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Rest, relax, recharge, revive, spa rituals to feel alive, Our natural products are locally made, viva la organic, recycled & fair trade, Fire, earth, water, air, for the earth and animals we care. www.plantessentials.com.au
17 March 2012
28 February 2012
Plant Essentials Newsletter March 2012 - 3 sleeps until Autumn!
Only 2 sleeps to go until Autumn!
This year in Queensland it’s been a pretty good year weather wise, a little warm, and a little dry (a pain if you are trying to fill that all important water tank), but no cyclones so far touch wood, a much improvement on last year in the North.
I wonder what Autumn holds for us?
Autumn, with its warm days and cooler nights, is the ideal time to be thinking about strengthening your immune system and considering measures to maintain physical, mental and emotional balance.
So what can you do?
- · Get outside and soak up some Vitamin D. Incidental exposure (not sun baking of course) in particular triggers and arms the body's T cells, the cells in the body that seek out and destroy any invading bacteria and viruses.
- Drink Herbs: Our Breathe Tea is a great fortifying blend ideal to keep those winter ills and chills away. Get into some reishi mushroom, astragalus,horehound, red clover, licorice which may boost the immune system amongst other benefits. Keep some fenugreek on hand in case of severe congestion.
- · Have some homeopathic remedies on hand: Owen Remedies has a great range of single remedies and complexes such as hay fever, sinus & throat & tonsil complexes.
- Purify your environment, burn thieves essential oil blend to purify your air, inhale breathe essential oil blend to clear congestion. You can add either of these cleansing essential oils to your home cleaning routine. Add some to your mop water for a squeaky clean floor, or make your own bench or room spray by mixing essential oil blend with some purified water and essential oil solubuliser.
- · Eat foods rich in vitamin A, C, E and Zinc.
27 February 2012
What Types of Produce Have the Highest and Lowest Levels of Pesticide Residues?
A study by Consumers Union, the publishers of Consumer Reports magazine, examines and rates the residual levels of pesticides on many common fruits and vegetables. A report by the Environmental Working Group, using data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has found that much of the health risks associated with pesticides are concentrated in a relatively small number of fruits and vegetables. The list below is compiled from these reports.
Produce with Highest Levels of Pesticide Residues:
Strawberries - Vitamin C
Green & RedBell Peppers - Vitamins A, C
Spinach- Vitamins A, C, Folic acid
Cherries (US) - Vitamin C
Peaches- Vitamins A, C
Cantaloupe (
Celery- Carotenoids
Apples- Vitamins A, C, Potassium
Apricots- Vitamins A, C, Potassium
Green Beans- Carotenoids
Grapes (
Cucumbers- Vitamin A, Potassium
Pears- Vitamins A, C, Folic acid
Winter Squash (US) - Vitamins A, C. Folic acid, Potassium
Potatoes (US) - Vitamin C, Folic acid
Produce with the Least Levels of Pesticide Residues:
Avocados - Vitamins A, C, Folic acid
Corn - Carotenoids, Folic acid
Onions - Trace vitamins, carotenoids
Sweet Potatoes - Potassium, vitamins A, C
Cauliflower - Vitamin C, Potassium
Brussels Sprouts - Folic acid, vitamins A, C
Brussels Sprouts - Folic acid, vitamins A, C
Bananas - Potassium, vitamin C
Plums - Vitamin C
Green Onions - Vitamins A, C
Watermelon - Potassium, vitamins A, C
Broccoli - Potassium, vitamins A, C
How To Make Produce Safer
Buy Organic
Produce which is "Certified Organic" will cost more, but is your best assurance of pesticide-free status. Although the chart above is useful, it is not 100% accurate; growing methods can change from year to year, and country-of-origin considerations make it more difficult to know exactly what you're buying. For example, the
Vegetable and Fruit Washes
Commercial vegetable and fruit washes are available which are formulated to remove chemical residue from produce. Examples are Environné and Vitanet, available online or at your local health food stores and some supermarkets. You can also make your own produce wash using a very diluted solution of mild dishwashing detergent (1 tsp detergent per gallon, or 4 liters, water).
For grapes, strawberries, green beans, and leafy vegetables, swirl the foods in a dilute solution of dish detergent and water at room temperature for 5 to 10 seconds, then rinse with slightly warm water.
For the other fruits and vegetables, use a soft brush to scrub the food with the solution for about 5 to 10 seconds, then rinse again with slightly warm water.
Peel Fruits with Higher Residue Levels
Peeling fruits, especially peaches, pears and apples, will help remove residues. Be sure to keep the peelings out of the compost. Some pesticides permeate the skin of the fruit, so this method does not guarantee residual free produce in all cases.
Grow Your Own
Looking at the list of most contaminated fruits and vegetables, you can chose to grow some of these yourself. Even a small backyard plot can be very productive for family use. Bell peppers, for example, are easy to grow in most hot or temperate climates, especially when grown in a garden cloche. Green beans and grapes can be grown vertically on trellises which can also serve as a shade provider during the summer months. Apples can be grown in most climates, and columnar varieties can even be grown in pots on the deck or rooftop. See our page on fruit trees. Peaches can be grown in the backyard in warm to hot climate zones, but often require a method of covering to protect the tree from rain-borne disease. Spinach and cucumbers are easy, if you have the ground space. You can plant one or two of these crops in your yard and encourage a neighbor to grow others - then share the harvests.
---------------------------------------------------------
Tips
~ Although apples rank high in pesticide residue, apple juice ranks low. Apple juice is a good substitute for non-organic apples.
~ The residue levels in canned peaches are drastically lower than for fresh peaches. The processing requires vigorous washing which removes most residues from the skin. Also, different varieties of peaches are grown for canning, which require less pesticide to grow.
~ Sprouts are easy to grow in the home, very inexpensive and highly nutritious. Sprouts may be the simplest source of organic produce for you and your family.
~ Some of the fruits and vegetables which rank low on the pesticide residue scale may have higher rates of pesticide residue if they come from certain countries. Ask the produce manager in your local supermarket for country-of-origin information.
~ Cherries from the
~ Are pesticide residues less of a problem in canned and frozen fruits and vegetables? Probably, although most of the research has been done by the food industry. The washing and blanching to prepare fruits and vegetables for canning or freezing removes or destroys approximately 80-90% of pesticide residues, according to the U.S. based National Food Processors Association.
http://eartheasy.com
12 February 2012
Need to Lower your Blood Sugar? Or just want to Reduce your Sugar Cravings...
Gymnema / Gymnema sylvestre is considered to be one of the premier herbs for controlling blood sugar levels. The added benefit is that it does not lower them below normal. Gymnema also known as Gurmar or Meshashringi has a very curious and well known property of preventing sugar cravings. In fact for a few hours after taking gymnema, sugar cannot be tasted by the tongue. Clinical studies have shown Gymnema to be effective in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre is also effective in cholesterol control.
Karela / Momordica charantia is an excellent blood purifier, detoxicant and greatly improves digestion and absorption. The chief constituents of Karela are lectins, charantins and momordicines which have an antilipolytic and lipogenic effect similar to insulin. In fact gurmarin in Karela is similar to bovine insulin. Researchers in Britain found that Karela has a hypoglycemic principle beneficial in lowering blood and urine glucose levels. Karela is also commonly known as Bitter Melon.
Neem / Azhadiracta indica is another bitter herb that has been shown to have beneficial effects in in regulating blood glucose levels and prevents hyperglycemia induced by glucose and adrenalin. It is also a blood purifier and used for detoxification. Neem has been shown to significantly and consistently reduce insulin requirements for nonkeytonic, insulin fast, and insulin sensitive forms of Diabetes. In fact based on the successful clinical trials, the Indian equivalent of the FDA has approved Neem as a medicine for diabetes.
Karela / Momordica charantia is an excellent blood purifier, detoxicant and greatly improves digestion and absorption. The chief constituents of Karela are lectins, charantins and momordicines which have an antilipolytic and lipogenic effect similar to insulin. In fact gurmarin in Karela is similar to bovine insulin. Researchers in Britain found that Karela has a hypoglycemic principle beneficial in lowering blood and urine glucose levels. Karela is also commonly known as Bitter Melon.
Neem / Azhadiracta indica is another bitter herb that has been shown to have beneficial effects in in regulating blood glucose levels and prevents hyperglycemia induced by glucose and adrenalin. It is also a blood purifier and used for detoxification. Neem has been shown to significantly and consistently reduce insulin requirements for nonkeytonic, insulin fast, and insulin sensitive forms of Diabetes. In fact based on the successful clinical trials, the Indian equivalent of the FDA has approved Neem as a medicine for diabetes.
31 March 2011
Dirty Little Household Secrets Tips for a squeaky clean, green & healthy home
Are you waging chemical warfare against household grime? Powerful cleaners that zap household grime can contain ingredients you’d really rather not be breathing, wearing or washing in.
Choice Magazine tested bathroom cleaning products and found that 43% of testers reported skin irritations from a popular mould remover. Nasty cleaning chemicals can be absorbed through our skin or inhaled. Here is a better way that’s healthier for you, your family and our planet.
The following pages contain easy, natural cleaning recipes for your home, starting in the kitchen. There are easy-to-make recipes for cleaning windows, deodorising sneakers, removing mould and making antibacterial sprays plus much more.
K I T C H E N
Light Surface Cleaner
5ml lavender oil
5ml essential oil solubuliser
250ml water
Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake the mixture. Spray mixture onto surface and wipe off with soft cloth.
Antibacterial & Insect Repelling Spray
2ml peppermint oil
2ml clove oil
1ml tea tree oil
5ml essential oil solubuliser
250ml water
Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake the mixture. Spray mixture onto surface and wipe off with soft cloth to disinfect surfaces and kill insects in cupboards This solution can also be sprayed around windowsills, skirting boards and doorways to keep ants at bay during the summer months. Many essential oils contain antibacterial properties including lemon, clove, eucalyptus, tea tree, thyme and lavender oils.
Oven Cleaner
Bicarbonate soda
Vinegar
Sprinkle a little bicarbonate soda over oven surface. Spray vinegar over bicarbonate soda (watch
it sizzle!) then leave overnight. Wipe off with a cloth dampened with water. Wipe over one final time with vinegar on your cloth.
Dishwasher Detergent
1 tbsp washing soda
Use 1 tbsp washing soda instead of commercial dishwasher detergents. Caution – use this one at
your own risk as dishwasher manufacturers are quite strict about what you should use.
Sink Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
Fill a spray bottle with half water and half white vinegar. Spray on any surface where there is soap scum and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe off.
Drain Cleaner
1 cup bicarbonate soda
1 cup vinegar
1 litre boiling water
Sprinkle bicarbonate soda down offending drain. Pour vinegar in and watch the reaction. Follow
with 1 litre of boiling water. Wipe over drain plate with essential oil to leave a fresh fragrance. Baking soda (or bicarb) and salt can be used instead (½ cup each).
All Purpose Cleaner
Borax
Bicarbonate soda
Vinegar
Eucalyptus oil
Place borax and bicarbonate soda into a recycled glass jar. Mix in enough vinegar and water to make a paste. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Wipe mixture onto surfaces to be cleaned and wipe off with a soft cloth. A note on borax - this can be harmful to children and pets if swallowed, you can make a milder version of this paste without the borax.
L A U N D R Y
*Laundry detergent
½ cup pure soap powder
1 cup hot water
Melt soap powder in hot water. You can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil if you like.
Pour into washing machine and wash as normal. *“Caution – use this one at your own risk as manufacturers’ warranties are quite strict. Pour directly into the washing machine with your wash. Do not pour into soap dispensers.”
Super Natural Laundry Detergent
Put 5 soap nuts into a calico or cotton bag, put 5- 10 drops of your favourite essential oil on the bag and toss into the washing machine with your washing. If you use cold water you can use these nuts up to 5 times. Then toss the nuts in the compost.
Dirty Collar Cleaner
Vinegar
Simply spray vinegar onto the collar before putting item through wash as usual. Hang item in the sun to dry. The combination of the sun and the vinegar should remove the offending collar mark.
Fabric Stain Removers
Vinegar
Cold water
Pure soap powder
In general, protein stains (meat, blood etc) leave a dark outline. Never use heat to remove them. Instead, treat with cold water and pure soap. Carbohydrate stains are normally dark in the centre. Treat with water, a spray of vinegar and wash as normal in pure soap.
African Black Soap
It can also be used as a shaving soap, and excellent dish washer, washing the family pet, great for removing make up and instant removal of stains from grimy and greasy hands and clothing.
B AT H R O O M
Liquid Handwash
250ml boiling water
2 tsp glycerol or glycerine
2 tbsp grated soap powder
5 ml or your favourite essential oil
Add the grated soap to boiling water, stir and then let sit for about 10 minutes until it melts. Stir in glycerol and essential oil. When mixture is smooth, pour into dispenser bottle. Do this while it is still warm as it will set to a jelly when cold and be difficult to pour.
Air Freshener
20 drops each lavender & bergamot oil
10 drops each peppermint & clove oil
100ml perfume base
150ml water
5ml essential oil solubuliser
Combine ingredients in spray bottle and shake well. Spritz into air four or five times in area that needs freshening, being careful to avoid your eyes.
Mould Remover—walls
250ml Vinegar
5g Salt
5ml each Clove oil & Tea Tree oil
Mix ingredients into a spray bottle. Spray onto mouldy surface, leave for a few minutes and then wipe off using a soft cloth.
Mould Remover—tiles & grout
Vinegar
Bicarb
Clove oil & Tea Tree oil
Mix enough vinegar and bicarb to make a paste, add a few drops of each essential oil. Scrub into
the surface with a toothbrush or scourer, leave for 30min and then wash off. Spray area with mould remover wall spray (above) and don’t rinse. To maintain your shower area, spray after every cleaning with Antibacterial & Insect Repelling Spray.
Bath & Shower Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
Fill a spray bottle with half water and half white vinegar. Spray on any surface where there is soap scum and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe off.
Toilet Cleaner
1 cup bicarbonate soda
1 cup vinegar
Sprinkle bicarbonate soda into toilet bowl and pour vinegar on top. Watch it react. Leave it for ten minutes then clean with a toilet brush and flush. To finish, put a few drops of tea tree oil on a cloth and wipe around the bowl and seat to provide some antibacterial protection (or use the antibacterial spray recipe).
G E N E R A L
Carpet Cleaner
2 tsp eucalyptus oil
2 tsp glycerine
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp bicarbonate soda
2 tbsp perfume base
Mix ingredients together into a spray bottle. For spot cleaning, spray the mixture onto the spot and gently rub with pantyhose. For a bigger spill – place pantyhose over the head of a broom, spray lightly with your carpet cleaning mixture and sweep over the spot.
Smelly Sneaker Saver
2 tbsp bicarbonate soda
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Mix bicarbonate soda and essential oil (you can use any one you like) into a container with small
holes in the lid. Sprinkle mixture into your offending shoes and leave overnight.
Tiled or Timber Floor Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1 bucket hot water
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Add vinegar and essential oil (you can use any one you like) to a bucket of hot water. Lightly mop or wipe over surface.
Window Cleaner
1 part vinegar
4 parts water
Mix vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray onto windows and wipe off with newspaper, window squeegee or a soft cloth. Gooey Stuff like bubble gum & glue gum Use pure eucalyptus oil and rub with a soft cloth (don’t use on varished surfaces.)
Squeaky Clean Baby Steps
Do your best to learn about whatever you clean with in your home. Scrutinise the labels on your cleaning products and then go on a product diet. Phase out harmful commercial cleaning products and replace them with healthy alternatives.
Useful Items for Your Green Cleaning Kit
Bicarbonate (or Baking) Soda
(Sodium Bicarbonate) Excellent odour absorbent and mild abrasive.
Borax
A naturally derived product in its concentrated form, borax disinfects, deodorises and inhibits mould growth. A strong alkaline, an eye irritant and toxic if swallowed. Keep all borax-containing cleaners out of the reach of children.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can add extra benefits to your cleaning products such as antibacterial, mould retarding, antiseptic, and insect repelling. Australian tea tree oil is a broad spectrum germicide, fungicide, and bactericide. Tea tree oil is currently in the process of being registered as a disinfectant in this country. Clove has antiseptic, disinfectant, insecticidal and larvicidal properties. There are too many to list.
Castile Liquid Soap
Vegetable-based soap useful for washing nearly everything.
Liquid Detergent
Detergents are made from synthetic materials that form less soap scum when combined with minerals in hard water. Most dishwashing liquids are detergents. Try purchasing vegetable oil-based detergents, which can be less toxic than petroleum-based products.
White Vinegar
Removes soap scum, grease and mineral deposits and acts as a deodoriser. Use only white distilled vinegar for these recipes.
Washing Soda
(Sodium Carbonate) It is slightly caustic and a great grease cutter. Don’t use it on waxed floors (unless you want to remove the wax), fibreglass or aluminum.
Soap Nuts
Soap nuts which are in actual fact berries are nature’s laundry detergent that grow wild on trees.
African Black Soap
This is an ancient soap used for centuries in West Africa and still made in its traditional way. It is 100% completely natural. It has a mild gentle smell. Note - these ingredients may be toxic in their concentrated form. When used in the small amounts in these cleaning recipes, they are non-toxic.
Avoid Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Triclosan
Commonly used in commercial soaps, toothpastes and cleaning products with ‘anti-bacterial’ claims. An eye irritant that is moderately toxic by ingestion, and may cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Formaldehyde
Highly toxic and a known carcinogen. Commonly found in air fresheners.
Ammonia
A very volatile chemical. Damaging to eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Commonly found in bathroom cleaners.
Bleach
A strong corrosive. May irritate or burn the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Chlorine
Can affect the throat and lungs if inhaled. Commonly found in dish detergents, bleaches, plastics and paints.
Hydrochloric Acid
Corrosive, eye and skin irritant, damages kidneys, liver and digestive tract. Commonly found in drain cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners.
Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
A caustic, strong irritant that can burn both skin and eyes. Inhibits reflexes, can cause severe tissue damage if swallowed. Commonly found in oven cleaner.
Sodium Hypochlorite
A corrosive substance commonly found in mildew and mould cleaners. May burn the skin and seriously damage the eyes. Swallowing can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and chemical burns to the gastrointestinal tract.
Phenol
A moderate to highly toxic corrosive commonly found in air fresheners. May cause severe burns to skin, and if ingested in high concentrations can cause burns to the mouth and throat, convulsions and even death.
Hypochlorite Bleach
A corrosive substance. It irritates or burns the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause lung damage, vomiting or coma if ingested. Commonly found in bathroom cleaning products.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
A strong and harsh detergent and a powerful wetting and foaming agent. Repeated use can accumulate SLS in the body. Found in shampoos, toothpaste, and soaps. Note that Sodium Laureth Sulphate is a higher foaming version of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
Phosphates
Naturally occurring compounds in waterways, but causing algal and weed growth when they reach abnormally high levels. Commonly found in soaps and washing detergents. This information was taken from manufacturer’s material safety data sheets.
Commercial Cleaning Products
There are many environmentally responsible cleaning products on the market. If you are going to purchase commercial cleaning products, look out for these
qualities:
• Phosphate free
• Low sodium content - less than 20 grams per wash
• Plant-based ingredients
• Synthetic fragrance free
• Petrochemical free
• Microfibre cloths – they use only water and many can be recycled through the manufacturer.
The information provided in this brochure is to be used as a guide only and is by no means conclusive. Please ensure you patch test all recipes.
Choice Magazine tested bathroom cleaning products and found that 43% of testers reported skin irritations from a popular mould remover. Nasty cleaning chemicals can be absorbed through our skin or inhaled. Here is a better way that’s healthier for you, your family and our planet.
The following pages contain easy, natural cleaning recipes for your home, starting in the kitchen. There are easy-to-make recipes for cleaning windows, deodorising sneakers, removing mould and making antibacterial sprays plus much more.
K I T C H E N
Light Surface Cleaner
5ml lavender oil
5ml essential oil solubuliser
250ml water
Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake the mixture. Spray mixture onto surface and wipe off with soft cloth.
Antibacterial & Insect Repelling Spray
2ml peppermint oil
2ml clove oil
1ml tea tree oil
5ml essential oil solubuliser
250ml water
Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake the mixture. Spray mixture onto surface and wipe off with soft cloth to disinfect surfaces and kill insects in cupboards This solution can also be sprayed around windowsills, skirting boards and doorways to keep ants at bay during the summer months. Many essential oils contain antibacterial properties including lemon, clove, eucalyptus, tea tree, thyme and lavender oils.
Oven Cleaner
Bicarbonate soda
Vinegar
Sprinkle a little bicarbonate soda over oven surface. Spray vinegar over bicarbonate soda (watch
it sizzle!) then leave overnight. Wipe off with a cloth dampened with water. Wipe over one final time with vinegar on your cloth.
Dishwasher Detergent
1 tbsp washing soda
Use 1 tbsp washing soda instead of commercial dishwasher detergents. Caution – use this one at
your own risk as dishwasher manufacturers are quite strict about what you should use.
Sink Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
Fill a spray bottle with half water and half white vinegar. Spray on any surface where there is soap scum and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe off.
Drain Cleaner
1 cup bicarbonate soda
1 cup vinegar
1 litre boiling water
Sprinkle bicarbonate soda down offending drain. Pour vinegar in and watch the reaction. Follow
with 1 litre of boiling water. Wipe over drain plate with essential oil to leave a fresh fragrance. Baking soda (or bicarb) and salt can be used instead (½ cup each).
All Purpose Cleaner
Borax
Bicarbonate soda
Vinegar
Eucalyptus oil
Place borax and bicarbonate soda into a recycled glass jar. Mix in enough vinegar and water to make a paste. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Wipe mixture onto surfaces to be cleaned and wipe off with a soft cloth. A note on borax - this can be harmful to children and pets if swallowed, you can make a milder version of this paste without the borax.
L A U N D R Y
*Laundry detergent
½ cup pure soap powder
1 cup hot water
Melt soap powder in hot water. You can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil if you like.
Pour into washing machine and wash as normal. *“Caution – use this one at your own risk as manufacturers’ warranties are quite strict. Pour directly into the washing machine with your wash. Do not pour into soap dispensers.”
Super Natural Laundry Detergent
Put 5 soap nuts into a calico or cotton bag, put 5- 10 drops of your favourite essential oil on the bag and toss into the washing machine with your washing. If you use cold water you can use these nuts up to 5 times. Then toss the nuts in the compost.
Dirty Collar Cleaner
Vinegar
Simply spray vinegar onto the collar before putting item through wash as usual. Hang item in the sun to dry. The combination of the sun and the vinegar should remove the offending collar mark.
Fabric Stain Removers
Vinegar
Cold water
Pure soap powder
In general, protein stains (meat, blood etc) leave a dark outline. Never use heat to remove them. Instead, treat with cold water and pure soap. Carbohydrate stains are normally dark in the centre. Treat with water, a spray of vinegar and wash as normal in pure soap.
African Black Soap
It can also be used as a shaving soap, and excellent dish washer, washing the family pet, great for removing make up and instant removal of stains from grimy and greasy hands and clothing.
B AT H R O O M
Liquid Handwash
250ml boiling water
2 tsp glycerol or glycerine
2 tbsp grated soap powder
5 ml or your favourite essential oil
Add the grated soap to boiling water, stir and then let sit for about 10 minutes until it melts. Stir in glycerol and essential oil. When mixture is smooth, pour into dispenser bottle. Do this while it is still warm as it will set to a jelly when cold and be difficult to pour.
Air Freshener
20 drops each lavender & bergamot oil
10 drops each peppermint & clove oil
100ml perfume base
150ml water
5ml essential oil solubuliser
Combine ingredients in spray bottle and shake well. Spritz into air four or five times in area that needs freshening, being careful to avoid your eyes.
Mould Remover—walls
250ml Vinegar
5g Salt
5ml each Clove oil & Tea Tree oil
Mix ingredients into a spray bottle. Spray onto mouldy surface, leave for a few minutes and then wipe off using a soft cloth.
Mould Remover—tiles & grout
Vinegar
Bicarb
Clove oil & Tea Tree oil
Mix enough vinegar and bicarb to make a paste, add a few drops of each essential oil. Scrub into
the surface with a toothbrush or scourer, leave for 30min and then wash off. Spray area with mould remover wall spray (above) and don’t rinse. To maintain your shower area, spray after every cleaning with Antibacterial & Insect Repelling Spray.
Bath & Shower Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
Fill a spray bottle with half water and half white vinegar. Spray on any surface where there is soap scum and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe off.
Toilet Cleaner
1 cup bicarbonate soda
1 cup vinegar
Sprinkle bicarbonate soda into toilet bowl and pour vinegar on top. Watch it react. Leave it for ten minutes then clean with a toilet brush and flush. To finish, put a few drops of tea tree oil on a cloth and wipe around the bowl and seat to provide some antibacterial protection (or use the antibacterial spray recipe).
G E N E R A L
Carpet Cleaner
2 tsp eucalyptus oil
2 tsp glycerine
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp bicarbonate soda
2 tbsp perfume base
Mix ingredients together into a spray bottle. For spot cleaning, spray the mixture onto the spot and gently rub with pantyhose. For a bigger spill – place pantyhose over the head of a broom, spray lightly with your carpet cleaning mixture and sweep over the spot.
Smelly Sneaker Saver
2 tbsp bicarbonate soda
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Mix bicarbonate soda and essential oil (you can use any one you like) into a container with small
holes in the lid. Sprinkle mixture into your offending shoes and leave overnight.
Tiled or Timber Floor Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1 bucket hot water
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Add vinegar and essential oil (you can use any one you like) to a bucket of hot water. Lightly mop or wipe over surface.
Window Cleaner
1 part vinegar
4 parts water
Mix vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray onto windows and wipe off with newspaper, window squeegee or a soft cloth. Gooey Stuff like bubble gum & glue gum Use pure eucalyptus oil and rub with a soft cloth (don’t use on varished surfaces.)
Squeaky Clean Baby Steps
Do your best to learn about whatever you clean with in your home. Scrutinise the labels on your cleaning products and then go on a product diet. Phase out harmful commercial cleaning products and replace them with healthy alternatives.
Useful Items for Your Green Cleaning Kit
Bicarbonate (or Baking) Soda
(Sodium Bicarbonate) Excellent odour absorbent and mild abrasive.
Borax
A naturally derived product in its concentrated form, borax disinfects, deodorises and inhibits mould growth. A strong alkaline, an eye irritant and toxic if swallowed. Keep all borax-containing cleaners out of the reach of children.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can add extra benefits to your cleaning products such as antibacterial, mould retarding, antiseptic, and insect repelling. Australian tea tree oil is a broad spectrum germicide, fungicide, and bactericide. Tea tree oil is currently in the process of being registered as a disinfectant in this country. Clove has antiseptic, disinfectant, insecticidal and larvicidal properties. There are too many to list.
Castile Liquid Soap
Vegetable-based soap useful for washing nearly everything.
Liquid Detergent
Detergents are made from synthetic materials that form less soap scum when combined with minerals in hard water. Most dishwashing liquids are detergents. Try purchasing vegetable oil-based detergents, which can be less toxic than petroleum-based products.
White Vinegar
Removes soap scum, grease and mineral deposits and acts as a deodoriser. Use only white distilled vinegar for these recipes.
Washing Soda
(Sodium Carbonate) It is slightly caustic and a great grease cutter. Don’t use it on waxed floors (unless you want to remove the wax), fibreglass or aluminum.
Soap Nuts
Soap nuts which are in actual fact berries are nature’s laundry detergent that grow wild on trees.
African Black Soap
This is an ancient soap used for centuries in West Africa and still made in its traditional way. It is 100% completely natural. It has a mild gentle smell. Note - these ingredients may be toxic in their concentrated form. When used in the small amounts in these cleaning recipes, they are non-toxic.
Avoid Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Triclosan
Commonly used in commercial soaps, toothpastes and cleaning products with ‘anti-bacterial’ claims. An eye irritant that is moderately toxic by ingestion, and may cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Formaldehyde
Highly toxic and a known carcinogen. Commonly found in air fresheners.
Ammonia
A very volatile chemical. Damaging to eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Commonly found in bathroom cleaners.
Bleach
A strong corrosive. May irritate or burn the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Chlorine
Can affect the throat and lungs if inhaled. Commonly found in dish detergents, bleaches, plastics and paints.
Hydrochloric Acid
Corrosive, eye and skin irritant, damages kidneys, liver and digestive tract. Commonly found in drain cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners.
Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
A caustic, strong irritant that can burn both skin and eyes. Inhibits reflexes, can cause severe tissue damage if swallowed. Commonly found in oven cleaner.
Sodium Hypochlorite
A corrosive substance commonly found in mildew and mould cleaners. May burn the skin and seriously damage the eyes. Swallowing can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and chemical burns to the gastrointestinal tract.
Phenol
A moderate to highly toxic corrosive commonly found in air fresheners. May cause severe burns to skin, and if ingested in high concentrations can cause burns to the mouth and throat, convulsions and even death.
Hypochlorite Bleach
A corrosive substance. It irritates or burns the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause lung damage, vomiting or coma if ingested. Commonly found in bathroom cleaning products.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
A strong and harsh detergent and a powerful wetting and foaming agent. Repeated use can accumulate SLS in the body. Found in shampoos, toothpaste, and soaps. Note that Sodium Laureth Sulphate is a higher foaming version of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
Phosphates
Naturally occurring compounds in waterways, but causing algal and weed growth when they reach abnormally high levels. Commonly found in soaps and washing detergents. This information was taken from manufacturer’s material safety data sheets.
Commercial Cleaning Products
There are many environmentally responsible cleaning products on the market. If you are going to purchase commercial cleaning products, look out for these
qualities:
• Phosphate free
• Low sodium content - less than 20 grams per wash
• Plant-based ingredients
• Synthetic fragrance free
• Petrochemical free
• Microfibre cloths – they use only water and many can be recycled through the manufacturer.
The information provided in this brochure is to be used as a guide only and is by no means conclusive. Please ensure you patch test all recipes.
Lice Busters
Wow, school starts and so do the Lice. They are not fun
for the kids or the family and friends who have to keep
cleaning their heads.
There are many remedies around and we get to view a
few working in Plant Essentials. Amongst the most
effective we have found is using a ready blended oil
combination like our Rosemary & Thyme scalp oil. This
blend contains Rosemary, Red Thyme, Neem &
Lavender Essential Oils, in a Apricot Kernal & Jojoba
base oil. Dampen the hair first and then massage the
oil into the scalp and hair and leave in overnight (put an
old towel on the pillow, so the oil doesn't go
everywhere.) and then shampoo it out in the morning.
Follow up with one of those little lice combs to get out
the dead bodies and any eggs. The scalp oil is quite
effective in killing the lice and eggs and makes the hair
very soft, making it very difficult for the lice to reattach.
After the initial treatment to remove the critters, you can
use our Rosemary Hair Mist as a preventative spray.
You simply brush through their hair each day.
The shampoo and conditioner you use will also play a
part, we have some Rosemary Herbal Shampoo and
Conditioner that are excellent in the ongoing prevention
of head lice.
All are available from PLANT ESSENTIALS, and the team
in the store are happy to answer any questions that you
may have.
www.plantessentials.com.au
for the kids or the family and friends who have to keep
cleaning their heads.
There are many remedies around and we get to view a
few working in Plant Essentials. Amongst the most
effective we have found is using a ready blended oil
combination like our Rosemary & Thyme scalp oil. This
blend contains Rosemary, Red Thyme, Neem &
Lavender Essential Oils, in a Apricot Kernal & Jojoba
base oil. Dampen the hair first and then massage the
oil into the scalp and hair and leave in overnight (put an
old towel on the pillow, so the oil doesn't go
everywhere.) and then shampoo it out in the morning.
Follow up with one of those little lice combs to get out
the dead bodies and any eggs. The scalp oil is quite
effective in killing the lice and eggs and makes the hair
very soft, making it very difficult for the lice to reattach.
After the initial treatment to remove the critters, you can
use our Rosemary Hair Mist as a preventative spray.
You simply brush through their hair each day.
The shampoo and conditioner you use will also play a
part, we have some Rosemary Herbal Shampoo and
Conditioner that are excellent in the ongoing prevention
of head lice.
All are available from PLANT ESSENTIALS, and the team
in the store are happy to answer any questions that you
may have.
www.plantessentials.com.au
Ear Candling
Choose only Hand made Ear candles are made with 100%
pure ingredients. Organic beeswax & unbleached cotton calico
flame together to create the heat and smoke of our ear candles.
Ear candling is a time honoured home remedy & have been
used by European & American Traditional cultures for many
generations, as well as by modern people seeking an alternative
treatment for ear, nose, sinus and throat malady.
Heat, Flame and smoke are present during every Ear candling
session and it is there fore recommended that ear candling is
carried out with assistance, and should any discomfort be felt,
discontinue the treatment and seek advice.
Instructions
Begin be gathering together the things you will need: Ear candles,
and attendant with massage oil, matches, towel, skewer, scissors,
tweezers, a bowl of water, cotton buds and a piece of alfoil.
Ear candling should always be attended in a peaceful, draught-free
environment. Prepare the space so that both participants are calmly
centred on the procedure in hand.
Ensure that the person being candled is warm, comfortable and
relaxed as they rest on their side.
The effectiveness of ear candling is enhanced be a preliminary
massage around the ear and down the side of the face to the lymph
gland in the neck. Use a warm massaging oil.
Cover the side of the head and neck with clean cloth leaving the ear
opening free. Cover the cloth with alfoil to create a suitable ash
guard.
Insert the tapered end of the candle gently into the ear just far
enough to seal the ear opening. The ear candle must be
comfortably airtight at the ear opening. Lift the ear lobe a little and
gently turn the candle, making a snug fit. The recipient should
adjust the candle for comfort. The candle should be held still, as
near to vertical as possible. Once the candle is positioned the
attendant should have a clear view of the ear.
Light the candle. Watch for escaping smoke. Adjust for snug fit as
required. The sound of soft crackling as the flame consumes the
cloth and beeswax takes the attention of the recipient to the point of
the practice, their ear. A pleasant warming of the ear canal is felt as
the candle performs its gentle heat treatment.
If the flaming ends starts to close over the ashen wick you may need
to trim the candle during the burn. Tell the recipient you are about
to cut the wick. Remove the candle and use scissors to make a
clean cut of the residual ash at the combustion line where candle
becomes flame.
Alternatively clamp the burnt wick with the tweezers and make the
cut in situ. This option requires the recipient to steady the candle
whilst the attendant removes the obstructing material.
Drop the ash into the bowl of water. Clear the candle with a skewer.
Replace the ear candle and follow the initial procedure to locate the
candle in the ear. Relight the candle if required.
When the candles has burnt down to the last 6 to 8 cm, remove and
douse in water.
Check the ear. Any powder residue at the ear opening can be
cleaned away with a moist cotton ball.
Proceed as above with the other ear. If more than one candle is to
be used for a particular ear they may be burned consecutively. If a
series of candles are used in one ear then follow-up with one candle
in the other ear.
We recommend that each ear should be candled in a sitting to
maintain balance. We recommend ear candling takes place in
accordance with these detailed instructions.
All Plant Essentials spas and clinics provide ear candling services
should you wish.
www.plantessentials.com.au
pure ingredients. Organic beeswax & unbleached cotton calico
flame together to create the heat and smoke of our ear candles.
Ear candling is a time honoured home remedy & have been
used by European & American Traditional cultures for many
generations, as well as by modern people seeking an alternative
treatment for ear, nose, sinus and throat malady.
Heat, Flame and smoke are present during every Ear candling
session and it is there fore recommended that ear candling is
carried out with assistance, and should any discomfort be felt,
discontinue the treatment and seek advice.
Instructions
Begin be gathering together the things you will need: Ear candles,
and attendant with massage oil, matches, towel, skewer, scissors,
tweezers, a bowl of water, cotton buds and a piece of alfoil.
Ear candling should always be attended in a peaceful, draught-free
environment. Prepare the space so that both participants are calmly
centred on the procedure in hand.
Ensure that the person being candled is warm, comfortable and
relaxed as they rest on their side.
The effectiveness of ear candling is enhanced be a preliminary
massage around the ear and down the side of the face to the lymph
gland in the neck. Use a warm massaging oil.
Cover the side of the head and neck with clean cloth leaving the ear
opening free. Cover the cloth with alfoil to create a suitable ash
guard.
Insert the tapered end of the candle gently into the ear just far
enough to seal the ear opening. The ear candle must be
comfortably airtight at the ear opening. Lift the ear lobe a little and
gently turn the candle, making a snug fit. The recipient should
adjust the candle for comfort. The candle should be held still, as
near to vertical as possible. Once the candle is positioned the
attendant should have a clear view of the ear.
Light the candle. Watch for escaping smoke. Adjust for snug fit as
required. The sound of soft crackling as the flame consumes the
cloth and beeswax takes the attention of the recipient to the point of
the practice, their ear. A pleasant warming of the ear canal is felt as
the candle performs its gentle heat treatment.
If the flaming ends starts to close over the ashen wick you may need
to trim the candle during the burn. Tell the recipient you are about
to cut the wick. Remove the candle and use scissors to make a
clean cut of the residual ash at the combustion line where candle
becomes flame.
Alternatively clamp the burnt wick with the tweezers and make the
cut in situ. This option requires the recipient to steady the candle
whilst the attendant removes the obstructing material.
Drop the ash into the bowl of water. Clear the candle with a skewer.
Replace the ear candle and follow the initial procedure to locate the
candle in the ear. Relight the candle if required.
When the candles has burnt down to the last 6 to 8 cm, remove and
douse in water.
Check the ear. Any powder residue at the ear opening can be
cleaned away with a moist cotton ball.
Proceed as above with the other ear. If more than one candle is to
be used for a particular ear they may be burned consecutively. If a
series of candles are used in one ear then follow-up with one candle
in the other ear.
We recommend that each ear should be candled in a sitting to
maintain balance. We recommend ear candling takes place in
accordance with these detailed instructions.
All Plant Essentials spas and clinics provide ear candling services
should you wish.
www.plantessentials.com.au
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