Welcome

Welcome Friends!! This little blog is for all my friends and family that have requested I share my recipes and other homemaking ideas… As most of you know, we moved onto a 64 acre farm about two years ago… we still have our Family Nights, but now many of us live up here on the farm: Mom and Dad live with Lanny and I, Paula built her house in one of the existing barns, Robbie and Molly built inside the big barn by us… You can check it all out on our blog the Johnson Gap Chronicles… Anyway, I am still fermenting and brewing all over my kitchen, but our Tuesday night dinners are not as large as they used to be. All the grands except 2 are grown, have jobs, live in other cities, and with the recent Covid insanity (and our daughter-in-laws heart transplant) James and Tasha are not out much lately. We just move on and look forward to better days. Thanks for peeking in… check back now and then and I promise to add new recipes and ideas as I am inspired :-) God bless!!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Health and Beauty Uses for Common Household Ingredients

Here is another hand-out I'll be using for my DIY class, and again, the information comes from a combination of great ideas you'll find in the "Links You'll Like" area on the right.

USES FOR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Anti-inflammatory:
The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar work to help internal inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract when added to salads or taken diluted with water. It helps reduce bloating, belching and heartburns.


Aids with weight loss:
By regulating blood sugar levels, apple cider vinegar also assists in weight loss. Insulin will not direct sugar to be stored as fat.


Clears skin:
Apple cider vinegar is astringent and is an antiseptic. It helps with acne and pimples.

Gets rid of dandruff:
The fungus, Malassezia furfur, which causes dandruff, is eradicated by the antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar.

Helps with Arthritis:
Apple cider vinegar has potent anti-inflammatory properties and helps with pain of the joints.

Lowers glucose in diabetics:
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can slow down starch digestion. This will help lower glucose levels in the bloodstream.

Lowers bad cholesterol:
The presence of pectin in apple cider vinegar helps reduce bad cholesterol in the body.

Rich in minerals:
Potassium, magnesium and many other minerals are in apple cider vinegar. Potassium controls the water balance in the body. Magnesium helps with digestion.

Protects against cancer:
Apple cider vinegar contains beta-carotene, which according to the Mayo Clinic possesses antioxidant properties that counteract damage caused by free radicals. ACV protect against cancer and  boost the immune system.

Hair: It is widely known that apple cider vinegar can be used as a rinse for your hair after shampooing to add healthy body and shine. Recycle an old shampoo bottle and fill it with ½ a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a cup of cold water. Pour through your hair after shampooing several times a week.

As an after shampoo rinse it removes soap scum on your hair. Rinse with a cup filled with ½ a cup of warm water and ½ a cup of vinegar, and your locks will be shiny and free of buildup.

For dandruff use the same technique as the hair rinse above but with a higher concentration of vinegar; also acts as an effective dandruff treatment.

Face: Did you know that apple cider vinegar can help regulate the pH of your skin? Dilute apple cider vinegar with two parts water, and spread the concoction over your face with a cotton ball as a toner. You can do this at night after washing, and in the morning before you apply your moisturizer. You can also dab apple cider vinegar directly onto age spots and leave them on overnight to lighten their color.

Acne treatment: Apply equal parts vinegar and water to problem areas.

Facial toner: Using vinegar as toner is a great (and inexpensive) alternative to using alpha hydroxyl based products.

Hands and Feet: Are your hands and feet feeling tired and swollen after a long day? Treat yourself to a personal spa massage by rubbing apple cider vinegar onto them.

Athletes foot (and other fungus): Apply full-strength vinegar to the affected area twice daily until symptoms abate.

Sunburn: Suffering from a bad sunburn? Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath and soak for 10 minutes.

Teeth: Did you know that apple cider vinegar can help remove stains from teeth? Rub teeth directly with apple cider vinegar and rinse out.

Aftershave: Fill a bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and shake to blend.

USES FOR BAKING SODA

Soothe insect bites and bee stings: Create a paste with baking soda and water and pat over the affected area. It will create a cool relief and draw the sting out.

Smooth your skin: Create a soothing bath salt recipe and use in a warm soaking bath to smooth your skin.

Whiten your teeth:  Use a little toothpaste, mix in one teaspoon baking soda, plus one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide, and a 1/2 tsp. of  water. Thoroughly mix then brush your teeth for two minutes.  Repeat this once a week till you have desired results. Once your teeth are whitened, just repeat once a month.

Mouthwash: To make your own mouth rinse; You will need 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt,  and 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil. Add ingredients to a quart of boiling hot water and stir. Let cool and store in a glass jar with lid.

Homemade toothpaste: Dunk a wet toothbrush in baking soda to help whiten and freshen teeth. For a minty flavor. Make a paste of baking soda with a few drops of water and one drop of peppermint essential oil and stir together and brush away.

Relieve indigestion: Combine 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 drop of peppermint essential oil, and drink for indigestion.


Relieve sunburn: To relieve pain, make a thin paste using water and baking soda. Gently apply to the burned area.

Exfoliate Skin:  To exfoliate your skin, make a paste using 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply to your face with your hands and rub gently to slough off dead skin, and leave your skin with a glow.

Soothe sore throat: Gargle with warm water and baking soda to heal and calm sore throats.

Detox: To relieve aches and pains, mix 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup apple cider vinegar in a warm tub of water.

Clean dentures and retainers: To clean, soak dentures and retainers  in 1 cup warm water and 3 tablespoons baking soda.

Soothe itchy rashes: Add baking soda to a warn bath and soak to relieve itchy rashes and dry skin.

Relieve heartburn:  to relieve heartburn, drink 4 ounces of water mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda.

Antiperspirant: Apply baking soda under arms for quick-dry antiperspirant.

Soothe baby’s bottom rash: Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, to a lukewarm bath, and have baby sit in it for a few minutes to soothe diaper rash.

USES FOR LEMONS

Most people are familiar with the traditional uses for lemons to soothe sore throats and add some citrus flavor to our foods.

However the diversity of applications for lemons far exceeds general knowledge and once you read the following list, you’ll likely want to stock at least a few lemons in your kitchen 24-7.

High Blood Pressure
Lemon contains potassium which controls high blood pressure and reduces the effect of nausea and dizziness

Mental Health
Lemon water can also pep up your mood and relieve depression and stress. Long distance walkers and world travelers as well as explorers look upon the lemon as a Godsend. When fatigue begins, a lemon is sucked through a hole in the top. Quick acting medicine it is, giving almost unbelievable refreshments.

Respiratory Problems
Lemon water can reduce phlegm; and can also help you breathe properly and aids a person suffering with asthma.

Treating Arthritis and Rheumatism
Lemon is a diuretic – assists in the production of urine which helps you to reduce inflammation by flushing out toxins and bacteria while also giving you relief from arthritis and rheumatism.

Prevents Kidney Stones
Regular consumption of lemon juice mixed with water may increase the production of urinary citrate, a chemical in the urine that prevents the formation of crystals that may build up into kidney stones.

Anti-Aging
Lemon water reduces the production of free radicals which are responsible for aging skin and skin damage. Lemon water is calorie free and an antioxidant.

Treat Infections
Lemon water can fight throat infections thanks to its antibacterial property. If salt water does not work for you, try lemon and water for gargling.

Purges The Blood
We consume a lot of junk food or food with a lot of preservatives and artificial flavors. This builds up a lot of toxins in the blood and body but daily consumption of lemon water helps to purify the blood.

Oral Health
Lemon juice also stops bleeding gums and reduces toothaches.

Lighten Age Spots
To lighten liver spots or freckles, try applying lemon juice directly to the area. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse your skin clean. It’s a safe and effective skin-lightening agent.

Create Blonde Highlights
For highlights, add 1/4 cup lemon juice to 3/4 cup water and rinse your hair with the mixture. Then, sit in the sun until your hair dries. To maximize the effect, repeat daily for a week.

Make a Room Scent/Humidifier
Freshen and moisturize the air in your home on dry winter days. Make your own room scent that also doubles as a humidifier. If you have a wood-burning stove, place an enameled cast-iron pot or bowl on top, fill with water, and add lemon (and/or orange) peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple skins. No wood-burning stove? Use your stovetop instead and just simmer the water periodically.

Clean and Whiten Nails
Pamper your hands without a manicurist. Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to 1 cup warm water and soak your fingertips in the mixture for 5 minutes. After pushing back the cuticles, rub some lemon peel back and forth against the nail.

Cleanse Your Face
Dab lemon juice on blackheads to draw them out during the day. You can also wash your face with lemon juice for a natural cleanse and exfoliation. Your skin should improve after several days of treatment. Lemon water is also a cooling agent, best way to beat the heat.

Freshen Your Breath
Make an impromptu mouthwash by rinsing with lemon juice straight from the bottle. Swallow for longer-lasting fresh breath. The citric acid in the juice alters the pH level in your mouth, killing bacteria that causes bad breath. Rinse after a few minutes because long-term exposure to the acid in lemons can harm tooth enamel.

Treat Flaky Dandruff
Massage two tablespoons lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then stir one teaspoon lemon juice into one cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat daily until your dandruff disappears.

Soften Dry, Scaly Elbows
Mix baking soda and lemon juice to make an abrasive paste, then rub it into your elbows for a soothing, smoothing, and exfoliating treatment. Rinse your extremities in a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water, then massage with olive oil and dab dry with a soft cloth.

Headaches
Lemon juice with a few teaspoons of hot tea added is the treatment of a sophisticated New York bartender, for those who suffer with hangover headaches–and from headaches due to many other causes. He converts his customers to this regime, and weans them away from drug remedies completely.

Chills and Fevers
Chills and fevers may be due to a variety of causes; never the less the lemon is always a helpful remedy. Spanish physicians regard it as an infallible friend.

Stomach Health
Digestive problems are the most common ailments but warm water and lemon or lime juice is the solution to most digestive problems. Lemon juice helps to purify the blood, reduces your chances of indigestion, constipation, eliminates toxins from the body, adds digestion and reduces phlegm.

Disinfect Cuts and Scrapes
Stop bleeding and disinfect minor cuts and scraps by pouring a few drops of lemon juice directly on the cut. You can also apply the juice with a cotton ball and hold firmly in place for one minute.

Soothe Poison Ivy Rash
You won’t need an ocean of calamine lotion the next time poison ivy comes a-creeping. Just apply lemon juice directly to the affected area to soothe itching and alleviate the rash.

Remove Warts
You’ve tried countless remedies to banish warts and nothing seems to work. Next time, apply a dab of lemon juice directly to the wart using a cotton swab. Repeat for several days until the acids in the lemon juice dissolve the wart completely.

Reduce Asthma Symptoms
In addition to a general detoxifying diet, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice before each meal, and before retiring can reduce asthma symptoms.

  • If you do consume lemon peel, stick to organic lemons to reduce your pesticide exposure.

USES FOR GARLIC

Acne
Slice open a clove of raw, fresh garlic and apply it to breakouts as a home remedy for acne. Your skin won’t smell terribly good, but the antibacterial properties of garlic will help lessen the appearance of acne, even those deep acne cysts that can otherwise be difficult to treat.

Cold sore treatment
These unsightly lesions always seem to pop up at the most inopportune times, like the morning before a big date. Raw garlic may work just as well as commercial medical treatments, though the acidity may cause discomfort at first. Cut a garlic clove in half and place it directly on the cold sore for 10 minutes, several times a day. Garlic supplements in capsule form may also speed up the healing process.


Weight Loss Aid
Even though it’s potent flavor may make you want to eat a lot of it, garlic actually has weight loss properties, according to some research. Compounds found in garlic send your brain signals of satiety, which will actually help you to feel full faster. It also boosts metabolic function helping you to burn more calories as well.

Athlete’s foot
Garlic is a potent natural anti-fungal, making it ideal for treating fungal infections like irritating and itchy athlete’s foot. Add a few cloves of crushed garlic to warm water in a foot bath and soak the affected foot for 30 minutes.


Ear infections
A common folk remedy for centuries, garlic can indeed kill the bacteria that cause ear infections. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should shove a clove of garlic into your ear and hope for the best. Crush a clove of garlic with a press and place it in a teaspoon of hot olive oil for five minutes. Strain, allow to cool and drip a few drops at a time into your ear canal. You can also purchase garlic oil made for this purpose at natural health food stores.


Splinter removal
Splinters! They’re painful to remove, and sometimes they slice too far into the skin to pull out. Instead of waiting for it to come out on its own, try this odd trick: place a thin slice over the splinter and hold on with a bandage. The garlic should help the splinter work its way out of the skin within hours.


Psoriasis relief
The persistent tightness and itching of psoriasis could be eased or even prevented by garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties. Active compounds in garlic interact with arachidonic acid, an omega fatty acid in the skin linked to psoriasis. Garlic oil may be rubbed directly on affected areas once or twice per day.

Cough syrup
Ease inflammation in the throat and clear up excess mucus by using garlic as cough syrup. Try steeping raw, minced garlic in hot water, straining it after five minutes and drinking the liquid as tea; you can add ginger and honey to make it more palatable.

Cold banisher
Can garlic cure and prevent colds naturally? It’s been in use for this purpose for centuries, and there’s a good reason for that. Researchers believe that allicin, the main biologically active component of garlic, could block enzymes that may impede bacterial and viral infections. Eat three to four cloves of garlic per day, preferably raw and crushed, adding them to soups, stews, pasta sauces and salad dressings.

USES FOR WITCH HAZEL

facial cleansing: Witch hazel has the unique ability to clean skin pores and dry up excessive oil without leaving skin too dry. For healthy, normal skin, witch hazel can often replace a daily cleanser. For oily or acne prone skin, swabbing witch hazel throughout the day is a great way to quickly wipe off excessive oil without the hassle of a full face wash.

acne treatment: The tannin content in witch hazel has strong astringent as well as antioxidant properties. These astringent properties are cleansing to the skin, while minimizing the size of skin pores. Unlike many harsh commercial acne formulations, it is gentle and non-drying when used to tone and cleanse acne-infected or acne-prone skin. Plain witch hazel may be applied to the skin straight from the bottle using cotton balls. It should be applied to the acne-infected skin twice a day. It should never be applied more than three times a day.

scars & stretch marks: Witch hazel is often used by pregnant women to prevent stretch marks, but it can be used to help loose or excessive skin around scars or stretch marks to tighten, helping to minimize the scar.

soothe diaper rash: If your baby’s rash isn’t healing quick enough, apply witch hazel solution (Dickinson’s is good) with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby’s bottom.

bags under the eyes: Some people say that the application of hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It’s not an old wives’ tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess.

varicose veins: Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily.

soothe chicken pox blisters: Witch Hazel can also help the itching caused from chicken pox. To make a Witch Hazel mixture, take one cup of witch hazel and one cup of water. Mix the two and apply to the skin. Don’t be afraid to lavish this mixture on the skin. The witch hazel can be applied as often as needed. Once you apply the witch hazel and water, let dry.

heal cuts and scrapes: Many chemists and pharmacists refer to witch hazel as nature’s answer to Neosporin. Witch hazel can be a substitute for hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol when it comes to cleaning out a cut. Pour a liberal amount of witch hazel over the cut or sore and allow it to dry. Add a bandage and you’re set. You can also use witch hazel on bruises or skin that is blistered or cracked.

soothe razor burn: The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Splash on after shaving legs or face.

treat sunburn: Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel’s specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking. Apply with a washcloth soaked in witch hazel, allowing it to soak into your skin for several minutes before removing.

treat dry skin: Apply witch hazel immediately after showering to lock in the moisture that has just soaked into your skin.

soothe tired, puffy eyes: If your eyes are puffy from crying or lack of sleep (or both), then soak two small cotton pads with witch hazel and put them over your eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone. Witch hazel is famous for shrinking blood vessels (which is why it’s one of the main ingredients in Preparation H cream).

natural deodorant: Witch hazel is often used in deodorants due to its natural skin-healing and skin-care properties.

sore gums, sore throat, laryngitis: The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent activity of Witch Hazel may help shrink and heal inflamed and sore throats, gums and larynx. Witch hazel tea infused with myrrh and cloves can make your sore throat feel better after gargling.

cold sores: Witch Hazel applied on a cold sore when you feel it coming on will prevent it from becoming a blister. If you already have one, use it right away and often and the blister will heal quicker.

scalp deep cleanse: Use a witch hazel hair-cleansing routine if you suffer from psoriasis, eczema, or dandruff. Massage the scalp with the witch hazel, followed with shampoo and conditioner. It is also an efficient “between-shampoos” method of washing your hair and scalp.

bug bites: With its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Apply the witch hazel with a cotton ball, square or swab directly on the bite. It also works to soothe bites from fleas, flies and insect stings.

poison ivy and poison oak: Just like acne and blemishes, the witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling. Something definitely worth packing on your next camping trip.

USES FOR PEROXIDE

Whiten Nails. Who needs a French manicure when you can make your nails shine with a little hydrogen peroxide? Just soak a cotton ball with peroxide and rub it on your nails.

Get Rid of a Cold. It might sound a little strange, but putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into each of your ears every morning can help you beat a cold.

Use as a Mouthwash. Dilute in water (the mixture should be about half water-half hydrogen peroxide) and use as a mouthwash, being very careful not to swallow any of the stuff. It’ll kill germs & whiten your teeth. Some experts even think it helps alleviate toothaches and canker sores!

BENEFITS OF SHEA BUTTER

One of the most effective natural anti-aging skin care ingredients available is Shea butter. Shea butter helps to improve skin tone and elasticity while moisturizing to help skin appear smoother, making wrinkling less noticeable. Shea butter also helps to even skin tone and eliminates rough, scaly, dry skin; making skin softer and supple.
Shea butter is a slightly yellowish or ivory-colored natural fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree.

Shea butter helps diminish wrinkles by moisturizing your skin, promoting cell renewal, and increasing circulation.

Shea butter also contains cinnamic acid, a substance that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Although Shea butter should not be used instead of sunscreen, Shea butter does offer some sunscreen protection, making it a beneficial moisturizing choice to help protect your skin.

Shea butter softens dry, winter skin.

Shea butter is very good for dry and brittle hair and prevents breakage.

Shea butter is used for the management of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion. This is due to its hydrating properties which help in relaxing the tension in the facial skin thus easing respiration.

How To Apply Shea Butter For Everyday Use!
Before application, melt completely by rubbing in your hands until butter is perfectly liquid.

Revitalizing Your Hair
The day before shampooing, oil your hair by massaging your scalp with a plop of butter. Wrap your hair in a hot towel; your keratin will absorb all that is required. 

Love Your Face
The face is the main beneficiary of the daily use of Shea butter especially for those with dry skin; concentrate on inner parts (lower part of the nose, the corners of lips). Massage about ten minutes.

Protect Your Body in Winter
All of your body parts that are exposed are attacked by the cold weather. The film that Shea butter leaves on your skin will screen and protect it for hours. Never forget that the fight against aging begins with protection.

Dry Hair Care
If you have very dry hair, ten minutes after shampooing, apply a little Shea butter to bring brightness and life to your hair.

Moisturizing:
The superficial layers of the skin absolutely require an acceleration of blood circulation. The butter will penetrate deep into your skin, leaving a satin finish to the skin. The protection is real and will last a long time.

Kissable Lips
Shea butter softens the lips and gives them a protective film against dryness and cold. Shea butter also helps irritated noses due to allergies or colds. A little Shea butter may be applied in each nostril. 

Relax Your Muscles
Apply carefully on arms and thighs for instantaneous muscular well-being.

Aftershave
Applying Shea butter immediately after shaving or waxing will prevent irritation and give your skin a lustrous, satiny look and feel.

Essential For Baby's Daily Care
Africans have been using Shea butter daily for centuries as a unique link between mother and child to prevent delicate baby skin irritations.


To Regain Freshness
Apply butter to every part of your body after a warm bath.

Care For The Summer
Your skin suffers during the whole summer. Regular use of Shea butter in addition to sun screen products, before and after sun exposure, leaves you with tanned skin and avoids peeling.

Shea Butter and Sport
Shea butter is particularly recommended for sportsmen. It has been used by Africans for centuries to relieve muscles tension and stress, Shea butter accelerates warm-ups, afterwards Shea butter helps drain toxins from sore muscles for a faster recovery.

Take note that Raw Shea butter offers the highest amount of anti-aging nutrients. This is Shea butter that has not been exposed to a refinement process.

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