Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Vinegar as a Rinse Agent for Dishwashers

Just a quick tip:

Instead of buying a "natural" rinse agent for your dishwasher (which just costs way too much!), just use white vinegar in rinse agent compartment instead.

And if you're looking for reasonably priced dish liquid or dishwasher detergent, Seventh Generation has an inexpensive and very "green" line out with lots of choices. Even Target is selling it now. Yes, I've looked into making those things myself too- but don't think I can handle that :)

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Got Raw Milk?


Drinking milk straight from clean, pastured cows (or goats) is one of the best things you can do for you and your family's health in my opinion. I discovered what harm pasteurization and homogenization does to milk, beyond the hormones, antibiotics and confinement (even with "organic milk" cows), and I was really unhappy about how such a good thing could be turned so very bad. Now that we've started drinking raw milk, we can't imagine going back. It tastes amazing and it just so nutritious.

Interestingly, when talking to my mother (who does not consume any dairy) she noted that I used to have many colds, sinus problems, post nasal drip and bronchitis all the time growing up, especially in the winter. And as kids we were always made to drink our milk and eat many other dairy products. I stopped getting this sort of thing later in life- when I was in high school and didn't drink my milk and especially in college when I rarely drank any. She was linking dairy to my sicknesses early in life. And when I think of it, it really makes sense. Every time I eat regular dairy these days I feel all stuffy and mucousy. But with raw milk- never- it is totally different. I feel great.

So on that note, I'll urge everyone to read up on raw milk on the following websites. I'll go have my glass right now!

http://www.realmilk.com/where2.html

http://www.rawmilk.org/default.php

Friday, November 14, 2008

Gum O'Mile- Great for Teething

Lately I've been having problems with my son and teething. He just does not want to sleep when his teeth bother him- and sometimes that can be quite difficult. I will not resort to Tylenol or Oragel, but I have scoured the internet looking for something natural to help him...something I have not tried already. Homeopathy had not made an impact (although I may need to use 200c instead of 30c), I had bought wooden teethers (really cool) which he promptly threw on the floor and the list goes on and on.

I happened to find a great product by Herbs for Kids called Gum O'mile while searching. I actually tried it on my own gums and I think it would be good for after dental work. I was surprised that it is not that well known, so I thought I would have to share. It really did help my son more than anything else so far.

Here's what's in it:

(The clove oil is what helps the gums- but don't try clove oil alone, it needs to be diluted in a carrier oil so it does not burn when applied.)

INGREDIENTS PER SERVING: Almond oil, Willow bark extract, Chamomile flowers extract, Essential oil of Clove bud and Vitamin E oil

Just a little end note- I've been using the homeopathic remedy "cina" with good results to help my son go to sleep when his teeth make him wakeful. It is excellent for sleeplessness and irritability in children. Remember to give the remedy in water- one pellet in 4oz, a teaspoon at a time. Watch for results and if there is none succuss the bottle 10 times and give another teaspoon. Discontinue when there is improvement and if not continue with the succussing.