Epsom salt is best known as a component of bath salts, but it offers a wide range of uses, from soothing sore muscles, benefiting health and improving a gardener’s crops to household cleaning, enhancing beauty and more.

It was discovered in the 17th century, first distilled from the water of a bitter saline spring at Epsom, in Surrey, England.

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is different from traditional salt in that it’s actually a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate, and is technically known as magnesium sulfate.

It’s composed of tiny, colorless crystals that look like table salt, but it’s actually a completely different thing, as table salt is made up of sodium chloride.

Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that many of us are lacking in, as levels have been decreasing over the last three to four decades around the world.

The lack of this important nutrient in our bodies is due to a combination of issues, including over development of agricultural land that leaches essential minerals like magnesium and other trace elements from the soil, the overuse of prescription medications, the consumption of processed and fast foods, and more.

All of these things take a toll, depleting our body of magnesium, which is one of the reasons Epsom salt can be an important part of improving one’s health.

It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory and exfoliant that can be used for treating muscle aches and dry skin. Soak in a warm bath with a cupful of Epsom salt, to enjoy its renowned therapeutic and healing properties, inside and out.

This article reveals twenty of the best ways to use your tub of Epsom salt.

1. Relax Your Body

Epsom salts dissolved in warm water – like those in an Epsom salt bath – are easily absorbed through the skin where they immediately go to work inside our bodies.

The magnesium ions break apart from Epsom salt molecules and begin to relieve stress by promoting the production of serotonin and reducing the effects of adrenaline.

Magnesium also plays a critical role in the production of energy in cells, helping us to feel invigorated without causing feelings of restlessness or anxiety.

To find out how to make your own Epsom salt bath and nine reasons you should have a soak in one today, have a read of our recent article here. 

2. Relieve Pain and Cramping

Epsom salts absorbed through the skin also work to relieve muscle tension, pain, and inflammation in joints.

Submerge yourself in a warm Epsom salt bath to alleviate tension headaches or soothe abdominal cramps. Tired and sore feet will also benefit from the therapeutic warmth of an Epsom salt soak.

3. Muscle and Nerve Function

Aside from relieving tension, pain, and cramping, Magnesium sulfate has several other positive effects on the human body.

It aids in many enzymatic functions, helps to regulate fluid retention in cells, and facilitates the body’s use of calcium to transmit chemical signals throughout the nervous system.

4. For Arterial Health

Epsom salts may help to improve circulation and prevent serious cardiovascular illness by decreasing inflammation and protecting the elasticity of arteries.

Healthier arteries means less risk of blood clots, plaque build-up, and damage to arterial walls.

Try soaking in an Epsom salt bath three to four times per week to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve your cardiovascular health.

5. Regulate Blood Sugar

Both magnesium and sulfate help to improve the body’s ability to produce and use insulin.

Regular intake of Epsom salts – either orally or transdermally – may help to regulate blood sugar, lowering the risk of diabetes and improving your overall daily energy levels.

6. Relieves Constipation

One of Epsom salt’s more popular uses is as a saline laxative. Dissolve one teaspoon of Epsom salts into a cup of warm water and drink.

Note, this remedy should not be used more than once per day.

If symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is always recommended to consult with a physician.

7. Helps to Remove Splinters

To dislodge a stubborn splinter, simply soak the affected body part in warm water and Epsom salts for a few minutes.

Magnesium sulfate will reduce the inflammation around the wound and soften up the splinter, making it much easier to remove.

8. Soothe Sprains and Bruises

Anti-inflammatory Epsom salts can be used to alleviate the soreness from sprains and bruises.

Just add two cups of salts to your warm bath water and soak away the ache.

9. Keep Feet Healthy

It’s pretty common knowledge that soaking your feet in Epsom salts is good for soothing away aches and pains.

But did you know that it can also help to treat athlete’s foot and toenail fungal infections?

Simply add a half cup of Epsom salts to warm water and soak your feet for as long as you want (or until the water gets cold) to alleviate the itching and burning and help heal feet faster.

(Further reading: Top 10 Natural Remedies For Toenail Fungus)

10. Ease Discomfort of Gout

Add a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts to hot water and soak body parts affected by gout.

Magnesium sulfate quickly soaks through skin and into the swollen, aching joints to help alleviate pain and inflammation.

11. Exfoliate Your Skin

By rubbing a handful of Epsom salts over damp skin, you can easily remove dead cells, helping your skin to look healthier and feel softer.

Use this treatment on hands, feet, and everything in between.

12. Natural Face Cleanser

At night before bed, mix a teaspoon of Epsom salts with your regular cleanser for an easy daily treatment or use this recipe for an exfoliating face mask, compliments of preparednessmama.com:

Finely chop a small ripe tomato and mix in one pureed egg white, half a teaspoon of vitamin B5 powder, one teaspoon each of aloe vera gel and Epsom salts, and a couple of drops of Thyme essential oil.

Apply mixture to face for 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water for an excellent clarifying skin treatment.

13. Dislodge Blackheads

Use Epsom salts to remove dead skin and oil from your pores.

First, you’ll want to exfoliate to remove any dead skin from around the outsides of the blemishes.

Then mix one teaspoon of Epsom salts and four drops of iodine into half a cup of hot water.

Stir until salts are completely dissolved and let the mixture cool until it is still warm, but not hot.

Massage the mixture into skin affected with blackheads, let it dry completely, then wash your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth.

(Further reading: 12 Quick Natural Remedies For Blackheads Backed By Science)

14. Remove Styling Product Build-up

To remove build-up of hairspray or other styling product from your hair, mix one cup each of Epsom salts and lemon juice into a gallon of water.

Cover and let the concoction sit for 24 hours before using.

Then simply pour over hair and leave it on for about 15 – 20 minutes. Follow up with a wash and condition as usual.

15. Add Volume to Hair

To add body to your hair, try mixing equal parts all-natural, sulfate-free deep conditioner and Epsom salts.

Warm the mixture to slightly above body temperature then work through hair. Leave in for 15 – 20 minutes then rinse.

Feel free to follow up this hair treatment by waving your hair around your face (like the people in those television commercials for chemical hair products) and remember: Laughter is a great natural remedy for all kinds of things!

(Further reading: 28 Best Herbs For Hair Growth)

16. Wash Pots and Pans

Pour a small amount of Epsom salts into those really-dirty dishes before you scrub them.

The abrasive texture of the salt crystals will help to remove stuck-on food more easily without hurting your cookware.

17. Clean Tile and Grout

Mix equal parts Epsom salts and liquid dish detergent to create a super effective tile and grout cleaner.

Apply this mixture to dirty or stained surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen, or even outside and allow it to soak in for a minute or two.

Then scrub away the loosened grime and rinse clean.

18. As a Hand Wash

Mix equal parts Epsom salts and baby oil to create a moisturizing hand cleanser.

Store this mixture in bottles next to all of the sinks around your home and use regularly to keep hands soft and clean.

19. Removes Detergent Build-up

Over time, laundry detergent and other contaminants may build up inside machines.

Use Epsom salts to remove this unwanted gunk and keep your washer running more efficiently.

Fill your empty washing machine with hot water, add a quart of clear vinegar and one cup of Epsom salts, let the machine agitate for about a minute, then stop the cycle and let the solution soak for about an hour.

20. In The Garden

Magnesium sulfate may be used to fertilize your plants, green up your lawn, remove unwanted insect pests, and prevent slugs among other things.

Check out this article for ten incredible Epsom salt uses in the garden.

Buying Epsom Salt

Looking to buy a bag of Epsom salt to use in your home? Here are four great options available on Amazon.

Pin This To Save For Later

The post 20 Epsom Salt Uses That Go Way Beyond A Relaxing Bath appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

If you’re no stranger to natural living, you’ve probably already read a recommendation or two about using essential oil diffusers to improve your health, increase your energy, or to help you sleep better.

The fact is, these handy little devices are great for all of those things and more.

While the list of possible uses for a diffuser is quite extensive, we’ve narrowed it down to (what we consider to be) the top 10 reasons to own an essential oil diffuser and use it every day.

Want to try an essential oil diffuser but not sure which one to try? Read our review of five of the most popular diffusers available here: What Is The Best Essential Oil Diffuser? 5 Of The Best Reviewed

Spoiler Alert: This AromaFuse Diffuser from Plant Therapy was our top pick after thorough testing.

1. Relaxation and Sleep

One of the best and most well-known uses for essential oils is their ability to help you unwind at the end of a hard day.

While there are several other methods for getting your soothing oils from the bottle into your blood stream where they start to work their magic, the diffuser is by far the easiest and longest-lasting of them all. Keep one at the office to help you relax on your lunch break.

Have a diffuser ready to go with the push of a button when you get home from work in the evening. Set one on the bedside table to help your mind and body relax so you can sleep better at night.

Recommended oils: chamomile, lavender, clary sage

Related Reading: How To Use Essential Oils For Improving Your Sleep

2. Mood Elevating

Just as a diffuser can help you to de-stress, they can also be used to create an energizing mood.

This is not only great for when you’re feeling sad or depressed. You can use your diffuser to inspire high spirits during the holidays, to set a positive atmosphere for business meetings and social gatherings, to help you get moving on a slow morning, or even to create a romantic atmosphere for that special someone in your life.

Recommended oils: sweet orange, jasmine, rose, scotch pine, sandalwood, vanilla

3. Ward Off Illness

Using a diffuser in your home or office is a great way to keep cold, flu, and other nasty illnesses at bay that works on three levels.

First, many essential oils are powerfully anti-microbial and when introduced into the air in vapor form, the organic compounds within the oils come into direct contact with airborne pathogens before they can invade your body.

Second, essential oils can also be used to boost the immune system. Last but not least, some diffusers also double as humidifiers which will help to keep your airways moist and healthy so you are less susceptible to any microbes that do make it into your body.

Recommended oils: tea tree, sage, rosemary, grapefruit, lemon, thyme

4. Helps You Breathe Easier

Essential oils are great for reducing inflammation and congestion in clogged airways to help you breathe more easily.

If you are prone to allergies or other breathing disorders, try diffusing essential oils in the room (or rooms) of your home where you spend the most time.

Just remember to keep a box of tissues handy as your nose and sinuses begin to open so you can also avoid that mad dash to the bathroom!

Recommended oils: peppermint, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus

Want more tips on how to naturally improve air quality so you can breathe better and be healthier?  Our wildly popular 10 Reasons To Have A Himalayan Salt Lamp In Every Room Of Your Home is an absolute must-read!

5. Pain Relief

While most people will tell you to apply essential oils directly to the body for pain relief (diluted in a carrier oil, of course!), you can also use a diffuser to extend their effects.

This method is an excellent way to combat persistent pain such as that caused by headaches, sore joints, and overworked muscles.

Recommended oils: ginger, chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, clary sage, rosemary, bergamot

Also, be sure to check out these 14 Effective Natural Remedies To Relieve Joint Pain to learn more about using natural home-remedies in lieu of chemical-laden pain meds!

6. Improve Cognitive Function

Using essential oils in a diffuser is a highly-effective way to super-charge your brain cells.

Again, this effect works on multiple levels. First, many essential oils have adaptogenic qualities – meaning that they are soothing when you’re stressed, but they can also give you a pick-me-up when you’re feeling down or sluggish.

By leveling out your mood, the oils in the air will help you to focus. Also, there are several essential oils which are known for their powerful ability to balance the body’s hormones.

With regular use, these oils can actually help to heal the underlying causes responsible for hampering cognitive function.

Recommended oils: peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, pine

7. Safer Alternative to Candles & Incense

If you have pets or small children, burning candles or incense can be a potentially hazardous practice.

With an essential oil diffuser, you can reap the benefits of aromatherapy – and to much greater effect – without the risk of burns, wax spills, or other accidents.

Recommended oils: any

8. Repel Insects

Whether your problem is mosquitoes, house flies, fruit flies or moths, you can use essential oils in your diffuser to deter these critters from entering your home.

Recommended oils: clove, lemongrass, rosemary, cedarwood

9. Keeps You Cool

(While it might make you appear more eco-savvy to your friends and family, that’s not the kind of ‘cool’ we’re referring to.)

In the heat of the summer months, running the air conditioner all day and all night is a surefire way to send your electric bill through the roof.

Instead, try diffusing your favorite crisp, cooling minty essential oils in the rooms where you spend the most time to help you beat the heat.

Recommended oils: peppermint, eucalyptus, spearmint, wintergreen

10. Saves Money

So far we’ve covered the top nine reasons that owning a diffuser is an investment in your health and well-being, but it’s more than just that.

With all of the versatile uses for essential oil diffusers around the home which ultimately lead to less doctor visits, lower electric bills, fewer cups of coffee and better productivity; you will soon discover that this handy little device is a money-saver as well!

Recommended oils: all

Where Do I Buy An Essential Oil Diffuser?

If you don’t already own an essential oil diffuser, then buying one can be a minefield.

In recent years, hundreds of new designs and styles with lots of different functions have been brought to the market from dozens of brands. Picking the best can be tricky.

Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you when we tested five of the most popular essential oil diffusers on the market.

In the above post, Natural Living Ideas writer, Susan, gets to grips with five of the most popular diffusers on the market, reveals the pros and cons of each and picks her top choice.

See if you agree with her here.

And if you’d rather just skip to our top pick – this AromaFuse diffuser from Plant Therapy was our favorite.

Need To Stock Up On Essential Oils?

When purchasing essential oils, it is imperative to choose 100% pure oils free of additives and adulterants.

Our favorite supplier is Plant Therapy Essential Oils who offer a huge range of high quality, 100% pure oils at affordable prices.

You can shop Plant Therapy Essential Oils at their Amazon store here.

Can’t get enough of that essential oil goodness? 

While you’re waiting for the postman to deliver your new diffuser, brush up on your EO know-how with these 50 Aromatic Essential Oil Recipes You’ve Got To Try In Your Diffuser!

Read Next: The Total Guide To Diffusing Essential Oils & 5 Recipes To Try

The post 10 Reasons Every Home Should Have An Essential Oil Diffuser appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

When it comes to setting the mood for a romantic evening with that special someone in your life, nothing quite compares to the perfect blend of essential oils. 

Pick and choose your favorites from this list of the most romantic essential oils.

How To Use These Essential Oils

These sensual essential oils are best used in a massage oil blend that can be applied to your, or your partner’s skin. Read our guide on blending essential oils here.

Mix the essential oils you’d like to try using the instructions in the article above and dilute in a carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil or one of these) at a ratio of no more than 2%.

Read our Essential Oil Safety Guide before using essential oils.

1. Allspice

Allspice oil is distilled from the berries of Pimenta dioica (aka. Pimenta officinalis.) This fresh, warm, spicy, and sweet middle note will lend hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to your oil blend.

Allspice blends well with black pepper, coriander, ginger, neroli, and ylang ylang essential oils.

2. Atlas Cedarwood

Atlas Cedarwood oil is distilled from the wood of the Cedrus atlantica tree.  This base note has a rich woody and balsamic fragrance.

Atlas Cedarwood has been traditionally used for relaxation and as an earthy undertone in perfumes. This relaxing oil is also known for its regenerative and detoxifying properties.

Mix Atlas Cedarwood with clary sage, jasmine, neroli, rosemary, sandalwood, and ylang ylang essential oils.

3. Cinnamon Bark

Cinnamon Bark oil is distilled from the dried inner bark of Cinnamomum verum (aka. Cinnamomum zeylanicum.)  This warm herbal spice may be used as a middle or base note, depending on the properties of the oils with which it is blended.

Cinnamon Bark has been traditionally used for its antiseptic qualities and as a popular culinary seasoning.  The oil is also a powerful stimulant and digestive aid.

Cinnamon Bark oil mixes well with ginger, rose, vanilla, and ylang ylang essential oils.

4. Coriander

Coriander oil is a sweet, spicy, woody, and slightly fruity middle note which is distilled from the seeds of Coriandrum sativum (aka Cilantro.)

Coriander is a popular culinary seasoning that has long been used in the fragrance industry for its stimulating qualities.  The oil also improves digestion and detoxifies the body.

Coriander Seed oil mixes well with black pepper, cinnamon, clary sage, ginger, jasmine, neroli, nutmeg, sandalwood, and ylang ylang essential oils.

5. Davana

Davana oil is distilled from the leaves and flowers of Artemisia pallens and adds a rich, sweet, and fruity base note to oil blends.

Traditionally used for religious offerings, Davana is still recognized as a symbol of spirituality in addition to its delightful aroma which is said to evolve in response to the individual body chemistry of the person wearing or smelling the oil.

Davana blends nicely with black pepper, jasmine, neroli, rose, sandalwood, vanilla, and ylang ylang essential oils.

6. Ginger

Ginger oil offers a warm, fresh, slightly sweet and woody aroma to a blend.  Distilled from the root of Zingiber officinale, this oil may be used as either a middle or top note.

Traditionally known for its power to aid digestion and ease a sick stomach, ginger oil is also very stimulating and is often added to fragrances for its deep earthy undertones.

Ginger oil mixes well with cedarwood, coriander, jasmine, neroli, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang essential oils.

7. Jasmine

Rich, floral Jasmine oil is one of the most popular of all sensual floral oils.  This warm middle note is distilled from the flowers of Jasminum grandiflorum.

Jasmine is traditionally used to add its sensual floral fragrance to perfumes.  It may also be used to calm the nerves and relax the body.

Jasmine oil blends well with clary sage, coriander, ginger, neroli, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang essential oils.

8. Mace

Mace oil is distilled from the arils of Myristica fragrans (the same plant from which Nutmeg is harvested.)  This middle note adds a bright, warm, and spicy aroma to an oil blend.

Mace has a long history of use as both a culinary seasoning and as a popular ingredient in fragrances.  The oil is also very stimulating to both mind and body.

Mace oil mixes well with clary sage and neroli essential oils.

9. Nutmeg

Nutmeg oil is a warm and spicy middle note, similar to Mace and is distilled from the seeds of Myristica fragrans.

Traditionally, Nutmeg has been used in cooking and to impart a warm, nutty undertone to fragrances.  Nutmeg is stimulating to both mind and body.  The spice and the oil are said to invoke vivid dreams if used shortly before bedtime.

Nutmeg blends well with clary sage, coriander, and rosemary essential oils.

10. Neroli

Neroli oil may be used as either a middle or top note depending on the blend.  This oil possesses the light, sweet fragrance of the Citrus aurantium (aka. Bitter Orange) flowers from which it is distilled.

Neroli is traditionally used to calm the mind and soothe away tension.  It is also known for its ability to heal skin and promote a more youthful appearance.

Neroli oil blends nicely with clary sage, coriander, ginger, jasmine, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang essential oils.

11. Black Pepper

Black Pepper oil is a strong and sharp middle note which is distilled from the dried fruit of Piper nigrum.  This oil imparts a dry and spicy kick to a blend.

Black Pepper is traditionally known as a culinary seasoning and digestive aid that is very stimulating to both mind and body.

Black Pepper oil blends well with clary sage, nutmeg, rosemary, sandalwood, and ylang ylang essential oils.

12. Pink Pepper

Pink Pepper oil – while in no way related to that of Piper nigrum – has a similar spicy aroma.  Distilled from the seeds of Schinus molle (aka. the Peruvian peppertree), this oil also has sweet and fruity characteristics.

Pink Pepper may be used almost interchangeably with Black Pepper and has many of the same effects, including use as a digestive and stimulant.

Pink Pepper oil blends well with clary sage, nutmeg, rosemary, sandalwood, and ylang ylang essential oils.

13. Bulgarian Rose

Bulgarian Rose oil is distilled from the flower petals of Rosa damascena (aka. the Damask Rose.)  This floral middle note is very rich and sweet with just a hint of spice.

Traditionally, Bulgarian Rose has been used to inspire sensuality and to relax the mind.  The oil is a popular component in perfumery.

Bulgarian Rose oil blends nicely with clary sage, ginger, jasmine, neroli, sandalwood, and ylang ylang essential oils.

14. Chinese Rose

Chinese Rose oil has a soft and sweet floral aroma with hints of spice and honey.  This rich middle note is distilled from the flower petals of Rosa rugosa (aka. Ramanas rose, Japanese rose.)

Rosa rugosa has a hypnotic sweet scent which makes it an excellent addition to sensual blends.  The oil is also a popular component in perfumery.

Chinese Rose oil blend beautifully with coriander, ginger, jasmine, neroli, sandalwood, and ylang ylang essential oils.

15. Rosemary

Rosemary oil is distilled from the flowering tops of Rosmarinus officinalis.  This middle note has a strong and fresh, woody, camphor-like aroma.

Rosemary is a traditional symbol of love and matrimony.  It is also known for its digestive and stimulating qualities.

Rosemary oil mixes well with black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon, and clary sage essential oils.

16. Clary Sage

Clary Sage oil is distilled from the leaves and flowers of Salvia sclarea.  This middle note add a dry, musky, bittersweet floral aroma to a blend.

Traditionally, Clary Sage is known for its ability to clear blurred vision and revitalize tired, strained eyes.  It is also known for its ability to soothe nerves and create a warm, slightly euphoric environment.

Clary Sage oil blends well with black pepper, cedarwood, coriander, jasmine, rose, and sandalwood.

17. Australian Sandalwood

Australian Sandalwood oil is distilled from the roots and heartwood of the Santalum spicatum tree.  This base note lends a smooth earthy, woody, and slightly balsamic undertone to oil blends.

Australian Sandalwood is known for its soothing and relaxing qualities.  Due to its subtle, yet lingering earthy aroma, Sandalwood is a favorite among sensual oils for both genders.

Sandalwood oil blends beautifully with vanilla.  It also mixes well with black pepper, clary sage, jasmine, neroli, rose, and ylang ylang essential oils.

18. Winter Savory

Winter Savory oil is distilled from all parts of the Satureja montana herb.  This middle note has a powerfully verdant and somewhat medicinal herbal aroma.

Winter Savory is traditionally known for its digestive properties.  This stimulating oil is also popular in fragrances.

Winter Savory oil mixes well with citrus and with other green herbal essential oils like rosemary.

19. Vanilla

Vanilla oil is distilled from the seed pods of the Vanilla planifolia orchid.  This base note is wonderfully rich, creamy, and sweet with just a hint of floral aroma.

Traditionally, Vanilla is used in fragrances and to invoke a sensual atmosphere.

Vanilla oil blends deliciously with sandalwood.  The oil also mixes well with jasmine, rose, and ylang ylang essential oils.

20. Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang oil is a rich, sweet, floral base note that is distilled from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree.

Ylang Ylang is traditionally used in fragrances.  The oil is also known for its relaxing and mood-lifting qualities.

Ylang Ylang essential oil mixes well with just about everything.

Where To Buy Essential Oils

Plant Therapy are our #1 recommended supplier of essential oils. You can browse their entire selection at their official website here.

All oils are third party tested for quality and purity, shipping and returns are free and they stock every essential oil you can think of.

Shop Plant Therapy Essential Oils here.

Essential Oil Precautions

For safety and health purposes, remember that some essential oils may be dangerous for people with liver or kidney problems, as well as for those with sensitive skin or plant allergies.

Always perform a skin patch test at a low dilution before using essential oils externally.

Pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid essential oils as many of them can have a negative impact on developing fetuses and small children.

Please note that the majority of essential oils are for external use only.  Even when specified as food-grade, consumption of essential oils can be very dangerous or even fatal under certain circumstances.  When in doubt, always consult with a medical professional before using any essential oils for any purpose.

The post 20 Romantic Essential Oils To Spice Up Your Love Life appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

By popular interest, the votes are in and the Himalayan salt lamp has won the title of Best Natural Health Gadget!

Our article last year (10 Reasons Why You Need A Himalayan Salt Lamp In Every Room Of Your Home) was the most popular of the year and resulted in thousands of you purchasing one of these stunning little lamps.

Under most circumstances, owning one of these beautiful lamps should be an easy and uneventful process. However, because salt is a natural material and prone to react under certain environmental conditions, problems can arise.

In these cases, it may not always be obvious what to do in order to address the issue and avert the potential salty ruin of your precious lamp. After reading numerous questions and comments by our readers regarding the woes of a salt lamp gone wrong, we here at Natural Living Ideas wanted to lend a helping hand and address some of the most common problems which have cropped up for our fans and owners of the beautiful Himalayan salt lamp.

10 Common Himalayan Salt Lamp Problems & How To Fix Them

Without further ado, here are ten common problems you might experience with your Himalayan salt lamp and how you can fix these issues.

The best way to make sure your salt lamp is safe and that it doesn’t cause you any problems, is to buy a high quality Himalayan salt lamp from a trusted brand. There are a number of high quality lamps available on Amazon, but for reliability and affordability, this Levoit Dimmable Himalayan Salt Lamp with 2 Year Warranty is the top pick.

1. My lamp sweats and it’s starting to melt all over the table. How can I get it to stop?

Himalayan pink salt lamps remove contaminants from the air by absorbing the microscopic water droplets which carry them. The hot salt crystal then evaporates clean water back out into its surroundings while keeping any absorbed particulate trapped inside. This process – called hygroscopy – means that sometimes a Himalayan salt lamp is going to sweat.

In drier climates, this sweating effect will happen only very rarely if at all. (Mine have yet to do it… *knock on wood*) However, if you live in a very humid area, your lamp will absorb more moisture from the air and the crystal will exude a greater volume of water (quite possibly at the expense of your furniture.)

One possible solution is to leave your lamp turned on 24/7. Salt lamps don’t use much energy, so you won’t have to worry about running your electric bill up or hurting the environment by doing so.

If you already leave your salt lamp running all day every day, see if you can find a less humid location in your home where the lamp can live. Keep it as far away as possible from wet areas like the bath, kitchen and laundry.

You may also want to try using a higher-wattage bulb which will generate more heat and help the water trapped inside the crystal to evaporate faster. Just remember not to exceed the manufacturer’s specifications for maximum bulb strength which should be stamped somewhere on the bulb housing.

2. I’ve tried everything, but the lamp is still sweating.  Help?

If you and your Himalayan salt lamp live in a climate which is simply humid enough that the salt crystal will always sweat, there are a couple of steps which you will want to take to both lengthen the life of your lamp and prevent any accidents which may occur as a result of the excessive moisture.

First, save your furniture by using keeping coaster or saucer underneath your lamp. (These silicone coasters work great for most lamps.)

Also, you’ll want to leave the lamp running 24/7 to evaporate as much of the water from inside the crystal as possible.

Use a dry, lint-free cloth to pat the salt crystal dry whenever you notice a large build-up of moisture on the outside.

Also, keep an eye out for flickering as this may indicate that the bulb housing has taken on moisture or has become damaged. If you notice the bulb has started to flicker or otherwise malfunction, turn off the lamp and let it cool down, then remove the bulb housing and test the bulb to make sure it’s not too hot to touch. Carefully, remove the bulb and inspect all of the components for corrosion, loose contacts or any other visible damage. If you either cannot find or can’t fix the problem with the bulb housing, you may simply need to replace the cord assembly.

3. I don’t want to turn my lamp off at night because it will sweat, but the light is too bright to sleep with it on.

If you want to keep your Himalayan pink salt lamp in the bedroom, but it’s too bright to for you to sleep with the lamp on, here are a few options which might work for you:

Assuming that your lamp didn’t come with a dimmer switch, you may want to purchase one of these and swap it out for the old non-dimmable cord assembly. (Alternatively, if you haven’t purchased your salt lamp yet then you may want to purchase a salt lamp that comes with the capability to dim the light, such as this one)

If the lamp is still too bright even when fully dimmed, you could try moving it into a nearby closet or some other area which would shade the light without removing the lamp from your immediate vicinity.

If the first two options seem like a hassle, the easiest solution would be to keep the lamp on a coaster, but go ahead and turn it off while you sleep. Should a lot of moisture build-up on its surface, you can always pat the salt crystal dry with a lint-free cloth in the morning when you wake up.

4. I got my lamp, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting the air quality in my home.

If you have problems with allergens and your new lamp doesn’t seem to be helping at all, there are a couple of reasons for which this may occur.

If the allergens are inside your home’s ventilation system, even a very large Himalayan pink salt lamp likely won’t be enough to counteract the constant stream of particulate flowing out of your air ducts. Consider having your air system inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Otherwise, HPS lamps have a specific crystal to room size ratio for how much air they can purify under normal circumstances. Here are some general sizing guidelines for picking the right lamp:

For the average bedroom, a smaller lamp like this 5-8 lb lamp should provide adequate coverage.

For open spaces like a living room or den, you’ll want to use a larger lamp like this 8-11 lb lamp.

On average, your lamp will need to have 1 pound of salt crystal per 16 square feet of floor space to properly cleanse the air in a room.

If you can’t find a large enough lamp for your intended location, remember that you can use multiple lamps spread out around the space to achieve the same effect.

5. My lamp is starting to look dirty. How can I clean it without melting the salt?

If your Himalayan salt lamp has been attracting dust and it’s starting to look a bit dingy, no worries! Cleaning a Himalayan salt crystal is easy.

Turn off your lamp, unplug it and allow the salt to cool down to room temperature. Then simply moisten a cloth or sponge so the material is damp, but not wet. (A good general rule is to squeeze out as much water as you can before touching cloth or sponge to salt.) Gently wipe away debris from the surface of the crystal and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Then set your lamp back in its home, plug in and turn it on. Once fully heated, the rejuvenated salt crystal will naturally evaporate off any water left over from its bath.

6. I turned my lamp on, but the light won’t come on. Replacing the bulb doesn’t work.

This is most likely a case of broken wiring or contacts somewhere inside the cord assembly. Unfortunately, your beautiful lamp is comprised of a big heavy chunk of hollowed-out crystal powered by a tiny filament inside a fragile globe of glass on the end of some flimsy strands of copper wire sheathed in soft plastic. Should any of these materials get into a scuffle (as can happen when the lamp is moved around)… Let’s just say that in a game of Rock-Powercord-Lightbulb, rock always wins.

Fortunately, the cord assembly is easy to replace. You can order one here if you need a replacement (or order them here if you prefer to have a replacement and a spare.)

7. The bulb in my lamp burns out too frequently.

If you’ve had a steady stream of burned out bulbs over too short a period of time, here are some troubleshooting pointers to help you identify the problem:

Make sure that the light bulbs you are using do not exceed the maximum wattage for your lamp. (As shown in the above image, this can be found stamped somewhere on the bulb housing.)

If your frequent burned out bulbs have a smokey white appearance when you remove them, make certain that the next bulb you install doesn’t touching the inside surface of the salt crystal (due to wrong size or length). If water from the crystal runs down onto the hot bulb, it can cause the glass to crack and the filament inside to oxidize which causes the white smoke effect on the glass.

If you move your lamp around very often, it is possible that the bulb is getting jostled around and cracked against the inside of the lamp. Again, this could result in broken glass, an oxidized filament and a white smokey appearance on the burnt out bulb.

This Levoit Salt Lamp comes with two spare bulbs, just in case the bulb burns out.

8. My lamp flickers on and off while running.

If you’re seeing a lot of flickering, this may be a case of a broken wire or loose contact somewhere inside the cord or bulb housing. Turn your lamp off, let it cool down, then inspect the electrical components for damage. A broken connection somewhere in the circuit is a potential fire hazard, so you’ll definitely want to swap out the cord assembly with a new one.

If the flickering is accompanied by excessive sweating, this may be indicative of moisture build-up or corrosion inside the bulb housing. In this case, turn off the lamp and unplug it immediately in order to prevent possible electrical damage. Once the lamp and bulb cool down, remove the bulb assembly from the lamp, test the light bulb to make sure it isn’t still hot, then carefully unscrew the bulb and inspect the electrical components. If you notice any water or damage inside the bulb housing, you may need to move your lamp to a less-humid location or use a higher-wattage bulb to encourage faster evaporation. Again, you’ll want to replace the cord assembly if there is any damage.

If you do increase the strength of your bulb, be sure not to exceed the manufacturer guidelines for acceptable bulb strength (which should be stamped inside the bulb housing as can be seen in the image above.)

Keep a close watch on your lamp. If the flickering and moisture build-up continue, unplug the lamp and discontinue use as this could indicate a potential fire hazard.

9. I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find replacement bulbs for my lamp.

No worries. You’re not alone. The tubular light bulb that came with your lamp probably isn’t one of the regular shapes / sizes stocked by most big-box superstores. While most salt lamps are compatible with a standard small 15 to 40-watt incandescent candelabra (E12) base bulb, we’ll take the guess-work out of hunting for the right bulb at your local retailer. On Amazon, you can pick up a a 10-pack of short tubular 15-watt bulbs here, a 10-pack of long tubular 15-watt bulbs here or a 6-pack of long tubular 25-watt bulbs here.

10. I’ve had it with this salt lamp! It won’t stop sweating and I’m tired of buying new light bulbs!

Okay, so this one isn’t precisely a usage or care tip, and calling it a safety tip might be a bit of a stretch.

(Unless you’ve become so frustrated that your pink salt lamp is in danger of become a lovely sunset-hued projectile, in which case: safety tip!)

While we may be in love with our collection of Himalayan salt lamps, we understand that not everyone is going to agree with us. So, if you’ve tried them and you like the way the lamps look, but you’ve had so many problems that you simply can’t take it anymore, there is one more solution. Try a Himalayan salt tea light holder instead. They’re just as pretty as a lamp and boast all of the same benefits (albeit on a smaller scale), but without the problems inherent to electrical components in a potentially moist environment.

Just remember that if your lamp tended to sweat due to humidity, a tea light holder will probably do the same. You’ll still want to keep a saucer underneath it to protect your furniture!

What Is The Best Himalayan Salt Lamp?

Some of the problems listed above, namely faulty bulbs and electrical components, can be avoided by purchasing a high quality Himalayan salt lamp from a reputable supplier.

It’s surprisingly easy for anyone to start selling products on Amazon so you want to make sure you are buying from a specialist supplier.

Without a doubt (based on personal experience and from the reviews left on Amazon) salt lamps from Levoit  are the highest quality available. Levoit are specialist suppliers of Himalayan salt products. They sell lamps in a multitude of sizes, they come with a two year warranty and with spare bulbs.

To make sure you are buying the best quality salt lamp, make sure you order yours from this page on Amazon.

The post 10 Common Himalayan Salt Lamp Problems & How To Fix Them appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

With the holidays upon us, nothing beats filling your home with the scents of the season like evergreens, peppermint, gingerbread cookies and spiced cider.

Even if you can’t have the real thing, simply adding a few drops of essential oils to your diffuser will do the trick.

If you don’t already have one, be sure to read our review of five of the best to help you find your perfect diffuser. (If you can’t be bothered to read our reviews, then this is the best.)

Ready Made Christmas Essential Oil Blends

This article details ten of the best homemade essential oil mixes that create beautiful holiday aromas.

If you are an essential oil enthusiast then you probably have a lot of the oils already meaning they are cheap and easy to blend, but if you are just getting started, buying all of the individual oils can be expensive.

If that is the case, you could instead opt for a ready-made Christmas essential oil blend. These are pre-mixed blends of 100% pure essential oils.

These “Cozy For Christmas” Holiday Blends Sets from Plant Therapy Essential Oils are the perfect solution.

They have two sets: Winter Playland which includes Frosted Mint, Christmas Tree & Holly Berries; and Holiday Treats which includes Apple Pie, Candy Cane & Spiced Cider.

You can get more details and purchase both sets, one set or each individual bottled blend from this page on the official Plant Therapy website.

10 Homemade Holiday Essential Oil Blends

The following are 10 of our favorite homemade Christmas essential oil diffuser blends that will warm up your home this winter!

Spice Blends

The warm, spicy aromas of Cloves, Cassia and Cinnamon dominate the following five blends.

Keep in mind that once you use these potent base notes in your diffuser, it may take some time (and / or vigorous cleaning) for the scent to wear off.

Also, be sure that your specific model is rated to stand up to citrus oils before diffusing any of blends containing Sweet Orange. The manufacturer instructions which came with your diffuser should have this information.

1. Warm & Cozy

This blend reminds me of drinking warm spiced Chai with a pinch of orange zest grated over the top.

Despite being a potent top note, the Sweet Orange is surprisingly understated in this blend – taking a backseat to the Cardamom and behaving more like a middle.

3 drops Cardamom

1 drop Sweet Orange

1 drop Clove

1 (more) drop Sweet Orange

2. Spiced Cider

Without having access to an apple-scented essential oil, making a blend that smelled like spiced cider was challenging. However, this one does the trick.

The hint of Sweet Orange is just enough fruit to present the olfactory illusion of apples without making the blend smell too citrusy.

1 drops Sweet Orange

2 drops Cinnamon Bark

3 drops Ginger

3. Gingerbread Cookie

If you don’t have Allspice and are feeling adventurous, try using 1 drop of Black Pepper instead. This gives the blend a more traditional spicy gingerbread aroma.

You can also substitute Nutmeg in place of Allspice to give the blend a sweeter, more mellow fragrance.

1 drop Cassia

3 drops Ginger

1 drop Clove

1 drop Allspice

4. Candy Cane

Candy Cane is a sugary sweet treat for your nose. If you don’t have Cassia, you can substitute Cinnamon bark instead. However, Cassia gives the blend a more candy-like aroma.

1 drop Spearmint

1 drop Cassia

3 drops Peppermint

5. Holiday Cheer

It is worth noting that the first time I mixed Holiday Cheer, I used only one drop of Ginger as the second ingredient, then added a second drop at the end because it seemed like it needed it.

The second time, I added both drops of Ginger together and the blend didn’t smell the same. You may want to experiment with this to see if the scent changes for you as well and which one you prefer.

2 drop Sweet Orange

2 drops Ginger

1 drop Cinnamon Bark

1 drop Pine

Non-Spice Blends

For those of you who love the holiday season, but have had your fill of cinnamon-saturated department store and supermarket air – this section is just for you.

Here are five of my favorite winter blends which contain absolutely no cinnamon or cinnamon-like oils.

6. Long Winter’s Night

The Fir Needle in this blend gives off a pleasant piney aroma and Cedarwood adds an earthy undertone, but neither is overpowering.

The Frankincense and Rosemary also harmonize quite nicely with the other two oils, making this a crisp and refreshing blend that creates a pleasant background aroma for entertaining guests.

2 drops Fir Needle

1 drop Cedarwood

1 – 2 drops Frankincense

1 drop Rosemary

7. Away In A Manger

This blend of sweet, citrus and earthy aromas is a Christmas tribute to Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar – the Three Magi who brought gifts to Jesus at the time of his birth. Give it a try. We’re sure you’ll adore it!

2 drops Sweet Orange

2 drops Frankincense

2 drops Myrrh

8. Frosty Boughs

This combination of evergreen and mint oils is energizing and refreshing. For a more minty aroma, add only 1 drop of Fir Needle instead of two.

If you prefer the scent of pine, try using 1 drop of Spearmint and 2 drops of Fir Needle. Frosty Boughs works well in any of these combinations!

1 drop Peppermint

2 drops Spearmint

1 drop Cedarwood

2 drop Fir Needle

9. Christmas Tree

This blend was the happy result of reaching for the Cedarwood and accidentally picking up Patchouli instead.

More earthy and less woody, Patchouli actually makes Christmas Tree smell more like a real evergreen forest than it did when using Cedarwood as the base.

2 – 3 drops Fir Needle

1 drop Patchouli

2 – 3 drops Pine

Depending on the strength of your Patchouli, you may want to add more Fir Needle and Pine to balance out the blend.

10. Solstice Sunrise

Named for it’s energizing properties and for the colors of the fruits from which the included oils are distilled, this blend fills the room with a clean and refreshing aroma!

1 drop Lemon

1 drop Sweet Orange

1 drop Grapefruit

2 drops Frankincense

2 drops Spearmint

Where To Buy Essential Oils

For all of the blends on this page, we used Plant Therapy Essential Oils. You can purchase them from here.

All of the essential oils used in this article are available from Plant Therapy on their official website – so simply use the search box to find the one’s you are looking for.

Don’t forget that if you need an essential oil diffuser to diffuse these wonderful blends, then the AromaFuse Essential Oil Diffuser was found to be the best on the market according to our in depth review of five of the most popular.

Plant Therapy also have a number of ready-made holiday blends – so if you don’t fancy mixing your own, try these “Cozy For Christmas” Holiday Blends, including Holiday Treats and Winter Playland.

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The post 10 Christmas Essential Oil Blends That Will Warm Up Your Home This Winter appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

There are many reasons to undertake the project of building your own backyard water garden. For some people, it is the appeal of aquatic plants like the water lily and lotus with their brilliant and exotic flowers. For others, it’s the soothing sound of a babbling stream or waterfall that inspires them. Experienced gardeners may find the sheer challenge of building their own water feature and tending a private aquatic environment to be the driving force behind such an undertaking.

Whatever your reason, creating your own backyard water garden can be both an exciting and rewarding experience.

Here we’ll go over the necessary steps for the planning, creation and maintenance of your own personal aquatic garden sanctuary!

Planning Your Water Garden

The first step in creating a successful water garden is by far the most important: Planning.

There are many factors involved in this step and while some of them may feel like a drag compared to the excitement of actually building the garden, proper planning will help you to avoid many common mistakes which might otherwise sap the fun from your water gardening experience.

Decide What You Want To Grow

The first step is to determine your goals for the new water garden.

Is it your wish to exclusively grow plants or will you be raising fish or other animals in your garden as well? What kind of water feature do you want to build – a waterfall or babbling stream, or perhaps a still pond?

Depending on what kinds of plants you want to grow in your new water garden, you will need to ensure that you build in an area with the right amount of sunlight. For those who want to raise fish, turtles or other animals, consider what needs they will have. Are there natural predators in your area and if so, what kind of protection should you provide for your new aquatic family? Will any of the plants you intend to grow be dangerous for the animals? Also, how big will the water feature need to be in order to house the animals?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing denizens for your new water garden. If you have any questions or concerns in this area, your best bet is probably to consult with the providing pet store or nursery for advice on keeping both plants and animals healthy in their new environment.

Determine the Best Location

Before you do anything else, you’ll want to first locate any underground waterlines or cables which would prevent you from digging the site for your new water feature. If you aren’t certain of their locations, call your local utility companies and inquire about them.

Once you know where any buried utility lines are located on your property, decide where you want to place your new water garden. Again, consider aspects like sun exposure and protection for any animals who will be living in the garden. The slope of the ground, proximity to other structures or large trees which may have far-reaching roots are some other things to keep in mind when choosing the best location.

Draw Up a Diagram

Once you’ve decided on the perfect location for your new water garden, create a diagram. Start by mapping it out on paper and be sure to include any important surrounding features such as buildings, other garden areas, trees and large plants. If you need help calculating the area where you will be digging for your pond, fountain or stream, try outlining the spot where you plan to dig with a garden hose to give yourself a solid visible boundary that will make taking measurements much easier.

What To Do With All That Extra Dirt…

One thing that often gets overlooked during the planning process is the fact you are about to have a lot of spare dirt on your hands (and for all of my fellow always-have-dirt-under-my-nails gardeners – pun intended!) Figuring out what you want to do with all that extra soil before you get started will save you the hassle of moving it twice. Perhaps you want to build a hill for your waterfall-to-be? Or maybe you have a low spot somewhere on your land that could use a good fill-in? Keep this in mind when deciding where to dig and how much soil you’ll be excavating for the new water garden.

Gather Your Materials

Besides a shovel and a strong back, there are several important items which will be required for installing your new water garden. Underlayment, pond liner, a pump, filter and water hose are some of the most common hardware items which you will need. Submersible lights, pond heater, rocks, sand, and fish (and of course plants!) may also make it onto your shopping list. Finally, consider any food and fertilizer that you will need to keep your water garden and its denizens happy and healthy.

Preparing the Site

Once you have all of your materials ready, it’s time to start preparing the site of your new water garden. You should start by clearly marking the outline of your pond or other water feature. You can do this with colored landscape spray or chalk spray. If you have previously outlined your area with a hose, you can also get away with simply tapping a garden shovel into the ground along the hose to mark where you will be digging.

As you excavate the area, be mindful of depth requirements for your plants, animals and/or water pump. Also remember that adding rocks, sand or soil to the bottom or edges of the pond after placing your liners will alter its final depth and size. Plan accordingly during the ‘Draw It Out’ phase and adjust your measurements as needed.

When you’ve finished digging the hole for your water feature, remove as many sharp stones, roots or other objects which may puncture the underlayment or pond liners as possible. Then, begin working your underlayment into the bottom of the hole, making certain to completely cover the bottom and all sides. Ideally, you will want to have a good amount of material left over to stretch out beyond the edges of the hole as the liner will settle a bit after water is added to the garden feature.

Do the same with your pond liner and temporarily secure both layers around the top of the hole by placing stones or other blunt heavy objects around it to hold the liners in place while you complete the next two steps.

Position Your Hardware

Once the underlayment and pond liner are installed, position your pump, filter and any other hardware in their designated locations and secure them in place with rocks or whatever else you’ve decided to use to keep them from shifting once submerged. Be sure to follow any specific manufacturer guidelines provided with the equipment regarding depth, clearance and any other safety measures before proceeding to the next step!

This is also a good time to add any other submerged items like rocks and decorations to your garden while you still have easy access to the bottom of the water feature.

Just Add Water

This is when building a water garden really gets exciting. Up until now you’ve been working hard with pencil and paper, spending (probably lots of) money, and performing some fairly taxing manual labor – all well and good if you’re into that sort of thing – all leading up to this one magic moment… (Can I get a drum roll, please?)

It’s time to add the water!

This step transforms all of your hard work thus far from being a big ugly hole in the ground with an unsightly rubber liner tucked in it to an actual pond, stream or whatever shape you’ve chosen for your new water garden to take. Now take a step back and admire your work for a moment. You’ve earned it!

Test The Hardware

After you’ve added water to your new garden feature, it’s time to get the hardware up and running and to make sure that everything is working properly. At this point, you may want to wait a day or two before introducing plants or adding any animals to the garden. This will allow the pond liner to settle so you can add more water as needed. It will also give you time to monitor the equipment for potential problems which would be much harder to address once plants and animals are added to the garden.

Choosing Plants For Your New Water Garden

When it comes to aquatic plants to grow in your water garden, there are three main types of plants to choose from. Submerged species like water lilies may have leaves and flowers which grow above water, while the rest of the plant exists beneath the water’s surface. There are also free-floating plants which grow completely unanchored on the surface of the water. Some common species of floating plants include water clover, water hyacinth, and duckweed. Then there are marginal plants like cattails, lotus and arrowhead which thrive in shallow water with submerged roots and all aerial parts growing above water. Marginal plants are often grown in submerged pots where the lip of the container is just beneath the surface of the water.

When choosing plants for your new water garden, be aware of any species which may be considered invasive in your local environment and either avoid these or keep them carefully contained to prevent harming the surrounding ecosystem. Also, take care to pick species which will compliment each other and not compete for nutrients with other plants in your water garden.

If you intend to keep animals in your water garden, again be sure to look into any potentially hazardous species which may harm your fish or other aquatic pets.

Adding Animals To The Water Garden Environment

For a truly rewarding experience, consider adding fish, turtle, snails or other animals to your water garden. Keeping aquatic animals can add charm and interest to your garden. They can also help to balance the aquatic ecosystem by keeping microscopic organisms in check and helping to fertilize your plants. Some popular choices include koi, goby, minnows, carp, bass, eels and catfish, as well as snails, salamanders, frogs, turtles, crayfish and fresh-water prawns.

Should you choose to introduce aquatic animals to your water garden, be sure to pick species that will thrive in your climate. Also, keep in mind that if you live in an area with particularly frigid winters, you may need to install a heat source when building your pond in order to prevent the water in your garden from freezing solid during the colder months.

As previously mentioned, fish and other animals in your water garden may attract predators. You will also need to provide shelter or some form of barrier against the local wildlife in order to keep your aquatic pets safe and happy in their new home.

Water Garden Oxygenation and Algae Control

One of the biggest problems facing water gardeners is the overgrowth of algae. While algae is a sign that your garden is rich with nutrients, these organisms can rapidly get out of hand. Should you find yourself with an overgrowth, avoid killing the algae with chemicals that will cause it to rot and sink to the bottom of the garden. This will only add more nutrients back into the water and result in the growth of even more algae. Instead, try skimming away and disposing of any excess growth. Then add more plants to help take up the excess nutrients. Also, remember that having too many fish or other animals is a leading cause of algae overgrowth, so you will want to avoid over-populating your water garden to prevent this problem from arising.

While an ideal aquatic ecosystem will recycle waste products from one organism into food for another, that perfect balance can be hard to achieve. Keep in mind that still water has a tendency to be lower in oxygen than moving water – a condition known as hypoxia. Adding more aquatic flora to the environment can help to correct this imbalance. However if you plan to keep fish or other animals in a still pond, you may wish to include some form of aerating device in your initial design to ensure there is enough oxygen in the water to support your chosen fauna.

The post How To Create Your Own Thriving Backyard Water Garden appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

First you catch a glimpse of a mere wisp of movement out of the corner of your eye. You swipe at it, but hit only air as the tiny predator deftly evades your hand and disappears. Then comes the high-pitch buzzing in your ear. Over and over you attempt to swat it away. Sadly, your efforts are all in vain. Before you know it, you’re covered in pink, swollen, itchy bites.

Of all of the pests that arrive with the warmer weather of spring and summer, there are few as annoying and persistent as the infamous mosquito. Before you reach for that tube of hydrocortisone steroid cream to soothe your discomfort, try out one or two of the following fifteen all-natural home remedies to relieve the itch and inflammation of mosquito bites.

How To Keep Mosquitoes Away In The First Place

Before we dive in it is worth mentioning that prevention is always better than cure. For that reason, make sure you familiarize yourself with our articles that deal with preventing mosquito bites, including:

11 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes – Plant these around your yard or in pots on your porch or patio and keep mosquitoes away! Citronella is probably the most effective!

21 Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away – From rubbing lavender on your body to making your own citronella candles, try these methods and minimize your mosquito bites this summer.

How To Make The World’s Best Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray – This herbal mosquito spray is really powerful, 100% non-toxic and really helps to keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

How To Use Essential Oils To Keep Mosquitoes Away – Essential oils, while smelling fragrant to most humans, are despised by mosquitoes. Discover the best essential oils for keeping mosquitoes away in this article.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?

As you smack away that biting insect buzzing around, you’ve probably wondered, just like I did, why mosquito bites itch so much. While their bite can affect people differently, there’s a reason for that itch. When mosquitoes bite they draw out blood while injecting some of their saliva, which contains proteins and an anticoagulant. The protein in the saliva triggers the immune system to release histamine, a substance that helps white blood cells get to the affected area, and it’s also why you experience swelling, inflammation and the itch. Not all people respond by itching though, some don’t even notice the bite at all, which can be because they’ve built a tolerance, or on the opposite side of the spectrum, if they’re bitten for the first time, the body hasn’t yet formulated a response to that particular invader.

15 Home Remedies For Mosquito Bites

Of course, you probably wouldn’t be reading this if you were one of the lucky ones who isn’t bothered by mosquito bites. But the good news is that there are plenty of highly effective natural remedies out there to help those who are – in fact, so many that if you’re suffering now, chances are you’ve got at least of few of these options right in your kitchen cabinet.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is famous for its ability to soothe a sunburn, but it can also help reduce inflammation, swelling and the itch of a mosquito bite. That’s because it’s a natural antiseptic agent, which simply means that it has the ability to relieve itchiness and swelling. It also helps reduce pain and speed healing too.

If you have your own plant at home, all you have to do is cut one of the leaves off and squeeze the gel onto any mosquito bites. You’ll need to reapply it every two to three hours until the itch subsides. If you don’t have a plant, you can usually find them for sale at most nurseries and home/garden stores or you could even buy already extracted Aloe vera gel.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is practically a cure-all, it’s good for so many things, including providing natural mosquito bite relief, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe and disinfect the area and may even help it to heal faster. You can spot treat a bite by dabbing a bit of undiluted apple cider vinegar on with a cotton ball. If you have a lot of bites across your body, a bath is the way to go. Add a few cups of apple cider vinegar to a tub filled with warm water. Soak for at least 15 minutes for the best results.

3. Baking Soda & Witch Hazel

Baking soda is a natural disinfectant which also helps to reduce inflammation, and as it contains mild alkaline compounds, it also helps to neutralize the pH balance of the skin, providing even more dramatic effects who it comes to natural mosquito bite relief. Witch hazel is a natural astringent, which means that it can draw out any excess fluid, further reducing any swelling. The combination of the two, made into a paste and applied to any bites, can bring fast relief. Allow the paste to sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing off.

4. Banana Peel

While it may sound strange, you might want to start saving those banana peels after you’re finished with the fruit inside, especially if you’re prone to mosquito bites. All you have to do is rub the soft inside of the peel over them. Thanks to minerals, vitamins, and acids in the peel, it will help take away the itch and soothe the pain.

5. Basil

Basil is a popular herb for cooking, especially in sauces and stews, but it can also help bring relief to that itch as it contains thymol and camphor, both of which have been found to get rid of the itch. You can use fresh basil leaves, pressing them over any bites, or basil essential oil. If you use the essential oil, dilute it with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil first, and then apply for quick relief.

6. Raw Honey

Honey, if you get the right type, meaning not the stuff in the plastic-shaped bear bottle, but raw, organic honey, is an excellent natural remedy for mosquito bites. That’s because it offers both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which makes it a popular choice for a wide range of natural home remedies. All you have to do it dab a little raw honey on your bites and before you know it, sweet relief.

7. Ice

It may be simple, but it’s highly effective and you probably have some in your freezer right now. Apply ice or a frozen bag of veggies, for example, can halt itching in its tracks, numb the pain and reduce swelling. It works because the ice is actually able to numb the nerves that cause the itch as well as the pain. The chilly temperature also helps to slow the inflammatory response to further lessen pain and provide quick relief. Don’t apply ice directly, however, as it can seriously damage your skin. Instead, wrap ice in a dish towel, use an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies and hold onto the affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes.

8. Lemon Juice

This happy yellow citrus fruit is sure to bring joy back in your life with its ability to provide instant relief for the pain and itch of a mosquito bite. The juice of a lemon offers natural anaesthetic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent natural remedy. As it also contains alpha-hydroxy acids and antioxidants it can cleanse and speed healing too. Simply cut a fresh lemon in half and then rub the inside of one half over your bites – if you have a lot, you may need to use the other half too. Not only will the itch stop, but the lemon juice will help prevent an infection from developing too.

Just keep in mind that this one is best done when you don’t plan to go back outdoors in the sun anytime soon as your skin will be more susceptible to a sunburn, something lemons aren’t going to help with.

9. Milk & Water

Milk naturally contains proteins that have anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties, and, like lemon, natural alpha-hydroxy acids are present too, which helps to enhance skin health. If you have a lot of bites, similar to apple cider vinegar, you can soak in a warm milk bath. Otherwise, simply mix up a bit of milk and water together and dab it onto your bites using a cotton ball. Ideally, skim milk is best as it’s the protein rather than the fat that helps, but you can use any type of milk you happen to have on hand.

10. Peppermint

Peppermint contains menthol and other cooling properties that can impact the nerves to stop the itch and the pain. You can use the fresh leaves by crushing them up and applying them on your mosquito bites, or use peppermint essential oil – beware, it’s rather potent so it must be diluted in a carrier oil first to prevent a reaction.

11. Tea Bags

Tea leaves contain tannins, natural compounds that help to draw out excess fluid from a bite, helping to reduce the swelling and relieve the pain. Simply make a cup of tea, black tea is ideal, and then place the used bag in the refrigerator to cool. Once it’s cooked, place it onto the mosquito bite for about 5 minutes.

12. Tea Tree Oil

Another very powerful treatment, tea tree oil offers strong antimicrobial action along with anti-inflammatory properties that not only help to ease the pain and swelling but lessen the chance of infection and help the skin heal faster too.

Add a couple of drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply directly to the bite.

13. Garlic

Garlic has been used for all sorts of natural remedies for centuries, and it’s great for mosquito bites too. It not only helps to soothe the itch and decrease swelling but if you eat a lot of garlic just before you go outside, the bugs will probably stay away from you in the first place as they hate the odor. To use it after you’ve been bit, mince up a clove of garlic and allow it to sit for a few minutes to release its active properties, then apply it directly onto any bites. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off.

14. Onion

Onions work similar to garlic when it comes to taking the itch and sting out of the bite. All you have to do is slice up a fresh onion and apply a slice to each bite. It will also help to pull any liquid out, in addition to stopping the itch and swelling.

15. Plantain Poultice

Plantains have been used as a medicinal cure in some Native American cultures, in fact, many used their leaves to relieve the pain and itch of an insect bite, as well as to halt the itching that occurs with rashes or poison ivy. It’s highly effective thanks to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, as well as being antitoxic and anti-inflammatory. Chewed or shredded, the leaves help to prevent infection with their antibacterial action, as well as relieve the itch and pain due to its anti-inflammatory abilities.

To make a plantain poultice, it’s best to use organic plantain leaves, or if you want to harvest it outdoors, look for signs that wildlife has been munching on it as that’s a good indicator that chemicals like pesticides haven’t been sprayed. You’ll need the larger, older leaves that are found at the base of the plant as they contain the most nutrients. You don’t have to have a lot of leaves, a poultice generally only requires four or five of them, and the plant will recover quickly, even if you pick all of its leaves.

Once you have the leaves:

• Wash the plantain leaves thoroughly to get rid of dirt, contaminants, bugs and so on and then mash them up. The easiest way to do it is to chew them if you’re the person who needs the poultice as you probably don’t want to be putting someone else’s saliva on your skin.
• Once you’ve chewed up the leaves into what looks similar to wet grass clippings, you can apply them.
• Apply the plantain leaves to any bites that you have, making sure to cover up any skin that looks red, swollen or irritated around it as they’ll help to reduce all inflammation and itching in the affected area as it dries.
• Cover up the plantain poultice using anything you might have lying around, like tape, a bandage, and so on. Don’t put it on so tight that it can’t breathe, as it needs to breathe and be allowed to gradually dry out for it to be effective. You’ll need to replace each one after a couple of hours or so when it starts to dry up. It won’t be long before your bites will have faded noticeably, and the itch is gone.

Read Next: 8 Essential Oils To Instantly Relieve Bug Bites

The post How To Get Rid Of Mosquito Bites: 15 Home Remedies For Instant Relief appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

Here at Natural Living Ideas, we’ve recently been on a bit of a water kick. In fact, the advice to “drink more water” seems to find it’s way into just about every list of ways to improve your health. Of course, there’s a very good reason for it. Water is the ‘magic diet supplement’ to cure all ills – or at least to help cure them all. Sadly, most people don’t drink enough of it (here’s why that’s dangerous) and usually it’s because of the taste (or lack there of).

Recently, while exploring ways to make water more exciting, we discovered a nifty little gadget called the Aqua Zinger. Half juicer and half water bottle, the Zinger was made with one purpose in mind: to flavor your drinking water using fresh fruit and herbs without filling your mouth with pulp and seeds.

The following are six of my favorite recipes that I’ve experimented with and enjoyed since adopting my new Zinger.  Enjoy!

Kiwi Strawberry Fizz

It helps if your berries are very ripe for this one. Chop them small, fill up the fruit compartment, close then and add fizzy water. Make sure the fruit compartment and lid are secured tightly then turn the bottle upside down a few times. (Don’t shake it too hard. It will spray out the top when you open the straw.) Each time you finish the water, add more and let it sit for a while to get more berry-kiwi goodness.

I also enjoy this one with a sprinkle of Stevia or Monk Fruit added to the mix when I’m craving something sweet. You can also add fresh mint to give this combo a little extra zip!

Cranberry Citrus Cocktail

Add slices of any combination of orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime (whatever citrus fruits you may have lying around) to the fruit compartment. Add a splash of 100% unsweetened cranberry juice then fill with soda water or plain filtered water. This combination is very refreshing and energizing. The cranberry juice is great for flushing out your urinary tract and the citrus fruits are excellent for a quick boost to your metabolism.

I prefer this one unsweetened. However, it is very sour and you may need to sweeten it up a smidgen to make it palatable.

Cucumber Double-Melon

Ripe honeydew and cantaloupe make a perfect compliment to cucumber slices. A classic flavor combination that can’t go wrong! (Unless you dislike cucumbers and melons, that is…) Just add cold filtered water or fizzy water, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the fruit to steep, then sip and enjoy!

Cucumber, Lime & Mint

Mix a little fresh mint and lime with your cucumber slices for a cool, refreshing treat that’s just like being at the spa! You can also add a little extra mint and a sprinkling of natural sweetener like Stevia or Monk Fruit to make this concoction taste like liquid candy.

Pineapple, Orange & Mango

If you’ve ever tried one of those sugary tropical juice drinks they sell at most grocery stores, then you probably already know how good these three fruits taste together. But who really wants to drink all of that added sugar? If you like them, you can also add a slice or two of banana to the mix. Pour in the water and add a natural sweetener of your choice for a truly sweet fruity treat!

Remember To Save Your Fruit!

One of the best things about using this handy little gadget is that when you’re finished, all of the fruit is still packed up nice and neat in the bottom of the container. Take a fork to it and enjoy a sweet snack. Scoop it into a jar of water and leave it in the refrigerator overnight to create even more infused water. Or you can even pop the mashed fruit into ice cube trays and freeze it to make colorful fruity ice cubes that not only make water taste better as they melt, but also look really pretty too!

Want to try some of these tasty recipes? You can buy yourself an Aqua Zinger from this page on Amazon.

Further Reading

Be sure to check out these 20 Creative & Tasty Ways to Make “Boring” Water Taste Like Heaven for even more great ideas to jazz up your drinking water!

Need a few more spiffy natural health gadgets to add to your collection?  Here are 10 more of our favorites that you simply have to try!

The post 6 Vitamin Water Recipes That Make Drinking Water Fun appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

When mixing essential oils for topical application, it’s almost always recommended to dilute them with a carrier oil. Most of us are very familiar with a select few carriers such as coconut, olive, jojoba and sweet almond oils. However, the list of possible carrier oils which may be used with your essential oil blends is actually quite long!

All of the different oils have their own unique traits based on the essential fatty acids and nutrients they contain. These characteristics make each individual carrier ideal for different situations based on such factors as skin-type, how long you may wish to store the mixture, or how you intend to apply it to your body.

Here we will cover 21 of the common and not-so-common carrier oils; including a short description of each one, as well as their associated health benefits. Then we’ll close with a brief description of the primary fatty acids contained in the carrier oils.

Looking to buy any of the carrier oils mentioned? Most of the oils mentioned in this article can be purchased from Plant Therapy – our favorite supplier of essential oils and aromatherapy goodies. You can browse their selection here. 

1. Sweet Almond

Oleic acid – 62%

Linoleic acid – 29%

Palmitic acid – 9%

Obtained from the dried kernels of the almond tree (Prunus amygdalus var. Dulcis), sweet almond oil is one of the more well-known carrier oils. It is rich in antioxidant vitamin E which is also a highly nourishing vitamin for promoting skin cell regeneration.

Sweet almond oil helps to balance skin’s natural oils and prevent excessive drying by locking in existing moisture. This makes the oil especially beneficial for very dry or irritated skin. However, it is also suitable for all skin types.

As it hydrates and nourishes skin, sweet almond oil also relieves inflammation and irritation. It also provides a good amount of natural resistance against sun damage by boosting antioxidant levels in the skin.

Sweet almond oil is ideal for massage oil blends as it doesn’t soak in overly fast. It is also perfect in facial moisturizing blends due to its ability to promote younger-looking skin without feeling greasy on the face. You can read more about this incredibly versatile oil in 12 Benefits Of Sweet Almond Oil For Beautiful Skin & Hair & Improved Health.

If you’d like to give it a try, pick up a bottle of Sky Organics 100% Pure, Cold-Pressed, Organic Sweet Almond Oil for an excellent, high-quality product.

2. Apricot Kernel

Oleic acid – 70%

Linoleic acid – 23%

Palmitic acid – 4%

Apricot kernel oil is extracted from the stones from apricots harvested from Prunus armeniaca, the most commonly cultivated species of apricot tree.

This carrier oil absorbs quickly and has a very fine texture which makes it suitable for use on oily skin. Due to its texture, and also for its anti-aging qualities, apricot kernel oil is a perfect carrier for facial massage and moisturizing blends.

It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which make it a good choice for whole-body massage blends, as well as for soothing dry, sensitive or irritated skin.

If you’d like to give it a try, pick up a bottle of this Dr Adorable Organic Pure Cold Pressed Apricot Kernel Oil.

3. Argan

Oleic acid – 43%

Linoleic acid – 37%

Palmitic acid – 12%

Cold-pressed from the fruit of the Morocan Argan Tree (Argania spinosa), Argan oil has many uses – both internally and externally. This oil is particularly rich with antioxidant vitamin A which significantly increases cellular regeneration. It also provides some natural protection against sun and other forms of environmental damage. It can be used to help heal and soften skin to prevent the formation of stretch marks, as well as scarring from small wounds.

On the skin, argan oil makes a wonderful carrier for anti-aging oil blends. It can also be used in nail and cuticle oils to promote healthy growth.

Argan oil is most well-known for its ability to improve strength and appearance of hair. Use it as a carrier for oil blends meant to repair split ends to experience Argan’s full potential.

You can read more about this popular oil in 17 Benefits of Argan Oil For Skin, Hair & Health.

Ready to try it out? You can purchase a bottle of Pura D’or 100% Pure Organic Moroccan Argan Oil here.

4. Avocado

Oleic acid – 65%

Linoleic acid – 15%

Plamitic acid – 14%

Palmitoleic acid – 6%

The fruit of the avocado tree (Persea americana) is approximately 30% oil; and it provides one of the thickest and most nourishing carriers on our list. Avocado oil is the only one of our carrier oils which contains significant quantities of palmitoleic acid – a fatty acid which is naturally present in human adipose tissues. Because it is a lipid which our bodies recognize as “familiar”, palmitoleic acid absorbs into and provides nourishment to skin’s lower layers. This makes avocado oil ideal for mature skin which tends to be thinner with a much slower rate of cellular regeneration.

Avocado oil is very thick and has a slow drying time, which makes it a good base for aromatherapy massage oil blends.

To create a lighter-textured blend using avocado oil, mix it with around 20% sweet almond oil.

The fatty acids in avocado oil are naturally anti-inflammatory. The oil also possesses many vital nutrients and antioxidants; including chlorophyll, lecithin and potassium, as well as vitamins A, D and E. As such, it is extremely effective in oil blends for treating inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It is also an ideal carrier in blends purposed for repairing damaged tissue.

You can read more about this carrier in 10 Amazing Avocado Oil Benefits For Your Health & Beauty.

Also, pick up a bottle of Belleza Solutions 100% Pure Cold-pressed Avocado Oil, if you’d like to try it out for yourself.

5. Coconut Oil

Lauric acid – 49%

Myristic acid – 16%

Palmitic acid – 9.5%

Decanoic acid – 8%

Caprylic acid – 7%

Oleic acid – 6.5%

The oil of the coconut fruit (Cocos nucifera) is currently the reigning king of all carrier oils. This one oil provides an almost unbelievable number of health benefits for skin and also for hair – as well as being a popular and nutritional food source.

Just to name a few, coconut oil is naturally antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial; and it can help balance your blood-sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and hormone levels. Coconut oil is cleansing and nourishing for skin, hair and nails; it is known to prevent seizures for children with drug-resistant epilepsy; and it is thought to be a preventative for certain forms of cancer.

As if that we’re enough, using coconut oil (internally and externally) can actually make your whole body smell better!

That said, coconut oil is the perfect base for just about any oil blend – the only exceptions being for those with coconut allergies or for oil blends whose scents clash with the fruity smell of this incredible carrier. (And we’ll cover the latter of the two in just a moment.)

Also, if you don’t already have a jar of CO laying around the house, you’ll definitely be needing one of those. For consistently high-quality (and delicious flavor), we recommend this Nutiva 100% Organic, Unrefined, Cold-Pressed, Virgin Coconut Oil!

6. Babassu

Lauric acid – 50%

Myristic acid – 20%

Palmitic acid – 11%

Oleic acid – 10%

Similar in appearance and texture to coconut oil, Babassu (Attalea speciosa) also possesses many of the same health benefits as its coconut cousin. This is because Babassu oil contains many of the same fatty acids as coconut. In fact, there are only three major noticeable differences between the two oils.

The first is that Babassu doesn’t smell nearly as fruity. This makes it better for blending essential oils whose scents clash with the aroma of coconut.

Second, Babassu soaks in quite a bit faster than coconut oil. So it doesn’t leave skin feeling as greasy and it’s better for oily skin types. Also, because it doesn’t linger on your skin as long as coconut, Babassu oil tends to create less mess on your clothes, furniture, the screens of phones and tablets, or (heaven forbid) your doorknobs.

The third and most intriguing different between the two oils is that Babassu creates a cooling sensation when it comes into contact with skin. This and its lighter texture make it ideal for many summertime blends where you want to keep cool and still provide your skin with the nourishment of lauric acid.

You can read all about coconut oil’s quirky cousin in 17 Reasons You Need Babassu Oil In Your Life!

Also, when you’re ready to try it out, I highly recommend this Dr Adorable 100% Pure Organic Cold-pressed Babassu Oil.

7. Black Cumin Seed

Linoleic acid – 58%

Oleic acid – 24%

Palmitic acid – 14%

Black cumin seed oil (also commonly referred to as simply black seed oil) is extracted from the seeds of Negella sativa, the black caraway flower.

Of all of the natural plant oils in the world, black seed oil has the highest ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids – at 56:1. This super-concentration of omega-6 (linoleic) fatty acid has led many people to call black cumin seed “the cure for everything but death”.

It’s list of health benefits include anti-cancer, anti-fungal and powerful anti-bacterial properties. Black seed oil is also known to boost immune function, promote liver and cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and balance blood sugar, aid with weight loss, stimulate cellular regeneration to help heal skin and prevent scarring, as well as to shield the mind against neuro-degenerative diseases.

That said, you can use black cumin seed oil as a carrier for just about anything you want. It’s just that good for your body! You can catch all of the incredible details in this article.

When you’re ready to purchase a bottle, try this Kiva Organic Cold-pressed, Raw Black Seed Oil.

8. Borage Seed

Linoleic acid – 39%

Gamma-Linolenic acid – 20%

Oleic – 18%

Palmitic – 10%

Borage seed oil is harvested from Borago officinalis (commonly known as the “starflower”); and it is the richest known natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) – one of the healthiest fatty acids in exsitence!

It’s super-high concentration of GLA makes borage seed oil one of the best natural anti-inflammatory carriers around. It is great for all skin types. Though, borage seed is especially beneficial for healing and soothing dry, damaged or irritated skin, as well as for strengthening and nourishing mature skin.

Use borage seed as a carrier for anti-aging oil blends to give them a powerful extra kick!

If you only buy one carrier oil for skin healing and anti-aging, borage seed is the one! Give this Organic Pure Oil Cold-pressed, Unrefined Borage Seed Oil a try. (Your skin will thank you!)

9. Flaxseed

alpha-Linolenic acid – 55%

Oleic acid – 20%

Linoleic acid – 15%

Palmitic acid – 7%

Another incredibly popular carrier oil which provides some pretty outstanding benefits is flaxseed. Also known as linseed oil, it is extracted from the seeds of Linum usitatissimum, the flax plant.

Flaxseed is the richest source (by concentration) of alpha-Linolenic acid in the natural world. This ranks it among the best-of-the-best for natural carrier oils.

It is a natural anti-inflammatory which is so effective that flaxseed oil is even recommended for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Use it for topical pain-relief blends, as well as to soothe inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Check out these 14 Fascinating Reasons to Eat More Flaxseed to get a better idea of just how incredible this little seed really is!

If you’re ready to purchase a bottle, give this Puritan’s Pride Organic Flaxseed Oil a try!

10. Hazelnut

Oleic acid – 74%

Linoleic acid – 17%

Palmitic acid – 8%

Hazelnut oil is pressed from the roasted kernels of Corylus avellana, the common hazel tree. As one might expect, this carrier has a mild nutty aroma similar to that of a whole hazelnut.

This carrier is beneficial in oil blends designed for acne-prone skin, as well as for other inflammatory skin conditions.

Hazelnut oil absorbs fairly easily into skin, softening and moisturizing as it does.

Due to its nutty scent, this carrier also makes a great base for many earthy, spicy and woody aromatherapy blends.

If you love the taste of hazelnuts, this is one carrier that you must try. Pick up a bottle of Organic Cold-pressed Hazelnut Oil here.

11. Hemp Seed

Linoleic acid – 60%

alpha-Linolenic acid – 20%

Oleic acid – 12%

Palmitic acid – 6%

Because hemp seed oil is sources from Cannabis sativa, this carrier has earned an unjustifiably bad reputation. In reality, hemp seed is one of the healthiest carrier oils on our list. With it’s rich concentrations of Linoleic and alpha-Linolenic acids, hemp seed oil provides some pretty potent health benefits when used either internally or externally.

As a carrier oil, hemp seed is a powerful anti-inflammatory and a natural antioxidant. It promotes skin healing and regeneration, while working to prevent blemishes and pre-mature aging. Because it also possesses a light, non-greasy texture, hemp seed is ideal for use in facial oil blends for all skin types.

Furthermore, hemp seed oil is a natural analgesic. Use it as a base for topical pain-relief blends or for deep tissue massage oils.

Learn more about this incredible, under-rated oil in 12 Ways Using Hemp Seed Oil Will Improve Your Health & Your Life.

If you’d like to purchase hemp seed oil, you can pick up a bottle of Herbal Choice Mari Organic Hemp Seed Oil here.

12. Jojoba

Eicosenoic acid – 77%

Erucic acid – 12%

Oleic acid – 9%

Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis, the jojoba tree. Technically a wax, not a true oil, jojoba contains some of the longest-chain fatty acids of any of the carriers on our list.

The primary constituents in Jojoba oil are non-digestible for humans. However, the combination of fatty acids in the oil mimic our skin’s natural sebum so closely that jojoba absorbs better than most other carriers.

Jojoba is a natural fungicide, making it ideal for oil blends meant to treat topical fungal infections.

It is also deeply nourishing for skin, hair, nails & cuticles. This – combined with its rapid absorption rate – makes jojoba an excellent carrier for all types of topical moisturizers.

Furthermore, jojoba’s unique fatty acid profile give the oil a very long shelf-life. When mixed with other carrier oils, jojoba confers its resistance against oxidation to the other oils in the blend.

Be sure to check out these 12 Surprising Benefits Of Jojoba Oil For Beautiful Skin & Hair to get more tips on how to use this unique carrier.

If you’d like to purchase a bottle of jojoba, we recommend Leven Rose 100% Pure Organic, Unrefined Cold-Pressed Jojoba Oil for consistent quality.

13. Kukui Nut

Linoleic acid – 40%

alpha-Linolenic acid – 26%

Oleic acid – 25%

Palmitic – 6%

Kukui nut oil is harvested from the seeds of Aleurites moluccans, also known as the “candlenut” tree. It is a light-weight oil which is excellent for those who want a good nourishing carrier oil that won’t leave behind a greasy film.

Kukui nut oil is nourishing for both the skin and the hair and makes a wonderful base for massage oils. You can also use kukui as a carrier in oil blends for moisturizing skin, treating acne, or conditioning the hair and scalp.

Kukui is also very soothing for damaged skin. Specifically, kukui nut oil is most effective in oil blends for relieving the pain and discomfort of burns caused by over-exposure to sun or those resulting from chemotherapy radiation.

Please note that kukui nut oil oxidizes much more easily than many of the other carriers on our list. Therefore, it should always be stored in a cool, dark location to prolong its shelf-life and preserve quality.

If you’d like to try out this delicate, nourishing carrier; you can pick up a bottle of Dr Adorable Pure Organic, Cold-Pressed Kukui Nut Oil here.

14. Olive

Oleic acid – 75%

Linoleic acid – 16%

Palmitic acid – 8%

One of the most popular cooking oils in the world, olive oil (extracted from the fruit of Olea europaea) has far more uses outside the kitchen than within it.

Olive oil is best known for it’s rich oleic acid content – the highest of any natural source. Indeed, “oleic” is literally translated from Greek as “relating to or derived from olive oil”.

Olive oil has a long list of incredible health benefits when ingested; not the least of which include better cholesterol and cardiovascular health. However, as previously mentioned, olive oil goes way beyond cooking. You can use it on just about any skin type as the oil is fairly light and won’t clog pores. Furthermore, the herbaceous aroma of olive oil allows this carrier to meld very well with most scent categories of essential oils.

Olive oil is also perfect for blends which moisturized and repair damaged hair as it dries relatively fast and won’t leave your locks looking to greasy or weighted-down.

One word of caution: When choosing an olive oil, beware of “cheap” brands as these oils are usually mixed with less-expensive (and unhealthy) vegetable oils in order to cut manufacturing costs.

If you’re not certain which brands are the ‘bad-guys’; it’s better to err on the side of caution. Consider giving this Bragg Pure, Unrefined, Organic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil a go. It has an amazing flavor and it’s guaranteed to be 100% pure olive oil!

15. Palm Kernel

Lauric acid – 48%

Myristic acid – 16%

Oleic acid – 15%

Palmitic acid – 8%

Palm kernel oil, harvested from the fruits of Elaeis guineensis (also known as the African oil palm) should not be confused with palm oil. Though they are derived from the same tree, these two oils are almost polar opposites. Whereas palm oil primarily consists of palmitic and oleic oils, and is liquid at room temperature; palm kernel oil has a higher melting point, similar to coconut and babassu oils.

As with coconut and babassu, palm kernel oil is rich with skin-nourishing vitamins and antioxidants which confer a wide variety of health benefits.

You can use palm kernel as a carrier in oil blends for softening, moisturizing and repairing skin. Or use it for hair and scalp oil blends to promote growth of thicker, stronger hair; while also adding a healthy shine to your lovely locks. (Read also: 6 Clever Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Gorgeous Hair to pick up some tips on using saturated palm oils on your hair.)

Dr Adorable Pure Organic, Cold-Pressed Palm Kernel Oil – 32 ounce

16. Pomegranate Seed

Punicic acid – 78%

Linoleic acid – 7%

Oleic acid – 6%

Palmitic acid – 3%

Stearic acid – 3%

Pomegranate seed oil contains a rare form of linolenic fatty acid – conjugated linolenic acid (CLA), also known as Punicic acid. Named for the pomegranate shrub (Punica granatum), punicic acid is found in its greatest quantities only in pomegranate seeds; and it is responsible for the majority of the oil’s health benefits.

Just like the rest of the fruit, pomegranate seed oil is powerfully antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; and it is known to significantly boost epidermal cellular regeneration. This makes pomegranate seed oil one of the absolute best oils for anti-aging blends, as well as those meant to heal damaged skin.

Try it out for yourself with this Dr Adorable 100% Pure Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil!

17. Evening Primrose

Linoleic acid – 75%

Gamma-Linolenic acid – 11%

Palmitic acid – 6%

Oleic acid – 6%

Oil pressed from the seeds of the evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is prized for its ultra high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The oil has long been used to treat everything from digestive disorders to hormone imbalances in women.

In oil blends, use evening primrose oil for clearing up acne or inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. It is also great to include in scalp treatments to clear up dandruff, prevent hair loss or to promote the growth of stronger, healthier hair.

You can read more about it in 7 Sensational Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil.

When you’re ready to experience the magic of evening primrose oil for yourself, try this Renewalize Organic, Cold-pressed Evening Primrose Oil!

18. Rosehip Seed

Linoleic acid – 47%

alpha-Linolenic acid – 29%

Oleic acid – 15%

Rosehip seed oils is extracted from the seeds of Rosa moschata, the musk rose. Not to be confused with the rosehip fruit, rosehip seed oil contains no vitamin C (a popular misconception). However, it does contain something much better than that – all-trans retinoic acid, a natural form of vitamin A. That and the oil’s high concentration of alpha-Linolenic acid make rosehip seed oil one of the most sought after carriers for natural skin care.

Use rosehip seed oil in blends for anti-aging, fading scars, soothing away redness and irritation, preventing stretch marks and clearing up blemishes; just to name a few. Check out these 9 Beauty Secrets Of Rose Hip Seed Oil to learn more.

When your ready to try it out, pick up a bottle of this Radha 100% Pure, Organic, Cold-pressed Rosehip Seed Oil.

19. Sesame

Oleic acid – 36%

Linoleic acid – 41%

Palmitic acid – 8%

Stearic acid – 5%

While most people consider sesame (Sesamum indicus) oil to be a food, it can also be used as a carrier oil. Sesame oil provides rich concentrations of vitamins E and B-complex, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein and lecithin.

Sesame is a thick oil that provides excellent, deep moisturizing for soothing very dry or irritated skin. Use it in blends meant for treating eczema, psoriasis or other inflammatory skin conditions. Sesame oil is also great for revitalizing older, more mature skin types.

Because sesame oil is very thick on its own, you may wish to blend it with another lighter carrier to reduce the viscosity of the oil.

(Keep in mind that sesame oil also has a fairly strong smell. If you aren’t a big fan of sesame seeds, you may not like the oil either.)

Think you want to give sesame oil a try? Check out this Life-Flo Pure Organic, Cold-pressed Sesame Oil.

20. Tamanu

Linoleic acid – 38%

Oleic acid – 34%

Stearic acid – 13%

Palmitic acid – 12%

Tamanu oil is extracted from the nuts of the Ati tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) of southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. The oil is well-known as one of the best skin-healing and rejuvinating oils available, making it particularly useful in anti-aging blends.

Tamanu is also a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-bacterial. As such, you can also use tamanu for oil blends intended to clear up acne or other inflammatory skin conditions.

Because it works to greatly speed skin cell regeneration, tamanu oil can also be used to promote healing and prevent scarring from wounds.

If you’d like to try Tamanu Oil, try this RejuveNaturals 100% Pure, Organic, Cold-pressed Tamanu Oil.

21. Wheat Germ

Linoleic acid – 55%

Palmitic acid – 16%

Oleic acid – 14%

alpha-Linolenic acid – 7%

Just like it sounds, wheat germ oil is extracted from the heart (aka “germ”) of Triticum durum (aka wheat) grains. Of the entire wheat grain, the germ makes up only about 3% of its entire weight. However, it contains approximately 25% of the grain’s proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Wheat germ oil is very high in vitamin E – one of the best natural sources around. It is also a natural antioxidant which can help to prevent oxidation when combined with other oils. For this reason, wheat germ oil is often combined with other carrier oils to extend their shelf life.

Use wheat germ oil in blends meant to promote skin cell regeneration, repair sun or environmental damage or heal scars. It can also increase an oil blend’s ability to reduce signs of aging and restore elasticity to skin for a more youthful appearance.

Wheat germ oil is anti-inflammatory and can be added to a blend to relieve symptoms of dermatitis.

Keep in mind, however, that wheat germ oil is very stick and heavy by itself. Thus, you will probably want to mix it (around 10%) with another carrier oil (90%) as opposed to using on its own.

Ready to try it out? Pick up a bottle of this Dr Adorable Pure, Unrefined, Organic, Cold-pressed Wheat Germ Oil.

15 Primary Essential Fatty Acids Found In Carrier Oils

Natural carrier oils owe the majority of their health benefits to the essential fatty acids (EFAs) they contain. For all of the carriers reviewed above, we listed the major EFAs, as well as how much (on average) of each individual fatty acid those oils contain.

For your convenience, the following are short descriptions of the primary EFAs found in our 21 carrier oils; including the oils they are most prevalent in and what exactly each fatty acid does to benefit the human body.

1. Oleic Acid

Oleic acid is an 18-carbon chain, monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It is found in most plant oils; specifically olive oil from which it gets its name. The Greek work “oleic” means “related to or derived from olive oil”.

Some of oleic acid’s more prominent health benefits revolve around improving cardiovascular health. It is best know for its ability to decrease LDL “bad” cholesterol while increasing HDL “good” cholesterol, as well as for reducing blood pressure.

Oleic acid is also well-known for being a powerful natural anti-inflammtory, as well as for improving insulin sensisitivity (i.e., reducing insulin-resistance) by protecting insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells.

2. Lauric Acid

Also known as dodecanoic acid Lauric acid is a 12-carbon medium-chain, saturated fatty acid. It is found in palm fruit carriers like coconut, babassu and palm kernel (but not palm) oils.

Lauric acid oxidizes slowly and is highly resistant to heat. As such, oils containing lauric acid tend to have a much longer shelf life than those that don’t. It is known for its ability to improve HDL “good” cholesterol levels. Lauric acid is also powerfully anti-microbial and provides deep moisturization and nourishment for skin. These traits make lauric acid-containing oils ideal for blends which are intended to treat skin disorders or severly dry skin.

3. Myristic Acid

Also known as tetradecanoic acid, myristic acid is a 14-carbon long-chain, saturated fatty acid. Like lauric acid, it is a common constituent in palm fruit oils like coconut, babassu and palm kernel. Like lauric acid, myristic acid is deeply moisturizing. It also absorbs quickly into skin which makes oils containing this fatty acid ideal for treating very dry or under-nourished skin.

4. Capric Acid

Often referred to as decanoic acid, Capric acid is a 10-carbon medium chain, saturated fatty acid. It is prevalent in oils like coconut and palm kernel.

Capric acid is known for its ability to help prevent seizures as part of the ketogenic diet. It also aids in speeding cellular regeneration, as well as for increasing metabolism and promoting weight-loss.

5. Caprylic Acid

Also known as octanoic acid, caprylic acid is an 8-carbon medium chain, saturated fatty acid. Like capric acid, it is found primarily in coconut and palm kernel oils.

Caprylic acid is best known for being a powerful anti-microbial. Like other medium-chain saturated fatty acids, caprylic acid promotes increased metabolism and faster weight-loss when taken internally.

6. Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acid is an 18-carbon chain, polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid which is found in the majority of seed oils. It is closely related to oleic acid and provides similar benefits for improving cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation.

7 – 9. Linolenic Acids

There are three forms of linolenic acid which naturally occur in significant quantity in the above-listed carrier oils. These are:

Alpha-Linolenic acid

Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) is an 18-carbon chain, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid. It is found in its highest concentrations in flaxseed oil. Other oils containing significant amounts of ALA include hemp seed, kukui nut, rosehip seed and wheat germ oils.

ALA oxidizes faster than most other fatty acids. For this reason, many oils with high ALA concentrations must be mixed with other more stable carriers to increase shelf-life.

Punicic acid

Punicic acid, also known as trichosanic acid or conjugated linolenic acid (CLA), is is an 18-carbon chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is found primarily in pomegranate seed oil.

Punicic acid is known for having potent anti-cancer properties, specifically against prostate cancer. It is also useful for supporting weight-loss, boosting metabolism and helping to build lean muscle mass.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an 18-carbon chain, polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. GLA is found in its highest concentration in evening primrose oil. It is also prevalent in seed oils such as hemp and borage.

GLA is well-known as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. It is effective for treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps to boost the immune system and promote hormone balance.

10. Palmitic Acid

Palmitic acid, also known as hexadecanoic acid, is a 16-carbon long-chain, saturated fatty acid. As the name implies, palmitic acid is a major component in palm fruits. But it is also the most common saturated fatty acid found in plants and animals, in general.

When consumed in excess, palmitic acid is thought to increase risk of heart disease by increasing LDL “bad” cholesterol. However, this effect is mitigated somewhat when palmitic acid is combined with other healthier fats.

12. Palmitoleic Acid

Also known as hexadecenoic acid, palmitoleic acid is 16-carbon chain, monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acid that is naturally synthesized from palmitic acid by the human liver. Palmitoleic acid is on of the main components of avocado oil.

Palmitoleic acid is a natural anti-inflammatory. Like oleic acid, palmitoleic acid improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin by protecting insulin-secreting pancreatic beta-cells.

13 – 14. Erucic Acid & 11-Eicosenoic Acid

11-Eicosenoic acid is a 20-carbon chain, monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It is found in a variety of plant and nut oils. While not toxic to humans, 11-eicosenoic acid is non-digestible and will cause loose stools if consumed in excess.

Erucic acid is a 22-carbon chain, monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It is known to be toxic to the human heart if ingested in large enough quantities. (The provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) for an average adult is approximately 500 mg/day.)

Most noteably, jojoba oil contains high concentrations of both 11-eicosenoic and erucic acids in the form of wax esters. While not safe to ingest, these fatty acids mimic the chemical structure of human sebum; and thus they are absorbed very quickly when applied topically to the skin.

15. Stearic Acid

Also known as octadecanoic acid, stearic acid is an 18-carbon chain, saturated fatty acid. It is also one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in nature, second only to palmitic.

While it is present in the majority of plant oils, stearic acid usually represents only a small percentage of their total lipid content. Tamanu oil is one exception, as it possesses a significantly higher concentration.

Carriers with higher stearic acid content tend to be heavier and absorb more slowly than other oils. When applied to skin and hair, they help to seal in moisture, which can be especially helpful in very dry climates.

(However, please note that people with sensitive skin are more likely to have adverse reactions to stearic acid. When in doubt, always perform a skin test first!)

The post Carrier Oils: 21 Of The Best For Skin, Hair & To Mix With Essential Oils appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.

If you have an essential oil enthusiast on your gift list this holiday season (or any other holiday, for that matter) choosing the right present couldn’t be easier. We’ve got you covered with the following list of gift ideas for essential oil and aromatherapy lovers. You’ll find everything from carrying cases and diffusers to oil blending equipment and beautiful glass bottles which are a must-have for anyone who enjoys the art of mixing custom essential oil concoctions.

Essential Oil Diffusers

Using a diffuser is one of the best ways to reap the many health benefits of your essential oils. They work by atomizing the oil into microscopic particles and dispersing those particles into the air.

Essential oil diffusers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The following are a few of our favorites:

Table Top Diffusers

Of all of the traditional tabletop diffusers, the Deneve Riverock is one of my personal favorites. It’s simple and elegant, and sounds like a babbling brook while running.

The BellaSentials Woodgrain Aromatherapy Diffuser is another favorite which won our award for the best diffuser when we personally reviewed five of the best. Not only is it lovely to look at, but it also has one of the longest running times of all of the models currently on the market – between 8 to 12 hours depending on which setting it’s run on.

For a tabletop diffuser that is both functional and adorable, this Aromatherapy ‘Alien’ Diffuser is just about as cute as they come! He also doubles as a night light for our younger (or young-at-heart) essential oil lovers!

Portable & Wearable Diffusers

Essential Oil Gift Sets

Rare & Unusual Essential Oils

Blending Supplies

Essential Oil Storage

Storage Boxes & Cases

Decorative Storage Shelving

Further Recommended Reading

The post 31 Gift Ideas For Essential Oil Lovers That Everyone Will Want appeared first on Natural Living Ideas.