(From comments from a site, I don't remember where I got these comments)
Plus brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste that contains glycerin is supposed to prevent the re-nameling of teeth.
------- This reminds me- In addition to my comment above about not brushing since 1969 and still having all my teeth, I have also regularly rinsed my mouth and gargled with **Hydrogen Peroxide** every few weeks.
I have ZERO mouth infection problems, nor do I have "bad breath".
In fact, I keep Hydrogen Peroxide in a Windex spray bottle and use it for personal hygiene too.
Hydrogen Peroxide probably has the same anti-bacterial qualities as the "nanosilver" stuff being recommended below.
But lots, LOTS cheaper.
----
In the last year I have switched from toothpaste to glycerine-free organic soap. I take cell salts (Bioplasma) to help remineralize my teeth, and make sure to rinse my mouth with water after ever meal. My natural dentist has seen great improvement in my overall dental health. Very easy! -----
When following my dentist's advice (and the ADAs) was resulting in cavaties, broken teeth and bleeding gums, I, 12 years ago, quit listening to "experts" and started following grandma's age old advice.
I brush with a combination of baking soda and finely ground salt, followed by a hydrogen peroxide rinse.
Result? I nearly never floss, my teeth are white and strong with NO sensitivity and in 12 years the ONLY problems I have had are from my childhood fillings breaking and taking my teeth with them. The last one was a couple months ago and the dentist didn't have to numb be to fix my tooth.
If not for finding the truth, I believe I would have dentures just like my father and mother. ----
After more than 20 years of chronic gum disease, I started brushing my teeth with Neem toothpaste. It was totally amazing how fast my gums healed. Within a week all the bleeding was gone and the pockets were closing up. I've been using it about 2 years now and my gums are still in great shape. It can't undo the damage caused by years of gum disease, but it sure does stop the gum disease in it's tracks! The cost is about double that of ordinary toothpaste, but I'm saving thousands in dental bills.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Guest Article: Sea Salt--An Indispensable Commodity for Uncertain Times, by Roxanne Griswold
Guest Article: Sea Salt--An Indispensable Commodity for Uncertain Times, by Roxanne Griswold
Permalink
from Survival blog:
from Survival blog:
When we think about setting aside emergency supplies, most of us would agree that preserved food and purified water are the essentials and everything else is secondary to these. Some might even choose to incorporate things like a manual grain mill, a water purifier, a food dehydrator, a solar cook stove and so on. But who would ever consider something as simple and humble as sea salt as an indispensable necessity and commodity in the tumultuous days ahead? I would even go so far as to say if sea salt is not a part of your survival provisions, it’s time to tuck away this invaluable, hidden treasure.
In fact, salt was once valued as a form of currency – it was that scarce, and considered a luxury of few. The ancient Greeks used salt to trade for slaves and Roman soldiers were paid in “salt money” or “salarium argentum” where we derive the English word, “salary”. Homer called it “Divine”. Jesus calls His followers (which I’m honored to say I am) the “salt of the earth”. Wars have been fought and whole settlements turned into cities and nations over the pursuit of salt. Just as gold and silver have once again gained ground in this present economic meltdown, so also will sea salt be a valuable and tradable commodity, literally “worth its weight in gold.” It will be a supreme bartering tool.
Sea salt has a unique ability of drawing out the flavor in food like no other seasoning, but this is secondary to yet another one of its amazing values. Salt has long been known for its ability to preserve foods. If in the event of societal and economic collapse, refrigeration may be a thing of the past. Unless you plan to consume what you pick immediately, depend on your air dehydrator or live off your food storage, you will need salt for preserving food. During harvest time, there should be plenty of fresh food (assuming you thought ahead to plant a garden), but the long harsh winters will inevitably come and preserving food will be a crucial issue. Even hunting for game, chances are you will not be able to consume it all in one sitting – salt preservation will be key. And without power, your pressure canner or electric dehydrator will not get you very far, so salt can be the perfect alternate route.
With salt’s same ability to retard spoilage, “mineral dense sea salt” will also aid in the disinfecting and healing of wounds. A simple salt paste or soaking a wound in a salt/water solution several times a day, should achieve positive results. Sea salt also rejuvenates the skin keeping a more youthful appearance while aiding in the healing of acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin related problems. Did you ever wonder why your skin felt so tight, free and clear of irritation or blemishes after spending a day at the beach? Sea salt has miracle healing properties that are often overlooked. In fact, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is world renown for its hot salt springs that people flock to with skin conditions. Dead Sea salts are another sought- after skin commodity.
But might I be quick to add that not just any salt will suffice when it comes to you and your precious loved ones, especially typical table salt (sodium chloride) and in some cases, certain brands of sea salt. Salt that is processed for vast human consumption while meeting the public’s demand for a product that is cheap and convenient, much is also sacrificed. According to Jacques De Langre, the author of the book Seasalt’s Hidden Powers, table salt has been stripped of all but two of its 84 trace minerals through a chemical process, dried at extreme temperatures, and oftentimes - for the sake of appearance - anti-caking, free-flowing, or conditioning agents are added along with iodine. But buyer beware of even some brands of so-called sea salt: It may be mechanically harvested from dirt or concrete basins and piped through metal conduits; artificially processed; heated to extreme temperatures to break the molecular structure; stripped of its essential minerals and further adulterated by chemical additives. In essence, many highly acclaimed “sea salts” are no different than plain ole table salt.
So where do you find pure, unadulterated salt – like God intended in nature? The best sea salt we have discovered on the market is Celtic Sea Salt. Dense with vital trace minerals along with its light gray hue from the pure clay soil that it’s harvested from, this sea salt is unmistakable in old world flavor and nutritious. (And taste may mean everything with a bland diet of survival foods!) Extracted from the natural evaporation of the sea and wind alone, the ocean brine is channeled from the sea to the pristine shallow clay ponds, surrounded by vegetation. It provides a natural habitat for the salt while the salt farmer gathers the dazzling white crystals with a long, shovel like tool then collects it daily by hand.
Celtic Sea Salt® can be a simple addition to any food storage plan that just makes sense. It not only stores indefinitely, it provides so many hidden health benefits to mention in this article, but here are just a few: Supplying well over 80 (24 of which are essential to life) minerals needed for proper metabolic functions and the assimilation of necessary nutrients in the body, natural sea salt is also an excellent immune booster and helps keep the body alkaline. It works synergistically with vitamins and other minerals for their bioavailability to the body. For instance, we know that calcium needs both magnesium and Vitamin D3 to be absorbed; Sodium and potassium need each other in the proper proportions to help maintain normal blood pressure and water distribution. Since natural sea salt contains a balance of minerals including sodium and potassium, the body is able to safely eliminate any excess sodium without the complications of typical table salt. This is a huge benefit for those who have to monitor their salt intake.
In an age of degenerative diseases and in the difficult times that may lie ahead, no doubt sea salt will be valuable to keep on hand. It’s not only essential for health and vitality, but clearly carries a vast array of benefits. Discover for yourself why sea salt should be an important part of not only your emergency storage plan, but to a healthier “you”.
“Sea water contains minerals such as ionized sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and selenium, plus many trace elements such as copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and chromium. The human body uses the minerals & trace elements in sea salt to create electrolytes, maintaining the “internal ocean” which is vital to the proper functioning of every system in the body.”
Roxanne Griswold, Ready Made Resources, LLC
In fact, salt was once valued as a form of currency – it was that scarce, and considered a luxury of few. The ancient Greeks used salt to trade for slaves and Roman soldiers were paid in “salt money” or “salarium argentum” where we derive the English word, “salary”. Homer called it “Divine”. Jesus calls His followers (which I’m honored to say I am) the “salt of the earth”. Wars have been fought and whole settlements turned into cities and nations over the pursuit of salt. Just as gold and silver have once again gained ground in this present economic meltdown, so also will sea salt be a valuable and tradable commodity, literally “worth its weight in gold.” It will be a supreme bartering tool.
Sea salt has a unique ability of drawing out the flavor in food like no other seasoning, but this is secondary to yet another one of its amazing values. Salt has long been known for its ability to preserve foods. If in the event of societal and economic collapse, refrigeration may be a thing of the past. Unless you plan to consume what you pick immediately, depend on your air dehydrator or live off your food storage, you will need salt for preserving food. During harvest time, there should be plenty of fresh food (assuming you thought ahead to plant a garden), but the long harsh winters will inevitably come and preserving food will be a crucial issue. Even hunting for game, chances are you will not be able to consume it all in one sitting – salt preservation will be key. And without power, your pressure canner or electric dehydrator will not get you very far, so salt can be the perfect alternate route.
With salt’s same ability to retard spoilage, “mineral dense sea salt” will also aid in the disinfecting and healing of wounds. A simple salt paste or soaking a wound in a salt/water solution several times a day, should achieve positive results. Sea salt also rejuvenates the skin keeping a more youthful appearance while aiding in the healing of acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin related problems. Did you ever wonder why your skin felt so tight, free and clear of irritation or blemishes after spending a day at the beach? Sea salt has miracle healing properties that are often overlooked. In fact, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is world renown for its hot salt springs that people flock to with skin conditions. Dead Sea salts are another sought- after skin commodity.
But might I be quick to add that not just any salt will suffice when it comes to you and your precious loved ones, especially typical table salt (sodium chloride) and in some cases, certain brands of sea salt. Salt that is processed for vast human consumption while meeting the public’s demand for a product that is cheap and convenient, much is also sacrificed. According to Jacques De Langre, the author of the book Seasalt’s Hidden Powers, table salt has been stripped of all but two of its 84 trace minerals through a chemical process, dried at extreme temperatures, and oftentimes - for the sake of appearance - anti-caking, free-flowing, or conditioning agents are added along with iodine. But buyer beware of even some brands of so-called sea salt: It may be mechanically harvested from dirt or concrete basins and piped through metal conduits; artificially processed; heated to extreme temperatures to break the molecular structure; stripped of its essential minerals and further adulterated by chemical additives. In essence, many highly acclaimed “sea salts” are no different than plain ole table salt.
So where do you find pure, unadulterated salt – like God intended in nature? The best sea salt we have discovered on the market is Celtic Sea Salt. Dense with vital trace minerals along with its light gray hue from the pure clay soil that it’s harvested from, this sea salt is unmistakable in old world flavor and nutritious. (And taste may mean everything with a bland diet of survival foods!) Extracted from the natural evaporation of the sea and wind alone, the ocean brine is channeled from the sea to the pristine shallow clay ponds, surrounded by vegetation. It provides a natural habitat for the salt while the salt farmer gathers the dazzling white crystals with a long, shovel like tool then collects it daily by hand.
Celtic Sea Salt® can be a simple addition to any food storage plan that just makes sense. It not only stores indefinitely, it provides so many hidden health benefits to mention in this article, but here are just a few: Supplying well over 80 (24 of which are essential to life) minerals needed for proper metabolic functions and the assimilation of necessary nutrients in the body, natural sea salt is also an excellent immune booster and helps keep the body alkaline. It works synergistically with vitamins and other minerals for their bioavailability to the body. For instance, we know that calcium needs both magnesium and Vitamin D3 to be absorbed; Sodium and potassium need each other in the proper proportions to help maintain normal blood pressure and water distribution. Since natural sea salt contains a balance of minerals including sodium and potassium, the body is able to safely eliminate any excess sodium without the complications of typical table salt. This is a huge benefit for those who have to monitor their salt intake.
In an age of degenerative diseases and in the difficult times that may lie ahead, no doubt sea salt will be valuable to keep on hand. It’s not only essential for health and vitality, but clearly carries a vast array of benefits. Discover for yourself why sea salt should be an important part of not only your emergency storage plan, but to a healthier “you”.
“Sea water contains minerals such as ionized sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and selenium, plus many trace elements such as copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and chromium. The human body uses the minerals & trace elements in sea salt to create electrolytes, maintaining the “internal ocean” which is vital to the proper functioning of every system in the body.”
Roxanne Griswold, Ready Made Resources, LLC
Cataract
from Home Remedies site:
Deterioration in the nutrition of the lens
There are three factors which contribute to the loss of transparency of the lens. These are deterioration in the nutrition of the lens which diminishes the vitality and resistance of the delicate lens fibres; deposits of acids and salts between the lens fibres which have an irritating effect on the lens tissues and exert an increasing pressure on its delicate fibres, gradually destroying them; and disintegration of lens fibres which cloud the entire lens in the absence of appropriate measures.Poisons in the blood stream, faulty style of living
As in the case of most diseases, poisons in the blood stream due to dietetic errors and a faulty style of living, are the real cause of cataract. The toxic matter in the blood stream spreads throughout the body to find shelter in any available weak spot. It strikes the lens if it has become weak through strain, excessive use of the eyes, and local irritation. The condition becomes worse with the passage of time and then a cataract starts developing.Stress and strain, alcoholic drinks, certain physical ailments
Other causes of cataract are stress and strain; excessive intake of alcoholic drinks, sugar, and salt; smoking; certain physical ailments such as gastro-intestinal or gall-bladder disturbances; diabetes; vitamin deficiencies; fatty acid intolerance; ageing; radiation; side-effects of drugs that have been prescribed for other diseases.Cataract treatment using Carrot
The use of carrots is considered beneficial in the treatment of cataract. The patient should take plenty of raw carrots daily. As an alternative, he may drink two glasses of fresh carrot juice, one each in the morning and evening.Cataract treatment using Garlic
The use of garlic is another effective home remedy for cataract. Two or three cloves should be eaten raw daily. They should be chewed slowly. Garlic helps to clean the crystalline lens of the eye.Cataract treatment using Pumpkin
The flowers of pumpkin are valuable in cataract. The juice of these flowers should be extracted and applied externally on the eyelids twice daily. It will stop further clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye.Cataract treatment using Aniseed
Aniseed is considered a useful remedy for cataract. An equal quantity of aniseed and coriander powder should be mixed with one teaspoon of brown sugar, and the mixture should be taken in doses of 12 gm in the morning and evening.Cataract treatment using Honey
The use of unprocessed pure honey is another effective remedy for cataract. A few drops of this honey should be put in the eyes. This is an ancient Egyptian remedy which has benefitted many patients.Cataract treatment using Almonds
Almonds are valuable in cataract. Seven kernels should be ground finely with half a gram of pepper (black pepper) in half a cup of water, and drunk after sweetening the mixture with a teaspoon of sugar candy. It helps the eyes to regain their vigour.Cataract treatment using Nutrients
Certain nutrients have also been found useful in cataract. Experiments have shown that animals develop cataract if deprived of pantothenic acid and amino acids, and tryptophane and vitamin B6 needed for tryptophane assimilation. The diet of the cataract patient should, therefore, be high in vitamins B2 and B6, as well as the entire B complex group, pantothenic acid, vitamins C, D, E and other nutrients.Cataract diet
Cataract : Home Remedies suggested by usersOrange juice and water, thereafter a restricted diet
A thorough cleansing of the body is essential. To start with, it will be advisable to undertake a fast of orange juice and water for three days. After this initial fast, a diet of a very restricted nature should be followed for two weeks. Breakfast may consist of seasonal juicy fruits. Raw vegetable salads with olive oil and lemon juice dressing, and soaked raisins, figs, or dates should be taken during lunch. Evening meals should consist of steamed vegetables and a few nuts. Potatoes should be avoided.Well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts etc
After two weeks of this diet, the cataract patient may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. The emphasis should be on fresh juicy fruits and raw vegetables. The juice fast followed by the restricted diet should be repeated at an interval of three months.Avoid white bread, alcoholic beverages etc
The patient should avoid white bread, sugar, cream, refined cereals, rice, boiled potatoes, puddings and pies, strong tea or coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments, pickles, and sauces.Other Cataract treatments
Warm-water enema
A warm-water enema should be given daily during the juice fast.Epsom salts bath
An Epsom salts bath is beneficial and should be taken twice a week. The patient should remain in the bath from twenty-five to thirty-five minutes till he perspires freely. After the bath, he should cool off gradually. Eyes should he closed and bathed externally, at least, twice daily with hot water containing Epsom salts.Do eye exercises
Eye exercises aimed at relaxing and strengthening of the eyes are also valuable in cataract.Hand Sanitizers
comments from Mercola readers:
I think what is worse than using antibacterial soaps is the theory behind using them: the "germ theory". Sorry folks I contribute to the spread of "germs" by not washing my hands. Despite this, I don't get sick and neither does my 11 mo son even when around other babies who are sick. I don't believe in the war on germs, that is why we have immune systems! People are so afraid of germs they are sanitizing their bodies in hopes that they won't get sick, well... this is causing them to be sick! Everyone has bacteria on their skin and in their bodies, you just need to have the good bacteria to fight off the bad. I drink Kombucha and eat cultured foods and I believe this is what cured my IBS. We also take Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil for Vitamin D and omega 3's. I believe those things are the best defense we have against pathogens... not hand washing.
---
Your skin is your first line of defense against any germs that you may touch. Alcohol is drying and frequent use can cause your skin to crack. This could actually allow more germs to gain access into your body through these cracks.
---
You can make your own sanitisers using cheap vodka and essential oils in a little spray bottle. It probably is worth having one when out and about because so many people do not wash their hands. When using public toilets I see about a third of women walking out without washing at all and some others only splash their fingertips with water. Then, if you have washed your hands you have to touch the same door handle these e-coli transporters have just touched. I observed this same behaviour at the hospital. These days there are alcohol rubs on the wards for visitors to use. Apparently people still don't all use them despite the fact that hospital caught infections can be killers.
----My daughter and I have made hand sanitizer for a while using Vodka, Aloe Vera, Chlorophyll and a little essential oil. No chemicals to speak of, it's wonderful and non drying.
-- I'm a little alarmed at the high use of hand sanitizers. I see people LIBERALLY slathering these chemicals over their hands all the time. It may turn out the stuff is perfectly safe, but have any long term studies been done??? Remember, if it's getting rubbed onto you skin it's going into your circulation. I agree that it's helpful to use a hand sanitizer when it's just not possible to wash your hands, and also in the hospital where there is a constant need for excellent hand hygiene. However, the level of use I have seen just seems excessive.
I was curious if sanitizers were checked out by EWG. So, I just went on their site to look at the data base. They do have it... Most of the different brands rated a 5 (Moderate risk). Purell, which is the one I see most often, has several products mostly rated a 5. One of their sanitizers rated a 7 (high risk) though. At the level I see this stuff getting used, I think a rating of 1 or 2 (low risk) would be better. of course a 0 rating would be best of all. Ironmaiden, I like the idea of making your own with vodka. However, I have been told that a hand sanitizer needs to be at least 60% alcohol. I don't know if that % is truly needed or not, but isn't vodka about 40%? Please let me know if you have any info on this, because making your own with vodka has got to be a lot less toxic. Another question... How is it that bacteria will not become resistant to alcohol? I have heard of bacteria becoming resistant to chlorine. Unless that story turned out to be false, it would seem that anything overused could create a resistance. Dose alcohol kill 100% of bacteria or something?
---Current research shows that influenza (including H1N1) is transmitted by inhalation of airborne particles. Hand washing will do little to protect you from influenza.
www.cmaj.ca/.../1oct09_conflict_handwashing.shtml
----- I have a friend who has a friend that makes her own hand sanitizer because of a "fragile" child in their home. She says that most recipes over-dilute the alcohol, that it needs to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective. She mixes 5 cups of 91% Isopropyl alcohol with 2 cups 100% pure aloe gel (mix several minutes and it will begin to thicken and gel). You can add essential oils for fragrance, and there are some (like tea tree oil) that will enhance germ killing.
I have a spray bottle of H2O2 handy at home, too, that should be pretty effecitve. Dr. Mercola, your opinion????
---
If the child is so fragile, I'd wonder about using isopropyl alcohol. I looked that up in several different references, one of which said to use gloves when handling it (to prevent absorption, and to avoid removing the protective natural oils from the skin). That's in the wikipedia entry, which also describes it as relatively less toxic than formaldehyle (!) but twice as toxic as ethanol (which is what you'd find in vodka or scotch).
Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning include flushing, dizziness, central nervous system depression, nausea, etc. So if a fragile child has any of these symptoms already, it would be wise to avoid the isopropyl hand-sanitizers. The vodka with an essential oil sounds safer.
---
I believe I have found the solution to the cracked skin that I get from frequent washing in the winter. I started very carefully checking labels and steer clear of any soaps with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as an ingredient. A few weeks ago I noticed that my "Pure & Natural" soap that I had been using contained SLS. I don't know why I had never checked before but I hadn't. The soap is labeled as hypoallergenic and all natural. I already knew I was very sensitive to SLS because I get terrible canker sores if I use a toothpaste that contains it. So I threw out all my Pure & Natural Soap. I found soap without SLS at my local natural food co-op. The brand was Vermont Soap, I'm sure there are others that would work as well. I have found that you have to really scrutinize the labels. Some brands that make a big deal of being organic or earth-friendly still contain SLS. I guess this is because SLS is made from coconut so it is plant-based. It must be a matter of how it is processed because I have no problems with Coconut Oil but SLS just does terrible things to my skin.
So far I have had no cracked hands but I have very carefully eliminated all SLS. I changed soap, shampoo, dish liquid, laundry detergent, etc. It made a real difference for me.
---- I have heard that overusing these alcohol based hand sanitizers can cause drunkenness and inebriation in low body weight individuals (basically children). I read the back of the sanitizer at work and it said not to use it on infants and children using it should be monitored by an adult.
My other concern is that especially children, need to build their immune systems by getting germs and dirt. I personally don't use anti-bacterial products, and don't feel they are beneficial to children.
---
We use 20 drops of Grapefruitseed Extract in a spray bottle with a few drops of essential oils, then top with pure water. GSE is antibacterial and safeer than any alternative....even vodka. Alcohol is alcohol, and I'd rather my family not use it on a regular basis. We bought 2 oz. spray bottles in the sample/travel section and keep them filled in all of our cars. Theives Oil and lavender are our favorites to use. Try it...it is a healthy alternative!
I think what is worse than using antibacterial soaps is the theory behind using them: the "germ theory". Sorry folks I contribute to the spread of "germs" by not washing my hands. Despite this, I don't get sick and neither does my 11 mo son even when around other babies who are sick. I don't believe in the war on germs, that is why we have immune systems! People are so afraid of germs they are sanitizing their bodies in hopes that they won't get sick, well... this is causing them to be sick! Everyone has bacteria on their skin and in their bodies, you just need to have the good bacteria to fight off the bad. I drink Kombucha and eat cultured foods and I believe this is what cured my IBS. We also take Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil for Vitamin D and omega 3's. I believe those things are the best defense we have against pathogens... not hand washing.
You can make your own sanitisers using cheap vodka and essential oils in a little spray bottle. It probably is worth having one when out and about because so many people do not wash their hands. When using public toilets I see about a third of women walking out without washing at all and some others only splash their fingertips with water. Then, if you have washed your hands you have to touch the same door handle these e-coli transporters have just touched. I observed this same behaviour at the hospital. These days there are alcohol rubs on the wards for visitors to use. Apparently people still don't all use them despite the fact that hospital caught infections can be killers.
----My daughter and I have made hand sanitizer for a while using Vodka, Aloe Vera, Chlorophyll and a little essential oil. No chemicals to speak of, it's wonderful and non drying.
--
I was curious if sanitizers were checked out by EWG. So, I just went on their site to look at the data base. They do have it... Most of the different brands rated a 5 (Moderate risk). Purell, which is the one I see most often, has several products mostly rated a 5. One of their sanitizers rated a 7 (high risk) though. At the level I see this stuff getting used, I think a rating of 1 or 2 (low risk) would be better. of course a 0 rating would be best of all. Ironmaiden, I like the idea of making your own with vodka. However, I have been told that a hand sanitizer needs to be at least 60% alcohol. I don't know if that % is truly needed or not, but isn't vodka about 40%? Please let me know if you have any info on this, because making your own with vodka has got to be a lot less toxic. Another question... How is it that bacteria will not become resistant to alcohol? I have heard of bacteria becoming resistant to chlorine. Unless that story turned out to be false, it would seem that anything overused could create a resistance. Dose alcohol kill 100% of bacteria or something?
---Current research shows that influenza (including H1N1) is transmitted by inhalation of airborne particles. Hand washing will do little to protect you from influenza.
www.cmaj.ca/.../1oct09_conflict_handwashing.shtml
----- I have a friend who has a friend that makes her own hand sanitizer because of a "fragile" child in their home. She says that most recipes over-dilute the alcohol, that it needs to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective. She mixes 5 cups of 91% Isopropyl alcohol with 2 cups 100% pure aloe gel (mix several minutes and it will begin to thicken and gel). You can add essential oils for fragrance, and there are some (like tea tree oil) that will enhance germ killing.
I have a spray bottle of H2O2 handy at home, too, that should be pretty effecitve. Dr. Mercola, your opinion????
If the child is so fragile, I'd wonder about using isopropyl alcohol. I looked that up in several different references, one of which said to use gloves when handling it (to prevent absorption, and to avoid removing the protective natural oils from the skin). That's in the wikipedia entry, which also describes it as relatively less toxic than formaldehyle (!) but twice as toxic as ethanol (which is what you'd find in vodka or scotch).
Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning include flushing, dizziness, central nervous system depression, nausea, etc. So if a fragile child has any of these symptoms already, it would be wise to avoid the isopropyl hand-sanitizers. The vodka with an essential oil sounds safer.
I believe I have found the solution to the cracked skin that I get from frequent washing in the winter. I started very carefully checking labels and steer clear of any soaps with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as an ingredient. A few weeks ago I noticed that my "Pure & Natural" soap that I had been using contained SLS. I don't know why I had never checked before but I hadn't. The soap is labeled as hypoallergenic and all natural. I already knew I was very sensitive to SLS because I get terrible canker sores if I use a toothpaste that contains it. So I threw out all my Pure & Natural Soap. I found soap without SLS at my local natural food co-op. The brand was Vermont Soap, I'm sure there are others that would work as well. I have found that you have to really scrutinize the labels. Some brands that make a big deal of being organic or earth-friendly still contain SLS. I guess this is because SLS is made from coconut so it is plant-based. It must be a matter of how it is processed because I have no problems with Coconut Oil but SLS just does terrible things to my skin.
So far I have had no cracked hands but I have very carefully eliminated all SLS. I changed soap, shampoo, dish liquid, laundry detergent, etc. It made a real difference for me.
----
My other concern is that especially children, need to build their immune systems by getting germs and dirt. I personally don't use anti-bacterial products, and don't feel they are beneficial to children.
We use 20 drops of Grapefruitseed Extract in a spray bottle with a few drops of essential oils, then top with pure water. GSE is antibacterial and safeer than any alternative....even vodka. Alcohol is alcohol, and I'd rather my family not use it on a regular basis. We bought 2 oz. spray bottles in the sample/travel section and keep them filled in all of our cars. Theives Oil and lavender are our favorites to use. Try it...it is a healthy alternative!
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