Uses of Bran Water
Few housekeepers know the value of bran water in the household. Its uses are manifold and its cost but a trifle. As an effectual and harmless dirt remover it cannot be surpassed. In preparing it for use, place in a cloth bag some bran, upon which pour boiling water; let stand for several minutes; squeeze the bag out and remove, when the water is ready for use.
In washing woodwork, be it hardwood or painted, it will be found invaluable. The dirt is quickly removed and the original finish of the wood is retained.
For washing printed fabrics it has no equal, for it will not injure the most delicate colors.
If one would use bran water when washing the hair, she would find it not only cleanses the scalp thoroughly, but also imparts to the hair that beautiful luster so much desired.
Another important consideration is that the water does not injure the hands, like so many cleansing preparations; on the contrary, it has long been known that bran is an excellent skin whitener and beneficial when used in the bath.
Lastly, it will cure chronic constipation, by drinking anywhere from three to five cups of bran water at intervals before breakfast. A few drops of lemon juice make it more palatable to some people. For this purpose it is well to soak the bran over night in a covered receptacle and strain in the morning.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Filed under Remedy | Tags: ames, bowels, bran, bran water, cleaning, constipation, fabric, hair, hands, lemon, lemon juice, luster, lustre, scalp, skin, skin whitener, wood | Comment (0)Bites
Apply vaseline and burnt alum; lemon juice for bee stings ; common bluing for bites of any insect, or vaseline, lard and burnt alum can be applied.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Relief for Burns
For a burn or scald apply kerosene. It will allay the pain almost instantly and quickly heal the injured parts.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Invalid’s Coffee
A nourishing drink for sick people is made as follows : Make a strong cup of coffee, add cream and a little more sugar than usual, and let it all come to a boil. Then pour it over a well-beaten egg in a cup in which it is to be served.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Chilblains
Pour kerosene oil in a saucer, wring out a rag in it and with this wipe the affected parts several times each day. If awake in the night, do the same thing. Do not saturate the cloth and lay it upon the chilblains, as it might cause a blister. Wipe the feet with a dampened cloth and let them dry themselves.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Drive Ants Away
Sprinkle a little epsom salts around or near where the ants are and they will quickly disappear.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Salt Tonic
When you come in from a long, tiresome walk, try giving the feet a hot footbath of salt water, while you sip a cup of warm milk with a pinch of salt in it. A daily bath of salt water or a rub from a salt towel will prove wonders for nervous people.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Tea and Coffee Stains
Only a few people know that butter will remove tea, coffee or fruit stains. It should be rubbed on the linen or cotton and then the material should be soaked in hot water and a mild soap. In fact, any stains, except ink or wine stains, sprinkle salt over the spots and pour boiling water through it until the spot has gone.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Scorched Clothes
Scorched clothes are often discarded as hopeless, but if not much burned may be made all right by the use of onion juice. Bake the onion and squeeze out the juice. Mix it with an ounce of fuller’s earth, a litle shredded soap and a wine glass of vinegar. Heat the mixture till the soap is dissolved. Then wait till it is cold before applying. Rub it well over the scorched place and leave to dry, then put the garment in the regular washing.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Money Cleans Eye Glasses
To clean your eye glasses use a soft bank note. It will not scratch or mar them and leaves them beautifully clear. First steam the lenses with your breath, then wipe and polish them with a piece of currency. A trial will prove this far better than using a handkerchief.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames