Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause itchiness, dry skin, blisters, scaly patches, rashes, and skin infections. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of the condition, which affects more than 31 million Americans. Within that statistic, people experience different forms of eczema, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. 

Many people with eczema use the word “flare-up” to describe one or more acute symptoms from prolonged itchiness. If flare-ups reach a certain point, antihistamines, corticosteroids, or topical steroid creams are the usual treatment options that healthcare providers recommend. Some people don’t want to resort to these medications and prefer to experiment with natural solutions to manage the condition. While the ingredients in this body butter do not cure the condition, they may calm flare-ups and reduce itchiness on eczema-prone skin. You can learn more about some of the ingredients below. 

Coconut Oil

Working to soften dry, brittle skin (a common symptom of eczema), coconut oil helps prevent skin breakups that invite microbes into cracks. As most of you know, coconut oil is a great moisturizer because the skin can easily absorb it. One randomized, double-blind study from 2014 found that virgin coconut oil had a greater effect than mineral oil in 117 patients with mild eczema symptoms. Compared to extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil was able to better moisturize dry skin and remove the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in 126 eczema patients. 

Shea Butter

Another wonderful moisturizing ingredient, shea butter is rich in beneficial fatty acids that rejuvenate the skin. In fact, the fatty acids in shea butter work to accelerate the renewal of skin cells, in addition to supporting circulation. Shea butter contains a few derivatives of cinnamic acid, which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. The vitamin E in shea butter benefits the skin by promoting softness and providing relief from dryness. One research study found that 74% of patients with eczema reported a significant relief from symptoms after using a cream containing shea butter. Researchers believe that shea butter’s ability to prevent trans-epidermal water loss was a primary reason for this relief. 

Calendula Oil

If you have eczema, including calendula oil in your skin care routine is a great idea. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce both itchiness and swelling in affected areas. Researchers note that calendula oil can help disinfect wounds, minor cuts, and mild skin irritations, primarily due to the inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Calendula oil also works to stimulate the production of collagen, which can assist with the healing process. In fact, one study monitored eczema patients who used topical applications containing calendula. Many participants reported that it soothed irritation, itching, and helped improve the healing process. 

Castor Oil

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which works to draw dirt, dead skin cells, and microbes from the skin. It also helps stimulate lymphatic flow and encourage the growth of healthy tissues. By promoting optimal circulation, castor oil works to remove cellular toxins, which in turn reduces inflammation in the body. According to researchers, castor oil is very effective at hydrating and moisturizing the skin. In fact, it may relieve pain and treat infection, making it an ideal ingredient for eczema patients. Lastly, the antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties in castor oil have been thoroughly documented.

Anti-Itch Whipped Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons raw, unrefined shea butter
• 5 tablespoons virgin, unrefined coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 tablespoon calendula oil
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops tea tree oil (therapeutic grade)

Instructions:

• In the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat, add the shea butter, coconut oil, and castor oil. Stir occasionally until everything is thoroughly melted. 
• Remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into a heat-safe glass bowl and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for an hour. You can place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill it for 20 minutes, or until it starts to solidify.
• Using an electric hand mixer, whip the partially solidified mixture for a few minutes. Add the calendula oil, vitamin E oil, and lavender and tea tree essential oils and whip for another several minutes, or until the mixture is nice and fluffy. 
• Spoon the body butter into an airtight glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. It will keep fresh for one to two months, or longer if you store it in the fridge. Just keep it away from direct sunlight.

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If you have sensitive skin or allergies and are prone to rashes or inflammation, you’re probably used to experimenting with anti-itch creams. Some store bought creams are effective, but they can irritate people with sensitive skin. So what do you do if the solution to your problem is also causing new ones? 

One of the best ways to nourish the skin is to use natural ingredients. Not only do ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and calendula oil relieve itchiness, but they also offer protection, hydration, and beneficial nutrients. Ideally, you want the skin to absorb the ingredients quickly and efficiently. Without any preservatives or harmful ingredients, the anti-itch cream in this article can address the issue and soothe the skin. The standout ingredients are detailed below. 

Beeswax

Beeswax can help reduce itching and inflammation, especially when used in combination with other ingredients like coconut or almond oil. It works to moisturize the skin and reduce the severity of eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. Both eczema and psoriasis are conditions that cause dry, itchy, or inflamed skin. Beeswax works to combat this irritation by forming a protective barrier on the skin, helping to seal moisture into the skin. It’s also a humectant, meaning it attracts and binds water. Both of these qualities help the skin remain hydrated, which can help soothe flare-ups from either eczema or psoriasis. 

Shea Butter

The great thing about shea butter is that you get the benefits of several ingredients all in one. Shea butter is especially helpful for dry, reactive skin, according to dermatologists. That’s why you typically see shea butter in lotions for people with dry skin. Shea butter, on its own, contains fatty acids that work to lubricate the skin and create a protective barrier that locks moisture in. You can use shea butter for any irritation, from sunburns and chapped lips to bug bites and more. Because shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps ease swelling and redness in the skin.

Calendula Oil

Extracted from marigold flowers, calendula oil is often paired with alternative or complementary treatments. Calendula oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, making it useful for soothing eczema, relieving diaper rash, and accelerating wound healing. Historically, calendula oil has been used as an antiseptic. Although there isn’t a lot of research to support it, anecdotal reports claim that calendula oil is effective at treating eczema. Calendula oil may also relieve itchiness associated with psoriasis. It works to promote skin hydration and firmness, helping to improve the overall appearance of the skin. 

Homemade Anti-Itch Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup calendula oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
• 2-3 teaspoons bentonite clay
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Add the calendula oil, beeswax pellets, and shea butter to the top of a double boiler. Stir to combine until fully melted. 
• Once these ingredients are melted, remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. You don’t want the mixture to set, but you don’t want it to be piping hot, either. 
• Transfer the melted mixture into a heat-safe glass bowl and stir in the arrowroot powder and bentonite clay. Make sure to use a wooden utensil while mixing. 
• Add the peppermint essential oil and tea tree oil and mix well before pouring into jars. Once fully cooled, screw on the lids and store the jars in a cool, dry place. 
• Use when ready, but make sure to do a small patch test prior to slathering it on your whole body.

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Everyone is familiar with the irritating, itchy sensation of a bug bite. The itchiness starts almost immediately after the insect bites. Slapping the bite, scratching around the bite, or applying cold compresses can only provide so much relief. Is there a natural relief ointment or cream that proves effective for relieving itchiness? The anti-itch bug bite sticks in this article may be exactly what you need. 

Even though summer is almost over, bug bite season is not. Insects tend to stick around until the beginning of fall, getting in every last bite possible. All of the fly strips, bug zappers, swatters, citronella sticks, and more cannot seem to win the war against insects. They always find a way past your defenses and get you when you least expect it.

Why You Shouldn’t Scratch A Bug Bite

The last thing you want to do is scratch the bite to the point of bleeding. Scratching a bug bite, especially a mosquito bite, makes the itching worse. Bug bites itch because of inflammation and scratching something that is already inflamed only increases the inflammation. That’s why bug bites itch more after you itch them. If you break the skin as a result of scratching, it can increase the risk of infection, itchiness, and it can make the healing process take longer.

Calendula Flower

Some people refer to calendula as the Swiss Army knife of the forest. It has many healing properties and can help relieve diaper rash, itchy eyes, wounds, dandruff, sunburn, and bug bites. It exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which accelerate the healing process while simultaneously reducing itchiness. 

Beeswax

Beeswax has powerful properties that help to heal and protect the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties help accelerate wound healing and create a protective barrier on the skin. This helps to protect the skin from the environment and can relieve itching in the process. Additionally, beeswax exhibits antibacterial properties, which help to keep the skin clean and reduce the risk of more inflammation or contamination. 

Lavender

If you’ve seen a lavender bush, you know that many bugs are attracted to it. More often than not, bees collect pollen from the flowers and bring it back to their hives. Well, as it turns out, lavender is a popular remedy for treating bug bites. The soothing properties are similar to that of chamomile and help to relieve pain or itchiness. Several studies found that it proves most effective for spider bites, fire ant bites, and bee stings. That being said, the notable anti-inflammatory properties work to relieve bug bites from all insects. 

DIY Anti-Itch Bug Bite Sticks

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sunflower oil
• 1/8 cup calendula flowers
• 1/8 cup lavender flowers
• 1 tablespoon beeswax

Instructions:

• Pour the oil in a glass canning jar and add the calendula and lavender flowers. Stir a few times to ensure that there are no air bubbles. 
• Screw the top on the jar and place it in a windowsill for about three weeks for a slow infusion. 
• If you want a quicker infusion process, set a heat-safe glass jar with the oil and flowers in a saucepan containing a few inches of water over low heat. 
• Keep an eye on the oil for about two hours and then strain the oil, discarding the flowers. 
• Add the beeswax to a heat-safe glass jar along with 3 tablespoons of the infused oil that you reserved. Place it in a saucepan with a few inches of water in it over low heat. 
• Allow the beeswax to melt and stir well to combine. 
• Remove from the heat carefully and pour into lip balm tubes or tins. Allow the mixture to harden completely before putting on the tops. 
• To use the bug bite sticks, dab the bug bite with them as needed to relieve itchiness. 

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If you aren’t hip to calendula oil yet, it’s time to board the train because the health benefits are too good to pass up. The secrets about calendula are out, attracting the interest of scientific researchers and herbal enthusiasts alike. The calendula plant offers a wide range of benefits, and has proven to remedy myriad ailments over the years. 

What Is Calendula? 

This colorful flower belongs to the Asteraceae/Compositae family and is native to areas in Canada and the United States. As long as the soil is fertile and well-drained, you can grow calendula, especially if it has access to ample sunlight. The leaves are shades or rich oranges and yellow, and have a lovely fragrance. Various animal and in vitro studies have concluded that the flavonoids from these petals exhibit neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. This makes calendula a highly respected plant in the field of alternative medicine. 

Historically, people used calendula to treat kidney stones and gall stones, primarily because it has disinfectant and diuretic properties. Italian folk medicine used to use calendula oil to reduce inflamed wounds and burns. Some cultures brewed the petals into teas and used it as a face wash to reduce freckles or dark spots, or an eye wash to reduce the risk of conjunctivitis. 

Health Benefits Of Calendula Oil

Nowadays, people continue to use calendula oil to remedy a variety of ailments. The most common uses involve topical application to reduce infections or fungus. According to research, however, calendula oil may help to reduce diaper rash, inflamed skin, and vaginal yeast infections. You can thank the triterpene saponins, triterpene alcohols, and flavonoids for calendula’s ability to do all of these things. These naturally occurring chemicals interact with the body to improve collagen synthesis and enhance new skin tissue growth. Continue reading to learn more about the primary benefits. 

Calendula For Wound Healing

According to a recent study in The Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, calendula ointment was tested on cesarean scars in 72 women. The study compared the use of calendula ointment to conventional hospital treatment. The women who used calendula ointment had quicker healing time, and they reported less redness and swelling. Various animal studies tested calendula oil’s efficacy for healing bug bites, scrapes, burns, and bruises. The studies found that topical application of calendula oil encouraged 90% wound closing, compared to a separate controlled group. A newer study concluded that calendula oil may ward off infection, which contributes to faster wound closure.

Calendula As A Sunscreen

During in vitro studies, calendula oil exhibited an ability to encourage cell rejuvenation. The studies tested its efficacy as a sunscreen, showing a slight ability to protect the skin. Unfortunately, the evidence was not substantial enough to deem it acceptable as a sunscreen replacement. Fortunately, more studies are in the works to determine how effective it is at protecting the skin from UV damage. 

Calendula For Vaginal Health

Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections are two common occurrences for women. One study with 80 women monitored the use of calendula ointment compared to metronidazole, commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis. After one week, the study found that both the ointment and metronidazole effectively cured bacterial vaginosis with no side effects. This sparked interest in the participants. The opportunity to use a natural ointment in place of medication excited the women.

Calendula For Muscle Spasms

If you want to ease muscle spasms or tension, get your hands on some calendula oil. According to a Pakistani study, calendula oil was able to relax spontaneous muscle contractions. A different study found that it helped to erase muscle spasms. Because of this ability to reduce muscle spasms, people wonder if it can be beneficial for menstrual cramping. According to anecdotal research, calendula helped induce menstruation for women who experienced irregular periods. It may also ease PMS symptoms like cramping, but more research is necessary to prove this.

How To Make Calendula Oil

Ingredients:

• Dried calendula flowers or petals
• Carrier oil of choice (extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, organ oil, sweet almond oil)
• 1 glass container (half-pint jar works great)

Instructions:

• Fill a half-pint glass jar about 3/4 of the way full with calendula flowers or petals. 
• Pour your desired oil into the jar so that the flowers are fully submerged. 
• Place a lid on the container and store it in a sunny, warm location to enhance the infusion process. A windowsill is perfect. It will stay here for three weeks.
• After the three weeks, you have to strain the flowers from the oil. Pour the oil through a cheesecloth into measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Pour the strained oil into a glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place. Use it on your body, or face at will. 

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The frequent hand washing continues in 2021 as we continue to battle the novel coronavirus. We mentioned this in 2020, but regular hand washing, especially with hot water, can dry out the skin on your hands. Add the excessive use of hand sanitizer on top of that and your skin looks like that of a reptile. Now that we are in the middle of winter, the dry and cold weather also contributes to dry skin on the hands. 

When the cold weather arrives, many people start applying more lip balm on their lips than normal. Well, your hands deserve equal love and attention. It’s not practical to rub lip balm all over your hands, but that’s what hand creams are for! There is one problem, though, and it’s that most store bought hand creams or lotions contain contain fragrances. Some people don’t like fragrances and others do, but most people are unaware of why fragrances are bad for the skin.

The Problem With Fragrances

You see, fragrances are signature scents, and companies don’t have to list what ingredients are in those blends for copyright reasons. That means that some fragrances can contain non-FDA approved ingredients, or ingredients that are considered unsafe by the EPA. Fragrances are in about 50% of beauty products and they contain myriad toxic chemicals that can cause hormonal imbalances, cancer, and skin irritation. 

Fortunately for you, the hand cream in this article is free of fragrance blends, but the cream does smell delicious. You’ll find a brief explanation of how the ingredients benefit your skin below. 

Calendula

Known as the “Pot Marigold,” the calendula plant is native to the Mediterranean, but it grows abundantly around the world. The plant contains natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties, and it has been used in alternative healing practices for years. If you suffer from dry or itchy skin, calendula is an excellent ingredient for you. It helps to soothe and hydrate the skin by promoting the growth of collagen, an essential protein for your skin. 

Shea Butter

When it comes to ingredients that nourish dry skin, shea butter is the first one you need to know about. It’s a moisturizing emollient, meaning that it helps to seal in moisture in the skin by establishing a barrier on the skin. Don’t worry, it won’t clog your pores! According to several studies, shea butter contains palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids, all of which help to strengthen the skin’s barrier to help it hold moisture. 

Lavender Essential Oil

The first rule of thumb about essential oils is that you should not apply them directly on the skin. You have to mix them with carrier oils or incorporate them into a recipe with other skin-soothing ingredients that help dilute the oils. Lavender essential oil has a wonderful aroma and it works to nourish all skin types. Many reports found that it works to brighten and moisturize the skin, making it great for anyone experiencing dry skin. It also has wound-healing properties, which is beneficial if your hands are cracked, dry, or have little cuts from all the hand washing.

DIY Hand Cream

Ingredients For Calendula Infused Oil:

• Calendula flower
• Olive oil
• Glass Mason jar
• Cheesecloth

Instructions For Calendula Infused Oil:

• Fill your Mason jar about 3/4 of the way with calendula flowers. Pour in enough olive oil to fill the Mason jar. 
• The amount of infused oil you make will depend on the size of the Mason jar, but you only need 1 tablespoon of infused oil for the hand cream recipe. 
• Cover the jar and store it in a cool, dry place for six weeks. Don’t forget about it. 
• After six weeks, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into another jar. Discard the flowers. 

Ingredients For Hand Cream:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1 tablespoon calendula infused olive oil
• 6-10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions For Hand Cream:

• Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until thoroughly mixed. 
• Spoon the mixture into a container and store in a cool dry place. 
• Apply a small amount to your hands and rub it into the dryer areas. You should only need to apply it once a day. 

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Babies all around the world experience diaper rash. It’s nerve-wracking for parents and painful or irritating for the baby. As a parent, you don’t want to see your child in pain, so you try to remedy the rash with healing lotions and ointments. Since many of those lotions contain harmful chemicals, it is better to use natural ingredients to soothe irritation and get rid of the rash.

Understanding Why Diaper Rash Occurs

You have to understand the causes of diaper rash if you want to prevent it. The most common cause of diaper rash is the containment of moisture, warmth, and growth of organisms within the diaper. Candida or yeast, which is present in stool, is typically the growth. This is not always the cause of the rash, though. Some children have food sensitivities or allergies to certain materials. Chronic diaper rash, for instance, is most commonly attributed to a food allergen. Finding the allergen can take time, but there are ingredients that can remedy the situation in the meantime.

Beeswax For Diaper Rash

Beeswax has numerous benefits, one of the primary ones being that it nourishes the skin. Loaded with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and germicidal properties, beeswax can help fight diaper rash and soothe the skin. While there are dozens of lotions that contain beeswax, go straight to the source and incorporate it into a homemade salve.

Calendula For Diaper Rash

The recipe for this DIY diaper rash salve calls for infused calendula oil. Traditionally, calendula flowers have been used in herbal remedies for their medicinal properties. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are especially beneficial for wounds, burns, rashes, infection, and inflammation. Research suggests that calendula is better for diaper rash than aloe vera gel, but some children may be more sensitive to it.

DIY Diaper Rash Salve

Ingredients For The Calendula Infused Oil:

• ½ cup dried calendula flowers
• 1 cup sweet almond oil

Ingredients For The Salve:

• 1 cup calendula infused oil
• ¼ cup beeswax
• 1 tablespoon marshmallow root
• 1 tablespoon chickweed
• 1 tablespoon comfrey rot
• 1 teaspoon barberry root powder

Instructions For The Calendula Infused Oil:

• Add the calendula flowers and sweet almond oil to a pint-sized mason jar.
• Make sure that the flowers are completely submerged in the oil.
• Cover the jar and allow it to sit in a sunny windowsill for one month.
• Strain the flowers and reserve the oil in a jar for your diaper salve.

Instructions For The Salve:

• Add the infused oil, marshmallow root, chickweed, comfrey root, and barberry root powder to a small saucepan over low heat. You do not want to cook the herbs, so make sure that it is very low heat.
• Let the herbs infuse for 10 minutes and then add the beeswax. Stir the beeswax occasionally until it is completely melted.
• Strain the herbs through a cheesecloth into a glass measuring cup with a pour spout.
• Quickly pour the mixture into jars or small tins for storage. Allow the mixture to harden in the tins before screwing the tops on. Store in a cool dry place and use as needed.

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Winter is coming and the air is getting dryer by the day. You might look down at your hands one day, only to realize that they are dry and cracked. This is not good. Code dry, we have a code dry. Something that can moisturize is needed before you can set foot in the world. Well, as it turns out, we have an amazing DIY herbal hand cream that is perfect for daily usage.

Most hand lotions or moisturizers contain toxins that can seep through your skin and into your body. Since the body cannot process these toxins, it is wise to use all natural ingredients that are designed to heal and benefit the body. Take a look at some of the key ingredients to see how awesome this hand cream is for you.

Comfrey

You’ll be comfy when you use comfrey because it helps to quickly repair skin cells. This herb actually helps the body heal from sprains, fractures, or broken bones as well.

Calendula

This herb is beneficial for soothing dry, itchy, or irritated skin. It has actually been used as an herbal remedy to help those with eczema and psoriasis because it works to calm inflamed and red skin.

Mango Butter

This soothing butter is beneficial for those with dry, itchy, damaged, or blemished skin. Mango butter helps to nourish the skin and helps prevent damage from happening.

Tamanu Oil

While you may not have heard of this strong-scented oil, you need to know that it is an amazing skin healer. It helps to heal burns, scrapes, acne, rashes, chapped skin, and can even help to get rid of stretch marks. This is typically very thick, but it works well when combined with other ingredients.

What You’ll Need

• ¼ cup dried calendula flowers
• 2 tablespoons dried comfrey leaves
• ¼ cup dried dandelion leaves or flower tops
• 1 teaspoon tamanu oil
• 2 tablespoons mango butter
• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• ½ cup filtered water, boiled then cooled
• 6 grams beeswax

How To Make

• Mash the dried calendula, comfrey, and dandelion up in a mortar and pestle or blend them in a spice grinder. Combine the herbs with the ½ cup sweet almond oil in a heat-safe glass bowl. Place this bowl over a saucepan with simmering water to create a double boiler.
• Turn the heat off after an hour and strain the herbs through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean heat-safe glass bowl. Add a little more water to that saucepan you used and let it come to a low boil before reducing the heat to low.
• Put the new glass bowl with the oil over the saucepan and add the mango butter and beeswax. Stir occasionally until melted.
• Pour this mixture into a blender and add the tamanu and vitamin E oils. Before blending, place the blender in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the mixture cool.
• Start blending the chilled mixture and slowly drizzle in the filtered water. We can’t stress this enough. It must be done slowly. This should create a thick and creamy mixture.
• Store the hand cream in a clean glass jar in a cool, dry place. Use on your hands as needed.

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