Grain alcohol, also called ethyl alcohol, is alcohol in its purest form. Distilled twice, the process begins with fermentation of grain. Marketers sell the finished product as a liquor with about 95 percent alcohol content, or 190 proof, and that...
Most herbal tinctures use an alcohol base, often a high-proof grain alcohol. Herbs are soaked in grain alcohol or a mixture of grain alcohol and water for four to eight weeks to transfer the medicinal properties of the herb into the alcohol. The...
A tincture is one form of herbal medication. Tinctures are made by soaking the herbs in some form of liquid. Glycerin and apple cider vinegar may be used, but alcohol produces the strongest tinctures. Some people may be concerned about the amount...
Stevia rebaudiana, commonly referred to simply as stevia, is a plant that is native to Paraguay and known for its sweetness, which is 10 to 15 times sweeter than sugar, according to "Stevia: The Genus Stevia." In about a day's time, you can...
Raspberries are available in the stores year-round but are at their peak during the summer months. The fruit has a sweet, tangy flavor that works well alone or as a flavor component in sweet dishes. Distillers often infuse the berries into a clear...
Peppermint oil is most commonly used as a flavoring for candy and an ingredient in toothpastes, providing both a minty flavor and extra protection against plaque. But when used topically, peppermint oil also can help relieve headaches and treat...
Frequent handwashing is the best way to stay germ-free, states Dr. Tanya Benenson on NBC New York. However, people who are constantly on the move for work or pleasure do not always have the time to stop and wash hands. Luckily, there are many...
Jungle juice refers to a type of alcoholic cocktail that is usually made in large quantities and served to a group. Exact ingredients differ and there are many variations of this drink. Jungle juice is generally very strong and contains large...
Avoiding gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats, is a daunting task. But for people with gluten intolerance, also called celiac disease or celiac sprue, it's essential. Consuming even a small amount of gluten causes...
Oil made from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita) is a relatively well-studied alternative remedy, with documented medicinal applications stretching as far back as ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. NYU Langone Medical Center reports...
Because of the numerous synthetics included in regular deodorants, there are many natural or organic alternatives to choose from in today's market. Dan Shapley from The Daily Green claims to avoid deodorants that contain aluminum compounds,...
Arnica is commonly used for sprains and bruises since it reduces inflammation, soothes muscle aches and heals topical skin wounds. Native Americans referred to this plant as "mountain tobacco" due to the similar shape it shares with tobacco...
Every brand of vodka has its own secret recipe, but the main ingredients are always the same: alcohol and water. The quality and calorie content will vary from brand to brand and the alcohol content is generally 40 percent alcohol by volume or 80...
Everclear is a brand of vodka known for its high alcohol content. Most vodka brands are 40 to 60 percent alcohol, which is 80 to 120 proof. Everclear offers two varieties: Everclear 190 proof, which has 95 percent alcohol content, and Everclear...
Dandruff, or white flakes of dead skin on the scalp, results from abnormal activity of the sebaceous, or oil-secreting, glands. According to the Mayo Clinic, tea tree oil seems to reduce dandruff when used on a daily basis. A study published in...
Pennsylvania Dutch brand's Egg Nog is enjoyed at countless activities and celebrations during the holiday season. It is a very rich mix of real dairy cream, rum, brandy and blended whiskey with a 14.75-percent kick of alcohol.
An alcoholic beverage is simply any drink that contains alcohol, an intoxicating liquid. People have been making and drinking alcoholic beverages since before the beginning of recorded history. Specifically, alcoholic beverages contain ethanol,...
Herbs can provide an effective, natural treatments for your gallstones, but you shouldn't use them with a doctor's supervision. Make a list of all medications, vitamins and other supplements you currently take, and let your doctor know of any drug...
For centuries, numerous health benefits have accompanied the use of peppermint oil as a supplement. MedlinePlus gives peppermint oil a grade that indicates good scientific evidence for uses as an antispasmodic after endoscopic procedures,...
A tincture is an herbal concentrate, extracting the medicinal properties of an herb by soaking the herb in either water, alcohol or glycerin. Tinctures are quickly absorbed by your body -- faster than capsules, are stable for up to three years,...
Hand hygiene is one of the most important methods in preventing the spread of disease. Hands can be host to an array of different bacteria and viruses every time you come in contact with something. Hand sanitizers are an excellent choice of...
Aluminum-based compounds are a common ingredient in conventional antiperspirants and deodorants. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat ducts which stop the flow of sweat to the skin's surface. As sweat does not cause odor;...
Depending upon the type, alcohol can be used for a beverage, a cleaning agent, first aid or as a fuel when camping and backpacking. For camp stoves, alcohol does not produce as much heat as other fuels, such as propane or white gas. However, it is...
Bitters are a classic cocktail ingredient, adding a sharp note to drinks or helping to blend a variety of flavors together. While citrus bitters date back to the 19th century, blood orange is a newer option, part of the modern interest in these...
Food allergies can be life-threatening, and no cure is currently available. Individuals with serious allergies must avoid trigger foods and carry emergency medications to treat a reaction if they unknowingly ingest a trigger food. Unfortunately,...
Pepsodent is a brand of toothpaste that has been sold since the 1920s, when it was the sponsor of popular radio programs like "Amos 'n' Andy" and "The Bob Hope Pepsodent Show." There are two types of Pepsodent available: Original, and Whitening...
Honey, royal jelly and propolis are all natural substances produced by honeybees. To obtain these products, they must be harvested from honeybee hives, which are kept by a beekeeper and are collectively called an apiary.
Green cleaning involves using environmentally friendly products over products that contain harsh chemicals. Before you toss out your chemical cleaners, try to find out when a toxic waste recycling day will be held in your community. According to...
Indulging too much in certain foods and beverages that contain high amounts of a substance called purine can cause your body to produce excess uric acid during the digestive process. If that happens, you could get gout -- a type of arthritis that...
