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

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

Does Lavender Promote Sleep?

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

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

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

Where Do You Apply The Bedtime Balm?

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

DIY Bedtime Balm

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

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Everyone has their day in the sun during summer. Some people are less fortunate than others and go home looking like freshly boiled lobsters. You’ve seen that bright red skin that stands out from 100 feet away. Although sun exposure is beneficial, sunburn is not. When the skin is burnt to a bright red, you need immediate relief. The soothing sunburn ice cubes in this article can help promote faster healing and provide relief. 

As a quick note, it’s important for everyone to lather up with a skin-safe sunscreen when going out in the sun. If you plan to stay in the sun for long periods of time, make sure to seek shade when possible, hydrate all day long, and reapply sunscreen every couple hours. That may not seem like the most fun thing to remember, but it can help keep your skin safe. For when you let yourself cook a little longer in the direct sunlight and get burnt, you will need to soothe the skin immediately.

Sunburn Soothing Ice Cubes

There are many cooling sprays, after sun gels, lotions, and other natural remedies that can help soothe sunburns. They only last for so long in the fridge before they go bad, though. They are easy to make, but you still have to spend the time to prepare them. Why not have something that won’t go bad and is always cooling and soothing? 

Aloe vera is a great plant to have at your house. It is a low-maintenance succulent and the gel inside the plant has soothing properties that can help accelerate the recovery of sunburns. Researchers note that aloe vera contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe inflamed skin. 

Regarding the soothing ice cubes, many experts do not recommend placing ice on sunburns. The reason for this is because the cold acts as a vasoconstrictor, which reduces blood flow to the area and slows healing time. If you add vasodilating herbs to the ice cubes, though, they can help increase blood flow and solve that issue. Plus, you get the cooling relief from the frozen cubes. 

Comfrey

This plant stimulates tissue repair and works to help the body form healthy skin cells. It is also beneficial for sore joints and damaged skin. Studies have shown that comfrey can help soothe and heal damaged skin. And just like marshmallow root, which is also in these soothing sunburn cubes, comfrey is a demulcent that helps provide a protective barrier over tissues. 

Lavender

Lavender is an all-around soothing herb that is especially gentle on the skin. It lends itself to a variety of DIY skin care products, so a lot of DIY enthusiasts keep lavender essential oil on hand. Lavender may help disinfect wounds and cuts and acts as an analgesic to soothe pain. It is frequently applied to burns to help soothe the skin and promote faster healing. Lavender also helps to increase circulation to the skin, which accelerates recovery time. 

Calendula

Calendula is very similar to lavender, in that it is a great all-around herb. It is very gentle and great for all skin types. Many studies confirm that it can help soothe inflammation and reduce the severity of cuts, burns, sunburns, rashes, and cuts. Calendula may also help move lymphatic fluid and improve blood circulation.

Marshmallow

Slippery marshmallow works to coat and cool irritated skin, while simultaneously adding moisture. The roots, flowers, and leaves of marshmallow root all exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. You can use leaves and flowers for the cubes (below) or you can use the roots.

Peppermint

Peppermint has a natural cooling effect, making it a great addition to soothing sunburn cubes. The mint plant is also a vasodilator, which stimulates circulation and helps create a warming feeling. If you combine mint with cool or cold ingredients, it feels refreshing on the skin. 

Herbal Ice Cubes To Soothe Sunburns

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water 
• 1 tablespoon each: lavender flowers, comfrey leaf, peppermint leaf, marshmallow root, and calendula flowers
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel

Instructions:

• Pour the water into a small pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. 
• Add the herbs to the pot, cover with a lid, and remove from heat. Allow the herbs to steam for 15 minutes. 
• Strain the herbs out, which will leave you with about one and three-quarter cups of tea. Put that herbal tea in the fridge to cool. 
• Once the herbal tea is no longer hot, add the aloe vera gel and stir to combine. Pour this mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. 
• Pop out an ice cube after coming home with a sunburn and apply it to the affected area. You can wrap the ice cube in a paper towel if you need to.

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Making your own beauty or skin care products does not mean your home has to look like a science experiment. You don’t need beakers of sweet almond oil, gallons of olive oil, tubs of shea butter, and essential oil dropper bottles around the house. A few simple ingredients can take you far on your journey toward a more natural skin care routine. The homemade facial moisturizer in this article is an easy entry point, provided you’ve been looking to get started.

Oils Moisturizing 101

To moisturize with oils may be counterintuitive for some people, especially if you have oily skin. Well, we are about to change your life. Your skin is most likely oily because it doesn’t get the moisture it requires. It likely over-produces oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. Before you just dunk your hand in a vat of oil, though, keep in mind that certain oils benefit facial skin, while others do not. That isn’t to say you cannot use them on your body, but facial skin is delicate and requires the right ingredients. 

Start With Your Base Oil

Before we get started on your base oil, just keep in mind that you should never moisturize a dirty face. Always cleanse your face in some way before you moisturize. Your base oil is your carrier oil, which makes up two-thirds of the facial moisturizer. Great carrier oils for all skin types are argan oil and jojoba oil. Not only are both of these oils very light and nourishing, but they are easily absorbed by the skin, so they don’t leave a greasy residue. Other oils you can choose from include:

• Apricot kernel oil: Great for any skin type, especially dry, normal, or aging skin.
• Sweet almond oil: This is an all-around great oil for the skin, but it takes a little longer to sink in than others.
• Avocado oil: Great for dry or aging skin. 
• Grapeseed oil: Great for oily, normal, or acne-prone skin.

Extra Nourishing Oils

For your second ingredient, you want to add a nourishing oil that builds on the benefits of your base oil. Some of these oils come with a hefty price tag, but they last a long time and have the benefits to boot. Here are some ideas for nourishing oils to add to your moisturizer:

• Rosehip seed oil: Known for its firming and anti-aging abilities, this oil is incredibly regenerating and great for dry and aging skin.
• Evening primrose oil: Whether you have acne-prone, normal, aging, or oily skin, this oil can help even out complexion and fight acne. 
• Tamanu oil: This is a wonderful oil for oily or acne-prone skin, or even skin with lots of scars. 
• Carrot seed oil: You don’t need a lot of this oil, which is superb for any skin type. 
• Sea buckthorn oil: A powerfully nourishing that benefits people with aging or dry skin. 

Add Your Essentials

Essential oils are potent, so a little goes a long way. There are so many essential oils with varying benefits, so it can be hard to choose which one to add to your DIY skin care products. Some are more intense, so always do a patch test on your arm and wait 24 hours to see if you develop a reaction before applying to the face. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin, as they require dilution to reduce intensity. Some great essential oils include:

• Chamomile essential oil: This is wonderfully soothing and great for all skin types, but it can be a bit expensive.
• Rose essential oil: A fairly inexpensive essential oil, rose is great for dry, normal, or aging skin. It is also possible to find this mixed with jojoba oil. 
• Lavender essential oil: Great for acne-prone, oily, or dry skin, lavender is quite healing, but just remember that a little goes a long way.
• Peppermint essential oil: great for oily or acne-prone skin, peppermint is very astringent, so it may tingle the skin. 
• Lemongrass essential oil: This oil may help brighten and tone the skin, and is beneficial for oily or normal skin. 

Homemade Facial Moisturizer

Ingredients:

• Base oil (such as argan oil or jojoba oil)
• Nourishing oil (such as rosehip seed oil or tamanu oil)
• 4-7 drops essential oil of choice

Instructions:

• Fill a small four-ounce bottle two-thirds of the way full with your base oil. 
• Add your bonus nourishing oil until the bottle is just about full. If you use carrot seed oil, just put a few drops in. 
• Add four to seven drops of essential oil, screw on the cap, and shake well to combine. Make sure to shake the bottle before every use. 
• Keep the moisturizer in an amber-glass bottle in a cool, dark place for eight to 12 months.

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If you start to feel a stuffy nose, you likely know what lies ahead. Before long, you feel a lot of sinus pressure and you cannot drain them properly. Perhaps you feel a headache from either the intense nose blowing or general congestion. You most likely have a sinus infection, or one has begun to brew. 

What Is A Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is the inflammation of tissues in the sinuses. Your sinuses are the spaces in your forehead, cheeks, and nose typically filled with air. A sinus infection can cause facial pain, stuffy or runny nose, and occasional fever. More often than not, you can attribute a sinus infection to the common cold, but other viruses, fungi, bacteria, and allergies can cause sinusitis. 

If you experience long-term sinus infections, then you may have forgotten what it’s like to breathe properly. Is one nostril always clogged? There is no need to live with blocked sinuses, especially when there are many natural remedies that can relieve sinus pressure. 

Is It Sinusitis, COVID-19, A Cold, Or An Allergy?

Colds, allergies, sinus infections, and COVID-19 have very similar symptoms. The common cold typically builds, peaks, and then slowly disappears. It can last anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks. Nasal allergies cause itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip. Allergies don’t tend to cause the same facial pain the sinus infections do. Additionally, COVID-19 tends to cause symptoms like shortness of breath and fever. 

If you want to avoid over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and experiment with natural remedies to help promote healthy sinuses, experiment with essential oils. The following remedies can help with nasal decongestion. 

Steam Inhalation 

This blend works to promote drainage and helps clear out the sinuses. In order to do this, you’ll need to follow the recipe below. 

Ingredients:

• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• A blow of hot, steaming water

Instructions:

• Five to 10 minutes before you engage in this natural remedy, clear your nasal passages by blowing your nose. You can use a xylitol-based sinus spray to enhance the clearing if you want. 
• Add your essential oils to a large, non-reactive bowl filled with boiling water. 
• Grab a large towel, cover your head with it, and lean over the bowl, allowing the towel to create a tent over the bowl.
  Keep your eyes closed and inhale the steam vapors for five to 10 minutes. Repeat several times per day. 

The Cajeput Bath

Cajeput essential oil is distilled from the branches and leaves of the cajeput tree. This is a subtype of melaleuca, which is indigenous to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a strong, antiseptic oil that can directly combat sinusitis, especially when inhaled via steam vapors.

Ingredients:

• 6 drops cajeput essential oil
• 1 tbsp jojoba oil

Instructions:

• Add the cajeput essential oil and jojoba oil to a small glass bowl and stir to combine. 
• Draw a warm bath and add the oil mixture to the running water. The water doesn’t have to be very hot. 
• Soak in the bath for 15 minutes and repeat this treatment once per day until symptoms subside. 

Warm Compress

For this remedy, you essentially soak a cloth in warm water that contains various essential oils. You then drape that soaked cloth over the nose and sinus area for as long as you desire. This should help clear the nasal passages. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 drop of each eucalyptus, peppermint, pine, tea tree, and lavender essential oils
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 clean piece of cloth

Instructions:

• Pour one cup of warm water in a non-reactive bowl and stir in the essential oils. 
• Soak your cloth in the bowl of infused water. Wring out enough water so the cloth doesn’t drip. 
• Place the cloth over your nose and sinus area for as long as you want. Repeat often, but be careful to not allow the mixture to drip into your eyes. 

Diffusing Blend

If you are not the type of person to hover your face over a steamy bowl of sinus-cleansing vapors, a sinus relief blend in a diffuser may be more your speed. 

Ingredients:

• 5 drops tea tree oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops thyme essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a diffuser with some water and turn on the diffuser. Make sure that your diffuser can diffuse essential oils before you add them. 
• If you don’t like that blend, you can use the same measurements for marjoram, lavender, and myrtle essential oils, respectively.

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The days are here, friends! You know what days we are talking about, the ones where you sit by the pool, throw a football on the beach, go on the lake, or, quite literally, you soak up the summer sun. There is nothing quite like a lazy summer day in the sun, but you’ll suffer the consequences if you don’t properly care for your skin. 

In your younger years, you probably weren’t as vigilant about sun protection. Once you pass a certain threshold, you understand the importance of skin care, especially if you are going to be in the sun. You also understand that you have to properly care for the skin after sun exposure. You won’t always return home from a day in the sun with a sunburn. You can, however, decrease your risk of sunburn by taking precautions, such as applying sunscreen and finding shade when possible. When you feel like your skin is a little hotter than usual after sun exposure, apply the after sun lotion in this article. 

Green Tea

This after sun lotion contains green tea, which may seem like an unusual ingredient for such a DIY skin care product. Green tea works to reduce inflammation and provides lots of antioxidants and polyphenols that fight sun damage and free radicals. Even if you do not get burnt, these antioxidants can help fight the free radicals that develop from sun exposure. Green tea also works to fight the signs of aging and promotes rejuvenation, which is necessary after sun exposure. 

Aloe Vera Gel

When you think of after sun care, your mind probably goes straight to aloe vera gel. It soothes the skin and helps accelerate recovery from a sunburn. If you put it in the fridge and then apply it to your warm, sunburnt skin, it is a revelation. Most people have used the sap from the aloe plant to soothe skin for centuries. It has an instant cooling effect and works to fight inflammation. Studies have shown that aloe vera also increases cell turnover and promotes new cell growth. Mostly composed of water, aloe vera works to moisturize and nourish the body, enhancing the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss after application.

Essential Oils

Similar to aloe vera, some essential oils, such as peppermint essential oil, provide an instant cooling effect when topically applied to the skin. Peppermint essential oil helps to draw heat out of the body, which is necessary if you have a sunburn. Finally, the lavender essential oil in this after sun lotion has a soothing scent that helps to calm the mind and body. It also works to clean the skin’s surface, reduce inflammation, and lessen pain. 

After Sun Lotion

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
• 1/3 cup pure aloe vera gel
• 25 drops vitamin E oil
• 25 drops peppermint essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil and beeswax pellets to a small saucepan over medium low heat. Stir frequently until fully melted and clear.
• Add the matcha powder and stir to combine. Allow the matcha to steep in the oil and beeswax mixture for one hour over very low heat. 
• Pour the matcha-infused oil mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a heat-safe bowl. 
• Add the remaining ingredients to the same bowl and whisk all of the ingredients together by hand or with an electric mixer. 
• Once you have thoroughly whisked the ingredients, pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool at room temperature. This will take some time. 
• When the mixture is cool, you can use it immediately. If you want to go the extra mile to have a fluffy consistency, you can pour the mixture back into a bowl and whisk with an electric mixture. 
• Store the after sun lotion in a glass jar in the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible. This will also enhance the cooling effects of some of the ingredients in the after sun lotion.

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If there is anything better than a soothing, warm bath, it is an upgraded bath infused with intention and a ritualistic touch. We are, of course, referring to spiritual baths, and this article details how to draw one for yourself and how they benefit you. Plus, we provide five recipes to get you started on the right foot.

What Is A Spiritual Bath?

A spiritual bath, or ritual bath as some people call it, is the idea of coupling a hot bath with intention. By submerging the body into the water and your intent, you can get more out of your relaxing experience. This practice dates back to the days of Ancient Egypt, Greece, Israel, and India. Even modern-day baptisms use this practice that has taken place throughout human history.

The great thing about spiritual baths is that you can do them on your own. It doesn’t have to be a large demonstration; on the contrary, it can be a beautiful, solitary experience. In addition to the ingredients you add to the water, you can incorporate soul-nourishing or spiritual tools that you enjoy. Do your best to avoid any chemical products, including shampoo, conditioner, shower gels, or bubbly soaps. Instead, opt for Epsom salt, essential oils, herbs, and other natural ingredients. A saltwater soak is also a powerful way to cleanse the body’s energy.

The Purpose Of Spiritual Baths

A spiritual bath is a bath that refreshes the body and soul. It is easy to look at it like this: you feel one way before a bath and another way once you step out of it. That “cleansed” feeling goes beyond the feeling of a clean body. You often feel renewed and relaxed after a bath, so incorporating intention and a spiritual element can enhance the total experience.

What is the “purpose” of a spiritual bath, then? If anything, your intention determines the bath’s purpose. Generally speaking, the purpose is to allow yourself the time and space to be mindful and present in your body. During your bath, you can allow the internal and energetic healing that comes from that space to work with you. Cleansing is healing and inspiring, which is potentially why spiritual baths can have a grounding effect. 

How To Create A Spiritual Bath

Anybody can add ingredients to a bath and soak in it for a given amount of time. To create the perfect spiritual bath, we suggest you use the following instructions:

• Declutter your space and clean the bathtub before you draw the bath. The energy of the tub should be pure and fresh. 
• Fill the tub with water at your desired temperature. You can bring candles into the bathroom and light them around the tub. 
• Add two handfuls of bath salts, either Epsom or Himalayan. You can also use homemade bath salt infusions. 
• If you want essential oils, drop a few drops into the bath, but make sure you don’t add them freely. Too many drops can irritate the skin.
• While you soak in the bath, aim to gather your thoughts and think positively. You can recite a mantra or intention, or repeat positive affirmations in a meditative state. A gratitude practice is also excellent during a spiritual bath. 

5 Spiritual Bath Teas

Spiritual bath teas involve ingredients that complete your intentions and affirmations. Each combination gives a different spiritual cleanse, making each bath unique. Here are some combinations to enhance your baths. 

Beauty Cleanse

Ground oats work to soothe skin, providing relief from irritation and inflammation. Their saponins can also absorb dirt and oil, which helps clean your pores. Add one or two cups of ground oats to your bath with optional orange essential oil. Massage the oats into your skin to rid yourself of dirt and negative energy. During this bath, use the affirmation, “I am beautiful in mind, body, and spirit.”

Abundance Bath

Smudge your tub with white sage and add some bay leaves, chamomile, and about one cup of Himalayan salt to the tub. Bring your citrine and place it on your tub, visualizing the things you want to attract more of into your life. During this bath, consider the affirmation, “I am a magnet for everything I desire.”

The Full Moon Bath

Wind down for the evening and make this bath the focal point of your night. Grab a pen and paper and write out a list of things you want to let go of, from beliefs to build-up stress. Take that list, rip it up, and throw it in the trash. Pour in a few drops of lavender essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil and about a cup or so of Epsom salt. Place your favorite crystals around the tub to purify the energy. You don’t need an affirmation for this bath because the goal of it should be to release everything and begin anew. 

New Moon Cleanse

Grab your Epsom salt, lavender essential oil, and maqui berry powder for this cleansing bath. Stir the ingredients and your bathwater will turn a dark blue hue. Place your amethyst and clear quartz crystals around the tub, along with a few of your favorite candles. Enter the bath setting new intentions for the coming week. Repeat the affirmation, “I have the power to create my reality.”

Lavender Love Cleanse

This bath helps you harness self-love and energy to reinvigorate yourself. Use rose petals, lavender essential oil, and about one cup of Epsom salt for this bath. Bring rose quartz crystals and place them around the tub. During this bath, you can use the affirmation, “I love myself unconditionally.”

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When the weather is cold and the air is dry, it is very common to experience dry, itchy skin. This is especially true if you run the heater in your house during the winter. Staying warm is essential, but transitioning from the cold, dry air outside to the warm, dry air inside contributes to itching and dryness. That’s why moisturizers are necessary, but using the right one will change how you feel in your own skin. 

If you regularly moisturize, you probably know that you use more during the winter. Besides the outdoor and indoor air, the heavier clothing you wear in the winter can cause significant chafing. Maybe you reapply your moisturizer, only to feel dry again in an hour. Fortunately, there is a remedy in the form of the DIY body oil recipe in this article. Using a body oil in place of your typical lotion or moisturizer will help soothe dry or itchy skin and make your skin feel silky smooth. How does this DIY body oil do that? The ingredients nourish your skin and help it retain water, and you can learn more about how they do that below. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil differs from extra virgin coconut oil in that it goes through a process that makes it remain liquid at room temperature. Extra virgin coconut oil is usually solid at room temperature, unless it is in a warm environment. Fractionated coconut oil is made by separating different types of fats in regular coconut oil, and two medium-chain fatty acids remain. It is one of the most versatile carrier oils available and absorbs quickly into the skin. It helps to seal moisture into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil exhibits numerous health benefits for the hair and skin. It is especially beneficial for people with dry skin, itchy skin, eczema, or psoriasis. Derived from vitamin E, vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the skin or added to lotions, creams, or gels. It exhibits antioxidant properties that may fight inflammation and other properties that enhance moisture. Vitamin E oil is a common additive to moisturizers because it helps prevent dry, flaky skin. Some studies suggest that vitamin E oil provides temporary relief from itching caused by dry skin. Additionally, one study suggests that topical application of vitamin E oil may improve psoriasis symptoms. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Dry skin can overproduce sebum, the skin’s natural oil, to compensate for the dryness. That can lead to clogged pores and blemishes. Lavender essential oil exhibits antibacterial properties that can help kill acne-causing bacteria that may inhabit your pores. It also works to moisturize the skin and is non-comedogenic for pores. It is also an anti-inflammatory superstar, working to soothe irritated or reddened skin from the sun. 

Tea Tree Oil

Dry skin is no laughing matter and it can increase the risk of cracking, flaking, or even bleeding if you scratch too much. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe dry skin. The best way to enhance moisture with tea tree oil is to mix it with a carrier oil and then apply it to the skin. Tea tree oil is very potent, so don’t apply it directly to the skin, as that may cause further irritation. 

DIY Body Oil With Lavender

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 40 drops tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 8-ounce jar with lid

Instructions:

• Pour the fractionated coconut oil into a mixing cup and then add the tea tree oil and vitamin E oil. 
• Finally, drop in the lavender essential oil and stir well to combine the oils. Pour this mixture into a clean eight-ounce jar and screw on the lid. 
• If you have a little left over, treat your skin well right away!
• This is a wonderful body oil to use right after you shower. Make sure to shake up the oil before you massage it gently into the skin while your skin is still moist.

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If you are a parent, or someone with sensitive skin, you probably look at the ingredient lists of skin care products with a critical eye. Fragrances are just as suspect as natural flavors. The last thing you want to do is apply a skin care product that leaves your skin itchy, dry, or irritated. Because finding safe, natural products can be a challenge, making your own skin care products is often the best choice. Such is the case for this all-natural homemade baby lotion.

DIY skin care products are having a moment because more and more people prefer natural ingredients to harmful chemicals. Some people think that making skin care products is too much of a commitment. There are some recipes that take a lot of time to make, but a recipe like this homemade baby lotion is quite simple. Although it isn’t so easy that a baby could make it, the lotion is perfectly safe for sensitive skin and babies. Continue reading to learn how the ingredients are perfectly safe for sensitive skin.

A Quick Note: make sure to do a patch test of each of the ingredients on your baby prior to using it regularly. If there is no reaction within 24 hours, the ingredient is generally safe for use. 

Cocoa Butter

High in fatty acids, cocoa butter has a creamy texture that the skin can easily absorb. It melts at body temperature and can be a great option if the baby has dry skin. If the baby has oily skin, cocoa butter may not be a great option, as it can be too heavy and oily for their skin type. Cocoa butter contains a lot of antioxidants, which work to fight free radicals that can cause early signs of aging. These antioxidants also help protect the skin and keep it as healthy as possible. Cocoa butter also contains cocoa mass polyphenol, a substance that inhibits the production of immunoglobulin (IgE), which aggravates symptoms of eczema. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and is a completely safe ingredient to help protect your baby’s delicate skin. Skin experts concur that coconut oil is an easily accessible remedy for a range of skin and hair issues in both babies and people with sensitive skin. Coconut oil contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help moisturize the skin and provide a protective barrier, keeping the baby’s skin safe from dryness. Plus, coconut oil contains vitamin E, which plays an important role in skin repair and the prevention of premature wrinkles.

Vitamin E Oil

As a natural antioxidant, vitamin E oil works to neutralize free radicals. Your little one is probably not too concerned with early signs of aging, though. The main reason that this homemade baby lotion contains vitamin E oil is because it helps form a barrier between the skin and the environment. That helps to seal in moisture and protect the skin from things like sun damage.

Homemade Baby Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup organic cocoa butter
• 1/4 cup organic coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp vitamin E oil
• 3 drops therapeutic grade lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Place the cocoa butter and coconut oil in a heat-safe glass measuring cup. Place the measuring cup in a small saucepan with an inch or two of water in it. 
• Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat down to a low simmer. Stir the cocoa butter and coconut oil frequently until melted. 
• Once fully melted, remove from heat and then stir in vitamin E oil and optional lavender essential oil. 
• Place the measuring cup in the fridge and remove once the mixture has hardened. 
• Remove from the fridge and whip the mixture with a hand mixer with one whisk attached. It will take about five minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Scoop into a glass jar, screw on the lid, and then store in a cool, dark place. Use when ready.

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If your hair is as feisty as your attitude, it may require a detangler so that you can brush it with ease. The last thing you want to do is aggressively rake a brush through your hair, pulling out hairs and hurting your scalp in the process. Brush or comb through your hair with ease when you use an all-natural detangler, like the recipe detailed in this article. 

Why Make Your Own Detangler?

Not only is making your own detangler cost effective over time, but it also allows you to control the ingredients. Controlling the ingredients benefits you in two ways because you get to cater to your hair’s needs and avoid harmful chemicals. The average detangler that you find in the store contains some seriously problematic ingredients. Some of those ingredients are detailed below: 

• Dmdm Hydantoin: As an antibacterial formaldehyde releaser preservative, dmdm hydantoin is a known immune toxicant and allergen. 
• Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: Strong evidence suggests that this human toxicant or allergen is also an environmental toxin. 
• Fragrance: When you see “fragrance” on a label, it means that the company doesn’t have to divulge what is in that signature blend. Typically, fragrances contain known immune system allergens or toxins. 
• Cetrimonium Chloride: This human skin toxicant or allergen, much like iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, is also a suspected environmental toxin.

After reading about all of those harmful ingredients, it makes sense to use natural ingredients that benefit the hair and skin. We’ll detail why the ingredients in this DIY detangler benefit your hair and skin below. 

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a common ingredient on the lists of many eco-friendly hair care products. It works to give your strands a restorative boost, repairing breakage, soothing the scalp, and controlling dandruff. Jojoba oil actually moisturizes your hair from the inside out, sitting on the surface of the hair shaft. This seals in moisture, even when your hair and scalp are damp after washing. Jojoba oil also promotes thickness, due to its impressive vitamin and mineral content. Vitamins C & E, B-vitamins, and the copper and zinc in jojoba oil not only strengthen your locks, but they also promote thickness and regrowth. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Why should you use apple cider vinegar in hair care products? Besides the researched health benefits, apple cider vinegar is an acidic substance, containing a good amount of acetic acid. Dull, brittle, or frizzy hair tends to be more alkaline or higher on the pH scale, so bringing an acidic substance into the equation can establish a healthier pH balance on the hair. Apple cider vinegar is also rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, which works to exfoliate the scalp and keep dandruff at bay because of its anti-inflammatory nature. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil works to fight against hair loss by increasing circulation to hair follicles. In doing so, lavender essential oil helps contribute to stronger, healthy-looking strands. A lot of people commonly mix lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and massage their hair and scalp to encourage hair growth. Lavender essential oil also works to deep condition your hair, hydrating your strands to help you avoid brittle or frizzy hair. 

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is a common ingredient in both skin and hair care products. In cosmetics, cedarwood essential oil can help soothe inflammation and irritation on the skin. In hair care, cedarwood essential oil helps to cleanse the scalp, removing excess dirt, oily, and dry skin. It also promotes circulation to the scalp and tightens hair follicles, two actions that help stimulate hair growth. Preliminary studies show that cedarwood essential oil may also reduce thinning hair because it slows hair loss. 

DIY Hair Detangler

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2-ounce glass spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into the glass spray bottle, screw on the top, and give it a good shake to combine. 
• Make sure that the bottle is glass and not plastic because essential oils can erode plastic. Additionally, an amber glass is truly the way to go when dealing with essential oils. 
• Shake before each use. Enjoy!

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When warmer weather arrives, so do the bugs. Insects like mosquitoes, flies, ticks, leafhoppers, hornworms, and more flock to your garden to infest your flowers and plants. If you’re sitting around the patio enjoying time with family, you don’t want to worry about bugs biting you every other second. The good news is that you can forget about trying to clap insects to their death mid-flight because there are plants that help repel bugs. 

If you don’t want to inhale the fumes of mosquito candles and torches all summer, you can plant a series of plants around your patio, pool, house, and fence to keep out unwanted pests. In addition to causing itchy bites, mosquitos and other pests can damage your gardens, crops and home. Using plants to repel insects is an eco-friendly solution to your problem. Plus, these plants add both beauty and fragrance to your home and garden. Here is a guide to many common plants that repel insects. 

Geraniums

Geraniums are quite common in patio planters, but you can also pot them or plant them in your garden to naturally repel mosquitos. These flowers not only beautify your garden, but they also release a strong fragrance that mosquitos, flies, and beetles despise. That helps you enjoy your patio or garden without worrying about bites or infestation of the fruits and vegetables in your garden. Plant some geraniums around your garden to keep those pests out. 

Mint

Fresh mint is a great plant to have in your garden because you can harvest some of it to use in culinary applications. It’s very easy to grow and has been proven to repel flies, ants, and mosquitos. It emits a wonderful fragrance and helps deter bugs from infesting other nearby plants. Planting mint near your windows or doorways can help keep irritating insects out of your house. 

Citronella

Don’t want to buy citronella candles or citronella-infused oil for tiki torches? Plant the real citronella plant in your garden or pots near your doors to keep the mosquitos out. The plant itself acts as a natural insecticide, repelling a variety of flying insects, including mosquitos. The plant can grow fairly large, so you may have to keep it under control with your garden scissors from time to time. 

Lemongrass

Similar to citronella, lemongrass gives off a powerful aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Lemongrass is tall, grassy, and ornamental, growing up to four feet tall and three feet wide in one season. Not only does the plant do a great job at repelling mosquitos, but it also adds beautiful greenery to your garden or patio. 

Lavender

Before we get into the insects that lavender repels, it is important to note that lavender blossoms can attract bees. If you are allergic to bees, planting lavender near your patio or doorways may not be the best idea. How does lavender repel bugs? It contains linalool, which is a compound that contributes to the plant’s natural aroma. Other plants also contain linalool, but lavender seems to have the highest content and is the most effective at repelling bugs. You can harvest your lavender and hang some bundles around your patio and indoors.

Marigolds

Marigolds add vibrant colors to your garden or patio planters. Ranging from red and orange to yellow, marigolds make the perfect additions to your vegetable garden bed. They help keep tomato hornworms away, so consider planting them next to your tomato plants. Marigolds are very popular summer plants that also deter plant lice, mosquitos, and even rabbits!

Chrysanthemums

The primary reason that insects avoid chrysanthemums is because the flower contains pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that kills insects. Don’t worry about your furry friends because it is safe for animals. According to research, the list of insects that these flowers repel is quite extensive, including  ants, roaches, silverfish, lice, fleas, spider mites, ticks, bedbugs, and harlequin bugs. Plus, the flowers are just stunning to look at!

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