We are a Christian homeschooling family of 9 sharing experiences on our 14 acre farm in rural Virginia. Blog entries could feature anything going on in our lives: our walk with Christ, triumphs and struggles, homeschool, family life, helpful hints, tips for large family living, rural living, herbal medicine, etc. If you enjoyed your visit, please drop us a line at contentmentacres@yahoo.com
Saturday, September 20, 2025
The Gale Windsnapped a Dead Tree
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Big changes ahead?
This year has brought a lot of changes, a lot of blessings, a little heartbreak, and a lot of answered prayers. As we have navigated through many challenging situations, the Lord has been faithful in providing and showing us the way.
Now, Clint and I are trying to discern the Lord's will in a situation before us that would bring radical changes to our lives. It would take us out of our comfort zone, require a lot of physical labor, and, as things like this go, probably bring a lot of growth too. It's exciting and terrifying at the same time!
We appreciate your prayers for us as we seek Him to open and close doors according to His will for us.
Please also keep praying for my dear friend, Karen. She is very tired and worn from the battle, but she continues to point others to Him.
Tree Burls
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Poison Ivy Exposure and No Jewelweed
This goes with the previous posts about Jewelweed:
I was asked what to do to remove the oils from exposure to poison ivy if you do not have jewelweed around. Using soap (not a detergent with synthetic surfactants, but actual soap made by saponification) within 2-3 hours of exposure or asap, and lathering up well and leaving it on for a minute or two in between, three times in a row, will almost always get rid of the urishol oil. I've used homemade goat's milk soap and, in an emergency, Fels-Naptha with good results. The goal is to pull the oil out of the skin. The process I shared above dries out the skin, but that's part of getting rid of the urishol oil. Plantain and witch hazel soothe and help heal a rash from poison ivy, too.How to Preserve Jewelweed
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Jewelweed
Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is a lovely, lush plant that grows where there is plenty of moisture. It is in the Impatiens family, and depending on the variety, it can have bright orange, orange and yellow, or yellow flowers. The juicy stems are what most people are familiar with as medicine, but you can also use the leaves and flowers.
I am one of those people who can glance at poison ivy and get a rash all over. While out foraging with a small group, I used it immediately after I distractedly grabbed a fistful of poison ivy by mistake. I beat feet to the jewelweed and started mashing it in my hands until it was crushed and juicy. I then washed my hands with it and never got a rash.
Jewelweed can also be used to treat other skin irritations, such as nettle stings, sunburn, bug bites, scrapes, hives, and rashes. It can also treat burns, cuts, bruises, sprains, raw skin, and more. It is also an antifungal, so it can be used on ringworm, athlete's foot, etc. Internally, it has been used to treat fever, jaundice, stomach cramps, and as a liver and kidney tonic. Scientific research shows jewelweed has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anaphylaxis-modulating benefits.