Homesteader Depot

Tag: home remedies

  • 3 All Natural Homemade Flea Repellents

    3 All Natural Homemade Flea Repellents

    Fleas are miserable little creatures that can cause all kinds of discomfort and health problems for the beloved 4-legged creatures we call family. Not only do they cause uncontrolled itching and scratching they can also lead to other issues that could cost lots of money to remediate.

     

    Why Fleas Are More than Just a Nuisance

     

    Besides the obvious discomfort made by itchy flea bites, there are several other ailments that can result from them.  They include:

    • Flea allergies that can result in skin rashes and other issues.
    • Fleas feed on your fluffy friends’ blood. Excessive numbers can lead to anemia and even death from blood loss.
    • Fleas are tapeworm carriers. When your pets lick and bite at flea bites, there is the risk of them ingesting the fleas and becoming infected with these parasites.

    Want a way to repel fleas from your furry friends and your home without having to risk exposure to harsh chemicals?  Here are a few recipes that will help you accomplish this when paired with other diligent tasks.

     

    Vinegar Flea Repellant Spray

     

    Fleas don’t like vinegar.  So any pet that has its flavor isn’t going to taste as good to fleas.

    What You’ll Need:

    1. Clean Spray Bottle
    2. Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar
    3. Water

    Mix 1-part water with 1-part vinegar.  Soak your pet’s fur and skin from head to toe and let them air dry in a warm area to keep them comfortable.  Repeat as often as you need to.

     

    Lemon Flea Repellant Spray

     

    What You’ll Need:

    1. Clean Spray Bottle
    2. 1-3 Lemons
    3. 16 OZ of Water
    4. Large Pan

    Slice your unpeeled the lemons as thinly as possible. In your large pan, add the lemon slices and water and bring to a boil.

    Remove from the heat and let the lemon water steep overnight.  The next day, soak your pet’s fur and skin with the spray and let air dry in a warm place to keep them comfortable.  Repeat as often as you need to.

     

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    Flea Repellent Powder

     

    As this recipe creates a repellent in powder form, please be cautious when making and applying it. You can use these guidelines to keep you and your pet safe:

    • Do not inhale the powder.
    • Use only in well-ventilated areas.
    • Keep away from your pet’s and your own nose and mouth when applying.
    • Avoid applying around a strong wind or other drafts.

    What You’ll Need:

    1. ¼ Cup Neem Powder
    2. ¼ Cup of Powdered Yarrow
    3. ½ Cup of Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
    4. Cedar Essential Oil
    5. Jar with a Good Lid

    Put ten drops of the Cedar essential oil into your jar with the other ingredients. Put on the lid tightly enough to form a good seal.  Shake the jar well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.

    To apply shake the powder into your hand and rub it well and liberally into your pet’s fur everywhere, keeping clear of the nose and mouth. Store any remaining powder in the jar with the lid fastened.

     

    Other Ways to Protect from Fleas

     

    One thing you should be aware of when choosing natural methods for flea control, these methods are not pesticides and will not kill the fleas on contact.

    However, with diligence and care, they are a good non-chemical way to protect your pet and your home from the ravages of fleas when combined with other control methods.

    These include:

    • Washing all of your pet’s bedding frequently with hot soapy water.
    • Washing and treating area rugs your pet likes to rest or sleep.
    • Vacuuming every day taking care to get into all the corners and between cushions on furniture.
    • Using a Flea Comb when grooming your pet.

    With consistent use of these precautions, both you and your pet will be able to live much more comfortably.

     

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  • 8 Extremely Natural Ways to Treat a Rash

    8 Extremely Natural Ways to Treat a Rash

     

    Rashes can be at the least, inconvenient, and at the worst incredibly painful.  There is any number of reasons a rash may appear.  Allergies, toxic plants, and illnesses are the main categories, but within those, especially allergies, it can sometimes be impossible to figure out why the rash is happening.

    Please note, if a rash progresses rapidly, appear for no external reason, or it accompanied by other symptoms like sinus or chest congestion or trouble breathing this may be a sign of a severe allergy.  In these cases, you should seek medical treatment and work with your doctor to identify the catalyst.

    For temporary issues, like heat rash or mild poison ivy, natural remedies can be used to relieve symptoms and help the skin heal more quickly.

    Related Article:  Identifying and Understanding Poison Ivy

    Aloe Vera

    This plant in the succulent family contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds that make it a great all-purpose skin ointment.  Use for rashes, burns and other skin irritations to relieve symptoms and accelerate the healing process.

     

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    Raw, organic apple cider vinegar like Braggs is a common home remedy for lots of ailments, including rashes.  Dap the diluted vinegar over the affected area with cotton or a soft, clean cloth.

     

    Baking Soda

    Add 1 Tablespoon baking soda to 3 tablespoons water or coconut oil to use as an ointment to help dry out a skin rash and relieve itching and inflammation.  To use, apply daily and let sit for a few minutes and then rinse off.  Avoid leaving the soda on the rash for an extended period.  This could lead to over-drying or other irritation.

     

    Chamomile

    Chamomile relieves the itching rashes cause and soothes the skin.  It also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal compounds that help ward off complications during the healing process.

    Soak a paper towel or soft, clean cloth cooled, steeped chamomile tea and applied to the areas 2-3 times a day.

    Coriander aka Cilantro

    Also a good source of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic compounds, Coriander can be an effective treatment for rashes and other skin irritations.

    Make a paste from fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves.  Mix in a little olive or coconut oil to make it easier to apply.  Apply the mixture to the rash areas 1-2 times a day.

     

    Oatmeal

    Oatmeal is a great go-to for any type of skin irritation including rashes and burns.  If you only have “Old Fashioned Oats” put a cup of dry oatmeal through the blend cycle of your food processor or blender to get a finely ground consistency.  Add the ground oatmeal to a warm (not hot) bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.  Rinse with cool water in the shower and pat dry.  Apply a layer of coconut or olive oil to moisturize your skin without causing more irritation to the rash.

    For rashes in the facial area, mix equal amounts of the ground oatmeal with olive oil, coconut oil or honey and apply.

     

    Oil and Honey

    The vitamin E and antioxidants in olive oil and coconut oil assists in the healing process and aids in skin renewal.  Used by itself topically or combined with honey for extra soothing and anti-bacterial benefits, apply several times a day until the skin has healed.

    Suggest Article: 5 Wonderfully Natural Remedies to Treat Dry Skin

    Oil and Turmeric

    Out of honey?  Add a pinch of turmeric from your spice rack into oil or coconut oil.  Similar to honey, turmeric has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that will help soothe the rash and reduce itching as it heals.

     

    Keep Your Pantry Stocked, and You’re Good to Go

    Try each method to see which ones work best for you, then make sure you have the preferred items in stock for easy and natural relief treatment of your next rash.

     

    Would you like to learn more alternative medicines?  Click here>>>

     

  • 8 Amazing Uses for Tea Tree Oil

    8 Amazing Uses for Tea Tree Oil

     

    Contrary to its name, tea tree oil is not remotely related to the tea plant.  It is actually native to and only grown in Australia.  Which is probably why its benefits have gone largely unspoken of until recently.

    It is important to note that tea tree oil is very toxic if swallowed.  However, it can be used topically, and its ability to disinfect naturally makes it a viable alternative to harsher synthetic products.

     

    Antiseptic and Antifungal

    One of the most popular uses of tea tree oil is as an antiseptic and antifungal treatment.  Its antibacterial properties make it an excellent treatment for wound care and skin irritations.

     

    Cough Relief

    Bring a pot of water to a simmer then remove from the heat.  For convenience, consider pouring the water into a bowl.  Add two drops of tea tree oil to the hot water. Using a towel draped over your head to act as a tent, inhale and exhale the vapor for several minutes.

    If you aren’t comfortable inhaling the oil vapor, an alternative method is to massage a few drops directly onto the chest.

     

    Insect and Pest Repellant

    Tea tree oil is known to not only repel certain pests but also have pesticide properties.

    A few recipes to keep in mind include:

    Tick and Head Lice Repellent Spray

    • 1 Cup Witch Hazel
    • 2 Tsp Tea Tree Oil
    • Mix and spray on your feet, shoes, your pets and where ever else you want to create a tick barrier. Did you already pick one up?  Apply two drops of tea tree oil directly on the tick to eliminate it.
    • Spray directly onto hair and massage into scalp to keep your child coming home with this unwanted guest.

    Insect Repellent

    • 1 Quart Water
    • 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil
    • Mix and spray anywhere you want to repel insects.

     

    Parasitic Infection Treatment

    Apply tea tree oil to insect and parasite bites to soothe any itching and ward off infection.

     

    Personal Care

    Make your own antibacterial soap by adding it to basic liquid soap and mixing well.

    Problems with itching and irritation in the more personal areas of your body? Add 15 drops of the oil to a lukewarm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes.

     

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    Pain Reliever

    Tea tree oil’s natural properties let it penetrate the skin and muscle underneath quite easily.

    Massage a few drops into affected areas to soothe pain from inflammation.

    Sunburnt?  Mix a drop of tea tree oil with a drop of lavender oil, and a Tsp of coconut oil for a soothing topical ointment after a day in the sun.

     

    Disinfectant Spray

    Mix with water to use as a disinfectant spray throughout the house.  Mix a Tsp of oil with a cup of white vinegar to clean taps, light switches, doorknobs and more to kill off cold and flu viruses that may be lurking.

    Suggested Article: The Best Essential Oils to Start a Collection

    Air Freshener

    Tea tree oil is also a popular aromatherapy scent.  Just soak cotton balls in the oil and place them discreetly around the home to ban odors and freshen the air.  Make sure they are out of reach of children and pets since the oil is toxic if eaten or swallowed.

    And the List Goes on and On

    We have touched on many of the most popular uses for tea tree oil, but truthfully, the list could continue for days.

    Regular users of tea tree oil will tell you how versatile and effective it can be around the home.  From the medicine cabinet to the cleaning supply shelf, this amazing oil is your one-stop shop to stay healthier and happier.

  • 10 Amazing Uses for Lemons

    10 Amazing Uses for Lemons

    Lemons, good for making lemonade, adding to your tea with honey, squeezing over fish, the list could go on and on.

    It even goes on to some amazing home remedies!  Who knew?  Someone apparently because we’ve been able to put together a list of 12 you can try in the comfort of your own home.

    Break up Congestion in Your Sinuses and Chest

    Getting that familiar sore throat or wheezing sound?  No problem.  Heat 4-6 oz of water and mix in 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 Tsp of honey.

    The honey will soothe your throat while the lemon will help break up the mucus and provide Vitamin C to boost your immune system.

    Why Are Allergies Worse in the Fall?

    Sooth Menstrual Cramps

    First thing in the morning mix the juice from one lemon with 1 Tbsp honey into warm water.  The combination has an alkalizing effect on a women’s body that helps keep you hydrated.

    Ease Headaches

    You have two choices for this one.  1. Add a few wedges to water or tea and drink.  2. Rub a wedge or slice against the temples and forehead.

    Or, get crazy and do both.

    Fever Reducer

    To help keep a fever from getting too high, mix 1.5 Tsp Cream of Tartar, 1/2 Tsp Lemon Juice, 2.5 Cups Warm Water, and 1/2 Tsp Honey. Sip slowly.

    To Help Treat and Avoid Kidney Stones – Make Lemonade

    Yep, you read that right.  According to an article on WebMD, doctors prescribe potassium citrate for patients prone to this painful ailment.  However, it’s now known that lemon juice is packed full of natural citrate.  And, while it doesn’t work as well as the medication, if you are trying to avoid adding another prescription to your routine, this “treatment” may be an option.

    The article gives a recipe of ½ Cup Concentrated Lemon Juice mixed with 7 cups of water.  To avoid excess sugar intake, use as little as possible, or a substitute like honey or stevia.

    If you would prefer to use fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp of concentrate equals one whole lemon.  Don’t worry; I’ve done the hard math for you.  Use 4 lemons for this recipe.

    Can Apple Cider Vinegar Boost Gut Health?

    Helps You with Your Weight Loss Goals

    Lemon juice helps detox your body, curbs your appetite and aids in better digestion.

    Help your weight loss along by drinking lemon water.  Need a little sweetness?  Add a touch of honey.

    Consider making this in large batches and keeping it in your fridge for easy access.

    4 Reasons Apple Cider Vinegar Works For Natural Weight Loss
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    Treat Acne

    Losing your battle with acne? Here is a completely natural way to go about it.  First, wash your face with mild cleanser and rinse.  Rub a slice of lemon over affected areas or dab fresh lemon juice on with a cotton ball. DO NOT RINSE.  Leave overnight.  Rinse first thing in the morning and moisturize.  Repeat every night.

    If you discover your skin is sensitive to lemon juice, dilute it with water before applying.  For more ways to use lemons for fight acne, check out this post at HomeRemediesForLife.com.

    Take the Itch Out of Insect Bites

    Insect bites are annoying at the least and can lead to infection at the worst if scratched into an actual wound.  To ease these irritations naturally, simply apply a lemon slice over the area and let it soak for a few minutes.  Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in fresh juice and apply liberally to the bite area.

    Related Article: Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Get Rid of Pesky Blackheads

    This remedy only takes 5 minutes and doesn’t require ripping an adhesive strip off your nose at the end. This will be the quickest solution you can find for your blackhead problems. Take half of a lemon and pour approximately 1 Tsp honey onto the cut surface.  Rub the lemon all over your face but pay extra attention to the areas you are prone to blackheads.  Leave this mixture on for 5 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

    Turn Yellow Nails White

    Nail polish looks great after a manicure, but it’s also notorious for turning your nails yellow.  If you aren’t the type that keeps their nails polished 24/7 all year round, here is your solution.

    Mix approximately 1 Tbsp Baking Soda, ½ Tsp Olive Oil, and 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice into a paste.  Enjoy the volcano effect fizzle of the lemon and soda combining.  Apply the paste to your nails and let sit for 5 minutes then rinse and moisturize.

    So, now you know, when life gives you lemons…use them!

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  • Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Even with modern science, many home remedies are even more effective than their commercial alternatives. If you prefer to save the commercial remedies for more severe symptoms, learning some simple home remedies will make you feel better while they make your family feel better.

    Whether you choose to cultivate them in your garden or forage for them, medicinal plants and oils have been successfully used for millennia.  In fact, some of them have been used as far back as ancient Egyptian times.

    Marsh Mallow

    Treats inflammations and irritations of the respiratory mucous membranes and urinary membranes. On the outside, you can apply it to bruises, aching muscles, insect bites, splinters, and sprains.

    Aloe Vera

    Well known for its ability to relieve skin irritations like burns and sunburns as well as cuts and other inflammation, Aloe Vera sap can also be ingested to help with digestive problems, chronic constipation, and ulcerative colitis.

    Pot Marigold

    On the outside, you can use pot marigold for bites, stings, sore eyes, and sprains. On the inside, it can treat chronic infection and fevers.

    Chamomile

    In addition to being great for stress relief and helping you sleep, it can also be used for toothaches, earaches, and neuralgia.

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    Chinese Yam

    This sweet tasting option is great for calming your stomach, as well as counteracts tiredness, helps with weight loss, poor digestion, asthma, and even emotional issues. Used as a balm, it can treat skin ulcers, abscesses and boils.

    Echinacea

    We could have a home remedy list without including this immune booster.  In addition to helping you fight off whatever bug is making its way around the office, it can also be used topically for stings and bites.

    Siberian Ginseng

    Use this herb as a preventative measure for, well, almost everything.  Its properties can be used to help:

    • Angina
    • Anti-Inflammatory
    • Geriatric Debility
    • High Cholesterol
    • Improves Memory
    • Increases Endurance
    • Insomnia
    • Menopausal Problems
    • Mental Stress
    • Physical Stress
    • Bone Marrow Suppression (due to radiation and chemotherapy)

    Related Article: 5 Natural Medicines You Are Unaware of

    Tea Tree Essential Oil

    Look at any label for a natural remedy; there is a good chance one of the ingredients listed will be tea tree oil.  Nicknamed the “medicine cabinet in a bottle,” it can be used dozens of ways.  We’ve narrowed the list down to just over sixty, but there are many more. If you can only keep one thing handy in your first aid kit, this would be your one. So, without further ado, away we go, you can use tea tree oil for:

    1. Abrasions
    2. Acne
    3. Allergies
    4. Arthritis
    5. Asthma
    6. Athletes Foot
    7. Bacterial Infections
    8. Bad Breath
    9. Bladder Infection
    10. Blisters
    11. Boils
    12. Bronchitis
    13. Bruises
    14. Bunions
    15. Burns
    16. Calluses/Corns
    17. Canker Sores
    18. Carbuncles
    19. Chapped Lips
    20. Chicken Pox
    21. Insect Bites
    22. Cold Sores
    23. Coughs
    24. Dandruff
    25. Dermatitis
    26. Dry Skin
    27. Eczema
    28. Emphysema
    29. Fungus
    30. Gout
    31. Gum Disease
    32. Hives
    33. Homemade Mouthwash
    34. Immune System Booting
    35. Inflammation
    36. Insect Repellant
    37. Jock Itch
    38. Laryngitis
    39. Muscle Aches/Pains
    40. Nail Fungus
    41. Psoriasis
    42. Rashes
    43. Rheumatism
    44. Ringworm
    45. Rubella
    46. Scabies
    47. Sciatica
    48. Seborrhea
    49. Shingles
    50. Shock
    51. Sinusitis
    52. Sore Muscles
    53. Sore Throat
    54. Staph Infection
    55. Sunburn
    56. Thrush
    57. Tonsillitis
    58. Vaginal Infection
    59. Viral Infections
    60. Warts

    Final Words…

    Keep in mind that the information above should not take the place of advice from a doctor, especially for serious illnesses or infection.  Additionally, some natural remedies can have adverse reactions if mixed with prescription or over the counter meds.  If you are thinking of starting a supplement or are taking a prescription, check with your doctor to see what you should avoid preventing any harmful side effects.

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  • A Simple DIY Cold and Flu Tonic

    A Simple DIY Cold and Flu Tonic

    I know I’ve been sharing a lot of DIY natural cold and flu remedies lately, but I seriously don’t think anyone can ever have too many in their natural health arsenal.

    Also, a lot of the remedies I’ve been sharing are make-ahead or big batch remedies, and sometimes busy people just need a quick fix for when they feel a cold or flu coming on.

    This has been my go-to for years as I usually have these ingredients in my cupboard, they’re super healthy and all boast immune-boosting properties, and you can make it in about five minutes, and even a few different ways.

    The main ingredients are: 

    • Raw honey
    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Ground ginger
    • Turmeric powder
    • Ground cinnamon

    Options for preparing 

    You can make this with any or all of the ingredients listed; they’re all good for you individually, so it doesn’t have to be perfectly adherent to the recipe to work. This is my favorite method of preparing:

    1. Brew your favorite herbal tea. I like Hawaiian mamake tea, which isn’t very common, but if you can find it it’s also great for warding off or curing illness. Some echanacea tea or lemon tea would be ideal, or you can just use hot water. Keep in mind the flavors of what you want to blend in, for instance peppermint tea might be pretty gross with apple cider vinegar, so maybe just mix in the honey and ginger if that’s what you are brewing with.
    2. When your tea or hot water are ready, stir in the ingredients one by one, making sure the honey and spices are dissolved. You can use however much you prefer to taste, but a basic guide for measurements would be 1 tbs of the honey and apple cider vinegar each, and a 1/2 tsp of each of the spices.

    An even quicker alternative:

    1. Mix together two parts drinking water and one part apple cider vinegar. I like to use a shot glass to just take it all down in one or two sips.
    2. Blend in the honey and spices. This will need more through stirring than the tea version, although you can use warm water as well.

    You could play around with this recipe to see what works for you, you could use fruit or citrus juice for example. It is probably advisable if you have a sensitive stomach to eat not long after taking this remedy, as while it is beneficial to take on an empty stomach, it might upset your stomach a bit if you don’t eat within twenty minutes. Whatever you do, you’re sure to notice the amazing benefits of these healing products!

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