Household

Used Coffee Grounds: 17 Unexpected Things You Can Do With Old Coffee Grinds

After you have had your caffeine fix, what do you do with the old coffee grounds?

For an average coffee drinker, the grounds are dumped in the trash can or even in the sink, contributing to possible future clogging of the kitchen drain.

Used coffee grounds can be reused for other needs. In fact, coffee is downright versatile… So how exactly can you recycle your old coffee grounds? Read on to learn more about things to do with coffee grounds.

#1 – Compost

Composting, of course, is the most obvious way to recycle used coffee grounds for the garden. Combining coffee grinds with other biodegradable items you have such as orange peels, egg shells, old tea bags, vegetable stalks, and basically anything that rots overtime.

You can use compost for your garden, turning it into fertilizer to build soil and adding it into the soil for your next planting.

#2 – Dump It Direct

Coffee grounds can act as fertilizer for plants – even to grow your own coffee plant. Just dump it directly on the soil and nature will take care of the rest.

Coffee grounds are full of vitamins and minerals providing your plants a boost during growth, ensuring that they come up great for harvest.

#3 – Pesticide

Pests hate coffee making for an excellent natural repellent for your garden. Specifically, the grounds can be used against snails, slugs, ants, and even cats that just won’t stop wandering around the garden.

Basic coffee grounds will work well against the ants and snails and slugs but if your problem is the feline kind, you will have to add some orange peel into the mix to keep the cats away.

How And Why We Use Them In Our Garden

#4 – Carrots Love Coffee

Not just carrots but radishes too love coffee. No – you do not have to sprinkle it on the soil upon planting. Instead, mix the seed with the coffee grounds, allowing them to stay there overnight before sowing.

The carrot and radish seeds manage to absorb all the positive aspects of coffee, allowing for a better and stronger growth of these plants.

Expect a plentiful harvest with this simple technique – especially since the inclusion of coffee lets the carrot naturally resist pests.

#5 – Color them Blue

Have you ever seen blue hydrangeas? You will be amazed at how just adding coffee grounds in the hydrangea soil can help change the color of the flowers.

This is because coffee changes the pH level of the soil and the hydrangeas react by changing their own colors. Don’t worry – it is perfectly harmless and actually promotes better blooms of your flowers.

#6 – Cellulite Remover

This one is actually still in doubt, but there is no harm in trying, right? There are actually celebrities who follow this regimen and so far, none of them seems to walk with cellulite on the red carpet.

Combine egg white and coffee grounds in a bowl, microwave the two of them, and spread the thick paste on problem areas. Wrap it with a cloth and just leave it there for a few hours.

You will probably have to do this several times in order to get the results you want but just imagine how much you will save if it actually works.

#7 – Get Rid of Fleas

Apparently, fleas don’t get along with coffee grounds. When giving your cat or dog a bath, rub some of the grounds on their fur, making sure that it gets all the way to the scalp where most of the fleas reside.

Leave it there for a few minutes before completely washing off the material. Voila – your pet is now flea free!

Of course, you will have to repeat the process because the results are not permanent. Plus, your dog will suddenly have that intoxicating smell of coffee that will serve as a bonus whenever you are hugging your pet.

#8 – Use the Dye

The color of coffee may not look good on your pristine white shirt, but it works for all other mediums, apparently.

Boil coffee grounds and use the resulting liquid as a dye when coloring practically anything.

Some people use it as an additional shade when painting Easter Eggs while others actually use the liquid for painting.

In some cases, even the coffee grounds themselves are incorporated into artwork. You can also try dyeing cloth, feathers, cotton, and so much more.

The dyeing options are limitless and the depth of the shade depends entirely on you.

# 9 – Remove the Snow

Combine coffee and salt when trying to get rid of snow littered in your walkway. The coffee actually helps get rid of the snow since the acid essentially aids with the melting process.

Since the coffee does not melt, the grounds will also provide additional friction on the gravel, limiting the chance of slippage while walking on the surface.

This is perfect for the snow season and should limit the amount of snow you will have to shovel in the morning. Make sure to keep your coffee grounds safe and abundant when the weather turns sour.

# 10 – Tan Up

Getting tanned and looking gorgeous is every girl’s dream – but the way to achieve that tan can be risky.

It does not matter if you are under the sun or going to the spa – both options pose risks to your overall health.

But what about a coffee scrub?

Boil some of your old coffee grounds and when the heat is tolerable, start rubbing them all over your body. The natural color of coffee rubs off on your skin and would not wash off quickly, giving you a perfectly even tan.

On the plus side, you will also be giving your whole body a luxurious scrub that removes all the dead skin cells and gets rid of any dirt trapped between the pores.

Do this on a routine basis and you should be ready for the summer anytime.

# 11 – Rejuvenate Furniture

Wood scratches can be frustrating, but the use of coffee grounds will help that wood look as good as new.

Mix the grounds with vinegar and hot water to create a thick paste. Rub that paste on the wood scratches before carefully wiping it off with a rag. The scratches will disappear completely and your furniture will look as good as new.

This works since the coffee lends its color to the wood, perfectly blending with the surface and filling in the scratched area.

You can do this with big scratches too but be prepared to repeat the process several times in order to get a near-perfect result. Watch the video here.

# 12 – Cleaning Agent

Did your pans lose their brilliant gleam after long term use? Use your old coffee grounds as scouring agents. Just place some of these grounds on a rag and start scraping away.

You will be amazed at how well this works for most types of metal. If your utensils are the types that stain easily, you might want to skip the whole coffee thing and just use a more color-friendly item like diatomaceous earth.

Another use of coffee grounds as a cleaning agent has something to do with sweeping up your fireplace. If the dust is just too much, place some wet coffee grounds on the pile of ash before sweeping away. The coffee manages to absorb some of the dust so you don’t have to worry about the ash being airborne and going everywhere.

# 13 – Tenderize the Meat

Coffee can be used to make your meat more tender, plus it adds a distinct flavor that makes your dishes even more delicious.

Coffee locks in the moisture of the meat so you will have a very juicy barbeque with a sweet caramel-like taste that will make your mouth water.

This works for all types of meat but apparently, coffee grounds work best when used with pork meat.

After barbequing the meat, you will be amazed at just how tender it can be, practically melting in your mouth when eaten.

# 14 – Anti Eye Bags

Didn’t sleep well last night? Got puppy eyes and dark circles? After getting your jolt of caffeine, grab the spent coffee grounds, put them in a cloth and just place them over your eyes.

It doesn’t matter if the coffee grounds are still warm or not – just their introduction will help remove the swelling.

Of course, if they still have a little heat on them, you will find that this will work so much better for your eye problem.

You can also go the whole nine yards and just put the coffee grounds completely on your face, spreading them around and just leaving them there for a few minutes.

This cheap facial mask will work well as a facelift, not to mention it will scrub off any dirt stuck in your pores. Watch here.

# 15 – Hair Rejuvenation

You have read it right, coffee can be used to rejuvenate your hair, specifically improve the color of your locks and make it shinier, healthier, and thicker.

This only works for brunettes and redheads – blondes will have to take a backseat on this one.

To use old coffee grounds, just put them in a bowl of warm water and let the liquid grow dark from the leftover coffee. Rinse your hair in this water, making sure that it gets right through the scalp and just let it dry like this.

Make sure you are not getting the grounds in your hair although if this happens, you can always wash it right out.

NOTE: A coffee shop (such as Starbucks) has bags of used grounds you can have for free!

# 16 – Remove Nasty Odors

Put some old coffee grounds in a small box or bowl and place it in the corner of your refrigerator.

This will remove the smell that might be lingering inside even smoke odor. Obviously, you will have to replace the coffee grounds every few weeks or so, or whenever you have got fresh supply.

Note though that this does not just work with the fridge. You can also use this for the trash can, the bathroom or basically anywhere else where bad smell tends to linger.

If you dry the coffee grounds up, you can also put it in a stocking and just hang it in your car as a makeshift freshener.

This is an excellent idea if you are the type who drives long distances and tend to fall asleep during travel.

# 17 – Candles and Soap

You can use old coffee grounds as an ingredient to candles and soap. With candles, you will be able to detect a faint smell of coffee in the air. If you are the type who loves this aroma – you will definitely get a kick out of it.

For most people, just the smell of coffee in the morning gets them up so you will definitely love having this one for Monday mornings.

As for soap, you can also find DIY instructions on how to create one with coffee grounds added in it.

You will be surprised at how well coffee works for the skin, providing minerals while offering very gentle scrubbing that cleans the pores and rejuvenates your dermis.

This technique is especially good for people who suffer from dry skin.

Of course, those are just few of the uses for old coffee grounds that you can have.

The fact is that coffee can be used for a variety of needs so keep your imagination open and try it out for various purposes. You will never know what you might discover and perhaps – you can add something to this list.

18 Clever Things To Do With Your Used Tea Bags

There is nothing more relaxing than that good old cup of tea! No matter what flavor you prefer, it always makes the day better!

However when you’re done, don’t throw away that used tea bag! There are several great ways you can make good use of the loose tea leaf! Just like coffee grounds and coffee filters… used tea bags and tea grounds can be utilized for many purposes, such as:

Adding flavor to pasta grains
Neutralizing household odors
De-greasing dirty dishes!

Used tea bags are a great tool for saving time and money! More below…

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverage in the world, next to water. This is because drinking tea has been one of the best things in this world since 2700 B.C.

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Not only is it one of the world’s favorite beverage, tea has many benefits outside the cup.

It has been used for many centuries as beauty staple and health uses thanks to its rich tanning and antioxidant content. Tea drinkers should check on the following items to learn more about the many uses of tea bags.

1. Add Flavor to Pasta & Grains

Once you have used the tea bags to brew your cup of tea, you can re-use the tea bags to add flavor to other foods.

Hang the used tea bags into the water while it comes to a boil, this will flavor the water. After a few minutes remove the tea bags and add rice, pasta or other grains from boiling water.

2. Feed Your garden

Herbal tea has many benefits for your garden. When you add the tea leaves to the compost heap or compost pile, it will have a tremendous boost on the nutrient content.

Re-brewing the used bag in a large container such as a bucket and use this solution to water your plants. This will protect your plants from fungal infection.

Additionally, opening up the used tea bags and sprinkling the contents around the base of the plants will give the plant the necessary nutrients and deter pests such as mice.

3. Refresh Your Carpets

Open the tea bags, sprinkle the contents together with some baking soda onto the smelly, dingy carpet, and allow them to sit for 20-25 minutes.

Remember to let the tea leaves inside the bags to dry. Tea and baking soda will absorb the bad order, leaving your carpets smelling super fresh, and clean.

4. Hydrate and Soften Your Dry Skin

Tea can be used to hydrate and soften dry skin. Let the tea bags to cool down and brew it in another container. You can apply this solution to your cleansed face to soothe the dry skin.

Any kind of tea can serve this purpose but the antioxidants in green tea are more effective in rehydrating your skin.

5. Steaming Your Pores

Take the used green tea bags, place them into a large bowl of hot water, and place your face over the bowl for five to ten minutes.

This will open your pores and allow the great antioxidant properties of the tea to get in to help in toning and hydrating your skin.

6. Rust Proof Your Cast Iron Cookware

You can take the used tea bags to wipe the surface of your cast iron cookware after every use.

The compounds in the tea will coat the cookware with a protective layer that wards off the rust causing oxidation.

7. DIY Air Freshener

Dry the used tea bags and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the tea bags.

Besides bringing a lovely fragrance in your home, office or car, the bags will absorb the bad odors.

Most of tea bags come with a string; use it to hang them around the house, car or office.

8. Deter Household Pest

Pests such as mice do not like the smell of tea. Take some of the used tea bags and tuck them into pantries, cupboards and areas where the pest may enter your home.

You can enhance this by saturating the tea bags with peppermint essential oils. This combination will produce peppermint tea bags that can get rid of other pests such as spiders and ants.

9. Deodorizing Hand Scrub

You can use the pre-brewed tea bags to scrub and remove the lingering scents on your hands. This is useful after handling foods such as onions, garlic, and fish.

10. Decreasing Dirty Dishes

Used tea bags acts as a good medium to break up grease on your utensils.

Instead of using the harsh chemicals to break up the grease, add the already brewed tea bags to warm water and soak your dishes.

The tea will also help in loosening any stuck food, saving you from the endless scrubbing.

11. Antioxidant Bath

Tealeaves contain lots of antioxidants. When you bath in water that has been stepped with used tea bags, it will have great benefits to your skin.

You can hag the bags over the faucets and let the water to run over them or drop them in your water to create a nourishing tea bag.

Using some of the fragrant tea that has Jasmine for an aromatherapy or chamomile tea that relaxes your whole body while you bathe is more beneficial to your body.

12. Eliminate Bad Breath

The used tea bags are effective in making a all-natural breath freshening mouth.

The mouthwash does not necessarily have to be strong, use a couple of used teabag and make a weak tea to use as mouthwash.

Although this may work with many varieties of tea, green and peppermint tea tends to work best.

13. Soothe Irritated Skin

Place the used tea bags in your refrigerator and use them to sooth your irritated skin. Use the cold and moist tea bags to massage areas with sunburns.

This will cool the skin and reduce the inflammation. Placing them against bruises will also ease the discomfort and help to speed the healing process.

Additionally, rubbing the tea bags over bites and stings may help to draw out the toxins as well as lessening pain and swelling.

14. Conditioning Your Hair

Tea has a great conditioning effect to your hair. Use the already brewed tea bags and brew weak tea.

You can use this tea to nourish and condition your hair. This conditioning will also keep your scalp healthy.

15. Draw Out Infections

Tea is also a great substance that helps in drawing skin infections.

Place the warm and moist tea bags on areas of your skin that are affected by pinkeye, canker sores, plantar warts, fever blisters, or any other similar infections.

The tea will also help in reducing the pain and speeding the recovery process.

16. Use Them To Make Homemade Glass Cleaner

Re-brew the used tea bags and spray this weak tea on mirrors, windows and other glass surface. The tea will loosen up the dirt, fingerprints, grime and other gunk.

Use a clean, lint free cloth to wipe it away; this will minimize streaks and other dust particles.

17. Re-Use Tea bags To Reduce The Under Eye Circles

Place the used teabags in a refrigerator to cool and place them under your eyes. Compress the cold tea bags on the surface of your eyes.

This will help in eliminating the dark circles under your eyes. The caffeine present in the tealeaves shrinks the blood vessels around the eyes, reducing the puffy and dark appearance. It can also help you with tired eyes and puffy eyes.

The tea antioxidant properties also help to stimulate good blood circulation.

18. Tenderize Tough Meat

When you marinate your meat with black tea, it will become very soft and melt easily in your mouth.

Place about four used tea bags in a pot of warm water and let it to stay at least five minutes. You can combine this with a cup of brown sugar for more effective results.

Place your seasoned meat in an oven and pour this mixture over it then cook until the meat is tender.

19. Shrink A Wart

Tea has been used as a home wart removal remedy for many generations. Research shows that the antioxidant properties found in green tea are effective in inhibiting the growth of warts.

Place a cool and already brewed tea bag on a wart and use a tape or bandage to secure it.

After ten minutes remove the tea bag, replace it with a second bag, and let it stay for about fifteen minutes. After a few days, the wart will turn black and fall off.

20. Stop A Cut From Bleeding

Do you have a tendency of cutting yourself while shaving? Instead of getting a Band-Aid, place a used tea bag on the bleeding area and hold it until the injured area stops to bleed.

The idea behind is that tea bag to stop excessive bleeding is that the tannin in the tea accelerates blood clotting making the wounds to heal faster.

21. Dye Naturally

Lastly, you can use several used teabags to brew a strong pot of tea and use it to use as beautiful dye.

You can use this tea to dye some cardstock and make beautiful paper for event invitation. You can also use tea as unconventional dye for Easter eggs.

The strong tea may also be used as a watercolor paint to create beautiful designs. Additionally, you can use the weak tea to turn the boring white paper into antique, special toned parchment.

You can also use it to dye white cloth in shade of pale green, warm brown or orange.

Most of these uses require you to store a few used tea bags until they are enough to use them.

You can only keep the moist tea bags at room temperature for a day at the most. However, if you need more bags, you need to refrigerate them to prevent bacterial and mold growth.

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Surprising Uses For Eggshells

If you used to throw away the eggshells until now, you might want to reconsider. Eggshells contain high amounts of calcium and other vital compounds that can be used for fertilizing the soil in your back garden and more. So after you prepare your favorite dish with eggs, save the shells for later use to reap its surprising benefits.

uses-for-eggshells

Here are 16 of the most common and efficient uses of eggshells:

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Powerful And Natural Abrasive Cleaner

If you are looking for a powerful and environmentally friendly cleaner for your pots and pans, look no further than the eggshells. It could be from chicken eggs, duck eggs, or of other poultry. You can easily ground them up into a fine powder, mix them with soapy water (or water and some other dish cleaner, for that matter) and then clean your pots.

The powdered eggshells make an outstanding abrasive cleaner for your dishes, and you can even use it to clean the bird feeders and remove all the gunk that has accumulated.

Calcium Supplement

As mentioned above, eggshells are known to be very rich in calcium, this is why you can easily wash them in warm water, boil them to kill all the bacteria and then put them in a coffee grinder or a blender.

“Most good quality eggshells from commercial layers contain approximately 2.2 grams of calcium in the form of calcium carbonate. About 95% of the dry eggshell is calcium carbonate weighing 5.5 grams.” [source]

The result is a perfect hard-boiled eggshell powder that you can easily store and use on a daily basis – you can add a bit of it to your coffee, sauce, dishes and whatnot. The secret is to make sure that you do not remove the eggshell membrane when grinding the shell – it is also very important to boil it first, just to make sure all the pathogens are removed.

Natural Stain Remover

One of the many different uses of the eggshell is as a natural stain remover.

Removing coffee or juice stains can be a very daunting task, and if you do not want to use any synthetic cleaner (which although is toxic, tends to be more efficient), then you can easily make your own natural stain remover at home, with some ground up eggshells.

Carefully smash the shells, sprinkle them over the stain, add some warm water and allow the eggshells to work their magic by absorbing the stain.

Ornaments

In some parts of the world, the egg whites and egg yolks are carefully removed from the egg through a very tiny hole, and the remaining eggshell is used for creating Easter or Christmas decorations. This is a great, efficient and cost-effective way to make decorations, especially if you are a crafty person.

Use The Egg Membrane To Treat Superficial Wounds

Did you know that the egg membrane can be a great and natural band-aid? If you did not, then make sure never to throw the membrane away! If you cut your finger, simply wrap the membrane around it to protect it from becoming infecting, as well as for speeding up the healing process.

Use The Eggshell For Cosmetic Purposes

You can also turn the eggshells into a powder and add it to your nail polish to make it even stronger and more durable. On the other hand, you can use the crushed eggshells for creating a natural and efficient facial scrub or face mask that will not only remove all the dead skin and cells, but will also reduce the look of wrinkles and relieve skin irritations.

Great Garden Fertilizer

The high calcium content present in the eggshells is perfect not just for making a natural supplement, but also for fertilizing your garden – if you want your veggies and plants to thrive, then simply crush the eggshells and sprinkle into every hole of potting soil prior to planting the seedlings. Then you can store the remaining eggshells, crush them and sprinkle them over the ground occasionally, preferably twice a month.

Keep The Garden Pest Away!

Nobody likes slugs and snails pests and those little critters that ruin your plants and vegetables. You can easily crush the egg shells and spread them throughout your garden in order to keep the snail and slug population down, and they will surely not come back anytime soon!

Use The Grounded Eggshells As A Supplement For Your Chickens

Chickens need a lot of calcium for laying tasty eggs with thick shells, so why not give them a “taste of their own medicine”? Simply crush or powder the egg shells and add a bit of them to their regular food. This will boost their nutrient intake!

Add Them To Compost

Eggshells are rich in calcium along with other nutrients plants like. One medium sized eggshell each holds about 750 to 800 mg of calcium. Crush or grind them up and then add them to your compost pile or composter along with banana peels and coffee grounds.

Whiten Your Clothes With Eggshells

Crush some eggshells, combine them with several lemon slices and put them in a cloth bag along with all your clothes in the washing machine. Your white clothes will stay white for longer!

Grow Your Seedlings

Did you know that you can also use the eggshells to grow your seedlings? Not only do the shells serve as a great natural “pot”, but they also gradually release calcium and other nutrients that will help the seedlings thrive. Make sure to make a small hole at the bottom of the shell for the water to drain, fill the shell with some dirt and place the seeds. Once the seedlings are ready to be transferred to the ground, crush the eggshell and place it in the ground. It’s a win-win!

Add Them To Your Coffee

If you are not fond of the bitter taste of coffee, then you can easily add some crushed eggshells in the filter, next to the coffee grounds, to make it taste a lot better!

coffee-egg

Feed Them To The Birds

You can easily add some carefully crushed eggshells to the seeds and place them in the feeder, for all the birds to eat it – the extra calcium boost will particularly benefit the females, as they usually require more calcium than the male birds.

Keep Your Drain Clean

We all know that drains and sinks tend to get clogged – if that is your case as well, then mix some crushed eggshells with soap and some hot water to clean the drain of all the gunk that may linger there.

Give Your Pet A Calcium Boost

Last, but not least, your dog can also benefit from the natural calcium found in the eggshells, which is particularly good for the bone and teeth. Clean and dry the eggshells, then turn them into a smooth powder and then put it into your dog’s food.

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14 Reasons To Use Apple Cider Vinegar Daily

Apple cider vinegar popularly known as ACV or cider vinegar is a special type of vinegar manufactured from apple must or cider. ACV features a medium amber to pale color. Organic or unpasteurized ACV has a ‘cobweb’ appearance which makes the vinegar appear slightly congealed.

Apple cider vinegar can easily qualify as one of the most versatile natural ingredients. For instance, you can use ACV to clean, disinfect, beautify and even treat a number of health problems/ailments. Research studies attest to the numerous health, disinfectant, cleansing and beautifying benefits of apple cider vinegar.

We’ve had people share of the wonders of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and how they have used it for all kinds of things, then telling us on Facebook like the comments for ACV below:

Acid Reflux – “I’ve struggled with reflux in the middle of the night most of my life. I thought I’d try it. One tablespoon mixed in apple juice in the mornings….no more reflux! Been cured for 6 months and counting!”

Energized – “I take a spoonful of ACV and 2 glasses of water everyday right after I wake up in the morning. It detoxifies my body as well as making me feel alive and energized!”

Trap Fruit Flies – “I use it to trap fruit flies! Fill up a little bowl, drop about 3 drops of dish soap and set it in my kitchen window sill. They love it! Don’t forget the dish soap though, that’s what keeps them trapped in the ACV.”

IMPORTANT: Please always check with a health care professional first, DO NOT take this as medical advice!

New research studies suggest that apple cider vinegar is capable of improving diabetes, lowering blood pressure, curing acid reflux as well as supporting weight loss. Apple cider vinegar benefits can be traced from its main ingredients i.e. acetic acid, magnesium, potassium, enzymes and probiotics.

It is however important to note that apple cider is most beneficial when it is bought raw since it contains all the beneficial compounds mentioned above. From the above information, it is clear why raw apple cider vinegar is highly sought after today. For raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar, you may be interested in using Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar.

If you are interested in discovering some of the main uses of ACV in depth, check out some of the uses for apple cider vinegar below. We included some recipes for different uses of ACV.

1. Detoxifying The Body – One of the main uses of apple-cider vinegar is detoxifying the body. ACV detoxifies the body by acting as a lymphatic system and liver tonic. Cider vinegar helps to balance the body’s pH as well as stimulate bowel motility, lymphatic drainage and the cardiovascular system. When all these happens in unison, the detoxification process is enhanced keeping you healthy and protected. [more]

2. Natural Hair Conditioner – Apple cider is also used as a natural hair conditioner to make the hair shinny. When used as a natural hair conditioner, one tablespoon of ACV is mixed with one cup of water and poured and rubbed on hair after shampooing. Repeating this three times weekly offers the best results.

3. Natural Teeth Whitener – One of the health benefits of ACV is acting as a natural teeth whitener that removes stubborn stains on the teeth. When used as a natural teeth whitener, ACV is rubbed on the stained tooth/ teeth for one minute.

You can do this using your finger and then rinse your mouth thoroughly using water. ACV’s pH is strong enough to remove stubborn stains on your teeth whitening them naturally. It’s anti-bacterial properties also help eliminate germs that causes sore throat.

4. Treating Heartburn and Acid Reflux – Heartburn and acid reflux are mainly caused by an imbalanced stomach pH as well as lack of probiotics and enzymes. ACV is packed with these nutrients and drinking apple cider vinegar makes one of the great natural remedies.

To treat heartburn and acid reflux using ACV, add one tablespoon of ACV to one cup of water and drink apple cider vinegar mixture 5 minutes before every meal to treat heartburn and acid reflux.

5. Killing Yeast and Boosting Probiotics – Candida/yeast affects millions of people worldwide. Some of the most common side effects of Candida include; bad breath, urinary tract infections, lack of energy and digestive system issues. Apple cider vinegar is packed with probiotics as well as the type of acid capable of promoting growth of probiotics. ACV is therefore capable of killing off Candida.

When using ACV to kill yeast infection and boost probiotics, reduce or halt your sugar intake. You should consume one tablespoon of ACV three times daily to cleanse Candida and boost probiotics effectively. Just don’t forget to help ACV by consuming food rich in probiotics.

6. Regulating Body pH – Acetic acid present in ACV is used to regulate body pH since it is acidic in nature but contains more alkaline effects on the entire body. Regulating body pH helps to reduce chronic illness risks such as cancer. A well balanced body pH also boosts energy levels in the body.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss – Apple cider vinegar is also used to promote weight loss by boosting metabolism. According to numerous studies, cider vinegar has been proven help individuals who consume it on a regular basis to lose weight.

One such study was published in the Journal of Diabetes Care. There are a number of reasons behind ACV’s weight loss benefits. One of the main reasons revolves around ACV’s detoxification benefits. When the body is free of toxins, the metabolism rate increases promoting weight loss. Also, apple cider vinegar is associated with weight loss.

Mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink it every morning. Apart from waking up your metabolism it adds some detoxifying effects making you feel lighter all throughout. For a better taste and added anti-inflammatory effect, just add one to two teaspoons of honey. Doing this everyday will result to weight loss.

8. Natural Household Cleaner – ACV is also used as a 100% natural household cleaner. Apple cider vinegar’s balanced pH and anti-bacterial properties make it a perfect natural household cleaning product.

Most household cleaning products available today are made using harsh chemicals which come with numerous risks. To use ACV as a natural household all-purpose cleaner, fill a mixture of water (50%) and ACV (50%) in a spray bottle and then spray counters, windows and floors before cleaning.

Mixing this with baking soda and letting the solution sit a while on stained fixtures doubles its effects. This method will make it easier for you remove stains, rust and dirt.

9. Soothing the Skin & Treating Skin Ailments – ACV is also used for its skin soothing benefits. When used for this purpose, one cup of ACV is mixed in bath water together with a cup of lavender essential and coconut oil.

This mixture has been proven to sooth the skin i.e. ease sunburns. When apple cider vinegar is used topically as a toner or astringent, it helps to smoothen, tone and balance skin pH.

ACV has also been proven to treat acne, warts and age spots. ACV is also used as an aftershave. Some studies also indicate that ACV can be used as a base for facial masks (bentonite clay).

10. Balancing Blood Sugar Levels – Numerous studies have proven that ACV plays a crucial role in balancing blood sugar which in turn improves diabetes.

This use is backed by one of ACV’s main ingredient; acetic acid. When used to balance blood sugar or improve diabetes, ACV is added in salads or mixed with water and consumed before meals.

11. Healing Poison Ivy – Minerals present in ACV i.e. potassium have been proven to reduce inflammation and swelling which in turn improves poison ivy. Also, ACV helps to expel toxins from the skin which helps to heal poison ivy faster.

12. Repelling Fleas – Apple cider vinegar is also used as a natural flea replant by pet owners. When used for this purpose, ACV is mixed with water and the resulting mixture is used to soak and wash pets i.e. dogs. To get the best results, soak and wash your pet in the mixture once daily for a few weeks until your pet is free of fleas.

13. Lowering Blood Pressure – This is another notable health application of ACV. Numerous studies have proven that consuming ACV regularly lowers triglycerides & blood pressure significantly.

14. Treating/Fighting Allergies – ACV is also used to cure allergies. This application is possible because of ACV’s ability to breakup mucous in the body as well as support lymphatic drainage.

Apple cider vinegar is also capable of clearing sinuses. You should mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and then drink three times daily to treat/fight allergies.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Remove Skin Tags

Skin tags can be an unsightly and embarrassing problem to have and very common. In general, about 25% of the population will develop skin tags, usually starting after the age of 50. Most people assume that it will be very costly to remove them and eventually just end up dealing with them.

What they do not know is that there is a simple way to remove them, once and for all using apple cider vinegar. This method could go a long way in saving you money if you deal with this problem.

At dailywanderlust blog they first tried nail polish and the results were “not good”, next they used apple cider vinegar with wonderful results. Using ACV here’s the steps they used.

Covered the tag with a cotton ball or cotton pad soaked in organic apple cider vinegar and then used a
Secured with a band-aid and left overnight.
Repeated for several days.
After 3-5 days skin tag turned black and fell off – no bleeding and no scarring.

Check out the step by step here:

Here’s another ACV story. At the dontwastethecrumbs.com blog, Tiffany and her husband share their story of using apple cider vinegar to remove a mole. Their journey includes daily images and the 5 steps they used to send that mole packing! Imanscape shares the HOW TO on cutting off a sking tag.

Conclusion

In summary, the above information summarizes some of the main uses for apple cider vinegar. After reading this article, you don’t need to be convinced further to use ACV daily for its health benefits and other uses. It is however important to note that apple cider vinegar has more uses than the ones mentioned above. It is therefore important to use this article as a basis for further research.

15 Best Ways To Use All Natural Diatomaceous Earth

Sometimes, all you need in your home is a single ingredient to cover a broad range of problems. With all of Diatomaceous Earth uses – DE – is one such ingredient with numerous possible purposes.

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What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Generally considered safe, diatomaceous earth comes from one-celled plants – fossilized diatoms.

Diatoms are hard-shelled algae that come from bodies of water. Typically you’ll find DE sold in powder form and used for an array of needs. It’s recommended you purchase food grade diatomaceous earth.

Diatomaceous earth has a high silica content which makes it good for hair and skin use. It’s been called – miracle dust, fossil shell flour.

Studies also show that the product has a negative charge which proves to be useful when it comes to health considerations. Read on to learn more about diatomaceous earth uses.

15 Uses of Diatomaceous Earth

So exactly how do you use diatomaceous earth? Here are the top ways this all-natural product can be used for personal development:

1 – Fleas

If you have cats and dogs in the house, there is a good chance you have fleas just roaming around the rooms.

The sharp edges of the silica in diatomaceous earth works as a mild abrasive and manages to scratch the fleas, causing them to die even before they could breed further.

To use DE, sprinkle the fine powder all over the house, preferably the carpet where the fleas most likely reside.

No need to spray too much – a small amount will work just fine for flying and crawling insect control. Leave it alone for 3 days before vacuuming the carpet thoroughly.

Re-apply and repeat the process for 30 days or one month. This will help to be sure that even the hatchlings are killed.

You can also try applying DE directly onto pet fur. Just sprinkle and brush the DE all over your cats and dogs until it really gets into their scalp.

Dogs and cats actually enjoy the process but note that if you gave your dog a bath, reapplication is necessary.

Apply DE every two weeks to make sure that lice and fleas do not come back. Use diatomaceous earth for ticks as well.

2 – Natural Insecticide For Home Pest Control

DE also helps with the control of pests that might be invading your home. It can target cockroaches, spiders, ants, as well as bed bugs. This pest control quality makes one of the biggest diatomaceous earth benefits.

With bedbugs, just sprinkle DE on your bed as well as any other area you believe the bugs are residing. Do this every night for about a month to completely kill not just the adults but also possible eggs and babies.

As for the ants, spiders, and cockroaches, sprinkle wherever you feel these little critters are residing. Windowsills, kitchen cabinets, and others are just some of the most common places where this happens.

Click Here to Learn More / Buy Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

3 – Detoxification

DE can be safely ingested in controlled numbers (food grade only – more below). When taken regularly, studies show that it can help detoxify your body naturally.

Specifically, the negative charge of DE attracts positively charged ions or those that come from heavy metals collecting in our digestive tract.

These heavy metals are often ingested by individuals through day to day living. As DE attracts positively charged ions, the two are then released through the usual routes.

Upon detoxification, you will find yourself becoming more energetic, having a stronger immune system, and lowering the risk of health problems.

4 – Garden Pest Control

Use diatomaceous earth powder as a natural insecticide for pest control in the garden. It has been especially proven to work with snails and beetles. The crystalline silica scratching the body (exoskeleton) of the insect and causing them to die.

Using this is a simple system of sprinkling the fine powder around the plant where the slugs encounter the sharp edges before getting to your crop. Do this once or twice a week for best results.

Note: Diatomaceous Earth will harm ALL insects that pass through it so even the good garden critters may be affected. If the soil becomes wet after placing DE, its best to re-apply since this will not work as well anymore.

5 – Control Cholesterol Levels

Another study suggests that Diatomaceous earth food grade offers great health benefits such as helping lower the cholesterol levels of individuals.

A lot of testimonies have shown that with just Diatomaceous Earth taken for cholesterol, you will be able to lower the levels to at least 100 in just two months.

It is an impressive number and an infinitely cheaper one compared to buying anti-cholesterol drugs out in the market today.

There are also zero side effects attributed to the ingestion of diatomaceous earth products.

6 – Shampoo

One of the great benefits of diatomaceous earth is its use as a hair cleaning product. You can try adding it with your regular shampoo or perhaps sprinkling some in your hair and massaging it through the scalp.

If you have lice, the routine introduction of DE should kill the lice permanently. Make sure to wash off the DE at the end of the day, thoroughly rinsing it out before reapplication.

The good news is that aside from getting rid of lice, DE also helps promote healthy hair growth.

If you are suffering from thin hair or hair fall, application and ingestion of DE should improve your condition.

Click Here to Learn More / Buy Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

7 – Toothpaste

If you love to drink coffee or tea, chances are your teeth are pretty stained and are no longer sparkly white in color.

Sprinkle some DE in your toothpaste and brush as usual – the silica should work better in removing stains in your teeth as well as any bacteria that might be residing there.

DO NOT do this every day, however – once a week would be just fine. You do not want to damage your gums. You can also make DIY toothpaste with DE as a main ingredient.

8 – Skin Care

The mild abrasive quality of DE makes it an excellent scrub and exfoliant for the skin.

Despite being abrasive, however, the silica particles are small enough that they do not really cause irritation or trigger allergies on the skin.

Getting in the pores, the silica manages to sweep the dirt that might be clogging it, allowing your skin to breathe better.

Of course, the lack of allergies resulting from DE use is not absolute. It is recommended that individuals first apply the product on their skin and see if any negative reaction occurs.

9 – De-Worming

Some pet owners also find DE to be more effective than commercial de-wormers available today.

To use this product, just sprinkle some DE in the dog or cat’s pet food on a daily basis. Do not sprinkle too much – 1/4 teaspoon will do.

The DE will cut and kill any possible worms and internal parasites residing in the body, allowing them to be “eliminated” by your pet. NOTE: for this purpose, a food-grade type of DE is best used.

10 – Food Storage

You can also use DE to make food last longer. The powder is often added with beans and wheat so that they would not spoil so soon, lengthening the shelf life of products.

If you have seen those small packets usually placed inside bottled medications, these are silica which promotes long term food storage.

You can do the same with your food, but make sure that you are not actually putting the DE in the mixture.

Use a cloth packet because DE is excellent in soaking up extra moisture. Hence, your food will remain dry with less chances of mold growth.

11- Farm Pets

Farmers also noted that farm animals fed with DE produce better and are healthier throughout their life.

When fed to chickens, or as a “chicken dust bath” you will find yourself getting stronger and better eggs. As for cows, it also increases their milk production plus improves their coats and hooves. For improved pet health use diatomaceous earth for controlling parasites in animals.

There are also fewer chances of pests invading the farmhouse with frequent application of DE.

12 – Toenail Fungus

If you have problems with fungus in your feet, try sprinkling some DE in your socks on a daily basis. This should dry up the socks as the DE absorbs the moisture, removing any means of water for the fungus.

At the same time, this actually gets rid of any lingering smell on the sock. You can also try sprinkling the same inside your shoes and be amazed at how well this works for you.

13 – Deodorant

Yes – you can use DE as a type of deodorant for your body. This makes sense considering how it is already used as a deodorizer as discussed in use #15.

Just apply the powder in your armpit and this should keep you feeling fresh and clean throughout the day.

An excellent absorbent, the DE will make sure that you will not perspire too much even when under the sun.

Click Here to Learn More / Buy Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

14 – Cleaner and Polisher

The microscopic sharp edge of diatomaceous earth also makes it perfect as a polisher and cleaner for stainless steel.

It manages to remove dirt and grime without scratching the surface, resulting to a gleaming material for your faucet and sink.

To use DE, just combine it with fresh water, lemon, and a bit of dish soap to create a thick paste.

Place it on the faucet or sink and diligently wipe it off. Some homeowners are happy just sprinkling the DE onto stainless steel and wiping it with a moist cloth.

Use whatever technique works for you. It can also be used for copper and silverware.

15 – Deodorizer: Fridge and Garbage Can

If your garbage can tends to smell bad, you can sprinkle some DE in the can to nullify the odor.

Composting can now be done with marginally less odor infiltrating the garden.

This also works for the fridge but try not to scatter the powder inside. Instead, just grab a bowl and place a generous amount of DE inside before leaving it inside the fridge.

This will prevent nasty odors from lingering in your fridge. Make sure to have the DE replaced every 2 weeks.

If you are going on a long vacation, this is also a great way to make sure that the fridge does not smell after days of being unplugged.

Just empty the fridge, remove it from the power socket and place a box of DE inside.

When you come back, the fridge will be ready for use.

If you have cats, sprinkle some DE in the kitty litter to prevent the smell from permeating all over the house.

What Kind of Diatomaceous Earth Should I Use?

There are several kinds of DE available in the market today, but your best choice would be the food-grade type.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is by far the safest option, considering how some studies noted that inhaling DE can cause lung problems.

Don’t panic!

This is not a prevalent problem as long as you purchase the right DE for whatever purpose you need it.

Fortunately, food-grade diatomaceous earth is labeled so you should not have any problems finding them. Check the label, food grade types should have no more than 10mg per kg of lead and 10mg per kg of arsenic.

Other notes to keep in mind when buying diatomaceous earth food grade are:

It has to have a label approved by the Food Chemical Codex Rating or FCCR
The label must also sport approval from GRAS or Generally Recognized as Safe
Make sure that you are buying pure white or off white DE. Anything else is not acceptable. You’ll find DE in different colors such as pink, grey, brown, and even orange – those are not acceptable for use
Make sure the product contains EPA approved labels. This includes: Animal Feed Additive, Inert Carrier, Grain Storage Protectant, Anti Caking Agent, and Trace Minerals Supplement

If you intend to use just one DE for all the functions mentioned above, Food Grade DE is your best option.

You will find that the Internet has lots of sellers for this item so compare and check the brand before buying anything.

How I Take Diatomaceous Earth Internally?

Is diatomaceous earth safe to be taken internally?

It is also possible to take diatomaceous earth internally and really benefit from the silica content of the powder.

Note: You must purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth for internal use to make sure that it is 100% safe to include in your diet.

To take this powder internally, just add 1/2 teaspoon of diatomaceous earth for every 8oz of juice or fresh water and stir.

Note that the powder will not dissolve in the water but it will distribute it evenly so that you will be able to consume it with the liquid.

Drink the juice or water as soon as you are done stirring so that the silica supplement will not settle at the bottom of the glass.

The maximum daily intake of diatomaceous earth is 1 tablespoon so you re welcome to add or subtract DE depending on what works best for you.

According to reports of people using DE internally, long-term use actually provides them with the following benefits:

Better digestive health
Healthier colon
Better food absorption
Clearer skin
Healthier hair and nails
More energy
Lower Candida levels
Lower chances of having Alzheimer’s disease

… more

Try Diatomaceous Earth out and see how it can improve your life and health.

Warm Mist Vs Cool Mist Humidifiers – Which Works Better?

These days, you can choose from different humidifier options. Which one will work for you? Should you purchase a cool mist humidifier or a warm mist humidifier?

In this article we will explore the differences, and the pros and cons of these two popular choices. We will also provide sound advice to help you make the right choice for your situation. Read on to learn more.

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Why Buy A Humidifier?

A high quality humidifier can improve air quality in your home, and greatly benefit your health and quality of life. Consistent humidifier use brings a great deal of relief to people suffering from allergies, sore throats, bronchitis and asthma. However, it can pose as a boon for people of average health.

Proper humidity levels can help relieve dry eyes and nasal passages and dry skin. Furthermore, humid air feels warmer than dry air, so maintaining adequate humidity can help you feel more comfortable in the wintertime.

If you have a baby in your home, a humidifier will help your little one stay healthy, comfortable and content. Maintaining correct humidity helps prevent nosebleeds, eases breathing, and can loosen congestion and speed recovery from a cold.

What To Look For Warm Mist vs Cool Mist Humidifiers

When seeking just the right humidifier to suit your needs, consider a number of factors. Among them include:

Price
Climate
Season
Purpose
Room size
Effectiveness
Operating costs
Room temperature
Child and pet safety
Auto Shut-Off

When you weigh all the variables, you may conclude needing more than one humidifier or perhaps a combination warm mist/cool mist model.

Categories Of Humidifiers

When you shop for humidifiers, you will find a few no-frills, traditional options available. On the other end of the spectrum, you will find models that incorporate digital controls, wi-fi, and a number of other high-tech features. Do you need or want all those bells and whistles? Understanding your choices can help you decide.

The Holmes Smart Wifi-Enabled WeMo Whole-House Humidifiers may serve as a decent choice for your many types of households.

Features of a Warm-Mist Humidifier

We will discuss about four types of humidifiers: warm-mist, cold mist, ultrasonic, and evaporative humidifiers.

As the name would imply, this type of humidifier creates an initially warm mist by heating water to produce steam. Unfortunately, any time you deal with hot water, you may acquire scalds and burns. Due to this, warm mist humidifiers do not present some safety concerns.

On the other hand, there are some advantages to heating the water as the mist that is delivered from this type of humidifier is less likely to be contaminated by bacteria and household mold. For this reason, these humidifiers get high marks in terms of healthy use.

Warm mist models tend to operate quietly or even silently. You may occasionally hear the water gurgling or simmering. This type of unit adds a small amount of warmth to the surrounding area, and this can provide either an advantage or a disadvantage depending upon the season.

Just as with any appliance that uses water, mineral buildup is likely, and you must stay vigilant to keep your unit in good operating condition.

When choosing a warm mist model, you can consider water vaporizers and steam humidifiers. Of the two, vaporizers do a better job of filtering minerals out of the resulting steam.

Some models require demineralization cartridges intended to capture minerals and prevent their dispersion into the air and scattered over the surrounding area. Purchase of these cartridges will add to cost of operation somewhat.

Different warm mist models comes available in a variety of sizes, including small, portable humidifiers. No matter what the size, you can expect warm mist humidifiers to price slightly higher than their cool air counterparts. Additionally, you can expect to pay more for ongoing operation because it takes more electricity to heat the water.

It is important to understand that warm mist models actually bring the water in the reservoir to a full boil to produce steam. This makes a good reason why this type of unit can cause danger. Although the warm steam emission may add a small amount of heat to room humidifiers, it does not provide enough benefit, and this consideration should play as a major factor when making your choice.

The safety factor in regards to warm air humidifiers should not become overstressed. These models does not appear good for homes with children or pets who might tend to knock the unit over. If you use warm mist humidifier in a home with kids and/or pets, it should remain safely stored out of reach with no trailing electrical cords.

Features Of Cool-Mist Humidifiers

With a cool mist humidifier, the water in the tank and the mist stay at room temperature. This eliminates the risk of burns and scalds. This type of humidifier does an equally good job of raising humidity levels. However, it is not as good at delivering contaminant-free mist. For this reason, you must exercise extra care when keeping your cool mist unit clean.

If neglected, you can make sure your cool mist humidifier will become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. However, both warm and cool mist models should cleaned daily. For this reason, with proper the care, the risk of contamination not grow with cool mist models than with warm mist ones.

When selecting a cool mist model, you can pick from a couple of choices: Ultrasonic and Evaporative. These two models operate differently but deliver very similar results.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Ultrasonic humidifiers operate very quietly because they use ultrasonic vibrations to break water down into tiny droplets that are dispersed as a very fine, cool mist. Some ultrasonic units also offer a warm mist option just like this product from Taotronics.

On the downside, this mist will contain any minerals present in the water filling the unit. With the passage of time, these minerals will become apparent as a fine white dust mites distributed over surfaces in the area surrounding the humidifier. This dust is not harmful, but it can be an annoyance and a cleaning challenge. [source]

Evaporative Humidifiers

Evaporative cool mist humidifiers use a fan and a wick filter to add humidity to the air. It holds the water in a bowl-like reservoir and the wick draws it up. A fan blows over the wick to distribute the moisture into the air. This is a very simple design, but it is effective. On the downside, operation can be a bit noisy because of the fan.

Either of these cool mist options will serve as a very good choice for continuous use when humidifying large rooms and open areas. Of the two choices, ultrasonic models work more like warm mist models, and indeed, some deliver both cool and warm mist.

Different cool mist models comes available in a wide variety of sizes, including small, portable models. Usually they are less expensive to buy and to operate due to the lack of heating element. As mentioned, the fact it does not involve heat makes this type of humidifier the safer choice, especially in homes with children and pets.

In this category, you can try the Ultrasonic Cool Mist Vase Humidifier.

Although cool mist models are cheaper to buy and to power, you must remember that with evaporative models, you will need to purchase and replace wick filters frequently.

The fan needed to operate evaporative models such as the AIRCARE EP9 500 may sound a little noisy. Additionally, it may cool the surrounding area a bit, and this can be either an advantage or a disadvantage depending upon the season.

What Is The Best Humidifier For Breathing Therapy?

People with bronchitis or asthma and those who suffer from chronic allergies often find great relief through constant use of a cool mist humidifier. These humidifiers help purify the air and make breathing much easier.

You can use a warm mist humidifier constantly, but not without paying for an additional cost. Most people find that type of humidifier in small areas for temporary use. For example, an adult with a cold or flu want to make breathing easier while they sleep, a warm mist humidifier at their bedside can help keep them from coughing all night. It also adds an especially cozy and comforting sensation in the wintertime. [source]

Some warm mist humidifiers such as this item from Vicks, delivers mentholated medications or essential oils to help treat and ease your symptoms. Check the instructions on the unit you purchase before adding anything to the water, though.

If Your Baby Has A Cold, What Will Work Best – Cool Or Warm Mist?

When choosing a humidifier for use with children, you are usually better off choosing a cool mist model for safety reasons. The steam emerging from a steam vaporizer or warm mist humidifier can burn. In case of an accidental spill, the hot water can also cause a burn.

Using a humidifier for a child or adult with a cold is a good idea because keeping the air moist can help alleviate congestion and coughing. You’ll be happy to know that both cool and warm mist humidifiers deliver equal results.

Even though the mist heats up when it emerges from a warm mist humidifier, when it gets dispersed into the air and breathed in, it exudes the same temperature regardless of whether it came from a warm or cool mist model. For this reason, you can count on a cool mist unit to safely benefit your child just as much as a warm mist unit.

How Do You Choose?

After assessing your situation and weighing all the pros and cons, you may decide that you don’t want to choose. You might decide to purchase a model that offers both warm and cool mist function. [source]

There is certainly no law that says you cannot have a warm mist humidifier in your bedroom and a cool mist humidifier in your living areas. You can always use one type in winter and the other in summer.

Choose cool mist when you want continuous humidifying in a large area with a warm ambient temperature. Remember that cool mist is always the best choice in settings where children or pets are present.

Choose warm mist when you want focused humidifying in a small space with a cooler temperature. Remember that warm mist humidifiers are best used by responsible adults, and always place your humidifier in a safe place where it is not likely to be knocked over.

Remember that your needs may vary from season to season. In wintertime, a warm mist unit may seem perfect, but in summer you may appreciate the light, cool air emitted by a cool mist model.

Tips For Safe Humidifier Use

Below list includes a few general tips for safe operation of any humidifier. Always read the instructions coming with your unit. Follow them closely when cleaning, using and storing the machine.

Avoid using an extension cord and be sure any electrical cord is secured to prevent tripping hazards and possible electrocution.
Always keep a cool or warm mist humidifier out of the reach of children and pets.
Be sure to allow the unit to dry thoroughly before placing it in storage.
Change filters and/or demineralization cartridges on a regular basis.
Never place the humidifier on an unstable surface.
Unplug the unit before cleaning or adding water.
Clean your humidifier daily.

Do not add anything to the water reservoir unless the user’s manual specifically says that this is safe. Additions such as vapor rub and essential oils can cause plastic parts to disintegrate, thus increasing the risk of accident or injury.

You will love this VicTsing 300ml Cool Mist Humidifier Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser. Check here for essential oil diffusers.

Good Maintenance Is Key

For maximum effectiveness of any humidifier, you must remember to clean scrupulously. Wash it thoroughly after every use to prevent the buildup of minerals, mold and bacteria. If you leave any humidifier standing idle with water inside, when you turn it on you will surely be dispersing contaminants into the air.

If you use a humidifier on an ongoing basis, you should remember the household task of emptying its water tank and dry all of the surfaces daily. Fill the reservoir with purified, distilled water or filtered tap water to help reduce mineral buildup.

The Bottom Line

Cool mist models serves as the more modern choice when deciding between cool and warm mist humidifiers. They work safer and more versatile, less expensive to purchase and to use and just as effective. Still, there is something comforting about the warm steam delivered by a warm mist humidifier. This is especially true when you are under the weather in the dead of winter.

In the final analysis, either choice is a good one with proper consideration. Refer to the tips and advice presented here when choosing just the right humidifier (or combination of humidifiers) to suit your needs.

Tips On How To Select The Perfect Essential Oil Diffuser

Many people suffer from environmentally-related chronic illness. Among these maladies are chronic pain, respiratory illness, asthma, allergies, and even depression. Coping daily can be a burden and often involves the use of potentially harmful prescription drugs.

What can you do if you do not have access to medical assistance or simply do not want to risk becoming dependent on prescription medications? Luckily, there are many natural treatments you can turn to, and a combination of effective, sensible natural remedies will usually reap better results than the use of powerful chemicals.

One such natural approach to overall health, wellness, and well-being is aromatherapy with the use of essential oils. There are many ways to use these potent oils, but one of the easiest and most effective is with an aromatherapy essential oil diffuser.

In this article, we will describe the types of aroma diffusers on the market today for pure essential oils. We will also provide good advice to help you select just the right aroma diffuser model to suit your needs. Read on to learn more about aromatherapy diffuser and some diffuser blends.

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What Is An Essential Oil Diffuser?

These devices are especially designed for dispensing essential oil blends into the air you breathe. This provides pleasant fragrance along with powerful therapeutic benefits. The best essential oil diffusers use no heat, so the essential oil blend is delivered unaltered and at maximum potency. [source]

There are five different types of diffusers for essential oils, but an atomizing, cool air diffuser is the best because it breaks down the oils into the finest particles while retaining all the strength and value of these volatile oils. Other types of diffusers that heat the essential oil drops are alright for simply spreading a pleasant scent, but they detract from any therapeutic benefits you might reap from these valuable oils. [source]

What Is Diffusing?

Diffusing is the act of causing a substance (i.e. volatile essential oil) to evaporate into the air. This type of device does not have to be mechanical. Some simply work through natural evaporation.

Here is a rundown on the five types of commercial diffusers available on the market today.

Cool Air Atomizing Diffuser

This type of diffuser dispenses oils into the air quickly and efficiently. Atomizing technology makes use of a jet pump and cold air to force drops of essential oil through an atomizer. This process renders the oil into extremely fine particles without damaging the chemical makeup or the healing properties of the oil.

The oil is dispersed into the air and remains present for many hours. These powerful micro-particles of full strength essential oil can effectively address threats such as bacteria, viruses, mold, pests, and unpleasant odors. Oils with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties can help purify the air and prevent the spread of illness.

The therapeutic value of these pure oils is unparalleled. As you breathe in the fine particles, your body absorbs the benefits of the healing oils through the tissues of your respiratory system.

Aromatherapy with a cool air diffuser and a carefully selected oil can be very powerful. The scent and the chemical structure of the oil prompts your nervous system to send signals to your limbic system (housed in the brain). This is the area of the brain where memory and emotion dwell.

The oil absorbed by your limbic system can prompt your brain to release hormones, trigger pain relief, alter your mood, and more. It is easy to see that a solid knowledge of the uses of essential oils is extremely helpful in successful use of a diffuser.

Cool air atomizers cover the most square footage of any type of diffuser. Typically, you will set up a schedule for diffusing (perhaps 10-15 minutes per hour). The ultra-fine mist will remain suspended in the air for as long as three hours at a time, so you can reap a great deal of benefits from a very small amount of oil.

Even better, unlike diffusers that dispense oils in heated water or in larger particles, the micro-fine particles emitted by a cold air diffuser evaporate rather than settling on surfaces. This means you will not have to clean up a potentially grimy residue after extended use of your diffuser.

This quality also makes care of a cool air atomizing diffuser very simple. There is very little oil buildup within the unit, so cleanup is minor or even nonexistent.

The one downside some users have mentioned is slight noise when operating. Additionally, you may balk at the initial cost of a cool air atomizing diffuser, but you simply must remember that you get what you pay for. This type of diffuser is just the best. You will get the most value for your money and the most benefit from your costly oils with a high-quality, cool air atomizing essential oil diffuser.

Check out our essential oil diffuser reviews for your reference.

Other Types Of Diffusers

Humidifying or Vaporizing Ultrasonic Diffuser

This type of diffuser and humidifier works by sending electronic frequencies and vibrations through water to create a vapor that contains essential oils. An ultrasonic essential oil diffuser also provides humidity to the air.

For scenting the air and making it more comfortable and pleasant to breathe, an ultrasonic oil diffuser is a nice choice. Ultrasonic technology combined with aromatherapy provides a spa-like environment and diffuses oils in a heat and chemical-free manner.

Vaporizing diffusers are quiet and aesthetically pleasing. They often include some special features such as multiple timers, colorful lighting, and pleasant sounds.

If your goal is just to create an aesthetically pleasing environment, an ultrasonic aroma diffuser may be a good choice for you. Vaporizing diffusers are less expensive to purchase than atomizing models. Just understand that mixing your oils with water will dilute them, and lack of atomization means larger particles of oils.

These particles are not as easily absorbed by your system, and they do not linger in the air as long. Furthermore, extended use will eventually lead to a grimy buildup on surfaces surrounding the machine. The unit, itself, will also need frequent cleaning.

When selecting a vaporizing device, quality is important. There are several cheap choices in vaporizers available, but attempting to save money with a cheap purchase will end up costing you in terms of wasted oils, leaks, and other problems down the road. So highly consider this ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser humidifier for your home.

Heating Diffusers

These are typically simple gadgets that are only good for providing a pleasant scent. Some examples include ceramic rings intended to be used with light bulbs or candles. There are also electric devices intended to heat the oil on its own or mixed with water to produce scented steam.

These types of diffusers should be avoided. Heating essential oil alters its chemical makeup and damages its therapeutic capabilities. While the scent may be pleasant, you may find that breathing in the fumes of heated oils irritates your nasal passages.

Ventilating Diffusers

Diffusers that use a small fan to evaporate and disperse particles of aroma essential oil are quite cheap and do not damage the chemical composition of the oil. For a very small space (e.g. your office cubicle), this might be a nice idea.

This type of diffuser is quiet to run and provides a pleasant scent and limited therapeutic benefits. Remember that the molecules of oil dispersed are not micro-fine, so your system will not absorb them as readily or as completely as those created by an atomizing diffuser.

Evaporative Diffuser

This is an easy method of diffusing oil that requires no power source. It involves simply placing drops of essential oil on a porous surface and allowing them to evaporate naturally.

For example, a hanky with a few drops of essential oil sprinkled on it becomes an evaporative diffuser when you hold it to your nose and breathe. Other materials that can be used to create a simple evaporative diffuser include:

Cotton balls
Porous pendants
Clay beads
Coarse Salts
Reeds

This method of diffusing can be handy as a take-along. You can put a few drops of oil on a handkerchief, tissue, or cotton balls to carry in a plastic bag in your purse or pocket and occasionally enjoy your own personal aromatherapy.

Alternately, you can enjoy the scent and benefits of the oils of your choice on an ongoing basis using a porous item of jewelry such as a pendant or clay beads.

Reed oil diffusers can also be handy for small spaces. This type of evaporative diffuser is made using a small container filled with essential oil. Reeds or other porous sticks are placed in the oil to draw it up so that it can evaporate into the air. This is a subtle, and not especially effective, way of dispersing essential oils.

You may also wish to experiment with making your own “smelling salts” using Epsom salts, sea salt, and essential oils mixed in a small vial or bottle. This is a fun, Victorian way to reap the benefits of aromatherapy on a limited basis. [source]

Here are the top-rated diffusers of essential oil in the market according to many reviews.

What To Consider When Choosing The Perfect Essential Oil Diffuser?

It’s easy to see that to get the most bang for your buck, a cool air atomizing essential oil diffuser is the obvious choice. Except for the heat diffuser, the other types may have limited application and may be good choices for very specific settings. [source]

Here are four questions you should ask yourself when making your selection:

How Does It Look?

Your diffuser will probably be a central part of your living area. Obviously, you should not choose a hideous plastic monstrosity. Luckily, these days there are lots of very attractive, artistic choices available. Wood grain finished diffusers are especially lovely to look at. There are also models available with bamboo housing. Some are even shaped like river rocks for a low profile and a discreet appearance.

Is It Portable?

If you want diffusing abilities at work or simply at your side throughout your day, this is important. For your home, you may not need a portable unit, but you will want to determine whether you could easily move it from one room to another. Alternately, you may wish to simply supply each of your living areas with its own diffuser.

Does The Unit Have Auto-Shut Off Capability?

You do not want to run any type of diffuser on a continuous, nonstop basis. Ideally, you should be able to set your diffuser to run at specified times and in specific increments (e.g. 10 minutes per hour from bedtime to dawn).

How Much Does It Cost?

With both atomizing and ultrasonic diffusers, you really do get what you pay for. If you spring for a high-quality unit with a solid warranty, you will never regret it. You’ll get good service from the device, and you’ll save money on oils in the long run.

Ventilating and evaporative devices are simple with few or no moving parts. Therapeutic value is limited with these to begin with, and these really tend to be more for fun than function, so by all means, go cheap! Just don’t skimp on the quality of oils you use.

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Aromatherapy Is Real Therapy

Every day we learn more about the true value of aromatherapy for treating a variety of conditions. Using a cool air diffuser and the right essential oils, you can establish the perfect environment for study, discussion, meditation, relaxation, sleep, or even romance.

Make no mistake, oil diffusers do more than just create a pleasant environment. Pure, top-quality essential oil dispersed into the air is absorbed by your body to help mitigate problems caused by pain, chemical imbalance, and illness.

Diffused oils can also help deal with problems in the environment such as mold and mildew, dust, viruses and bacteria, pet dander, and even insect pests. It’s just a matter of knowing which oils to dispense for the results you seek.

The quality and effectiveness of your aromatherapy is in direct proportion with the quality of your essential oils and your method of dispersion. The study of essential oils is interesting and valuable. When you know about the benefits of these oils, you can enrich your life and save yourself a great deal of money in terms of over-the-counter and prescription treatments. [source]

Simple Coffee Makers Enrich Your Life And Save You A Fortune

At OhSimply.com we like to leave the complicated stuff to others. That goes all the way down to using a simple coffee maker to brew our coffee.

Specialty coffees purchased at coffee shops can cost $5 or more. If you purchase high-end coffee drinks daily, you may be spending upwards of $30 a week (that’s $1440 a year) on coffee.

It’s easy to see how making your own coffee at home could literally save you a small fortune and enrich your life.

There are lots of fancy and complicated ways to make your own perfect cup of coffee these days. Plus coffee makers of all sorts complete with bells and whistles can represent quite a hefty investment.

French Press
Espresso Machines
Cold Brew
Keurig single-serve coffee maker

To name a few.

Even if you did invest substantial amounts of money into expensive semi-automatic espresso machine and equipment to make flavored coffees, espresso-based beverages or even just your daily cup of Joe at home, you could save some money making your own, but there are ways to save even more!

The problem with a complicated high-end coffee brewer is that devices made of plastic that rely on electronics and computerization to work tend to break down and need to be replaced often.

Luckily, there are several little-known, durable, affordable, simple alternatives to the brewing process that can empower you to make a variety of coffees expertly and cheaply at home.

In this article, we present these three basic, durable choices in coffee making equipment to empower you to buy it once, buy it right. You will avoid waste and ongoing expense while enjoying great coffee. Read on to learn more.

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The Trusty Stovetop Percolator

A stainless-steel stovetop percolator is basically a high-quality cooking implement that never wears out. It comes with no electronic programmable coffeemaker functions or electric components to worry about. Mineral buildup will not ruin it. Those who like their coffee hot can brew coffee using just about any heat source from campfire to magnetic induction burner. [source]

While there is a bit of a learning curve involved in making perked coffee, once you learn how, you will enjoy full, rich, robust coffee rivaling the offerings of any pricey coffee house.

Your stovetop percolator will make:

Your standard morning coffee
Full pots of flavored coffees
Decaf
Your own specialty of hot coffee brews
Allow you to incorporate spices such as cinnamon stick, whole cloves, coarsely ground nutmeg, and the like.

What Kind of Coffee Should You Use?

In choosing coffee, do the best you can. Even if you buy standard canned coffee from your grocery store, you will find that when you perk it properly it will be tasty.

As with any type of coffee maker, the fresher your coffee the better the coffee will taste. If possible purchase raw coffee beans and roast and grind them yourself, that’s superb; however, it is not necessary.

If you buy roasted coffee beans, try to grind them right before you perk for maximum freshness. You can grind the beans with a coffee grinder or with a blender. In a coffee grinder, choose the “coarse grind” setting. In a blender, start with the “grate” setting. If that results in very chunky coffee, choose the next setting up.

Finely ground coffee in a percolator will slip through the openings in the basket and end up in your coffee. If you do happen to buy or grind your coffee too fine, be sure to keep a fine mesh strainer on hand to strain out the grounds.

No matter what kind of coffee you buy, keep it in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place (e.g. your refrigerator) to keep it fresh. Don’t keep it in your freezer as this can hamper flavor.

How To Use Your Percolator

Be sure to read the information that comes with your percolator. The design is universally simple and standard, but the instructions intended for your percolator should give you a good parts chart and provide specific information about measurements and timing for your pot.

You’ll Need To Have These Items On Hand

Coffee Beans or Ground Coffee
Coffee Grinder or Blender
Pure Filtered Tap Water
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Heat Source
Percolator

Get Perking!

Place the pump tube into the clean, empty pot. Some instructions will tell you to add the water first; however, if you are going to make a full pot of coffee, one easy way to measure the water is to pour it to the point at which it just touches the base of the little spring on the pump tube that supports the coffee basket.
Add water. A standard cup of coffee is 6 ounces. If you don’t plan to make a full pot of coffee, measure your pure, filtered water carefully. It’s best to use fresh, filtered tap water rather than plain tap water or bottled water. A simple water filtration pitcher does a fine job of producing affordable, fresh water. The Brita Pitcher is a good example of an affordable filtration pitcher that can save you a fortune!
Measure your ground coffee into the basket before placing it on the pump tube. This will help prevent spilling grounds into the water. About one tablespoonful of coffee per cup should be about right. Naturally, you can adjust this to suit your taste once you’re more familiar with the process.
Put the grounds basket into its place on the pump tube.
Put the spreader (grounds basket top) into place. Press it down a bit to make sure it stays put during perking and pouring.
Check to be sure the glass bubble is screwed securely into the lid and then put the lid on your percolator. Be certain the lid is secure to prevent leaks.
Place the percolator on your heat source at high heat. Some instructions say to use a lower heat and go for very gentle perking. This is a bit more time consuming, but if you prefer milder coffee, lower heat is better. Experiment with this to get just the settings that suit you. Stay close by. You don’t want to boil your coffee. You will need to adjust your heat when percolation begins.
Heat until the coffee begins to perk, then reduce the heat and allow the coffee percolate for 7-10 minutes. Keep in mind that the temperature you are going for in this process is a light simmer, not a full boil. Your percolator should not sputter and spout steam. Instead, you should see the coffee begin to perk steadily, and then after you lower the temperature, it should perk a little slower for the 7-10 minutes of brewing. TIP: If you are using a solid, cast-iron electric burner, you can simply turn it off when your coffee begins perking and leave the pot in place. The burner will gradually cool down, and the coffee should stop perking in about 8 minutes. This is so handy that you may find it worthwhile to purchase a single burner hot plate with a cast iron burner for this specific purpose. Try the Elite Cuisine Electric Hot Plate for this.
When your coffee has finished perking, let it settle for a minute or two so that any stray grounds will sink to the bottom. Some instructions tell you to take the basket full of grounds out, but this is unnecessary. If you have placed the spreader on the basket properly, grounds will not leak into your coffee. The pot and all its components will be very hot, and there’s no need to risk burning yourself trying to wrestle the hot basket out of the percolator.

How To Clean Your Percolator

Between uses, rinse the pot out thoroughly with warm water. Whenever you wash dishes, wash all components of your percolator with soapy water or just pop it into the dishwasher. Be sure to disassemble to the top and wash the glass bubble separately.

Occasionally (say once a month or so), fill the pot with water and put a couple of tablespoons of baking soda in the grounds basket. Perk as if you were making a pot of coffee. Allow the water and soda to perk for about ten minutes and then remove the pot from heat. Allow it to sit until cool and then wash with warm, soapy water.

What’s The Best Percolator?

Farberware Classic Stainless-Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee Percolator is a wonderful item to add to your kitchen equipment. Made of high-quality stainless steel throughout, it is durable, attractive and will literally last a lifetime.

The only downsides to this percolator are its plastic components. It comes with a plastic bubble (the little “window” in the lid where you can see the coffee perking). This thing is worthless.

When you buy your coffee pot, invest about $5 more in a glass bubble, which will last forever unless you drop it and break it, and even that is hard to do. Check out this Fitz-All Replacement Percolator Top being sold at Amazon.

The Farberware pot also has a heat-resistant plastic handle. This is fine for perking coffee on your stovetop, but it might be problematic if you make coffee over a campfire. You may wish to purchase an all-metal percolator for camping.

Stay Away From Aluminum

In percolators and all cookware, avoid aluminum. It imparts a bitter, metallic taste to coffee, and it can leach dangerous particles into your food and beverages. Always opt for stainless steel. It costs a bit more, but it is more durable, safer, and it yields better results. [source]

A 6-Cup Pot Of Perked Coffee Is A Thrifty Treat

Using a percolator is a perfect way to make your daily cup of Joe. Although you can make just a couple of cups at a time with a percolator, you may wish to make a full pot and just decant the extra into a glass container to keep in your fridge or pour the brew into a thermal carafe or glass carafe.

You can enjoy this as iced coffee or warm it up in the microwave to enjoy a single cup at a time. This is a good idea if you like to have a cup of coffee immediately when you get up in the morning. You can set up your percolator to make a fresh pot and warm up a cup of coffee to enjoy while you wait.

Pour-Over Coffee

A great, simple, affordable way to make individual cups of coffee is the pour-over filter. This method of brewing is a little quicker than using a percolator. The result is not quite as powerful, and you may prefer it to brew your everyday coffee.

A single-serve coffeemaker pour-over device can cost as little as $4, and it’s handy for making individual cups of flavored coffees or decaf, or to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee anytime you like. This device is a cone made of plastic, metal, glass, or ceramic. You use it with a filter (disposable, reusable, or permanent) to make drip coffee maker style. [source]

You’ll Need

High-quality coffee, preferably freshly ground
A filter (paper, cloth, gold mesh, or built-in)
A way to heat your water
Fresh, filtered water
A pour-over device

With this method, the quality of your ingredients and equipment, the temperature of your water, and the speed of your timing count a great deal.

Purchase the best device you can. It’s best if you use a pour-over device that is made of metal, tempered glass, or ceramic (as opposed to a plastic device) because plastic can eventually break down. It may also retain flavors, so it’s not the number one choice if you want to be able to make a variety of flavored coffees.
Use fresh, pure water. Your water should be fresh and filtered (as opposed to bottled or straight from the tap) and just brought to the boiling point. You don’t want scalding hot water, but it does have to be hot enough to penetrate the coffee grounds and extract the flavor and the oils.
Use a filter that doesn’t block oils. You should use the best filter possible. Gold mesh is preferable, but if you can’t get that, a cloth filter or paper filter will do.

Many nice, stainless-steel pour-over units include built-in filtration. This style of device is easy to clean, convenient, effective, and waste-free. The built-in stainless-steel filter allows free flow of oils but may allow a bit of sediment to pass through, as well. This small amount of sediment will settle to the bottom of your cup.
Another option for waste-free brewing is a gold mesh filter. This high-quality coffee brewing implement can be washed and reused indefinitely. In terms of performance, the gold mesh filters allow a lot of coffee oils to pour through, but they also allow a bit of sediment to pour through.
Cloth filters are also nice and low waste, but they are a bit of a hassle to deal with as you must wash them and hang them up to dry. Cloth filters allow oil to flow through but not sediment. More oil means a more flavorful cup of coffee.
Paper filters tend to block both oil and sediment and are not really recommended, but if you are going to use paper filters, you can save a great deal of money by purchasing standard, drip coffee maker filters and folding them to fit your pour-over device rather than purchasing filters that are specially made for this purpose.

Use high-quality coffee. Your coffee should be of the highest quality you can afford, and it’s best if you buy beans and grind them just before you make it. If you can buy raw beans, roast them, and grind them just before brewing, that’s even better.

Here’s What You Do

Heat your water. You can heat your water on your stove top, over your campfire, or in your microwave (or by any other means available to you). No matter how you heat your water, you want to bring it just to the point of boiling. Remove it from the heat and use it as soon as bubbles begin to rise.
While your water is heating, set up your cup or mug (it’s nice if you can preheat it by filling it with warm water in advance). Put your pour-over device on top with your filter in position. Measure out the amount of coffee you need for the size of your cup or mug. A tablespoonful per 4 ounces of water renders a full-bodied brew.
When your water begins to boil, remove it from the heat source and pour it smoothly over the grounds. For a small cup (4-6 ounces), you will only pour over one time, so you should stir the slurry (grounds and hot water) gently with a spoon handle to enhance brewing.
If you are filling a mug or decanter (6-8 ounces or more), you will pour over more than once. In this case, return your water to the heat source and wait until all the water you have poured has dripped through the filter. Pour in more near-boiling water and take care to pour it along the sides of the pour-over device in a way that disturbs the coffee grounds. This will also enhance brewing, or you can stir a bit if you like.

TIP: If pouring into an opaque cup, mug, or decanter, check to be sure you haven’t poured in too much water. You don’t want your container to overflow.

When your cup or mug is filled with fresh coffee, set the pour-over device aside on an empty cup or bowl to prevent a drippy mess. Give your coffee a little stir for an even flavor.

Taking Care Of Your Pour-Over Brewer

It is easy to take care of your pour-over device. Wash it just as you do your coffee cups. You can wash by hand or in the dishwasher. If you get a gold mesh filter, you would be wise to take a little more care and always wash by hand. Be sure to compost your coffee grounds for a happy garden.

It Sounds So Complicated!

All of this may sound very daunting, but take heart! While meeting these conditions will render an exquisite cup of coffee, it is entirely possible to brew a perfectly good cup of pour-over coffee using a plastic pour-over device, a paper filter, and pre-ground, ordinary coffee.

If that’s what you can afford, you can go along very happily using your simple plastic pour-over device and paper filters. This can be handy if you want to brew fresh coffee at work or school and need something virtually indestructible that you can carry in your backpack or briefcase.

The real advantage of this type of coffee brewer is that it enables you to make a tasty, single cup of specialty or ordinary coffee affordably and without any waste.

When you compare the use of a pour-over filter and bulk coffees with the use of alternatives such as single cup makers and coffee pods, you will quickly see that you can save a fortune with a pour-over device, enjoy a better cup of coffee, and avoid generating mountains of plastic litter.

What’s The Best Pour-Over Coffee Brewer?

Ika Kitchen makes a nice, all-in-one, good quality single cup pour-over set at an affordable price. This durable, stainless steel pour-over coffee dripper comes with a matching measuring spoon and will last a lifetime.

Another fantastic tried and true brand of pour-over device is the Melitta single cup brewer. You can usually pick these up in the coffee section of your grocery store for around $5 or $6.

They are also available from Amazon and other online retailers. The Melitta devices come in a range of sizes so that you can brew single cups or large pots of coffee.

Make Inexpensive Espresso Drinks At Home

In 1933, an Italian gentleman by the name of Alfonso Bialetti created a simple, affordable stovetop coffee maker that brews delectable espresso style coffee.

It is not quite espresso, but it’s darned near it. The Bialetti Macchinetta (aka Moka Pot) is the Italian equivalent of the stovetop percolator. It provides an affordable, simple way to make fresh espresso-style coffee at home.

The coffee produced by a Moka Pot is rich, dark, and flavorful, and is certainly an affordable, at-home espresso alternative. [source]

The difference is that truly authentic espresso is created using coffee machines that produces highly pressurized water at an exact temperature.

A Moka pot works by steaming coffee in a three-chambered pot on your stovetop. Steam from water placed in the lower water reservoir chamber is forced through coffee in the central chamber resulting in a strong, flavorsome brew in the top chamber. Here is how a Moka pot is set up:

There is a bottom chamber that holds the water (2-6 cups). This chamber is usually equipped with a pressure valve.
Atop this chamber is a funnel or coffee basket that holds the grounds.
Above the grounds is a top chamber that starts off empty. As water in the bottom chamber heats up, steam rises through the coffee grounds and collects in the top chamber to produce espresso-style coffee.

You can get Moka pots in aluminum or stainless steel. Remember to opt for stainless steel. Not only is this the safer choice in terms of your health, but it will produce better tasting coffee. Aluminum imparts a definite metallic tang to coffee, especially when it is brewed under pressure.

Brewing With A Moka Pot

#1 – Season The Moka Pot

Before you make your first pot of espresso or brewed coffee, break your pot in by running a pot of plain water through it. The idea is to wash any manufacturing residue out of it before you make coffee.

Additionally, having a trial run will give you a chance to make sure the gaskets are properly in place and the pressure relief valve works correctly.

You can add some used coffee grounds to the basket if you want to. This is said to impart a coffee flavor to the metal.

#2 – Follow Directions For Your Pot

When you use your Moka pot, you will want to follow specific procedures. Be sure to follow the instructions for your pot carefully. Don’t overfill or try to make more cups of coffee than the pot is intended to accommodate. This will surely end badly.

#3 – Use High-quality, Coarse, Ground Coffee

Just as with perked and pour-over coffee, the better your ingredients, the better your result will be.

You’ll want fresh, high-quality coffee that is coarsely ground. A Moka pot does not use the fine grind coffee commonly associated with espresso because a very fine grind will prevent steam from being able to rise through the coffee.

Additionally, if your coffee is too finely ground, particles will rise through the filter into the coffee. A coarser grind results in cleaner coffee.

#4 – Use Hot Or Cold Water

When it comes to water, you should use fresh, filtered tap water. Some people begin with cold water and heat it in the base. Others boil the water first, pour it into the base, and then begin brewing.

The difference is that when you start with cold water, the coffee and the seals between the components of the pot are exposed to high heat for a longer period. This means more wear and tear on the seals, and it can mean bitter coffee.

When you start by pouring boiling water into the base of your Moka pot, your brewing time is much shorter, so your coffee will be smoother and your seals will last longer.

#5 – Don’t Overfill

To brew, you should pour water into the base of the unit up to the safety seal level. Fill the coffee filter basket loosely and smooth off the top with a knife blade. Be careful not to tamp the coffee down. If it is too compact, steam will not flow through it freely.

#6 – Check For Safety

Before attaching the top part of the pot, double check to be sure that the gasket and filtration disk are properly in place. Screw the top section onto the base securely and place the pot on a stovetop burner set to medium heat.

#7 – Monitor Progress

When the water and air in the bottom tank heat and expand, hot steam will be forced through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber. Once this process starts, it only takes four or five minutes to finish.

This whole process shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. If it takes a long time for the water in the base of your unit to heat, you may want to increase the temperature of your burner However, do so in small increments and keep a close eye on it.

If brewing is still slow, your seal may not be tight enough. Check to see if steam is escaping and preventing brewing. If the top of your macchinetta is screwed onto the bottom properly, slow brewing may mean that you have packed your coffee in too tightly or used a grind that is too fine.

Listen for the gurgle: When the bottom chamber is empty, you will hear a gurgling sound. This means your espresso drink is ready.
Pour and enjoy! You should remove the pot from heat immediately and pour. Be careful! It’s very hot!

Caring for Your Moka Pot

A Moka pot is a little bit more delicate than a percolator or a pour-over device because it has several gaskets and small parts, and it handles highly pressurized water. For this reason, you should allow it to cool, disassemble it, and wash it carefully by hand after each use.

Some very authentic Italian coffee connoisseurs say that you should not use dish soap on your Moka pot because it will spoil the flavor of the coffee. Occasionally, it’s a good idea to brew a pot of plain water with baking soda or white vinegar to give the entire unit a good cleaning.

Washing carefully soon after use will help prevent mineral deposits from building up and clogging the filter. It will also help keep the seals flexible and functioning for longer periods of time. When seals do eventually wear out, you can order replacements easily and affordably online. [source]

When You Make Your Own Coffee With These Simple Coffee Makers, You Will Literally Save A Small Fortune And Become A More Responsible Citizen!

If you are currently spending over a thousand dollars a year on coffee, just think of all the other wonderful things you might be able to do with that money.

If you are not spending huge amounts of money on coffee but are suffering with weak, flavorless drip coffee from a standard coffee maker or espresso maker, think how much more you could enjoy coffee with the proper, affordable, simple equipment.

Purchasing coffee beans and/or ground coffee in bulk is far more affordable than purchasing specialty coffees by the cup. Becoming an expert at brewing a fine cup of coffee is an enjoyable and admirable pursuit, and you don’t have to come up with a large chunk of change to get started.

If you were to purchase a stovetop percolator for your daily pot of coffee, a pour-over filter for occasional flavored coffees or decaf, and a Moka pot for making espresso-based drinks, you would spend less than $75, and you would have all the equipment you need to make any kind of coffee you want for the rest of your life.

In addition to improving your life and enriching your budget as one of the coffee drinkers, making your own excellent coffee at home is also literally conservative and a great gift for the earth. Discarded coffee makers and their plastic and electronic components just pile up in landfills when they are no longer of any use.

Buying coffee in shops or making coffee using ultra-modern equipment generates mountains of waste including disposable coffee cups, coffee pods, plastic water bottles, and more.

Making your own coffee at home with “buy-it-once, buy-it-right” equipment generates no waste, other than coffee grounds that make a great addition to your compost heap.

This single change in your lifestyle is a win-win all around. It conserves resources, reduces clutter, saves money, and delivers a superior cup of coffee.

Using Witch Hazel As An Astringent: What You Need To Know

Witch hazel plant (Hamamelis virginiana) is a wild shrub native to North America. It is mostly found in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. Traditionally, the Native American people have used every part of the plant as food, medicine, and to make strong, flexible bows.

The plant is unusual in that it does not bloom until late autumn after the leaves have fallen. It is also unique because it is one of very few botanical remedies that has been approved as a medicine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a result, its extract is used in a numerous over-the-counter medicines and personal care products.

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What Is Witch Hazel Used For?

The natural extract combined with a light carrier is a go-to choice for treating acne-prone skin; however, the inexpensive, over-the-counter combination of witch hazel and isopropyl or ethyl alcohol is an excellent addition to any medicine chest. Here are just a few of the many benefits of witch hazel products.

Reduce pain and inflammation associated with sun damage and melanoma.
Cleanse cracked or blistered skin prior to moisturizing.
Calm inflammation associated with psoriasis or eczema.
Reduce skin irritation and inflammation.
Soothe and reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids.
Clean the skin surrounding ingrown hairs.
Soothe delicate tissues following childbirth.
Reduce mucous membrane inflammation.
Help chicken pox sores heal more quickly.
Cleanse and soothe irritated scalp.
Calm and soothe poison ivy rash.
Take the itch out of insect bites.
Reduce swollen varicose veins.
Reduce redness and swelling.
Cool and soothe razor burn.
Minimize allergic reactions.
Minimize excess sweating.
Cleanse oily skin.
Treat skin sores.
Soothe bruises.
Serve as moisturizing lip balm.

A quart-sized bottle of 14% alcohol and witch hazel usually costs less than $2, but its effective astringent and antiseptic properties make it an invaluable product for dealing with a host of minor injuries and skin irritations.

Why Is Witch Hazel A Good Astringent?

An astringent is a substance that causes tissues to dry up, shrink, or contract. [source]

There are three main types of astringent:

Some substances narrow small blood vessels and decrease blood supply.
Some substances draw moisture from skin tissue.
Other substances coagulate moisture on the surface of tissue to form scabbing.

Witch hazel is an example of the first type of astringent. It is often coupled with alcohol, which is an example of the second type. Calamine lotion is an example of the third type.

Astringents are used medicinally to reduce swelling and inflammation both internally and externally. They are also valuable for stopping bleeding and drying up excess secretions. Cosmetically, astringents are used to cleanse and refine pores and to dry up excess oil on the skin.

According to dermatology resident, Joyce Park, of New York University Medical Center, witch hazel’s ability to constrict blood vessels and tissues makes it an excellent choice for tightening pores, reducing the inflammation caused by acne, and minimizing under-eye puffiness. [source]

Park also points out that its anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant properties make it a good choice for soothing irritated skin after shaving. Therefore, witch hazel is often a main ingredient in aftershave lotions and alcohol-free toners.

Using Witch Hazel Toner In Your Daily Skin Care Routine

Witch hazel toner is one of the oldest and most time-tested natural beauty products. It has proven itself very effective in dissolving debris on the skin, cleansing pores, reducing irritation and inflammation, and promoting a smooth, clear complexion. [source]

Organic witch hazel extract can be combined with a carrier oil or an oil-free carrier to help restore your skin’s pH balance while adding moisture or removing excess oiliness as needed. The type of carrier substance used can be adjusted to suit your skin type and in response to the seasons.

Skin tends to need more moisture and protection in the winter months, so a carrier such as jojoba oil or sunflower seed oil is preferable during the winter season. During the summer months, a light, natural carrier such as aloe vera gel or juice, or white or apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be used.

Follow these steps to use witch hazel as a facial toner and astringent:

Cleanse your face and throat gently and thoroughly.
Use a cotton pad or cotton ball to apply an alcohol-free preparation of witch hazel to your face and throat.
Apply moisturizer and eye cream as needed.

Perform this skin care routine once or twice daily. If you only cleanse once a day, be sure to do it at bedtime as it is never advisable to sleep with makeup or environmental contaminants on your skin.

Remember to include your throat when you take care of your face. If you don’t, it will develop wrinkles and creases and make you look older, even if your face still looks young and vibrant!

How To Make Your Own Alcohol Free, All-Natural Witch Hazel Extract

If you are lucky enough to have wild Hamamelis virginiana growing near you, you can harvest the twigs, leaves, and bark, and make your own, all-natural extract. Homemade infusions and tinctures retain far more of the tannins that account for the natural astringent properties of the plant. Just be sure you are using the native plant and not the cultivated, ornamental variety, which does not contain these beneficial compounds.

To make your own extract, just follow these steps:

Gently prune the ends of the branches of a witch hazel shrub.
Peel the bark from the twigs you have pruned and retain it. (The bark is rich in tannins and other healing compounds.)
Chop or break the twigs into very small pieces.

Following these initial steps, you can choose whether you want to make a witch hazel water-based decoction or an alcohol-based tincture.

Water-based Decoction

Place the witch hazel bark and twigs in a stainless-steel cooking vessel with a lid and cover them with filtered or distilled water.
Put the lid on the pot and bring the contents to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture (covered) for about 30 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and set it in a cool place for about 8 hours.
Strain the liquid into a glass jar.
Keep the jar in your refrigerator, and be sure to use up the decoction within a week.

You can use this decoction full strength as a skin toner or as one of the most soothing, cooling, natural remedies for skin irritation and other minor injuries and conditions. [source]

Alcohol-Based Tincture

After scraping the bark and chopping up the twigs, place them in a glass container and add enough vodka to cover them.
Put a lid on the container and place it in a cool, dark place for 6 weeks.
Strain the liquid into a clean, glass container with a tightly-fitting lid and keep the container in your refrigerator.

This mixture will last indefinitely. To use it, you would dilute it with water at a rate of about one teaspoonful of tincture per ounce of filtered or distilled water.

The decoction and the diluted tincture can both be applied with cotton balls, gauze, or a spray bottle to help soothe itchy skin, bruises, wounds, varicose veins, oily skin, and so on.

Note that if you are put off by the scent of natural witch hazel, or if you want to add specific healing properties to your solution, you can include various essential oils such as tea tree and aloe vera formula at the end of the process, at a rate of 6 drops per ounce of decoction or diluted tincture.

What Is The Best Kind Of Witch Hazel Astringent?

If you don’t have access to wild witch hazel plant, or if you simply lack the time or the desire required for DIY, you will be happy to know that there are several high-quality, alcohol-free witch hazel products on the market today. Among them are:

Who Should You Use Witch Hazel?

It’s easy to see that witch hazel in all its forms is a good addition to anyone’s medicine chest or personal care routine. Whether DIY or store-bought, a variety of choices are available to put this time-honored ingredient to work for you.

The pure extract makes an excellent base for any skin tone, whether you have sensitive skin, dry skin, or oily skin. You can create a personalized homemade product by making smart choices in carrier products and essential oil.

How Do You Use Witch Hazel?

Personal experimentation can lead to some wonderful ideas and products. How have you made good use of witch hazel in your personal care and skin care routine? If you have questions or ideas, please add them to the comments section below.

3 Important Things To Know About Witch Hazel Aftershave

Witch hazel, derived from the bark and leaves of Hamamelis Virginiana, which is a common shrub that grows in North America, is a topical astringent like this. It is recognized for its medicinal properties. Native Americans utilized the witch hazel shrub or herb by taking a decoction of the parts of the plant, boiling it, and using it to treat skin rashes, irritation, and tumors.

Plants like witch hazel contain a high amount of polyphenol that slows down skin aging and helps fight radicals and eventually, cellular damage.

Of recent, the herb has also been used as an aftershave. There are numerous companies selling alcohol-free witch hazel aftershaves because it possesses the ideal medicinal properties to soothe the skin after a shave.

1. Why Even Use an Aftershave?

The most important reason to use an aftershave is not for aroma or refreshment, but it avoids skin irritation. The aftershave clears out your pores post-shave of most kinds of bacteria. An aftershave also contains astringent that aids in the usage of an aftershave by helping tighten the open pores after shaving and straining hair follicles.

Aftershaves are broadly divided into two types based on ingredients. They are witch hazel and alcohol.

For a long time, aftershaves contained a high amount of alcohol in them because they worked like cologne, providing a strong aroma and were essential in killing bacteria and other microbes that could affect the skin after a shave. Alcohol-based aftershaves do not tighten pores and they dry the skin and skin follicles, making the skin appear tired, dull, irritated, dehydrated, and older. This results in flaking, peeling, and loss of essential skin oils and moisture. Always search for alcohol free witch hazel items.

2. Why is Witch Hazel Aftershave Better?

Witch hazel based aftershaves are derived from natural and herbal ingredients that do not contain any traces of artificial ingredients or alcohol that cause harm to the skin. Here are the reasons why the natural witch hazel aftershaves are better:

Witch hazel aftershave works brilliantly for dry skin. Unlike alcohol, which is often easier to access, witch hazel has natural astringent properties that effectively tightens pores and hydrates the dry, irritated skin. Using Witch Hazel will not dry your oily skin out but in fact, locks in a healthy amount of moisture while tightening skin pores.

The main issue with using alcohol-based aftershave is that it causes skin irritation. Witch hazel, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation and minor cuts that often result from shaving. It gently cleans pores, killing bacteria that may cause acne and folliculitis. In fact, a lot of cosmetic products and herbal therapies utilize witch hazel for this purpose.

Using an aftershave with witch hazel even helps fade scabs, blemishes, scars, and other unsightly marks that may be in the region being shaved.

If shaving is still a struggle with cuts and nicks, razor burns and razor bumps, aftershaves that contain witch hazel are a must! Witch hazel effectively stops the bleeding and gently soothes the wounded area. It’s also great on sunburned facial skin, as aftershave with organic witch hazel prevents peeling and further irritation when shaving.

Veteran shavers know that any form of hair removal, especially shaving, can be damaging to the skin. Thankfully, aftershaves containing witch hazel are comprised of a substantial amount of polyphenol that helps slow down and prevent damage to delicate areas. In addition, witch hazel contains antioxidants that prevent cellular damage and encourage cell development in the epidermal layers.

Aftershaves with witch hazel also minimize post-shave redness and are perfect for winter use to treat dry, flaky skin. that becomes very visible post a shave.

View this YouTube video that further explains the uses of aftershave with witch hazel.

3. Who Should Be Careful About Using Witch Hazel?

The natural extract in witch hazel contains polyphenol that may cause sensitivities or allergic reactions in some people. Should a reaction occur on a sensitive skin, stop using the product immediately and try applying a soothing agent like aloe vera gel or tea tree essential oils with a cotton ball or cotton pad.

In cases of dermatitis, witch hazel may irritate the condition further, so use with caution and inflammation in certain cases.

There is an assortment of witch hazel aftershave splash available in the market, so it’s important to do your homework and select the one that’s best for you. Homemade aftershave from witch hazel extract is also easy to do. Apart from aftershaves, there are other helpful products derived from witch hazel extract such as shaving cream, toner and lotion. Be sure to read the ingredients carefully, as well as risks and warnings associated with witch hazel aftershaves to avoid unpleasant side effects.