DO IT YOURSELF NATURAL RECIPES
Vinegar naturally cleans, disinfects and deodorizes. Mix 1 part water + 1 part white vinegar in a household spray bottle. As an option you can add 3 drops essential oil of your choice, some suggestions include lemon, lavender or sweet orange. You now have a solution that will naturally clean just about everything in your home!
Use it as a fruit & veggie wash or to clean kitchen counters, stovetops, appliances, tabletops, glass surfaces, tubs, toilets, sinks, fixtures, tile and wood floors. (Always test any new product in inconspicuous areas before using; NEVER use vinegar on marble surfaces.) Not to worry, there is no lingering vinegar odor once it dries!
DIY Abrasive Cleanser + Deodorizer
This is an easy…no mixing recipe! A box of Baking Soda or Washing Soda has many uses around the house. It can be used in small amounts to scrub surfaces, pots & pans, scum around tubs, on tile and anywhere else you need to apply a little elbow grease. Place a small open box or cup of it in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors.
DIY Body Scrub
Salt scrubs are a luxurious way to keep your skin glowing! Use this scrub to exfoliate your skin on a weekly basis or put in a cute little jar for gift giving! Mix together ˝ cup Grapeseed oil, 1 cup fine ground Himalayan salt and 6-12 drops essential oil of your choice. Some suggestions are relaxing Lavender, stimulating Peppermint or refreshing Lemongrass.
You want the texture to be moist but not oily so adjust the amounts as needed. This should make enough for 3 glorious salt scrubs. To use, moisten your body first then sit on the edge of the tub or stand/sit in the shower with the water off. Put a little of the scrub in the palm of your hand and rub it gently over moistened skin, working in each area for about a minute. Apply more scrub as needed. Then shower or bathe as usual. (Don’t scrub too hard or too long!)
Simple Safety Protocols for all DIY Recipes
Homemaking, Healing and Gardening: These are all such important fundamental aspects of human life on this planet. The tools to create a more intentional and sustainable daily existence all stem from the tiny actions that we perform in our everyday lives. That being said, making DIY recipes should not be limited to people with a lot of time, space or experience. DIY is for everybody and creates a natural way to live on our own terms. However, it is important to remember that even natural formulas can be toxic in certain situations. Here are a few things to keep in mind while creating and using DIY.
Natural does not mean Non-toxic. Even though products like borax and washing soda are safer than most of the cleaning ingredients you will find in your store shelves, be aware that some natural products may still be toxic if ingested. Remember to wash your hands after mixing cleaners and clearly label the containers you keep them in. Also, it is not a bad idea to wear gloves, just to be on the extra safe side.
If you are pregnant, there may be certain herbs and oils you should avoid. During pregnancy, it is extremely important that you are aware of what goes onto and into your body. While most herbs are safe for most individuals to use, there are quite a few that can cause problems for pregnant women.
Because each pregnancy is unique, the best way to use herbs during pregnancy is under the advice of a physician, midwife, herbalist, or homeopathic doctor. A great resource is a good Herbal Encyclopedia to help you learn what herbs are recommended and what herbs should be avoided during the various stages of pregnancy.
Know your Body! Pay attention to your body if a new DIY recipe is making you feel sick, itchy or just straight up uncomfortable during or after use. Make sure you learn more about potential allergic reactions to certain herbs before you create and use homemade recipes.
Remember: plants have families, too! If you know you have specific allergies, you want to thoroughly research any related herbs or oils you intend to use. To avoid a possible allergic reaction, a reputable online resource to help you learn more about plants and their families is the Online Botany Guide.
DIY is about making our lives intentional and to help us live more simply. It allows us to pay close attention to our bodies and the systems that we know are right for us. And a BIG plus is that DIY saves YOU money and reduces packaging all while we do our part to keep our planet and ourselves as healthy as possible.
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