Sometimes You Have to Save the Pants

 by Cindy Pitts Gilbert, July Issue Gwinnett Citizen Magazine
Dear Sister Knowitall,
What is the difference between a Home Remedy and a Natural Remedy? Aren’t they the same thing?  Signed ~ Remedy Mom Newby

Dear Remedy Mom,
That is such a great question.  People ask me all the time do you have a home remedy for…   I often know a home remedy that isn’t necessarily natural, I prefer all the natural remedies of course, but let’s face it,  we don’t live in a natural world anymore so sometimes, on occasion I do share a home remedy  for a particular problem with the caveat that this is not a “natural” remedy.  Home remedy is simply using household products you are already using for another purpose.

Here is an example of what I mean.  A friend sent me a request recently for a home remedy to remove an ink stain from a pair of pants.  We know that ink isn’t a natural substance and trying to apply natural remedies may just lead to a lot of wasted time and frustration.

I  offered three suggestions starting with the unnatural remedy first, why well it is cheap and I know it works and doesn’t harm your clothes, however  this is not a natural remedy.  
You can remove pen ink from clothing with good ole hair spray.  Hair spray is not natural but will remove pen stains from fabric. Place a paper towel behind the stain on the underside of the fabric.  Surround the stain perimeter with water. This will help keep the stain from spreading.  Spray the fabric and wait 1 to 2 minutes then dab at the stain to remove. Some of the ink will pass into the paper towel. You may have to do this multiple times.  Ink is very stubborn.  The sooner you try to remove the easier it will come out.

I also recommended placing a sponge behind the stain and soak in a mixture of  hydrogen peroxide and baking soda which is a natural remedy. It also may not work if the stain has had time to set or in this case is Sharpie a permanent marker. Another helpful tip;  Do not put the fabric in the dryer or the stain will set.

The last remedy I recommended is a product called Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, which the description reads;  is environmentally safe, non-toxic safe etc. It works amazing on stains of many kinds and doesn’t hurt fabric.
So to clarify, sometimes a remedy is a home remedy from a household product  that you already use and sometimes it is something created from nature like an essential oil, baking soda or vinegar.  I always prefer the natural remedy whenever possible but am realistic that the world we live in is not so natural and to save the pants the home remedy might be the wiser choice.

By: Cindy Gilbert | Sister Knowitall

Published: 2017-07-31 19:37

Date Modified: 2017-07-31 19:37

Naturally Healing Trick for an Ingrown Toenail

I used to suffer from ingrown toenails as a younger Sister Knowitall, when I really didn't know much at all.  I got some great advise about how to treat and forever be healed from an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are caused from wearing shoes that don't fit properly or pointed toe shoes.  Why we feel it is necessary or beautiful to squeeze 5 toes that are slightly slanted but yet mostly square shape into a point is still a mystery to me, I'm not going to tell you to stop wearing them because you won't listen to me.  So wear them if you must just be sensible.  Never wear them two days in a row. Swap to a more comfortable shoe more than you wear the pointy ones.  When you do get an ingrown toenail it is important to take care of the issue before it becomes infected and medical attention is required.  Epsom Salt soaks are helpful for inflammation and infection as is pouring alcohol on the nail. The keep your toenails cut straight across. This  picture is borrowed from webmd.com and shows a trick I have known for years and it absolutely works. The idea is to help to train the nail to grow out over the skin rather than into the skin around the nail.  Most nail salons will cut the corner off of the nail which causes the situation to become worse as the nail grows back out it will again embed itself into the skin causing the ingrown nail to reoccur. I would also put some anti bacterial ointment on it as well. I use my Sister Knowitall salve for that but you can use, an essential oil like tea tree, (melaleuca) lavender or frankincense.  I hope you are able to find some relief from the pain. Take care of your feet and they will take you all the places you'd like to go. I

Sister Knowitall Natural Salves Bath Salts and Airfreshers NOW Available

Just a short little post to let you know the Sister Knowitall Products you've been asking for me to post for sale are now active. You can purchase them individually on the blog  Links are all available on this page. You can click on the order now button or if you prefer to pay through paypal the link is to the right as well.
Feel free to ask questions about any of the natural products listed. Have a simpler, happier, healthier day.
Sister Knowitall