www.barefootherbs.co.za<\/p>\n
Issue 61 February 2010<\/p>\n
From Sharon’s Garden<\/p>\n
I am so pleased that so many of you are thrilled with the new articles in the newsletter. I have had so many compliments and lots of requests for the recipes so here are the first ones. Although it takes a bit of getting used to, once you start using the products it becomes easier. Leaving the bowl of herbal water in the sink will remind you to use it.<\/p>\n
Last month I recommended the wash balls but gave out the wrong email address – sorry about that! You can order them from<\/p>\n
www.thegreenshop.co.za or www.greenonline.co.za<\/p>\n
I don’t usually recommend any books but I have been given a copy of Pat Featherstone’s ‘Grow to Live’ If you are interested in organic gardening, either as a complete novice or a more experienced gardener then this is the book to buy. For the novice it explains EVERYTHING
There are hundreds of different recipes for green cleaning and some work better than others. Below are the recipes that I use and as you can see they are easy to make and don’t have too many ingredients. For dishes I still buy a dishwashing liquid and in the washing machine, the wash balls and vinegar instead of a softner.
Kitchen Cleaning
This is the room that needs the most, and heaviest, cleaning. As it is also the place that food is stored and prepared, you need to be sure that there are as few harmful chemicals around as possible. Although the following recipes are environmentally friendly, always make sure cleaning products are properly wiped down to avoid them contaminating food.<\/p>\n
Herbal Water
Put a large handful of fresh herbs, a mixed bunch is better, into a bowl or jug. Herbs such as rosemary, lavender, mints, sage, thyme, lemon peels etc. work well. Cover the herb with boiling water and leave to stand for 10-15 minutes. You can strain it if you wish, but I generally leave the herbs in. Instead of plain tap water, use this throughout the day to wipe down counters, floors and cupboards. Using the disinfecting herbs ensures that your counters are permanently cleaned, plus there is the added benefit of repelling insects, including flies.<\/p>\n
Liquid Soap
This liquid soap forms the base of several cleaners. It is a pure soap and can also be used in a pump bottle as a hand and body soap.(You can use glycerine soap if you prefer)<\/p>\n
½ cup pure Sunlight soap (the blue bars)<\/p>\n
2 cups boiling water<\/p>\n
5 cups cold water<\/p>\n
Grate the soap and add the boiling water. Stir until the soap dissolves and then add the remaining water.<\/p>\n
All Purpose Cleaner
¼ cup liquid soap<\/p>\n
2 cups hot water<\/p>\n
1 Tbsp borax<\/p>\n
4 Tbsp vinegar<\/p>\n
Combine all ingredients and when cool pour into a spray bottle.<\/p>\n
in detail, and, for those with no money, how to start your garden with pretty much nothing other than lots of enthusiasm. <\/p>\n
On the subjects of gardens, you are probably finding yours is suffering from too much rain. I have now dug up the smaller lavenders that have survived so far and also the sages. They are in pots under roofing and much happier with soil that is drier. Other herbs seem to be coping and some, such as mints, are thriving. Vegetables are also reacting in different ways, If your tomatoes are splitting from growing too quickly, the best is to cook them into a thick pasta sauce which can be frozen. I think patty pans and baby marrows are growing by the hour and my brinjals are also huge, so there is lots of ratatouille and parmagiana in the freezer!<\/p>\n
On that note I hope you have a fabulous month – enjoy the rain whilst it is here and make your environmentally friendly cleaning products I cant say enjoy, I don’t think enjoy and cleaning could EVER be in the same sentence! <\/p>\n
Sharon
Heavy Duty Cleaner<\/p>\n
This cleaner works extremely well on most surfaces.<\/p>\n
1 cup liquid soap (see above)<\/p>\n
1 cup bicarbonate of soda<\/p>\n
1 Tbsp borax<\/p>\n
Combine and mix well<\/p>\n
Fill a separate spray bottle with vinegar.<\/p>\n
To use apply some of the bicarbonate mixture with a cloth or brush. Spray with vinegar and leave it to fizz for 10-15 minutes. Wipe clean with warm water. For very heavy grease, repeat the process.<\/p>\n
Dishwasher Powder & Rinse Aid
You can either use 1 – 2 Tbsp washing soda in place of the powder or use 3 Tbsp bicarbonate of soda. <\/p>\n
For a rinse aid use white vinegar.<\/p>\n
The salt can be any coarse salt, it does not have to be a brand name!<\/p>\n
Pots and Pans
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda onto the burned on foods and spray with vinegar. Leave for 30 minutes and then wash off. This may have to be repeated.<\/p>\n
Or: simmer three big handfuls of sorrel with 1-2 cups of water for 30 minutes. Leave overnight and wash in the morning. <\/p>\n
Tea and Coffee Stains
Mix bicarbonate of soda to a paste with warm water and scrub the inside of the mugs.<\/p>\n
Oven Cleaner
Use the heavy duty cleaner – clean once and then leave a second application on over night.<\/p>\n
If something spills in the oven, pour salt over it while the oven is still warm. When cool, scrape up the salt and wipe clean.<\/p>\n
Fridges
Keep a small bowl of bicarbonate of soda in the fridge to absorb smells.<\/p>\n
Use dissolve 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda in 500ml warm water. With about 1 Ttbsp liquid soap (see above)<\/p>\n
Drains
To keep drains fresh and clean use this treatment once a week.<\/p>\n
½ cup bicarbonate of soda<\/p>\n
1 cup vinegar<\/p>\n
2 litres boiling water (or very hot water)<\/p>\n
Pour the bicarbonate of soda down the drain and then the vinegar. Leave it to fizz for 5 minutes and then pour down the boiling water. <\/p>\n
For blocked drains pour down 1 cup bicarbonate of soda and then 2 cups vinegar. Quickly plug the sink\/bath and keep your hand over the plug. The resulting fizz should unblock the drain.
Ingenious Page <\/p>\n
Uit Letitia se tuin :<\/p>\n
Terwyl Sharon wenke en raad gee vir praktiese alternatiewe vir skoonmaakmiddels in die huis, gaan ek begin met die liggaam. Eers net ‘n paar basiese kruie wat in die bad gebruik kan word, daarna kyk ons na die noodsaaklike en ‘n bietjie bederf. So volgende maand is dit die voete (my gunsteling) en daarna die hande, lyf en laastens na die miljoen dollar industrie van gesigsprodukte. Onthou ons werkswinkels as jy praktiese leiding in die maak van enige van hierdie en ander preparate benodig.<\/p>\n
Ek kan dit nie genoeg beklemtoon nie dat al is ‘n resep 100% van kruie, kan dit nog steeds onaangename gevolge hê. Maak asb dood seker dat jy ‘n middel kan gebruik – al pluk jy dit in jou eie tuin en al gooi jy dit saam in jou eie kombuis!!!<\/p>\n
Ek het verlede maand met ‘n obgelooflike kursus in Donkerhoek (Pretoria) begin. Die naweek was ongelooflike maar toe begin die twyfel. Ek het my ou kinesiologie boeke uit gehaal en is besig om myself net nog meer deurmekaar te maak.<\/p>\n
Ek wonder of Verona besef hoeveel “Waaroms?” en “Hoekoms?” vir haar voorlê<\/p>\n
Letitia<\/p>\n
letitia@barefootherbs.co.za<\/p>\n
082 451 9876
<\/p>\n
Herbal Bath Treatments<\/p>\n
Bath bags are a very simple yet effective way to use herbs. By using pretty organza bags, colourful ribbons and an attractive container, they make for a valued present. <\/p>\n
Bath Bags<\/p>\n
1 – 2 tsp dried herb<\/p>\n
1 tbsp Epsom salts and\/or rolled oats and\/or salt<\/p>\n
Muslin squares \/ netting \/ nappy liners<\/p>\n
String \/ cord \/ ribbons<\/p>\n
Mix well together, place in muslin squares and tie with cord<\/p>\n
Epsom salts are cleansing, removing toxins from the body & also help with relaxation<\/p>\n
Oats soften the water, ideal for skin problems<\/p>\n
The herb mix can consist of as many or few herbs as you wish<\/p>\n
When using fresh herbs, they must obviously be used immediately<\/p>\n
Herbs to use in the Bath for:<\/p>\n
Relaxing <\/p>\n
Elder Flowers<\/p>\n
Lavender<\/p>\n
Lemon Balm<\/p>\n
Chamomile<\/p>\n
Catnip<\/p>\n
Rose<\/p>\n
Lemon verbena<\/p>\n
Mugwort<\/p>\n
Valerian<\/p>\n
To induce restful and heeling sleep <\/p>\n
Hops<\/p>\n
Lime Blossom<\/p>\n
Valerian<\/p>\n
Children with sleeping problems <\/p>\n
Chamomile<\/p>\n
Lime Blossom.<\/p>\n
Colds <\/p>\n
Thyme<\/p>\n
Sage<\/p>\n
mints<\/p>\n
Eucalyptus<\/p>\n
Celery seed<\/p>\n
Lemon peel<\/p>\n
Catnip
Upliftment <\/p>\n
Mints<\/p>\n
Lemon Verbena<\/p>\n
Lemon peel<\/p>\n
Orange peel<\/p>\n
Basil<\/p>\n
Rosemary<\/p>\n
Cinnamon<\/p>\n
Parsley<\/p>\n
Clary sage<\/p>\n
Body detox <\/p>\n
Dandelion<\/p>\n
grapefruit peel<\/p>\n
Fennel<\/p>\n
Peppermint<\/p>\n
Improving circulation <\/p>\n
Cayenne <\/p>\n
Rosemary<\/p>\n
Ginger<\/p>\n
Celery seed<\/p>\n
Mustard seed<\/p>\n
Coriander seed<\/p>\n
Cinnamon<\/p>\n
Thyme<\/p>\n
Yarrow<\/p>\n
Skin (general) <\/p>\n
Clary Sage<\/p>\n
Sage<\/p>\n
Rose<\/p>\n
Pelargonium<\/p>\n
Yarrow<\/p>\n
Strawberry leaves<\/p>\n
Raspberry leaves<\/p>\n
Lemon peel\/slices<\/p>\n
Calendula<\/p>\n
Rosemary<\/p>\n
Oily skin<\/p>\n
Lemongrass<\/p>\n
Lovage<\/p>\n
Yarrow<\/p>\n
Toning the skin<\/p>\n
Lavender<\/p>\n
Nettles<\/p>\n
Peppermint<\/p>\n
Thyme<\/p>\n
Yarrow.<\/p>\n
Infective skin disorders <\/p>\n
Lavender<\/p>\n
Peppermint<\/p>\n
Thyme
<\/p>\n
De-stress, calming & relaxing herb bath:<\/p>\n
60 ml dried lavender<\/p>\n
60 ml dried lemon balm<\/p>\n
30 ml dried mint<\/p>\n
Combine and place in bath bag <\/p>\n
60 ml peach leaves <\/p>\n
120 ml lavender<\/p>\n
120 ml violet flowers<\/p>\n
120 ml pansies<\/p>\n
120 ml spearmint<\/p>\n
120 ml rose petals<\/p>\n
120 ml passion flowers<\/p>\n
120 ml St Johns Wort<\/p>\n
Mix together and place in jar. Use 1 – 2 tbsp <\/p>\n
2 parts lavender<\/p>\n
2 parts Epsom salt<\/p>\n
2 parts rose petals<\/p>\n
1 part chamomile<\/p>\n
Bath bags to relieve breathing problems and colds:<\/p>\n
30 ml dried lavender<\/p>\n
30 ml dried rosemary<\/p>\n
15 ml ginger powder<\/p>\n
15 ml dried eucalyptus<\/p>\n
Place in bath bags. The bag can be used to scrub skin as well. <\/p>\n
Mix equal parts of:<\/p>\n
chamomile flowers<\/p>\n
Echinacea root<\/p>\n
mullein leaves<\/p>\n
passionflower leaves <\/p>\n
2 parts powdered eucalyptus leaves<\/p>\n
2 parts powdered rosemary leaves<\/p>\n
2 parts powdered pennyroyal leaves and flower tops<\/p>\n
Bath bags for sore aching muscles or joints:<\/p>\n
1 cup dried Thyme<\/p>\n
1 cup dried rosemary<\/p>\n
1 cup lavender<\/p>\n
½ cup cramp bark<\/p>\n
½ cup Epsom salt<\/p>\n
Combine ingredients and store in a airtight container<\/p>\n
Use 2- 3 tbsp in bath bag <\/p>\n
1 cup chamomile <\/p>\n
½ cup lemon balm<\/p>\n
½ cup lavender<\/p>\n
1 cup rose petals<\/p>\n
½ cup rosemary<\/p>\n
½ cup comfrey<\/p>\n
Combine ingredients and store in a airtight container<\/p>\n
Use 2- 3 tbsp in bath bag <\/p>\n
250 ml dried chamomile <\/p>\n
12 dried bay leaves, crushed<\/p>\n
60 ml dried rose petals<\/p>\n
60 ml dried sage<\/p>\n
60 ml dried rosemary<\/p>\n
60 ml dried eucalyptus<\/p>\n
Mix herbs well, place 2 – 3 tbsp in bath bags <\/p>\n
A combination of <\/p>\n
sage and strawberry leaves<\/p>\n
or<\/p>\n
sage and mugwort<\/p>\n
or<\/p>\n
agrimony, chamomile and mugwort<\/p>\n
can be quite soothing<\/p>\n
Need inspiration ? Try this combination of herbs and essential oils:<\/p>\n
250 ml fresh lemon balm<\/p>\n
60 ml grapefruit peel<\/p>\n
1 cup bergamot<\/p>\n
2 bay leaves<\/p>\n
8 drops grapefruit essential oil<\/p>\n
8 drops bergamot essential oil<\/p>\n
Mix together in a jar. Place 1 – 2 tbsp in bath bag.<\/p>\n
Warning:<\/p>\n
PLEASE take special care if pregnant or if you are suffering from high blood pressure. <\/p>\n
If you are using ANY chronic medication, contact your health practitioner first.
The Last Page <\/p>\n
Plants Wanted, For Sale or to Swop<\/p>\n
I wonder whether you or anyone in your network can help? I am looking for Iris germanica ‘Florentina’ – Orris root – rhizomes for propagating and replanting. <\/p>\n
Ulrich Feiter<\/p>\n
Ulrich.feiter@parceval.co.za<\/p>\n
I am a horticultural student looking for specific seeds urgently for a project!
Wonder if you could possibly send me some information or a price list.
I live in Pretoria and would prefer if it was close by.
Any help will do!
Thank you,
Monique Gerber.<\/p>\n
moniquegerb@hotmail.com<\/p>\n
Courses and Workshops<\/p>\n
February & March 2010<\/p>\n
Muldersdrift<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
27 February 2010 Organic gardening<\/p>\n
Venue: Barefoot Herbs – Meyerton
Contact – Letitia 082 451 9876
6 Feb
Herbal Valentine Treats
13 Feb
Liquors & non-alcoholic Herbal drinks
27 Feb
Plant sales at Kliphouse Market, Henley-on-Klip
13 March
Thai Cooking with locally available herbs – R200<\/p>\n
Learn how to make Red & Green curry paste, 2 soups, 2 main dishes, recipes from Chaing May Cooking Schools
27 March
Plant sales at Kliphouse Market, Henley-on-Klip
<\/p>\n
The following workshops are available on request <\/p>\n
for groups of 5 or more: <\/p>\n
Liqueur making, <\/p>\n
organic gardening, <\/p>\n
bath and skin products, <\/p>\n
herb and spice mixes for culinary use, <\/p>\n
herbal first aid box, <\/p>\n
herbal products for babies and toddlers, <\/p>\n
herbal remedies for common ailments, <\/p>\n
green cleaning for the home. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Courses and workshops cost R300,<\/p>\n
which includes all materials, <\/p>\n
a recipe booklet and refreshments.
Contact Us : <\/p>\n
Sharon<\/p>\n
sharon@barefootherbs.co.za<\/p>\n
Tel 011 957 2413 Cell: 082 415 3743<\/p>\n
Letitia<\/p>\n
letitia@barefootherbs.co.za<\/p>\n
Tel: 016 362 0754 Cell: 082 451 9876<\/p>\n
Visit our Website<\/p>\n
www.barefootherbs.co.za<\/p>\n
and see photos, past newsletters, products and recipes<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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