Household Hacks
SAGE AIR SANITIZER
Smudging is a cleansing practice linked back to ancient Native American tradition that brings about visions and cleanses negative energy and unwanted influences from a space, object or person. The most common smudging herbs are Sage, Sweet Grass, Tobacco and Cedar.
As herbs are burned by the element of Fire, they change from the physical form (the herbs) to the spirit form (the smoke). This transformation is indicative of the spirit within substances, particularly living substances. When smudging, the 'evil' energy attaches to the smoke and dissipates with the smoke.
For those needing hard science, when burned, sage and other herbs such as sweet grass release negative ions which according to research is linked to a more lifted mood. Positive ions build up from stress, anger, tension or negativity causing the energy around us to be stagnant. This can be exhibited after an argument when you can "cut the tension in the air with a knife". Thus, the release of negative ions from smudging neutralizes the positive ions, creating a soothing effect. Furthermore, research has shown that burning medicinal herbs act as antiseptics by disinfecting or purifying the air within a closed room, eliminating pathogenic airborne bacteria for up to 24 hrs.
The advantages of smoke-based remedies such as smudging certain herbs are rapid delivery to the brain and higher absorption by the body. Inhalation of said smoke is used typically in treatment of pulmonary and neurological disorders. Directing smoke to localized areas has been shown to aid in treating dermatological and genito-urinary disorders.
Sage has medicinal and healing properties. It releases what troubles the mind and can lift headaches, common colds, diminish allergies & boost immunity. In addition, sage has shown to increase mental clarity and awareness, enhances memory, quickens the senses, and in ancient cultures sage heightens wisdom. When sage is burned, it attaches to the negative energy within the room and as the smoke dissipates, so does the negative energy with it.
Once you clear and neutralize the air with sage, sweetgrass is burned to attract the good spirits and energies.
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VINEGAR ALL PURPOSE CLEANER
Ran out of bleach or all purpose cleaner and need a quick fix to clean ceramic tile counters and linoleum floors?
For a quick and easy solution:
- 3 parts water
- 1 part vinegar
If you want to add fresh squeezed lemon juice:
- 2 parts water
- 1 part vinegar
- 1 part lemon juice
DUE TO THE CORROSIVE ACIDITY OF VINEGAR, DO NOT USE VINEGAR ON THESE SURFACES:
- Wood floors
- Stone, granite or marble countertops or tiles
- Cars
- Phones, computers and electronics (use a diluted rubbing alcohol & water mixture on a damp cloth instead)
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL WATER FILTERS
Activated charcoal may absorb a wide range of toxins, drugs, chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, bacteria, fungi and viruses while simultaneously mineralizing the water giving it necessary electrolytes. Most water purification machines use activated charcoal to purify and detox the water of impurities.
1. Brush off and rinse the rest of the excess ash off the activated charcoal sticks.
2. Transfer charcoals to a pot of water and boil for 10 minutes. Drain water and let the charcoals cool completely.
3. Fill your container with water and place charcoals inside and let them sit for 2-3 hours. During this time, charcoal will absorb the impurities in the water. Remember that 1 stick of activated charcoal can filter 1-2 gallons of water. For easy filtering, use 1 charcoal stick for 1 gallon of water.
4. You can refill the water in container of charcoal once you've drank it. The charcoal will work for 2-3 weeks until it needs to be refreshed.
5. To refresh the charcoal, boil it for 10 minutes and reuse it. The charcoal can be used for about 3 or so months (so long as you refresh it every 2-3 weeks).