The following information is shared in the spirit of promoting personal health and well-being. It goes without saying you should always do your own research and consult with your health care practitioner for any health concerns you may have.
I first became interested in home health and beauty remedies years ago when I was reading the ingredients of a popular medicated cream. I realized that the main ingredient in it was from a common ‘weed’ that was growing right outside my kitchen! My interest grew as I experimented with gardening, harvesting and making foods and remedies to keep myself and my family healthy. Many of the things that I consider essential for my pantry I also consider essential for my medicine cabinet and make up bag. The remedies are effective, inexpensive, fun and sometimes downright delicious! Let’s start with one of the most common home remedy ingredients: Vinegar.
Wine, Rice, Balsamic, White, Apple Cider… Vinegar comes in many varieties. I have several in my cupboards and use them frequently for cleaning, cooking, pickling and health and cosmetic purposes.
Tickle in your throat? Try gargling with apple cider vinegar. You can always dilute it with water and/or honey especially for children because… well its vinegar! I have even used white vinegar to effectively deal with a sore throat. Adding vinegar to your diet is a great way to promote good health as it inhibits bacteria growth in food and helps extract vitamins and minerals for easier absorption. There are lots of recipes for making herbal and fruit vinegars, which can then be used as dressings, marinades or for hair and body care.
I recently took a sterilized mason jar filled it with sprigs of last summer’s dried lavender then covered it with apple cider vinegar, placed 2 squares of wax paper over the mouth (vinegar will corrode the metal), screwed on the lid and put it in the pantry. For next month I will occasionally check up on it and give it a shake. Then I will strain and store in a plastic bottle to be used as a hair rinse. Massage a splash full strength into your scalp prior to shampooing to help combat oil and flakes. Used half diluted with water after shampooing/conditioning to remove residue and promote smooth and shiny hair. Plain apple cider vinegar works the same, but lavender adds a bit of fancy! It is so effective and much cheaper than many hair care products. Going south for a vacation? Use vinegar to rinse your hair and body after swimming in the sea to remove the salt and it’s drying effects.
You can use apple cider vinegar either full strength or diluted as a softening skin toner, to combat body odour, to sooth a rash, sunburn or to help heal a blemish or insect sting. I know I have only scratched the surface of vinegar’s many uses and I haven’t even mentioned household cleaning!
Probably the simplest way to enjoy the benefits of vinegar is to make your own dressing using whatever kind of vinegar you prefer, drizzle over your favourite fresh veggies and dig in. Here’s my favourite.
Wild Blackberry Vinaigrette
1/8C Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2C Apple Cider Vinegar (Rice or Red Wine works too)
5oz Homemade Blackberry (or Raspberry) Jam
Blend all ingredients until smooth and store in the fridge.