Is Antibacterial Soap Unsafe? Some Natural Alternatives to Ease Your Mind

09. April 2010 · Comments Off · Categories: Health, Herbalism, News, Remedies · Tags: , , ,

Yes, it’s all over the news – again.  The question resurges “Is antibacterial soap unsafe?”  You may recall it was a pretty big news flash several years ago in regards to how the use of antibacterial soaps could make our bodies more resistant to antibiotics.  This time around, they’re talking about the actual ingredients, namely triclosan.  An article in Reuters this morning states, “The FDA noted that there was no evidence that triclosan could be harmful to people but noted that an animal study showed the chemical may alter hormone regulation and several other lab studies showed that bacteria may be able to evolve resistance to triclosan in a way that can help them also resist antibiotics.”  Perhaps there’s no evidence of the harmfulness on people because no people were tested?  This is not mentioned, but it makes me wonder.  But whether it’s safe or it’s not, I always find some peace of mind by taking the natural road first.  That’s why I thought I’d share a few natural alternatives to antibacterial soaps.  Start out with the natural course, and it very rarely leads you to scary questions and breaking news later.

So what herbs are antibacterial?  There are too many to list here, but some of the most common are:  lavender, rosemary, garlic, and peppermint.  Apple cider vinegar is another natural item that provides antibacterial protection.  Many of our herb friends are not only antibacterial but antifungal and antiviral as well.  (Makes for a pretty good argument of natural versus manmade when you consider there’s no hard evidence that the antibacterial soaps in question actually work!)  And according to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley, all essential oils are antibacterial.  Leaves you with quite a selection!

With the addition of a few drops, or a combination of any, of these and other essential oils into a spray bottle of water, you have a pretty fragrant antibacterial spray.  I’d recommend using about a cup of water to 20 drops of oil.  Experiment with blends that you like, and place in a spray bottle.  (Of course don’t spray it in your eyes, eat it, or let your kids play with it.  But you knew that!)

Another favorite of mine is Vinegar of the Four Thieves.  This historical blend was said to protect four thieves from the Black Plague when they used it after robbing the dead bodies of plague victims.  Gruesome story no doubt, and we’re not certain of the truth there, but we do know the components of most Four Thieves recipes are pretty effective.  I blogged one last year, and you can read the recipe for Vinegar of the Four Thieves here.  If you’re not keen on making your own, For My Kids sells a great version I’d recommend.

Then there’s the old standby:  Wash your hands thoroughly with regular soap.  To get the benefits of herbs in there again, get soaps that contain essential oils.  As it turns out, there is a running debate on whether or not the antibacterial soap versions actually work any better than standard soap.  And we’ve learned since childhood that thoroughly washing our hands with soap and water does in fact kill germs and bacteria.  

If you’re still worried about whether or not antibacterial soap is unsafe, natural alternatives are good to keep in mind.  My philosophy has been that if you start out with the natural solution, it doesn’t really matter what the news says.  What is called safe today might be called unsafe tomorrow, but that rarely happens in the herb world.  Yes, there are herbs we need to be careful with, but as in all of life, moderation is key.  The good news is, plants seem to have a much better – and longer – track record for safe and effective use.  I’m more than happy to stick with my botanical friends!

Herbs for Insomnia

15. March 2010 · 4 comments · Categories: Herbalism, Remedies, Sleep · Tags: , ,

Get some sleep naturally with a little help from your herbs.

We’ve all had those nights – it seems no matter how hard you try, your eyelids are spring loaded and refuse to shut.  Television commercials promise a restful night’s sleep with a prescription – but listen to the warnings.  Under their influence, you might just wake up behind the wheel of your car!  Not for you?  Try some herbal remedies for your insomnia and say nighty-night.

Chamomile – There’s no way to build up the usefulness of chamomile too much.  What may sound to you like your grandmother’s tea is one fantastic little herb.  Relaxing without hangover effects in the morning, gentle enough to drink during the day without knocking you out; for generations people have relied on its calming effects for a good night’s sleep.

Cat Nip – What?  Rob your cat of Mr. Bobo, her favorite nip-stuffed mouse?  No need to take things that far.  Cat nip – or cat mint if you please – is great dried for tea or taken as a tincture.  A bit stronger in effect than chamomile, yet without the morning-after effects, this is my favorite herb for a sure shot at shuteye. 

Valerian – Here’s where we pull out the big guns.  As a tea it positively stinks (in particular the stemmy stuff purchased commercially.  If you manage to wildcraft it yourself, it’s not so rank).  But boy, does it work!  If you prefer, you can take it as a tincture or encapsulated.  Fair warning, however:  Although valerian is a powerful natural sleep aid, even an excellent pain reliever and muscle relaxer, some people do experience a valerian “hangover” if used over time, sometimes resulting in mild depression.  And unfortunately, a few people experience exact opposite effects – valerian actually hops them up making sleep more difficult.  But this isn’t the norm so I’ve included it due to its effectiveness.  Consider using valerian only when insomnia is at its worst, or when you know you’ll only be relying on it for a short time.  

Lavender – Placing some dried lavender in your pillowcase, or even using essential oil of lavender, is often the perfect solution for those with sleep issues.  Lavender oil is used in aromatherapy to calm and to aid in sleep, and it’s also great for depression and anxiety relief.  Some people even enjoy using dried lavender to prepare a tea before bedtime.  But if you prefer to avoid taking anything internally, then simply smelling the aroma is enough to aid in a restful night.  Don’t take the oil internally, however.  And if applying topically, make sure it’s blended with a carrier oil.  Lavender oil on its own can be too harsh for the skin.

Although caution must often be taken no matter how natural our sleep aid, the good news is there are plenty of safe alternatives that won’t leave you heavy lidded come morning.  Just a few nights without sufficient sleep can be enough to throw off your health, both mentally and physically, so trying some herbs could be just what you need to cure your insomnia.  The best news?  You won’t wake to find yourself driving to Boston after a cup of chamomile!

Natural Remedies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

09. March 2010 · Comments Off · Categories: Herbalism, Remedies · Tags: , ,

Got GERD? No need to lose your head. Natural remedies may be just what you're looking for.

 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a “condition in which acid, bile and partially-digested food in the stomach back up into the esophagus.”  For many people, GERD is making a difficult time of their daily lives.  But there are a few simple and natural remedies that can take the edge off the discomfort.

First, try not to eat when you’re stressed.  So many of us eat in a hurry, under pressure, or when we’re all stressed out – as if we’re still those cave men and women trying to get that meal in before the sabertooth comes along to claim his portion!  Before eating, give yourself a few moments of peace and quiet.  During meals, chew thoroughly to aid in digestion.  And think of Uncle Howard, the guy who always loosened his belt at the dinner table:  Don’t wear clothing that restricts your stomach.  (And here you thought Uncle Howard was just a little gross.)

Try and wait three hours after eating before lying down.  And when you do tuck in for the night, you might want to sleep on your left side, which will keep your stomach below your esophagus.

That most versatile of herbal remedies, chamomile, produces a fabulous tea that is known for its ability to soothe gastrointestinal spasms, so you may find a cup of this warm herbal brew is just the thing to naturally relax your GERD.

Of course it’s always good to consult your doctor, but by trying a few natural remedies before taking the trip to the office, you may just find conditions like GERD are controllable without the need for pharmaceuticals.  Nature’s just smart that way.  And so is Uncle Howard.

Cardamom – A Natural Remedy for Nausea & Queasy Stomachs

19. February 2010 · 2 comments · Categories: Herbalism, Remedies · Tags: , , , ,

Cardamom is a wonderful herb probably most recognizable to us in the West as an Indian cooking spice.  But what this plant’s fragrant little seedpods hold is much more than culinary delight.  Its use as one of the more tasty natural remedies for nausea and queasy stomachs sets it apart.

Cardamom is actually a member of the ginger family.  As you may recall, ginger (Zingiber officinale) is another effective anti-nausea remedy, but what’s so charming about cardamom is its tidy packaging in the form of a pod, making it nature’s portable solution for the queasies.

Cardamom pods come in green, black, and bleached white.  Oftentimes the best pods, which are saved for culinary use, are bleached before sale.  Any of the three colors will work, however, and the pods keep well for years.  I have a batch I use that was purchased about four or five years ago and they’re still quite effective.

To use a cardamom pod to ease stomach upset, break open the outside and remove the small black seeds.  You can break off a seed (they’re sort of segmented chunks) and suck on the small piece, breaking it apart occasionally with your teeth.  You can swallow it when you’re done if you wish, or spit it out; it’s up to you.

You’ll find the cardamom tastes so good and refreshing that you may enjoy carrying a few in your purse or pocket to use as breath fresheners.  You’ll also find cardamom such an impressive natural remedy for general queasiness, nausea, even a nervous stomach, that you’ll want to keep them as a permanent member of your herbal medicine chest!

Natural Beauty Remedies 101: Honey

15. February 2010 · 2 comments · Categories: Mommy Care, Remedies · Tags: , , ,

 

Natural and Inexpensive, Honey is the Perfect Beauty Remedy!

 

Since going no ‘poo last year, my hair has changed a lot.  It’s cleaner and for longer periods of time, it feels softer, and it’s so much curlier.  But there are still days when my hair needs a little extra something – time to pull out the Natural Beauty Remedies 101!

During the summer months I was able to air dry, but as this winter has been quite nippy to say the least, the hair dryer has really been getting a workout, giving my hair a little extra frizz.  I started looking for natural hair conditioning ideas.  Lately I’ve been relying on honey, and I’ve got to say it’s now one of my all-time favorite conditioners!

After washing my hair as usual, I apply about a tablespoon of honey to my hair and I work it in well with my fingers.  I allow it to remain there for a few minutes, then I rinse thoroughly (easy since honey is water soluble), and style as usual.  The results is soft, shiny hair.  It doesn’t weigh my hair down like most deep conditioners, and it doesn’t lessen the curl either, so I’m very happy.  And all the honey that gets washed out  of my hair in the shower softens my skin too!  Sometimes I use it as a facial mask while waiting for the honey to condition my hiar.  

If you’d like to try honey as a conditioner, come back here and leave me a comment letting us all know how it worked for you.  Or email me at themommyspot (at) gmail (dot) com.  I’d love to hear how honey works as a natural beauty remedy for your specific hair type.

« Older articles
Newer articles »