Natural Remedies

Nature has provided us with everything we need.  Unfortunately, we have really gotten out of touch with her.  If you are trying to reduce the amount of chemicals in your life like I am, here are a few natural remedies I have gathered from various sources.  

Aloe Vera: Heals cuts and burns faster when applied to the affected area.  

Also makes a great gel for your eyebrows or hair.  

Can also be used as a shave cream.

Catnip Oil: Is ten times more effective against mosquitoes than DEET.  In a spray bottle, shake 6 drops of oil in 3 ounces of water for your own repellant.   

Green Tea: Sipping at least 1 cup of the decaffeinated kind between workout sessions may help pounds drop off faster.  Scientists say compounds in the tea may help convert flab to fuel.

Recent research suggests that consuming green tea daily may provide protection against skin cancer.    

Honey: Makes a great moisturizer.  Apply a small amount to the skin and rub in.  Rinse off after a few minutes.     

Lemon juice: Spray on hair for natural lightening.  

Papaya and Pineapple: Cut open the fruit and rub the fleshy part onto the sore spot of a bee-sting or bug-bite.  These fruits contain enzymes that break down the protein toxins in venoms that cause pain and swelling.

Olive Oil: Oleocanthal, a natural compound in extra-virgin olive oil seems to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving powers similar to ibuprofen.  Apply where it hurts.  

Olive oil is also a great moisturizer for your skin.  Apply a small amount to the skin and rub in. Rinse off after a few minutes.

Sea salt: To get natural waves, in a spray bottle mix 2 t. fine sea salt, 1 c. warm water, and 4-5 drops essential oil and shake well. Spray on hair and work through strands.  

Also makes a great exfoliating scrub when mixed with a moisturizer like honey or olive oil.  

Sugar: Makes a great exfoliating scrub when mixed with a moisturizer like honey or olive oil.

Vinegar: Lowers the pH level of skin on contact, which helps to lessen venom's toxicity and provides itch relief on a bite or sting.

Also makes a great toner for oily skin.