get on all fours to encourage that little stinker to turn the right way and relieve you of your misery. But if they insist on coming out looking up at the sky then these two oils are your friend. Get someone to rub them in thoroughly for you. Following with a heating pad or pack can help drive the oils in and give further relief.

Additional tips & recipes:

  1. Put 20 washcloths in a crockpot , fill with water, add 20 drops of lavender and set to “warm”. Apply a washcloth to lower abdomen or back at the beginning of each contraction.
  2. Cooling spray: Mix 25 drops of Wild Orange or “Invigorating” blend, 25 drops of Peppermint and water in a 4oz spray bottle. Spray on during transition or when feeling tired or discouraged.
  3. Perineum support: Mix 10 drops Helichrysm or Geranium in 1 tablespoon Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage into perineum at crowning. These oils support the skin tissue to help minimize puffiness and help the tissue stretch to avoid tearing.
  4. Use Lavender and Geranium over the uterus after birth for soothing all of those tired muscles.
  5. Peri Spray: (This is RAVED about amongst our team for soothing after a vaginal birth) Mix 5 drops of Lavender, Geranium and Helichrysm in 1oz of filtered water or fractionated coconut oil. Spray on after each time you use the bathroom or rinse. Donʼt leave this one out, you will be so glad you have it!
  6. Keep your Clary Sage and “Women’s Monthly” blend around because Clary Sage can help aid in milk production as well as support a balanced hormonal system postpartum. Dilute and apply to the lower abdomen daily.

So make sure to add your oils to your hospital bag or birth kit. Enjoy your oils during labor and delivery! To see how to use essential oils on newborns and babies, click here! 

How to purchase therapeutic-grade essential oils at a discount!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Rachel is a wife and homeschooling mom to 5 spunky kids. She serves as a doula and birth photographer, is an avid researcher and love to share what she learns on her blog, Healing in our Homes. Her passion is to support other women as they journey through childbirth, the challenges motherhood and creating healthy homes. DoTERRA has been the perfect way for her to practically empower women to care for themselves and their families naturally.

Where to Buy High Quality Essential Oils at a Discount: 

I recommend that when using essential oils to support your labor, that you use the highest and most therapeutic quality you can find. CLICK HERE to see my brand of choice and how you can purchase them at a discount. 

Essential Oils for Labor Support 

Lemongrass Essential Oil

by Leave a Comment

Lemongrass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) grows in dense clumps that can grow 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width. It is native to warm and tropical regions, such as India, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. It is used as a medicinal herb in India and it is common in Asian cuisine. In African and South American countries, it is popularly used for making tea. Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation.

Its main chemical components are Geranial, Neral, Myrcene, Citronellai, and Citral.

What are the benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Its primary benefits are:

  • It supports healthy digestion
  • It soothes aching muscles
  • It purifies and tones skin
  • It relieves head and neck tension and promotes healthy body temperatures. 
  • Lemongrass Oil is far better than many of the synthetic deodorants that are a big expense, a heavy impact on the environment, and have limited lasting power. 

What are Lemongrass’s cautions?

If you have sensitive skin, it may create a rash. It is not recommended for children or nursing mothers. Because lemongrass can stimulate blood flow, pregnant women should use extreme caution.

Click here to get my Essential Oil Safety Guide

Top Ten Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil

  1. Lemongrass has wonderful skin regeneration properties. It can be added to shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and lotions.
  2. To help soothe sore joints or muscles. Combine equal parts Fractionated Coconut oil (or another carrier oil) and Lemongrass and rub topically on the area of concern.
  3. It is a natural bug repellant for insects like mosquitoes and ants. It can be sprayed, diluted in a carrier oil, directly on the skin. It can even be used to control fleas; add about 5 drops to water and create your own spray to protect your pet’s coat.
  4. It supports healthy thyroid function. Mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and apply topically over your neck area.
  5. It can be used in your household products. Try putting a few drops on a dust cloth and then wipe down the wood in your house.
  6. It is a natural insect repellant and pest control. Rub or spritz some lemongrass on your skin before going outside.
  7. It can be used to detoxify your body. Make your own detoxifying lemongrass tea by adding 2-3 drops to your favorite tea.
  8. You can make a refreshing foot bath by adding 2 drops of Lemongrass Oil and 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts to warm water, and soak your feet for 10 minutes.
  9. Lemongrass oil is a valuable oil to use in aromatherapy. Its clean and calming aroma can reduce sad and anxious feelings, relieve restlessness and occasional sleeplessness, and helps you to relax.  Try adding 3-4 drops to your diffuser and diffuse for one hour before bedtime.

Where to  purchase Lemongrass essential oil

Home-made Lemongrass Essential Oil Recipe

Lemongrass oil can be used to relieve occasional muscle and joint discomfort in your body. I have found it to be so convenient to have a homemade soothing rub using essential oils, including lemongrass with coconut oil and beeswax.

Lemongrass and Emotions

Lemongrass oil is the oil of cleansing. It is a powerful cleanser of energy, and dispels feelings of despondency, despair and lethargy. It teaches individual to move forward without hesitation. As individuals let go of past issues they have an increased ability to see situations with greater clarity. (source) 

Companion Oils: Melaleuca, Thyme, Clary Sage

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Sources

  1. https://draxe.com/lemongrass-essential-oil/
  2. https://beautetude.com/2015/03/30/lemongrass-essential-oil-benefits-uses/
  3. https://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/lemongrass-essential-oil.html
  4. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lemongrass-essential-oil.html
  5. https://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/05/uses-and-benefits-of-lemongrass-essential-oil/
  6. https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/lemongrass-oil.aspx

 So tell me?! How do you like to use Lemongrass essential oil?

Recycled Coffee Table Milk Stand

by 9 Comments

We had the fantastic pleasure of moving over 4 times in one year! Yippee! I think I would rather poke my eyes out than move another time with 2 small kids. However, out of all the broken furniture, dings, scratches, missing pieces, came a beautiful creation that my husband made for me — my very own Recycled Coffee Table Milk Stand! 

My amazing and creative husband is going to share how we made this simple, recycled creation! Welcome hunny! 

Thank you for the introduction, Jackie! I’m so excited to be sharing my first, official blog post ever!

What can we do with a bed that is missing one of the components to put it back together, a desk that is completely busted, or a coffee table that has a gash on it so big that no table cover can mask it…making you too embarrassed to use it ever again?

Well put that together with a move to the mountains of western North Carolina, and have a wife that desires raising goats for the wonderful, nutritious milk they make…what do you have?

A recycled coffee table milk stand!

This recycled coffee table milk stand has proven to be exceptional, best part is, I did not have to create it from the floor up – just designed a stanchion that attaches to the side of the existing table, and voila – a milking stand!

What is a stanchion?  Well, for non-milking folks, it is the portion of the milk stand that holds the goat’s head steady (without pinching!) and a food trough, allowing the milker to keep the goat occupied while they efficiently resource that wonderful milk!

So like any budding homesteader coming from the city, where did I go first?  Of course, Google and YouTube!  A quick search of “milk stand stanchion” brought up hundreds of ideas that others have done, allowing me to get the gist and inspiration to make one that works for me.

Starting with the coffee table mentioned above, the other supplies you will need will depend on your final design.  But, to get those creative juices flowing, here is the example of what worked for us:

Materials (yours WILL vary based on your design and coffee table/piece of furniture!):

  • 2 – 1”x4” board cut to 2 pieces measuring 42” each (figured this out by measuring the distance needed to brace my stanchion against the coffee table, comfortably stabilizing the stanchion)
  • 1 – 1”x4” board cut to 4 pieces measuring 38” each (figured this for the cross-pieces needed to stabilize and secure the stanchion to the rest of the stanchion) (see pictures)
  • 1 – 1”x6” board cut to 2 pieces measuring 38″ each (figured this by measuring from the surface top of the table to where the goat’s neck could comfortably fit through to get to the food)
  • 1 – carriage bolt with washers and nut (ours was 3 1/2 inches long. Make it long enough to fit through cross-pieces and 1×6 board to serve as a pivot for the board to latch it in place during use) (see pictures)
  • 2 – “L” brackets with screws for supporting the stanchion onto the surface of the table
  • Find a hanging bucket (at a local feed store) or online (we have this one). 
  • You will need 1-2 inch wood screws for screwing the boards together and also we used (4) 3 and 1/2 inch screws to fully secure the stanchion to the existing table wood surface, for further strength.

Step-By-Step: 

Step 1: Secure the 1″x 4″ (42 inch) boards to the table, using (4) 3 1/2 inch wood screws.

Step 2: Screw the “cross” pieces (1″x 4″ by 38″) to the pieces you just screwed into the coffee table.  Make sure that one of the pieces rests onto the coffee table top as to provide a surface to further use the “L” brackets to stabilize the stanchion later to it.

IMG_0631

Step 3: Using a jigsaw, cut into the 1″ x 6″ pieces, making sure to “mirror” the cuts to make a hole for the goat neck.  We cut about 2″ into the plank, then down about 8-9 inches, making this hole.  ENSURE to notch one of the planks by cutting a section off of the inside corner (where the two planks touch when the hole is made).  This will allow the plank to pivot on the carriage bolt, allowing it to open the planks, giving you more room to maneuver the goat’s head into position when the planks are pushed together to secure the goat’s head and neck!)

IMG_0610

Step 4: Slide the 1″ x 6″ planks down toward the surface of the coffee table.  Drill a hole big enough to slide the carriage bolt through to create your pivot for the plank.  Screw the other plank into the coffee table surface.  Only screw the plank without the bolt to the cross pieces for additional support.

Step 5: Drill and screw the “L” brackets onto the bottom cross piece and to the surface of the coffee table.

Step 6: Attach the hanging feed bucket to the stanchion with a couple of scrap pieces of wood, to create a gap to hang it from.  Further secure the bucket by screwing it into the stanchion.

IMG_0625

A couple of quick caveats for making your recycled coffee table milk stand: of the two boards used for holding the goat’s neck, you will need to cut out a section into each of the board (either by hand or by jig saw) to create a “hole” for holding the goat’s neck with a wide enough berth to comfortably allow the goat to move their head around!  In addition, if you look at the pictures, I point out where I additionally cut a diagonal section to allow one of the boards to pivot, opening more room for the goat to be held by the stanchion.

IMG_0626

Overall cost was about $30 – in addition, if you do not happen to have a table saw to cut the longer boards, most home improvement stores will cut them for you for free!  Bonus!

I hope this gives you that final inspiration needed to get started repurposing that old, tired, scratched coffee table or piece of furniture into a hard-working functioning recycled coffee table milk stand of your very own!

Recycled Coffee Table Milk Stand Pin