Garlic and Vinegar- Defending Against Illness

Ingredients:

Vinegar 50% (Chinkiang Vinegar if available)
Garlic 50%. (The best garlic is the one with a purple skin.)

In this recipe we are going to work with a one litre bottle of vinegar and 5 heads of garlic. However, the recipe can be cut by half or more for smaller portions, as long as the correct ratios are maintained.

Preparation:

Vinegar – You may use organic unpasteurized apple cider vinegar from the health food store, or rice vinegar from an Oriental grocery store. The best Chinese vinegar is called Chinkiang Vinegar which got a gold medal in 1985 in France.

1. Peel off the garlic skin and crack the garlic.
2. In a large glass bowl, add the garlic to the vinegar, mix it up, and then pour the concoction into glass jars. Store the mixture in a dark place for at least two weeks (4-6 weeks is best). Then it is ready to use.

If you keep this juice in a cool place in a well sealed jar, usually it is good for 20 years or longer, especially if it contains the famous dark Chinese rice vinegar. You may take out the garlic after soaking it for one month and bring the tonic with you when travelling to primitive places with a lot of contagious disease.

Benefits of Garlic Vinegar Tonic:

For health maintenance: Take one tsp after each meal. You may mix it with salad or put it into food, such as noodles, but do not cook it at a high temperature because this would destroy the garlic’s medicinal properties.

For Obesity (Adiposis) – Take 2 to 4 Tbsp after each meal.

Common cold or cough – Mix 2 Tbsp with warm water and drink on an empty stomach, 3 times daily. Repeat until the cold and cough are gone. Make sure to get enough rest and keep warm.

Fatigue or Stress – Mix 2 Tbsp with warm water and 1 tsp of honey; take 3 times daily.

Heart disease – Mix 2 Tbsp with warm water and drink it on an empty stomach 3 times daily. Also, you can use it externally. Put a towel on the chest area where the pain is and pour the vinegar garlic juice on the top of the towel to make a poultice. Leave it for one hour, once a day. You may combine with gentle massage by kneading the chest. If there is any skin irritation, put some olive oil on the skin.

External injury, swelling caused by sprain, arthritis with fever and pain –You can use it for external application same as above.

Hemorrhoids – Take a half cup of the juice after each meal until the hemorrhoid improves. Then cut down to the maintenance dosage of 1 tsp after each meal.

Viral Hepatitis – Use the same way as for Hemorrhoids. In case of fatigue syndrome, you may add 1 tsp of honey until symptoms improve. Get plenty of rest during the recovering period.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis – Use the same way as for Hemorrhoids. Add intake of fresh crushed garlic, 3 to 5 cloves after each meal. Chew it and swallow with warm water.

Tumour – Same as Hemorrhoid.

Intestinal parasites – Same as Pulmonary Tuberculosis, until the condition clears.

Bacillary Dysentery – Same as Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

When using clear vinegar, it is normal for the garlic to turn green or a blue-green.

Stay Healthy!

Charles

Grapefruit Seed Extract- A Natural Antibiotic

Grapefruit seed extract is full of bioflavonoids and C and E vitamins, which are used to reduce the effect of the dangerous free radicals and enhance our metabolic functioning. Grapefruit seed extract stimulates the immune system.

Due to its therapeutic makeup, grapefruit seed extract can also be used to combat conditions such as candida Infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds, digestive disturbances, ear inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, halitosis, infections, sinusitis and to prevent germs from forming a resistance against external disturbances and infections of the skin like acne, athlete's foot, chicken pox, cold sores, dandruff, head lice, herpes, poison ivy, poison oak, rashes, ringworm and warts, Staph, influenza, giardia, E-coli, streptococcus, salmonella, cholera, just to name a few.

Grapefruit seed extract may be the only true antibiotic that can kill off all bacteria much in the same manner as a broad spectrum antibiotics. It has the ability to purify water (3 drops in 8 oz. of water) and be used as a disinfectant to clean hands or home and medical equipment (30-40 drops in 1 qt water).

Dosage: 3-15 drops in citrus juice (due to bitter taste) 2-3 times a day.

Grapefruit seed extract also serves a variety of purposes for the household (as a cleanser, laundry cleaner) and garden (eliminating fungus, mold and bugs).

Household Uses - Vegetable wash, counter tops, cutting boards, laundry cleaner,

Travel Uses - Grapefruit extract is used against water and food borne illnesses, diarrhea, dysentery, etc.

Gardening Uses - Tool cleaner to remove fungus, mold. As a bug spray, plant spray and more!

Pet Health - Internal and external conditions and infections, skin conditions, mange, fleas, etc.

You can purchase grapefruit seed extract in capsule form HERE Grapefruit Seed Extract-Capsule 
Or in liquid form from HERE GSE Liquid Concentrate, 4 fl oz liquid

This should be added to your home medicine cabinet or bugout bag.

Thanks!

Charles

Weights and Measurement Chart

Dry Weight:

1 ml = 0.015 grain
1 grain = 64.79891 ml
1 gram = 15.432 grains = 0.035 oz (avdp)
27.344 grains (advp) = 1 dram (avdp) = 1.772 grams
16 drams (advp) = 1 oz (advp) = 437.5 grains (advp)
16 oz (advp) = 1 lb (advp) = 256 drams (advp) = 7,000 grains (advp)
1 kilogram = 2.205 lb
1 quart British = 69.354 cubic inches = 1.032 US quarts (dry)
2 pints = 1 quart = 67.2006 cubic inches
8 quarts = 1 peck = 16 pints = 537.605 cubic inches
4 pecks = 1 bushel = 32 quarts = 2,150.42 cubic inches
1 bushel (US struck measure) = 2,150.42 cubic inches = 35.238 liters
1 bushel (heaped) = 2,747.715 cubic inches = 1.278 bushels (struck measure)

(note: this is frequently recognized as 1-1/4 bushel, struck measure)

1 barrel (standard for fruits, vegetables and other dry goods except cranberries) = 105 dry quarts = 3.281 bu (struck measure), = 7,056 cubic inches
1 barrel (stand. cranberry) = 5,286 cubic inches = 86-45/64 dry quarts = 2.709
bu (struck measure)
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Liquid Weights:

1 drop = 1 minim (afm) = 1/60th fluid dram
1 dram (fl or liq - US) = 1/8 fl oz = 0.226 cubic inch = 3.697 ml = 1.041 British fluid drachms = 1 tsp
60 drops (minims) = 1 fluid dram (afm) = 1 tsp
1 measuring tsp = 1/3 tbsp = 1-1/3 fl drams = 5 ml
1 measuring tbsp = 3 tsp = 4 fl drams = 1/2 fl oz = 15 ml
8 tsp (fl. drams) = 1 fluid ounce (afm)
16 fl oz (afm) = 1 pint (afm) = 128 fl drams (afm)
2 pints = 1 quart = 32 fl oz = 256 fl drams
4 quarts = 1 gal = 128 fl oz = 1,024 fl drams
1 milliliter = 0.271 fl dram = 16.231 minims = 1/5 tsp
1 fl or liq oz = 29.574 ml = 1.041 British fl oz
1 gill = 4 fl oz = 0.118 liter
4 gills (liq) = 1 pint
2 pints = 1 quart
4 quarts = 1 gallon = 8 pints = 32 gills
1 liter = 1.057 liq quarts = 61.024 cubic inches
1 gallon (US) = 231 cubic inches = 3.785 liters = 0.833 British gallons = 128 fl
oz (US)
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Metric Weights:

1 ml = 1/5 tsp
5 ml = 1 tsp
15 ml = 1 tbsp
34 ml = 1 fl oz
100 ml = 3.4 fl oz
240 ml = 1 cup
1 liter = 34 fl oz = 4.2 cups = 2.1 pints = 1.06 quarts = 0.26 gallon
1 gram = .035 oz
100 grams = 3.5 oz
500 grams = 1.10 lbs
1 kg = 2.205 lbs = 35 oz
1 cubic centimeter = 0.061 cubic inch
1 cubic foot = 7.481 gallons = 28.316 cubic decimeters
1 cubic inch = 0.554 fl oz = 4.433 fluid drams = 16.387 cubic centimeters
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Other Weights:

1 minim = 1 drop
1/5 tsp = 20 drops = 1 milliliter
1 tsp = 5 ml = 60 drops (or minims) = 1 drachm (British) = 1 dram = 4.2 grams
2 tsp = 10 ml
3 tsp = 1 tbsp = 15 ml = 14 grams
1 fl oz = 30 ml (by weight but 34 ml by capacity) = 28 grams
1/16 cup = 1 tbsp
1/8 cup = 2 tbsp
1/6 cup = 2 tbsp + 2 tsp
1/5 cup = 50 ml
1/4 cup = 4 tbsp
1/3 cup = 5 tbsp + 1 tsp
3/8 cup = 6 tbsp
1/2 cup = 8 tbsp
3/4 cup = 12 tbsp
2/3 cup = 10 tbsp + 2 tsp
1 cup = 240 ml = 8 fl oz = 1/2 pint (liq) = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp
2 cups = 1 pint = 470 ml
2 pints = 1 quart = .95 liter = 4 cups
1 liter = 34 fl oz = 4.2 cups = 2.1 pints = 1.06 quarts = 0.26 gallon
4 quarts = 1 gallon = 3.8 liters
1 pound = 454 grams
1 gram = .035 oz
100 grams = 3.5 oz
500 grams = 1.20 lbs
1 kg = 2.205 lbs or 35 oz
1000 grams = 1 kilogram
1 glassful = 8 fl oz = 16 tbsp = 60 fl drams = 240 ml
1 teacupful = 4 fl oz = 8 tbsp = 30 drams = 120 ml
1 wineglassful = 2 fl oz = 4 tbsp = 15 fl drams = 60 ml
1 tbsp = 1/2 fl oz = 4 fl drams = 15 ml
1 dessertspoonful = 2 fl drams = 8 ml

Thanks!

Charles

Converting Adult Dosages For Children

The formulations and recipes presented in most materials refer to adult dosages (unless the work is specifically geared toward remedies for children). To work the dosages for children there are several different methods and charts.

Dillings Formula:

Take the age in years of the child and divide by 20 to get the portion of the adult dose to administer.

Example: a 6 year old child = 6 divided by 20 = 3/10ths

Young's Formula:

Take the age in years of the child and divide by the age in years of the child + 12 and this will equal the portion of the adult dose to administer.

Example: a 6 year old child divided by 6 + 12 (18) = 1/3 the adult dose

Cowling's Rule:

Divide the age at the next birthday by 24.

Example: a 5-year-old would be 6 at the next birthday; 6 divided by 24 equals 6/24 or 1/4. Dose would be 1/4 the adult dosage.

Clark's Rule:

Divide the weight in *pounds of the child by 150 to give the approximate fraction of the adult dosage.

(*pounds: using a dosage based on the weight is a more sensible choice. Children vary considerably in size despite their ages. A small 6 year old would require less than a large 6 year old).

When in doubt, always ask a person knowledgeable in the area of herbal dosages.

Thanks!


Charles

Healing Properties of Ginger

Ginger Root

Ginger root offers you a lot of benefits, including the ability to treat headaches and common colds. One of the most common uses of ginger root is the treat an upset stomach. Normally in the form of flat ginger ale and crackers, this herb could fix even the most upset of stomachs and quickly.

For the last few decades, ancient civilizations have used the herb in both cooking form and medicine form. Although the technology back then wasn’t close to what it is today, the ancient civilizations knew that ginger root would help prevent ailments ranging from motion sickness to athlete’s foot. With ginger root having anti-inflammatory properties, it can also make the pain of rheumatoid arthritis less intense. Women that drink ginger tea have said that it helps them eliminate menstrual cramps completely.

What many people don’t know, is the fact that ginger root isn’t really classified as a root, but instead an underground stem. Even though it is a very useful vitamin and supplement, it is harvested year round. The harvests, which are obtained roughly five months or so after being planted, are used in the creation of products such as candied ginger and ginger syrup. Harvests that are obtained later can be sold as fresh ginger. The longer the ginger remains in the ground before being harvested, the spicier and hotter it gets.

Keep in mind that not anyone can grow ginger. It takes a special type of soil, which means that it won’t grow anywhere. It is normally grown commercially, in large harvests. Ginger is always in high demand, as it serves a lot of useful purposes. From adding spice to food to healing certain ailments, ginger root is easily one of the best vitamins around.

These days, you can buy ginger in the produce department of many grocery stores. Ginger serves many useful purposes, including baking. It can be used with cookies and breads, or used to spice up your jellies and jams. When you shop for ginger root, you should ensure that the gnarly fist like bulb is smooth, the surface hard to the touch, and the weight being somewhat heavy. If the bulb is hard and light in weight, it won’t be as good.

When it comes to common ailments, ginger root can be great to have around. It can be used with hundreds of cooking recipes, you can use your creative imagination to make even more uses with it as well. Ginger is used in many fine dining restaurants as well, as it tastes great as a dressing on salads.

Ginger Root Tea Recipe:

Water 4 cups
2-inch piece of fresh ginger root
optional: honey and lemon slice

Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste.

Note: Keep in mind that if you are making ginger tea as a home remedy during cold and flu season, sweeteners are not recommended.

Thanks!

Charles

Herbal Remedies For Menstrual Pain

Here is a request for natural remedies that can be used to help women who suffer menstrual cramps. Some of these home remedies may or may not work for everyone. Some experimenting may be needed as to which remedy, if any, will work for you.

Women can get menstrual cramps before, after, and during their menstrual cycle. After doing some research, many women complain they get constipated after taking over-the-counter pain medications. Some pain killers, such as 'neurofen' have an ingredient that cause constipation, making natural home remedies a better choice for relief.

Many women have found that placing a hot water bottle or heating pad just below the belly button helps to ease the pain menstrual cramps. An emergency heating pad can be made by filling a sock with dried pinto beans or dried rice and heating it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.

Supplemental vitamins and food that are high in vitamin-B, zinc, calcium, and magnesium have been found to reduce the menstrual pain and bloating. Calcium is known to help maintain muscle tone as well as prevent cramps and pain.

800 mg. of calcium is the recommended daily intake for most women. Increasing magnesium intake is also recommended, since it helps the body absorb the calcium. A good source of magnesium include beans, whole wheat, tofu, shrimp, nuts, and vegetables and pharmaceutical grade supplement.

I usually like to refer to using pharmaceutical grade nutritionals because the manufacturing of these nutritionals usually mean they are as pure as possible if made by a company that take pride in the quality of their products.

Also, due to the sometimes lack of time and resources to grow our own nutritional food, high quality supplements are the second best way to obtain what our bodies need and crave. Contact me if you are looking for references to excellent pharmaceutical companies.

It is suggested that you should not eat chocolate while you are menstruating. Many women state their cramps get worse when they eat chocolate. Instead, eat fruits and stay away from the junk food.

Here are a few herbal remedies that may help relieve menstrual pain:
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Oregano Tea-

This easy-to-make tea is made in about less than 15 minutes, and will take the menstrual cramps away in a matter of minutes.

Ingredients: Oregano, sugar, water

Preparation:

1. Mix a cup of water and half a tea spoon of oregano in a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Place a coffee filter or a napkin over a coffee cup so that the herbs can be filtered out later.
3. When the water in the pot comes to a boil, pour it into the cup.
4. Remove the filter leaving only the liquid tea in the cup.
5. Add sugar to taste, stir and drink.

Dosage: drink 3-4 cups a day during cycle.
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Chamomile Tea-

Chamomile is widely used to treat menstrual cramps and discomfort.

Ingredients: Chamomile flowers (dried)- 2 tsp., water- 1 cup, sugar or honey

Preparation:

1. Add 2 teaspoons of dried Chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for at least 5 minutes.
2. Strain the solution through a coffee filter.
3. Add sugar or honey to taste and drink.

Dosage: a good preventive measure is to start drinking Chamomile tea a couple of days before you are expecting your menstrual cycle to start, and then drink at least 2 cups everyday during your cycle.
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Ginger Root Tea-

Ginger root has been found to help relieve the pain associated with menstrual cramps.

Ingredients: Sliced ginger root (1-handful), water- 1 cup, honey or sugar

1. Mix the sliced ginger in a pan of boiling water and let simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Pour the tea into a coffee cup through a strainer or coffee filter.
3. Add sugar or honey to taste.

Dosage: drink 2-3 cups a day during your menstrual cycle.
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Blue Cohosh Tea (also called Sqaw Root)-

Here is an herb that has many uses besides menstrual pain.

Blue Cohosh was used as a medicinal herb by the American Indians, and can also be used as a dietary supplement that can induce labor, regulate menstrual flow, suppress menstruation, and ease the pain and difficulty that accompany childbirth.

Many Native American tribes and later herbologists and mid-wives would use this herb in conjunction with other herbs and fluids for abortive and contraceptive purposes. As such, this herb should not be taken during pregnancy.

Ingredients: Blue Cohosh root (dried)- 1 oz., water- 2 cups, sugar or honey

Preparation:

1. Add 1 oz. of dried blue cohosh to 2 cups of boiling water.
2. Boil for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add sugar or honey to taste.

Dosage: drink 1/4 to 1/2 cup, two to four times a day.

**Because of its alkaloids, blue cohosh should not be used for longer than 4-6 months. The alkaloid elevate blood pressure in susceptible individuals when used regularly for longer than six months. Do not use blue cohosh if you have a history of stroke or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Blue cohosh should not be used during pregnancy. Don't inhale it or get it in your eyes. And do not eat the berries.
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Squaw Vine Tea-

Squaw vine is recommended by herbalists to treat menstrual pains and cramps, to regulate menstruation and relieve heavy bleeding. This herb is sometimes used to stimulate breast-milk production as well, and in some cases, this herb has been used to treat diarrhea. This herb was used in a lotion or salve form to treat nursing mother's sore or cracked nipples.

Ingredients: Sqaw Vine (dried)-1 tsp., water- 1 cup, sugar or honey

Preparations:

1. Mix 1tsp. of dried sqaw vine to 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Let steep for 3 minutes.
3. Pour liquid through a strainer or coffee filter into a coffee cup.
4. Add sugar or honey to taste.

Dosage: drink 3 times a day during cycle.
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False Unicorn Herbal Tea-

False unicorn has great medicinal use. It is used to treat venereal disease, such as gonorrhea. A small, finely chopped piece of the root is simmered in 3 cups of boiling water for 20 minutes. The strained, cooled liquid was used both as a vaginal douche and wash to get rid of this infection.

This root has also been used to prevent possible miscarriages and to stop hemorrhage.

This herb seems to have a regulatory effect on the female reproductive system, encouraging a regular menstrual cycle, and it is given to women with absent or irregular cycles. This herb also assists the ovaries in releasing hormones at the right point in the month.

It may take several months for the herb to have a significant effect on the cycle. False unicorn is also used to treat endometriosis, uterine infections, ovarian cysts, and menopausal symptoms.

Ingredients: False unicorn root- 2 tsp., water- 1 cup, sugar or honey

Preparation:

1. Mix 2 tsp. of root in 1 cup of water in a sauce pan.
2. Bring water to a boil and then turn heat down to a slow simmer.
3. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Pour tea into a coffee cup through a coffee filter or strainer.
5. Add sugar or honey to taste.

Dosage: 1 cup 3 times a day.

These are just a few of the many herbs that can be used as home remedies or emergency herbal remedies to combat the pain of menstruation. It is important that you learn to identify these herbs if you plan on harvesting and using them yourself. These herbs can be purchased from the internet or herbal stores. Make sure you obtain the freshest herbs possible.

Charles

Making Your Own Lotions, Creams and Salves- Part 2

Aloe Moisturizing Hand Cream

1/4 cup rosewater

12 drops herbal extract

1 tbsp aloe gel

1/8 cup sweet almond oil

1/2 tbsp peanut oil

1 tsp cocoa butter

1/2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 tsp anhydrous lanolin

1/2 tbsp liquid lecithin

1/8 oz. grated beeswax

400 I.U. vitamin E

6 drops tincture of Benzoin

Melt the waxes, oils, cocoa butter, lanolin and lecithin and allow to cool a bit as per procedure (above).

Place aloe gel in blender and whip for a bit. Add the rosewater to aloe and blend. Stir tincture of benzoin (or grape-seed extract) and vitamin E into the warm oils. With blender running, slowly add the oils into the aloe-water mix. Put up into suitable containers and store in refrigerator. Shelf life is approximately one month.

Hand Lotion:

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/3 cup sweet almond oil

3 oz. vegetable glycerin

1/2 tbsp liquid lecithin

1/8 oz grated beeswax

8 drops tincture of benzoin

Melt wax and oils in top of the double boiler. Place glycerin in bottom of bowl or blender. Turn on blender and start adding the oil mix into the glycerin per procedure above.

Face and Hand Cream:

Remember to use boiled (sterile) water and sterilize your jar and cap.

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp coconut oil

a walnut-sized piece of cocoa butter

1/2 tbsp liquid lecithin

1/8 oz bees wax

1200 IU vitamin E

1/3 cup boiled water

1/2 tbsp vegetable glycerin

Combine oils, fats, and waxes in top of double boiler. Melt over hot water. Remove from heat and add vitamin E. Combine 1/3 cup boiled water with vegetable glycerin.

Mix the melted oils and fats into water/glycerin mixture while your beater/blender/mixer is working. See Procedure for making cream above. Remember to use boiled (sterile) water and sterilize your jar and cap.

More Face and Hand Cream:

This cream feeds the skin and holds in whatever moisture. Apply this cream while the face is still damp after cleaning. Homemade remedies are not as quickly absorbed into the skin as the commercial counterparts.

If you are not ready to make an extract, but would like to include herbs, simply replace the rosewater with herbal tea made from 1 tbsp of the ground herbs to 1 cup of distilled (or boiled) water.

Use the same herbs listed in the Herbal Extract Recipe. Combine the herbs as listed, then powder enough in a coffee mill or grinder to make up 1 tbsp. Place in a bowl and pour 1 cup of water just off the boil over the herbs and allow to steep for 10 minutes, covered. Strain through a coffee filter and measure out the 1/4 cup of herb tea to replace the rosewater.

NOTE: If using the herb tea in place of the rosewater, you will not need to use the extract. You can also substitute the rosewater with distilled water to which 3 drops of essential oil of rose or lavender is added.

1/4 cup rosewater

12 drops herbal extract

1/2 tbsp vegetable glycerin

1/8 cup sweet almond oil

1/2 tbsp coconut oil

1/2 tbsp peanut oil

1/4 tsp anhydrous lanolin

1/2 tbsp liquid lecithin

1 tsp cocoa butter (5 grams)

1/8 oz. grated beeswax

400 I.U. vitamin E

Add glycerin and extract to rosewater and blend. While blender is running, add the melted waxes and oils to which the vitamin E has been added. When well blended, transfer to a suitable container. Cover and refrigerate. Shelf life is about one month unless tincture of benzoin or grapefruit seed extract is used.

An easy variation (and richer for aged and thirsty skin) is to make it without the herbal tea or extract.

Simply combine 1/3 cup sterile (boiled) water and 1/2 tbsp vegetable glycerin. Melt the oils, waxes and butters and proceed as per instructions. Use the following ingredients (makes a smaller batch which will last about 3 weeks to 1 month in the refrigerator): 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 tbsp coconut oil, 1/2 tbsp cocoa butter, 1/2 tbsp lecithin, 1/8 oz beeswax, 1200 IU Vitamin E.

Gels:

Petroleum jelly has such a wealth of uses that it is nice to know how to prepare your own non-petroleum substitute. Many over-the-counter salves, ointments, liniments and cosmetics have petroleum jelly as a base.

Making Non-Petroleum Jelly

A softer or firmer gel can be made by changing the amount of beeswax used. Try this recipe, then decide if you like it or if you would like to change the next batch to a different consistency.

For a softer gel, use 1 oz. of beeswax. For a firmer gel, use 1½ oz. of beeswax. For a very soft gel, more like an ointment in consistency, use 1/2 oz of beeswax.

Combine 1¼ oz. grated beeswax and 3/4 cup sweet almond oil (or olive oil) in the top of a double boiler.

With water in the lower pan at a simmer, thoroughly melt ingredients together. Remove from heat and pour into suitable container(s). This recipe will fill two 3½ to 4 oz. containers. This allows one jar to be used 'as is' and the other to be used as a base for products you wish to make.

Lip Gloss:

This is a good way to use up those colors of lipstick you aren't very fond of. It is also possible to create new colors by mixing small amounts of different colors. Keep a record of what you use and how much in case it turns out to be a really good color.

You can control the hardness of the product by using less or more beeswax according to preference. If it doesn't turn out quite right, simply toss the experiment back into the top of the double boiler and melt it down again, then add a little more of whatever you need.

1 Tbsp non-petroleum jelly

lipstick the size of a small pea

1/2 tsp grated beeswax

In the top of a double boiler, over barely simmering water, melt beeswax and jelly together till both are well combined. Add the piece of lipstick. Continue to add small amounts, if needed, until the desired color is reached. Pour into a small lip balm tub or tube and allow to set up. You can also improve the healing quality of this by adding the contents of one 400 IU capsule of vitamin E.

Healthy Lip Gloss:

Follow directions as for Lip Gloss above and combine:

1/2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tbsp sweet almond oil

pea-size piece of lipstick color

1 tsp grated beeswax

200 I.U. vitamin E

NOTE: The difference between these two products is a matter of consistency and which one you prefer.

Charles

Making Your Own Lotions, Creams and Salves- Part 1

Shelf life is one of the biggest problems one faces when making homemade cosmetic products. They tend to spoil after time and have to be made more often. This is just a small inconvenience when you have the knowledge of knowing that the best ingredients are being used.

To overcome having to throw out spoiled products, just make enough to last until you have to make another batch. Another key point to remember is not to use your bare fingers to mix ingredients as this can contaminate the batch when there are no chemical preservatives being used. Instead use a small plastic knife or spatula or a clean applicator to remove small amounts of the product you are going to apply.

By themselves, oils and waxes will remain stable. It is the introduction of the herbal infusion, or aloe gel, or unsterilized water that presents the problem of mold and bacteria. It is also possible to make or purchase extracts of the herbs you wish to include and use those in your products, rather than an infusion.

Remember to use boiling water to sterilize glass containers. For plastic type containers, use alcohol for sterilizing.

There are two natural preservatives which can stabilize your homemade product. Tincture of Benzoin can be found at the local pharmacy and has been used commercially for a long time.

It is applied at the rate of 1 drop per ounce of product. Becoming more popular each year is grapefruit seed extract, available through herbal supply shops, and is applied at the same rate.

Vitamin E also has preservative qualities. It's not as effective as benzoin tincture or grapefruit seed extract, but 200 to 400 I.U. per ounce will not only help out with longevity, it's also great for the skin.

If you are going to use aloe in your products, use food grade aloe. Fresh aloe straight from the houseplant will quickly develop mold. Food grade aloe has already been stabilized.

If the recipe calls for glycerin, it always means food grade vegetable glycerin. At no time should you use any other type.

The oil from sweet almond, safflower, olive, corn, peanut, wheat germ, jojoba and small amounts of vitamin E oil, are oils most commonly used in making home cosmetics. In the recipes to follow, the ingredient lecithin refers to the liquid type. When lanolin is used it will be the anhydrous lanolin.

One other ingredient you will need is beeswax. Beeswax melts at 148ºF, and melts more quickly if you first grate it up. A hand held rotary grater with the large holes for grating makes grating much faster.

A few other utensils/tools which you will need are a blender, or similar item which is capable of making mayonnaise, since the process of combining oils and water is similar. You will also need a stainless steel or enamel double boiler. It is absolutely essential to melt the waxes and oils in the top portion of the double boiler over hot water in the bottom pan.

Glycerin & Rosewater Lotion:

Long known for its soothing properties, this is the easiest of the skin lotions to prepare. For a small trial size, combine one ounce of rosewater with one ounce of vegetable glycerin. A 2-oz flip-top bottle makes an excellent handy dispenser.

Hot Weather Spritz:

In a small spritzer bottle, mix 1 cup of distilled water plus 3-5 drops of essential oil of lavender. Keep mixture refrigerated and spritz on skin to cool off when needed. This is especially nice during hot weather trips. A man might prefer the spicy scent of oil of coriander, while lemon tends to be gender neutral.

Lavender water or orange water or other floral water can be purchased for this use, but essential oil and distilled water is cheaper.

Masks:

Ingredients: powdered oatmeal and powdered almond

Both of these powders can be made at home by grinding oatmeal or almonds in a coffee grinder. One other ingredient that can be used is plain yogurt. It makes a refreshing mask when combined with oatmeal and a little lemon juice. Brewer's yeast can also be used.

To make:

Add distilled water, a few drops at a time, to a tablespoon or two of the oatmeal or almond powder until you have a paste. Apply paste on your face, avoiding the eye area, then allow the mask to dry. When ready, use a washcloth and water that is as warm as you can tolerate and place the cloth over your face for a few minutes to soften the mask. Then wash your face clean with warm water and follow with a cool water splash.

You can also use floral waters such as lavender, rose, or orange to make the paste, or you could use honey. Honey and oatmeal masks were often used in the older days. A mask should be applied once a week to revive the skin by getting rid of the dead skin cells.

Creams:

Step One: Melt the waxes, fats, liquid lecithin, cocoa butter, and honey in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Watch that the mixture gets only warm enough to melt the contents. Beeswax should be grated for easiest melting. Make sure all is blended well and then remove from heat. Allow to cool for about a minute. Add the vitamin E if it is used.

Step Two: In a mixer bowl or blender, add the water, glycerin and herb extract, the tincture of benzoin or grapefruit seed extract, and a few drops of essential oil.

Step Three: While blender or mixer is operating, slowly add the melted oils and waxes into the water mixture. It will begin to thicken. The longer the blending, the fluffier it will become. It will appear to be a little loose at this point, but will continue to harden as it comes to room temperature. Pour into a suitable jar and allow to sit on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes, then cap and store in the refrigerator.

Face and Body Cream:

1/3 cup coconut oil
1/8 cup sweet almond oil
1/8 cup vegetable glycerin
2/3 cup rosewater (or sterile water)
1 tbsp liquid lecithin
1/4 oz. grated beeswax
9 drops tincture of benzoin

Follow directions as given in Procedure above. Shelf life is about one month.

Charles

Importance Of Good Quality Supplements

As most of us are aware, getting the full nutritional value out of the foods we consume on a daily basis is a task within itself. Most of us work full time and do not have time to plant and tend our own gardens, or raise our own chickens and cows to provide fresh wholesome food.

Instead, we must rely on the grocery stores where a lot of the nutrients are lost due to processing. Even organic foods being advertised are not as good as the claims many make.

With current trends worsening within our government, medical cost will rise, while available doctors my decline. It is up to you and I to take care of ourselves to the best of our ability in order to stay out of the doctor's office as much as possible.

Please watch the attached video on pharmaceutical grade supplements that are produced by an award winning company.

Click here if you are interested in obtaining these high potency nutritionals.

Homemade Salves

The herbs used here are those which have been successfully used down through the centuries for their skin healing benefits. Three of these are calendula, comfrey (not for internal use), and chickweed.

Salves are useful for dry, chapped and work-worn skin.

Making a salve takes a little bit longer than making creams, but is somewhat easier. The difference is that the herbs for salve are steeped directly in the oil and the recipes contain no water. The shelf life of salve is a lot longer as well.

Steps for Making Salve:

Equipment-

Electric skillet

The top of a double boiler pan (or a pyrex bowl)

Cooking thermometer

A suitably sized jar to hold the salve

Wide-mouth 4-oz canning jars are particularly suitable and can be easily sterilized.

Step 1: Powder the herbs in a blender or coffee mill.

Step 2: Combine the oils and herbs in the double boiler or bowl.

Step 3: Place 3/4 inch of water in the bottom of the electric skillet to protect its finish. Turn the skillet control to where the control light just comes on, then keep raising it little-by-little until the temperature of the water reaches about 100º F.

Step 4: Place the double boiler pan (which hold the herbs and oils) in the center of the skillet and switch the thermometer from the skillet to the inside of the double boiler pan.

Step 5: When you are sure that the temperature of the combined herbs and oils is constant at 95-98 degrees F., allow to remain uncovered for 12 to 14 hours or until the herbs look used up.

Step 6: Strain the herb-oil mixture through muslin or fine cheesecloth and get out as much oil as you can.

After the initial straining, you may wish to do it again in order to remove as many of the herb particles as possible. Do the second straining into a measuring cup and have a salve jar standing by.

Step 7: Take note of the amount of oil you have and pour into your cleaned double boiler pan. (Write it down so you don't forget). Raise the temperature of the skillet so the oil is at 150º F., (Beeswax melts at approximately 148º F).

Step 8: When 150º F has been reached and maintained steadily, add the grated beeswax and vitamin E (if desired). Stir while wax is melting.

Step 9: When wax is completely melted, remove from heat and add 1 drop Tincture of Benzoin (or grapefruit seed extract) for each ounce of liquid you measured. Test the consistency of your product by dripping a couple of drops onto the bottom of the salve jar (or onto a plate).

Allow a minute for it to harden and then test the consistency. If suitable, pour contents into your jar. If it is too loose, add a bit more grated beeswax (a tiny bit at a time). If too firm add a teaspoon of oil. Any more should not be necessary.

In the past, herbs were simmered in lard to make a salve and can still be done that way to cut costs. Some herbalists believe it is still a superior method of delivery to the body.

The usual method is to combine lard and herbs in a large pan in the oven on low heat (about 125º F. for 12 hours). Lard can still be used in the skillet method.

3-C Skin Salve:

1/2 oz. chickweed

1/2 oz. calendula petals

1/2 oz. comfrey leaf

6 oz. sweet almond (or other vegetable oil such as olive)

1/3 oz. grated beeswax

Powder herbs and combine with oil in double boiler. Proceed as per instructions above.

Barrier Salve:

A useful salve for skin which has taken a beating or to protect skin while doing really tough work (like gardening!) This salve is both protective and healing.

3/4 oz. calendula petals

1/4 oz. chickweed

1/2 C. non-petroleum gel

1/2 tbsp sweet almond oil

Powder herbs and combine herbs, gel and oil in top of double boiler. Place double boiler pan in electric skillet and proceed with Steps 3 through 7 for making salve.

Once the mixture has been strained, pour it into a waiting sterile jar.

An alternative method is to proceed exactly according to the salve recipe.

Combine the powdered herbs together with 1/2 cup plus 1/2 Tbsp of oil and allow to simmer for 12 to 14 hours. Strain and return to cleaned double boiler pan with 1/8 oz. grated beeswax. Test for consistency, adjusting if necessary, pour into jar and allow to set up.

Vapor Rub:

This is a homemade version of that old medicine-shelf staple Moms' have used to rub on our chests since time immemorial whenever we had a cold or flu.

Never apply it (either the purchased one or your own homemade one) directly on the skin. Spread some on a clean, soft cloth, fold it over and place it over the chest.

1/2 C. non-petroleum gel

1/2 Tbsp sweet almond or other vegetable oil

1/2 tsp essential oil of Eucalyptus

2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil (optional)

Combine NP-gel and almond oil in top of double boiler. Melt the two ingredients together, blending well, and remove from heat. Blend in the Eucalyptus (and the tea tree oil if using).

Pour into a jar and allow to set up. A small amount for immediate use can be poured out thinly onto a saucer and be ready in a few minutes.

Herbal Oils:

Two of the most useful oils are Calendula oil, for skin care, and St. Johnswort oil, which is used for a number of neurological complaints such as neuralgia, as well as for burns, bruises and sprains.

A third oil with a long history of use for earache is Mullein oil.

To make Calendula or Mullein oil, harvest a handful of Calendula petals or Mullein flowers. Place in a sealable glass jar and cover with olive oil. Cap the jar and allow to sit in the sun for several days or until the herbs look well 'used up'. Strain and bottle being sure to label and date your bottle.

A shortcut method is to use the electric skillet method as described above for infusing herbs in oil (the beeswax is omitted).

St. Johnswort oil is made by harvesting a handful of flowers and placing in a sealable glass jar. Cover with olive oil, cap the jar, and place in the sun until the oil has acquired the characteristic red color of St.Johnswort oil. Strain and bottle and label.

Charles

35 Wonderful Uses For Baking Soda

Baking soda! There is probably a box or two in your pantry with many of your other cooking spices.

For those who know the many uses and benefits of baking soda probably always keep a few boxes on hand.

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda is the popular brand that many are familiar with. Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a naturally occurring substance that is found in all living things.

Baking Soda is made from soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate. The soda ash is mined in the form of an ore called trona. The soda ash is then dissolved into a solution through which carbon dioxide is bubbled and sodium bicarbonate precipitates out, forming Baking Soda.

For those who are not aware of this simple and inexpensive cooking additive, here are 35 amazing uses for baking soda.

For personal care baking soda can be used to:

1. Freshen up your mouth- Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit, and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.

2. Make a toothpaste- make a paste of baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.

3. Use as a facial scrub- Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use.

4. Soak oral appliances- Soak oral appliances in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh.

5. Use as a deodorant- Pat baking soda onto your underarms to neutralize body odor.

6. Use as an antacid- Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and/or acid indigestion.

7. Hair treatment- Vinegar is amazing for your hair, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. Baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.

8. Clean brushes and combs- Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

9. Treat insect bites and itchy skin- For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower.

10. Make a hand cleanser and softener- make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or 3 parts baking soda with gentle liquid hand soap. Gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands then rinse clean.

11. Bath soak- Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. It also makes your skin feel very soft. Or just focus on soothing your feet. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub.

For cleaning baking soda can be used to:

12. Make a surface soft scrub- For safe, effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile, and sinks sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with baking soda, coarse salt, and liquid dish soap — let it sit then scour off.

13. Freshen up sponges- Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of the mess (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water).

14. Cleaning the oven- Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning, scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.

15. Cleaning the microwave- Baking soda on a clean damp sponge cleans gently inside and outside the microwave and never leaves a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.

16. Polishing silver flatware- Use a baking soda paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces.

17. Cleaning coffee and tea pots- Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.

18. Cleaning the floors- Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no-wax and tile floors using 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water — mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse.

19. Cleaning the furniture- Clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

20. Boosting liquid laundry detergent- Give your laundry a boost by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher, and brighter. Or you can add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels or to neutralize gym clothes and odoriferous clothing.

21. Removing oily stains- Use baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.

22. Cleaning batteries- Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc., because it's a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and reconnecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion.

23. Cleaning the car- Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats, and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar.

For stubborn stains use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush. Eliminate odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.

For deodorizing use baking soda to:

24. Deodorize your refrigerator- Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.

25. Remove odor from carpets- Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. An added bonus: You'll also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.

26. Deodorize trashcans- Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay.

27. Deodorize drains and garbage disposals- To deodorize your sink and tub drains and garbage disposal and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water. This will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.

28. Deodorize and clean dishwashers- Use baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.

29. Freshen your closets- Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh.

30. Freshen stuffed animals- Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.

31. Deodorize pet stuff- Cover the bottom of your cat box with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. Eliminate odors from your pet's bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.

32. Deodorize stinky sneakers- Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing.

A few other uses for baking soda:

33. Care for the septic system- Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. One cup of baking soda per week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.

34. Scrub fruits and vegetables- Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse. Here’s another way to clean your vegetables as well.

35. Extinguish grease or electrical fires- Baking soda can help in the initial handling of minor grease or electrical kitchen fires, because when baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps to smother the flames.

For small cooking fires (frying pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the flame to help put out the fire. Never throw baking soda into a deep fryer. This may cause the grease to splatter on you.

There are many more uses for baking soda. The fun part is researching and experimenting to find more useful benefits.

Charles