Dieting during the holidays…is it possible? You bet your life! People have this notion that the holiday season is reserved for overeating and drinking excessive amounts at functions, parties, and work events. Plus, letting loose is often a great way to relieve the inevitable holidays stress or pressure from family and friends. That does not mean that you have to succumb to the temptation of endless holiday treats. 

Most people hold emotional attachments to holiday-specific dishes or treats. It is very common to associate these foods with meaningful memories during the holidays. The holidays are well underway, and there is no time like the present to take action. It will be difficult, but we believe that you have the strength to conquer the holidays while adhering to your diet! The following tips may help you dodge the pressure to overindulge. 

Plan Ahead

This rule truly applies to many things in life, but preparation is essential if you want to avoid failure. If you feel that your surroundings influence you easily, make your surroundings more comfortable. In fact, studies suggest that planning ahead and creating a plan can double your chance of success. If you plan to attend a holiday party, bring a healthy appetizer or dish, in addition to a healthy dessert option. When you know you have healthy food options, you will be less likely to overindulge on unhealthy items. If you are going to travel, make sure to plan ahead by bringing healthy snacks. 

Fill Up On Vegetables

Holiday spreads tend to showcase an assortment of carbs, proteins, and high-calorie desserts. Try your best to load up your holiday plate with as many vegetables and fruits as you can. Not only are they naturally rich in various nutrients, but they are also much lower in calories than other dishes. That doesn’t always apply, especially if you eat green bean casserole and candied yams. When we say “veggies,” we mean fruit salads, leafy greens, carrot sticks, and other sautéed root vegetables. 

Prioritize Your Favorites

There are seasonal treats that everyone looks forward to during the holidays. Maybe your vice is a slice of pumpkin pie or grandma’s homemade cinnamon rolls. There is nothing wrong with a small indulgence, but the trick is choosing the things you truly want to enjoy. If you say “yes” to everything, you are not doing yourself, or your diet efforts, any favors. Use this time of year as an opportunity to prioritize what you love and be strategic about it. That is especially true if you line up at the holiday buffet!

Track Your Calories And Macros

This sounds like an unpleasant chore, but you should keep track of your food intake because treats and alcohol are aplenty this time of year. It is very easy to go overboard with food, but paying attention to how much you consume is the best way to hold yourself accountable. When you input the information into your calorie counter, the results may surprise you. Small indulgences, such as a peppermint mocha latte, can affect your weekly average. Track your daily intake and use weekly averages to help determine whether you are sticking to your diet or not. Don’t punish yourself if you go a little overboard; rather, do your best to get back on the horse and meet your daily goals starting the following day. 

Remember Your “Why”

Weight loss motivation is more powerful than you realize. Remembering why you started your diet in the first place may be all it takes to keep holiday eating in check. If you have a support system, lean on them because they may help you remember why you started your weight loss journey. Remembering your “why” doesn’t mean that you have to eat perfectly. It will, however, remind you to either exercise or balance your indulgence with some healthier options. Change is very difficult, especially in regards to eating habits, and you have to work constantly to maintain your diet. Don’t give up on yourself just because you encounter some obstacles. You are strong and can make the necessary changes to maintain your diet this holiday season.

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If you are familiar with mosquitos, then you probably know about citronella. The plant exhibits an aroma that mosquitos do not like, but the plant is so much more than a natural insect repellent. More importantly, the oil that is extracted from the plant has been used for centuries in China, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. It was primarily used to help reduce the severity of rashes, inflammation, infections, general pain, and more. 

What Is Citronella Oil?

According to research studies, pure citronella essential oil exhibits amazing antibacterial and antifungal properties. The various compounds in this oil may also exhibit the following health benefits: 

• Fights bacteria and fungi
• Helps fight free radical damage
• Naturally repels insects
• Promotes relaxation
• Reduces inflammation

Currently, there are more than 30 species of citronella plants grown widely throughout certain parts of the world. Although there are that many varieties of the plant, there are only two types of citronella used to achieve pure citronella oil. There is the Java type and the Ceylon type, both of which come from parts of Asia, especially in Sri Lanka. Of the two plant types, Java seems to be more powerful, which is why it is usually more expensive. 

Citronella exhibits a similar scent to citrus fruits, wood, and cinnamon. Researchers believe that geraniol, a major constituent of citronella oil, is the active ingredient behind the oil’s health benefits. It may exhibit anthelmintic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, and wound-healing effects. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of citronella oil. 

May Help Manage Inflammation And Pain

One review published in the year 2000 examined 34 different citrus essential oils and their compounds for free radical activity. The researchers noted many citrus volatile components, including the main type, geraniol, found in citronella oil. Geraniol exhibited high antioxidant capabilities, which work to fight free radicals that can cause cell damage. The antioxidant and natural pain-relieving properties may help manage inflammation or painful symptoms like achy joints. 

Acts As A Natural Perfume

The fresh, clean aroma of citronella oil is very similar to lemon or lemongrass, making citronella oil great for soaps, candles, perfumes, and more. A lot of people like to naturally deodorize the home with citronella oil for that reason. You can use a little bit in your dishwasher, refrigerator, laundry machine, and more, placing a few drops in each appliance when you run it. 

Exhibits Natural Antifungal And Antibacterial Properties

Citronella oil may be an effective skin care aid, due to the antifungal and antibacterial properties. Because it acts as both an antifungal and antibacterial agent, citronella oil may benefit common skin complaints, such as acne or athlete’s foot. Other studies found that citronella oil may help get rid of nail fungus and candida. To make a topical citronella spray, always dilute a one to one ratio with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil. 

May Help Destroy Parasites

In vitro research found that geraniol exhibits strong anthelmintic activity, meaning it helps expel worms and parasites. It does this by either stunning or killing them without damaging the host. That is why citronella essential oil is common in parasite cleanses. It may even help prevent external and internal infections from these worms or parasites. 

An All-Natural Insect Repellent

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), citronella is a biopesticide. That means that it is a natural, non-toxic ingredient against potentially harmful insects, such as mosquitos. Since 1948, citronella has been registered as a gentle bug spray repellent in the U.S. Studies found that citronella could repel Aedes aegypti mosquitos, which are capable of spreading Zika and dengue fever. Additional research notes that citronella may be effective against head lice, flies, and ticks. Using citronella oil seems to be more effective at repelling insects than lighting citronella candles or incense sticks. 

May Help Control Pets

This seems like a strange ability, but research shows that citronella oil may get dogs to stop barking. Dog owners may know that certain anti-bark collars contain citronella for that reason. Collars that contain citronella seem to be as effective as electronic collars, and may be viewed in a more positive light. You can also add several drops of citronella oil to a spray bottle full of water and spray it throughout your home. This will deter dogs from climbing or peeing on furniture. It also helps to control pests, bacteria, and odors.

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If there’s one thing that you know about traveling, it’s that food plays a large role. Food in the place(s) you visit can make or break your experience. Because most travel involves hotel stays and different moving elements, your food choices may be hasty and poorly calculated. That means that you may just opt for unhealthier options to reduce the time it takes to find a better eatery. 

When you travel, and summer is a big time for traveling, there are things you can do to stay healthy during your time away. You don’t have to live in the gym or drink kale smoothies every day, but you can prepare yourself better to handle different situations. When you enter your travel with the following tips in mind, your trip will not be as unhealthy as previous trips. 

Wipe Down Your Area On The Plane

There are cleaning crews that quickly clean planes, but you know that they don’t always do the best job. You may find a pretzel, empty bottle, or gunk in and around the seat from time to time. One of the dirtiest places on the plane is the area around your seat: the buckle, the screen in the seatback in front of you, the tray table, and air vent. Data from Travelmath revealed that the average air vent had 285 colony-forming units of bacteria (CFUs), while the buckle had 230 CFUs. For this reason, it can be beneficial to your health to wipe down your seat area with a sanitizing wipe prior to settling in. This is especially beneficial if you have a weaker or sensitive immune system. 

Find the Perishable In Airports

It’s too easy to walk by airport stands, vendors, or kiosks and purchase unhealthy snacks and sugary beverages. They are easy and readily available, but you can also find whole fruits and vegetables in the airports. It just takes a little more searching on your part, but most coffee stands or cafes offer whole fruit options, in most cases. Big hubs often have more food options, including healthier restaurants to choose from between or before flights. The best approach, though, is to bring your own fruits or vegetable snacks. Apples, carrot sticks, celery sticks, and other similar options travel well. 

Go For A Walk When You Land

After sitting on a flight, you may notice that your body is very sore. Airplane seats are not very comfortable to begin with, and the limited position that you are confined to can be uncomfortable as well. After getting off a long flight, health experts recommend that you get moving right away. Not only does a brisk walk loosen up your muscles, but it also helps you familiarize yourself in a new location. Once you arrive at the place where you are staying, head out for a 20-30 minute walk to get fresh air and explore. If you arrive late at night, go for a walk the next morning. 

Have A Game Plan If You’re An Anxious Traveler

If you know that you develop anxiety on planes, you need to have a plan in place before your trip begins. Ideally, have a coping mechanism or technique to calm your anxiety when you feel it coming on. Make sure that you are calm from the start to set yourself up for success. Check in via mobile apps or fill out what you need to do prior to arriving at the airport.

When you enter the airport, turn on your most relaxing playlist to distract your mind from the chaos of the airport. If you feel anxious, try to engage in diaphragmatic breathing to help calm your nerves. If you feel like you are going to have a panic attack, take action. Access to a restroom? Go sit on the toilet, put your head between your knees, and breathe deeply. Go to the sink and splash water in your face and wet behind your neck to pull yourself out of the moment. 

You Can Always Fit In A Workout

No matter the hotel, hostel, or AirBnb, you can always do some sort of exercise. A simple yoga flow in the morning, stretching in the evening, or a series of bodyweight exercises can go a long way. The great thing about bodyweight exercises is that you don’t need a lot of space. Squats, push-ups, chair dips, planks, crunches, and other similar workouts don’t require more space than your body length. If you really want to get your heart rate up, do these exercises back-to-back for high-intensity interval training.

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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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A vacation, especially if it is longer than a week, is the perfect time to recharge your batteries. It’s a chance to gain a new perspective on life, become more worldly, see some of the world’s wonders, or simply relax and enjoy the culture. While eating your way across Italy sounds dreamy to you, your plants may think otherwise.

During the pandemic, a lot of people bought plants to help occupy time. Now, those indoor or outdoor plants are thriving and you want to keep them that way. Sadly, a vacation can ruin your plants if you don’t prepare properly. That’s why we did a little digging (no pun intended) to find out some expert plant care tips for when you leave town. Go enjoy your vacation, but make sure that your plants stay alive while you’re away. Read on to learn about some expert out-of-town plant care tips. 

Tweak Light And Temperature

The more sunlight your plants get, the more thirsty they become over time. Plants utilize the most water during transpiration, a process of exhalation of water vapor through the stomata. The rate of transpiration will depend on how much sunlight the plant receives. That means that the more natural light the plant gets, the more water it will need. If you are out of town for a while and leave your plants in a sunny area, they may look wilted or dead when you return home. To help your plants from wilting while you’re away, place them in the middle of the room so they are far from the heat and light from the windows. When you return, you can move them back to their usual spots. While you’re away, don’t leave an air-conditioning or heating system blasting near your plants. These systems can deplete your indoor humidity and kill the plants. Lastly, give your indoor plants a good dusting, remove all dead leaves and blooms from the soil, and keep the soil moist. 

Maintain Moisture

If you are going to be out of town for longer than a week, there are a few techniques to keep your plants hydrated. One thing to determine is how frequently you water your plants in a week’s time. You want to avoid overwatering your plants before you depart, and you want to keep the time of year in mind. Is it hot, cold, humid, or dry? Consider the following tips to help your plants maintain moisture:

• The Lava Rock Trick: Add lava rocks on top of the soil to help your plants hold moisture while you’re gone. Only put the rocks on the soil after you give your plants a good soaking. If you don’t have lava rocks, you can use mulch, wood chips, or damp newspaper to help keep the soil moist. 
• Create A Makeshift Greenhouse: This sounds more complex than it actually is. Water your plants thoroughly and then cover with a clear plastic bag just below the lip of the planter. This essentially establishes a mini greenhouse, but make sure to cut a couple slits in the plastic to allow for air circulation. You can use sticks to hold the bag up and away from foliage.
• Line A Shallow Tray With Rocks And Water: Place some small rocks in a shallow tray and pour water in to fill up the tray. Set your planter on top of the rocks, so that the base of the planter sits just above idle water. The rocks should help elevate it just above the water. This works to increase humidity and moisture levels in the soil without overwatering. 

Determine The Maintenance Level Of Your Plants

Are your plants high-maintenance or low-maintenance? Once you figure out how much attention your plants need, you can figure out how to keep them alive while out of town. It’s perfectly fine to neglect succulents, pothos, and yucca for a little while. Maiden hair fern, gardenias, or red maranta prayer plants require a lot more love. If your plants are low-maintenance, you can give them a good watering before you go; just make sure the roots don’t sit in water. If your plants are high-maintenance and you’re going to be away for over a week, you may need to call a friend. This friend may need to become your plant sitter. Some plants require daily misting and regular pruning. Consider leaving plants with a relative or friend to make it easy on them.

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People aren’t the only ones who love to spend time outdoors when the temperatures rise. Mosquitos, flies, and ticks buzz around and bite as many people as they can. Mosquito bites tend to be small, itchy, and annoying, while bites from ticks can be more serious and increase the risk of Lyme disease. There are some people who get bit by mosquitos and experience large, swollen bumps that take a couple days to disappear. 

The most common way to repel mosquitos is by spraying yourself with DEET, according to a 2018 survey. The reason for this is because DEET spray has the longest lasting effect against these buzzing pests. There are more concerns about the side effects of using DEET, including redness, swelling, skin irritation, and rash. DEET does pose several dangers to the body, even though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that you don’t need to worry. 

If you don’t want to coat yourself in harmful chemicals, there are several ways to thwart mosquitos during the summer. One survey found that 36% of people prefer to use natural repellents and tactics to prevent mosquito bites instead of using DEET spray. Learn about effective mosquito-repelling tips below. 

Catnip Oil

People know about catnip for the effect it has on cats, but they don’t know that it is a unique culinary herb and mosquito repellant. Catnip oil is acquired from catnip via steam distillation, but applying it on the skin will not attract cats to you. The process of extracting the oil gets rid of the effect it has on cats. According to the EPA, catnip oil may effectively repel mosquitos for up to seven hours. 

Change Your Light Bulbs

Mosquitos are attracted to light, but not all kinds of it. They tend to buzz towards standard light bulbs. To prevent mosquitos from swarming your house, install some LEDs, sodium lamps, or yellow bug lights. These lights may reduce the number of mosquitos that buzz near entrances to your home. 

Remove Standing Water

If you want to limit the amount of mosquitos in or around your home, make sure that you eliminate all standing water. Getting rid of standing water makes it so mosquitos and other insects cannot breed easily. Clear out gutters to avoid clogs, remove tarps or debris that collect water, and change the water in your birdbath frequently. Additionally, don’t let a kiddie pool sit out overnight without emptying the water the night before. 

Lemon Eucalyptus

A 2014 study found that lemon eucalyptus essential oil offered 100% protection against mosquitos for up to 12 hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified lemon eucalyptus essential oil as an EPA-registered repellent. Because of this, it is an active ingredient in many mosquito repellents. 

Buy Some Plants

There are several plants that deter insects like ticks, mosquitos, and flies. Citronella, for example, produces natural oils that help keep mosquitos at bay. Other flowers, including petunias, rosemary, geraniums, floss flowers, sage, marigolds, and chrysanthemums work to effectively repel mosquitos and other insects. You can learn more about that by clicking here. 

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil exhibits an array of health benefits. Some people use it to clear up congestion, while others use it to help promote wound healing. Several studies revealed that peppermint oil is a natural insecticide and mosquito repellent. You can mix this peppermint essential oil with other scents, including lemon essential oil, and a carrier oil. Apply the mixture to the skin before you go outside to repel mosquitos. A quick tip about essential oils is to do a small patch test on your arm to see whether you have a reaction to the oil or not.

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Back in the day of traditional farming, nobody ever thought to use pesticides on their crops. Although pests existed, farmers managed to grow what they needed, using natural solutions to stave off irritating pests. Nowadays, it’s perfectly normal to use chemical pesticides during agricultural practices. Just spray poison on the crops, which people inevitablly consume, and the pests go away. 

The Problem With Pesticides

Well, there isn’t just one single problem; rather, there are many. Pesticide sprays don’t single out the harmful insects from the beneficial ones. For example, they kill bees and butterflies and allow smaller predator populations to recover. They slowly develop a dependence on the chemical sprays, as opposed to the other natural systems. Additionally, plants may also become dependent on chemicals to grow properly. That is all to say that it’s time to get back to repelling insects the natural way, with companion plants. Repelling insects in this fashion actually increases biodiversity and enhances the ecosystems. The following plants may help to keep harmful pests away from what you are trying to grow. 

Alliums

This belongs to the onion family and the flowers are beautiful purple balls that bloom from tall green spikes, which are reminiscent of scallions. Alliums have been known to repel numerous pests, including slugs, carrot flies, cabbage worms, and aphids. These pests dislike the powerful aroma of alliums. 

Borage

Borage is an edible plant, with the flowers and leaves being safe for consumption. If you eat the leaves, make sure to choose the young varieties, otherwise they get fuzzy. The flavor is similar to that of a cucumber. They help attract bees and use deep taproots to pull up nutrients from deeper soil, depositing them on the surface. It also works to repel tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. 

Marigolds

Mosquitos, aphids, plant lice, and even rabbits avoid marigolds because they have a potent aroma. Fruit and vegetable farmers have used these little flowering plants to repel pests for many years. They are very easy to grow, especially in flower beds or planters. Make sure that they receive ample sunlight to thrive. 

Petunias

If you want to protect members of the brassica family (cruciferous vegetables), you’ll do well to plant petunias in the vicinity. The vibrant colors are signature to these wonderful flowers. Leafhoppers, tomato hornworms, aphids, and squash bugs do not like these flowers. 

Mosquito Plant

Yes, this is in fact a legitimate plant that offers a lacy green foliage and purple flowers. It’s also called citronella-scented geranium, and it is effective at repelling mosquitos. Mosquitos despise the citrusy aroma that comes from the plant’s natural oils. If you have lots of them flying around your yard, plant a couple to help repel mosquitos. 

Sunflowers

These are great garden companions because they help repel pests. Additionally, they are quite beautiful and distract aphids and white flies away from nearby plants. Those pests don’t actually have a negative effect on sunflowers, but they will harm other crops. Plant a few and see how the surrounding crops thrive. 

Chrysanthemums

Beetles, ticks, roaches, fleas, lice, mites, and ants will flee your garden when chrysanthemums are present. Several studies found that the extracts from the flowers can actually kill some of the aforementioned insects. In fact, chrysanthemum extract is a common ingredient in many residential insecticide products. This explains why pests steer clear of them.

Basil

There’s an enchanting quality to basil’s fresh aroma. Moths, mosquitos, and flies do not agree with this sentiment. In fact, they will steer clear of basil because of the potent scent. If you’re in a pinch and need to repel bugs away from your body, crush some basil leaves in your hand and rub them on your skin. You won’t have mosquito problems after that. 

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Summer is a beautiful time of year. The warm weather brings an array of refreshing stone fruits and many opportunities for outdoor activities. While you are enjoying the outdoor warmth, though, you have to worry about pesky bugs like mosquitos. Nothing dampens an outdoor gathering like a bunch of unwelcome mosquitos that bite everyone. The good news is that you don’t need chemical bug sprays to keep them away. 

One of the best ways to keep mosquitos away is by lighting several candles that contain ingredients that repel insects. Not only are these DIY candles a great arts and crafts activity for the entire family, but they come in handy and prove very effective against mosquitos. Many natural ingredients, which you may already have in your home, have bug repelling properties. 

Do Homemade Candles Really Work?

It seems suspicious that homemade candles with herbs and fruit can repel mosquitos, but they do work surprisingly well. Out of the recipes in this article, you’ll notice that basil is a common ingredient. According to several studies, several compounds in basil are highly toxic to various types of mosquito larvae. Additionally, basil alone has about a 79% efficacy rate of repelling mosquitos. It’s a very pungent herb and insects like mosquitos tend to steer clear of potent smells. That’s why some of the recipes also contain citrus fruits and essential oils. 

The following three recipes can help you keep mosquitos away this summer. Let us know if they work for you while you spend time outside. 

DIY Basil Lemon Candles

Ingredients:

• Candle wax
• Mason jars
• Wick stickers
• Citronella essential oil
• Lemon essential oils
• Basil leaves
• Wooden chopsticks
• Container with spout

Instructions:

• Place the wick stickers in the bottom of the Mason jars and attach the wicks securely. Make sure you center them in the jars. 
• Roughly chop your desired amount of wax (depends on how large the jars are) and melt the wax in the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. 
• Make sure to stir the wax occasionally to ensure that it melts evenly. When it is almost complete melted, add a few basil leaves to the wax. 
• Use a fork to remove the basil leaves and then remove the wax from the heat. Stir in a few drops of lemon and citronella essential oil (about 3 drops each per one cup of wax).
• Once the wax is slightly cooled and still in liquid form, carefully pour it into the mason jars to fill them about halfway. Add three more drops of both lemon and citronella essential oil in each jar. You can drop some fresh basil leaves into the jars for aesthetic appeal. 
• Make sure to hold the wicks in the center while you fill up the jars. Once the wax hardens, trim the wicks so that they are a half-inch above the wax. Light candles and enjoy no bugs. 

DIY Basil Lemongrass Candles

Ingredients:

• 2 pint-size Mason jars
• 2 floating candles
• 1 lemon
• 1 lime
• Basil
• Lemongrass essential oil

Instructions:

• Slice the lemon and lime into thin rounds. Add a few lemon and lime slices to each of the jars. 
• Add a couple sprigs of basil to each jar. 
• Fill a jar with enough water so that there is about one half-inch of room at the top.
• Add 15 drops of lemongrass essential oil to each jar and stir to combine. 
• Top each jar with a floating candle, light, and enjoy a mosquito-free summer.

DIY Rosemary Citrus Candles

Ingredients:

• 2 lemons
• 2 limes
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 2 pint-size Mason jars
• 10-20 drops citronella essential oil
• 2 floating candles

Instructions:

• Slice the lemons and limes into wedges. Take your rosemary sprigs and cut them to the size of your jars. 
• Fill each jar 3/4 of the way full with tap water. Add 10 drops of citronella essential oil to each jar and stir. 
• First add the rosemary sprigs and then top off with the lemon and lime wedges. 
• Top each jar with a floating candle, light, and watch the bugs fly away. 

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Summer will be here before you know it. Some people despise the heat, but it’s the perfect time to savor longer days, outdoor activities, and beach days. Plus, you get to toss rules and routines out of the window. Wait…that can’t be the summer you’re about to have, right? As sad as it may seem, many people overindulge during the summer and gain weight as a result. It isn’t as dangerous as the holiday season, but barbecues and get togethers are where excess calories reside. 

Even though school is out, your health can remain in session. Sure, there will be inevitable slip-ups, but it’s all about how you handle them. When you don’t recover and get back on track, a snowball effect happens and weight gain occurs as a result. In regards to health, summertime isn’t just about the food you eat. It’s important to stay active, regulate mood, reduce inflammation, sleep well, and enjoy the weather to maintain overall health. Continue reading for great tips to help make your summer as fun and healthy as possible.

Dine Smart

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is coming to an end and everything is reopening, people are eager to get out and eat out. Dining out is one of the quickest ways to rack up unnecessary calories. A single meal that involves appetizers, entrees, and drinks can exceed 1,500 calories with ease. Be mindful of where you go out to eat and what you eat when you’re out. Dining out doesn’t have to be unhealthy! There are many healthy restaurants and smart food options when you eat out.

Declutter Your Space

You aren’t a healthy person if your mental health suffers. Positivity and and optimal mental health makes you feel like a healthy person overall. One of the easiest ways to maintain your mental health is to declutter your space. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have too much going on, or too much stuff in your house. Consider having a garage sale with all the belongings, clothing, or furniture that you no longer need. Make sure to take what you don’t sell to a donation center, so you don’t keep those things!

Workout With The Season

Going to the gym or Pilates studio is beneficial, but it’s important to workout with the season. Summer offers warmer temperatures, which means you have the opportunity to hike, swim in the lake, go to the beach, or go to more outdoor classes. Additionally, if you go for daily jogs, consider jogging in the mornings or evenings when the temperatures are lower. You don’t want to discourage yourself from working out by jogging in the hot sun! You can also encourage family fitness with bike rides and trail walks.

Eat Seasonal Produce

Summer offers an amazing selection of seasonal produce. From berries and melons to bell peppers and stone fruit varieties, these produce items taste the best in warmer months. Take advantage of what the season has to offer because seasonal produce tastes better and it is fresher than other produce. Head to your local farmer’s market for the freshest, flavorful produce.

Enjoy The Weather

There is a vitamin D problem in America. According to statistics, about 10% of the U.S. adult population experiences vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for optimal bone development, immune function, weight loss, and skin health. There’s no shortage of natural vitamin D in the summertime, so head outside and soak up some sunshine. Just remember to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes. 

Swim Safely

There’s nothing like soaking up the sun by the ocean or lake and then taking a dip in the refreshing water to cool off. If you venture to the pool, lake, local pond, or beach, swim safety is of the utmost importance. It’s very easy for a drowning to occur in an instant, so make sure to designate a safe swimming area for everyone, especially children. If you’re at the beach, pay attention to potential “strong current” signs to avoid being swept away. Consider investing in a simple life jacket for children as an additional safety measure.

Keep The Bugs Away

Mosquitos can easily ruin an evening kickback with friends or family. While summer is a beautiful season, it’s common for all sorts of stinging bugs to show up out of nowhere, especially if you are near a stagnant body of water. If you go on a hike or spend a day outside, check yourself and pets for ticks before entering the house. Click here to learn how to make two all natural bug sprays that are essential for summer. Additionally, learn how to keep bugs away by clicking here. 

Summer is a wonderful time of year. It can be blissful, relaxing, and healthy if you take the right steps. Make this summer memorable by staying healthy and safe with these summer health tips. 

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The post 7 Essential Tips To Stay Healthy This Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Summer is all about having fun in the sun, but time spent outdoors means that you are exposed to all sorts of creepy crawlies and buzzing insects. Bugs shouldn’t discourage you from being outside, but you should be on the lookout for certain pests because they can carry disease or make you ill after they bite you.

Ticks, mosquitos, and other stinging insects can cause paranoia about your time spent outdoors. You may even start itching for no reason! There’s no need to freak out about anything because there are ways that you can keep yourself protected. First off, familiarize yourself with the specific insects that occupy your area. Many irritants or allergens can simulate a bug bite, so make sure you can identify the bites of kissing bugs, ticks, wasps, or mosquitos.

Ticks

Belonging to the arachnid family, ticks are found in various places across the United States. They have been known to carry the Powassan virus and Lyme disease, which can be transmitted from a single bite. Different ticks can carry different germs or viruses, depending on region in which you live. Protect yourself by wearing long pants and long sleeves, even though if it’s hot outside. When you return from your outdoor activity, especially if you were hiking, inspect your body, even your scalp, for ticks and remove them immediately. Make sure that you remove the entire tick because you don’t want to leave the head attached.

Mosquitos

Summer without mosquitos just wouldn’t be a normal summer, much to many peoples’ dismay. There are over 3,000 varieties of mosquitos around the world, and their bites are always itchy. Some people are allergic to mosquitos and small, inflamed bites can turn into large welts that take days to reduce. Mosquitos can carry malaria, Zika, West Nile virus, or Japanese encephalitis, but the disease that mosquitos carry will depend on the region they occupy. A lot of mosquito bites can occasionally result in low-grade fever or fatigue. Take preventative measures by applying this DIY Mosquito Repellent, or light these candles around your home to keep mosquitos away.

Stinging Insects

Mosquitos and ticks bite, while wasps, bees, hornets, and yellow jackets sting, especially during the late summer months. These insects typically steer clear of humans and build their nests away from the heavy foot traffic, but know that they will happily visit you when a picnic is in progress. They are checking out the spread and they really enjoy sweet fruit, so keep your food covered to prevent stinging bugs from buzzing around your picnic. You will only get stung if these bugs feel threatened, but a random sting can occur. If you have severe allergies to any of these bugs, take the right precautions if you are spending time outside.

Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs are common in Central and South America, but they have been identified in 28 states across the United States. Don’t be fooled by the sweet name; these bugs love to bite sleeping humans around the eyes and mouth, and their excrement can be quite dangerous. They are capable of transmitting the parasite known as Trypanosoma cruzi through their feces. Contracting this parasite has been associated with a heart illness known as Chagas disease.

Fleas

Remember the bubonic plague that swept through Europe, Africa, and Asia in the Middle Ages, killing about 50 million people as a result? Fleas were responsible, and they can still carry it because an estimated 650 cases from around the world are reported each year. Treatment options have dramatically decreased the risk of death to a mere 10%. Fleas, specifically cat fleas, can harbor pathogens that can lead to a Bartonella infection. Cat scratch fever is a real thing, not just an amazing song by Ted Nugent. When bitten by fleas, people commonly become itchy, annoyed, and can develop allergies.

One more thing to remember is to check your pets, provided you have them, for different insects upon returning home. Ticks or fleas can easily latch onto your pets and make their way into your house. Take time to inspect your pets so that your home remains a safe zone.

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The post Steer Clear Of These 5 Insects This Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.