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Safe Alternatives - Miscellaneous

HAIR SPRAYS & GELS

Gelatin. Dissolve 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in 1 cup warm water. Keep refrigerated, and use as you would commercial hair gel.

Citrus. Chop up one lemon (or one orange for dry hair) and place in a pot with 2 cups hot water. Cover and boil until only half is left. Cool and strain. Add more water if needed. Refrigerate in a spray bottle, and use as you would commercial hair spray.

SUNBURN RELIEF

Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera juice is good to soothe a sunburn. Snip off a piece of the plant, open it up, and apply the juices to the burned skin.

Baking Soda. Apply a solution of baking soda and water to sunburned areas.

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INSECT BITE REMEDIES

General:

Prevention. Avoid wearing perfume, bright colors, flowery print fabrics, or bright jewelry that may attract insects.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Rub apple cider vinegar on insect bites to relieve itching.

Bee Stings:

Baking Soda. Apply a thick paste of baking soda and water to the affected area to soothe the pain.

Onion. Apply a cut onion to a bee or wasp sting to help stop pain and swelling.

Chiggers:

Aspirin*. To ease the pain and itching of chigger bites, rub with a moist aspirin* tablet.

Mosquito Bites:

Salt. Soak bites in salt water or apply a paste of salt and lard or cold cream.

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POISON OAK/IVY REMEDIES

Salt. Place a hot compress (the hotter the better) sprinkled with salt over the affected area. When cool, remove the compress and allow the salt to stick to the skin and dry.

Paint Brush Softener:

Vinegar. To soften stiff paint brushes, soak in hot vinegar.

Hand Cleaner:

Baby Oil, Margarine, or Butter. To remove paint or grease from hands, massage with a few drops of baby oil, margarine, or butter. Wipe dry and wash with soap and water.

Bolt Remover:

Vinegar or Carbonated Beverage. To loosen a rusted bolt or nut, apply vinegar or any carbonated beverage.

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Vinegar. Mix 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water. Coat your windshield with this solution in winter to keep it ice and frost-free.