A Little of This....A Little of That...

   On one of our hikes about the hillside, Mr. PJ and I meandered to the back garden.  The old dog does not wish to take too many vigorous runs so we simply amble along looking at things.  One of the things that caught my attention was the camphor tree.  This small tree is taking its dear sweet time growing it seems.  I planted the seed some years ago and, as of yet, the tree is a mere 6 feet tall.  That is fine by me since I only need a handful of leaves now and again.  I use the leaves in some of the home remedies that I concoct.  (Just a reminder here....camphor is NEVER to be taken orally!!  And always seek the advice of a doctor before using camphor in any form.)  That said, the leaves and stems have a strong odor and an equally strong effect on certain critters.  I have found that a concoction made with camphor, bay and rosemary deters a lot of bugs from getting in the house!  Living on a bayou, I have to deal with a lot of critters so any method that proves helpful is appreciated.  

  To combat things like ants, roaches and even spiders, I tend to soak fresh rosemary, bay leaves and camphor in a vat of water.  The water is first heated to boiling then the fresh branches are added.  This is allowed to sit overnight then is strained.  I apply it with a sprayer to the doorways, windows and steps.  While it does not last for too long, it does help for about ten days before I have to reapply.  Even though the camphor is toxic if taken internally, I feel better about using it than I do the commercial sprays. (Bay leaves and rosemary, of course, are culinary herbs so no worries with them!)  The concoction does not actually kill the critters but sort of makes them change their minds about coming inside.  I do not mind using this indoors even though it smells pretty strong!

  Camphor is used in a lot of conventional medicines.  Most are used to help heal things like itching, fungal infections.  It is also used in chest rubs for coughs and congestion. Hey, if it is that useful, then why not grow my own??  As an added benefit, the oils in the wood are know to inhibit rust on tools!  I have some pretty amazing stuff growing in that back garden!  With spring right around the corner, I know the critters will be out in full force so I better get to gathering my leaves!