As a child, your parents tell you to clean your room or take care of other household chores. When you graduate to adulthood, the cleaning doesn’t stop. The only difference is that you don’t have someone bribing you with an allowance to clean your space. If you decide to have kids of your own, you will likely find out that they aren’t so neat. The moral of the story: the cleaning cycle never ends. 

We don’t mean to sound like defeatists, but cleaning is a part of life. If you are a maker of messes, you have to know how to clean up properly. If you clean up after your kids, you may want to consider using natural cleaning products, as the harmful chemicals in commercial products may be dangerous to young ones. You can also reduce your own risk of chemical exposure by switching to all-natural cleaning products that you make yourself. 

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaner?

First of all, it can be very difficult to create or find an all-purpose and all-natural cleaning spray. Maybe you experiment with a concoction of your own, only to find that it really doesn’t do much. The cleaning power of the all-purpose cleaner in this recipe uses essential oils, borax, vinegar, and castile soap to help remove grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt. 

Making your own cleaner takes less than a minute, and you can save money in the process. It is eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaning sprays. Plus, you can customize the surface cleaner by adding different essential oils that work for you. 

Borax

You can incorporate borax into an all-purpose cleaning spray and use it on countertops, appliances, and windows. Some people find that it is highly effective at removing tough stains, dust, and food residue. You can often combine borax with water, shake it up, and pour in a spray bottle for use. In the case of this all-purpose cleaner, you combine it with other ingredients for safe and effective cleaning. If you are weary about using borax, you can always omit it from the recipe. 

Essential Oils

First of all, not all essential oils are created equal. There are many essential oils out there, but a lot of them are not pure essential oils. That means that other ingredients are added, so you won’t get the maximum benefits. When making a cleaning product, make sure to add your essential oils last to the spray bottle. Oils and water don’t mix well, so make sure to give your bottle a good shake prior to use. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda is different from baking soda. Baking soda is usually used alongside detergent to help get rid of stains or foul odors. It is usually gentler than washing soda, so it is not as efficacious. Washing soda is like a more amped-up version of baking soda that does a better job of removing stains and brightening colors when doing laundry. If used in excessive amounts and too frequently, though, it can be harsh on certain materials, specifically fabrics. 

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon washing soda (not baking soda)
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

• Place the borax, castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils in an amber glass spray bottle.
• Pour in the distilled water until the glass is nearly full. Make sure to leave room for the sprayer to slide into the bottle. 
• Screw on the lid, shake well, and use as needed. It is great for bathrooms, kitchen, or even on toys.

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Sweating is a natural part of life, and it is a necessary bodily function. It is the body’s way of regulating core temperature. The unfortunate reality is that with sweating comes a certain type of stink. This is where deodorant enters the equation. Everybody needs deodorant, even if some people don’t want to admit it. Deodorant is an everyday hygiene product that keeps you smelling fresh.

Interestingly enough, though, sweat isn’t the main cause of body odor. When sweat combines with the bacteria that already exist on the skin, you smell an unpleasant aroma. The body has two primary sweat glands: eccrine sweat glands and apocrine sweat glands. Eccrine glands secrete fluid onto the skin’s surface, while apocrine glands, which develop in areas with hair follicles, secrete fluid that is odorless until it mixes with bacteria on the skin. How do you stop the stench, especially with natural deodorant? Continue reading to find out. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda works to absorb odors, which is why people leave an open box of baking soda in the fridge if there’s a bad smell. Due to the ability to absorb odors, baking soda has become a popular ingredient in homemade deodorants and other beauty products. The reported benefits of baking soda as a deodorant are merely anecdotal, though. One study, however, suggests that the antimicrobial benefits of baking soda may be the reason it fights off odors and bacteria in the armpits. The pros of using a homemade deodorant with baking soda is that it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that are in most deodorants. Some of these chemicals include parabens, aluminum, artificial colors, and triclosan. Not all of these are endocrine disruptors, but some of them are. 

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The beauty of this essential oil is that it smells like a milder version of citronella. Not only does it make you smell amazing, but it may also help you repel mosquitos! That last part may not be true, by the way. You get the sweet, enchanting aroma of eucalyptus and the refreshing natural citrus scent from the lemon. It helps to leave your skin cool and fresh, and the great part is that it is gender neutral. Should you want a different scent, though, you can change the essential oil to one that you prefer. 

Coconut Oil

It seems that coconut oil ends up in all sorts of DIY beauty products, and for good reason. The theory behind adding coconut oil to this DIY deodorant is that it has antibacterial properties, which may fight off odor-causing bacteria. Now, if you go to a spin class, coconut oil alone will not protect you from odor. Some experts argue that coconut oil may not be the best ingredient for homemade deodorant. The reason for this is because it is a thicker oil, which may not allow your sweat glands to breathe. Additionally, it may melt down your armpits because it has a low viscosity at body temperature. 

DIY Deodorant For Summer

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch 
• 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients, except the essential oil, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is melted and well-combined.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat source and allow it to cool off four about a minute. 
• Carefully pour the melted mixture into a glass jar and then add the essential oils. Stir with a wooden utensil to combine. 
• Allow it to cool completely until it forms a creamy consistency, and then you can screw the top of the jar on. Store in a cool, dark place and it will last for up to three months. 
• To use, scoop a pea-sized amount with your fingertip and apply under your armpit. Make sure your fingers are dry.

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During the summer, you likely spend more time outdoors. Perhaps you spend a day at the beach, lake, or pool, or maybe you go on a long hike. By spending so much time outside, you increase your exposure to sunlight, insects, and other things that can cause itchy or painful rashes. Sometimes, the cause of the rash may be a mystery, but this article intends to explain the unexpected causes of summer rashes. 

You can easily prevent sunburn by taking the proper precautions. How do you prevent rashes, though? From swimmer’s itch and hot tub rash to polymorphous light eruption, we give you the low-down on common yet surprising causes of rashes during summer. 

Swimmer’s Itch

Swimmer’s itch differs from seabather’s eruption (covered later) because it occurs in areas not covered by swimwear. Microscopic parasites from infected snails that live in the shallow waters of lakes, streams, or the ocean can burrow in the skin. That causes an allergic reaction that looks like tiny red bumps or large welts. The parasites ultimately die in the skin because we are dead-end hosts, but the problem is that these bumps cause intense itching. Relieve the itch by taking an Epsom salt bath or a bath with ground oatmeal. You can also apply baking soda paste to the affected area to soothe the skin.

Heat Rash

Heat rash, or miliaria or prickly heat, occurs when sweat blocks the pores in your skin and starts to build up under the skin. This is a common problem in babies, but it can occur at any age, especially in hot and humid weather. Heat rash usually stings and itches, and you can identify it by small red bumps or clear blisters that break easily. You will see a rash in areas where you sweat more, for example, the armpits, elbows, and groin. Heat rash typically clears on its own, but you can ease itchiness by wearing loose-fitting clothing and cooling off the skin.

Margarita Dermatitis 

Unfortunately, drinking this classic alcoholic beverage that is either frozen or on the rocks will not cause a skin condition. That said, a dribble of citrus juice on the skin, which has been exposed to the sun, can lead to a nasty burn. This burn is known as margarita dermatitis, or phytophotodermatitis. This happens when a photosensitizing compound (furocoumarin) in limes and other citrus fruits, parsley, dill, and celery becomes activated by UVA light. That reaction causes a burning rash that develops within hours. 

It’s possible to develop blisters or red, itchy patches on the skin. Symptoms will be at their worst within two to three days. While the blisters heal, the skin may become darker, which can take months to go away. Just be careful when you handle citrus immediately after being in the sun. 

Polymorphous Light Eruption

If you have a sensitivity to sunlight and expose your skin to UV rays in late spring and early summer, you may break out in itchy, hive-like bumps. This phenomenon is known as polymorphous light eruption (PLE). According to research, PLE affects 10% of the general population. Those affected most likely live in northern versus southern climates. Researchers note that PLE occurs about 75% of the time in females between ages 20 and 40. People with fairer skin are also more susceptible. 

PLE is a hypersensitive reaction to the sun that will typically go away within 10 days. It usually only occurs once each season, when the weather warms up and the skin gets exposed to UV light. It tends to get better over the course of summer, but be careful on beach days or sunny vacations. If you want to relieve the itch, ask your healthcare professional about an anti-itch or antihistamine cream. Severe cases may call for a topical corticosteroid. 

Seabather’s Eruption

If you notice a rash under your swimsuit after a dip in the ocean, you may have seabather’s eruption, or pica-pica (Spanish for “itchy itchy”) or sea lice. This usually occurs when tiny thimble jellyfish and sea anemones get trapped under your swimsuit. They release stinging cells that inject a toxin, which causes an allergic reaction in the skin. You may notice a prickly sensation while swimming, but you’ll notice a reaction within four to 24 hours. It will look like a patch of insect bites or hives under your swimsuit. Make sure to remove your swimsuit and shower immediately after a swim in the ocean. Rinse your suit thoroughly in hot water to remove any remaining organisms, and consider an antihistamine if you notice something. 

Hot Tub Rash

About one to two days after you soak in water contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is found in the ground and water, you can develop a skin rash: hot tub folliculitis. This skin rash gets its name because it is more common in hot tubs. The reason for that is because hot water breaks down the chlorine that kills bacteria. The rash can also occur after swimming in a contaminated lake or pool. A hot tub rash is characterized by tiny millimeter-sized red bumps that are worse in areas that were covered by the swimsuit. You may notice itchy or tender pimples around hair follicles. The rash usually gets better on its own, but a doctor visit may be necessary if it doesn’t go away within a few days.

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Clarifying is a process of deep cleaning the hair and scalp. It does not have to be difficult; rather, it is a simple process that calls for all natural ingredients. During this process, you use a clarifying shampoo or product to help remove dirt, product buildup, and other impurities on the hair and scalp. By breaking down all of this grime and buildup, you can assist the follicles with hair growth and encourage healthier hair. 

What Is Clarifying Shampoo?

This is a specially designed shampoo that aids the removal of dirt and product buildup on the hair and scalp. To be clear, clarifying shampoo is not a substitute for regular shampoo. That means that you should not use this daily, or even weekly. In fact, you should only use a clarifying shampoo once a month. In extreme cases, you can use it once a week. The clarifying shampoo in this article should be used when you have excess oils and residue on the scalp. 

It is very easy to develop product buildup on the hair and scalp, especially if you closely examine your hair care routine. Do you use moose, gel, hair spray, oils, masks, and more on your hair? What ingredients are in your hair care products? Over time, these things can build up on the scalp and negatively affect your hair. Chelating shampoos or hair clarifiers contain surfactants that remove impurities, cut grease, and residue left from hair products. Clarifying shampoos can also restore damaged hair from heat treatments, coloring, or perms. 

How Do You Make Clarifying Shampoo?

If you take a look in your pantry or cupboards, you probably have the few simple ingredients required to make a clarifying shampoo. One of the ingredients, which has many uses outside the kitchen, is baking soda. When you dissolve baking soda in water, you have the perfect clarifying shampoo. It can effectively remove oils, product buildup, and soaps, leaving your hair and scalp clean and healthy.

The second ingredient, which you undoubtedly have if you have used our cleanses, is apple cider vinegar. This powerful product is a common ingredient in hair rinses because it works to regulate pH levels. Some anecdotal reports suggest that apple cider vinegar may also reduce dandruff, remove product buildup, and reduce split ends. 

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo vs. Conventional Clarifying Shampoo

Essentially, a homemade clarifying shampoo and conventional clarifying shampoo serve the same purpose, which is to remove buildup from the hair and scalp. You can think of these shampoos as traditional shampoos on steroids. Homemade clarifying shampoo uses minimal ingredients and has the least amount of negative effects on the hair and scalp. Conventional clarifying shampoo can contain harsh, synthetic ingredients that dry out the hair and scalp of necessary oils, especially if you overuse it.

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo With Baking Soda

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (warm water helps baking soda dissolve more quickly)
• 3 drops essential oils of choice
• 2 tablespoons baking soda

Instructions:

• Pour the water into a small bowl and drop in the essential oils. Mix well. 
• Add the baking soda to the water and stir with a spoon until the baking soda is completely dissolved. 

How To Use:

• When your hair is wet, distribute the shampoo evenly across the hair and scalp. Allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. 
• Follow up with a hair conditioner.

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo With Apple Cider Vinegar

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
• 1-2 cups warm water (use more for thicker and longer hair)

3 drops essential oils of choice

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a spray bottle, secure the lid, and shake well to combine.

How To Use:

• While your hair is wet, generously spray the mixture all over your hair and scalp. Use your hands to massage it into the scalp and hair strands. 
• Allow it to sit for three to five minutes before rinsing with water. Follow up with a natural conditioner if you wish.

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Nobody wants to look at a picture of themselves and see a whole lot of yellowing their smile. At the same time, harsh whitening strips can irritate the gums and teeth, especially if you are more sensitive to those strips. You don’t have to carefully place whitening strips on your teeth now that you have this homemade toothpaste recipe that helps to whiten teeth. It contains activated charcoal, which is mildly abrasive and helps get you a brighter smile. 

Avoid Harsh Teeth Whitening

If you want a gorgeous smile that’ll stand the test of time in family photos, chemical whiteners may not be your best bet. According to research, chemical whitening strips may cause gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, or permanent enamel damage. What’s even more interesting is that scientists don’t quite know how these strips work exactly, or the effects they have in the long run. 

At-home whitening treatments tend to contain hydrogen peroxide, which helps remove stains or general discoloration. Hydrogen peroxide can be beneficial in certain situations, but it may not be the best ingredient for oral care. Hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents damage dentin, the tooth layer underneath enamel. If you have weaker teeth, you have a greater risk of developing tooth decay. Even though you see a product in stores, that doesn’t mean it is good for your health. 

Whitening Teeth The Natural Way

There are many excellent toothpaste recipes that contain natural ingredients. Some companies offer great options in stores, but they can be quite expensive. If you are on a homemade kick and want to add more DIY recipes to your collection, this toothpaste is a great option. This whitening toothpaste contains beneficial ingredients and stays the same consistency at any temperature. The reason for that is because this recipe does not contain coconut oil, a popular ingredient in DIY oral care recipes. It contains MCT oil, which is derived from coconut oil, but stays liquid at different temperatures. 

This natural toothpaste is not as sweet as the conventional toothpastes you’re familiar with, nor does it foam. It doesn’t contain baking soda, so it won’t be salty like other natural options. This recipe contains a small amount of essential oils for flavoring. 

Essential Oils In Toothpaste

For the record, not every essential oil is safe to put in your mouth. Some are safe for adults and not for children. The quantity of the oil(s) you choose also plays a role. Cinnamon or peppermint essential oils are irritating and you should use these options sparingly, especially when compared to orange essential oil. Essential oils are completely optional for this homemade whitening toothpaste, but they can make it taste better. You may want to use grapefruit or lemon essential oil. 

Before we get to the recipe, we must discuss activated charcoal. It is a great ingredient for whitening teeth because it helps remove surface stains. Incorporating it into a recipe is much better for your teeth because it isn’t as harsh as using it with water alone. Activated charcoal also helps to improve the pH level of your mouth, making it more alkaline to protect against cavities and gingivitis. 

Homemade Natural Whitening Toothpaste

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup calcium carbonate powder
• 3 tablespoons xylitol powder
• 1/4 cup MCT oil
• 2 teaspoons activated charcoal powder
• 20 drops essential oil of choice (optional and see above information)

Instructions:

• Before you begin, make sure that the xylitol powder is finely ground and not coarse. If necessary, add it to a coffee grinder and blitz until very fine. 
• Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar or squeeze tube and use as needed when you brush your teeth. 
• Store in a cool area and do not allow water to get into the jar or tube of toothpaste. 

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There is something to be said about a great cutting board. You probably use it all the time and may even use it as a charcuterie board on special occasions. When you use a wooden cutting board a lot, though, it begins to look dry and dull. It doesn’t retain that shine that sold you on it in the first place. Instead it looks beaten down with various knife cuts from repeated usage. That’s why you have to revive it with a conditioning treatment!

There are butcher block creams available at kitchen stores or online. Typically, the ingredient list is very short, usually consisting of beeswax and food-grade mineral oil. If the ingredient list is that simple, can’t you simply make your own? The answer, in case you were wondering, is yes. If you are already a DIY enthusiast, you may have beeswax and only need to procure food grade mineral oil. You can even buy a cutting board oil at most hardware stores!

How To Clean A Wooden Cutting Board

First off, always hand-wash your wooden cutting board. You don’t need to put your wooden cutting board or utensils in a dishwasher or submerge them in a sink full of soapy water. Both of those cleaning methods can actually warp or crack your wooden items. Remove any food bits with a bench scraper or spatula before placing it under water. If you notice stubborn stains, you can use a slurry of baking soda and water and scrub the mixture into the cutting board with a sponge.

Scrub the board with a sponge and hot soapy water (a mild dish soap is best). Always wash both sides of the cutting board to prevent uneven drying. Rinse the board and dry with a clean dish towel or paper towel. Stand it upright to prevent residual water from pooling and allow it to air-dry completely. 

How To Condition Your Wooden Cutting Board

Wood naturally dries out after frequent washings, which is why you have to condition it in order to prevent cracking. A properly conditioned cutting board also provides a protective barrier against moisture. That helps to keep the board clean and makes it less prone to warping or cracking. Conditioning your wooden cutting board also reduces the likelihood of staining or absorbing strong odors from certain foods. 

There are several ways to condition a wooden cutting board and if you have a method that works for you, wonderful. Some people prefer specific oils or waxes, so keep using the one you like if you fall into that category. Once you have your conditioner of choice, you want to dip the corner of a rag into the mixture and rub it around the cutting board. You should start to notice an improvement in appearance as you make your way across the cutting board. 

DIY Wooden Cutting Board Conditioning Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets (or grated beeswax)
• 4 tablespoons food-grade mineral oil

Instructions:

• Combine the beeswax and mineral oil in a small heat-safe glass jar (a measuring cup or pint canning jar will work). Place the jar in a small saucepan filled with a couple inches of water over medium heat. 
• Keep the saucepan on the stove until the beeswax has fully melted. You want the contents in the jar to be completely liquid. 
• Pour the melted mixture into a small jar and allow it to cool at room temperature. It will turn into a gel-like consistency. 
• To use, dip the corner of a rag into the mixture and spread it onto the cutting board, rubbing it gently. Continue until you have completely conditioned the entire board.

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You spent a glorious day in the park, hiking with friends, or walking your dog and now you feel itchy and notice splotchy red bumps. Poison ivy, or poison oak or poison sumac, has claimed yet another victim. All three of those plants contain urushiol, an oily, allergy-inducing sap that exists in every part of the plant, including the leaves, stem, fruit, and root. 

How Does Poison Ivy Rash Develop?

Bumps, blotches, and a linear streak of swelling or blisters typically indicates a poison ivy rash. It’s also possible for the rash to be weepy, crusty, and painfully itchy. The rash may not appear right away, as it can take four to 96 hours to show up. That said, a rash can take up to two weeks to appear if it’s your first time being exposed to poison ivy. The reason for this is because the immune system has to develop an allergic reaction first. If the body has never encountered it, the rash will take some time to appear. 

Although the best way to deal with poison ivy is to completely avoid it, that isn’t always possible. Even if you wear clothing that protects every inch of your skin, you can still rub your clothes that have brushed up against it and develop a rash that way. It spreads easily, even from pets to humans, and you can see a rash from the original point of contact to the places that you touch. If you do end up with that characteristic poison ivy rash, experiment with the following home remedies to soothe your skin and accelerate the healing process. Before you experiment with them, though, make sure to clean the affected areas and wash clothing and pets with detergent or soap. 

Aloe Vera

This succulent plan houses a sticky gel when you break it open. This gel is a common treatment for minor burns, sunburn, and other skin rashes, including poison ivy. Aloe exhibits cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve the itchiness that accompanies the rash. Unfortunately, several studies found that aloe vera does not accelerate the healing process, but it does provide temporary relief from burning and itching. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another common home remedy for relieving itchiness, especially if it accompanies a poison ivy rash. Research notes that you can also use baking soda to soothe irritated skin from dermatitis, bee stings, and other rashes. There are two ways to use baking soda to help relieve poison ivy rash. The first way is to add about one cup of baking soda to a lukewarm or cool bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes. The second way is to mix baking soda with water to form a paste that resembles toothpaste. Apply that paste directly to the rash. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common pantry staple that has uses in many culinary applications. Research also shows that it may have a place in home remedies because of the health properties it exhibits. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that may help reduce the risk of skin infections that result from scratching. Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, be careful when experimenting with it, especially if the poison ivy rash contains blisters. Dilute the vinegar with a small amount of water and dab a cotton ball into the solution. Dab it onto a small patch of the rash and if it doesn’t irritate the skin and stops the itch, it may be a viable remedy. 

Colloidal Oatmeal

For anyone with itchy skin or rash, a great option to soothe the skin is to soak in a bath with colloidal oatmeal for 10 minutes. Colloidal oatmeal is made from finely ground oats and, unlike traditional oats, it doesn’t sink to the bottom of the bath. Instead, colloidal oatmeal easily disperses throughout the water to coat the skin and relieve the itch. You can typically find colloidal oatmeal at drugstores. 

Witch Hazel

Made from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana plant, witch hazel contains tannins that work to fight infection and reduce swelling. You can pour witch hazel in a small bowl, dip a cotton ball in the liquid, and then dab the cotton ball on the affected areas. It can be beneficial to place the witch hazel in the refrigerator beforehand for an added cooling effect.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can effectively remove urushiol from the skin. Although this may not relieve itchy skin or other symptoms, it can help reduce the spread if you use it soon after exposure to poison ivy. Apply the rubbing alcohol to the affected area and then rinse thoroughly with water. You can also do the same thing to remove urushiol from your shoes.

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Natural remedies for acid reflux may be a lot closer to you than you realize. Look to your kitchen to find apple cider vinegar, lavender tea, ginger, turmeric, fruits, vegetables, and more. Many of these easily accessible foods may provide relief from acid reflux symptoms, but their health benefits are enhanced when paired with healthy diet and lifestyle changes. This article aims to expose acid reflux and the natural remedies that can quell the burning sensation that occurs in the chest.

What Is Acid Reflux?

There is a valve at the entrance to the stomach and this ring of muscle is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In a normal, healthy body, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If the LES doesn’t close all the way, or it opens too often, acid that the stomach produces can enter the esophagus. That can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, also known as heartburn. If acid reflux symptoms occur more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A common cause of acid reflux is a hiatal hernia, which is a stomach abnormality. This happens when the upper part of the stomach and the LES move above the diaphragm, which separates the chest from the stomach. The diaphragm helps keep acid in the stomach, but a hiatal hernia can cause acid to move into the esophagus, causing acid reflux symptoms. Read on to learn about how the following home remedies can provide relief from acid reflux symptoms. 

Chamomile Tea

In addition to reducing stress and calming the mind, chamomile happens to be one of the best herbs for treating digestive disorders. According to health experts, drinking chamomile tea three to four times a day between meals can help relieve inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive tract. That works to normalize digestion, which may relieve symptoms of acid reflux. 

Eat Ripe Bananas

Bananas are naturally rich in potassium, making them fairly alkaline. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, alkaline foods may help prevent the stomach acid from irritating your esophagus. Unripe bananas, however, are less alkaline and heavy on the starch, which may trigger acid reflux in certain people. Make sure that bananas are ripe if you suffer from acid reflux. Additionally, focus on eating alkaline foods, including cauliflower, fruits, fennel, and nuts, all of which may offset heartburn.

Deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) Licorice Root

Licorice is a strong demulcent that has proven to be an effective treatment for peptic ulcers. Researchers note that licorice may protect the esophagus from damage by increasing mucus production. Make sure that you purchase the DGL licorice root because glycyrrhizinated licorice can cause some dangerous side effects.

Opt For Cooked Onions Instead Of Raw Ones

Raw onions commonly trigger acid reflux and heartburn. One study in people with acid reflux found that eating a meal with raw onion significantly increased burping, acid reflux, and heartburn. Frequent burping may indicate a higher production of gas, which researchers attribute to the fermentable fiber in onions. Additionally, raw onions are harder to digest and may irritate the esophageal lining, which can worsen heartburn. 

Baking Soda

As we mentioned earlier, alkaline foods are optimal for people who frequently experience acid reflux. Baking soda is naturally alkaline and can help neutralize acid. Because baking soda contains sodium, consult your doctor if you are on a low-sodium diet. Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drink it whenever you experience symptoms.

Aloe Juice For

A quick note about purchasing aloe vera juice is that you need to purchase 100% aloe vera juice. Many varieties can contain excess sugar, artificial flavors, and other processed ingredients. Those varieties will not alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. Aloe vera juice works to soothe the irritation caused by acid reflux, while simultaneously encouraging healthy digestion. If you regularly experience heartburn, drink an ounce of aloe juice before the meal to soothe the esophagus and stomach.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are up to one million cases of shingles in the United States every year. About one in three people in the United States will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime. Shingles refers to the reactivation of the dormant herpes varicella zoster virus (chickenpox) after childhood. Various illnesses, aging, trauma, and stress can all activate the virus. 

If you had chickenpox as a child, the shingles virus remains dormant in the body. It can reactivate later in life in the form of the shingles rash, which can occur on any part of the body, but it typically affects small sections. When the virus begins, you may notice pain and itching in the skin before the signature rash appears one or two days later. Typically, small, water-filled blisters accompany the rash. Those blisters eventually rupture, scar, and fade over a few weeks. That process, however, can be very uncomfortable and painful. Other potential symptoms of shingles can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Chills

If you think you have shingles, it’s best to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible, especially if it’s on your face or near the eyes. While there isn’t a cure for shingles, doctors often prescribe antiviral medication to help accelerate recovery and reduce the duration of symptoms. Although an antiviral treatment is very effective, the following home remedies may be able to reduce pain and discomfort. 

Oatmeal Or Baking Soda Baths

The best way to help reduce the pain and severity of shingles is to care for your skin safely as it heals. Soaking in an oatmeal or baking soda bath can soothe the skin if you have a shingles rash. These popular home remedies can help relieve itching, according to doctors. Look for colloidal (or ground) oatmeal or baking soda and add either of those ingredients to cool bath water. Both ingredients work to calm itching and are gentle on the skin. Grinding oat grain into a fine powder makes up colloidal oatmeal, which soothes the skin because it contains beneficial proteins, fats, minerals, and other nutrients. 

Cold Compresses

Applying a cool cloth or compress against the site of the rash may relieve itchiness and reduce inflammation. Lightly soak a natural cotton cloth or towel in cool water and wring it out before you put it on the sore area. Repeat this process as necessary. One thing to remember is that you do not want to expose the skin to extreme temperatures. Avoid the use of ice baths or very hot water. Hot water can increase blood flow and slow down the healing of sores, whereas ice increases skin sensitivity.

Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter, topical, pink lotion that is commonly used to treat mild itchiness, pain, and discomfort. This is a very important note: do not apply calamine lotion to active blisters. The reason for this is because you do not want to cause infection. Only apply calamine lotion once the skin forms scabs over the blisters. That may help soothe the discomfort you feel and reduce the urge to itch your skin, according to dermatologists. 

Modify Your Diet

A healthy diet is integral for helping the body’s systems and organs function optimally. It is best to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains in your diet to vary your nutritional intake. People with shingles should aim to eat more orange, red, and green foods because they contain carotenoids. This group of antioxidants includes zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, and provitamin A, all of which work to enhance immune function. Try to eat more carrots, squash, pumpkin, watermelon, red bell pepper, grapefruit, tomatoes, kale, parsley, spinach, melon, lettuce, and other leafy greens. 

Vaseline

Covering the rash with a thin layer of Vaseline and then a large cotton bandage protects the skin from clothing and other irritants. Speaking of clothing, stick to loose, cotton clothes, especially when you’re on the mend, as that material eases the discomfort. By protecting your rash with Vaseline and a cotton bandage, you help keep others safe. Shingles is very contagious only while rash blisters appear. When using Vaseline, try to use a plain, unscented variety to avoid irritation.

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If there’s one thing that all adults have in common, it’s that they have experienced chapped lips. Clinically called cheilitis, chapped lips appear red, dry, flaky, or swollen, and you experience soreness, itchiness, or burning. The lips, and the surrounding border, can suffer from these symptoms. The feeling is incredibly annoying, but you’re in luck because there are numerous remedies that can soothe the situation.

The skin on the lips is much thinner and more delicate than it is on other areas of the body. Because the lips are always exposed to the sun, cold, and dry air, they are much more prone to dryness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. The unfortunate phenomenon of chapped lips is because the lips lack oil glands. That means that they can’t produce their own moisture; however, natural moisturizers can offer relief. Below, you’ll learn about expert tips to soothe chapped lips quickly and naturally.

Try “Lip Slugging” Before Bed

Some swear by this trend, which has been popularized on TikTok. “Slugging” involves slathering your skin with a petrolatum-based product that acts as an occlusive. That means that the product seals moisture into the skin. Why the name “slugging,” you ask? The name comes from the fact that slugs leave a slimy trail behind. Although the origin of the name sounds gross, slugging may positively impact your lips. Use a moisturizer or hyaluronic acid serum on your lips and top that with a coat of Vaseline or Aquaphor to avoid chapping overnight. 

Exfoliate Your Lips

Have you ever seen lip scrubs? You may not think that the lips require exfoliation, but gently exfoliating them may help remove dry skin. Dry skin on the lips can prevent the healing ingredients in lip balms from reaching the area to fix the problem. That’s why beauty experts encourage you to scrub this layer of dry skin away with lip scrubs that contain baking soda or sugar. When choosing a lip scrub, make sure the ingredient list contains ingredients that soothe and moisturize the lips. If you want to make your own lip scrub, click here. 

Change Up Your Lip Balm

Lips can dry out for a variety of reasons, according to dermatologists. Cold weather, hot weather, forced indoor heat or air conditioning, contact dermatitis, and lip licking can all cause lips to chap. A common trigger, believe it or not, is your lip balm that you got at a random store. More often than not, these lip balms make your lips produce less of their own moisture, making them feel dryer and rough. You apply more lip balm and the cycle continues. Menthol, camphor, fragrances, and phenol can irritate your lips, but so can eucalyptus, salicylic acid, and flavorings. If your lip balm tingles your lips, it is probably irritating them, so treat your lips with the balm they deserve. Try to choose a balm that contains lip-friendly ingredients, such as petrolatum, shea butter, dimethicone, and ceramides. 

Drink Water

One of the major causes of chapped lips is dehydration. You may not experience chapped lips if you are slightly dehydrated, but avoiding water throughout the day can increase the risk of dry or cracked lips. Dehydration, of course, occurs when the body loses more fluid than you take in. The body starts to pull water from certain areas to ensure that cells stay hydrated. That can cause dryness all over the body, including the lips. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day to stay properly hydrated, adjusting that figure if you exercise. 

Remove Lipstick Gently

It’s important to understand that long-wear or matte lipstick has a drying effect on your lips. If you suffer from chapped lips, or you find that certain lipsticks aggravate dryness, you may need to find a new lipstick. Lip gloss may serve as a better temporary option while you figure out a better option for lipstick. Although lip gloss isn’t hydrating, it doesn’t dry either. Anyways, when you remove lipstick, dermatologists suggest using a gentle makeup remover, as opposed to scrubbing your lips. Micellar water, for example, works like a charm on the reddest of red lipsticks!

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