Natural Living

May 1, 2013

Natural Home Remedies for Heartburn!

May

2013

Wednesday

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Natural Home Remedies For Heartburn

The only time I deal with heartburn is when I’m pregnant, but I remember well how miserable it is when it strikes!

If you don’t want to go the over-the-counter drug route, then you might want to try some of these natural remedies at home first.

Ways to Avoid Heartburn

Avoid trigger foods such as chocolate, citrus fruit, spicy foods, tomatoes, etc.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and citrus juice.
Extra weight also plays a factor in incidents of heartburn.
Eat smaller and more frequent meals.
Wait a few hours before going to bed after eating.
Sleep with your head elevated.
Stress causes heartburn so try relaxation methods (Peace & Calming essential oil blend is a favorite of mine!)

Natural Home Remedies for Heartburn

Ginger For Heartburn Relief

Consumed raw, cooked, or as a tea, Ginger is one of the oldest treatments for heartburn or nausea.

Solaray - Organic Ginger Root, 100 capsules List Price: ~~$12.09~~ Price: $7.51 Read Reviews

Turmeric stimulates digestion and can help to prevent acid build up. You can add it to your foods as a spice or take in capsule form before eating. Tumeric is also a natural anti-inflammatory and so is helpful for all kinds of issues!

Organic India Turmeric, 90-Count List Price: ~~$28.73~~ Price: Too low to display Read Reviews

Aloe Vera Juice soothes the esophagus and can help to relieve heartburn, but only use it if it’s formulated for internal use.

Aloe Vera Juice Organic Whole Leaf No Preservatives - 32 oz - Liquid List Price: ~~$10.99~~ Price: Too low to display Read Reviews

Apple Cider Vinegar For Heartburn

Apple Cider Vinegar is not only good for you in general, but can help to reduce heartburn. Some are brave enough to take a shot of it straight, but you might want to dilute it in water first.

Apple Cidar Vinegar, Organic Raw Unflavored 32oz List Price: ~~$5.19~~ Price: Too low to display Read Reviews

Bananas are a natural antacid. I’ve read several reports from people who have said that a banana really helped their heartburn and then others who said that the bananas actually made it worse… it’s worth a shot though!

Mix a teaspoon with an 8 oz glass of water and drink it to help settle your stomach.

Essential OIls For Heartburn Relief

Peppermint essential oil and lemon essential oil are both known for helping to sooth the stomach and prevent heartburn and bloating after eating. As long as you have an essential oil that’s safe for internal use then you can add a drop or two to a glass of water to drink before your meals.

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

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Leave a Comment | Author: Rachel Holland
Filed Under: Articles, Essential Oils, Front Page, Home Remedies, Natural Living, Natural Remedies Tagged With: essential oils, home remedies for heartburn, home treatment of heartburn, natural remedies for heartburn, natural remedy, treating heartburn

Apr 14, 2013

Homemade Air Freshener – Chemical-Free Options!

Apr

2013

Sunday

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Homemade air fresheners - lots of different options! | www.survivingthestores.com

I’ve mentioned before how sensitive my sinuses are to chemical-based cleaners, and while my reaction to chemical-based air fresheners is a little milder, they are still not something that I want sprayed in my home.

Many have stopped using air fresheners because of the chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene and aerosol pollutants that are used.

Here are a few ideas for freshening the smell of your home without the harsh chemicals:

Coffee Grounds

Even those who object to drinking coffee typically agree that the aroma is amazing (there might be those of you out there who hate the smell of coffee, but I haven’t met you yet!) You may use fresh or used coffee grounds but if you chose used make sure to dry them out first. Place coffee grounds in breathable fabric and tie with a string or ribbon then place in key areas of your home to keep away odors.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is definitely one of the least expensive ways to eliminate odors in your home. Of course it’s useful in the fridge and pantry to getting rid of food smells there, but you can put an open container of baking soda in any room of the house that gets overrun with odors (i.e. the laundry room!) I like to sprinkle it on the carpet before I vacuum too (along with some essential oils mixed in). You may place it in a smaller container but be careful to position it away from pets since it can pose serious health risks in high amounts.

House Plants

House plants are wonderful for fighting against toxic air! In fact, an unassuming house plant can rid your home of 87% of toxic air in a day. The African Violet and Spider Plant are tough on air toxicity and easy to maintain.

Essential Oils

Young-Living-Oils
I really think that I’m going to end up having essential oils in every natural remedy and chemical-free post from now on. I’m finding SO many uses for my oils (lavender oil for burns and diaper rash, lime oil for dry scalp, melrose oil for skin issues, thieves oil for infections) and I’ve loved adding them in various combinations to my homemade cleaners.

I’ve used essential oils (usually lavender and lemon) in my Scentsy jar and they smell absolutely amazing throughout the house. You can also use essential oils in a diffuser to spread the smell throughout the house. This one is a great diffuser at Lowe’s that’s much less than the ones typically sold from essential oil companies (it looks like you can’t have it shipped, but there are stores across the country that still have it in stock). I’m a HUGE fan of Young Living and am happy to buy my oils from them, but this diffuser is a much more economical price than the ones that they have available.

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Do you have any other chemical-free ways to freshen the air of your home? I’d love to hear them!

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2 Comments | Author: Rachel Holland
Filed Under: Articles, Front Page, Frugal Living, Natural Living Tagged With: chemical free air fresheners, healthy air fresheners, natural air fresheners, organic air fresheners

Apr 9, 2013

5 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Apr

2013

Tuesday

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5 Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies

Flowers hint at blooming and grass struggles to turn green… Spring is in the air! But that air also contains pollen and allergens that cause many to dread this beautiful season. If the first casualty of the war between pollen and sinuses is you then perhaps it is time to fight back. Allergy medicine can come with a side of mental fog leaving many debating whether suffering with allergies is better than taking medicine. Breathe-easy, natural solutions have proven effective for many allergy sufferers without the side effects of other OTC meds.

**The tips below are not a replacement for medical advice. Please consult a doctor with any concerns about treatment for any conditions you experience.**

1. Local Honey

Many people have claimed that honey completely kicked their allergies to the curb! Take one teaspoon of local honey daily either straight or in tea. It needs time to build up in your system since it mimics an allergy shot more than a pill. The bees eat the pollen and produce honey containing the pollen. As you eat the honey, your immunity should build up to the pollen that’s in the air. It is definitely very important to buy local honey from a trusted source as store-bought is not always pure and very likely not from your area.

2. Saline Solution

You can purchase a saline nasal spray at your local grocery store to irrigate your nasal passages. This should help to remove pollen, relieve inflammation so you can breathe, and help to prevent post nasal drip.

If you’re brave enough you can also try a Neti-Pot (which feels a *little* bit like drowning, but not too bad). Just remember to NEVER use tap water when using a Neti-Pot!

3. Dehumidifier and Cool-Mist Humidifier

Don’t be too quick to pack up the dehumidifier for the season. Mold, dust mites, and other allergens thrive on humidity so cut down on humidity and it should help cut down on your reaction. You can also run a cool-mist humidifier on a cool night since allergens will bind with the water droplets and will be removed from the air.

You can find lots of Dehumidifier options and read reviews on Amazon.

4. Essential Oils

Gather up your essential oils! Peppermint oil, Eucalyptus oil, and Lavender oil, are key for this time of year. Peppermint oil and Eucalyptus oil can make breathing easier while Lavender oil is an natural anti-inflammatory. Dabbing Peppermint oil on your pillow at night can help you breathe while you sleep and you can add drops of these oils to your shower or bath, to a steaming pot of water for inhalation, or dab behind your ears to fight sinus trouble and congestion.

If you have oils that are safe for internal use (like Young Living which is what I use) then add the following to a glass of water and drink it every day. It’s a natural antihistamine!

Natural Allergy Relief With Essential Oils

5. Shower and Launder

Spending time outdoors can bring allergens indoors through your clothing and your hair. Showering and washing your hair before bed will help to keep allergens off of your pillow making it easier to sleep at night (be sure to add the essential oils mentioned above to your shower too!) If you’ve been gardening, hiking, playing at the park, or spending significant time outdoors, try to place the clothing in the wash as soon as you come in to prevent the spread of pollen.

Also, be sure to wash your pillow regularly to get rid of any dust mites that be hiding in there. It is recommended that pillows be completely replaced at least once every 2-3 years.

What natural remedies have helped you fight seasonal allergies?

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7 Comments | Author: Rachel Holland
Filed Under: Essential Oils, Front Page, Natural Living, Natural Remedies Tagged With: essential oils

Apr 5, 2013

5 Easy Ways to Save on Organic Food

Apr

2013

Friday

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You cannot mention healthy eating without the word “organic” popping up in the conversation. Most of the time that is followed by complaints about not being able to afford to eat organic foods. If you’re not following the sales cycles, then yes, you will typically spend a lot more for organic foods than for their conventional counterparts. But if you are stocking up on organic items when the prices are at their lowest then I’ve found that eating organic can be very affordable. Saving money on organic foods is definitely possible if you know where to look.

1. Coupons

As organic foods grow in popularity finding coupons for organic foods becomes much easier. Check out our section Organic & Natural Coupons Round-Up for the best coupons available, and you can look up specific brands that you want to buy in the online coupon database.

Keep in mind that any coupons that say that they are valid on any of that brand’s products will also be valid on that brand’s organic line, if they have one.

2. Buy Locally Grown Foods

Buying from your neighborhood organic farmer can save you a bundle and buying direct will guarantee you the lowest prices. If you are unsure where to find local farmers in your area then check out Local Harvest for one near you.

There will be a little bit up an up-charge when buying from a Farmer’s Market instead of directly from the farm, but it still will typically be less than a large organic grocery store chain.

3. Buy in Season

Buying fruit and vegetables out of season, whether organic or not, will always cost more. Out of season selections carry the added cost of transportation and energy so be sure to purchase in season produce for the lowest prices. If you cannot live without blueberries in your morning oatmeal then buy in bulk during blueberry season and freeze them. Every month I publish a post on the produce that’s in season that month so be sure to watch for that!

Also, check out the clean 15 and the dirty dozen lists to see which produce items are most important to buy organic.

4. Buy in Bulk

As organic demands grow, more selections are readily available. Warehouses carry large quantities sold in bulk. Check out your local Sam’s Club or Costco for deals on organic foods. We are members of Costco and have found great prices on organic produce there (especially the frozen organic veggies). I also highly recommend Azure Standard. You can buy all kinds of organic food in bulk through their co-op and there are drop-off locations all over the country!

5. Grow Your Own

Probably the least expensive way to eat organic is by growing your own food. If you are short on space (like me!) consider container gardening. Yes, you need to water more often with container gardening, but I think it’s great that I can move the pots around the yard wherever the sun seems to be the best. There are plenty of options to making a garden fit in your backyard or even on a terrace. When you first start out, choose plants that are easy to care for like tomatoes and peppers. Also, consider partnering with a friend to trade tomatoes for eggplant and peppers for lettuce so that you don’t have to grow everything yourself!

What other tips do you have for saving money on organic foods?

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Leave a Comment | Author: Rachel Holland
Filed Under: 5 Ways To Save, Articles, Front Page, Natural Living Tagged With: good deals on organic food, saving money on organic food, saving on organic food

Apr 1, 2013

20 Uses For Tea Tree Oil!

Apr

2013

Monday

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20 Different Ways To Use Tea Tree Oil - lots of great options

Tea tree oil is an essential oil distilled from a plant called Melaleuca alternifolia found in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales. The oil is clear yet you may find some with a light gold hue. The fresh scented oil known for medicinal effects should be stored in a dark colored glass bottle and should not be ingested orally.

If you are looking for a place to buy Tea Tree Oil, this is the company that I use.

Disclosure: The article is not a replacement for medical advice. Please consult a doctor with any concerns about treatment for any conditions you experience.

1. Laundry Disinfectant

Tea Tree oil comes to the rescue when clothes get extra dirty or are left in the washing machine overnight. Add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to your laundry during wash cycle to disinfect and freshen clothing and towels.

2. Mold Remover

Mold thrives where moisture lives such as bathrooms. Keep your home free of mold by using a simple spray made of tea tree oil. To make the spray, add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and shake. Spray it over your bathroom tile or other areas mold may grow. Do not rinse. The spray may be used for grout but be aware the discoloration will remain.

3. Pimple Zapper

Waking up to a pimple on your nose can pretty much set the tone for the rest of your day. The first thing you want to do is zap it and zap it fast. A natural way to treat pimples is dabbing a drop of tea tree oil directly on the pimple with a cotton ball.

4. Combat Head Lice

Head lice sends shivers down the spine of any parent who hears of an infestation at the local school. You might want to consider tossing the pesticides and chose a natural option that is effective and safe. Combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil and apply to shampooed hair. Leave in for 15 minutes, rinse, and comb. Adding 2 teaspoons to your regular shampoo can help prevent lice and remove hair product build up.

5. Pest Control

If you experience uninvited guests like ants or other pests give them their eviction notice with a spray of tea tree oil. Place a few drops of tea tree oil at entry points and spray areas that are hard to reach. Remove food from cupboards and spray and wipe down with tea tree oil then place food back.

6. For Baby

Harsh chemicals around a delicate baby do not mix. For a safe and natural disinfectant add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to 2 cups of water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and wipe down high chairs, table tops, floors, diaper pails, and any where a baby may contact germs.

7. Nasal Congestion

Whether you have a cold or a sinus infection, not being able to breath is frustrating. Combat it by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a pan of boiling water and then inhale the steam!

8. Multi-Purpose Cleaner

For those interested in eliminating chemicals but wondering if a natural solution is strong enough there is a solution. Add 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil to 1 gallon of water to make a natural cleaning solution. Use the solution to wipe down floors, countertops, kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

9. Remove Scuff Marks

Add a drop or two of tea tree oil to a damp cloth and rub into vinyl or linoleum floors to remove scuff marks.

10. Prevent Mildew

Make a solution of tea tree oil and water to wipe down shower walls to prevent the growth of mildew. Use the solution in a spray bottle for shower doors or shower curtains to prevent mildew growth. To make the solution use 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil per 1 gallon of water.

11. Insect Repellent for People

Use an oil and water spray, 2 teaspoons tea tree oil and 2 cups water, to repel insects. It is generally regarded as safe to spray on clothing and skin.

12. Insect Repellent for Plants

Use the same solution for people as for plants. However, do not spray directly on plants but around the plants to prevent burning.

13. Kill and Prevent Fleas on Pets

Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to pet shampoo can kill or prevent further flea outbreaks. Make a solution using 1/3 cup Dawn (must be the blue kind) and 1 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil and 2 teaspoons of vinegar. Wash your pet with the solution and rinse. You can use a spray solution of oil and water to prevent fleas as well.

14. Athlete’s Foot

Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to soles of feet and in between toes and allow to air dry. Do this daily until fungus is gone. Use a spray solution of tea tree oil and water on the shower floor to prevent fungus from spreading. Use the same solution in shoes to keep fungus or bacteria from growing in shoes.

15. Take the Sting out of Bee Stings

Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 drop of lavender oil and apply to sting. Tea tree oil is a strong anti-inflammatory agent while lavender is calming. It makes the perfect duo to taking the sting out.

16. Cuts and Scrapes

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil make it a commonly used treatment for cuts, scrapes, and minor skin irritations. Do not apply tea tree oil directly but dilute it with 1 part oil and ten parts water.

17. Wart Removal

Several people have reported that adding undiluted tea tree oil to a wart (being very careful not to touch skin) will get rid of it. If irritation occurs, or you would prefer, make a 50/50 solution of tea tree oil and aloe vera or water and apply to wart. Soak gauze in the 50/50 solution and cover wart for an overnight application.

18. Nail Fungus

Since tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties it is highly effective against nasty nail fungus. Use a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball and apply to the affected nail. You can apply up to three times a day. You may want to wrap your nail in plastic after application to ensure absorption.

19. To Fight Dandruff

Adding 5 drops of tea tree oil to every 1 ounce of shampoo provides the proper concentration to be useful against dandruff. Another solution is adding 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 ounce of olive oil and rub on the scalp.

20. Fight Gum Disease

Red swollen gums are a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. Using a drop of tea tree oil on your toothbrush, using any toothpaste, can possibly help relieve and cure gum disease. Be very careful not to swallow the oil and do not eat or drink for 15 minutes after brushing.

More info on where to buy tea tree oil!

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2 Comments | Author: Rachel Holland
Filed Under: 20 Ways To Use, Articles, Essential Oils, Essential Oils, Front Page, Natural Living Tagged With: essential oils, natural cures, natural disinfectants, tea tree oil, uses for tea tree oil

Mar 12, 2013

Homemade Natural Carpet Shampoo/Cleaner For Carpet Cleaning Machines!

Mar

2013

Tuesday

76 Comments

Homemade Natural Carpet Shampoo/Cleaner For Carpet Cleaning Machines!

This post was written back in 2010, but I wanted to reshare it since this recipe has worked so great for me! Also, be sure to read through all the comments to see how others have used this recipe!

I have been wanting one of these Bissell Little Green Deep Cleaners for a while and Ryan got one for me for Christmas! Yay!!

One of the “Christmas presents” I typically ask for every year is to have our carpets cleaned for the holidays because with 3 kids running around the house they get dirty pretty quickly and end up with lots of stains in a year’s time.

But having your carpets professionally cleaned just gets so expensive and since you can get your own cleaning machine at less than half the price of a professional cleaning we decided to do that this year instead.

The only thing I was concerned about was the carpet cleaner for my new machine since it’s full of chemicals that I’d prefer not to have in my house. So I did a little research on organic/natural carpet cleaners and they are WAY EXPENSIVE. Definitely out of our price range.

I did a little more research and put together a great homemade recipe for carpet cleaner/shampoo that worked wonders on our carpets. It was super easy to make and smells great!

The measurements below should fit the Bissell Little Green Deep Cleaner but I’ve heard from readers who have used the same proportions in larger cleaners and it worked great too.

4.5 from 8 reviews

Homemade Natural Carpet Shampoo/Cleaner For Carpet Cleaning Machines

Author: Rachel @ Surviving The Stores

Ingredients

1½ quarts of hot (NOT boiling) water
¼ cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (it’s the regular hydrogen peroxide that you can get at any store)
1½ Tablespoons of White Vinegar
1½ Tablespoons of Dish Soap (we use Seventh Generation and it worked great)
About 5 drops of your favorite essential oil(s) – either just one or a combination. Lemon and lavender are great!

Instructions

Mix all of the ingredients together (be sure to add the dish soap to the water and not the water to the dish soap – you’ll see why if you do it the wrong way just once)
Pour into your carpet cleaning machine.
Clean like the directions tell you to.

I love knowing exactly what’s in the things I use in my house!

Do you enjoy tips like these? Then click “Like” below to follow Surviving The Stores on Facebook!

Other helpful posts:

How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies!

Homemade All-Natural Mosquito Repellant!

How To Get Rid Of Infections With Garlic!

5 Uses For Soap Nuts!

Homemade Non-Toxic Cleaners!

Homemade Coconut Oil Deodorant!

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