I love watching the dragonflies that come visit my garden! Dragonflies are not just mesmerizing to watch; they are also incredibly beneficial to gardens. These graceful predators play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance, offering natural pest control and adding to the biodiversity of your garden.
Natural Pest Control
Dragonflies are voracious predators both in their larval and adult stages. As adults, they feed on a variety of flying insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and aphids. By preying on these pests, dragonflies help reduce the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier and more sustainable garden environment. Their larvae, or nymphs, live in water and consume mosquito larvae, aquatic insects, and even small fish, keeping aquatic pest populations in check.
Attracting Dragonflies
Creating a dragonfly-friendly garden involves providing water, vegetation, and a pesticide-free environment. Here are some tips to make your garden a haven for these beneficial insects:
1. Water Source: Dragonflies lay their eggs in water, so adding a pond or water feature is crucial. Still or slow-moving water is ideal. Plants like water lilies can help create a suitable habitat for nymphs.
2. Vegetation: Incorporate emergent plants such as reeds and cattails around your water feature. These plants provide perching sites for adult dragonflies and emergence sites for nymphs transitioning to adulthood. Additionally, tall plants and grasses offer resting spots and help attract the insects they prey on.
3. Avoid Pesticides: Chemical pesticides can kill dragonflies and their prey. Maintaining a pesticide-free garden encourages a healthy population of insects, providing ample food for dragonflies.
Dragonflies vs. Damselflies
While often confused with damselflies, dragonflies are larger and more robust, with wings held open horizontally when at rest. Damselflies are more delicate, holding their wings together over their bodies when resting. Both are beneficial, but dragonflies are particularly effective in pest control due to their size and predatory efficiency.
By inviting dragonflies into your garden, you not only enhance its beauty but also promote a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Embrace these fascinating creatures and enjoy the myriad benefits they bring to your garden sanctuary.
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As we dive into the height of summer, it's essential to find ways to keep cool and comfortable. It will be over 100 all week where I live - over 110 several days - totally crazy heat just in time for everyone to be outside for 4th of July celebrations! Be sure to keep your family, pets, and gardens well hydrated and cared for. This week, I'm sharing natural tips to help your family beat the heat and enjoy the sunny days ahead. See below for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do when it happens.
🌟 Tips to Beat the Heat and Prevent Heat-Related Illness:
1. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you're not thirsty. When it's hot, drink more than half your body weight in ounces. Enhance it with slices of cucumber, lemon, or fresh berries for added flavor and nutrients.
Get electrolytes in your system. When you sweat, you lose electrolytes and water—these must be replaced! Try coconut water, sea salt, Ningxia Red, or Vitality Drops in your water.
-Avoid alcohol, sodas, and caffeinated drinks as they can dehydrate you.
2. Eat Cooling Foods:
- Incorporate hydrating and cooling foods into your meals. Cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens are perfect summer staples.
- Make chilled soups or smoothies to keep meals light and refreshing.
3. Natural Cooling Remedies:
- Keep a spray bottle filled with water, witch hazel, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil in the fridge. Spritz on your face and neck for instant refreshment. (Carefully avoid eyes)
- Use aloe vera gel, or Lavaderm after sun spray from the fridge to soothe and cool sun-exposed skin.
4. Create Shade:
- Encourage indoor activities during the peak heat hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
5. Dress Smart:
- Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Hats and sunglasses are essential for protecting from the sun.
6. Take Breaks in Cool Areas:
-Regularly move to shaded or air-conditioned areas to cool down.
-Protect your skin from sunburn, which can affect the body’s ability to cool down.
8. Limit Outdoor Activities:
-Schedule strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening.
9. Know Your Risk:
-Certain individuals, such as young children, older adults, those taking certain medications, and those with chronic illnesses, are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and should take extra precautions.
10. Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars:
-Cars can heat up rapidly, even with the windows slightly open, leading to dangerous conditions quickly.
11. Acclimatize to the Heat:
-Over time, gradually increase the time spent in the heat to allow your body to adjust.
Understanding the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is crucial, especially during the summer months when outdoor activities are frequent. Here’s a detailed guide to help identify and respond to these heat-related conditions.
🌞 Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down effectively, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and insufficient fluid intake. It's a condition that can lead to heat stroke if not addressed promptly.
Key Signs and Symptoms:
1. Heavy Sweating: Profuse sweating is a primary symptom as the body tries to cool itself down.
2. Cool, Clammy Skin: The skin may feel cool and moist to the touch despite the heat.
3. Paleness: The skin may appear pale.
4. Muscle Cramps: Painful cramps can occur, especially in the legs or abdomen.
5. Fatigue: A feeling of extreme tiredness or weakness is common.
6. Dizziness: Lightheadedness or a feeling of faintness may be present.
7. Headache: Often, heat exhaustion is accompanied by a throbbing headache.
8. Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting can occur.
9. Fainting: In severe cases, fainting may happen due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
10. Rapid Heartbeat: The pulse may become fast and weak.
Immediate Actions:
- Move to a cooler place (shade or indoors).
- Loosen clothing.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water with electrolytes or sports drinks.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin or take a cool bath.
- Elevate the legs slightly to improve blood circulation.
- Rest and avoid physical activity.
🔥 Signs of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a severe, life-threatening condition where the body's temperature regulation system fails, causing the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels quickly. It requires immediate medical attention.
Key Signs and Symptoms:
1. High Body Temperature: Core body temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
2. Hot, Dry Skin: Skin may feel hot and dry due to a cessation of sweating, although sweating may still occur in some cases.
3. Red, Flushed Skin: The skin may turn red as body temperature increases.
4. Rapid, Strong Pulse: The heart rate may become very fast and strong.
5. Throbbing Headache: A severe headache is often present.
6. Dizziness or Confusion: Mental state changes, including dizziness, confusion, agitation, or even loss of consciousness.
7. Nausea or Vomiting: Severe stomach upset or vomiting.
8. Seizures: In extreme cases, heat stroke can cause seizures.
9. Altered Mental State: Delirium, slurred speech, or coma may occur.
Immediate Actions:
- Call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
- Move the person to a cooler environment (shade or air-conditioned area).
- Try to cool the person rapidly using whatever methods available:
- Immerse in a cool bath or shower.
- Spray with cool water from a hose or misting bottle.
- Apply ice packs to armpits, groin, neck, and back.
- Fan while misting with cool water.
- Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious or not fully alert.
- Continue cooling efforts until emergency medical help arrives.
Recognizing and acting on the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can save lives. Always take preventive measures and respond promptly if symptoms arise to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones during hot weather.
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I didn't take flowers seriously when I first started growing a vegetable garden. I only planted the foods I wanted to eat. But over the years, I have learned that flowers are actually necessary to have in your garden!
Planting flowers and flowering herbs in your garden offers a multitude of benefits beyond just adding beauty. Here are twelve reasons to include them in your garden:
1. Pollination Support: Flowers, especially those rich in nectar and pollen, attract essential pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Flowers produce nectar and pollen, essential food sources for pollinators. By planting a diverse range of flowers that bloom at different times of the year, you can provide a continuous food supply for these important creatures. For example, early bloomers like crocuses and late-season flowers like asters ensure that pollinators have resources throughout their active seasons. These pollinators are crucial for the reproduction of many plants, including vegetables and fruits in your garden. When I figured this out, my garden production soared!
2. Pest Control: Flowering herbs and certain flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which help control garden pests naturally by preying on aphids, caterpillars, and other harmful insects.
For instance, dill and fennel flowers attract parasitic wasps, while marigolds are known to repel nematodes and other harmful insects.
Incorporating plants like lavender, yarrow, and sunflowers can turn your garden into a haven for beneficial insects, creating a balanced ecosystem that reduces the need for chemical pesticides and promotes healthy plant growth. It's so fun to watch the diversity in your garden ecosystem!
3. Color and Beauty: Flowers add vibrant colors and visual interest to your garden, creating a more inviting and enjoyable space. The diverse shapes, sizes, and hues of flowers can transform a plain garden into a picturesque landscape. Planting a variety of annuals and perennials, early bloomers and late bloomers ensures that your garden will have a continuous display of color for the whole growing season.
4. Fragrance: Many flowers and flowering herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, and jasmine, emit delightful scents that enhance the sensory experience in your garden, making it a pleasant place to relax and unwind. The beauty and aroma pull me into the garden throughout the day. They just make me feel good!
5. Culinary Flowers: Flowers like nasturtiums, pansies, borage, and marigolds can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and beverages, adding a burst of color and unique flavors. Adding the beautiful colors and flavors of flowers to your meals enhances the whole experience and gives you amazing health benefits as well!
6. Flavorful Herbs: Flowering herbs such as basil, thyme, and chives not only add beauty but also provide fresh, aromatic leaves and flowers that can be used in cooking to enhance the flavor of your dishes. These are my favorites and I use them almost daily. There is so much you can do to enliven your food and adding fresh herbs is the best!
7. Herbal Remedies: Many flowering herbs have medicinal properties. For example, calendula flowers can be used in soothing salves, chamomile flowers can be brewed into calming teas, and echinacea flowers are known for their immune-boosting properties. I love fresh healing teas and I dry the herbs for later use as well. I love making all sorts of DIY remedies - tinctures, salves, lotions, sprays, etc.
8. Aromatherapy: The essential oils and fragrances from flowering herbs like lavender and lemon balm can be used for aromatherapy, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving sleep quality. I love walking through my garden, brushing the aromatic plants and breathing in their beautiful aromas. Bringing these in the house, putting them in a vase, steeping them in tea, or boiling them for the aroma that is released into the air are great ways to utilize them.
9. Nitrogen Fixation: Certain flowering plants, such as clover and lupines, are capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil, enriching it and promoting healthier growth for surrounding plants. Plant rotation is key, and cover crops can also be used to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
10. Biodiversity: Adding a variety of flowers and herbs to your garden increases biodiversity, which enhances the resilience of your garden ecosystem, making it more robust and less susceptible to pests and diseases. You can create a balanced and healthy environment in your own garden which reduces pest and disease issues, and encourages strong plants.
11. Learning Opportunities: Growing flowers and flowering herbs provides a hands-on way to learn about plant biology, pollination, and the importance of ecosystems. It’s a great way to introduce children and adults alike to the wonders of nature. Every year is a new experiment that builds upon the last. I love trying new techniques and growing new plants.
12. Therapeutic Gardening: The act of planting, tending, and enjoying flowers can have significant mental health benefits. Gardening is known to reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature. When I am in my garden, I am totally relaxed and the repetitive actions of weeding and caring for my plants does so much for my mental health.
Examples of Flowers and Flowering Herbs to Consider:
- Marigolds: Bright, pest-repellent, and edible.
- Lavender: Beautiful, fragrant, and great for relaxation.
- Basil: Versatile in the kitchen with attractive flowers for pollinators.
- Echinacea (Coneflower): Stunning, medicinal, and attracts pollinators.
- Thyme: Compact, aromatic, and perfect for culinary use.
- Sunflowers: Tall, cheerful, and excellent for attracting birds and bees.
Incorporating these plants into your garden can enrich your gardening experience and provide numerous benefits to your garden's health and beauty.
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Tzatziki Sauce is absolutely necessary to have with falafel! But regular recipes use dairy, and many non-dairy recipes use soy or cashew nuts. I don't use any of those in my house.
Enter coconut yogurt! This is so versatile! And it is perfect for Tzatziki sauce.
1/2 English cucumber
1 cup coconut yogurt
2 teaspoons lemon juice or white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried dill
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Finely grate cucumber, then use cheesecloth to squeeze out excess liquid. Mix yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil. Crush garlic. Mix in garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with a little dill, chill, then serve.
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Instilling good oral health habits in children is crucial for their overall well-being and lifelong dental health. With the right guidance, you can make these habits enjoyable and rewarding. This blog explores practical tips for promoting excellent oral hygiene in children, including the use of Young Living’s KidScents and Thieves products, and offers strategies for creating a positive and engaging oral care routine.
Why Oral Health Matters
Good oral health is essential not just for a beautiful smile but also for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues that can affect overall health. Establishing effective oral hygiene practices early on helps children maintain healthy teeth and gums and fosters lifelong habits.
Daily Oral Care Routine
A consistent oral care routine is the cornerstone of good dental health. Here’s how to build a comprehensive and enjoyable routine for your child:
1. Brushing Twice a Day
- Tools: Use a child-friendly toothbrush with soft bristles. This toothpaste is an excellent choice, formulated with safe, natural ingredients like essential oils. It has a mild taste and is free from harsh chemicals (like fluoride), making it ideal for kids. (Here's another that my older kids like. Here our some of our favorite toothbrushes: Bamboo regular, Bamboo with charcoal, Bamboo small, Bamboo for baby.
- Technique: Teach your child to brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of the teeth and gums. Use a gentle, circular motion to protect their enamel and gums.
2. Flossing Daily
- Importance: Flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
- How to Teach: Show your child how to use floss or floss picks gently. My favorite dental floss is infused with essential oils, adding a refreshing flavor while helping to reduce bacteria and plaque buildup.
3. Using Mouthwash
- Rinsing: Introduce this mouthwash for a refreshing, natural option. Its blend of essential oils helps cleanse the mouth and freshen breath without the harsh chemicals found in many commercial mouthwashes. I dilute it 50/50 for children between 2-6 yrs.
- How to Use: Teach your child to swish the mouthwash for about 30 seconds and spit it out. This can be done after brushing and flossing for a thorough clean.
4. Oil Pulling
- Enhancement: For older children (typically over 5), introduce oil pulling with a mild oil like coconut oil. If the child can handle it, add a drop of Young Living’s Thieves® essential oil blend to boost its beneficial properties.
- Duration: Start with a minute or two and gradually increase the time as they get used to the process. (Spit into the trash.)
5. Rinsing with Water
- Benefits: Encourage your child to rinse their mouth with water after meals and snacks to help wash away food particles and reduce the risk of cavities.
Healthy Nutrition for Oral Health
Diet plays a significant role in maintaining oral health. Here’s how to support your child’s dental health through nutrition:
1. Balanced Diet
- Focus: Ensure your child’s diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Your child needs s variety of vitamins and minerals to maintain strong teeth.
- Avoid: Limit acidic and sugary foods and drinks, which can erode enamel and lead to cavities.
2. Limiting Sugar
- Impact: Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay. Minimize sugary snacks and beverages in your child’s diet.
- Alternatives: Offer healthier snack options like fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which are less likely to cause cavities.
Hydration and Oral Health
Encourage Water Intake
- Benefits: Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, maintaining a cleaner mouth and reducing the risk of cavities.
- Tip: Make water the go-to beverage for your child. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks like sodas and fruit juices. Yes, I said it again!
Regular Dental Visits
Routine Check-Ups
- Frequency: Schedule regular dental visits every six months to ensure your child’s teeth and gums are healthy.
- Positive Experience: Choose a pediatric dentist who creates a welcoming and comfortable environment. Explain to your child why these visits are important and make them feel special afterward, perhaps with a small reward.
Making Oral Care Fun
Positive Reinforcement
- Encouragement: Praise your child for their efforts in maintaining good oral hygiene. Use a reward system, such as a sticker chart, to motivate them. Your reinforcement means more to them than anything else.
Leading by Example
Modeling Behavior
- Brush and Floss Together: Children learn by watching their parents. Brush and floss your teeth alongside your child to demonstrate proper technique and emphasize the importance of oral hygiene.
- Discuss Health: Talk about why oral care is essential and share any personal stories that highlight the benefits of good habits or the consequences of neglecting them.
Incorporating The Best Products
- Why It’s Great: This toothpaste is formulated specifically for children, using natural ingredients like essential oils. It’s fluoride-free, making it safe for kids to use without worry.
- Benefits: Its gentle formula cleans teeth effectively without the harsh chemicals found in many conventional toothpastes. The mild flavor makes brushing more pleasant for kids.
- Added Benefits: For older children and teens, consider Young Living’s Thieves Whitening Toothpaste. It combines the cleansing power of Thieves essential oil blend with gentle whitening agents, promoting a brighter smile and enhanced oral health.
- Use: This toothpaste is suitable for children who can handle the stronger taste and are looking for gentle whitening benefits without harsh chemicals.
- Refreshing and Cleansing: This mouthwash uses the power of Thieves essential oil blend to cleanse the mouth and freshen breath naturally.
- Safe for Kids: Formulated with natural ingredients, it’s a safe and effective option for older children who can swish and spit out the mouthwash without swallowing.
- Enhanced Cleaning: Infused with Thieves essential oil blend and peppermint, this dental floss provides a refreshing taste and helps to effectively remove plaque and food particles.
- Use: It’s an excellent tool for teaching kids the importance of flossing and making the process enjoyable with its pleasant flavor.
-Bamboo toothbrushes offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic toothbrushes. Made from natural, biodegradable bamboo, they significantly reduce plastic waste, which is a major environmental concern. Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, bamboo toothbrushes often have soft bristles that are gentle on gums and teeth, making them suitable for both children and adults. By choosing bamboo toothbrushes, you're making a small yet impactful decision to protect our planet while maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
By integrating these practices and products into your child’s daily routine, you can help them develop strong, healthy teeth and a lifetime of great oral habits. Remember, the key is to make oral care a positive, engaging, and regular part of their day. With the right approach, your child can look forward to a future of bright, healthy smiles!
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Sources:
- "KidScents® Toothpaste - Natural Fluoride-Free Toothpaste," Young Living, (https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/kidscents-toothpaste)
- "Thieves® Essential Oil Blend," Young Living, (https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/thieves-essential-oil-blend)
- "Thieves® Whitening Toothpaste," Young Living, (https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/thieves-whitening-toothpaste)
- "Thieves® Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash," Young Living, (https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/thieves-fresh-essence-plus-mouthwash)
- "Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids," American Dental Association, (https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/kid-s-corner)
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