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)Potatoes Used to Cleanse
Small pieces of raw potato in a little water shaken vigorously inside bottles and lamp chimneys will clean them admirably. To clean a burned porcelain kettle boil peeled potatoes in it. Cold boiled potatoes not over-boiled, used as soap will clean the hands and keep them soft and healthy. To cleanse and stiffen silk, woolen and cotton fabrics use the following recipe:–Grate two good sized potatoes into a pint of clear, clean, soft water. Strain through a coarse sieve into a gallon of water and let the liquid settle. Pour the starchy fluid from the sediment, rub the articles gently in the liquid, rinse them thoroughly in clear water and then dry and press. Water in which potatoes are boiled is said to be very effective in keeping silver bright.
Source: Vaughan’s Vegetable Cook Book