How to Use Honeysuckle

Do you remember eating honeysuckles as a kid? The memories are always trilling. But, there are many flower offers than just the sweet taste. It is perfect for boosting health. The seeds, flowers, and leaves are a great source of wellness. In this article, we will discuss the uses of honeysuckles, as well as their potential health benefits.

Uses of Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle can be used for different purposes as follows.

• Honeysuckle helps with upper respiratory tract infections.

• Honeysuckle helps to reduce headaches and fever.

• It helps with viral as well as bacterial infections.

• Honeysuckle helps with the digestion of disorders. 

• It helps to reduce pain and inflammation of the small intestine.

• It helps with the rectifying urinary disorder.

• Honeysuckle helps with diabetes.

• It helps with arthritis.

What Is Honeysuckle?

It is common to find honeysuckles in garden plants with fragrant flowers. All over the world, hundreds of species grow, especially in climates temperature. The honeysuckle plants are of the genus Lonicera of the Caprifoliaceae. 

Honeysuckles have a charming aroma. It is always lovely when you whiff honeysuckle. You will be amazed that you can get many health benefits from honeysuckle. You can even make recipes from these flowers. Let’s find out:

Health Benefits Of Honeysuckle

1. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties:

Not all of the honeysuckle is consumable. However, there are edible berries, and studies have reviewed that they have impressive and powerful health properties. And those that it is their first time are outstanding in fighting disease antioxidants.

2. Immune boosting and antiviral properties:

Lonicera Japonica is known as the Japanese honeysuckle, popularly used as a Traditional Chinese Medicine. The colour is yellow, white flowers and berries that are black. The research took place during 2018 that shows the demonstration of honeysuckles berries that enhance immune system function. 

The berries have a natural way of stopping the activity that kills cells known as NK cells, which is a kind of white blood cell, and it has the power to destroy viruses and tumour cells. It acts as an immunomodulatory agent for immunosuppressed mice subjects. 

3. Natural scent:

There is a natural perfume scent that comes out of honeysuckles. Although it is not easy to get a honeysuckles essential oil that is pure, if you are fortunate to get one, you can turn it into a unique personal scent mixed with a carrier oil but of little quantity. It also helps for the diffuser, bath, and linen sprays.

4. Oral health support:

Honeysuckles are sometimes one of the ingredients in natural gargles. To make a mouthwash at home just combine 2 cups of boiled water and a half cup of fresh leaves of honeysuckles. After boiling the two together, lower the temperature and simmer for 5 minutes. Leave the mixture to completely cool down before putting it into your mouth.

5. Diabetes support:

Honeysuckles can help people with type 2 diabetes. Lonicera Japonica was used to test diabetic rats for four weeks with a dose of 100mg/kg. The result of the treatment came out after four weeks, and it was discovered to help reduce high blood glucose levels and resistance of insulin concerning the animal subjects. 

Therefore, the results show how honeysuckles are effective in reducing type 2 diabetic rats.

Honeysuckles are lovely flowers naturally good for medical purposes, as listed above. Therefore, it is suitable for perfume oil and vital in rectifying health issues. You can check out natural health brands to get more details about flower remedies. Start by trying Bach Flower Remedies’ Honeysuckle Flower Essence.

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Photo by Madison Inouye from Pexels

How to Make a DIY Fire Pit

There are several ways to make a DIY fire pit. One way is to use a fire brick. This can be combined with a natural fieldstone or landscape pavers to create your unique look. Below is a list of tools and materials that you will need to get started.

Tools

1. Tape measure.

2. Stake.

3. Trowel.

4. Wheelbarrow.

5. Hand tamper.

6. Shovel.

Materials 

1. Strings.

2. Gravel.

3. Spray paint.

4. Ready-mix concrete.

5. Capstones.

6. 6” x 12” x 2-3/8” paver stones.

7. 9” x 4” x 2-1/2” firebrick. 

8. 2x4 screed board.

Plan your fire pit design

A backyard fire pit is a common landscape feature. They are not only attractive but provide an outdoor gathering place. 

A firepit is normally constructed from fireproof material on a flat, level area at least 25 meters from the house or any tree. They are also governed by strict local building codes, so therefore, before you start construction of your fireplace, know the codes of your area.

Step 1: Build the foundation

You first pound the rebar stake into the ground at the center of the fire pit and mark the circumference. Attach a string to the stake, measure half of the circumference then tie the other end of the string to a spray paint can. Pull on the string lightly and walk around the stake, using spray paint to paint the boundaries of the circumference. 

Then dig the space out to a depth of 6” and using the same method as above, mark an inner circle. This will be the inner edge of the fire pit wall.

Make a foundation by mixing concrete and water and then laying the wet concrete between the two circles so that it is level with the ground. Press rebar towards the concrete for reinforcement and then allow the wet concrete to dry.

Step 2: Build outer wall

This is the time to lay the stones. First, mix the mortar and then shovel about 2" into the concrete base. Lay the stones in the mortar. If you decide to use natural stone it better for you to mix the sizes and colors. You should also choose stone faces that are attractive and match your outline. A chipping hammer can also be used to shape individual stones.

As the first wall takes shape along the outside edge of the fire pit, lay down the fire brick from the inner wall of the structure.

Step 3: Build the inner fire brick wall

It is important that as you fill in the gaps in between the mortar you also scrape away the excess and periodically measure its edges. This is to ensure that the inside and the outside of the wall maintain thickness and its circular shape.

Continue to raise both the fire bricks on the inside and the stones on the outside and filling gaps between them with mortar. Finish the structure by laying a cap of vetted flat fieldstones on the top wall. Make sure that the top is flat by added mortar to make an even surface.

Step 4: Finish the fire pit

The finishing touches will include painting using a standard paintbrush, brushing the exterior of the stone to remove debris. You can spray-paint the inside brick with black to have a uniform finish.

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Photo by R.D. Smith on Unsplash 

How to Build a DIY Bird House

Lots of people enjoy watching birds. You could also find yourself enjoying listening to the sounds birds make when they’re eating. These are a few of the reasons you might want to learn how to build a DIY bird house for your backyard. Well, that's the essence of creating this piece. Are you ready? Let's learn how to make a DIY bird house, shall we?

These DIY bird houses are enjoyable to make. The funds you would have used in buying a bird house outside now can be used to purchase a bird feeder or some bird seeds, don't you think? 

4 DIY Bird Houses 

1. Basic Wooden Bird House

For beginners in this arena, these basic bird houses could be one of the first you would make. It is effortless. You should also get your kids to help you out with this project. 

2. Change an Old Drawer or Teapot into a Bird House

You could create a DIY bird house from your old teapots or drawers. You can hang the pot using twine from the drawer handles. Then you can glue the thrifted teapot to the drawer’s back. In the end, you can glue the top of the teapot to the bottom part of the drawer. This would end up acting as a proper perch they could use to land. 

3. Modern Bird House 

You could use these bird house plans for enthusiasts that like birds coming to nest on their property. These are quite ideal for people that are not full-time working DIYers. It would be best if you had a few tools to complete your project. Then when you're done, you could have a mid-century modern bird house. This would be a proper piece to give your friends and family. 

4. DIY Bird House Using Pennies 

This is a creative way to make your bird house. First, pick up a bird house from your craft-store, or build it by using an elementary bird house building kit. Then gather lots of pennies that would serve as the roof of your bird house. Use adhesive, add bird feed, hang it in your backyard, and enjoy your DIY bird house. 

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Photo by Taylor Foss on Unsplash 

How to Make Tea Cup Candle Favors

Homemade gifts are a great choice for the holidays, because they communicate thoughtfulness and caring that’s difficult to achieve with a store-bought present. If you’re still looking for a handmade gift idea for a sister, teacher, or friend, why not consider tea cup candle favors? This project is easy to create and involves upcycling thrifted materials, making it affordable, practical, and eco-friendly.

Keep reading to learn more about how to turn beautiful vintage tea cups into lovely little candles.

Getting Started on Your Tea Cup Candle Favors

Supplies Needed:

For this project you’ll need to start at your local thrift store and seek out some vintage tea cups that inspire you. The rest of the supplies you need can be easily gathered online or at a nearby craft store.

●      Tea cups

●      Partially burned candles (or soy wax flakes)

●      Wicks

●      Wick holder (food sealing clips work great for this!)

●      Candle scents

●      Candle dye (optional)

Tools:

●      2 pans (for a double boiler)

●      Tongs

●      A candy thermometer

Step 1- Prep Materials

If using old candles, break up the wax and separate it from the old wicks. If you’re using new wax flakes, you can skip this step.

Step 2- Melt the Wax and Add Scent

Add water to the bottom pan of your double boiler. For the top pan in your double boiler, you may want to consider using an older pot or vessel, something you’re not too attached to, as it will soon be covered in wax.

Next, place your wax into the top pan and allow it to melt at a temperature of about 185 degrees. Add in your candle scent when your wax is approximately 180 °F. Fish out any leftover pieces of old wick using a tongs.

Step 3- Prepare your Teacups and Wicks

Now it’s time to lay out your tea cups and add in the candle wicks. Measure the depth of each tea cup and cut your wicks so they are 2 inches taller than the top of your tea cup. Use a wick holder to steady your wick in place so it doesn’t move around as your candle cools.

Step 4- Filling your tea cups

Once your tea cups are prepared and your wax is scented and melted, it’s time for the final step. Carefully pour the wax into each cup, stopping ½ inch before you reach the top so you don’t overflow the candle.

Step 5- Cool and Enjoy

You’ll want to allow your candles to cool for at least 6-8 hours before attempting to light them and enjoy.

There you have it – in just 5 simple steps you have a go-to gift idea using these tea cup candle favors!

Good Earth Candles

If you don't have time to DIY these tea cup candle favors this holiday season, you have a lot of great options for natural, giftable candles. Good Earth creates 100% natural, non-GMO, soy candles that burn slowly and evenly and won’t add toxins to your home’s air. Their fragrance options include lavender, sandalwood, sweet basil vanilla, eucalyptus, cranberry spice, and more!

Have you made tea cup candle favors? Share your favorite holiday DIY gifts with us in the comments section below.

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Photo by Soroush Zargar on Unsplash