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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Do you find yourself breathing out of one open nostril when you lay your head to rest at night? If you could only get that one nostril clear, right? You wouldn’t hear that nostril whistle when you inhale or exhale! Although seasonal allergies affect a lot of people, there are many natural ways to assist with better, easier breathing. One of the easiest ways to do that is by inhaling the essential oil aromas from this DIY sinus relief candle. 

Candles make great holiday gifts, just in case anyone is trying to keep their budget down for holiday gift giving. Not everyone enjoys an aromatherapy diffuser, but they may enjoy candles year round. It comes down to personal preference, of course. What doesn’t come down to personal preference are the essential oils in this DIY candle. They work to relieve congestion and help promote easier breathing. Read on to learn more about the three powerful essential oils in this sinus relief candle. 

Tea Tree Oil

The smell of tea tree oil is intoxicating and it exhibits powerful antibacterial properties. According to experts, tea tree oil fights two potential causes of sinus congestion: bacteria and viruses. A 2015 review found that tea tree oil contains alpha-sabine, a compound that provides antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Tea tree oil may also work to reduce sinus swelling by lowering inflammation. Relieving sinus swelling often helps to get rid of stuffy or runny nose. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

A lot of people find that inhaling peppermint essential oil’s aroma feels great when they have clogged sinuses. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which is a compound that affects mucus receptors in the nostrils. Menthol offers a cooling effect, which may potentially open the airways and relieve congestion. Animal studies found that peppermint oil may reduce inflammation and lab studies indicated that peppermint oil may fight bacteria. It’s important to note that these results were not confirmed in human studies, as human studies are still necessary. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Many over-the-counter decongestant products, including chest rubs, contain eucalyptus essential oil. A lot of people believe that this essential oil can relieve cold and cough symptoms, including sinus congestion or general stuffiness. Eucalyptus essential oil contains cineole, a compound that may be effective in treatment for sinus issues, but more studies are necessary. Cineole may relieve headaches, runny nose, and nasal obstruction, all of which are symptoms of sinusitis. 

DIY Sinus Relief Candle

Ingredients:

• Candle wick
• Candle wick glue dots
• 1.5 cups natural soy wax flakes
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Apply a glue dot to the metal tab on the end of the candle wick. Place that tab at the bottom center of a glass jar (an eight-ounce jar is great for candle making). Set this jar aside.
• Place the wax flakes and coconut oil in a glass, microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup and microwave in 30-second increments until the wax and oil are fully melted. Add the essential oils to the melted wax and coconut oil and stir to combine. 
• Before you pour the melted mixture into the jar, consider tying the whisk to a stick and laying the stick across the lid. Center the wick to make it nice and beautiful.
• Carefully pour the mixture into the jar and allow it to harden at room temperature. Once the wax is set, trim the wick so that at least a half-inch sticks out above the top of the candle. All you have to do next is light the wick and enjoy decongestion.

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Sometimes, it seems like you can barely breathe during the winter months. You’re stuffed up and it seems like you only have one functioning nostril. Contrary to popular belief, the cold weather isn’t to blame; rather, the conditions that come with cold weather are. 

When membranes inside the nostril lining swell up, it’s common to experience a stuffy nose. The air has difficulty passing through the nasal passages and mucus drainage is often the next symptom you experience. Inflammation happens when you are exposed to irritants, experience allergies, develop sinus infections, or come in contact with viruses. 

In the case of winter, stuffiness usually stems from the circulation of more colds and flus. Additionally, allergies are more active during wintertime. People also spend more time indoors, which increases the exposure to dust, allergens, and cold germs. Basically, you can’t blame stuffiness on cold weather alone. You can, however, do things that help relieve congestion. Making the DIY candle in this article is one of those things. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

When sinuses are blocked, inhaling peppermint oil helps to promote decongestion. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which affects mucus receptors in the nose and helps open the airways to release mucus. According to several lab studies, peppermint oil may fight bacteria that contribute to sinus congestion. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil contains powerful extracts of the lemon rind that help combat infection. In the case of sinus congestion, these properties help break down mucus and open the airways. Lemon essential oil may strengthen the immune system and prevent infection from occurring again. It’s best to inhale this oil the moment you notice the subtlest sign of congestion.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Many over-the-counter decongestants include eucalyptus essential oil because of its notorious decongestant properties. Eucalyptus essential oil is commonly added to baths or showers to help reduce stuffiness and congestion in the sinuses. This oil contains cineole, an active compound that may be a safe and effective treatment for sinus issues. Researchers found that cineole improved symptoms of sinusitis, including headaches runny nose, and nasal obstruction. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties, rosemary essential oil may help relieve swollen sinuses. According to a 2016 review of studies, rosemary essential oil possesses antioxidant properties that may calm inflammation in the sinuses. The volatile oils in rosemary make it a great addition to warm baths, bringing about easier breathing and more relaxation. In addition to relieving congestion, rosemary essential oil may also enhance memory.

DIY Sinus Relief Candle

Ingredients:

• glass jar (4-8 ounces in size)
• 1 brick paraffin wax (or soy wax)
• 1 candlewick (with a weighted bottom)
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 12 drops rosemary essential oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

• Fill the bottom of a double boiler about one-third full with water and set the stove to medium-high heat. 
• Place the wax in the upper portion and allow it to melt. You should only need to stir it once or twice, but this may vary if you use paraffin or soy wax. The choice is yours. 
• Keep an eye on the wax because you don’t want to overheat it. If you see that it begins to boil on the bottom, reduce the flame to a lower heat. It should be completely melted within 10 minutes.
• Place the candlewick in the glass jar and set the weighted bottom in the center. You can tie the wick around a pencil and place it horizontally across the top to hold it in place. 
• Remove the wax from the heat and allow it to cool for a couple minutes before you add the essential oils. Once you add the essential oils, mix well to combine. 
• Pour the wax mixture into the jar and adjust the wick if necessary. 
• Allow the candle to harden for a couple hours. It’s ready when the bottom center of the jar is cool to the touch. 
• Trim the wick, light the candle, and enjoy!

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Ask anyone on the planet and they’ll tell you that they have sore muscles from time to time. Muscle soreness can stem from a hard workout, injury, or general tightness that stems from lack of flexibility. Depending on the severity of the muscle pain, you may be able to relieve it with stretches, ice packs, or the DIY cream in this article. 

When it comes to muscle soreness, the most common areas of pain are the shoulders, neck, and lower back. In fact, roughly 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point during their lifetimes. If the back pain becomes severe from accompanying inflammation, it may interfere with your daily activities, including work, hobbies, or general movements. Although a DIY cream may not be able to quickly relieve pain that you have not addressed for years, it may be able to remedy acute muscle pain. 

Essential oils are powerful extracts from the leaves, seeds, flowers, fruits, and barks of plants. They are popular in aromatherapy, but you can apply them topically after proper dilution. The skin absorbs their health properties to alleviate numerous ailments, from skin conditions to muscle pain. The following essential oils are in the DIY sore muscle cream. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is commonly used to promote decongestion and relaxation. It exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it also has analgesic effects in muscles and joints. According to a 2015 clinical review, eucalyptus essential oil may treat ailments like arthritis, wounds, and the flu. A separate study examined a mixture of eucalyptus, marjoram, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils. The results indicated that this combination of essential oils wee able to reduce arthritic muscle and joint pain. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Similar to eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil has potent analgesic properties. The main components of peppermint oil are menthol and menthone. In the past, menthol has been used to treat pain from both tension and migraine headaches. A small study found that topically applying a 10% menthol solution to the temples was a great solution to relieve migraine pain. Health experts also believe that the awakening scent of peppermint essential oil may help to reduce muscle spasms. After dilution and topical application, people with arthritis may find that peppermint essential oil relieves joint pain.

In addition to these essential oils, the DIY sore muscle cream also contains coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. These ingredients help to lock moisture in the skin, as they have emollient properties. It’s also worth noting that massaging the sore muscles alone may help to relieve some of the pain, regardless of the essential oils. Keep this in mind when using the DIY cream below. 

DIY Cream For Sore Muscles

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup beeswax pastilles 
• 1/2 cup organic shea butter
• 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil to a microwave-safe glass bowl and microwave for about two minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. 
• You may need to microwave longer until you have liquified the mixture. 
• Stir in the peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils and then allow the mixture to harden a little. 
• Once it has firmed up a bit, use an electric hand mixer to whip the mixture until it looks smooth and creamy.
• Spoon it into a mason jar, cover, and store in cool, dry place. Massage a generous amount into sore muscles when you experience muscle pain. 
• This can be beneficial after a long day at work or a hard workout. 

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Fall is upon us, which means that the beautiful autumn foliage is about to happen. For many people, the changing of leaves triggers violent allergy attacks, causing major sneezing, coughing, or general congestion. Allergies can affect everyone differently, especially with each passing season, but they don’t have to dictate your ability to breathe. You can use essential oils to help decongest the sinuses. 

Popularly used in aromatherapy, essential oils exhibit an array of health benefits. The powerful aromas of certain essential oils help to unblock a stuffed nose. In doing so, essential oils promote sinus drainage and may even reduce inflammation and fight bacteria in the process. The goal is to open the airways and rid the nasal passages of built-up mucus. 

One of the best ways to do this is to use steam in combination with essential oils. Now, it’s not as though everyone has a steam room in their home or even at a gym near their home. Use the power of hot water in your shower and some DIY aromatherapy shower steamers. Think of these like little bath bombs that you drop in your shower. As they melt, they release the aromas from the essential oils. Combined with the steam of the hot water, the aromas promote decongestion and easy breathing. See which essential oils help out below. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

If there is one essential oil associated with decongestion, it’s eucalyptus essential oil. Many over-the-counter products that promote decongestion contain eucalyptus essential oil for that reason. A 2009 study monitored two groups, one of which took a placebo and the other took cineole, which is a compound in eucalyptus. The group that took cineole in pill form proved to relieve congestion. It’s better to inhale eucalyptus’ aroma, though, as it may relieve headaches, runny nose, and nasal obstruction.

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme is a traditional herb belonging to the mint family. Not only is it a culinary staple in many cuisines, but it also exhibits numerous healing properties. The essential oil of thyme offers many antibacterial and expectorant properties, which promote decongestion. Studies have shown that it works to clean mucus deposits from nasal passages and the chest. Many people who use thyme essential oil also experience relief from sinus headaches, bronchitis, and asthma symptoms. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Similar to eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil provides a cooling effect after inhalation. Not only does this feel great, but it also helps to unblock sinuses. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which is a compound that fights bacteria and helps to open the airways. Menthol may even affect mucus receptors in the nose, promoting decongestion for better breathing. Combine peppermint essential oil with steam to enhance the benefits. 

Pine Essential Oil

The enchanting smell of pine can make your house smell like a forest, and it also helps to improve air quality by battling microorganisms. Pine essential oil contains monoterpenes and antiseptic properties, which work to promote decongestion and fight bacteria in the respiratory system. Many people also find that pine essential oil has a warming effect on the chest, providing much needed relief. 

DIY Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/3 cup arrowroot powder
• 1/8 cup kaolin clay
• 1 spray bottled filled with water
• 1 tablespoon 100% pure menthol crystals
• 100 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 50 drops peppermint essential oil
• 30 drops pine essential oil
• 15 drops thyme essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine the baking soda, citric acid, arrowroot powder, and kaolin clay in a non-metallic mixing bowl and whisk until combined. 
• Drop in the essential oils and give everything a quick mix. 
• Spray the mixture with a little water and immediately whisk the mixture. It’s best to wear disposable gloves to protect your hands, especially since citric acid can be harsh on sensitive skin.
• Get a silicone mold (like an ice cube tray) and pack the mixture into each mold. Allow the shower steamers about 24-48 hours to harden completely. They should feel hard to the touch when ready. 
• Carefully peel back the silicone and gently push each steamer out of the mold. 
• When ready to use, drop one in the shower once the water is hot. Allow the aromas of the essential oils to promote decongestion. The steamer will naturally dissolve and simultaneously release the aromas. 

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Nobody wants ants in their home, but everyone deals with them at some point. The summer heat is essentially a giant invitation for ants to come inside the home. That doesn’t mean your home is filthy; rather, it just proves that ants have a willpower to survive. Typically, people use chemical ant treatments to get rid of these pests, but spraying them increases the presence of harmful pesticides and chemicals in the home. Fortunately, there is another way to get rid of ants. 

Before you reach for the natural alternative to chemical sprays and traps, you have to make the home unappealing to ants. Check kitchen cabinets and pantry shelves for crumbs or open food sources and seal them up if they aren’t infested. Keep the sink and food preparation areas clean and free of food scraps or waste. Check the baseboards, windows, and doors and seal them up with the appropriate caulk. Lastly, wash the insides of garbage bins or recycling containers and keep pet bowls free of food. 

Essential Oils Repel Ants

Believe it or not, essential oils help repel ants because they have powerful aromas. The strong fragrances are pungent and ants don’t like them because they interfere with pheromones that ants use for coordination. Essential oils basically mask pheromone trails, and that deters ants from entering the home. You cannot just use any essential oil, though. There are specific essential oils that are more effective than others. Some of the most effective ones are detailed below. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is high in menthol, which is beneficial for sore throats, headaches, and clogged nasal passageways. It is also an effective ant eliminator because they dislike the minty aroma. Some studies found that it also repels lice, mosquitos, fleas, moths, and spiders. 

Citronella Essential Oil

Mosquitos, spiders, and ants all hate citronella. The aroma confuses their navigation, making it impossible for ants to coordinate. Laboratory tests found that citronella essential oil effectively killed 50% of the ants within 30 minutes after they encountered it. Furthermore, it killed 100% of the ants after 24 hours. 

Clove Essential Oil

You have to be careful when using clove essential oil because too much can harm human senses. This is why you must properly dilute it before using it in the home. Similar to peppermint essential oil, clove essential oil interferes with pheromone trails that ants use to coordinate their movements. Several studies found that it is also effective at killing ants when sprayed on them.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is very similar to citronella, which is effective against mosquitos and ants. According to anecdotal reports, it also works to repel ants. It’s also included in various insect-repelling candles, which confirms its efficacy against ants. Apply this to an area that ants have infested and they’ll be out of there or dead within a day. 

Tea Tree Oil

Last, but certainly not least, is tea tree oil. Not only can tea tree oil eliminate the scent of ant trails and put a halt to infestations, but the oil can also kill ants when they encounter it. The combination of tea tree oil with peppermint essential oil suppresses scents and kills ants within 24 hours. 

DIY Ant-Killing Spray

Ingredients:

• 6 drops each citronella, clove, eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint essential oils
• Distilled water
• 8-ounce spray bottle

Instructions:

• Remove the nozzle from the spray bottle and add six drops of each essential oil to it. 
• Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, screw on the top, and shake to combine.
• Make sure that you shake the bottle before each use. You can spray this near windows, doors, or any place that you see ants. 
• Spray as often as necessary. 

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The arrival of warmer weather and longer days announces spring. At the same time, spring ushers in a series of seasonal allergies. For many people, spring or fall consist of lots of sneezing, itching, and congestion. What can be done to make sure that you don’t experience these symptoms? 

Around 50 million Americans suffer from some form of allergies. A lot of people have allergies that require medical care, but milder allergic reactions can be remedied with simple solutions. Even people with more severe allergies can also benefit from numerous home remedies. It’s possible to get rid of congestion, water eyes, itchy eyes, sinus irritation, or headaches with natural ingredients. You’ll learn more about how to do that in this article. 

What Are Allergies?

Health experts define an allergy as a bodily reaction to an antigen in response to initial exposure. Pathological immunological reactions like sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, or skin rashes can also indicate an allergy. In simpler terms, an allergy indicates that the immune system is hypersensitive to an allergen. Many common allergens include dust, particular foods, pollen, animal fur, or mold. 

An allergic reaction occurs when the body responds to allergens. The body produces histamine, which is its way of counteracting the allergen. That’s why you can experience allergy symptoms. Seasonal allergies, also called rhinitis or hay fever, typically worsen when pollen levels increase, i.e. during a change of seasons. This following home remedies should come to your aid when you experience those milder seasonal allergies. 

The Neti Pot

If you have a runny nose or feel any sinus congestion, the neti pot can come to the rescue. Fill this pot with a saline solution that will help flush out the nasal cavity. Not only does it loosen mucus, but it also helps get rid of allergens or irritants. This is a classic practice in Ayurvedic medicine, so people have been doing it for hundreds of years. Create a saline solution with filtered water and salt (the exact recipe will vary). Tilt your head sideways so that your right ear is facing the ground. Pour the solution into your left nostril, breathe through your mouth, and allow it to drain out your right nostril. Once you are done, complete on the other side. 

Keep Indoor Air Clean

Believe it or not, indoor air can be worse than outdoor air at times. It also happens to be the perfect place for allergens to irritate you. Consider purchasing indoor plants to help improve air quality in the home. Keep the air dry with a dehumidifier and use air conditioning, if you have it. Make sure to change your air conditioning filters so that you aren’t recycling dust particles. Lastly, vacuum carpets and keep floors clean to minimize dust accumulation.

HEPA Filters

To piggyback off of the aforementioned tip, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters help keep indoor air clean. They trap more pet dander, airborne irritants, dust, and allergens better than the average filter. There are portable air cleaners with HEPA filters that help purify the air in single rooms or confined spaces. Consider placing one in the room in your house where you spend most of your time. The bedroom is a great place for a portable air cleaner. It may even help you sleep better.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

If you experience sinus congestion and want to clear the nasal passageways, you need eucalyptus essential oil in your life. Research studies found that the antibacterial properties of eucalyptus essential oil help combat allergens or bacteria in the nostrils. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties and menthol-like sensation you get after inhalation can make breathing easier. You can drop a few drops in a warm bath, steamy shower, or in a diffuser to aid breathing.

Eat Probiotics

If your immune system is functioning at a higher capacity, it’s easier to fight off foreign invaders or irritants that enter the body. One of the best ways to improve immune function is by promoting healthier gut flora. According to research, the more beneficial bacteria that exist in the gut, the better you are at defending against viruses, allergies, and infections. When choosing probiotics, it’s best to opt for soil-based organisms. Fermented foods are some of the best sources of probiotics!

Herbal Teas

Tea seems to nourish the soul, and your sinuses if you are experiencing allergies. The steam from the tea isn’t the only thing that’s beneficial. Peppermint tea, for example, contains menthol, which acts as a decongestant and expectorant. If your allergies cause mucus buildup or hardened mucus, peppermint can help clear it out. Green tea also contains powerful antioxidants that help prevent mild allergic reactions. A little tip: don’t drink chamomile tea if you have spring allergies because it can cause reactions if you are allergic to ragweed. 

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People love their pillows and mattresses, but they are probably the least clean items in the home. Chances are that people don’t even think about washing pillows or cleaning mattresses. Considering that people spend an average of six to eight hours on their mattresses every night, they deserve regular cleaning, right? That’s the hope, but it’s unfortunately not a reality.

Sheets and mattress protectors can keep a mattress clean to a certain degree, but dead skin cells, hair, sweat, body oils, and dust eventually make their way onto it. All of that sounds gross, doesn’t it? Sorry, but we are not the perfect creatures we think we are, and we need to put in a little effort to keep the house, and the things in them, clean. One of the ways to prevent the mattress from becoming a bacterial haven, and to keep it clean and odor-free, is to use a mattress spray.

What Are Dust Mites?

These microscopic, insect-like pests love dust, in case the name didn’t give that away. They feed on pet dander, dead skin cells, and all of the other tiny particles that comprise dust. Dust mites can actually cause severe allergic reactions, and they can even worsen respiratory symptoms like asthma. They love fabrics or upholstered items, including carpets, curtains, furniture, bedding, stuffed animals, and mattresses. The scary thing is that roughly 10,000 dust mites can exist in one square meter in your average home. 

In order to prevent them from accumulating in your home, it’s wise to keep all of your fabric or upholstered items clean and fresh. Since most people neglect their mattresses, we’re putting a bigger emphasis on that for this article. 

How To Deter Dust Mites From Mattresses:

Before you even decide to clean your mattress, remove all of the bedding and throw it in the wash. When the weather permits, open the windows and allow fresh air into your home. Dust and dust mites easily accumulate in a house with stagnant air that doesn’t circulate. While the sheets are in the wash, it’s time to clean the mattress, which means you bust out the DIY mattress spray recipe below. Spray it onto the mattress and it will help absorb the odors, deter dust mites, and keep the mattress smelling fresh. Allow your mattress at least two hours to fully absorb the spray. After this time, vacuum the top of the mattress and then put your sheets back on. 

The Ingredients

Lavender Essential Oil

A calming essential oil that exhibits powerful antibacterial properties. You may also find that the scent helps promote relaxation, contributing to sounder, more peaceful slumber. 

Distilled White Vinegar

This mild disinfectant helps to deodorize fabrics and works to clean surfaces. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

The minty aroma is not only refreshing, but it also works to repel insects. This is excellent news if you have dust mites!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This essential oil is beneficial for the respiratory system, working to improve airways for optimal breathing. It also has air-purifying properties, and it may help to cleanse surfaces. 

DIY Mattress Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water (boiled and then cooled)
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 8 drops lavender essential oil
• 8 drops peppermint essential oil
• 500ml spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour the water and vinegar into the spray bottle and then add the essential oils.
• Screw the top on the bottle and shake it vigorously to combine. 
• Spray this mixture directly on the mattress and let it remain there for a couple hours. Remember to shake the bottle before each use. 

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Don’t you hate it when a guy walks by and leaves behind a trail of pungent chemicals that seem to singe your nostril hairs? The correct and only answer to that question is: yes. Don’t get caught up in fancy glass bottles and cologne commercials with famous actors. Take control of your scent by making your own cologne with all-natural essential oils.

If you want to smell like a woodsy lumberjack who just finished building a log cabin, use essential oils. If you want to smell like freshly cut cedar, freedom, and crisp pine needles, use essential oils. Don’t be ashamed if you want your cologne to smell like frosty mornings or the salty ocean air. Own the scent you desire and wear it with confidence.

Manly Essential Oils

Peppermint Essential Oil

The minty aroma of peppermint essential oil is not only enchanting, but also beneficial for calming the mind and relieving fatigue. In addition to smelling minty fresh, you’ll also help promote mental clarity and decongest your sinuses.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil gives off a woodsy aroma, and it’ll make whoever’s around you feel cozy and safe, as though they are snuggling by a warm fire. It’s a sweeter oil that has been used for thousands of years, especially in spiritual and religious traditions. Sandalwood helps to improve memory, reduce stress, and stimulate concentration.

Lemon Essential Oil

The beautiful refreshing scent of lemon essential oil will have you smelling like you just emerged from harvesting fruit in a citrus orchard.  The citrus tang of lemon essential oil blends well with numerous essential oils, including lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree. Lemon essential oil is also great for uplifting spirits and decongesting sinuses!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Used both medicinally and cosmetically, eucalyptus essential oil emits an earthy aroma to accentuate your rugged side. It has an herbaceous essence, so you’ll smell fresh and clean as well. Eucalyptus essential oil helps to clear the sinuses and is beneficial for the respiratory system.

DIY Men’s Essential Oil Cologne Recipes

DIY All Natural Men’s Cologne

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 16 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a two-ounce glass spray bottle, screw on the top, and shake vigorously to combine.
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Screw the top back on and shake well.
• When ready to use, spray away and start smelling great.

If this essential oil blend isn’t for you, here are some other great DIY men’s essential oil cologne recipes.

LumberJack Blend

• 8 drops rosemary essential oil
• 20 drops Northern Lights black spruce essential oil
• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil

Forest Blend

• 12 drops juniper essential oil
• 12 drops cypress essential oil
• 12 drops pine essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Mr. Minty Blend

• 16 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops spearmint essential oil
• 10 drops vetiver essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil

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The post DIY Men’s Essential Oil Cologne Recipes appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The arrival of the coronavirus has led to extreme panic buying. If you visited a store lately, you probably noticed the empty shelf spaces where toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, hand soap, and various cleaning products used to be. There’s no reason to fret, though, because there are plenty of DIY alternatives that are just as effective and less harmful to your health that commercial products.

Perhaps you are loyal to brands like Clorox, Lysol, or other leading names in the world of cleaning products. Catherine Roberts, associate health editor at Consumer Reports, said that commercial disinfecting products contain harmful chemicals that are EPA registered pesticides. These chemicals can actually trigger asthma attacks in young children, so it is best to avoid them and opt for other DIY alternatives. As it turns out, the coronavirus is not very hardy, meaning that it can easily be destroyed by a variety of disinfectants, according to Dr. John Swartzberg, an expert on infectious diseases and professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health.

Don’t Use Vodka Or Distilled White Vinegar

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that people should use alcohol that is 70% alcohol to properly disinfect surfaces. Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is an effective disinfectant, so long as you purchase the type with 70% alcohol. Sorry to burst your bubble, but vodka should not be used to clean surfaces. The alcohol concentration is only 40%, meaning that it is not high enough to kill viruses. That being said, 140 proof or higher grain-free alcohols, including Everclear (190 proof) or Spirytus vodka (192 proof), are available in certain states. If you use alcohol, it must be 140 proof or higher! As for the people who use distilled white vinegar as a cleaning product, reports say that there is no evidence that it is effective against coronavirus.  

Rubbing alcohol products that are at least 70% alcohol will kill the coronavirus. It is important that you do not dilute the alcohol when cleaning. Keep in mind that it is safe for all surfaces, but it can discolor certain plastics. The following DIY disinfectant uses 70% isopropyl alcohol.

DIY Disinfectant Spray

Ingredients:

• 14 ounces 70% isopropyl alcohol
• ½ teaspoon hydrogen peroxide
• 30 drops tea tree oil
• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions:

• Fill a 16-ounce spray bottle with 14 ounces of 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the bottle, screw the top on, and shake well to combine.

How To Use:

• Pre-clean a surface.
• Shake up the disinfectant spray bottle each time before you use it.
• Spray directly on doorknobs, countertops, faucets, or desks and wipe with a cloth.
• If you are using on electrical items like remote controls or light switches, spray on a cloth first and then wipe the surface.
• Allow surfaces to air dry.

In case you don’t trust the cleaning solution in this article, the Environmental Protection Agency’s website has a list of items that can fight the novel coronavirus. The CDC’s website also has recommendations for products that can clean contaminated surfaces effectively.

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