Happy day dear friends, in the first part I published several uses that is given to the ash, I hope you have had the opportunity to put them into practice and obtained the expected results, today I will share with you another amount of important uses of ashes .
If you missed the first part you can see it at: https://hive.blog/gems/@frankmart/multiple-uses-of-wood-ashes.
@frankmart/multiples-usos-de-las-cenizas-de-madera-segunda-parte
PART TWO: Other Uses of Ashes in the Home, in Health and Beauty and in the Kitchen
Remember safety and tips:
The wood to be used should be clean and not chemically treated wood, such as stained or painted wood.
Hardwoods generally contain more nutrients than softer woods, but softwoods produce more ash than hardwoods.
Embers can stay hot for days. Make sure your wood ash is completely cool before using. Preferably use the finest ashes, you can sift it to remove charcoal residue.
It is recommended that you: wear gloves when working with ashes, as they can be caustic (irritating); store the ashes in any glass or plastic container and in a dry place. The ash is enriched with many of the same minerals that the wood contained such as: calcium, potassium, magnesium and other minerals. If it gets wet it can lose the water soluble minerals.
OTHER USES OF ASHES IN THE HOME
1.- Grill cleaner.
To clean grills thoroughly, mix a thick paste with ash and water, apply it generously to the grates and the inside of the grill. Let them sit for a few minutes and then rub them well. Rinse well with water, you can use hot water to help dissolve the grease. I recommend wearing gloves. It is possible that the natural soap that forms, may cause irritation.
2.- Absorbs gasoline and oil spills in the garage.
Wood ash is also excellent for absorbing gasoline and oil spills in the garage. Apply enough ash, wait for it to absorb and then dispose of it by throwing it away properly.
3.- Hide stains on the concrete floor.
Once the gasoline and/or oil spills have been removed, place another layer of ash and scrape off the cement. The ash is ideal for hiding stains and discoloring the cement.
4.- Melt the ice on the sidewalk.
In many countries in the winter season, the formation of ice crystals can become a big problem. When ice begins to accumulate, sprinkle wood ashes on your walkways and walkways to melt it. You'll have clear sidewalks without the worry of using an ice melting product that can be harmful or toxic to your plants and animals.
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
5.- Solid shampoo.
Wood ash was used as a dry shampoo many years ago. Take a small amount, a pinch or two of powdered ash and apply it to your scalp and roots as you would a regular shampoo. Wait a few minutes for the ash to absorb the excess oil, then rinse with plenty of water.
6.- Making soap.
Many years ago a soapy paste made with ashes, natural oils and clay was used, these soaps had the property to moisturize the skin (another post, how to make ash soap?).
Photo obtained from: https://belleza.uncomo.com/articulo/como-hacer-jabones-naturales-con-ceniza-45835.html
7.- For the skin.
There are multiple benefits of ash for the skin. The vegetable activated charcoal ash is a star ingredient used in certified organic cosmetics that allows to detoxify the skin, illuminate it, remove dead cells and prevent premature aging among other things.
8.- Toothpaste.
If at some point you go on a hike and do not have toothpaste with you, you can brush your teeth with this, preferably using ashes from a soft tree, such as pine. Bamboo ash-based toothpastes are available on the market.
9.- Deodorize.
We already know that wood ash absorbs odors. With a handful of ashes rub it on exposed skin (avoiding the face and eyes). Apply some also on clothes, if you need to deodorize.
ASHES IN THE KITCHEN
10.- Dish decoration.
Photo obtained from: https://gastronomiaycia.republica.com/2016/06/25/pulpo-sobre-cenizas-de-carbon-del-restaurante-aizian/
Do you dare to try a little bit of ashes in your dishes, well, you can make ashes from some soft aromatic tree and sprinkle some. In some restaurants, chefs do it in their creations to add some smoky flavor and as a garnish that is pleasing to the eye.
11.- Nixtamalization.
Nixtamalization is the process of soaking corn in an alkaline solution. You can make this solution with wood ashes and hot water. In Mexico it is mainly used to process corn for tortillas and tamales. In Venezuela, a similar process is done to make the arepa "Pelá" or arepa "Raspá".
12.- Cheese.
Some cheese rinds are prepared with ashes to protect it as it ages and improve the flavor due to the alkaline properties.
Part Three Coming Soon: Uses of Ashes in Agriculture.
Thank you all, I hope you find this information useful.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
References:
The photos shown were taken by me.
https://www.ideasverdes.es/45-usos-practicos-para-las-cenizas/
https://mejorconsalud.as.com/8-interesantes-usos-le-puedes-dar-la-ceniza-madera/
https://belleza.uncomo.com/articulo/como-hacer-jabones-naturales-con-ceniza-45835.html
https://www.pinterest.es/pin/825214331708257339/#:~:text=Son%20m%C3%BAltiples%20los%20beneficios%20de,envejecimiento%20prematuro%20entre%20otras%20cosas
