Natural-Know How

Massive beet harvest, didn't even plant these!

🫜 Health benefits of beets
❤️ May lower blood pressure — natural nitrates increase nitric oxide and help blood vessels relax.
🩸 Supports circulation — improves blood-vessel function and blood flow.
🏃 May improve exercise endurance — nitrates can help muscles use oxygen more efficiently.
🧠 May support brain health — improved blood flow may benefit cognitive function.
🌿 High in antioxidants — betalains help protect cells from oxidative stress.
🔥 Anti-inflammatory properties — beet pigments may help reduce inflammatory processes.
💩 Supports digestion — fiber helps bowel regularity and feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
🧬 Good source of folate — important for cell division, DNA production and red blood cells.
⚡ Provides potassium — supports healthy blood pressure, nerves and muscles.
🦴 Provides manganese — involved in bone formation and antioxidant defenses.
🛡️ Supports overall cardiovascular health — through its combination of nitrates, potassium and antioxidants.
🩺 May support healthy blood sugar control — particularly when eaten whole because of the fiber.
🧪 Supports liver antioxidant defenses — betalains and other compounds may help the body's antioxidant systems.
🌱 Beet greens are highly nutritious — rich in vitamins A, C and K, folate, calcium and magnesium.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) — medicinal uses

Calming herb: traditionally used for mild anxiety, restlessness, and sleep support

Digestive aid: helps with gas, bloating, cramps, and indigestion

Antispasmodic: may relax smooth muscle spasms

Cold/fever remedy: traditionally used as a mild sweating herb

Menstrual cramps: historically used for discomfort

Research:

Catnip vs DEET (mosquito repellent research)

Active compound: nepetalactone (from catnip essential oil)

A 2021 study found catnip repels mosquitoes by activating their TRPA1 irritation receptor.
Catnip can be very effective at keeping mosquitoes away.

Some newer testing suggests catnip oil formulations can perform similarly to DEET when properly concentrated.

Fresh catnip leaves ≠ commercial repellent — the oil concentration is much lower.

Garden use:

-Easy perennial
-Crush leaves near outdoor areas for a short-term effect
-Catnip oil/extract is much stronger than homemade teas or sprays

Safety
Catnip tea is traditionally mild.

Berry season on the homestead!

I may not be rich in cash, but I'm rich in time, space, peace, and quiet. 💛💖

Lamb's quarters 🍃
(also called wild spinach or goosefoot)

Food Uses:

-Young leaves eaten raw in salads
-Mature leaves cooked like spinach
-High in vitamins A, C, and K
-Good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium
-Seeds can be cooked like quinoa or ground into flour
-Can be added to soups, stews, omelets, and smoothies

Medicinal/Traditional Uses:

-Traditionally used as a mild digestive aid
-Leaves applied as a poultice for minor skin irritations and insect bites
-Sometimes used in teas for digestive discomfort
-Nutrient-rich food that may help support overall health

Cautions:

-Contains oxalates (similar to spinach); consume in moderation if prone to kidney stones
-Avoid harvesting from roadsides or areas sprayed with herbicides
-Proper identification is important before eating wild plants

&lettuce




Everything is better in Spring 🌼 🌸 🌻

I haven't posted in a while.... it's been a rough start to my year. I've had A LOT of emotional ups and downs, and they are not over any time soon.... BUT I want to stay positive, and I know God has a path for me, as he has a path for everyone. I need to trust in His divine plan ❤️

Thank you to everyone for being supportive throughout everything thus far.