Simple Home Remedies

Anise Oil: Star Anise is the fruit of a small evergreen and is native to China. Anise has been used as a spice and as a medicine for more than 2,500 years. Its robust fragrance gives licorice candy and chewing gum their distinct flavor. Anise oil is also added to perfumes for a rich, sweet fragrance and is said to be a good "aromatherapy" remedy for colds and coughs, relaxation and emotional balance.

Acetone: Is a solvent for oils, waxes, resins, rubber and acetate. Used as a paint and varnish remover, removes finger nail polish, and cleans grease & oil. Can be used on some garments as a grease stain remover, use with caution and test a small inconspicuous area first. Use acetone to remove stains on china dishes, use to remove magic marker stains on appliances, stainless steel, glass and your skin, just remember to wash the area afterwards as normal. Have scuff marks on your floor or your white leather shoes? Use acetone to help remove those scuffs. Acetone can also help remove sticky materials such as, super glue that is stuck on your skin and melted plastic on metal.

Aluminum Acetate (Burow’s topical solution): An astringent used as an anti-inflammatory wet dressing for the relief of swelling associated with bruises and minor irritations of skin conditions such as insect bites, poison ivy & athlete’s foot. Can be mixed to make a homemade compress for relief from shingles, or compounded with equal parts of zinc oxide, petroleum jelly and lanolin to make a homemade diaper rash cream.

Alum Powder (Ammonium Alum USP): Used in traditional food processing, for home pickling to add crispness; use 1oz of alum powder to 1 gallon of water when pickling. Alum powder can also be used as a drying aid, by helping control body odors & helping stop the growth of bacteria when mixed with sweat. It can be directly applied directly to perspiring areas prone to have body odor, including the feet; sprinkle the alum powder on the feet then wear socks before going to bed.

Aromatic Ammonia Spirit USP: A respiratory stimulant used as a smelling salt to treat or prevent fainting. Can use 1oz of aromatic ammonia spirits to 1gallon of ice water and dip a rag into it, then wipe on a players neck or forehead to cool them down, be sure to not get into the eyes or drink it.

Arnica Tincture: Used as a counterirritant for temporary relief of bruises and soreness. Use arnica externally on unbroken skin, to help with the absorption of blood and prevent pain. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it may minimize postoperative swelling. Arnica is very popular among athletes, not only for its ability to reduce swelling but also to relieve muscular fatigue, stiffness and cramps from overexertion.

Asfetida Tincture: Used for the temporary relief of occasional upset or sour stomach. Research suggests the plant may be an anticoagulant and lower blood pressure. Add a pinch to beans as they cook to treat stomach ailments such as intestinal flu, gas, and bloating.

Benzoin Compound Tincture USP: Forms a coating over wound for protecting recurring canker sores. It can be diluted with water as a mild stimulant and antiseptic in irritable conditions of the skin. Some people have used Benzoin as an inhalant to relieve nasal congestion or soothe bronchitis when the tincture is added to hot water and the vapor is inhaled. To aid as an adhesive for tape or bandages, apply to skin, let dry until tacky, and then cover with tape or bandage.

Bergamot Oil: Bergamot is a citrus fruit originating in the Mediterranean. Bergamot oil is a top note for perfumes. It is said to uplift the spirit and emotions with its delicious fresh and invigorating citrus fragrance. Bergamot oil is also good for caring for oily or blemished skin and can also be used in a vaporizer to disperse any unpleasant odors.

Boric Acid: Since the time of the ancient Greeks, borates, including boric acid have been used for cleaning and preserving food. A naturally occurring compound and a mild acid that dissolves in water, boric acid is found in the form of colorless crystals or a nonvolatile white powder.

Calaclear Lotion: External clear analgesic skin protectant. Dries the oozing and weeping temporarily relieves pain & itching of poison ivy, poison oak & poison sumac, or other minor skin irritations.

Calagesic Lotion: External analgesic skin protectant. Dries the oozing and weeping temporarily relieves pain & itching of poison ivy, poison oak & poison sumac, or other minor skin irritations.

Calamine Lotion: Topical analgesic that dries the oozing and weeping of poison ivy, poison oak & poison sumac, or other minor skin irritations.

Camphor Spirit USP: Used for temporary relief of minor aches, muscle and joint pain associated with arthritis, strains, bruises & simple backache. Camphor can also be used in a steam vaporizer to help relieve coughing by moisten breathing passages.

Castor Oil: Since the ancient Egyptians first recorded the use of castor oil for medicinal purposes many cultures have used it as a folk medicine. As reported in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, India and China used castor oil for induction of childbirth. Persians used it to help cure epilepsy, although this claim has not been medically proven. And Ancient Romans referred to castor oil as Palma Christi meaning hand of Christ, a term that is still occasionally used today, due to its ability to cleanse the digestive tract.

Charcoal Activated USP Powder: For emergency use to adsorb swallowed poisons.

ChiggAway: Repels chiggers(red bugs) and relieves itching from insect bites.

Cinnamon Oil: For thousands of years, cinnamon oil has been used in the East for a variety of complaints such as colds, flu, menstrual and digestive problems. Both the bark and leaf oils are used for their fragrance and therapeutic actions in nasal sprays, cough syrups and dental preparations. The leaf oil is used in soaps, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes.

Citronella Oil: Is most commonly used in the summer to combat mosquitoes and other biting insects. The fragrance is used in candles and reed diffusers to place on your deck or patio to repel pesky insects. In Chinese medicine citronella oil is blended with other oils for traditional massage to combat aching muscles.

Clove Oil: Clove oil was used in Chinese culture as both a spice and a remedy as early as 600 AD. Ancient Chinese medicine used clove oil to treat hiccups and impotence, according to the American Cancer Society. In addition, during China’s Han dynasty, courtiers chewed on cloves to help freshen their breath when speaking to the emperor.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can be used in baking instead of lard, in message therapy, and in soap making. It can help aid in healthy hair growth, as a moisturizer for dry skin and help smooth the appearance of wrinkles. Many have found it is useful in weight loss as it may promote healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzyme system, and is easily digested. It may also aid to strengthen the immune system as it contains capric acid, caprylic acid, lauric acid and antimicrobial lipids.

Cola Syrup: Cola syrup is a proven remedy for stomach distress, including sour stomach and nausea. This syrup is uncarbonated.

Cottonseed Oil: Used in food processing as a cooking oil or in salads; also used in pharmaceuticals & cosmetics.

Decolorized Iodine: Often used as a first-aid antiseptic, decolorized iodine can help prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Today it has some secret uses in the beauty industry.

Epsom Salt: Internally as a laxative for relief of occasional constipation or externally as a soaking aid to temporarily relieve pain of minor sprains & bruises. To make your own aromatherapy bath salt, mix 3 cups of Epsom Salt, 1 tablespoon of glycerin, and a few drops of an essential oil, such as eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint oil. Pour up to ¾ cup of the mixture into your bath water, then save the rest in an air-tight container to use at a later time. To brighten colors while laundering, add 1 tsp. of Epsom salt per gallon of water.

Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil is cultivated in Southern Europe, South Africa, Tahiti, India, Latin America and in the United States. There are more than 500 species of Eucalyptus, the majority being evergreens. All produce oil with a strong, invigorating eye and nasal passage opening fragrance. The most widely know medicinal use of eucalyptus oil is for respiratory ailments. The refreshing fragrance of eucalyptus adds interest to potpourri, air fresheners and deodorants. Eucalyptus oil is also a powerful antiseptic, widely used in baths and massages during the cold season.

Gentian Violet 1%: For external treatment of abrasions, minor cuts, surface injuries, and superficial fungus infections of the skin. For Thrush treatment, mix 1 part Gentian Violet to 3 parts water, use a cotton swab to gently treat the affected area. NOTE: It will stain purple anything it comes in contact with.

Gentian Violet 2%: For external treatment of abrasions, minor cuts, surface injuries, and superficial fungus infections of the skin. NOTE: It will stain purple anything it comes in contact with.

Glycerin: For more than 225 years, glycerin has been one of the most versatile household ingredients, with almost 1,500 known end uses including many applications as an ingredient or processing aid in cosmetics, toiletries, personal care, food and drugs. Is helpful in removing food & drink stains, sponge area with cold water, then sponge with glycerin, flush with detergent solution & water.

Glycerin & Artificial Rose Water: A skin protectant, to help prevent & protect chaffed, chapped, cracked or windburned skin & lips. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and use as a toner to clean sensitive skin.

Iodine Tincture-strong: A first aid antiseptic that helps prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes & burns

Ivy Wash: For temporary relief of pain & itching associated with poison ivy, poison oak & poison sumac

Lavender Oil: Can be used as an air freshener in potpourri or as a flavoring agent. Can be applied directly to the skin to help relieve itching or dryness. Can be used in aromatherapy to help ease your nerves for a good night’s rest.

Mercuroclear: A first aid to help prevent skin infection in minor cuts, scrape, burns, insect bites, also temporarily relieves pain & itching.

Merthiolate: A first aid to help prevent skin infection in minor cuts, scrape, burns, insect bite.

Milk of Magnesia: An antacid to relieve acid indigestion, heartburn & sour stomach; also a laxative to relieve occasional constipation. Some people have used it to rub onto their face to help treat acne, and have spread it in their underarms to use as a drying aid.

Olive Oil: Primarily used in food processing as cooking oil or in salads. Can be used to remove a sticky adhesive or as a lubricant.

Orange Oil: Used to flavor orange candy, orange drinks and anywhere orange flavoring is required, orange oil can also be used as furniture polish, degreaser and as a general purpose cleaner. The antibacterial properties of orange oil make this a safe, natural way to clean and disinfect wood cutting boards. Use to deodorize ice chests and refrigerators and to remove fish odor from hands.

Oxalic Acid Crystals: For removing paint or varnish, rust or ink stains, for cleaning wood & other uses. NOTE: Solutions of Oxalic Acid are poisonous, rinses surfaces it is used on thoroughly.

Peppermint Oil: An herb prized for its medicinal benefits and distinctive flavor, peppermint is a naturally occurring hybrid of spearmint and water mint. Unlike other mints, however, peppermint contains in its oil the powerful therapeutic ingredient menthol, as well as menthone, menthyl acetate. Peppermint oil is often used as a flavoring agent in pharmaceuticals and in foods, especially chewing gum as well as a fragrance component in soaps, toothpaste and detergents. It acts as a muscle relaxant, particularly in the digestive tract, and it can also reduce the inflammation of nasal passages and relieve muscle pains.

Povidone Iodine: is a first aid antiseptic that helps prevent infections or cuts, scrapes and in minor cuts and burns.

Rose Water: is used as a fragrance or flavoring in sweets & some drinks.

Rosin Powder: Primarily used for its friction-increasing capacity. It helps reduce slippage when applied to the palm of the hands by providing a better grip, used mostly by baseball pitchers, bowlers, gymnasts, bull riders, and stringed instrument players. Can be applied to the bottom of ballet dancer shoes to reduce slippage before going on stage.

Salt Petre Potassium Nitrate: Is used as a meat preservative.

Shohl’s Solution: is an oral sodium citrate & citric acid solution that is used to alkalize the urinary system. It is commonly used by dialysis patients to alkalize the urine to decrease the chance of infections and certain types of kidney stones. To correct electrolyte imbalance. It helps reduce/prevent gout by reducing the acid in urine.

Sodium Bicarbonate: Can be used as a stain remover of grease on most carpets and to remove stains inside aluminum pots.

Sweet Oil: For the many cultures of the Mediterranean, sweet oil, a derivative of olive oil, has been a source of wonder, wealth and power. Today, sweet oil is often used as a softening agent and can also be used in place of moisturizer during the winter.

Talc Powder: used to absorb oil or grease, apply as a paste then brush off when dry.

Turpentine Pure Gum Spirits: is used as a solvent & thinner for painters using oil paints, varnish, stain, and enamel. Cleans tools and brushes when used immediately after painting.

Turpentine Oil Rectified: For temporary relief of minor aches, muscle and joint pains associated with arthritis, strains, bruises & simple backache. Can be used topically for abrasions, wounds, and chest rubs. It is added to many cleaning & sanitary products for its antiseptic properties & clean fragrance. Mixed with waxes to make a protective coating furniture wax. It is an organic solvent, is combustible.