Household/Gardening Tips
By Suzanne

Natural Air Freshner

Ventilation - Open windows or doors in the house for at least a short period every day. This will also help to reduce toxic fumes that may be building up indoors.

Cinnamon and Cloves - Boil these spices for a fragrant smell. For ease of cleaning, make a cheesecloth bag to contain these spices, and boil the cheesecloth bag. An excellent alternative when entertaining is to steep spiced tea or cider.

Potpourri - Buy or make your own potpourri from your favorite herbs and spices. Place the potpourri in a small basket or jar or in small sachet bags.

Oil of Wintergreen - Dampen cotton balls with oil of wintergreen and place out of sight but where air will touch them.

Vinegar - Distribute partially filled saucers of vinegar around the room or boil 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of water to eliminate unpleasant cooking odors.

Vanilla - Place pure vanilla on a cotton ball in a small saucer. Place the saucer in the car or refrigerator to remove odors. It is renowned to remove even skunk odors. Keep the cotton ball out of reach of children; vanilla has a high alcohol content.

Baking Soda - Place a partially filled saucer of baking soda on the refrigerator shelf. Replace every two months and when you do, pour the contents of the used box down the drain to remove odors and keep the drain clean. Baking soda can also be used to deodorize bottles by filling them with undiluted baking soda and allowing the bottles to soak overnight. Then wash as usual.

Borax - Empty the garbage frequently and clean the can as needed. To inhibit growth of odor-producing molds and bacteria, sprinkle 1/2 cup Borax in the bottom of the garbage can.

Vinegar or Celery Stalk - To avoid or remove onion odors from your hands, rub white vinegar on your hands before and after slicing. Rubbing hands with the end of a celery stalk will also remove the odor.

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"Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in Tomorrow"

Home Remedies

Home remedies from the garden are one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These home remedies are not meant to replace medical opinion, care or treatment but merely a healthy alternative to alleviate mild discomfort. Always consult a professional when unsure.

Massage away the pain of a headache:

1/4 cup of almond oil.
20 drops of rosemary oil.
20 drops of lavender oil.
30 drops of peppermint oil.
Mix thoroughly and gently massage temples and forehead with the mixture. Place a small amount near your nostrils and inhale this relaxing scent. This should bring relief for most headaches. If the pain persists; massage the back of your neck and fleshy area between your thumb and index finger as well.

Notify your Doctor of any headaches that are unusual.

Cold and Flu Thyme:

Add one grated onion and two tablespoons of thyme leaves to two cups of boiling water. Let steep for 1/2 hour. Strain and add lemon.

Beebalm for a clear complexion:
Pour boiling water over beebalm leaves and let steep.
Beebalm has an aromatic fragrance.
Apply to skin externally.

Onion Juice for Asthma:
Onions contain compounds that relax the bronchial muscles and prevent spasms.
You will need to mix 2 ounces of onion juice
2 ounces of carrot juice
2 ounces of parsley juice
Drink twice a day.
This is to be used in conjunction with the supervision of a physician. Proper medical treatment is suggested.

Sage for Fever:
Boil sage leaves (aprox. 1 tablespoon sage to a cup of boiling water.)

Cover, and steep aprox. ten minutes.
Drink 1/2 cup no more than 3 times throughout the day.
Lemon juice and honey can be added for flavor.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid sage.

Rosemary Toothpowder:
Rosemary has antibacterial effects.
You can burn the stems of rosemary and grind the coals into a powder.
Brush teeth with this powder.

Keep nasty colds and flu bugs at bay.
Make an effort to ensure you are getting enough vitamin C on a daily basis.
For a daily cup of prevention try drinking a cup of this tea.
It is great for colds, sore throats and the flu. (High in vitamin C)
Soak two cups of rose hips in eight cups of water overnight.
Strain then heat liquid in your microwave for 2 minutes and drink as a tea.
Add a Tsp. of honey. (optional)