The more I’m exposed to prepping the more I feel like it’s about re-learning how to live a healthier lifestyle every bit as much as being prepared for emergencies.
These days, we’re programmed to go to the store and purchase whatever products are prominently displayed on the store shelves without giving it a second thought. Granted, more and more people are opting for organic alternatives, but the funny thing is that we’ve had the most “organic” products available all along, we just needed to see that they can be used to create what are probably the healthiest options for us.
While there are many basic supplies we could mention, I’ll focus on four: vinegar, baking soda, borax, and epsom salts. With these four basic base supplies one would be hard-pressed not to be able to replace nearly anthing we currently purchase for household use. Obviously, there are additional ingredients that may be needed to complete some recipes but you really can’t make most things without these four basic supplies… you had best stock up.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a non-toxic substance that many people use for a variety of tasks. In fact, I was shocked at how many uses vingear actually has. According to VinegarTips.com, it has more than 1000 uses! Ok, they don’t have that many uses listed (I counted just short of 200) but it’s a lot for sure.
Typically, when we talk about vinegar as a basic supply to stock we mean distilled white vinegar, though, there are many other types. In fact, you can even make your own vinegar if you like… just search for it. The question here is what can you do with vinegar? Well, according to the above website, it can be used in the garden, as a cleaner, in the laundry, for your health, some automotive uses, for your pets, and even as a cooking aid.
Specifically, vinegar may be used kill weeds, deter ants, wash vegetables, as a general cleaner, window cleaner, remove lime deposits, polish brass, copper, and chrome, remove odors, as a toilet bowl cleaner, remove clothing stains, as a laundry rinse, reduce itches from insect stings, whiten teeth, bathe pets, kill fleas, and so much more. It’s probably the most versatile of the four base supplies listed here. Note that oftentimes a vinegar solution should be diluted appropriately for many of the aforementioned uses so be sure you follow recipes closely.
Visit the complete site: VinegarTips.com for plenty more information and recipes.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is probably second on my list of must-have basic supplies of the four listed here. Specifically, baking soda seems to be found in recipes that require more abrasive cleanings, from bathroom and microwave cleaners to hygiene needs like toothpaste. It can also be used as a deodorizer in laundry and certainly in the refrigerator… is there a fridge in American that doesn’t have a box sitting in the back? It can also be used for first aid to soothe insect bites, reduce heartburn and soothe tired feet… I know I’ve tried a few of these ideas with some success. Here’s a snippet from the article referenced below:
“Ancient Egyptians were the first people known to use a rudimentary version of baking soda called Natron.
Over the last few hundred years, Natron has been purified and synthesized down to the familiar baking soda we know today.
Since it’s discovery the name may have changed but it’s uses have not. it has been used for thousands of years as a cleaning product for both the home and body.
Blended with oil, it was a very early form of soap. It softens water while removing oil and grease. It was used a cleanser for the teeth and an early mouthwash. It was also an ancient household insecticide, was used for making leather and as a bleach for clothing.”
There’s plenty more uses (53 in total) to consider…
Read the full article: Pharaohs Secret: 50+ Ways to Use Baking Soda.
Borax
Borax is an abrasive cleaner very similar to baking soda. It can be used in a variety of cleaners and as a deodorizer, similar to baking soda, but also finds use as a bug killer (ants, fleas, bed bugs) and also as a remedy for weeds and other garden troubles. It can also be used for various laundry and dishwashing tasks as well. Here’s a snippet:
“Sometimes I’m shocked at how expensive typical household cleaners have become. Recently my wife and I decided to do some spring cleaning. We went to the store with a rather long list of cleaning supplies: tile cleaner, drain opener, bleach spray, air freshener, mouse traps, bug spray, floor cleaner, dish soap, spot remover… You get the idea. When I realized just how expensive all this was going to be, I decided to look for alternatives.
It wasn’t long before I discovered the many household uses for borax. The beauty of borax is it’s so affordable that you can stock up on it right now and have plenty after the next disaster or (God forbid) economic collapse. During disasters and long-term depressions, sanitation and hygiene can become a serious problem. Here, then, are 20 uses for borax.”
The article goes on to list 20 uses but I’m sure there are plenty more if you only choose to search them out.
Read the full article: 20 Uses for Borax.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts also have a variety of applications, from in the garden deterring pests like raccoons and slugs to home cleaning tasks as well. In addition, Epsom salts have found their way back into the health market in a variety of ways, including as a face mask, foot bath, for stress relief and even as a laxative. Here’s the first part of the article:
“Although its not actually salt (the name is from its chemical structure and the location of its discovery) Magnesium Sulfate, aka Epsom Salt, is one of the worlds hidden wonders!
“Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfate, which can help improve health in numerous ways. A lack of magnesium—which helps regulate the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the body—can contribute to high blood pressure, hyperactivity, heart problems and other health issues, doctors warn. Sulfate is essential for many biological processes, helping to flush toxins and helping form proteins in joints, brain tissue and mucin proteins.” Epsom Salt Council
Think its just for bath salts and in-grown toe nails – think again! This is little sprinkle of natural goodness is as versatile as MacGyver.”
Read the full article: 25 Uses for Epsom Salts.
Again, obviously these aren’t the ONLY ingredients you’ll need but they are basic four that get it all started. And the best part is that they can be stored for years on end without trouble. In the case of borax, baking soda, and Epsom salts, you’ll want to avoid moisture so pack them in mylar or vacuum sealed bags (with desiccant if you like) and you’ll have little to worry about. The vinegar will probably be ok in the plastic bottles they typically come in but it can’t hurt to at least keep them out of the sunlight and away from extreme heat.
Last, be sure to visit each website listed about and print out the recipes for later use. Enjoy!
