These days, more and more people are turning to natural solutions for household cleaning, freshening and deodorizing. One of the hottest new natural products on the market today is zeolite, an all-natural substance that isn’t really new at all.

These natural, crystallized volcanic rock minerals comes from the earth and does an unparalleled job of absorbing toxins, mold and unpleasant odors.

In this article, we will describe zeolite rocks and powder and provide you with some smart ideas for putting these safe, thrifty, natural substances to use in your home. Read on to learn more about the zeolite crystal rocks.

[toc]

Brief Background Of Zeolite

The name of these volcanic rocks originated from the Swedish mineralogist and chemist, Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, who discovered the nickel in 1751. He came up with the term zeolite after heating minerals using a blowpipe flame. It derives from a Greek word “zeo”, which means “to boil” and “lithos”, meaning stone.

Zeolite is made of ancient volcanic ash that has become crystallized with the passage of time and with exposure to alkaline water. Pre-existing rocks undergoing intense heat and pressure or cataclastic metamorphism, becomes metamorphic rocks described with observable physical changes against its original form.

What Does Zeolite Look Like?

On the microscopic level, zeolite crystals possess complex lattice structure that resembles a honeycomb. The interconnecting channels of this structure are negatively charged, and inside of the channels are positive ions that draw in and capture odors, gases, mold, heavy metals and toxins. It’s worth noting that two kinds of zeolites exist: a natural zeolite and synthetic zeolites.

There are actually over fifty different types of natural zeolite in existence in rock form. We will be focusing on the clinoptilolite (clino) group, which is the best for agricultural and home use. Also, zeolite clinoptilolite is especially good at absorbing ammonia, so it has many uses in terms of home and pet care. [source]

On the other hand, liquid zeolites does the same effect but wears a different form. Other liquid zeolite products claim to cure several types of cancer and reverse the effects of alzheimer disease. However, these still needs further geological survey and testing from scientists.

Different zeolite supplements for both internal and external use exist in the market. However, scientists and researchers discourage this due to unproven effects and possible health hazards.

Clino is available in several sizes and forms. There are large chunks (rocks) that are about the size of common charcoal just like this zeolite rock from Newstone’s. Moreover, there is also a gravelly format that looks quite a bit like standard cat litter. It is also available in a powdered form.

Other Zeolite Rock Findings

Recently, researchers found a new zeolite species in Mont Saint-Hilaire quarry, Quebec in Canada. The Garronite-Na (Na6(Al6Si10O32)·7–10H2O), occurs in vugs in rock minerals called sodalite syenite. This new species of zeolite structure appears transparent to translucent, pale yellow in color, bearing white streaks.

Zeolite localities also exist in Isle of Skye in Scotland. Other species of mineral collection you can find in the island include: thomsonite, connelite, calcite, quartz and feldspar, and a lot more. Zeolite plates and mineral assemblage were also found in Prospect Park, New Jersey.

Diatomaceous earth makes another natural product with many household uses. Zeolite and diatomaceous earth differs in composition, characteristics, and some of their uses, although many would argue about which natural product works better.

How Effective Is Zeolite?

Zeolite rocks’ honeycomb structure allows the dry, odorless substance to absorb large amounts of gas molecules, moisture and chemicals. As a drying agent, it beats out other popular choices such as aluminum silicate and calcium aluminum silicate. This makes it an excellent choice for deodorizing and dehumidifying damp, dark areas such as basements. [source]

In addition to absorbing excess water and mold and mildew odors, natural zeolite is proven effective against heavy-hitters such as:

• Radioactive gases
• Bacterial odors
• Formaldehyde
• Sulfur dioxide
• Mercury
• Lead

That’s why it is used in serious contamination situations such as oil spills and nuclear accidents (e.g. Three Mile Island and Chernobyl).

As a drying agent, zeolite mineral is often mixed into construction stone and added to concrete. It can also be used as light weight, absorbent, non-toxic insulation. In Japan, it is a component of paper manufacturing.

How Can Zeolite Be Used In The Home?

You can use this long-lasting, natural product in your home, garage, car, barn and anywhere else moisture and odor may present problems. [source]

1. Keep dark, damp areas dry and fresh. If you have a closet or basement that tend to get musty, put a paper bag full of zeolite rocks in the corner instead of a sack of charcoal. This odor eliminator will do a much better job of absorbing odors and moisture.
2. Replace that box of baking soda in your fridge with a box or bowl of zeolite granules. It will absorb odors and keep humidity at optimum levels. This can save you about 12% in operating costs because good humidity levels mean more efficient functioning of your refrigerator.
3. Use it for odor removal of your cat’s litter box. Add a couple of tablespoons of zeolite powder to the litter to help absorb odors and moisture. Because clino has a particular affinity for ammonia, it is especially effective at absorbing the smell of urine.
4. Deodorize your carpet. Get rid of musty carpet odors or the smell of pet accidents by sprinkling your carpet with zeolite powder. Allow it to sit for a few hours and then vacuum it up with a shop vac. Take care not to use your regular household vacuum as the powder may be hard on the motor.
5. The zeolite odor control can remove the unwanted smell from your dog. Give your dog a dry shampoo with zeolite powder. Just sprinkle this powder it over Fido’s coat, ruffle it in with your fingertips and let it sit for half an hour or so before brushing vigorously.
6. Combat trash can odors. Keep a few zeolite rocks in the bottom of your trash can to absorb moisture and undesirable odors.
7. Combat tobacco smoke odors. Zeolite granules can be mixed into the sand or litter smokers use to stub out their cigarettes in smoking areas to help cut down on odor. Rooms where smokers have been can also be deodorized by hanging packs of zeolite or setting out bowls of zeolite rocks or granules in the area to help absorb the smell and the toxins left behind by tobacco smoke.
8. Avoid musty odors in stored items. Add a packet of zeolite granules or a few zeolite rocks to boxes of out-of-season clothes and bedding. This will help keep the items dry and prevent the development of mildew and musty odors. Keep a bag of zeolite in your storage unit to help keep stored furnishings and other items dry and fresh.
9. Neutralize under-sink odors. The cabinets under your sink and other low cupboards and cabinets may develop a musty smell. Keep a bowl of zeolite rocks or granules in the back of these cabinets to absorb moisture and prevent mold.
10. Keep your shoes fresh. When you take off your running or training shoes, drop a zeolite rock in to absorb moisture and odor. Also, when you put away off-season shoes and boots, include a packet of zeolite granules or powder or a rock to keep them dry and mildew free until you need them again.
11. Protect your leather goods. Leather jackets, boots, saddles and other leather goods can be ruined by dampness and mildew. Store them is a safe, dry place and prevent the accumulation of moisture and mildew by stashing a bag or bowl of zeolite along with them.
12. Avoid a musty odor in your car. Toss a few zeolite rocks under the seat of your car to keep the air fresh and absorb excess moisture in the carpet during wet weather.
13. Keep fruit fresh longer. It’s best to keep most types of fruit in a basket in the open air. Good air circulation helps prevent moldy spots. To keep your fruit even fresher for even longer, put a handful of zeolite stones or granules in the bottom of the basket. Next, lay a paper towel or a cotton cloth over them and then put your fruit on top. The zeolite will absorb excess moisture and the gasses given off by the fruit as it ripens. TIP: Turn and reposition your fruit at least once a day to prevent pressure points, which turn into bruises and become moldy spots.
14. Reduce ammonia in aquarium water. There are a number of types of clinoptilolite zeolite prepared just for aquarium use. You can get loose granules to mix with your gravel and/or with your filtration medium. Also, you can also get packets of granules to place inside filters. Moreover, get an ammonia reducer product that is prepared for the type of aquarium you keep (fresh or salt water). [source]

Recharge Your Zeolite And Use It Over And Over!

Not only is zeolite affordable to purchase, it is incredibly thrifty to use because you can refresh it and use it again and again indefinitely. To do this, you simply set it outside on a bright, sunny day and allow the sunshine and fresh air to carry away the smells and contaminants the minerals absorbed. For best results, you should leave your zeolite outdoors for two or three days in direct sunlight.

If you are using a product that is pre-packaged in a “breather bag”, you will want to hang it up so that it can get good air and sun contact on all sides. Turn it a couple of times a day to get direct sunlight and fresh air on all sides if you can’t hang it.

If you are using loose stones or granules in a sack or bowl, lay them out on a tray or tabletop outside to get good sun and air exposure.

For an aquarium product, if you are using loose stones or gravel, rinse them with hot water and allow them to dry in the sunshine for a few days before replacing them in your aquarium filtration system.

On dark, dreary days you can refresh your product in the oven. If your granules are pre-packaged in a plastic breather bag, just lay the bag on the oven rack for about an hour to allow the heat to circulate through it. Also, do not exceed a temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit or you will end up with a melted bag.

If you have loose stones or granules, just spread them on a cookie sheet and bake them for an hour or two. Moreover, loose zeolite can withstand very high temperatures (over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit) but 200 degrees should be adequate!

How Often Does Zeolite Need To Be Recharged?

Frequency of refreshing varies depending on how you are using the product and how severe the odor or contamination problem is. For musty closets, basements and attics, you could probably get away with waiting two or three months.

In a heavily used smoking room, you might want to rotate fresh zeolite into the room once a week or every few days.

In your aquarium, you would want to use fresh zeolite every time you change your filtration medium.

Use your own judgment. If you begin to notice an odor problem, you’ll want to refresh your zeolite. It’s a good idea to keep extra on hand so that you can simply put in a fresh packet, bag or bowl and take the used product away to freshen up.

Natural Zeolite: A Smart, Affordable Odor Control Solution

It’s easy to see that this clean, affordable crystallized minerals can be put to a great deal of good use in and around your home. The fact that it is chemical free and completely safe to use makes it especially attractive to people with kids, pets and/or chemical sensitivity. Finally, as a buy-it-once and buy-it-right product, it makes zeolite a thrifty and attractive deodorizing alternative.

Theoretically, you could overdose on magnesium in this way; however, this sort of treatment should always be conducted by a doctor.

It should also be noted that the type of magnesium used for this treatment is magnesium sulfate, which is the type found in Epsom salts. The type used to make magnesium oil and lotion is magnesium chloride.

 

What’s the Difference Between Magnesium Sulfate & Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium chloride, often sold as magnesium flakes, dissolves quickly in water producing a liquid with an oily feel. It is recommended for external use only. It can irritate the skin, but this is less common with magnesium sulfate.

Magnesium flakes cost higher than Epsom salts, but the product still seems quite affordable. You can purchase prepared magnesium lotions and oils for a pretty penny at your local health purveyor or drug store, or you can purchase the flakes very affordably in these same venues or online and make your own products.

 

You can purchase magnesium sulfate as Epsom salts. This common household product comes cheap and readily available at grocery stores, drug stores, dollar stores, and online. One can use it as a bath additive or foot soak. It also works well when taken internally as a laxative and provides many uses around the home and garden.

Epsom salts works as a good product, but it does not dissolve as quickly as magnesium flakes. Many people do find it to be irritating to the skin, and some find that it makes them sweat profusely when used in the bath and may leave them feeling anxious and irritable afterward.

Magnesium exists as one of the ancient minerals. Over centuries of food production, the magnesium in the soil depleted badly. Simultaneously, stress levels around the world rose in the modern age. Stress depletes magnesium levels in the body, so today we consume and retain less magnesium than ever before.

How To Make Sure You Get Enough Magnesium?

Several solutions exist for this problem. In this article, we will discuss magnesium supplementation, magnesium baths, and magnesium lotions and sprays. We will explain how you can make your own magnesium-rich personal care products and increase your dietary and supplemental intake of this extremely valuable mineral. Read on to learn more.

Watch this video about ‘9 Signs of Magnesium Deficiency & Quick Fixes’ by Dr. Mandell

How Does Magnesium Help You?

Magnesium is the most important mineral in the human body. Every bodily function is dependent upon it, and just about every ailment and malady can be traced to a deficiency of it. In fact, if you visit PubMed.gov and search any ailment + magnesium, you will find connections.

According to the Nutritional Magnesium Association magnesium deficiency has strong links to the development of:

• Cardiovascular problems
• Cognitive impairment
• Muscle weakness
• Diabetes
• Fatigue
• Arthritis

… and much more. [source]

Menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome, and problems associated with menopause may also be caused by magnesium deficiency.

To ensure you get enough magnesium in your diet and that your body can make good use of it, a balanced supplement containing magnesium along with potassium and calcium is wise, but topical application is also strongly advised.

Choose the Right Kind of Magnesium for Oral Supplementation

Several different types of magnesium on the market appear as oral supplements. Check this brief rundown of 5 common choices of magnesium supplements you may encounter.

Magnesium Glycinate

This is bonded with glycine, an amino acid that acts as a relaxing neurotransmitter. For this reason, this makes a very good form of the mineral to choose if you seek a calming and relaxing effect.

Magnesium Taurate

The magnesium taurate bonds with the amino acid, taurine. This combination works effectively in treating heart conditions as the magnesium relaxes the heart muscle and the taurine feeds it while enhancing contractions.

Magnesium L-threonate

Magnesium threonate crosses the blood/brain barrier and may become effective in treating conditions associated with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate is bonded with citric acid and is, therefore, easily absorbed. Although it contains a relatively small amount of the mineral by weight, they will only get absorbed. Magnesium citrate often appears as an ingredient in laxative products.

Magnesium Oxide

This is simple magnesium bound to oxygen. It has a very high percentage of magnesium, but it is the least absorbable type. It is good to use as a nerve tonic or muscle relaxer. In high doses, it is an effective laxative.

[source]

Transdermal Magnesium Therapy is a Must

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it absorbs magnesium more efficiently and distributes it more effectively than consuming magnesium in dietary or supplemental forms. While you should strive to eat a magnesium rich diet and take a good daily supplement, you should also experiment with topical application in the form of magnesium lotion, oil sprays, and baths.

If you have been experiencing symptoms of magnesium deficiency, such as:

• General malaise
• Muscle stiffness
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Nerve pain
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Hair loss
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Arthritis

…you will be amazed at how quickly transdermal (topical) application can make a big difference.

How to Make & Use Magnesium Lotion & Oil Spray

You can add magnesium chloride flakes to your bath or to a foot soak for deep, relaxing absorption. Create a simple magnesium “oil” to spray or splash onto your skin daily to supplement your magnesium needs. Also, you can use this oil as a basis for other homemade magnesium remedies.

DIY Magnesium Oil Recipe

Making basic magnesium chloride oil can work out very easy and simple. Combine magnesium flakes and boiled pure water with a rate of 50-50. Stir until the flakes dissolved; allow it to cool and decant it into a spray bottle. Clearly, this mixture may not actually serve as an oil, but it possess the appearance and feel of oil, hence the name.

You may want to try this pure magnesium chloride flakes from the ancient Zechstein Sea, also called Zechstein magnesium

To use this mixture, simply spray it on your skin once a day and allow it to soak in for half an hour. When applying it for the sole purpose of magnesium absorption, you may wish to follow these guidelines about half an hour before showering.

Spritz your back, chest, abdomen, thighs, shoulders, arms, and underarms about half a dozen times each for a good, even coverage. If you  experience hair loss, spray your scalp as well.

Stand on a towel spread on the floor when you apply your spray. It may damage or discolor carpeting, and it can leave hard flooring slick and dangerous.

Relax or go about your business (eating breakfast, etc.) for half an hour and then shower to avoid skin irritation.

Why Does Magnesium Sting & What Can You Do?

Surely, you heard the maxim “Don’t rub salt in the wound.” The reason rubbing salt in a wound does not play as a good idea is because, it stings. It also disinfects, but that’s another topic.

Magnesium flakes comes as an equal with salt. If you own a sensitive skin, freshly shaved skin, or a rash, cut, or scrape, applying magnesium lotion may sting. Magnesium spray will surely hurt a compromised skin.

To avoid this problem, careful not to apply homemade products containing magnesium flakes to sensitive skin, very dry skin, or areas you recently shaved or injured.

Use as a Leave-On Topical Magnesium Treatment

Pure magnesium oil spray can irritate undamaged skin because it effectively dries the sprayed part. Made of water and salt, nothing will really hydrate your skin. For this reason, makes a good idea to use it as a leave-on treatment for areas that may need some drying.

For example, if you have problems with acne on your back, spray it on your back several times a day. It will help dry and heal your acne and deliver a powerful dose of magnesium to your entire system.

You can use magnesium spray on your underarms, and it will help keep you dry and combat odor by inhibiting bacterial growth while delivering a dose of magnesium. Just don’t apply it immediately after shaving your underarms as the salt content may cause stinging.

Spray the mixture directly on sore muscles and achy joints to attain relief from pain.

How to Make a Magnesium Oil and the Incredible Benefits of Magnesium

Mag-A-Hol for Arthritis

If you are suffering from arthritis pain and you are not a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, you may wish to make your magnesium spray using cheap vodka instead of water. This helps the magnesium absorb quickly and deeply and works very well to alleviate the pain of arthritis.

Just be advised that if you are in a 12-Step program, you will wreck your progress by using this product because your body will absorb alcohol when you do so. Additionally, if you are gluten intolerant, this concoction may cause you problems because vodka can be wheat-based.

When you make this version, you will not boil the vodka. Just combine your ingredients in a jar or bottle with a tightly fitting lid and shake vigorously to encourage the flakes to dissolve. You may need to let the mixture sit overnight to allow complete dissolution.

DIY Magnesium Lotion

If you have very dry skin, or if you have a rash or a scrape, the spray will sting. To avoid this, you can easily make a soothing magnesium lotion using magnesium oil as a base. Prepare it as directed above and combine it with an equal amount of melted shea butter or coconut oil.

Be sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly with a hand-held mixer or a blender. As you combine the ingredients, the shea butter or coconut oil will cool and solidify. This will create a creamy lotion that you can smooth over your skin.

With this more diluted mixture, you are less likely to experience stinging and irritation. This will allow you to leave this lotion in place throughout the day. This also makes a good rub for muscle aches and arthritis pain because you can massage it in to increase blood circulation and further soothe your pain.

Check this video that shows how to make magnesium lotion.

Luxurious Magnesium Cream

If you want to get fancy, you can go a step further and make your magnesium lotion into a luxurious body butter. When you make your lotion, add a few tablespoons of melted emulsifying wax or beeswax per cup of lotion. This will thicken and stiffen the finished product to a buttery consistency.

This easy DIY product delivers a gentle dose of magnesium while helping protect your skin from the sun. Both coconut oil and shea butter provide sun protection at a level of SPF 4.

This recipe also improves recovery from excessive sun exposure. Keeping it in the fridge will help it stay fresh and will prevent the ingredients from separating. Keeping it chilled also improves its cooling, soothing properties.

You can also try this magnesium body butter for your skin.

Soak Up Your Magnesium

Magnesium baths or foot soaks can be safely added to your magnesium-boosting regimen, or if you prefer not to use sprays and lotions at all, you can just soak to get your magnesium. You should be sure to do this at least twice a week for the best results.

Bathe Your Body

For a soothing dose of therapy, try taking a magnesium bath. Just add a cup or two of magnesium flakes to a tub of hot water and soak for half an hour. You’ll find that this simple treatment relieves muscle aches, calms your nerves, and literally lowers your blood pressure.

Take a quick shower to rinse off after bathing to avoid skin irritation. Follow up with a good night’s sleep and you’ll feel like a new person in the morning.

Soak Your Feet

For a foot soak, add a quarter cup or a half cup of magnesium flakes to a standard tub of water (3-5 gallons). Soak for at least half an hour, two times weekly.

Be advised that excessive soaking may cause significant softening of your toenails. If you have thick, craggy toenails that need softening, this can be a good thing. If your toenails are thin and delicate, they may split. Monitor carefully and adjust your routine as needed. [source]

Is It Possible to Overdose on Magnesium? Are There Any Magnesium Side Effects?

Topically

Some people find that topical application of magnesium irritates thinner skin (e.g. inner arm, neck and face) but does not irritate thicker skin such as that found on legs and feet. A relaxing foot soak may be your best option if you find that magnesium lotion or oil irritates more sensitive areas of skin.

If you overdo topical application of magnesium, your skin will let you know. It may feel dry, itchy, and irritable. If this happens, discontinue use until the condition clears up and then resume at a lesser pace by applying a smaller amount of lotion or oil less frequently.

As a Supplement

It is possible to take too much concentrated supplement, and doing so can result in diarrhea and intestinal distress. For this reason, your oral magnesium intake should not exceed 1000 mg of magnesium supplement daily. Be sure to take a balanced supplement so that your body will be able to absorb and use the magnesium it contains.

Dietary

It is not possible to overdo magnesium in the diet. Look for magnesium-rich foods such as:

• Spinach and other dark greens
• Pure, dark chocolate
• Whole Grains
• Black Beans
• Avocados
• Dried fruit
• Fish
• Nuts

Intravenous Magnesium: According to WebMD magnesium sulfate may be administered intravenously to people suffering from:

• Low Magnesium Blood Levels
• Seizures During Pregnancy
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Edema During Pregnancy

[source]

Intravenous Magnesium: According to WebMD magnesium sulfate may be administered intravenously to people suffering from:

• Low Magnesium Blood Levels
• Seizures During Pregnancy
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Edema During Pregnancy

[source]

Theoretically, you could overdose on magnesium in this way; however, this sort of treatment should always be conducted by a doctor. It should also be noted that the type of magnesium used for this treatment is magnesium sulfate, which is the type found in Epsom salts. The type used to make magnesium oil and lotion is magnesium chloride.

What’s the Difference Between Magnesium Sulfate & Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium chloride, which is sold as magnesium flakes, dissolves quickly in water producing a liquid that has an oily feel. It is recommended for external use only. It can irritate the skin, but this is less common with magnesium sulfate.

Magnesium flakes are a bit costlier than Epsom salts, but the product is still quite affordable. You can purchase prepared magnesium lotions and essential oils for a pretty penny at your local health purveyor or drug store, or you can purchase the flakes very affordably in these same venues or online and make your own products.

What’s the Difference Between an Epsom Salt Bath and a Magnesium Bath?

Magnesium sulfate or magnesium sulphate can be purchased as Epsom salts. This common household product is cheap and readily available at grocery stores, drug stores, dollar stores, and online. It can be used as a bath additive or foot soak. It also works well when taken internally as a laxative and has many uses around the home and garden.

Epsom salts is a good product, but it does not dissolve as quickly as magnesium flakes. Many people do find it to be irritating to the skin, and some find that it makes them sweat profusely when used in the bath and may leave them feeling anxious and irritable afterward.

The Miracle Healing Power of Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt Baths) – Dr. Alan Mandell, D.C.

5 Thrifty Tips to Help You Get the Most Value from Magnesium

1. If you don’t happen to have magnesium flakes on hand at this very moment, Epsom salts may be a good substitute. Magnesium flakes dissolve faster and more completely and leave you with a smoother, silkier feel; however, Epsom salts also delivers a generous dose of magnesium to your frazzled system and can bring relief to stiff, sore muscles and joints. Be aware that it can produce irritation and anxiety in some people when used in a hot bath.
2. If you keep a wading pool in the summer for your children or yourself, Epsom salts can help keep algae down and discourages mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water. It also delivers a helpful dose of magnesium as you cool off and play. Be sure to run fresh water into the pool before and during use to displace stale water with fresh water. When you are done using the pool, add a cup or two of Epsom salts to the water.
3. Soaking with magnesium flakes can get a bit pricey, but foot baths can be remarkably thrifty because you can reuse your soak three or four times if you wash your feet before soaking them. Use a galvanized or stainless-steel tub (with a lid) that can be heated on your stovetop. Before soaking your feet, heat the water to the desired temperature. Be careful not to get it too hot. Add cool water as needed to avoid burning yourself. After your soak, keep the lid on the tub to keep your solution clean.
4. Although it is safe (and even desirable) to water with soaking water that has been laced with Epsom salts (or add it to your compost heap) don’t do this with water that contains magnesium flakes (magnesium chloride). Far from being beneficial to plants and compost, this substance will kill your plants. Dispose of it by pouring it down the drain or toilet. [source]
5. When you make your own magnesium lotion or body butter, be sure not to waste a drop of your precious ingredients. When you have finished mixing and decanting your lotion and you are ready to clean your mixer or blender (either stick or carafe), simply run it with some very hot water. Pour this water into a basin to soak your feet. Of course, you’ll need to add more hot water and maybe a quarter cup of magnesium flakes for a good soak, but doing it this way gets your blender clean without waste and without pouring shea butter or coconut oil down your kitchen drain.

No Matter What Ails You, Magnesium Can Help You!

Topical application of magnesium through lotions, sprays, and soaking is a safe way to add this valuable mineral to your daily care routine. Boosting magnesium levels is a good way to support any therapy for any condition. Ample stores of magnesium in your body improve your general health, your mood, and the quality of your life.

The strength of your nails depends on several factors including heredity, your diet, and your personal care habits.

While there’s not much you can do about your heredity, there’s a great deal you can do about your diet and personal care habits.

In this article, we will discuss these aspects of nail care and provide sound advice on eating right, making the most of supplements and taking good care of yourself to enjoy strong, healthy nails. Read on to learn more.

[toc]

Healthy Body – Healthy Nails!

When you go for your annual physical, your doctor will examine your nails carefully. This is because the condition of your fingernails and toenails reflects the condition of your overall health.

Problems with your nails can give your doctor a clue as to any health warnings you may have brewing. For example:

• If your nails appear half white and half pink, it may indicate kidney problems.
• Yellow nails with a reddish base serve as harbingers of diabetes.
• White fingernails may indicate problems with your liver.
• Thick, yellowed nails may indicate lung disease.
• Pale or purple nail beds rings a sign of anemia.
• Brittle nails may tell the age, or deficiency of vitamin A, biotin, or vitamin C.

[source]

Experts can also analyze nail trimmings for the presence of a substance called disulfide bond. If found in your nails, it may only indicate development of osteoporosis.

The Right Minerals Build Strong Nails, Bones, & Teeth

Not getting the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and protein? Your nails will surely show it. Therefore, it makes an important daily habit to eat a balanced, healthy, whole foods diet, and take the right combination of supplements.

One of the most necessary minerals for excellent nail health is silica. Your body uses silica to process calcium, necessary for strong nails, bones, and teeth.

Eating whole grains will help you get silica. You can also drink certain herbal teas to obtain a healthy dose. Some of the best natural strengthener choices include:

• Oat Straw
• Horsetail
• Nettle

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is also rich in silica. Adding food-grade diatomaceous earth to your daily diet as a supplement serves as a smart way to maintain strong bones, teeth, and fingernails, and generally, benefit your health.

In addition to silica, several minerals play an important role in keeping bones, teeth, and nails strong and healthy. Among them include:

Calcium

Calcium benefits nail growth and helps prevent nail brittleness and dryness. White spots appearing on the nails may indicate a lack of calcium in the diet. It makes a good idea to take a supplement with multivitamins containing at least 40% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of this mineral. Eat a balanced diet rich in white beans, green leafy veggies, broccoli, and dairy products. [source]

Magnesium

Magnesium supports all bodily functions and is vital to proper utilization of calcium. Supplement daily with 300-360 mg of magnesium, and eat a diet rich in green leafy veggies, whole grains, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. [source]

Iron

Iron supports good blood circulation and proper use of minerals and enzymes in the body. A lack of iron is often marked by discolored, ridged, thin nails. If you have a white “crescent moon” at the base of your nails, it likely warns you about iron deficiency.

Iron helps your body produce cells. Your blood should contain sufficient iron as it carries oxygen throughout your body. If your body does not pack enough iron content, it will encounter problems with absorbing nutrients resulting in varying conditions and illnesses such as anemia, low immunity, and extreme fatigue.

If you do not take enough iron in your diet, your hair will become thin and brittle, your fingernails will also weaken, and become concave in shape. It is not possible to get too much iron from dietary sources, but it is possible to take too much supplementation.

Keep supplementation of iron at a minimum. The RDA ranges from 8mg daily for seniors to 27 mg daily for pregnant women. [source]

Focus on eating foods rich in this valuable mineral. Examples include dried fruits, dark greens, leafy veggies, meat, fish, poultry, and beans.

Zinc

Zinc also helps strengthen your immune system. This natural nail strengthener supports development and growth of the cells of your body while ensuring that you own a strong sense of smell. Zinc deficiency plays as a common issue on pregnant women. On the other hand, vegans or vegetarians may expose themselves to a greater chance of zinc deficiency.

Zinc deficiency causes slow healing of wounds, growth issues with hair and nails, and hair loss especially for men. MedlinePlus advises women over age 19 to take 8 mg of zinc daily. Meanwhile, males over the age of 14 need 11 mg of zinc daily. [source]

Sulfur

Sulfur is another vital mineral for good nail health and good overall health. Lean beef, fish, eggs, and garlic contain healthy amounts of sulfur.

MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane)

MSM is a supplement that delivers biologically active sulfur to make nails grow fast and strong. It has been shown to increase hair growth and the growth and thickness of nails when taken as a daily supplement. MSM is also helpful in improving bone and joint health. [source]

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The omega 3 fatty acids helps maintain the proper functioning of all body systems. They reduce inflammation throughout the body and keep the brain and central nervous system in good working order. Lack of omega 3 in your system can lead to stress, which is the basis of all illness.

Add supplements of omega fatty acids in capsule form such as:

• Evening primrose oil
• Borage seed oil
• Flax seed oil
• Fish oil

These oils work to moisturize the nail bed and help make weak nails stronger. [source]

Dietary sources include green peas, which pack a lot of nutrition into a tiny package. Fresh green peas also contain beta-carotene and a great deal of vitamin C. Although they contain no fat, they deliver a powerful punch of the omega 3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (aka ALA).

This multi-vitamin from Douglas Laboratories makes one of the good choices when it comes to supplements.

The Right Vitamins Support Healthy Nails

In addition to minerals and essential fatty acids, a good balance of vitamins is important to maintaining good health, which is reflected in strong, healthy nails. The most notable vitamins for strong nails include:

B Vitamins

B vitamins help prevent splitting, cracking, and chipping, as well as ridges in the nails. Biotin (aka Vitamin H) makes one of the most important minerals to load up yourself with if you want to obtain healthier nails.

It functions as a water-soluble B vitamin. However, unlike other water-soluble vitamins, your body can produce this B-vitamin. If you consumed healthy fauna in your intestines, they can manufacture vitamin H.

For this reason, it is rare for healthy people to acquire biotin deficiency but it still ensures to take a supplement. According to the medical center at the University of Maryland, taking 30 micrograms of vitamin H every day can count as a wise move. As with all water-soluble vitamins, the excess will flush out through urine and perspiration, eliminating the danger of an overdose.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, along with folic acid and ample high-quality protein, can help prevent hangnails. This is another water-soluble vitamin essential for a strong immune system, overall good health, and strong nails. Skin, hair, and nails are made up of collagen, and vitamin C serves as a necessary component in its production.

If you do not get enough C, you will find that your hair becomes dry, thin, and brittle. Your nails and your hair will grow very slowly if your diet is lacking in C. Therefore, it is vital that you eat a diet consisting fresh fruits and vegetables. Take a high-quality supplement of 1000 mg of C daily, as well.

Amino Acids

Amino acidssuch as L-cysteine, are also crucial to good nail and bone health. L-cysteine contains sulfur which usually comes as a content in food sources of protein. You can take up to 1400 mg daily as a supplement. Good food sources of L-cysteine include pork, chicken, and sunflower seeds. [source]

Vitamin A

Vitamin A keeps the nail beds strong and helps prevent hangnails. In supplement form, take no more than 900 mcg daily. For cases of pregnant and nursing women you can increase this amount for up to 1300 mcg. [source]

Get ample vitamin A through many food sources. Some examples include tomatoes, carrots, squash, and dark green, leafy veggies.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D ensures the body absorbs Vitamin C properly for an improved nail growth and strength. Recommendations for vitamin D supplementation range from 400-2000 IU daily based on age, diet, and amount of sun exposure a person receives.

Supplementing with 400 IU daily, eating foods such as dairy products, fatty fish, organ meats, and egg yolks is wise. Getting about 15 minutes of sun exposure a day is also a good way to supplement your vitamin D intake naturally.

Problems with vitamin D deficiency? This article shares three ways on how you can prevent and overcome this condition.

How to Strengthen Nails with Good Nutrition

To make sure you get a full complement of vitamins and minerals in your diet, eat a varied diet consisting of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and high-quality, low-fat protein sources. Take a high-quality multivitamin and supplement separately with the water-soluble vitamins (B and C), as well as the omega 3s and amino acids.

Your diet should consist of about half fresh fruits and veggies in season, one-quarter whole grains, and one-quarter protein. Avoid processed foods as they do not provide the fiber or nutrition found in natural, whole foods, and they can cause harm to your health in general.

Watch this video to learn more about foods you need to eat for healthier hair and nails.

Know the Nutritional Content of the Foods You Eat

If you “eat a rainbow” of fresh fruits and veggies, along with whole grains and high-quality, natural protein sources, you will feel strong and healthy all over. Still, understanding the nutritional content of the foods you eat can help you to consistently make wise food choices. [source]

Phosphorus

You should strive to eat foods that are rich in phosphorus because it plays a key role in maintaining, repairing, and producing cells and tissues. It is vital for natural nail hardening. Foods with high-phosphorus content include:

• Whole grains
• Poultry
• Fish
• Meat
• Eggs
• Nuts

Some of these foods also provide essential fatty acids and high-quality protein.

Protein

Your nails compose of a hard form of protein called keratin, making it a very important reminder for you to include high-quality protein in your daily diet. In addition to eggs, fish, and nuts, good sources of protein include meats, poultry, dairy products, beans, and lentils.

Salmon, known as a super fish, comes as one of the best foods to eat for overall glowing good health, and especially for bone, tooth, and nail health. It packs in protein, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and cysteine.

For all the reasons we have already mentioned, eggs are an excellent source of good nutrition for your nails. In addition to providing sulfur, protein, iron, biotin, and vitamin A, eggs serve as an excellent source of vitamins E, B12, B7, and H.

Eggs also support thyroid function by providing iodine. This is important to the health of your bones, teeth, and nails because any thyroid malfunction can cause bone loss.

Beans Provide Protein & Concentrated Nutrients

Beans are an economical and delicious storehouse of vitamins and minerals. They are filled with:

• Phosphorus
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• B Vitamins
• Vitamin K
• Calcium
• Copper
• Zinc

These valuable nutrients work together to benefit nail health and overall good health. In addition to these benefits, beans are also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Natural fiber is essential to good gut health, which is, in turn, essential to maintaining a strong and healthy immune system and overall good health.

To even further benefit from the nutritional value of beans, be sure to soak dry beans overnight before cooking. This allows them to ferment slightly and develop enzymes that make beans more easily digestible and unlocks their nutrients for easier and more complete absorption.

Pour off the soaking water and rinse the beans before cooking in fresh water with the spices, meats, and other nourishing additions of your choosing.

Minerals

Oats are a simple, affordable, readily available whole grain that you can enjoy every day as a breakfast cereal or an addition to homemade muffins, pancakes, bread, and even main dishes, such as meatloaf. They deliver a wealth of minerals.

Only purchase old-fashioned oatmeal, not quick-cooking processed oats. This whole grain contains zinc, copper (which helps with iron absorption), silica, manganese, and B vitamins.

Like beans, whole oats can be made even more beneficial by soaking overnight before cooking.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are great for snacking and excellent for adding to baked goods, oatmeal, curries, and a variety of other dishes. They are rich in:

• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin E
• Copper
• Zinc

These work together to promote healthy nails, bones, and teeth, as well as helping to protect your brain from the ravages of inflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The best thing you can do to ensure balanced nutrition is to eat an abundant, healthy diet and take high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements daily to be sure of getting a well-rounded collection of vitamins, minerals, and general nourishment. These smart habits will help strengthen your nails, your bones, your teeth, and help you attain and maintain overall good health.

9 Natural Fingernail Care Tips

Good personal care habits are also important in attaining and maintaining strong, healthy, attractive fingernails and toenails. Taking care of your nails is simple. In fact, it is probably far simpler than you have been led to believe by manicurists, salons, nail product manufacturers, and others who stand to benefit from leading you astray. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your nails clean, healthy, and strong.

#1 – Keep Your Cuticles Intact

There is no need to push your cuticles back or trim them. Strong, healthy cuticles protect your nails from becoming infected with bacteria or fungus.

Instead of trimming, simply keep them soft and supple by massaging in a natural lubricant such as vitamin E, coconut, argan, olive, or jojoba oil (or something similar).

Do this at bedtime to give the oil plenty of time to soak in and nourish your skin. This practice will keep your cuticles smooth and attractive and will help you avoid hangnails. You may wish to put on a pair of light cotton gloves to prevent getting oil on your bedding.

#2 – Avoid Using Nail Hardeners

You don’t really want hard nails. You want strong nails. Strength is a combination of durability and flexibility. You get this from eating right, taking your vitamins, and keeping your nails properly trimmed and moisturized. Nail hardeners make your nails more likely to break.

#3 – Avoid Harsh Chemicals

In your nail products, personal care products, and household cleaning products take care to make choices that do not expose you to dangerous, damaging chemicals.

#4 – Use Natural Nail polish (or none at all)

When seeking products for your nails, look for natural nail polish brands that do not contain the following harsh and dangerous chemicals:

• Toluene is associated with central nervous system damage.
• Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) can cause endocrine disruption and organ problems.

Also, seek out polish removers that are not acetone based. Acetone dries your nails and can make them very brittle. [source]

Vegans will love this non-toxic and cruelty free nail polish from Farmer’s Market Berries.

#5 – Harmful For The Hair Can Also Cause Harm To Your Nails

Shampoos intended for oily hair may strip the oil from your hair and scalp. They will also do this to your nails. Read ingredients carefully, and always opt for the gentler and more natural choices.

#6 – Use Natural, Gentle Personal Care Products

Use gentle products such as hand soaps and shampoos. Avoid exposing your nails (and the rest of your body) to alcohol-based hand sanitizers and other drying chemical cocktails. Save money and know what’s in your products by using simple, safe DIY recipes.

#7 – Avoid Using Harsh, Drying Chemicals

Avoid using them while trying to clean around the house. Instead, go for natural alternatives such as DIY cleaners made with ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda, essential oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, tea tree essential oil, and the like.

#8 – Wearing Rubber Gloves When Cleaning

Wash your hands after exposure to cleaning products, and remember to use a gentle, moisturizing lotion after washing to prevent loss of hydration.

#9 – Avoid Nail Enhancements

If you are patient and consistent in following the advice presented here, in time you will have beautiful, strong, natural nails. Nail extensions and even nail tips can be damaging to your fingernails. Having your nails covered with an unnatural, air-blocking substance naturally weakens them, and the chemicals used to apply these products can be very damaging or even dangerous.

[source]

Taking Care of Natural Nails

Do-It-Yourself! It’s fun and relaxing to receive a professional manicure service, but you may end up with a world of trouble when you do. Many people contracted chronic nail infections by partaking in regular professional manicures and/or pedicures.

Getting your nails done in a public place with tools used on other people serve as a bad choice. Aside from this, the chemicals used in professional nail salons and spas may cause harsher effects than products you use at home.

If you need a professional mani/pedi, bring your own tools and products. Try to get the first appointment of the day when the salon is at its cleanest.

Basic Nail Care Routine

A DIY manicure provides the same relaxation effect as professional one or even more so. When you do it yourself, you can take your time and have everything your way. Incorporating a manicure into a luxurious, at-home spa day is a great idea.

Begin by setting yourself up in a comfortable, quiet setting. Bring all your tools and supplies close at hand, then follow these simple instructions:

1. Remove any old polish with cotton balls or pads and a non-acetone remover.
2. Soak your nails in a shallow bowl or tray of whole milk warmed to body temperature or slightly warmer.
3. Dry your hands with a soft, clean towel.
4. Clip your nails to a comfortable length and smooth them gently with a diamond nail file that provides a fine, smooth filing edge. Avoid using standard emery boards. File gently and in one direction. Rasping back and forth tears the nails and sets them up for splitting. This Diamancel diamond nail file will do a great job.
5. Massage your cuticles and nails with vitamin E oil (or the moisturizing natural oil of your choosing). Don’t wipe the oil off.
6. Buff the nails of your right hand against the heel of your left hand and vice-versa. This will spread the oil thinly and evenly and leave your nails with a light glow. Don’t forget to do your thumbnails! Buffing improves blood circulation for a healthier nail bed, quicker growth, and stronger nails. You can buff your nails in this natural way anytime and anywhere.
7. Apply a high-quality hand lotion or cream to your hands and forearms. Take your time to massage it in well.
8. Lay a warm, dry towel over your hands and arms, close your eyes, and relax for 10 or 15 minutes. This will give the lotion a chance to soak in deeply.
9. Clean your equipment thoroughly before your next DIY manicure. Wipe your clippers with a clean, damp cloth followed by an alcohol wipe or swab. Wash your diamond nail file with dish soap and hot water. Also, don’t forget to thoroughly dry all your equipment before storing it away. Try thes Chimocee nail clippers.

[source]

How to Get Healthy Toenails

Take care of your toenails the same way you take care of your fingernails. Keep them clean, trimmed (straight across to avoid ingrown toenails) and moisturized. Make sure to give your feet a chance to air out for several hours a day. In addition, always wear clean socks, and well-fitted shoes to avoid pressure on the nails, the development of foot fungus, and other problems.

Take A Holistic Approach to Fingernail Treatment for Healthy Nails

Take a whole-body approach to nail treatment and achieve nail beauty by eating right, taking good care of your body, and treating your nails gently. It may take a few weeks to see results if your nails become badly damaged. Remember damaged nails may also imply an indication of damaged health.

The condition of your fingernails and toenails reflects the condition of your overall health. It may be tempting to try quick fixes, such as polishes, hardeners, and other chemical-based concoctions. However, in the long run, these products are ineffective at best and damaging at worst.

Taking good care of your whole body will result in strong, healthy nails.

Learn why and how witch hazel works to relieve the pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids. This article provides a brief history of the use of the Hamamelis virginiana bush as a general home remedy along with practical tips for use.

[toc]

What Is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel has long been known as a natural home remedy for the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids. The bark of the herbaceous shrub, witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), is imbued with natural anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that can help alleviate irritation, pain, and itching associated with hemorrhoids.

This valuable plant grows wild in Atlantic North America (the northern and eastern United States) and parts of Canada. It has several names, including, Winter Bloom (because it blooms in the fall) and Potted Alder.

There is a domesticated form of the shrub, but it is not the variety that should be used for home remedies. For this purpose, you must seek out the Hamamelis virginiana, which grows all along the east coast of the US up to Nova Scotia. The bark and leaves of this plant contain antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties that can help cleanse, soothe, and shrink hemorrhoids.

Before recorded time, Native Americans used the bark and leaves of the natural witch hazel shrub as a remedy for skin irritation, wound care, reduction of benign tumors, stomach upset, and more.

How Does It Work?

Witch hazel has been used for varicose vein relief. In fact, hemorrhoids have some of the same symptoms of  varicose veins. Witch hazel helps ease pain as it strengthens and tightens the walls of these distended veins. [source]

Witch hazel’s natural active ingredients are:

• Calcium oxalate
• Gallotannins
• Hamelotannin
• Gallic Acid
• Choline
• Hamelose
• Quercetin
• Safrole
• Carvacrol
• Eugenol

The tannins are specifically beneficial to treat hemorrhoids. These work by shrinking swollen tissues and helping draw damaged tissues together for healing. They reduce swelling and inflammation and prompt coagulation. This is very helpful in the event your hemorrhoids break open and bleed. The natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties of witch hazel help prevent infection and itching.

Should You Make Your Own Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Tincture?

The Native American people made an extract of witch hazel by boiling the leaves and bark and pouring off the concentrated tincture. It is certainly possible to do this today; however, you should understand that it is an iffy process that may not have uniform results.

The amount of active ingredients contained in the bark and leaves of the shrub is dependent on soil and growing conditions. For this reason, you might end up with a weak, ineffective tincture one time and a powerful, potentially damaging tincture the next.

Commercially prepared witch hazel products are abundant, and they are very affordable. You are probably much better off simply purchasing a high-quality witch hazel astringent at your local drug store, health food store, or online.

What To Look For When Buying Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoids

Witch hazel products that can be bought at your local drug store typically contain about 14% isopropyl alcohol. This can be a good thing when using witch hazel for hemorrhoid treatment. Alcohol is also antiseptic, antibacterial, and can provide cooling properties. However, if you prefer to avoid rubbing alcohol, you can purchase an alcohol-free tincture or prepared astringent to use instead. [source]

The product that is easiest to find and cheapest to buy is witch hazel extract mixed with isopropyl alcohol. This is readily available at your local drug store, grocery, or variety store for just a few dollars a pint. Look for it alongside first aid supplies such as rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.

Drug store witch hazel/isopropyl alcohol mixtures are standard, and you can go with the bargain brand safely in most cases. If you are purchasing alcohol-free witch hazel astringent, Dickenson’s and Thayer’s are both highly regarded brands.

If you are purchasing an extract, it’s wise to go with a higher quality brand because extracts are considered herbal supplements. This means that they are monitored by the FDA as foods (not drugs), so the manufacturers are not required to guarantee their quality, purity, or efficacy.

If you want a product that does not contain isopropyl alcohol, many affordable products are available in the same venues and online. You may find them located or listed as personal care products rather than as first aid products. One good example is this witch hazel alcohol-free toner from Thayer’s.

In addition to liquid witch hazel preparations, there are also hemorrhoid creams and ointments that can help ease your discomfort. You can purchase these pre-made or make your own home remedies.

How Do You Use Witch Hazel Astringent For Hemorrhoids?

To use witch hazel as a treatment for external hemorrhoids, you can simply use a topical astringent product (with or without isopropyl alcohol) as-is. This can be applied to hemorrhoid tissue externally to provide cooling, soothing, and reduction of inflammation of the swollen blood vessels.

There are many ways to use this affordable, natural product to bring relief to the pain, swelling, and itching of hemorrhoids. One of the simplest methods is to decant your witch hazel into a spray bottle and spray it lightly onto your toilet paper when you wipe after a bowel movement. This helps cool, soothe, and cleanse the anal area.

If you do this, you will need to use a sturdy variety of toilet paper, baby wipe, or a soft paper towel. Remember not to flush paper products that are not easily degradable as they may block your plumbing.

Five Easy DIY Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoid Treatments

If you tend to have allergies, or if you have sensitive skin, you may want to stay away from commercially prepared products and products that contain isopropyl alcohol. In this case, making your own products using alcohol-free witch hazel astringent or pure extract and other natural ingredients may be the very best choice for you.

Some good products to use in combination with witch hazel include:

• Aloe Vera Gel
• Coconut Oil
• Essential Oils

When using essential oils, you should not use more than 6 drops per 1 ounce of carrier product (e.g. witch hazel, aloe vera gel, coconut oil).

Make Your Own Hemorrhoid Gel

A cooling, soothing, healing gel can be very helpful in reducing inflammation and protecting sensitive skin. To make a soothing, aloe-based gel, you’ll need:

• A 2-ounce dark blue or brown glass jar with a tightly fitting lid
• 2 drops each of Geranium, Juniper, and Cypress essential oils
• A teaspoon of pure witch hazel extract
• An ounce of pure aloe vera gel

Place all ingredients in your jar and stir thoroughly. A toothpick, clean bobby pin, coffee stirrer, or drinking straw will all work well as stirring implements. You may need to stir the gel before each use as the ingredients may tend to settle and separate.

Keep your gel in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly in place. This recipe is not perishable, but remember that essential oils are volatile oils. They evaporate quickly, so you must protect them from air and heat. Keep the lid on the jar tightly and don’t allow it to sit in the sunlight.

You can double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe if you want to make more than an ounce at a time, but if you do, it would be wise to keep your gel in the refrigerator. There are advantages to this as the chilled gel can be very soothing, and the cool temperature can help relieve inflammation.

If this product stings a bit, add more aloe to further dilute the witch hazel and essential oils. [source]

Make Wipes

Purchase a tub of unscented, hypoallergenic baby wipes. Open the tub and pour in about half a pint of witch hazel. Thread the first wipe in the center of the roll through the hole in the lid and replace the lid. Tilt the container a couple of times to help distribute the witch hazel throughout the roll. Use the wipes after bowel movements.

If you want, you can add a soothing essential oil to the witch hazel before adding it to the wipes. Chamomile oil is a good choice. Add at a rate of 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of witch hazel.

Make Cleansing Pads

If you are concerned about the environment and/or cost, you may prefer cleansing pads to wipes. To do this, you will need:

• A glass or food grade plastic jar with a tightly fitting lid
• A pint of witch hazel astringent
• 1 teaspoonful of chamomile oil
• ½ teaspoonful of Niaoli essential oil
• Cotton cosmetic pads

Add the essential oils to a new bottle of witch hazel astringent (with alcohol or alcohol-free – your choice). Stack the cosmetic pads loosely in your clean (sterilized) container. Pour enough of your witch hazel mixture over them to dampen them thoroughly. They should be wet, but not dripping.

Put the lid on the jar to keep the pads clean and prevent evaporation of the witch hazel. Keep your jar of pads near your toilet to use after bowel movements. Be sure not to flush the cotton cosmetics pads.

This is a very economical and eco-friendly solution because your pint of witch hazel mix will make several batches of cleansing pads. The cotton pads are inexpensive and biodegradable. Your glass or plastic container is reusable.

With this homemade product, you know exactly what is in your cleansing pads. You don’t have to worry about chemical additives, perfumes, dyes, or other potential irritants.

Overnight Treatment

Soak cotton ball or pads in witch hazel (with essential oils added if desired). Place the witch hazel pads directly on your hemorrhoids at bedtime to provide overnight healing and relief.

One of the most effective natural remedies for hemorrhoids is a sitz bath. Soak your buttocks and hips in luke warm water with witch hazel solution to help get rid of hemorrhoids fast. While doing so, it gives you temporary hemorrhoid relief or stops bleeding hemorrhoids.

If you are using your own, homemade products in treating hemorrhoids, be sure to store them properly. Keep them in dark containers, safe from heat and sun. If your remedy seems to go “off” even a bit, pitch it, and make a new batch.

Homemade Witch Hazel Suppositories Offer Cooling Relief

If you have swollen, painful internal hemorrhoids, using suppositories may help. There are several commercially prepared suppositories containing witch hazel that you can purchase at your local drug store or health food store. You can also make simple suppositories. You’ll need:

• A small ice-cube tray that has compartments free of sharp corners
• Pure witch hazel tincture
• Coconut oil

If the coconut oil is in a solid state, gently warm it by placing the entire container in a tub of warm water until the oil liquefies. Prepare a 50/50 mixture of coconut oil and witch hazel tincture.

Fill the compartments of your ice cube tray slightly with about a teaspoonful of your coconut oil and witch hazel mixture.

Place the ice cube tray in your freezer. Once your homemade suppositories have frozen, you can store them in the ice cube tray or empty them into a Ziploc freezer bag to keep in your freezer for convenience. [source]

To use these suppositories, you would insert one or two into the anus at bedtime. You can use plain coconut oil as a lubricant if needed.

You might think that the frozen suppository would be rather shocking, but it really isn’t. The cold suppository is soothing, and it melts quickly.

You may also wish to use witch hazel soaked (or dry) cotton balls externally to soak up the witch hazel/coconut oil mixture as needed. You may need this organic witch hazel extract while doing the above.

Purchase Witch Hazel Hemorrhoid Wipes, Pads, & Suppositories

If you are simply not a DIY sort of person, you will find lots of suitable choices in commercially prepared hemorrhoid products containing witch hazel such as hemorrhoidal pads. These are all fine to use, but they are a bit pricey. In some cases, if your doctor prescribes a product, your health insurance may cover the cost.

Don’t Ingest Witch Hazel

In your quest for hemorrhoid remedies, you may also run across witch hazel teas or oral supplements. Your suffering may tempt you to give these treatments a try, but that would be an ill-advised decision. Taking witch hazel internally can cause problems because of its high tannin content. [source]

Complications include:

• Problems with nutrient absorption
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Loss of Appetite
• Kidney Damage
• Darkened Urine
• Stomach Pain
• Constipation
• Liver Damage
• Fatigue

[source]

For these reasons, it is wise to stick with topical treatments. They are safe and effective.

Is It Safe?

Witch hazel has enjoyed centuries of popularity because it works well and has few (or no) side effects when used topically. It is one of a very small selection of herbs that is approved for medicinal use by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). When you visit your doctor to seek treatment for hemorrhoids, he or she is very likely to recommend the use of witch hazel products.

You can use witch hazel externally half a dozen times daily without worrying that you will suffer skin irritation or other unwanted side effects. If you are going to try suppositories, you would be wise to discuss the matter with an herbalist or with your doctor. You should only use suppositories for a limited amount of time, and your health professional can help you determine that length of time.

Suppository use constitutes internal use, and it’s always smart to consult with a professional before using any natural remedy internally. Be certain not to use any product that contains isopropyl alcohol internally as this can cause very serious health complications or even death.

Negative drug, food, and herbal remedy interactions with witch hazel are unheard of, and side effects are rare. As with any topically applied treatment, some people may experience sensitivity. It is always smart to test any new product on a small area of skin before applying it to sensitive or large areas of skin. You can test your sensitivity by placing a few drops of witch hazel on the skin at the bend of your elbow. Leave it in place for 24 hours. If no sensitivity occurs, you can use witch hazel confidently.

It is possible to develop an allergic reaction to anything. If you use witch hazel for a while and then begin to develop a rash or other irritation, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Just as with any prescription, over-the-counter medication, or home remedy, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, consult your doctor before use.

Don’t Expect Miracles

Clearly, witch hazel delivers a lot of value as a treatment for hemorrhoids. It is cooling, soothing, and has remarkable healing properties. It helps reduce inflammation and accompanying pain and swelling.

Witch hazel is very effective in treating the symptoms of hemorrhoids; it can shrink and heal anal fissures and help ease bowel movements, but it cannot undo the cause of hemorrhoids.

Be careful to avoid becoming constipated because this can cause and/or exacerbate hemorrhoids. Along with your witch hazel remedies, you must also implement smart, healthy lifestyle habits that include:

• Good stress management
• Ample pure, filtered water
• Fresh fruits and veggies
• Whole grains
• Daily exercise
• Ample sleep

Hemorrhoids do not have to be a lifelong bane of your existence. A holistic approach that includes healthy habits and smart use of home remedies or commercial products containing witch hazel can help you cure hemorrhoids.

Toenail fungus can severely damage the appearance of your feet and put a critical damper on self-confidence. Traditional treatments (which include topical creams, pills, and sometimes surgery) might not be the right fit for everyone.

Could home remedies for nail fungus provide the answer for those seeking more convenience?

[toc]

The Problem With Home Remedies

This should be obvious. Though some toenail fungus home remedies certainly can be effective, it’s difficult to discern which work and which are bunk without some research.

Anecdotal claims are easy to make and nearly as easy to falsify. Verifiable and repeatable results? Not so much.

There are dozens of supposed cures, (diatomaceous earth – oregano oil?) but we’ll limit our selection to a few of the top choices, explore the reasoning behind their use, and see if any evidence exists to back them up.

Popular Toe Nail Fungus Home Remedies

Apple Cider Vinegar

Home fungus treatments hailing this popular kitchen liquid claim that if you soak your feet, you can get rid the toe nails of annoying fungus. Various formulas exist, mixing the vinegar with other products like Listerine, hydrogen peroxide, or copper sulfate.

The natural remedies advise trimming and clipping the nails before soaks, replacing the soak after each use, and repeating the process close to four times a day for maximum effect on the infected nail.

Some even suggest coupling the soaks with consumption of the vinegar to help boost the immune system and fight the nail infection from “the inside.”

There is precedent for using white vinegar as an anti-infective agent, and modern studies show that it does have some benefit as an anti-microbial agent. These studies were done in the context of food preparation and controlling salmonella, however. [source]

There is some evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar can only slightly limit the growth of some common bacteria that would infect wounds, and that there may be some basis to believe it can combat ear infections, but only to a small degree.

As for treating a fungal nail infection? Sources are limited, and not encouraging. It is also important to note that part of this ACV ritual, trimming the nails, is, on its own, a suitable method for reducing the pain associated with a fungal infection.

Still, folks seem to swear by this method, although there isn’t much evidence showing it to be effective.

Mentholated Creams

Popular brands like Vicks VapoRub are commonly used to help treat cold symptoms but are said to double as a fungus fighter. Just dab a bit on the nail with a cotton swab, and you’re golden!

VapoRub contains several ingredients, including camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. There is one study showing that this combination of ingredients may have some anti-fungal effects in an in vitro environment. Is it effective when used on people in normal conditions, though? [source]

Proponents are quick to point out that “there’s been a study on that, too!” Indeed, a study was performed in which “eighteen participants were recruited to use Vicks VapoRub as treatment for onychomycosis.” [source]

In the end, “fifteen of the 18 participants (83%) showed a positive treatment effect; 5 (27.8%) had a mycological and clinical cure at 48 weeks; 10 (55.6%) had partial clearance, and 3 (16.7%) showed no change.”

This sounds promising, but there are a few important details to keep in mind. The study is a pilot study, the first of its kind. Results would need to be repeated to provide more certainty. Furthermore, the sample size was limited, and the study used no control group.

These are all limitations that are recognized by the researchers themselves:

“Key weaknesses of this study include the small sample size, the lack of a control group, and variability in the pathogens, as well as the initial degree of nail involvement between participants.”

They go on to state that:

“These weaknesses underscore the fact that this study does not prove or disprove the clinical utility of this unorthodox treatment of onychomycosis.”

In other words, it certainly could be possible that the cream assisted with controlling fungal growth, but they aren’t certain yet.

The researchers pointed, though, that using Vicks or similar products won’t cause any harm, concluding that:

“Vicks VapoRub may represent a significant addition to the clinical options for treating onychomycosis, not only because of its clinical effect, but also because of the minimization of side effects and its lower cost compared with established therapies.”

So, if you want to give it a shot, feel free, but don’t expect a miracle cure. Bear in mind that Vicks doesn’t recommend you doing so:

“We do not recommend using VapoRub for the treatment of toenail fungus. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for the best nail fungus treatment to meet your needs.”

Eucalyptus Oil

Could we finally have a winner? Eucalyptus oil is synthesized from Eucalyptus trees, those staples of the Australian landscape. A recent in vivo study of its effects on nail fungus showed serious promise. [source]

The study looked at 22 participants and analyzed the effects on 70 different nails in total. Of those nails, 35 had what is known as a matrix infection, and 35 did not. In case you weren’t aware of the difference:

The results:

“Nails with superficial onychomycosis (n=2) were found to have 86% clearance of infection after four months. One-third of all nails (n=11) with distal lateral subungual onychomycosis and 50% (n=17) of nails with proximal subungual onychomycosis demonstrated a zone of clearance at the proximal nail plate tissue, suggesting a fungi static effect of the eucalyptus oil.”

Translation? The stuff works. If it’s a non-matrix infection, eucalyptus essential oils can perform comparable to prescription topical treatments, and at a reduced cost.

Olive Leaf Extract

The reasoning behind using olive leaf extract to treat fungal infections is as follows:

• Treat nail fungus infection with drugs can cause them to build resistance.
• Prevention is preferable to treatment for toenail fungus in such cases.
• Bolstering immune system function is the ideal course of action.
• Olive leaf extract and olive oil can help build the necessary level of defense.

Olive leaf extracts are known to contain polyphenols, which do have therapeutic properties, hence, supplementing with these compounds will help prevent or alleviate fungal infections.

One study has shown that olive leaf extracts may have some use in combating candida, but not to the same degree as hydroxytyrosol, which is also derived from olive plants. [source]

You’ll find plenty of success stories strewn about the net, but the actual results will vary. You can try this remedy for toenail fungus, but again, don’t expect instant results or particularly potent relief in every case.

Coconut Oil

The stories about coconut oil remain pervasive. Is there any ailment that these “natural home remedies” can’t address? Proponents claim the fatty acids can strike at the root of problematic fungal infections, stopping them in their tracks. Is it true, however?

Several studies have shown there may be reason to believe that coconut oil can act in an antifungal capacity. One study on mice showed that it could control the spread of candida in the GI tract:

“A coconut oil-rich diet reduced C. albicans in the gut compared to a beef tallow or soybean oil-rich diet. Coconut oil alone, or the combination of coconut oil and beef tallow, reduced the amount of C. albicans in the gut by more than 90% compared to a beef tallow-rich diet.” [source]

Another in vitro study also showed that coconut oil was effective at combating candida, concluding that it was:

“Noteworthy that coconut oil was active against species of Candida at 100% concentration compared to fluconazole. Coconut oil should be used in the fungus treatment in view of emerging drug-resistant Candida species.” [source]

The one drawback researchers noted was that coconut oil could affect patient’s cholesterol levels when ingested. If used topically on the toenails, however, that risk is significantly minimized.

It seems that this time, at least, coconut oil has the powers that proponents have ascribed to it. Go ahead and give this one a test to see if it works for you.

Tea Tree Oil

This is another one that may surprise you. Tea tree oil is another Australia native, and there is a limited amount of research to show that it does have some antimicrobial properties with researchers remarking that:

“A wealth of in vitro data now supports the long-held beliefs that TTO has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite some progress, there is still a lack of clinical evidence demonstrating efficacy against bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.” [source]

So, it could help, but researchers just need to study further to lock down exactly how potent tea tree oil is and what doses are most effective. You can use it but need to keep several important factors in mind:

First, you should only use tea tree oil topically. Research has shown that it is toxic when ingested:

“The 50% lethal dose for TTO in a rat model is 1.9 to 2.6 ml/kg (129), and rats dosed with ≤1.5 g/kg TTO appeared lethargic and ataxic.” [source]

Cases of human poisoning have been reported, though no deaths have occurred thanks to adequate and timely treatment.

Furthermore, tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions when used on the skin: redness, itching, blistering, the whole nine yards. This is complicated by the fact that there are no standard doses for tea tree oil.

Your best bet is to consult with your doctor to determine how the oil will affect you and what amount you should use.

Lastly, it’s important to note that the treatment may not work all the way in every instance. According to Jessica Krant, M.D. and assistant professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.:

“Tea tree oil is unlikely to fully cure a well-established toenail fungus infection, since the infection tends to be based in the nail matrix, or ‘root’, underneath the nail fold.” [source]

Go for it, but do so with care and make sure to follow your doctor’s strict advice.

There Seems To Be Promise

With some alternative treatments, at least. As resistance to certain drugs grows, “natural” antifungal options stand to become ever more popular. More research, however, is necessary to determine how they can be best used to supplement traditional methods of care.