There are so many cosmetics on the market that claim they are keeping your family safe by killing the hidden bacteria that is out there to harm your children and family. But are they really protecting your kids?

Here are some points to ponder:

* The antibacterial components of soaps (usually triclosan or, less commonly, triclocarbon) need to be left on a surface for about two minutes in order to work. Most people are not this patient, and end up washing off the soap before the antibacterial ingredients can do their job.
* Some scientists theorize that bacteria may develop a resistance to bactericidal agents over time.
* Some bacteria actually benefit us. The normal population of bacteria on our bodies not only eats our sweat, but also helps defend us against truly harmful, invasive bacteria.
* Many common diseases are viral in nature, anyway, and are therefore not prevented by antibacterial products.

( see How stuff works for the full article…)

Yet another study points to triclosan not only being completely ineffective, but also potentially dangerous:

“…researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health have found that the ingredient commonly used in these products, triclosan, provides no additional benefits beyond those of plain soap; it also may contribute to the rise of many different drug-resistant bacteria, including a relative of tuberculosis.”

And if this isn’t enough, the article goes on to say:

“…triclosan can also form the probable human carcinogen chloroform when exposed to chlorinated water, you may take pause lathering up with that antibacterial soap next time you shower…”

All in all, it seems that the hype around protecting your loved ones by using antibacterial soap is not all that true and once again I am convinced that using the most natural products you can is the only way to go.

As I become more aware of the damage we are doing to the environment, the more I am exploring house hold products that are safe for the planet.

Chemicals found in bleach, washing powders, drain cleaners and washing up liquids contaminate ground water, lakes and oceans- there is a website worth looking at for more info on this topic www.groundwork.org.za

There are a couple of SA companies that are manufacturing biodegradable house cleaning products :

Enchantrix- www.enchantrix.co.za Anthia, the owner, is completely committed to a sustainable lifestyle and most, if not all, of her products are Organic,  they are available at selected Pick ‘n Pays and health shops.

Triple Orange Wonder Gel- www.tripleorange.co.za , this is a multi purpose product that can be used for many applications and is available in health shops.

Pick ‘n Pay have had their own no-name label biodegradable dishwashing liquid and household cleaner for years.

The other thought is to use stuff in your pantry. In the September issue of Real Simple magazine they had a long list of alternative cleaning solutions using ingredients from your cupboard. Here are a few of them:

Blocked drains - pour 1/2 cup of bicarbonate of soda followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar cover the drain with a damp cloth leave for 5 minutes remove cloth and flush with a bucket of very hot/boiling water.

Wet rings on your wooden table - spread a liberal amount of mayo on the water mark and leave it overnight,wipe off with a soft dry cloth and voila.

Grease stains on upholstery - Cover the effected area with mielie meal and leave it for 30 mins ,vacuum the mielie meal up and the stain will be gone.

If we can all start being aware and look at making small changes within our household I believe we can make a difference

I found this in the Weekly Telegraph (UK Newspaper) this weeks edition, I think this is great news, I think this is only happening because of consumer pressure…..I for one am going to start to find out who I can speak to at the sweet companies in SA !!! and cause a bit of havoc, I will keep you posted with contact names and emails so you can do the same …In the mean time stop buying these poisonous things and go to the health shop and buy the healthier version they are made in SA and do not have any artificial colourants or flavours ! - cannot remember the name though

Sulphur dioxide is not/should not be in Organic Dried Fruit,it is available at Woolies and health shops,make sure you check the labels though.

Dried fruit is a great snack to pop into lunchboxes , or is it ? The awful news for me is that there is this awful ingredient that they sneak in that can cause all sorts of problems.

SULPHUR DIOXIDE E220

Can provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea,skin rash,asthma attacks,difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function. Also destroys vitamin B1,and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis , bronchitis, emphysems, bronchial asthma or cardiovascular disease !!!!

I will only buy the dried fruit that does not contain this ingredient, and quite honestly I will give it a miss all together if I cannot find any - fresh fruit will be the replacement.

I bought this amazing book called “Whats in this stuff” by Pat Thomas-an essential guide. I bought mine from the WELLNESS WAREHOUSE in Cape Town - a must visit for all Capetonians. You can get all your natural products there as well as a healthy lunch - check it out.They will be opening new stores in JHB soon.

My Sister in Law Pia sent this to me this morning from the Sunday Times in the UK.

Mosquitos

Vitamin B1 makes your blood bitter and stops mosquitos from biting, ( they can smell it)which could be a good malaria preventative as well

TRAVEL KIT

Ginger: stops nausea and travel sickness. The easiest way to take it is in tincture form. Take 1-2 drops directly under the tongue.
Aloe vera: Aloe Max is a gel from New Zealand that contains chlorophyll to help the skin repair itself after sun damage (£9.99 from the NutriCentre; 0800 587 2290).
Probiotics: will help prevent and treat the dreaded traveller’s tummy. If you buy capsules, make sure they have an enteric coating: this will protect the good bacteria as they pass through your acidic stomach.
Nettle tea: an excellent liver tonic, this simple brew will not only help your recovery when you’ve overindulged, but is also effective against allergies such as hay fever.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): beats jet lag by boosting levels of serotonin, the mood-controlling hormone produced in the brain that is a precursor to the manufacture of melatonin, which regulates the body clock. It won’t work straightaway, so start taking it two weeks before your departure date.
Echinacea cream: accelerates wound-healing and is excellent for serious sunburn.
Arnica 3c: if you take nothing else, makes sure you pack this homeopathic remedy. It can reduce bleeding, inflammation and bruising. It is also effective against jet lag.
Citronella, eucalyptus or lavender oils: stop insects biting: dilute 10-20 drops in an egg cup of almond base oil and apply