Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

You most likely have it in your cupboard for cooking or cleaning. However, apple cider vinegar has a ph similar to that of human skin. Apple Cider Vinegar can be used as a preventive or in treatment of already emergent acne. Just blot some onto a cotton ball and dab it on affected areas of your skin. The smell will soon dissipate, along with your acne as your skin is restored to it's normal ph balance.

I've found that using apple cider vinegar weekly applied on a cotton ball over my entire face helps prevent acne before it starts.

Rosemary Oil for Headaches

Rubbing a few drops of rosemary oil has been shown in aromatherapy studies to ease the pain of tension headaches. Just rub 2-3 drops into the back of your neck and temples. Remember that a little goes a long way.

Conquer Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps are caused when there is too much prostaglandin in the body which causes the normally painless contractions of the uterus to last longer in the tightening phase and keeps oxygen from the muscles causing pain. You can cut ease or conquer cramping by eliminating certain foods from your diet. Eliminate sugar, salt, alcohol and caffeine, which stimulate, the week prior to the start of your cycle and add more fresh fruits, beans and vegetables which tend to relax muscles. Additionally, eating small frequent meals instead of three large ones can help with digestion and the diarrhea and bloating which often accompany menstrual cramping.

I was plagued with menstrual cramps in my teen years, but when I began eating six small meals a day and cut down salt and caffeine, I found that my symptoms greatly improved and I rarely have cramp, bloat or diarrhea anymore.

Lavender Oil for Depression

Although, typically thought of as a relaxant, adding 5-7 drops of lavender oil to your warm bath may help ease your depression and lift your mood. Aromatherapy studies have shown that a 20 minute soak inhaling lavender vapors will help chase the blues away.

Hot Chile Peppers Loosen Congestion

A swedish friend of mine recommends biting down on a few hot chile peppers when you have chest congestion - and it works although it´s a hot treatment for the mouth! Biting into a hot pepper causes the eyes to water and the nose to run. The lungs and bronchial passages also produce secretions to combat the hot pepper and this thins the accumulated mucous. Cool milk, yogurt or bread will help to cool your mouth after this treatment, but you will definitely breath clearer.

Lavender For Tension Headaches

Rubbing a few drops of lavender oil has been shown in aromatherapy studies to ease the pain of tension headaches. Just rub 2-3 drops into the back of your neck and temples. Remember that a little goes a long way.

Stop Smoking with Bean Curd

A chinese remedy uses bean curd stuffed with sugar and steamed as a remdy to stop smoking. Although it tastes pleasant enough, the combination of fresh bean curd and sugar causes the habitual smokers sense of smell to alter and they will want to vomit when exposed to the smell of tobacco. Smokers should chew a couple spoons full when cravings hit.

Although no longer a smoker, I tried this remedy for two days mimicking when cravings should hit and had a smoker friend try it too. We then went into a smoky bar - he vomited - and even I wanted to vomit whereas usually I would not have this reaction.

Thyme Oil for Boils

Boils and absescesses can be extremely painful. To decrease the chances of infection and scarring from these ailments, add 3 drops of thyme oil to 1 cup of warm water. Apply the tincture to the affected area up to three times daily.

Shiatsu for Eye Strain

If you have to sit in front of a computer like I do all day, you may suffer from eye strain. Shiatsu pressure points can be used for quick relief. Press on the area around the eyes and cheekbones, as well as to the side of the bridge of the nose. One of these points, or all may be necessary to ease your eye strain. Expeiment to see what works for you.

Hyssop for Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a painful and chronic inflammation which can sometimes accompany cold and flu. To combat sinusitis you can inhale the scent of hyssop oil. This has been shown in aromatherapy studies to reduce inflammation and temporarily clear nasal passages.

Lavender Oil Boosts Immunity

If you are immunosuppressed, you may find help with lavender oil. Inhaling the scent of lavender oil has been shown in various aromatherapy studies to help boost immunity.

Basil Oil For Depression

Adding 5 drops of basil oil to your warm bath may help ease your depression and lift your mood. Aromatherapy studies have shown that a 20 minute soak inhaling basil vapors can help boost mood.

Chamomile Oil for Depression

Adding 7 drops of chamomile oil to your warm bath may help ease your depression and lift your mood. Aromatherapy studies have shown that a 20 minute soak inhaling chamomile vapors can help boost mood, even while relaxing you.

Bye Bye Styes

If you suffer from painful styes, you can ease the pain by bathing your eyelids with a solution of distilled water and witch hazel. mix one part witch hazel with four parts boiled and cooled water. Bathe the eyelid every two to four hours as needed. Witch hazel acts as an astringent.

Orange Oil for Depression

Adding 8-10 drops of orange oil to your warm bath may help ease your depression and lift your mood. Aromatherapy studies have shown that a 10-15 minute soak inhaling orange oil vapors can help boost mood and will leave you feeling energized.

Ease Constipation With Marjoram

Marjoram oil has been shown to ease constipation when used aromatherapeutically. You can either inhale the marjoram oil directly, or add 5 drops to warm bath water. relief typically occurs within 45 minutes to an hour after a 20 minute soak.

Hydrotherapy For Bronchitis

Since some who experience bronchitis feel like they´re drowning you might think hydrotherapy an odd choice of treatment, however a cold water pack applied to the chest can help relieve coughing, if you use it in conjunction with a hot water pack between your shoulder blades. This combination soothes sore muscles. Apply for ten minutes at a time, up to four times daily.

Learn Biotin Deficiency Symptoms

Biotin is essential to several enzymatic processes in the body as well as for the breakdown of fatty acids and carbohydrates into energy. Biotin deficiency may show up as weakness, tiredness, depression, hair loss or a lack of apetite. Biotin deficiency may also cause eczema anywhere on the body in severe cases.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Thin Blood

There are many prescription blood thinners available, but a holistic approach can be as simple as eating omega-3 rich fish. Blood thinners don't actually make the blood thin, but less sticky so that the consistency is what's referred to as thinner. Researchers have found that eating about 5 ounces of salmon or sardines a day provide you with enough omega-3 fatty acids to thin the blood. If you are allergic to fish, omega-3 fatty acids are sold as supplements as well.

Wiggle Away Varicose Veins

If you have varicose veins your legs may be tired, achy, or painful. Professionals know that anything which increases blood pressure in your legs is likely to increase your pain. Likewise, anything you can do to release pressure will relieve pain. There is one simple thing you can do to get the blood in your legs pumping and counteract gravity, and therefore pain. Simply, wiggle your toes. Wiggling your toes and flexing your legs gets blood flowing again so that pressure doesn't get stopped up, causing a cessation in blood flow and a burst of pain on movement.

Magnesium for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Researchers have found that those diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often have abnormally low levels of magnesium in their red blood cells. Chronic fatigue individuals treated with magnesium often have an overall better emotional state, less pain and improved energy levels. You can boost your magnesium intake with a variety of magnesium rich food sources such as almonds and most other nuts, leafy-green vegetables, soybeans, shrimp and wheat germ.

Upping the magnesium intake in my diet has been beneficial for my Fibromyalgia too, so I make sure I eat lots of leafy-green vegetables. Always be sure to check with your doctor before beginning supplements or mass dietary changes.

Fennel and Angelica Ease Constipation

Combining the scents of fennel and angelica oils can help ease constipation. Add three drops of each to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes inhaling the vapors as you relax in the bath water. Typically relief will come within 45 minutes to an hour.

Beat Bad Breath With Peppermint

If you suffer from bad breath, gargle with peppermint. Mix 1 cup of water with 2 drops of peppermint oil. You can keep this on your counter in a glass airtight bottle, or in the refrigerator if you prefer a cool gargle.

Learn Chromium Deficiency Symptoms

Chromium plays a role in many enzymatic functions in the body including the breakdown of sugar into energy and the manufacture of proteins. Signs of chromium deficiency may include tiredness, mental confusion or numbness and tingling in the extremeties. Deficiency symptoms may also mimic diabetes and can worsen pre-existing diabetes as well as stunt growth in children.

Angelica for Stomache Upset

Upset tummy? Regular problems with ulcers, indigestion or your gallbladder? For years, Europeans have utilized angelica root to make a calming tonic for stomache ailments because it has strong antibacterial properties. To make a tea, boil 20g of crushed angelica root in 1 full liter of water. Practitioners recommend angelica tea be taken in small doses because it is a strong stimulant. You may wish to take it in the morning to prevent sleeplessness.

I´ve found that more than 2 to 4 oz. of the tea tends to make me jittery or restless. However, it definitely has calmed my stomache upset, especially in relation to indigestion.

Cough & Mucous Remedy

Anise is a licorice flavored herb which Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, recommended to clear mucus from respiratory passages. Modern science backs this up and drinking an anise infusion may help loosen congestion and relieve coughs due to the chemical content. Anise contains alpha-pinene which loosens bronchial secretions and it tastes great too!

Ease Edema with Apples and Grapes

Edema is swelling in the body caused by fluid retention in the tissues and some degree of edema is normal in pregnancy, however you want to avoid excess edema which can worsen into pre-eclampsia. A simple and easy way to do this is to add more apples and grapes to your diet. Not only are they good sources of Vitamin C, and healthful foods, but they stimulate the kidneys which will help rid the body of accumulated excess fluids.

I became pre-eclamptic within 12 weeks of my first pregnancy and had a long bedrest with complications. When I became pregnant the second time, I ate an apple a day, and usually had at least one serving of grapes which kept my edema down which makes me think there's something to “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Tea Tree Oil Paste Combats Acne

Mix one packet of fast-acting yeast with enough tea tree oil to make a paste. Spread over emerging pimple, and cover with a bandage. Leave on overnight. Yeast causes the pimple to rise out of skin, while tea tree oil attacks it. It should be gone in the morning.

Bleeding gums? Use sage

Some people have sensitive gums that bleed every time they brush or floss. Sage acts as an astringent and can help stop the bleeding. Mix 3 drops sage oil in 1 cup of water. Mix and gargle. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Lower Blood Cholesterol

High levels of blood cholesterol are a major risk factor in heart disease and stroke. Apples contain pectin which is known to lower blood cholesterol. Pectin works in the body by keeping cholesterol in the intestinal tract until it is eliminated, so eating an apple when you eat dairy or high cholesterol foods can help keep cholesterol from building up in the bloodstream.

Acupuncture for Infertility

Rather than adding a bunch of fertility drugs and chemicals to your family planning, you may want to try acupuncture to restore your bodies natural energy balance. The Chinese believe that infertility is caused by a series of energy disruptions known as patterns of disharmony. These energy disruptions can be found in conditions affecting the kidney, liver, blood and uterus as well as many other systems of the body. However, the patterns of disharmony are thought to vary in each woman based on her individual imbalances, so you should consult a certified acupuncture specialist for this treatment.

Don´t Drink Hyssop If Your Pregnant

Hyssop and hyssop oil can bring on premature birth and bleeding. This herbal remedy should be avoided during pregnancy. It is a common remedy drunk for hayfever.

Lemon Gargles for Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a painful and chronic inflammation which can sometimes accompany cold and flu. To combat sinusitis you can gargle with lemon. Add 2 drops of lemon oil to 1 cup of water and gargle up to three times daily.

Increase your Alkalinity and Stop Smoking

Smokers tend to have a high acidity to their system, so by switching your body to a more alkaline environment your taste buds may change over time and the urge to smoke diminish. I´ve had friends succeed at quitting where nothing else worked by changing their dietary intakes. Foods which can increase alkalinity are raisins, figs, lima beans, almonds and spinach -- all of which are good for you anyhow! So, eat up!

Neroli Oil for Depression

Adding 10-12 drops of neroli oil to your warm bath may help ease your depression and lift your mood. Aromatherapy studies have shown that a 20 minute soak inhaling the scent of neroli can help to boost mood and leave your spirit lighter.

Epsom Salts For Muscle Pain

Suffering from muscle pain? Epsom Salts, named after the mineral rich waters of Epsom, England may be the answer. Sprinkling a couple of cups of Epsom salts in a warm bath and soaking can help releive muscle aches and pains. Epsom salts are basically made up of magnesium which is a natural muscle relaxant. Epsom salts also help pull fluid from aching muscles which helps to relieve pain.

I´ve found this especially helpful in the treatment of my Fibromyalgia and for chronic muscle pain in my lower back.

Natural Earwax Remover

Most earwax doesn't need removal, however there are some individuals who get a sticky earwax which build up and can cause hearing loss. A simple way to remove earwax is by insert a gfew drops of mineral oil into the ear with a eye dropper twice a day for five days to a week. This helps soften earwax so you can take a bulb syringe of warm water and gently bathe the ear canal in water. Then turn your head to the side and the earwax will drain out, usually in the form of a plug. You may have to repeat the warm water bath two or three times.

My youngest son was plagued with severe ear wax, and this treatment was not only pain free, but also easy to perform when you've got a toddler. Make sure water is at room temperature or you can get symptoms of dizziness.

Eucalytpus for Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a painful and chronic inflammation which can sometimes accompany cold and flu. To combat sinusitis you can inhale the scent of eucalyptus. This has been shown in aromatherapy studies to reduce inflammation and temporarily clear nasal passages.

Soothe Sore Throats

Whether you're a professional singer or just someone prone to sore throats, there are three remedies which can be of benefit and are a simple gargle away. Mix 1 tsp. salt in 4 oz water and gargele - this is good at keeping bacterial infections at bay. Mix 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in 4 oz water and gargle. Apple cider vinegar is similar to the normal pH of soft tissue and lemon juice will constrict ay signs of inflammation. Each can be repeated as often as necessary for relief.

I had a friend who was a professional singer in college who swore by lemon juice before a performance if she had the slightest cold symptoms, and once I heard her sing with an extreme strep infection and no one would have known. I use lemon juice if it's just a sore throat, and saltwater if I have sinus symptoms as well, usually three time a day.

Cold Compresses for Itchy Eyes

If you have itchy eyes from an irritant such as seasonal allergies, try applying a cold compress for 10 minutes. This will help cut down on swelling and ease pain.

Tooth Pain Relief

Alspice contains eugenol, which is known to have anesthetic properties. If you are suffering from sore teeth and gums, you can apply allspice directly to the painful area to temporarily numb the affected area until you can see your dentist. Eugenol is used by dentists as a local anesthetic and is also an ingredient in over the counter medications like Numzident.

Stop Smoking with Licorice

Smoke-free for over five years, I used licorice sticks to curb my cravings. Oral fixation was my problem so when I wanted nicotine I would chew or suck on a natural black licorice stick. It took about a week to ten days for my nicotine cravings to abate. This is a safe alternative for smokers unless you have conditions which restrict sodium in which case you may want to try commercially made licorice products which have a lower sodium count.

Peppermint Oil For Headaches

Rubbing a few drops of peppermint oil has been shown in aromatherapy studies to ease the pain of tension headaches. Just rub 2-3 drops into the back of your neck and temples. Remember that a little goes a long way. Can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Jasmine Oil for Depression

Adding 9 drops of jasmine oil to your warm bath may help ease your depression and lift your mood. Aromatherapy studies have shown that a 10-15 minute soak inhaling jasmine vapors can help boost your spirits.

Lemon Boosts Immunity

If you are immunosuppressed, you may find help with lemon oil. Inhaling the scent of lemon oil has been shown in various aromatherapy studies to help boost immunity.

Ease Bronchitis with Hyssop Oil

Bronchitis often acts up with seasonal allergies. To help ease the pain of this congestive ailment, add 5 drops hyssop oil to a warm bath and soak, or apply hyssop oil directly to your chest. This latter method may be slightly irritating to surface skin...remember that a little goes a long way.

Soothing Rashes

A quick way to sooth the itch and pain of any rash on the body is to apply a paste made from baking soda. Take 1 teaspoon of baking soda and mix just enough pure water to create a paste, then smooth on to the rash area. For larger areas, just increase the amount of baking soda until you have created enough creamy paste to cover the rash. Although a quick fix for itch and pain it can be messy.

Moist Meals for Mumps

In Mumps, the parotid glands in front of each ear swell up which is tender and painful, and can leave your child with weakness, fevers and headache. Because the function of the parotid glands is to create saliva, in mumps this functions is decreased and your child may have difficulty chewing. To make eating easier and keep your child hydrated during the three to seven day course of this condition, offer high liquid foods such as pudding, ice cream, soup and Cream of Wheat which are moist enough that it won't strain already painful parotids.

Although I have never had the mumps, my adult friends who did as children said that another wonderful treat for them was when their mothers would make them slushes from crushed ice and fruits.

Cabbage Leaves for Breast Engorgement

If you're a nursing mom, or one who has been recently pregnant you may suffer from breast engorgement, an often painful fullness in the breasts as milk comes in. Strange as it seems, pop a few cabbage leaves between paper towels and stick them in your freezer. After they're chilled, stick one leaf in each side of your bra against the breast. The coolness of the leaves helps relieve pain.

Even though I can't stand the smell of cabbage, shortly after the birth of my first son I found myself sticking cabbage leaves in my nursing bra despite extreme skepticism. I did this again with my second pregnancy, as it was the best treatment for engorgement I'd found.

Lemon Oil for Gingivitis

Do you suffer from painful gingivitis and gum inflammation? Place 2 drops of lemon oil in 1 cup of water and mix. Gargle once a day. You can keep this mixture in the refrigerator for a refreshing gargle and it will keep up to two weeks.

Learn Calcium Deficiency Symptoms

Calcium is responsible for more than 90 percent of the material of bones and teeth in the body and is essential for maintenance of these anatomical structures as well as blood clotting and the transmission of nerve impulses. Signs of deficiency may include softening of bones, rickets, osteoporosis, backache, muscle weakness, bone pain and fractures and cramping sensations in the face, feet and hands.

Help for Mouth Sores

Anyone who suffers from canker sores and other repeat mouth sores know that they can be painful and unpleasant, often causing you to want to stop eating if they get sever. However, blackberries offer a pleasant and nutritious help - though not a fast fix. Blackberries have a high tannin concentration which has an astringent effect on mouth sores and can help healing. I´ve found they work great as a temporary pain relief and taste great too, but you have to eat them raw, fresh, ripe and sweet off the vine.

Monotony Aids Sleep

Trouble with sleep can affect your whole body, as well as the mind and spirit if sleep deprivation occurs for a long time. Ever fallen asleep at a lecture, or reaDing a book? Turn on the TV or radio to help you snooze? Monotonous and repetitious activites help the brain get out of active thinking mode and into the relaxed state that naturally promotes sleep. Establishing a routine or ritual such as counting sheep, or repeating favorite verse or even listening to the same sit-com on the television can help you get to sleep.

My favorite activity is to spend time singing to my children as they doze off. The repetition of sounds lulls my two toddlers to sleep, and I find myself resting peacefully shortly thereafter.

Tea Tree Oil Boosts Immunity

If you are immunosuppressed, you may find help with tea tree oil. Inhaling the scent of tea tree oil has been shown in various aromatherapy studies to help boost immunity.

Chamomile for Headaches

Rubbing a few drops of chamomile oil has been shown in aromatherapy studies to ease the pain of tension headaches. Just rub 2-3 drops into the back of your neck and temples. Remember that a little goes a long way.

Menopause Relief

Black Cohosh has long been touted as having estrogenic effects on the female body and is the ingredient in several drugs prescribed for the discomforts of menopause outside the United States. However, it takes time for the effects to build in the system and can be dangerous if misused. However, if you are suffering menopausal discomfort and want a prescription alternative this might be an herb to discuss with an open minded health care practitioner. A common decoction consists of boiling 1./2 teaspoon of pwdered root for 30 minutes, cooling and drinking 2 tablesppoons in times of discomfort.

Ease Eyestrain with Reflexology

To ease eyestrain - look to your foot. Reflexology is based on the theory that specific areas of your foot correspond to the rest of your body. For eyestrain, apply pressure at the base of the toes where they join the foot. Either direct pressure or massaging in circles should bring relief promptly.

Cinnamon Flavored Tooth Powder

Want inexpensive and pleasant tasting toothpowder? Make your own by putting 2 tablespoons powdered cinnamon, two tablespoons oil of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons baking soda in a glass jar and mixing thoroughly. Use just as you would toothpaste. For toothaches and sensitive teeth substitute oil of clove.

Stop Bronchitis with Eucalyptus

If you suffer from bronchitis or chest congestion, you know it can be an uncomfortable constriction in the chest with pain on breathing. To help soften mucous that´s blocking airways and express mucous, try boiling the leaves of the eucalyptus plant in spring water. then inhale the hot, moist steam and allow yourself to cough out whatever mucous you can. This treatment can be used repeatedly with no known adverse side effects.

Bergamot Oil for Depression

Adding 5 drops of bergamot oil to your warm bath may help ease your depression and lift your mood. Aromatherapy studies have shown that a 20 minute soak inhaling bergamot vapors can help boost mood.

Clove Oil for Teething Pain

Teething pain occurs in the gum tissue, and is not really pain in the teeth. To ease the pain place a few drops of clove oil on either your fingetip or a cotton swab and dab to the painful area. The clove oil numbs wherever it touches. Can be safely repeated as needed in most cases.

Bad Breath Buster

Alfalfa is a major source of chlorophyll which is an active ingedient in many commercial breath fresheners. In order to combat bad breath naturally, just chew a few leaves or sip an alfalfa infusion.

Rose Oil eases Constipation

Rose oil has been shown to ease constipation when used aromatherapeutically. You can either inhale the rose oil directly, or add 5 drops to warm bath water. relief typically occurs within 45 minutes to an hour after a 20 minute soak.

Fever Reducer

Bayberry contains myricitrin which is an antibiotic that helps to reduce fever. To make a decoction, boil 1 teaspoon of pwdered bayberry root bark in a pint of water for 15 minutes. Because its taste is somewhat bitter, you may wish to add a dash of milk and chill it before drinking. You can drink up to two cups of this decoction daily to help control fever, but will usually only need an ounce or two ever four hours to control fever.

Stop Smoking with Birch Trees

Although no one could tell me exactly how it worked, many smoker´s who wish to stop in the southeastern United States will chew on a birch twig. Whether it´s simply satisfying an oral need, or if there are some unknown chemical properties that are released with mastication this folk remedy seems effective for those of any age in this region. Maybe it can work for you too.

Cinnamon Oil for Toothache

Have a painful tooth or gum ache? Cinnamon oil may be the solution. Add 2 drops of cinnamon oil to 1 cup of water (add only 1 drop if you have sensitive gums) and gargle. Keep the mixture in your refrigerator and gargle as needed for pain up to three times a day.

Aloe Vera for Burns

Sunburn, burns from fire, burns from radiation - each respond well to aloe vera applied directly to the affected area. Even the food and drug administration had to admit the healing properties of aloe vera, by approving it as a use in the first-aid treatment of wounds. Many bottled preparations of this succulent plant are available but you can grow your own indoors to have ready to apply year round. Simply cut off one of the oldest, outermost leaves and slice it open. Scrape the gel out and apply it to your burn, or use the plant as an applicator.

I always keep at least one aloe vera plant in the house for emergencies. You can store cut leaves in a ziploc in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 days or store cooled gel in an airtight container.

Pine Oil For Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a painful and chronic inflammation which can sometimes accompany cold and flu. To combat sinusitis you can inhale the scent of pine oil. Pine oil has been shown in aromatherapy studies to reduce inflammation and temporarily clear nasal passages.