Tips for staying healthy

HARSH CHEMICAL CLEANERS CAN BE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT. GIVE YOUR CLEANING ROUTINE AN ECO­FRIENDLY MAKEOVER WITH THESE FIVE GREEN CLEANING TIPS. YOUR HOME WILL BE SAFER, SUPER SANITIZED, AND FRESH, FRESH, FRESH!

First things first, you VJill need to stock up on a few eco-friendly products. You can either buy pre­made products that are made by green companies, or you can simply make them yourself-don't worry, you do not have to be a chemist to whip these up. 

Here is how to formulate your own green cleaning products: 

• pickling vinegar (more concentrated than white vinegar)

• baking soda

• borax powder

• lemons

• a few essential oils

• mild dish soap

• a couple of spray bottles.

KITCHEN: Use vinegar to create a natural 

all-purpose cleaner for the kitchen. Vinegar itself is edible; it contains no toxic chemicals that would be harmful if ingested, so it is a perfect cleaning product to use around food. 

D.I.Y. all-purpose cleaner - using an empty spray bottle, combine a solution of half pickling vinegar, half warm water and one tablespoon of dish washing liquid. This solution can be used to clean the counter top, stovetop, refrigerator and microwave. Vinegar is excellent for use in your dishwasher too. Add a cup of vinegar to your machine to remove any stagnant odors; it v.rill leave the interior shiny and squeaky clean. You can also add it to your water when washing dishes by hand, the disinfecting power is sure to kill any bacteria and germs on your dinne1ware. Vmegar has a distinct odor, but don't worry; the smell will dissipate once it dries. Caution! Some surfaces, like marble, tarnish when treated with vinegar & other acidic substances. As with any product, it's best to test a small area to make sure it is safe to proceed. 

BATHROOM: Bathroom cleaners are among some of the harshest chemical cleaners. You can make your own bathroom scrubbing solution to clean toilets, counter tops, fixtures and tubs/shower without the offensive fumes. 

D.I.Y. tub and shower scrubbing solution - combine half a cup of vinegar, three fourths a cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of lemon juice, mix together to form a thick paste (add more or less baking soda until desired consistency is achieved). Using a sponge, apply the solution on sinks, tubs, showers and fixtures in small circular motions. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, scrub with a sponge and rinse with warm water. To clean bathroom counter tops, use the all-purpose solution created for the kitchen. Knock out toilet stains and odors with one cup of undiluted vinegar. Before pouring the vinegar in the toilet, it is best to flush the toilet and allow the water to go down, the water descends, pour the vinegar around the inner rim then scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. 

WINDOWS AND MIRRORS: The kitchen solution works here too. Simply spray and wipe for squeaky clean windows. Save paper towels 

and instead use old newspapers; they won't leave behind any lint. 

WOOD AND TILE FLOORS: Nothing spreads chemicals in the air faster than mopping the whole house with a toxic chemical cleaner. You can easily make your own mopping solution that will clean and disinfect your floors safely:

D.I.Y. floor cleaner: In your mop bucket mix one cup of pickled vinegar, one gallon of water, one tablespoon of mild dish soap and the desired amount of your favorite scented oil. Your house will smell so fresh, and the best part is, your home will be thoroughly sanitized and chemical free. 

CARPETS: Many carpet fresheners have a fruity or floral scent bearing the disguise of toxic fumes that can potentially be harmful to your health. It is very sin1ple to make your own fresh smelling carpet deodorizer, and it will be safe for the family and pets too. 

D.I.Y. carpet deodorizer: Combine one cup of baking soda with one cup of borax in a plastic bag, add the desired amount of your favorite essential oil, and then mix together. Sprinkle the powder solution on carpets, let stand for 20 minutes, 

then vacuum. Your house and carpet will smell delightful.

Salt, Lemons, Vinegar, 

and Baking Soda 

by Shea Zukowski 

The Fab Four: Salt, lemons, vinegar and baking soda, the all-you-need cleaning all-stars for the home. 

From personal hygiene and grooming to household cleaning and gardening, this powerful quartet has a long history of usefulness that is modern, green, cheap 

and effective. This book gives a brief introduction to each of these amazing essentials along with household hints (indoor and out; for people and pets) and hundreds 

of smart solutions for better living. 

Fittoa "17M': The BestTeasfor Healing andWellness 

A HOT CUP OFTEA CAN MEAN RELAXATION, A TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF, A MEANS TO CENTER YOUR ENERGY, OR EVEN JUST A RETREAT FROMTHEWORLD FORA FEW MINUTE S OF PERSONAL REFLECTION. THAT IS NOT NEWWISDOM EITHER. IN PARTS OFTHEWORLD, A GO O D,HOT 

CUP OFTEA HA S PROVIDE D SOLAC E AND REJUVENATION FOR THOUSANDS OFYEARS.

Now modern wellness experts recognize that besides the emotional balm a tea break can provide, some teas can heal everything from an upset stomach, to sleeplessness, to depression. Here are the best three teas to help you get through the symptoms of day-to-day anxiety: 

Rosemary - Spicy and fragrant, this pert-tast­ing herbal tea offers relief from headaches and anxiety. Its high doses of calcium and iron make it a great source of minerals, and studies even show it's rich in antioxidants. 

In parts of Europe, rosemary is often used to fight indigestion. Some herbal tea users also say it helps improve blood circulation and enhanc­es memory and concentration. Medical studies indicate it can also do much to prevent macular (optical) decay, prevent brain aging, and relieve indigestion. 

Rosemary tea is a simple recipe - just use one tablespoon of dried rosemary leaves for one cup of tea. 

Chamomile - One of the most famous teas, the oils of this gentle-tasting brew provide relief from stomach and digestive problems, including colitis. It's used as a relaxer to aid in a good night's sleep. The fresh taste, not unlike apples, is strong but not overpowering or bitter, so it's a great complement to breakfast toast or fruit. 

In most cases, chamomile is available in either German or Roman (also called English) varieties. It's sold as crushed flowers or as a tea infusion, and one tablespoon is enough for one cup. When used over several months, it can even help chronic sleep and stomach issues. 

Thyme - While the sharp taste and distinct aroma might challenge some tea drinkers, the herb thyme can help reduce coughing, alleviate painful bronchitis symptoms, and relieve com­mon sinus pressure. It works to cleanse the organs of the body, boosting the immune system and also helping in urination and menstruation. 

When making tea, thyme takes a little time. Use two teaspoons of the dried herb per cup, and steep for ten minutes. For the best results, drink one cup three times a day.