FW: [AlternativeMedicineFromMotherNature] herbal cleaning

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enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Healthy home: Make your own herb-infused cleaning mixes

 

Heather McPherson

The Orlando Sentinel

 

From the garden to inside the home, herbs have been household essentials for

hundreds of years. In the " New Book of Herbs " by Jekka McVicar (DK

Publishing, $30), readers are treated to a complete handbook for home use.

McVicar provides a great teaching tool, no matter what the skill level. She

includes medicinal and re laxation uses for herbs, as well. Her guidance on

the upkeep of the home with herb-infused cleaning mixes will delight

environment-conscious homemakers.

 

 

Natural furniture polish

 

1 1/4 cups water

 

1 large handful fresh lemon balm

 

1 1/4 cups turpentine

 

2 ounces beeswax

 

1/2 cup soap flakes

 

Tins with tight-fitting lids

 

Make an herb infusion by placing the lemon balm leaves and stalks into a

bowl. Boil the water and pour over the leaves.

 

Slowly and carefully melt beeswax with turpentine in a bowl positioned over

a sauce pan of simmering water. The mixture has a low flash (ignition) point

so the pan must be tended, and the process done slowly.

 

Strain the infusion and heat gently in another sauce pan.

 

Cool the infusion and the beeswax mixture; then combine to make a thick

cream. Pour into tins and seal lids.

 

To apply, use a soft cloth. Use on wood, metal or painted surfaces. With a

clean cloth, buff the surface to shine.

 

Herb alternative: Lavender stems (use large handful of dried herbs or six

drops of lavender oil).

 

Upholstery shampoo

 

1 tablespoon dried or fresh root of soapwort or 2 handfuls of fresh stems

 

1 quart water

 

Wash fresh soapwort thoroughly in wa ter. There is no need to peel. If using

dried soapwort, soak overnight.

 

Put prepared soapwort and 1 quart water in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil,

cover, and let simmer 20 minutes. Let stand until cool.

 

Strain liquid into a bottle and store in the refrigerator. To use, dampen a

sponge with the solution and rub fabric lightly. Let dry before applying

again.

 

Window cleaner

 

1 handful lemon verbena leaves, fresh or dried

 

1 cup water

 

2 tablespoons white vinegar

 

3 to 4 drops liquid soap

 

Put lemon verbena in saucepan. Add water and bring to a boil. Once it

reaches a rolling boil, lower heat to simmer. After 10 minutes, turn off

heat and let mixture cool.

 

When liquid is cool, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a spray bottle.

Add vinegar and liquid soap. Seal and shake well.

 

Use within three weeks on windows. Recycle old newspapers by using them as

" paper towels. "

 

Herb alternative: One handful fresh or dried lemon balm leaves or one

handful fresh or dried wild bergamot leaves.

 

All-purpose surface cleaner

 

Handful of fresh sage

 

1 1/4 cups water

 

1 tablespoon baking powder

 

8 drops lemon juice

 

Put sage leaves and stems in a saucepan. Add the water, cover and bring to a

boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, lower heat and simmer 20 minutes.

Remove from heat.

 

When liquid is cool, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any

impurities.

 

Pour cooled liquid into a bottle, add baking soda and lemon juice. Put top

on bottle and shake well.

 

Use to clean bathroom sinks and kitchen surfaces. Store in refrigerator for

up to 1 week.

 

Herb alternatives: Two handfuls fresh thyme sprigs or one handful fresh

rosemary sprigs, cut to fit in the sauce pan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

Thank you very much Heather McPherson.

The herbal formulas from u are very thorough and i m thinking to make

use of one.

I did the right thing to join this group.This group is very

informative.