A face serum can add moisture and high concentrations of beneficial nutrients to your skin. The ingredients in the serum will determine the benefits for your skin. For example, some serums, like the one in this article, help with early signs of aging, while others are better for hydrating or repairing texture. If you’re looking to enhance your skin care routine with a single product, though, a serum is the ticket.

What Is A Serum?

A serum is essentially a topical skin care product that contains concentrated amounts of active ingredients. With larger amounts of active molecules, a serum can potentially penetrate the skin’s surface with more efficacy that a moisturizer, for example. Due to its high concentration, a serum takes a shorter amount of time to see results. You can think of a serum like a secret weapon designed to treat skin issues such as dullness, discoloration, fine lines, and acne. 

Because a serum is light in nature and delivers active ingredients efficiently and quickly, you apply it first once you cleanse your face. In order to maximize the serum’s benefits, you have to seal it in with a moisturizer or cream. If you use a serum that is suited to the issue you want to address, it can have many benefits. We’ll explain the benefits of this serum below.

Vitamin E Oil

It’s common to see vitamin E oil in many different moisturizers because it works to prevent dry, flaking skin. As a result of moisturizing the skin, vitamin E oil may also reduce skin itching. Keeping the skin properly moisturized is the best way to prevent dry skin, which in turn prevents itchiness. The American Academy of Dermatology Association looked at the benefits of vitamin E oil for people with eczema. Researchers found that vitamin E had a positive effect on eczema. That said, they did not specify whether the focus was on topical or oral vitamin E. More research is necessary on this matter. 

Carrier Oil

Because the serum contains vitamin E oil, you want to choose a carrier oil that is rich in that particular vitamin. Not all skin types can use the same carrier oils, though, so keep that in mind. Additionally, climate and season play a role in your carrier oil choice. As for which carrier oil to choose, well, that depends on your preference and skin type. Some oils that are great sources of vitamin E include sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, grapeseed oil, and apricot kernel oil. If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to try jojoba oil, rosehip oil, hemp oil. 

Essential Oils

The use of essential oils is entirely optional in this face serum recipe. Most people do not react to essential oils if they are properly diluted with carrier oils. You can always use less and increase to a stronger dilution if you desire. A 0.5% dilution is generally what dermatologists recommend for facial skin, though. As far as which essential oils to choose, consider the following:

• Anti-aging: frankincense, helichrysum, carrot seed, geranium, and chamomile essential oils
• Glowing skin: lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, and helichrysum essential oils
• Fighting acne: lemongrass, tea tree, bergamot, grapefruit, eucalyptus, cedarwood, juniper berry, and cypress essential oils

DIY Face Serum

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp pure vitamin E oil
• 2 ounces carrier oil of choice 
• 10-20 drops essential oils (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a small dropper bottle, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Store the serum in a cool, dark place to preserve the healing properties. 
• To use, apply a few drops of the serum to your face and massage into the skin for about one minute. It’s a great serum to use for overnight treatment!

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The dry heat of summer can take a toll on the skin, especially if you spend the majority of your days outside. Salty beach air and sand or the chlorine in a pool can wreak havoc on the skin. While the good times may have ensued, your skin pays the price, feeling itchy and dry at the end of the day. How do you restore hydration, especially to your face, without using harmful products? 

This homemade cooling mist helps to rejuvenate the face, neck, and chest, giving your skin the hydration it needs to look the best. Should you incorporate it into your daytime routine while you’re outside, it may help to moisturize the skin. Protection is key if you don’t want your skin to dry out. You can also use it as an after-sun spray if you got a little more sun that you wanted to. Just keep a bottle with you at all times and you can treat yourself to a cooling mist whenever you want!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has several cosmetic benefits. It may help to stimulate blood flow near hair follicles to produce hair growth and help treat dark spots. Tea tree oil also has a moisturizing effect on the skin, helping to fight the drying effects of the sun. If you experience itching or dryness after a long summer day, tea tree oil may work to reduce irritation and itching. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Since ancient times, people have used frankincense essential oil for its many health benefits and beautifying properties. Dermatologists agree that frankincense oil tends to be safe for all skin types, especially mature complexions. It is a luxurious oil that may boost the skin’s radiance, especially after using a cleanser and moisturizer. After a long day, applying or misting frankincense oil onto the skin with the rest of the ingredients in this spray may restore your skin’s texture. 

Aloe Vera

Skin experts say that aloe vera has a few primary benefits for soothing the skin. It works to soothe itchiness or irritation, calming inflamed or irritated skin that may result from extended sun exposure. When you are in the sun for a long time, it’s possible for the skin to lose moisture via transepidermal water loss. This happens when the skin gets dehydrated and inflamed. The phytosterols in aloe vera may prevent transepidermal water loss, which is especially important for sunburnt skin. Finally, aloe vera works to hydrate the skin and provide a cooling effect. Plus, the polysaccharides in aloe are known for their hydrating benefits. 

Witch Hazel

Indigenous to North America, witch hazel is a tree-like plant, from which extract is derived either from the bark or leaves. The bark and leaves are distilled to bring out the plant’s active compounds. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties provide a tightening effect on the skin. This is great for soothing puffiness, redness, general irritation, and skin tone. It may also sop up excess oil via the antioxidant-rich tannins. This is why witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners. 

Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or fractionated coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle with mist sprayer 

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into the glass spray bottle. Use a funnel if you need to, or use a glass measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Melt the coconut oil and pour it into the bottle. You can also use fractionated coconut oil so that it remains liquified. 
• Add the witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils to the glass bottle. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• Use the face mist as needed, but make sure to shake the bottle before each use.

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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.

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If using a hair mask is not part of your hair care routine yet, what are you waiting for? A hair mask is like a spa treatment for your hair and scalp, working to hydrate, strengthen, smooth, and repair damaged hair and skin. Not only does it improve the appearance of your hair, but it also makes it feel healthy. 

What Is A Hair Mask?

Think of a hair mask like an intense treatment to hydrate, de-frizz, strengthen, and nourish the hair and scalp. It is also an effective way to restore vibrance to dry, damaged, or processed hair. You can also use a hair mask to help increase the bounce and shine in curly hair. A hair mask differs from conditioner in that it is a deeper hydration treatment that you use infrequently for restorative hair care. Conditioners, although they add moisture, are much lighter moisturizers that you can use every time you shampoo. 

A lot of people use a daily conditioner and an occasional hair mask to keep hair healthy and strong. There are also leave-in and rinse-out conditioners and hair masks. The primary difference is that conditioners (whether leave-in or rinse-out) are more surface level on the hair. A mask deeply conditions the hair shaft and provides the scalp with nutrients for beneficial hair growth and health. 

Shea Butter

Without moisture, your hair can appear dry, dull, or become prone to breakage. That is especially true for natural curls and waves. Shea butter helps define every curl and wave, restoring your hair to its former glory. It also provides nourishing fatty acids that not only improve the health of the hair, but also increase shine. The concentration of vitamins A and E in shea butter work to moisturize the hair and revive damaged hair. Shea butter may also soften the hair and repair split ends or breakage, due to the fact that it seals moisture into each strand. 

Aloe Vera

Used for centuries for its healing properties, aloe vera is a plant that has a thick gel-like substance within the leaves. The gel provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, which is why people apply it to burns, skin wounds, and sunburns. The best form of aloe vera to use on your hair is the raw gel of the plant, not the bottled stuff you find in stores. Aloe vera works to calm an itchy scalp by resolving inflammation that stems from seborrheic dermatitis. The fatty acids in aloe exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera also works to strengthen and repair hair strands. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, all of which contribute to cell turnover, promoting healthy hair growth. Finally, aloe vera contains vitamin B12 and folate, two nutrients that may help keep the hair from falling out. 

DIY Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Melt the shea butter in the top of a double boiler with a little water in the bottom over medium low heat. Stir occasionally and remove from the heat once the butter is fully melted. 
• Mix in the aloe vera gel and add the optional essential oil and olive oil. Stir to combine. You ideally want a smooth texture without clumps. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. 
• Spoon into a jar and use when ready. Before applying the mask, make sure your hair is clean and slightly damp, as that will allow the mask to penetrate the hair shafts more effectively. 
• Use your fingers to scoop the mask and work it into your hair, starting from the roots and moving toward the tips. 
• Leave the mask on for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. A gentle shampoo helps remove residue from the mask. 

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Do you want to uplift your mood and create a calm space without plaguing your home with chemical fragrances? You came to the right place! With each spritz of this body mist, you detect floral and citrus notes that refresh the senses. The aroma also helps bring about a little vibrance to your day. It’s truly invigorating, light, and perfect for almost any occasion. 

The combination of jasmine essential oil and orange blossom essential oil is very balanced. It isn’t one of those mists that overwhelms the senses. It’s a little zesty yet subdued in the best way. The refreshing scent lingers in the air without overpowering the environment. And the best part is that it is so easy to make. We are going to ensure that you have the right instructions and information necessary to make this mist, which captures the essence of late spring/early summer. 

Creating The Body Mist

Before you make the mist, you have to source your ingredients. When it comes to essential oils, try your best to choose high-quality options that are pure. Not only will these offer the most vibrant scents, but also the most aromatic health benefits. Although you can use regular water for the mist, we recommend that you use distilled water, as it helps maintain the spray’s purity. It also allows the natural oils to be more present and doesn’t interfere with any potential impurities. For the mist, you will need:

• Jasmine essential oil
• Orange blossom essential oil
• Witch hazel
• Distilled water

The Benefits Of Jasmine And Orange Blossom Essential Oils

Jasmine and orange blossom essential oils offer their own unique aromas and health benefits. Jasmine’s floral scent can help create a sense of tranquility, which is why aromatherapists use it to elevate mood and establish a calming space. Inhaling jasmine’s aroma may help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. 

Orange blossom essential oil offers a zesty and cheerful fragrance, which complements jasmine’s scent in a harmonious way. Known to stimulate and refresh, orange blossom essential oil may help bring about feelings of positivity and joy. Together, jasmine and orange blossom create a balanced blend that can help promote emotional well-being. Use it throughout the day if necessary!

Before we provide the recipe, there is one thing to note about witch hazel. If you do not have it in your possession, you do not have to include it in the spray. Witch hazel helps the body mist last longer, though. It also acts as an astringent, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, and can help maintain a healthy skin barrier. 

Homemade Body Mist

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces distilled water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 10 drops jasmine essential oil
• 10 drops orange blossom essential oil

Instructions:

• Get an eight-ounce spray bottle (ideally glass) and pour about seven ounces of distilled water into the bottle. Add the witch hazel and stir to combine. 
• You want to make sure that you leave enough room in the bottle because a small air gap can allow for proper mixing. 
• Add the essential oils, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Store the body mist in a cool, dark place because that will help maintain the fragrance and integrity of the spray.

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Besides being tiny little nuisances, ticks pose a serious health risk, as they can spread diseases. They have been known to spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. According to a 2018 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tick-borne diseases more than doubled over the previous 13 years. Although a tick bite may not necessarily infect you with one of those diseases, it can cause irritation and discomfort.

If you enjoy going hiking or hanging at the beach during summer, it is possible that you will encounter some ticks. The best thing that you can do is to over-prepare by using an effective tick repellent. The problem with manufactured tick repellents is that they contain a lot of chemicals, many of which can harm the environment. If you want to take a more natural approach, there are various essential oils that may help repel ticks. Continue reading to learn which essential oils are the most effective. 

Essential Oils And Ticks

It is important to understand that most of the evidence on this topic is anecdotal, but there are studies that indicate that essential oils may effectively ward off ticks. To provide you with the best possible evidence, we looked at various studies that determined the efficacy of several essential oils for repelling ticks. As far as which oil is most effective? Well, that remains to be unknown at the moment, but we hope the following information helps you naturally repel ticks this summer. 

Clove Bud Essential Oil

One study analyzed 11 essential oils and found that clove bud essential oil was effective at repelling ticks. This finding has been substantiated by other studies from 2006 and 2018. Clove oil is actually an ingredient in a spider and tick repellent spray. You can make your own tick repellent using clove bud oil by adding 10 to 15 drops to one ounce of water. You can add solubol (used as a dispersant to help emulsify essential oils into water blends) if you so choose. Make sure to use a 4:1 ratio of solubol to water. 

Neem Seed Essential Oil

According to an animal study, neem seed oil was effective at killing tick larvae in cattle. There is strong anecdotal evidence, however, that suggests neem seed oil is great for repelling ticks. In fact, when applied to ticks, neem seed oil may help dislodge them from the skin. To use neem seed oil as a tick repellent, add equal parts neem seed oil to a carrier oil, mix well, and apply to the skin. Just make sure to do a patch test on your arm so you do not have an adverse reaction to the oil. 

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This combination essential oil is like a one-two punch for insects. It is a classic oil in many insecticides, but you can make your own by adding 15 to 20 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil into four ounces of water. You can also add solubol to help distribute the oil in the water. As mentioned earlier, make sure to use a 4:1 ratio of solubol to water. Because lemon eucalyptus essential oil can be irritating to some skin types, dilute it in a carrier oil before topical application. And finally, make sure to do a patch test on a small area before applying more widely. 

Oregano Essential Oil

When it comes to repelling ticks and other insects, researchers note that oregano essential oil tops the list of many studies. Oregano oil contains cedrol, which was found to kill 100% of the ticks it came in contact with when used in high dosage during one study. Cedarwood essential oil also contains cedrol, which also makes it beneficial for repelling ticks. A separate study found that carvacrol, an antioxidant compound in oregano oil, was effective at killing the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. That makes oregano oil beneficial for warding off ticks or if a tick bite occurs. Mix five to six drops of oregano oil in one ounce of carrier oil and apply it to exposed skin using a cotton ball. Do not applyfFull strength oregano oil to the skin, as it is too strong. 

Thyme And Citronella Essential oil Combination

Citronella essential oil is commonly used as a biopesticide that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered as an insect repellent in 1997. One study found that both thyme and citronella essential oil were able to ward off ticks. To make your own tick repellent with these essential oils, add 10 to 15 drops of citronella essential oil and five drops of thyme essential oil to one ounce of water. You can also add solubol to help distribute the oil in the water. As mentioned earlier, make sure to use a 4:1 ratio of solubol to water. Spray on the skin or clothing to repel ticks.

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Those bulgy veins with a predominantly dark blue or purple hue are varicose veins. Although many people associate varicose veins with women, they can develop in both men and women. In fact, about 50-50% of women and 40-45% of men in the United States suffer from some vein-related issue. Varicose veins typically affect about 50% of all people over the age of 50. Due to that statistic, many people seek out natural ways to get rid of them. 

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a common problem in both older and pregnant women because of hormonal influences. They also tend to develop them because veins lose their elasticity from higher levels of inflammation. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that result from the natural pooling of blood from weakened vein valves. Veins carry blood back to the heart, but malfunctioned valves can cause blood to flow backward and accumulate. That results in the classic bulging appearance. 

This common condition affects millions of people worldwide, and the bulging veins tend to appear in the legs. The pressure from standing and walking can not only contribute to varicose veins, but also cause discomfort and lead to swelling or aching. Some people see varicose veins as a cosmetic concern, but they can indicate an underlying circulatory issue. If you are interested in learning more about natural remedies to reduce the appearance of varicose veins, continue reading. 

Use Herbs

According to research, horse chestnut and bilberry are two plants that have been effective at treating varicose veins. Both plants are thousands of years old and have documented uses in various folk remedies. Recent research confirms that they may help reduce ankle swelling, feelings of heaviness, itching, and nighttime leg cramping. The fruit of the bilberry plant can be made into tea or extracts, while the horse chestnut tree produces seeds that can be incorporated into extracts, creams, lotions, teas, or capsules. 

Research suggests that taking doses of 160 milligrams (mg) of bilberry twice per day can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins. You can also combine this supplement with grape seed extract, butcher’s broom, and vitamin E to help encourage blood flow and protect veins. These herbs have natural blood-thinning effects that are considered safe. For horse chestnut, however, look for seed extracts that contain 16-20% escin, the active ingredients. You can also take horse chestnut in a dose of 100 mg once per day. 

Compression Socks

Compression socks or stockings are commonly used as a way to manage varicose veins. They work by applying graduated pressure to the lower legs and thighs, thus promoting venous return and reducing venous pressure. These socks may help improve circulation and reduce vein swelling. A 2020 study analyzed the impact of compression socks on varicose vein walls. Researchers noted improvements in endothelial function and reductions in inflammatory and coagulation markers. Additionally, the compression socks may positively influence the vein’s wall health. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Easier said than done, right? Statistically, people who are either overweight or obese are more likely to develop varicose veins. Carrying excess body weight increases the pressure on your veins, which can contribute to inflammation or reflux, especially in the largest veins, such as the saphenous vein in the legs. A recent report found a connection between obesity and varicose veins. For those who are overweight, varicose veins are more difficult to access and treat because they go unnoticed until they inflame to such a degree that they become problematic. 

Massage, Dry Brushing, And Naturopathy

According to a 2013 study, manual lymphatic drainage on patients with chronic venous disease improved clinical stages. This therapy also improved hemodynamic parameters and quality of life. Dry brushing, which involves stimulating circulation and lymphatic drainage, is also a form of manual drainage. A separate study looked at the combined effect of yoga and naturopathy on uncomplicated varicose veins. Results suggested that this combination therapy reduced inflammatory markers and blood pressure. Researchers stated that this indicated potential recovery in endothelial tissue inflammation within the microvascular system of patients with varicose veins. 

Essential Oils

Essential oils offer impressive healthy benefits, assisting with clearing the sinuses, remedying skin issues, and also improving hormonal balances. Researchers note that they may also be able to improve blood flow and lower inflammatory markers. When it comes to varicose veins, cypress essential oil seems to have an ability to increase circulation, in addition to supporting overall circulatory system function. To experiment, try rubbing five drops of cypress essential oil on the problematic area twice daily. Just make sure to dilute the cypress oil in olive oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil before topically applying. That will help you avoid skin irritation, such as blisters, redness, or other skin issues.

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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.

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Whether you look under the kitchen sink or in the hall closet in the average home, you will most likely see an assortment of cleaning products. People have their preferences for brands and scents, but there are sprays or scrubs for different needs. One product cleans the countertops, while another one makes wood furniture shiny. And then you have products that clean showers, toilets, the floors, and so on. 

Building this collection of cleaners can be expensive, not to mention damaging to your health. According to a 2018 study from the University of Bergen in Norway, people exposed to cleaning products for 20 years have the same lung function as people who smoke 20 cigarettes per day. They also experience a 40% greater risk of developing asthma. There’s a reason why you cough or find it difficult to breathe when you use oven cleaner. In fact, many of these products have warnings that you should wear protective gloves or masks while using them!

Making the switch to natural products can seem challenging or overwhelming, but it’s an easy transition to make. You just need to master a few simple cleaning hacks with ingredients you may already have in your home. There are many harmless ingredients that prove to be excellent non-toxic cleaners. Continue reading to learn more about seven natural cleaning hacks. 

Load Up On Vinegar

Whether you need to clean tubs, windows, tile, or other surfaces, distilled white vinegar is right for the job. Although it isn’t a proper disinfectant, it does work great as a natural cleaner. It works to clean and mildly sanitize many surfaces, especially bathtubs, shower doors, and metal faucets. The downside to vinegar is the smell, but you can mix it with essential oils to counteract the intensity. Click here to learn more about scented vinegar cleaners. 

Lemon Essential Oil For A Clean Microwave

Need to clean your microwave and make it smell great at the same time? Combine 15 drops of lemon essential oil and one and a half cups of water in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave for five to 10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense inside the microwave. Once complete, remove the bowl safely and wipe the grime away with a damp sponge. 

Degrease Your Stove With Baking Soda

Stovetop cleaners and degreasers are some of the harshest cleaning products to inhale. They emit very unpleasant odors and it can be difficult to breathe when you use them. Instead, pour baking soda on your stove, sprinkle with a little water, allow it to sit for one hour, and then wipe away. Your stove will look shiny and clean as ever!

Baking Soda Removes Carpet Smells

Because it’s such a great natural cleaner, let’s stick with baking soda for a moment. If you want to get rid of carpet odors, baking soda is right for the job. Next time you vacuum your carpet, sprinkle some baking soda on it first. Vacuum the carpet and you’ll be left with an odor-free carpet. This is great if you have pets that love to get their stank on carpets. 

Remove Pet Hair With Rubber Gloves

This isn’t so much a natural cleaning hack as much as it is a useful pearl of wisdom. Pet hair can be very difficult to vacuum off carpets or furniture, especially if your pet sheds a lot. When your standard vacuum can’t get the job done, slide on the rubber gloves and rub any areas that need extra cleaning. You’ll find that pet hair clings to your rubber gloves, and it will only unstick when you wash it away. 

Dust With Coffee Filters

Need to dust your electronics, which you probably neglect to clean for most of the year? Grab a coffee filter or two to help clear dust from tv screens, computer monitors, and any other electronics you have in the home. The great thing about dusting with coffee filters is that they don’t leave behind any fibers. 

Buff Surfaces With Olive Oil

You may be familiar with the health benefits of olive oil, but do you know that it can help you clean the house? Olive oil can help buff stainless steel, pots and pans, and other appliances. Drizzle some olive oil on a soft cloth and apply it in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots. You may need to give the surface a wipe with a clean rag to reduce oil residue on the surface you buff.

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A lot of people welcome the warm weather of spring, while others dread the pollen that also arrives. From one morning to the next, people wake up sneezing, develop runny noses, and have itchy eyes. To avoid these miserable allergy symptoms, many people reach for the allergy medication bottle. There is nothing wrong with allergy medication, but some people may prefer to experiment with natural remedies that don’t cause the same unwanted side effects that accompany certain medications. 

If the immune system reacts to something, which may not bother other people, that indicates an allergic reaction. The most common culprits of allergic reactions include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Insect stings
• Food
• Medications
• Pet dander
• Mold spores

Although everyone many not experience the same allergy symptoms, the most common ones are:

• Sneezing
• Itching
• Rashes
• Swelling
• Asthma
• Runny nose
• Dry eyes

Natural Remedies For Allergies

The best natural remedy for allergies, well, is to avoid allergens at all costs, but this isn’t always possible. Allergens, especially pollen, are difficult to avoid during the spring. If your symptoms to certain allergens are relatively mild, you may be able to fight them off with natural remedies. Experiment with the following remedies to see if they help your spring allergies. 

Clear The Air

Dust, dander, and pollen particles can trigger allergy symptoms, and filtering indoor air may help eliminate them from your home. Your best bet is to look for a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter because it can remove 99.97% of problematic airborne particles. Putting a HEPA filter in your bedroom can make a huge difference, especially if you have allergy attacks at night or early morning. Air conditioning may also help because it removes moisture from indoor air, which eliminates mildew growth. 

Saline Nasal Rinse

According to a 2012 review of studies, saline nasal irrigation benefitted both children and adults with allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Flushing the sinuses out with a neti pot or squeeze bottle can help wash away pollen, or other allergens, that may cause allergy symptoms. Studies show that a good saline nasal rinse can provide relief from both allergy symptoms and symptoms of the common cold. 

Vitamins And Supplements

A healthy diet helps encourage optimal immune response, but some people require supplementation to meet daily nutritional requirements. That is where dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, come into play. These supplements may help limit inflammation that accompanies allergic reactions. According to health experts, the following supplements may encourage better immune function:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Quercetin
• Stinging nettle (a natural antihistamine)
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Acupuncture

Are you surprised to see acupuncture on this list? Don’t be! Historically, the practice of ancient needling boosted immune function and combatted hay fever. Additionally, a fair amount of research indicates the efficacy of acupuncture for treating symptoms of allergies and sinus disorders. In fact, a 2015 review of studies concluded that acupuncture demonstrated positive results for people with seasonal allergies. 

Use Essential Oils

If you have sinus issues, adding essential oils to a diffuser may help you breathe better, or at least limit the intensity of allergy symptoms. Many people benefit from using eucalyptus oil because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Others find frankincense essential oil to provide protection against some allergy symptoms. One study found that frankincense essential oil helped fight against perennial allergic rhinitis. A 1998 study found that inhaling the aroma of peppermint essential oil had enough anti-inflammatory effects to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

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