We have run into some minor technical delays regarding the change, but have been assured the new site will be up and running this weekend. Hopefully they are right!

The brand new Vintage Remedies site is on the way. Unfortunately, to hold all of the greatness of the brand new website, we have had to change servers which means there may be some downtime for a couple of hours.

So, if you come back to checkout the website and we are not here, Don’t Worry! We are just moving and will be back and better than ever very soon. Come back to check out the brand new website. I am really excited about it!

Any natural health expert can tell you the uses for olive oil are practically endless. It has multiple uses in the kitchen, bathroom and even the home apothecary. Now the oil can add one more benefit to its long list: an ibuprofen substitute. Researchers have discovered a chemical called oleocanthal in the oil that has a different chemistry than the common ibuprofen, but has the same non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory effects that ibuprofen has become so famous for.
These researchers found that oleocenthal is even better than ibuprofen at inhibiting certain enzymes that are known causes of inflammation in the body. Since oils vary greatly in chemical composition, it is important to look for full bodied oils, which contain more of the sometimes harsh tasting oleocanthal to obtain these benefits.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking to an amazing group of ladies and birth advocates in Alabama on the topic of basic remedies for common health concerns in the home. One of the things I like to cover in this type of discussion is the ingredient list for some of the most popular electrolyte drinks. If you have never looked at one, you would probably be appalled at what you see. They are not at all natural, and certainly nothing we want to give a sick baby or child. However, dehydration during an illness is a real concern and the concept of an electrolyte drink is a good one indeed.

So, for the Birth Stories group in Huntsville, here are a few recipes for alternatives to commercial beverages. Enjoy! (Tip: Be sure to use mineral salt and pure, natural ingredients!)

Lemon-aide
1 cup water
1 T lemon juice
1/4 t salt
pinch baking soda
1 T agave nectar

Cran-aide
1 cup water
1/3 cup cranberry juice
1/4 t salt
pinch baking soda

Other Flavored Drinks
1 cup water
1/3 cup grape juice / orange juice / berry juice
1/4 t salt
pinch baking soda

As any mom can tell you, petroleum jelly is invaluable in the nursery. Who knows how we would ever take a baby’s temperature without it! (scary thought indeed!) Yet, despite it’s numerous uses, it is a highly undesirable product in the nursery, since it is, well, a petroleum product. Many attempts have been made to substitute plain oils for the jelly, but slippery oil just cannot live up to the practicality of a good thick petroleum jelly.

Fortunately, there is a natural alternative that is just as practical and perfectly safe for little noses, owies, and yes, even baby’s bum. Better yet, petroleum free jelly can easily be made at home with a few common ingredients.

Simply mix 1/4 cup olive oil (no need to use the extra virgin kind; any good quality pure oil will work) with 1-1.5 T beeswax (this can vary depending on the texture you are looking for). Place in a warm oven until the wax is melted, remove from heat and pour into a sterile tin for storage. (Optional: when nearly cool, add 1-2 drops of essential oil. Be sure to research your oil properly for safety based on your intended applications.) The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, so go ahead and make plenty… one for the diaper bag, one for the changing table… one for the grandparent’s house… one for the baby shower next week…