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Dry Rosemary: This Makes The Medicinal Herb Last Longer

Drying rosemary is very easy and makes the delicious spice durable. We explain how you can dry rosemary in different ways.

Drying rosemary: Here’s how

Rosemary is a particularly aromatic and powerful spice. It is easy to grow in the garden, on the balcony or even on the windowsill. You can use it fresh, especially in the warm season. Then you can also build up a small supply for the winter – for example by making rosemary oil or drying the plant.

If you want to dry rosemary, you have two options:
You let it dry slowly in a dry and warm place.
You dry the herb in the oven.
Drying in the oven is much faster. However, you need additional electricity. It’s only a good idea if you don’t have a way to preserve the rosemary in a dry place.

Drying Rosemary: Harvesting and Preparation

You can harvest rosemary in the summer months, when it is most aromatic. To harvest the rosemary, cut off as many sprigs as you need. Regular harvesting can replace pruning the plant.

The best time is in the morning or mid-morning, once the dew has dried on the branches. It is good if the plant has received plenty of sunshine in the previous two days. Then the aromas are particularly strong.

You should avoid washing the rosemary. The branches lose their aroma. However, remove dried or wilted parts of the plant.

Air dry rosemary

Dry rosemary by bundling it up and hanging it in a dry, airy place. For this you need:
scissors
yarn
rubber band
Use the rubber band to bundle up to eight sprigs of rosemary into a small bouquet. Tie a piece of string to it so you can hang the waistband upside down.

A suitable place for drying is important. It should have the following properties:
warm (optimal are 21 to 27 degrees)
dry
airy
preferably without direct sunlight
Once you have found a suitable place, hang up the rosemary bouquets. You leave them hanging until the branches are noticeably dry and brittle. This takes several days. Exactly how long is difficult to say. That depends on the individual circumstances.

As soon as the rosemary is dry, you can remove it and store the whole sprigs airtight. You can also pluck off the individual needles and store them in an old screw-top jar.

Drying rosemary: in the oven

To dry the rosemary in the oven, it is best to place the individual sprigs on a grid. They shouldn’t touch. Put the grid in the oven at the lowest temperature (maximum 50 degrees) and leave the oven flap open a crack so that the moisture can escape.

After about three to four hours, the branches should feel dry and brittle. If not, leave them in the oven longer and check regularly. Once the sprigs are dry, you can store them the same way you would air-dry rosemary.

With the oven method, however, consider the high energy consumption and prefer air drying. You may be able to house your rosemary with friends or relatives if you don’t have a suitable room. They will certainly be “rewarded” for their hospitality with a glass of dried, fragrant rosemary.

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Food

Roast Pumpkin Seeds and Dry Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain many good nutrients. We have put together instructions for you on how to roast, season, and enjoy pumpkin seeds. Nibbling on pumpkin seeds is delicious and contributes to a balanced diet. You can enhance any salad with the rich seeds.

Pumpkin seeds are healthy

Pumpkin seeds are extremely rich in important nutrients such as unsaturated omega-6 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E. That is why pumpkin seeds are so much more than just a waste product. You can prepare the pumpkin seeds just like the pumpkins properly.

The nutritional value of pumpkin seeds

Not only pumpkin soup as one of the tastiest soups for the cold winter has it all, but also the small seeds of the pumpkin. The delicious roasted kernels are considered a nutrient supplier and a real zinc bomb. Zinc can help with menopause symptoms, and zinc also alleviates problems in diabetics. Pumpkin seeds also contain magnesium, iron, and selenium. The famous pumpkin seed oil is often used in every salad kitchen because it contains high-quality, polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. You can then add some pumpkin seeds to your salad or soup as a topping, or simply enjoy the seeds as a snack.

Prepare kernels for roasting

When processing pumpkins, the seeds are often leftover. But since the kernels are real nutrient bombs, it is best to process them fresh right away. In order to be able to dry, season or roast them well, first remove the pulp from the seeds.

  • If you have plenty of space, you can let the seeds dry overnight in a warm, dry place. The next morning, the seeds then easily separate from the pulp.
  • Or you knead the kernels in saltwater until all the fibers come loose and the kernels are clean. If necessary, leave them in the water/saltwater overnight.
  • The clean cores then float to the surface and you can fish them out.
  • Place them on a tea towel and rub them dry.
  • You can then eat them fresh or process them further.

Dry pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds can be dried in a number of ways. It is important to dry them well before roasting or seasoning. And so it goes:

  • The kernels can dry in a bowl or on a tray on the heater.
  • The pumpkin seeds can dry in the residual heat of the oven or with the oven light switched on. Sticking a wooden spoon in the oven door will allow excess moisture to escape.
  • Or you can dry the kernels at 180°C in a preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then make sure to distribute the cores evenly on the tray and place them individually if possible. Also, turn them after 10 minutes.
  • You can also dry pumpkin seeds, as well as many other foods, in the dehydrator.

Roast delicious pumpkin seeds

You can now roast and season the kernels or simply enjoy them raw and dried. In the pan, roasting works as follows: Place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Turn the pumpkin seeds in it under constant supervision. Standard-sized pumpkin seeds are roasted for three to four minutes. Then take them out of the pan immediately, as the seeds will darken. Then let the pumpkin seeds cool down.

Refine pumpkin seeds with spices

If you want, you can also roast the pumpkin seeds in a pan with spices. Roasted pumpkin seeds with a little pressed garlic taste wonderfully spicy and are also very healthy. Roast pumpkin seeds with chili and peppers? In any case, spicy pumpkin seeds taste great as a snack or are perfect for refining salads. If you want to refine pumpkin seeds with sea salt and paprika, eat a healthy salty meal. Maybe that’s a better snack than potato chips during a cozy evening. Do you love it sweet? Roasted pumpkin seeds caramelized with sugar and cinnamon taste great as a sweet snack or to refine any dessert. Mmmmh delicious!!!

Roasted pumpkin seed ideas

Roasted pumpkin seeds are perfect for refining delicious soups, just sprinkle a few seeds on the finished soup. If you like to prepare muesli bars yourself, pumpkin seeds are a tasty ingredient. And they are also a very healthy ingredient in a homemade muesli mix. Classically, pumpkin seeds are also suitable for baking bread. In addition, all types of vegetables or salads can be deliciously refined with roasted pumpkin seeds. For example, delicious vegan spreads can be conjured up from peeled kernels. You can also use them as a substitute for pine nuts in pesto.

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8 Tips Against Dry Nasal Mucosa

Treat and protect dry nasal mucosa with simple tricks. Because our nose is an important organ that filters the air we breathe and catches foreign bodies. But for this, the nasal mucosa must be as moist as possible. Therefore, read what means you can use to get rid of the dry nose.

When our nasal mucosa dries out, we are tormented by itching and sneezing attacks. In addition, the sense of smell and breathing is disturbed. A long-lasting dry nasal mucosa can result in a sore nose. But with the following tips, you can relieve symptoms and prevent a dry nose.

The right nose care for dryness

Normally, the nose cleans itself with the help of the nasal hair and cilia inside. However, if the nasal mucosa is too dry, which often happens especially in the cold season, nasal hygiene must be given a helping hand. To do this, include nose care in your daily routine as soon as the first signs of a dry nose become noticeable.

1) Avoid triggers

There are some diseases that promote a dry nose. These include colds and allergies. But menopause can also cause dry nasal mucous membranes. A dry nose is also triggered by environmental factors such as particulate matter, exhaust fumes, and similar pollutants. Therefore, consciously avoid allergens and pollutants as much as possible. You should also note our home remedies for colds.

2) Drink enough liquid

The best advice against dry nasal mucosa is: to drink a lot. Because the absorbed water keeps the mucous membranes moist and the nasal secretion remains thin. That is why it is important to drink enough. This is also a valuable tip for many other health problems, for example as an effective home remedy for dry mouth.

3) Humid room climate against the dry nose

The air in the rooms you are in should not be too dry either. Therefore, ventilate often and set out bowls with water. Or use a room humidifier. Because a good room temperature contributes to a healthy “nasal climate”. Since the heating air can irritate the nasal mucosa, you should not turn the heating up too high. If you integrate these tips into your everyday life, the unpleasant symptoms of a dry nose will not occur in the first place. Also, note our simple home remedies for sinusitis.

4) Use of nasal douches

Nasal douches clear the nasal passages of mucus. The shower also causes hardened nasal secretions to liquefy and dissolve. Accordingly, for a nasal douche, put a pinch of table salt in a cup of boiled, lukewarm water. Then close one nostril with your hand and forcefully draw up the saline solution with the other side. After the liquid has found its way out again, repeat the procedure on the other side. You can also buy a special nasal douche in the pharmacy or online. In addition, these are a good and natural remedy for colds.

5) Inhale against dry nasal mucosa

Another good home remedy for dry nasal mucosa is steam inhalation. Because the steam keeps the sensitive mucous membrane of the nose moist. And the warmth is good too. So, pour hot water into a bowl, lean over the bowl, and take deep breaths in and out. A towel placed over the head and bowl also prevents the steam from dissipating too quickly. You can also buy ready-made inhalers in pharmacies. You can also add special inhalation salt to the water. Alternatively, you can use healing chamomile or essential oils.

6) Nasal sprays and drops for moisturizing and soothing

If you want to moisten your dry nasal mucosa quickly and easily, you can use nasal sprays or drops. Nasal sprays with sea salt moisten your nasal mucosa and are easy to use. Seawater nasal sprays are also available with additives made from dexpanthenol or hyaluronic acid. These additives moisturize, cleanse and care for the nasal mucosa particularly intensively. By the way, unlike decongestants, sprays with such ingredients are not addictive. There are also nose drops that contain citrus oil, sesame oil, or sage oil and thus protect the nasal mucosa. Also, note our tips for strengthening your immune system.

7) The scent of essential oils soothes the nose

Likewise, the scent of essential oils, such as the popular tea tree oil, can help to soothe the nose and relieve pain. The scents of eucalyptus and thyme should also help. It is of course up to you and your taste which fragrance you choose. In order to distribute the scents in the room, there are air humidifiers that also have the function of aromatherapy: It’s worth trying out! Vegetable oils and their effects on dry nasal mucous membranes also help.

8) Moisturize the nose

A dry nose can become cracked and sore. And that causes additional pain. Therefore, nose care from the inside and outside is important. You can use various creams from the pharmacy for this. Or care for your nose with vegetable oils, such as valuable olive oil. The miracle product coconut oil also provides moisture.

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10 Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

Effective home remedies for dry mouth. A dry mouth can make it difficult to chew, swallow and speak. Our tips will help prevent and get rid of dry mouth.

Each person has a different saliva production in the mouth, this serves to protect the teeth and gums. It also contains enzymes that are very effective against microorganisms. Therefore, you should combat dry mouth.

How do I recognize dry mouth?

When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it can cause dry mouth (xerostomia). Consequently, a lack of saliva can lead to swallowing difficulties and inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth. Since saliva protects your teeth and the entire mouth, a dry mouth can also have negative consequences for your teeth. This can lead to increased plaque, bleeding gums, and bad breath. It is therefore important to treat persistent dry mouth and prevent infection.

Tips and home remedies for dry mouth

If dry mouth is an occasional occurrence, it’s nothing to worry about. This condition can be present, especially in the morning after getting up. Because one possible reason is that a lot of air has passed through the mouth at night. Here we show you useful home remedies for dry mouth and tips for dry mouth. Also, note our home remedies for mouth sores.

1) Avoid stress

A common and serious factor is stress. Because stressful everyday life can permanently burden the body. Of course, stress cannot be avoided completely, but you should take a short break two to three times a day. Slow down consciously and relax. To do this, breathe in and out deeply. Because conscious breathing in particular lowers the stress level. Also, read our useful tips against stress or try yoga at home.

2) Choose drinks consciously

Also, choose your drinks consciously to get rid of the dry mouth. Because some drinks can moisten your mucous membranes, such as black tea. But varieties such as marshmallow root tea and sage also have a moisturizing effect. In contrast, coffee or alcohol negatively affects your saliva production and a dry mouth is a result. Therefore, only enjoy them in moderation or do without them completely.

3) Get enzymes from food

When you eat or suck on frozen pineapple chunks, the enzymes they contain can stimulate saliva production in the mouth. In addition, the well-tried butter, cream cheese, and cream protect the mucous membranes from drying out. Fresh vegetables and fruits are also highly recommended to stimulate the salivary glands. These include apples, lemons, carrots, turnip greens, and radishes.

Often just having the strong smell of lemon is enough to stimulate salivation. Essential citrus oils, such as lemons or oranges, can also improve the living space. Since dry mucous membranes can cause problems when swallowing, this is a great home remedy for swallowing problems.

4) Stimulate saliva production

A dry mouth needs more saliva. And to stimulate saliva production in the mouth, you can chew selectively. So suck on candy or chew gum regularly. This stimulates your own glands to produce more saliva. So that your teeth do not suffer from it, it is best to use sugar-free candies and chewing gum. In the following article, you will find a video on how to make sweets yourself.

5) Avoid highly salted foods

Also, the increased use of salt in food can dehydrate the oral mucosa. Consequently, this can promote dry mouth. So make sure you use less salt. You should also avoid finished products. Instead, I prefer to cook healthy and balanced. In addition, note our contribution to home remedies for over-acidification of the body.

6) Use unsweetened herbal toothpaste

A dry mouth may be due to the wrong toothpaste. Because they often have many artificial substances that promote dry mouth. Consequently, you should only use natural pastes with sage or chamomile. Some toothpaste is also sweetened with sugar, which puts additional strain on the oral cavity. Xylitol-based toothpaste is better here. These not only fight dry mouth, but also tooth decay. Many do not know that you can even brush your teeth with pure xylitol. Another advantage is that bad breath is minimized.

7) Dry mouth and breathing exercises

Especially in the autumn and winter months, the nose is often blocked. This is very uncomfortable and annoying. As a result, most people breathe through their mouths. But you should definitely keep your nose clear so that breathing can take place through the olfactory organ. Because constant breathing only through the mouth dries out the mucous membranes quickly. Therefore, conscious inhalation and exhalation through the nose are very important. To get rid of your cold quickly, note our natural home remedies for colds.

8) Humidification in the bedroom

A dry mouth at night can be caused by sleeping with your mouth open. Breathing dry air through your mouth all night can dry it out. Accordingly, it can be helpful to humidify the air with the help of a humidifier. Consequently, dry mouth can be prevented at night. And on the Internet, you will find many different and inexpensive models. Also, read our tips on how to fight sleep problems and sleep better.

9) Oil pulling for dry mouth

Regular traditional oil pulling can counteract dry mouth. Therefore, put 1 tablespoon of oil (coconut, sesame, sunflower, or olive oil) in your mouth. Then pull it back and forth through the interdental spaces in your mouth for about 15 – 20 minutes. You can also just let it soak in between. You shouldn’t swallow it. Finally, spit the oil into a paper towel. This method is said to effectively stimulate saliva production.

10) Moistening of the oral mucosa

It can also be helpful if you moisten your oral mucosa yourself. This is especially the case if you have to treat a person in need of care. But even in older people, it makes sense to regularly moisten the mucous membranes with dry mouth and thus prevent chewing and swallowing problems. Accordingly, you can moisten the mouth with a swab and a mouthwash or chamomile tea.

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Home Remedies for Burning and Dry Lips

We have collected all-natural home remedies for dry and burning lips. Homemade balm to care for the lips and other home remedies are also possible for chapped lips.

To easily combat dry and burning lips in a natural way, you should be particularly careful in autumn and winter. Because of the cold weather, many women quickly have dry lips. Here you will find all-natural home remedies to relieve your burning and dry lips.

Causes of dry lips

The skin of the lips is very thin and sensitive everywhere. The causes of dry lips are complex. And so low fluid intake, iron and vitamin deficiencies, or mental stress can be responsible for your dry lips. External conditions such as cold weather or dry air also play a role. As a result, the lips become rough and chapped. As a result, they hurt and look ugly. Likewise, in summer our lips are often exposed to UV radiation without protection so that the lips dry out more easily. Therefore, lip care should definitely be holistic. Lip skin does not have fatty tissue under the skin compared to facial skin or normal skin. This dries it out much quicker. But the following tips can alleviate your symptoms.

1) Drink more

Since dry and burning lips can be a sign of dehydration, it’s important to make sure you’re drinking enough. The recommended amount is 2 liters per day. It is best to take this in the form of water or tea. In addition, you do something good for your whole body with a sufficient supply of liquid. This is also a good tip against circulatory problems.

2) Honey for chapped lips

If your lips are chapped and chapped, there’s a simple and inexpensive trick to softening and softening them. To do this, dab some honey on your lips and let it work for about 10 minutes several times throughout the day. Because the minerals in honey ensure that the sensitive areas are strengthened again. It also has an antiseptic effect and protects against germs. So the remedy honey should help you quickly.

3) Olive oil for parched lips

Using olive oil is a very simple home remedy for lips. The ingredients of olive oil promote the moisturizing of the skin. They also protect against harmful influences with a greasy film. So olive oil moisturizes at the same time and helps to store this moisture.

4) Cocoa butter for burning lips

We know the health benefits of cocoa. And cocoa butter also has a healing effect. If your lips are permanently chapped, you can smear cocoa butter on dry lips periodically. The advantage is that it consists of natural components. And you don’t smear bad mineral oil ingredients on your lips.

5) Cream for chapped lips

If you feel small but uncomfortable cracks on your lips, you can use cream to treat them. To protect your lips in all weathers, simply brush them with a little cream. In the same way, butter used to be a proven home remedy. Consequently, you can treat your lips with unsalted butter. Because the fat lays on your lips like a protective layer.

6) Wound ointment and zinc for burning lips

If the lips are already severely cracked and are now very dry, a greasy wound ointment will help. You can also use zinc ointment for your lips to speed up wound healing. This is particularly suitable for torn corners of the mouth.

7) Cottage cheese for lip care

You can use the healing properties of quark and care for your lips with it. To do this, mix it with honey. Then apply this lip mask thickly on the lips. After 10 to 20 minutes you can wipe the quark off your lips with a cloth. With regular use, the lips become soft and supple.

8) Almond oil helps with dry lips

Often the simplest means help to make chapped lips soft and soft again. It is best to use a children’s toothbrush every morning and evening to brush your lips with it. Then cream it with almond oil. After just a few uses, you will feel your lips becoming smooth again. As a result, the small cracks also disappear. You can also use it as an effective home remedy for wrinkles around the eyes.

9) Greasy natural ointment for dry lips

Lips are often rough, especially in winter. You should therefore use fatty creams and balms to keep your lips supple even in winter. You can treat the lips with milking fat, vaseline, or marigold ointment. The natural ointments are very oily and protect against cold air. In addition, the missing fat layer of the skin is compensated. Accordingly, you have a feeling of moist lips. Also, note our home remedies for rough and dry elbows.

10) Scrub against flaky lips

You can easily combat rough lips with a natural homemade peeling. Especially when the skin is often scaly and porous. This is a sign of old flakes of skin on the lips. To do this, apply the peeling to your lips (e.g. sugar olive oil peeling). After that, gently brush your lips with a toothbrush. Because this stimulates blood circulation in the lips. And at the same time dead and old skin cells are removed.

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Home Remedies for Dry Eyes

Our natural home remedies help against dry eyes. The dry eyes are expressed by burning, itching, or tears. Reddened eyes are also often caused by a climate that is too dry.

Causes of dry eyes

If you spend many hours a day at the computer, you often complain about dry eyes. This unpleasant phenomenon also often occurs when wearing contact lenses. Dry room air is also considered to be a trigger for the dryness of the visual organ. In all cases, a lack of wetting of the surface of the eye with a tear film is the cause. This normally gives the eyes the necessary fluid. As a result, dry eyes are not uncommon and are now one of the diseases of civilization. Other possible causes of dry eyes are diseases such as neurodermatitis or rosacea, taking medication, and the eye disease Sicca Syndrome.

Home remedies for dry eyes

Nowadays, many suffer from a lack of tear fluid and, as a result, dry eyes. There are effective remedies that are easy to use and specifically prevent dry eyes.

1) Simple exercise for the eyes

The following exercise is very simple and can be carried out anywhere: Give your eyes a break from time to time. For this, let your gaze wander into the distance. Additionally, blink so you can wet your eyes with tears. At the same time, you can relax the eye muscles.

2) Chamomile as a home remedy for dry eyes

An effective help against dry eyes comes from the kitchen. Because fresh chamomile tea is ideal for care and to prevent dryness. Accordingly, use chamomile tea from the pharmacy because it is more concentrated and contains medicinally effective chamomile. Then moisten a cotton ball with the freshly brewed chamomile tea and place it over your closed eyes as a compress. So relax for a few minutes and feel the pleasant and decongestant effects of chamomile.

3) Fresh cucumber slices for dry eyes

Likewise, cucumber slices, with their high water content, are an excellent remedy for dry eyes. So use the cucumber directly from the fridge, because the cooling also has a refreshing effect. Then put the cucumber slices on the closed eyes. Then leave it on your eyes for 15-20 minutes. You moisten your eyes with the water-rich cucumber slices and they become fresh again. In addition, cucumber slices have a decongestant effect, which is why they are used in many cosmetic products. At the same time, you can use a homemade face mask.

4) Black tea protects against dryness

Black tea is an insider tip against dry eyes. Because the aromatic tea has powerful antioxidants that can keep your eyes moist. To do this, use a teabag for each eye. The teabag should already have cooled down a bit. Or let it cool in the fridge before putting it on your eyes. After a few minutes, your eyes will feel fresh again. Black tea also helps as a home remedy for bags under the eyes. In addition, note tips against dark circles.

5) Water for dry eyes

It is even easier to treat dry eyes with a cold water compress. So just soak a clean kitchen towel or hand towel in cold water and pop it in the fridge for a little while. Then put it on your eyes. After just a few minutes, you’ll feel the tension in your eyes drain away. The eyes no longer burn and are moist again. Also, read more tricks against burning eyes.

6) Eye drops as quick help from the pharmacy

Stressed and tired eyes are also often affected by dryness. Then help is sometimes needed. Eye drops from the pharmacy are a good remedy for this. The preparations, which are available without a prescription, moisten the eyes with hyaluronic acid and support them in restoring the tear film. Because the cornea and conjunctiva are optimally moistened with the natural substance. In addition, eye drops are generally well tolerated and can therefore be used several times a day. With the artificial tears, the reduced tear film is replaced and the fluid balance is balanced.

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Lifestyle

Wash and Dry Pillows and Duvets

Tips on washing and drying your pillow and duvet. With a few housewife tricks, cleaning and caring for the pillow and duvet is very easy. This saves you the cost of professional cleaning.

It’s not that difficult to clean a pillow and duvet yourself. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind. There are also many care tips so that the bed linen stays beautiful for a long time.

Pay attention to cleaning in the washing machine

Always read the specific care instructions for your bed linen before cleaning. This can usually be found on a care label sewn to the duvet or pillow. As a rule, light pillows and blankets can be cleaned in the washing machine without any problems. However, dry cleaning is preferable for thick winter duvets filled with a lot of down feathers.

Most bed linen can be washed at a maximum of 40 degrees. Choose a washing machine program that uses a lot of water. These are, for example, the wool and the hand wash program. The spin speed should be set to around 400. It is important that you choose a detergent for the washing process that is also suitable for down. It has proven to be particularly helpful to put tennis balls in the washing drum during the washing process.

Can pillows and duvets be put in the dryer?

Many who don’t own a dryer know that it takes a long time to dry a large down comforter and pillow. Especially in cool temperatures, when the laundry cannot be dried outside, this is often very annoying, as the bed linen is usually needed again quickly. A dryer is a solution for this. However, it is important that the care label specifically states that the material is suitable for tumble drying. Many dryers have a special program that is suitable for down pillows and is particularly gentle on the sensitive down. If the result after drying is not satisfactory, simply repeat the process with the dryer again.

How often should you clean your duvet and pillow?

To keep the down nice and fresh, it should be cared for regularly. Basically, the following applies to washing down comforters:

  •  Clean duvet: every 5-8 years
  • Clean pillows: every 1-2 years

Extend the life of down comforters and pillows

The filling of the blanket stays nice and fluffy if you air and shake it out regularly. This is especially useful in the morning so the blanket can shed moisture from the night. However, down duvets and pillows should never be left to dry in the sun for too long, as this removes the moisture from the down. This has a negative impact on sleeping comfort. Avoid bedspreads. While these look nice, they prevent the down from breathing.

Care of down comforters

When caring for the down comforters, you should avoid a vigorous beating, for example with a carpet beater, because it damages the down. Many people clean their ceilings with a vacuum cleaner. You shouldn’t do this either, as vacuuming the down comforter will do more harm than good. In the worst case, the material gets holes and the filling comes out.

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Cooking Tips

Harvest and Dry Sage Correctly – You Should Pay Attention to This

If you harvest and dry sage properly, it can be stored for a long time. So you can use it at any time of the year to refine and season dishes. Even harvested and dried sage is also suitable as a tea for a sore throat.

6 tips for the right sage harvest

The real sage is a popular herb for refining dishes. But sage can also provide relief as a variety of home remedies, for example for sore throats or gastrointestinal complaints.

It is important to harvest the sage correctly in order to have sufficient supplies for the cold season, when the sage no longer sprout.

You should pay attention to these tips for a productive harvest:
Harvest time is from May to August. Normally, the sage begins to bloom at the beginning of summer. In its heyday, however, its aroma content is very weak, which would make it uninteresting as a herb.
If you grind consistently and evenly, you’ll reduce woodiness and blooming. The young shoot tips in particular are rich in essential oils and aromatic ingredients.
Never cut into the woody part of the shoots, otherwise the shoot will not sprout again.
Do not wash the harvested sage, just wipe it off to avoid unnecessarily slowing down the drying process and losing valuable ingredients.
To avoid loss of aroma, you should dry or freeze the sage immediately after harvesting.
You should harvest the last time around the end of August so that the shoots can fully mature before the first frost and are therefore protected. To protect the hardy shrub from frost, you can put leaves, fir green or straw around the root area. Attention: Not all sage species are hardy.

drying sage

Dry or Freeze Sage – Which is Better? The answer: both are possible! The essential oils are preserved both dried and frozen.

Sage really dry
In the air:
Dry the sage at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius) in a well-ventilated area. That takes about ten days.
You can simply spread individual sheets on newspaper.
If you have harvested stalks, tie them together with string and hang them upside down.
In the oven:
It is also possible to dry the sage in the oven at 40 degrees Celsius within about six hours.
Turn the leaves regularly and leave the oven door ajar (say, with a wooden spoon between them). However, this method is not very energy-efficient and therefore not recommended.

Freeze sage properly

To freeze sage, you can put the sage leaves uncrushed in a screw-top jar or freezer container.

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Lifestyle

Tips on How to Dry Laundry Correctly

Dry laundry quickly, but how? Washing is the order of the day for most families. Especially with children, there is always a lot of laundry, which of course not only has to be washed but also dried. We have the best tips for drying clothes.

The washing process itself is no longer a problem with modern washing machines. But where can you dry your laundry quickly and easily? We’ll show you what to look out for when drying your clothes indoors and outdoors.

Different ways to dry clothes

There are different ways to dry clothes. Mistakes already happen when doing laundry. This includes, for example, not having spun the laundry well in the washing machine. But other clever tips and tricks can also help you to dry your laundry properly and quickly. We will show you the things you should pay attention to below.

1) Don’t forget the spin cycle

Of course, you should not spin very delicate items of laundry. But normally all pants, sweaters, towels, and the like are suitable for the spin cycle. The spin cycle helps to ensure that the laundry no longer comes out of the machine dripping wet, but only damp. This dries it faster. Also, note our tips for washing and caring for laundry.

2) Air dry laundry

If you have a garden or balcony, you can dry your laundry in the fresh air. You can use a good old clothesline. If you don’t have a rotary clothes dryer in your yard, use a plastic tie. Then stretch it open on two sides and hang the laundry on it. Because the pieces dry fastest in the sun and in the fresh air. This method works particularly well for bedding. Also, note our contribution to washing and caring for bed linen.

3) Dry clothes with a proper drying rack

Traditionally, the pieces are hung over a drying rack after washing. Some are wider, others are taller. But no matter which drying rack you use, you should definitely leave space between the individual items of clothing. This allows the air to circulate better. You can also hang everything from a stand that is placed on the edge of the bathtub. Individual pieces can also be hung in front of the heater to dry.

4) Dry laundry in winter

Washing clothes is difficult, especially in winter. Washing and drying pillows and duvets are also a reluctance to do in winter. Because clothes often take longer to dry in winter. But even in winter, you can dry your laundry outside. Because even cool temperatures dry your clothes. But you should make sure that the humidity is not too high. Otherwise, the clothes will take longer to dry outside. If the clothes are frozen during the process, let them hang a little longer. Because after some time the moisture pulls out and the problem is solved.

5) Dry laundry in the apartment

If you don’t have a garden, laundry room, or balcony, you have to dry your laundry indoors. But there are many things that can go wrong. In the worst case, mold forms due to the high humidity. And then only home remedies help to remove mold. So that it doesn’t get that far in the first place, we have put together the most important tips for drying laundry in the apartment:

The right choice of room

If you hang up your laundry in the apartment, then you should choose the right room. The room should have a temperature of 20 degrees. Because in unheated rooms, the humidity can increase due to the wet laundry. And it is possible that the humidity in the air is drawn into the walls. This can lead to the formation of dangerous mold and you then need effective mold remediation. Likewise, the right room is not too small and has windows for ventilation.

Regular airing in the apartment

Regular ventilation ensures that the air is exchanged. As a result, you can reduce the high humidity in the room. And that is very important to prevent mold from forming. Also, read our other tips on reducing humidity.

Hang up clothes and cleverly place drying racks

You should also be careful not to hang the clothes too close together. Instead, leave a little more space. You should also place the drying rack in such a way that the air can flow through the laundry when it is aired. This makes drying laundry even faster.

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Wash, Dry and Care for Down Comforters

Clever tips for washing and caring for down comforters. We will tell you which detergent and which wash cycle you need to clean your feather bed. We also have tips on how to dry the down comforter.

One hears and reads, again and again, that down duvet or down pillows cannot be washed. When washing the down comforter, you often get the problem that the down sticks together. Then they are very difficult to separate from each other and they do not spread evenly. How can this be prevented?

What is down?

Down are the soft and delicate feathers of geese and ducks. Due to their structure, they are good at storing body heat. Therefore, they are an effective insulation material used in sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, and blankets. In addition, they are light, breathable, and durable with good care. However, they can also absorb a lot of moisture. That is why they are often impregnated.

How can I clean my down?

If you have now decided to buy down pillows and down duvets or already have some at home, then you should consider our following tips for down care. Because with the right tip, washing is also possible. You should wash you down pillows once a year and your down comforters at least every two years. Also note the instructions for washing and drying the pillow and duvet.

1) Wash down pillows and down comforters

Here the question often arises: Are down duvets and down pillows washable? And if so how? The answer is yes! You can wash your pillows and duvets. However, there are a few points that need to be considered when washing down comforters. To avoid damaging the down, the down should not be crushed in the machine. The usual washing machines have a capacity of between 5 and 7 kilos. Therefore, you can use it to wash small down comforters, but it could be difficult for larger ones. You should also darn tears and holes before washing the bed linen.

2) Wash down as a delicates or wool wash

You should choose the right washing program for washing the down comforters. The right detergent is also important. If you have a washing machine that can fit a down comforter or pillow, use the delicates or woolens cycle. Also, read our laundry tips.

3) The right detergent for down

Before washing the down comforter, you should choose the right detergent. To keep the feathers supple, you can use an extra detergent for down. Because these are neutral and easy to wash out. Other detergents can remove the oil from the down. As a result, the heat is no longer stored well and the volume is also lost. In contrast, for normal laundry, you can make your own detergent.

4) Wash duvets at 20 or 30 degrees

In no case should the temperature be above 30 degrees? To ensure that the last residue of the detergent is rinsed out, the rinsing process should be long enough after the wash. You might want to turn the washing machine on again and only set it to rinse. Then spin gently, but only use a very low number of revolutions. As a result, the feather bed becomes completely clean. Avoid other common laundry mistakes as well.

5) Always rinse down thoroughly

After the first wash, the white marks are often a problem. Looks like the ceiling wasn’t flushed thoroughly enough. It may be due to the dust that settled on the down during manufacture. That’s why you have to rinse the duvet a few times. Better to have the blanket flushed a few times right away, just to be safe. Also, read our tips on washing and caring for sportswear and functional clothing.

6) Tennis balls loosen the down

Many brands recommend customers use tennis balls when washing down fabrics. They go in the washing machine with the blanket. 3 tennis balls are in the washing machine with a blanket that makes them move. The down is opened up. As a result, sticking is prevented and there is a better effect when rinsing. Also, read tips for washing different jackets.

7) Hand wash down comforter

The question of hand washing or washing machine is often asked. If your washing machine isn’t big enough and you don’t want to clean it, you could wash your down comforter in the bathtub. But this is laborious and not always successful. Because there is a risk that the down will stick together. It is easier with down sleeping bags or down jackets. But if you dare to try, you should also make sure that the temperature is around 30 degrees. Also, use a down detergent and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, you also have to rinse several times here and only lightly press the down comforter.

8) Dry down pillows and down comforters

To dry down duvets, it is best to simply put them in the dryer. This is set to a low temperature. To prevent the down from clumping, you should also put a few tennis balls in the drum. To dry afterward, place the down comforter or down pillow in a place where it can be dried undisturbed. Also, note our tips for drying laundry properly.

9) Take care of feather beds and down

You should care for down duvets and down pillows regularly so that they remain nice and soft. To do this, regularly shake out and pat out the down duvet when making the bed. Regular airing of the down in the fresh air also ensures natural odor elimination. If with the best will in the world, the down is no longer usable and has become clumped or stinks, you should buy a new down comforter.

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