With spring comes soft rain, daffodils, and a renewed outlook on life. Unfortunately, for some it brings the fear and intimidation of poison ivy. But with a few natural remedies for Poison Ivy, you don’t need to feel sentenced to the indoors while all your friends enjoy the community barbeque.

The constituent in poison ivy that irritates the skin is urushiol. When coming into contact with this essential oil, a person’s skin breaks out in an itchy, painful, blistering rash. Although an estimated 350,000 Americans suffer from the effects of this invasive plant each year, I’ve never experienced an outbreak of poison ivy. In fact, because I could not get anyone to volunteer to test a home remedy I once made, I attempted to test it myself. I took a poison ivy leaf and rubbed it along the inside of my forearm. I never got a reaction. However, this aggressive plant makes my sons miserable every summer. So I know what works.

Rhus Tox

Our first line of defense each spring is the tiny Poison Ivy Pill. Manufactured by Washington Homeopathic Products, Inc., this little pill works wonders at keeping a poison ivy rash at bay. Following the homeopathic principle that “like cures like,” this formula will prevent an outbreak when taken as a preventative before exposure. If taken after exposure, it will shorten the duration of the outbreak. Introduced in 1816 by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, Rhus toxicodendren relieves about 85% of those suffering from not only poison ivy, but poison oak and sumac reactions as well. We purchase Poison Ivy Pills from our local pharmacy.

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Generally found growing in the vicinity of poison ivy, this wildflower is also known by the names of Spotted Jewelweed and Spotted Touch-Me-Not . Here’s how it works. The chemical urushiol binds to skin cells and triggers a rash. However, the chemical lawsone, found in jewelweed, binds to the same molecular sites on the skin. So, if you apply the juice from the jewelweed quick enough (or before exposure) the lawsone will bind to the skin cells faster than the urushiol and prevent it from doing its damage. To get the most concentration from the jewelweed plant, crush the little red knobs near the ground level of the stems and apply this juice to your skin. If you cannot do this before being exposed, do it as soon after as possible.

Rubbing Alcohol

After being exposed to poison ivy our guys immediately wash their skin with rubbing alcohol, drop their clothing into the washer, and take a hot shower with lots of soap. The rubbing alcohol cuts the plant oils, making it easier to wash away.

Ivarest

With little children, you may never know of poison ivy exposure until it’s too late. That is when we use Ivarest. This ointment contains an antihistamine that stops the reaction and an analgesic that soothes the itch and pain. It also has a skin protectant that dries up the blisters, thus speeding healing.

What’s been your experience with poison ivy? If you have any other remedies, we’d love to hear about them in the comments.

References:

http://www.homeopathyworks.com/jshop/product.php?xProd=3095

The Green Pharmacy by James A. Duke, Ph.D., Rodale Press, 1997

Photo by  mullica

My husband is struggling with a health issue right now. My sister-in-law has many health issues. I don’t have the energy I’d like to have. A friend struggles with her weight. I believe everyone on the planet, at certain times or seasons of their lives anyway, could live a healthier lifestyle. That is what motivates me to write about six ways in particular you can have better health.

You will probably want to scroll quickly through the headings that follow and say, “Nothing new. I know all that,” and then be tempted to go to the next blog on your list. Please don’t do that. Bear with me. Ask yourself, “Am I truly doing this in my life—everyday?” Because if you’re not, then there is room for improvement.

1. Move Your Body

I know I’ve said this before. I know you’ve probably heard this a bazillion times. We do not get enough exercise. If you do not currently have an exercise program, please do not start with running a mile today. Start slow. Get out of the recliner and turn off the television without using the remote. Walk to the neighbor’s instead of driving the car. Ride your bike to the store. Then, once you’re used to the motion, start a stretching program. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or organized. While waiting for the coffee pot in the morning, reach for the ceiling and then bend and touch your toes a few times. Once the kinks are out, move on to something a little more taxing. If you need accountability, join an exercise class or get a walking partner. Just get moving.

2. Drink Pure Water

I don’t want to get into a discussion about how good your tap water is for you or the downside of drinking out of plastic bottles. I just want you to drink water. Stop putting those coins in the machine that spits out aluminum cans. Stop going through the drive-thru for a steaming mug of joe. When you are thirsty, drink water. If you need to know how much is enough use this formula.

Body weight x .5 = ounces of water to drink daily

That means a 200 pound person needs 100 ounces of water per day. One hundred ounces is a little over 3 quarts. This formula is for a normal day. In the hot summer, or during exercise, our bodies require more.

3. Eat Fresh Foods

How many times a week do you eat fast food? How many Box Tops for Education could you save for your children’s school? Forget the Box Tops. You will do better to eat things without barcodes. The rule in our home is to eat our food as close to the way God made it as possible. That means an apple before applesauce before apple pie. An acquaintance has not eaten in a fast food establishment in years. Want incentive to join him? Watch the movie Food, Inc.

4. Breathe Fresh Air

Most Americans live and work in climate-controlled environments. Central heating and air-conditioning, office windows that do not open, even A/C in our automobiles, deprive our lungs of fresh air. If you work in an office, the air your co-workers cough into gets circulated into your cubicle. So what can you do about it? Go outside for breaks and lunch. Breathe deep. At home, open up the windows whenever possible. Let the breeze in. Enjoy.

5. Wash Your Hands

As soon as we come home from a trip to town my kids know to head straight to a sink and wash their hands with soap. At the grocery, we use the courtesy wet wipes and clean the cart handle before using it. We’ve also used them to wipe our hands when leaving the store. I never use the cashier’s pen. How many people have touched that pen that day and how healthy are they? My daughter suffered with mononucleosis last year. Looking back, she knows how she got it. She went to apply for a test, used the public pen, and stuck it in her mouth! Ugh! I did teach her better. Now I’m not promoting germaphobia here. Just a little common sense.

6. Go To Bed Early

There is truth in the saying, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Our bodies utilize the sleep we get before midnight better than those hours after midnight. Going to bed at a consistent hour and getting up at a consistent hour each day (even on weekends) is important. Sleep deprivation can lead to chronic fatigue, depression, hypertension or memory loss.

I could go on. I could get more specific. But I don’t think I need to. These six things are so basic most people overlook them. It’s easier to pop a pill, take a supplement, or try herbs than it is to change your diet. But that is so backwards. Work on these things and let me know how you do. I’d love to hear your stories.

Photo by Jesse Gardner

Lip balm (or gloss!) is one of the easiest natural beauty products that you can make for yourself. Many of the ingredients used to make a natural lip balm have therapeutic properties, unlike a regular store bought lip balm or lip salve. Look closely at the ingredients of many regular lip balms and you might find a few surprising chemicals in there! Natural lip balms both heal and protect your lips from dry, winter conditions – and hot summer sun. Here is a list of the basic ingredients that you will find in a true natural lip balm product.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao) is extracted from the seeds of the cacao tree. The cacao tree is also the source of another well know commodity – chocolate. Although you can use several natural butters to make lip balm, cocoa butter is probably the most well known of the butters.

Cocoa butter is moisturizing in its properties; it is a solid fat that is cream-yellow in color. It is brittle at room temperature but melts to liquid form when it is heated up (above 85 degrees F) , which makes it is easy to blend it with other butters and oils to make lip balm. It has a slight chocolaty aroma.

Beeswax

Beeswax is obtained from the secretions of the honey bee (genus Apis). Beeswax turns from a white to colorless liquid to a solid, waxy substance which is yellow in color. There are variations in the color of beeswax because of geographical differences.

Beeswax has several therapeutic properties; it is moisturizing, antiseptic and a skin softener. It also helps to thicken, absorb water and bind together the other ingredients in a product. Again, although beeswax is solid at room temperature, you can melt it via a heat source so that you can blend it with other ingredients to make cosmetic products. It has a flowery, honey aroma.

Vegetable Oils

There are many different vegetable oils that you can use and add to a natural lip balm. However, if you want your lip balm to be therapeutic and free of any additives, you should only choose a cold pressed, unrefined vegetable oil; if high heat is used in the extraction process, the resulting vegetable oil may not possess many of the therapeutic properties which the plant had. Most reputable aromatherapy suppliers carry unrefined, quality vegetable oils.

Vegetable oils are obtained from various types of plants; these include sunflower (Helanthius annuus), almond (Prunis dulcis), apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca) and olive (Olea europaea). Vegetable oils add both further therapeutic properties (depending on the vegetable oil) and softness to the texture of your lip balm.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are not an essential ingredient for a natural lip balm but they also contain therapeutic properties, in addition to adding “flavor” to the lip balm. Essential oils are extracted from plants in various ways and from various parts of the plant. Many flowers, trees and grasses contain essential oils. Essential oils range in price, texture and aroma, depending on the essential oil.

Essential oils which are suitable for adding to lip balms include sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), distilled lime (Citrus aurantifolia), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Take an aromatherapy course or read a good aromatherapy book to understand how much and which essential oils you can safely add to your lip balm.

Lip Balm Recipes

There are many different recipes available for making your own lip balm in aromatherapy books, on the internet and on aromatherapy courses. However, the above basic ingredients usually feature in most lip balm recipes, so understanding your ingredients will help you understand more easily how to combine these various ingredients for an effective and natural lip balm!

References:

• Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage, Len Price
• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless
• Author’s own experience and training

Photo by reway2007

We acquired our first rocking chair when I was pregnant with our first child. After all, who can have a baby without a rocker? Babies and rockers seem to go together. In fact, studies have proven that the rocking motion calms babies, helping them to sleep. And when a baby sleeps, the entire family can sleep. But there are many other health benefits to rocking chairs—ones seldom discussed—that may interest you.

Learning Disabilities

Sensory Integration is the neurological course the brain uses to process multiple sensory input and utilize it to perform a response. Sometimes problems exist in the process and that condition is referred to as Sensory Integration Dysfunction. SID may be found in individuals with autism, traumatic brain injury, those with cochlear implants, and various other learning disabilities. The act of rocking has shown to improve SID. In fact, studies have shown that rocking chairs placed in classrooms help to calm children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, thereby facilitating their concentration and focus on the subject at hand.

Treating Varicose Veins

Because of the stimulation to the circulatory system, and exercise to the leg muscles, rocking in a rocking chair is recommended to prevent and treat varicose veins. This is especially helpful for the elderly or shut-in who cannot walk or swim.

Dementia

A study published in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia discussed the use of rocking chairs with nursing home residents with dementia. This study found that “there were improvements in depression/anxiety and reductions in PRN pain medication significantly related to amount of rocking.” Those residents that enjoyed the program and wanted to continue rocking past the six weeks of the study “demonstrated significant improvements in balance as measured by center of gravity.”

Postoperative Healing

Typically, after any abdominal surgery there is a certain degree of decreased motor activity of the gastro-intestinal tract. This condition, referred to as postoperative ileus or POI, causes the patient pain. According to a dissertation by Dr. Robert Lee Massey, “rocking chair motion is effective in postoperative abdominal surgery cancer patients reducing the duration of postoperative ileus.

Childbirth Recovery

According to an article at Mothering.com, a rocking chair is a must for any new mother. It not only soothes a fussy baby and sleep deprived mommy, but “rocking assists an infant’s biological development and promotes the baby’s ability to be alert and attentive.” Since rocking reduces the amount of postoperative ileus, it promotes healing after a cesarean section. And, since the act of rocking burns about 150 calories an hour, it helps mom to lose her pregnancy weight gain faster.

Have you ever used a rocking chair for therapeutic purposes? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.

References:

RockingChairTherapy.org

AM J ALZHEIMERS DIS OTHER DEMEN November/December 1998 vol. 13 no. 6 296-308

http://etd.utmb.edu/theses/available/etd-06292007-111418/unrestricted/DissertationMasseyFinal07.pdf

 Photo by 1Sock

It’s hard to know what is the best cookware for your health. When I was first married, cooking in aluminum pans was a hot topic. Aluminum use was linked to Alzheimer’s disease, they said. More recently, the topic of using Teflon coated skillets has been in the news. Teflon use is linked to cancer, they say. Earlier this year, my mother couldn’t wait to show me the newest thing out there, the GreenPan from Belgium. She was so excited to get one and was amazed that I hadn’t heard of them. This non-stick coated pan is PTFE free (the substance under question in Teflon). But since I’m skeptical of new products that haven’t stood the test of time, and choosing healthy cookware is an important decision to make for a family, I’ll stick with cast iron and stainless steel.

Cast Iron Cookware

Although used since the 4^th century in China, Abraham Darby perfected the production of cast iron pots in England in the early 1700s. Since that time, no adverse health effects have been reported from their use. In fact, using cast iron can increase the iron in your food—especially if cooking high acid foods like tomato sauce. Iron is important in the diet because the red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body through the bloodstream. An estimated 3.5 million Americans suffer with anemia (iron-poor blood); the symptoms of which include fatigue, lack of energy, headaches, and dizziness. Although you can overdose on iron, it is rare. Women lose iron through blood loss at menstruation. Athletes lose iron through perspiration; and those that consume excessive amounts of coffee and tea block their body’s absorption of this important mineral.

Made of heavy iron, cast iron pots or skillets are virtually indestructible. And once you season your cast iron, they provide cooking as non-stick as non-stick can get. However, maintaining that finish is an important part of cast iron care.

Stainless Steel Cookware

The next healthiest choice of cookware is stainless steel. Actually, stainless steel is made of several different metals. According to a report on the safe use of cookware by Health Canada, the only metals in a high-quality, stainless steel pan that may affect health are iron, nickel, and chromium. Nickel may cause a reaction in those allergic to that metal, but the iron and chromium are necessary in the diet and cannot leach into your foods in any dangerous amounts. For added safety, never store high acid foods like tomato sauce or rhubarb in stainless steel pans and if the surface of the pan has been destroyed with pitting or deep scratches, discontinue use.

As with any cookware, proper care is essential. The great thing about stainless steel is that you can clean the pans in the dishwasher. However, if you have burned or stuck food on them, do not use steel wool or metal scouring pads as they can scratch the surface. First wash the pan with a soft cloth in hot soap and water. If a little extra is needed, use a nylon scrubby with a non-abrasive cleanser. When done, rinse in hot water and dry immediately to prevent water spots from forming.

If your cupboards are still filled with Teflon-coated or aluminum pans, do not despair; choosing healthy cookware is easier than you might think. Cast iron can be found in junk shops for a bargain and resurfaced; and the cost of quality stainless steel pans has come down in recent years. When we were starting out, I would replace one pan at a time as the budget would allow until I could afford to buy the best cookware for our health. In the meantime, refrain from using the coated or aluminum pans with high-acid foods or at high temperatures.

Photo by yalin_cyp

Regular candles are often made with all sorts of chemicals and other additives that aren’t particularly good for your health. However, there are a couple of natural alternatives for candles, including those made with soy. Soy wax candles have a number of benefits over regular candles, the first being that they are naturally better for your health!

Ingredients of Soy Wax Candles

Soy wax candles are made from soybean oil. Soy bean oil is extracted from soybeans (Glycene max). The soybean is a species of legume that is a member of the Fabiaceae botanical family; although the plant is native to East Asia, the majority of soy beans grown for candle making are now grown in the United States.

Soybeans go through a number of processes (including cleaning and de-hulling) before they end up as soy flakes. It is from the flakes that the soybean oil is extracted and is then hydrogenated; the hydrogenation process produces a “wax” that is solid at room temperature (source).

Soy wax is available in a variety of blends for candles and, if you are a candle maker, you need to check each supplier’s description carefully to figure out if anything else has been added to the soy wax (such as botanical oils) to make it into a soy wax blend. Different types of soy wax/soy wax blends are more suitable for making one type of candle over another: for example, glass containers vs. pillar candles (source).

Sustainability of Soy

Unlike regular paraffin candles, which depend on the availability of oil supplies, soy candles use a resource that is readily renewable. Soybean crops are primarily produced in the states of Iowa, Illinois and Indiana and each year new crops produce soybeans for the manufacture of soy candles. Therefore the production of soy candles support American farmers and help support the national economy.

Do Soy Candles Burn Clean?

Soy candles do burn clean; paraffin candles add toxicity to your environment. The choice seems simple but in addition to checking the ingredients of the candle, you also have to check the type of wick that the candle was made with. Cotton or hemp candle wicks don’t produce soot like metal wicks. All candles, even those made with soy, produce a little soot from the smoke, but the amount of soot produced depends on the type of wick used too.

Economic Benefits

Soy wax candles tend to burn more slowly than regular paraffin candles so you get more value for your money! You might notice that the price of paraffin candles is usually cheaper than soy candles. However, you need to take into account that a soy candle (of the same size) might last up to twice as long as a paraffin candle, so the soy candle actually works out to be more cost effective.

Essential Oil Soy Candles

Paraffin candles often have a synthetic aroma added to them. Soy candles are great for adding essential oils to, meaning that your soy candle will have true therapeutic benefits too, depending on the type of essential oil that you chose. You can buy essential oil soy candles with pre-made blends already added to them or you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to an unscented soy candle on burning. You can still add synthetic aromas (fragrance oils) to soy candles but be aware that fragrance oils are not natural and do not hold any therapeutic value.

Soy Candle Benefits

Soy wax candles are biodegradable, environmentally friendly and help support the national economy. By understanding the ingredients of soy wax candles, you can figure out the actual health benefits of a particular soy candle. As an aromatherapist, there is only one way that I make aromatherapy candles since I discovered the benefits of soy! And the addition of essential oils are the finishing touch to a candle with true therapeutic benefits.

Photo by Yortw

Today, a lot of manufactured soaps contain a range of ingredients that often cause your skin to dry out or can irritate your skin. However, if you look at the ingredients of natural soaps, mostly handmade by independent businesses, you will realize that soap doesn’t have to be like this. One such type of soap is Castile soap. Castile soap is made with vegetable oil and not animal fat. It has a variety of different uses and a number of benefits.

History of Castile Soap

The history of Castile soap is sketchy, depending on which resource you read, but most sources tend to agree that Castile soap is the name of a soap that originated in the Castile region of Spain. If you go back further in time, you will find that Castile soap has its roots in Aleppo soap. Aleppo soap originates from the region of Syria, from where it made its way to Europe through the Crusades (1095-1291) (source). Aleppo soap dates back thousands of years.

Ingredients of Castile Soap

Aleppo soap is a hard soap that is made from olive oil, laurel bay oil, sodium hydroxide and water; other ingredients such as essential oils are often added to it (source). The ingredients of Castile soap are based on those of Aleppo soap. Today, Castile soap is made from a variety of vegetable oil ingredients but originally it was made from olive oil, with the exclusion of laurel bay oil, because early European soap makers didn’t have easy access to laurel bay oil, the other main ingredient of Aleppo soap from which Castile soap originated from. However, the term “Castile soap” is often used to describe a wide range of vegetable oil based soaps today so it is important to check the actual ingredients of Castile soap before buying it. Castile soap is available as either liquid or hard soap.

Uses of Castile Soap

Castile soap has a wide variety of uses, depending on the type of product that you choose. You can use Castile soap:

• as an all purpose general cleaner in your home

• to wash laundry

• wash your car

• to bath your pet

• for your baby

• for personal skincare.

(source)

Benefits of Castile Soap

Castile soap has a number of benefits over regular soap, due to its natural ingredients; its benefits are more or less the same as Aleppo soap, as both soaps contain similar ingredients. Castile soap is:

• kinder to the environment as it is non-toxic, unlike regular cleaning detergents

• is beneficial for a wide variety of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis

• is an excellent skin toner as it is nourishing to the skin

• gentle enough to use with your pet or with baby

• is relatively cheap, particularly if you dilute the product for use with pets and children

• is easy to clean with as it doesn’t cause skin irritation like a lot of regular household cleaners.

(source)

Quality of Castile Soap

Castile soap is made from natural ingredients, including olive oil which is rich in antiseptic, astringent and emollient properties (source: Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage, Len Price). However, just as you should check the actual ingredients of the type of Castile soap that you intend to purchase, you should also check the quality of the ingredients. Olive oil is available in a variety of grades too, so the quality of the type of olive oil used in the making of a particular Castile soap will affect the benefits of the soap. Overall, Castile soap is one of the best natural choices for soap and has a number of uses and benefits over regular soap. Vegetable oil based soaps contain many natural ingredients that are both kinder to the environment – and to you!

Candida. Yeast infection. Jock itch. Athlete’s foot. Thrush. Ringworm. Different words for the same beast—fungus. We’ve all been affected. But what do we do about it? A quick search through that big superstore we all love to avoid shows products up to $18 a tube. But do they really work? And what are the possible side effects of using them? Not to worry. There are some herbal alternatives.

Garlic

Studies have shown that the chemical constituent ajoene found in garlic (Allium sativum) is effective against several strains of fungi. Not only does it work to take garlic orally to treat systemic yeast infections such as Candida albicans, but it is even more effective when applied topically to skin and nail fungus.

I would suggest caution here and advice you to use the oil from a garlic capsule (which is diluted) rather than a garlic clove. Many years ago, as a young mother studying herbal medicine, I sent my babies to bed with smashed garlic cloves taped to the soles of their feet. It was supposed to be absorbed into their blood streams and fight their colds. It only caused blisters to form which made shoes impossible and walking painful—for days.

Teatree Oil

Teatree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been shown to inhibit the growth of over 50 fungus strains. Applying a few drops of the oil, mixed with an equal amount of vegetable oil, directly to the affected area two to three times a day, has shown to eradicate infections better than some over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Taking Teatree oil internally can be fatal.

Black Walnut

Unripe hulls of the black walnut (Juglans nigra) have been used as a folk remedy for topical fungal infections, especially ringworm, for centuries. The active constituent in the hull that contains the antifungal properties is juglone. According to one study, juglone has “moderate antifungal activity” and is as effective as some commercially prepared products.

Black walnut hulls can be powdered and added to an antifungal powder mix. You can add them to your infused oils when making salves and ointments or you can make a black walnut tincture. To reap the antifungal properties, however, it is recommended for topical use.

Pau-d’arco

The bark from a tree found in the Amazon rainforest, Pau-d’arco (Tabebuia ssp.) contains three anti-yeast compounds and is effective in treating Candida albicans and other fungi. You can purchase Pau’d-arco in capsules or loose. It makes a mild and tasty infusion so herbalists frequently recommend drinking several cups of the tea each day.

Of course, herbs working synergistically together in a formula are more effective than those used singly.  When I used to make a salve for diaper rash, I would add several of the anti-fungal herbs to the mix. James A. Duke, PhD supports this in his book The Green Pharmacy, “In one test of ten plant species whose oils were antifungal, researchers noted that ‘combinations of the antifungal essential oils increased their activity remarkably.’”
 

Resources:

Duke, J. A.  (2000). The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. Rodale Books.

S Yoshida, S Kasuga, N Hayashi, T Ushiroguchi, H Matsuura and S Nakagawa, Antifungal activity of ajoene derived from garlic. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. March 1987 vol. 53 no. 3 615-617

Nenoff P, Haustein U-F, Brandt W:
Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) against Pathogenic Fungi in vitro.
Skin Pharmacol 1996;9:388-394 (DOI: 10.1159/000211450)

Clark, A. M., Jurgens, T. M. and Hufford, C. D. (1990), Antimicrobial activity of juglone. Phytotherapy Research, 4: 11–14. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2650040104

Photo by LensAlive

This summer I wrote about the safe use of pesticides in the yard and garden. But with Fall here, I though I’d share my tips for natural pest control inside your home!

House Flies

Living in a rural area, we have more than our share of house flies. Since they usually fail to wipe their feet before coming inside and crawling all over my counter tops, I would prefer that they not come in at all. Two ways to keep the flies outside include the trap and the baggie of water.

Available at your local hardware or feed store is the disposable fly trap. It is a plastic bag with a funnel-like top. You put an attractant in the bottom of the bag and hang it up out in the yard. If you have animals, it is a good idea to hang it somewhere close to the barnyard. The flies, attracted by the liquid inside, go into the funnel but cannot fly out. When the bag is full, you throw it away and hang a new one.

In our neck of the woods, you often see zip-shut bags full of water hanging on folk’s doorways. These baggies of water repel flies from coming into the house by refracting the light that shines through them—confusing the fly and causing it to go in another direction.

Despite our best efforts, though, flies do end up inside. Then how do you get rid of them? We use fly strips. These strips are covered with a very sticky attractant. Once the fly lands on it, it is stuck. You hang them in areas where flies congregate, like in the kitchen or mud room. When the strip is full, you throw it away and hang a new one.

Fruit Flies

During the canning season, we often have trouble with fruit flies. The tiny pests hover around the compost bucket or the bushel of apples waiting to be turned into applesauce. A few hovering about is not too annoying, but when you put up bushels of food each week, with scraps and peelings collecting, the fruit flies can get out of hand. You can buy a fruit fly trap for around $8 at the hardware store. It works similar to the house fly trap but on a smaller scale. I found a way to save myself $8, though, and designed my own fruit fly trap.

Place some apple or tomato peels in the bottom of a canning jar. Whatever attracts the fruit flies will work. Next, roll a piece of copy paper into a funnel with a tiny hole at the bottom. Tape it to keep it rolled and insert into the jar so that the mouth of the jar is sealed and that the funnel tip does not touch the scraps. Just keep it on the counter. By the next morning it will be full of fruit flies. You can read detailed instructions for making your own trap here.

Roaches

When we lived in Florida we had a palmetto tree right at the corner of the garage. These trees are the favorite habitat of the palmetto bug, also known as the American cockroach. Invariably, we would have these pests coming into our garage. One season the rubber seal at the bottom of the door had torn and given the bugs easier access. Not having the money to replace the strip, we had to devise a way to keep the bugs out of our belongings. Using just a few household items, my husband made a fool-proof roach trap.

Taking a wide-mouthed jar, he wiped the inside with vegetable oil. Then he put a blob of peanut butter in the bottom of the jar. He made several of these jars and set them inside the garage door. The bugs would go into the jar to get to the peanut butter but couldn’t get out because the sides were slicked with oil. The next morning he would go outside, cap the jars, and throw them into our dumpster.

Ants

Nothing is more annoying than a trail of ants running through the kitchen or bath. But there are several ways to destroy or repel those unwanted armies.

Keep a spray bottle of half white vinegar/half water in the kitchen. Several times a day spray the counter tops and wipe with this solution. Ants do not like the smell and it will eliminate the scent trails that they leave, thereby confusing those to follow.

Mix borax with something sweet like jelly or honey and put in a bottle cap in a corner where the ants travel. They will eat the borax and die. Do not use this method, however, if you have small children or pets that would find the bottle cap.

Sprinkle baby powder or cinnamon along the trail. Both substances are natural ant repellents and will discourage the ants from coming that way.

Do you have any other non-toxic ways to deal with bugs in the house? Please share in the comments.

 Photo by MorrowLess

There are several different types of anxiety disorders but many have similar symptoms; the overwhelming similarity between all types of anxiety disorders is that they can totally disrupt your life to the point that you are afraid to go anywhere or do anything because of the fears associated with your condition. Although prescribed medication may help, it can become addictive and it can also present a whole new range of symptoms and side effects. If you want to try and cope with your anxiety disorder in a natural way, try some of these suggestions.

Types of Anxiety Disorders and Their Symptoms

Anxiety disorders are a serious mental illness that many people do not understand; because there are no visible physical symptoms, as in the case of a broken leg for example, people think that there is nothing wrong. However, for someone suffering from an serious anxiety disorder, the simple act of keeping a social engagement can present a whole minefield of emotions and “what ifs”; sometimes it just becomes easier to avoid the situation, even if this means missing out on a friend’s birthday or a family wedding.

Types of anxiety disorders include:

• panic attacks – symptoms of panic attacks include chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, unrational fear, nausea, dizziness, headaches, feeling that you are going to faint.

• social anxiety disorder – over-worrying of every day situations and what others may think of you in social settings.

• post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – PTSD usually occurs after a trauma or life changing event; these include rape, assault, unexpected death of a loved one, serious car accident, a natural disaster or another major personal life changing event.

• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – if you suffer from OCD you believe that if you don’t perform a certain set of actions (rituals) in a certain way, something terrible will happen, for example constant hand washing.

(source: Mayo Clinic and WebMD)

If you suffer from some of the more serious anxiety disorders (such as PTSD and OCD), you should consult a medical practitioner for additional advice.

Counseling for Anxiety Disorders

You might find help with some types of anxiety disorders through counseling. In addition, a support group for people who suffer from anxiety disorders and/or panic attacks might provide you with peer support from others who are experiencing the same feelings as you – and understand what you are going through.

Yoga for Anxiety Disorders

Yoga is reputed to be one of the best forms of exercise to help with conditions such as anxiety disorders; yoga focuses on how you breath, in addition to physical exercise, and breathing “incorrectly” is one of the main features of anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks. In addition, according to the Yoga Journal, scientific studies have shown that breathing through your left nostril can reduce symptoms of OCD (source). You can either practice on your own, with a personal instructor or join a local group, depending on your degree of comfort.

Hypnotherapy and Relaxation Exercises for Anxiety Disorders

Hypnotherapy is an altered state of consciousness and is another way in which you can try to alleviate your anxiety disorder. Hypnotherapy both induces a state of relaxation, in addition to getting you to focus on the cause of your anxiety (source). Make sure that you consult a qualified practitioner in this area of expertise. In addition, a series of relaxation exercises might help your condition.

Bach Flower Remedies and Aromatherapy for Anxiety Disorders

If you are looking for a natural solution to manage your anxiety disorder, you might want to consider either Bach flower remedies or aromatherapy. One of the most popular Bach flower remedies is the Bach rescue remedy which can be used as a tool for shock and anxiety. Take Bach rescue remedy before a job interview, a flight or an important meeting to help you manage your anxiety levels. It is a completely natural remedy, made up of flower essences, that helps to restore your emotional balance.

Aromatherapy is another tool that you might wish to consider using for anxiety. Aromatherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses the aromas (essential oils) of plants to help with certain health problems. Suitable essential oils for anxiety include neroil, ylang ylang, lavender, rose, sandalwood, frankincense, benzoin and jasmine. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner for further advice on how to use essential oils for anxiety.

When to Consult a Qualified Medical Practitioner

Although all of the above suggestions are reputable, natural ways that may help you cope with your anxiety disorder, you should still consult a medical practitioner if your disorder is chronic, worsens or presents more serious symptoms. Choose a medical practitioner that understands the complexity of anxiety disorders and the debilitating consequences that anxiety presents. There are alternatives to prescribed medication to cope with your anxiety disorder, depending on the level of anxiety that you suffer from, and you don’t always have to suffer the side effects of a prescribed medication to live a life free from a disabling condition such as anxiety.

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