Did You Know – Vodka

by Two Chums on May 7, 2013

Vodka is known as one of the world’s most popular spirits. But did you know that vodka also has a long history of use as medicine? Over the years it has been sold to cure everything from infertility to colic and the plague. While not all of its touted uses over the years are viable, it is true that vodka has a wide range of potential uses beyond just being served as a social beverage. Thanks to the website, TheDailyGreen.com, we have some great uses for that vodka in your cupboard that may surprise you 🙂

Freshen Laundry

You can keep your clothes smelling fresher with vodka — really! Simply spritz your clothes with vodka, then hang to dry in a well-ventilated area. (Do a spot-test first to be safe.) Vodka kills odor-causing bacteria, but doesn’t leave a scent when dry.

Shine Your Fixtures

It’s easy to get your chrome, glass and porcelain fixtures shining like the top of the Chrysler Building. Just moisten a soft, clean cloth with vodka, then apply a little elbow grease.

Preserve Flowers

Add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in your flower vase. It should help keep your flowers fresh longer. Change out the mixture with fresh ingredients daily.

Treat Poison Ivy

For many, one of the hazards of enjoying the great outdoors is an encounter with poison ivy, oak or sumac. It can lead to a nasty, long-lasting rash. To avoid the uncomfortable reaction, immediately pour vodka on skin that has come into contact with poison ivy, and the alcohol will wash away the itchy culprit, urushiol oil.

Repel Insects

You probably don’t enjoy getting feasted on by insects, but you’ve read media reports questioning the safety of DEET-based repellents, and you are pretty sure you don’t want to take the risk of spraying yourself in the face with poisonous bug killers.

Who knew that vodka can kill pesky insects? Pour a little of the saucy spirit in a spray bottle and squirt on the little buggers, or yourself as a repellent. But please don’t take aim at any beneficial bees!

Soothe Jellyfish Stings

Jellyfish are fascinating, beautiful sea creatures. But their stingers can pack a powerful, painful punch.

For vegetarians and others who don’t travel with meat tenderizer, take heart. Vodka can also disinfect and alleviate some of the bite of a jellyfish sting.

Get Great, Shiny Hair

Vodka doesn’t just make you think people look prettier. It actually can make people prettier. How? Try this remedy for healthier, lush hair: Add a jigger of vodka to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo.

Clean Away Mold

Got mold? The stuff spreads easily and can severely diminish indoor air quality. And who wants to look at those grimy dark stains that build up on caulking (sometimes even on mold-resistant varieties)?

But instead of harsh chemical sprays, try filling a recycled spray bottle with some bottom-shelf vodka. Spritz on, then let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub away with an old toothbrush.

Make a Soothing Lavender Tincture

Do you find the scent of lavender soothing? Did you know that herbalists have used it for generations to naturally ease aches and pains? Here’s a fun DIY tip:

Fill a clean glass jar with fresh lavender flowers, then top off with vodka. Seal the lid tightly and place in the sun for three days (same idea as making sun tea!). Strain the resulting liquid through a coffee filter, and poof! You have a homemade tincture to rub into aches and pains. You can pour into smaller bottles, decorate them and give them as unique gifts.

Ease a Toothache

Got a toothache? Your first priority should be to see a dentist. But sometimes you can’t get an appointment right away, or the professionals tell you it will just have to heal on its own. In that case, try swishing a shot of vodka over the affected area. It can help disinfect, and should numb some of the pain in your gums.

If you have a bottle of vodka in your cupboard, try using one of these vodka remedies and let us know what you think. We are here to help however we can and to bring more love, joy and abundant living to your life!