Magnesium
is regarded by scientists as essential to life, playing a fundamental
role in living cells. Magnesium is a crucially important mineral for
optimal health throughout the body. A surprisingly large proportion of
people do not get enough magnesium: At least 57% (some say 80%!) of the
US population does not meet the US RDA for dietary magnesium intake!
Calcium
tends to be taken in high quantities – which can cause more harm than
good, as it’s very important to have a proper balance between these two
minerals. This is the reason why they are sometimes seen paired together
in “cal-mag” supplements. Magnesium is critical for heart health and excessive amounts of calcium without the counterbalance of magnesium can lead to a heart attack and sudden death. [1]
Early signals of magnesium deficiency include:
Appetite loss, headaches, nausea, tiredness and weakness. Ongoing or
more severe magnesium deficiency can lead to more serious symptoms, such
as numbness and tingling, cramps, seizures, behavioral changes,
abnormal heart rhythm and coronary spasm.
One of the great
challenges of testing your own body’s magnesium levels is that only
around 1% of the body’s magnesium is in the blood, making the magnesium
readings from a serum magnesium blood test inaccurate.
One of the best food sources of magnesium is pumpkin seeds
– of which a quarter cup contains almost 50% of the RDA of magnesium! I
would suggest to go for the organic ones – typically darker in color
because of their higher mineral content. There are numerous other food sources of magnesium and we have listed them here.
Note that calcium and magnesium also need to be balanced with vitamin D and vitamin K2.
In other words, any time you’re taking any of magnesium, calcium,
vitamin D3, or vitamin K2, you need to take all four into consideration,
since they all work synergistically. [1]
Magnesium Links For Further Study:
[1] Full Report On Magnesium and Health From Eat Local Grown: http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/12423-magnesium-the-missing-link-to-better-health.html
20 Mind Blowing Reasons Why Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) Should Be In Every Home
How To Make Your Own Magnesium Oil To Improve Sleep And Reduce Stress
Important Facts About Magnesium And Your Health (Infographic)
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Clove Oil Works Just As Well As Orajel For Dental Pain Relief
image – Wikipedia (PD)
Most
people use conventional OTC meeds such as Anbesol and Orajel when they
have toothache. These conventional products’ active ingredient is
benzocaine, an anesthetic – however this is known to cause allergic
reactions and other side effects. A 2006 human trial published in the Journal of Dentistry discovered that homemade clove essential oil gel works as effectively as benzocaine 20% gel for helping toothache and chronic tooth pain.
The maximum strength OTC products on the market, such as Anbesol and Orajel, use 20% benzocaine as the active ingredient.
Clove Oil’s “Double Action”
Clove essential oil has a “double action”: First it is strongly antibacterial (as well as antifungal) and the secret to its potent antibacterial effect lies on its phenolic compound content, principally eugenol.
Clove oil also acts as a painkiller and it’s interesting to note that it has a history of centuries of use for tooth and gum pain. Whole cloves were an old folk-remedy for toothache, being applied to or stuffed into the painful area of the tooth, or even chewed with the affected tooth if this is possible. Whole clove is a further option if you have neither the EO nor any other medications available. Some dentists and toothache kits still use pure eugenol for emergency treatment of toothaches and clove oil was once standard in this application!
Clove Oil Safety
Important safety notes on using clove essential oil:
1) Use clove oil only as a temporarily pain relief and not a permanent solution. You should make an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible – however if toothache strikes “after hours” (or if you happen to find yourself “Off the Grid” / in a survival situation) clove oil may help.
2) Pure clove oil is very powerful and it could burn your skin or cause nausea if you use it full strength. Dilute with olive oil (one part clove, 2 parts olive oil). Then, do a skin test to find out if you are allergic to cloves – apply a small amount to your skin i.e. inside of the forearm and wait. If any rash appears, it would be advisable to seek an alternative.
3) Be sure to use a high quality pure essential oil.
Further reading: Read our full essential oil report to learn more about Clove Essential Oil
Source: herb-info.com
Natural Ways To Keep Fleas out Of Your Home
Another thing I did not know about fleas was they only spend around 25% of their time on a host animal. Thus, when working to prevent or eradicate them, much of the work involves getting rid of them not only from pets, but from bedding, carpets and other fabrics.
We found a great post over at Nature Hacks describing some ways to keep fleas out of your home. These are some great tips. However when researching in depth, I also found a few more ideas, so I decided to compile these resources and add them to the list!
Baking soda is reported by Wikipedia to be effective against fleas. It dehydrates and kills larvae and eggs. The idea is to sprinkle it into carpets and work it down into the fibers, then vacuumed up afterwards. Table salt can also be added to the baking soda. Overall, this method is a nice inexpensive remedy – and it is advised to perform once per week until no further signs of infestation remain.
Dried Pennyroyal has been suggested as a herbal flea treatment – but owing to toxicity to animals, should never be used around pets.
The use of dehumidifiers, together with frequent vacuuming of carpets can interrupt the flea life cycle. Humidity is essential to flea survival. Flea eggs require relative humidity of at least 70–75% to hatch, and larvae need at least 50% humidity to survive.
Essential Oils vs. Fleas
One further avenue that was not explored was that of essential oils – so I decided to do a little research! A component of grapefruit essential oil (nootkatone) was found effective against fleas. Nootkatone is also found significantly in essential oils of vetiver (thus supporting its traditional use in this regard!) and alaskan yellow cedar (cedar chips too have been used as an anti-flea remedy in pet bedding!) Nootkatone has also been found effective against ants, termites, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ticks, including Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) – a tick that can transmit the dreaded Lyme disease.
Nootkatone is interesting stuff and showing tremendous potential as an insect repellant. If you can’t get hold of it, you could simply try grapefruit essential oil! (I’m also of the view that whole extracts, rather than single molecules, are better form the point of view that it is more difficult for the critters to develop tolerance).
Here’s a link to a high quality (and amazingly priced! – $3.20 plus shipping at the time of writing) grapefruit essential oil on Amazon.com.
Carvacrol also has demonstrated biocidal activity against ticks, fleas and mosquitos – though around 50% as effective by dose as nootkatone. Does the name carvacrol ring any bells? It’s one of the main components of (genuine) oregano leaf (Origanum vulgare) essential oil and is also strongly antibiotic. Carvacrol is also found significantly in essential oils of thyme, pepperwort and wild bergamot. Marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil is approximately 50% carvacrol, and Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus) is around 60-80%.
PLEASE NOTE – I do not know which, if any, of these essential oils will be safe for use around pets. Please assume that they are NOT safe until you are sure otherwise!
Now all that is needed is a full safety report on which of these oils is ok to use around pets – and we have the potential for an all-natural anti-flea remedy that avoids the use of toxic chemicals! And standard flea medicine for pets is very toxic stuff! Can we be done with it?
Ok, here is the link to the original list of ways to keep fleas out of your home: http://naturehacks.com/house-and-home/how-to-naturally-keep-fleas-out-of-your-home
You might be interested also in another post we ran recently – from EveryDay Roots – 6 Natural Ways To Ged Rid Of Fleas On Dogs – which has several other remedies – and mentions cedarwood and lavender essential oils.
Source: herbs-info.com
How to Clean and Care for Your Mattress
Americans sleep an average of 7.7 hours a day, according the U.S.
Bureau of Labor. That’s a lot of mattress time. And the caliber of that
sleep depends a lot on your mattress — mainly its quality and how well
you take care of it. Once you’ve bought the right mattress,
you’ll want to know how to properly maintain it. “Taking proper care of
your mattress will help you to protect your investment and promote
better sleep,” says Lin Enilk, a representative of the American Sleep Association. Here’s what experts say about cleaning and caring for your mattress.
1. Read your warranty. “Before
you do anything to your mattress, be sure you read the warranty and
understand what the limits are,” says Mary Helen Uusimaki, vice
president of marketing and communications for The Better Sleep Council,
adding that some manufacturers stipulate specific cleaning instructions.
Understanding how your actions may affect your warranty will save
headaches and possibly money in the future.
2. Get some protection. The
most important part of caring for your mattress is having preventative
layers that create barriers against moisture, dust and dirt. “There are a
ton of covers and pads and encasements that help protect your mattress,
particularly for those who might have allergies to dust or dust mites,”
Uusimaki says.
Covers don’t necessarily just go on top of the mattress; they can zipper tightly closed, completely encasing it. These come in a variety of prices and materials, such as cotton and cotton blends, often with polyurethane backing. Covers serve different purposes, from protecting against dust and dust mites to creating waterproof barriers — great not just for potty-training kids but also for people who tend to sweat in their sleep — to warding off bacteria. There are also scented encasements.
Yet another option: mattress covers designed to prevent bedbugs. “Another destroyer of your sleep investment,” says Lin Enilk of the American Sleep Association.
Covers don’t necessarily just go on top of the mattress; they can zipper tightly closed, completely encasing it. These come in a variety of prices and materials, such as cotton and cotton blends, often with polyurethane backing. Covers serve different purposes, from protecting against dust and dust mites to creating waterproof barriers — great not just for potty-training kids but also for people who tend to sweat in their sleep — to warding off bacteria. There are also scented encasements.
Yet another option: mattress covers designed to prevent bedbugs. “Another destroyer of your sleep investment,” says Lin Enilk of the American Sleep Association.
3. Tackling spills. For
mattresses without protective barriers, Uusimaki recommends treating
spots, stains and spills with a damp cloth and warm water. It’s
important to note the difference between a damp cloth and one that’s
soaking-wet. “You don’t want to saturate your mattress,” Uusimaki says.
“It’s just like your sofa. You wouldn’t pour water on your sofa.” Avoid
steam cleaning as well.
As soon as an accident occurs, blot it dry quickly, then begin treating the spot. For blood or urine, Enilk recommends using a cloth dampened with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to scrub the area. “Keep in mind, however, that hydrogen peroxide may change the color of your mattress,” she says.
As soon as an accident occurs, blot it dry quickly, then begin treating the spot. For blood or urine, Enilk recommends using a cloth dampened with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to scrub the area. “Keep in mind, however, that hydrogen peroxide may change the color of your mattress,” she says.
For other stains, the sleep association suggests the following method:
See more on removing stains in your home
- Fill a spray bottle with a few drops of mild dish soap mixed with water.
- Spray the solution lightly on the stained area.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush.
- Aerate the dampened mattress by setting it outside (if feasible) or directing a portable fan on the area.
See more on removing stains in your home
“It’s the perfect time because it’s not something that needs to be done monthly,” Uusimaki says.
This is also a good time to consider using the handheld brush attachment on your vacuum if it has one and gently go over the mattress to eliminate any dust that might have collected.
Source: houzz.com
How To Make Amazing Naturally Flavored Water
Photo – TheYummyLife.com
Finally
– a way to drink something that has tons of flavor as well as super
health qualities! Although I say “finally” – aficionados of the natural
way will not be surprised that these “ancient recipes” beat all comers.
Because as they say, “There’s nothing new under the sun”! We think
this is infinitely better than some trademarked
artificial-additive drink in a plastic bottle. The link to the full
recipe is at the foot of the article, after our commentary (as usual).These easy-to-make natural waters are made with just water, fruit (organic please!), ice and herbs. They are full of nutrition, healthful qualities, delicious flavor and look fantastic as you can see! Imagine the reaction you are going to get from your guests! These drinks could also be amazingly perfect if you are detoxing or simply if you are seeking something that is refreshing and delicious without containing any artificial sugars or other chemical additives.
Another great benefit of this refreshing “DIY” fruit water, in addition to the amazing nutritional content: You are completely eliminating the use of evil plastic bottles.
Plastic bottles are reported to leach toxic chemicals such as BPA into their contents. Also, plastic garbage is spreading far and wide across the world… slowly breaking down and entering the food chain. This is horrendous and needs to stop! I think it’s time to start thinking seriously about banning plastic and using natural alternatives.
If you’re truly committed to caring about life and future generations, you will be doing all that you can to limit your use of single-use plastic bottles. Use (and re-use!) high quality food-grade glass containers. They don’t leach anything into your food, don’t contribute to the hideous mountain of discarded plastic.. .and they look cool as well. Speaking of which, did you know that you can get Ball Mason Jars on Amazon?
Here, then, is the link to the Five Amazing Recipes For Healthy Naturally Flavored Water
Note – it’s mentioned in the recipes at the link but we think it expedient to say it again – be sure to wash fruit thoroughly, especially if you are planning on leaving the drinks overnight before drinking them. You don’t want bad bacteria or even pesticides messing up your drinks.
Source: herbs-info.com
How Reflexology Works
Photo (under license) – © adrenalinapura – fotolia.com
Why The Foot Or Hand?
While reflexology typically refers to the foot, hand reflexology is also slowly gaining popularity. Reflexology operates on the concept that the soles of the feet and the palms of the hand are divided into areas that correspond to other areas of the body – like the heart, lungs, and other organs. By applying pressure to these areas, reflexologists believe it can cause changes in those organs and systems. Similarly, disease or damage to certain areas of the body would manifest as changes in the hands or feet.
The Power Of Touch
More research still has to be done to make the mechanism of reflexology clear, and for this reason it is considered pseudoscientific by some orthodox practitioners. However, a number of studies have shown how effective it can be. One of the important components is actually the therapeutic effect of touch. Skin–to-skin contact has been shown to promote comfort and decrease stress, which can cause improvement in symptoms of insomnia, pain, and discomfort.
Impulses From The Feet
The feet are very sensitive to touch and pressure, meaning the massage in reflexology easily stimulates the nerve endings in the feet. The nerve endings are less than a millimeter under the skin, and though objectively measuring the impulses generated by touching is difficult, experiments by Asamura suggest high possibility that they can be recorded in the future. Because of these generated impulses that travel through the body to affected areas, it could be said that reflexology has a measurable therapeutic effect.
A complimentary theory on how Reflexology works deals with an exchange of energy between the reflexologist and the patient, called “sympathetic resonance”, which opens “blocked” energy channels in the sick person, promoting wellness.
Reflexology And Pain
By far, the most studies on reflexology are on its effects on pain. In 2003, reflexology was used on cancer patients experiencing metastasis. The results of the study revealed significantly reduced pain levels, immediately within 24 hours after reflexology was performed. A more recent study in 2014 was published by Cardiff Metropolitan University, where reflexology was used to treat lower back pain and showed positive results.
Numerous people have testified to the ability for reflexology to ease headaches. This technique is simple and the method that has been used is to pinch and massage the muscular area between thumb and forefinger. It really does seem to work and it’s time this was evaluated with a scientific study.
A lot of work still has to be done on reflexology claims of being able (for example) to promote blood flow to certain organs, when it comes to pain and stress, a lot of medical studies do support its therapeutic claims. Reflexology might be something to consider the next time you have back pain (or another similar condition)!
Source: herbs.com
12 Signs You Are Vitamin D Deficient (And How To Get More)
Here’s an interesting report from our friends over at Eat Local Grown listing 12 symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Link follows after our additional comments.
Approximately 36% of healthy young adults and approximately 57% of inpatients in the United States and Europe suffer from vitamin D deficiency – that’s a staggering figure! Vitamin D is essential to strong bones and also to optimal muscle function. It has also been connected to reduced risk of death from heart failure, various cancers, hypertension and diabetes. Yes, it’s that important.
Many of the people who are vitamin D deficient do not even know. You can always request lab testing from your doctor and this is a very good thing to do. I recently had very thorough lab work which checked everything from my thyroid function to kidney function, vitamins and minerals – and it really helps not only isolate potential issues but can also sometimes catch life threatening illnesses early!
Although we are warned against sun overexposure, the best way to get enough vitamin D is through sun exposure. How much sun you need a day depends on many factors such as age, skin color, time of the day, season, and…. the use of sunscreen. Yes, if you put sunscreen on it blocks the vitamin D production. 10 to 15 minutes of natural sun per day is considered optimal. You can even spread this out so as to reduce risk of overexposure.
It’s interesting to note that in some cultures (for example China) it is considered fashionable and chic for women to be pale, not tanned. In China women go to great lengths to preserve their alabaster complexions.
Sunscreen is controversial, with some saying that it contains cancer-causing chemicals. You might also want to cheek our report on making your own natural sunscreen here: http://www.herbs-info.com/blog/how-to-make-your-own-sunscreen-using-natural-ingredients/
Aside from sunshine, the two other main sources of vitamin D are food and supplements. For those who – for whatever reason – wish not to expose their skin to the sun, vitamin D supplementation may be a good idea.
Ok here’s the link to the full list of 12 Signs You Are Vitamin D Deficient:
12 Signs You Are Vitamin D Deficient (And How To Get More)
If you are interested in learning about vitamin D rich foods we have a full, detailed report on that – check it out here: http://www.herbs-info.com/blog/vitamin-d-knowledge/
Approximately 36% of healthy young adults and approximately 57% of inpatients in the United States and Europe suffer from vitamin D deficiency – that’s a staggering figure! Vitamin D is essential to strong bones and also to optimal muscle function. It has also been connected to reduced risk of death from heart failure, various cancers, hypertension and diabetes. Yes, it’s that important.
Many of the people who are vitamin D deficient do not even know. You can always request lab testing from your doctor and this is a very good thing to do. I recently had very thorough lab work which checked everything from my thyroid function to kidney function, vitamins and minerals – and it really helps not only isolate potential issues but can also sometimes catch life threatening illnesses early!
Although we are warned against sun overexposure, the best way to get enough vitamin D is through sun exposure. How much sun you need a day depends on many factors such as age, skin color, time of the day, season, and…. the use of sunscreen. Yes, if you put sunscreen on it blocks the vitamin D production. 10 to 15 minutes of natural sun per day is considered optimal. You can even spread this out so as to reduce risk of overexposure.
It’s interesting to note that in some cultures (for example China) it is considered fashionable and chic for women to be pale, not tanned. In China women go to great lengths to preserve their alabaster complexions.
Sunscreen is controversial, with some saying that it contains cancer-causing chemicals. You might also want to cheek our report on making your own natural sunscreen here: http://www.herbs-info.com/blog/how-to-make-your-own-sunscreen-using-natural-ingredients/
Aside from sunshine, the two other main sources of vitamin D are food and supplements. For those who – for whatever reason – wish not to expose their skin to the sun, vitamin D supplementation may be a good idea.
Ok here’s the link to the full list of 12 Signs You Are Vitamin D Deficient:
12 Signs You Are Vitamin D Deficient (And How To Get More)
If you are interested in learning about vitamin D rich foods we have a full, detailed report on that – check it out here: http://www.herbs-info.com/blog/vitamin-d-knowledge/
Can Coconut Oil
Hi
everyone,
I've
found some VERY interesting studies on the relationship
between coconut oil (or any type of coconut fat,
including coconut milk and cream) and how it can affect your
body fat. These findings may surprise you!
A
2009 study published in the Journal of Lipids consisted of testing
the effects of either 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or 2 tablespoons
of soybean on a group of 40 women over the span of 28 days.
Results
showed that the group that ate the coconut oil had a decrease in
abdominal fat, while the soybean oil group actually showed a slight
increase in belly fat. Additionally, the group that ate the coconut
oil showed increased HDL ‘good’ cholesterol levels, while the
soybean oil group had decreased HDL cholesterol and increased LDL
‘bad’ cholesterol.
The Journal
of Nutrition published a study where researchers
investigated all studies relative to medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs)
that are abundant in coconut fat and weight management. The studies
showed that diets rich in fats such as those found in coconut oil
prompted a boost in metabolism, increase in energy, decrease in food
consumption, reduced body weight and lower body fat mass. The study
authors highly recommend using oils that contain MCFAs, such as
coconut oil, as a tool to drop extra abdominal fat, manage a healthy
weight, and even as a way to treat obesity.
Yet
another study that assessed body weight and fat storage
relative to three different types of diets including a low-fat diet,
high-fat diet with long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) and a high fat diet
with MCFAs. In order to bring about weight gain, caloric intakes were
adjusted for the diets. At the end of the research period (which
lasted 44 days), the low-fat diet group stored an average of 0.47
grams of fat per day, the LCFA group stored 0.48 grams of fat per
day, and the MCFA group only stored a mere 0.19 grams per day
(despite purposely increasing calories). Those in the MCFA group
(coconut fat) had a 60 percent reduction in body fat stored
compared to the other diets.
If
you thought from reading about how using coconut oil daily for
helping to reduce abdominal fat is pretty incredible, you're going to
be blown away by the powerful health benefits of coconut oil on the
page below...
Check
this out >> 9
MORE reasons to use DAILY coconut oil << (including
benefits to thyroid, brain, skin, oral health, heart health,
detoxing, cancer, and more)
To
your health,
Alex,
Herbs and Health.
Source: healthandHerb.com
Monday, November 2, 2015
31 Baking Soda Uses
- Skip produce washes—just put some baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub and rinse.
- Soak hair brushes and combs in a mixture of 1 teaspoon baking soda and a small amount of warm water. Rinse and dry.
- Before you store your patio furniture for the season, scatter baking soda under chair cushions.
- Keep your grill clean all summer long by putting some baking soda on a damp brush, scrubbing the grate, then rinsing.
- Freshen rugs by sprinkling baking soda on carpet, wait at least 15 minutes (preferably let sit overnight), then vacuum up.
- Add 1 cup of baking soda to your next load of laundry (along with your regular liquid detergent) to get clothes cleaner and brighter.
- Remove baked-on residue by shaking a generous amount of baking soda on pots and pans. Then add hot water and dish detergent, let sit for 15 minutes and wash as usual.
- Deodorize a funky-smelling hamper. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the hamper (or over dirty clothes) to keep items fresher until laundry day.
- To brighten a dull floor finish, dissolve ½ cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water. Mop and rinse for a shiny floor.
- Make your own bathroom scrub by mixing ¼ cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add vinegar to give it a thick, creamy texture.
- To put out a grease fire, scatter baking soda over it by the handful to extinguish flames.
- Clean the dishwasher and coffeemaker by running an empty cycle with baking soda.
- Add ½ cup baking soda to your bath for an at-home spa treatment.
- To shine tarnished silver, combine three parts baking soda with one part water. Rub onto silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda in the kitty box, then add litter on top to keep smells to a minimum. Or make a DIY litter, mixing a small box of baking soda with 3 inches of sandy clay.
- Use baking soda to brush your pets’ teeth.
- For instant relief from bug bites, sunburn and poison ivy, mix baking soda with a little water and apply it directly to the sore.
- Pour in 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup hot vinegar to quickly unclog the kitchen drain.
- Fight dandruff by tabling the shampoo for a few weeks and massaging your wet scalp with a handful of baking soda instead.
- Gargle with baking soda, or use it as mouthwash.
- Soak toothbrushes in a mixture of ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup water; let brushes stand overnight for a thorough cleaning.
- Make a fluffier omelet by adding ½ teaspoon baking soda for every three eggs.
- Use a pinch in a gallon of freshly-brewed iced tea, to take out the bitterness and prevent cloudiness.
- Scatter baking soda on icy sidewalks―it’s not as corrosive as salt.
- Discourage weeds by sprinkling baking soda into the cracks on your driveway and walkways.
- Surround Fido’s food bowls with baking soda to keep pests away.
- Mix a little baking soda into your conditioner and lather on your hair to keep it healthy and resistant to split ends.
- Have heartburn? Create an antacid by mixing ½ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ cup of water.
- To clean a toilet, add ¼ cup baking soda to the bowl, swirl, then scrub.
- Exfoliate your skin with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Apply gently with your fingertips in a circular motion, then rinse
- To deodorize a drain, pour about ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup vinegar. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clean residue.
- NOTE: Use this method only if your pipes are metal. And never mix with other cleaning solutions. Don't try this if you've recently used a commercial drain product.
- Source: allyou.com
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Tape This Inside Medicine Cabinet
Did
You Know That? Drinking two glasses of Gatorade
can
relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant
side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."
Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.
Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer . Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product was never advertised for this use. ( Note : Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine is not the same..and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)
Honey remedy for skin blemishes ... Cover the blemish with a! dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
Listerine < < /I > > therapy for toenail fungus ... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
Easy eyeglass protection ... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
Coca-Cola cure for rust ... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer ... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409 . Insects drop to the ground instantly.
Smart splinter remover ...just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
Hunt's tomato paste boil cure ....cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.
Balm for broken blisters ...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine ... a powerful antiseptic.
Heinz vinegar to heal bruises ... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.
Kills fleas instantly . Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.
Rainy day cure for dog odor ... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
Eliminate ear mites ... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
Quaker Oats for fast pain relief ....It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.
Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer . Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product was never advertised for this use. ( Note : Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine is not the same..and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)
Honey remedy for skin blemishes ... Cover the blemish with a! dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
Listerine < < /I > > therapy for toenail fungus ... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
Easy eyeglass protection ... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
Coca-Cola cure for rust ... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer ... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409 . Insects drop to the ground instantly.
Smart splinter remover ...just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
Hunt's tomato paste boil cure ....cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.
Balm for broken blisters ...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine ... a powerful antiseptic.
Heinz vinegar to heal bruises ... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.
Kills fleas instantly . Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.
Rainy day cure for dog odor ... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
Eliminate ear mites ... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
Quaker Oats for fast pain relief ....It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
Household Tips
If
you have a Car Alarm
Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.
...................................................................
To
quickly chill a bottle of wine or champagne, place the bottle in an
ice bucket or other tall plastic container. Add a layer of ice on the
bottom and sprinkle it with a few tablespoons of Morton® Salt.
Continue to layer salt and ice until it reaches the neck of the
bottle. Then add water to ice level. After 10-12 minutes, open and
serve. Rinse ice bucket thoroughly after
use.
-------------------------------------------
A Breath of Fresh Air
Clear the air with this homemade air freshener. Just cut an orange in half, remove pulp, and fill the peel with Morton® Salt. It will provide a pleasant, aromatic scent anywhere in your home.
-------------------------------------------
Can Take a Yolk
Don't fret over spilled eggs. Just pour Morton® Salt on top of the spill to cover the eggs. Then wipe the eggs up with a paper towel.
-------------------------------------------
Cleans Vases
Restore the bloom to a glass flower vase. Just mix 1/3 cup Morton® Salt and 2 tablespoons vinegar to form a paste. Apply to inside of vase (for a large vase, double or triple the quantity of paste). Let stand 20 minutes, scrub, and discard paste. Rinse vase and dry.
-------------------------------------------
Cuts the Rust
Here's a sharp idea: remove rust from household tools by using Morton® Salt and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply the paste to rusted area with a dry cloth and rub.
-------------------------------------------
Smooth on Silk
Make your silk flowers think Spring. Place the silk flowers into a large bag and pour in one cup of Morton® Salt. Shake vigorously. Remove. And voilà Your flowers are clean.
-------------------------------------------
A Breath of Fresh Air
Clear the air with this homemade air freshener. Just cut an orange in half, remove pulp, and fill the peel with Morton® Salt. It will provide a pleasant, aromatic scent anywhere in your home.
-------------------------------------------
Can Take a Yolk
Don't fret over spilled eggs. Just pour Morton® Salt on top of the spill to cover the eggs. Then wipe the eggs up with a paper towel.
-------------------------------------------
Cleans Vases
Restore the bloom to a glass flower vase. Just mix 1/3 cup Morton® Salt and 2 tablespoons vinegar to form a paste. Apply to inside of vase (for a large vase, double or triple the quantity of paste). Let stand 20 minutes, scrub, and discard paste. Rinse vase and dry.
-------------------------------------------
Cuts the Rust
Here's a sharp idea: remove rust from household tools by using Morton® Salt and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply the paste to rusted area with a dry cloth and rub.
-------------------------------------------
Smooth on Silk
Make your silk flowers think Spring. Place the silk flowers into a large bag and pour in one cup of Morton® Salt. Shake vigorously. Remove. And voilà Your flowers are clean.
For
only 99 cents in WalMart you can buy
"Work",
Its for hard water marks in toilet bowl, you just put small amount
into the toilet leave it for maybe 30 minuets and no more ugly toilet
bowl...
Getting
Rid of Candle Wax From the Tablecloth
First, let the wax harden. Then scrape it off the tablecloth with a dull knife. Place paper towels on both sides of the stain and set the iron on the warm setting, then iron over the stained area. Change the towels often to absorb all of the wax. Launder as usual.
-------------------------------------------------------
Homemade Heavy-Duty Cleaner
To clean badly soiled surfaces (not marble or granite), dip half a lemon in borax powder and scrub the area, rinse well and dry. This will work just as well as commercial cleaners.
-------------------------------------------------------
Make a Disposable Pastry Bag
Use a strong zipper-type plastic bag and cut a small hole in one corner. Fill with the food you want to shape and squeeze gently. Toss when done.
[CraftE: freezer bags work best]
-------------------------------------------------------
Proper Storage of Canned Goods
Keep them in a cool dry room at about 70 degrees. Don't put in the garage or near a furnace or steam pipes because temperatures that are too cold or too hot may change the contents of the canned goods.
-------------------------------------------------------
First, let the wax harden. Then scrape it off the tablecloth with a dull knife. Place paper towels on both sides of the stain and set the iron on the warm setting, then iron over the stained area. Change the towels often to absorb all of the wax. Launder as usual.
-------------------------------------------------------
Homemade Heavy-Duty Cleaner
To clean badly soiled surfaces (not marble or granite), dip half a lemon in borax powder and scrub the area, rinse well and dry. This will work just as well as commercial cleaners.
-------------------------------------------------------
Make a Disposable Pastry Bag
Use a strong zipper-type plastic bag and cut a small hole in one corner. Fill with the food you want to shape and squeeze gently. Toss when done.
[CraftE: freezer bags work best]
-------------------------------------------------------
Proper Storage of Canned Goods
Keep them in a cool dry room at about 70 degrees. Don't put in the garage or near a furnace or steam pipes because temperatures that are too cold or too hot may change the contents of the canned goods.
-------------------------------------------------------
Borax,
also known as sodium borate, is a natural mineral compound.
Inexpensive, easy to find and readily available, borax can usually be
found for as little as $1 per pound!
Borax’s most well-know purpose is as a laundry booster. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup to your laundry along with your regular detergent to help remove stubborn stains and odors. Borax works by conditioning the water and controlling alkalinity.
Many parents use borax to soak soiled baby diapers and garments for better removal of stubborn stains and odors. For a soaking solution, mix 1/2 cup borax with 2 to 4 gallons of hot water.
Borax can also be used as an inexpensive, but effective, floor and surface cleaner. To make the cleaner, mix 1/3 cup of borax with 1 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and 1 gallon of warm water in a large bucket.
Borax is also known for its odor-fighting properties, especially urine odors caused by pet or child accidents. Use borax to neutralize urine odors from mattresses, carpet and upholstered furniture. Simply dampen the affected area, sprinkle with borax, rub into the stain and let dry. Brush off or vacuum to remove the borax when dried. Be sure to test an inconspicuous area when using this method, particularly when using on carpet and furniture! This method also removes stubborn sour milk odors, too.
Make an inexpensive and effective scouring compound by mixing 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 1/2 cups of hot water. Stir well, and then use as you would a regular scouring powder. Borax alone can also be used as a cleanser, just sprinkle on a damp sponge or a soft cloth, scrub, then rinse. Borax, alone, may even be used on sensitive surfaces, such as fiberglass and porcelain, without scratching. Try using borax as a cleanser on aluminum cookware, it works great and won’t scratch!
Take advantage of borax’s odor-fighting properties; use it to defeat those offensive odors in refrigerators, disposals, humidifiers, kitchen drains, toilet bowls and trashcans.
For disposals and drains, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons into drain or disposal, let stand for 20 minutes, and then flush with water.
To deodorize refrigerators, wipe the inside of the appliance down using a sponge or soft cloth and a solution of 1 quart water mixed with 1 tablespoon of borax, then rinse with cold water.
Deodorize your garbage cans, bins and dumpsters by rinsing with a solution of borax (1 tablespoon borax per quart of water), allow to air dry, then sprinkle 1/2 cup (or as needed to coat evenly) into the bottom of the receptacle.
To freshen your humidifier, fill the unit with this same solution of borax and water, allow to sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse well before using.
For toilet bowls, sprinkle 1/4 cup of borax into the bowl, swish with a toilet brush, let stand for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for stubborn problems), and then flush. Borax has other uses as well.
To make a simple slime that your kids will love to play with, mix 1/2 cup water and 1 cup white glue in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add 4 drops of food coloring if desired. In a separate glass or ceramic bowl, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon borax into 1/2 cup water. Slowly stir the dissolved borax mixture into the white glue mixture to make slime. Store in a tightly sealed jar when not in use. Compare this inexpensive slime to the commercial brands, and you’ll see a real value!
To make your own dried flower arrangement, preserve your flowers using borax. Sprinkle borax into a small box, such as a shoe box, cut the flowers you wish to preserve to desired length, lay flowers (two per box) on the borax and completely cover with another layer of borax. Close the box tightly, taping closed if necessary. Allow the boxed flowers to sit at room temperature for one week, then strain off the borax and reveal your preserved flowers. Reuse the strained borax powder to dry additional flowers.
Kill roaches safely and effectively in your home. Mix equal parts of powdered sugar and borax, place in crevices, along walls, under appliances and in the back of cupboards. The roaches will eat this inexpensive "bait" and die. Although borax is safer than commercial poisons, always be sure to keep this mixture away from small children and pets! Look for borax in your supermarket’s laundry aisle and start saving money today.
Borax’s most well-know purpose is as a laundry booster. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup to your laundry along with your regular detergent to help remove stubborn stains and odors. Borax works by conditioning the water and controlling alkalinity.
Many parents use borax to soak soiled baby diapers and garments for better removal of stubborn stains and odors. For a soaking solution, mix 1/2 cup borax with 2 to 4 gallons of hot water.
Borax can also be used as an inexpensive, but effective, floor and surface cleaner. To make the cleaner, mix 1/3 cup of borax with 1 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and 1 gallon of warm water in a large bucket.
Borax is also known for its odor-fighting properties, especially urine odors caused by pet or child accidents. Use borax to neutralize urine odors from mattresses, carpet and upholstered furniture. Simply dampen the affected area, sprinkle with borax, rub into the stain and let dry. Brush off or vacuum to remove the borax when dried. Be sure to test an inconspicuous area when using this method, particularly when using on carpet and furniture! This method also removes stubborn sour milk odors, too.
Make an inexpensive and effective scouring compound by mixing 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 1/2 cups of hot water. Stir well, and then use as you would a regular scouring powder. Borax alone can also be used as a cleanser, just sprinkle on a damp sponge or a soft cloth, scrub, then rinse. Borax, alone, may even be used on sensitive surfaces, such as fiberglass and porcelain, without scratching. Try using borax as a cleanser on aluminum cookware, it works great and won’t scratch!
Take advantage of borax’s odor-fighting properties; use it to defeat those offensive odors in refrigerators, disposals, humidifiers, kitchen drains, toilet bowls and trashcans.
For disposals and drains, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons into drain or disposal, let stand for 20 minutes, and then flush with water.
To deodorize refrigerators, wipe the inside of the appliance down using a sponge or soft cloth and a solution of 1 quart water mixed with 1 tablespoon of borax, then rinse with cold water.
Deodorize your garbage cans, bins and dumpsters by rinsing with a solution of borax (1 tablespoon borax per quart of water), allow to air dry, then sprinkle 1/2 cup (or as needed to coat evenly) into the bottom of the receptacle.
To freshen your humidifier, fill the unit with this same solution of borax and water, allow to sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse well before using.
For toilet bowls, sprinkle 1/4 cup of borax into the bowl, swish with a toilet brush, let stand for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for stubborn problems), and then flush. Borax has other uses as well.
To make a simple slime that your kids will love to play with, mix 1/2 cup water and 1 cup white glue in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add 4 drops of food coloring if desired. In a separate glass or ceramic bowl, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon borax into 1/2 cup water. Slowly stir the dissolved borax mixture into the white glue mixture to make slime. Store in a tightly sealed jar when not in use. Compare this inexpensive slime to the commercial brands, and you’ll see a real value!
To make your own dried flower arrangement, preserve your flowers using borax. Sprinkle borax into a small box, such as a shoe box, cut the flowers you wish to preserve to desired length, lay flowers (two per box) on the borax and completely cover with another layer of borax. Close the box tightly, taping closed if necessary. Allow the boxed flowers to sit at room temperature for one week, then strain off the borax and reveal your preserved flowers. Reuse the strained borax powder to dry additional flowers.
Kill roaches safely and effectively in your home. Mix equal parts of powdered sugar and borax, place in crevices, along walls, under appliances and in the back of cupboards. The roaches will eat this inexpensive "bait" and die. Although borax is safer than commercial poisons, always be sure to keep this mixture away from small children and pets! Look for borax in your supermarket’s laundry aisle and start saving money today.
Facts On Honey And Cinnamon
It
is found that a mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases.
Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world.
Scientists of today also accept honey as a "Ram Ban" (very
oeffective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used
without any side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.
Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, on its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by Honey and Cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.
Also those who already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.
Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.
In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
TOOTHACHE:
Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied 3 times a day till the tooth stops aching.
CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours.
As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days.
This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.
UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
GAS:
According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks.
Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of Honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.
SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one-cup water. If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person.
Also, drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day.
FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body.
Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts, are more alert and flexible.
Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
BAD BREATH:
People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing.
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