You are currently browsing the daily archive for January 19, 2008.
In the summer, I have some lovely lavender and rosemary plants that grow in my garden. I brush past the plants to release the wonderful smells. The lavender flower always makes me feel cheery.
I like to make up vinegars with the branches of the plant. Vinegar is invaluable for so many things in day to day life. I use it for cleaning, disinfecting wooden chopping boards, descaling my kettle and of course, in the washing machine in place of fabric conditioner. It keeps towels lovely and fluffy and because it removes all traces of washing powder that can collect in the fabric fibres it helps keeps thing like socks fresher for longer as the sweat molecules have nothing to bind to. I use white vinegar in a white wash and just cheap brown vinegar in everything else as its half the price of white vinegar.
I try to avoid using chemical based products in my kitchen and bathroom. I find that vinegar can do almost everything that a harsh cleaning product can do but is much kinder to the environment – and our lungs!
When making up vinegars for skin and hair care I like to use organic apple cyder vinegar. Then its simply a case of opening the vinegar and popping in your chosen herbs. Give it a good shake and leave on a sunny windowsill for a couple of weeks. If you want it sooner, simply heat the vinegar in a pan until just simmering. Turn off the heat and add the herbs, put the lid on the pan and leave until cool.
You can continue adding fresh herbs over the following weeks if you want a stronger vinegar.
I usually have two ‘flavours’ on the go. A lavender one and a rosemary and nettle combination are my favourites at the moment. I use the relaxing lavender one as a night time toner. Simply pop a few drops into a glass of water and apply to the face with a cotton ball. It will remove any traces of soap/cream from your face and return its ph value back to its normal state.
The rosemary and nettle one can also be used as a toner but I prefer to use it as a hair rinse/conditioner. Add a few drops to your last bowlful of water when rinsing your hair to rid the hair of any remaining shampoo and to close the hair shaft so the hair appears shinier. Rosemary makes a great hair tonic and the nettle helps with dandruff and is supposed to aid in hair loss.
Oh and of course, herby vinegars can be used in cooking so make up your own combinations and add to your favourite dishes!
Here you go… my face on Utube, how scary is that!
Thank you to Martin Lewis from It pays to watch and Moneysavingexpert.com for inviting me on to his show.
I shall be on again showing how to make body butter and flour making. Also butter for spreading on fresh bread. Catch the show on Channel 5 Wednesdays at 7.30pm. It features tons of ways to keep your money in your pocket and how to get back your penalty charges from the greedy banks!
