HEALTH - UKANDO MOIST WIPES

Several years ago, along with a few other adults, Gary and I had the honor of taking 70 teenagers into the poverty stricken mountains of Mexico on a working mission called UKANDO.

Prior to departure, we were provided a detailed packing list which included moist wipes. Shortly after arriving at the ministry headquarters, there was no question about their necessity. There was no running water! In fact, the only useable water available was that which we hauled up the mountain along with other supplies. At the end of each long, hot day of construction, mixing concrete and digging cisterns even a short cool shower would have been luxurious! However, we would be using moist wipes for the next ten dirty days!

Every morning, we could all be found waiting in line at the only “bathroom” available. The toilet was flushed with a bucket of water. However, in order to conserve water, the rule was; “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down!”

One day the young man ahead of me finally stepped out of the bathroom and sheepishly asked for assistance. He’d poured water in, but the toilet didn’t flush. I explained that slowly pouring the water didn’t create enough force. “Instead,” I instructed him, “you need to use a little oomph.” Before I could warn him about not using too much gusto, the burly farm boy thrust a bucket of water at the toilet bowel! He was covered from head to toe with its contents!

I didn’t ask him how many packages of moist wipes he brought, but I could see the panic on his face!

I’ve read, “In North America alone, the 83,000 tons of disposable wipes bought in 2003 would need 9,000 18-wheel trucks to transport them and the convoy would stretch for 68 miles!” Research also shows that wipes, including baby wipes, contain more than 10 hazardous chemicals including:

• Denatured alcohol - “may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact will irritate or burn skin and eyes and may cause dizziness or suffocation.” (ERG, 2008)
• Propylene Glycol - Commonly found in cosmetics, anti-freeze & solvents and linked to many severe health problems including contact dermatitis, skeletal muscular and kidney damage and liver abnormalities.
• Phenoxyethanol - Used in inks and dyes and rated as #3 (serious hazardous material)! It is extremely hazardous in case of eye & skin contact, ingestion and inhalation. Is toxic to kidneys, the nervous system and liver and has carcinogenic potential.

Knowing that chemicals are easily absorbed through the skin and can accumulate in our bodies, imagine the potential consequences moist wipes have on our health!

Whatever happened to good ‘ol soap and water? There are obviously circumstances where this is simply not an option! Yet, we often purchase products that are health hazards when it’s easy and less expensive to make those which are not only safe, but beneficial.

Whether you use them for disinfecting surfaces,
diaper changes or to freshen up,
there is certain to be an essential oil or blend to help you
create the perfect moist wipes!

Ingredients:

1. Unscented Liquid Soap Base
2. Carrier Oil - olive, jojoba or sweet almond oil.
3. Essential oils chosen according to your preferred scent and needed medicinal benefits. Examples:
A. Antibacterial: Tea Tree, Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, Palmarosa, Calendula (babies), and Sage. Use individually or blend.
B. Disinfectant: Grapefruit, Lemon and Sage.
C. Calming: Neroli, Bergamot, Chamomile (babies), and Geranium.
D. Energy/Fatigue: Black spruce (on kidney area) and Pine.
E. Concentration/Alertness: Basil, Peppermint, Rosemary cineol and Eucalyptus.
F. Moisturizing: Jasmine, Lavender (babies) and Helichrysum.
4. Water
5. Paper Towels - Bounty type.
6. Air-tight Container – cylinder-shaped wipes container works well.

Instructions:
1. Mix 1.5 tsp. soap, 2.5 tsp. carrier oil, and 5-6 drops essential oil.
2. Add 1.5 cup water and mix thoroughly.
3. Cut roll of towels in half horizontally, remove cardboard core. Place towels in container.
4. Pour mixture over towels. Allow to sit until evenly saturated.
5. Thread first wipe from center of roll through opening at top of container.

UKANDO IT!!

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

DISCLAIMER:
All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This is best left to the Creator of the universe. In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted. The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.