Carving out alone time to de-stress, unwind and meditate in our busy schedule can be tough. Balancing family, work and relationship obligations leaves little time to “indulge” — enter the detox bath.

Allowing our bodies (and minds!) time to rest and rid themselves of toxins is essential to staying healthy. After all, if you’re not feeling your best, you can’t give anything — or anyone else — 100 percent.

Toxins are poisonous substances that negatively affect our health. We expose ourselves to toxins on a daily basis from sources like pollution, processed foods and pesticides, and when we don’t release these toxins, it’s reflected in our health and the way we feel throughout the day.

That’s why I’m such a fan of detox baths, and there are plenty of detox bath recipes to try.

Benefits

While there are many ways to detox — such as detox drinks, a liver cleanse, heavy metal detox, brain detox and more — one of the easiest and most relaxing is through a detox bath. The best part? Detox baths are insanely easy to make at home.

You’ll get all the benefits you’d find in a high-end spa bath at a fraction of the price and in the comfort of your own home.

Using essential oils, which provide antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, along with common household items like baking soda, Epsom salts and honey, can help flush impurities from the body by allowing it to sweat out toxins.

Ready to try your own detox bath? Try one of these homemade recipes.

They’ll help your body get back into tip-top shape in no time.

I recommend doing a bath for about 40 minutes to an hour for best results. The first 20 minutes will give your body time to remove toxins from your system while the last 20 to 40 minutes will allow you to absorb the minerals in the water and help you emerge from the bath feeling rejuvenated.

Make sure to use hot water — it’ll help you sweat out impurities.

Bonus: Make a homemade present out of each of these recipes. Store the ingredients in a mason jar, add a personalized label, and give to family and friends for a homemade gift they’ll love.

10 Detox Bath Recipes

1. DIY Bath Bomb Recipe with Wild Orange and Rose Oils

While those conventional bath bombs are loaded with chemicals, you can make your very own DIY bath bomb recipe easily at home. Even better, you can tailor the bath to your needs by using certain essential oils.

Here wild orange and rose essential oils are used. Wild orange is very uplifting to the body and mind, while rose essential oil can help with depression and anxiety.

2. DIY Eucalyptus and Vanilla Bath Salts

Especially perfect around the holiday season, these vanilla and bath salts are ridiculously easy to prepare and will leave you feeling relaxed, moisturized and at ease. This recipe uses baking soda in addition to eucalyptus oil and Epsom salts, helping relieve dry, itchy winter skin while detoxing.

Photo: DIY Eucalyptus and Vanilla Bath Salts / She Knows

3. Ginger Detox Bath + Body Scrub

If you’re looking for a new way to incorporate ginger into your routine, this detox bath is a great option. Not only does ginger help with indigestion and nausea, but it promotes regular digestion and helps alleviate bacterial infections.

This super simple scrub recipe requires only fresh ginger, Epsom salt and lemon, but it’s powerful — and leaves you with silky skin! Try sipping on ginger tea beforehand to really enhance the effects.

Photo: Ginger Detox Bath + Body Scrub / Hello Natural

4. Homemade Back Pain Bath Salts

The staple of detox baths, Epsom salts hold their own in nourishing benefits. Because of its high magnesium and sulfate contents, Epsom salt helps relieve sore muscles and fight inflammation.

Combined with a variety of essential oils ­— this recipe uses peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender and cinnamon — and dried herbs and flowers, your body and mind will both thank you.

Photo: Back Pain Bath Salts / Om Nom Ally

5. Calming and Detoxing Bath Salts

This soothing mix combines dead sea salts (you can find these at natural health food stores, but if you can’t track it down, feel free to eliminate; you’ll still get great results); Epsom salts, which are loaded with magnesium; mineral-rich real salt; detoxifying bentonite clay; and lavender and frankincense essential oils.

Lavender will help calm and relax your mind and body, while frankincense helps ease anxiety. The result is a deliciously relaxing bath.

Photo: DIY Calming & Detoxing Bath Salts / Recipes to Nourish

6. Homemade Lemon Rosemary Bath Salts

Fresh rosemary, lemon essential oil and fresh lemon zest make these bath salts great-smelling to detox and refresh at the same time. Plus, rosemary oil has its own special powers: It helps improve memory, ease the digestive system, and relieve aches and pains in your muscles.

Photo: Homemade Lemon Rosemary Bath Salts / Tidy Mom

7. Homemade Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath is great for you skin, and simply by adding some Epsom salt, it becomes a detoxifying bath to boot. To make a full-body oatmeal bath, use milk, raw honey, lavender, apple cider vinegar and avocado oil, in addition to the oatmeal and Epsom salt.

8. Relaxing Bath Recipe with Lavender Oil & Epsom Salt

In addition to soothing lavender, this detox bath recipe includes frankincense, myrrh, bergamot and chamomile oils as well. Combined with Epsom salt and bentonite clay, it’s a perfect relaxing combo that pulls away toxins and makes you feel fresh.

9. Lavender Eucalyptus Bath Soak

Eucalyptus oil has a variety of health benefits. It helps:

• fight colds, respiratory problems and the flu
• treat sinus and allergy symptoms
• and has antimicrobial properties

Enjoy its therapeutic benefits in this eucalyptus and lavender soak. Draw this bath on a cold day when you have the sniffles.

With just four ingredients, it’s perfect for an evening pick-me-up.

Photo: Lavender Eucalyptus Bath Soak / Primally Inspired

10. Simple DIY Almond Milk Bath

You likely have all the ingredients you need for this easy, soothing bath. The coconut oil will make this smell divine, and if you don’t have almond milk on hand, substitute coconut milk instead.

I love the idea of using peppermint oil and wild orange for a bath that will leave you feeling not only relaxed, but refreshed and ready to take on the day!

11. DIY Detox Foot Bath with Epsom Salts & Apple Cider Vinegar

If you aren’t looking for a full-body bath, a foot bath can be detoxifying and soothing all the same. This recipe calls for Epsom salts, Dead Sea salt, bentonite clay, ACV and your choice of essential oils. Better yet, it’s ready in just 10 minutes!

12. Homemade Bubble Bath with Lavender & Chamomile

The essential oil stars in this one are chamomile and lavender. Simply combine those with a blend of almond oil, an egg white, honey and Castile soap, plus some Epsom salts for the detox effects, and you have a quick and easy bubble bath to relax and detoxify.

13. DIY Foot Soak to Soothe Feet & Prevent Fungus

Another foot detox bath recipe that’s ready in just five quick minutes, this one is a mixture of Epsom and sea salt, baking soda, olive leaf extract and essential oils — namely peppermint, orange and tea tree.

14. Soothing Sitz Bath Recipe with Frankincense and Tea Tree Oils

Like many of the other detox bath recipes above, this one is a combo of salts and essential oils. In addition, this five-minute recipe utilizes the skin-soothing herb witch hazel.

15. Homemade Milk Bath

Milk baths have been shown to help soothe and hydrate skin, exfoliate skin, ease tension and stress and promote sleep, among several other benefits. By adding Epsom salt, like this recipe calls for, also makes it detoxifying.

Best of all, you can customize a milk bath with your choice of milk — coconut, oat, almond, goat, breast, cow or even buttermilk — and essential oils. This particular recipe opts for buttermilk, salts, baking soda, jojoba oil, and lavender and rose essential oils.

The post 15 Detox Bath Recipes to Remove Toxins & Feel Refreshed appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Conventional deodorant can contain a lot of harmful chemicals. Because of this, many people try natural deodorant. Unfortunately, this can be very expensive and most of the time not work well.

Here’s my solution: Make your own!

This homemade probiotic deodorant is easy to make, beneficial to your body, cost-effective and it works!

What Is Probiotic Deodorant?

Probiotic deodorant is exactly what it sounds like: deodorant made with beneficial probiotics.

Why add this “good” bacteria to this everyday beauty product? According to research, probiotics are used in beauty products such as deodorant “’balancing’ the skin microbiome, improving the skin barrier, and enhancing the skin’s overall appearance.” They also have deodorizing effects.

When combined with the other natural ingredients, you get a truly safe, effective way to keep body odor at bay.

Key Ingredients

In this homemade probiotic deodorant, we use only all-natural substances. Here are the key players in this recipe:

• Baking Soda: As a natural antifungal and antibacterial, baking soda can kill off odor-causing bacteria, molds and more to keep you feeling fresh.
• Coconut Oil: You’re likely familiar with the benefits of coconut oil for skin. Like baking soda, it has antimicrobial properties, plus it helps hydrate skin and possess antioxidants, which can help protect your skin and keep it fresh.
• Beeswax: Beeswax is another common all-natural substance used in beauty products, and for good reason. It helps moisturize the skin, holds anti-inflammatory properties and can help treat fungal skin infections. It’s a great addition to this probiotic deodorant.
• Shea Butter: There are few better natural ingredients for skin than shea butter, which is why we use it in this recipe. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging properties and moisturizes skin and protects skin.
• Probiotics: You can’t make probiotic deodorant without probiotics. This good bacteria can aid skin and keep body odor to a minimum.
• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is known as a powerful essential oil for skin. I can fight acne, moisturize and soothe skin, and combat infection due to its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral effects. When combined with the other essential oils in this recipe, it makes for a perfect probiotic deodorant mix.

Related: Crystal Deodorant: A Natural Option for Reducing Body Odor

How to Make

Making this probiotic deodorant is a breeze. It begins with heating the beeswax and coconut oil over a double boiler. Stir it gently until it’s completely melted.

Next, add the rest of the ingredients and stir them in. After everything is mixed thoroughly, pour the probiotic deodorant concoction into an empty deodorant container.

Then let the mixture harden and cool in a tight, upright container. Once it’s hardened, it’s ready for use.

Homemade Probiotic Deodorant

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 60

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Description

This homemade probiotic deodorant is easy to make, beneficial to your body, cost-effective and it works!

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Ingredients

• ¼ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup grated bees wax
• ¼ cup shea butter
• 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 3 capsules of probiotics
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 10 drops of lavender/citrus (for women) or cypress/bergamot (for men)
• Empty deodorant containers

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Instructions

1. Begin by melting coconut oil and beeswax together over a double boiler.
2. Then, stir gently until totally melted.
3. Then, add in other ingredients and stir.
4. Once mixed, quickly pour into empty deodorant container.
5. Keep container upright and allow mixture to cool and harden before use.

• Category: Body Care
• Method: Mixing

Keywords: probiotic deodorant

The post Homemade Probiotic Deodorant appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Are you like 20 percent of the public that suffers from constipation? It’s nothing to be ashamed about, so even if high-fiber foods don’t always do the trick, consider a salt water flush. Sometimes called a “salt water cleanse” or a “master cleanse,” it’s designed to help you cleanse your colon and digestive system by bringing on a forced bowel movement.

You’re likely familiar with a colon cleanse, even if you’ve never done one, but did you know a salt water flush is a simple, safe and effective way to detox the body and cleanse the colon from the comfort of your own home? It’s true.

By drinking a beneficial mixture of real sea salt dissolved in water (sometimes along with a little lemon juice), you’re able to push waste through the body, release toxins and improve digestion.

Sound a bit crazy? This method of colon and stomach cleansing has actually been used for many years, and it appears to be a lot safer than many commercial colon-cleansing drugs, laxative teas or diuretics.

The key part of a salt water flush recipe is salt itself, as it’s needed for many biochemical processes. The official salt water flush has become more popular over the past decade as a “hack” to facilitate digestion and cleansing as part of a kick-start when doing a “master cleanse” program.

Drinking a salt mixture ignites the body’s own mechanism of natural detoxification and waste elimination, helping get your digestive system back on track and in the process making you feel lighter, less sluggish and less weighed-down.

What Is a Salt Water Flush?

A salt water flush, also sometimes referred to as a “salt water cleanse” or a “master cleanse,” is designed to help you cleanse your colon and digestive system by bringing on a forced bowel movement.

Salt itself is needed for many biochemical processes, including (but not limited to):

• adrenal gland/thyroid gland function
• cell wall stability
• muscle contractions
• nutrient absorption
• nerve stimulation
• pH
• water balance regulation

Maybe you’re wondering if it’s really necessary to cleanse your colon and detox with salt. The fact is that for many people — especially those eating poor diets — toxins, heavy metals and waste build up in the colon over time due to insufficient and infrequent bowel movements. This leads to digestive issues and can contribute to inflammation, low energy and possibly even disease development.

Benefits

Why do a salt water colon cleanse?

The master cleanse is a liquid-only juice fast, which means it’s extremely low in calories and also lacks any dietary fiber, which is necessary for healthy digestion. When you only consume liquids for a certain amount of time and don’t actually eat any foods with fiber — vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds or beans, for example — you’re likely to have a lot of trouble going to the bathroom.

During the master cleanse, people have a daily detox drink — only a concoction of water, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper.

The result? For many people, this kind of juice fast can cause constipation, low energy and bloated stomach (not to mention other complications from consuming too little nutrients/calories).

Fiber is partially responsible for igniting the process of peristalsis, which is the series of muscle contractions in our digestive tracts that allow us to poop — exactly the reason that people with low-fiber, highly processed diets often suffer from constipation.

Unfortunately, this is pretty much the opposite of what most people hope to accomplish when they sign up for a “detox.” This is where the salt water flush comes in. It basically forces your digestive system to release stored waste in the toxins, however little (or a lot) there might be.

Salt can also help clear up fluid retention, despite what most people think. Real sea salt (not the processed kind that’s stripped of minerals) helps you lose extra fluid weight by properly balancing out electrolyte/mineral levels in the body, releasing retained water your cells hold on to.

What Does Sea Salt Do to Your Body?

Sodium and salt often get a bad name, but real sea salt is loaded with dozens of minerals and is definitely part of a healthy diet. Keep in mind there’s a big difference between regular table salt, which is iodinated, and pure sea salt.

The processed salts in sodium foods, especially in processed, packaged or fast foods, usually contribute too much salt to people’s diets and pose the most health risks (like high blood pressure).

It’s necessary and natural to have some real salt in your diet, so there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to ingesting some salt. Of course, if you did nothing but drink salt water, you would become extremely dehydrated. In fact, you would die because your kidneys and bladder would cause you to lose more water than you’re taking in.

As long as you do a sea salt flush or use pure sea salt in moderation along with an otherwise healthy diet, you shouldn’t suffer any negative consequences.

Salt water has many uses and benefits, including helping to ease sore throats, cleansing wounds, lowering pain in inflamed muscles (which is why salt is used in many detox bath recipes) and providing trace minerals (not to mention making your food taste better).

A little-known benefit of sea salt is that it affects muscle and nerves functions. It helps contract muscles in the digestive tract that push waste out through the colon. This forces out toxins that have been trapped inside your system and contribute to sluggishness and constipation.

Real sea salt does have lots of sodium, but it’s balanced out with other minerals, like magnesium, calcium, potassium and more than 60 other trace minerals. Salt activates enzymes needed for proper digestive processes and is required by the parietal cells of the stomach wall to make hydrochloric acid.

Salt also helps balance hormones, facilitates with metabolic processes and establishes an optimal pH level in the body. That’s because your stomach acid is naturally very acidic, but salt (sodium chloride) counteracts some of the effects of acids.

Salt supports “hyperosmolarity” of extracellular fluids, which has positive effects on your metabolism because it helps with the breakdown of proteins and glucose. Plus, a diet that’s very low in salt causes more aldosterone to be synthesized, as shown in animal research, which can have effects like lowering potassium and magnesium levels in the body — the opposite of what most people need.

Risks and Side Effects

Is a sea salt cleanse dangerous?

It’s possible that salt water flushes can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting or weakness in some people, but most of the time heavy metal detoxes and cleanses using salt water are safe. If you have a history of serious digestive issues or high blood pressure, you might want to talk to your doctor before doing a salt flush (not because real salt will raise blood pressure on its own, but just to be on the safe side).

While very low-calorie, juice-only detoxes like the master cleanse can be harmful in some situations and aren’t recommended for everybody, you can safely use the same practice of a sea salt flush if you suffer from occasional constipation but aren’t dieting. If you do a salt water flush as part of a juicing or cleansing program, make sure you pay attention to your body’s feedback, and give yourself enough rest/nutrients in the process.

Many people safely use a warm salt water cleanse to help clear up problematic digestive issues like constipation, bloating and gas. A sea salt colon cleanse is much less likely to cause side effects that are common when using laxative teas or cleansing pills — like slowly forming a dependency on them or experiencing electrolyte imbalances, water retention afterward and having trouble eating normally.

Many detox programs, including the master cleanse, promote the use of both sea salt water flushes and also potentially dangerous laxative teas, without warning people about complications that can occur. If you have a hard time going to the bathroom for whatever reason, sea salt flushes are a much better option and more gentle on your system long term.

When properly performing a sea salt flush, you use warm water and real sea salt that have been fully blended together, so your body easily absorbs the salt’s minerals. When it’s properly prepared you won’t see any granules of sea salt, just a cloudy mixture that’s uniform in terms of color and texture.

This is important because when the sea salt fully dissolves into the water it helps your digestive organs process the mixture most effectively and safely. Your kidneys won’t pull out the water and leave behind only salt, while high amounts of salt won’t end up in your bloodstream, which can raise blood pressure.

When it comes to safety, salt water flushes appear to be both safe and effective — working just as well as other types of “colon cleansing” products, even the kinds that are prescribed by doctors for patients prior to undergoing a colonoscopy.

Certain studies examining the effects of salt water on cleansing the digestive tract have found that oral sodium mixtures are well-tolerated and even more effective than certain colon-cleansing blends, such as Picoprep. One study done by the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia found that salt mixtures seem to cause similar side effects as other colon cleansers (like cramps, some nausea, etc.), but 91 percent of people who used the oral sodium mixture reported that it worked and would use it again.

How to Do a Salt Water Flush

The salt water flush is most effective if you perform it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If you do it later in the day, just make sure you haven’t eaten anything in the past one to two hours.

To perform a simple sea salt flush at home, start with two teaspoons of sea salt, which can be colored salt, such as pink Himalayan salt or “gray salt.” (Make sure it’s pure salt — you don’t want to use iodinated salt — so always make sure there is no iodine added at all.)

Heat up one liter of filtered water. You want the water to be warmer than room temperature but not boiling or very hot. It should be cooler than the temp you would use to brew tea or coffee.

Grab a glass jar with a lid, and add the salt, hot water, and some fresh lemon juice or lemon water (which helps cut the taste of the salt). Shake it vigorously to fully dissolve the salt. Make sure no granules are visible, which will settle at the bottom of your jar/lid if they’re still undissolved.

Drink the mixture quickly, within a few minutes if possible. (Under five minutes is the goal.) Since it doesn’t taste great (it’s very salty!), you will probably want to drink it down as fast as you can.

Lay down on your side, and massage your belly on one side — then repeat on the other side. Holding in the mixture for at least 30 minutes is ideal.

Within a short time after finishing the mixture, you should start to feel the urge to go to the bathroom. Once you feel you can no longer hold out, go to the bathroom. You might have to go more than one time, sometimes needing to use the bathroom several times before you’re fully “cleansed” and your colon is emptied.

After doing a cleanse of any kind, it’s a good idea to take a probiotic supplement and load up on healthy foods, which helps establish healthy bacteria in your internal gut flora (microbiome) and provide you essential nutrients/electrolytes.

Trouble-Shooting a Sea Salt Flush

Did you perform a salt colon cleanse and found that it didn’t work well for you? Here’s a few reasons that might be the case, plus how to perform a more effective flush next time:

• Adjust when you perform the flush: Make sure your system is pretty empty, and try doing it the morning if you didn’t the first time.
• Adjust how much salt you used: If you use too much or too little salt, it might not work well or might cause side effects.
• Make sure you use pure salt (not iodinated): It’s possible to use the wrong kind of salt without realizing, which will affect how it’s absorbed. Recheck that you use un-iodized organic sea salt. Look for pink Himalayan salt or grayish-colored Celtic sea salt, not the white type that is cheap and sold in most grocery stores.

Salt Water Flush Recipe

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 min
• Yield: 1

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Description

Sometimes called a “salt water cleanse” or a “master cleanse,” a salt water flush is designed to help you cleanse your colon and digestive system by bringing on a forced bowel movement.

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Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons of sea salt (Celtic variety better than Pink Himalayan)
• 1 liter of hot filtered water
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice or one cup of lemon water
• glass jar with a lid

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Instructions

1. Heat up your water but not to boiling.
2. Add your ingredients into the jar and put the lid on. Shake it vigorously to fully dissolve the salt. Make sure no granules are visible.
3. Drink the mixture quickly, within a few minutes if possible (under 5 minutes is the goal).
4. Lay down on your side and massage your belly on one side, then repeat on the other side. If you can manage to hold in the solution for about 30 minutes, this will help your body fully absorb the salt.
5. Within a short time after finishing the mixture, you should start to feel the urge to go to the bathroom.
6. Once you feel you can no longer hold out, go to the bathroom. You might have to go more than one time, sometimes needing to use the bathroom for several times before you’re fully “cleansed” and your colon is emptied.

Notes

After doing a cleanse of any kind, it’s a good idea to take a probiotic supplement and load up on healthy foods.

The post Salt Water Flush Recipe + Benefits, Risks & How to Do It appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Arthritis is a joint disease that causes swelling and pain in and around the joints. It’s usually classified as either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that a whopping 52.5 million adults in the U.S. alone suffer from arthritis.

Essential oils have so many uses, including for serious health problems. This DIY arthritis ointment uses the three powerful essentials oils — frankincense, ginger and myrrh — alongside the solid carrier oil, coconut oil.

Fractionated coconut oil can work best because it blends most easily and remains liquid regardless of the temperature. You can also use unrefined coconut oil, which does feature more benefits but mixes less easily. Jojoba is another workable carrier oil.

It’s believed that frankincense oil transmits messages to the limbic system of the brain, which is known to influence the nervous system. It can inhibit the production of key inflammatory molecules associated with conditions like arthritis, asthma, painful bowel disorders like IBS and many more conditions.

Ginger essential oil is also made up of about 90 percent sesquiterpenes, which are defensive agents that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger oil appears to be effective when taken by patients with pain associated with inflammation. A study found that when patients with osteoarthritis of the knee took a ginger extract twice daily, they experienced less pain and needed fewer pain-killing medications than those who received placebo.

Lastly, myrrh essential oil also contains sesquiterpenes as well as another primary active compounds called terpenoids, both of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Mix all four ingredients into a bowl until well blended. Place this DIY arthritis ointment into a dark (to preserve the essential oils) glass jar with a lid for continued use.

Simply massage the ointment in the areas where you feel pain. Use twice daily. You can also take it to your masseuse and ask him or her to use it while performing a mild massage.

DIY Arthritis Ointment

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 applications

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Description

Creaky, arthritic joints are too common for many of us. Whip up this simple DIY recipe with three essentials oils and coconut oil and apply. You should feel its therapeutic effects right away.

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Ingredients

• 20–30 drops pure frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops pure ginger essential oil
• 20–30 drops myrrh essential oil
• 4 ounces fractionated coconut oil (or unrefined)

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Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients into a bowl until well blended.
2. Place into a glass jar with a lid for continued use.
3. Massage the ointment in the areas where you feel pain. Use twice daily.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: Body care
• Method: Mixing

Keywords: DIY arthritis cream, DIY arthritis ointment, DIY anti-inflammatory cream

The post DIY Arthritis Ointment for Joint Pain appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Do you throw our your coffee grounds? Stop! There are tons of uses for coffee grounds, including as a DIY coffee scrub for the body, face and even your scalp.

A homemade coffee scrub helps to naturally exfoliate the skin and will reduce the buildup of bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells. Coffee scrubs can also help eliminate pimples and whiteheads by cleansing your pores. It’s also gentle enough to use it daily in order to reduce old skin cells and help new cells emerge.

Plus, massaging a scrub made with grounds into your body and face will help to boost circulation and improve skin quality. It can improve skin tone and make it smoother over time.

Homemade Coffee Scrub Uses

What are the best uses for a DIY coffee scrub?

• Coffee body scrub: The coffee grounds contain antioxidants that help heal the skin while its texture works well as a scrub to get rid of dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt and more. It’ll also improve circulation and help make your skin smoother. See the recipe below.
• Face scrub: A good DIY face scrub often includes coffee grounds to deeply clean the skin, leaving it smoother, softer and blemish-free. It’s also gentle enough for the face.
• Lip scrub: A DIY lip scrub with coffee grounds will gently exfoliate the lips, leaving them supple. The recipe below can work for the lips too.
• Cellulite scrub: The caffeine in the grounds promotes the dilation of blood vessels and works to tighten the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite and even stretch marks. This DIY coffee scrub for cellulite will exfoliate the skin, decrease tissue edema and stimulate the activity cells that produce collagen. Research even suggests that this may reduce the activity of fat cells and reduce cellulite.
• Scalp scrub: Massaging the grounds into your scalp will help remove dead skin cells and buildup, which stimulates hair follicles. Research indicates that when caffeine is applied to hair follicles, it may even promote hair growth.

Ingredients

Coffee grounds exfoliate the skin, while the caffeine helps the dilation of blood vessels and tightens skin. (Two other natural exfoliators to put into your beauty toolkit? The pumice stone and dry brushing.)

Coconut oil aids in moisturizing and has many potent skin benefits.

Sugar helps to also exfoliate the skin as well as hydrate. If you plan to use this recipe as mostly a coffee body scrub, you can use turbinado sugar. If you also want to use it as a coffee face scrub, use brown sugar because it’s more gentle.

Cinnamon oil causes the blood vessels to dilate as well, giving the skin a subtle plumping effect, thereby decreasing the appearance of cellulite.

How to Make a Coffee Scrub

In a large bowl, add coffee grounds, coconut (or sweet almond) oil, sugar and essential oils. Stir well to combine.

Store in a reusable container. Because of the use of essential oils, glass or high-quality plastic is preferred, but for shower safety, plastic will likely work best. May be stored for up to one year in the refrigerator.

To use as a coffee body scrub, after washing in the shower, massage coffee scrub into areas where dirt and dry skin collect (such as the elbows, knees, shoulders, back of arms, etc.) and cellulite is likely to be found (buttocks and thighs). Massage as vigorously as tolerated, taking care to protect sensitive skin. You do not want to break skin or cause bleeding. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Use this coffee body scrub 2–3 times a week for best results. Some temporary redness to the scrubbed areas is normal. If any discomfort or irritation persists, try grinding your coffee finer, use finer-ground sugar and/or omit the cinnamon oil.

Because coffee scrubs are exfoliating, you will want to finish after your shower with a high-quality moisturizer, like this moisturizer for dry skin or body butter.

For using the coffee scrub for the face, scoop out about half a tablespoon into your palm and then apply to your face with your fingers, massaging gently and in circular motions. Leave on your face for a least a couple of minutes before rinsing off. For the lip scrub, use about a teaspoon and rub horizontally with your fingers across your libs for 10 to 20 seconds before rinsing off.

To use coffee grounds on your scalp, simply fill your palm with the grounds, massage them into your scalp for 1–2 minutes, then rinse and shampoo as usual.

DIY Coffee Scrub

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 applications

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Description

Coffee grounds make for an excellent DIY exfoliator. This homemade coffee scrub combines several skin soothing and exfoliating ingredients for a deep cleanse. It can be used for the body (including areas where cellulite or stretch marks appear), hands, face and the scalp.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup coffee grounds
• ½ cup coconut oil (or sweet almond oil)
• ⅔ cup coarse sugar (turbinado sugar for body; brown sugar if you’re also going to use on face)
• 4–8 drops cinnamon oil (less if you have very sensitive skin)
• 8 drops vanilla oil, or 1 teaspoon cooking vanilla (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add coffee grounds, coconut (or sweet almond) oil, sugar and essential oils.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Store in a reusable container, such as dark glass or high-quality plastic. May be stored for up to one year in the refrigerator.

Notes

Some temporary redness to the scrubbed areas is normal. If any discomfort or irritation persists, try grinding your coffee finer, use finer-ground sugar and/or omit the cinnamon oil.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: Body Care, Skin Care
• Method: Mixing

Keywords: DIY coffee scrub, homemade coffee scrub

The post DIY Coffee Scrub for the Body, Face & Scalp appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Sometimes the stinky feet are a dead giveaway, but usually you’re well aware of your fungal infections before others are. The more common fungal infections are athlete’s foot, toenail or fingernail fungus, jock itch, candida or yeast infections, oral thrush, ringworm and meningitis.

Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that help solve the fungal problem, such as my jock itch home remedy and antifungal powder, and all can be made right at home. So before rushing out to the store to buy over-the-counter medications that are usually filled with chemicals, try this natural DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Antifungal Spray.

Frankly, making this antifungal spray couldn’t be easier, as you simply combine the ingredients into a 5-ounce or larger glass spray bottle and blend well.

The key is getting these skin-healing ingredients, including aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar and witch hazel. The latter includes tannins which make witch hazel extract a natural astringent, since they remove excess oil from skin. Apple cider vinegar, meanwhile, contains probiotics and a type of acid that promotes the growth of probiotics that can help kill off Candida.

Similarly, I’ve chosen three essential oils — lavender, peppermint and chamomile — that can fight fungus and soothe skin alongside two excellent carrier oils, olive oil and jojoba oil.

Once all of these ingredients are blended together, keep the antifungal spray in the refrigerator to provide a cooling sensation upon use. When you are ready to use, simply spray onto the affected area and then allow to air dry.

Apply 2–3 times daily for several days or until the symptoms are gone. If you experience any irritation, please discontinue use or further dilute with olive oil and aloe vera and try again.

DIY Antifungal Spray Recipe

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 uses

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Description

Fungal issues are common but don’t always need you going to get an over-the-counter medication. Instead, try this natural DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Antifungal Spray.

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Ingredients

• 2 ounces pure aloe vera gel
• 1 ounce jojoba oil
• ½ ounce olive oil
• ½ ounce apple cider vinegar
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional)
• 10 drops chamomile oil
• ½ ounce witch hazel

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Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients into a 5 ounce or larger glass spray bottle. (Dark glass is best so the essential oils don’t degrade.)
2. Blend well.
3. Keep in the refrigerator to provide a cooling sensation upon use.

• Prep Time: 5 min

Keywords: DIY antifungal spray

The post DIY Antifungal Spray with Apple Cider Vinegar appeared first on Dr. Axe.

As we learn more about the importance of ditching conventional antiperspirants and adopting natural deodorants instead, people are eager to find products that can both help keep body odor away and not pose a threat to their health. Enter the armpit detox.

Natural deodorants — made with products like baking soda and essential oils — are gaining more traction. However, a relatively common complaint is that they don’t work as well as commercial products to keep sweat and smells at bay.

This is where an armpit detox can come into play. It can potentially help naturally reduce body odor, making using gentler body care products a more attractive option.

What Is an Armpit Detox?

An armpit detox involves applying cleansing products, such as charcoals, bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar, to your armpits in order to draw out bacteria and residue that can contribute to odor.

People most often do this when switching to natural deodorants (which don’t block sweat but reduce bacteria growth) in order to help these products work better. When ditching antiperspirants, some people also temporarily experience excessive sweating as their sweat glands adjust, so cleansing the area can be a way to keep B.O. in check while this happens.

How to Do It

How do you detox your armpits naturally? Most often it’s performed by applying a mask to your armpits, letting it dry, and then removing it with soap and water.

This gives the ingredients time to “soak up” unwanted bacteria and other ingredients from your armpits, potentially leaving behind smoother, less odor-producing skin.

The ingredients used in most armpit detoxes include:

• Baking soda — Has the ability to absorb sweat and odors and help exfoliate the skin.
• Bentonite clay — Absorbs bacteria and chemicals from the skin, plus contains minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium that can be absorbed through your pores.
• Apple cider vinegar — Helps contribute to a healthy skin microbiome (aka a healthy ratio of different bacteria that live on the skin), plus is useful for normalizing the skin’s pH.
• Activated charcoal — Soaks up unwanted particles from the skin and has natural detoxifying properties.

Here’s how to detox your armpits using widely available ingredients:

1. Combine the following ingredients to make a paste: 1 tablespoon bentonite clay, 1 to 2 teaspoons water and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.
2. Mix all ingredients together, then apply the mask to your pits generously.
3. Wait 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and soap.
4. You can repeat this process every several days if you’d like, assuming you have no negative reactions.

How long does it take to detox your armpits?

It really depends on the individual. Some people report that they smell and sweat more for several weeks after stopping to use antiperspirants, during which the body’s bacteria levels and pH are likely adjusting. For others, this transition might last only a few days.

Does It Work? (Benefits)

What happens when you detox your armpits? Here are some of the purposes and potential benefits:

1. Balanced Bacteria (Which Can Help Reduce Body Odor)

By applying products to your pits that naturally stick to smell-causing bacteria and then remove it, or kill bacteria on contact, you reduce unwanted odors.

For example, apple cider vinegar can help reduce the presence of smelly bacteria, such as Actinobacteria and Micrococcus sedentarius, and support the skin’s natural pH balance in the process (which is slightly acidic).

This contributes to a healthy “skin microbiome” in your armpit area. Typically a healthier microbiome (including in your mouth) equals less offensive smells.

2. Can Help Improve Skin Health

Antiperspirants can be irritating to the skin in some cases, especially if someone has a fragrance sensitivity or generally sensitive skin, so opting for a detox and more natural products is a good alternative to keep skin happy.

Another downside to using antiperspirants is that they are drying, since they’re intended to reduce sweating. These leaves skin vulnerable to become chaffed, red and inflamed.

If your armpits tend to become irritated easily, the key to a safe detox is using the right gentle ingredients and nothing too harsh or drying.

3. Removes Residue From Antiperspirants

Commercial antiperspirants may leave behind trace amounts of chemicals that can become “stuck” inside the pores in the armpits.

There haven’t actually been studies proving that an armpit detox can do this, but it makes sense that by taking a break from using antiperspirants you give your body time to shed these ingredients (usually over the course of one to three days) and open up your pores for other helpful ones.

Other DIY Recipes for Your Armpits

Aside from the armpit detox mask recipe mentioned above (made with charcoal and ACV), try this DIY recipe for a natural deodorant that helps support a healthy armpit microbiome.

The recipe below uses baking soda, coconut oil (which has antibacterial properties), essential oils that can nourish the skin and fight unwanted microbes, and apple cider vinegar. Natural deodorants also help you avoid chemical fragrances, irritants and other products that your skin can directly absorb.

Apply the natural deodorant recipe found below twice a day for best results:

DIY Armpit Detox Recipe

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• Author: Jill Levy
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 90 applications

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Description

The recipe below uses baking soda, coconut oil (which has antibacterial properties), essential oils that can nourish the skin and fight unwanted microbes, and apple cider vinegar.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 20 drops essential oil of your choice (Scent recommendations for females: sage, ylang ylang, jasmine, lemon; for males: cypress, rosemary oil)
• Empty deodorant containers

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Instructions

1. Put coconut oil in bowl. Mix in baking soda, apple cider vinegar, then add essential oils. Mix well.
2. Store in a deodorant container or a glass jar. Keep in a cool place. (Coconut oil will melt.)
3. To apply, dab with fingers and rub or roll onto underarms. Wait a couple of minutes before contact with fabric.
4. For best results, use twice daily.

Notes

• You can use the essential oils of your choice.
• Try different oils for different scents.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Category: Deodorant
• Method: Mixing

Keywords: armpit detox mask, armpit detox diy, diy armpit detox, armpit detox recipe, underarm detox, how to detox your armpits, detox armpits, how to detox armpits,

As an alternative, also try this Homemade Probiotic Deodorant Recipe or Crystal Deodorant Recipe.

Additionally, these tips can help you get the most benefits from detoxing your armpits and keeping odors and sweat under control:

• Shower daily with an antibacterial agent. This reduces the smelly bacteria count on your skin. Opt for organic products when possible, and consider even taking your own soaps using essential oils, which are natural bacteria-fighters, such as tea tree oil and lemongrass oil.
• After showering, towel off and try to leave your skin as dry as possible. Wear natural fabrics that let your skin breath.
• Damp, sweaty clothes are the most likely to smell, so make sure to wash your clothes thoroughly using antibacterial laundry soap. (Try this Homemade Laundry Soap.)
• Consider if your diet may be contributing to body odor, especially if you consume lots of sugar, meat and refined carbs. Even some healthy foods can contribute to stinkiness if you can’t digest them properly, including the usual culprits like garlic, onions, beans, curry and strong spices, but also lesser known sulfur-suppliers like broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cabbage.

Risks and Side Effects

Some of the ingredients used in the DIY recipes above may dry out your skin or alter your skin’s pH, so use caution when first beginning to apply these products to your skin. It’s a good idea to perform a patch test to make sure you don’t have any negative reactions, such as allergies, redness or irritation.

If you experience signs of an allergic reaction or sensitivity when applying these products, such as redness, itching or hives, discontinue use, and simply avoid applying any products to your skin for a period of time.

Conclusion

• An armpit detox is usually done when someone is transitioning from using traditional antiperspirants to natural deodorants. During the first several days or weeks when quitting antiperspirants, some people find that they smell and sweat more than usual, so a detox might help to fix this problem.
• How do you detox your armpits? You can complete an armpit detox using natural products like baking soda, clay, charcoal, apple cider vinegar and essential oils on your armpits.
• These products work by killing bacteria, absorbing sweat and residue that clog your pores, and balancing your skin’s microbiome and pH.

The post Armpit Detox: How and Why to Do One (& Does It Really Work?) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Have you ever experienced a foot soak? A good foot soak offers some much-needed therapy to tired, achy feet and overall relaxation. Healthy, soothed feet can make a difference in your day.

Depending on what you do day to day, your feet can get rather beat up, sometimes forming calluses and rough, dry skin. And, just in case you didn’t know, there are over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments in each foot alone!

Each foot is constructed of 28 bones and 30 joints, in addition to all those muscles. This support system is useful in balance and mobility. So, with all that going on in just one foot, it’s not hard to understand that a little TLC can go a long way.

Taking a foot soak for sore feet or dry feet, followed by a foot scrub, will keep your feet soft and pampered while taking away the stresses of the day. Some natural health practitioners prescribe them, claiming they help reduce the risk of toenail fungus as well as help to relieve a bone spur.

So, what can you soak your feet in to soften them? If you want to make a natural difference in how your feet look and feel, try my homemade foot soak. (You can also try my DIY detox foot bath.) What’s great is that you can customize the ingredients to suit your needs without the chemicals found in most off-the-shelf versions.

How to Make a Foot Soak

In a large jar with a tight-fitting lid, place the Epsom salt, sea salt and baking soda. I love Epsom salt since it is a great pain reliever and is a magnesium-rich detoxifier. In addition to treating sore muscles, it helps relieve dry skin.

Sea salt is a great source of minerals to alkalinize and relax the body. And baking soda is naturally soothing for the feet, helping remove bacteria and odor.

Next, add the essential oils. Peppermint essential oil is so refreshing and soothes aching muscles while also helping to release them by easing tension and tightness. Adding to the fight against bacteria is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil also provides relief to the feet by helping to treat wounds. Sweet orange essential oil has a lovely scent but also nourishes the skin of the feet with its high vitamin C content, while improving circulation and helping prevent infection.

And last, but not least, is olive leaf extract. Olive leaf extract contains antifungal properties — another great source for relieving the feet and preventing infection.

To use, place a quarter-cup of the mixture in warm (not hot) water in a foot basin. Stir, then soak the feet for around 20 minutes. Place a towel or absorbent pad underneath the tub or bowl you choose for your DIY foot soak to help keep the area clear of any excess water.

Next, exfoliate with my DIY Foot Scrub. Then gently rinse and pat dry. Finish by applying a moisturizer, such as my Lavender & Coconut Oil Moisturizer for Dry Skin.

DIY Foot Soak Recipe

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 applications

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Description

A good foot soak offers some much-needed therapy to tired, achy feet and overall relaxation. Here’s an easy one to make at home.

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Ingredients

• 1¼ cup Epsom salt
• ¼ cup sea salt
• 1¼ tablespoon baking soda
• 8 drops peppermint essential oil
• 8 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 8 drops tea tree essential oil
• 10 drops olive leaf extract
• foot bath basin
• 1½ gallons of warm water

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Instructions

1. In a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, add the Epsom salt, sea salt and baking soda and shake vigorously.
2. Next, add the essential oils. Shake again.
3. Add the olive leaf extract and shake a third time.
4. To use, place a ¼ cup of the mixture in warm (not hot) water in a foot basin. Stir, then soak your feet for around 20 minutes. Place a towel or absorbent pad underneath the basin to help keep the area clear of any excess water.

Notes

After your foot soak, consider exfoliating with my DIY Foot Scrub. Then gently rinse and pat dry.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: DIY beauty recipes

Keywords: DIY foot soak

The post DIY Foot Soak to Soothe Feet & Prevent Fungus appeared first on Dr. Axe.

When it comes to a natural remedy for almost anything, from sore muscles and burns to insect bites, a poultice is a great way to tackle it. As a kid, I remember my grandmother creating this remedy when I had my first bee sting. I had no idea what she was doing, but it worked and I went from a teary-eyed boy to back to playing in my tree house in no time!

Grandma didn’t just make this stuff up either. Poultices have long been noted as traditional medicine, with some poultices made from what I would call some not so pleasant ingredients. In fact, the most frequented poultice historically recorded was made with cow manure mixed with clay for abscesses and burns.

Don’t worry — I’m not suggesting you go out and find cow manure, and my grandma did not use cow manure. No, this poultice comprised a sock filled with hot salt, known as a salt poultice, which was a recommended treatment for mumps and toothaches.

Now that I have sparked your curiosity, a poultice is totally safe and easy to make.

What Is A Poultice?

So what is a poultice, exactly? It’s a natural, at-home remedy that’s typically filled with beneficial herbs that can quickly heal an area, fight inflammation and improve blood circulation.

Using a combination of ingredients, such as powdered clay, salts, charcoal and even essential oils, along with leafy herbs, you can make a poultice by wrapping these types of healing combinations in a piece of cloth and placing it directly on the affected area or the bottom of the feet.

A poultice is a great option because the affected area gets direct contact with these natural remedies, allowing healing through immediate absorption through the skin and, ultimately, drawing out any infection. Additionally, the bottom of the feet is an area where the skin is able to more easily absorb the natural remedy you apply.

What, specifically, can poultices do? They’ve been shown to help treat skin diseases, diabetic ulcer wounds, insect bites, sore muscles, bruises, coughs and congestion, and more.

What’s great about a poultice compress is that you can apply it directly to the source of pain or inflammation, and it’s completely natural and can provide benefits quickly. Additionally, it’s a great alternative when sitting in an herb-filled tub is not easily available.

Poultice Types

According to a study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, a poultice made using houttuynia cordata (HC), known as the “poison-eating plant,” a commonly used herbal remedy in Japan, was very effective in treating skin problems.

The particular HC poultice studied was prepared from smothering fresh leaves of the plant and used for the treatment of some skin diseases. The study showed antibacterial effects against some infections, suggesting that HC may be very effective for bacteria-developing skin issues and inflammation.

Furthermore, poultices may help fight diabetic ulcer wounds. The effects of using traditional medicine as a topical treatment in the form of a poultice for treating diabetic ulcer wounds was confirmed as very effective. Specifically, B. orientale extract hydrogel was used in a study and may be presented as a potential treatment for diabetic ulcer wounds. This extract has long been used for the treatment of various skin diseases, such as stomach pain and urinary bladder issues due to the antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial activity of the extract of the leaves.

This type of homemade remedy also helps with insect bites and sore muscles. An Epsom salt poultice is great for insect bites. The magnesium found in Epsom salts may help alleviate the pain and inflammation caused by injuries, such as sprains and strains, as well as swelling that may be the result of a sting due to a biting insect.

An Epsom salt poultice can also help reduce pain associated with sore muscles or help relieve pain from bruises. It can also help draw out the pain associated with an insect sting.

Poultices have also been shown to be great for eliminating coughs and congestion. An onion poultice can do wonders for flu-like symptoms, including coughing and congestion.

Onions are high in sulfuric compounds, such as thiosulfinates, sulfoxides and other odorous cysteine sulfoxides, which is what gives onions their distinct taste as well as the cause of tears while slicing them! It’s the thiosulfinates found in onions that have the ability to kill off salmonella and E. coli.

Besides the featured herbal poultice recipe below, here are suggestions for two of the poultices mentioned above.

Epsom Salt Poultice

While you can buy an Epsom salt poultice online, you can also make your own. A homemade Epsom salt poultice helps with insect bites and sore muscles.

There’s two ways to make an Epsom salt poultice: Prepare and apply directly to the affected area, or prepare and use a “poultice pack” to the area. Warning: the first is messier but may be more effective.

For the first variation, make this mixture in a bathroom because of the potential mess. Simply take the amount of Epsom salt that you think will cover the affected area. If it’s a small area, then half a cup should suffice. Larger area, such as sore calves? Then use at least a cup.

Mix with enough water to make a thick paste, then slowly cover the area you want to address.  Cover with a damp, warm towel and follow with a wrap to keep the towel in place.

Allow the poultice to soak into your skin for around 20 minutes and then wash it off.

Method two is making up a poultice pack with cotton drawstring bags, such as reusable muslin. Make up the paste with Epsom salts and water in a bowl and then put into the cotton bag, spreading it out in an even layer and then cover the affected area.

Onion Poultice

A simple homemade onion poultice can help alleviate flu-like symptoms, including coughing and congestion.

To prepare, slice up an onion and sauté for a few minutes with some coconut oil. Add in some fresh cut ginger and garlic as well, about a tablespoon each. Stir and remove from heat.

Place the mixture inside a thin cotton drawstring bag or on a piece of thin cloth and wrap up like a poultice. Place it right on your chest and leave it there for at least 30 minutes.

Precautions

A poultice is great, but be aware of the ingredients before applying. If you have sensitivities to any of the ingredients, remove immediately. If heating a poultice, don’t apply it while it’s hot. Make sure it cools first so that you do not burn your skin.

Try this DIY poultice remedy below, and help speed up the healing process.

DIY Herbal Poultice Recipe

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 10 min
• Yield: 1 application (reuse 5 times)

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Description

A poultice is a natural, at-home remedy that’s typically filled with beneficial herbs that can quickly heal an area, fight inflammation and improve blood circulation. It’s also very easy to make.

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Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated or chopped turmeric
• 2 tablespoons chopped lemongrass
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated or chopped ginger
• 1/2 cup small raw sliced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 drops oregano essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• white cloth or muslin
• thick string (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a pan on low heat, add the coconut oil and lightly sauté the ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, onion and garlic. You can put a lid on it for a few seconds to let it steam. You want it to remain mostly dry or slightly moist from the coconut oil. You can use a tiny bit of water if needed as you do not want it to burn.
2. Turn off and move the ingredients to a bowl to cool.
3. Add the essential oils and stir to blend well.
4. Next, lay out your cloth. Take a big spoonful of the mixture and place it into the center of your cloth.
5. Now, just fold or lay the outside pieces on top of each other so you have a pack. Some like to pull long pieces up into a “handle” at the top and tie it with yarn or thread. It doesn’t really matter as long as you keep the ingredients nestled tightly in the cloth so nothing falls out or becomes loose when in use.
6. Next, place the poultice on the affected area for 20–30 minutes two or three times a day.
7. You can place it in the fridge and reheat in a steamer or microwaves, using it four or fives times, before making a new one.

Keywords: poultice recipe, herbal poultice

The post Poultice: How to Make an Herbal, Epsom Salt or Onion Type appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Did you know that almost anything you put on your skin can seep right through and into your bloodstream? Yes, that includes parabens and other dangerous chemicals in skin products. So while many of you have taken the clean eating movement seriously (and that is fantastic!), many are forgetting about the products that they are slathering on their bodies.

Unfortunately, too many of these products are littered with chemicals and preservatives that head right into the bloodstream and travel throughout our bodies, wreaking havoc by causing inflammation and more.

But it doesn’t have to be that way with natural skin care, including my homemade lotion for your face and body. Aging is an indication of the time moving forward and while we cannot stop time, we may be able to help reduce the signs of it through our skin. This lotion is easy to make and will soothe the skin while offering a healthy glow soon after the first application.

How to Make Homemade Lotion

To make this amazing homemade lotion, you can use a double-boiler or a glass heat safe bowl — you can also use a glass measuring cup — that fits inside a pan. Put the benefit-rich olive oil, beeswax and shea butter in the container you have chosen for heating over medium heat and slowly melt while stirring. If you are using a glass container and saucepan, make sure the sauce pan has enough water in it to cover about half the glass bowl.

Olive oil has amazing moisturizing characteristics without being too greasy. Olive oil has been used since ancient times and it contains squalene, which is a phenolic compound that is filled with useful anti-aging antioxidants, hydrating qualities and may fight skin cancer.

Beeswax is another amazing skin-healing ingredient, and it locks in moisture. Beeswax is filled with  softening and emollient rich vitamin A, which can help rebuild damaged skin cells. And being comedogenic, it won’t clog pores — keeping the skin moist and blackhead free.

Shea butter adds more richness to this hydrating skin-glowing lotion. With the ability to boost collagen, shea butter is a perfect ingredient to add to this blend.

Once these ingredients have melted and are well blended, remove from the heat. After allowing the mixture to cool, add the essential oils. Frankincense is my go-to when it comes to skin. Not only is it an anti-aging and wrinkle-fighting ingredient, it helps heal bacteria-containing blemishes.

Lavender partners right up with frankincense to help reduce acne-causing bacteria while providing useful relaxing benefits as well. And let’s not forget about peppermint oil, which travels with me wherever I go. While it can eliminate headaches in seconds by placing a drop on the forehead, it can eliminate aches from sore muscles and rejuvenate the skin. Peppermint essential oil is microbial, providing calming effects to inflamed skin such as a sunburn, eczema and psoriasis.

Now you can try it out to see how you want the texture. For a creamier texture, you can use an electric mixer or hand beater for a minute or two. Once all ingredients have been well blended to the desired consistency and has cooled, place in a container. I like to use a glass mason jar, but you can also use a BPA-free plastic bottle with a pump.

I like to keep my DIY lotion in the refrigerator during the warmer months to maintain consistency since the coconut oil can melt. You can decide what works best depending on where you live.

I hope you enjoy this wonderful chemical-free lotion that is gentle enough to use every day!

Homemade Lotion Recipe

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 20 min
• Yield: 60 applications

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Description

Here’s a homemade lotion for your hands, body and face. This DIY lotion is easy to make and will soothe the skin while offering a healthy glow soon after the first application.

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Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoons beeswax
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil

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Instructions

1. Place the olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax in a glass bowl in a pan with warm water (or you can use a double-boiler).
2. Heat the ingredients, while stirring, until they melt. Continue to stir until well blended.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add the essential oil.
4. Stir again until well blended.
5. Check the consistency. For a thinner, creamier consistency, use a hand mixer (or electric mixer) for one or two minutes.
6. Place in your favorite container. Dark glass is best for extending shelf life
7. Apply, as needed, to the hands, face and body, avoiding the eyes.

• Prep Time: 10 min

Keywords: how to make lotion, homemade lotion, DIY lotion

The post Homemade Lotion with Frankincense, Lavender & Peppermint Oils appeared first on Dr. Axe.

The standard store-bought shower gel may contain petroleum and other chemical-based ingredients, such as added fragrance. If you notice your skin getting dry, red, itchy or flaky, consider a different shower gel; however, I suggest making your own so that you can know exactly what is going into your shower gel. It’s easy to do.

To make my DIY shower gel, place the shea butter in a small pan and melt on low heat. Add the jojoba oil, almond oil and coconut oil. Shea butter is an amazing ingredient given its vitamin A contents. It is very moisturizing, too. Jojoba oil offers great skin-healing benefits and is helpful in reducing acne as well as psoriasis. For a vitamin E boost — something your skin craves — almond oil is the way to go. And, we know that coconut oil is a great moisturizer that also fights off bacteria.

Now, pour the oil and shea butter mixture into a medium-sized bowl and sprinkle the xanthan gum into the bowl allowing it to sit for about a minute. You may be wondering just what this ingredient is. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent. While it is not a good idea to eat too much of it, it can be helpful on the skin. Using an immersion blender on pulse, dissolve the gum into the shea butter and oil blend. Do this for one to two minutes.

Next, add the castile soap, vegetable glycerine and warm water. Castile soap is a favorite of mine because it is a natural, vegetable-based soap. Vegetable glycerin is useful because it is a plant-based humectant, meaning it provides moisture to the skin. Blend again for about two minutes. At this point, it will begin to look like a creamy lotion. That’s what you want!

Lastly, add the orange essential oil. Sweet orange essential oil has a delightful citrus scent, and it also fights bacteria while helping to reduce stress. Pour the shower gel into a soap dispenser. You may want to shake it before use as it could separate just a bit. Use within a few weeks since it does not contain any preservatives.

DIY Shower Gel Recipe

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• Author: Ethan Boldt
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 ounces

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Description

This DIY shower gel is made from some of the most skin-benefitting and cleaning ingredients, including shea butter, jojoba oil, almond oil, coconut out and Castile soap. Orange essential oil is the featured scent.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon almond oil
• 1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil
• ¼ cup Castile soap
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• ¼ cup warm water distilled water
• 12 drops orange essential oil

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Instructions

1. In a small pan on the stove, slowly melt the shea butter in the distilled water over low heat.
2. Add the jojoba, almond and coconut oils. Blend well using an immersion hand blender.
3. Pour blended oils into a heat-safe bowl.
4. Add the xanthan gum and allow it to sit for 1–2 minutes.
5. Next, add the Castile soap and blend.
6. Add the glycerin and sweet orange essential oil. Blend well.
7. The mixture should be creamy and thick. Pour it into a dispenser.
8. Use within a few weeks.

• Prep Time: 10 min

The post DIY Shower Gel with Orange Essential Oil and Shea Butter appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Vapor rubs are typically used on the chest, back and throat to help with symptoms of a common cold or minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints. Of course, you can purchase vapor rubs in stores, but these products can contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to your health.

For example, camphor is the most common ingredient and recognized by its woodsy smell, but while camphor oil can confer some benefits, too much can be problematic. Manufacturers warn that it should not be applied in or near the nostrils and not used on children under 2 years of age.

According to Dr. Bruce Rubin from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, an over-the-counter vapor rub “may make people with congestion feel more comfortable, but it does nothing to increase airflow or actually relieve the congestion.” In fact, research performed on ferrets found that an over-the-counter vapor rub increased mucus and decreased mucus clearance. This means that these topical treatments may not only ignore the source of the problem, but they may actually make symptoms worse.

So why do people feel better after using these creams? It’s menthol. The strong menthol odor tricks the brain into feeling like your nasal passages are unclogged.

In high doses, menthol side effects may include drowsiness, abdominal pain, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, ataxia and coma. For some people, it may cause allergic reactions and symptoms such as headache, flushing or contact dermatitis.

How to Make A Homemade Chest Rub

Luckily, this homemade vapor rub recipe really works and is completely natural! You can feel confident in what you are putting on your body. You only need five simple ingredients: olive oil, coconut oil, grated beeswax, cedarwood essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil, along with a container to store the mixture in.

The essential oils deliver a soothing feeling while giving off an aroma that helps to open up the respiratory system and help improve the ease of breathing.

In fact, the cedarwood and eucalyptus essential oils pack this rub with a number of benefits. Cedarwood essential oil possesses an antispasmodic ability and may help to relieve a cough. It also contains a very soothing scent that helps people with sleep issues. Eucalyptus essential oil functions as an expectorant, helping to cleanse the body of toxins, making it great for relieving symptoms of the cold and flu. It has also proven helpful with sinus and respiratory problems.

For anyone over the age of 3, you can also substitute peppermint essential oil for cedarwood, as peppermint oil is used for muscle pain relief, sinus care, fever reducing, headache help, nausea relief and so much more. But don’t use peppermint oil for anyone under the age of 3, as it can increase the risk for seizures.

Try this homemade vapor chest rub today. Simply pour the olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax into a glass jar. To save containers, choose a jar you can store your homemade vapor rub in later. Fill a saucepan with two inches of water and place over low heat.

Then, set the jar in the saucepan and wait for the oils to melt. Stir to combine. Once you mix all of the ingredients together, allow to cool and add in the essential oils. Use a wooden spoon to combine.

You can store on the shelf. Ideally, use the product within six months for maximum effectiveness. Apply to chest before bed.

Precautions

This DIY recipe is not recommended for babies. And just a reminder that eucalyptus oil is not safe for internal use and should only be used aromatically or topically. For children, make sure to restrict usage to the chest area and not near the face.

Homemade Vapor Chest Rub

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 30 uses

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Description

This homemade chest rub recipe really works and is completely natural! You can feel confident in what you are putting on your body. You only need five simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup grated beeswax
• 20 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• glass jar

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Instructions

1. Pour the olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax into a jar.
2. Place a saucepan with 2 inches of water over low heat.
3. Place jar in saucepan and allow oils and beeswax to melt. Stir with wooden spoon to combine.
4. Once combined, allow to cool and add in essential oils. Stir to combine.
5. Pour mixture into metal tins or storage containers and allow to set.

Notes

For children over the age of 3, you can substitute peppermint oil for cedarwood oil.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: Body care
• Method: Mixing

Keywords: homemade chest rub, chest rub recipe, homemade vapor rub

The post Homemade Vapor Rub appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You don’t have to be an athlete or a jock to get jock itch. However, it’s most common in athletes because they sweat more than the average person and often wear sweaty clothing for long periods of time. This can make for the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that causes this frustrating fungal infection.

While it isn’t the most appealing topic, jock itch is rather common. In fact, studies show that about 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is affected by fungal skin infections! It’s important to note that candida symptoms can be similar to or even trigger jock itch.

Luckily, getting rid of jock itch is simple. With proper hygiene, healing foods and essential oils, the infection usually responds within a couple of weeks. Let’s look at some of the best natural remedies and more!

What Is Jock Itch?

Jock itch, medically known as tinea cruris, or ringworm of the groin, is an infection of the groin area caused by fungus and can be rather annoying to anyone who has it. As the common name implies, it causes an itching or a burning sensation in the groin area, thigh skin folds or anus. However, tinea cruris affected area may not affect the penis or scrotum — though may involve the inner thighs and genital areas, as well as extend back to the perineum and perianal areas.

The genus of fungi is called trichophyton, which includes the parasitic varieties that cause tinea cruris. Trichophyton fungi also includes athlete’s foot, ringworm infections, and similar infections of the nail, beard, skin and scalp. Tinea corporis is an actual fungus infection that may affect the entire body.

Does jock itch occur in both males and females? Yes, though it’s more frequently seen in males. It’s also known as:

• crotch itch
• crotch rot
• Dhobi itch
• eczema marginatum
• gym itch
• jock rot
• scrot rot
• ringworm of the groin

The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist areas and occurs mostly in adult men and teenage boys. It can be triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness in the groin area, such as from sweating.

Is jock itch contagious? Technically yes, as it can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing, such as bathing suits, that have been touched or shared. If you have athlete’s foot, it can even be passed by touching your own feet or socks, then touching your groin area.

Hot and humid weather can add to the cause. And people who have certain health conditions, such as obesity or diseases that cause problems with the immune system, are more likely to develop it.

Jock itch is caused by several types of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes, including Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. Everyone has microscopic fungi and bacteria living on their bodies, and dermatophytes are among them. Dermatophytes live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair and nails and thrive in warm, moist areas like the insides of the thighs. When the groin area gets sweaty and isn’t dried properly, it traps heat and moisture, providing a perfect environment for the fungi to live and grow.

Symptoms

You can usually self-diagnose jock itch by how your skin looks. If you feel the need to check in with your health care provider or dermatologist, call to make an appointment. Tests are usually not necessary. However, you may need an office test called a KOH exam or a skin culture. Don’t worry — these tests are very simple and relatively painless, but they may help better identify the severity and diagnosis.

Common symptoms of jock itch include:

• Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze — and often have sharply defined edges
• Patches are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center
• Abnormally dark or light skin, sometimes permanently
• Itching, chafing or burning in the groin, thigh or anal area
• Flaking, peeling or cracking skin

Keep in mind that If the infection last longer than two weeks, is severe or continues to return, you may need treatment by a health care provider.

How to Prevent

To avoid every getting jock itch, the best thing you can do is have good hygiene. Here are a few key tips to help prevent jock itch:

• Shower or take a bath daily, especially after playing sports.
• Keep the area as dry as possible by always using a clean towel after showering or swimming.
• Avoid sharing towels.
• Try to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and undergarments.
• Wash athletic supporters as often as possible.
• Change clothes and undergarments daily.

It’s important to note that if you have a fungal infection somewhere else on your body, like athlete’s foot or ringworm, be sure to treat it to help prevent the fungus from spreading to your groin area. There are some things you can do to prevent the spread. Make sure you don’t touch or scratch your groin area after touching your feet, for example.

It’s important to use a separate towel on your feet after showering or dry your groin before your feet so the towel doesn’t spread the infection. Put your socks on before your underwear to cover your feet so that the germs do not get on your underwear.

Immediate Jock Itch Treatment

Jock itch usually responds to self-care within a couple of weeks by providing some some basic practices, such as:

• Keep the skin clean and dry in the groin area. When cleaning the area, dry with a clean towel. It’s important that you don’t use the same towel on the rest of your body. Use a separate, clean towel instead.
• Don’t wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area.
• Shower immediately after athletic activities.
• Don’t scratch!
• Wear loose-fitting underwear.
• Wash athletic supporters frequently.
• Change your clothes, especially undergarments, daily.
• Avoid heavily perfumed fabric conditioners and washing powders, as they may cause additional irritation.
• Treat any other fungal infections you may have, such as athlete’s foot, because they’re similar and can cause the problem to linger, reoccur and spread if not treated.
• Before trying over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, which can contain lots of chemicals, try a natural remedy.
• If it doesn’t get better within a few weeks, you may need to see your doctor to discuss your options.

Conventional jock itch treatment includes using powder sprays, often containing the antifungal clotrimazole. Clotrimazole is also the primary antifungal and so-called “active ingredient” present in the brand Lotrimin®. Lotrimin® is available in both cream and powder spray form. The most common side effects of clotrimazole include redness, irritation, burning, stinging, swelling, tenderness, pimple-like bumps or flaking of the treated skin.

LamisilAT® is another common conventional treatment but uses a different antifungal called terbinafine. LamisilAT® is used more often to treat fungus that affects the fingernails or toenails (onychomycosis). Common side effects include stomach upset (diarrhea, gas, nausea, stomach pain), headache, dizziness, mild skin rash, itching or even unpleasant/unusual taste or loss of taste in the mouth.

Natural Remedies

While there are a variety of commercially made, synthetic lotions and sprays that you can purchase, natural remedies from plants can be just as effective due to their antifungal qualities. Plus, they cost way less and provide a chemical-free approach to healing.

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Kashmir in India reports that natural remedies from plants are gaining popularity because of these obvious advantages in addition to having fewer side effects, helping patients tolerate them far better than synthetics. Natural remedies from plants are becoming far more acceptable due to a long history of use.

For these reasons, several plants have been investigated for treatment of skin diseases ranging from itching to skin cancer, and some these remedies below are perfect examples of how you can get rid of jock itch.

1. Change Your Diet

Changes in your diet can make a big difference in healing and prevention of jock itch. Foods that are high in sugars and carbohydrates often encourage fungus growth. Consider more whole fruits and vegetables daily. It’s also important to note that alcohol, especially beer, can cause yeast to grow. By reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption, you may be able to keep jock itch problems from arising in the first place.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Because the acids in apple cider vinegar act as antibacterial agents, it can be a great option for healing bacterial jock itch. In addition, the antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar fights candida and fungus growth, including jock itch.

Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle. You can place it in the refrigerator to provide a cooling effect that will bring added relief when applied to the inflamed skin.

For an even more complex jock itch home remedy, check out my DIY recipe below that uses essential oils as well as apple cider vinegar.

3. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another natural remedy for jock itch. Cornstarch is derived from dried corn kernels and is the primary ingredient in baby powders. It can help the skin have a fresh, dry feeling while soothing the burning, raw effects from scratching the infected areas.

This can be applied after any of these treatments, once the area is dry, and can also be a great preventive method. [Note: some readers have found cornstarch unhelpful to their jock itch issues.]

4. Oatmeal and Epsom Salt Bath

This can be a relaxing way to achieve relief and healing. Add two cups of oatmeal and one cup of Epsom salt to a bath tub filled with warm water. Soak your body in the tub for about 20 minutes.

Make sure the water is not too hot since hot water can cause itchy skin and you want to avoid further irritation. As a bonus for some added healing and relaxation, you can add 10–20 drops of lavender oil.

5. Garlic and Honey

Garlic and honey have been known to provide relief because garlic is a natural bacteria killer while the honey soothes and helps control the itchy sensation associated with jock itch.

A study conducted in China looked to better understand the key components of garlic and its ability to fight infection. The main ingredients of garlic oil were identified as sulfides, mainly including disulfides (36 percent), trisulfides (32 percent) and monosulfides (29 percent) by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC/MS), which were estimated as the dominant antifungal factors. The good news is that the study indicated that the high antifungal effects of garlic oil make it a broad application prospect within antifungal environments.

Although the garlic can cause a slight irritation, because the honey acts as a moisturizer, it should counteract this effect. Chop the garlic into very small pieces, or mince it and mix it with organic or unfiltered honey and a little warm water to make a paste. Apply it to the infected skin area two times a day for 15 minutes. Wash thoroughly and let the area dry before putting on clothing.

You can also apply at night before you go to bed and leave on overnight. Another option is to try increasing your garlic intake orally. You can do this by simply eating more raw garlic in your favorite dishes or taking garlic capsules that you make yourself or buy at your local health food store.

6. Calendula

Calendula is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It comes from calendula flowers or marigolds, providing wonderful skin-healing properties. Calendula may be perfect for anyone who has sensitive skin because it’s very soothing and calming.

The flowers of marigold have long been employed in folk therapy, and more than 35 properties have been attributed as benefits from the flowers — all of which make it a good option to treat jock itch.

7. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil benefits the skin as well because it’s a great antiseptic that contains antifungal properties. It’s very helpful in rapidly healing wounds and may aid in preventing the formation of scar tissue. And because it’s mild, it is typically safe to use on children.

Studies published in Medical Mycology report that lavender oil is highly effective and fighting infection and, therefore, may reduce fungal progression and the spread of infection in host tissues.

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is great way to treat jock itch because it has powerful antifungal qualities and is a natural antiseptic and germicide that helps reduce itchiness and inflammation of the skin. Studies show that tea tree oil, tested at different various concentrations, possesses antifungal activity and can help fight jock itch fungus.

Try combining three to four drops of tea tree oil with one ounce olive oil or coconut oil and apply to the area twice daily. Allow it to soak into the skin. Tea tree oil can sting a bit, so make sure to dilute with the base oils first.

9. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies to treat any skin infection. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that aloe vera also has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties that may reduce your discomfort.

In addition, aloe vera penetrates deeply into the lower levels of the skin, bringing its remarkable properties to where they’re most needed. Although aloe is 99 percent water, aloe gel also contains a substance known as glycoprotein. Glycoprotein speeds the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation. It may also help stimulate the immune system.

Related: Baby Powder Asbestos Dangers: Should You Worry?

Precautions

While you can use various remedies, discontinue use of anything that develops a rash or irritation. Use caution if you have any medical conditions, especially if it requires a prescribed medication. Always check with your doctor before using any essential oils, especially on children and pregnant women.

Jock Itch Remedy

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 30 uses

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Description

This is not just any DIY jock itch — I suggest you use a strong concoction of essential oils, a vital carrier oil like coconut oil, a strong anti-inflammatory oil like neem oil alongside some apple cider vinegar, which acts as a potent antifungal agent.

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Ingredients

• 2 ounces coconut oil
• 2 ounces neem oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil
• [optional] 3 drops oregano oil
• 1 ounce apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients except for the apple cider vinegar (ACV) into a glass jar and blend well. (If the coconut oil is solid, simply put the closed jar with the mix in hot water, which will melt the coconut oil.)
2. Next add the ACV to the mixture and blend.
3. Clean and pat dry the affected area.
4. Rub onto the affected areas twice daily — once in the morning and again at night.
5. You may want to keep in the refrigerator to provide a cooling sensation for added relief.

Notes

You may experience layers of skin peeling off of you. This is normal. If irritation occurs, discontinue use or reduce the amount of essential oils by half and try again.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: Home remedies

Keywords: jock itch treatment, jock itch cream, jock itch home remedy

The post How to Get Rid of Jock Itch: 9 Natural Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Our bodies are exposed to toxins on a regular basis through our environment — from sources such as the water we drink, processed foods, commercial meat consumption and heavy metal exposure. Many of our organs, including the skin, function to naturally remove toxins from our bodies.

Unfortunately, we often have a heavy accumulation of toxins at a cellular level that may require help in removal from our bodies. Most licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) prescribe a variety of detox therapies for their patients as part of their comprehensive treatment plan. These detox treatments used by NDs can range from dietary treatments to skin and foot soaks. Similar to my foot soak recipe, my DIY Detox Foot Bath can soothe tired, aching feet and may also draw out impurities through the skin.

To make this DIY detox foot bath, you will need to gather a foot soaking tub or inexpensive dish basin, Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt, bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar (ACV) and your favorite essential oils.

Detox Foot Bath Ingredients

Epsom salt is considered the MVP of body soaking salts because of its detoxifying and pain-relieving qualities. The magnesium contained within the salt is known to decrease inflammation and pain, and the combination of magnesium with sulfur and oxygen is believed to stimulate the detox pathway in the body.

In addition to assisting in detoxification, soaking in Epsom salt helps to naturally boost serum magnesium levels through transdermal absorption, which supports neuromuscular health.

Known for its many health benefits, studies show that apple cider vinegar demonstrates antimicrobial and antifungal properties. For this reason, ACV is a great addition to a foot soak or foot bath detox recipe. Apple cider vinegar helps regulate the pH of the skin when used topically or in baths and has been said to help with foot odor and foot fungus. 

How Do You Detox Your Body Through Your Feet?

Although there are no current published medical studies or literature to back up the claim that your body can be detoxed through your feet, Eastern medicine has prescribed the practice for centuries. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners believe that the meridians that run through the feet affect every organ and part of the body, and foot baths are a regular part of good health practice.

Wondering how to detox through your feet at home? Alternative healthcare practitioners encourage several ways to detox through your feet at home. The most common would be by soaking feet in a tub of warm water, with a blend of salts, herbs and essential oils, such as the foot bath detox recipe below.

Other ways to detox feet at home include using detox foot pads, foot masks, foot scrubs and even foot massages. 

Does a Foot Detox Work?

Although foot detox baths have been used for thousands of years throughout Asia, there is some controversy today as to whether or not foot detoxes actually work. In fact, a study was performed in 2012 to look at hair and urine samples, as well as to test the water before and after foot detox baths were completed. This study was not able to find evidence that foot detox baths eliminate toxins from the body. There are other studies, however, that have found that ionic detox foot baths remove heavy metals from the body, which cause a plethora a health concerns. 

Despite a lack of studies on foot detoxing, few will argue the simple relaxing and stress-relieving benefits of a foot bath!

DIY Detox Foot Bath

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 bath

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Description

This DIY detox foot bath can soothe tired, aching feet and may also draw out impurities through the skin.

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Ingredients

• 2 gallons warm water
• 1 cup Epsom salts
• 1 cup Dead Sea salt
• ½ cup bentonite clay
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• (optional) 10–20 drops of essential oils (my favorites for this recipe are wintergreen and lavender.)

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Instructions

1. Carefully pour warm water to a basin large enough to comfortably accommodate your feet. Be sure to not use metal bowls, as this may reduce the effectiveness of bentonite clay.
2. Add Epsom salts, Dead Sea salt, bentonite clay, ACV and your favorite essential oils to the water.
3. Soak your feet for 20–30 minutes.

Notes

After soaking, it is a good time to gently scrub your feet with a pumice stone or with my DIY foot scrub to remove calluses and dry skin buildup. Apply a good moisturizer to finish.

• Prep Time: 10 min

Keywords: detox foot bath, detox foot soak

The post DIY Detox Foot Bath with Epsom Salts & Apple Cider Vinegar appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you’ve ever perused the astonishingly large (and depressingly unnatural) selection of cough drops and throat lozenges at your local drug store, you may have found yourself wishing for simple and wholesome cough drops, made without all the refined sugar (or artificial sweeteners) and the long list of odd, unpronounceable and possibly problematic additives.

Maybe, like me, you just aren’t fond of the overpowering flavor of menthol (I can’t suck on one for more than a minute or two without taking a break), which seems to be in almost every flavor. Or maybe you really want to use organic ingredients, specific herbs and be totally sure the cough drops are safe for everyone in your family.

Good News: If you have a little time and patience, making your own herbal honey cough drops or honey candy drops is reasonably easy.

Key Ingredients

Unlike the “honey” cough drops at the store, these drops are made from real, raw honey with no other sweeteners. Plus, they’re flavored with real herbs. You can also use Manuka honey to make Manuka honey cough drops.

Herbs for Coughs

• Basil
• Cypress (helps calm coughs, clear congestion, and loosen phlegm)
• Echinacea
• Elderberry juice
• Eucalyptus (helps open nasal congestion)
• Frankincense (especially good for phlegmy cough)
• Ginger
• Lavender
• Lemon peel
• Oregano (shown to help fight upper respiratory infections)
• Peppermint (shown to help calm coughs)
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Herbs for Sore Throats

If your sore throat is part of an upper respiratory infection you may want to include some of those herbs listed above for coughs, as well as one or more of the following.

The herbs in this list are also useful for sore throats due to talking or singing too much.

• Cayenne powder
• Fenugreek
• Juniper berry
• Licorice root
• Marshmallow root
• Slippery elm bark (especially good for dry, irritated throats)

How to Make Homemade Honey Cough Drops

Honey Herbal Cough Drops

Pour 1 ½ cups of boiling water over the herbs of your choice. (I use six tea bags of a commercial throat-soothing herbal tea blend. You can use six tablespoons of the dried herbs of your choice or up to a cup of dried herbs if you want really strong cough drops.)

Allow the herbs to steep for at least 20 minutes or until the water is cool. Squeeze the liquid out of the herbs and discard them. Strain the resulting tea.

Combine your herbal tea with the honey in a small, deep saucepan with a heavy bottom. (Tall sides help prevent boil-over. A heavy bottom helps prevent scorching.)

Clip a candy thermometer to the side, with the tip in the liquid but not touching the bottom. Bring to a boil, and simmer, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the mixture thickens and condenses, you may need to tip the pan sideways to take an accurate reading. This will take somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 minutes — to help you plan — but you need to go by the thermometer, not the clock, to get good results.

Be careful! Boiling sugar syrup is hot, and it will stick to your skin and cause a nasty burn if it spatters or spills on you.

If you don’t have a candy thermometer, set a glass of ice water next to the stove, and periodically drop a single drop of your boiling mixture into the water. At first, the drop will just disburse into the water. As cooking proceeds, the drop will first hold together in a soft ball you can flatten, then dent, with your fingers when you fish it out.

Finally, a drop of boiling syrup will get so hard you can’t even dent it between your fingers the instant it hits the water. This is the “hard drop stage,” which is your goal.

While the syrup is cooking down, prepare your pan. It’s also a good time to cut pieces of waxed paper or cellophane to package your drops. I use wax paper, cut into 3-inch-by-4-inch rectangles.

When your syrup reaches 300 F, or the “hard drop stage,” immediately pour it into your prepared pan to cool, using a silicone scraper to get it all out of the saucepan.

Immediately fill the saucepan with hot water. Don’t use cold water because it will instantly turn the remainders rock hard, causing tedious cleanup.

Allow the mixture to cool until you can just handle it without burning your hands. This will take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the temperature of your room.

Lay out a clean silicone sheet or length of wax paper to work on, and dust it with the anti-stick powder of your choice. I usually use tapioca flour, but I’ve also used a Mexican hot cocoa blend of cocoa powder, a little sugar, hot pepper powder and ground cinnamon, which was dynamite!

When you can handle the mixture use a knife or scissors (dip into cold water between cuts to minimize sticking) to cut the hardening mixture into long strips and then drop-sized bits, and place them on your powdered work surface.

You can shape them a little to round the corners as you go, but don’t dawdle, as the workable stage is fleeting. Once they are all shaped, toss them, a few at a time, into a jar with ¼ cup of your anti-stick powder, and give it a shake to cover all sides.

Tap off the excess, and wrap each one securely. Then place the wrapped drops in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Honey drops are water magnets, and if there is any humidity in the air the outsides of the drops will start to get tacky quite rapidly. (A few hours at high humidity will create little puddles.)

You can still rescue them by shaking them in a jar with your anti-stick powder, but they will soak up more of it. You may be tempted to skip the wrapping step, but don’t: There is a reason commercial cough drops are wrapped.

If honey-based drops, even those well-dusted with anti-stick powder, aren’t wrapped individually, they will stick to each other and eventually become one large drop. (In hot, humid weather this can happen in just a few hours.)

Store your jar in a cool location, and use your drops as needed to soothe your throat and calm coughs.

Other Homemade Cough Drop Recipes

Here are a few variations you may also want to try:

Pure Honey Cough Drops

Sometime you just want plain honey drops. These are also an excellent choice if you are worried about using herbal cough drops while pregnant.

Prepare as for the honey herbal cough drops, but don’t add anything to the honey. Since you are not adding water, the cooking process will take much less time.

Just be sure to heat the honey and slowly at first, as it can scorch more easily than diluted honey.

Honey Cough Drops with Essential Oils

Prepare for honey cough drops, but add a few drops of a pure essential oil, such as ginger, peppermint (especially good for coughs), lemon, lavender, oregano, juniper berry, eucalyptus and/or frankincense, just before pouring the hot mixture onto the pan to cool.

Honey Cough Drops with Natural Fruit Flavor

Prepare for herbal cough drops, but replace the herbal tea with unsweetened fruit juice. Elderberry juice is an especially good choice as elderberry has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of the flu and colds.

A friend of mine uses fresh-squeezed organic lemon juice for honey-lemon drops.

Cough Syrup

Sometimes a drop isn’t a good option (such as when you are falling asleep). If you need a soothing liquid cough syrup, try a spoonful of plain honey before bed, a remedy that has been shown to be more effective at reducing nighttime cough frequency than the over-the-counter drugs dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine.

You also could whip up a batch of our essential oil-enriched homemade cough syrup, which will give you relief without resorting to a syrup with potentially problematic ingredients.

As an aside, be sure to give prescription syrups containing the narcotic codeine a pass. They just aren’t worth the risks.

Homemade Honey Herbal Cough Drops

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 2 hrs
• Yield: 48 drops

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Description

If you have a little time and patience, making your own herbal honey cough drops or honey candy drops is reasonably easy. Read more here.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup pure honey
• 1 cup strong herbal tea
• 1/3 cup tapioca flour, arrowroot flour, powdered slippery elm bark, vitamin C powder, or even unsweetened cocoa powder spiked with ground hot pepper and cinnamon
• candy thermometer
• heavy-bottomed saucepan
• silicone cake pan, silicone cookie sheet or cookie sheet greased with coconut oil (or candy molds, which will save time later but are completely optional)
• wax paper or cellophane (for wrapping drops)

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Instructions

1. Pour 1 ½ cups of boiling water over the herbs of your choice.
2. Allow the herbs to steep for at least 20 minutes or until the water is cool. Squeeze the liquid out of the herbs and discard them. Strain the resulting tea.
3. Combine your herbal tea with the honey in a small, deep saucepan with a heavy bottom.
4. Clip a candy thermometer to the side, with the tip in the liquid but not touching the bottom. Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 300°F.
5. As the mixture thickens and condenses, you may need to tip the pan sideways to take an accurate reading.
6. While the syrup is cooking down, prepare your pan. It’s also a good time to cut pieces of waxed paper or cellophane to package your drops. I use wax paper, cut into 3-inch-by-4-inch rectangles.
7. When your syrup reaches 300°F, or the “hard drop stage,” immediately pour it into your prepared pan to cool, using a silicone scraper to get it all out of the saucepan.
8. Immediately fill the saucepan with hot water.
9. Allow the mixture to cool until you can just handle it without burning your hands. This will take 15 to 30 minutes.
10. Lay out a clean silicone sheet or length of wax paper to work on and dust it with the anti-stick powder of your choice.
11. When you can handle the mixture use a knife or scissors (dip into cold water between cuts to minimize sticking) to cut the hardening mixture into long strips and then drop-sized bits and place them on your powdered work surface.
12. You can shape them a little to round the corners as you go, but don’t dawdle, as the workable stage is fleeting.
13. Once they are all shaped, toss them, a few at a time, into a jar with ¼ cup of your anti-stick powder, and give it a shake to cover all sides.
14. Tap off the excess and wrap each one securely. Then place the wrapped drops in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
15. Store your jar in a cool location and use your drops as needed to soothe your throat and calm coughs.

Notes

• Experiment with the ingredients for different flavor profiles and nutrients.
• Heating honey does negate some of its benefits, but it’s necessary to make homemade cough drops. The additional herbs and oils used help make up for any honey benefits lost in the heating process.

Keywords: homemade cough drops, cough drops recipe, honey cough drops

The post Homemade Honey Herbal Cough Drops appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Conventional cough syrups can be high in sugar and often don’t remedy a cough. Instead, try this homemade cough syrup recipe, which features raw honey, lemon juice and herbs that can help soothe the throat, boost the immune system and settle a cough.

Easy to mix together, this is a recipe for one day: three servings, taken morning, afternoon and before bed. It loaded with natural cough remedy ingredients and should knock out that cough by the time your heads hits the pillow!

Key Ingredients

Apple cider vinegar: Containing beneficial bacteria, ACV can help give your immune system a quick boost and also soothe your sore throat.

Garlic: If you can, use actual raw garlic in this recipe. Why? Allicin, a compound found in garlic, is known for its ability to kill the microorganisms that are responsible respiratory infections that can lead to coughing.

Lemon juice: High in vitamin C, lemons are also loaded with antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and promote improved immunity.

Raw honey: Working to relieve irritation, reduce inflammation and increase cytokine release, honey also provides immune-boosting antioxidants. In fact, studies show that a single dose of honey can reduce mucus secretion and coughs … and can be just as effective as diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan, common ingredients found in over-the-counter cough medicines.

Ginger: It carries powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, which makes it a go-to when dealing with respiratory tract infections.

Cinnamon: Containing natural antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties, cinnamon is a welcome and tasty addition to a homemade cough syrup recipe!

Cayenne: With its anti-irritant properties, cayenne pepper can help ease coughs. In addition, it’s full of immune system–supporting beta carotene and antioxidants.

Also, give my Homemade Honey Herbal Cough Drops a try. (You can also adding a drop or two of essential oils like lemon, frankincense, peppermint and lavender, but you should consult your physician or health care provider before any internal consumption.)

Homemade Cough Syrup

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 3

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Description

Try this homemade cough syrup recipe, which features raw honey, lemon juice and herbs that can help soothe the throat, boost the immune system and settle a cough.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1½ tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• ¼ teaspoon ground garlic (or 3 cloves, finely chopped)
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• small glass jar

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Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients to the jar.
2. Put cap on jar and shake contents thoroughly. (And do so before each time you consume.)
3. Consume one-third of mixture (just over 1 tablespoon) for each serving.
4. Place in refrigerator. (Let it sit out for around 10 minutes for each future use.)

Notes

Still have a cough on day 2? Make another batch!

• Prep Time: 5 min

Keywords: homemade cough syrup, cough syrup homemade, homemade cough remedy

The post Homemade Cough Syrup appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Bug bites can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. It’s important to keep the bugs away, but instead of using conventional recipes and showering your body in harmful chemicals, try this homemade bug spray recipe.

Most store-bought bug sprays contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), which has received mixed reviews during research. According to Scientific American:

Duke University pharmacologist Mohamed Abou-Donia, in studies on rats, found that frequent and prolonged DEET exposure led to diffuse brain cell death and behavioral changes, and concluded that humans should stay away from products containing it. But other studies have shown that while a few people have sensitivity to DEET applications, most are unaffected when they use DEET products on a sporadic basis according to the instructions on the label.

Using a homemade and natural bug repellent rids any risk of side effects from using this hazardous chemical. This natural solution is also quick and inexpensive! To make my homemade bug spray, you need witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, a mix of essential oils (eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella, tea tree or rosemary essential oil are best) and one eight ounce glass spray bottle.

In addition to keeping away bugs, this bug spray also helps kill bacteria and nourish your skin with the powerful benefits of witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils.

Cosmetic and beauty products often contain witch hazel because of its healthy benefits for the skin. Witch hazel has proven helpful against acne, skin sores, bruises, redness, psoriasis and eczema, oily skin, excess sweating, varicose veins, cracked skin, razor burn, sun damage and so much more.

Apple cider vinegar helps restore the proper pH levels to your skin, therefore smoothing the skin, reducing oiliness and decreasing the appearance of fine lines. The beta-carotene in apple cider vinegar also helps to counter future skin damage.

And unlike conventional brands, this natural bug repellent smells amazing. Try it today to keep the bugs away. Simply combine the witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils of your choice in an eight ounce glass spray bottle. You can then spray the mixture over your body, avoiding your eyes and mouth.

Homemade Bug Spray

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 3 minutes
• Yield: 30 uses

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Description

Bug bites can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. It’s important to keep the bugs away, but instead of using conventional recipes and showering your body in harmful chemicals, try this natural bug repellent recipe.

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Ingredients

• ½ cup witch hazel
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 40 drops essential oils (a mix of eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella, tea tree or rosemary)
• one 8 ounce glass spray bottle

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Instructions

1. Place witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils in an 8 ounce glass spray bottle.
2. Shake well.
3. Spray over all portions of the body but avoid repellent in eyes and mouth.

Notes

In addition to keeping away bugs, this bug spray also helps kill bacteria and nourish your skin with the powerful benefits of witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils.

• Prep Time: 3 min
• Method: Mixing

Keywords: natural bug repellent, homemade bug spray, natural bug spray, homemade bug repellent

The post Homemade Bug Spray (and All-Natural!) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Fungus on your feet, between the toes and in the toenails isn’t fun to deal with, plus it makes for stinky feet! Usually the first response to grab some cheap over-the-counter treatment but these are full of chemicals and are often ineffective. Fortunately, this homemade antifungal powder can work as a stinky feet, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus treatment. (Also, check out my DIY antifungal spray.)

Also, if you often have cold feet or your feet get uncomfortable from dampness when out on a hike or doing anything outdoors, this antifungal powder may do the trick.

How to Make Antifungal Powder

Making this antifungal powder only take a few minutes. I will walk through the steps to make it right at home.

First, let’s get together the ingredients for a small batch which will provide several applications for you. If you like it, just double the recipe the next time.

You will need:

In a small bowl, let’s combine the bentonite clay and cayenne powder. You may be wondering what bentonite clay is and why we are using it in this recipe. Clay is great at absorbing the toxins and microorganisms in and on your body. In this case, if your feet have been exposed to any type of bad bacteria, the clay helps pull out those toxins.

Cayenne powder is beneficial due to its warming properties providing the sensation of heat. It is important to note that the cayenne pepper is a very hot vegetable pepper, and cayenne powder is made from ground, dried cayenne peppers. You want cayenne powder for this recipe because it is a bit milder than cayenne pepper; however, it is useful because of an active component called capsaicin that helps eliminate and prevent fungus.

Now it is time to add the essential oils. Once all the oils have been added, blend well. To understand a little bit about the oils, cinnamon oil is known for helping with infections, in particular candida yeast infections that is known as one the biggest causes of toenail fungus.

I chose clove oil because of its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to help kill mold and fungus. Frankincense oil adds to the healing benefits by providing antiseptic properties. And all of these will keep your feet smelling fresh!

Now that you have blended the ingredients, let’s apply it. First, place it into your container. I always recommend glass when possible to prevent chemical leaching or a BPA-free powder bottle. You can also just use a glass jar and a spoon or clean makeup brush.

You can simply sprinkle the powder onto your feet. (Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes, especially since there is cayenne in the blend.)

Another great way to apply it is by putting it in the toe of your sock, then slip your socks onto your feet. That should help it get between the toes. Apply twice daily for one to two weeks. You can even sleep with it on, but make sure you wear your socks to prevent it from staining your bed sheets. And always keep in mind that if you have any further irritation, discontinue use immediately.

You are all set to have bacteria-free, fresh-smelling feet. I hope this provides some much needed relief for you and your feet!

Homemade Antifungal Powder

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 applications

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Description

Fungus on your feet, between the toes and in the toenails isn’t fun to deal with, plus it makes for stinky feet! Fortunately, this homemade antifungal powder can work as a stinky feet, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus treatment.

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Ingredients

• 1½ tablespoons bentonite clay
• ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops clove essential oil
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• a shaker bottle, glass if possible, or glass jar

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the bentonite clay and cayenne powder.
2. Add the essential oils and blend well with a wooden spoon.
3. Place the concoction into your container. I always recommend glass when possible to prevent chemical leaching or a BPA-free powder bottle. You can also just use a glass jar and a spoon or clean makeup brush.
4. Sprinkle the powder onto your feet. (Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes, especially since there is cayenne in the blend.)
5. Another great way to apply it? Put in the toe of your sock, then slip your socks onto your feet. That should help it get between the toes.
6. Apply twice daily for one to two weeks. You can even sleep with it on, but make sure you wear your socks to prevent it from staining your bed sheets.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Method: Blending

Keywords: DIY antifungal powder, homemade antifungal powder, homemade foot powder

The post Homemade Antifungal Powder for Stinky Feet and Toenail Fungus appeared first on Dr. Axe.

When it comes to 2020 beauty trends, milk baths are getting a lot of attention, but did you know that in the ancient world, milk was commonly added to baths for its nourishing properties? In fact, it’s believed that Cleopatra took donkey milk baths regularly to preserve her beauty.

So why the milk bath comeback? People are becoming much more interested in promoting skin health with natural ingredients. With milk baths, you are getting the benefits of relaxing and reducing stress in a warm, comforting bath — plus, you are taking advantage of the soothing and hydrating properties of milk. Sounds like a win win!

What Is A Milk Bath?

A milk bath is exactly what the name implies — a bath with milk, and usually other natural ingredients. Adding milk to your bath water can help to hydrate and soothe your skin, improve inflammatory skin conditions and promote healthy aging.

Types

The benefits of a milk bath will vary depending on the type of milk you choose to use. Although Cleopatra used donkey’s milk in her baths, there are definitely some other nourishing options out there, and many of them of plant-based. Here’s a rundown of the best milks for your at-home milk bath:

1. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has antimicrobial properties and supports skin health. Just like applying coconut oil topically, coconut milk has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. It may even help with wound healing and increasing the turnover of collagen, which is a proven benefit of coconut compounds.

2. Oat Milk

Have you ever heard of an oatmeal milk bath? It’s usually a combination of milk and ground oats. Some oatmeal milk bath recipes call for coconut milk, some call for cow’s milk — but why not make it with vegan-friendly, nutrient-rich oat milk? It’s a gentle, soothing milk that will promote healthy aging and improve common skin issues like dry skin and eczema.

3. Almond Milk

Try an almond milk bath to soothe, hydrate and restore your skin. Because almond milk is rich in fatty oils, it leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. It’s also a great plant-based option that’s easy to find in your local grocery store.

4. Goat Milk

Goat milk contains lactic acid, which helps to break down dead skin cells and leaves your skin feeling smoother. It also works to moisturize your skin, reduce inflammation and improve acne because of its anti-bacterial properties.

Have you ever tried goat milk soap? If so, you know how nourishing it can be to dry skin — so imagine what soaking your entire body in goat’s milk can do.

5. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a good source of lactic acid. Research suggests that applying lactic acid topically increases skin firmness and thickness, and improves skin smoothness. Lactic acid also works as an exfoliating agent that helps to remove dead skin cells.

Taking a buttermilk bath can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promote healthy aging.

6. Breast Milk

If you’re looking to make a milk bath for baby, human breast milk is the best choice. Studies show that applying breast milk topically has anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to treat skin problems like eczema and diaper rash.

How to Make A Milk Bath

1. Run hot water

You want to create a relaxing environment, so get that warm to hot water running, dim the lights and maybe light some candles, too.

2. Pour in your milk of choice

You can add milk to your milk bath in two ways — simply pouring milk right into the bath water or using powdered milk. Either way, you’ll want to use 1—2 cups, depending on how much water you have in your bath.

3. Choose your add-ons

There are many plant-based ingredients that you can add to your bath water for their healing, nourishing effects. Many milk bath recipes include a carrier oil and essential oils. Some commonly used milk bath add-ons include:

Carrier Oils

• coconut oil
• jojoba oil
• sweet almond oil
• arnica oil
• avocado oil
• pomegranate seed oil

Essential Oils

• lavender
• rose
• frankincense
• chamomile
• clary sage
• grapefruit
• geranium

Other Add-Ons:

• epsom salts
• baking soda
• honey

4. Relax

Now that you’ve made your own soothing milk bath, it’s time to lay back and enjoy. With the constant pressures and stressors of modern day life, this is the perfect way to unwind while promoting beautiful and healthy aging.

Where to Buy

As milk baths become more popular, many brands are selling bottled or jar milk bath concoctions. You can easily purchase pre-made milk bath products online or at a store like Whole Foods.

If you plan to use milk powder for your bath, you can also find that online or in some grocery stores. But it’s frankly more fun and a lot cheaper to simply make your own DIY milk bath!

Benefits

Although there’s very limited research on the benefits of milk baths, the beauty method is becoming more and more popular. It’s believed that milk baths help to:

• soothe and hydrate skin
• reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• exfoliate skin
• improve skin firmness
• reduce dry spots and flare-ups
• ease sunburn
• improve inflammatory skin conditions
• ease tension
• relieve stress
• promote restful sleep

Risks

People with a milk allergy should avoid milk baths. Simply coming into contact with milk can lead to allergy symptoms like itchy skin, rash and even hives. Opting for a plant-based milk may be a safe alternative if you know that you aren’t allergic to that type of milk.

For the lactose-intolerant, taking a milk bath is likely safe because it’s not being ingested. To be sure, try a patch test with the milk you’d like to use first to be sure it won’t cause any adverse skin reactions. You can also go with a lactose-free milk, like coconut or almond milk.

If you’re making a milk bath for baby, skip the essential oils and other add-ons, like honey and salts. Simply add breast milk and warm water.

DIY Milk Bath Recipe

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 min
• Yield: 1 bath

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Description

A milk bath is exactly what the name implies — a bath with milk, and usually other natural ingredients. Adding milk to your bath water can help to hydrate and soothe your skin, improve inflammatory skin conditions and promote healthy aging.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 1 cup of epsom salts
• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of rose essential oil

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Instructions

1.  Run a warm-hot bath.
2. When water is about halfway to your desired quantity, simply combine the ingredients in the tub, using your hand to stir the “mixture” in the water.

Notes

People with a milk allergy should avoid milk baths. Simply coming into contact with milk can lead to allergy symptoms.

Keywords: milk bath, milk bath recipe, DIY milk bath

The post What Is a Milk Bath? Plus, Benefits and Recipes appeared first on Dr. Axe.

The No. 1 reason to use hand sanitizer is to reduce your chances of becoming risk by transferring germs from your hands to your face, especially your mouth and nose.

Without even realizing it you likely touch your face with your hands many times every single hour — and this is a bad news, considering that dangerous viruses and bacteria can live on surfaces like metal and plastic for up to several days, and on cardboard for a full day.

By cleaning your hands — ideally via regular hand washing throughout the day, but also with help from hand sanitizers — you can drastically cut down the amount of harmful microbes you pass from your environment to your body. And guess what? You can make your own homemade version using some basic ingredients — think a rubbing alcohol aloe vera hand sanitizer — you’d find in a drug store or online.

Ingredients

The Nebraska Medical Center indicated that they recommend using the following Homemade Hand Sanitizer ingredients and supplies:

• 2/3 cup 91 percent isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol, the main disinfecting ingredient)
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel (which is soothing to skin and also helps to bind the ingredients together)
• Optional: tea tree essential oil (you can also add other essential oils such as lemon or orange to give your hand sanitizer a fragrance). While Nebraska Medical Center didn’t specifically recommend tea tree oil, we believe it makes a good addition to homemade hand sanitizers considering studies show it has natural antimicrobial and antiviral effects. You may also want to vitamin E oil to help calm and nourish your skin, keeping it hydrated and clean.
• Mixing bowl and spoon, plus a small container, such as a 3 oz. travel bottle.

*Note: you do NOT want to use regular drinking alcohol such as vodka when making sanitizer. The key to effectively disinfecting your hands is to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Vodka and similar liquors typically contains between 35 percent and 46 percent alcohol, far lower than isopropyl alcohol which is around 90 percent alcohol.

You also need to be sure to use enough rubbing alcohol in your recipe. Not using enough will dilute the strength of your sanitizer, making it less effective.

Where can you buy rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)? Look for it at pharmacies, drug stores and large grocery stores. It’s typically sold in 32 ounce bottles and is inexpensive. You may even have rubbing alcohol at home already, such as in a first aid kit.

How to Make

Here are directions for making a Homemade Hand Sanitizer using the ingredients (mainly rubbing alcohol and aloe vera) mentioned above:

• In a mixing bowl or ideally a blender, stir together your main hand sanitizer ingredients (isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel) until combined. A blender will likely give you the best results since it can be hard to mix alcohol and aloe by hand.
• Add the tea tree essential oil and vitamin E oil and stir or blend to incorporate.
• Pour the homemade hand sanitizer into an empty container. A bottle with a dispenser or flip top may be best for easily getting the mixture out. It will stay good for several months or longer.

How to Use

Keep hand sanitizer in your bag, car, etc. so you can apply it when you’re out-and-about and not somewhere near a sink — such as when you’re grocery shopping or getting takeout food. Think of it as a convenient and portable option for keeping your hands clean, however still be sure to wash your hands with soap regularly.

In order to get the most benefits from store bought and homemade hand sanitizers, keep these tips in mind when applying sanitizers to your hands:

• Apply a good amount of sanitizer to your palms then rub your hands together so you cover all surfaces. Be sure to rub your fingers and tops of your hands too. Keep rubbing until your hands feel dry.
• Let the sanitizer sit on your hands for at least 30 seconds (don’t wash it off right away, since alcohol needs time to work). You should wash your hands once you’re near a sink, and definitely before you eat or use the bathroom, however letting your hands completely dry first is a good indicator that the alcohol has been absorbed.
• If you are able to find sanitizer in stores, look for one with at least 60 percent alcohol, or ideally up to 95 percent ethanol or isopropanol. Avoid alcohol-free sanitizers since they may not be as effective, and also skip products that contain triclosan, an antibacterial agent that some medical professionals think can reduce the effectiveness of a hand sanitizer.

Vs. Hand Washing

While a bottle of sanitizer can be a convenient way to help cleanse your hands when you’re out and about, without access to soap and water, it shouldn’t replace regular hand-washing.

The CDC and most other health authorities consider hand washing with soap to be the “gold standard” for maintaining hand hygiene. This means that when soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer, but if you can wash your hands instead, do this.

How does the effectiveness of sanitizer compare to hand washing?

Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (ideally about 40 seconds) is believed to be somewhat better at killing germs compared to lathering on sanitizer (rinsing with water alone, however, won’t help much to keep your hands clean). For example, sanitizers won’t kill certain types of bacteria that can cause illnesses linked to diarrhea and digestive problems.

The reason that soap is so effective at killing germs is because it dissolves and breaks through the fatty outer layer of the virus particles that are made up of lipids. This causes the particles to break apart and die, leaving them incapable of infecting someone.

Alcohol has a similar effect at dissolving germs, but sanitizer doesn’t actually remove the germs, dirt or debris from your hands like washing them does. Soap will cause germs to deconstruct, plus it will bind to them and remove them from your hands once you rinse them. To keep yourself protected from germs, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before, during and after you visit a public place, have contact with people, eat and use the bathroom.

Drawbacks

In addition to being somewhat less effective than soap at killing a range of pathogens, too much hand sanitizer can be drying and irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin. Alcohol causes water loss in the skin and can lead to redness and other cracking if you over-do it, so try to use it when necessary but not all day long.

When it comes to both hand sanitizers (including those that are homemade) and other disinfectants, remember that under no circumstance should these products be ingested or put into the human body in other ways. They are only meant for cleaning your hands and/or surfaces in your home, never for “cleaning your insides.”

DIY Hand Sanitizer

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• Author: Christine Ruggeri
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 30 applications

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Description

You can make your own homemade version using some basic ingredients you’d find in a drug store or online.

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Ingredients

• ⅔ cup 91 percent isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• ⅓ cup aloe vera gel
• 12 drops tea tree oil
• ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl or ideally a blender, stir together your main hand sanitizer ingredients (isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel) until combined. A blender will likely give you the best results since it can be hard to mix alcohol and aloe by hand.
2. Add the tea tree oil and optional vitamin E oil. Remix.
3. Store in a glass container with a pump dispenser.

Notes

To use: Apply a good amount of sanitizer to your palms then rub your hands together so you cover all surfaces. Be sure to rub your fingers and tops of your hands too. Keep rubbing until your hands feel dry.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Method: Blending

Keywords: homemade hand sanitizer, DIY hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol aloe vera hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer recipe, natural hand sanitizer

The post DIY Hand Sanitizer (with Aloe Vera!) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Ready to have silky skin after a shave with this amazing homemade shaving cream? I bet you are, especially because you’ll be avoiding the multiple chemicals in that can of shaving cream stuffed in your medicine cabinet.

Studies show that parabens and phthalates, which are frequently used in personal care/beauty products, as potential endocrine disruptors. These disruptors can not only affect your body, but they can affect a developing fetus for anyone who is pregnant. (1)

With a homemade shaving cream, though, you can avoid these potential concerns. I have created a recipe for you that nourishes and protects sensitive skin while providing a good shave. This can be used for both men and women. You will love how soft your skin feels and feel satisfied knowing that you are using healthy ingredients.

Let’s jump into making the best homemade shaving cream.

How to Make DIY Shaving Cream

Using a small saucepan, melt the raw shea butter and coconut oil on a very low heat setting on the stove. Stir until fully melted. Raw shea butter is amazing because it’s extremely moisturizing and very hydrating, and when applied to the skin, it provides immediate softness and smoothness. It is also a significant source of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting compounds.

You can’t go wrong with coconut oil. Not just a superfood, coconut oil is a super-moisturizer containing lots of anti-aging benefits that protect the skin from free radicals.

Next, we will add the olive oil or grapeseed oil and stir until fully blended. Remove from heat. Olive oil is great at preventing dry skin and contains moisturizing vitamin E. Grapeseed oil is also a great source of vitamin E and loaded with moisturizing fatty acids.

Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized bowl and place in the fridge until it becomes solid. Now, we are going to whip it. Remove the mixture from fridge. Using a  hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture until fluffy; probably about 3–5 minutes.

Now let’s add the Castile soap and whip again until fully blended. Castile soap is the perfect ingredient for adding a bit of texture, and it’s an all-natural chemical-free soap.

Once that is nice and fluffy, add the essential oils. I like adding 10 drops of both lavender and frankincense. Lavender oil restores skin complexion, slows aging with its powerful antioxidants, and improves eczema and psoriasis. Frankincense has amazing benefits, too, helping to improve circulation and to decrease muscle aches.

You now have your very own chemical-free, age-defying, homemade shaving cream that your skin is going to love!

Using a spoon, transfer the shaving cream into a glass jar with a lid and store in a cool, dry place. You can even store it in the fridge. To help preserve it, be careful to not get any water in the container while you are showering. Simply pat your hands dry with a towel before scooping the shaving cream out. Because we are using oils, it can make the tub or shower a bit slippery so please use caution.

Shaving Tips

You may be expecting a big lather. This homemade shaving cream does not lather. It’s more like a cream or lotion-like texture and should be applied as a thin layer. There are a few things you can do to ensure a good shave, such as using a quality, clean razor.

Once you step into the shower, wait a few minutes before you start shaving to allow your skin soften. Rinse the blades throughout the shaving process to help keep them clean. Using a cup of warm or hot water in the shower can make rinsing the razor a bit easier.

Homemade Shaving Cream with Coconut & Shea Butter

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 25 min
• Yield: 20

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Description

This natural shaving cream recipe nourishes and protects sensitive skin while providing a good shave. It can be used for both men and women. You will love how soft your skin feels and feel satisfied knowing that you are using healthy ingredients.

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Ingredients

• ⅔ cup unrefined coconut oil
• ⅔ cup pure shea butter
• 2 tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil
• 2 tablespoons liquid Castile soap
• 10–20 drops of lavender or frankincense essential oils

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Instructions

1. Using a small saucepan, melt the shea butter and coconut oil on a very low heat setting on the stove. Stir until fully melted.
2. Add the olive oil or grapeseed oil and stir until fully blended. Remove from heat.
3. Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized bowl and place in the fridge until it becomes solid.
4. Remove the mixture from fridge. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture until fluffy; probably about 3–5 minutes.
5. Add the Castile soap and blend.
6. Add the essential oil and whip again until fully blended and fluffy.

Notes

You may be expecting a big lather. This homemade shaving cream does not lather. It’s more like a cream or lotion-like texture and should be applied as a thin layer. Also try to store in a cool, dry place.

Keywords: DIY shaving cream, homemade shaving cream recipe, natural shaving cream

The post Homemade Shaving Cream with Shea Butter appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You may have heard of a sitz bath before, but do you know what it is? The name comes from the German word “sitzen,” which means “to sit.” During a sitz bath, you sit in a bathtub or basin of warm water to provide healing and pain relief.

There are a number of reasons for your discomfort that may warrant a sitz bath, such as hemorrhoids, an anal fissure or a vaginal birth (a postpartum sitz bath recipe can be an amazing way to help heal from childbirth while offering relaxation). A sitz bath for bartholin cysts is also recommended by experts. The list goes on!

Using sitz baths help numerous health concerns by increasing blood flow to inflamed areas. This is therapeutic because the increased blood flow can provide more oxygen, which promotes healing.

You can buy sitz bath solutions at the store, but it’s so easy to make a homemade solution. You simply combine a few key ingredients and add the mixture to water.

What Is a Sitz Bath?

A basic sitz bath definition: a pool of water that you sit in, with only your hips and bottom submerged. Common symptoms that may be relieved by this type of bath include minor pain, irritation and/or itching. Sitz baths don’t have to include anything other than warm water, but it is an option to use other ingredients such as those found in this sitz bath recipe.

Sitz baths can be taken using a specially designed shallow, round basin that fits over your toilet seat. Looking for an alternative? It’s also perfectly fine to use your bath tub as long as it’s clean.

If you’re comparing a sitz bath versus regular bath, a major difference is that sitz bath instructions will direct you to use a shallow basin filled with water or a bath tub only filled up about four inches high, as opposed to a regular bath, where your entire body (minus your head) is submerged in water.

How does a sitz bath work? Soaking in warm water (that sometimes also includes beneficial ingredients like Epsom salt) is known to boost blood flow while soothing unwanted symptoms like itching, irritation and pain. One study showed significant healing with the use of wet heat, which is exactly what a warm sitz bath is.

When to Use

Common health concerns that are known to benefit from a sitz bath include:

• Anal fissure (a small tear in the lining of the anus)
• Hemorrhoids
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Postpartum perineal pain after a vaginal birth
• Prostatitis
• Vaginal yeast infections

What solution do you use for a sitz bath? That depends upon which problem you are trying to remedy, since different ingredients are known to be helpful for different ailments. You can even do a one ingredient sitz bath recipe, such as an epsom salt sitz bath or a baking soda sitz bath.

Ingredients

As you can see from the recipe below, a mixture of salts, witch hazel and essential oils create a very therapeutic bath that also smells enjoyable, thanks to the natural scent of the oils. Epsom salt and sea salt are mineral-rich and therapeutic additions to sitz baths, just like they are to regular baths.

What do you put in a sitz bath for hemorrhoids? Epsom salt is a great ingredient for this common health concern. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Epsom salt is helpful along with witch hazel. Witch hazel is pretty amazing as an astringent for the skin with its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Essential oils are a great option, too. The ones used in this recipe are all naturally anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic with the ability to help treat wounds and infections. Frankincense is especially well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and lavender oil has also been shown to provide pain-relieving effects and powerful antioxidants that can be absorbed through the skin.

How to Use

Using a sitz bath is really quite easy. While there are some at-home basin kits you can purchase, using the bathtub works well too and doesn’t require an additional expense.

Before delving right into the how-to, there are a couple of things you need to avoid when doing sitz baths. Do not use soaps, because they can dry out the skin and make it even more irritated. Don’t rush the process. Set up the bathroom for comfort and privacy. If you need entertainment, music, candles, etc., set them up so you have everything you need to relax. If you plan to use a portable basin, make sure to avoid overfilling to help avoid spillage when discarding it.

Next, fill the basin or tub with warm water. If you’re using the tub, fill the water about four inches deep or so the water level reaches your hips. When you have the sitz bath temperature right, add a large spoonful of the sitz bath recipe. Note: if using a basin, use half the recipe since you have a smaller volume of water. Pour the mixture into the bath, and swirl it around to make sure it is well-dispersed in the water.

Now you can get into the tub or lower yourself onto the seat if using the portable approach. Plan to relax for about 15–20 minutes and add more hot water, if needed, to keep the temperature in check. You can take a sitz bath two to three times a day, as needed, until you have healed.

Once you are done, slowly get up. You may feel a bit dizzy. This is normal, but monitor yourself carefully. If you have time, allow the area to dry. Otherwise, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to pat the area dry. If you are using a special ointment or hemorrhoid cream for hemorrhoids, this is the perfect time to use it.

Where to Buy

It’s likely that your local drug store carries the shallow basins or sitz baths that can fit over your toilet bowl. It’s also not hard to find them online these days. There are many different color options, and you can even find ones that are BPA-free.

If you don’t have any interest in a DIY sitz bath recipe, it’s also not hard to find bath solutions online and in stores, too. Look for ones that contain natural ingredients that you are familiar with and avoid any solutions that contain undesirable ingredients like synthetic scents.

Precautions

Check with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s acceptable for you to use anything other than warm water.

Always make sure your water is not too hot and that you’re using a clean, disinfected tub or basin for the bath.

Sitz baths are typically safe in most cases, but if you experience unusual discomfort or irritation of any sort, discontinue use and talk to your doctor. You may experience slight dizziness as you get up from the bath since the warm water may cause your blood vessels to dilate. This is normal, but be careful. Also, make sure to stay well-hydrated.

Be especially careful taking a sitz bath postpartum. It’s a good idea to have someone nearby when you are getting in and out of the tub (or on and off the toilet). Also, let your doctor know if perineal pain worsens after taking a postpartum sitz bath or if you experience increased redness or swelling.

Stop use and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.

Sitz Bath Recipe with Frankincense and Tea Tree Oils

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• Author: Ethan Boldt
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 2

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Description

Using sitz baths help numerous health concerns by increasing blood flow to inflamed areas. This is therapeutic because the increased blood flow can provide more oxygen, which promotes healing.

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Ingredients

• ⅓ cup Epsom salt
• ¼ cup sea salt
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil
• 8 drops frankincense essential oil
• 8 drops lavender essential oil

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, blend the Epsom salt and sea salt.
2. Next, add the remaining ingredients and blend well.
3. Add to a warm bath (about 4 inches of water if using tub). Use half the recipe if using a basin kit.
4. Sit in bath for 15–20 minutes.

Notes

Sitz baths are typically safe in most cases, but if you experience unusual discomfort or irritation of any sort, discontinue use and talk to your doctor.

• Prep Time: 5 min

Keywords: sitz bath recipe, sitz bath for hemorrhoids

The post Soothing Sitz Bath Recipe with Frankincense and Tea Tree Oils appeared first on Dr. Axe.

This effective, healthy and cost-effective homemade deodorant is made from natural ingredients and will keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. It’s made with ingredients that you likely already have a home, but that don’t have dangerous side effects — unlike the ingredients often found in conventional, store-bought deodorants.

Problems with Conventional, Store-Bought Deodorants

We are so mindful of what we put on our plates and skin, but when it comes to deodorants for under our arms, many people seem to be less concerned. That’s exactly why conventional deodorants that can contain toxic ingredients are still sold and used today.

Some ingredients in conventional, store-bought deodorants can negatively impact hormone levels. Parabens are used as preservatives in deodorant products, but they have been shown to interfere with estrogen production. And phthalates have shown to disrupt testosterone production.

Another common ingredient, triclosan, is used to kill bacteria on the skin’s surface, but may impact thyroid function. Meanwhile, aluminum has been shown to interfere with estrogen action.

It’s clear that sticking to safe, natural ingredients in your homemade deodorant is important, especially because it’s being used daily on such a porous area of your body.

Best Ingredients for DIY Deodorant

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda has antibacterial and anti-fungal effects, and it effectively absorbs moisture. It can be used in quite a few DIY recipes, including toothpaste, shampoo and home cleaners.

When mixed with a liquid or oil, it will create a paste that can be rubbed under your arms to fight odor. Some people experience dryness and irritation from using baking soda on the skin, but there are alternatives that will serve the same purpose.

2. Arrowroot Powder

If you are sensitive to baking soda or experience irritation after using it for a some time, arrowroot powder is a great alternative. Like baking soda, it works as an absorbent with antimicrobial properties. You can use it in place of baking soda or combine the two to make a solid homemade deodorant.

3. Coconut Oil

There are many benefits of coconut oil for skin, including its ability to soothe the skin, kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. When combined with a powder like baking soda or arrowroot, it will create a paste that solidifies at room temperature. Adding coconut oil to your homemade deodorant will reduce dryness and irritation under your arms, too.

4. Essential Oils

Using essential oils for your homemade deodorant stick will add a pleasing aroma and provide additional benefits, like providing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can personalize your recipe with gentle oils, like lavender, lemon, sage, rosemary, bergamot and cypress. You can choose the scents that appeal to you. If you’re looking for a simple, clean aroma, go for lemon or bergamot.

How to Make

It’s easy (and inexpensive) to make your own deodorant at home, and it doesn’t require many ingredients. Just follow these simple steps and keep your stick at room temperature to keep it solid. If it’s exposed to higher temperature and becomes oily, it’s okay to keep using it, just mix it up again.

1. The first step is to add ½ cup of coconut oil to a bowl. This will be the glue that holds your homemade deodorant powder together.
2. Next, mix in ½ cup of baking soda (or arrowroot powder) until it creates a paste-like consistency.
3. The last step is to add in your essential oils. You can choose your favorite scents, but add in 40–60 drops altogether.
4. Once all ingredients are combined, pour it into a deodorant container or glass jar and keep it in a cool place.

Related: Crystal Deodorant: A Natural Option for Reducing Body Odor

Homemade Deodorant

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 30–40

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Description

This effective, healthy and cost-effective homemade deodorant is made from natural ingredients and will keep you smelling fresh throughout the day.

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Ingredients

• ½ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup baking soda
• 40–60 drops essential oils — female (lavender, lemon and sage) or male (cypress, rosemary and bergamot)
• empty deodorant containers or glass jar

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Instructions

1. Put coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Mix in the baking soda.
3. Add in essential oils and mix.
4. Store in a deodorant container or in a glass jar.

Notes

If you are sensitive to baking soda or experience irritation after using it for a some time, arrowroot powder is a great alternative.

• Prep Time: 5 min

The post Homemade Deodorant Recipe appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Many people suffer from chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut and other issues with the digestive system. Because the colon has an important job of eliminating waste, it’s critical that you keep it running smoothly.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help alleviate discomfort associated with toxins and digestion issues in the body, such as a juice cleanse with certain ingredients that make it a homemade colon cleanse. I have shared details about why a colon cleanse is important, but what’s great is that you don’t need to see a doctor about it — and can make your own colon cleanser right at home.

A homemade colon cleanse can help flush out some of the toxins in your body that could be contributing to your discomfort and also offer natural relief from constipation. Just plan a day when you do not need to leave home so that you are able to adjust to the colon cleansing changes in your body and the elimination of waste as you begin the detox and internal cleansing process.

Homemade Colon Cleanse Recipe

Let’s get started making this great homemade colon cleanse. You will need a tall glass and a spoon. To start, place 3.5 ounces of purified water in a pan. You want to warm the water, not boil it, so that you can drink the water at a safe temperature.

Once it is warm, pour it into your glass. Then add the sea salt, often part of a salt water flush, and stir. The sea salt will help release toxins, pushing waste through the body and ultimately improving digestion.

Now, add the apple juice, ginger juice and fresh lemon juice. Stir.

Does apple juice make you poop? Well, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may not be specific to the colon but it did come from the idea that whole foods, such as the nutrition-rich apple, brings good health and a healthy colon definitely yields good health. In fact, a study shows that those who ate an apple a day had less visits to the doctor and fewer prescription medications. (1)

Ginger is great because it reduces bloating while stimulating the colon, keeping it free from wastes and harmful toxins. And let’s not forget about the amazing lemon! Lemon juice aids in digestion, detoxification and is high in vitamin C, making it a great antioxidant — it’s why it plays such a key role in my Secret Detox drink.

How to Do the Colon Cleanse

Drink this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Then have this mixture again just before a light lunch, preferably of steamed vegetables and baked salmon, and again mid-afternoon.

Have 6–8 glasses of room temperature water throughout the day. It may be best to slow down the consumption of liquids after 5 p.m. so that you are not awakened in the night, with having to go to the bathroom.

Risks

Performing this type of colon cleanse should not present any problems; however, it is always good to check with your doctor if you are pregnant, have a disease, suffer from allergies or are taking any prescriptions medications prior to any new activity.

Homemade Colon Cleanse with 3 Juices

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 min
• Yield: 1

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Description

A homemade colon cleanse can help flush out some of the toxins in your body that could be contributing to your discomfort and also offer natural relief from constipation. This recipe is both easy and effective!

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Ingredients

• ½ cup 100 percent pure organic apple juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ginger juice
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup warm purified water

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Instructions

1. Start with a tall glass and a spoon.
2. Place 3.5 ounces of purified water in a pan. You want to warm the water, not boil it, so that you can drink the water at a safe temperature.
3. Once it is warm, pour it into your glass. Then add the sea salt and stir.
4. Add the apple juice, ginger juice and fresh lemon juice. Stir.
5. Drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Then have this mixture again just before a light lunch, and again mid-afternoon.

Notes

Usually a one-day cleanse is sufficient to clean your colon.

Keywords: natural colon cleanse, homemade colon cleanse

The post Homemade Colon Cleanse with 3 Juices appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Deodorants and antiperspirants are the most commonly used cosmetic products, with men and women applying them every single day. But there are concerns about the safety and possible adverse effects of traditional deodorants. That may explain why crystal deodorant is gaining popularity.

Crystal deodorant is a natural alternative to aluminum-based products. It comes in many forms, with one being an actual stone that you rub onto sweaty areas of the body.

So is crystal rock deodorant really worth the hype? We need more research to understand its true efficacy, but reports indicate that it may be a healthier anti-odor option.

What Is Crystal Deodorant?

Crystal deodorant is made from a mineral salt called potassium alum, a zeolite mineral salt. Potassium alum has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia as a natural deodorant because of its antibacterial, anti-odor properties.

In recent years, it has gained popularity in the U.S. because of its natural ingredients and potential health benefits. But it won’t have the exact same effects as your standard deodorant product.

How does deodorant work? Unlike antiperspirants, crystal deodorant does not eliminate sweat.

It works to kill bacteria and prevent body odor. Instead of clogging your pores so the moisture doesn’t create a habitable environment for bacteria, this mineral salt deodorant prevents bacterial growth, while letting your pores excrete sweat.

But keep in mind, you will sweat when using a mineral deodorant because it’s not an antiperspirant. Some people claim that they sweat less than when not wearing deodorant at all, which may be due to the mineral salts’ ability to dry up the underarm area, but it won’t leave you completely dry.

How to Use It

You can find crystal deodorant in a few forms, including as a spray, roll-on, gel, powder and stone. To use it, you simply apply it under your underarms after bathing, when your skin is clean.

If you haven’t showered that morning or day, wash your underarms with a gentle antibacterial soap and then apply your deodorant.

If you’re using a crystal deodorant stone, you’ll have to run it under water and then apply it to your skin. Then wait until your skin dries before getting dressed.

For a roll-on deodorant or crystal deodorant stick, you can use it just like you would a traditional product.

Potential Benefits

1. Fights Bacteria

The most important crystal deodorant benefit is its ability to create an environment that won’t allow bacteria to survive.

Although research supporting this common claim regarding mineral-based deodorants is limited, reports suggest that these products reduce the number of bacteria that produce volatile odoriferous substances that cause body odor.

2. Prevents or Reduces Body Odor

Body odors occur when skin gland secretions and bacteria interact.

Our apocrine glands are in areas with the most hair follicles, like the armpits. These sweatier areas of the body are usually the smelliest, as they are also dark and warm environments that nurture bacteria.

These bacteria that thrive in sweaty, dark areas of the body produce smelly acids and sulfur compounds that cause body odor. Salt deodorant works to fight and prevent bacteria growth, reducing the chances of body odor forming.

3. Doesn’t Prevent Sweating

This may seem like it shouldn’t be under the “benefits” list, but there may be some downsides to antiperspirants. Research shows that the active ingredient in antiperspirants, which is usually aluminum-based, reduces sweat by causing obstruction of the eccrine glands.

Antiperspirants can clog your pores, disabling your body’s ability to detoxify naturally. Plus, sweating actually helps convey important information about your health, like certain odors indicating poor immunity and disease.

4. Natural Ingredients

Deodorant stone ingredients are simple and natural, making them potentially much safer than your standard deodorant stick. The deodorant sticks lining the aisles of your grocery or convenient stores contain ingredients like phthalates, parabens, aluminum, fragrances and artificial dyes.

There’s research suggesting that the estrogenic properties of parabens may increase the risk of breast cancer. There are numerous studies supporting and discrediting these claims.

There are also studies indicating that aluminum exposure from deodorant use has been linked to rising incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.  However, the results of the one study that evaluated persistent aluminum-containing deodorant use and Alzheimer’s had inconclusive results.

Using a natural deodorant, like those made from mineral salts, eliminates ingredients that can irritate the skin and potentially cause health issues. The research doesn’t make this completely clear, but avoiding harmful chemicals and ingredients any chance you get is ideal.

Risks and Side Effects

It’s always possible to experience allergic reactions from an ingredient or product that’s applied to the skin. The same is true for crystal deodorant.

While some people tolerate mineral salt deodorants better than traditional products, others may experience rash or irritation.

There are reports indicating that dermatitis is possible after using alum-containing deodorant. If irritation occurs after using a salt deodorant, then stop using it immediately and see your dermatologist if the problem persists.

That said, this natural deodorant is believed to cause fewer adverse effects than products made with conventional ingredients. You can always try making your own homemade deodorant as well, including this Homemade Probiotic Deodorant recipe.

Remember that deodorant from mineral salts does not serve as an antiperspirant, so you will still sweat. However, the sweat should not create body odor because bacteria growth is being prevented with the potassium alum.

Conclusion

• Crystal deodorant is a natural antibacterial option for removing body odor, while allowing the body to detoxify by sweating.
• Salt deodorant is made from potassium alum and may be a safer, healthier option than traditional deodorant or antiperspirant sticks.
• While there’s not enough research to understand the true efficacy of deodorant stone, reports indicate that it’s effective and less likely to cause adverse side effects.

The post Crystal Deodorant: A Natural Option for Reducing Body Odor appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Longing for a soap that you can trust is made with pure, all-natural, chemical-free ingredients? Castile soap should be at the top of the list. This variety of soap represents one of the best natural and biodegradable soaps that can be manufactured by hand.

There are so, so many potential Castile soap uses. It’s not only a great soap for washing your body and hair as part of a natural skin care routine, but you can even do the laundry with it — plus, it can safely be used by children. Castile soaps are very popular among vegans and vegetarians since they are plant-based. Also, it doesn’t lose potency with time and is available in the liquid or bar form.

Speaking of potency, a scientific study shows that Castile positively affected contaminated orthopedic wounds when used to irrigate and ultimately cleanse the wounds. A comparison was made using normal saline, Castile soap, benzalkonium chloride, bacitracin or sequential irrigation with all of the above combined. While sequential irrigation treatment significantly lowered the rate of wound complications when applied, so did Castile soap all by itself!

What Is Castile Soap?

Castile soaps have been around for a very long time and were created just following the popular Aleppo. An all-natural, chemical-free soap, Aleppo was made from mixing oil from laurel (bay) trees with olive oil and soda. This is where Castile got its inspiration.

What is soap made of? Generally speaking, soap is often made with animal products like tallow or lard. What is Castile soap exactly? It’s an oil-based soap, which comes in bar or liquid form, that is created without the use of animal fats or synthetic ingredients. Pure Castile soap is considered to be all-natural and non-toxic.

Castile soaps originate from the Spanish region of Castile. While the original recipe for Aleppo soap required laurel oil, this type of oil was in short supply, but the city of Castile had easy access to olive oil. That enabled the creation of a pure white soap that was very mild and effective. The whiteness was seen as purity, which made it very popular with Spanish royalty. As centuries went by, Castile soaps began to make their way all over Europe.

Fast forward to present day and Castile is still one of the most popular European soaps. It has also gained a ton of popularity in the United States as well. You can easily find it in health food stores and basic supermarkets today. In addition to olive oil, a bar of Castile may also be made using coconut, hemp, avocado, almond or castor oils. All of these natural oils add beneficial moisturizing properties to the soap.

Probably the most popular maker of Castile soap is Dr. Bronner. Dr. Bronner’s parents began this successful business manufacturing the soaps in the basement of the Heilbronner home in the Jewish quarter of Laupheim, Germany. Around the 1880s, the Heilbronners innovated the first Castile liquid soap, supplying public washrooms across Germany.

The Dr. Bronner that we know on the label today eventually made way to the U.S., where he continued the family business, ultimately founding Dr. Bronner in the 1940s. Though Dr. Bronner died in 1997, Dr. Bronner’s, the company, became the largest personal care company to be certified under the USDA National Organic Program, with bar and liquid soaps being certified by the highly-reputable certifier Oregon Tilth.

Top 13 Castile Soap Uses

Castile soap can be used for so many things! Washing your face, body, hair, rinsing fruit, doing laundry and cleaning windows are just a few of the many potential Castile soap uses. Here are a few of my favorite Castile soap uses and some suggestions on how to create your own products using this incredible soap.

For The Home

1. Homemade Dish Soap

Castile soap makes great homemade dish soap. It’s all-natural, which means no chemicals on your hands or dishes. Just replace your regular store-bought dish soap with Castile liquid soap and a few drops will take care of those dirty dishes in no time.

2. Homemade Laundry Detergent

What’s great about using Castile soap to clean your clothes is your clothes will likely last longer since they will not be exposed to harsh chemicals.

You can also avoid irritation of the skin from avoiding heavy dyes and perfumes among other ingredients that are often found in the store-bought versions.

Keep reading for an awesome homemade Castile laundry detergent recipe below!

3. Homemade Dishwasher Soap

You can use it to wash the dishes by hand, but you can also make your own soap for the dishwasher too. Try a citrus version as it not only smells amazing, but lemon essential oil has been shown to have anti-fungal effects on food-borne molds.

To create your own dishwasher soap, mix 8 ounces of Castile liquid soap with 1 cup of water, 3 teaspoons of lemon juice and 10 drops of lemon essential oil and shake gently.

To use, add 1 tablespoon of the above mixture into the “open” compartment of your dishwasher and add 1 cup of white vinegar to the “closed” compartment. If you have hard water, add a little more vinegar.

4. DIY All-Purpose Household Cleaner

Using a spray bottle, fill it a quarter of the way up with white vinegar, fill it with water, then add just a squirt of Castile liquid soap, a few drops of tea tree essential oil and a few drops of orange or lemon essential oil. This mixture makes for a safe and natural yet effective household cleaner.

5. Homemade Glass Cleaner

Mix half a cup of white vinegar, 2 teaspoons of Castile liquid soap and 2 cups of distilled warm water into a spray bottle. You can add a few drops of tea tree and lemon essential oil to the mixture to make it a bit more effective. Blend well by giving it a good shake and spray onto your windows. Use newspaper to clean it, leaving it streak-free.

6. Homemade Tub Scrub

Fill a spray bottle with ⅓ Castile liquid soap and ⅔ water. Spread baking soda liberally around the bath and spray the Castile mixture on top of it. Scrub with a scouring pad or scrub brush for a squeaky clean tub.

For The Body

7. Homemade Face Wash

Using a foaming dispenser, add ¼ cup of Castile liquid soap and fill it to the top with distilled water. Add 5 drops each of tea tree and frankincense essential oils. Both oils are known for helping to fight bacteria and can reduce acne.

8. Homemade Shampoo

Making your own Castile soap shampoo is so easy. Plus, you can avoid those pricey, surprisingly toxic shampoos (most of which are filled with chemicals that can cause lots of problems for your hair long-term).

Simply mix together 7 tablespoons of Castile liquid soap with 6 teaspoons of coconut milk and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil. This will make about seven applications. It will store best in the fridge for about a week.

9. Homemade Hand Soap

Fill a foaming soap dispenser with ¾ boiled or distilled water and ¼ Castile liquid soap. You can add 5 drops of tea tree essential oil for its antibacterial properties and lavender oil for its fragrant and relaxing scent.

10. Castile for Shaving

For your face, use about 10 drops, for the underarms, 3 drops should do the trick and for the legs, use about a ½ teaspoon. Simply work into a lather in wet hands and then apply to area.

You can also add olive oil to the mix for some added moisture while shaving.

11. Castile for Your Teeth

Would you believe that potential Castile soap benefits include natural teeth cleaning? That’s right!

Put 1 drop of Castile liquid soap, 1 drop peppermint essential oil and a small dollop of coconut oil on your toothbrush and brush as normal. Just like with toothpaste, do not swallow.

This is a great way to reap Castile soap’s amazing cleansing and disinfectant properties! (Side note: Castile soaps are typically considered disinfectants rather than antibacterial agents, but peppermint oil has inherent antibacterial abilities just like tea tree oil has natural antibacterial power, so when these oils are included, the cleansing and bacteria-fighting ability of the soap is increased!)

12. Foot Bath

Use about 1 teaspoon of Castile liquid soap in a small tub of hot water and allow the feet to soak for 10–20 minutes. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil and lavender essential oil for added benefits. Or you can use a version of Castile liquid soap that already includes these essential oils.

13. Clearing Congestion

A Castile liquid soap that contains essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can be used to help with nasal congestion due to the common cold or allergies.

Simply add a few drops of the liquid soap with essential oil to a bowl of steamy hot water. Breathe in the mist with a towel draped over the head. Of course, be careful as steam can burn your skin.

Where to Buy and Castile Soap Recipes

As noted, the most popular brand is Dr. Bronner’s, but there are other options available as well. Make sure to take the time to read the ingredients to ensure that it is made from pure, recognizable ingredients.

It’s not hard to find a Castile soap recipe online that you can start using in your life today! For example, this is how to make Castile Soap Laundry Detergent:

• Combine one bar grated, 2 cups washing soda, 1 cup baking soda and 30 drops of essential oil (optional) in an airtight container.
• Use ¼ cup per large load (adjust accordingly, especially for high-efficiency washers, for which you may want to wait until the water runs through the soap dispenser).

Some other pretty amazing uses and recipes:

• Spray for Plants
• Homemade Body Wash Recipe
• 3 Ingredient Makeup Remover 

Precautions and Dangers

A few important warnings:

• It’s not recommended for use on color-treated hair because it may strip the hair follicles of color.
• For hair that is not color-treated, it can be used as a shampoo, but to avoid clean yet tangled or matted hair, it’s recommended to follow up with an acidic conditioning rinse that contains natural acidic ingredients like lemon juice. Another alternative is to use diluted apple cider vinegar after shampooing with Castile liquid soap.
• Castile soaps are considered a base, and it’s not recommended to combine them with acids like vinegar or lemon juice (because the resulting mixture will be a curdled solution that will leave behind a film rather than clean surfaces well).
• Castile liquid soap combined with hard water can also result in a white film being left behind when the mixture is used on surfaces.

Final Thoughts

• What is Castile soap? It’s a versatile vegetable oil-based soap that is free of animal products and synthetic ingredients.
• You can purchase it as an unscented soap in bar or liquid form. It’s also available with scents, typically from the inclusion of various essential oils such as lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus.
• If you’re wondering where to buy Castile soap, you can find it at your local health store or possibly even at your closest grocery store.
• You can also easily purchase a Castile soap bar or Castile liquid soap through various online retailers.
• You can use Castile soap for hair, body and skin as a shampoo, body wash and facial cleanser.
• Other uses include washing laundry, brushing your teeth, cleaning produce, as a general household cleaner … the list goes on and on.
• If you’re looking for a soap that is natural, non-toxic, not expensive and extremely versatile, then you may want to consider trying Castile!

The post 13 Uses for Castile Soap — Natural Cleaning for Body & Home appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Essential oils have long been known to help with numerous ailments and celebrations, and that includes the birth of Jesus! The wide array of benefits is endless and helping you get a restful night of sleep is one of them. What’s great about essential oils is that you don’t get that groggy feeling or other side effects that often comes with a synthetic sleep aid. While improving sleep positions can help, essential oils in a DIY Sleep Aid may be the way to go!

According to a study published by Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, cancer patients have a particularly tough go at getting good sleep. Subjects were given aromatherapy over a 13-week period of time. The effects were very beneficial, producing more sleep for the patients. In fact, over 90 percent said they would continue use of the blend that included bergamot, lavender, sandalwood, frankincense and mandarin. (1) 

It has also been reported that some healthcare facilities are incorporating aromatherapy within their practice to help patients with anxiety and better sleep. (2) Here’s a DIY sleep aid recipe that uses aromatherapy and will help nearly anyone sleep better.

Related: What Is White Noise? Benefits for Sleep & More

Essential Oils for Sleep: How to Make a DIY Sleep Aid

To make your DIY sleep aid blend, place each of the oils in your bottle, put the cap on and shake well. These ingredients are amazing for some much-needed shut eye. Lavender oil is so versatile. I use it throughout the day for a calming effect, which holds true for solid sleep. It relaxes the body and eases tension creating the perfect platform for rest.

Frankincense offers feelings of relaxation and other health benefits, such as reducing chronic stress, anxiety, pain and inflammation, while boosting your immunity. It has even been noted as a cancer-fighter. Additionally, it can create a balanced mood upon waking.

Cedarwood essential oil has a warm, woody scent that can help promote a good night of rest. It’s both grounding and calming, which enhances that relaxation mode. It relieves tension by producing serotonin that causes the release of melatonin. Melatonin helps induce a sedative state that can offer restorative sleep and give you a refreshed feeling in the morning. (3) 

And lastly, bergamot essential oil may help add to the calming of the body and mind. It can relieve nervous tension by stimulating dopamine and serotonin while delivering a sedative, relaxing and content feeling.

Now that you have your DIY Aromatherapy Sleep Blend, follow the directions for your diffuser. Most require that you add water to a certain level indicated on the diffuser. Then, add 8–10 drops of your new DIY sleep aid. Place the diffuser in your bedroom and turn on a few minutes before you plan to go to bed.

The post DIY Sleep Aid with 4 Essential Oils appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Not surprisingly, showering every day is the first step to reducing body odor, since this scrubs away bacteria that live on your skin and give off an unpleasant smell. But maybe you already scrub yourself clean once or twice daily and still find you smell more than you’d like to.

Body odor is caused by bacteria. Even though sweat itself is normally pretty odorless when your skin is clean, when the bacteria that live on your skin mix with sweat, they multiply and begin to leave a smell. This is why sweaty clothes filled with bacteria usually smell a lot more if left uncleaned for several days!

Sweat and body odor can be caused by several different factors, but using a natural deodorant can help lower the smell that bacteria and sweat give off, despite how they got there in the first place.

What Causes Bad Body Odor?

There are actually a few different types of body-odor-causing bacteria that are produced, depending on the reason you’re sweating. In humans, body odors originate from a complex interaction between skin gland (eccrine, sebaceous, apocrine) secretions and bacterial activity.

For example, when you work out or walk around in hot temperatures and start producing sweat, your body secretes a mixture of mostly water and electrolytes. On the other hand, if you’re sweating for emotional or hormonal reasons — for example because you’re nervous, stressed or embarrassed — you’re going to produce a denser sweat that actually smells worse!

Research shows there are two main types of sweat glands located in your skin: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. (1) Eccrine glands are the kind found in most areas of your exposed skin, while apocrine glands develop in areas with the most hair follicles, such as your armpits, groin and back of your neck. When your body temperature rises, eccrine glands secrete watery sweat that eventually cools as it evaporates from your skin. Apocrine glands produce a milkier, smellier sweat that is mostly due to emotional stress.

The sweatiest areas of your body are usually the smelliest, including your armpits, back, chest, feet and between your legs. That’s because these areas tend to have more sweat-producing follicles and are also dark, warm, moist environments that nurture bacteria. One of the strongest-smelling types of bacteria that thrive in these areas is called Micrococcus sedentarius, which produces stinky acids and sulfur compounds that add to odor.

Genetics and your age also come into play when it comes to body odor and sweating. (2) About 10 to 15 percent of people have extra-sweaty feet, for example. (3) If you’re someone who sweats more than average, you might deal with more body odor than usual because you’re producing more of the bacteria-sweat combination than someone who is less prone to sweating. Human body odors also change throughout the life cycle, since two chemically related compounds (nonenal and nonanal) found on the skin vary with age, as does someone’s ability to detox toxins through their pores. (4)

Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to end the embarrassment and reduce the amount of body odor you’re giving off, all without needing to wear toxic deodorants (remember, “natural” doesn’t always mean nontoxic), use harsh products or see a doctor about getting a prescription.

5 Natural Deodorant Remedies  

1. Shower Every Day with Antibacterial Ingredients

Showering with an antibacterial agent reduces the bacteria count on your skin, which in turn reduces the chance of odor forming. Use a natural antibacterial bath soap or, better yet, avoid antibacterial overkill and try making your own that you know will be free of harsh chemicals. Add essential oils, which are natural bacteria-fighters, to your homemade soap; tea tree oil, lemongrass oiland patchouli oil, for example, all smell great, are safe for use on your skin and will lower the count of odor-causing bacteria that are able to thrive.

After showering, towel off and try to leave your skin as dry as possible, since bacteria reproduce more quickly on damp skin. Make sure to especially towel off areas where you sweat a lot, like under your arms and between your legs. You want your skin to be as dry as possible before applying deodorant, because bacteria have a harder time thriving on dry skin.

2. Apply Natural Bacteria Fighters to Odor-Prone Body Parts

Once you’ve showered and thoroughly dried your skin, use a natural deodorant on your underarms. While deodorants don’t actually prevent sweating, they do help mask the smell of bacteria.

Antiperspirants, on the other hand, contain chemicals and can clog your pores, so you’re better off targeting the smelly bacteria and making sure to bathe daily instead. Sweating itself is actually beneficial, and research shows it helps convey important information between people subconsciously through chemical processes; in fact, certain odors might even indicate poor immunity and disease. (5) Also, think of it this way: sweat is one of your body’s natural means of detoxification, so blocking sweat can block your ability to detoxify.

How do you know if your deodorant is toxic? Many commercial deodorants contain toxic aluminum that unnaturally reduces sweating — some research has linked aluminum to damaged DNA, abnormal cell function and changes in gene expressions. While the debate is still out, using an aluminum-free deodorant (not antiperspirant) is a safer bet. Making a natural deodorant will also help you avoid chemical fragrances, irritants and other products that your skin can directly absorb. Apply the natural deodorant recipe found below twice a day for best results.

The recipe below uses baking soda, coconut oil and essential oils that have natural antibacterial properties. Apple cider vinegar also makes a great natural deodorant since it absorbs and neutralizes stinky bacteria. You can rub a bit of ACV into your underarms or other body parts, and don’t worry — the vinegar smell will evaporate quickly.

3. Avoid Foods that Increase Body Odors

The foods you eat affect your level of body odor because they’re broken down into compounds that circulate in the bloodstream, slowly making their way to your pores where they come out through your sweat, breath or urine. Although processed foods like refined sugar, commercial dairy and fried foods can often contribute to body odors, in some cases so can otherwise healthy foods that aren’t properly digested.

Healthy, natural foods that can contribute to stinkiness include the usual culprits like garlic, onions, beans, curry and strong spices, but also lesser known sulfur-suppliers like broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cabbage. Even meat, eggs or fish can be a problem if you aren’t capable of fully digesting them and are sensitive to their metabolic effects. Additionally, some spicy foods, including hot peppers or spices, might increase sweating for some people and therefore odors, as can caffeine overdoses or alcohol.

If you notice that these foods also make you gassy, bloated and uncomfortable on top of causing a noticeable smell, then you might want to experiment with cutting back on them to help improve digestion and body odor.

4. Clean Your Clothes Thoroughly

Damp, sweaty clothes are the most likely to smell, so make sure to wash your clothes thoroughly using antibacterial laundry soap (try this Homemade Laundry Soap). This is especially important when you’ve been sweating heavily and wearing fabrics that absorb more bacteria and sweat, such as during workouts.

Also, make sure to frequently wash socks, shoe insoles, bras, undergarments and other pieces of clothing that people might skip out on washing often. Dirty shoes or socks are one of the most likely causes of body odor because there are more than a quarter of a million sweat glands in your two feet. That’s more than your underarms or any other area!

5. Consider if Stress Is Making You Smell!

Stress often makes us sweat, but the reason it can leave us stinky goes even further; it also causes our sweat glands, called apocrine glands, to produce a type of sweat that is higher in protein and fat molecules and lower in water than other types of sweat. Bacteria thrive on this type of sweat, which means after a stressful day, you unfortunately smell!

Find a few ways to bust stress that work for you. Ironically, sweating it out with a good workout raises endorphin levels, which can help you handle daily stressors and decrease the smellier sweat.

Related: Crystal Deodorant: A Natural Option for Reducing Body Odor

Homemade Natural Deodorant Recipe

You only need three ingredients to make this effective, healthy and money-saving deodorant! Coconut oil has many skin benefits, too, which is an added bonus if you use this recipe on your feet, chest and back.

Total Time: 5 minutes (Yields: 30–90 applications)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 20 drops essential oil of your choice (Scent recommendations for females: sage, ylang ylang, jasmine, lemon; for males: cypress, rosemary oil)
• Empty deodorant containers

DIRECTIONS:

1. Put coconut oil in bowl. Mix in baking soda, then add essential oils. Mix well.

2. Store in a deodorant container or a glass jar. Keep in a cool place (coconut oil will melt).

3. To apply, dab with fingers and rub or roll onto underarms. Wait a couple of minutes before contact with fabric.

4. For best results, use twice daily.

As an alternative, also try this Homemade Probiotic Deodorant Recipe.

The post 5 Natural Deodorant Remedies, Plus How to Make Your Own! appeared first on Dr. Axe.

With the kids back in school and cold and flu season in high-gear, disinfecting the home may be in order. Disinfecting is different from cleaning because disinfectants kill bacteria so that it is unable to reproduce. Cleaning pretty much just moves it around the surface, but does not actually kill bacteria that may be present.

It is not uncommon for bleach to be used as a disinfectant. However, bleach can be very dangerous and I don’t recommend it. In fact, one of the best reasons to make your own DIY disinfectant spray is that the amount of chemicals found in most off- the-shelf cleaners is very high and can be dangerous. (1)

Check out my recipe below to make your own homemade disinfectant spray — which includes two antibacterial essential oils. This recipe is easy and can leave your home fresh and bacteria-free.

DIY Disinfectant

Ingredients

Makes 16 ounces

• 2/3 cup high-proof vodka
• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
• 3/4 cup distilled water
• 30–40 drops tea tree essential oil
• 30–40 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 16-ounce spray bottle

Instructions

Make sure you use a clean spray bottle. It should not have any bleach or other product residue. A new bottle may be the best way to go, but regardless, just make sure it is clean. Pour the vodka, vinegar and water into the bottle. Vodka is a great disinfectant. Just use the cheap stuff.  While vodka does not kill bacteria, it helps clean surfaces and it works to eliminate odors. Vinegar is next up and is a great option since it can help remove dirt and grime. Next, add the distilled water. Using distilled water is important because it is bacteria-free. (2)

Now, let’s add the essential oils. But what essential oils are good for disinfecting? Tea tree essential oil is my favorite since it is antibacterial. Tea tree oil has shown effective wound-healing properties due to its ability to fight infection that can be caused from bacteria. That is why it is a great option for your DIY disinfectant spray. (3)

Lemongrass is known for its antibacterial qualities too. Studies have shown that it is effective at fighting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) skin infections. This makes it a good choice for getting rid of bacteria that may be living on your kitchen countertops too. (4)

Now that everything has been placed in the bottle, simple screw the cap on and shake well. It’s important to clean the area first (you may even want to try making my homemade household cleaner) so that you remove any visible waste particles. Next, rinse the area and dry it. Then apply the homemade disinfectant spray. Shake well before each use.

The post DIY Disinfectant Spray with Tea Tree & Lemongrass appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Taking a bath can offer so many benefits and a recent study even suggests that the submersion of the body in heat could be as equally beneficial as some exercise by helping regulate blood sugar! (1) It is really no surprise that bubble baths are incredibly relaxing and not just for kids. A bubble bath takes the therapeutic qualities of a regular bath just a step further.

Baths, in general, have been around for ages — from spas, to hot springs to bathhouses. Egyptian, Greek, Chinese and Japanese cultures have used the therapeutic and disease-fighting benefits that come from taking baths. The comfort one receives while taking a bath is likened to being in the womb and can significantly improve mood. (2)

Research shows that by soaking in warm water every day for about eight weeks, you may greatly reduce anxiety — possibly way more than by taking a prescription drug. As you know, I am always going to suggest alternative options over conventional ones. What’s more is that baths, especially a homemade bubble bath, can help with psoriasis, dry skin, better sleep, a brain boost and even help keep colds away. (3)

Including just the right ingredients in your homemade bubble bath is the key to adding benefits. For example, we know that lavender is probably the most popular essential oil for a relaxing bath.

So, how do you make a bubble bath? Read on to learn how you can make your very own bubble bath. A natural bubble bath recipe is included at the end of this article. This is a DIY bubble bath without glycerin. You can try different essential oils, too!

Homemade Bubble Bath

To make your homemade bubble bath, use a jar or bottle with an airtight lid, and combine the almond oil, egg white and honey. Blend well. Light almond oil is perfect to ensure that you keep your skin moisturized, especially if you have extra-dry skin. The egg white is key to creating bubbles — although the bubbles may not be as big as the conventional ones you may be more used to seeing. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it will provide, and help retain, moisture to the skin. It also has antibacterial properties.

Now, add the Castile soap and the essential oils. Castile soap is perfect since it is an all-natural soap that is plant-based and chemical-free. Adding a little aromatherapy to your bath is definitely a plus for having the best experience and benefits. Chamomile essential oil and lavender essential oil are amazing ingredients for your bath since they help fight anxiety and depression. Mix all ingredients well by placing the lid on the jar and giving it a really good shake or by stirring with a spoon or fork.

Now that you have made your very own relaxing bubble bath, it is time to try it out! Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup under running water to the desired temperature. For bigger bubbles, you may want to agitate the water a bit. Keep any extra bubble bath in the refrigerator for the next bath.

The post Homemade Bubble Bath with Lavender & Chamomile appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Commercial bubble-blowing solution is cheap and readily available. But as with so many products, it’s not always possible to know exactly what ingredients any given bottle may contain. Since your kids will get bubble solution on their hands, inhale the fumes, and possibly pop bubbles in their faces, you may want to have more control over what they are exposed to.

Recipes for how to make homemade bubbles abound. But the resulting bubble solutions may be no safer than commercial products, since most of the recipes out there recommend using a commercial dish detergent — the more concentrated the better — as the main ingredient. Other than expediency (if you have such a dish detergent on hand), making your own bubble solution from a product that contains any number of questionable components, including fragrances, dyes, preservatives, foaming agents, thickening agents, and even toxic antimicrobials, is hardly an improvement.

Isn’t detergent just another name for soap?

No! While soap and detergent do both help make water “wetter” and turn it into a better cleaning agent, especially for dealing with greasy stuff, they are very different. Soap is a natural product made from animal fats and/or vegetable oils. Detergents are synthetic products. They contain a wide range of synthetic compounds. Some of these compounds have been linked to skin irritation, respiratory problems, developmental and reproductive issues, cancer, and environmental disruption. We’ll stick to soap, thank you. The Environmental Working Group provides a handy guide to help you find a safe dishwashing liquid to buy (and to learn more about what chemicals might be lurking in dish detergents).

How to Make Homemade Bubbles 

You can find lots of recipes on the web on how to make homemade bubbles. But don’t be fooled. Even if the ingredients list calls for “dish soap,” what it means is liquid dish detergent. Don’t bother trying to simply substitute real dish soap for dish detergent (or “dish liquid”) in a recipe. If you are using soap, you will need to use more dish soap and/or less water to get a soap solution you can blow bubbles with. You may want to try making my Homemade Dish Soap.

Dish soap does make bubbles, but they are modest, ephemeral things compared to the bodacious, sturdy, chemically-enhanced bubbles that dish detergents like Dawn or Joy produce. Bubble solution made from real soap is never going to produce bubbles the size of your VW Bug or bubbles that land, glistening, on the lawn and persist for 15 minutes before popping. But if lots of happy, healthy little bubbles will do you, then read on to learn how to make homemade bubbles!

Adding glycerin and/or sugar improves the quality of soap-based bubble solution a little, and, with soap, every little bit helps. Glycerin is a natural product you can buy in most drug stores. It’s generally considered to be reasonably safe and is used in foods, cosmetics, lubricants and many other consumer products. We’re not big fans of refined sugar, but adding a bit of granulated sugar (organic, please) to soap bubble solution is OK. An easy recipe detailing how to make homemade bubbles is available at the end of this article.

Helpful Hints on How to Make Homemade Bubbles

• Every brand of liquid dish soap is different, in both concentration and bubble quality. So you may have to experiment a bit to find one that works well for you. As you’re experimenting with how to make homemade bubbles, mix up a small batch and try it yourself before making a huge batch. You can save any batches that don’t work for refilling hand-washing soap dispensers.
• Sometimes a soap bubble solution works better if allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight.
• Soap bubbles sting if they pop in your face and the tiny droplets get in your eyes.
• Real soap bubbles leave very soapy spots when they pop, so save them for outdoor play or bathtub fun … or for when you are about to mop the floor anyway (and skip the soap in the mop bucket).
• Grated, unscented bar soap or soap flakes can be dissolved in hot water and substituted for the liquid dish soap in the recipe. You’ll have to experiment to find out how much to use. And be prepared for surprises. Depending on what oils or fats were used to make the soap — and how concentrated a solution you make — your bubble solution may solidify overnight into a gel. That’s good for cleaning, but not for making bubbles!

Making Your Own Bubble Wands

Once you have perfected the bubble solution, then you need a magic wand to turn it into bubbles! You can use wands that came in bottles of commercial bubble solution or make your own. To make a bubble wand:

• Cut a length of uncoated wire about 12 inches long
• Make a three-quarter-inch to one-inch loop at one end (like a lollypop shape).
• Twist the ends firmly around the main section of the wire so no sharp ends protrude.
• Make a smaller loop at the other end, to help hang onto it when it gets all soapy-slippery.
• If your wire is too flimsy to hold firm when dipping and blowing, twist two or even three 14-inch lengths together first to make a stiffer cable. Then shape that into the proper shape.
• Multi-stranded twisted wire also provides nooks and crannies in the business end to hold more bubble solution than a bare wire or plastic loop.
• To blow clusters of bubbles, twist about 10 inches of two or three 14-inch strands of wire together. Make the big loop out of the untwisted section. Then slide the loops apart a bit so they overlap.

Pipe cleaners are often touted as an easy and readily-available wand material. But the cheap, brightly-colored “chenille stems” sold at dollar stores or chain craft stores are flimsy and loaded with nasty dyes and other toxins you don’t want tiny hands clutching. Plus, in our experience, they seem to interact with soap solution to make it less bubbly. You may have better luck with natural cotton pipe cleaners. These are great for all sorts of other kid-friendly crafts as well.

Tips on Blowing Soap Bubbles

Now that you know how to make homemade bubbles, here are some tips on how to enjoy them!

• Dip the business end of your bubble wand into the bubble solution.
• Hold the loop in front of your face. Blow gently, but firmly, at the film of soap stretched across the loop.
• Once a bubble takes shape on the loop it may detach itself. Plus you can often launch a few small bubbles from a single dip.
• For larger bubbles, you need to blow just a little less firmly to slowly fill a bubble. Then give a gentle sideways movement or flick with the wand to seal the bubble and set it free.

It takes some trial and error to figure out how hard you need to blow to fill a bubble, but not pop it, and how to launch a large bubble. But that’s part of the fun!

A Note on Making Giant Bubbles

With a bit of practice, you can blow lots of 4-inch and even a few 6-inch bubbles with soap bubble solution, but that’s about the upper size limit with soap bubble solution. Giant bubble aficionados rely on the most concentrated, bubbliest dish detergent (not soap) they can find. Then they add a polymer of some sort to make the bubbles even more durable. One polymer that works well with detergents is the all-natural product guar gum. But don’t get too excited. Unfortunately, when mixed with real soap, guar gum seems to have exactly the opposite effect on bubbles. The solution is, indeed, thicker. But it is useless for blowing even the tiniest bubble. So, if you want to make thicker, all-natural hand soap, guar gum is your friend, but forget it for homemade bubble solution when using dish soap.

If you’re looking for another fun activity to share with the kids, try my recipe for Homemade Finger Paint!

The post How to Make Homemade Bubbles appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Similar to how your skin can reveal a lot about your internal wellbeing, your fingernails can be another window into your health. What causes brittle nails? Sometimes brittle nails are simply a result of aging or a lack of moisture, while other times they can be indicative of thyroid diseases like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism because these conditions can cause nail problems. (1)

Your hands often show your age, and so can your nails. If you look at the nails of babies and kids, you can seen how the coloring and texture are most likely really healthy. As we age, the health of our nails can vary, but we can definitely improve the health of our nails at any point in life.

So how do you strengthen your nails? I’m happy to say there are a lot of natural and effective ways to improve the health and appearance of dry brittle nails with or without ridges.

What Are Brittle Nails?

Your fingernails and toenails are made up of layers of protein called keratin. Healthy nails are smooth and strong with even coloring and no spots or discoloration. Sometimes healthy nails can become brittle.

Brittle fingernails tend to be noticed much sooner than brittle toenails, but both the nails on your fingers and the nails on your toes can become brittle for various reasons. It’s estimated that brittle nails, also called onychorrhexis, are quite common. In fact, it’s estimated that it affects around 20 percent of the population. (2) Women tend to struggle with brittle nails more than men. When you have brittle nails they are in a weakened state and tend to break, split or peel easily.

Signs & Symptoms of Brittle Nails

If you’ve ever wondered “why do my nails break so easily?” it could be due to the fact that they are brittle. When nails are brittle (either brittle fingernails or brittle toenails) there are several signs and symptoms to look for: (3)

• Nails that tend to split at the ends
• Peeling at the nail tips
• Easy breaking, cracking or chipping
• Longitudinal ridging
• Difficulty growing nails longer

Causes & Risk Factors

What is the cause of brittle nails? Brittle nails can simply be the result of aging, repetitive or lengthy exposure to water and chemicals (like cleaning materials), use of nail polish remover, and/or from wearing nail polish for long periods of time. In many cases, all of these causes can easily happen at the same time.

Brittle or crumbly nails can also be caused by: (4)

• A fungal nail infection
• A skin condition that can affect the nails called lichen planus
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Nail psoriasis
• Reactive arthritis (a less common cause)

When someone has thyroid disease, they can experience both brittle nails and hair loss. Thyroid problems are more common in women and hypothyroidism is particularly known for causing brittle nails. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid isn’t producing enough of the hormones that it should and this can lead to a sluggish metabolism. According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, when the metabolism slows down, then the body sweats less. Since sweat is a natural moisturizer for the body, less sweat can lead to skin becoming dry and nails becoming brittle. (5)

When it comes to nail health, a common search on the internet is “brittle nails vitamin deficiency.” So could your brittle nails be caused by a vitamin deficiency? According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, internal disease or vitamin deficiencies are really behind brittle nails. However, if a vitamin deficiency is behind brittle nails, it’s most likely to be a deficiency in iron. So this means that people with an iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia can be more likely to have brittle nails. Another interesting tip from the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology is that if your fingernails seem weak, but your toe nails seem perfectly healthy and strong, then an external cause of brittle nails is more likely. (6)

In addition to iron-deficiency, other risk factors for brittle nails include: (7)

• Frequent hand-washing
• Sunburn
• Windburn
• Prolonged exposure to cold, dry weather
• Exposure to chemicals, such as nail polish remover
• Repeated injury or trauma to the nail

Did you notice a theme with these brittle nail risk factors? Aside from injury, these are all circumstances that can easily lead to a moisture deficit.

Sometimes nails can be brittle and also have ridges. What causes brittle nails and ridges? Like brittleness, vertical ridges tend to be more common with age. They can also result from trauma. Other times, ridges can also indicate other health issues going on inside the body. (8)

Conventional Treatment

There is definitely similarity and overlap between conventional treatment and natural treatment for brittle nails. As long as there is no underlying medical reason (such as a thyroid issue), the most common conventional prevention and treatment for brittle nails is reducing exposure to water and irritants and moisturizing the nails and hands on a regular basis. Also, wearing protective gloves when the nails must be exposed to water for lengthy periods of time can help protect nails. A perfect example of when wearing gloves can really help? When you’re washing dishes. (9)

9 Natural Treatments for Brittle Nails

1. Reduce Water Exposure

Cleaning and doing dishes on a regular basis is pretty unavoidable, but it’s very trying on your hands and nails. The good news is that you can always invest in a good pair of protective gloves that can help prevent and heal brittle nails. Wearing gloves while you do household chores, especially ones involving drying hot water and soap, can really go a long way to save your nails from becoming dry and brittle.

2. Stay Hydrated

While you may want to avoid too much water on the outside when it comes to brittle nails, you definitely don’t want to slack on your internal water intake. Staying hydrated with water as well as water-rich healthy foods like watermelon and cucumbers is a great way to moisturize your nails, skin and hair from the inside.

3. Use a Natural Hand Cream

If you’re struggling with brittle nails, then it’s an excellent idea to moisturize your hands and nails after washing and drying your hands each time. To make it easy to remember, try keeping a great natural hand moisturizer near your sink so you can quickly and easily apply it every time. You can even make your own hand moisturizer with my recipe for Handmade Lotion with Frankincense, Lavender & Peppermint Oils.

4. Try a DIY Cuticle Cream

One thing you can count on if you’re wondering how to fix brittle nails naturally or conventionally is that treatment always includes topical moisturizers. When nails are dry and brittle, my DIY Cuticle Cream makes a perfect brittle nails treatment. The contents of this cuticle cream are extremely healing to both the cuticles at the base of your nails as well as the nails themselves. With natural and moisture replenishing ingredients like beeswax, raw shea butter, coconut oil and vitamin E, you’ll definitely want to apply this cuticle cream a few times per day.

5. Avoid Harsh Nail Polish Remover

Most nail polish removers are loaded with chemicals and tend to dry out the finger nails and toe nails. Nail polish removers often contain highly toxic chemicals including acetone, formaldehyde, toluene and phthalates. Not only can nail polish removers negatively affect the health of your nails, research has shown they may cause reproductive harm and organ toxicity. They can also irritate the skin, eyes and lungs. (10)

Instead of using a conventional nail polish remover, try my DIY Nail Polish Remover with Grapefruit, Orange & Lemon Oils.

6. Broccoli Seed Oil

To give your nails and cuticles a really healthy, natural boost try using broccoli seed oil. This oil made from young broccoli sprouts is loaded with essential fatty acids that are wonderful for skin, hair and nail health. Simply dot less than a drop of broccoli seed oil directly onto each nail and rub it into the nail bed and cuticle. This is a great habit to get into at night before bed so you can wake up with more moisturized nails and cuticles by morning. Coconut oil and argan oil are other topically therapeutic oil choices that can be used in a similar fashion to broccoli seed oil for brittle nails.

7. Biotin

According to research, supplementing with biotin (B7) may help treat weak brittle nails. Biotin’s ability to strengthen weak nails was identified after oral doses of biotin were given to horses to improve the condition of their hooves. (11) However, studies have been conducted with very high amounts of biotin and it isn’t hard to get biotin in your diet. Some foods that contain significant amounts of biotin include almonds, eggs, sweet potato, onion, tomato and oats. (12, 13)

8. Vitamin E

Vitamin E capsules are inexpensive and can be an effective way to help the condition of your nails. The thick liquid that comes out of a vitamin E capsule is a perfect treatment for brittle nails. You simply need to puncture one of the capsules and put a little bit of the oil right onto each nail. It’s an easy yet highly potent and rejuvenating treatment for brittle nails.

9. Avoid Artificial Nails

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Do not wear artificial nails to cover up nail problems as they may make them worse. Artificial nails are not recommended for people who are prone to fungal infections or have brittle nails.” (14) So if your nails are brittle, you’ll definitely want to pass on the fake nails.

Precautions

Some changes to your nails are nothing serious, but other times certain changes can warrant medical attention. According to Mayo Clinic, you should consult your dermatologist or doctor if you see any of the following: (15)

• Changes in nail color, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nail.
• Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails.
• Thinning or thickening of the nails.
• Swelling or pain around the nails.
• Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin.
• Bleeding around the nails.

Final Thoughts

Most of the time, brittle nails are just unpleasant to look at and aren’t anything serious. However, they can also be a sign of something else going on with your health. Brittle nails can accompany iron-deficiency and thyroid issues, so it’s important to note if you have any other health symptoms and see your doctor if needed.

If your brittle nails are simply the result of old habits, such as using chemical nail polish removers and not wearing gloves when doing household chores, then you now know exactly how you can improve the state of your nails starting today. As we get older, our nails can be yet another indicator of how many candles were on our last birthday cake, but with some attention (mainly in the form of moisture) our nails really can age gracefully and be healthy throughout our entire lives.

Read Next: Toenail Fungus Treatment: 3 Steps to Get Rid of It Fast!

The post What’s Causing Your Brittle Nails + 9 Natural Treatments appeared first on Dr. Axe.

No one wants to deal with the embarrassment of stinky feet. For anyone troubled by stinky feet, the question arises at some point: What exactly is causing my feet to smell?

While most of us have suffered from foot perspiration, damp feet and odor at some point in our lives, for many, sweaty, stinky feet can be a relentless problem that causes much discomfort. Sadly, it can affect the daily lives of many, causing little social life, especially if it’s related to being at a gym, outdoors in the heat of summer or in a situation where shoes need to be removed, such as crowded airports.

A study conducted at the Skin and Care Foundation in Australia reported that sweaty feet commonly comes with an offensive odor or stinky feet, known as bromhidrosis. The condition usually begins in childhood or adolescence and can have a negative impact on education, career choices and social development. (1)

However, for those who have the problem of stinky feet, the good news is that with a daily hygiene routine, you can eliminate stinky feet and rid yourself of the embarrassment that it may cause.

6 Ways to Get Rid of Stinky Feet

Most often, excessive sweating of the feet is diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam of the feet. A podiatrist may perform a starch-iodine test to confirm the diagnosis by applying an iodine solution to the bottom of the feet. Once the solution has dried, cornstarch is sprinkled over the area. Typically, the treated area turns dark blue if excessive sweat is present.

However, here are some things you can do right at home that may correct the problem and bring you much relief.

1. Ensure Good Hygiene

Getting rid of foot odor may be as simple as following a daily foot hygiene routine. This may include washing your feet with an antibacterial soap. (2)

It’s important to wash your feet every day and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. When you dry your feet with a towel after a shower or bath, dab between your toes with cotton wool dipped in witch hazel or apple cider vinegar. Sweaty feet can be treated with an antibacterial foot scrub, but avoid using a scrubs if you have broken skin or eczema.

Keep your toenails trimmed and clean, which also helps prevent toenail fungus. Gently remove any hard skin with a foot file. When hard, skin can become soggy from the dampness, which provides an ideal home for bacteria.

2. Use a DIY Foot Powder or Foot Scrub

Once you have cleaned your feet and dried them, you can apply powders, such as baking soda, cornstarch or arrowroot powder because they can absorb extra moisture. Antifungal foot powders are great and can be made right at home with just a few ingredients. In fact, you can try my Homemade Antifungal Powder for Stinky Feet + Toenail Fungus.

You can even add essential oils, like tea tree oil, which is antifungal. (3)

3. Soak Your Feet

You can try numerous home remedies, such as salt baths, tea soaks and apple cider vinegar. With proper hygiene and the rotation of shoes, these practices may help eliminate foot odor.

For temporary relief, consider an apple cider vinegar bath using one part vinegar and two parts water to help reduce the level of bacteria that can cause odor. Apple cider vinegar’s antifungal effects can combat foot odor. (4)

In addition, tea soaks are one of the most effective home remedies. Simply use four or five tea bags to a quart of water. You can use regular tea bags or even mint tea bags! Make the tea as you normally would, then allow it to cool and soak the feet for about 20 minutes each day. (5)

Yet another option is a salt wash. To do this, pour a half cup kosher salt or a quarter cup of Epsom salt into four cups water and soak for 10–15 minutes. Salt baths are shown to improve skin health and kill fungi, which is why it can help prevent skin disease and, yes, odor. (6)

In all cases, make sure to dry your feet thoroughly.

4. Rotate Your Shoes

Not wearing the same footwear every day can really help avoid shoe odor in addition to the stinky feet. Rotate two or three pairs of shoes so you can give them a chance to dry out before wearing them again. This can help prevent pitted keratolysis, “a skin disorder characterized by crateriform pitting that primarily affects the pressure-bearing aspects of the plantar surface of the feet and, occasionally, the palms of the hand as collarettes of scale.” (7)

Consider well-fitting shoes made of leather, which can allow your feet to breathe and typically do not soak up as much sweat as cloth shoes. Wear open-toed sandals or flip flops when possible as well.

Go barefoot at home so air can allow your feet to breathe. Detachable insoles can help too. Just make sure to remove them as frequently as possible allowing them to dry.

5. Wear Socks and Change Them Frequently

Wearing socks is also considered essential, especially those that absorb moisture like wool, cotton or a wool/cotton mixture. Cotton or wool socks are much better than nylon. Some sports socks have ventilating holes to help keep feet dry. (8)

6. Change Your Diet

Dr. Robert A. Kornfeld, founder of the Institute for Integrative Podiatric Medicine, tell us that “for those patients who are willing to be more proactive, changes in lifestyle and diet can be very helpful in controlling foot odor. Diets high in refined carbohydrates will often serve as food for bacteria and fungus in the body, giving rise to discharge phenomenon. One such discharge is to expel these bacteria and fungus into the skin to slough off with dying skin cells.” (9)

Dr. Kronfield explains that when this bacteria collects in the skin of the foot through perspiration and is then enclosed in a shoe, the odor can become extreme. But there are many things that can be done through our diet to reduce inflammation such as eliminating refined carbohydrates and balancing protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates by eating anti-inflammatory foods. Reducing alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking will also go a long way to relieve the perspiration and odor of stinky feet.

What Causes Stinky Feet?

Sweaty feet, known as palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, means excessive sweating and usually causes stinky feet. The sweat glands in the foot area of the body are what produces the odor.

Because the foot has around 250,000 sweat glands, feet tend to sweat more than other parts of the body. These sweat glands have a purpose, however. The reason for all these sweat glands is to keep the skin moist, acting as a thermostat, in a sense, to help regulate the body temperature.

When it’s hot outside or perhaps you get extremely warm when exercising, the thermostat kicks in to make sure your body temperature stays in check. To do this, the glands secrete sweat, but it’s a bit different than other parts of the body in that the glands constantly secrete sweat that’s usually unnoticeable.

Sweaty feet typically happen on both feet verses one or the other. The exact cause has not been fully discovered ,but overactive sweat glands and genetics seem to play a role.

Smelly feet happen when bacteria on the skin breaks down the sweat as it comes from the pores, and usually a cheesy smell is released as the sweat decomposes. Other causes can be related to daily stress, an injury due to some structural issue in the foot area, standing on your feet all day, wearing the same shoes daily without allowing them to dry, poor personal hygiene, hormonal changes in the body — in particular in teens and pregnant women — and, of course, athletes who may experience fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.

Even though the problem seems to be more prominent in the hotter months, it can happen anytime of the year. But hot weather can make matters worse, even causing broken skin and blisters. 

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the most obvious symptom of smelly feet is feet that sweat excessively. Some people sweat so much that their feet may slip around inside their shoes. The feet may also have a whitish, wet appearance, and foot infections may be present because the constant wetness breaks down the skin, allowing infection to develop.

This bacteria and excessive sweat create the foot odor. Those suffering from hyperhidrosis may also experience emotional stress and worry regarding the foot odor, making it even worse. Sweat-related anxiety and isolation can be particularly severe among teens with plantar hyperhidrosis. (11)

When Should I See a Doctor or Podiatrist About Stinky Feet?

Smelly feet are typically harmless but can be a sign of a medical condition, especially if someone already has an autoimmune condition. Regardless given the embarrassment and discomfort, it’s important to address, especially if you have a cut or wound of the skin or between the toes and any increased redness or swelling. A severe bacterial infection of the skin or soft tissue usually produces a terrible odor and could worsen if not treated.

If you experience any foot care issues that don’t resolve themselves naturally or through routine foot care within three or four weeks, you may want to seek the help of a health care professional or a private podiatrist. In some cases, foot odor can be so foul or persistent that a visit to the doctor is necessary.

If none of the home remedies work, see a podiatrist or dermatologist so he or she can perform tests to determine an underlying cause for the excessive sweating. If you’re diabetic, you should address any foot odor as soon as you notice it. It could be a sign of a more serious problem and can progress quickly. (12)

Takeaways

• Sweaty feet commonly comes with an offensive odor or stinky feet, known as bromhidrosis. The condition usually begins in childhood or adolescence and can have a negative impact on education, career choices and social development, in addition to being embarrassing.
• Home remedies and prevention methods for stinky feet include practicing good hygiene, using foot powder or a foot scrub, soaking your feet, rotating shoes, wearing and changing socks frequently, and changing your diet.
• Smelly feet happen when bacteria on the skin breaks down the sweat as it comes from the pores, and usually a cheesy smell is released as the sweat decomposes. Other causes can be related to daily stress, an injury due to some structural issue in the foot area, standing on your feet all day, wearing the same shoes daily without allowing them to dry, poor personal hygiene, hormonal changes in the body — in particular in teens and pregnant women — and, of course, athletes who may experience fungal infections.

Read Next: How to Get Rid of Jock Itch

The post How to Get Rid of Stinky Feet? 6 Natural Ways appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Anyone who experiences a fungal infection knows just how frustrating it can be. Fungal infections can often cause much discomfort or even embarrassment (think stinky feet), but they rarely threaten your health in a serious way. There are many types of fungal infections, but some more common ones are athlete’s foot, toenail or fingernail fungus, jock itch, candida or yeast infections, oral thrush, ringworm and meningitis.

Antifungal medications, such as an antifungal cream, are often used to treat and prevent fungal infections, also known as mycosis. It’s common to obtain drugs through doctor’s prescription or over the counter, however, there are numerous natural antifungal cream remedies that seem to be more effective based on many studies.

An Epidemic of Antifungal Overuse?

Medically speaking, members of the genus Aspergillus are common fungus found anywhere on earth. To date, over 185 Aspergillus species have been identified, 20 of which have been reported to cause harmful infections in humans, animals and plants with the Aspergillus flavus as the most known because it causes direct infections and diseases in humans.

A. flavus is second only to A. fumigatus, the leading cause of human invasive aspergillosis. Although invasive aspergillosis is rare in people who have a normal immune system, it actually can contribute to more serious issues in anyone who is immunosuppressed. Despite the recent introduction of new antifungal drugs and synthetic preservatives, the application of synthetic antifungal agents has led to a notable increase in drug resistance.

The most frequently used treatment within antifungal cream contain a chemical compound called azole. However, studies are showing that there are common sensitivities and allergic reactions to many azoles and that more and more, natural remedies are producing far better results.

The American Society for Microbiology concluded that severe hypersensitivity reactions to these drugs can occur and have documented a systemic allergic reaction to fluconazole, specifically, causing clinicians to be very cautious in prescribing another azole as an antifungal agent. (1)

Additionally, these azoles can produce risks to anyone who is pregnant. A panel of azole antifungal agents that are commonly administered to women of childbearing years were tested for their potential to inhibit aromatase, which is the enzyme that synthesizes estrogen. The oral agents fluconazole and ketoconazole, and the topical agents econazole, bifonazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and sulconazole were examined. This examination showed that some azole drugs may disrupt estrogen production in pregnancy, ultimately affecting pregnancy outcome. (2)

In another study, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) remains a challenge to manage in clinical practice. Recent epidemiologic studies indicate that non-albicans Candida spp. are more resistant to conventional antifungal treatment with azoles and are considered as causative pathogens of vulvovaginal candidiasis. This is just another example of how research indicates that synthetic drugs are not able to provide the much needed treatment to fungal infections. (3)

Now, the good news is that researchers are finding that the antimicrobial properties of plant products and other naturally based solutions have been recognized and used for antifungal creams since ancient times in China. Among the different groups of plant products, essential oils are especially recommended as one of the most promising groups of natural products for the formulation of safer antifungal agents.

While it’s always important to exercise caution when when using an essential oil or any new remedy, the majority of the essential oils are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). While essential oils are a promising alternative, there are numerous natural remedies, many of which can be found in your cupboard. (4)

9 Top Natural Antifungal Remedies

1. Yogurt & probiotics

The vagina is home to numerous beneficial microbes, which keep disease-causing microbes, such as Candida, in check. The yeasts grow out of control when something, such as antibiotics or hormones, disrupt that delicate balance. Using yogurt or probiotic foods, such as kombucha, has become a common natural remedy for vaginal yeast infections with the goal of restoring the vagina’s population of friendly bacteria.

A 2003 report found that studies suggest Lactobacillus recolonization of the vagina shows promise as a treatment for yeast infections and while more studies need to be developed, we know that regular ingestion of beneficial bacteria poses very little harm and is usually very helpful to the body. (5) It’s important to note that putting yogurt directly into the vagina is not advised, as it could lead to additional infection.

2. Garlic

Numerous studies have shown that garlic benefits include its antifungal properties. Some women promote placing garlic cloves in the vagina at night, but even though this treatment is unlikely to cause any major damage, there’s no scientific evidence to show it works. 

Instead, garlic has been proven to be even more effective against athlete’s foot than prescription medicines like Lamisil. (6) Studies show that a compound in garlic known as “ajoene” is especially effective against the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. (7)

3. Oregano essential oil

Oregano oil is a powerful plant-based antibiotic. The Journal of Medicinal Food published a study that evaluated oregano essential oil and its effect on fungus caused by bacteria — it showed significant antibacterial properties against five species of harmful bacteria.

Why is oregano so great? Oregano oil contains 71 percent of the antiseptic compounds known as phenols, including thymol and carvacrol. While oregano is a super powerful natural antibiotic, make sure to use caution. It can cause a burning sensation and should be heavily diluted with a carrier oil. Also, I would not recommend applying it to sensitive areas of the body. (8)

4. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oils have been shown to be effective against various Candida in numerous studies. Tea tree oil was studied, using a microbroth method, and the same preparation was tested in an experimental vaginal infection using fluconazole–itraconazole-susceptible or -resistant strains of C. albicans (Candida).

Tea tree oil was shown to be active in vitro against all tested strains and was highly successful in accelerating the elimination of Candida from the experimentally infected rat vagina. Continued studies brought about resolution of the infection regardless of whether the infecting C. albicans strain was susceptible or resistant to fluconazole. (9) 

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is known for its health-supporting and immune-enhancing properties. In the case of fungus within the body, coconut oil can provide great benefits. Yeast and fungus exists in all mucous membranes of your body, in particular, the intestines, but rarely cause problems unless they become overgrown.

This is when a natural antibiotic, like coconut oil, may be very useful. Because excessive sugar intake, stress or general weakness of the immune system can cause fungal growth, a fungal nail represents just one potential manifestation of this fungal overgrowth and may accompany a systemic fungal infection.

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that contain a fungus-killing action. These special fats exhibit potent antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects which can kill the fungus, which is why it should be considered for toenail fungus treatment and beyond. Both oral consumption and topical application can benefit. (10)

6. Dill oil

Dill oil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. Dill has been reported to possess antibacterial properties, making it a potential source of an eco-friendly antifungal drug.

The essential oil extracted from the seeds of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) was demonstrated in a study showing its ability to disrupt the permeability barrier of the plasma membrane, which can help eliminate fungus-causing bacteria. (11) (12)

7. Eliminate sugar & moldy foods

Reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates can greatly curtail infection from fungals. The reason for this is that yeast feed on sugar, fermenting it to produce alcohol in the form of ethanol and an even more toxic chemical  acetaldehyde.

When you stop a potential sugar addiction and reduce the amount of sugar in your diet, you reduce the amount available to the yeast in your intestines. Yeast overgrowth, which leads to leaky gut syndrome, can result in immune reactions. It’s best to avoid processed foods and sugars of all types, cheese, alcoholic beverages, mushrooms and processed meats. Eat grains and high carbohydrate vegetables in moderation. Focus more on raw or lightly steamed vegetables and lean meats. (13)

8. Caprylic Acid

Caprylic acid contains antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It has the ability to boost the immune system and is commonly used as an ingredient in topical fungicides. Caprylic acid helps naturally reduce yeast growth within the gastrointestinal tract so that beneficial bacteria can thrive. Taken orally, it is completely natural, helping prevent an imbalance between the presence of various bacteria.

9. Boric acid

Boric acid has antibacterial properties, making it a great, affordable home remedy for fungus. Research shows that boric acid suppository capsules appear to be very effective against yeast infections, particularly those caused by Candida. An early study found that boric acid suppositories, when taken nightly for 7 to 10 days, have up to a 92 percent cure rate. That is a strong number!

The journal Diabetes Care found that boric acid vaginal suppositories were more effective against Candida infections in diabetic women than an oral azole medication and the Journal of Women’s Health found that it’s a safe alternative for the treatment of four or more infections in a single year that is caused by non-albicans Candida.

However, boric acid can occasionally cause vaginal burning, should be diluted or used with the guidance of a doctor, is toxic when swallowed and shouldn’t be used frequently or when pregnant. (14) (15)

Specific Antifungal Home Remedies

Jock Itch Home Remedy

Homemade Antifungal Powder (for Stinky Feet + Toenail Fungus)

Oral Thursh

History of Antifungals

Until the 1940s, relatively few antifungal creams and agents were available for the treatment of systemic fungal infections; however, the discovery, though mostly ignored at the time, was made while studying biotin deficiency in animals and microbes.

Around the mid-70s, Vanden Bossche observed another azole containing antifungal activity that inhibited the uptake of purines in yeast from Candida. The development of these antifungals represented a major advance in medical mycology, though its use was associated with toxic side effects. (16)

The continued search for new and less toxic antifungals led to the discovery of the azoles several decades later with the first release in the early 1980s. However, in the 1990s, new discoveries of both fluconazole and itraconazole displayed a broader spectrum of antifungal activity. Eventually, these agents became subject to a number of clinically important limitations related to their development of resistance, the induction of hazardous drug interactions and their performance as they moved throughout the body and their toxicity. (17)

New developments have made an effort to do a better job, claiming greater potency against resistant and emerging pathogens. Regardless, it seems that natural remedies are doing a an even better job at acting as an antifungal agent.

Precautions of Using Natural Antifungal Creams and Remedies

You may find information about douching; however, douching and yeast infections don’t mix. The cleansing may actually help promote yeast infections by removing healthy bacteria from the vagina, and if you already have an infection, douching may spread it to the cervix and into the uterus so I caution you. Douching with vinegar may be worse because of the potential damage the liquid can cause to the vaginal walls.

Although many medications are available by prescription, some may cause liver damage. Several herbs may help to treat fungal infections, but herbs, as well as essential oils, may interact with other medicines. Check with your doctor to make sure. Those with chronic conditions and a weakened immune system are also more susceptible to a fungal infection.

Read Next: Oregano Oil Benefits Superior to Prescription Antibiotics?

The post Use Antifungal Cream? Try These 9 Natural Antifungal Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Bath bombs are amazing and can offer so many benefits in addition to being fun with all the fizz! But, is any bath bomb a good choice? Not really. Unfortunately, most that are on the market today contain loads of dangerous dyes and chemicals that can negatively affect your health.

I just posted an article asking the question: are bath bombs safe? Unless it’s a DIY bath bomb, it’s unlikely, as some of the dangers you’re exposed to include toxic fake fragrances, artificial food dyes and glitter that can enter your bloodstream, disrupt your hormones, cause urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Yay, you probably weren’t aware of all that when you last choose one!

However, the good news is that a DIY bath bomb recipe is very easy to make at home, and you can tailor them to your needs by using certain essential oils.

How to Make DIY Bath Bombs

Let’s get started on this DIY bath bomb recipe! In a glass or ceramic bowl, start with the baking soda, citric acid, sea salt and cornstarch. These are key components and where all the fizz comes from. Once these elements interact with water, especially the baking soda and citric acid, all sorts of excitement takes place. Baking soda has the benefits of detoxify and alkalizing the body, while offering softness to your skin. Sea salt provides magnesium that can be absorbed through the skin, and cornstarch also has the ability of helping soften the skin, giving it a silky feeling. Cornstarch also helps to harden the bath bomb. Blend all ingredients well.

In a separate bowl, let’s combine the liquid ingredients. Add the cream of tartar and the witch hazel to help harden the bath bomb. Cream of tartar is the sediment that comes from the bottom of a wine barrel, but it is not alcoholic. It contains high levels of potassium, but since you are not ingesting it, minimal amounts are absorbed through the skin and usually not a problem; however, if potassium is a concern, make sure to check with your doctor. Witch hazel is also a great toner for the skin containing tons of healing properties. It’s astringent properties are great for acne. (1)

Next, let’s mix in the oils. Almond oil is a great choice because it is light and wonderful for the skin. It can soothe chapped skin and has even been known to heal skin damaged by cancer. Benefit-rich coconut oil is, of course, a great addition. In particular, I love its skin softening capabilities while offering antifungal and antibacterial benefits. (2) 

Now, let’s add the wild orange essential oil and the rose essential oil. Wild orange is very uplifting to the body and mind offering an invigorating feeling. Rose essential oil is amazing for depression and decreasing anxiety. It also has benefits for the skin, helps balance hormones and could enhance your libido!

Now combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients for your DIY bath bomb recipe.

Lastly, let’s add a hint of color. Using common, off-the-shelf food dyes can cause problems to your health. Instead, use a little beetroot powder to get a nice rosy-pink color and the added benefits of antioxidants!

Once you have blended all ingredients, you can shape your DIY bath bomb recipe into a ball. If you prefer, you can use a silicon bath bomb mold, lightly greased cookie mold or muffin tins to give it a specific shape. Since the mixture may expand, continue to push it into the mold you have chosen in the early stages of setting.

Allow it to set for 1–2 days so that it can form its shape as it dries. Once dry, store in an airtight container. Storing in the fridge can help keep it fresh since there aren’t any preservatives or chemicals in this bath bomb recipe, but using them within 2–3 weeks is best. And, of course, they make great gifts!

When you are ready to use your DIY bath bomb recipe, simply draw a nice warm bath and drop it in! Enjoy the effervescence and the delightful scents while gaining the relaxation that your body and mind may need.

The post DIY Bath Bomb Recipe with Wild Orange & Rose Oils appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Athlete’s foot has some things in common with other fungal infections you’ve probably had at some point in the past. These include toenail or fingernail fungus, jock itch, candida or other yeast infections, oral thrush, ringworm and even meningitis. What causes the growth of foot fungus, or fungal infections on the body? Sweaty or dirty feet and working out in shared spaces are two causes. Wearing thick, sturdy shoes that block air from reaching the toes is another cause. Research shows that men are more likely than women to develop athlete’s foot on one or both feet.

It’s possible for symptoms of athlete’s foot to clear up on their own. However, treatment is usually needed to get rid of the itchiness, skin flaking and redness that most people experience. Home remedies for athlete’s foot include using essential oils to make a DIY anti-fungal cream.  Avoid risky situations, like going barefoot in public showers. Boost your immune system to more easily fight off all types of microbes.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a type of infection on the toes or feet. Fungi (tinea pedis) causes the infection. This fungi mostly feeds on the proteins found in skin called keratin. Keratin is in the top layer of the skin, and other places on the body, such as within hair strands. (2)

Parts of the body where symptoms of athlete’s foot appear most often are:

• The spaces between the toes. The gap between the little toe and the toe beside it is one where most people will develop symptoms.
• Across the bottom of the foot, as well as the soles and heels, if you have moccasin athlete’s foot.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

The most common symptoms of athlete’s foot include: (3)

• Itchiness and burning around the toes.
• Cracked, torn or flaky skin on the toes that looks very dry.
• White coloring of the skin, or sometimes redness around the toes, can develop. In severe cases of athlete’s foot the skin might appear green between the toes.
• Swelling, thickening of the skin, heat and pain can happen in some cases. Swelling becomes worse when the infection is deeper and more severe.
• Sometimes a “stinky” smell to the feet.
• Although less common, ulcers or blisters can form in severe cases of athlete’s foot. These blisters are found on the bottom of the feet in the case of moccasin athlete’s foot.
• Spreading to the toenails, or even to the hands and fingers, if left untreated. This can result in symptoms like discoloration of the nails, chipping, itching, redness and sometimes a bacterial infection.

Athlete’s Foot Causes and Risk Factors

Small fungi called dermatophytes cause athlete’s foot, and often other fungal infections. The dermatophytes enter the top layer of the skin through tiny openings or cracks. This is one reason why flaky, cut or scraped skin can be more vulnerable to all sorts of infections. These include not only fungal types, but also staph infections or others caused by bacteria. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot can pass directly from person to person. It can survive on things such as the bottom of showers and bathtubs, sporting equipment, socks or shoes.

The biggest risk factors for developing athlete’s foot include: (4)

• Walking barefoot on surfaces that can hold germs, including exercise mats, gym floors, etc. You’re most likely to pick up and hold onto fungus or bacteria when your feet are sweaty.
• Not washing the feet or toes well. This is especially important after being in a shared space while barefoot (including a gym or pool). It’s also important if you have very sweaty feet.
• Showering barefoot in public showers, such as dormitories at universities.
• Getting nail treatments at a salon that doesn’t sterilize equipment that touches people’s feet. Unsterilized equipment can hold and carry fungus from one person to another.
• Wearing socks and shoes for most of the day, without letting air reach the feet. Fungus and bacteria grow most easily in damp, moist and warm environments, such as the inside of shoes. It’s especially warm between the toes, making it easy for fungus and bacteria to spread. Waterproof, rubber, sturdy boots or shoes are the likeliest to keep fungus inside since they tend to remain moist.
• Having allergies that affect the skin, or other conditions that cause skin dryness like dermatitis and eczema.
• Having a weakened immune system, due to things like an autoimmune disorder or taking medications such as steroids like cortisone.
• Having poor circulation or related conditions like diabetes and neuropathy.
• Fungal infections can also run in the family. This is due to genetic factors that increase the amount of moisture, flakiness or keratin within the skin.

Related: Urea Cream Benefits Dry, Cracked Skin & More

Conventional Treatments for Athlete’s Foot Infections

Most of the time athlete’s foot isn’t very serious. You can treat it at home by applying certain creams for several weeks. Mild athlete’s foot is usually treated with antifungal creams. These creams are available from most drug stores or pharmacies, including over-the-counter brands. Types and brands of creams include Clotrimazole or Rexall, usually labeled as “1 percent.”

• When using these treatments, first soak and clean the affected toes for about 10-30 minutes in warm water. Dry your foot completely before applying the cream 1-3 times daily.
• Studies found that within about 2-6 weeks of consistent treatments, a little more than half of people will feel relief. As you can see, these treatments are not totally effective or reliable. To prevent the fungus from returning, you’ll find lots of tips below about hygiene and other precautions.
• While they may be effective, many of these commercial antifungal treatments contain chemical compounds called allylamine, azole or fluconazole (5). Some some studies have found these compounds are a common cause for sensitivities and allergic reactions, or azole groups. The allylamine group includes ingredients like terbinafine and naftifine, while the azole group includes bifonazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and oxiconazole. If you notice new symptoms or if symptoms get worse when using these, tell your doctor right away. (6)
• Because antifungal creams don’t always clear up symptoms, some doctors now recommend tablets for people who have repeat fungal infections. These tablets generally contain the active ingredients itraconazole or terbinafine. Take these once daily for four weeks (dose is usually 100 milligrams). Possible side effects of these tablets can be strong for some patients. Side effects include headaches, dizziness, digestion problems and rashes.
• Some topical antifungal treatments are also not suitable for pregnant women or those with sensitive skin. Ask your doctor for suggestions before applying any chemical agent to your skin.

4 Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot

1. Wash, Dry & Protect Your Feet

Practicing good hygiene and protecting your feet from cracks or flaking can help prevent a fungal infection. It’s important to keep your feet dry since moisture can set the scene for the growth of bacteria or fungus. However, over-dryness is also a problem.

Every time you leave a damp environment, wash and dry your feet carefully. If your feet have come into contact with a shared surface, then it’s very important to dry them. Here are tips to help prevent spreading fungus and bacteria this way:

• Use a clean towel or hair dryer to soak up moisture from your feet before you put on clean socks and shoes.
• Do not share razors, towels, shoes or socks with other people, especially if they’ve had an infection recently.
• Wear clean, dry socks. Make sure to wash them in warm water with natural laundry detergent to kill harmful bacteria.
• Let air reach your feet when you’re home and don’t need to wear shoes. This is especially a good idea if you spend most of your day wearing waterproof boots or shoes.
• Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight and cramp your toes.
• Treat any cuts or scrapes on your feet/toes carefully by cleaning and protecting them with a bandage.
• If you’ve had athlete’s foot several times in the past, take extra care by alternating the shoes you wear. Try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row and always wear clean socks.
• When showering in a public place, wear flip flops. Do the same when walking around a public pool, gym, bathroom or changing room (try not to go barefoot).

2. Homemade Antifungal Cream or Powder

It’s common to get a prescription or over-the-counter treatment for athlete’s foot from a doctor. There are also homemade and natural antifungal cream remedies that seem to be just as effective. Homemade treatments for athlete’s foot, or similar fungal infections, are made with concentrated active ingredients found in some essential oils.

Researchers have found that antimicrobial properties of certain plants can be used effectively to fight fungus, bacteria and other microbes. Some of these plants are oregano, tea tree, dill, clove, cinnamon, frankincense and olive leaf. They have a low risk for the kinds of side effects that are associated with certain prescription drug ingredients. Amazingly, many natural antifungal cures have been used since ancient times. For example, in China herbs and plant compounds are key ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

I recommend using at least two powerful essential oils to help get rid of fungus. Here are details on using these essential oils to fight fungal infections on your skin:

•  Oregano Oil: Some have found that oregano essential oil can be just as helpful in reducing infections as antifungal treatments, or even antibiotics. Research suggests that oil of oregano can not only kill fungus. It can also cut down mold and wipe out common causes of digestive and immune system problems, like candida overgrowth. Some studies found that therapeutic grade oregano oil contains up to 71 percent of the antiseptic compounds known as phenols. These include thymol and carvacrol. They are the two main active ingredients in killing fungus on contact. Carvacrol seems to be especially helpful for controlling the growth of harmful microbes in the body. (7, 8)
• Tea Tree Oil: A native oil to Australia, tea tree oil contains a powerful compound called melaleuca. A large body of research published over many decades suggests that there are many uses of tea tree oil. Some of these include using it as a natural antifungal agent; using it to help clear acne; treating slow-healing wounds and many more. (9)
• Use these two oils on your toes daily. I recommend three drops of oil of oregano plus two drops of tea tree. Mix these with a small amount of a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Place your oils into your container (use glass when possible to prevent chemical leaching or a BPA-free powder bottle). Stir with a spoon or clean makeup brush. Apply the formula directly on the toes, about 3-4 times a day ideally. You’ll get the best results if you buy a high-quality, therapeutic grade essential oil.

3. Other Natural Antifungal Agents

I also recommend trying dill essential oil, frankincense, bentonite clay, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and olive leaf extract for fungus growth on the toenails or other areas on the feet. Use caution if your athlete’s foot symptoms are very painful, you have ulcers or you’re bleeding. It might be best to use the ingredients below for prevention. Get your doctor’s opinion if you’re treating an active case of fungus.

• Olive leaf benefits include its powerful antimicrobial action, which helps to get rid of yeast and fungus.
• Use ingredients such as bentonite clay mixed with cinnamon and cayenne powders to make a moisture-absorbing anti-inflammatory mixture. Clay is great at absorbing toxins and microorganisms from your body. If your feet have been exposed to any type of bad bacteria, the clay helps pull out those toxins. However, if you have open cuts or cracks in your skin, avoid applying clay.
• Cinnamon and cayenne powder (different than cayenne pepper, which is used for cooking) are helpful because of their warming properties. Avoid these if your athlete’s foot symptoms are painful or the feet are swollen (heat may make this worse). Cayenne has an active component called capsaicin. Capsaicin helps get rid of and prevent fungus. Cinnamon oil is known to help with infections. It especially helps with candida yeast infections, which can help the fungus grow between the toes.
• Clove oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can prevent or kill mold and fungus. Frankincense oil and dill oil also work well with clove oil, or the other ingredients noted above, to reduce swelling and pain. The essential oil extracted from the seeds of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) has been shown to help get rid of fungus-causing bacteria. Frankincense has many immune-boosting effects.
• Some also find relief when soaking their feet in water mixed with apple cider vinegar. Other remedies, which have mixed results, include adding sea salt or steeped black tea bags to the water.
• To make a homemade antifungal powder, combine, stir and sprinkle the powder onto your feet. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before and after, and be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. You may want to apply the powder before putting on your socks. Apply this mixture twice daily for one to two weeks, monitoring progress and looking out for any potential side effects.

4. Improve Immune Function Through Your Diet & Lifestyle

A weakened immune system corresponds with a higher risk for fungal infections, as well as numerous other “common” illnesses. Factors that can weaken your body’s ability to control the growth of fungus or other microbes include:

• A poor diet
• A sedentary lifestyle
• High amounts of stress
• Toxicity due to things like smoking, drug use or exposure to chemicals and pollution
• Having a health condition like an autoimmune disorder, diabetes or those that lower blood flow
• Using antibiotics or hormone replacement drugs often, which can throw off the delicate balance of bacteria living in your gut

Here are some tips for improving the overall strength of your immune system:

• Add probiotic foods to your diet— such as yogurt, cultured veggies and kombucha. These can help restore the population of “good bacteria” living in your microbiome, which play a key role in immunity.
• Eat garlic. Many studies show garlic benefits include natural antifungal properties that have been used for thousands of years. Certain studies have found that garlic can be even more effective against athlete’s foot than prescription medicines like Lamisil! (10) Studies show that a compound in garlic known as “ajoene” is especially effective against the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. One study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology compared the safety and effectiveness of twice-daily topical ajoene applications over the course of 1 week. The study found that every group using the treatment showed significant improvements that lasted for at least 60 days. The study split participants with athlete’s foot into 3 groups. The groups used either 0.6 percent ajoene, 1 percent ajoene, or 1 percent terbinafine. Clinical follow-up showed a rapid drop in the signs and symptoms in all groups. The group using the strongest ajoene treatment showed the most improvement overall. (11)
• Limit processed foods. These include sugary snacks, farm-raised meat, refined grains, processed oils, fried foods and too much alcohol/caffeine.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise is linked with improved immunity, better circulation, lower stress, better sleep and much more.
• Get enough rest & sleep: Your body restores its strength and brings you back to balance while you sleep each night. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Precautions When Treating Athlete’s Foot or Other Fungal Infections

Most of the essential oils described above are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).  Allergic reactions or other sensitivities are still possible. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin or are experiencing changes in hormone levels or your immune system.

Use a small amount if it’s your first time applying essential oil treatments to your skin. This way you can test the effects and monitor for side effects. If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, be extra careful. Keep in mind essential oils and other fungal treatments can pass through the skin and get into your bloodstream. Use precaution. It’s best not to use essential oils on your skin without doing some research first. Ask your doctor if you’re ever unsure.

Key Points about Athlete’s Foot Symptoms, Causes & Remedies

• Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, toes and bottom of the foot.
• Symptoms usually include pain and swelling in the toes, white or dry skin, cracks and openings between the toes. Ulcers or blisters may appear.

4 Natural Treatments for Athlete’s Foot

1. Practice proper hygiene and avoid high-risk situations (like showering or walking barefoot in shared spaces)
2. Improve immune function
3. Try a natural homemade antifungal cream or powder
4. Use essential oils on the toes and other natural remedies, such as soaking the feet in apple cider vinegar and water

The post Athlete’s Foot: Common Signs + 4 Home Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Stress is so common that many feel it on a daily basis. It could be related to work, family problems, feelings of inadequacy or simply overload with that long to-do list that never goes away. And when the holidays come around? Well, it often gets worse at a time when we really just want to feel the comfort and relaxation of being around our family and friends. But there are many natural ways to relieve stress.

According to a study, aromatherapy may be the way to go. The study worked to understand how aromatherapy affected blood pressure and the stress of subjects with “essential hypertension.” To do this, one group experienced the aromatherapy for a period of four weeks through inhalation of a blend of oils using lavender, ylang ylang and bergamot. (1)

The process of evaluation included blood pressure checks and pulse readings twice a week. Additionally, serum cortisol levels, catecholamine levels, subjective stress and anxiety levels were monitored before and after in all subjects to include the essential oil group, the placebo and the control group.

Though the differences in the catecholamine levels among the three groups was not very significant, the differences in the blood pressure, pulse, stress, anxiety and serum cortisol levels were quite significant. Ultimately, the results indicate that through aromatherapy, or inhalation of an essential oil blend, psychological stress responses, serum cortisol levels and blood pressure may be greatly reduced. That’s enough evidence to give making a DIY stress-reducing solution a try!

What Natural Ingredients Help Reduce Stress?

Diffusing oils such as lavender, myrrh, frankincense and bergamot in a DIY stress-reducing solution can do way more than just relax you; they are also capable of reducing inflammation, improving immunity, balancing hormones and helping with sleep and digestion.

If you still are not convinced, check out this study. Time was spent evaluating the effects of lavender oil for sleep, and as we all know when we are stressed, our sleep can be greatly affected. In the group that used lavender, not only was their sleep better, they woke up more refreshed. (2) So by diffusing lavender, or a blend to include lavender, myrrh, frankincense and bergamot, before and/or during your sleep you can gain that quality rest that can reduce your stress.

Another study shared information about how aromatherapy helped reduce stress and increase performance during work — and who doesn’t want that? This specific study used petitgrain essential oil, which is in the citrus family, and found that subjects who experienced the inhalation through diffusion of the oil increased work performance while feeling more relaxed. It showed an improvement of both the mental and emotional state by reducing the stress levels and simultaneously increasing awareness. (2)

How to Make a DIY Stress-Reducing Solution

Now that you have gained an understanding of just how great some essential oils can be for stress, make your own DIY Stress-Reducing Solution and experience it for yourself. You can create this blend and use it in your diffuser, or put a few drops in your bath.

Ingredients

Aromatherapy Blend

• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh essential oil

Stress-Reducing Bath Blend

Use 10–15 drops of the above blend with 1 cup Epsom salt in the bath

Instructions

Using a dark-colored glass bottle, add the oils. Lavender oil has long been known to produce a calming effect. It may alleviate anxiety, provide restful sleep and reduce symptoms of depression. Bergamot oil has the ability to help with insomnia while reducing frustration. Frankincense holds true to its stress-relieving effects, too. It can add a deeper sense of calmness by quieting the mind and offering spiritual grounding. And let’s not forget myrrh oil, as it provides relaxation and is commonly used for aromatherapy massage.

Now that you understand a little more about these oils, let’s go ahead and blend them together to make our amazing stress-reducer. You will want to have a vertical dropper insert so that you can control how much oil you use, drop-by-drop. Secure the dispenser into the top of the bottle, then the cap. Once you have capped the bottle, give it a good shake to blend it well.

For the diffuser option, follow the instructions for your diffuser. Usually, you need to fill it with water. Then add 5–6 drops of the DIY stress-reducing solution and place it in an area of the room that will allow it to easily permeate the room.

For a relaxing bath, fill the tub as you normally would, then add about 10–15 drops of the DIY Stress-Reducing Bath Blend and one cup of Epsom salt. Get in and relax.

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The idea of a relaxing bath and taking time to de-stress is essential to our busy lives. A relaxing bath recipe can offer rejuvenation that is way cheaper than massage therapy and can be easily accessible on a frequent basis.

By using the best ingredients to detox in the bath, you can not only get the benefits of relaxation, but if your body is low in minerals like magnesium, you can safely obtain them through the skin by incorporating Epsom salt. (1)  Additionally, imagine a bath that can help prevent cold and flu! This DIY recipe may do just that. Rest is one of the critical requirements when it comes to preventing illness as well as recovering from it. By soaking in a tub for 12 or more minutes a few times a week, you can help your body get to a relaxed state in preparation for much-needed healing rest while detoxing. Not a bad deal! (2)

There is another benefit to this relaxing bath recipe. The ingredients it contains can actually help aid in the well-being of cancer patients. Cancer patients are known to be low in magnesium and often battle depression. By using my relaxing bath recipe that contains ingredients such as lavender, myrrh, frankincense and bergamot, all of which offer stress-busting and depression-fighting qualities, you can experience a restful mind and body. (3)

And, not only does this blend reduce stress, anxiety and fight depression, it contains some active ingredients that may help naturally lower cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, improve immunity, and even help with sleep and digestive functions in the body. Now, that’s a bath worth drawing.

I have provided the recipe below for making your very own relaxing bath. It is very easy and takes just a few minutes. If you find you do not have time for a bath, try aromatherapy by using my DIY Relaxing Bath Recipe.

How to Prepare this Relaxing Bath Recipe

In a medium size glass bowl, place the Epsom salt and bentonite clay and blend well. Make sure to use a non-metal spoon since metal may affect the healing properties of the clay. Epsom salt is great because it de-stresses while eliminating toxins from the body. It does this due to the magnesium and sulfates it contains. Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and the brain.

At the same time, it can revive your energy levels — not like caffeine, but more like a renewed fresh feeling. But don’t worry; if you want that bath before bed, it will not keep you awake. And the sulfates are key in helping flush out toxins, like heavy metals, that can easily accumulate in the body.

Bentonite clay is great at pulling out impurities, too, and that’s not all. Bentonite clay contains a good bit of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron and potassium. While pulling toxins out, you are gaining the benefits of important minerals that is absorbed through the skin.

Now, let’s add the essential oils. Lavender oil is known for providing relaxation and a good night of sleep. It also contains other medicinal benefits such as reducing anxiety, healing and age-defying properties due to the antioxidants it contains, and may eliminate headaches.

Frankincense is the perfect companion with its stress-reducing and healing characteristics. Myrrh is not far behind, providing relaxation for the body and mind. Myrrh oil is commonly used for aromatherapy massage and contains a couple of key compounds called terpenoids and sesquiterpenes. These compounds offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Lastly, but perfect for this relaxing bath cocktail is chamomile. It is common to sip on chamomile tea, but you can even add the essential oil to your bath. On top of the relaxation that can help you get some shut-eye, it also has the ability to help reduce inflammation. Once you have added the oils, blend all ingredients well.

Now, get your bathwater ready! Warm to hot is best to add extra muscle relaxation. Add about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of your Relaxing Bath Recipe to the water.  Get in and relax. Soak for about 15–20 minutes to allow the body time to sweat, which helps with the detox process, and to absorb all of the beneficial nutrients. When you are done, rinse off using the shower, then pat dry. Apply coconut oil as a moisturizer or try my Homemade Body Butter.

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Homemade drawing salve may be one of the best options when it comes to healing. Drawing salve is a blend of ingredients that create an ointment used topically to help heal skin inflammation, boils, insect bites and splinters. In ancient times, drawing salve, also known as black salve, was believed to draw out evil spirits that were causing ailments, but it is regaining popularity due to its beneficial healing power and highly antiseptic qualities.

This homemade drawing salve stays true to its name because the ingredients not only pull out impurities, but also draws out foreign objects by softening the skin. This softening can also create pus that helps push any foreign object or poison out of the wounded area.

I consider homemade drawing salve a must-have in your first aid kit, especially if you are out in the wilderness on a hike, but it can do just as well at home making it a quick go-to for just about any skin irritation or small wound. While you can purchase drawing salve and may have heard of the popular brand Prid Drawing Salve, I find that making my own is better so that I can ensure I have ingredients that are safe and effective.

How to Make Homemade Drawing Salve

To make this powerfully healing drawing salve, I recommend to prepare your calendula-infused olive oil a few days in advance.

Using a double-boiler (or a glass boil in a pan of water), place the shea butter and coconut oil in the pan. On low heat, melt these two ingredients and stir. Shea butter is a favorite of mine because it adds just the right thickness while helping treat any skin irritation and aid in cell regeneration. And, of course, benefit-rich coconut oil is a must-ingredient due to the phenomenal antibacterial properties it contains.

Next, add the calendula-infused olive oil, honey and arnica oil. Blend well. In the same species as marigolds, calendula is an amazing flower that offers true antibacterial benefits. The acids that are found within the oils of the calendula plant are both antimicrobial and antiviral, which is why you want this as an ingredient in your drawing salve.

Additionally, honey must be included since it offers natural antibacterial wound-healing effects, and honey helps the body to naturally produce hydrogen peroxide, making it nearly impossible for bacteria to thrive. A raw honey or Manuka honey salve is ideal. Arnica oil works wonders due to the helanalin it contains, which is a lactone long known in folk medicine to be a healing agent. (1)

Now, add the aloe vera, vitamin E oil and activated charcoal and continue to mix. Aloe vera is famous for healing the skin of any irritations to include wounds. Activated charcoal helps remove toxins from the affected area while reducing any itchy feeling. You can’t go wrong with vitamin E oil since it is the perfect healing agent, reducing inflammation while speeding up cell regeneration.

Once all of these ingredients have been well blended, add the frankincense and tea tree oil. Frankincense is a true healer of most anything and can even help reduce any scarring that may occur due to the wound. Tea tree oil makes a great partner with loads of antibacterial benefits and can help prevent any infection.

To use your DIY drawing salve, apply a small amount to the affected area and gently rub. Leaving it on overnight may be needed to allow time for the skin to soften, especially if you have splinters. Applying a loose bandage can help prevent staining of your clothing or bed covers.

Some cases may require two or three nights of application. Once you see the end of the splinter, for example, gently grab it using tweezers, and pull it firmly outward. You will need to be careful so that it does not break as you pull. For boils and other skin inflammation, gently rub the salve directly onto the area.

Note of caution: I recommend making your own drawing salve. Another name for drawing salve is black salve. Some reports indicate that there are misperceptions in its use, in particular in relation to skin cancer. Some ingredients in store-bought versions may be harmful to the skin. (2)

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No one wants to talk about embarrassing hemorrhoids, but they affect about 4 percent of U.S. adults. How you treat hemorrhoids depends on the severity of them, but in most cases, some basic care can offer much relief. Surgery and stapling are rare and usually for those with severe cases where topical treatment has not provided results.

The great news is that there are many hemorrhoid home treatments using natural ingredients. Also known as piles, let’s review what hemorrhoids are. There are two types. One type is called internal hemorrhoids and are the inflamed veins found inside the skin of the rectum area. The other is called external hemorrhoids and are found outside, next to the anus area.

It’s common to see that some external hemorrhoids protrude from the inside of the anal canal. These may be able to be pushed back into the canal; however, some cannot and are known as distended or prolapsed hemorrhoids. This can cause a lot of problems and discomfort, even causing obstruction of the passageway for bowel movements. Worse case, they can even cause blood clots known as thrombosed hemorrhoids. (1)

What causes these annoying, itchy protrusions? The veins around the anus area can get stretched under certain pressures causing bulging and swelling. This can happen from straining during bowel movements, sitting for extended periods of time on the toilet, chronic diarrhea or constipation, obesity, pregnancy, anal intercourse and a low-fiber diet. Hemorrhoids are more likely with aging because the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch. (2)

Now that you understand a little more about what may be causing anal discomfort, let’s create a home remedy for hemorrhoids! There are a few things you can do to provide immediate relief such as applying witch hazel, using a cotton ball, directly to the area. You can also relax in a sitz bath, which means you sit in a bath of warm water up to your hips. Do this for 10–15 minutes a day.

Meanwhile, you may prefer this DIY hemorrhoid cream. It’s simple to make and easy to apply, offering relief in no time.

DIY Hemorrhoid Cream

To make your DIY hemorrhoid cream, place the shea butter into a double boiler or a glass bowl that fits inside a pan. Be careful as it may get hot. Shea butter offers amazing healing benefits due to the vitamin E and vitamin A it contains, both of which help fight inflammation while reducing dryness and itching.

On a low setting, heat the shea butter slowly until it softens, then add the coconut oil and aloe vera, and blend well. And we know that benefit-rich coconut oil has taken the stage for a while now with its antibacterial qualities, helping to fight infection while also offering moisturizing comfort. Aloe vera is a perfect ingredient to offer soothing relief while healing. Aloe vera also helps reduce itching and inflammation, and has long been known to help with all sorts of skin conditions, from sunburn to psoriasis.

Now, add the apple cider vinegar and witch hazel. This fabulous duo makes all the difference when it comes to healing the skin. Both help fight inflammation, swelling, infections and skin irritations as natural astringents. Once you have added these ingredients, stir to blend.

Lastly, let’s add the essential oils. Lavender oil contains powerful antioxidants that help with numerous skin conditions by reducing inflammation. Tea tree essential oil is one of my favorite go-to’s for any sort of skin irritation. Tea tree has amazing antiseptic properties making it a perfect addition to this DIY hemorrhoid cream.

Turmeric essential oil is another amazing oil that provides pain relief by soothing inflamed skin and can help heal any fissures that may have developed.

Now that you have blended all ingredients, transfer them to a glass jar with a tight lid. Use twice daily for the best results. If you do not see results within a couple of weeks, or experience any unusual discomfort, seek the advice of your practitioner.

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Are you looking for a natural way to remove a wart? Just what is a wart anyway? A wart is a small, typically hard, benign growth on the skin that’s caused by a virus. They are usually found on fingers, hands, elbows and the knee area — areas where the skin is more likely to have blemishes or be broken.If you have broken skin of any sort, warts have a much easier entry point and are more likely to develop. Warts take form by causing infections when the virus comes in contact with your skin.

Oddly, it seems that some people are more susceptible than others, a fact that dermatologists are still trying to understand. Meanwhile, children are more likely to encounter warts since their immune defenses have not built up like an adult. Regardless, it’s important to know that you can get warts simply by touching a wart on someone else’s body or by touching items that have been in contact with a wart such as a towel.

But while you can go to the dermatologist to have them removed, it isn’t necessary and can be costly. Read on to learn how to get rid of your wart at home using this DIY wart remover remedy!

In a small dish, add the apple cider vinegar, which contains both useful acid and probiotics. The acid goes after the wart, and with a little patience, will help it to fall right off of the skin. While the vinegar does not affect the virus that caused the wart in the first place, much, if not all of the virus, may be eliminated from within the wart, once removed.

Now, add the oregano, frankincense and lemon essential oils. Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, which have beneficial antiviral properties. These properties help make this DIY wart remover truly work. 

Frankincense is an all-time favorite and offers assistance to the wart removal process because it’s a natural antiseptic and disinfectant. Lemon oil is the perfect addition to this natural remedy because of its powerful d-limonene content. D-limonene has the ability to fight inflammation due to the antioxidants it provides.

To finish, add the coconut oil. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help diminish the wart. Also, coconut oil provides a base for the other ingredients so that the essential oils don’t evaporate, but rather seep into the skin and hit the wart more deeply. Once you have added the coconut oil, make sure to mix well.

Now that all ingredients are blended for your DIY wart remover remedy, gently clean the affected area. Then, take a clean cotton ball and lightly dip it into the mixture. Squeeze out a little of the excess so that it does not drip, but not all so that the cotton ball is mostly saturated with the mixture. Place the cotton ball on top of the wart, then gently cover with a bandage.

You may want to use a larger bandage so that the cotton ball stays clean and in place. Apply this bandage in the morning and another fresh one at night. Wear as long as possible and continue the process until the wart has diminished or fallen off the skin. This usually takes a few days and may take up to a couple of months; however, it’s painless, natural and way cheaper than having it removed by the doctor.

It is important to note that you should not use oregano oil on genital warts since that is a very sensitive area. Instead, you can use frankincense and tea tree oil combined with coconut oil and gently rub onto the affected area.

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Taking care of your baby is a top priority and that doesn’t just include the foods he or she eats. Have you thought about the ingredients that you are putting on your baby’s skin? Whatever you put on the baby’s skin, such as to prevent diaper rash, it seeps right into the body through the skin.

Thus, it’s critical that you take the time to learn what ingredients are safe. I always suggest that if you can make it at home, then go for it! Not only is it cheaper, but you have control of exactly what you are putting on your baby.

That leads us to trying out this amazing DIY baby wipes recipe. It is so easy and made with quality ingredients that will keep your baby safe from harmful chemicals and preservatives often found in those baby wipes that are on the shelf.

Let’s get started! Gather your ingredients and supplies.

Using a sharp knife, begin by cutting the roll of paper towels in half. It’s important to use thicker, higher quality paper towels that aren’t chlorinated. The thin, cheap ones will just rip apart, and chlorine is a toxic chemical. Then go ahead and re-purpose an old baby wipe container. Place one of the cut rolls into a large mixing bowl. Set aside. 

Now, let’s blend the ingredients together. In a bowl, add the purified or distilled water. Since we are not adding any preservatives, I suggest making one batch at a time; however, by using purified or distilled water, it will cut down on any possible bacterial growth.

Add the aloe vera and apple cider vinegar to the water and stir. Aloe vera is one of my favorite remedies! Aloe vera heals the skin and is a powerful immune-booster. Then there is the timeless and dependable apple cider vinegar. This amazing liquid is bursting with bacteria-fighting properties and what better place to fight bacteria than on your baby’s bottom! It can even help stave off that annoying diaper rash.

Now that you have mixed those ingredients, let’s add the a bit more. Pour in the castile soap, which does wonders well beyond this recipe because it’s made with pure, completely natural ingredients. Now, let’s add the jojoba oil. Moisturizing is important, especially when it comes to your baby’s skin. Jojoba oil can provide just the right moisturization for your baby. As an emollient, jojoba oil soothes the skin and is very healing. Blend all ingredients well.

Next up, let’s add the essential oils. Lavender and chamomile oils simply can’t be beat when it comes to being gentle, soothing and even preventive. Chamomile promotes the regeneration of skin while containing anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve rashes and even prevent them from surfacing in the first place. And if I could live in a lavender field, I would! Lavender is so versatile. While providing some much-desired respite from rashes and irritation, it can help relax your baby, too, since i ‘s very therapeutic. Stir all ingredients until well blended. 

Now, pour some of the mixture over the paper towels. Rotate the roll and pour a little more. Continue rotating and pouring until you have used all of the mixture and it’s well soaked. It may take a few minutes for it to soak all the way through the roll. Now, pull out the center cardboard tube. This should allow the wipes to be easy to grab.

Place the paper towel roll into the container, pulling a corner of the center piece slightly through the hole so that it is easy to grab when you are ready. That’s it! You should be proud of yourself for not only saving money, but you have created DIY baby wipes that is safe for you and your baby.

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Making your own diaper rash cream is easy and is also really important to the health of your baby. While it’s easy to pick up products like Desitin and Boudreaux’s Butt Paste as a diaper rash treatment, many diaper rash creams and ointments contain chemical-containing emulsifiers that can enter the body through the skin. Additionally, parabens as well as animal-based lanolin are often found in lotions and creams and should be best avoided.

The good news is that a DIY diaper rash cream is so simple to make and can provide the highest quality natural skin care ingredients while soothing your baby’s skin. Learn how to make this wonderful DIY diaper rash cream and be well on way to a healthier baby.

How to Create a DIY Diaper Rash Cream

Let’s start by mixing the shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler, or you can use a glass bowl and place it in a saucepan with an inch or two of water. Shea butter is the perfect ingredient for diaper rash ointment since it’s antifungal and anti-inflammatory, which helps fight off yeast. Shea butter also promotes cell regeneration and improved collagen production, which can help heal diaper rashes quickly and safely.

It’s no surprise that skin-improving coconut oil is in this recipe since it can help to soothe swelling and burning as well as reduce redness and itching. And let’s not forget natural beeswax, made from honeybees, is amazing for moisturizing while preventing bacteria. Bring the water to a boil to melt the ingredients.

Next, remove from heat and add the zinc oxide, witch hazel, and calendula. Zinc oxide is a very effective treatment for diaper rashes because it repels moisture, keeping it away from your baby’s bottom. When you mix the powder with the warm shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax, it will blend in helping create a smooth textured cream.

Witch hazel is like a skin astringent that can help reduce acne. It makes sense that it would be great for diaper rash and irritation. It provides the comfort of minimizing redness and swelling, while reducing irritation, which your baby will appreciate! Calendula is pretty amazing, too. Calendula contains anti-inflammatory linoleic acid, which helps reduce further irritation from diaper rash as well as possibly preventing it in the first place.

Stir in the remaining ingredients as they start to cool. Continue stirring until well blended. As it continues cooling, pour the mixture into a container with a tight-fitting lid. You can store it for 2–3 months and use, as needed, with the comfort of knowing that your baby is getting the best, chemical-free care possible.

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Nobody likes those small yet painful lesions known as canker sores. Whether you have one on the inside of your cheeks or lips, underneath your tongue or at the base of your gums, I’m here to help you get rid of it fast and naturally with this canker sore remedy!

Unlike fever blisters or cold sores (caused by the herpes virus), canker sores are never on the outside of the mouth and are absolutely not contagious. However, they can hurt, especially when talking or eating, and they are just plain annoying.

The exact cause of canker sores is still unknown, but if you do have a canker sore, you can reduce irritation and pain by avoiding hot and spicy food as well as toothpaste or mouth rinse containing sodium lauryl sulfate.

The good news? Most canker sores are very small (under 1/3 of an inch) and go away on their own within a week or two without any scarring. But healing time will be even quicker if you try this simple yet highly effective DIY canker sore remedy.

The first ingredient, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), is a natural pH regulator. One of the many baking soda uses is for canker sores, which are believed to sometimes be caused by overconsumption of acidic foods or drinks. When baking soda comes into contact with an acidic substance, it naturally neutralizes the pH. So when baking soda comes into contact with a canker sore, it will immediately help to balance the pH of the sore — speeding up the healing of your whole mouth and discouraging additional canker sore formation.

The other main ingredient of the recipe, benefit-rich aloe vera, is loaded with biologically active components like vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and polysaccharides. Aloe has a long and impressive history of soothing health issues, especially when it comes to the body’s tissues.

This recipe utilizes aloe as a key ingredient because of its ability to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation and promote acceleration of the healing process of the soft tissue inside your mouth where canker sores can temporarily live.

Give this easy-to-make canker sore remedy a try, as it’s sure to ease pain and shorten the duration of that cranky canker sore!

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Hormonal balance is one of the most important aspects of a properly functioning body. Hormones, such as estrogen and insulin, are chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your health as they travel in your bloodstream throughout your entire body. Some of the most common side effects of hormone imbalance include:

• Infertility
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Low libido
• Hair loss and hair thinning

The best way to balance hormones naturally is through diet. That includes food sources; for instance, avocados benefit hormonal balance greatly. In addition, using essential oils to supplement your diet can help balance hormones and ward off health problems associated with hormonal imbalance.

This Homemade Hormone Balance Serum includes two of the top three essential oils for hormones. With equal parts clary sage oil and thyme oil — 30 drops each — this recipe is chock-full of beneficial effects.

The biggest benefit of clary sage is that it helps balance out estrogen production in the body. A lot of health issues today, even things like infertility, PCOS and estrogen-based cancers, are caused from excess estrogen in the body — in part, because of our consumption of high-estrogen foods. 

Because clary sage helps balance out those estrogen levels, it’s an incredibly effective essential oil in the a wide array of hormone imbalances. So, whether you’re looking for natural remedies for PMS cramps during the month or possibly already know you have excess estrogen in your body, clary sage is a great essential oil to consider adding to your essential oil regime.

Thyme oil benefits the body by improving progesterone production. Both men and a lot of women are low in progesterone, and low progesterone levels have been linked with infertility, PCOS and depression, as well as other imbalanced hormones within the body. 

Improved progesterone makes thyme a great essential oil you can use to naturally balance out hormones in your body. Plus, it’s far better than turning to synthetic treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy, which can make you dependent on prescription drugs, mask symptoms while developing diseases in other parts of the body and often causing serious side effects.

In addition to thyme and clary sage oil, add 30 drops of ylang ylang oil and one ounce of evening primrose oil to the mix. Once combined, put the Homemade Hormone Balance Serum mixture in a glass vial with a dropper, and you’re ready to rock. Simply rub five drops on your neck twice daily to help keep your hormones in check.

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This homemade frankincense soap bar recipe is great for your skin! It provides hydration and vitamins while cleansing your skin! It’s easy to make and free of harmful chemicals! Try it today!

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This homemade lavender soap bar recipe is great for your skin. It provides hydration and vitamins while nourishing your skin with benefit-rich lavender oil. It’s easy to make and free of harmful chemicals. Try it today!

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Most conventional body washes contain toxic chemicals. Instead, try this homemade body wash recipe! It cleanses your skin and kills bacteria while providing nourishment and vitamins to keep it hydrated and healthy! Try it today!

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This homemade healing bath salts recipe will help increase relaxation, relieve muscle pain, decrease stress and support body detoxification. Rather than spend hundreds of dollars at the spa, try this amazing spa-like recipe in the comfort of your own home!

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