13 Natural Living Tips Everyone Should Know
In an era defined by fast-paced technology, synthetic materials, and processed conveniences, the call of “Natural Living” has never been more resonant. Natural living isn’t just a trend; it is a return to our roots, a conscious choice to align our daily habits with the rhythms of nature. It encompasses what we eat, how we clean our homes, how we treat our bodies, and how we interact with the environment.
Transitioning to a natural lifestyle can feel overwhelming at first. However, by breaking it down into manageable steps, anyone can reduce their toxic load, improve their physical health, and contribute to a more sustainable planet. This guide explores 13 essential natural living tips, complete with detailed “recipes” for success in every area.
1. Prioritize Whole, Plant-Based Nutrition
The foundation of natural living is what we put into our bodies. Moving away from highly processed “food-like substances” and toward whole, earth-grown ingredients is the single most impactful change you can make. Whole foods—fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds—are packed with phytonutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that synthetic supplements simply cannot replicate.
By choosing organic and locally grown produce, you reduce your exposure to synthetic pesticides and support local biodiversity. A plant-forward diet reduces inflammation, boosts energy levels, and lowers the carbon footprint associated with industrial meat production.
Recipe: Hearty Garden Lentil & Kale Stew
This stew is a powerhouse of iron, protein, and fiber, utilizing simple, natural ingredients that nourish the gut.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried French green lentils (rinsed)
- 1 large organic onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch organic lacinato kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) organic crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups organic vegetable broth (homemade preferred)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
How to Cook:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the onions are translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
- Add Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer: Add the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate Greens: Stir in the chopped kale and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the kale is wilted and bright green.
- Finish: Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice (the vitamin C helps with iron absorption from the lentils). Season generously with sea salt and pepper. Serve warm with crusty sourdough bread.
2. Eliminate Toxins with Homemade Cleaning Products
The air inside our homes can often be more polluted than the air outside, largely due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in commercial cleaning sprays. These chemicals are linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption. Natural living means reclaiming your home’s air quality by using simple, biodegradable ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Recipe: Multi-Purpose Citrus Vinegar Cleaner
This cleaner is naturally antibacterial and cuts through grease without the need for synthetic fragrances.
Ingredients:
- Peels from 3-4 organic oranges or lemons
- 2 cups white distilled vinegar
- 2 cups distilled water
- 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil (natural disinfectant)
- 1 glass spray bottle
How to Prepare:
- Infuse the Vinegar: Place the citrus peels into a large glass jar. Pour the white vinegar over the peels until they are completely submerged.
- Wait: Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. The vinegar will pull the limonene (a natural solvent) from the peels.
- Strain: After 2 weeks, strain the liquid into a clean bowl, discarding the peels.
- Mix: Fill your spray bottle halfway with the infused vinegar and the other half with distilled water (1:1 ratio).
- Add Essential Oil: Add the Tea Tree oil to the bottle and shake well.
- Usage: Use this on countertops, windows, and floors. Note: Avoid using vinegar on natural stone like marble or granite as the acidity can etch the surface.
3. Master the Art of Herbal Infusions
Hydration is key, but drinking “natural” means more than just plain water. Herbal infusions allow you to extract the medicinal properties of plants. Unlike standard tea bags, which often contain microplastics and low-grade dust, loose-leaf herbal infusions use whole flowers, leaves, and roots to support specific bodily functions, such as digestion or immunity.
Recipe: Wild Dandelion & Nettle Vitality Infusion
Nettle is rich in minerals like magnesium and calcium, while dandelion root supports liver detoxification.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp dried organic Stinging Nettle leaf
- 1 tbsp dried Dandelion root (roasted or raw)
- 1 tsp dried Rosehips (for Vitamin C)
- 1 quart (32 oz) filtered water
- Optional: 1 tsp raw local honey
How to Prepare:
- Boil Water: Bring 1 quart of filtered water to a rolling boil.
- Prepare Herbs: Place the nettle, dandelion root, and rosehips into a large glass quart jar (Mason jar).
- Steep: Pour the boiling water over the herbs. Cover the jar tightly with a lid to prevent the volatile oils from escaping.
- Long Infusion: Let the tea steep for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This long steeping time is what differentiates an infusion from a quick tea, as it draws out the deep minerals.
- Strain and Drink: Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve. Drink it at room temperature or chilled. It has an earthy, nutritive flavor that makes you feel instantly grounded.
4. Adopt Zero-Waste Kitchen Habits
Natural living is intrinsically linked to environmental stewardship. Reducing waste isn’t just about recycling; it’s about “closing the loop.” One of the best ways to do this is by turning kitchen “scraps” into culinary gold. Instead of tossing onion skins, carrot tops, and celery butts, use them to create a nutrient-dense base for soups.
Recipe: “Everything” Vegetable Scrap Stock
Stop buying store-bought stock in plastic-lined cartons and make this zero-waste version instead.
Ingredients:
- 1 large freezer bag filled with clean veggie scraps (onion skins, garlic ends, carrot peels, leek tops, herb stems, mushroom stalks)
- 12-14 cups filtered water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (helps extract minerals)
How to Cook:
- Collect Scraps: Throughout the week, keep a silicone or glass container in your freezer. Every time you prep veggies, toss the clean ends and peels into the container.
- Combine: Once the container is full, dump the frozen scraps into a large stockpot or slow cooker.
- Add Liquid: Cover the scraps with filtered water. Add the bay leaves, peppercorns, and apple cider vinegar.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to the lowest simmer. Let it cook for 4 to 6 hours (or 8-10 hours in a slow cooker).
- Strain: Pour the mixture through a colander into a large bowl. Press down on the vegetables to extract every drop of liquid.
- Store: Compost the spent vegetables. Pour the stock into glass jars, leaving 2 inches of headspace if freezing. Use this as the base for all your grains, beans, and soups.
5. Transition to Non-Toxic Skin Care
Your skin is your largest organ, and it is highly porous. Many commercial lotions contain parabens, phthalates, and synthetic “fragrance” which can act as endocrine disruptors. Natural living involves a “less is more” approach to beauty. If you can’t eat the ingredients, think twice about putting them on your skin.
Recipe: Whipped Shea Butter & Lavender Body Cream
This luxurious cream provides deep hydration using only three pure ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw, unrefined Shea Butter
- 1/2 cup organic cold-pressed Coconut Oil
- 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil or Sweet Almond Oil
- 15-20 drops pure Lavender essential oil
How to Prepare:
- Melt: Using a double boiler (a bowl over a pot of simmering water), melt the shea butter and coconut oil together until completely liquid.
- Mix: Remove from heat and stir in the jojoba oil.
- Cool: Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes until it starts to solidify but is still slightly soft to the touch (it should look opaque).
- Whip: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the mixture on high speed. It will transform from a yellow liquid to a white, fluffy, marshmallow-like consistency.
- Scent: Add the lavender essential oil during the last minute of whipping.
- Store: Spoon the whipped butter into a clean glass jar. Store in a cool place. It will melt into your skin instantly, providing vitamins A and E without any chemicals.
6. Embrace Fermentation for Gut Health
Before refrigeration, humans relied on fermentation to preserve food. This process creates probiotics—beneficial bacteria that support digestion, immunity, and even mental health via the gut-brain axis. Making your own ferments at home ensures you get “live and active” cultures that haven’t been pasteurized away by industrial processing.
Recipe: Traditional Sour Cabbage Kimchi (Small Batch)
Kimchi is a spicy, fermented Korean staple that provides a massive dose of probiotics and vitamins.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head Napa Cabbage (approx. 2 lbs)
- 1/4 cup sea salt (unrefined)
- Filtered water
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp organic coconut sugar
- 2-3 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 medium radish (daikon or red), julienned
How to Cook:
- Salt the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage into 1-inch squares. Place in a large bowl and toss with the sea salt. Massage the salt into the cabbage until it starts to soften. Cover with filtered water and let it sit for 2-4 hours.
- Rinse: Drain the cabbage and rinse it thoroughly 3 times to remove excess salt. Squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Make the Paste: In a small bowl, mix the ginger, garlic, sugar, and Gochugaru. Add a splash of water to form a thick paste.
- Combine: Add the green onions, radish, and cabbage to the paste bowl. Using gloves (to protect from the chili), mix everything until the cabbage is evenly coated.
- Pack the Jar: Pack the mixture tightly into a clean glass jar. Press down firmly so the brine rises to cover the vegetables. Leave at least 1-2 inches of headspace.
- Ferment: Seal the jar with a fermentation lid or a loose cap. Let it sit at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for 3 to 5 days. “Burp” the jar daily to release CO2.
- Refrigerate: Once it tastes tangy and effervescent, move it to the fridge. It will keep for months and continue to develop flavor.
7. Use Natural Pest Control in the Garden
If you grow your own food—a cornerstone of natural living—you will inevitably encounter pests. Instead of reaching for neurotoxic chemical sprays that kill bees and ladybugs, use nature-based solutions. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on deterrents that keep the ecosystem in balance.
Recipe: Organic Neem & Garlic Garden Spray
This spray deters aphids, mites, and caterpillars without harming beneficial pollinators.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp organic cold-pressed Neem oil
- 1 tsp biodegradable liquid soap (like Castile soap, to act as an emulsifier)
- 1 quart warm filtered water
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
How to Prepare:
- Infuse Garlic: Steep the crushed garlic in the warm water for 1 hour, then strain.
- Emulsify: Mix the Neem oil with the Castile soap in a small cup. Neem oil does not mix with water on its own; the soap bridges the gap.
- Combine: Add the Neem-soap mixture to the garlic water in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously.
- Application: Spray your plants in the early morning or late evening (never in direct midday sun, as the oil can cause leaves to burn). Focus on the undersides of the leaves where pests hide.
- Frequency: Apply once a week or after a heavy rain until the pest issue is resolved.
8. Optimize Your Morning Ritual for Natural Energy
Relying on three cups of coffee to function isn’t natural—it’s a sign of adrenal fatigue. Natural living encourages us to work with our hormones, specifically cortisol. Instead of shocking the system with high-octane caffeine immediately upon waking, try a “functional” beverage that provides sustained energy through adaptogens.
Recipe: Adaptogenic “Mushroom” Morning Latte
This drink uses medicinal mushrooms to balance the nervous system and provide focus without the jitters.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot (not boiling) filtered water or nut milk
- 1 tsp organic Chaga or Lion’s Mane mushroom powder
- 1/2 tsp organic Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp raw cacao powder
- 1 tsp MCT oil or grass-fed ghee (for healthy fats)
- Optional: A drop of monk fruit or maple syrup
How to Cook:
- Heat Liquid: Warm your water or homemade nut milk in a small saucepan.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the mushroom powder, cinnamon, cacao, and fats into a high-speed blender.
- Pour and Blend: Pour the hot liquid into the blender.
- Froth: Blend on high for 30 seconds until a thick, frothy foam forms on top.
- Savor: Drink this slowly. The Lion’s Mane supports cognitive function, while the fats provide a slow-burning energy source that prevents a mid-morning crash.
9. Focus on Regenerative Meat and Bone Broth
If you choose to eat animal products, the natural living philosophy dictates “nose-to-tail” eating and sourcing from regenerative farms. These farms focus on soil health and animal welfare. One of the most traditional ways to utilize the whole animal is by making bone broth, a “liquid gold” rich in collagen, glycine, and minerals.
Recipe: Slow-Cooked Beef Bone Broth
This broth is essential for joint health and healing the gut lining (leaky gut).
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs grass-fed beef marrow and knuckle bones
- 2 organic onions, halved (leave skins on for color)
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- Filtered water to cover
How to Cook:
- Roast the Bones: Place the bones on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for a deep, rich flavor and a darker broth.
- Transfer: Place the roasted bones into a large slow cooker or heavy stockpot.
- Add Veggies & Acid: Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Pour in the Apple Cider Vinegar. The acid is vital as it helps leach the minerals and collagen out of the bones.
- Fill: Cover everything with filtered water.
- Slow Simmer: For beef bones, simmer on low for 24 to 48 hours. If using a slow cooker, set it to the “low” setting. Keep an eye on the water level and top up if necessary.
- Strain: Once finished, the bones should be brittle. Strain the broth through a fine sieve.
- Cool: Let it cool in the fridge. A layer of fat (tallow) will form on top. You can scrape this off and use it for high-heat cooking. The broth underneath should be “jiggly” like gelatin—that’s the sign of a high-protein, high-collagen broth.
10. Improve Indoor Air Quality Naturally
Modern homes are sealed tight for energy efficiency, which traps pollutants like mold spores and dust. While plants are great, they can’t do all the work. Natural living involves using “activated” materials to scrub the air of odors and moisture.
Recipe: DIY Charcoal Air Purifying Bags
Activated charcoal has millions of tiny pores that trap odors and toxins through adsorption.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Activated Charcoal pellets (available at health stores)
- Small linen or breathable cotton drawstring bags (4-5 bags)
- Optional: 5 drops of Lemon or Eucalyptus essential oil
How to Prepare:
- Scent (Optional): In a bowl, toss the charcoal pellets with the essential oil until lightly coated.
- Fill: Divide the charcoal evenly into the small linen bags.
- Seal: Tie the drawstrings tightly or sew the tops shut.
- Place: Hang these bags in closets, bathrooms, or near trash cans.
- Recharge: This is the “natural” secret: once a month, place the bags in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours. The UV rays “reset” the charcoal, releasing the trapped toxins and making the bags effective for up to 2 years.
11. Support the Circadian Rhythm for Better Sleep
Natural living is about syncing your internal clock with the sun. Blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production. Creating a “natural” bedtime involves dimming lights and using sedative herbs that have been used for centuries to calm the nervous system.
Recipe: Valerian & Chamomile Bedtime Elixir
This is a gentle, non-habit-forming alternative to over-the-counter sleep aids.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp dried Valerian root (the “valium of nature”)
- 1 tbsp dried Chamomile flowers
- 1 tsp dried Lemon Balm
- 1 cup hot filtered water
- 1 tsp magnesium citrate powder (optional, for muscle relaxation)
How to Cook:
- Boil Water: Bring water to just below a boil.
- Steep: Place the valerian, chamomile, and lemon balm in a tea infuser. Steep for 10 minutes. Valerian has a very earthy, pungent scent, which is balanced by the sweet chamomile.
- Stir in Magnesium: If using, stir in the magnesium powder until dissolved.
- Drink: Consume this elixir 45 minutes before bed. Ensure your bedroom is completely dark and cool to complete the natural sleep cycle.
12. Bake with Wild Yeast (Sourdough)
Standard grocery store bread is made with commercial yeast and dough conditioners that speed up the process but make the bread harder to digest. Sourdough is the natural way to bake. The long fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making the nutrients more bioavailable and the bread easier on the gut.
Recipe: Beginner’s 3-Ingredient Sourdough Bread
This recipe requires patience—the “natural” ingredient that cannot be rushed.
Ingredients:
- 100g active, bubbly Sourdough Starter
- 350g warm filtered water
- 500g organic unbleached bread flour
- 10g fine sea salt
How to Cook:
- Mix: In a large bowl, whisk the starter and water. Add the flour and salt. Mix by hand until a shaggy dough forms.
- Autolyse: Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate.
- Stretch and Fold: Every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours, grab one side of the dough, pull it up, and fold it over the center. Rotate the bowl and repeat 4 times.
- Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 6-10 hours (depending on your home’s warmth) until it has grown by 50% and looks bubbly.
- Shape: Gently tip the dough onto a floured surface. Fold the edges into the center to create a ball (boule). Place it in a floured proofing basket or a bowl lined with a tea towel.
- Cold Proof: Place in the fridge for 12 hours. This develops the signature “sour” tang.
- Bake: Preheat a Dutch oven in a 450°F (230°C) oven. Carefully place the dough in the pot, score the top with a sharp blade, and bake with the lid on for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
13. Close the Cycle with Composting
The final tip for natural living is returning what you’ve taken. Composting is the ultimate act of recycling. It prevents organic waste from creating methane in landfills and creates “black gold” for your garden.
Recipe: “The Perfect Compost Pile”
A good compost pile is like a recipe; it needs the right ratio of “Greens” (nitrogen) and “Browns” (carbon).
Ingredients:
- Green Materials: Fruit/veg scraps, coffee grounds, fresh grass clippings.
- Brown Materials: Dried leaves, shredded cardboard, straw, sawdust.
- Water: To keep it moist.
- Oxygen: To keep the microbes alive.
How to Assemble:
- The Base: Start with a 4-inch layer of “Browns” (twigs or straw) to allow for drainage and aeration at the bottom.
- Layering: Add a layer of “Greens” followed by a layer of “Browns.” Aim for a ratio of 1 part Green to 3 parts Brown.
- Moisten: Sprinkle each layer with water so it feels like a wrung-out sponge.
- The Middle: In the very center, you can add a handful of finished compost or garden soil to “innoculate” the pile with beneficial bacteria.
- Turn: Every two weeks, use a pitchfork to turn the pile. This introduces oxygen, which accelerates the breakdown.
- Harvest: In 3 to 6 months, the bottom of the pile will be dark, crumbly, and smell like a forest floor. This is your natural fertilizer, ready to nourish the next cycle of plants.
Conclusion: Living in Harmony
Natural living is not about perfection; it is about intention. By implementing these 13 tips—from the way you bake your bread to the way you clean your floors—you are creating a lifestyle that respects both your biology and the planet. Each recipe provided is a tool to help you reclaim your health from the world of the synthetic. Start with one tip today, and watch as your connection to the natural world flourishes.
