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Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone might know of (and be able to cite! *G*) any formulas they may be aware of for an herbal-based metal/silver polish. I have two pieces of metal: one a brass (I think!) compote bowl that I employ as a payton or libation vessel; and a silver electro-plate chalice which are both rather tarnished. Of course, I'd also like to use an herbal metal polish on my Athame, as well as my gardening tools, too! The only formula that I am aware of--but, I'd like to find some others!--is from Lesley Bremness's book, "The Complete Book of Herbs: A practical guide to growing and using herbs" [Viking/Studio, 1988]:
* 1 oz. horsetail herb [Equisetum arvense or E. hyemale], pressumibly the stems
* 2 1/2 Cups water
Soak horsetail in the water for at lkeast 2 hours; heat herb in water and simmer for at least 15 minutes; then strain. Soak metal objects in horsetail infusion for at least 5 minutes. remove objects and allow to dry, slowly. Buff or polish items with a soft cloth.
* 1 oz. horsetail herb [Equisetum arvense or E. hyemale], pressumibly the stems
* 2 1/2 Cups water
Soak horsetail in the water for at lkeast 2 hours; heat herb in water and simmer for at least 15 minutes; then strain. Soak metal objects in horsetail infusion for at least 5 minutes. remove objects and allow to dry, slowly. Buff or polish items with a soft cloth.
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Re: Herbal Metal Polish?
Sun, December 21, 2008 - 3:34 PMhorsetail is the only one I know of that works well because of the silica content
some herbs will actually tarnish silver because of some of the cemicals that will react with it that the contain, more willreact with ferrous alloys and copper (and even aluminium) based alloys even more strongly. Many plants contain phenolic compounds such as tannins, flavanoids, and others which are the antioxidants that often make them so beneficial medically but these also react with metal ions to form insoluable dark or coloured compounds. Iron plus tannins gives gall ink used for centuries. Many natural dyes are based on the combination of a plant constituent with a metal ion (mordant) to form the pigment that bonds to the fibres. In though I use stainless utensils when working with herbs (and to stir my herb teas) I often have to polish off the gunmetal blue-grey patina that forms after some while.
I've always used good old fashioned baking soda and a damp cloth or toothbrush to polish my silver or stainless. It gives a high shine to silver far superior to other cleaners and doesn't really require much elbow grease nless they are VERY tarnished and is non toxic and doesn't promote oxidation. It is also very fine and gentle and can be used on electroplate so long as you don't go at it as if you'e sanding wood! : )
A paste made with sea salt and white vinegar can remove tarnish quite easily from copper based alloys but they must be rinsed well after it is used to clean them.
I know these aren't herbal but they're natural. Maybe they'll be of use? -
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Re: Herbal Metal Polish?
Sun, December 21, 2008 - 3:38 PMOh and don't use either of these on a nonstainless iron alloy. They'll promote corrosion.
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