Spring Tip - Bring on the Spring Flowers

I don't know about you but I am SICK of this snow and weather. But I have found a wonderful way to get spring flowers in my house. This is the time of year that you can go out and cut branches off of your favorite flowering bush or tree, bring them in the house and force them to bloom.

All you have to do is put your boots on (if your snow is like mine, you may need hip boots), get your favorite small pruners and cut branches off of your favorite spring blooming bush or tree.

Bring the cuttings into the house. If you have a large utility sink, put some luke warm water into it and put the branches down into the water. If the branches are small enough, it is okay to completely cover them with water. If you do not have a large sink, still soak the bottom of the branches or stems. Let them soak for about 20 minutes. Then take your pruners and cut a little more off of the bottom of the branch. Keep it under the water as you are cutting it. Put the branch into a vase of water. A mixture of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water work great. Place the vase where you can see it. Change the water every 3 days. Within a couple of weeks you should have greenery and blooms. I have a double flowering Magnolia tree that I brought some cuttings in from. It took about 2 1/2 weeks, but I now have Magnolia flowers blooming. I also cut some pussy willows, Sour Cherry tree & Forsythia. I have been told that it will work for all spring flowering trees and bushes including Lilac.

Feeling Depressed? Got the Winter Blues? Natural Products May Help.

Feeling tired, down, sad and unmotivated? Yes this time of year a lot of Americans are just worn down. There are several different reasons for depression. Some forms can result from a hormonal imbalance, a imbalance of brain chemistry, or just the wintertime blues. Some natural products that may help are:

Vitamin D3 stock # 1151-1 Did you know that sunlight is needed to convert cholesterol to vitamin D in the skin. In the winter time, we are not exposed to sunlight. Therefore adding vitamin D3 may help to put that spring back into your step.

Super Algae stock # 1056-5 This herbal mixture consists of Spirulina, Klamath Lake Blue-green Algae, Chlorella & Red Marine Algae. This mixtures supplies an intense mixture of nutrients: protein, Carbohydrates, carotenoids, chlorophyll, amino acids (all 22)and trace minerals. This formula has been historically used for: Alzheimer's, anemia, ADD, depression, lack of energy, glandular problems, memory problems, high triglycerides and weight loss.

Chinese Mood Elevator stock # 1878-8 This Chinese formula has historically been used for depression, poor concentration, lack of energy, fatigue, nervous disorders and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Nutra Calm stock # 1617-3 This anti stress vitamin/mineral is historically used to help calm nervous high strung individuals. This is a good supplement for anyone who feels depleted from nervous stress. It does not cause drowsiness and can increase energy while maintaining a sense of calm.

If you are interested in more information or would like to place an order for any of these products, please go to mynsp.com/iwannafeelnormal. This is my personal Natures Sunshine site. If you have any questions that you would like me to answer personally, please feel free to email me @ iwannafeelnormal@gmail.com.

Also remember, this information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease. If you have a health problem, consult your doctor.

Natural Parasite Control for Animals

For the last 14 years I have raised Nigerian Dwarf Goats. One of the many types of parasites that goats are prone to are called Coccidea. Coccidea is a Protozoa. It can make your animals very sick. Signs of Coccidea infestation can include: Bloody Smelly diarrhea that can have a pudding like consistancy, anemia and death. Once you have coccidea on your property, it will always be there. It gets into the ground and likes wet conditions. Goats, sheep, cows, chickens, llamas, aplacas,cat and dogs just to name a few can get coccidea. The best way to find out if your animal has coccidea or any other parasite, is to take a fresh fecal sample to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can run a simple test on the fecal sample and let you know what kind of parasites your animal are carrying. I use all natural methods of parasite control. One of my favorite methods is to use something called Diatomaceous Earth or DE. De is a powder made from fossilized, microscopic one celled plants that are ground up. De removes existing worms and eggs and prevents reinfestation by scouring the intestines, irritating and damaging the parasites soft bodies. Researchers noticed that the animals fed DE were in better health than those fed a normal diet and in subsequent tests, young DE fed animals gained weight faster than control animals and had fewer problems with intestinal parasites. Researchers have also found that when added to a cat's food DE helps prevent hairballs. DE can also be added to pastures, bedding and gently rubbed into your pets fur. While DE is considered a safe addition to livestock grain and other dry foods, there has been some talk about a recent warning of lung damaged caused by inhailing this powder. DE should be handled carefully and gently stirred into wet food or a small amout of water can be sprayed onto dry food. Thus keeping the DE from being inhailed. Historically DE has been used for all parasite. There are several different types of diatomaceous earth that is sold in the US. If you would like to try DE on your animals, make sure that you buy a FOOD GRADE. Do not use any other types. Other types may contain chemicals that could be fatal. DE has also been used around houses and in the garden to keep away insects. Please remeber any of the above information is NOT to replace a veterinarians care. THe Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the above statments. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Herbal Products

Since my blog is also a place for education, I urge you to look here monthly to get information about herbal remedies for both humans and animals. I sell Nature's Sunshine products and have my own website at www.mynsp.com/iwannafeelnormal. If you decide that you would like to purchase any of the herbal remedies or would like more information please feel free to take a look. There are perks to becomming a member with NSP. They offer you to purchase there product at a saving of 35 to 45% off of retail. All you have to do is purchase at least $40.00 of product at member pricing a receive a free 1 year membership. Again this memebership allows you to purchase product at a 35 to 45% off of retail pricing. I can also help you with any questions that you may have.

My Love of Nature

Hi Everyone!!

First of all Thank you for visiting my Blogg. I am a certfied herbalist since December 2000. I am also a level 3 Reiki Practitioner, a level 4 healing touch for animals practitioner and an Ionic Foot Cleanse Specialist. And if that isn't enough, I raise Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Compete Nationally in Archery Competitions all over the US with my Husband Mark.

My Blogg will consist of Herbal Remedies for both humans and animals, and the goings and commings of my animals and everyday farm life.

Please feel free to leave comments and questions.