Stay Bug Bite Free:Homemade Herbal Bug Spray recipe

Summer is upon us, memorial day ceremonies will be going on, the charred smell of plump hot dogs cooking on a fire grill will be in the air, and pools will be opening up for another busy season. Yes, summer is full of grilled food and outdoor activities which means, the increase of pesky bug bites. We all know we have to share mother nature with outside critters but, that doesn't mean we have to spend our precious outside time fending off bugs.
 Before you go running to your medicine cabinet in your bathroom and grabbing that can of chemical bug spray , consider making your own natural bug repellant using essential oils. This is a recipe that I use during the summer and find very effective. Plus, it is free from deet which is known to cause rashes,soreness, and blistering when applied to skin. Also, herbal bug spray has no harsh chemicals and actually smells good.


Homemade Herbal Bug Spray Recipe

• Fill spray bottle (I used 8 ounce) 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water

• Add witch hazel filling up the rest of the bottle. 
• Add 30-50 drops of Ceder (which is a natural bug repellant) you can also add other essential oils to make desired scent. Lavender smells great and it also is good for repelling moths.
•  Spray on then go outside and enjoy this nice memorial day weekend  .

Other natural repellant ideas

• Apple cider vinegar for fruit flies and gnats
• Basil is good for repelling mosiquitos
• Rub  some lavender or dried mint on your body to keep away the bugs!  

Share with us. What are you favorite natural ways to keep the bugs away?

Remember before you know it we all will be back in heavy winter coats and cable sweaters  so, go out enjoy some summer. Have a great Memorial Day!

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How to:Herbal Facial Steam Recipe

Herbal aromatherapy facial steams (also known as facial saunas) is one of the oldest methods for naturally  cleansing and removing dirt from pores. Cleopatra used hot stones for her body , including her face, and she was known for her love of essential oils. Facial steams were also used as a remedy for alleviating sinus pain and congestion .Using facial steams is a great way to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin.

Steam recipe for dry to normal skin
1.Bring 2 to 3 quarts of water to a boil
2.Add 3 parts comfrey leaf, 2 parts calendula , 2 parts chamomile , 2 parts rose oil or roses , and 1 part lavender
3. Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl no closer than 12 inches to the bowl.You can come out occasionally to breathe in cool air. Steam for 5 to 8 minutes.

Remember to relax and inhale all the herbal goodness.

Warning
Be extra careful when handling boiling water,and never place your face closer than 12 inches to a bowl of steaming water. Also ,be sure to remove any make-up before giving yourself a facial steam.

We used rose oil instead of roses

Now remember never get to close to a bowl of steam!

Homemade, natural toothpaste

Here is something to smile about:

The National Research Council stated: "it is apparent that this chemical has the ability to interfere with the functions of the brain and the body by direct and indirect means." At Harvard University, researchers identified a link between this chemical and bone cancer. Would you inject this toxin willingly? Well, the truth is that you probably do twice each day. This is Fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste. Mucus membranes (such as the inside of your mouth) are very permeable, so even if you do not swallow the toothpaste it is still getting absorbed into the bloodstream.

Luckily there are options other than toxin laced toothpaste. Tom's (a company specializing in natural products) offers fluoride free toothpaste, but a 5 ounce tube will cost you around 5 dollars. You can make your own natural toothpaste for about 75 cents for a 5 ounce supply. Natural toothpaste is simple to make by using very few ingredients. Keep your set of chompers sparkling with these recipes.

  Step 1 Spoon a few tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl.

Step 2 Use a dropper to insert 10 drops of wintergreen and

 3 drops clove essential oil onto the baking soda.

Step 3 Mix and add a few drops of water until the mixture

has a creamy, pasty texture.

Step 4 Put some onto your toothbrush and brush as usual.

You may even follow up with this natural antiseptic mouth wash.

Step 1 Boil 1 cup of water, 4 tablespoons lavender buds,

and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Step 2 Allow to cool. Strain out herbs.

Step 3 Use the mixture to gargle and rinse mouth as usual.

 

These recipes are so simple they will take your (minty) breath away!

  

Resources
http://www.naturalnews.com/030123_fluoride_babies.html

Don't get burned by sunburn

Natural Sunburn Remedies

Ahhh…..the wind through my hair, the sand on my toes, the FIRE ON MY BACK! 

If you are anything like me, you love the whole fun and sun bit and enjoy spending a substantial amount of summer outdoors. After an afternoon of pool swimming and frozen daquaris you might find yourself with the dreaded SUNBURN! Now, before you slather yourself with store-bought chemical laden potions, take a deep breath and scan your kitchen cabinets for three surprisingly effective items that can be used to help ease sunburn symptoms. These ingredients are all natural, and adhere to my rule of “If you can’t eat it, don’t feed it to your skin.”

The HOT potato:
Potatoes may be used as a pain reliever to lessen the stinging sensation of the skin.
Follow these simple steps:

• Wash two potatoes.
• Cut into small chunks.
• Place in a blender.
• Blend until the potatoes are in liquid form.
• Using a cotton ball, apply to the stinging area.
• Make the word “couch potato” literal and go ahead and finish that chapter of 50 Shades of Grey (if you’re into that kind of thing) until the liquid dries. 
• Take a cool shower, and enjoy the sensation of skin that doesn’t scream. 

The aMAIZEing corn remedy:
Another natural remedy that I like to use to alleviate the sizzle is good ole’ cornstarch.

• Sprinkle a little on a sunburn.
•  It will prevent the chaffing that can happen with bad burns.

A Native American remedy for scorched skin is Aloe juice. Always keep these gentle plants in your kitchen window. They are easy to care for and have numerous medicinal uses.

• Snap off a few stems of the aloe plant.
• Place in a blender or smash stems with a mortar and pestle.
• Use a cotton ball or your fingers to slather the gel onto the burned areas.
• Let dry, there is no need to wash off.

Most importantly: be sure to keep hydrated after a sunburn. Drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized. Olive oil used like a lotion will help your skin return to it‘s healthy glow. 
And there you have it! Three products that are safe, natural, and effective. Leave the sizzle for the veggie burgers! Take care of your skin this summer.


***disclaimer: remember these home remedies are not meant to take the place of doctor care. If your skin is coming off in 6 inch chunks, is causing your house to fill with smoke, or is the color of an old boot, a trip to Dr. Smith may be in order.