Great Lakes Green Pages

Here are a few natural tips passed on to me by friends. I haven’t tried them all myself, so I cannot speak to how well they all work. Also remember, I am NOT a doctor or vet, so use these ideas at your own peril! That being said, it is often the old fashioned remedies that work the best. The fancy packed, latest things that you see in the store are often the same basic ingredients as what is in your pantry or bathroom, just repackaged with some new scent and a colorful box. The less we buy, the more money we have for things that are really important-like that upgrade to a tankless water heater.

If you are flu-ish and suffering from sore muscles, I have been told that relief can be had from this natural cure: Mix 1 tablespoon horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil for instant relief for aching muscles.

Small minor burn? I have been told that Colgate toothpaste is a great salve. You can also try Preparation H (it is for swollen, burning tissues) and it can be used with a little lotion to shrink those bags under your eyes.

Many headaches are caused by dehydration. Before reaching for Tylenol or other pain reliever, try guzzling a couple of glasses of Gatorade. The electrolytes will balance the system and ease the headache quite quickly.

Chewing Altoids can bring relief to a stuffy nose-as can Chinese hot mustard.

Honey is a great treatment for many ills. It can help kill bacteria, so put some on a skin blemish and cover with a bandage for an overnight treatment. Mix equal parts with vinegar and take a tablespoon 6 times a day for sore throats.

Listerine is an antiseptic. Use it to close pores before bed. Minor cuts, broken blisters and other small injuries can be disinfected with it. It kills fungus, too-like athletes foot.

Splinter? Apply a little Elmer’s glue and let dry. It will often take the splinter out when you peel it off.

Vinegar applied to a bruise for an hour or so will speed healing and help with discoloration, if used right away. Tomato juice or sauce applied as a compress will speed healing of boils. Apply slightly cooled cooked oatmeal to hands for relief of arthritis pain.

Lemon juice and sunshine will naturally lighten medium hair and bring our highlights.

For insects-you can get rid of ticks by covering them with butter. They suffocate and can be easily removed. Try corn or vegetable oil for ear mites on your pet. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing. Formula 409 will kill wasps and hornets. Or try my favorite for all flying insects-Aqua Net extra hold. As it dries, bugs can no longer fly. Ants cannot resist sugar. Mix equal parts powdered sugar and Comet and place near ant entrances. They will take it back to the colony and will destroy them all.

Let me repeat that I am no doctor or vet. Some of these ideas are common knowledge. Some I have used myself over the years. Some i have never heard of. That being said, if you are trying to have a more natural home, some of these hints are worth a shot, and most are far less toxic than their chemical counterparts. Even better, you can wash them down the drain without the fear of old medications!

Tags: environment

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 10:47 am and is filed under Green. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.