Entering the summer months is a wonderful time of year. You get to take vacations, enjoy fun in the sun, and explore in nature. Even if you don’t do all of those things and decide to enjoy grilling in the backyard, you run the risk of getting attacked by various bugs. Warmer weather means that pests become more active, especially as grass grows. Summer pests are drawn to grass and flowers, and the increased moisture means that they have more access to water. 

Common Summer Bugs

Mosquitoes are the problem children of summer, especially if you live in a humid climate. They hide in tall grass, so experts recommend keeping grass short (no more than three inches high) to help keep them at bay. Additionally, trim bushes, hedges, and plants to reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes ruining your summer. Plus, mosquitoes can expose you to a variety of viruses and fever, so do your best to fend them off. 

Besides mosquitoes, ants, wasps, hornets, ticks, and flies thrive during the summer months. Many of these bugs hatch or breed during the summer because of the heat and humidity. The last thing you want is for these pests to ruin your summer plans, so keep an eye out for them and act appropriately. 

Why Use Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated with powerful scents, and bugs tend to not like them. When they get a good whiff of certain essential oils, they tend to steer clear of the area. For example, crickets and ants do not like the smell of peppermint essential oil. Gnats despise lemongrass essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and vanilla extract. You can use one essential oil or a combination to help keep those creepy, crawly, biting pests away. 

Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils act as natural bug repellents for squash bugs, beetles, ants, fleas, spiders, aphids, and whiteflies. Some people even use these two essential oils to help repel mice. Lemongrass essential oil can help repel both flying and crawling pests without harming your plants, animals, or skin. It is especially great at repelling gnats. Rosemary essential oil can help repel flies, fleas, and mosquitoes. It is also a great garden plant to have because it can deter insect larvae, which can easily destroy cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, and even some root vegetables. 

Tea tree oil is another great one for keeping mosquitoes at bay, and even killing mosquitoes. If you already have some mosquito bites, tea tree oil may be great to apply to the area, as long as you dilute it with a carrier oil. Cedarwood essential oil is a powerful tick deterrent, and it’s safe to use for dogs, so long as you dilute it. You can soak dog collars in a cedarwood and water mixture to help keep ticks off them on summer hikes. 

DIY Bug Repellent Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup cocoa butter
• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1 cup beeswax
• 30 drops essential oils of choice (pick one or two from the ones we mentioned)

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and beeswax to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Make sure that there is about an inch or two of water in the bottom of the boiler. 
• Stir the ingredients every so often until fully melted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils. Mix well to combine.
• Pour the mixture into silicone molds or metal tins and allow the mixture to solidify, either at room temperature or in the fridge to accelerate the process. 
• Once completely solidified, remove the bars from the molds and store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to one year.

SHARE:

The post DIY Bug Repellent Lotion Bars appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

How great is it that you get to enjoy the beautiful summer months? The sun rises early, sets late, and you get to enjoy hiking, gardening, beach or lake days, and backyard barbecues. As incredible as all that sounds, the bugs, depending on where you live, can be relentless. From mosquitos and ticks to chiggers and spiders, summertime can be a brutal time for bug bites. Fortunately, you can be ready to soothe that itchiness with a homemade plantain salve. 

What Is Plantain? 

Let us first clarify one thing regarding the name of this herb. Despite sharing the same name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit. With a long history as a healing plant, plantain is widely known in the herbalist community as “nature’s band-aid.” Plantain (Plantago major), grows naturally in many yards and fields all over the United States. It only came to the U.S. by way of new settlers from other countries. Natives in both America and New Zealand referred to plantain as “Englishman’s foot” or “white man’s foot.”

Believe it or not, you can find plantain weed in most yards and fields across the U.S., and it will take over unless you control it. It grows as a rosette with leaves that surround the stem at the base. The leaves are more oval and somewhat large, with the stems standing above them with seeds at the top. No matter the variety of plantain weed, all of them work interchangeably, so you don’t have to worry about which one is more potent for your DIY salve. 

Plantain Benefits

Plantain weed has a long list of benefits for both internal and external uses. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on plantain’s benefits for the skin. Exhibiting antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, plantain may help relieve a variety of common skin ailments and bug bites. Historically, plantain leaves were used to help heal minor wounds, scrapes, cuts, bumps, infections, bruises, and burns. 

On its own, plantain weed is a complete medicine, meaning you don’t need to add anything to it to create an effective herbal remedy. At the same time, you can incorporate other herbs or ingredients to incorporate other soothing benefits, which is especially beneficial for relieving bug bites. Typically, it isn’t the actual bite that causes the itch; rather, it is an anesthetic that the bug injects you with as it drinks your blood! If you are allergic to that anesthetic, the body attacks the substance with white blood cells, causing the area to become inflamed and red. 

The salve in this article calls for you to infuse dried plantain leaves into a carrier oil of your choice. We listed sweet almond oil, but you can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil if you prefer. Once you infuse the oil, you will melt beeswax and mix in the infused oil with it before allowing it to solidify at room temperature. The beeswax helps moisturize and protect the skin, which may help relieve itching. It also creates a barrier on the skin that protects the bite to promote healing. 

DIY Plantain Salve

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried plantain leaves
• 1.5 cups sweet almond oil (or carrier oil of choice)
• 1 ounce beeswax

Instructions:

• Put the dried plantain leaves into a glass pint jar and pour the oil in to cover the leaves. 
• Screw on the lid and allow the oil to infuse for about four to six weeks. Ideally, place the jar in a cool spot away from direct sunlight. 
• Once the oil has infused, strain the leaves from the oil through a fine mesh sieve and make sure to press out any remaining oil from the leaves. 
• Pour one cup of the plantain infused oil into the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat and add the beeswax. Stir occasionally until the beeswax is fully melted. 
• Remove from heat and stir more to combine. Pour the mixture into several small tins or jars and allow the salve to set at room temperature (this will take a couple hours). 
• The plantain salve is ready to use once it is solidified. The salve will keep fresh for a year if kept in a cool, dry place.

SHARE:

The post Plantain Salve To Relieve Itchy Bug Bites appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Cracked and chapped lips are not only painful, but also hard to conceal. You do your best effort to make it look like the skin isn’t flaking from your lips, but it may show through, despite your best efforts. Lip balm is a helpful product that can moisturize the skin on your lips, but it is even more beneficial when you have the right ingredients in the product. That is exactly the case for this peppermint elderberry lip balm. 

What Is Lip Balm Essential?

Lip balm is a soft, waxy substance that you can apply to the lips to ease the soreness or burning caused by chapped or cracked lips. The skin on the lips is very thin, so it is more prone to dryness than other areas of the skin. The waxy lip balm, then, essentially creates a protective shield on your lips. This helps keep the lips safe from air, wind, and colder temperatures. 

A lot of people will use lip balm to remedy chapped lips during the wintertime, but lip balm can be used year round. If your lip balm does a good job, then you will not need to apply regularly. The right ingredients promote long-lasting moisture, nourishment, and comfort.

Infusing The Oil With Elderberry 

In order to make this lip balm, you have to infuse the olive oil with dried elderberries and alkanet root powder. This is a powder that is effective for naturally tinting lips. Now, if you do not want this lip balm to tint your lips, you do not have to use it. You can simply use another teaspoon or two of dried elderberries. Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare professional before using products that contain alkanet powder. Traditionally, it is usually not advised. 

Although you can use sunflower oil or jojoba oil, we opted for olive oil, as it is highly nourishing. It is also a great oil for infusing, whether you want to make a lip balm or flavored oil for culinary use. The only thing to keep in mind is that the infusion process takes a couple weeks. Add the elderberries to the oil and keep in a sunny spot, such as the windowsill, for two weeks. 

After the infusion period, strain the dried elderberries and collect the oil in a container. If you store the oil properly, this will keep for about one year. Once you have your infused oil, you are ready to make the lip balm. 

DIY Peppermint Elderberry Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1/2 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 tablespoon infused olive oil
• 1 teaspoon pomegranate seed oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellet (plus 1 more teaspoon)
• 12 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oil) to a heat-safe glass measuring cup. Place that cup in a small saucepan containing a couple inches of water over medium-low heat. 
• Keep on the stove until all of the ingredients are melted. Stir well to combine and then remove from heat. Add the essential oils once removed from heat. 
• Pour the mixture into lip balm tubs or tins and allow to set at room temperature before putting the lids on. Use when ready.

SHARE:

The post DIY Peppermint Elderberry Lip Balm appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are many things that you can do to improve self-care. Many people find that great forms of self-care include meditation, exercise, bubble baths, playing video games, reading, and more. However you engage in self-care is your prerogative, and we are all for it! It is an essential component to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. 

Creating your own cuticle salve with natural ingredients is a great way to enhance your self-care routine. The process of creating your own beauty or skin care products can be a relaxing experience in and of itself. Not only will this cuticle salve improve your overall nail health, but it may also leave your hands feeling soft and rejuvenated. Whip it up by completing a few simple steps and it’ll be ready in under an hour! It is great to use during dry weather. 

How Shea Butter Helps Your Nails

Shea butter is full of essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E. All of these nutrients help provide hydration to dry and brittle cuticles, which can help prevent cracking and bleeding. Because shea butter has emollient properties, it helps to increase moisture levels in the skin. This ensures that your cuticles remain supple and soft. Shea butter also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe any irritation or redness around the cuticle. That makes shea butter especially beneficial for anyone with discomfort that stems from dryness. 

Almond Oil For Your Nails

Similar to shea butter, almond oil also contains vitamin E, which works to promote the growth of healthy cuticles. At the same time, it may help prevent breakage of both your nails and cuticles. Some preliminary research suggests that almond oil may improve blood circulation to the nail area, which encourages faster regeneration and healing. Additionally, almond oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve redness or irritation. The nourishing properties in almond oil make cuticles easier to manage by softening them. Regular use of almond oil may contribute to stronger, healthier nails and reduce the likelihood of hangnails or other common cuticle problems. 

Vitamin E Oil Supports The Cuticles

In addition to the vitamin E present in both shea butter and almond oil, we decided to add more to the cuticle salve with vitamin E oil. Just like your skin, your nails require moisture to remain healthy and strong. Vitamin E oil is incredibly hydrating and helps restore dry cuticles by enhancing moisture in the nail bed. In order to produce healthy nails, keratin dead cells have to receive a continued blood supply that is rich in vital nutrients. Vitamin E oil helps supply the blood with the right amount of nutrients necessary for healthy growth. 

Beeswax Benefits Cuticles

Beeswax is a common ingredient in various beauty products, especially cuticle care products, lip balms, and other products that promise hydration. It can keep the nails and cuticles healthy by forming a protective barrier that prevents damage. Not only does this protective layer maintain hydration, but it also protects against the elements. Beeswax also works to keep the cuticles supple and healthy by providing hydration via the emollient properties. 

Homemade Cuticle Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 1 teaspoon beeswax pellets
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5-10 drops essential oil of choice (optional for fragrance)

Instructions:

• Combine the shea butter, almond oil, and beeswax pellets in a microwave-safe container and microwave for about 45 to 60 seconds (or until everything is melted). Just make sure to monitor it closely so it doesn’t overheat. 
• Once the mixture is melted, remove the container from the microwave and stir with a wooden utensil. Add the vitamin E oil and optional essential oil and stir to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into a storage jar and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This is a crucial step, as it solidifies into the salve, which you can apply easily. 
• Store the salve in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It can last for several months, but if it changes in scent or texture, go ahead and discard it.

SHARE:

The post Homemade Cuticle Salve For Healthy Nails appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you want to enter the world of DIY beauty products, lip balms are the perfect entry point. They are not extremely difficult to make, and you can customize their flavor using different essential oils. In the case of the recipe in this article, we chose an essential oil that evokes the holiday spirit. All you need is a double boiler and four ingredients to make this lip balm!

When people look at DIY recipes, they often see a double boiler on the list of required items or tools. You don’t need a double boiler, but you can get one if you plan on making a lot of homemade beauty products. You can make your own double boiler variation in two easy ways. Both ways involve a pot that contains an inch or so of water in it. Place that pot on the stove over medium heat. Once the water is warm, place the ingredients you need to melt inside a heat-safe glass jar or measuring cup. Don’t let the water boil and stir until fully melted. The other option is to place a heat-safe glass bowl over the top of the pot with water. The heat that builds up in the pot will help melt the ingredients in the bowl above. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter boasts a long list of moisturizing and nourishing compounds. One of the best benefits is that it is enriched with emollient properties and health fats, which the skin can easily absorb for optimal hydration. Even the driest of skin types are no match for shea butter’s moisturizing properties. Applying shea butter to your lips supplies them with extra nutrients without weighing them down. Shea butter doesn’t leave your lips feeling greasy or textured either. Plus, the humectant properties work to prevent moisture loss during the winter months. 

Beeswax

You are probably familiar with the many beeswax lip balms in existence, and for good reason. Beeswax is an excellent ingredient for lip balms because it helps to seal in moisture and protect against dryness. It works to create a barrier between your lips and the environment, making it ideal for cold, windy weather. Like shea butter, beeswax is a natural substance that is not likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation. Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe chapped or irritated lips. 

Coconut Oil

Just like shea butter and beeswax, coconut oil offers impressive moisturizing properties, making it ideal for chapped lips. The reason that lips are susceptible to moisture loss is because the skin is so thin. They are more exposed to the elements than other parts of the skin, so they rely on you for protection. Coconut oil is considered to be an emollient, which is a non-cosmetic moisturizer that helps keep the skin moist. Emollients trap moisture into the skin, which is good news for your lips because they lose moisture easily.

A Quick Note

One thing to note is that if you cannot get the Christmas Spirit essential oil, you can make a similar blend. All you need is three drops of cinnamon bark essential oil, three drops of orange essential oil, and one drop of Idaho blue spruce essential oil. You only need seven drops because you don’t want the scent to be overpowering, although you can add more if you so desire. 

All-Natural Holiday Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 7 drops Christmas Spirit essential oil
• Lip balm containers

Instructions:

• Create a double boiler by adding two inches of water to a pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. 
• Combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a heat-safe glass jar and sit it inside the pot. Slowly bring the water to a boil and reduce the hit so that the water simmers. 
• Once the ingredients are fully melted, stir well and then carefully remove the pot from heat. Add the essential oil and stir to combine. 
• Carefully pour or spoon the melted mixture into the lip balm containers. Allow the balm to harden at room temperature, and then it is ready for immediate use.

SHARE:

The post An All-Natural Lip Balm For The Holidays appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Everyone knows when they are about to come down with a sore throat or cold. Be it the tickle in back of your throat or slight irritation in your nose, you just know. Once you start coughing or have difficulty breathing, perhaps you grab the decongestant and lather it all over your throat and chest. Some people put it under their feet and some want to really inhale the menthol, so they rub some under their nostrils. 

If you are congested and want to breathe easier, you may look to essential oils instead of a classic vapor rub. Some essential oils, including eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils, show particular promise, while others are not as effective at relieving sinus congestion. Other research indicates that essential oils may improve symptoms related to congestion. For example, some may help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and relieve pain. 

A Quick Note About Essential Oil Dilution

The key to using essential oils safely is proper dilution. For adults, a 5% dilution is generally safe. That means that 30 drops of essential oils per one ounce of carrier oil, or 15 drops essential oils per 10 milliliters (ml) of carrier oil. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, a 1% dilution is best. Six drops of essential oils per ounce of carrier oil, or three drops essential oils per 10 ml of carrier oil. You can use the same pregnant or breastfeeding dilution ratio for children. 

For this recipe, you will use a half-cup of olive oil, 1/8 cup of beeswax pastilles, and 150 drops of essential oils. You can choose the amount of drops you wish to use from the following list of essential oils that help promote decongestion. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

A lot of people find that peppermint oil has a cooling effect and may improve symptoms of sinusitis. Because it contains menthol, peppermint essential oil may open the airways by affecting mucus receptors in the nose. According to lab studies, peppermint oil may fight bacteria, a primary trigger of sinus congestion. You can try to add peppermint essential oil to a warm bath to help reduce stuffiness.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains alpha-sabine, a compound that exhibits anti-viral, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. Researchers believe that tea tree oil helps relieve sinus congestion by fighting bacteria and viruses in the airways. It’s also possible that tea tree oil reduces inflammation, which may bring down swelling in the sinuses. By reducing swelling you can relieve symptoms of congestion, such as runny or stuffy nose. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is a common ingredient in chest rubs and other over-the-counter decongestants. It shows promise as an alternative remedy for sinusitis and congestion. Similar to peppermint essential oil, you can add eucalyptus essential oil to a warm bath to promote decongestion. Eucalyptus oil contains ceneole, which was proven to be safe and effective for sinus issues in several small studies. It helped to improve symptoms of sinusitis, including nasal obstruction, headaches, and runny nose. 

Essential Oil Chest Rub Decongestant

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 beeswax pastilles
• 150 drops essential oils of choice

Instructions:

• In the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt the olive oil and beeswax together. Stir frequently to melt evenly. 
• When the two ingredients are fully melted, remove from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. You can put it back over the heat and add more oil if the mixture is too hard, or add more beeswax if it is too soft. 
• Add the 150 drops of essential oils (your selection) and mix well to combine. Immediately pour the mixture into a four-ounce mason jar. Cover and let cool at room temperature. 
• Apply to the chest and/or the neck area during a cold to help reduce coughing and promote better breathing. 

SHARE:

The post DIY Essential Oil Chest Rub Decongestant appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you’re running hot and need to cool off, be it from exercising or existing in the heat, then you need this lotion in this recipe. Massage it on your neck or feet after a long day, or get your partner to do that job for you. It’s not as heavy as some body lotions and has a cooling effect on the skin. 

Some people like to use coconut oil as a moisturizer throughout the year. Sometimes, you want a little more than plain old coconut oil to moisturize the body. Although you use coconut oil as an ingredient in this DIY lotion, you also add aloe vera gel, beeswax, and peppermint essential oil. Both the aloe and the peppermint help provide the cooling sensation, but they also benefit the skin in other ways. Read on to learn how the different ingredients benefit the skin. 

Beeswax

Beeswax can help the skin retain moisture because it is a humectant. That means that it binds water and attracts it, creating a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. Beeswax can also help condition, calm, and soothe the skin without clogging pores. That allows the skin to breathe, decreasing your risk of developing blemishes. Researchers note that beeswax exhibits regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, which work to reduce irritation, redness, and inflammatory skin conditions. 

Aloe Vera Gel

As a quick note for the DIY lotion in this article, you have to keep the aloe vera gel at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge and add it to the hot oil and wax mixture, it will not emulsify correctly. The skin can easily absorb aloe vera gel, making it ideal for people with oily skin. It can also benefit dry skin as well, sealing in moisture just like beeswax. Because of the moisturizing properties, aloe vera can help alleviate dry, itchy skin that is common among eczema patients. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera also make it great for people with inflammatory forms of acne, such as nodules and pustules. 

Coconut Oil

When used raw, coconut oil can feel slightly heavy on the skin, but its properties are very nourishing. The fatty acids in coconut oil, specifically lauric and capric acid, have antimicrobial properties that can kill harmful microorganisms on the skin. Folliculitis, acne, and cellulitis are commonly caused by bacteria and fungi, which lauric and capric acid can help kill. Coconut oil also helps to reinforce the skin barrier, which makes the skin more effective at retaining moisture. Some studies have found that coconut oil can also boost the level of antioxidants and collagen in the body, both of which have roles in the skin’s natural regeneration process. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

This aromatic essential oil has two primary chemical components: menthol and menthone. Peppermint essential oil is commonly used in cosmetic products because of its potential benefits for the skin and hair. A 2016 study looked at the topical use of peppermint essential oil and the effect it had on itching. The results indicated that a 1% solution of peppermint oil improved how long itchiness lasted and the severity of the itch. Another study examined the topical effects of menthol on the skin and found that it increased blood flow. That may aid hair growth, because increased blood flow can stimulate the scalp. 

DIY Cooling Aloe Mint Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup grated beeswax
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel (room temperature)
• 1/8 tsp peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the beeswax and coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat and warm until both ingredients are completely melted. 
• Aim to keep the temperature as low as possible in order to preserve coconut oil’s benefits. 
• Remove the saucepan from the stove and pour into a heat-safe bowl. Whisk in the room temperature aloe vera gel and then the peppermint essential oil. 
• Allow the lotion to cool to room temperature (about two to four hours) and then whisk again or use a hand mixer at medium speed for a fluffier version of the same product. Use when ready.
• As a quick note, the lotion will become thicker and more solid over time, especially as the aloe vera evaporates.

SHARE:

The post DIY Cooling Aloe Mint Lotion appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

In 2020, data from a National Health Interview Survey found that 14.5% of adults had trouble falling asleep most days. The number of adults who had a hard time falling asleep increased as family income and educational attainment decreased. Additionally, the percentage continued to increase as family income decreased and the place of residence became more rural.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends seven to eight hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Over 25% of adults do not meet this recommendation on a regular basis. If you have a hard time falling asleep, that decreases your ability to get a sufficient amount of sleep per night. Sometimes, it is difficult to relax, and that can be the result of an irregular circadian rhythm. Instead of resorting to sleeping pills, since they have a long list of side effects, you may want to consider experimenting with the bedtime balm in this article. 

Does Lavender Promote Sleep?

One study compared the effects of lavender and sleep hygiene versus sleep hygiene alone on sleep quantity and quality. The goal was to determine if participants experienced a sustained effect two weeks after the study. Study authors noted that the lavender and sleep hygiene group demonstrated better sleep quality at the two-week follow-up. Additionally, study authors noted that the lavender group woke up feeling more refreshed. 

Several studies indicate that inhaling lavender aroma may help reduce anxiety. Scientists have found similar results for lavender’s effectiveness in treating depression. Lavender essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy because of its ability to promote relaxation and sleep. Some studies found that the use of lavender oil for aromatherapy improved sleep quality not only in people without sleep or mental health disorders, but also in people with depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Inhaling lavender essential oil’s aroma may also increase the time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. 

Some research indicates that lavender may have a calming effect on the central nervous system. For this reason, lavender may benefit people who experience circadian rhythm disorders or occasionally sleeplessness. 

Where Do You Apply The Bedtime Balm?

Once you make the bedtime balm, apply a small amount to your wrists, collarbones, or temples when you get ready for bed. It is unclear how quickly the sleep balm works. It usually depends on how sensitive you are to the aromas in the balm. For the average person, it may start to calm you down and promote sleep in about 15-30 minutes. As with any natural remedy, though, it may take a few tries for it to be effective. Continue using it and experiment with different placements. Lastly, before we give you the recipe, make sure to do a small patch test on your arm and see if you have a reaction within 24 hours. 

DIY Bedtime Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh essential oil
• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 6 drops vetiver essential oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Melt the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler or in the microwave in a heat-safe bowl. 
• While those ingredients are melting, prepare your lip balm containers to be filled. 
• Once the beeswax and coconut oil are melted, pour in the sweet almond oil and stir to combine. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture. 
• Let the mixture cool for about a minute and then add the essential oils. Stir until fully incorporated. 
• Pour the mixture into the containers and allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature. When fully cooled, the balm is ready to use. 
• To use, apply a small amount to your temples, wrists, collar bones, or back of your neck. You can even place a small amount on your pillow to help you sleep.

SHARE:

The post DIY Bedtime Balm For Better Sleep appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Making your own lotion seems like a daunting task, but it’s a lot easier than you think. It also requires a lot less ingredients than what you see on the ingredient lists for store bought lotions. Some DIY enthusiasts prefer lotion bars, body butters, or other similar creations, but this one is just as effective and useful. It uses unrefined coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and shea butter to help nourish the skin.

Most store bought lotions contain emulsifying wax to blend the carrier oils with distilled water. This can be a little difficult to do at home and it requires preservatives to keep from going bad. The DIY lotion in this article skips that step entirely by eliminating the water. What you are left with is a combination of nourishing ingredients that easily penetrate the skin. You can extend the shelf life by using vitamin E oil, as it is an antioxidant that helps other oils not go rancid as quickly. 

The recipe is a water-free, incredibly moisturizing lotion that will last for years without preservatives. This one is oil-based, so it feels more like a body butter. That makes it great for anyone with dry skin. Read on to learn more about it. 

Choosing A Carrier Oil

Sweet almond oil is an excellent, middle-of-the-road carrier oil because it is suitable for every skin type. It isn’t as heavy as coconut oil and more moisturizing than grapeseed oil. You can replace it with another carrier oil of your choosing, should you be allergic or averse to using sweet almond oil. Jojoba oil, avocado oil, or olive oil are excellent options. 

Because this DIY lotion is oil-based (not water based), you don’t need to use as much. Because there is no water in this recipe, it tends to have a longer shelf life than other homemade lotion recipes. The ingredients are shelf-stable and there is no water to dilute them. 

Essential Oil Safety

How many drops of essential oil should you add to your homemade lotion? That entirely depends on the essential oil and your preference. If you add the optional shea butter, 45 drops of essential oil will be a 1% dilution. Generally speaking, a 2% dilution is considered safe for skin care products like lotion. If you prefer a stronger scent, you can double the amount to yield a 2% dilution. If you want a lighter scent and have more sensitive skin, cut the amount in half. You can even use less than that! You can omit essential oils if you plan to use this on little ones, especially babies. 

Certain essential oils are harsher, so you can use smaller amounts. Wintergreen, cinnamon, and lemongrass essential oils are a bit harsh, while grapefruit and lime essential oils are phototoxic. If you don’t want to worry about anything, these are skin-friendly essential oils to use:

• Sweet orange essential oil
• Geranium essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Frankincense essential oil 
• Tea tree oil
• Patchouli essential oil

DIY Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons shea butter (optional)
• 45 drops essential oils of choice (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the sweet almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and optional shea butter to the top of a double boiler. Alternatively, place a heat-safe glass bowl on top of a saucepan with simmering water over medium-low heat.
• Stir the ingredients occasionally until completely melted. Remove from heat and add the essential oils, vanilla extract, and vitamin E oil, if using. Stir to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into a glass jar or tin for storage and allow it to cool at room temperature. Small mason jars are great for this. Store in a cool, dark place for one to two years. 
• A little goes a long way, so don’t go crazy when you apply this to the skin.

SHARE:

The post DIY Luxurious Lotion For Smoother Skin appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Pregnancy affects everyone differently, and the same applies to postpartum life. Just as both of these stages in life can be intense, emotional, or easy, so can breastfeeding, especially in the first few days after giving birth. Breastfeeding is worth it and being able to nourish your baby with your own body is nothing short of miraculous. Making sure the baby has a good latch from the beginning can help mitigate the pain. That said, breastfeeding is not a completely painless process, despite what you read. 

Go on any baby registry or talk to any mom or mom-to-be, and they will tell you that nipple cream is a must-have item. When you are in the trenches of learning to breastfeed, nipples can become irritated and sore. Some lactation experts recommend lanolin cream, but that doesn’t work if you are allergic to lanolin. 

What Is Lanolin?

Lanolin is the oil that is extracted from sheep’s wool. It undergoes a process to create finished lanolin, which is only problematic if you have a wool allergy. You also have to worry about potential pesticide residue found in wool. This can build up in fatty tissue or in breast milk if you apply it to your nipples. 

The reason for that is because a lot of sheep are sprayed with pesticides, which treat mites and various pests. Additionally, most sheep consume non-organic and GMO feed, traces of which are sometimes found in wool. Organic lanolin from healthy sheep exists, but it is hard to find. There are conflicting opinions and sources about the safety of lanolin, though. If you want to avoid the risk and be a little more careful with your little one’s first food, you may want a natural nipple cream.

Natural Nipple Cream

If you want to have an easier time with those first few days or weeks of nursing, you are going to need a soothing nipple cream. Because there are various natural nipple creams on the market, there is no need to make a DIY version. If you want to make your own because you want the assurance of knowing exactly what goes into the cream, this article provides an excellent DIY version. 

The baby may ingest some of the cream while nursing, so the goal is to use all-natural, safe ingredients for newborns. The ingredients in this cream have a low chance of allergic reaction. You’ll notice that it doesn’t contain almond oil, beeswax, or coconut oil, despite how beneficial those ingredients are to the skin. This is because they have a small chance of allergic reaction. This recipe is also free of essential oils for similar reasons, and because of their intensity. 

The Consistency

This nipple cream has a consistency that is more akin to a soft salve, but it is incredibly easy to apply. Should you desire a firmer cream, increase the amount of cocoa butter to one-third cup or more. You can also add some beeswax to thicken it, but there is a small chance that the baby could have an allergic reaction. Some evidence indicates that pesticides in inorganic beeswax may cause beeswax allergies. 

DIY Nipple Cream

Ingredients For Infused Oil:

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers
• 1/4 cup calendula flowers
• 2 tablespoons marshmallow root
• Ingredients For Nipple Cream:
• 1/4 cup infused oil
• 1/4 cup cocoa butter

Instructions:

• You can make the infused oil one of three ways. The easiest way (provided you have time) is the solar method. 
• Add all of the ingredients to a pint-size mason jar, place in the sun, and shake daily for two to four weeks. Once the infusion is complete, use a metal strainer lined with a cheesecloth to strain the herbs. 
• The quicker method is to fill a small saucepan with an inch or two of water and place it over low heat. Add all of the ingredients to a mason jar and place the jar in the saucepan.
• Allow the ingredients to melt and stir every so often once melted. Make sure to replenish the water if it evaporates too much. 
• Once the infusion is complete, use a metal strainer lined with cheesecloth to strain out the herbs. 
• Once you have the infused oil, you can make the nipple cream. Add 1/4 cup of the infused oil and cocoa butter to a heat-safe glass jar and fill a small saucepan with an inch or two of water. Place the saucepan over low heat and place the glass jar in the saucepan. 
• Stir the oil and cocoa butter until melted. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a heat-safe glass jar or tin. Allow to cool at room temperature and then use when needed. 
• Keep the balm in a cool, dry place.

SHARE:

The post DIY Nipple Cream For Breastfeeding appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.