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Peppercorns as insect repellent. Peppercorns can be used for preserving clothing. Crush the peppercorns lightly and wrap them in small pieces of cloth to make sachets. Put the sachets in your wardrobe and kitchen cabinet to keep cockroaches away.
Dried pandanus leaves as insect repellent. Leave some dried pandan leaves in drawers and cabinets to keep cockroaches away.
Repel flies. Put a small dish of vinegar on the table. The smell of the vinegar will keep flies away.
Baking powder as detergent. Baking powder can be used to clean washbasins and toilet bowls.
Glassware cleaner. Add a few drops of vinegar to the water to be used for wiping windows and washing glassware. The glass will be sparkling clean.
Hot water as disinfectant. Boil children’s feeding bottles and utensils in hot water. To sterilise dishcloths or eating utensils, boil or soak in boiled water instead of using disinfectant chemicals.
Reusing rice water. Do not throw away the water used for washing rice. You can soak vegetables in it or use it to water plants.
Burn stain remover. Put some tamarind seeds (asam jawa) and water into the burnt pot, boil the mixture and leave it overnight. It will be easier to remove the remaining stains after it has been soaked.
Salt water rinse. Rinse your mouth with salt water instead of using a chemical mouthwash. Soak vegetables and fruits in salt water for a while before eating or cooking.
Chinese tea as disinfectant. A Chinese doctor told me to use Chinese tea to wash my wounds. It is gentle and soothing. Leftover tea can be used to rinse the face or hair. Used tea leaves can be used to fertilise plants.
Food poisoning relief. Drink a glass of salt water to ease an upset tummy. If it doesn’t help, dissolve some brown sugar in a glass of water and drink that.
Shallot ointment for stomach ache and arthritis. Peel shallots, dry fry in low heat until oil appears. Wrap the shallots in a small towel and use that to rub affected body parts.
Food poisoning. In some old movies which feature Chinese emperors, servants would dip silver pin into a dish before the ruler tucks in. The silver pin will change colour if the food is poisonous.
Vegetable antidote. If you feel sick after taking medication, boil some chai por (dried radish) and drink the water. Traditional Chinese doctors will always ask you not to eat radish when consuming any herbal medication.
Ways to control high blood pressure. Boil some red sugar cane and drink the water. Eat lots of celery. You can eat it raw, blended or cooked.
Get rid of sore eyes. Prepare about 20 dried lily buds by trimming off both ends of the buds. Boil them with some brown sugar and drink the soup.
Fresh aloe vera leaves as cosmetics. A Malay lady told me that she rubs the jelly-like substance of the inner flesh of aloe vera onto her hair three times a day to keep it black and healthy. The same substance can be applied onto your face, hands and legs as moisturiser.
Natural toothpaste. The Indians use neem tree branches to brush their teeth. Break off a 12cm-long twig from the tree. Pound one end of the twig and use it as a toothbrush. Neem can purify the air and repel snakes, mosquitoes and other insects. It has anti-viral and anti-bacterial ingredients.
Ginger juice as anti-dandruff shampoo. Pound ginger and abstract the juice. After washing your hair, pour the ginger juice on your hair (while it is still wet).
Henna hair dyes. Blend henna leaves with a little bit of water. Squeeze in some lime juice and store in the fridge for at least two days. Dye your hair with the mixture. Wait for more than one hour before shampooing your hair.
Tea bag hair dyes. Do not throw away the tea bag after making your cup of tea. Squeeze some lime juice onto the bag and keep them in the fridge for at least two days. Squeeze the liquid from the tea bag onto your hair. Shampoo your hair after half an hour. This will keep it brown.
Facial treatments. Rub papaya skins on your face. Rinse off with warm water after a few minutes.
· As these remedies have not been scientifically tested, readers are encouraged to exercise caution if they choose to try them out.
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