Question from Nell

Hi Debra,

I am hoping you or some of the experts who read this site can help me with this problem: The insulation IN THE WALLS of our 37 yr old house has settled about a foot or so below the roof line, so that a lot of heat escapes at the top of the walls during the winter. (House was tested with a special camera.)

Does anyone have a suggestion as to how we could fill this space INEXPENSIVELY? I thought about the spray-in type insulation. Would this work? Any ideas? Someday, we hope to re-insulate the whole house when having the siding replaced, but that will not be in the budget for a while.

Appreciate the help,

Nell

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from RBES

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a natural eye makeup remover?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I personally don’t wear eye makeup except when I’m speaking or on television, and then I just wash it off in the shower.

Readers, your recommendations?

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Question from SBP

I was given a set of china dishes. Several of them are “brown with age”, but in good condition otherwise. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of this brown shadow across the dishes?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from sophia

Hello,

Dear Debra,

Do you know of a natual alternative to the commercial pesticide sprays used to control gypsy moths in the north east, ie western NJ. I am asking for a residence w/a large plot of land that runs into the woods.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Right at the top of the Pest Control page of Debra’s List, under “General”, there is a list of organizations that have lots of info on natural pest controls. Try one of those websites.

Readers, any experience with this? What worked for you?

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Question from Sue McWilliams

I read an article explaining to dip cotton in peppermint oil and place in areas likely to attract rodent traffic. Cleaned up my laundry room and placed several in the room. I used pieces of a cotton t-shirt tied in a small bundle and saturated with the peppermint oil. My laundry room smells nice, but since this is the first time I have tried this, I was wondering how often I would have to do this. Will these last me throughout the winter months? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I’ve never tried this, but I would imagine that you would need to periodically refresh the peppermint oil. Probably every month or two.

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Question from Sunnyside

I’m looking for a non-toxic, low(or no) VOC sealer that can be used to cover our newly installed deck floor. The deck floor is a hardwood (maple)from Brazil light in color. It is a very dense wood and pre-drilling was necessary. If possible, I would like to seal this yet this fall before the Michigan winter sets in.

I did check with Vermont Natural Coatings but they do not have a product for the outside at this time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers? I don’t have experience with this as I don’t have a deck.

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Question from TC

I bought some Dr. Woods black Castille soap with shea butter. It says it is all natural, but “fragrance” (not essential oil or natural fragrance) is listed in the ingredients. It doesn’t smell like a natural fragrance, and 2 emails to the company have gone unanswered. Does anyone know if it is a 100% natural product?

Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

“Fragrance” on a label typically means it is synthetic (made from petroleum). If the scent is natural, the label will list the essential oils used (i.e. essential oil of lavender).

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Question from Gayle Ellias

We just pulled up carpet from a house that was built in the 1950’s. Underneath is a beautiful Oak hardwood floor. We need to apply a finish to it. We have a chemically sensitive son, and three big dogs. What finish would you recommend that is nontoxic, yet very strong to resist nail scratches from dogs?!

Thanks so much,

Gayle

Debra’s Answer

Again, I think the finish from Vermont Natural Coatings may be the one for you, too. They are sending me samples this week. Contact them and ask them about durability.

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Question from Edy

Hi,

I have a Rival crock pot (slow cooker) model # 3100/2. I bought it used from an elderly woman in the late 80s. I got some of the lead test swabs and am happy to say it is clear of lead. It’s green with a burnt seinna glaze inside. I don’t know if these can be found anymore. Maybe on Ebay. This makes me very happy as I use it frequently to make bone broth ala “Nourishing Traditions” cookbook and since I’m so reactive to even vitamins this is how I get my minerals. I slow cook them for 3 days all cut up so am glad I’m not adding lead into the broth!

Best, Edy

Debra’s Answer

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Question from JG

Do you know anything about the plastic dentists use to seal kids teeth?

I heard that some dentists are using BPA free sealants. Are the others safe?

Debra’s Answer

Oh this is smart…just paint plastic on your kid’s teeth to prevent cavities.

No.

BPA or no BPA, it’s still liquid plastic going in a kid’s mouth. I wouldn’t do it.

It didn’t take more than five minutes to find this medical article about the toxicity of dental sealants: Dental Sealant Toxicity: Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS), a dermatological and neurological disorder by Dr. Omar M. Amin, PhD

Abstract: Neurocutaneous syndrome (NCS), a newly discovered toxicity disorder, is described in light of our new understanding of its relationships with the causative agents included in the dental liners used in afflicted patients. NCS is characterized by neurological sensations, pain, depleted energy and memory loss as well as itchy cutaneous lesions that may invite various opportunistic infections. Components in the calcium hydroxide dental sealants Dycal, Life and Sealapex have been identified as sources of the observed symptoms considered compatible with classical sulfa toxicity. Sulfonamide and neurological toxicity issues are discussed, three case histories are presented and an outline of management protocol is proposed. Additional notes on zinc oxide, Fynal, IRM and Sultan U/P sealants are also included.

Brush and floss…I’ve never had one cavity.

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