19 Natural Living for Beginners
Embracing a natural lifestyle is more than just a trend; it is a conscious return to the basics. It is about understanding what goes into our bodies, what we put on our skin, and how we maintain our homes without relying on harsh chemicals or synthetic additives. For many beginners, the transition can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? The answer lies in the DIY approach. By creating your own staples—from fermented foods to non-toxic cleaning supplies—you reclaim control over your health and your environment.
This comprehensive guide provides 19 foundational recipes for natural living, spanning the kitchen, the medicine cabinet, and the cleaning closet. Each recipe is designed to be accessible, cost-effective, and deeply rewarding.
1. The Foundation of Gut Health: Traditional Sourdough Starter
Sourdough is the ancient way of making bread. Unlike commercial bread that uses quick-rise yeast, sourdough relies on wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria. This process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making the bread easier to digest and its nutrients more bioavailable.
Ingredients
- Flour: 1 cup of organic whole rye or whole wheat flour (for the start)
- Water: 1/2 cup of filtered, unchlorinated water
- Feeding Flour: Unbleached all-purpose flour or bread flour for subsequent days
How to Prepare (The “Cooking” of the Starter)
- Day 1: In a clean glass jar, mix 1 cup of rye flour with 1/2 cup of filtered water. Stir until no dry flour remains. Cover loosely with a cloth or a lid (don’t seal tightly). Leave it in a warm spot (70-75°F) for 24 hours.
- Day 2: You might not see much action. Discard half of the mixture. Add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of water. Stir well and cover.
- Days 3-7: Repeat the discard and feed process every 24 hours. By day 4, you should see bubbles. By day 7, the starter should double in size within 4-6 hours of feeding and smell pleasantly sour (like yogurt or beer).
- Maintenance: Once active, store it in the fridge and feed it once a week, or keep it on the counter and feed it daily if you bake often.
2. Liquid Gold: Slow-Simmered Bone Broth
Bone broth is a cornerstone of natural living. It is rich in collagen, glycine, and minerals that support joint health, skin elasticity, and gut lining repair.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs of grass-fed beef bones or organic chicken carcasses
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (essential to draw out minerals)
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, halved
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Filtered water to cover
How to Cook Detail
- Roast (Optional but Recommended): Place bones on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until browned. This improves the flavor significantly.
- Combine: Place roasted bones in a large slow cooker or heavy stockpot. Add the vegetables, salt, and apple cider vinegar.
- Soak: Let the bones sit in the water/vinegar mixture for 30 minutes before turning on the heat.
- Simmer: Cover with water. Bring to a low boil, then immediately reduce to a very low simmer.
- Chicken: Simmer for 12–24 hours.
- Beef: Simmer for 24–48 hours.
- Strain: Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the solids. Allow the broth to cool, then store in glass jars. A layer of fat will form on top; keep this as it seals and protects the broth (or use it for cooking!).
3. The Probiotic Powerhouse: Simple Sauerkraut
Fermented vegetables provide the body with live probiotics. Sauerkraut is the easiest entry point into the world of wild fermentation.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage (organic is best)
- 1.5 tablespoons of high-quality sea salt (avoid iodized salt)
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
How to Cook (Prepare) Detail
- Prep: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and set one large leaf aside. Shred the remaining cabbage thinly using a knife or mandoline.
- Salt and Massage: Place shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Massage the cabbage vigorously with your hands for 10 minutes. The salt will draw out the moisture, creating a “brine.”
- Pack: Pack the cabbage into a clean wide-mouth mason jar. Press down firmly with your fist or a wooden tamper. The brine should rise above the cabbage.
- Weight: Take the reserved cabbage leaf, fold it, and place it on top of the shredded cabbage to keep it submerged. Use a glass fermentation weight or a smaller jar filled with water to hold it down.
- Ferment: Cover with a cloth and a rubber band. Let sit at room temperature for 1–4 weeks. Taste it after day 7; when it is tangy enough for your liking, move it to the refrigerator.
4. Dairy-Free Staple: Homemade Creamy Almond Milk
Store-bought almond milk often contains thickeners like carrageenan and gums. Making your own ensures you are getting pure nutrition without the fillers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw, organic almonds
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1-2 Medjool dates (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How to Prepare Detail
- Soak: Soak almonds in water overnight (at least 8 hours). This neutralizes phytic acid and makes them easier to blend.
- Rinse: Drain and rinse the almonds thoroughly.
- Blend: Add almonds, 4 cups of fresh filtered water, dates, salt, and vanilla to a high-speed blender. Blend on high for 2 minutes until completely smooth.
- Strain: Drape a nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the mixture through and squeeze firmly to extract all the liquid.
- Store: Pour into a glass bottle. It will last in the fridge for 3-5 days. Shake well before each use.
5. The Natural Antibiotic: Fermented Honey Garlic
This is a “must-have” for the winter months. Honey and garlic both possess potent antimicrobial properties, and fermentation makes them even more effective.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of raw, unpasteurized honey
- 1/2 cup of organic garlic cloves, peeled
How to Prepare Detail
- Prep Garlic: Lightly crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to release the allicin, but keep them mostly whole.
- Jar: Place the garlic in a clean pint-sized mason jar.
- Pour: Cover the garlic completely with raw honey. Leave about an inch of headspace at the top.
- Burp: Close the lid. For the first two weeks, flip the jar upside down daily to ensure the garlic stays coated. Open the lid (“burp” it) every day to release gases.
- Age: Let it ferment in a dark cupboard for at least one month. The honey will become runny and dark. Eat one clove a day for immune support or use the honey in tea.
6. The Immune Booster: Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is a powerful tool for preventing and shortening the duration of colds and the flu.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried organic elderberries
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon clove powder
- 1 cup raw honey
How to Cook Detail
- Simmer: Combine elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the liquid has reduced by half.
- Mash: Use a spoon to mash the berries to release any remaining juice.
- Strain: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass bowl. Let the liquid cool until it is lukewarm (this is crucial to preserve the enzymes in the honey).
- Mix: Stir in the raw honey until well combined.
- Store: Transfer to a glass jar. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
- Standard Dose: 1 tablespoon daily for adults, 1 teaspoon for children.
7. Fire Cider: The Ultimate Wellness Tonic
Fire cider is a traditional apple cider vinegar infusion that boosts circulation and clears congestion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh grated ginger root
- 1/2 cup fresh grated horseradish root
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 10 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
- Raw honey to taste
How to Prepare Detail
- Pack: Place all ingredients (except the ACV and honey) into a quart-sized mason jar.
- Infuse: Pour the ACV over the ingredients until the jar is full. Use a piece of parchment paper under the lid if it’s metal (to prevent corrosion from the vinegar).
- Wait: Shake well and store in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks. Shake the jar daily.
- Strain: After a month, strain out the solids through a cheesecloth, squeezing hard to get every drop.
- Sweeten: Add honey to the liquid until the heat and acidity are balanced to your preference. Store in the cupboard or fridge. Take a shot daily or add to salad dressings.
8. Whipped Magnesium Body Butter
Many people are deficient in magnesium, which can lead to sleep issues and muscle cramps. Applying magnesium topically is one of the most effective ways to absorb it.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Shea butter
- 1/4 cup Coconut oil
- 1/4 cup Magnesium oil (purchased or homemade)
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
How to Prepare Detail
- Melt: Create a double boiler by placing a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water. Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together.
- Cool: Remove from heat and let it cool until it starts to look opaque but isn’t yet solid (about 30-60 minutes in the fridge).
- Whip: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, begin whipping the oils.
- Emulsify: Slowly, one teaspoon at a time, add the magnesium oil while continuing to whip. This is like making mayonnaise; you must go slow so the oil and water-based magnesium don’t separate.
- Finish: Add essential oils and whip until it reaches a fluffy, buttercream frosting consistency. Store in a glass jar. Rub on the bottoms of feet before bed.
9. Non-Toxic All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
Replace chemical sprays with this powerful, grease-cutting cleaner made from kitchen scraps.
Ingredients
- Peels from 3-4 oranges or lemons
- White distilled vinegar
- Filtered water
- Optional: 2 sprigs of rosemary
How to Prepare Detail
- Steep: Fill a large mason jar halfway with citrus peels (and rosemary). Fill the jar to the top with white vinegar.
- Infuse: Close the lid and let it sit in a dark place for 2 weeks. The vinegar will take on the oils from the citrus, turning yellow or orange.
- Strain: Strain the vinegar into a clean jar and discard the peels.
- Dilute: To use, fill a spray bottle with a 1:1 ratio of the citrus vinegar and filtered water.
- Use: Use on countertops, windows, and floors. Note: Do not use vinegar on granite or marble.
10. Natural Laundry Detergent Powder
Commercial detergents are often loaded with synthetic fragrances and surfactants that can irritate the skin and endocrine system.
Ingredients
- 1 bar of Castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s), finely grated
- 2 cups Washing Soda (sodium carbonate)
- 2 cups Borax (sodium borate)
- 20 drops Lemon or Eucalyptus essential oil
How to Prepare Detail
- Grate: Use a fine cheese grater to turn the bar of Castile soap into a powder-like consistency. For a finer texture, pulse the grated soap in a food processor with a bit of the washing soda.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax. Stir well.
- Scent: Add the essential oils and stir again, ensuring no large clumps remain.
- Store: Keep in a sealed container.
- Usage: Use 1–2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
11. Calendula “Healing” Salve
Calendula is known as the “mother of the skin.” This salve is perfect for cuts, scrapes, rashes, and dry patches.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried Calendula flowers
- 1 cup Olive oil or Sweet Almond oil
- 1/4 cup Beeswax pellets
- 5 drops Vitamin E oil (optional, as a preservative)
How to Prepare Detail
- Infuse Oil: Place dried flowers and oil in a glass jar. Let sit in a sunny windowsill for 4 weeks, OR use the “quick method”: place the jar in a pot of water on very low heat for 4 hours (don’t let the oil boil).
- Strain: Strain the flowers through a cheesecloth, squeezing well to get the infused oil.
- Melt: Combine the infused oil and beeswax in a double boiler. Heat until the beeswax is completely melted.
- Pour: Remove from heat, stir in Vitamin E, and pour into small metal tins or glass jars. Let it sit undisturbed until solid.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Commercial shampoos often strip the hair’s natural oils and disrupt the pH of the scalp. This rinse restores balance and adds incredible shine.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 cups Filtered water
- 5 drops Rosemary essential oil (for hair growth)
How to Prepare Detail
- Mix: Combine the vinegar, water, and essential oil in a squeeze bottle or jar.
- Apply: After shampooing (or using a clay wash), pour the mixture over your hair, focusing on the scalp.
- Massage: Massage into the scalp for a minute.
- Rinse: Rinse lightly with cool water. The vinegar smell will disappear once the hair dries.
13. Herbal Face Steam for Deep Cleansing
Steaming opens the pores and allows the healing properties of herbs to penetrate the skin.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried Lavender (soothing)
- 2 tablespoons dried Chamomile (anti-inflammatory)
- 1 tablespoon dried Rosemary (antibacterial)
- 4 cups boiling water
How to Prepare Detail
- Prep Herbs: Place the dried herbs in a large heat-proof glass or ceramic bowl.
- Steep: Pour the boiling water over the herbs.
- Steam: Create a “tent” by placing a towel over your head and the bowl. Keep your face about 10-12 inches away from the water.
- Breathe: Close your eyes and breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes.
- Finish: Splash your face with cool water to close the pores and apply a natural moisturizer.
14. DIY Tallow Face Balm
Tallow (rendered beef fat) is bio-identical to human sebum, making it one of the most effective moisturizers for the skin.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Grass-fed beef tallow (rendered and purified)
- 2 tablespoons Jojoba oil
- 10 drops Frankincense essential oil
How to Prepare Detail
- Melt: Gently melt the tallow in a double boiler until liquid.
- Blend: Remove from heat and stir in the jojoba oil.
- Cool: Let the mixture sit until it begins to solidify (it should be soft but not liquid).
- Whip: Use a hand mixer to whip the tallow until it is light and airy.
- Store: Transfer to a glass jar. A little goes a long way!
15. Natural Bentonite Clay Toothpaste
Traditional toothpastes often contain fluoride and SLS. This clay-based version remineralizes teeth and cleanses the mouth.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Bentonite clay (use non-metal utensils only)
- 3 tablespoons Coconut oil (softened)
- 1 tablespoon Distilled water
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
- 10-15 drops Peppermint essential oil
How to Prepare Detail
- Mix Clay and Salt: In a wooden or glass bowl, mix the clay and salt.
- Incorporate Oil: Add the coconut oil and mash it into the clay using a wooden spoon.
- Hydrate: Add the water one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired paste consistency.
- Scent: Stir in the peppermint oil.
- Store: Keep in a small glass jar. To use, scoop a small amount onto your toothbrush.
16. Homemade Beeswax Food Wraps
Reduce your reliance on plastic wrap with these reusable, compostable food covers.
Ingredients
- 100% Cotton fabric scraps (cut into squares or circles)
- 1/2 cup Beeswax pellets
- 1 tablespoon Jojoba oil (keeps the wraps pliable)
- 1 tablespoon Pine resin (optional, for extra “stickiness”)
How to Prepare Detail
- Oven Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay Fabric: Place the fabric pieces on the baking sheet.
- Distribute: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of beeswax pellets over the fabric. Lightly drizzle a few drops of jojoba oil over the wax.
- Melt: Place in the oven for 5 minutes or until the wax is fully melted.
- Spread: Use a clean paintbrush to spread the melted wax to the very edges of the fabric.
- Dry: Carefully peel the fabric off the parchment (use tongs!) and hang it over a drying rack for 2 minutes. It will stiffen almost immediately.
17. The Sleep-Well Magnesium Foot Soak
When you’re too stressed for a full bath, a foot soak can ground you and promote deep sleep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Epsom salts (Magnesium sulfate)
- 1/2 cup Dead Sea salt or Pink Himalayan salt
- 1/4 cup Baking soda
- 5 drops Lavender essential oil
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil (to dilute the EO)
How to Prepare Detail
- Combine Salts: In a jar, mix the Epsom salts, sea salt, and baking soda.
- Add Oil: Mix the essential oil with the coconut oil, then stir it into the salt mixture.
- Soak: Fill a basin with warm water. Add 1/2 cup of the salt blend.
- Relax: Soak your feet for 20 minutes before bed.
18. Coffee and Sugar Body Scrub
Instead of throwing away coffee grounds, use them to stimulate circulation and exfoliate the skin.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup used coffee grounds (dried slightly)
- 1/2 cup Organic cane sugar
- 1/4 cup Melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
How to Prepare Detail
- Mix Dries: Combine coffee grounds and sugar in a bowl.
- Mix Wets: Add the melted coconut oil and vanilla.
- Incorporate: Stir until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Usage: In the shower, massage the scrub into your skin in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. Your skin will feel incredibly soft and moisturized.
19. Natural Herbal Tea Blend for Digestion
Moving away from boxed tea bags (which can contain microplastics) toward loose-leaf herbal blends is a key step in natural living.
Ingredients
- 2 parts Peppermint leaves (soothes the stomach)
- 1 part Ginger root, dried (stimulates digestion)
- 1 part Fennel seeds (reduces bloating)
- 1/2 part Lemon peel, dried
How to Prepare Detail
- Blend: Mix all dried herbs together in a large bowl.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight glass jar and store away from direct sunlight.
- Brew: Use 1 tablespoon of the blend per 8 ounces of hot water.
- Steep: Cover and steep for 7-10 minutes. Covering the cup ensures the volatile medicinal oils don’t escape with the steam. Drink after meals.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Natural living is not about perfection; it is about progress. By implementing these 19 recipes, you are reducing your toxic load and connecting more deeply with the rhythms of nature. Start with one recipe a week—perhaps the Elderberry Syrup for health or the Citrus Cleaner for your home. Over time, these small shifts will accumulate into a lifestyle that is sustainable, healthy, and profoundly fulfilling. Welcome to the journey of natural living.
