All Natural Carpet Shampoo
The other day, we had a sick puppy on our hands. She completely and totally destroyed our bedroom with her icky tummy problems. I grabbed our Kirby which doubles as a carpet shampoo-er when not needed as a vaccuum. I wasn't particularly worried about getting the stains out; I know the power of a good shampoo-er. However, I was worried about a carpet shampoo that was safe to use around Craig. Granted, I don't want the rest of us breathing in toxins and poisons from traditional carpet shampoo's, but knowing that some have the potential to make Craig react, I definetely didn't want to use one.
After a little research we settled on this one and I would like to stand and applaud it. It did the job BEAUTIFULLY. She recommends using it in a Bissell Little Green Deep Cleaner; however, it worked wonderfully in our Kirby shampooer as well.
Here's her recommendation:
1 1/2 quarts of hot (NOT boiling) water
1/4 cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (it’s the regular hydrogen peroxide that you can get at any store)
1 1/2 Tablespoons of White Vinegar
1 1/2 Tablespoons of Dish Soap (we use Seventh Generation and it worked great)
About 1/8 of a teaspoon of your favorite essential oil(s) – either just one or a combination. Vanilla and lavender would be a good one. I had ginger and lavender on hand so I used those, but I’m going to get vanilla for next time.
We eliminated the essental oil as we a) did not have any on hand and b) felt like any smell had to be better than the one we were currently dealing with!
All Natural First Aid Kit
If you're looking to take a more natural approach, what kind of items should you keep on hand? I came across this article by Dr. Mercola that clearly outlines natural items you should always have around. Here are a few of his recommendations:Echinacea
It helps support a healthy immune system, and has antibacterial and antibiotic properties. If you start to feel an illness coming on, dosing yourself with a tincture of echinacea is a good way to help you stay healthy.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a powerful antibacterial, antibiotic, and antiparasitical potion. In powdered form, it can be applied to open cuts to help them from getting infected.
All Heal
All-Heal, Self- Heal and Heal-All are all common names of a plant that can be used as an antibiotic, antiseptic, astringent.
Ginger
Both ginger and peppermint can soothe stomach upsets with remarkable speed.
Arnica
Used externally, it is wonderful for removing bruises, bringing down puffiness or swelling, and easing deep aches. Internally, it can be used to alleviate headaches and help your body recover from trauma.
Clove oil
When diluted, clove oil can be used to numb your gums, mouth and teeth during a toothache, which is especially useful if you can't get in to see your biological dentist right away. Because clove has anti-bacterial properties it may also help tooth infections from spreading.
Neem
Traditionally used to help soothe skin irritations and support oral hygiene, neem powder can also be used as a natural insect repellant or a non-toxic fungus-fighting foot powder. Neem capsules may also be used internally to help purify your body and offers benefits that parallel the actions of bitters, tea tree, garlic, and aloe.
Licorice tea
This naturally sweet tea may soothe a sore throat and help give sluggish digestion a pick-me-up.
Lavender Oil
Rub a bit of lavender oil on your temples, under your nose and on the insides of your wrists for a natural stress reliever that may also help relieve headache pain and promote restful sleep. Lavender essential oil is also emerging as a powerful weapon against fungi.
Probiotics for Diarrhea
Probiotics are one of the few supplements I take on a daily basis, but I also make sure I always bring them with me when I travel, as using a high-quality probiotic is one of the most amazingly consistent approaches to managing travelers' diarrhea I have ever seen. If you come down with acute infectious diarrhea, large therapeutic doses are required -- typically an entire bottle over a day's time or about one-eighth of a bottle every hour until the problem is resolved). Most often, the symptoms will subside within four hours.Vitamin D for the flu
If you are coming down with flu-like symptoms you can take vitamin D in doses of 50,000 units a day for three days to treat the acute infection. If you maintain your vitamin D levels within the optimal range year-round, by getting safe sun exposure, using a safe tanning bed and/or using an oral vitamin D3 supplement, you will likely avoid being affected during the cold and flu season entirely.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Colds and Flu
Many patients at my Natural Health Center have had remarkable results in curing colds and flu within 12 to 14 hours when administering a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into each ear. You will hear some bubbling, which is completely normal, and possibly feel a slight stinging sensation.
Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside (usually 5 to 10 minutes), then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear. A bottle of hydrogen peroxide in 3 percent solution is available at any drug store for a couple of dollars or less. It is simply amazing how many people respond to this simple, inexpensive treatment.
Ginger for Nausea
You don't need much, typically a piece the size of your thumbnail works great. Just dice it up finely and swallow. The fresh root works best. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect against bacteria and fungi. Also eliminates intestinal gas and relaxes and soothes your intestinal tract, while boosting your immune system.
Pure Water for Hiccups
If you have hiccups, have someone hold down the tragus of your ear to close off your ear canal while you drink a FULL glass of water. This has been the single most effective remedy I have ever used for hiccups. It is the rare occasion where it doesn't work.
Hot and Cold Packs for Pain
I recommend keeping hot & cold packs at home so you have them the moment you need them, because ice should be applied as soon as possible to reduce swelling and thwart inflammation.
Olive leaf extract
Ancient Egyptians and Mediterranean cultures used it for a variety of health-promoting uses and it is widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.
Vitamin C
A very potent antioxidant, use a natural form such as acerola, which contains associated micronutrients. For treating colds you can take several grams every hour until you are better unless you start developing loose stools
Oregano oil
Also useful for warding of colds, the higher the carvacrol concentration, the more effective it is. Carvacrol is the most active antimicrobial agent in oregano oil.
Propolis
A bee resin and one of the most broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world, propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important compounds that aid in immune response and even fight cancer.
Cabbage leaves
For facial bruises, take the large outer leaves of white cabbage, break the ridges of the leaves and dip them into very hot water. Then apply to the bruise (but make sure they're not scalding hot as you put them on your face). Compresses made from green cabbage leaves can also be used to reduce swelling from sprains and may help relieve breast engorgement for nursing moms.
What Do I Cook With This?
Sometimes you've got a counterful of ingredients that are healthy and maybe void of allergy culprits for you. However, you have no idea what to do with them! That is why I love http://www.food.com/ (previously Recipe Zaar).
It has a built-in Recipe Sifter where you type in what ingredients you have and it searches through thousands of recipes to show you what your options are. It's incredible! Give it a try!
Buy in Bulk!
If you find you're using the same types of food each month, see if you can find them on Amazon (in their Grocery & Gourmet Food section) and order them for less by buying in bulk or putting them on an auto-ship.
For example, we found that we were using a lot of Amazing Grass and we could get it 25% cheaper if we put it on auto-ship through Amazon. With free shipping and the product arriving in less than two days, we can't beat that!
