Author: Devan Faught

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With the New Year well on the way, it’s time to talk about resolutions. Or really the resolutions that you’ve already left in the dust. Those veggies you bought might have already gone bad in the fridge. You may have only used your new gym membership once (you know, when you signed up.) It’s okay, don’t let the panic set in yet. What if we try a new resolution this year? Now, hear me out, I know January is over but there’s still time to add something new (and manageable!) to that list! Especially when it’s an easy one! Ready?
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Go outside!
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It may be crazy to believe, but research has found that being in nature actually boosts the immune system, which in turn, increases our mental and physical health. To me, this sounds like three resolutions all in one. Who doesn’t love a bargain!?

So, get out there! Start small. Take it five minutes at a time. Connecting with nature is easier than it sounds. Take a few extra minutes outside after getting the mail or, walk your dog that extra block a few times a week. Then, once you work up to it, go big!! Plant a tree, start a rose garden, add window boxes for those of you who might be stuck in those urban jungles, install raised beds, put pots of herbs and annuals out on your front porch!! Do some research on what works in your location and jump in. Connect with nature in a way that you feel most comfortable. Somehow, I think you’ll find your day will get a little brighter.

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Every year, along with all the holiday cheer and good tidings, I always manage to get sick. Honestly, this yearly ritual might be worse then the coal Santa gave me one year! So, to avoid the version of a white Christmas that consists of my bedroom floor covered in tissues, I did some preparation beforehand. Planting in my garden a whole host of nutrient packed, cold fighting herbs. My new New Year’s resolution: Cold Fighting Superhero (cape and all). Who knew it was as easy as a little gardening? I’m still looking for a cape though, petite size if anyone has a suggestion…

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Up first, and this might seem strange but trust me, it’s worth it! Plantains. You read that right, plantains! Sadly, not the same type of plantain that is used to make an incredibly delicious side dish. Herbal panacea or plantain (plantago spp) is a different variety of the banana-like fruit. So, put the tostones recipes away, and look at what this medicinal herb plantain has to offer: The herb is astringent, anti-toxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, as well as demulcent, expectorant, styptic and diuretic. This baby does it all! Usually enjoyed as a loose-leaf tea, you can expect Plantago spp to get the job done.

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You gotta keep things spicy! Our next Sniffle Savior Award goes to cayenne peppers! In addition to being edible (and a common ingredient in most of my dishes), cayenne peppers (capsicum frutescens) have so many medicinal uses. Anything from a sore throat, wounds, chills, and bruising. This pepper might be my favorite cure all! The best part, peppers are a top grower in Florida, which means easy access year round. Marvel and DC, look out, a new hero is on the way! Try an Apple Cider Vinegar Cayenne Pepper cold remedy, or give a Lemon & Cayenne Pepper recipe a try!

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Last on our list, but certainly not least, purple coneflower, AKA echinacea. This herb is often used as a decorative plant and sadly is widely over looked. A Native plant to Florida, and a natural immune-system booster, this attractive herb can treat colds, inflammation, and fight infection. Echinacea is now growing loud and proud at the forefront of my garden! Echinacea is great as a tea or tincture, and you can make both of these using your fresh echinacea plant.

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“The beauty of herbs is that it isn’t formulated, it is given to us by the earth, nurtured by all that is natural in this world, like sun and water,” says Nikki Arguinzoni-Gil, a licensed naturopathic doctor. “Herbs have existed since the beginning of time and for most of our existence has been used to heal wounds, treat disease, nourish the body, and so much more. It is in its pureness that it harbors such healing power. Both with individual herbs and in formulations, you are able to use whatever part of a plant you desire, depending on what herbal property you want to utilize. You can take a couple of herbs and make herbal formulations geared toward treating or preventing whatever condition you desire.”

There it is, my small list of plants that can help you become your own hero, and hopefully a way to get through the holidays without missing a beat. Too bad these herbs can’t help with all that holiday traffic. Hmmm, maybe if I find that cure, I’ll really get a cape! All the same, Happy Holidays, and stay healthy!

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Hello world!

My name is Devan (Dev if were friends), and this is my very first blog. So, I thought we could start it off with a bit of honesty; especially seeing as you all don’t really know me, and you know, “I’m”, just words on a screen. So why not try to get a little more personal! That being said, I think this is a perfect introduction, let’s start:

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To put myself in the most flattering light, I want to admit I may have some slight jealous issues…. it’s nothing like you think, I’m not chasing people down the street to get take their adorable coat, that would know doubt look fabulous on me, right off them. Nor am I incessantly whining because my neighbor’s pineapples ripened faster than mine. However, I am saving for that coat, and I’ve just given my pineapples a stern talking to!

Recently, I’ve seen this hyper popular trend floating around the internet, and it has my interest highly peaked. What bopping millennial trend is that you ask? Well, I’m glad you did! It’s none other than flower crowns, and I have to say, I totally dig them! I more than dig them. I. AM. OBSESSED! Who wouldn’t want to look like a nature goddess 24/7?

After a small amount of that jealously I spoke about, I shook it off and did a quick internet search. Turns out, I can make my very own crown easy peasy!

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Needing very little in the way of supplies, I started with the following:

Floral tape
Floral wire
Scissors
Fresh flowers
Cold water
Vase
Supergain
Creativity

Onto the instructions:

After gathering everything I needed, I immediately stuck my flowers in a vase with the recommended mix of Supergain. Supergain comes from totally organic, and plant-derived nutritional substances. For lack of a better description, it seriously acts like a Viagra to these flowers. I almost immediately saw the flowers perk to an even fuller bloom than before. I also use Supergain on plants that need an extra boost, with so many uses like root development, flowering, chlorophyll production, disease resistance, salt tolerance, etc. I can’t think of a reason to not use it! Plus, one 4oz bottle lasts me ages, which warms my cost-efficient heart.

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1. Once my flowers look worthy of a queen’s crown, I cut them. Making my stem around 1.5 inches long

2. Taking the floral wire, I wrapped that around my entire head a few times. Make sure the wire is sturdy enough to hold the number of flowers you want to use in your crown!

3. I started with one of the flowers I wanted to put in the middle of the crown. Using the floral tape to attach the stem to the wire. I found it best to tape the flower at an angle

4. I continued to place other flowers behind the center flower until I had one side completed; following the same instruction as above.

5. I repeated the process for the other side by placing a flower next to my center flower (the heads of the flowers should be facing each other) and worked my way down that side of the wire.

Last one! 6. I finished by covering the exposed wire in the back with the floral tape. Then voilà! I felt instantly transformed into the goddess I always knew I was!

All I can say is: Dev digs it! Now get yourself one too!

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