THE GOOD USES OF SALT

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5686, 3 October 1896, Page 3

THE GOOD USES OF SALT

IT IS THE READIEST AND CHEAPEST OF REMEDIES FOR MANY THINGS, (Philadelphia ' Public Ledger.) Salt cleanses the palate and furred tongue, and a gargle of salt and water is often efficacious. A pinch of salt on the tongue, followed ten minutes afterward by a drink of cold water, often cures sick headache. Salt hardens gums, makes teeth white and sweetens the breath. Cut flowers may be kept fresh by adding salt to the water. Weak ankles should be rubbed with solution of salt, water and alcohol. Nose colds, hay fever and kindred affections may be much relieved by using fine dry salt, like snuff . Dyspepsia, heart burn and indigestion are relieved by a cup of hot water, in which a small spoonful of salt has been melted. Salt; and water will sometimes revive an unconscious person when hurt, if brandy or other remedies are not at hand. j Hemorrhage from tooth-pulling is I stopped by filling the mouth with salt and j water. • i Weak and tired eyes are refreshed by bathing with warm water and salt. Public speakers and many noted singers use a wash of salt and water before and after using the voice, as it strengthens the organs 01 the throat. Salt rubbed into the scalp or occasionally added to the water in washing prevents the hair falling out. Feathers uncurled by damp weather are quickly dried by shaking over fire in which salt has been thrown. . Salt always should be eaten with nuts, and a dessert fruit salt should be specially used. If twenty pounds of salt and ten pounds of muriate of ammonia be dissolved in seven gallons of water and bottled, many fires may be prevented. By splashing and spraying the burning articles the fire is soon extinguished. An incombustible coating is immediately formed. Add salt to the water in which black and white cotton goods are washed. Flat irons may be made smooth if rubbed over salt. Copper and glass may be quickly cleansed by dipping half a lemon in fine salt, then rubbing them over stained objects. Lemons and salt also remove stains from the fingers. Do not use soap afterwards. If a small teaspoonful of fine salt be added to a quart of milk it will be preserved sweet and pure for several days. Eggs packed in salt can be kept for several months. A pinch of salt added to mustard prevents its souring. A smouldering or dull fire may be cleared for broiling by a handful of salt. ' Salt thrown on any burning substance will stop the smoke and blaze. . Bread insufficiently salted becomes acid, dry, and crumbles. . When cabbage, onions or strong smelling vegetables hare been boiled in pans, to prevent odours clinging to them, place some salt on the stove and turn the pan bottom up over the salt. In a few ininutes the pan will sniell sweet. Ail salads should be soaked in salt and water to destroy anrootalculse or small worms. Make a strong brine, and water 1 gavdeu walks to kill weeds. A moderate quantity of salt stimulates their .growth. Salt and camphor in cold water is an excellent disinfectant in bedrooms. Housemaids should pour salt water, after using it, down the drain pipes. Sewer gas is counteracted by a handful of salt placed in toilet room basins. Eattan, bamboo and basket work furniture may be thoroughly cleaned by scrubbing with brush and salt water. Brooms soaked in hot salt water wear better and do not break. Bedroom floors may be kept cool and very fresh in summer if wiped daily with a cloth wrung out of strong salt water. All microbes, moths and pests are thus destroyed. Black spots on dishes and discolourations on teacups are removed by damp salt.