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Keep Your Vagina Healthy and Prevent Leaks by Eating These Foods

5 min read | Author - The Backyard Vitality Team

Your vagina is a complex and finely tuned environment that has several factors that need to be kept in balance. Your vagina is pretty good at protecting and cleaning itself. Proper vaginal care, such as good hygiene, safe sex, and regular gynecological visits, all play a role in keeping your pH in check. But what about food? What you put in your mouth has an effect down south, and what you eat could make or break the health of your vagina.

This Green Slime Can Make Your Garden Harvest Huge

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

If you’re looking for an easy – and even free – way to supercharge your garden this spring, take a tip from coastal gardeners. Use seaweed. Packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, seaweed is a powerhouse soil enhancer that can help your plants grow stronger, healthier, and more productive.

Beyond its rich mineral content, seaweed naturally contains plant growth hormones that promote faster root development and boost plant resilience. It also acts as a built-in pest repellent—its salty, rough texture deters slugs and other garden pests, keeping your crops safe without harmful chemicals. Simply lay seaweed around the base of plants as mulch, avoiding direct contact with stems, and let nature do the rest.

For an extra nutrient boost, try making seaweed fertilizer spray. Just soak seaweed in water for a few days to create a nutrient-rich liquid feed—perfect for tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, apple trees, berries, and citrus plants.

If you don’t live near the coast, no worries! Many garden centers sell dried or liquid seaweed fertilizers. Many brands offer easy-to-use products that enhance soil microbial activity, improve soil structure, and help plants withstand drought, heat, and frost.

Whether you gather it yourself or buy it in-store, seaweed is an age-old gardening secret that can help you grow a thriving, pest-resistant garden with bigger, healthier harvests this year!

Chili Paste for Achy Muscles (trust me, it works)

3 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

In 2015, the FDA increased the warnings associated with the use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking these painkillers comes with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Many are now questioning the use of painkillers for any reason.

The Root That Stops a Cough in Its Tracks—Fast

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

If you’re dealing with a stubborn cough that just won’t quit, you might be desperate for relief. You’ve tried cough drops, tea, and even Googled remedies in the middle of the night. But have you considered a centuries-old herbal solution that works fast? Enter marshmallow root extract—a natural remedy that can quickly soothe your throat and stop a cough in its tracks.

How Marshmallow Root Works

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) has been used for over 2,000 years to treat coughs, thanks to its natural mucilaginous properties. This thick, gel-like substance coats the throat, reducing irritation and suppressing dry coughs. “Marshmallow root has been shown to decrease throat irritation and coughing,” says Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, a family medicine physician. Studies confirm that this herbal extract offers fast-acting relief, with many users experiencing soothing effects within just 10 minutes.

Best Ways to Take It for Quick Relief

For the fastest and most effective relief, doctors recommend:

Lozenges – They prolong contact with the throat, extending relief.
Tea – Steep dried marshmallow root in hot water and sip throughout the day.
Tincture – Add 30–40 drops to water and drink as needed.
Capsules – Take a total of 6 grams daily in divided doses.

Other Natural Cough Stoppers

In addition to marshmallow root, several other natural remedies can help calm a persistent cough:

Honey – Coats the throat, soothes irritation, and has antimicrobial properties.
Pineapple Juice – Contains bromelain, an enzyme that reduces mucus and inflammation.
Licorice Root Tea – Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and throat soother.
Warm Salt Water Gargle – Helps reduce throat swelling and irritation.
Bone Broth or Warm Water with Honey – Hydrates and soothes the throat while providing essential nutrients.

This Non-Toxic Pesticide and Herbicide Works (hint: you drink it daily)

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Polly put the kettle on…but not for tea. Boiled water is an excellent asset in your garden and around your landscape. Did you know that when you use commercial pesticides and herbicides, you expose yourself, your family, and your pets to dangerous and even deadly chemicals? Why not go a safer route with something you drink every day – water? Let’s take a closer look at how to use plain ol’ hot water to end weeds and ants for good.

Simple Swaps for a More Sustainable Home

3 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Creating a sustainable home doesn’t require a total overhaul—just a few small changes can reduce waste, save energy, and lower your environmental impact.

Here’s how to make your home greener with practical, everyday swaps.

Swap Out Light Bulbs

If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, it’s time to upgrade. LED bulbs last up to 50,000 hours and use a fraction of the energy, saving both money and resources. Unlike traditional bulbs, they don’t waste energy generating heat, making them the smartest lighting choice for an eco-friendly home.

Use Curtains or Cellular Shades

Curtains aren’t just for décor—they help regulate temperature and reduce reliance on energy-hungry air conditioners and heaters. Insulated or room-darkening curtains block excess heat in summer and retain warmth in winter, making your home naturally comfortable.

Install a Water-Saving Shower Head

Switching to a low-flow shower head can reduce water use by 40% or more, cutting down both water waste and your energy bill. Pair this with shorter showers for an even greater impact.

Ditch Paper Towels & Single-Use Products

Paper towels, napkins, and disposable plates create mountains of waste. Swap them for washable cloths and reusable kitchenware to cut down on paper consumption. If you’re feeling bold, reusable toilet paper is even an option!

Switch to Natural Cleaning Products

Conventional cleaners release harmful chemicals into the water supply. Instead, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice work wonders for cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing—without the toxic side effects.

Line Dry Your Clothes

Clothes dryers consume massive amounts of energy—opt for air drying instead. Whether it’s a drying rack or an outdoor line, your clothes (and the planet) will thank you.

Use Wool Dryer Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets

Skip wasteful dryer sheets and switch to wool dryer balls. They naturally soften clothes, reduce static, and speed up drying time, helping you save both energy and money.

More Ways to Green Up Your Home

Looking for additional ways to make your home more sustainable? Try these eco-friendly solutions:

Fill Your Home with Plants

Houseplants do more than add beauty—they improve indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. If you have space, consider growing a vegetable garden to produce fresh, pesticide-free food and reduce your grocery trips.

Invest in Solar Panels

While solar panels require an upfront investment, they drastically reduce long-term energy consumption and lower utility bills. Plus, many regions offer incentives and rebates for switching to solar energy.

Keep Your Fridge Coils Clean

A simple but often overlooked tip: clean the back of your refrigerator regularly. Dust buildup forces your fridge to work harder, using more energy. Keeping the coils clean helps it run more efficiently and extends its lifespan.

Harvest Rainwater

Installing a rain barrel to collect water runoff from your roof can help reduce water waste. Use the collected water to water plants, wash outdoor furniture, or even flush toilets.

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

When it’s time to replace appliances, look for Energy Star- certified models. These appliances use significantly less energy and water, saving money and reducing your home’s environmental footprint.

Compost Your Food Scraps

Instead of tossing food scraps into the trash, start a compost bin. It’s a great way to reduce landfill waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

The Dirty Truth About Your Kitchen Towels—And How to Clean Them Properly

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Think your kitchen towels are harmless? Think again. These seemingly innocent cloths are breeding grounds for nasty bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus, lurking in every wipe and spill. If you’re not washing them correctly, you might spread germs all over your kitchen, contaminating your hands, counters, and food.

How Kitchen Towels Become a Bacterial Nightmare

Picture this: You just sliced raw chicken, wiped your hands on a towel, then used the same towel to dry dishes. Congratulations, you may have just spread harmful bacteria all over your kitchen. Kitchen towels absorb everything from food residue to moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply.

How to Properly Wash Kitchen Towels Properly

Use Hot Water & Sanitizing Cycles: Hot water kills microbes effectively. If your towel touched raw meat, eggs, or dairy spills, use the sanitize cycle to eliminate dangerous bacteria.
Bleach Wisely: Chlorine bleach is a powerhouse against germs but can be harsh on fabrics. Oxygen bleach is a gentler alternative that still keeps towels fresh and free from odors.
Wash Towels Separately: Never mix kitchen towels with clothing! Wash them with bathroom towels, which also harbor microbes, but keep them away from everyday laundry.
Wash Often Hand-drying towels: Every few days Cooking and cleaning towels: Immediately after use.

Want a safer kitchen? Keep your towels clean—and use disinfectant wipes for high-risk spills instead of your towels.

Why Fish Heads are the Secret to Massive Tomatoes (and a few other tested tips)

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

There is nothing more delicious than a juicy tomato picked from a homegrown tomato vine. I can remember plucking and eating fresh tomatoes, warm from the summer sun, from my grandparents garden. My grandparents ran a little country market in Iowa and grew some of the biggest and tastiest tomatoes ever. How did they do it? Here are a few of their time-tested tips that they happily shared with anyone who visited their market.

These 3 Odor-Absorbing Plants Knock Out Stink Fast (without chemicals)

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

We put them in our cars, offices, homes, garages, and everywhere that odors may linger. We mist, spray, plug in, and sprinkle toxic “smell good” chemicals without knowing the health risks. Products that we think are making our air fresher are actually making it toxic.

Supercharge Your Water With Delicious Homegrown Produce

7 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Water, we can’t live without it, and consuming it on its own has a myriad of health benefits such as keeping us hydrated, aiding in weight loss, and keeping our skin, hair, and nails looking great. Plus, it can aid in digestion, maintain the balance of body fluids, energize muscles, help kidneys and bowels with regular function, and so much more. But…do you sometimes get tired of water and wish that it actually tasted like something other than, well, water? You are in luck. There are a number of easy-to-grow, delicious and nutritious herbs and fruits that you can add to your water.

Belly Button Bathing with Essential Oils: Does This Ancient Healing Practice Work?

6 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Your belly button, which seems to do little more than collect fluff, was once the spot of a vital connection between you and your mother, the place where your umbilical cord once was. This tube-like structure connected to the placenta carries nutrients and oxygen from the placenta to the baby while exporting waste materials out. Once you entered the world, this cord was cut, leaving behind a scar – AKA, your belly button.

Keep Your Vagina Healthy and Prevent Leaks by Eating These Foods

This Green Slime Can Make Your Garden Harvest Huge

Chili Paste for Achy Muscles (trust me, it works)