Things You Didn't Know...

Powder Deodorant
There are two types of preparations sold as deodorants -- those that reduce the flow of perspiration, and those that eliminate the odor. This inexpensive powder does both.

Ingredients:
Baking soda
Boric acid
Zinc oxide powder (Buy zinc oxide powder at a pharmacy.)
Talcum powder
Perfume as desired

Yield: About 3/4 cup

Combine 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of boric acid; then add 2 tablespoons of zinc oxide powder and 2 tablespoons of talcum powder. Mix well. If desired, add a few drops of perfume and mix thoroughly. Pour the thoroughly mixed powder into an empty shaker container and tighten the lid.
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Toothpaste­
Tired of the taste of your toothpaste? This peppermint-flavored version is both easily made and economical.

Ingredients:
Precipitated chalk
Soap flakes
Glycerin
Liquid saccharin
Peppermint extract

Note: Buy chalk and glycerin at a pharmacy.
Yield: About 4 ounces

Measure 1/4 cup of precipitated chalk and 1/4 cup of soap flakes into a mixing bowl. Add enough glycerin to form a thick paste. Add a few drops of liquid saccharin and a few drops of peppermint extract; stir to blend well. Blend the ingredients thoroughly to a smooth paste. Transfer the paste to a small jar and cover tightly.

Healing Skin Balm
This simple balm is ideal for chapped hands or windburned skin.

Ingredients:
Water
Powdered laundry starch
Glycerin
Bay rum
Cologne

Yield: About 1/2 cup

Measure 1/4 cup of cold water into the top of a double boiler; add 2 tablespoons of powdered laundry starch and 1/4 cup of glycerin and mix well. Heat over low heat, stirring continually, until slightly thickened; be careful not to let the mixture lump. Let cool slightly; then add 2 teaspoons of bay rum and 3 to 4 drops of your favorite cologne. Pour the mixture into a small jar and cover it tightly. Apply as needed.

After-Shave Lotion
There's an amazing array of aftershaves available, and most of them are expensive. This one, besides being cheap and easy to make, is an excellent preparation for closing the pores.

Ingredients:
Boric acid
Glycerin
Rubbing alcohol
Witch hazel
Water
Cologne as desired

Yield: 1 gallon

Measure 1 tablespoonful of boric acid into a large mixing bowl and add 1/2 cup of glycerin; mix thoroughly, being careful to get all the lumps out. Stirring constantly, add 1 pint of rubbing alcohol and 1 pint of witch hazel. Let stand 1 hour.

Pour the mixture into a clean gallon jar through a funnel lined with a clean coffee filter; add water to the jar to fill it completely. If desired, add a few drops of your favorite cologne.

Foot Bath
Mix this foot bath to relieve tired, aching feet in short order.

Ingredients:
Alum
Borax
Epsom salts
Colloidal oatmeal

Note: Buy the ingredients at a pharmacy.

Yield: About 11/2 to 2 pounds

Measure 1/4 cup of alum, 1/8 cup of borax, and 1 cup of Epsom salts into a mixing bowl; mix the ingredients thoroughly. Add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal and mix well again. Pour the mixture into a clean, 2-pound coffee can or a large jar, and cover it tightly.

To use the preparation, stir 1/2 tablespoon of this mixture into a basin of warm water.