This Kitchen Hack Smells Divine!

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Most folks think of essential oils as something you drip in a diffuser and forget. Around the homestead, they can do a lot more. A vinegar-aromatic combo can help remove kitchen grease while a few drops of bath salts can ease and soothe muscle strains.

Beyond the practical fixes, essential oils can offer comfort and relaxation. Lavender on the pillow helps settle the mind at night while peppermint oil in a pocket-sized blend sharpens focus for early morning tasks. The best part is that you can make small batches right in your kitchen using homegrown herbs and a simple extraction and freezing method.

👉 See how to make aromatic oils here.

Need a fire starter in under five minutes? Here’s how:

• Requires one-hand use.

• Can measure grain or flour.

• Its flat edge makes scraping bins easier.

• Hang it for a smoother grab-and-go.

1. Save cardboard egg cartons.

2. Fill each cup with dryer lint or wood shavings.

3. Pour melted candle stubs or beeswax over top.

4. Let harden, tear off a section, and light when needed.

Boost your soil’s fertility with comfrey leaves:

• Chop the leaves and use them as natural fertilizer.

• They’re rich in potassium and nitrogen, so they’re good for the soil.

Don’t let fresh herbs go to waste. Here’s how to freeze them for later use:

• Chop herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme.

• Pack into ice cube trays.

• Cover with olive oil and freeze.

• Pop one out when cooking soups, stews, or sautés for instant homegrown flavor.

Turn your homestead into a living apothecary with this simple fix:

• Steep dried peppermint leaves in hot water for a steam that eases congestion.

• Use calendula-infused oil as a salve for minor cuts or burns.

• Keep dried elderberries on hand for syrup when colds make their rounds.