covenofkeys
November 20th, 2006, 06:32 AM
LESSON 11-herbal household products part 2
HOUSECLEANING
Traditionally, it is said that Spring is a time to give the home a good cleaning and a fresh look.
Below are some effective herbal cleansing ideas.
Why not make Spring cleaning of furniture, floors, walls, closets and ovens a fragrant pleasure instead of a toxic chore?!
Your home will be clean and smelling wonderful.
Many herbs actually have beneficial cleaning properties:
Disinfectant Herbs: - these include: basil, chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rose geranium, thyme.
Fungicide: -these include: chamomile, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, savory, tea tree, thyme.
Bactericide:-these include: bay, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lavender, oregano, patchouli, rosemary, savory, tea tree, thyme.
Antiseptic:- these include:{ all bactericide herbs above}, plus basil, clary sage, clove, lemon balm, peppermint, rose geranium, sage, spearmint.
Insect Repellants: - these include: basil, bay, chamomile, coriander, tansy, thyme, rosemary, peppermint, lavender.
Basic Kitchen Cleanser:
In a metal or glass bowl (not plastic or wooden). To 1/2 cup baking soda, add 5 drops each, of the following essential oils:
rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, and a citrus oil of some kind. Shake it up or blend it.
Leave it a day or two before using. {Store in a glass container.}
{Dried herbs may also be used.}However - this will not be as potent as essential oils.
You may also use fresh herbs, instead of concentrated oils:
Use 9 tablespoons chopped (each herb) to replace oil. Grind them up thoroughly with pestle and mortar or food processor.
{This will not be as potent as essential oils.}
Use as a powdered cleanser, wiping well with clean cloth after cleaning. Or, add a bit of water, strain, then use to make liquid cleanser.
All-purpose Liquid Cleanser:
Use fresh herbs by filling a quarter of a jar of hot water with your chosen herbs.
Then add some oils perhaps pine or orange{a few drops will do} and-3x tblspn’s of salt, and 5-7 drops of vinegar.
Allow to steep for 2 days in a sunny spot. – Then strain.
Cleans hairbrushes and combs, and also good for walls, refrigerators, floors, china, crystal, and counters.
NOTE WELL: - Do NOT use pine essential oil on painted surfaces as it sometimes removes paint!
Basic Citrus or Herbal Vinegar:
Fill a quarter of a jar with the herb of choice, this could even be citrus peels.
Cover with some white vinegar. Allow to stand for two weeks.
Strain and discardiscard herbs or peels.
{Any citrus can be used}
For example: grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime.
Excellent for cleaning ovens.
Spray or pour vinegar on burned-on areas. Close oven door. After about two hours, wipe the vinegar off with a sponge or cloth dipped in some warm water. { Repeat if necessary. }
Also good for ridding the mineral deposits{lime-scale} and soap scum in the bathroom.
Cover the area with vinegar. Leave for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Will also remove mildew , etc. from shower curtains.
Can also be used to remove stains from carpets. Test in an inconspicuous place first to be sure that the vinegar does not lighten carpet color!
Degreaser and Glass Cleaner:
Method:-
To some warm water, in a bucket or bowl:
add 10x tablespoons citrus or herbal vinegar (recipe above).
Carpet Deodorizer:
Method:-
Also in a bowl or bucket, NO WATER:
Mix 3x cups baking soda, 5x teaspoons ground cloves, 5x teaspoons ground cinnamon, 5x tablespoons ground mint, 5x tablespoons ground rosemary, 5x tablespoons ground lavender, and 5xx tablespoons ground thyme.
Dried herbs must be ground finely, using a pestle and mortar /blender or processor.
Mix well. Sprinkle over carpet. Allow it to remain on the carpet for about 1 hour, then vacuum thoroughly.
It is safe to walk on during the hour-long waiting period.
Toilet cleaner
1x cup vinegar.
Pour in and allow to soak for several hours or overnight. Scrub with brush.
PART 3
Problem/solution page :
{using simple items you can find about the house}
Dish Detergents, Laundry Detergents, and All-Purpose Cleaners
Problems
Most conventional dish and laundry detergents are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. Some detergents contain alkyphenol ethoxylates, which are suspected hormone disruptors that don't readily biodegrade and can threaten wildlife after they go down your drain.
Ethoxylated alcohols in liquid detergents can contain carcinogenic.
The fragrances in detergents and fabric softeners can contain phthalates, chemicals that have been linked to cancer and reproductive-system harm in animal lab tests.
Fragrances may also trigger asthma and allergic reactions, with symptoms including:
skin and respiratory irritation, headaches, and watery eyes. Although phosphates, which choke waterways, are no longer used in most dish and laundry soaps, they can be found in dishwasher detergents. Phosphates are highly caustic and can be fatal if swallowed.
Other ingredients turn dangerous when combined:
Diethanolamine and triethanolamine can react with nitrites (an often undisclosed preservative) to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Solutions
To remove stains from clothing, try soaking fabrics in water mixed with borax, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, washing soda, or white vinegar.
Problems
Chlorine bleach, a common disinfectant frequently found in scouring powders and cleaning solutions, is highly caustic, meaning it can burn skin and eyes -- plus it can be fatal if swallowed.
When it travels from your drain into the natural world, it can create organochlorines, which are suspected carcinogens as well as reproductive, neurological, and immune-system toxins.
And be warned:
Bleach (also known as sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide) should never be mixed with any product containing ammonia or quaternium compounds.
Doing so creates highly toxic chlorine gas. Many conventional scouring powders and cleaning solutions contain chlorine bleach.
Solutions
White vinegar helps kill bacteria, mold, and viruses.
However, the only foolproof way to kill food-borne pathogens such as salmonella or E coli is to use hot, soapy water to wash all cutting boards, dishes, knives, and surfaces that have touched raw meat or eggs.
Scrubbing sinks, tubs, and countertops with a paste of baking soda and water effectively removes dirt rings and some stains.
For cleaning windows, fill your own spray bottle with water and either one-quarter cup white vinegar or one tablespoon lemon juice to cut grease.
Furniture and Metal Polishes
Problems
These are corrosive and may cause eye, skin, or respiratory tract irritation.
They can also contain nerve-damaging petroleum distillates or formaldehyde, a carcinogen.
Solutions
silver can be kept clean with toothpaste. Copper can be polished using a cloth dipped in white vinegar or lemon juice with salt dissolved in it; just rinse with water when you're done. You can shine your brass with a paste made from one teaspoon salt, one cup white vinegar, and one cup flour.
Air Fresheners and Other Perfumed Products
Problems
Aerosol propellants contain flammable and nerve-damaging ingredients as well as tiny particles that can lodge in your lungs.
Fragrances of all kinds can provoke allergic and asthmatic reactions.
Solutions
Cedar blocks or sachets of dried flowers and herbs provide gentle scents.
Or-
If the air outside is clean, open your windows and ventilate the natural way. An open box of baking soda removes odors.
These were a few things that you can try out using things that are usually found already in your cupboards!! -Failing this, the ingredients are cheap as chips to buy.
See you all tomorrow for lesson 12: Growing Your Own Herbs
HOUSECLEANING
Traditionally, it is said that Spring is a time to give the home a good cleaning and a fresh look.
Below are some effective herbal cleansing ideas.
Why not make Spring cleaning of furniture, floors, walls, closets and ovens a fragrant pleasure instead of a toxic chore?!
Your home will be clean and smelling wonderful.
Many herbs actually have beneficial cleaning properties:
Disinfectant Herbs: - these include: basil, chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rose geranium, thyme.
Fungicide: -these include: chamomile, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, savory, tea tree, thyme.
Bactericide:-these include: bay, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lavender, oregano, patchouli, rosemary, savory, tea tree, thyme.
Antiseptic:- these include:{ all bactericide herbs above}, plus basil, clary sage, clove, lemon balm, peppermint, rose geranium, sage, spearmint.
Insect Repellants: - these include: basil, bay, chamomile, coriander, tansy, thyme, rosemary, peppermint, lavender.
Basic Kitchen Cleanser:
In a metal or glass bowl (not plastic or wooden). To 1/2 cup baking soda, add 5 drops each, of the following essential oils:
rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, and a citrus oil of some kind. Shake it up or blend it.
Leave it a day or two before using. {Store in a glass container.}
{Dried herbs may also be used.}However - this will not be as potent as essential oils.
You may also use fresh herbs, instead of concentrated oils:
Use 9 tablespoons chopped (each herb) to replace oil. Grind them up thoroughly with pestle and mortar or food processor.
{This will not be as potent as essential oils.}
Use as a powdered cleanser, wiping well with clean cloth after cleaning. Or, add a bit of water, strain, then use to make liquid cleanser.
All-purpose Liquid Cleanser:
Use fresh herbs by filling a quarter of a jar of hot water with your chosen herbs.
Then add some oils perhaps pine or orange{a few drops will do} and-3x tblspn’s of salt, and 5-7 drops of vinegar.
Allow to steep for 2 days in a sunny spot. – Then strain.
Cleans hairbrushes and combs, and also good for walls, refrigerators, floors, china, crystal, and counters.
NOTE WELL: - Do NOT use pine essential oil on painted surfaces as it sometimes removes paint!
Basic Citrus or Herbal Vinegar:
Fill a quarter of a jar with the herb of choice, this could even be citrus peels.
Cover with some white vinegar. Allow to stand for two weeks.
Strain and discardiscard herbs or peels.
{Any citrus can be used}
For example: grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime.
Excellent for cleaning ovens.
Spray or pour vinegar on burned-on areas. Close oven door. After about two hours, wipe the vinegar off with a sponge or cloth dipped in some warm water. { Repeat if necessary. }
Also good for ridding the mineral deposits{lime-scale} and soap scum in the bathroom.
Cover the area with vinegar. Leave for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Will also remove mildew , etc. from shower curtains.
Can also be used to remove stains from carpets. Test in an inconspicuous place first to be sure that the vinegar does not lighten carpet color!
Degreaser and Glass Cleaner:
Method:-
To some warm water, in a bucket or bowl:
add 10x tablespoons citrus or herbal vinegar (recipe above).
Carpet Deodorizer:
Method:-
Also in a bowl or bucket, NO WATER:
Mix 3x cups baking soda, 5x teaspoons ground cloves, 5x teaspoons ground cinnamon, 5x tablespoons ground mint, 5x tablespoons ground rosemary, 5x tablespoons ground lavender, and 5xx tablespoons ground thyme.
Dried herbs must be ground finely, using a pestle and mortar /blender or processor.
Mix well. Sprinkle over carpet. Allow it to remain on the carpet for about 1 hour, then vacuum thoroughly.
It is safe to walk on during the hour-long waiting period.
Toilet cleaner
1x cup vinegar.
Pour in and allow to soak for several hours or overnight. Scrub with brush.
PART 3
Problem/solution page :
{using simple items you can find about the house}
Dish Detergents, Laundry Detergents, and All-Purpose Cleaners
Problems
Most conventional dish and laundry detergents are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. Some detergents contain alkyphenol ethoxylates, which are suspected hormone disruptors that don't readily biodegrade and can threaten wildlife after they go down your drain.
Ethoxylated alcohols in liquid detergents can contain carcinogenic.
The fragrances in detergents and fabric softeners can contain phthalates, chemicals that have been linked to cancer and reproductive-system harm in animal lab tests.
Fragrances may also trigger asthma and allergic reactions, with symptoms including:
skin and respiratory irritation, headaches, and watery eyes. Although phosphates, which choke waterways, are no longer used in most dish and laundry soaps, they can be found in dishwasher detergents. Phosphates are highly caustic and can be fatal if swallowed.
Other ingredients turn dangerous when combined:
Diethanolamine and triethanolamine can react with nitrites (an often undisclosed preservative) to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Solutions
To remove stains from clothing, try soaking fabrics in water mixed with borax, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, washing soda, or white vinegar.
Problems
Chlorine bleach, a common disinfectant frequently found in scouring powders and cleaning solutions, is highly caustic, meaning it can burn skin and eyes -- plus it can be fatal if swallowed.
When it travels from your drain into the natural world, it can create organochlorines, which are suspected carcinogens as well as reproductive, neurological, and immune-system toxins.
And be warned:
Bleach (also known as sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide) should never be mixed with any product containing ammonia or quaternium compounds.
Doing so creates highly toxic chlorine gas. Many conventional scouring powders and cleaning solutions contain chlorine bleach.
Solutions
White vinegar helps kill bacteria, mold, and viruses.
However, the only foolproof way to kill food-borne pathogens such as salmonella or E coli is to use hot, soapy water to wash all cutting boards, dishes, knives, and surfaces that have touched raw meat or eggs.
Scrubbing sinks, tubs, and countertops with a paste of baking soda and water effectively removes dirt rings and some stains.
For cleaning windows, fill your own spray bottle with water and either one-quarter cup white vinegar or one tablespoon lemon juice to cut grease.
Furniture and Metal Polishes
Problems
These are corrosive and may cause eye, skin, or respiratory tract irritation.
They can also contain nerve-damaging petroleum distillates or formaldehyde, a carcinogen.
Solutions
silver can be kept clean with toothpaste. Copper can be polished using a cloth dipped in white vinegar or lemon juice with salt dissolved in it; just rinse with water when you're done. You can shine your brass with a paste made from one teaspoon salt, one cup white vinegar, and one cup flour.
Air Fresheners and Other Perfumed Products
Problems
Aerosol propellants contain flammable and nerve-damaging ingredients as well as tiny particles that can lodge in your lungs.
Fragrances of all kinds can provoke allergic and asthmatic reactions.
Solutions
Cedar blocks or sachets of dried flowers and herbs provide gentle scents.
Or-
If the air outside is clean, open your windows and ventilate the natural way. An open box of baking soda removes odors.
These were a few things that you can try out using things that are usually found already in your cupboards!! -Failing this, the ingredients are cheap as chips to buy.
See you all tomorrow for lesson 12: Growing Your Own Herbs