Fabulous Organic Beauty, Organic Home and Organic Health Tips
On April 22nd, many people will be celebrating the 38th anniversary of 'Earth Day', when we remind ourselves of the necessity of creating a healthy, sustainable environment for ourselves and our children. In the spirit of Earth Day, let's look at one of Mother Nature's true health and beauty wonders, Vinegar!
Formed by the fermentation of ethanol, this venerable concoction (traces of it have been found in Egyptian urns from 3000 BC) is primarily made of acetic acid, but contains varying amounts of citric acid, tartaric acid and other acids as well. There are many types of vinegar, as it can be made from almost any organic substance that is susceptible to fermentation. For my purposes, we'll focus on just a few – those that are useful in the maintenance of health, or can be used as part of a beauty routine.
Apple cider vinegar has a well-earned reputation as an all-around natural cure. It can be used for either dry or oily skin, because its acidity refines the pores and reestablishes a natural balance, which helps to soften skin. It can be used as an alternative to soap, for those with sensitive skin, even in the bath. Try adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath water, for a soothing, cleansing soak that also acts as a natural deodorizer. It's also a great way to soak away achy joints and muscles. One caution though – vinegar may straighten permed hair.
Problems with acne and other blemishes may be helped by first steaming your face with hot water (lavender makes a nice addition to the water, but be SURE to turn the heat off before steaming) and then patting a cotton ball soaked in vinegar all over your face and neck. For a finish, take some chilled vinegar and pat that again over the face, to close the pores.
My mother used rose vinegar to tone her oily skin, and also as a hair rinse. Her beautiful silver hair was always shining, and she still looks 20 years younger than her real age. Rose vinegar is easy to make. Heat a cup of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of fresh dried rose petals, and a cup of purified water to a boil and then steep it for about 30 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature and then put it in a jar, close tightly and let it sit for 2 weeks. Mom kept hers in the fridge. Before using, strain the flowers out and use the rose vinegar liquid in the bath, shower (as a rinse) or facial soak. You can reheat the solution (gently) for use on the face as well, dipping a clean wash cloth in it and then letting that lie over your face for a few minutes. Repeat this a few times, to a total of about 15-20 minutes. It exfoliates and stimulates the delicate skin of the face, without harsh scrubbing. As a hair rinse, it makes your hair shinier, softer, and also helps get rid of dandruff and itching scalp.
There are a number of elixirs that can be made with vinegar, useful for both humans and pets. Some recommend 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water, though I found I had to work my way up to that amount, starting with one teaspoon. Drinking this with each meal adds nutrients and aids digestion. Be very sure to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterward, as the acidity - while a great bacteria fighter - is not good to leave on tooth enamel for a prolonged period.
Do you have a problem with nail fungus? You know how difficult it is to control, and prescription medications are not to be used by pregnant or nursing women. But did you know that those fungi can't tolerate an acidic environment? Putting 2 drops of distilled white vinegar at the base of the affected nails twice a day, and continuing until the infected nail has grown out completely (it can take up to 6 months) can eradicate the fungus. It's important not to miss an application, and to keep it up until the infected nail has completely grown out and off the body. Clip it off, and continue for a few more days, to be sure you have got it all.
You can use white vinegar for cleaning windows, removing carpet stains (used in conjunction with carbonated water it removes pet stains too), as a softener and brightener in the laundry, and also as an aerosol spray – combined with water – to freshen the air, furniture or cat box! White vinegar, followed by a boiling water flush, can loosen a clogged sink. For a really slow drain, add to the 'oomph' of the clog-buster by putting some baking soda in after the vinegar, and flushing with the hot water when the mixture has stopped bubbling.
Just think of the dollars we spend on commercial cleaners, etc., when we could save all that and use vinegar instead! By simply adding vinegar to our cleaning and beauty regimen, we'll be doing ourselves and the earth a big favor. Our bank accounts will appreciate it too. Happy Earth Day!
If you have any questions, please write in and ask! I'll do my best to give you the help you need, or direct you to a good source for more information.
Nancy Miller, RN, BA Psych, CHyT
Nancy Miller got her RN degree in 1975 and went on to earn a BA in Humanistic Psychology from Goucher College in 2002. She's also a certified hypnotherapist and an ordained minister. Nancy is the mother of one child, her 24 year old son Eric, of whom she is extremely proud.
Looking for more Nurse Nancy? Read her feature column on "Health-Enhancing Attributes of Foods"!
