Preparing for a Bug-Busting Summer

A large group of ants decided to invade our bathroom recently. I quickly constructed my borax/sugar trap, and within two days the ants were gone.

Homemade Ant Trap

• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon borax

Combine ingredients in small dish. Dip cotton ball in mixture. Place on jar lid or directly on floor.

I tried honey instead of sugar and didn't find it as effective. I used the whitest sugar I had for extra enticement.

After the final ant disappeared, I sprayed the area with homemade peppermint spray and sprinkled some dusting powder for added prevention.

Peppermint Spray

Fill spray bottle with water. Add 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap and 10 drops peppermint essential oil.

All-Purpose Pesticide Powder

• 1/2 cup bay leaves
• 1/2 cup peppermint leaves
• 1.5 teaspoon each citrus peel, garlic powder, diatomaceous earth, cayenne pepper, pyrethrum, salt

So far, so good. It looks like any remaining ants have headed back outside. If they return, I'll be ready!

For more helpful bug-busting recipes, see momsAWARE's downloadable Pest-Punching Printout.

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Homemade Laundry Soap

When making the switch to natural products, laundry detergent and fabric softeners play a key role. From the clothes we wear to our pillows and sheets, chemicals used in laundering come in contact with our skin 24 hours a day.

To get an idea of the types of chemicals found in products like detergents, see this article listing the most common chemicals found in 31 fragrance products.

Thankfully, there are many non-toxic options.

Soap nuts grow on the Chinese Soapberry Tree and are sometimes call Soap Berries. Soap nuts contain naturally occurring saponins which foam when combined with water. Click here to find out more.

Another alternative is to make your own laundry soap. Note that laundry soap will be more natural than detergent, as detergent is made from synthetics while soap is derived from natural elements. Here is a simple homemade powdered laundry soap.

• 1 bar Castile soap (Castile soap is a vegetable-based soap originating in Spain. Kirk's Castile offers a version with minimal added fragrance.)
• 1 c. Borax
• 1 c. washing soda

Finely grate the soap bar and mix with Borax and washing soda. To do this quickly and efficiently, purchase an inexpensive food processor for the sole purpose of making laundry soap. Process soap, add remaining ingredients, and mix. Store in an airtight container.

Use 2 tablespoons per full washer load.

For added potency, add 1/2 c. baking soda to each load and 1/2 c. white vinegar during the rinse cycle.

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Healing Baths

Baths have been used for centuries for healing and detoxifying the body. Epsom salts and baking soda are two of the most popular remedies and appropriate for those recovering from chronic and/or environmental illness.

• Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salts consist of magnesium and sulfate (sulphate).

Magnesium is a vital mineral necessary for proper functioning of muscles, nerves, sleep, and more. Research by the National Academy of Sciences suggests that most Americans are deficient in magnesium.

Sulphates play a critical role in the formation of brain tissue. They disinfect the blood and flush toxins from cells. They stimulate the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. Sulphates also contribute to the production of collagen, which contributes to healthy, young-looking skin.

Both nutrients are readily absorbed into the skin. According to this study by Dr. Rosemary Waring at the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, UK,

"... all individuals had significant rises in plasma magnesium and sulfate at a level of 1% Epsom salts. This equates to 1g MgS04/100ml water; 600g Epsom salts/60 litres, the standard size UK bath taken in this project (~15 US gallons). However, most volunteers had significantly raised Mg/S04 levels on baths with 400g MgS04 added."

This translates to roughly two cups of Epsom salts per bath.

We find Epsom salt baths to be extremely calming. Often we add essential oils like lavender or frankincense. I order Epsom salts in bulk and find that we go through more than 60 pounds each month.

• Baking Soda Baths

Baking soda baths are also affordable and effective. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) helps alkalize the body. It is excellent for rashes and relieves itching.

Baking soda can be combined with Epsom salts in equal parts. 1/2 cup of each is commonly suggested. Adding essential oils can bring further benefit. Suggested oils include tea tree oil, lavender, and peppermint.

Healing baths can be rotated. Additional options include:

Ginger (grated or powdered)

Sea Salt (preferably Dead Sea salt)

Aalgo (seaweed)

Apple Cider Vinegar

Bentonite Clay

As with any healing protocol, it's best to start small and build. Tolerance should be monitored. Hot water is preferable in most cases.To neutralize chlorine in the tap water consider adding Vitamin C powder or a splash of hydrogen peroxide.

Most of all, relax and enjoy!

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