Our house is chemical free. I want it to be a toxin free zone and, therefore, I am always on the lookout for homemade cleaning products and all natural items I can make myself. Many of these items also have the added benefit of saving money. I feel better about using them in my house, and I save a few bucks by not buying the junk in the stores.
I recently made this laundry detergent. I made the trial size so I could use it and check it out before I committed to the larger size. I got the recipe from One Good Thing by Jillie. She always posts really great DIY projects on her blog. Thanks Jillie!
It was not easy to find the washing soda. I went to every local store and no one carried it. I found it at my local Ace Hardware.
So here are the recipes for both sizes:
Trail Size
2 cups Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
3 cups Borax
1 bar Felsnaptha Soap
4 1/2 cups Oxygenated Bleach
3/4 cup Baking Soda
Large Size
1 Box Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
1 box Borax
3 bars Felsnaptha Soap
2 tubs Oxygenated Bleach
2 cups Baking Soda
Get out your food processor. Chop the bars of felsnaptha into small chunks, put in the food processor and blend into a powder.
You might want to do this next part outdoors as it will release some of that powdery dust when it's all mixed together. I did it on my balcony.
Get a large bucket or bowl, pour the felsnaptha in, then measure each item and add to the bowl. Mix well with a big spoon or scoop. Pour the product into the container of your choice, I used large size canning jars. I labeled them and lined them up on my shelf above my washer.
Use 2 tablespoons per load.
Getting a good nights sleep in one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. Unfortunately lots of us have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. I've personally had several phases in my life where I did not sleep well and it made such an impact on my ability to function. It's a very unpleasant experience and it raises your risk level for several diseases.
People who experience insomnia get so desperate they ask their doctors for sleeping pills and then find that they are addicted to them. Once you are dependent on them it is very difficult to get off and therefore, I always recommend trying a natural sleep support product first. I found a product called Guna Sleep that I think is a good safe product and many folks have had success with it. I've tried it myself and it worked for me. I like to combine it with essential oils. (I use Balance blend from doTerra) Between the two I get into a relaxed state, my mind is at ease which is what allows me to sleep. I also practice all the recommendations listed below.
About Guna Sleep. The ingredients are an all natural herbal blend and address many issues:
Avena sativa 6c nervousness
Chamomilla 6c restlessness
Helleborus niger 6c mental stress
Ignatia amara 6c restlessness
Interleukin 1 beta 4 c immune support
Melatonin 4 c hormonal regulation
Melissa officinalis 6c anxiety
Pineal gland 6x 12x 30x hormonal regulation
Pulsatilla 6c mood suport
Serotonin 6c hormonal support
Valeriana officinalis 6c restlessness
For people with insomnia the usual underlying issue is anxiety and most people don't realize that that is what they are experiencing. It seems people don't want to admit to feeling anxiety and it takes some time to get them to realize that if they treat the anxiety the sleeplessness with take care of itself. As you can see from the list there are agents in Guna Sleep that help with anxiety and relaxation.
Besides using an all natural sleep aid it is important that you practice several things to help insure a long restful sleep:
- establish a regular sleep and wake schedule
- unplug at least one hour before bed, no TV and no computer
- develop a relaxing evening routine one hour before bed, take a hot bath or read
- reserve the bedroom for sleep and sex only
- maintain a very dark room, no electronics or LED lights
- keep the temperature cool
- limit afternoon naps
- avoid vigorous exercise in the late evening
- avoid excessive alcohol, it interrupts the sleep cycle
- eliminate caffeine in the late afternoon and evening
- manage your stress level. This is one of the most important items because your stress level will keep your brain going and prevent you from shutting down. Try meditation to clear your mind.
