Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Apple Cider Vinegar For Allergy Relief

Allergy relief! Who doesn’t have allergies?
I have the annoying hay fever type of allergies where my ears itch, eyes water and nose becomes runny. They are year round as I am highly sensitive to dust. And living in California, desert-city-mountain life, I can’t get away from dust. I do get some relief using nasal spray and an antihistamine but I really hate using these every day. I have even tried getting allergy shots, for 2 years straight, with no help what so ever. I know the medications are not good for me. I watch my husband take them daily as well and I cringe not knowing what we are doing to ourselves long term. I am a firm believer that taking any medication long term will has some side affects we will endure. 

So the research began. I have been reading that ACV, Apple Cider Vinegar, can help with seasonal allergies. The Internet is exploding with articles about it. So, why not try it? I started adding 1 TBS of ACV in my morning lemon and pink salt water. I already took it when I had stomach issues. I already knew it was some powerful stuff! (Why lemon water with Pink Himalayan salt?)

I didn’t take notice for the 1st month I was doing this because I just didn’t really have allergies all of a sudden. I forgot about them. I felt good. I didn’t need my meds at all. (Yeah I know that should have been the AH HAH moment!) However, we went on vacation and I stopped doing my daily ACV - lemon water routine before breakfast. Within days I was waking up with ears itching, nose running and eyes red. Making those weird noises with my throat and wiggling my ears to try to stop the itch. It’s so annoying not only to me but others around me! My eyes were blood shot and swollen and my nose was just constantly runny and getting raw from blowing it often. It really blows! (Pun intended) 
Once we returned home, I started up with my routine once again. THE DAY I started using ACV again, my ears had relief almost immediately. My allergies are not gone from using the almighty ACV, however I don’t have to use my meds every day, I am also healthier all around!
Not only am I getting allergy relief, ACV helps treat numerous ailments! Such as:

       Sinus infections
       Acne
       Flu
       Chronic fatigue
       Candida
       Acid reflux
       Sore throat
       Contact dermatitis
       Arthritis
       Gout

No matter what condition you’re treating with ACV, you will reap the benefits of its side effects. 
A huge bonus is it’s a metabolism booster! It can help break down fat and lose pounds. It also gives your skin a healthy glow. I’m down to take it for this alone!

Lets get down to the science. How does fermented Apple cider help allergies? Really?

Well, an allergic person’s body mistakenly releases histamine to fight off the intruding particles. The histamine circulating through the body signals the mucus membranes to produce all the unwanted symptoms, that go hand in hand with allergies.
Chemical and natural antihistamines, like Allegra and ACV, help prevent the production and release of histamines. This can give you the relief you need! Preventing allergy symptoms like:

       Sneezing
       Nasal congestion and runniness
       Itchy, red, swollen and/or watery eyes
       Itchy sensation of the nose, ears, lips, mouth, and/or throat
       Headache
       Nosebleed
       Cough
       Asthma

Because Apple cider vinegar contains a number of beneficial compounds including acetic and malic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and more. These nutrients balance the body’s natural pH to prevent illness and to relieve such issues as allergies and other seasonal disorders. The nutrients it contains also boost the immune system. The wonderful side affects of taking ACV!

If you want to try using ACV for allergies or any other health benefits, you will want to get organic vinegar with the “mother” in it. Look for the cloudy substance in the vinegar at the bottom. You want that! The mother contains all the added nutrients. Braggs is my favorite brand. 


If you are new to ACV, try adding just a tsp in your water to start. If you can’t handle the taste, add some honey to help. You grow accustomed to the harsh taste. Once you can handle it, add a TBS in water each morning before breakfast AS WELL AS before each meal. You will really notice some benefits using it this often. 

Let me know if you find relief in using this wonderful ingredient like I have.

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Saturday, January 17, 2015

Lip Exfoliator

I Don't know about you but my lips are crazy dry during this time of year. With the cold outside, dry heat inside. I can't seem to keep them from hurting. I love this lip exfoliator because...

  1. It's all organic
  2. It's made with edible ingredients
  3. It's yummy
It gives you back soft lips!


Ingredients:
  •  1 pt Brown Sugar
  •  1 pt Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
  •  1 pt Creamed Honey

(regular honey would work just as well)


Directions:

  •  Mix all 3 ingredients together.
  •  Rub softly onto lips for about 30 seconds. Even corners. 
  •  Let it sit for another minute soaking in a moisturizing.
  •  Rub off damp wet towel.

BAM! Nice soft kissable lips. 

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Monday, December 22, 2014

Eucalyptus Bath Salts

What's better than taking a long hot bath and relaxing? Having soothing, relaxing bath salts that actually help your body! Chemical and preservative free is just the extra bonus. This is the EASIEST DIY project ever! And so worth it. 3 ingredients, and it takes all of 5 minutes to make. 
Forget spending $15.00 at Bath and Body works! 
This is better, cheaper and healing.

  1. Epson salts help relax your sore muscles, reduce any swelling and draws out toxins.
  2. Baking soda soothes your skin.
  3. Eucalyptus essential oil reminds me of the spa! And I love the spa! It's such a luxurious relaxing scent and it is one of my favorites. You may use any scent you enjoy most.

Ingredients:
  • 2 Cup Epsom Salt 
  • 3 Tablespoon Baking Soda 
  • Eucalyptus Essential Oil 
Directions:
  • Mix salt and soda in a large bowl. 
  • Add Eucalyptus oil per your preference. Start with a few drops until you find the smell you desire. 
  • Stir well. 
  • Funnel into a bottle or any jar you choose.

This makes for an excellent gift idea as well. Inexpensive, healthy and luxurious.

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    Friday, October 10, 2014

    Coconutty Sugar Body Scrub

    Who doesn't LOVE soft skin? And if you are like me, with super sensitive skin, you can't use many over the counter products because of all the harsh chemicals. I don't know what I am allergic to, but sometimes when I try new products I wake up completely swollen. Eyes shut and all. So, I stick to what I DO know! My Derm Exclusive facial products and then my DIY products. Like this!  

    This body scrub is so yummy! Not to mention EASY! I have never felt softer. It's only 2 organic ingredients. 3 if you want to make it even yummier with some essential oils. You probably have everything in your pantry already if you're like me.

    No harsh chemicals, no extra cost, no calories, ALL organic! And it's truly amazing! 
    You can try this with brown sugar instead of white sugar, you can add a tsp of essential oils if you like. There are many options to experiment with. I use this as body scrub in the shower, and as a hand and foot scrub at night. An anytime scrub really. You just might become addicted as well. 

    Coconut oil has so many moisturizing benefits for your skin. I could write and entire post just about Coconut oil! Maybe next time. This is a course scrub and you don't want to chance clogging your pours on your face with too much oil, so only use this on your body. It's heavenly. 

    • 1 Pint Jar
    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/3 cups Organic white sugar
    • 2/3 cup Organic Virgin Coconut Oil melted
    Optional:

    • About 20 drops Essential Oil of choice. Vanilla, Lemon, Eucalyptus, peppermint.
    If you want to make a lip scrub, add 2 tbsp of honey and use Bakers Sugar.



    This also makes for a wonderful gift! Christmas is around the corner you know! Buy some pretty jars and doilies from Container Store or Cost Plus, add a creative tag and bow. And WALLA!  A very inexpensive, thoughtful gift everyone can use! Even kids in the bathtub! They can play with the texture and it wont hurt them if they accidentally get it in their mouth. It actually tastes yummy. If I didn't make my own I would LOVE a gift like this. 
    Need I say more? Best scrub I've used.

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