Families are celebrating Grandparent's Day with trepidation as memories of Covid-19 nightmares still linger. As a grandmother myself, I always cheerfully anticipate the gathering of little ones to share their lives with me. Last year brought challenges that kept families apart, and 2021 continues to challenge grandparents who grew up in the 40's 50's and 60's and who now feel an urgency to share their wisdom more than ever.
Autoimmune concerns over toxins in our air, in our water, and in our food led me to seek to understand a more wholistic approach (and cheaper alternative) to chemical cleaning solutions, laundry soaps, and hand sanitizers that have become part of daily life. Our body absorbs these chemicals and our natural fighting responses end up being triggered, overreact, and create biological changes that impact daily functioning. So, I thought it would be fitting to share some of grannie's holistic home care products that work great:
All-purpose cleaner – mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Add some lemon rind and rosemary sprigs plus a few drops of lemon essential oil.
Basic kitchen cleaner and deodorizer for the fridge and countertops – make a solution or paste of baking soda and water. Use the paste for cleaning tile grout with a small brush.
Window cleaner – mix 1 part rubbing alcohol or vodka, 2 parts vinegar, 4 parts water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Lemon vinegar – fill a bottle with lemon peels and cover with white vinegar. Leave for a couple of weeks then strain. This makes a great kitchen and bathroom surface cleaner or it can be diluted with water for mopping floors.
There are many cures found in the memories of grandparents. They may suggest something as simple as a kind word, a gentle touch, or a squeeze of the hand. Tight hugs and kisses that make little one's squeal is the best remedy and one I readily give. Love is found in the open arms of a grandparent.