November 2020 – Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy

Mint and Rosemary Bath Cubes

This is such an easy project to do over a weekend or break with your kids. These cubes make great holiday gifts. Mint and Rosemary Bath Cubes 2 cups of baking soda 1 cup of citric acid 1 cup of cornstarch Set aside Add to a food processor 1/4 cup of epsom salts or seaContinue reading “Mint and Rosemary Bath Cubes”

Sage mouthwash and toothpaste*

Even though I floss and brush regularly, dental care is challenging this year for several reasons. I have the time, knowledge and skills to be proactive and make my own simple solutions. I always feel comforted and empowered when I can use something made from my own garden. These recipes are inexpensive, effective, easy toContinue reading “Sage mouthwash and toothpaste*”

BLACK CURRANT and Thyme Oxymel

It is always exciting to find and experiment with something new. I made three oxymels this year, each using a different type of fruit-oranges, currants, and hawthorn berries. An oxymel is an infusion of herbs into vinegar and honey (see also shrubs, kvass, kombucha, switchels and other similar fermented “sodas”/drinks ). Plants easily give upContinue reading “BLACK CURRANT and Thyme Oxymel”

Fresh and Green , Basil Egg Salad

We have had an odd fall. A very early snow storm in September caused panic about an early freeze and loss of crops. Farmers and friends covered what they could and hoped for the best. In the end damage was minimal and even my Thai basil plants made it through. Much of October and NovemberContinue reading “Fresh and Green , Basil Egg Salad”