Waking up with puffy eyes, or even a puffy face, the morning after a night of crying or a very salty dinner is never fun. Those are not the only causes of puffy eyes, though. Common culprits include allergies, eye rubbing, or even underlying health conditions. Although puffy eyes can feel uncomfortable, you can use a variety of natural solutions to treat them, such as the under-eye treatment in this article. 

What Causes Puffy Eyes?

Sometimes, lack of sleep or stress is enough to cause puffy eyes or dark circles. Other times, your body may be trying to tell you to drink more water or eat foods that are less salty. Most health experts agree that the following causes can lead to puffy eyes:

• Salty foods can cause the body to retain fluid, which can lead to puffy eyes. 
• Dehydration, especially alongside a high-salt diet, can make your eyes puffy. When the body is in a state of dehydration, salt can concentrate in different areas, which pulls in water around the eyes and causes swelling. 
• Eyes can become puffy when there is excess fluid in the skin, for example, when you cry. That happens when fluid builds up in the eyes and does not drain normally. 
• Allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis, eye drops, or even eye makeup can trigger under-eye puffiness. Allergies, in particular, can cause blood vessels to become leaky and cause swelling.
• Rubbing your eyes frequently, or even aggressive eye makeup removal, can cause low-grade eye trauma, which invites puffiness.
• Medical conditions, including some autoimmune disorders, infections, or inflammatory issues may lead to chronically puffy eyes. Contact your physician if you have any concerns about ongoing eye puffiness. 

Why Use Natural Ingredients?

Using coffee in a homemade under-eye treatment helps stimulate circulation and reduce swelling, due to the caffeine. The tea tree oil offers anti-inflammatory activity that works to calm irritated or inflamed skin. Together, coffee and tea tree oil form a power duo that helps address multiple skin concerns, making it a great addition to your skin care routine. Each ingredient offers a unique set of benefits, which we will detail below:

Coffee:

• Caffeine works to stimulate blood flow, making the under-eye area look more refreshed. 
• Coffee contains unique antioxidant compounds that help protect skin cells and improve the overall appearance of skin. 

Tea Tree Oil:

• Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties work to calm redness and swelling, even working to get rid of blemishes. 
• The antimicrobial properties work to reduce the risk of infections and may help alleviate breakouts caused by clogged pores around the eyes. 

Homemade Tea Tree And Coffee Under-Eye Treatment

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon brewed coffee
• 1 teaspoon tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions:

• First, brew some coffee and set aside one tablespoon. Feel free to drink the rest, if you are in need of a caffeine boost.
• Mix the brewed coffee with the tea tree oil and coconut oil in a small bowl. 
• Using your fingertips, gently apply the mixture to your under-eye area by tapping. Allow it to sit on your skin for about 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. 

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When you have a lot of rosemary on hand, you cannot simply make roasted chicken and potatoes for every meal. You can add rosemary to stocks, soups, or infuse it into oil, but eventually, you will tire of the herb’s flavor. Too much of a good thing is real…or is it? When you no longer want to enjoy rosemary in culinary applications, use it to make nourishing products for your skin and hair. 

Why Should You Use A Facial Toner?

Facial toner works to remove traces of grime, dirt, and impurities that remain in your pores after you wash your face. Adding a toner to your daily skin care routine can have a positive impact on the overall appearance and tightness of your pores. Turning back the hands of time? Although it isn’t the anti-aging secret of the century, facial toner does help to restore the skin’s pH balance, creating a smoother appearance and tone. 

Everyone can benefit from using facial toner, but people with oily or acne-prone skin benefit a great deal. The reason for this is because toner goes the extra mile to clean the gunk out of those pores. If you have acne-prone skin, though, consider a toner that contains salicylic acid. People with oily skin may benefit from toners that help to balance oil production. Continue reading to learn more about the ingredients in this homemade toner and how they benefit your skin. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in many DIY face washes, acne spot cleansers, and toners. At this time, there isn’t sufficient research or scientific evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar for facial skin care. That said, there are many anecdotal reports that suggest it works wonders for the skin. Apple cider vinegar works to remove excess oil, dirt, and other debris from pores. When incorporated into a toner or cleanser, apple cider vinegar can aid your skin-cleansing efforts. Because it is an astringent, apple cider vinegar lends itself to toners, creating more even skin tone and tighter pores. 

Rosemary

Rosemary, specifically rosemary oil, acts as a refreshing astringent that helps to balance skin tone. Topical application of this oil can help decongest oily skin types and acne-prone skin, while simultaneously maintaining the skin’s balance. The antimicrobial properties of rosemary help to invigorate the skin and increase circulation to the skin’s surface, contributing to a more youthful glow. Rosemary works to hydrate the skin and control oil production, while also providing antibacterial properties that help to keep breakouts at bay. Additionally, the use of rosemary oil on the skin has been associated with less flaking and dryness. It is a common ingredient in skin care products because it encourages healthier skin tissues. 

Homemade Facial Toner With Rosemary

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Combine the water and rosemary in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. 
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the liquid to cool before straining it through a fine mesh strainer and into a glass jar. 
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar and mix well to combine. 
• When ready to use, shake well to combine, dip a cotton ball or pad in the mixture, and gently pat your face with it to apply. 
• Leave for a minute or so and then follow with your favorite moisturizer.

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It is very common for people to neglect their feet. They are out of sight, out of mind, especially when the weather is a little colder. Only when the socks come off and the sandals come on do people realize that they need to do something about their cracked heels. After all, nobody wants to walk barefoot in the grass and have those thin blades enter those cracks. 

What Are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels are very common and they occur when the dry, thick skin on the bottoms of your heels crack and split. Most cases are relatively minor and cracks are only a small nuisance or unattractive to look at. If you do not treat the cracks and heel fissures become deeper, you may experience difficulty walking or have a higher risk of infection. 

Cracked heels are not an overnight problem. In the beginning stages, you will see dry, hard skin around the heel, also known as calluses. As you walk and put more pressure on that area, the pads under your heels expand and force those calluses to develop small cracks. Other factors that contribute to cracked heels include:

• Hard or unsupportive footwear (open-back sandals or flip flops)
• Obesity
• Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
• Being on your feet for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• Walking around barefoot because that provides not support or protection for your feet
• Taking long, hot showers

How Do You Treat Cracked Heels?

You treat cracked heels the same way you treat dry skin: you moisturize. If the cracks are minor, moisturize your heels two to three times per day to help relieve symptoms. You can also use a pumice stone before moisturizing to help remove any hard, dead skin that prevents the moisturizer from penetrating the skin effectively. After one week of this general foot care, check to see if symptoms are better or worse. If your heels have not gotten any better, you may need a combination of some of the following treatments:

• Use a dermal foot balm for skin nourishment and optimal moisture. This is similar to a moisturizer, only it uses urea, an ingredient that helps increase the balm’s efficacy. 
• Mechanical debridement of thick calluses or fissures using a scalpel blade to reduce skin buildup. 
• Foot and ankle strapping, which involves placing bandages around the heel to reduce skin movement. 
• Using appropriate footwear that provides sufficient cushion to the heel pads. 

Using A Heel Balm

Natural ingredients can help heal and protect your rough, dry and cracked heels. Specifically, shea butter, a featured ingredient in this DIY cracked heel balm, works effectively because of its emollient properties. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins A and E. Dry skin can thoroughly absorb shea butter because of the fatty acid content. That helps create a protective moisture barrier on the heels, keeping them hydrated. 

Coconut oil is another ingredient in this cracked heel balm that helps moisturize and protect the skin. Just like shea butter, coconut oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness. Beeswax works to enhance the skin barrier, protecting your heels from the environment. This barrier helps lock in moisture and protect the skin from future damage. 

DIY Cracked Heel Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.7 ounces unrefined shea butter
• 0.2 ounces coconut oil
• 0.2 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2-3 drops tea tree oil
• 2 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until liquid.
• Once melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils and vitamin E oil. 
• Stir to combine and then transfer to a glass container. Allow the balm to solidify at room temperature. 
• Ideally, use this balm nightly on your feet, massaging it into your heels before applying socks to protect your skin overnight, and to prevent the balm from staining your sheets.

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With the price of eggs these days, you may not even be thinking about buying some to dye for Easter. Well, we hope that isn’t the case because having a basket full of colorful Easter eggs is a fun arts and crafts activity for the whole family. Easter doesn’t have to be another holiday that promotes overindulgence! You can eliminate a good portion of sugary treats, food dyes, and artificial ingredients this year. 

Why Are Eggs Associated With Easter?

Quite frankly, you may be wondering what eggs have to do with Easter in the first place. No, bunnies do not lay eggs, nor do they deliver them to secret places in your house. Throughout history, people have given each other eggs at spring festivals to celebrate the start of the new season. An egg represents new life and rebirth, and the theory is that this ancient custom made its way into Easter celebrations.

During medieval times, for example, one could not eat eggs during Lent, the 40-day period before Easter. On Easter Sunday, indulging in an egg was a true treat! That was especially true for people who could not afford to buy meat. Historians note that eggs were given to the church on Good Friday as offerings. It was only in the late 1200s that eggs were decorated with colors and gold leaf and given to Edward I’s household. 

Are Naturally-Dyed Eggs Too Extreme?

Eggs, aside from the higher cost this Easter, are not the issue we are concerned with. We take issue with giving children an unlimited supply of plastic eggs filled with candy. Giving kids copious amounts of junk food at Easter and other holidays sets an unhealthy precedent. They do not need to associate holidays with unhealthy foods. There are better ways to develop healthier habits for life!

An occasional indulgence is perfectly fine, and you should not deprive yourself, or the little ones, of those treats. The point we are trying to make is that kids may receive these indulgences a little too often. From birthdays and Valentine’s Day to Easter, Halloween, and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to indulge in sweets. Celebration does not always have to equate to unhealthy, overly sweet treats. 

How To Dye Easter Eggs Without Synthetic Colors

The color tablets that people use to dye easter eggs contain harmful dyes, which may negatively affect certain children. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned certain red food dyes, but synthetic colors are still permitted in food. Nobody eats the colorful shells of Easter eggs, but egg shells are permeable. With food sensitivities on the rise, it’s worth considering natural dyes for coloring eggs. 

DIY Natural Egg Dye Tutorial

Equipment:

• Large pot (for boiling eggs)
• Small pot with lid (one for each color you use)
• Strainer
• Paper towels (or old rags)

Materials:

• 1 cup red onion skins
• 1 cup yellow onion skins
• 2 cups purple cabbage
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1/4 cup turmeric
• 2 cups beets, chopped
• 2 cups grape juice
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (per color used)
• White eggs

Instructions:

• For each color you decide to use, you will need one to two cups of plant material for every two cups of water. Use two cups for a deeper, more vibrant color. Because turmeric is dried, you will only need 1/4 cup of water to make the yellow turmeric dye. 
• Add one to two cups of one fruit or vegetable of choice, along with two cups of water, to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer with the lid on for 20-30 minutes.
• You can add the raw eggs and vinegar with simmering fruit/vegetable, but make sure that you reduce the simmer time to 15 minutes, or else you will overcook the eggs. 
• Let the liquid cool to room temperature before straining the fruit/vegetable. Make sure to compost the fruit or vegetable to reduce food waste, but squeeze as much liquid out of the plants as possible before doing so. 
• If you boil the eggs with the dye liquid, remove the eggs from the liquid once cooled. 
• Place un-dyed hard boiled eggs into the natural dye liquid and add two tablespoons of vinegar. Allow them to soak for several hours or overnight in the fridge. 
• Remove eggs from the dye liquid after soaking and pat dry. Rub the shell with a small amount of oil to make them shiny.

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There is nothing wrong with getting a little sun, especially when the weather is pleasant. It is easy to spend most of the day at the beach, in the park, in the garden, or by the pool. Problems arise if you do not take proper care of the skin when you are in the sun. While sunshine is necessary for vitamin D production in the body, too much sun can lead to a nasty sunburn, even if you are not in full summer heat. 

What Is A Sunburn?

All it takes is some sun exposure without proper protection and the result is red, itchy skin that is warm to the touch. When you have a sunburn, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning bed burn the skin. Some people get sunburns just doing everyday things like gardening without sunscreen or taking a lunch break outside. If you get sunburnt often, you increase your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce sunburn risk by applying sunscreen, being in the shade between periods of sunshine, and wearing protective clothing. You can also: 

• Wear a hat to cover your head, neck, and ears (depending on the hat)
• Stay out of the sun during the most intense hours of sunshine (about noon to four in the afternoon)
• Wear light colored clothing to repel the sun’s rays

Getting out of the sun during intense hours may not always be convenient. You could be at a ball game, a child’s soccer practice, or at a work function. Tank tops and shorts leave skin exposed, and even the best sunscreen may not fully protect the skin. You also have to worry about the severity of skin damage from sunburn. The two most common types of sunburn are:

• First-degree sunburn, which damages the skin’s outer layer, typically heals on its own within a few days to a week. 
• Second-degree sunburn, which damages the middle section of the skin (dermis), can result in blisters on sunburned skin. The skin can take a couple weeks to heal and you may require medical treatment. 

How Common Is Sunburn? 

Sunburns are very common, especially in young people, as they are not as careful about applying sunscreen and taking other measures to protect the skin. Somewhere between 50% and 75% of children under the age of 18 have sunburns every year. More than 50% of adults between ages 18 and 29 reported having one or more sunburns in 2015. If you have a sunburn, the good news is that you can treat it on your own. Some easy ways to promote accelerated healing include:

• Take a cool bath or shower, or experiment with an oatmeal or baking soda bath to soothe irritated skin.
• Cover your sunburned skin when you go outside so that you do not worsen your existing sunburn.
• Once the skin is cool, stop ongoing damage by applying ointments or petroleum jelly to the affected area. These will help moisturize the skin and aid healing without scarring. 
• Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. 
• Use topical cooling and hydrating products, such as creams or aloe vera gel.
• Use the sunburn relief lotion bars (recipe below), which contain ingredients that help to soothe and soften sunburned skin, while aiding quicker recovery in the process.

DIY Sunburn Relief Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 4 tablespoons shea butter
• 1/2 cup dried chamomile 
• 6 tablespoons beeswax
• 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. Add the coconut oil, shea butter, and chamomile to an oven-safe pan or saucepan and place in the oven for two hours to infuse the chamomile into the oil and shea butter.
• Remove from the oven, strain the oil, and discard the chamomile. 
• In the same pan or saucepan, add the infused oil and beeswax and then place the pan back in the oven so the beeswax can infuse with the already melted mixture. 
• Remove from the oven and stir in the aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil.
  Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays and allow them to completely solidify at room temperature. 
• Once firm, pop the bars out of the molds and store in the fridge in an airtight container in the fridge if you want a cooling effect. They will keep fresh for up to six weeks. 
• Apply to sunburned skin as needed.

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Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. Nobody wants to see the effects of Father Time, but it is inevitable. The lines and creases in the skin tend to form on skin that is regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, neck, and forearms. UV exposure can break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which causes wrinkling. Smoking, poor diet, and other pollutants can also increase the development of wrinkles.

If your wrinkles bother you, there are many options to help make them less visible and smooth them out. Various medications, skin care techniques, diet corrections, and even DIY solutions can help. Creating the DIY wrinkle reducer in this article may be the right first step toward more youthful looking skin. Just keep this in mind: although the ingredients in the wrinkle reducer are highly beneficial for the skin and exhibit anti-aging properties, this is not a quick fix item that can make wrinkles vanish. Couple the use of this wrinkle reducer with healthy eating, regular exercise, and proper skin care for best results. 

Benefits Of Witch Hazel

Renowned for its astringent properties, witch hazel may help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Witch hazel has a rich polyphenol content, which aids skin rejuvenation. Those polyphenols, which are antioxidant compounds, can help improve collagen and elastin production, which is essential for maintaining firm skin. Using witch hazel may also help soothe inflamed skin, making it beneficial for those with irritated or sensitive skin. When you apply witch hazel to the skin, it helps ease puffiness and redness. 

Benefits Of Argan Oil

This versatile carrier oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which may play an integral role in moisturizing the skin and simultaneously providing antioxidant protection. According to research, argan oil helps to enhance the skin’s elasticity, which makes it an excellent choice for combatting dry skin. It has demonstrated an ability to help maturing skin retain moisture and prevent the appearance of fine lines. 

How Do Argan Oil And Witch Hazel Work Together?

Combining argan oil and witch hazel creates a synergistic effect that targets signs of aging. As witch hazel firms and tightens, argan oil adds deep moisture, preventing dryness that can increase the risk of wrinkles. Both ingredients contain antioxidants, which enhance their efficacy. Additionally, the blend of witch hazel and argan oil helps boost the skin’s natural repair processes, protecting it against environmental stressors. Consider these two ingredients as a harmonious duo that helps contribute to a smoother, more youthful complexion. 

DIY Wrinkle Reducer

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup witch hazel
• 1/4 cup argan oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel and argan oil into a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add the essential oils and continue to mix well for 10 seconds or so. 
• Pour the mixed solution into a glass container (preferably an amber glass container to preserve lavender essential oil’s properties) and seal tightly for freshness. 
• We recommend that you use this wrinkle reducer twice daily. Start by washing your skin to prepare the skin. Apply a small amount of the wrinkle reducer to your fingertips and massage into areas of the face prone to wrinkles, such as around the eyes and mouth.

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If you want to make your skin feel soft and silky smooth, it’s time to work some lotion bars into your skin care regimen. Great for rough elbows and knees, the lemon balm lotion bars in this article help to moisturize the skin without leaving a greasy feel. Although most of the research on lemon balm focuses on relieving indigestion, treating nausea, easing insomnia, and boosting cognition, it can greatly benefit the skin. In fact, lemon balm exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness.

What Is Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and many health experts refer to it as a calming herb. It has an invigorating aroma that is wonderful and lemony. Although it grows all over the world, lemon balm is native to Europe and tends to attract bees. The plant can grow up to two feet high, or higher, if not maintained. Rub the leaves between your fingers and it’ll smell like you just juiced a lemon!

Health Benefits Of Lemon Balm

One study examined lemon balm for its potential photoprotective properties. Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the causes of many cutaneous disorders, like photoaging and skin cancer. The study evaluated the protective effects of lemon balm extract and its primary phenolic compound rosmarinic acid against UVB-induced damage in human keratinocytes. Researchers also found caffeic acid and luteolin glucuronide in lemon balm extract. The extract and rosmarinic acid significantly increased the survival of human keratinocytes upon UVB radiation, but lemon balm extract proved more effective. That means that lemon balm extract may be a candidate for topical photoprotective ingredients against UVB-induced skin damage. 

Lemon balm may help relieve symptoms of stress and aid relaxation by promoting feelings of calmness. A 2022 review found that compounds in lemon balm exhibit relaxing effects. In the review, the authors summarized older studies that confirmed lemon balm helped reduce anxiety in people who underwent laboratory-induced stress.

Lemon balm contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Because of that, lemon balm may be a great pore-cleansing ingredient, removing bacteria associated with acne. It may also assist in the healing of minor wounds, scrapes, or insect bites by inhibiting bacterial growth. One study monitored participants who applied lemon balm extract on lesions within 72 hours of their origin. The results indicated that lemon balm was able to both reduce wound size and accelerate the time of healing. 

Homemade Lemon Balm Lotion Bars

Ingredients For Lemon Balm-Infused Oil:

• 1/2 cup lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup jojoba oil

Instructions For Lemon Balm-Infused Oil:

• Once you have the fresh lemon balm leaves, you have to rinse and then dry them in a dehydrator. 
• Place the leaves on a dehydrator tray and place in the dehydrator at 115º F for a couple hours, or until dried. 
• Place the dried leaves in a jar and then pour in the jojoba oil. Screw on the lid and place the jar in a dark place for four to six weeks for the slow infusion method. You can shake the jar every once in a while. 
• The other method, which is quicker, is to place the jar in a saucepan with a couple inches of water over low heat for two hours. Remove from heat and allow the oil to cool before straining the oil through a fine mesh sieve. 

Ingredients For Lotion Bars:

• 1/4 cup infused oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 1/4 cup shea butter

Instructions:

• Add the infused oil, beeswax, and shea butter to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Heat and stir until the beeswax and shea butter are completely melted. 
• Remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into heat-safe silicone molds. Allow them to solidify at room temperature. 
• Pop the lotion bars out of the molds and place in containers and store in a cool, dry place. Use as needed.

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Do lip balm and lip butter serve the same purpose? Although the products are similar, there is a difference between lip balm and lip butter. Like the rest of your skin, the lips can take a beating, especially if you don’t protect them. Food, ultraviolet light, the wind, and acidic substances all affect the lips in different ways. Both lip balm and lip butter can help protect your lips from these daily elements. 

What’s The Difference Between Lip Balm And Lip Butter?

Lip balm and lip butter have different capabilities. Lip balm can help remedy chapped, cracked, or sunburnt lips, drawing moisture to the lips to help resolve these issues. More often than not, lip balms contain natural ingredients and vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant to help restore health to damaged cells. Lip butter, on the other hand, cares for your lips, but does not last as long as a balm. It can be harder to apply, since it is a thicker, creamier consistency, but it is made from natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, beeswax, or mango butter. 

It’s hard to say which one is better, as that will depend on personal preference. You may find that your lips feel amazing after you apply lip butter. Some people may not enjoy the messier application, though, so you have to choose what’s right for you. Should you make the lip butter in this article, your skin can benefit from the following ingredients:

Mango Butter

You can apply mango butter as a preventative or to provide relief from chapped or irritated lips. Mango butter contains numerous antioxidant compounds that work quickly to combat dryness and chapping. It contains vitamins A, E, and C, all of which work together to trap moisture in, which is especially beneficial when your lips are exposed to colder days. Mango butter also has some astringent properties, so it doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy. 

Cocoa Butter

As a highly effective natural emollient, cocoa butter is an excellent choice if you want to provide your lips with deep hydration. Cocoa butter works to seal in moisture and repair cracked or chapped skin. Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help form a protective barrier to keep the lips safe from environmental damage. The palmitic and saturated stearic fatty acids work to create a lipid barrier to prevent moisture loss. 

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

This oil may be unfamiliar to you, but is a lovely cosmetic ingredient that comes from the Meadowfoam plant. Meadowfoam seed oil is a great carrier oil that adds a little lightness to the blend of butters in the DIY creamy lip butter recipe. Because it is an emollient, it helps to lock in moisture. The skin can also absorb this oil easier than heavier carrier oils like olive oil or avocado oil. If you do not have Meadowfoam seed oil or it proves difficult to acquire, you can use any liquid carrier oil you prefer, but that will alter the absorption and texture of the lip butter. 

DIY Creamy Lip Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon mango butter
• 1 tablespoon Meadowfoam oil
• 8-10 drops essential oil of choice lavender, peppermint, orange, and geranium make for nice choices)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oils) to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Heat and stir occasionally until completely melted. 
• Once the ingredients have fully melted, remove from heat and add the essential oils of choice. 
• Pour the lip butter into containers and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. 
• Once solidified, screw on the tops of the containers and store in a cool, dry place and it will last about six months or so.

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Plenty of people who swear by natural remedies regarding oral health or detoxing the mouth tend to practice oil pulling. Oil pulling is an age-old practice that involves swishing oil (typically coconut or sesame oil) in the mouth and then spitting it out. The claim is that oil pulling can help remove plaque and keep oral bacteria in check and although some research exists, most of the evidence is anecdotal.

What Is Oil Pulling?

An article in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine described oil pulling as swishing oil around in the mouth first thing in the morning. By swishing the oil in the mouth, you “pull” the oil between teeth. Ideally, you do this for five to 20 minutes and spit the oil in the trash when finished. It is important not to swallow the oil or spit it down the drain, as that can affect plumbing. The practice stimulates saliva production and helps remove harmful oral bacteria.

Does Oil Pulling Work?

Some studies exist on oil pulling’s effect on oral health and hygiene. Most of the discussion is about which oil is the best for the practice. The research is as follows:

• One study concluded that oil pulling with coconut oil is more effective than sesame oil in reducing the severity of gingivitis. 
• Another study found that oil pulling with coconut oil was as effective as chlorhexidine, a prescription mouthwash, in the reduction of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria believed to cause tooth decay. 
• Olive oil may also be useful for oil pulling because it exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. 

It’s important to note that these studies, and other studies, were mostly small-scale, so more research is necessary to draw positive conclusions about oil pulling. The American Dental Association (ADA) does not consider oil pulling to be a reliable replacement for brushing and flossing. It may enhance your oral health routine, but you continue to brush and floss as you would in your normal day.

Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil

Unlike alcohol-based mouthwashes and toothpaste, oil may get into those hard-to-reach parts of the gums. The natural antibacterial properties of oils like coconut may help break down bacteria. A lot of people who oil pull with coconut oil find that their teeth and gums feel much healthier and cleaner when they add it to their oral hygiene routine. Oil pulling is not a miracle cure, nor is it for everyone. There is a good chance that it can help promote healthier teeth and gums, just like Dherbs’ Natural Tooth Powder, especially if you use it in combination with other oral health practices. 

Coconut Oil Pulling With Essential Oils

Below, you will find a recipe for coconut oil chews, which make oil pulling a little easier. We added essential oils for flavor and health properties that may help enhance oral health. Peppermint, clove, and tea tree essential oils work to improve the taste. Whichever essential oils you choose, make sure that you are not allergic, they do not interact with your meds, and that they are safe for oral use. 

Coconut Oil Pulling Chews

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops clove essential oil

Instructions:

• Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. You don’t want it to be solid, but you don’t want it completely liquid either. 
• Remove from the heat, add essential oils, and mix gently. Pour the mixture into silicone molds and put in the fridge or the freezer to harden. 
• Once the molds are firm, remove from the molds and store in a jar in the fridge. Use one chew per day, or as needed, for oil pulling.

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Think about how often your yoga mat touches the floor, especially if that floor is in a public yoga studio. Now think about all of the sweat, oils, and bacteria that accumulate on the mat during your yoga session. It’s safe to say that your yoga mat needs to be cleaned regularly, but does that happen? We are not here to judge; rather, we are here to provide a natural cleaner that helps remove all of that dirt and grime. 

What Is A DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner?

Think of this as a general cleaning spray, only without all of the harsh chemicals. This homemade solution contains vinegar or witch hazel, and essential oils, all of which help to remove sweat, germs, dirt, and oils from your yoga mat. That helps make your mat not only cleaner, but wonderfully scented. 

Using a DIY yoga mat cleaner also helps save you money and reduces waste. Not to mention, it gives you control over what touches your skin. Plus, making your own cleaner can feel both rewarding and creative, almost as if crafting your own wellness ritual. Keeping your yoga mat clean can help avoid skin irritation, in addition to the following benefits: 

• Helping prevent breakouts and skin rashes
• Removing odors caused by sweat
• Keeping the yoga mat free of bacteria and germs
• Extending the yoga mat’s life
• Enhancing the overall yoga experience 

Why Use Vinegar?

Vinegar is a staple household ingredient that is highly useful when it comes to cleaning certain items and surfaces. Regarding cleaning, vinegar’s most useful asset is its acidity. It is mild enough not to damage fabrics and surfaces, while being strong enough to get rid of stubborn stains and deposits. It can have a pH as low as 2.2 to 10 times as acidic as the average soft drink. 

One of the advantages of vinegar is that it exhibits antimicrobial activity. Some highly evolved bacteria can survive in acidic environments, but most find it difficult to thrive and replicate in these conditions. According to research, cleaning with vinegar can kill a range of pathogens, including E. coli. It has also proven to be an effective cleaning agent for dentures or a disinfectant for fruits and vegetables. 

What About Witch Hazel?

Yet another medicine cabinet hero! Witch hazel is typically for beauty applications, but it can be a powerful addition to your natural cleaning arsenal. Witch hazel is typically used as an astringent to help clean minor cuts or soothe bug bites. The astringent and antibacterial properties make it a fantastic cleaning agent. It is great for light cleaning tasks, especially when you want to avoid harsh chemicals. 

Not only can witch hazel improve your at-home cleaning game, but it can also help neutralize odors. Just keep in mind that witch hazel is not an approved disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You should not rely on witch hazel to eliminate viruses or bacteria; rather, use it as a complementary cleaner for light tasks. 

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar or witch hazel (whichever you prefer)
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into a spray bottle and then add the vinegar or witch hazel. 
• Drop in the essential oils and then screw on the top. Shake gently before each use to thoroughly mix up the ingredients. 
• To use, lightly spray on your yoga mat and wipe with a soft cloth.

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