This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
Life on the farm brings many joys, but it also presents unique challenges—like keeping our beloved pets free from pests. For those of us with dogs, fleas and ticks can become persistent problems, especially during the warmer months.
In my own quest to protect our dogs without compromising the safety of my children, I've discovered a natural, non-toxic flea and tick repellent that aligns with our values and lifestyle.
The Need for a Safe Solution
Living in a rural setting, ticks are a constant concern. Until now, I relied on products like Bravecto or Frontline. But when my daughter was young, I embraced a more natural approach that’s safer for everyone—including my children, who love spending time with our dogs.
Our Non-Toxic Approach
After some research, I found a way to combat these pests using natural methods. I use the natural predator of ticks, guineas, to hunt them down one the outside yard area. In addition, I keep the grass shorter in the areas where the kids and dogs hang out the most. This makes those areas less attractive to the ticks.
For the constant problem of flies on the farm, I implement the use of fly predators and free ranging chickens to attack the flies. Regularly cleaning up the animal poop and composting it helps to control the habitat hatching areas too. My chickens have been trained to dig through the windrows of poop and find the bugs, thus turning my compost pile for me.
I also found a essential oil repellent recipe that offers a safe alternative to traditional chemical treatments, ensuring my kids can safely play with the dogs without exposure to harmful substances. When buying essential oils, make sure you are purchasing oils that are truly pure. There is a lot of mislabeling in the oil industry. I have linked the oils in the recipe to my favorite oils.
The Essential Oil Recipes
Spray (4 oz Bottle):
- 4 drops Purification
- 4 drops Citronella
- 1 drop Cedarwood
- 2 drops Palo Santo
- 1 drop Thyme
Fill the rest with water and shake gently before use. Spray as needed for fly issues.
Dropper (2 oz Bottle):
- 9 drops Palo Santo
- 6 drops Peppermint
- 6 drops Citronella
Fill the rest with water and shake gently before use.
Apply the dropper along your dog's back, starting at the end of April. Begin with applications every couple of days, then transition to weekly, and finally monthly as summer progresses. For continual replant of fleas, continue monthly through the winter.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Essential oils, when used correctly, can deter pests without the need for synthetic chemicals. Here are some of the benefits:
- Safety: Non-toxic for both pets and children.
- Efficacy: Proven to repel pests effectively.
- Peace of Mind: You can rest easy knowing your family is safe from harsh chemicals.
Empowering Choices for Farm Wives
As farm wives, we juggle many responsibilities and strive to make informed decisions that benefit our family and farm. This natural pest control method is just one example of how we can use simple, accessible tools to improve our lives.
By making these small, thoughtful changes, we nurture an environment that reflects our values and supports our goals—a thriving farm and a happy, healthy family.
Join Our Journey
If you're looking for more ways to live authentically and balance the demands of farm life, I invite you to join our community. Together, we can share solutions and support each other on this incredible, challenging journey.
Remember, every small step towards positive change is a victory. Here's to a pest-free and harmonious home for you and your loved ones.
Feel free to reach out with your stories, thoughts, or questions. Let's grow and thrive together!
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Thriving Through Farm Distress: Wife’s Support Network! In our community, we embrace the challenges of farm life and provide a supportive space for wives facing the complexities of managing a family farm. Whether you're navigating financial pressures, day-to-day operations, or seeking ways to create a thriving home, we're here for you. Explore gardening tips for cultivating your own oasis, share insights on animal care, and discover practical family budgeting strategies. Together, let's grow through challenges, flourish authentically, and sow the seeds for a resilient and thriving farm life. Join us on this journey of resilience and abundance!
As I've grown in my journey as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on amazon below.
Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
Join the FREE Community
Join the FREE Community
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
Summer fun can quickly be ruined by bugs, and no one wants that. Especially with little ones eager to be outside more than inside, finding a safe and effective bug repellent is essential. The good news? You don't need to rely on store-bought sprays that might not be safe for children. Below, you'll find a fantastic bug repellent recipe that's kid-safe and easy to make at home.
Why Choose DIY Bug Repellent?
Many commercial insect repellents, including popular brands like OFF, are not recommended for young children due to their harsh chemicals. However, it's still crucial to protect your family from the annoying and potentially harmful bites of mosquitoes, flies, and gnats.
I discovered a great bug spray that was effective, even against those pesky no-see-um bugs, and safe for all ages. Unfortunately, it went out of stock right in the middle of summer, and I was almost out after using the same bottle for a year! That’s when I turned to DIY recipes for a solution that I could trust.
The Perfect DIY Kid-Safe Bug Repellent
This DIY bug spray has become a staple in our home. We use it every time my little girl goes outside. Just a quick spray on her arms and legs before stepping out, and she’s good to go. The results? Whenever she goes outside without it, she comes back with at least one bite. But with the spray, no more mosquito, fly, or gnat bites! It's a win for all of us, including our pets.
I've even started using this spray on our two dogs' ears to keep the flies away. My poor Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix has ears that flies love to burrow into, but this spray has worked wonders for them too!
DIY Insect Spray Recipe
To make your own kid-safe bug repellent, you'll need a 4 oz glass spray bottle and the following ingredients:
Keep Off Me Bug Spray Ingredients
- 5 drops each of:
- 2 oz Witch Hazel
- 2 oz Water
Instructions:
- Combine the essential oils in the glass spray bottle.
- Add the Witch Hazel and water.
- Shake well before each use.
Now, you and your family can enjoy bug-free fun days ahead without worrying about toxic chemicals. This DIY insect spray is not only safe and non-toxic, but it’s also affordable and effective.
Creating your own bug repellent doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. With just a few simple ingredients, you can protect your family and pets from annoying bug bites. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your bug spray and rest easy knowing it’s safe for everyone.
Embrace the joys of summer with your loved ones, free from the hassle of bugs, and enjoy every moment outdoors!
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Thriving Through Farm Distress: Wife’s Support Network! In our community, we embrace the challenges of farm life and provide a supportive space for wives facing the complexities of managing a family farm. Whether you're navigating financial pressures, day-to-day operations, or seeking ways to create a thriving home, we're here for you. Explore gardening tips for cultivating your own oasis, share insights on animal care, and discover practical family budgeting strategies. Together, let's grow through challenges, flourish authentically, and sow the seeds for a resilient and thriving farm life. Join us on this journey of resilience and abundance!
As I've grown in my journey as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on amazon below.
Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
Join the FREE Community
Join the FREE Community
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
As a busy mom and farm wife, staying healthy has always been a top priority for me. Whether it's juggling multiple tasks on my to-do list or braving the elements on the farm, I need to keep my energy levels up and my immune system strong. That's why my family and I have relied on Ningxia Red Juice for years. This powerful drink has given us the boost we need to stay on top of our game. In this blog post, I'll be sharing the amazing benefits of Ningxia Red and how you can make it a part of your daily routine.
What is Ningxia Red Juice?
Ningxia Red is a powerful drink made from whole fruits and essential oils that come from the Ningxia region of China. The main ingredient is the wolfberry, also known as the goji berry, which is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The other ingredients include blueberry, aronia, cherry, pomegranate, and plum juices, along with essential oils like orange, lemon, and yuzu. When these ingredients are combined, they create a potent elixir that can boost energy levels, support brain function, and strengthen the immune system.
Benefits of Ningxia Red Juice
Boosts Energy Levels: The combination of fruits and essential oils in Ningxia Red Juice provides a natural boost of energy without the crash that can come with caffeine. It's the perfect pick-me-up to get you through a busy day or a tough workout.
Supports Brain Function: The nutrients in Ningxia Red Juice can help to improve cognitive function, memory retention, and mental clarity. This can be especially helpful for busy moms who need to stay alert and focused throughout the day.
Strengthens the Immune System: The antioxidants and vitamins in wolfberries are known to boost the immune system and protect against illness. Drinking Ningxia Red can help to guard against colds and flu while also reducing inflammation in the body.
Promotes Healthy Digestion: Ningxia Red contains enzymes and prebiotics that can support healthy digestion and promote regularity. This can be especially helpful for anyone who struggles with digestive issues or irregularity.
Integrating Ningxia Red into Your Daily Routine
Now that you know the amazing benefits of Ningxia Red, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Start Small: If you're new to Ningxia Red, start by drinking a small amount each day and gradually work your way up to a full serving.
Mix it Up: Experiment with different ways to drink Ningxia Red, such as adding it to smoothies, mixing it with sparkling water, or even using it as a mixer for cocktails.
Create a Daily Ritual: Make Ningxia Red a part of your daily routine by drinking it at the same time each day. This can help you establish a healthy habit that will benefit your body over time.
In conclusion, Ningxia Red is an incredible drink that can have a powerful impact on your health and wellbeing. Whether you're a busy mom, a farm wife, or just looking to boost your energy levels and strengthen your immune system, Ningxia Red is an excellent choice. By incorporating this potent elixir into your daily routine, you'll be giving your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong. So why not give it a try and experience the benefits for yourself?
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Thriving Through Farm Loss: Wife’s Support Network! In our community, we embrace the challenges of farm life and provide a supportive space for wives facing the complexities of managing a family farm. Whether you're navigating financial pressures, day-to-day operations, or seeking ways to create a thriving home, we're here for you. Explore gardening tips for cultivating your own oasis, share insights on animal care, and discover practical family budgeting strategies. Together, let's grow through challenges, flourish authentically, and sow the seeds for a resilient and thriving farm life. Join us on this journey of resilience and abundance!
As I've grown in my journey as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on amazon below.
Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
Join the FREE Community
Join the FREE Community
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
For more on wellness tips click here:
For more on homesteading on your budget click here:
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
Have you ever heard of tallow? It may seem like a random thing on a beef carcass that no one thinks about, but it's actually quite useful. If you're a mom looking to save a few dollars on lip balm and eliminate toxins from your beauty routine, making your own lip balm from tallow might be an option for you. In this blog post, I'll share my favorite recipe for tallow lip balm that I love to carry with me on the go during the harsh winter months.
Tallow is rendered beef fat and has been used for centuries in many skin care products. Its natural fatty acids help nourish and moisturize the skin. Mixing tallow with other nourishing ingredients can make a great lip balm perfect for winter weather.
Here is a simple recipe for tallow lip balm:
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp tallow
- 1 tbsp beeswax
- 1 tsp honey
- 6-8 drops essential oil
Make sure to use a high quality pure essential oil to avoid nasties. You can grab some of my favorite brand with the link here
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, melt the tallow, coconut oil, and beeswax.
- Once melted, stir in the honey.
- Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the essential oils.
- Carefully pour the mixture into small containers or chap-stick tubes.
- Allow several hours for the mixture to completely harden.
Coconut oil and beeswax help to moisturize and protect the lips. Honey works as a natural humectant that helps retain moisture. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender or grapefruit oil add a lovely scent and additional benefits to the lip balm.
Using tallow lip balm can help prevent dry and chapped lips during the winter months. It can be used alone or as a base before applying lipstick.
The easiest option to finding tallow is to ask your local butcher or farmer for beef fat trimmings. You will have to render it down yourself. You can find those directions here. Alternatively, you can also purchase tallow on our online store here.
Tallow lip balm is a DIY solution that is easy to create and customize. It can benefit your lips in multiple ways while saving you money and avoiding any harsh chemicals in store-bought lip balms. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a useful and nourishing winter necessity. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!
As I've grown in my journey as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on amazon below.
Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Farm Loss Support for the Farm Wife group! This group is for support and helping each other to move forward. This group is NOT for venting, bashing, or wallowing in pity. My goal is to help others who have been where I was looking at losing the farm or losing the farm and wanting somewhere to talk where people would understand.
This is NOT for staying stuck in the trenches. It IS for moving forward in life, with purpose and sanity.
Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
Join the FREE Community
Join the FREE Community
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
For more on wellness tips click here:
For more on homesteading on your budget click here:
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
Tallow is the rendered fat from beef carcasses, often overlooked as just a random thing discarded after butchering. However, tallow has numerous benefits and uses, including making your own lotion that is free from extra toxins found in store-bought products. For moms looking to save a few dollars while giving their hands some extra TLC during harsh winter months, this recipe for DIY hand cream made from tallow is perfect!
To make this nourishing hand cream, all you need is 1/4 cup of tallow, 1/8 cup of sweet almond oil, 1 tablespoon of beeswax, and 10-20 drops of your preferred essential oil. Make sure to use a high quality pure essential oil to avoid nasties. You can grab some of my favorite brand with the link here
The sweet almond oil adds moisture and nourishment, while beeswax helps with consistency and texture. The essential oil not only adds a lovely scent to your lotion but also provides skin benefits.
Start by melting the tallow, sweet almond oil, and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat. Once everything is melted, remove from the heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This step is important to avoid adding essential oils to the hot mixture, which may impact their therapeutic properties.
After the mixture has cooled down, stir in the essential oils of your choice. Lavender is an excellent option for its calming properties, while peppermint can offer a refreshing sensation. Pour the mixture into small tins or containers and allow it to harden for several hours.
Once the lotion has hardened, it's ready to use! This DIY tallow lotion is suitable for everyone in the family, including children and babies. The presence of natural ingredients means that it's gentle for all skin types and provides nourishing moisture that lasts.
The easiest option to finding tallow is to ask your local butcher or farmer for beef fat trimmings. You will have to render it down yourself. You can find those directions here. Alternatively, you can also purchase tallow on my family farm’s online store here.
Don't let tallow be a forgotten part of cow meat and instead harness its benefits with this easy DIY hand cream recipe! It's not only easy on the pockets but is also free from unwanted toxins found in store-bought counterparts. With just a few ingredients and some essential oils, this homemade lotion will keep your hands and skin hydrated and soft all winter long!
As I've grown in my journey as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on amazon below.
Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Farm Loss Support for the Farm Wife group! This group is for support and helping each other to move forward. This group is NOT for venting, bashing, or wallowing in pity. My goal is to help others who have been where I was looking at losing the farm or losing the farm and wanting somewhere to talk where people would understand.
This is NOT for staying stuck in the trenches. It IS for moving forward in life, with purpose and sanity.
Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
Join the FREE Community
Join the FREE Community
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
For more on wellness tips click here:
For more on homesteading on your budget click here:
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
When we think of beef, we think of steaks and burgers, right? But there’s another product of a beef carcass that may surprise you. Tallow - rendered beef fat - is an incredibly useful and versatile ingredient that can be used in cooking and even skincare! And for moms wanting to save a few dollars and eliminate harmful toxins from their lotions, making your own lotion from tallow might just be the perfect option for you.
First, let’s talk about the benefits of using tallow in your lotion. Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, K, and E, which are all crucial for maintaining healthy skin. These vitamins can help soothe dry skin, reduce inflammation and redness, and even prevent or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Tallow is also an excellent moisturizer that can penetrate deep into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
Now, on to the recipe! My favorite tallow lotion recipe is a modification of one from Jill of the Prairie Homestead. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 16 oz tallow
- 4 T olive oil (or other liquid oil)
- 5 ml essential oil (optional, but make sure to use a high-quality pure oil I recommend Young Living. You can grab some with the link here)
- 2 t arrowroot powder (optional, to reduce greasiness)
- To make the lotion, melt the tallow and allow it to cool to room temperature, but not harden.
- Add the olive oil and stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
- Place the mixture in the fridge until solid, then remove and allow it to warm to room temperature. This will make whipping easier.
- Using a hand-held mixer, whip the tallow mixture until it appears fluffy like whipped cake frosting.
- Finally, add in the arrowroot powder and essential oils.
One of the great things about making your own lotion from tallow is that you can customize the scent and texture to your liking. You can choose any essential oil scent that appeals to you and adjust the amount of arrowroot powder to create a lotion that’s less greasy or more fluffy in texture. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your lotion - no more mystery chemicals or additives.
But why stop at lotion? Tallow can also be used in other DIY skincare products, like lip balm, body butter, and even soap. Its moisturizing properties make it an excellent addition to any skincare routine, and it’s an affordable and sustainable ingredient to use.
The easiest option to finding tallow is to ask your local butcher or farmer for beef fat trimmings. You will have to render it down yourself. You can find those directions here. Alternatively, you can also purchase tallow on our online store here.
Tallow may not be the most glamorous ingredient, but it’s certainly one to keep on your radar. Making your own lotion from tallow is a simple and affordable way to eliminate toxins from your skincare routine and nourish your skin with beneficial vitamins. Give it a try and see how your skin feels - you might be surprised by the results!
As I've grown in my journey as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on amazon below.
Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Farm Loss Support for the Farm Wife group! This group is for support and helping each other to move forward. This group is NOT for venting, bashing, or wallowing in pity. My goal is to help others who have been where I was looking at losing the farm or losing the farm and wanting somewhere to talk where people would understand.
This is NOT for staying stuck in the trenches. It IS for moving forward in life, with purpose and sanity.
Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
Join the FREE Community
Join the FREE Community
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
For more on wellness tips click here:
For more on homesteading on your budget click here:
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
When you hear the word "tallow," what comes to mind? Most people probably don't think much about it, but it's actually a secret ingredient that you don't want to overlook. Tallow is rendered beef fat that can be turned into a variety of useful products, including household soap. Making your own soap from tallow is not only a cost-effective option, but it also ensures that you're not exposing your family to unnecessary toxins and chemicals found in commercial soaps. In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into the benefits of tallow soap and share a favorite recipe for you to try at home.
Benefits of Tallow Soap
First things first, why use tallow for soap? Tallow is an excellent source of nourishing fats that can benefit your skin and hair. It contains a high percentage of oleic acid, which is known for its moisturizing properties. In fact, tallow soap has been used for centuries to soothe dry and sensitive skin. Additionally, because tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry, using it for soap-making is a sustainable option that reduces waste.
How to Make Your Own Soap
Now that you know the benefits of using tallow for soap, let's dive into the recipe. This recipe I modified from Jill of the Prairie Homestead and is simple enough for beginners to try. Here are the ingredients you'll need:
30 oz tallow
3.88 oz 100% lye
11 oz distilled water
You will also need a stainless-steel pot, glass bowls, a soap form (can be a parchment lined cardboard box), and immersion blender. Anything the lye touches keep separately dedicated to soap from here out.
1. To make the soap, start by melting the tallow in a stainless-steel pot on medium heat.
2. While waiting, line your molds with parchment paper. If using silicone mold, skip this step.
3. Once nearly melted, put on safety glasses and gloves. Carefully measure the lye and water in separate bowls, yes, it is important to be exact here.
In an area with good ventilation, (not the basement next to an open window), carefully stir the lye into the measured water. Under the oven vent works well here.
Stir the lye/water mixture until it dissolved and let it sit for a few minutes. The water will become very hot due to the chemical reaction between the lye and water. Be careful when handling the container.
4. Place the melted tallow in a heat tolerant glass or ceramic or stainless steel bowl. Slowly stir the lye/water mixture in.
5. Using an immersion blender (it makes the process so much faster and doesn’t need to be a good powerful one), blend the tallow, lye, and water until you reach trace.
Trace looks like pudding forming and can take 3-10 minutes with an immersion blender.
6. Pour tallow mixture into forms and allow to rest for 24 hours.
7. 24-48 hours later cut the soap into bars. If you don’t like your fingers to tingle, wear gloves. The lye is still active.
8. Cure for 3 weeks. The lye will be completely gone by then and safe to use.
Using Tallow Soap
Now that you have your very own batch of tallow soap, how can you use it? The beauty of this soap is that it's versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as doing the dishes, washing your body, washing your hands, and even washing your hair. It's important to note that because tallow is such a rich source of nutrients, you may not even need to use as much soap as you normally would. Hot water to rinse is key.
Where to Get Tallow
If you're interested in making tallow soap, the next question on your mind is probably where to get tallow. The easiest option is to ask your local butcher or farmer for beef fat trimmings. You will have to render it down yourself. You can find those directions here. Alternatively, you can also purchase tallow on our family farm’s online store here.
In conclusion, tallow may seem like an obscure ingredient, but it's actually a versatile and sustainable option for making your own soap. Not only is it cost-effective and eco-friendly, but it can also nourish your skin and hair with its high percentage of oleic acid. If you're looking for a fun DIY project that will benefit your family's health, give tallow soap-making a try!
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Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
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Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
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Join the FREE Community
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
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