NaNo Day 7

Write without pay until somebody offers to pay.
~Mark Twain (1835-1910)

NaNo Day 6

How blessed are some people, whose lives have no fears, no dreads; to whom sleep is a blessing that comes nightly, and brings nothing but sweet dreams.
~Bram Stoker (1847-1912)

NaNo Day 5

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
~William James (1842-1910)

NaNo Day 4

Why not seize the pleasure at once?—How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!
~Jane Austen (1775-1817)

NaNo Day 3

The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, the young know everything.
~Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

NaNo Day 2

Beauty is all very well at first sight; but who ever looks at it when it has been in the house three days?
~George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

NaNo Day 1

I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.
~Frederick Douglass (1817-1895)

A Breather

The Waffler is taking a break to celebrate Halloween (with ceramic pumpkin lanterns, scary movies and an overdose of fun-size candy), and as soon as November rolls in, the challenges are picked up again.

NaNoWriMo: The daft gallop of writing a 50K novel in 30 days.
NaBloPoMo: The slightly less daft challenge of 30 blog posts in as many days.

This year, the two will be combined here, as my daily posts are going to include the day’s theme song and my noveling word count. And, for once, it’s not going to be breakfast but post-dinner blogging. Just in time before the day is over.

Thank you, all you lurkers out there, for the almost 37K hits on this page over the year it has existed. November is about to be a month of combined entertainment and stressbusting. Stick around!

Ultimate Remedies: Witch Hazel

'Wych' is a Middle English word meaning pliant or supple - it's nothing to do with magic or spells!

Witch hazel branches have traditionally been the wood of choice for dowsers – those individuals who are able to locate subterranean water by walking across the surface holding a forked branch that is supposed to tug and dip in the direction of any underground treasures. It is thought that this is how it gets its name, as ‘wych’ is a Middle English word meaning pliant or supple – it’s nothing to do with magic or spells! Witch hazel’s most useful property in terms of healing is its astringency, which is due to the high levels of tannins contained in its bark, leaves and twigs. It is also useful for reducing bleeding from minor wounds. If you nick yourself whilst shaving, for example, you can dab on a litle witch hazel to stem the blood and disinfect the cut – it makes a good general aftershave, too, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. Witch hazel is commonly used topically for haemorrhoids and varicose veins. As an infusion, witch hazel can be taken internally to treat haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, or weak, lax uterus, veins and intestines – do not use for longer than a couple of weeks.

Use it for:
- Bad breath
A weak infusion of witch hazel can help both to prevent the multiplication of the bacteria that cause halitosis, and to improve the symptoms of periodontal disease. Do not swallow the infusion – spit it out after thoroughly rinsing the mouth.
- Bruises
When applied topically on bruises, witch hazel can ease pain and speed up the healing process. It is particularly effective when combined with arnica.
- Oily skin
If you have a tendency towards oily skin, the mild astringent properties of witch hazel can help gently to regulate the condition of your complexion.

Don’t swallow this!
According to ancient folk wisdom, carrying a twig of witch hazel will mend a broken heart and help to cool unrequited passion. It doesn’t sound as tempting as curling up in front of a weepy movie with a massive bar of Green & Black’s Maya Gold, though…

Also worth a try:
Anise for halitosis
Crushed parsley for bruises
Fresh tomato puree for oily skin

Helen Mulley, Natural Health magazine, November 2007

Ultimate Remedies: Vinegar

For medicinal purposes, the most frequently recommended option is apple cider vinegar

There are many different types of vinegar, and each has its own particular properties and advantages. Balsamic vinegar, for example, is wonderful in cooking, white vinegar is ideal for household cleaning tasks, and of course, you can’t beat good old brown malt for sprinkling over hot chips. But for medicinal and remedial purposes, the option that is most frequently recommended is apple cider vinegar. The reasons given for its apparently miraculous healing powers have varied over the years, but current research is focusing on the beta-carotene it contains, which could destroy free radicals; its extreme acidity, which could help against arthritis; and its pectin content, which is a type of fibre that is very good for digestion. Certainly, vinegar is a powerful weapon against bacteria, and very good for the hair and skin. And there was good reason why Jack’s head was wrapped in ‘vinegar and brown paper’ after his tumble down the hill – such a compress is still used for headaches (although most people would soak a cloth or gauze pad instead!)

Use it for:
- Sore throat
Eigher gargle with a mixture of vinegar and warm water, or make a syrup with a 50/50 mix of apple cider vinegar and honey.
- Sunburn
Vinegar applied to sunburned skin will quickly evaporate, giving a cooling effect. It can also help to reduce inflammation.
- Warts
Many people recommend either soaking an infected hand or foot in vinegar for fifteen minutes to get rid of warts – or taping a vinegar compress to the affected area. Apple cider vinegar is said to be particularly effective for this purpose.

Don’t swallow this!
It used to be suggested that because bee stings are acidic and wasp stings are alcaline, then the former should be treated with bicarbonate of soda, and the latter with vinegar. However, although vinegar certainly does seem to relieve the pain and inflammation of a sting, it is no longer believed that this is pH related. In fact, vinegar will soothe the pain of an attack from a wasp or a bee, as well as bites and stings from other insects.

Also worth a try:
Lemon juice for a sore throat
Milk for sunburn
Banana peel for warts

Helen Mulley, Natural Health magazine, November 2007