It is not only historical interest or nostalgia that makes the idea of using herbs attractive to us today. Herbal dyes are still unsurpassed for subtlety of color, and aromatic herbs contain antiseptic oils useful in cleaning.
But bryond this, the fresh fragrance of herbs has a way of pushing our thoughts past the strictly utilitarian. To fold sheets scented with lavender water or to polish furniture with sweet marjoram scented wax makes a chore into a pleasure. Perhaps it reminds us of the seasons or gives us a sense of continuity with the past.
Lemon disinfectant
Mix 6 drops of essential oil of lemon with 1 t. of isopropyl alcohol (to aid dispersal), and add to 2 quarts of tepid water (hot water would make the oil evaporate too quickly). You can also use essential oils of tea tree, thyme, orange, bergamot, juniper, clove, lavender, niaouli, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood or eucalyptus - listed in descending order of their antiseptic powers.
Simmer some leaves and small stems for 30 minutes in water; the less water, the more concentrated the disinfectant will be. Strain and use to clean sinks and bathroom or to give a fresh scent to rooms. Add dishwashing detergent to get rid of grease on surfaces. Store any excess in the refrigerator for up to one week. Disinfectants can also be made with the leaves and flowering stems of eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, sage and thyme, and with angelica roots.
Scouring pad
The precursors of steel wool, horsetail stems (Equisetum arvense or E. hyemale) have a
fine sandpaper surface of silica crystals which will clean pots and pans. Rub a handful of dried, leafless stems on surfaces,then rinse to remove any residual green stain.
2 1/2 cups turpeninte
1 1/2 c. strong infusion
of sweet marjoram
based soap
essential oil of sweet
marjoram (opional)
1 Grate the beeswax into the turpentine and leave to dissolve, which may take a few days. Alternatively, warm the beeswax and turpentine carefully over a flameless heat until the wax melts. Turpentine can easily burst into flames, so it's safest to warm it over boiling water.
2 In a separate pan, bring the infusion to boiling point and stir in the grated soap untill melted.
3 Allow both mixtures to cool, then blend slowly, stirring until it resenbles thick cream. Stir in to a few drops of essential oil. Pour into a wide-mouth container and label.
(Leaves of mock orange, lemon balm, lemon verbena, or rosemary, or lavender flowers, can be used instead of sweet marjoram).
