Tick & Tick Bite Information & Advice

July 7, 2015

Before we discuss natural tick repellent recipes and tick bite prevention, let’s take a moment to learn a little more about ticks and their dangers…

Ticks. They’re rightly considered to be one of the most unpleasant pests of the insect world. However, for those who love nature, or those who are even outside for any longer than a little while, the likelihood of getting a tick bite can be pretty high. Also, whilst the internet is full of blogs, guides and articles, it seems that many seem to conflict with one another as to how to avoid tick bites.

So let’s take a look everything you need to know about ticks, from the symptoms of a tick bite, right through to the natural tick repellents that actually work.

Ticks – A little about our not-so-friendly critters

As far as insects go, it’s safe to say that ticks are very unpleasant. They’re ugly, difficult to spot, painful and their feeding habits are pretty disgusting. What’s more, as they latch on and don’t let go until they’re filled with blood, you can be stuck with a tick for anything from a matter of days through to a number of weeks. And once full, they can reach the size of a marble, turning a green-blue colour, before falling off.

And what happens if you do pull them off?

Well, without wanting to put anyone off their dinner, if you pull off a tick without being careful, you’ll likely end up with just the body, with the head remaining firmly underneath your skin. This can then lead to both a painful and potentially dangerous abscess that has the potential to turn sceptic.

How To Safely Remove a Tick

The video below shows how to remove a tick using one of those little tick-tools you can buy. If you don’t have one, I recommend buying a couple. One for your home first aid kit and another to take out and about with you. These tick removal tools are far safer to use than tweezers. Tweezers can often detach the body of the tick, leaving the head embedded in the skin. This can lead to infection and complications.

The serious side of tick bites

Depending on location, ticks can carry and infect people with the following diseases. It is important to know if you live in an area where any of these diseases are present.

Lyme disease
Ehrlichiosis
Anaplasmosi
Tularemia
Babesiosis

Symptoms of a tick bite

Not sure whether you’ve been bitten by a tick? Well, the following symptoms can appear within minutes, but up to a week or more after the bite. Be sure to check yourself thoroughly and often. Most people do not get all of the symptoms below. If you are in doubt, please contact your doctor’s practise for advice.

A red, inflamed sport or a circular rash around the bite, that’s also known as the ‘halo’
Stiff neck and shoulders
Headaches, nausea or a ‘foggy’ head
Sudden weakness
Aching muscles, joint pain and overall wellness
Fever, a fluctuating temperature or chills
Swollen, painful lymph nodes

The truth behind the blood type myth

There’s been many a myth circulated in the past concerning whether ticks are attracted, or repelled, by certain blood types. But we can clear this up once and for all by assuring you that it is absolute nonsense. Ticks are creatures of opportunity and, if they see a nice bit of flesh that’s within reaching distance, they’ll latch on. It’s as simple as that.

Tick Bite Medical Advice

It is beyond the scope of this post to provide in-depth specific medical advice on how and when to treat tick bites etc. I am not a doctor! With this in mind, below are some trusted sources about ticks, tick bites, symptoms and when to get medical help etc.

MedicineNet — Tick Types, Pictures, Removal, Bite Treatment & Prevention

WebMD — Tick Bites: Diseases, Symptoms, Fever, Allergic Reactions …

Harvard Health —Tick Bites A-Z

If there is any doubt or concern about a tick bite, the best thing to do is contact your own doctor for diagnosis and treatment advice.

To try and avoid getting bitten by ticks in the first place, check out these tick repellent home remedies.

Homemade Natural Tick Repellent Recipes

Neem leaves have great natural tick repellent properties

Natural Tick Repellent For Your Clothes

Ingredients that you’ll need

5 Cloves of Garlic (around one bulb)
2 Tablespoons of crushed Neem Leaves
1 and half Lemons (skin and all)
2 Cups of Water

Equipment that you’ll need

Stove
Sauce Pan
Strainer
Funnel
Spray Bottle
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
Knife
Cutting Board

Natural tick repellent for your clothes: Step by Step

Step One – Heat up your water.

Step Two – Whilst the water is heating up dice up your lemon and garlic.

You needn’t be too careful with getting your chopping precise, or too finely cut, just cut them roughly.

Step Three – Measure out two tablespoons of dried neem leaves.

Step Four – Once your water is boiling you can add in your ingredients.

Step Five – Cover you saucepan over and leave it to simmer on a low heat for between fifteen to twenty minutes.

Step Six – Remove the mixture and set aside, leaving it to cool down.

Step Seven – Place your funnel into the spray bottle that you have a carefully positioned over the top. You should then take care to slowly pour through your mixture through the strainer. The strainer will then catch all of the solids, with the liquid filling up the spray bottle below.

Step Eight – Screw the spray bottle top back on and that’s it… you’re all done and ready to go.

Step Nine – If you do end up with any leftover repellent then it can be stored; to keep it at its most effective, however, you’ll need to get it refrigerated.

Tips for applying the natural tick repellent

Perhaps the most efficient way to use any repellent is to apply it to your skin, however, given the garlic ingredient within this recipe it may be wise to avoid this if you don’t want to repel humans as well as ticks! Beyond misting your skin directly you can also use this mist to apply to clothes (just do so at a reasonable distance); it’s also suitable for pets too.

Natural Tick Repellent For Your Skin

ACV has natural tick repellent properties

If you want to go all out and mix up some natural tick repellent for your skin as well as your clothes then the following recipe is perfect.

Ingredients that you’ll need

2 oz of apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or vodka (each is relatively as effective as the next, so feel free to choose freely between these)
2 oz Water
20-40 Drops of geranium bourbon oil

One squirt of Castile soap to help distribute the oil better (this works out to be around a quarter of a teaspoon, however, this is also an optional ingredient)

Equipment that you’ll need

A glass or PET plastic spray bottle
A saucepan

Natural tick repellent for your skin: Step by step

Step One – Add your geranium oil to the apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or vodka.

Step Two – Mix the castile soap into the mixture if you’ve chosen to include castile soap.

Step Three – Wait for the mixture to sit for a few minutes before you go on to mix further.

Step Four – Add in the water to the mixture

Step Five – Your mixture is now all done, so fill up your spray bottle.

Ideally, your spray bottle should be made from either glass or a PET plastic, as oils can otherwise leach the chemicals from certain plastics, which essentially contaminates the repellent.

Tips for applying this tick repellent

This simple recipe is easy to use, and all you need to remember is to shake the mixture well before each use. Simply spray it on exposed skin. This repellent is also suitable for your clothes.

Geranium bourbon essential oil acts as a natural tick repellent

Homemade Tick Repellent Lotion For Your Skin

As another form of the recipe above you can choose to make this natural repellent in lotion form. This arguably may be a more effective natural tick repellent as the lotion will be naturally absorbed into the skin.

Ingredients that you’ll need

2 oz of your choice of natural lotion (you can either make your own or use any shop brought lotion)
Between 20 and 40 drops of geranium bourbon essential oil

Equipment that you’ll need

A glass or PET plastic spray bottle
A container in which to mix your ingredients

Homemade tick repellent for your skin (lotion): Step by step

Step One – Mix your oil and essentials oils into a container

Step Two – Add the mixture to your spray bottle

Tips for storing your repellent

This lotion-based tick repellent should be stored in a cool, dark place. If stored as such this is a repellent that should easily last for between two to three months.

Tick Bite Prevention Tips And Advice

So you are now armed with some natural tick repellent sprays and lotions, let’s natural tick repelling education with a few well-placed tips.

Wear clothes that are light in colour

This will give you a much better chance of spotting a tick before it has time to sink its teeth into your skin.

Wear long pants along with protective footwear such as solid sneakers or hiking boots.

You can also increase your protection by tucking your shirt or top into your pants and, in particularly tick abundant areas, by wrapping some duct tape around your ankles and over your socks. This may give you a rather odd style, but it’ll certainly ensure that you avoid being bitten!

Remain on well-trodden trails

If possible, you should try to stay on well-trodden tracks where overhanging vegetation and planting is minimalized. Overgrown meadows are also to be avoided if at all possible, and what’s more, this tip not only helps you avoid ticks but additionally allows you to leave a lesser impact upon the outdoor spaces that you love.

Remember to do a daily tick check

This tip is particularly important if you’re staying out for a number of days where the chances of a tick reaching you or your clothing are heightened. You should also get a friend to help you out and check the places where you can’t, such as your back.

Once you home remember to check the kids and the pets

Before you set even so much as one foot over your threshold, you should check over your children and pets, and if just two or three make it in you could find yourself with a fresh littler of ticks to contend with!

When coming home after a trip to potentially tick-infested zones, you should bathe or shower as soon as is possible

Ideally, this should be within two hours, as ticks can tend to hide away from even the most extensive of overall body checks.

Be sure to examine not only each other and your clothes

But also your equipment, including coats, tents and day packs.

Always tumble dry the clothes that have gone on the trip with you.

If ticks have happened to latch on or hideaway within these then they will be killed off when the dryer is set to a high heat setting (it’s worth noting that more recent research seems to suggest that even shorter drying times may be effective, particularly when the clothing inside isn’t wet, to begin with).

If you choose to use shop brought, chemically-based repellents then you should opt for those that continue between 20% and 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluidine), as this is most effective.

Bear in mind however that when choosing such repellents it’s particularly important that you avoid the hands, eyes and mouths (especially when applying to a child’s skin).

Always be prepared for being bitten, including within your packing finely pointed tweezers and bite lotion.

How To Get Rid Of Fire Ants Once And For All

October 20, 2018

Of all the ants in the US, none is feared or loathed as much as the red imported fire ant. Fire ants can ruin a garden in no time at all, they are aggressive, they have a painful sting (especially if you are stung multiple times), but the serious problems start when they begin entering your home…

There are lots of supposed ways to kill/get rid of imported red fire ants, but most are ineffective or simply don’t work. If you want the methods that truly work, give these a go, you won’t be disappointed.

How to get rid of fire ants in the garden

Many folks believe that pouring boiling water over a fire ant colony with does the trick. This might work for a small colony, but the problem is that as the boiling water passes down through the soil, the temperature drops dramatically. What usually happens is the ants at the top get killed, but the ones at the bottom survive, and the colony will bounce back in no time.

The most effective way to get rid of fire ants is to make the following mixture and then drench the colony. Mix 1 1⁄2 ounces of orange essential oil, 3 ounces of liquid dish soap and 1 gallon of water. This will kill all ants that come into contact with it, and unlike boiling water, this method will continue to work over several hours/days. This method works because orange essential oil (actually all citrus oils) contain an extract, d-limonene and this extract kills imported red fire ants. To make this method even more effective you can try adding a few handfuls of molasses, as this will entice any ants to the mix, that was initially missed by the drenching.

Orange oil can be expensive, so another way to make this mixture is to use orange peels. You can actually also throw in some lemon and lime peels as well, but I would say go for at least 50% orange peel. To make the fire ant killing mixture, simply fill up half a 1-gallon container with the citrus peels and then top up to 1 gallon with water and leave for 4-7 days. Then just strain the mixture to remove the peels, add the liquid dish soap as above, and you’re ready to go. This method does require a lot of citrus peels, you’ll need to save them up, or you could ask a local restaurant or better yet, a juice bar, to give you their waste peels.

Another effective way to get rid of fire ants is to dig up the colony and remove or destroy it. To do this – dig out the colony, making sure you dig down below it to be sure to get them all. The usual method is to have several buckets ready to put the colony into so it can be removed/destroyed. Be sure to coat your shovel with corn starch or baby powder to stop the ants from climbing up. Also, you might want to tuck your pants into your socks!

How to keep imported red fire ants out of the home

The most important thing to do is to not give them a reason to enter your home in the first place. Don’t keep your garbage by the back door, and be sure to keep your floors and surfaces clean. Other than this, the most effective way of keeping imported red fire ants out is to use diatomaceous earth. Actually diatomaceous earth will also kill and prevent Spiders… Other Ants…Fleas…Cockroaches…Bedbugs…Earwigs…Silverfish…Millipedes…Centipedes… Diatomaceous earth kills all of these insects when it comes into contact with their bodies. It effectively binds to them and dehydrates them. Most will die within 24 hours, although cockroaches can take a few days.

When buying diatomaceous earth or DE, you want to make sure you buy ‘food-grade’ diatomaceous earth as other grades can contain additives which can be harmful. Food grade diatomaceous earth is harmless to humans and mammals, so it is safe to use around children and pets.

To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle it in the areas the ants are entering and gathering in the home: doorways, windows, air ducts and behind cupboards and furniture. Keep this topped up and your home should be ant-free in 24 hours or so. If not, you are not putting the diatomaceous earth in the right locations. I should add that diatomaceous earth loses its effectiveness when it gets damp/wet, therefore it is not very effective when used in locations which are either damp or wet.

48 Hydrogen Peroxide Uses & Home Remedies To Try

October 3, 2014

Hydrogen peroxide is a staple in almost every home first aid kit. While this product kills germs and protects your body from infections, its use spans far deeper than cleaning scraped knees. This common household product can be used for anything from whitening your teeth to cleaning stains out of clothes. Continue to explore several surprising uses from this simple water and oxygen compound.

Realize it or not, Hydrogen Peroxide – H2O2 – is one of the most versatile products to have in the home. It has a multitude of uses for maintaining personal health and beauty and is handy to have available for cleaning and even cooking.

Hydrogen peroxide is available in different strengths, generally 3% to 35% for domestic use. Unless stated the hydrogen peroxide, even when diluted, listed below is 3%. Always check the correct strength is being used.

Hydrogen peroxide chemical formula

48 uses and benefits of hydrogen peroxide:

Household Uses:

Keeping the Refrigerator Clean

To clean the refrigerator, spray the inside with hydrogen peroxide. Let it soak then after a few minutes wipe with a clean cloth to get rid of food debris and stains.

Washing Fruit and Vegetables

Remove dirt, wax and other contaminants from fruit and vegetables by spraying them with hydrogen peroxide. Let the spray soak in for a couple of minutes then rinse in cold water.

Disinfecting Cutting Boards

Raw meat and other foods are cut on cutting boards and this can lead to germs and bacteria left behind. So the boards need to be regularly cleaned. Spraying with hydrogen peroxide will thoroughly cleanse them.

Disinfecting Dirty Dishrags & Sponges

Dirty dishrags and sponges need to be soaked to disinfect them. The most efficient way to do this is to soak them in hydrogen peroxide for up to 30 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly disinfected.

Cleaning Bathroom & Kitchen Countertops

To clean and disinfect countertops in either the bathroom or kitchen spray with hydrogen peroxide. Simply pour 1 to 2 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl and allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Using a toilet brush, scrub the bowl interior and flush away the grime.

Cleaning Glass Surfaces

Dirty mirrors and glass surfaces can be difficult to clean. To do the job efficiently, spray with hydrogen peroxide. This will loosen the dirt and grime which can then be wiped away with a clean lint-free cloth.

Banish Mold From Your Home – The H202 Remedy

Did you know standard 3% hydrogen peroxide is so effective at eliminating mold spores, that even government health agencies recommend this remedy? Leaving mold untreated, can result in serious respiratory illnesses and even constant allergy attacks. Eliminate mold from your home or office by pouring undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Spray until the mold area is completely saturated. Allow the solution to sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing the area with a sponge. Wear protective breathing masks to prevent inhaling mold spores. If in doubt, repeat the cleaning process up to three times.

Removing Soap Scum From the Tub

Soap scum and dirt as well as other stains build up in the bathtub over time and they can be difficult to scrub away. To make cleaning easier first spray the tub with hydrogen peroxide. Leave for around 30 minutes as during this time the grime will be loosened leaving it much easier to be wiped away.

Use as a Toilet Cleaner

Using hydrogen peroxide is a good way to clean the toilet bowl. Just pour half a cup into the toilet and leave for around 30 minutes. This will help clean the bowl and remove any stains.

Tip: for blocked drains – see our homemade drain cleaner post.

Whitening Grout

For whiter grout mix hydrogen peroxide with some white flour and turn into a thick paste. Next apply the paste to the grout and cover overnight with plastic wrap. The next day rinse with water and the grout will be whiter.

Cleaning Tile Surfaces

Hydrogen peroxide provides an efficient way to clean tiled surfaces. Over time tiles become dirty and pick up stains. The dirt and stains can be removed and the surfaces cleaned by spraying the hydrogen peroxide directly on the tiles.

Improving Seed Germination

Fungal spores can impede seed germination. The spores can be removed and germination improved by soaking the seeds in hydrogen peroxide.

Cleansing Humidifiers

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to cleanse humidifiers by adding a pint of the liquid to a gallon of water. By running the solution through the humidifiers they are disinfected and any mold or mildew growing inside them removed.

Disinfecting Lunchboxes

Lunch boxes need not only to be clean but also hygienic. This means they should be disinfected regularly. This can be done by spraying the lunchboxes, along with any coolers and cooler bags with hydrogen peroxide. After spraying let them sit for a few minutes and then wipe to leave clean and disinfected.

Keeping Re-usable Shopping Bags Fresh

A good way to freshen up re-usable cloth shopping bags is to spray them with hydrogen peroxide. This will remove any lingering food odors and leave them clean and disinfected.

Cleaning Rugs and Carpets

Hydrogen peroxide in the home can be used to clean dirty rugs and carpets. Light carpets, in particular, can pick up dirt and mud from footwear worn outside very quickly. Dropped food and spilled drinks cam also mark the carpet. To clean them spray on hydrogen peroxide. It is important to test this cleaning method on a hidden area first as the substance can bleach some fabrics.

Remove Unpleasant Odors From Fabrics

Over time fabrics pick up odors that are unpleasant and unwanted. To remove the odors and freshen up the fabric soak in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar.

Removing Organic Stains From Fabrics

To remove organic stains, such as coffee, wine, blood and sweat from a fabric mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish detergent. The mixture should then be applied to the stains. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach some darker colored fabrics, so be cautious when using this method.

Whitening Laundry

Over time some laundered items can be become yellow or dingy. They need revitalizing in the wash. Do this by adding a cup of hydrogen peroxide to the wash water, leaving the laundry to soak for around 15 to 30 minutes.

Contact Lens Cleaner

Hydrogen peroxide in the home is very useful for people who wear contact lenses. The lenses can be soaked in the solution overnight to remove protein buildup and leave them clean for wearing again next morning.

Use as an All-Purpose Cleaner

All–purpose cleaners are expensive and can eat into the household budget. To save those hard earned dollars use hydrogen peroxide which is a cheaper, and viable, alternative to those commercial cleaners. Hydrogen peroxide can be used undiluted or mixed with water for cleaning.

Save on Dishwasher Detergent

Dishwasher Detergent can be expensive so a good way to save money is by mixing it with hydrogen peroxide. Also save on ordinary detergent by using hydrogen peroxide when hand washing the dishes.

Use as an Emetic for Household Pets

Household cats and dogs can sometimes suffer after eating something which makes them very ill. In these cases a dose of hydrogen peroxide can induce vomiting purging the pet of possible dangerous substances.

Control Fungus Growth in an Aquarium

People who keep an aquarium in the home can use hydrogen peroxide to control the growth of fungus. It must be used sparingly to prevent any harm to the fish.

Use Directly on Clothing to Remove Stubborn Stains

Stains such as blood can very stubborn and difficult to remove from clothing. One option to deal with this is to use hydrogen peroxide and pour it directly on the stain. Leave for a minute, rub, and then rinse with cold water. If need be repeat the process.

Disinfecting Toothbrushes

To ensure oral hygiene is maintained it is important that toothbrushes are regularly disinfected. One way to do this by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide as it will help kill the bacteria and germs which thrive in the typical bathroom and which can infect toothbrushes.

Growing Mushrooms in a Refrigerator

One of the lesser known benefits of having hydrogen peroxide in the home is that it can be used for growing oyster mushrooms in a refrigerator. The process involves freezer bags and a gallon of diluted hydrogen peroxide. This is not a quick way to grow oyster mushrooms; it takes around 6 months but the end result is well worth the wait.

Marinade Meat, Fish or Poultry

Hydrogen peroxide can be used for marinating. To marinade fish, meat or poultry place in a casserole and cover with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Loosely cover the casserole and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Rinse before cooking.

Health Uses:

Treating Foot Fungus

To treat foot fungus mix hydrogen peroxide and water in a darkened bottle (hydrogen peroxide should not be exposed to sunlight). Apply to the area affected by the foot fungus. Alternatively you can try the mouthwash home remedy instead.

Dealing with skin mite infections

Using hydrogen peroxide can be a home cure for people suffering skin mites. Dealing with the problem is quite simple. If the hydrogen peroxide is sprayed on the affected area of skin and the process repeated a few minutes later then the mites will be killed.

Relieving Ear Infections

Putting 6 to 8 drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear using a small dropper bottle will ease the symptoms and help clear up the infection, or you can try this instead.

Preventing Swimmer’s Ear

To avoid ear infection – swimmer’s ear – mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in a small dropper bottle. Following the swim put a few drops in each ear to prevent infection developing.

Removing Earwax

To remove earwax first put 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide in the affected ear. Wait for a couple of minutes then put a couple of drops olive oil in the ear. After another minute drain all the fluid from the ear and that will clear the wax. Here is another alternative home remedy for earwax.

Softening Corns & Calluses on the Feet

To soften corns and calluses on the feet make a foot soak using equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water. Soak the feet in the mixture and the hydrogen peroxide will soften any corns and calluses quite naturally.

Healing Boils

A use of hydrogen peroxide is to help heal boils. Fill a bathtub full of warm water and add 1 cup of 35% hydrogen peroxide. A soak in the bathtub will help treat any boils on the body.

Clear Acne

Acne is an unpleasant condition which can cause personal embarrassment. A hydrogen peroxide face rinse will kill the germs that cause the acne and lead to a clearer complexion. See here for out post: how to get rid of blackheads.

Use as an Antiseptic Mouth Rinse

To take advantage of hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening use it as antiseptic mouth wash. As well as whitening teeth the hydrogen peroxide will also kill germs in the mouth which lead to bad breath.

Disinfecting Small Wounds

To disinfect small wounds and avoid infection use hydrogen peroxide as it is a natural anti-sceptic.

Easing Toothache

If someone is suffering toothache the pain can be eased by rinsing or gargling with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and coconut oil. This benefit is down largely to hydrogen peroxide’s antibacterial properties.

Clear Infected Sinuses

Infected sinuses are very painful. One way to clear the sinuses and provide relief from the pain is to make a homemade nasal spray using hydrogen peroxide. The amount of hydrogen peroxide to be used will depend on the severity of the infection, but generally 3% HP mixed in a cup of non-chlorinated water should do the trick.

Rejuvenate With a Detox Bath

A soak in a bath laced with hydrogen peroxide offers the benefits of detoxifying and rejuvenating the body. To prepare the detox bath pour cup of 35% hydrogen peroxide into a tub of warm water. Then it’s a case of soaking in the bathtub, adding hot water to maintain a comfortable temperature, for half an hour.

Beauty Uses:

Add Highlights to the Hair

Spray hydrogen peroxide over damp hair to give it sun-bleached highlights. After spraying allow it to soak in to the hair for around 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.

Hair Bleaching

Hydrogen peroxide is much milder than household bleaches so it is great option for “bleaching” hair and making it lighter.

Whiten Finger and Toe Nails

To whiten finger and toe nails put the finger tips and toes in hydrogen peroxide. This is a proven and natural method of nail whitening.

Teeth Whitening Agent – Swish Away the Stains

The primary ingredient in most whitening toothpastes and products is hydrogen peroxide. Obtain the whitening power of this simplistic compound, without paying the high price tag many of these products demand, by using hydrogen peroxide as an occasional mouthwash. This compound whitens teeth by naturally bleaching its surface through oxygenation. Not only will your teeth shine like the sun, but its anti-bacterial qualities help prevent the formation and/or progression of gum disease and bad-breath bacteria.

How to Use

Brush your teeth with your standard toothpaste.
Mix 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 teaspoons of water.
Pour in your mouth and swish for 30 to 60 seconds DO NOT SWALLOW
Rinse with water and repeat two to three times per week.

Check out our related post on oil pulling.

Bonus Uses!

It’s Time to Clear the Air – Remove Airborne Germs from Your Home

Place 1 pint of 3% hydrogen peroxide for every gallon of water within your humidifier. Allow the humidifier to continuously run. The anti-bacterial and disinfecting properties of hydrogen peroxide gently infiltrate the room to prevent airborne germs from infiltrating your home

Note: This is an excellent way to prevent colds and other sicknesses from lingering in your home or office.

Wash Away the Pesticides – Vegetable Cleaner

Fresh vegetables are often produced using spray pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals. Prevent these, and any germs, from infecting your family by adding ? cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into a large mixing bowl. Combine with 3 cups of water and soak fruits and vegetables for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse and refrigerate.

Fight Away Colds and Viruses With Hydrogen Peroxide Ear Drops

By placing 2 to 3 drops of pure 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear, holistic proponents claim cold and flu durations are significantly lowered. After placing the drops in one ear, allow the peroxide to bubble for 5 to 10 minutes before tilting your head and allowing the peroxide (and ear wax) to drain out. Repeat on the other ear.

5 MORE Natural Home Remedies For Fleas

June 22, 2017

Fleas are one of the biggest problems any pet owner has. Once your pet has fleas and has brought them into the home they get into the carpets, couches, and even into the beds causing bites and irritation to you, your children and pets. For those of you who don’t wish to use chemical insecticides on their pets, or throughout your home, here are five more flea home remedies to try out to keep fleas out of your home.

Firstly though – be sure to check out our previous post on flea home remedies, as the diatomaceous earth flea remedy and the homemade flea trap in that post are two of the most effective of all the flea home remedies you can try. That said. When using natural remedies, more often than not, you’ll want to combine several natural remedies for maximum protection from fleas. My advice is make the diatomaceous earth remedy your main focus, but then experiment by adding in some of the other home remedies until you find what works best.

Homemade Herbal Flea Powder

This herbal flea powder contains a beneficial mix of herbs that effectively repel fleas. It is made using an equal portion mixture of dried rosemary, eucalyptus leaf, fennel, yellow dock, and wormwood. Crush these herbs together into a powder and gently rub them once or twice per week into your dog’s fur.

Repel Fleas With Mint

This form of deterrent is more of an add-on preventative measure rather than an eliminator. I recommend growing some mint in your garden for a constant supply of mint leaves. The mint leaves can then be crushed to release their fragrant oils and placed in the usual flea hiding places throughout the home – replace the leaves regularly. Mint is known to be an effective flea repellent and will keep your home smelling fresh!

Homemade Flea Collar

Cedar oil and lavender oil are both excellent deterrents for fleas, but it is not recommended to apply these essential oils directly to your pet as they can irritate the skin. Instead, simply take 3 to 5 tablespoons of water and place in a bowl. Place about 5 drops of either lavender or cedar oil into the water. Mix it in until it is completely combined with the water and soak a bandana with the liquid. Tie it loosely around the neck of your animal and you have a natural flea repellent collar. Re-soak the bandana in the mixture every few days, and it can be used over and over again.

Remember, do not tie the bandana too tightly. It needs to be able to slip off over your dog’s head if he gets it stuck on something. If you are concerned about your dog catching the bandana collar and getting stuck, why not sew on a button or a popper and attach the bandana this way for a quick-release collar.

ACV Drinkable Flea Prevention

Flea prevention these days comes in a wide variety of topical treatments as well as some ingestible medicines. The ingestible flea treatments tend to only be available at the veterinarian offices and can be very high priced, but there is a natural solution… This remedy calls for the addition of apple cider vinegar to the dog’s drinking water. The ratio is 1 teaspoon for every quart of water. It may take a bit of time for the dog to get used to the slightly different flavor, but once they do, many owners report this is an excellent flea prevention home remedy and your dog will also likely enjoy healthier skin from the nutrients of the vinegar.

Homemade Flea Dip

Bathing your dog is essential to keeping them healthy and happy, but generic dog soap does not do anything to help prevent fleas. If you are among the many who give their dog a weekly bath, try this remedy. The mixture calls for ½ cup lemon juice, 2 cups warm water, and ¼ cup baby shampoo. Mix these three ingredients together and place in a bottle. Wash your dog once each week with this mixture to keep fleas at bay.

Bonus: Homemade Yard Spray For Fleas

If you feel you have a flea problem in your garden and your pet is getting reinfested when he/she goes outside, check out our recent post about how to make a garlic yard spray for fleas. This garlic spray is very effective as it disrupts the breeding cycle of the fleas.

Fleas may be among the biggest pests, but that does not mean that they should be allowed to take over your world within your home. Your pets are precious and should be flea treated regularly to keep them healthy and happy. It is not essential to spend a fortune on flea treatments. These remedies, and the flea home remedies in our other post, will keep your pet healthy and happy throughout the year.

How To Get Rid Of Spiders Naturally (Guaranteed Effective!)

September 20, 2016

My wife is terrified of spiders so we needed to find a safe/natural way to reduce the number of spiders coming into our home. A while back I stumbled on a method using basic white vinegar and peppermint oil. We tried this last winter and the results were amazing. I think I only had to relocate one or two spiders the whole winter! Later I discovered the method using diatomaceous earth. When used correctly, this method is 100% effective. The downside is rather than repel the spiders unharmed, it kills the spiders.

By the way, if you are unlucky enough to get bitten by a spider, here is a great post on spider bite identification. If you are unsure of which venomous spiders live in your state, here’s a handy guide.

METHOD 1: How To Deter Spiders Naturally With Vinegar & Peppermint Oil

Here’s how we did it – get some white vinegar and some peppermint oil; mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water, and then add around 20 drops of peppermint oil.

Add the mixture to a spray bottle, shake like crazy and then spray around windows, doors, air ducts and anywhere else you think spiders may be entering your home. Another thing you can do if you have lots of air vents or holes in your walls/floors is to soak some cotton balls in the mixture, and place them in the ducts and holes etc.

If you do this once a week, you’ll notice a dramatic reduction in the numbers of spiders entering your home. We tend to have a big tidy up and vacuum once a week or so, and we just sprayed when we did this, it just became part of the routine.

Amazon has a huge range of peppermint oil, some of which have free shipping.

METHOD 2: How To Kill Spiders With Diatomaceous Earth

( ***Also works for ants, cockroaches, and fleas***)

Firstly, to clarify things, bugs are great when they live outdoors, they serve an important and vital purpose in nature. This post is intended for people who have a home infestation or a phobia of spiders etc. Outside I say live and let live, but if you have bedbugs, fleas or cockroaches etc invading your home, in and around your food and kids, it’s a different matter.

What if I told you there is a natural product that will get rid of ALL of the above? In fact, it will kill any bug with an exoskeleton, so that covers most of the other bugs we don’t like too. This product is 100% natural, non-toxic to humans and mammals, and safe to use around kids and pets, it’s also inexpensive. Want to know what it is? It’s called Diatomaceous Earth. Diatomaceous Earth (sometimes called diatomite) is the fossilized remains of hard-shelled algae (known as diatoms). It is 100% natural and looks like an off-white talc powder.

How does it work and where to use it

The way it works is simple – diatomaceous earth sticks to the bugs and absorbs the lipids from their exoskeleton which causes them to quickly die through dehydration. Most, apart from beetles, will die within 24 hours.

To get rid of all these critters from your home, simply sprinkle the DE powder in the places where they are getting into your home and hiding. Some of the best places to use it are around doorways, windows, and air ducts – and sprinkle it under all of your furniture. You can also use diatomaceous earth directly on ants‘ nests if they are too close to the house. Whether you use it indoors or out, it is vital that you keep DE dry as it becomes ineffective when it gets wet.

What to buy and where to get it

When buying diatomaceous earth, you want to make sure you buy ‘food grade’ diatomaceous earth. There are other types of diatomaceous earth such as ‘pool grade’ that can contain added ingredients which may be harmful. ‘Food grade’ diatomaceous earth is totally non-toxic to humans and mammals. In fact, it is often mixed in with grain-based food to keep it safe from bugs.

***Click here to purchase recommended ‘food grade’ ‘Diatomaceous Earth****

Restless Leg Syndrome Home Remedies: Relief From RLS

August 7, 2015

We’ve all had moments where our legs seems to have a mind of their own. While your brain and body may be filled with exhaustion from your busy schedule, your legs seem to ignore the pull to sleep. However, momentary sensations of needing to move your legs is not necessarily a cause of alarm. It’s when these sensations begin to overwhelm your peace and relaxation on a regular basis that you should begin to consider the possibility of restless leg syndrome.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Before delving into restless leg syndrome home remedies, it’s important to understand this mysterious condition. Officially classified as a neurological disorder, the most common symptoms of RLS are pulling, creeping, throbbing sensations within your legs, which are often combined with an overwhelming desire to move them. These symptoms primarily occur at night when you’re trying to relax. The majority of RLS sufferers only find relief from these symptoms by thrashing their legs back and forth. Although the severity of these symptoms can range from barely noticeable to painful, the presence of RLS is unpleasant and can disrupt your normal sleeping cycle.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, roughly 10 percent of the American population suffers from restless leg syndrome in some capacity, with over 5 million persons suffering from moderate to severe symptoms. Because of the proliferation of RLS throughout the American population, there are many treatment options in the form of prescription medications, such as dopaminergic agents, benzodiazepines, opioids and anticonvulsants; however, many of these medications feature adverse side effects.

If you’re searching for a natural way to find relief from this aggravating and painful conditions, then continue reading to uncover the most effective restless leg syndrome home remedies.

Restless Leg Syndrome Home Remedies – A Natural Approach

When it domes to restless leg syndrome home remedies, the approach to finding relief is slightly different than the pharmaceutical approach. There isn’t a “one size fits all” remedy. For example, what works great for one person may not produce the same quality of results. This being noted, the following restless leg syndrome home remedies are chosen for their ability to provide immediate and long-term relief from this annoying condition.

Yoga is one of the most effective remedies for restless leg syndrome

Exercise – Movement to Calm Your Legs

Perhaps one of the most effective restless leg syndrome home remedies is also one of the easiest – exercise. According to information outlined by the Willis-Ekbom Disease Foundation, those who engage in 30 to 60 minutes of moderately-intense exercise per day experience:

Less Fatigue
Reduced Symptom Severity
Higher Quality Sleep

Although any type of exercise is beneficial, research has shown yoga to be the best type of exercise for restless leg syndrome relief. It may be the gentle stretching action of yoga that helps calm the neurological attributes of RLS.

Reduce Your Stress – Calmness Begets Calm Legs

When dealing with neurological conditions, you must tackle these conditions through a combination of the physical and emotional tactics. As your body undergoes mental stress from work, school, social life – or practically any combination of the three – a complex biological process releases various hormones and enzymes to combat the internal mechanisms responsible for handling these stressors.

In the realm of restless leg syndrome, there is a direct connection between stress and symptom severity. Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises can significantly calm not only your mind, but also RLS symptoms.

Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) helps calm restless leg syndrome

Supplementation for Calm Legs

Although many findings regarding supplements to reduce restless leg syndrome symptoms, initial findings are promising. In particular, a study outlined in the May 2015 edition of “Sleep Breath” found participants who took vitamin D supplements experienced a significant reduction in RLS symptoms and severity. This leads researchers to suggest a vitamin D deficiency may aggravate the various biological markers associated with restless leg syndrome. Other studies suggest low levels of vitamins C and E as well as iron are found among those with RLS. Consider taking a natural supplement for each of these nutrients to reduce the severity of restless leg syndrome.

Watch What You Eat – The Role of Diet in Restless Leg Syndrome

Eating a healthy diet not only promotes better overall health, but also the quality of your sleep. Avoid highly processed foods and limit your intake of caffeine. This is especially important during the four to six hours before bedtime. The stimulating nature of caffeine may trigger the various neurological markers of restless leg syndrome. You should also limit or completely avoid alcohol.

Soothe Legs With a Hot Bath

In many cases, the severity of restless leg syndrome is due to how the muscles feel during an episode. Before bedtime, or whenever you feel the uncomfortable symptoms of RLS begin to peak, soak for at least 20 minutes in a warm bath. Add 1 cup of Epsom salt to further calm muscles and your nervous system.

Herbal Relief for RLS Symptoms

Many prescription treatment options call upon the power of relaxation agents to calm muscles and the nervous system. Although these can be quite powerful, they also produce a myriad of unwanted side effects. To achieve the same relaxation qualities without the use of harsh synthetic medicines, consider adding herbal supplements to your nightly routine. Kava Kava Extract, Valerian Root and Chamomile tea are some of the most potent herbs capable of calming your nervous system and muscles. When taken regularly, its active compounds may help stimulate long-lasting relief from RLS.

Alternate Temperatures on Your Legs

In many cases, changing the surface temperature of your legs can bring immediate RLS relief. Begin by wrapping a hot towel or a heating pad around your legs. If this does not bring on relief, drape a cold towel over your legs or submerge your feet in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. Many find the simple change in temperature reduces symptoms.

Stretch Your Legs Before Bed

Immediately before bed, stretch your hamstrings, calves, buttocks and quadriceps. This restless leg syndrome home remedy may help calm muscles so you can sleep soundly throughout the night. As an added bonus, stretching keeps your bones and muscles healthy and strong.

So there you are – a number of natural restless leg syndrome home remedies to calm you legs and enable you to relax and get a good nights sleep.

6 Natural Yeast Infection Home Remedies Worth Trying

August 5, 2015

The human body is home to an entire realm of microorganisms. Everywhere on your body are colonies of yeast, known as flora. While these colonies are essential for optimum health, should its growth go unbalanced, yeast infections take over. Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, can occur on almost any location of your body; however, they’re typically found in moist mucus membranes, such as in your mouth or genitals. With over 20 different species of Candida, there are a host of different infections types that can afflict the human body.

If you’re interested in naturally treating a yeast infection, there are several yeast infection home remedies capable of eliminating an active infection and inhibiting the onset of future infections.

RELATED POST: 8 Home Remedies For Oral Thrush

Top 6 Yeast Infection Home Remedies

The following yeast infection home remedies were carefully chosen based upon their effectiveness. Although there are many other home remedies designed to reduce the severity of yeast infections, they are not always effective for every person. Of course, if your yeast infection worsens after self-treatment, you may need to visit a physician as you could be dealing with serious yeast overgrowth.

Remedy #1 | Pau D’Arco

Considered one of the most effective yeast infection home remedies due to its potent antifungal properties, this Amazonian plant has just recently come under investigation by the scientific community. Research has isolated three primary compounds: xyloidone, lapachol and a series of napthaquinones. However, when it comes to destroying yeast, the compound lapachol has been found to be extremely effective. There are several ways to control a yeast infection with Pau D’Arco:

Internal Yeast Infection – A yeast infection of the gut can be effectively treated by brewing 1 cup of fresh Pau D’Arco tea and drinking at least two cups per day. You can find tea-ready Pau D’Arco at most herbal shoppes as well as via online retailers.

External Yeast Infections – Yeast infections on the skin can be eliminated by topically applying brewed Pau D’Arco tea. Simply brew 1 cup of tea, and once it’s cooled to a comfortable temperature, dip a cotton ball in the tea and liberally apply directly on yeast infections.

Remedy #2 | Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver has been used for centuries as a powerful medicinal compound. While there are many proposed uses, the topical application of colloidal silver is a powerful yeast infection home remedy. According to a 2011 study researchers found the silver nanoparticles found in colloidal silver feature powerful antifungal properties. The study found its use to be extremely effective at skin yeast infections. In fact, after 24 hours, the concentration of yeast was reduced by 90 per cent. Simply apply a high-quality colloidal silver product directly on yeast infection lesions up to two times per day. Continue until the infection has been banished.

Garlic yeast infection home remedy

Remedy #3 | Raw Garlic

Raw garlic contains several powerful healing compounds capable of banishing bacteria and viruses. However, its potential as a yeast infection home remedy is quite impressive. There have been many studies confirming the antifungal properties of garlic. In fact, this is considered one of the most effective yeast infection home remedies for both internal and external infections. When consumed internally, it has the potential to not only restore internal gut flora but also inhibit the overgrowth of yeast throughout your body. This is an excellent remedy for Invasive Candidiasis, which occurs when the bloodstream becomes infected with Candida. To utilize this remedy, simply chew and swallow up to three raw garlic cloves per day. While the flavour is harsh, its healing powers are best accessed with uncooked, fresh garlic.

For external yeast infections, mince fresh garlic and spread directly over the yeast infection. Cover with a bandage and allow it to soak into your skin for 2 hours. Rinse with warm water and repeat each day until the infection is under control.

Remedy #4 | Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed oil features such powerful antifungal properties, its effects are generally as powerful as a prescription antifungal cream. In fact, one study found grapefruit seed extract was just as effective – or more effective – than 18 synthetic fungicides. Moreover, since this is a relatively gentle treatment option, side effects are extremely rare, unlike prescription or over-the-counter medications. Immediately upon contact, the active compounds in grapefruit seed extract work to kill off yeast overgrowth while simultaneously inhibiting the formation of further growth. This yeast infection home remedy is excellent for both internal and external yeast infections.

Skin Yeast Infections – To treat external (skin) yeast infections, soak a cotton ball in grapefruit seed extract liquid concentrate and apply directly to yeast lesions. Repeat up to 2 times per day to kill off and restore natural flora balance.

Internal Yeast Infection – For internal yeast infections, place 10 drops of pure GSE concentrate in 1 cup of water and consume 3 times per day. Continue this daily dosage until the yeast infection has cleared.

Remedy #5 | Clove Oil

If you’re suffering from oral yeast infections (known as thrush) or intestinal yeast infections, various studies have found the active compounds within clove oil suppress the proliferation of Candida yeast. In fact, this natural oil is so effective at controlling yeast, it’s a common ingredient in fungal infection medications. It’s believed immediately upon contact, yeast cells are penetrated. A study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found clove oil has powerful antifungal activities capable of treating a variety of yeast infections. To utilize this remedy, simply place 30 drops of pure clove essential oil in 1 cup of warm water and drink up to three times per day. Due to the potency of this oil, it’s imperative to dilute with water before consuming.

Remedy #6 | Calendula Oil

Also referred to as pot marigold, this yellow-hued flower features not only a pleasant color but powerful antifungal properties. In fact, a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology found to be an effective antifungal agent against 23 clinical fungi types. To utilize this yeast infection home remedy, soak fresh calendula in castor oil for 1 to 2 weeks. Alternatively, you may purchase prepared calendula oil from the majority of herbal shops or via online retailers. Apply this remedy by soaking a cotton ball and rubbing into active yeast infections up to three times per day.

11 Home Remedies For Styes That Speed Up Recovery

July 31, 2015

What is a stye? We need to understand this before simply reaching for the home remedies for styes. A stye, also referred to as a hordeolum, can afflict persons of all ages. These painful, red lumps are typically found near the edge of your eyelid and closely resemble a pimple or a boil. These uncomfortable masses are often filled with a pus-like substance, and in most cases it clears on its own within a few days; however, there are occasions when this condition needs help leaving your body. Home remedies for styes speed the recovery time while providing much-needed relief. The most important factor to remember when it comes to styes is to never pop the boil as you would a pimple as this can spread the bacteria – Staphylococcus – and lead to a more serious complication.

Home Remedies for Styes

The following home remedies for styes were selected based upon its effectiveness at not only relieving pain, but also shortening the duration of an occurrence. Due to the location of this infection, if the stye becomes worse or does not heal within a couple of weeks, you should visit your doctor for a more potent treatment option.

Potato for Stye Healing

To utilize this stye remedy, take a fresh potato and cut a small slice. Place the slice directly over your stye and allow it to soak. Alternatively, create a paste by warming a potato slice until its easily mashed and combine it with a small amount of water. Place the paste on a clean cloth and rest the cloth over the stye. This home stye remedy calms swelling and reduces pain.

Warm Compress to Naturally Drain Pus

To naturally reduce inflammation without using synthetic anti-inflammatory medicine, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and place a washcloth into the water for several minutes. Remove the washcloth and allow it to cool slightly until it’s warm to the touch. Place the cloth directly over the stye and allow it to soak into the infected area for 15 minutes. Repeat this stye remedy up to four times per day until the stye is gone.

Shampoo for your eyes!

Baby Shampoo to Increase Stye Healing Time

The gentle nature of baby shampoo can help dry a stye for pain and inflammation relief. Simply add the 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo into 1 cup of water and stir thoroughly. Place a cotton ball into the solution and gently dab on the infected area. Repeat up to three times per day.

Cucumber Slice to Ease Itching and Inflammation

This powerful home remedy for styes instantly soothes and calms irritation and inflammation. Simply take a cucumber and cut a thin slice. Place the cucumber slice directly on the stye and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat daily until the stye has been relieved.

Epsom Salt Water Compress to Destroy Bacteria

The magnesium content in Epsom salt actively works to eliminate bacteria that causes a stye infection. Simply add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt into 1 cup of warm water and thoroughly stir. Place a clean cloth into the solution and squeeze out excessive liquid. Gently place the cloth directly over the stye and allow it to soak for 15 minutes. Repeat up to three times per day until the stye is gone.

Bitter Gourd Compress

Considered an effective home remedy for styes, bitter gourd features powerful detoxification properties capable of reducing inflammation and pain associated with this infection. Simply cut a small slice of bitter gourd and rest the slice directly on the stye for 15 minutes. Repeat two times per day to calm pain, reduce inflammation and increase the natural healing time.

Garlic Juice to Heal the Infection

This home remedy for styes is not the most pleasant in terms of smell, but the powerful antibacterial properties of raw garlic juice can significantly increase healing time. Crush two garlic cloves on a plate to extract its juice. Take a cotton swab and dip in the juice. Apply the liquid directly on the afflicted area; however, be extremely careful to not allow the juice into your eyes. Allow the juice to rest for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat once a day until the stye has healed.

Coriander eye stye natural treatment

Coriander Seeds to Reduce Swelling

The active compounds in coriander seeds are known to hold powerful anti-inflammatory properties. To utilize this home remedy for styes, soak 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds in water for one hour. Strain the seeds out of the water. Dip a cotton ball in the water and apply directly to the stye. Repeat this stye remedy up to three times per day to reduce inflammation and soothe pain.

Turmeric Compress to Increase Stye Healing Time

Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties capable of bringing instant relief. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and dip a clean washcloth in the solution. Drape the cloth over the stye; making sure to keep your eye tightly closed. Allow the turmeric water to soak into the stye for 10 minutes before removing. Repeat this stye remedy up to two times per day.

Aloe Vera to Reduce Stye Inflammation and Combat Infection

Aloe vera contains a host of active compounds capable of reducing inflammation and stimulating the natural healing process of your skin. The most important factor to remember when utilizing this home remedy for styes is to only use the juice from a fresh Aloe plant. Cut an Aloe vera leaf and squeeze out its pulp. With a cotton swab, apply the gel directly to the infected area. Allow the gel to rest on the stye for 30 minutes before rinsing clean with warm water. Repeat this stye treatmentonce a day until the stye has healed.

Green Tea Bag Compress

The natural healing properties found in green tea banish bacteria and significantly reduces inflammation. Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil and pour over an organic green tea bag. Allow the bag to rest in the water for two minutes before removing. When the bag is comfortable to touch, place directly on the stye and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Repeat this stye home remedy up to five times per day until the stye has healed.

Top 8 Natural Home Remedies For Thrush (Oral Thrush)

July 29, 2015

Before we get the the natural home remedies for thrush, let’s take a moment to lean a little bit about oral thrush. Have you noticed white lesions along your tongue, inner cheeks or on the roof your mouth? If so, then you may have a common condition known as thrush. In the most fundamental sense, thrush is caused by the fungus known as Candida albicans. When conditions are just right, this fungus begins to grow uncontrollably along the mucus membranes within your mouth. Although this is a natural fungus part of the fungal strains within your skin flora, however, when the delicate balance used to keep fungal growth under control is disturbed, the result is thrush.

If you’re suffering from thrush and wish to naturally treat this condition, then you should turn to home remedies for thrush. As with any medical condition, should its symptoms increase in severity after several weeks of self-treatment, you should visit a physician as you may be dealing with a serious yeast infection. This is especially important for those with a weakened immune system as a compromised immune system can make eliminating thrush a difficult task.

Top 8 Natural Home Remedies for Thrush

The following home remedies for thrush were selected for their safety and efficiency. Adults and children may use these natural remedies for thrush. As with any other type of yeast/fungal infection, you may need to modify your diet to help restore the natural flora balance required to ward off thrush.

Green tea – also a natural thrush home remedy!

Remedy #1 | Green Tea

Green tea seems to have uses for almost every bodily system. This medicinal tea features powerful antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Its primary active compounds delve into the cellular realm of your body to restore damage and inhibit the onset of infections, such as thrush. To utilize this home remedy for thrush, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Add fresh green tea into the boiling water and a pinch of salt, remove from heat, cover and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Once the tea has cooled, take a cotton ball and soak it in the tea. Take the drenched cotton ball and wipe your tongue or any other area of the mouth suffering from thrush. Repeat up to 10 times per day until the infection is eliminated. Consider drinking up to two cups of fresh green tea per day as a preventative measure.

Remedy #2 | Sodium Bicarbonate

The compound sodium bicarbonate – also known as baking soda – features powerful neutralizing properties. In fact, it’s typically a primary ingredient for antacids. When it comes to oral thrush, the unique interactions between it and the yeast helps to promote a reduction in symptoms. Simply mix 50 grams of baking soda into 1 cup of boiling water. Thoroughly mix to dissolve the baking soda. Once the solution has cooled, dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply directly to thrush lesions. Repeat up to 5 times per day to eliminate this yeast infection.

Remedy #3 | Apple Cider Vinegar

The medicinal properties in apple cider vinegar make it one of the most effective home remedies for thrush. The acetic acid content in raw apple cider vinegar is strong enough to regain control over yeast growth without having to use synthetic medicines. To utilize this remedy, add 1 tablespoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of warm water. Simply use this solution as a mouthwash. Gargle for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat up to four times per day. Never gargle with undiluted ACV as its strong acid content can be problematic for tooth enamel.

Buttermilk – the delicious natural thrush home remedy!

Remedy #4 | Buttermilk

The active cultures found in buttermilk have the ability to reconstruct the yeast colonies within your mouth to help reduce and eliminate the symptoms of thrush. By restoring flora to normal levels, the yeast responsible for thrush will no longer be able to reproduce. Therefore, this is among the most effective home remedies for thrush, and it’s perfectly safe for children and adults. To utilize this home remedy for thrush, drink two glasses of buttermilk per day until the thrush is under control.

Remedy #5 | Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is among the most effective essential oils for thrush as it features powerful antifungal properties. There are several ways you can utilize this home remedy. The first is making a mouthwash. Add 3 to 5 drops of pure tea tree oil into 1 cup of warm water. Swish and gargle for 1 minute two times per day. Another thrush remedy, which is particularly effective for thrush infections around the gums, is to place 1 drop of pure tea tree oil on your toothpaste. Brush with this added oil two times per day. Make sure to swish the toothpaste mixture around your mouth after each brushing. When combined with the mouthwash solution, thrush is almost immediately improved.

Remedy #6 | Oregano Oil

Much like tea tree oil, oregano oil is among the most effective home remedies for thrush. The active properties within oregano oil destroy the overgrowth of yeast and restore the natural flora balance. In fact, this powerful essential oil actively works to bring full restoration to its contact area, which inhibits the environment for thrush – and other infections – from growing. To utilize this remedy o treat thrush, make a mouthwash with 1 cup of warm water and 5 – 8 drops of pure oregano oil. Swish and gargle this solution in you mouth for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat up to two times per day until the thrush is eliminated.

Remedy #7 | Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver features powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties, which allows this simple ingredient to eliminate yeast overgrowth and inhibit the formation of thrush. When used as a mouthwash, colloidal silver not only restores the natural flora to eliminate thrush, but also kill off bacteria responsible for bad breath. To utilize this thrush home remedy, simply add 1 ounce of a high-quality colloidal silver to 2 cups of filtered water. Use daily as you would any other mouthwash. Continue to use on a regular basis to prevent the formation of thrush and bad breath.

Use Pau D’Arco herbal tea to make a mouthwash for thrush

Remedy #8 | Pau D’Arco Mouthwash

Perhaps one of the most effective home remedies for oral thrush is also one of the least known. The Pau D’Arco, also referred to as Lapacho, is an Amazonian plant with potent antifungal properties. There are several medicinal compounds found within this herb, which include: a variety of napthaquinones, xyloidones and lapachol. While each of these compounds are known to inhibit yeast overgrowth, lapachol is the most powerful as it’s been studied for its ability to stop the growth of Candida albicans, which is the primary yeast responsible for thrush. To utilize this home remedy, purchase high-quality Pau D’Arco tea leaves from your local herbal shop or from an online distributor. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of the tea leaves. Cover and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Once the tea has cooled to a comfortable temperature, swish and gargle for 2 minutes. Repeat three times per day to eliminate thrush.

(Images from: James Heilman, MD & Robert Donovan )

9 Natural Home Remedies For Nausea & Upset Stomach

July 27, 2015

Nausea within itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying cause. There are literally dozens of reasons why your stomach can become upsets. Ranging from allergic reactions, motion sickness to food poisoning, while the causes of nausea can vary the need for immediate relief is universal. Officially defined as an unpleasant sensation within your stomach accompanied by an urge to vomit, finding relief for this common ailment is relatively simple, if you know where to look.

Although there are many over-the-counter medications designed to provide relief, if you’re searching for a nature way to ease stomach discomfort, then you may want to turn to home remedies for nausea. The following home remedies for nausea were selected for their potency and ability to provide much-needed relief.

Natural Home Remedies for Nausea

As with any natural cure or home remedy, it’s important to try several methods in order to find the one that works best with your body. Because nausea can be stirred through a myriad of causes, there’s not a “cure-all” in the realm of home remedies. What works best for one person may not be the ideal choice for you. Because of this, it’s important to try several of these home remedies for nausea and make notes regarding the ones that worked best for you.

Ginger for Immediate Natural Nausea Relief

Ginger has been utilized for centuries as a home remedy for nausea. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to neutralize stomach acid and relax stomach tissue through its phenol compounds. Ultimately, ginger works by calming irritated stomach lining while promoting healthier digestion, which makes it the ideal choice for many causes of nausea. Although there are many different ways to consume ginger, the most effective ways is to cut a 1/2-inch from fresh ginger root (make sure it’s been peeled) and consume.

Breathe Your Way to Relief

When it comes to nausea, many people begin to feel an urge of anxiety as they wish to avoid vomiting or simply hate the sensation. While this is perfectly natural, anxiety tends to make nausea worse. Therefore, one of the most effective home remedies for nausea is to simply breathe your way through it. Place your hand on your belly, and take deep breaths. Slowly focus on breathing and relaxing your body. These deep breaths help restore oxygen throughout your body, which may be lacking as anxiety often cause mild forms of hyperventilating – a situation known to make nausea worse.

Cinnamon naturally calms your stomach and relieves nausea

Cinnamon Tea to Calm Your Stomach

Cinnamon is an excellent nausea home remedy as it treats various causes of nausea; ranging from indigestion to motion sickness. While it’s effective, do not use this nausea remedy if you’re pregnant. To use this remedy, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes before straining and drinking.

Sniff a Freshly Cut Lemon To Calm Upset Stomach

The volatile oils found in lemon is known to help calm your mind and upset stomach. This nausea home remedy is especially effective should you become nauseous due to an odor. Simply take one whole lemon and cut it in half. Bring the lemon slice up to your nose and breathe in its scent. After a few minutes, your nausea should subside.

Cold Compress to Reduce Nausea Symptoms

The application of a cold compress to the back of your neck or directly on your stomach can help reduce nausea. This is an effective home remedy for nausea that’s caused by overheating – such as spending too much time out in the sun or in a hot car. Either wrap an ice-pack in a towel or soak a washcloth in ice water and drape the compress over the back of your neck or around your stomach. While allowing the cool temperatures to soak into your body, focus on taking deep breaths and relaxing your muscles.

Peppermint Tea to Calm an Upset Stomach

The volatile oils in peppermint tea help calm irritated stomach tissue and restore a natural balance to your digestive system. This is an effective natural home remedy for nausea caused by eating too much food or consuming a food that’s aggravating your stomach. Simply bring a cup of water to a rolling boil and place a peppermint tea bag in the water. Allow the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes before straining and slowly drinking.

Fresh lime juice provides relief from vomiting and nausea

Lime Juice Cocktail to Calm Nausea

If you need an immediate relief from nausea or vomiting, call upon the natural healing powers of lime juice. The active compounds within this citrus fruit calm stomach linings and restore balance to your entire digestive tract, making it an ideal choice for those suffering from food-related nausea. To utilize this nausea home remedy, simply mix 1 cup of cool water with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and 10 drops of freshly squeezed lime juice. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to help calm digestive juices and slowly drink.

Onion and Ginger Juice Nausea Remedy

While this may not seem as if it’s a good idea when suffering from a serious bout of nausea, the active compounds in onion and ginger immediately reduce the symptoms of nausea and the need to vomit. Simply juice enough onion for 1 teaspoon and combine with 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root. Add to 1 cup of water and slowly drink.

Aniseed Tea for Immediate Natural Nausea Relief

This is perhaps one of the most effective home remedies for nausea as it calms your digestive system while restoring the natural balance of stomach juices. To utilize this home remedy for nausea, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Add 1/4 teaspoon of aniseed to the water. Cover and allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Strain the seeds out of the water and consume. If you want, add 1 teaspoon of fresh honey or agave nectar to sweeten.