Mold and mildew are bound to happen in a bathroom, even with proper ventilation. This is especially true for the bathtub and shower areas in our homes. Mold and mildew has a sneaky way of growing on shower curtains and on the floors and walls of bathing areas. I know this is true in my bathroom, which is why I use a homemade rosemary lavender mold and mildew cleaner daily in the bath and shower areas. It helps prevent mold and mildew from growing, but also helps clean it up and rid it from surfaces if it does occur.
Although, you should be warn that some molds and mildews can be dangerous such as black mold, which you can test for using a home testing mold kit. If black mold is found in your home a train mold removing specialist should be called for help. You should never try to rid black mold yourself because you can become very sick.
Creating the Rosemary Lavender Mold and Mildew Cleaning Spray
The rosemary lavender mold and mildew cleaner is a spray form. To make this powerful cleaner I use two cups of vodka, twenty drops of lavender essential oil and ten drops of rosemary essential oil and that is it for ingredients. It is a very basic formula and that is because the vodka contains high amounts of alcohol, which kills the mold and mildew.
In addition, lavender and rosemary oils contain anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, which help sanitize and cleanse the mold and mildew away nicely. After all, mold and mildew are caused by fungus.
To store the spray in you will need a clean spray bottle of medium size. Once you have the bottle take a funnel, place it into the bottle, and pour the vodka and essential oils into it. As soon as the bottle is filled up with these basic ingredients, place the sprayer cap on and give the bottle a gentle shake. After, you will have your rosemary lavender mold and mildew cleaning spray to begin cleansing away the mold and mildew in your bathroom.
Using the Mold and Mildew Cleaning Spray
The way I use the spray daily to prevent mold and mildew build up is by spraying the plastic shower curtains and bathtub and shower walls down with it well. I do not rinse the spray away after it has been sprayed on because it will defeat the purpose of keeping mold and mildew away.
However, to remove mold and mildew with the spray all you have to do is spray the surface that is infected down with the spray and scrub it away with a cleaning brush. After, spray the surface down again and wipe it away with eco friendly paper towel to in sure the area is cleansed well. Once the area is clean, direct a fan in the area that was infected by the mold and mildew and allow it to dry out. Then, you should be free and clear of any fungus.
Those of you who are allergic to these two types of fungi should wear masks over your mouth and nose to prevent yourself from having allergic reaction during the cleaning process. Mold and mildew can make some people really sick so those of you with weakened immune systems should not clean areas where fungus is growing yourself.
Other areas you can use this spray to clean mold and mildew away is your ceilings, toilets, sinks, doors and floors. However, mold usually found on the ceiling is usually embedded deeper into the drywall material, which means the ceiling and any walls infected with the fungus should be removed right away.
Bottom Line
Mold and Mildew are not fungi to be messed with, but to be prevented. The homemade rosemary lavender spray can definitely help keep these types of fungus at bay or away. Best of all, the cleaner is eco friendly and the scent of the spray is calming to the mind, which helps reduce stress during the cleaning process.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Homemade Fruit Fly Traps
I love keeping fresh fruits on hand in my hanging baskets so I can grab a quick healthy snack when I am hungry instead of reaching for junk food. Although lately, I have not wanted too bring any fresh fruit into the house because I have a mad case of fruit fleas.
However, once I get rid of them I will fill my hanging baskets back up with some of the freshest fruit possible that is not overly ripened. Ripe fruit is what fruit flies tend to go after.
On a more positive note I do make fantastic little fruit fly traps that capture the little pesky buggers effectively so I can get rid of them fast so I can go back to eating healthy foods again.
Materials I find Useful for Making the Fruit Fly Traps
The materials I find useful for making the fruit fly traps are pint sized mason jars, packing tape, a needle and Mason jar lid rings. These materials, I find work the best for making fruit fly traps and trapping the fruit flies. If you do not have these ingredients on hand, you can easily find them at hardware stores, grocery stores and kitchen shops in your local area. I typically always have these materials on hand because I do canning
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients I use in the fruit fly traps to attract the fruit flies are cheap wines, fruit juices, apple ciders, or apple cider vinegar. You do not need all the ingredients just mentioned. All you need is one of the ingredients, but all work excellent for attracting fruit flies wonderfully. My favorite to use is apple cider vinegar or banana juice because they seem drawn to these ingredients a bit more. These ingredients most everyone has on hand, but if you do not, the grocery store in your local area will definitely have the ingredients available for purchasing.
Making the Fruit Fly Traps
To begin making the fruit fly traps, I find it is easiest to lay six jars out in a row on my counter top. Then, I fill each jar up with a half cup of fruity liquid such as the ones just mentioned in the above paragraph. Again, my favorite fruity liquids too use to attract the fruit flies are apple cider vinegar and banana juice.
Next, I take my clear packing tape and seal the top of the Mason jars shut with it so the sticky size is facing inside the jars. This will help keep the fruit flies from crawling back up out of the jars.
After, I place the Mason jar rings onto the jars over the tape to make sure the tape is secured on tightly.
The next step of making the fruit fly traps is simple. All I do is take a sharp needle and poke four to five holes into the taped off part of the fruit fly traps so they can smell the fruity liquid, crawl into the jars and stay trapped.
Best Placed to Put the Fruit Fly Traps
My favorite places to put the fruit fly traps are near my kitchen sink, on top of my kitchen counter tops and any place the fruit fleas seem to be drawn to and hanging out the most. Each fruit fly trap should be effective for at least two days. After the two days is up, it is best to refresh the fruity liquid in the fruit fly traps to keep them working effectively at trapping those fruit flies until they are completely gone.
Tips
Once you get rid of the fruit flies, do not bring fruit back into the house for at least a week to in sure they are truly gone for good. Then, when you do bring some fresh fruit into your home, make sure you wash it down good and place it into a fruit basket or bowl with some freshly dried herbs that repel the flies away naturally such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus or dried cloves.
Although, I must say I find placing aromatherapy citronella or lavender diffusers in my kitchen goes a long ways to repelling those flies away naturally. However, you use whatever you find works best in your home for repelling the fruit flies.
However, once I get rid of them I will fill my hanging baskets back up with some of the freshest fruit possible that is not overly ripened. Ripe fruit is what fruit flies tend to go after.
On a more positive note I do make fantastic little fruit fly traps that capture the little pesky buggers effectively so I can get rid of them fast so I can go back to eating healthy foods again.
Materials I find Useful for Making the Fruit Fly Traps
The materials I find useful for making the fruit fly traps are pint sized mason jars, packing tape, a needle and Mason jar lid rings. These materials, I find work the best for making fruit fly traps and trapping the fruit flies. If you do not have these ingredients on hand, you can easily find them at hardware stores, grocery stores and kitchen shops in your local area. I typically always have these materials on hand because I do canning
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients I use in the fruit fly traps to attract the fruit flies are cheap wines, fruit juices, apple ciders, or apple cider vinegar. You do not need all the ingredients just mentioned. All you need is one of the ingredients, but all work excellent for attracting fruit flies wonderfully. My favorite to use is apple cider vinegar or banana juice because they seem drawn to these ingredients a bit more. These ingredients most everyone has on hand, but if you do not, the grocery store in your local area will definitely have the ingredients available for purchasing.
Making the Fruit Fly Traps
To begin making the fruit fly traps, I find it is easiest to lay six jars out in a row on my counter top. Then, I fill each jar up with a half cup of fruity liquid such as the ones just mentioned in the above paragraph. Again, my favorite fruity liquids too use to attract the fruit flies are apple cider vinegar and banana juice.
Next, I take my clear packing tape and seal the top of the Mason jars shut with it so the sticky size is facing inside the jars. This will help keep the fruit flies from crawling back up out of the jars.
After, I place the Mason jar rings onto the jars over the tape to make sure the tape is secured on tightly.
The next step of making the fruit fly traps is simple. All I do is take a sharp needle and poke four to five holes into the taped off part of the fruit fly traps so they can smell the fruity liquid, crawl into the jars and stay trapped.
Best Placed to Put the Fruit Fly Traps
My favorite places to put the fruit fly traps are near my kitchen sink, on top of my kitchen counter tops and any place the fruit fleas seem to be drawn to and hanging out the most. Each fruit fly trap should be effective for at least two days. After the two days is up, it is best to refresh the fruity liquid in the fruit fly traps to keep them working effectively at trapping those fruit flies until they are completely gone.
Tips
Once you get rid of the fruit flies, do not bring fruit back into the house for at least a week to in sure they are truly gone for good. Then, when you do bring some fresh fruit into your home, make sure you wash it down good and place it into a fruit basket or bowl with some freshly dried herbs that repel the flies away naturally such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus or dried cloves.
Although, I must say I find placing aromatherapy citronella or lavender diffusers in my kitchen goes a long ways to repelling those flies away naturally. However, you use whatever you find works best in your home for repelling the fruit flies.
Lemon Grinder Cleaner
In this home, I use blenders, grinders and puree machines often to make all sorts of whole food snacks and beverages. However, getting the blades inside these machines clean can be a difficult task with just hot soapy water and a good sponge. To get the blades clean in the machines I make and use a homemade lemon grinder cleaner. It helps polish the blades in the kitchen appliance machines so they stay sharp and clean instead of dirty and clogged up with old food particles.
Useful Ingredients for Making the Lemon Grinder Cleaner
The ingredients I use to make my lemon grinder cleaner are two cups of coarse sea salt, a cup of baking soda, fifteen drops of lemon essential oil, cup of mineral oil and a forth cup of liquid castile soap. The reason I use these ingredients is that the baking soda and sea salt are gritty and can grip and scrub the blades of these machines while the oil and soap helps cleanse and polish them. Now, you can find these ingredients at the grocery store or even hardware store if you do decide you want to make this cleaner.
Making the Cleaner
To make the lemon grinder cleaner I simply carefully measure out all the ingredients and pour them into a large wide mouth mason jar. After, I take a spoon and combine the ingredients together well until I have a thick gritty lemony scented grinder cleaner. Then, I go ahead and use some of it to clean my blenders, puree machines and grinders. If you do not want to use the cleaner right away, just put a lid on the jar and store the cleaner in a cool dry place until you are ready to do so.
Using the Cleaner
Whenever I need to clean the blades inside my blender, coffee grinder or puree machine, I scoop a forth cup of the cleaner into the machine with a few tablespoons of water and turn them on high speed for thirty second to help clean the blades well. After, I rinse the machine and blades out with warm water and set them on a towel to dry. Once that is done, I simply put the clean machines and cleaner away until I need to use them again. You can use the cleaner as much as you need too in order to help keep your blenders, grinders and puree kitchen appliances clean.
Now, you can also use the lemon grinder cleaner on stainless steal sinks to get them clean and shiny and in toilet bowls to help scrub them clean. I even like using the cleaner to help clean the tile in my showering area. It also works well for polishing silverware too.
End Lines
The next time you are looking for a naturally green way to clean the blades inside your kitchen appliances just make up some of the lemon grinder cleaner and try it. I know it works for the members in my family and me when we want to get out blenders, grinders and puree machines squeaky clean naturally.
Useful Ingredients for Making the Lemon Grinder Cleaner
The ingredients I use to make my lemon grinder cleaner are two cups of coarse sea salt, a cup of baking soda, fifteen drops of lemon essential oil, cup of mineral oil and a forth cup of liquid castile soap. The reason I use these ingredients is that the baking soda and sea salt are gritty and can grip and scrub the blades of these machines while the oil and soap helps cleanse and polish them. Now, you can find these ingredients at the grocery store or even hardware store if you do decide you want to make this cleaner.
Making the Cleaner
To make the lemon grinder cleaner I simply carefully measure out all the ingredients and pour them into a large wide mouth mason jar. After, I take a spoon and combine the ingredients together well until I have a thick gritty lemony scented grinder cleaner. Then, I go ahead and use some of it to clean my blenders, puree machines and grinders. If you do not want to use the cleaner right away, just put a lid on the jar and store the cleaner in a cool dry place until you are ready to do so.
Using the Cleaner
Whenever I need to clean the blades inside my blender, coffee grinder or puree machine, I scoop a forth cup of the cleaner into the machine with a few tablespoons of water and turn them on high speed for thirty second to help clean the blades well. After, I rinse the machine and blades out with warm water and set them on a towel to dry. Once that is done, I simply put the clean machines and cleaner away until I need to use them again. You can use the cleaner as much as you need too in order to help keep your blenders, grinders and puree kitchen appliances clean.
Now, you can also use the lemon grinder cleaner on stainless steal sinks to get them clean and shiny and in toilet bowls to help scrub them clean. I even like using the cleaner to help clean the tile in my showering area. It also works well for polishing silverware too.
End Lines
The next time you are looking for a naturally green way to clean the blades inside your kitchen appliances just make up some of the lemon grinder cleaner and try it. I know it works for the members in my family and me when we want to get out blenders, grinders and puree machines squeaky clean naturally.
Lavender Oil Wood Surface Cleaner
When I need to clean the wood surfaces in my home I like to make my own homemade wood surface cleanser. The wood surface cleanse that I like to make is the lavender oil wood cleanser. It is very simple to make and really helps clean up wood surface and makes them all shiny and new appearing.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients you will need to make my homemade lavender oil wood cleaner are 10 drops of lavender oil, 1 cup of water, and 2 cups of olive oil. All of these ingredients can be found in your local health food stores and grocery stores. I know sometimes I am able to buy all my ingredients from my local dollar store, which is awesome because I end up spending only 3 dollars on ingredients.
Materials Needed
The materials you will need are measuring cups, a mixing bowl with a spout on it so the cleaner is easy to pour, and a plastic squeezable bottle. Now if you do not have these ingredients in your kitchen you can also get these materials in your local grocery store or even dollar store for cheap money.
Making the Cleaner
Now the way you make my lavender oil wood cleaner is by combining the lavender oil, olive oil, and water together in your mixing bowl with a spoon. After you should have a nice lavender scented wood cleaner. Than all you will do is simply pour all of these ingredients into your squirt bottle until you are ready to use it as a nice natural wood cleaner.
Using the Wood Cleaner Properly
The way I personally like to use my homemade lavender oil wood cleaner is by simply squirt some of the wood cleaner dirty onto a rag and than I like to wipe down the wood surface I need to have cleaned. You will notice when you use my homemade lavender oil wood cleaner that it is very gentle on your wood and helps get it shiny. The olive oil in my homemade wood cleaner also helps protect your wood surfaces from water damage and mold which is nice as well.
End Notes
I do hope those of you who end up making my homemade lavender oil wood cleaner have a very easy time making it, and I hope those of you who use it to clean up the wood in your home like how it cleans. I wish you all the best of luck at cleaning all that wood in you home!
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients you will need to make my homemade lavender oil wood cleaner are 10 drops of lavender oil, 1 cup of water, and 2 cups of olive oil. All of these ingredients can be found in your local health food stores and grocery stores. I know sometimes I am able to buy all my ingredients from my local dollar store, which is awesome because I end up spending only 3 dollars on ingredients.
Materials Needed
The materials you will need are measuring cups, a mixing bowl with a spout on it so the cleaner is easy to pour, and a plastic squeezable bottle. Now if you do not have these ingredients in your kitchen you can also get these materials in your local grocery store or even dollar store for cheap money.
Making the Cleaner
Now the way you make my lavender oil wood cleaner is by combining the lavender oil, olive oil, and water together in your mixing bowl with a spoon. After you should have a nice lavender scented wood cleaner. Than all you will do is simply pour all of these ingredients into your squirt bottle until you are ready to use it as a nice natural wood cleaner.
Using the Wood Cleaner Properly
The way I personally like to use my homemade lavender oil wood cleaner is by simply squirt some of the wood cleaner dirty onto a rag and than I like to wipe down the wood surface I need to have cleaned. You will notice when you use my homemade lavender oil wood cleaner that it is very gentle on your wood and helps get it shiny. The olive oil in my homemade wood cleaner also helps protect your wood surfaces from water damage and mold which is nice as well.
End Notes
I do hope those of you who end up making my homemade lavender oil wood cleaner have a very easy time making it, and I hope those of you who use it to clean up the wood in your home like how it cleans. I wish you all the best of luck at cleaning all that wood in you home!
Homemade Tea Tree Toilet Scrub Cleaner
When my toilet is dirty and I need to clean it I hate to use chemical filled toilet cleaners to clean it out. I like to make my own homemade tea tree toilet scrub cleaner using natural and safe ingredients that will help disinfect my toilet and loosen up the waste and hard water stains instead my toilet.Ingredients
The ingredients you will need to make my homemade tea tree toilet scrub cleaner are 1 cup of baking soda, ½ a cup of salt, 1 tablespoon of castile soap, and 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil.
These ingredients can be found in your local grocery stores and drugstores if you do not have them in your home. The reason I use these natural ingredients is because the tea tree oil acts as a disinfectant and kills harmful bacteria, the baking soda deodorizes, the castile soap acts as a foaming agent to help loosen waste particles, and the salt helps scrub the toilet clean.
Materials Needed
The materials you will need to make my homemade tea tree toilet scrub cleaner are measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, a mixing spoon, and a 16 ounce container with a cover to store the cleaner in. If you do not have these materials on hand you should be able to find them at your local kitchen store.
Making the Scrub
The way you make my homemade tea tree toilet scrub cleaner is by measuring out the are 1 cup of baking soda, ½ a cup of salt, 1 tablespoon of castile soap, and 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil and place them into your large mixing bowl. Next take your mixing spoon and combined the ingredients together until you get a moist gritty powdery toilet scrub with a strong tea tree oil scent to it. Once the toilet cleaner is made you will want to place it into your container to store away until you are ready to use it to cleaner your toilet with.
Using the Toilet Scrub
When you are ready to clean your toilet with the homemade tea tree toilet scrub cleaner you will take ½ a cup of the toilet scrub cleaner and pour it into your toilet bowl and allow it to sit in there for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes take your toilet brush and scrub your toilet squeaky clean. After you should be left with a clean disinfected toilet.
End Notes
So, there you have it! Homemade tea tree toilet scrub cleaner that is natural and safe and can get your toilet clean and disinfected in no time. I wish you all the best with your toilet scrubbing and cleaning, and hope you get squeaky clean sparkling toilets.
Ribwort and Thyme Infusion for Treating Bladder and Kidney Disorders
The reason I used ribwort and thyme to make the infusion is that both herbs contain diuretic, cleansing, detoxifying and inflammatory properties. Not only do these herbs treat and help heal bladder and kidney disorders, but they also cleanse and strengthen the blood naturally.
What is Ribwort?
Ribwort is an herb also known as, "Black Plantain." The lovely herb is commonly known as a weed with white tiny blossoms and spiny like leaves. You can find it growing in fields and surprisingly on your lawns. I know in the spring in summer I have the herb growing everywhere. Its usually ready to harvest in mid summer. However, those allergic to the herb should not use this remedy or go anywhere need this herb.
What is Thyme?
Thyme is an herb that grows in must herbal gardens around the world and is commonly used to make remedies to help ease coughing. Many people use the lemony scented herb to flavor meats and vegetable dishes, but I use the small lemon scented leaves dried to make my infusion. There are many species of thyme you could dry and use in your infusion, but I prefer to use garden thyme. Garden thyme is a bush woody herb with small tiny greenish yellow leaves.
Nourishing and Healing Herbs Needed for the Infusion Blend
The nourishing and healing herbs needed for the infusion blend are two cups each of dried ribwort herb and thyme. The herbs I grow in my own garden, and harvest and dry myself. If you do not have them on hand, you can always find them in a whole food organic grocery store or herbal shop in your area. Just make sure the herbs are freshly dried and organic for them to contain the most medicinal healing properties possible.
Creating and Storing the Loose Leaf Infusion Blend
The way I create the loose-leaf infusion blend is by measuring out the herbs and pouring them into a clean sterile jar. Then I mix the herbs together until they are evenly blended. After, I take a lid, seal the jar up tightly, and store the loose-leaf infusion blend in a dark cool dried place so it stays fresh and does not mold.
Making a Cup of the Ribwort and Thyme Infusion Blend for Bladder and Kidney Healthy
To make a lovely nourishing and healing cup of ribwort and thyme infusion, take a tablespoon of the dried infusion blend you made and place it into a tea steeping stone. You can find those at any kitchen or tea shop. After, place herb filled tea-steeping spoon into a mug that holds at least twelve ounces of water. Next, take some boiling water, pour it into the cup and allow the infusion to brew for twenty minutes. When the infusion is ready it will have a lovely golden yellow color and an earthy lemony grass like taste. To help sweeten up the infusion and make it more pleasant to drink add in some freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey. Once the infusion is ready, sip it down and enjoy the healing benefits you will receive from it after.
However, the infusion will make you urinate a lot at first. It is only because again it contains diuretic and detoxifying properties that are cleansing and strengthening the bladder and kidneys. Drinking the tea daily may help improve and treat your bladder and kidney disorder, which will lessen the amount of times you have to use the restroom. I know for me it did, but I also keep in mind that everyone's body is different and reacts differently to different remedies. While this infusion may have helped and still helps, keep my bladder and kidneys strong and healthy, instead of weak and functioning poorly. It may not be the remedy that helps you strengthen and heal your kidneys and bladder depending on the severity of your disorders. However, I still think it is worth trying if you have tried other medications and remedies without successes, but only after speaking with a doctor first to make sure the infusion is safe and right for you to drink and use daily.
Ginger Balm for Aches and Pains
Joint pains are discomforting and can keep you from doing physical activities you love doing. I know this because I suffer from them often because I have an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and body aches and pains. However, I do not typically have problems with joint pains unless it is extremely cold or too hot. A home remedy I make and use is my ginger soothing balm for joint pain relief.
Ingredients You Will Need for Creating the Ginger Soothing Balm
The ingredients I use to create the ginger soothing balm are half cups each of coconut oil, raw shea butter, cocoa butter and melting beeswax pebbles, twenty drops of ginger root essential oil, forth teaspoon of dried ground cayenne pepper and two tablespoons of arnica oil. These ingredients are easy to find at an herbal shop if you do not have them on hand. You can also order them online from wholesale supply spa shops and bulk herbal stores.
Important Reasons Why Ingredients Are Useful
The ingredients that make up the ginger soothing balm contain powerful medicinal and healing properties. The coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter are useful because they contain anti-inflammatory properties, hydrate the skin and allow the balm to massage easily just in case you want to use the balm for massaging purposes. The beeswax in the balm is to bind the ingredients together so they do not separate. The wax also helps condition and protect the skin while allowing the potent healing ingredients being the ginger, arnica and cayenne to absorb into the skin deeply to bring relief to the joints, muscles and tissues of the body that are causing you discomforting pains and aches.
Ginger, arnica and cayenne pepper are excellent for joint pain relief because they contain a medicinal property that relieve pain, act as a sedative, and reduces inflammation and swelling while bring an immediate warming sensation when the herbs are exposed to the skin, which brings immediately relief to your aches and pains.
Making the Ginger Soothing Balm
Anytime I need to make up a jar of the ginger soothing balm I get out my medium saucepan and pour all the ingredients into it. Then, I melt and infusion the ingredients together on low heat, which takes about ten minutes. Once the ingredients have melted and infused together, you should have an oily liquid substance with a warm spicy ginger scent that is very comforting and uplifting. After, pour the liquid balm into a wide mouth jar that you can easily get your hands in and out of for easy use of the balm. Then, place the balm into the refrigerator for an hour, or until it becomes a solid form. After, remove it from the refrigerator and store it in your medicine cabinet until you need to use if for joint relief.
However, if you want a hot and cold sensation from the balm on your achy muscles leave the balm in the refrigerator and take it out when you need it. Applying the balm fresh out of the refrigerator will provide you first with a cooling sensation to your joints for soothing relief and than with a warming sensation from the herbs about five minutes later. The sensation of hot and cold is similar to an icy hot patch you get from the drugstore.
Applying the Balm Properly and Precautions
My favorite way to use the balm when I need relief from my achy muscles is right after a warm bath made with arnica bath oil and Epsom salts. After a bath my skin is warm and moist and my joints and muscles have relaxed a bit making it easier to massage the oil into my joints for relief of aches and pains. I have applied the oil without a bath and it still provides amazing relief, but I get best relief when I apply the balm after a bath or hot shower. You can decide the best time to apply the balm to your aching joints.
To apply the balm, take a small handful of it and massage it well into the aches and pains. The balm is a bit greasy, but it is meant for massaging into the body so it is suppose to have that kind of texture. However, do not use this balm anywhere near your face or genital area because it will sting and burn and do not use it on open wounds ever.
Otherwise, overall the balm is safe to use on a regular bases and does work well as a remedy for relieving joint aches and pains naturally.
Ingredients You Will Need for Creating the Ginger Soothing Balm
The ingredients I use to create the ginger soothing balm are half cups each of coconut oil, raw shea butter, cocoa butter and melting beeswax pebbles, twenty drops of ginger root essential oil, forth teaspoon of dried ground cayenne pepper and two tablespoons of arnica oil. These ingredients are easy to find at an herbal shop if you do not have them on hand. You can also order them online from wholesale supply spa shops and bulk herbal stores.
Important Reasons Why Ingredients Are Useful
The ingredients that make up the ginger soothing balm contain powerful medicinal and healing properties. The coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter are useful because they contain anti-inflammatory properties, hydrate the skin and allow the balm to massage easily just in case you want to use the balm for massaging purposes. The beeswax in the balm is to bind the ingredients together so they do not separate. The wax also helps condition and protect the skin while allowing the potent healing ingredients being the ginger, arnica and cayenne to absorb into the skin deeply to bring relief to the joints, muscles and tissues of the body that are causing you discomforting pains and aches.
Ginger, arnica and cayenne pepper are excellent for joint pain relief because they contain a medicinal property that relieve pain, act as a sedative, and reduces inflammation and swelling while bring an immediate warming sensation when the herbs are exposed to the skin, which brings immediately relief to your aches and pains.
Making the Ginger Soothing Balm
Anytime I need to make up a jar of the ginger soothing balm I get out my medium saucepan and pour all the ingredients into it. Then, I melt and infusion the ingredients together on low heat, which takes about ten minutes. Once the ingredients have melted and infused together, you should have an oily liquid substance with a warm spicy ginger scent that is very comforting and uplifting. After, pour the liquid balm into a wide mouth jar that you can easily get your hands in and out of for easy use of the balm. Then, place the balm into the refrigerator for an hour, or until it becomes a solid form. After, remove it from the refrigerator and store it in your medicine cabinet until you need to use if for joint relief.
However, if you want a hot and cold sensation from the balm on your achy muscles leave the balm in the refrigerator and take it out when you need it. Applying the balm fresh out of the refrigerator will provide you first with a cooling sensation to your joints for soothing relief and than with a warming sensation from the herbs about five minutes later. The sensation of hot and cold is similar to an icy hot patch you get from the drugstore.
Applying the Balm Properly and Precautions
My favorite way to use the balm when I need relief from my achy muscles is right after a warm bath made with arnica bath oil and Epsom salts. After a bath my skin is warm and moist and my joints and muscles have relaxed a bit making it easier to massage the oil into my joints for relief of aches and pains. I have applied the oil without a bath and it still provides amazing relief, but I get best relief when I apply the balm after a bath or hot shower. You can decide the best time to apply the balm to your aching joints.
To apply the balm, take a small handful of it and massage it well into the aches and pains. The balm is a bit greasy, but it is meant for massaging into the body so it is suppose to have that kind of texture. However, do not use this balm anywhere near your face or genital area because it will sting and burn and do not use it on open wounds ever.
Otherwise, overall the balm is safe to use on a regular bases and does work well as a remedy for relieving joint aches and pains naturally.
The Nighttime Liquid Flu Shot
The Ingredients Needed
The ingredients I use to make my nighttime liquid flu shot are organically dried elderberries, ground ginger root spice, lemon juice, rum and raw organic manuka honey. However, if you do not have access to manuka honey or find it is too expensive for you, you may purchase and use organic raw farm fresh honey from your local farm instead and that should work just as good. I just prefer using the manuka honey because of the many medicinal properties it contains like the antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The store that you can usually find all these ingredients at is an herbal shop. Whole food organic grocery stores carry them as well, but I know not everyone has one in their location.
Making and Taking the Nighttime Liquid Flu Shot
Making the nighttime liquid flu shot is very simple. The first thing you do is pour two tablespoons of dried elderberries into a pan with a forth cup of water and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Next, you bring these ingredients to a roaring boil on top of the stove burner. Once you have reach a roaring boil remove the pan from the stove and allow the elderberries to steep in the pan for about ten minutes to really help extract the natural antibacterial and antiviral properties from them. After, strain the elderberries from the liquid using a small strainer and pour the liquid into a small jar or shot glass and add in a tablespoon of manuka honey and two tablespoons of rum. The rum is the remedy that helps put you to sleep. After, carefully combine the ingredients together using a small spoon.
Then, drink the nighttime liquid flu shot down in one shot. The flu shot will taste very warm, soothing, and sweet and berry like. I find it to be very yummy. Within twenty minutes to a half hour of taking the nighttime liquid flu shot I find myself ready for bed and I sure do get a goodnight sleep after taking it. In the morning, I wake up refreshed, health and strong. When the body is rested and nourished properly, the immune system stays strong enough too put up its defenses, to block out the germs that cause the common cold and flu illness. For me my nighttime liquid flu shot works better than those painful flu shots you get at the doctors offices or pharmacy, but you choose which shot you prefer to take this season. I prefer the liquid one you drink down nightly without the possible side effects.
Precautions
Young children should not use this remedy since it does contain alcohol. Those of you allergic to any of the herbs, spices or honey in this remedy should not use it at all to prevent the cold and flu. Since I have been using the remedy I have not experienced any side effects. It has kept me healthy and free from illness. It also soothes a sore throat and calms a cough. It is very effective for relieving congestion too since the ginger provides a warming effect on the respiratory system which helps loosen up thick mucus. For those of you who make and try this nighttime liquid flu shot I hope it works as well for you as it does for me.
Vervain Infusion for Severe Headache Relief
If you watch vampire movies and shows, you know that vervain is a common herb used to keep vampires away, but I use the herb to keep severe painful headaches away. This sacred herb contains therapeutic medicinal properties that help relieve stress, tension, anxiety, muscle stiffness and illnesses which are all conditions that can cause severe headaches. The pain-relieving herb is wonderful to use for making an infusion for natural pain relief. Some of the headaches that I have had such as migraines, tension headaches and sinus headaches have been relieved using a vervain infusion, which is basically a strong medicinal herbal tea.
Finding Organic Dried Vervain Herb
To make a vervain infusion you need to have the best organic dried vervain herb you can possibly get your hands on. You do not want vervain that is non-organic because it could have been sprayed with pesticides and chemicals to help it grow and protect it from insects and disease. You want organic vervain that is pure in form and contains its true medicinal properties. You can find organic dried vervain at many of your local herbal shops and whole food grocery stores in the spice and herb sections of the stores.
Making the Vervain Infusion for Headaches
When I make my vervain infusion for treating my severe headaches naturally, I combine some other herbs along with it such as dried chamomile and feverfew. Both herbs are related to the daisy family and contain pain relieving, sedative and antispasmodic medicinal properties. I find when I combine these herbs with vervain it creates a stronger healing infusion for treating severe headaches that come with blurred vision, nausea and vomiting and unbearable pain and pressure within the head.
To make the infusion I find it is best to place a tablespoon of each herb into a large teapot and pour boiling water into it. After, I place the lid on the teapot and allow the infusion to steep for twenty to thirty minutes too really help draw out the healing properties from the herbs. You will know the infusion is ready to sip on when it has a deep golden color, sweet earthy woody scent and a slightly sweet bitter taste, which I mellow out with a tablespoon of honey added into the infusion.
Once the infusion is ready, I pour a cup of it and sip it down slowly in a quiet dark area of my home until the headache subsides. It usually takes about thirty minutes to an hour before the entire severe headache is gone, but it does go away with a few cups of the vervain herbal infusion, just be patient and slip slowly. The infusion is warm, comforting and soothing as soon as you begin sipping on it.
To prevent headaches, drinking a few cups of this infusion each day can help greatly. I also take feverfew supplements daily, sip on chamomile tea throughout the day as well and that seems to do wonders with preventing migraines and tension headaches for me. You may find different remedies work better for you, but I have found great relief from severe headaches when using a combination of these natural herbs from Mother Nature.
Take Precautions
Those of you with certain medicinal conditions or allergies should speak to your herbalist or doctor before using this infusion for treating or preventing your severe headaches naturally. Since I have been using the vervain infusion for severe headaches I have only experienced relief from headaches and nothing else, but everyone's body is different and responds differently to different remedies and medications so use this infusion with caution.
Finding Organic Dried Vervain Herb
To make a vervain infusion you need to have the best organic dried vervain herb you can possibly get your hands on. You do not want vervain that is non-organic because it could have been sprayed with pesticides and chemicals to help it grow and protect it from insects and disease. You want organic vervain that is pure in form and contains its true medicinal properties. You can find organic dried vervain at many of your local herbal shops and whole food grocery stores in the spice and herb sections of the stores.
Making the Vervain Infusion for Headaches
When I make my vervain infusion for treating my severe headaches naturally, I combine some other herbs along with it such as dried chamomile and feverfew. Both herbs are related to the daisy family and contain pain relieving, sedative and antispasmodic medicinal properties. I find when I combine these herbs with vervain it creates a stronger healing infusion for treating severe headaches that come with blurred vision, nausea and vomiting and unbearable pain and pressure within the head.
To make the infusion I find it is best to place a tablespoon of each herb into a large teapot and pour boiling water into it. After, I place the lid on the teapot and allow the infusion to steep for twenty to thirty minutes too really help draw out the healing properties from the herbs. You will know the infusion is ready to sip on when it has a deep golden color, sweet earthy woody scent and a slightly sweet bitter taste, which I mellow out with a tablespoon of honey added into the infusion.
Once the infusion is ready, I pour a cup of it and sip it down slowly in a quiet dark area of my home until the headache subsides. It usually takes about thirty minutes to an hour before the entire severe headache is gone, but it does go away with a few cups of the vervain herbal infusion, just be patient and slip slowly. The infusion is warm, comforting and soothing as soon as you begin sipping on it.
To prevent headaches, drinking a few cups of this infusion each day can help greatly. I also take feverfew supplements daily, sip on chamomile tea throughout the day as well and that seems to do wonders with preventing migraines and tension headaches for me. You may find different remedies work better for you, but I have found great relief from severe headaches when using a combination of these natural herbs from Mother Nature.
Take Precautions
Those of you with certain medicinal conditions or allergies should speak to your herbalist or doctor before using this infusion for treating or preventing your severe headaches naturally. Since I have been using the vervain infusion for severe headaches I have only experienced relief from headaches and nothing else, but everyone's body is different and responds differently to different remedies and medications so use this infusion with caution.
Homemade Cranberry Syrup for Bladder Infection Prevention
That old remedy is cranberry syrup for bladder health. The syrup is created from the freshest ingredients and specifically made with organic cranberries. The reason why is because cranberries contain a natural acid in them that helps keep harmful bacteria away. Cranberries also contain a particular antioxidants in them that helps make the bladder walls super slippery, which keeps the bacteria that causes an infection to begin with from sticking to the walls.
However, some harmful bacteria still manages to sneak their way onto the walls of the bladder and cause an infection even with the syrup, but the syrup is mainly to help prevent infections from occurring as often. I have to say for me it has worked well, which I one of the reasons I am here sharing this remedy with all of you.
Necessary Ingredients for Making the Cranberry Syrup for Bladder Health
The ingredient I use to make the cranberry syrup are two pounds of freshly harvested cranberries, but organic store bought cranberries are fine too. I also use a pound of raw honey, which contains antibacterial properties that are needed to kill the harmful bacteria in the bladder that could cause an infection to begin with. Another important ingredient I use is a sixteen fluid ounce bottle of Nature's Life Blueberry Pro-96 Acidophilus Probiotics Liquid Supplement. However, you use whatever liquid probiotic supplement you prefer. The probiotic supplement added into the syrup, helps boost the immune system, promotes a healthy digestive system and allows the good bacteria too overrule the bad bacteria in the body, which is what you want when you are trying to rid a harmful bacterial infection from the body.
Now I purchase all these ingredients from my local organic whole food grocery store, but you should be able to find them in herbal shops, regular grocery stores and health food stores as well.
Making Up a Batch of the Cranberry Syrup
To make up a batch of the cranberry syrup I begin by juice the cranberries in a juicing machine. Two pounds of cranberries juiced gets me about two cups of fresh cranberry juice. Once the juice is made, I pour it into a medium sized pot and turn my stove on low heat just to get the juice warm. You do not want to boil the juice because it will kill the medicine properties in it. Once the juice is warm, I remove the pot from the stove and I add in the pound on honey and the 16-ounce bottle of probiotics. After, I combine the ingredients together well until I get a slightly thick cranberry syrup that is very tart and sweet with a lovely cranberry flavor and color too it. Next, I pour the syrup into a sterile glass bottle, put a cap on it and allow it to chill in the refrigerator until I need to use it.
Using the Syrup for Preventing and Treating Bladder Infections
To prevent bladder infections I take one to two tablespoons of the syrup each day, every day. I have done this since I was little. So far, I can say it has worked well for me. During a bladder infection, I double the dose and take the syrup at least four times per day until the infection is gone, but I do this while on the antibiotic the doctor prescribes me because alone this remedy will not fully cure the infection.
However, before you take the remedy you must make sure it is safe for you to take by speaking with a doctor first. After all, some bladder infections may need a proper antibiotic that can only be prescribed by a doctor. Remember, this remedy is mainly to help prevent bladder infection and not to help cure them, but they can assist in treating the infections by stimulating urine productions and flushing the bacteria out of the body naturally.
Bottom Line
I know for my family and I this remedy has worked well for keeping bladder infection at bay naturally. However, everyone's body is different and what works for us may not work for you. Although, at least if your looking for a new remedy to try you have this old past down remedy now to make up and try to help aid in bladder infection prevention and relief.
Lavender Vanilla Dish Powder
Necessary Ingredients
The necessary ingredients needed to make the lavender vanilla dish powder are two to three vanilla beans,lavender essential oil, baking soda and sea salt. The reasons I choose to use these ingredients are because the vanilla beans create a soft sweet calming scent when mixed with the lavender, the lavender has antibacterial properties, which kills germs on dishes, and the baking soda and sea salt dissolve stuck on particles and grease from dishes well. Baking soda also helps deodorize dishes and is gentle on the hands. You can find all of these ingredients at your grocery store, but I purchase mine from my local whole food store because I like to use the aluminum free baking soda and organic ingredients free from preservatives, dyes and chemicals to make my dish soap.
Creating the Lavender Vanilla Dish Powder
The way I create my lavender vanilla dish powder is by first getting out a large mixing bowl. Then, I grab a cutting powder and a sharp knife and cut at least two vanilla beans open and scrape the seeds out of the beans into the mixing bowl. After, I add in three cups of baking soda, a cup of sea salt and ten drops of lavender essential oil. Next, I combine the ingredients together with a mixing spoon until they are evenly distributed and well blended together. Once the dish powder is made, it has a floral sweet vanilla scent and a white powdery soft texture with black vanilla bean specks throughout. Then, I pour the mixture into a large wide mouth jar and store it next to my sink for easy use when my dishes need to be done in a stress free fashion.
Using the Dish Powder
The way I love to use the dish powder is by first filling up the kitchen sink with plenty of hot water. Then, I like to take about a forth cup of the dish powder and pour it into the water and allow it to dissolve. As the powder dissolves, the lavender vanilla scent enters the air and provides calmness. Next, the water turns slightly foamy, but not bubbly like most dish soaps you are probably use too. After, I place my dirty dishes a few at a time into the sink and allow them to soak for about three minutes so the solution in the sink can dissolve the food particles gently. Then, I wash them well with a spoon containing a few more drops of lavender oil and rinse my dishes off until they are clean. After, I dry them and put them away.
The dish powder works well for cleaning plates, silverware, glass cups, plastic cups, mugs, pots and pans, and utensils. If you have a cookie sheet, pizza pan or casserole dish with really stuck on food particles or heavy grease, I recommend sprinkle the powder directly onto the cooking ware and allowing it to soak into them well for about ten minutes. Then, begin scrubbing the cookware clean, which should be a lot easier to do.
Now, you may also use this dish powder in your dishwasher to help clean your dishes well too. Just scoop the powder into the soap dispenser and turn your dishwasher on. After, the washing cycle passes you should open up your dishwasher to squeaky clean dishes.
Other Uses for the Powder
Not only do I use the lavender vanilla dish powder too clean my dishes, but I also use it for cleaning the toilet bowl and bathtub. All you do is sprinkle a cup into the toilet or into the bathtub and scrub them down with a sponge or cleaning brush.
You may also use the powder as a natural carpet deodorizer. All you have to do is simply sprinkle the powder onto the carpets and leave it there for twenty minutes. After, vacuum you carpets up and enjoy the lovely lavender vanilla scent that fills the air in your home.
Another way I thoroughly enjoy using the lavender vanilla powder is to make a relaxing calming bath to relieve stress. The baking soda in the powder helps soften the skin while the vanilla bean seeds and lavender relieve aches, pains, stiffness and stress within the body, mind and spirit. The powder also helps detoxify the body well from heavy metal and toxins.
Bottom Line
When you need your dishes clean naturally and stress free or even your toilet bowl, bathtub, carpets or even yourself the lavender vanilla dish powder is the solution to use. I love the way it gently cleans and calms without being harsh in anyway.
Homemade Lemon Lavender Laundry Detergent for Whites
Basic Ingredients for Lemon Lavender Laundry Detergent
The basic ingredients I use for making my lemon lavender laundry detergent are a liter of hydrogen peroxide, a half liter of freshly squeezed lemon juice or organic store bought lemon juice already squeezed, twenty five drops of lavender essential oil and ten drops of lemon essential oil. You will need a gallon of water too.
All of these ingredients I typically always have on hand for making natural household cleaners with for cleaning my home, but if you do not already have these ingredients on hand, you should be able to find them easily at a whole food grocery store or herbal shop in your local area.
Materials
The materials you will need on hand for making the lemon lavender laundry detergent are a large two-gallon bucket or container with a lid to store the laundry detergent in, a funnel for easy pouring of the ingredients and a wooden paint stick for combining the ingredients together.
If you do not have a wooden paint stick, a metal or plastic mixing spoon would work just as well. If you cannot seem to find a large bucket or container to store your laundry detergent in, you can just use empty clean milk jugs instead.
Making the Detergent for Whites
To make the laundry detergent for whites, pour all the ingredients into the storage container of your choice. Then with the wooden paint stick or mixing tool of your choice combined the ingredients together. Once the ingredients are combined together well, you will have a foggy white appearing liquid with a strong pleasant, yet calming lemon lavender scent that I find very pleasing and uplifting. After the detergent is made, I place the containers I have stored it in near my washer machine for easy use on laundry day.
Using the Laundry Detergent for Cleansing Whites
When laundry day comes, I take my white load of laundry and scoop them into the washer machine. Then I add in three cups of my lemon lavender laundry detergent, turn the water on hot so the whites get a deep cleaning and turn the washer machine right on. I usually use the gentle cycle, but for towels I use the regular cycle for a deeper clean. Once the laundry is done washing, it looks bright, white, smells fresh, and clean.
Now, if you have some seriously stained or dirty white laundry that needs a deeper cleansing, add four cups of the laundry detergent in with the laundry instead of just three. It will allow the laundry detergent in the machine to be more potent and concentrated too really get a deeper clean for your super dirty whites.
Warning!
Do not ever use the lemon lavender detergent on colored clothing because it can bleach them and you will not want that. This homemade laundry detergent for whites is specifically for washing and cleansing white laundry only. If you stick to cleansing white laundry only, you will not have a problem with this homemade laundry detergent for washing whites at all.
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