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Tip Store: Health: Natural Remedies
Easing Arthritic Hands
This may sound weird, but give it a try for a few days, or weeks to see if it helps. I have arthritis as many do, in their hands, and have found a simple way to help my hands not hurt. At night, when you go to bed, get comfortable, then flatten out your hands as much as possible, and keep them flat while you go to sleep.do this every time you go to bed. Most people ball up their hands when they go to sleep, and this just adds to the contraction of your finger muscles, so trying to keep them flat will help stop this happening so much. Good luck and be gentle, even if it helps a little I think it’s worth it.
Contributed by Denise Scotford
Contributed by Denise Scotford
Lose that Annoying Little Cough
Mix up equal amounts of malt vinegar and honey (microwaving helps the mix) and sip to stop that annoying little cough that won't go away - it soon will!
Contributed by Sherrin Roberts
Contributed by Sherrin Roberts
Home made Hand Sanitiser
Ingredients:
1 cup methylated spirits
1 teaspoon tea tree oil
2 teaspoons glycerine
Method:
Combine into a spray bottle, shake well.
Contributed by Alison Mikolaitis
1 cup methylated spirits
1 teaspoon tea tree oil
2 teaspoons glycerine
Method:
Combine into a spray bottle, shake well.
Contributed by Alison Mikolaitis
MOO Peppermint Cough Drops
These MOO cough drops ease coughs and sore throats quickly and effectively.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup Manuka honey (or raw honey)
2 - 3 drops pure peppermint essential oil
Method:
Stir the honey and peppermint oil into the coconut oil. Don't be tempted to melt the coconut oil, the honey will sink to the bottom and it won't blend.
Press into a small, baking paper lined dish, or use a silicone cake pan.
Mark into 1cm squares with a knife and refrigerate until firm.
Store in the fridge in an air-tight container.
Have one or two every 20 - 30 minutes to ease coughing.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup Manuka honey (or raw honey)
2 - 3 drops pure peppermint essential oil
Method:
Stir the honey and peppermint oil into the coconut oil. Don't be tempted to melt the coconut oil, the honey will sink to the bottom and it won't blend.
Press into a small, baking paper lined dish, or use a silicone cake pan.
Mark into 1cm squares with a knife and refrigerate until firm.
Store in the fridge in an air-tight container.
Have one or two every 20 - 30 minutes to ease coughing.
MOO Electrolyte Replacement Drink
Perfect for after sport, a heavy workout or mild gastro and mild fevers. If symptoms are severe, get medical advice.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cups water
2 tbsp honey
1/8 tsp or good pinch pink salt or non-iodised sea salt
Crush the salt if it's in rock form, before measuring to get enough. Then add to other ingredients and mix until honey and salt have dissolved. Keep in the fridge and sip as needed.
There's usually juice in my freezer so it's quick to make up in a hurry.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cups water
2 tbsp honey
1/8 tsp or good pinch pink salt or non-iodised sea salt
Crush the salt if it's in rock form, before measuring to get enough. Then add to other ingredients and mix until honey and salt have dissolved. Keep in the fridge and sip as needed.
There's usually juice in my freezer so it's quick to make up in a hurry.
Taking the Sting Out of Sunburn
It's old fashioned, and it's cheap.And it is so very effective that this old wives' remedy needs to be in every first aid kit. It's simple apple cider vinegar and it helps take the sting and burn out of sunburn almost instantly. No one wants to get sunburnt, but sometimes accidents happen, especially in an Australian summer. Soaking a soft face washer in apple cider vinegar and gently laying it over the sunburn brings almost instant relief. Change the washer as it warms up - just rinse it in the vinegar, gently wring, you want it wet but not dripping and repeat. If you can keep the vinegar in the fridge all the better, the cooler it is when applied the faster and better it works.
Healing Broth
I found a recipe online for a healing broth and it worked amazingly, but it is a pain to make when you are low on energy. Instead, I found lemon and ginger tea (two of the ingredients). I drink this at least once a day to help ward off anything, and if I start to get sick I add cayenne pepper and some ginger in the tea infuser to give it an extra kick. I recover much faster and haven't been as sick this year!
Contributed by Jacki Taylor, 4th June 2016
Contributed by Jacki Taylor, 4th June 2016
Old Fashioned Remedy Works
Mix calamine lotion and bicarb soda into a paste, and apply. Looks strange, but is more effective.
Contributed by Fiona Anderson, 11th December 2015
Contributed by Fiona Anderson, 11th December 2015
This Aussie Favourite takes the Sting out of Bites
A natural medicine/herbalist told me that simple Vegemite can not only treat the bites it also repels them.
Contributed by Lynette Christopher, 11th December 2015
Contributed by Lynette Christopher, 11th December 2015
A Variety of Cures to Ease Bites and Stings
1. Burn Aid-or any tea tree salve-also stops the itching!
2. A half a vitamin B tablet every 2nd day- from my chemist!
3. A Panamax tablet wetted and rubbed on-Panamax we buy a box of 100 for $1.60-same as Panadol but cheaper
4. Personal bracelets keep them away too.
5. Mozzie coils!
6. Bicarb soda paste.
7. Banana peel- yes it works for me but not the babies.
8. Garlic salt in a paste.
9. Lemon juice.
10. Martha's Wool mix or any eucalyptus salve
Good luck!
Contributed by Janie McRobert, 11th December 2015-
2. A half a vitamin B tablet every 2nd day- from my chemist!
3. A Panamax tablet wetted and rubbed on-Panamax we buy a box of 100 for $1.60-same as Panadol but cheaper
4. Personal bracelets keep them away too.
5. Mozzie coils!
6. Bicarb soda paste.
7. Banana peel- yes it works for me but not the babies.
8. Garlic salt in a paste.
9. Lemon juice.
10. Martha's Wool mix or any eucalyptus salve
Good luck!
Contributed by Janie McRobert, 11th December 2015-
MOO Insect Repellent
I have always found that the best recipe for insect bites is three equal parts of Dettol, Johnsons Baby Oil and Metho. In a clean spray bottle mix and spray on to the exposed parts. Also a build-up of Vitamin B in the system helps, they do not like the taste of it. Vegemite is a good source of Vitamin B.
Contributed by Leigh Oakey, 11th December 2015
Contributed by Leigh Oakey, 11th December 2015
Head to the Cleaning Cupboard for Relief
Cloudy ammonia dabbed straight onto the bite is instant relief.
Contributed by Sue Dunstan, 10th December 2015
Contributed by Sue Dunstan, 10th December 2015
Lady-Comp Fertility Monitor is the Best
If you are trying to get pregnant or are interested in hormone free contraception, I can highly recommend the Lady-Comp fertility monitor. I have been using mine for several months now and truly love this product but have waited to give it a thorough testing before recommending it as a hint. I purchased my monitor online from www.ladycomp.com.au. What is great about them, is that you simply use the monitor to take your temperature after you wake up, but before you get up. It then starts recording your own cycle and as time goes by, gives you more and more green (infertile) lights and fewer red (fertile) lights. If you are wanting a pregnancy, you can simply use the monitor to identify your fertile days, or you can buy the Baby-Comp model that even tells you whether the child is more likely to be a boy or girl, based on how close to ovulation you are. They have a pearl index (reliability rate) of 99.3%, which is higher than most forms of contraception - however, there are no side effects, no hormones, no drug interactions. They are expensive at around $600, but they are a once a lifetime buy, and work out more economical than other methods if you have a decade or so until menopause. I wish I had known about them when I first married!
Contributed by Angela Palmer, 18th January 2015
Website: www.ladycomp.com.au
Contributed by Angela Palmer, 18th January 2015
Website: www.ladycomp.com.au
Dry Eye Relief
For sore and irritated dry eye problem - here is some relief: Purchase a bottle of organic castor oil from the health food store - approximate cost $10 and pour some into a smaller bottle containing an eye dropper. You can purchase these from the chemist if you don't already have one. Store the rest of the original bottle so you can refill the eye dropper bottle when needed. This is the important part: Just before hopping into bed at night - put one or two drops in the affected eye or eyes. The drops will moisturize your eyes overnight. It's not perfect but it improves the painful discomfort of dry eye and you are not using other added chemical compounds to delicate eyes, not to mention how much you money you save.
Contributed by Isabell Grey, 20th March 2014
Editor's note: This method of relieving dry eyes seems to be quite popular. Before you try it though do your own research. The results have been mixed, with some claiming brilliant results and others reporting excruciating pain. Castor oil is an ingredient in some drops for dry eyes. If you have doubts or questions see your doctor or an ophthalmologist. Cath
Contributed by Isabell Grey, 20th March 2014
Editor's note: This method of relieving dry eyes seems to be quite popular. Before you try it though do your own research. The results have been mixed, with some claiming brilliant results and others reporting excruciating pain. Castor oil is an ingredient in some drops for dry eyes. If you have doubts or questions see your doctor or an ophthalmologist. Cath
MOO Vaporub
There's no denying the relief and comfort vaporub gives, so instead of using the commercial product, why not MOO it, using safe ingredients? It's easy, so easy you'll wonder why you never thought to MOO it before. You will need: 1/2 cup coconut oil 10 drops pure eucalyptus oil Stir the eucalyptus oil into the coconut oil. Store it in a screw top jar. To use: take a small amount of the vaporub and gently massage into the chest or throat. Now this is a MOO, and it is made of safe to use ingredients, but the same cautions must be taken with it's use. It's for external use only, do not apply to the inside of or under your nose, don't eat it or apply it to your mouth. Apart from the fact that the eucalyptus will burn, it is an oil based product which could end up in the lungs.
Tip of the Day, 14th March 2013
Tip of the Day, 14th March 2013
Breathe Easy with MOO Fess Spray
Approximate $ Savings: $15
Fess spray is fantastic! My family have used it often, however we were lucky enough that our Dr told us the recipe can you believe it, and it works fantastically and costs almost nothing! ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon of white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon bi-carb soda, 1/2 teaspoon of non iodised rock salt, 1 litre of water. Add the first three ingredients to a small amount of the water (hotish water will help it dissolve), when dissolved, add the rest of the water and mix. Buy a fess spray from the chemist, when it is finished, keep the spray bottle and refill, over and over. That is it, that is what you pay about $15 for in the chemist (it's been ages since I brought any so am not sure of the exact price!).
- Contributed by Kim Maxwell, 15th January 2012
Fess spray is fantastic! My family have used it often, however we were lucky enough that our Dr told us the recipe can you believe it, and it works fantastically and costs almost nothing! ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon of white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon bi-carb soda, 1/2 teaspoon of non iodised rock salt, 1 litre of water. Add the first three ingredients to a small amount of the water (hotish water will help it dissolve), when dissolved, add the rest of the water and mix. Buy a fess spray from the chemist, when it is finished, keep the spray bottle and refill, over and over. That is it, that is what you pay about $15 for in the chemist (it's been ages since I brought any so am not sure of the exact price!).
- Contributed by Kim Maxwell, 15th January 2012
Carrot Cough Cure
Approximate $ Savings: $50
With the winter season and with it winter coughs upon us, here's a tip I have used with my children. It saw me through many a freezing cold winter in the UK when I was a child, and it actually works. Cut a carrot as thinly as possible (don't bother to peel it), place it on a saucer, then sprinkle ordinary brown sugar over the top leave overnight (do not refrigerate) in the morning it has formed a thick brown syrup. Take a tablespoon full to stop that nasty tickling cough. The kids love it, no problem to get them to take it. Make it up fresh daily until the cough subsides. Its a winner in the early hours of the morning when either you or the family cannot sleep with a cough. It doesn't make them or you drowsy and you cannot overdose on it. Also saves on all that expensive cough mixture that rarely works.
- Contributed by Heather, Mandurah, 8th June 2009
With the winter season and with it winter coughs upon us, here's a tip I have used with my children. It saw me through many a freezing cold winter in the UK when I was a child, and it actually works. Cut a carrot as thinly as possible (don't bother to peel it), place it on a saucer, then sprinkle ordinary brown sugar over the top leave overnight (do not refrigerate) in the morning it has formed a thick brown syrup. Take a tablespoon full to stop that nasty tickling cough. The kids love it, no problem to get them to take it. Make it up fresh daily until the cough subsides. Its a winner in the early hours of the morning when either you or the family cannot sleep with a cough. It doesn't make them or you drowsy and you cannot overdose on it. Also saves on all that expensive cough mixture that rarely works.
- Contributed by Heather, Mandurah, 8th June 2009
No More Indigestion
Throw away all your expensive antacid preparations. To relieve indigestion slowly eat one teaspoon of honey after the onset of feeling uncomfortable then don't eat or drink for a couple of hours and the discomfit just disappears.
- Contributed by Christine, Avondale Heights, 29th April 2009
- Contributed by Christine, Avondale Heights, 29th April 2009
Simple Cough Remedy
To quieten a nagging cough that always seem to happen in the middle of the night, roughly cut up a WHITE onion, and place on a plate somewhere in the room. The cough will disappear in a few minutes and everyone gets a good night's sleep! For some reason this has to be a white onion. I have used this method for years and it works every time! Don't forget to air out the room next day as the smell is not so pleasant.
- Contributed by Shirley, Mudgeeraba, 10th June 2010
- Contributed by Shirley, Mudgeeraba, 10th June 2010
Why Cucumbers are Better (and Cheaper) than Caffeine
Approximate $ Savings: $2.50 can of coke from Service Station
Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. It's a quick pick-me-up that can last for hours. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
- Contributed by Jan, Baulkham Hills, 6th March 2010
Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. It's a quick pick-me-up that can last for hours. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
- Contributed by Jan, Baulkham Hills, 6th March 2010
Stop the Itch
Instead of buying expensive stop itch remedies for your children's mozzie bites, just dab them with some white vinegar. The white vinegar acts as an antihistamine and stops the itch.
- Contributed by tracey, Kirrawee, 11th February 2010
- Contributed by tracey, Kirrawee, 11th February 2010
Bump Treatment
I always keep a small motel shampoo bottle of witch hazel in my purse first aid kit ready for any bumps or bruises for all age groups. It is an astringent that is approximately $8 per 240ml at Franklins, IGA etc .You can decant into the small bottle for everyday use. I used to put it with the icepack in my mini esky for soccer injuries too. Great for netball/basketball finger/knee/hip/head injuries. Saves bruising, cleans the cut if there is a small one (it stings) and stops swelling /bruising to a point. OK even if there is a fracture, as long as it's not an open wound. OK around the mouth as long as you don't drink it. Great for toddlers banging into the side of tables or ending up with egg heads...I call it "magic water" and just slosh it on immediately. You will still need to use ice if available, but it is great for first aid in the bush, on marches and excursions. It can save on needing a lot of sports injury physiotherapy...I am a physio, so I know it works. An oldie but a goodie.
- Contributed by Jan Krzyszton, 8th December 2009
- Contributed by Jan Krzyszton, 8th December 2009
Stop a Cold Sore In It's Tracks
If you feel a cold sore coming on, (itchy lip) pop methylated spirits on the spot. Instant relief. If itch returns do it again. You will find in no time you do not have a problem with that annoying cold sore. No need to spend money at the pharmacy, thus you are saving.
- Contributed by Rae, Wantirna South, 5th April 2009
- Contributed by Rae, Wantirna South, 5th April 2009
Old Cure for Eczema that Really Works
I'm not sure about the mattress protector, but have heard about an old aboriginal cure for eczema - a teaspoon of molasses per day! Give this a go before you spend money on the protectors, it may save you heaps in the long run!
- Contributed by Fionna, Branxton, 18th November 2008
- Contributed by Fionna, Branxton, 18th November 2008
Easily Treat Bedding at Home for Dust Mite Protection
Save your money on the allergy mattress protectors for dust mites. Have been through all this for years. The secret is to dry the bedding and clothes, especially the pjs, in the dryer. Saves a fortune on allergy treatment and very gradually over time the person becomes a little less sensitive to the dust mites and fewer skin reactions can be achieved if you avoid washing powders with blue beads in them. Stick to the very basic washing liquids found in the Tip Store of this website. Keep perfumed things to a minimum, and coat the inside of the child's nose with Vaseline to prevent the dust and pollens irritating the lining of the nostril and causing allergic sneezing and coughing. Vacuum the bedding about once a month and you can use the foam underlays to get just as effective results and costing a fraction of price. Obtainable from large department stores like Big W and from Clark Rubber.
- Contributed by Penny, Muswellbrook, 18th November 2008
- Contributed by Penny, Muswellbrook, 18th November 2008
Hot Water & Eucalyptus Keep Bedding Dust Mite Free
We bought all these expensive special protectors for our son as well as ourselves five years ago at the recommendation of a specialist allergy doctor at a cost of over $1000. Over the next three years, it did not make any difference and seemed to make it worse for my son. Also I found these expensive ones pilled so badly where there was a lot of body movement i.e. pillow protectors and the middle areas of the mattress protectors. Eventually these areas were worn out so I disposed of them. As soon as they were gone, my son improved a lot. There was a special report on one of the current affairs shows on the efficiency of these protectors and they compared them to low cost ones. There were no differences between high and low cost protectors. The specialist doctor also advised that I had to wash the sheets and quilt covers in hot water. Then I happened to see the bottle of eucalyptus oil in my laundry cabinet and on the label it said that when added to the wash it will kill the dust mites. So I did that and it worked. I found that if I cut down on the amount of eucalyptus oil used in the wash to try to stretch it and save money, (instead of the recommended half a cup, I use 2 tablespoons) it is still effective. I made up a solution of water and eucalyptus oil and filled a spray bottle and sprayed the solution over the bed and pillow also on the floor around and under the bed. Do this an hour before bedtime. It has helped. Tea tree oil is also effective. The dust mites don't like light and fresh air so I leave my son's bed unmade and open to the day. I hang the quilt on the line in the sunshine for a few hours every week. I know it's extra work but much more effective and cheaper than buying the whole lot of protectors which don't really do the job they are supposed to do. I suggest that you save money by not buying these expensive protectors which, in my opinion, are absolute rip-offs and do absolutely nothing. As for your son's eczema, can I suggest that you try cold pressed apricot kernel oil which is available from health food shops. My son suffered from it as a baby and I tried a lot of products which did not work until, in desperation, I used the apricot kernel oil which I used for my face on him. Lo and behold, the eczema disappeared in the next two days and, to this day, still has not returned. Good luck - Contributed by Alexandra, Nerang, 19th November 2008
Massage Oil from the Pantry
Approximate $ Savings: 1 litre of olive oil $10.95, 100grm pot of massage wax $12.95
I have been using olive oil to massage sore and tired mussels. My husband rides his mountain bike to work most days and also gets around on it off road at the weekends so can end up with sore neck, shoulder and leg muscles. I drive a large truck for work and I ride competition horses and walk and run in the morning and evenings so also end up with aches and tired muscles. The olive oil is great to massage with and even better if you heat it slightly. Whoever does the massage also ends up with lovely soft hands! You save a huge amount on the shop massage oils and creams and there is nothing added to it to irritate your skin.
- Contributed by Diane, Thames, 10th August 2008
I have been using olive oil to massage sore and tired mussels. My husband rides his mountain bike to work most days and also gets around on it off road at the weekends so can end up with sore neck, shoulder and leg muscles. I drive a large truck for work and I ride competition horses and walk and run in the morning and evenings so also end up with aches and tired muscles. The olive oil is great to massage with and even better if you heat it slightly. Whoever does the massage also ends up with lovely soft hands! You save a huge amount on the shop massage oils and creams and there is nothing added to it to irritate your skin.
- Contributed by Diane, Thames, 10th August 2008
Cure for a Sore Throat
Approximate $ Savings: $6
Sprinkle some cayenne pepper in your coffee! It tastes great, and the spicy heat (which disappears after a few seconds) totally cures your sore throat. It also helps to clear your nose of congestion. I keep a spice container of cayenne pepper next to the coffee jar and sprinkle a small amount into my coffee every time a sore throat appears. Saves a fortune on those expensive lozenges ($6 per packet!!).
- Contributed by Fiona, Wilton, 10th April 2008
Sprinkle some cayenne pepper in your coffee! It tastes great, and the spicy heat (which disappears after a few seconds) totally cures your sore throat. It also helps to clear your nose of congestion. I keep a spice container of cayenne pepper next to the coffee jar and sprinkle a small amount into my coffee every time a sore throat appears. Saves a fortune on those expensive lozenges ($6 per packet!!).
- Contributed by Fiona, Wilton, 10th April 2008
Carrot Cough Cure
Wash a carrot and then slice it very finely. Spread the pieces out on a plate, in a single layer. Sprinkle lightly with brown sugar and leave for a couple of hours. Syrup will form as the carrot slices soften and shrivel. Take one teaspoon of the syrup as and when needed for dry, tickly, stubborn coughs. Prepare another plate before going to bed, to use during the night.
- Contributed by Debbie, Croydon, 18th July 2007
- Contributed by Debbie, Croydon, 18th July 2007
Lucas Pawpaw Ointment
A fantastic natural product, made in Australia from fresh fermented fruit of the pawpaw, or papaya. My friends and I love it, and we introduce it to all our friends and relatives. It has so many uses, a real multi purposes ointment, for about $3 for a 25g tube and $7 for a 75g tub. It lasts for ages, I get about 1 year from a tub. I also have a tube in my handbag, another in my car. This is what I use it for: lip balm (moisturizes as well as looking a little glossy) hand and foot cream a face mask (I apply it for about 1 hour, its thick, but when you wipe it off, your skin feels full of moisture and looks great) insects bites sunburn elbow moisture pimples burns cuts dry cracked skin dry skin caused by colds and flues, especially around the nose area some other uses, that I don't use, but have friends that do: nappy rash, for dry elbows caused by hospital sheets, boils, chaffing, hemorrhoids, gravel rash, splinters. You will not regret buying a pawpaw ointment, it is a fantastic product and great value for money!
- Contributed by Jessica, St. Kilda East, 1st June 2007
- Contributed by Jessica, St. Kilda East, 1st June 2007
Wart Killer!!
Cover wart with nail polish(avoid touching skin) re apply daily. The nail polish suffocates the wart, it dries up and falls off within 14 days. Used this method on my son who had them all around his fingers and was referred to a skin specialist. A Friend told me about the polish, tried it and it worked. Dollars were saved. Also stopped him biting his finger nails.
- Contributed by Jenny, Hillman, 21st April 2007
- Contributed by Jenny, Hillman, 21st April 2007
Sore Throat Teabag Remedy
Unknown to me, my children cleaned the drain with my toothbrush. I had a terribly sore throat that, at great expense, no over the counter medicine would heal. So I went to a wonderful doctor and he told me that to relieve a painful, sore and infected throat, suck on a warm (not hot) teabag. The relief was instant and within 24 hours the pain was gone. - Contributed by Jenny, Bundaberg, 24th January, 2007
Home Remedies
I play different sports and I get lots of small injuries like sprains, bumps, bruises and cramps. Mum always uses this old fashioned home remedy on me and I heal really quickly. For any swelling on your arms, legs etc try using a clean pillowcase, laid flat and pour Lectric Soda Crystals into the middle of the pillowcase. If my knee is sore, Mum uses about 6 inches of the centre of the pillowcase covered with about 1/2 inch of Lectric Soda Crystals, then she folds the pillowcase over, top and bottom, to completely cover and seal in Lectric soda. Lay pillowcase flat on the knee to completely cover knee area both back and front. Lightly bandage onto knee area or cover with leg of pantyhose to help keep in place. Leave on overnight. Remove in morning and see how Lectric Soda Crystals have become moist from drawing out body fluid around injured tissues. Do not re-use crystals. Simply repeat again each night until no longer necessary. Great for animals, Mum uses it on the horses when their legs get sore too. It is non-toxic. Recycle the used Lectric Soda Crystals by adding to bucket of hot water and use to wash down paths, concrete etc to disinfect and prevent mould/mildew build up. Lectric Soda crystals cost Mum $1.49 from Safeway. For my cramps Mum uses a small Camphor block tied into the leg of an old stocking or cuts a leg from her pantyhose. Put a piece of Camphor in toe, tie a knot and repeat again up the leg of stocking until you have 6 pieces of Camphor in all. Place this stocking in the bed, between sheets. My bed smells really nice, kinda like Grandma smells and I don't get anymore cramps now. When the Camphor fades away just begin again. I hope you like my tip and that I win because my Mum would love to be a Member here. My Dad is helping me to type this out and he says he hopes you can understand what we mean!!!! I like this site because Mum can save money and we can then get nice things for me and save for a family holiday. Thanks from Caitlin (age 7)
- Contributed by Caitlin, Pakenham, May 3rd 2005
- Contributed by Caitlin, Pakenham, May 3rd 2005
Smelly Feet
Use Tea Tree oil to reduce odour by using neat prior to putting on your socks, it seems to kill the bacteria on the feet and in the boots, shoes, sneakers etc. There is nothing worse than that pungent smell emanating from feet on removal of footwear.
- Contributed by Ian, Glenfield, April 14th 2005
- Contributed by Ian, Glenfield, April 14th 2005
Croup Season
Croup season is upon us and my 11 month old just got over a nasty case of it. I don't believe that cough mixtures work all that well and its a lot of money to spend on something that doesn't do the trick. I found that warm cloudy apple juice works a treat. It helps to relax the windpipe and to break up mucous. Its not a miracle cure but it does help.
- Contributed by Candice, Kilmore, June 19th 2006
- Contributed by Candice, Kilmore, June 19th 2006
Fresh Aloe Vera Gel
1. Slice off an outer leaf of an Aloe Vera plant, peel (with a vegetable peeler or paring knife) chop up and place in a blender. Run the material through a strainer.
2. For every 1/4 cup of Aloe Vera leaf, add 250 mg. of powdered vitamin C, the contents of one capsule (400 IU) vitamin E.
3. Blend thoroughly.
Refrigerated in a clean glass jar, this gel will stay fresh for a couple of months. You can also add some lavender essential oil or ti tree oil to the gel to use on cuts, burns or to use as a base for other products.
2. For every 1/4 cup of Aloe Vera leaf, add 250 mg. of powdered vitamin C, the contents of one capsule (400 IU) vitamin E.
3. Blend thoroughly.
Refrigerated in a clean glass jar, this gel will stay fresh for a couple of months. You can also add some lavender essential oil or ti tree oil to the gel to use on cuts, burns or to use as a base for other products.
Warts
Remove plantar warts with banana peels. Before bedtime tape a banana peel, inside to the skin, over the wart, and cover with a bandage. Within a couple of days the wart will be gone.
More on Cold Sores
My daughter and I get cold sores which are not only unsightly but painful, we take 1 zinc tablet everyday and rarely get any and if we do dabbing with tea tree oil at the first sign has it gone in a day. - Contributed by Noelle, Sale, June 28th, 2004
Cold Sore Cure
Thanks for the great newsletter, I have a great tip: for those people who suffer cold sores the quickest way to stop one - plain old VICKS! When that first itch or sign starts apply Vicks a couple of times a day. You not only save buying those expensive creams, using Vicks is something just about every house has on the shelf. If you get a blister or it weeps it's not recommended, only use for that first itch or early signs. Works every time. Goodluck.
- Contributed by Sandy, June 16th, 2004
- Contributed by Sandy, June 16th, 2004