Detergent-Free All Purpose Surface Cleaner, DIY Style

This all purpose surface cleaner recipe solves a few problems. First and foremost, it gets things clean and kills germs. But even more appealing, is that it’s free from the harsh chemicals found in all those commercial cleaning products.

It would be great if some scientists could study whether or not fragrances and detergents are addictive. Particularly those found in household cleaning products. Up until the last century, a clean home smelled like vinegar. Lemons. Herbs and oils. But now, it’s that lingering detergent scent and the artificial fragrances that so many people feel are essential to making sure our homes are safe and clean. But nothing could be further from the truth. 

Detergents and artificial fragrances pose serious health risks to your family and the environment. They’re more expensive than they need to be (or should be). And, they’re totally unnecessary.

While it may take some time to break yourself from the expectation of a clean home smelling like bleach or Comet, be assured that the transformation is a liberating one.

Take back your home, and make it clean with this simple recipe for an all-purpose surface cleaner, DIY and au natural style. This recipe is excellent for kitchen counters, sinks, tubs, toilets, faucets and even walls. It’s not ideal for wood floors or furniture, as the alcohol can be drying out and pull off any finish.

What you need

• 2 cups warm water
• ¼ cup white vinegar (or a citrus vinegar)
• 3 tablespoons rubbing alcohol or vodka
• 2 teaspoons liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)
• 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Recommendations include lemon, lemongrass, sweet orange, grapefruit, lavender, basil and tea tree oil. Mix as you like or stick with one scent.

Directions

Mix all ingredients into a large spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto surfaces and clean with a soft rag or towel. No need to rinse the mixture off with water.

[via Organic Authority]

Eco-Friendly Allergy Treatments

Allergic To Pollen?  Worst Year Ever in U.S. EcoExpert has Eco-Friendly Solutions. 

It’s the “worst year ever” for allergy sufferers in the US.  Of course this is often said. Worst year or not, it can be useful to know which are the worst cities for allergy sufferers. And you need to know how to deal with allergies without using chemicals.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has ranked the worst cities for 2013.

Please note: this study was produced by the AAFA, but was sponsored by a company which makes an allergy spray, so of course they have a vested interest, but it can certainly serve as a good indicator as to the top 10 worst cities.

1. The “honor” of the worst city in the US goes to Jackson, MS
2. Knoxville, TN
3. Chattanooga, TN
4. McAllen, TX
5. Louisville, KY
6. Wichita, KS
7. Dayton, OK
8. Memphis, TN
9. Oklahoma City, OK
10. Baton Rouge, LA

Eco-Friendly Solutions – Top 10 Tips

If you suffer from allergies especially in spring and summer when there is a high pollen count, what can you do?  Try to avoid expensive chemicals and try these natural remedies, instead:

1. Food or supplements containing probiotics have been shown to be effective in relieving allergy symptoms.  Yoghurt is a common source of probiotics. (Of course, yoghurt won’t help if you have a diary allergy).
2. A vegan diet has eliminated allergies in some people.
3. Eyebright can be an effective herb to relieve eye irritation caused by allergies.  South African studies have shown it to be remarkably effective with no serious adverse reaction.  Euphrasia rostkoviana Hayne has been used for centuries.  Today it is available in drops (Euphrasia and Oculoheel ® and also as capsules).
4. Drink more water.  This will support the natural cleansing systems in your body.
5. Drink green tea – two to three cups daily for best results.  Green tea contains powerful antioxidants (it’s good for you generally as well as for allergies).  If you don’t like the taste of green tea, many manufacturers add other ingredients to make it more palatable – for instance I love Twinings Green Tea with Lemon.  Green tea is also available in powered form (Matcha) which you can add to food.
6. Apples and onions contain quercetin which is an anti-histamine phyto-nutrient.  There is also some quercetin in berries, cabbage, cauliflower, nuts and tea.
7. Native Americans used stinging nettles to relieve allergy symptoms and they have been proven to work today.  You can buy them in dried form to make tea or in capsule form.
8. Shower or bathe before bedtime to remove pollen from your hair and skin.
9. Avoid carpets.  Polished floors are best.
10. Children with pets statistically suffer fewer allergies.  So, if you have the space and the time to care for an animal, as well as the money to feed him or her, a pet could be a good investment (added bonus – pets may teach your child responsibility and compassion).

And, a bonus tip from Jem’s Natural Living, is to take 100% pure honey because it contains a small amount of plant pollen which then acts as an immune booster which can help reduce your allergy symptoms.

[via EcoExpert]