From Mrs. Cog's Corner
The content on this page is for discussion purposes relating to health and well being only and is not intended to be medical advice. Links and sources provided are for informational purposes and do not represent an endorsement of a person, product or treatment.
20 Great Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil
For Health
1. Use a dab to treat acne.
2. An anti-fungal for treating Athlete’s Foot, eczema, various yeast infections, etc.
3. An antiseptic to be used on cuts and burns.
4. An anti-viral: it may lessen the symptoms of colds and flu. Try using a few drops in the bath.
5. Add to a vaporizer to loosen chest congestion.
6. Add a small amount to shampoo to destroy head lice.
7. A small amount added to your bath can help with persistent body odor.
8. Treating sinus infection.
9. For dandruff and dry scalp.
10. In the form of aromatherapy, tea tree oil is used to treat colds, persistent coughs, acne, toothaches, and sunburn.
For Cleaning
11. To create an all-purpose cleaner, combine 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
12. Another version would be 14 ounces of water with 1 ounce of Murphy’s oil soap and 10 drops of tea tree oil.
13. Mix the above solution with kosher salt to scrub bathtub and bathroom tiles.
14. Add a few drops to dishwasher dispenser, then fill with a green dishwashing soap.
15. A few drops added to each load of laundry leave your clothes smelling cleaner.
16. Control mold with a tea tree oil/water spray.
17. Remove mustiness with that same tea tree oil/water spray.
18. To keep germs at bay, spray it on high chairs, car seats, and other high traffic spots.
19. 15 drops in a quart of water can be an effective insect repellent.
20. Be sure to take some with you when hiking and camping to put directly on insect bites or blisters.
Read more at care2.com
From Mrs. Cog's Corner
The content on this page is for discussion purposes relating to health and well being only and is not intended to be medical advice. Links and sources provided are for informational purposes and do not represent an endorsement of a person, product or treatment.
Care for an after dinner mint? Peppermint is an excellent aid in digestion and soothing the stomach. Not only is peppermint the oldest known cure for indigestion and gastro problems, but it has amazing qualities that aid respiratory problems that come with colds and coughs. As is the case with most essential oils, it has many other uses and applications, some of which can be found below.
And.. OH m' gosh! Whatever you do... don't plant peppermint right in your garden unless it has plenty of room because... it grows like a weed. By the end of last summer, all my carnations smelled like candy canes lol.
The botanical name of peppermint is mentha piperita. Extracted from the herb by steam distillation, the oil of peppermint is clear with a slight tinge of yellow. Its main constituent is menthol, which imparts the famous heady, minty aroma and the remarkable “cooling sensation,” when tasted or touched. Peppermint oil comprises vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals including potassium, manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, and copper. The numerous health benefits of peppermint oil include its ability to treat several health problems. http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/health-benefits-of-peppermint/2011/03/02/id/388097
The entire plant contains menthol, an organic compound with local anesthetic properties which provides a wonderful cooling sensation while it naturally alleviates discomfort. It also has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antispasmodic and carminative properties. http://mightynest.com/blog/the-essential-6-uses-for-peppermint-essential-oil
When selecting peppermint for your own use, the fresh leaves will impart a superior flavor to dried leaves (such as for use in tea). Look for fresh leaves that are green in color without any dark spots or yellowing. In addition to using fresh mint leaves in tea, you can add them to soups, fruit salad or gazpacho. Peppermint essential oil is also widely available, as is peppermint extract in supplement form. The essential oil is ideal for muscle and chest rubs, headache pain, dental care and aromatherapy. You can even add it to your homemade cleaning supplies for extra antimicrobial power and natural fragrance. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/14/peppermint-health-benefits.aspx
From Mrs. Cog's Corner
OK, I'll admit it. There is a distinct satisfaction I get from canning food. The endorphin release from the sound of "plinking" as the metal lids on the jars seal after taking them out of the canner gives me a great feeling knowing I have succeeded . Knowing how to preserve healthy food without icky chemical processes or worries about what went into it is not just for your Grandma any more.
In the age of internet, we circulate gourmet recipes to can salsa that makes your eyes roll back and soups to have you swear off tin cans for good. My favorite came from a friend I met on the internet who was kind enough to hold my hand virtually while I graduated from "water bath" canning to the ominous pressure canner lol. Not only did I make a lifelong friend, I scored her recipe to near duplicate P. F. Chang's bourbon chicken. Canning these types of meals add a whole new facet to convenience food.
If you can serve it over rice or pasta, you can probably find a mouth watering recipe to can it. Jams, jellies, fruits, veggies, meats, sauces and more... Below I have included many helpful links as well as places to find new recipes and ideas. Please feel free to share your thoughts, links and concoctions below. If there are enough of us chiming in, I will create a forum for us to chat over on the Insane Asylum discussion boards. What are you canning?
Canning Resources: