Natural Hairspray Recipes that Work

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Quite possibly the most requested DIY recipe from my followers is a natural hairspray. This is because of all the icky chemicals in commercial hairspray. Yes, we ladies want to look our best, but many of you say no to doing it at the expense of your respiratory health. After much recipe testing, I give you two natural hairspray recipes that really work. There’s one for light hold, beachy waves, and one that will hold any style in place for hours. You can customize it to provide the staying power you need.

Dangers of Hairspray

The problem with hairspray is that much of it is inhaled when we spritz it on our hair. Sadly, many of the chemicals in hairsprays can irritate the respiratory tract. In fact, studies show that hairdressers who are regularly exposed to hairspray and other chemicals, have a higher incidence of respiratory and allergic symptoms. 

“Fragrance” is actually a very ambiguous term. The FDA permits U.S. manufacturers to legally hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals in this one word without revealing what those ingredients are. In truth, “fragrance” can include various petrochemicals and phthalates, which may cause developmental delays and allergic diseases.

So what’s a gal to do? 

We’ve got you covered. Check out these two recipes for natural hairsprays. 

Beach Waves Hairspray

This hairspray will give a bit of texture and manageability to hair.

Ingredients

1/4 teaspoon epsom salt

1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

1/8 teaspoon citric acid

1 tablespoon vodka

1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil

1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil

purified water, hot but not boiling

4 drops cedarwood essential oil

4 drops bergamot essential oil

3 drops tangerine essential oil

2 drops spearmint essential oil

Instructions

  1. Combine salts, citric acid, vodka, jojoba, and vitamin E oil in a small spray bottle(mine was 2.5 ounces).
  2. Add hot water to almost fill the bottle. Attach sprayer and shake vigorously to dissolve salts.
  3. Open the bottle and add essential oils.

To Use

  1. Shake gently to incorporate before each use.
  2. Spray generously on damp hair.
  3. Scrunch hair with hands to encourage waves, and allow to air dry.

Super Hold Hairspray

Most recipes for DIY hairspray contain sugar in some form. The idea of spraying sugar on my hair seemed a bit, well, gross. So I did some research and some recipe testing and came up with an alternative recipe using natural starch. 

Note: Do not try this with cornstarch. You have to order the starch powder linked in the recipe to get the hold you need.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Peal concentrated starch (See notes below.)

purified water, hot

1 teaspoon vodka

1/4 teaspoon baobab oil

6 drops rosemary essential oil

5 drops cedarwood essential oil

Notes about Peal starch:

  • Do not substitute cornstarch. This is the only starch I found to produce the results I wanted. Other starches may leave a residue and/or will just not provide the hold needed.
  • You can add more or less of the starch to adjust the hold strength. One teaspoon produces a spray that will hold an everyday style for a few hours. If you need more strength for all-day curls or an updo, add more starch.
  • If you have trouble getting the starch to dissolve, heat the starch and water mixture gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat.

Instructions

  1. Combine starch and about 3 tablespoons very hot water in a small bowl. Stir to completely dissolve starch.
  2. Allow to cool slightly and use a funnel to pour mixture into small spray bottle (mine was 2.5 ounces).
  3. Add vodka, baobab oil, and essential oils. Then top off with water to almost fill the bottle.
  4. Shake gently to combine.

To Use

  1. Shake gently to incorporate before each use.
  2. Style hair as desired and spray generously with hairspray.

Love making DIYs? Try my favorite Hair Tonic recipe!

10 Ways to Use Clove Essential Oil

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Clove essential oil has a sharp, warm and spicy aroma reminiscent of fall flavors. But like many other essential oils, clove is much more than a pretty fragrance. This essential oil is composed of up to 85% eugenol, a powerful chemical constituent. Eugenol brings many purifying and pain-relieving attributes to the essential oil. Check out these 10 ways to use clove essential oil.

Beauty & Hygiene

Clear up skin inflammation

Eugenol is known for reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Studies show the benefits of clove applied topically to skin. Apply a dab of clove essential oil to red, inflamed areas of skin to help reduce swelling and redness and speed healing. If you experience irritation, dilute a small amount in your moisturizer or another carrier oil.

Keep teeth and gums healthy

Many toothpastes and mouth rinses contain clove. This is because it helps purify the environment of the mouth. Additionally, it promotes strong, healthy tooth enamel and gums and prevents bad breath. You can even apply clove oil to soothe mouth ulcers.

Health

Numb a toothache

Clove isn’t just beneficial for keeping your mouth fresh. It actually has a mild anesthetic quality. Combine a drop of clove essential oil with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil and massage onto sore gums or teeth.

Try a soothing foot soak

Inflamed, irritated, or itchy feet will thank you for a bit of relief from clove essential oil. Simply add several drops of clove to a foot bath and soak feet for at least 20 minutes. Optionally, you can also add some Epsom salts for even more relief.

Soothe a scratchy throat

The numbing and warming quality of clove essential oil make it a great option for a sore throat. Many natural lozenges and cough drops contain clove for this reason. Check out this Change of Season Throat Spray for some relief.

Soothe a bee sting

Bee stings cause a histamine reaction in the body that creates a painful, itchy welp. Clove essential oil can help numb the area as well as relieve inflammation.

Emotions

Beat the blues

The sharp, uplifting aroma of clove can dispel negative emotions and help brighten spirits. Plus, it supports memory & focus while relieving fatigue. Diffuse clove in your office or when doing homework to stay sharp and focused.

Support the heart chakra

Clove essential oil supports the heart chakra in a unique way. It encourages healthy boundaries, helping a person feel empowered to break patterns of victimization. This makes it an ideal oil for anyone dealing with codependency. It also promotes self-love and acceptance by helping people to not care as much about what others may think.

Household

Keep produce fresh

An interesting study examined the benefit of a clove essential oil rinse for lettuce. The clove-rinsed vegetables stayed fresher longer. Clove essential oil may prevent oxidation of lettuce and other vegetables, so your produce will last longer and resist browning and spoiling.

Purify your laundry

Clove essential oil has a scent strength of 5. This makes it great for removing unwanted odors from your home and your laundry. Add a few drops of clove to the wash cycle with stubborn smelly clothes, or add to your wool dryer balls instead.

Love learning about all the different ways to use essential oils? Check out this post for more great lists!

UPDATED: New Nutraceuticals to Combat COVID-19

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Right now more than ever, people want to know about natural ways to boost immunity. We all know that diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices can make or break our immune system. But what about nutritional supplements? Which nutraceuticals are best for boosting immunity to combat COVID-19? And what supplements can you take to help prevent getting sick? Check out this list of some of the best ways to beef up your immune system and avoid getting sick.

Updated to include even more natural options to combat SARS-CoV.

A Word About Inflammation

Many of the remedies below provide support by reducing inflammation in the body. It is important to note that inflammation is critical to the body’s immune response because it helps the body to fend off infection and repair damaged tissue. However, at certain times, inflammation can do more harm than good.

In the case of COVID-19, the leading cause of death is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is caused by pro-inflammatory immune cells in the respiratory tract. While these immune cells are simply doing what they are programmed to do to fight the infection in an infected person’s lungs, the inflammation can be a major problem for some people. This is why many nutraceuticals to combat COVID-19 include products that help to reduce or shut off the body’s inflammatory immune response.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for the growth and repair of tissues. It also strengthens the capillaries that carry oxygen and other necessary nutrients to all parts of the body via the bloodstream. Healthy blood function is vital when your body is fighting off intruders like influenza. Studies show that vitamin C supplementation can both prevent and treat systemic infections.

Clinical trials to test the efficacy of intravenous vitamin C to treat COVID-19 are currently underway. Researchers speculate that vitamin C may speed recovery because vitamin C is not only an antioxidant, but it may also interfere with viral replication. Additionally, large doses of vitamin C may help relieve symptoms of associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Zinc

Zinc is another antioxidant that boosts immunity by reducing oxidative stress on the body. Studies show that zinc also plays an important role in the function of T cells. It may help inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This is especially helpful for patients with autoimmune disorders or those at risk for cytokine storm (CRS). Learn more about CRS here.

Vitamin D3

When it comes to immunity, vitamin D is a key player as well. Deficiency in vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection.

One of the main concerns with coronavirus is airway inflammation that leads to ARDS. Human airway cells have vitamin D receptors, and when vitamin D binds to these receptors, it may actually decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue.

Furthermore, vitamin D3 deficiency increases susceptibility to acute viral respiratory infections, especially those caused by enveloped viruses like the coronavirus. This is likely because vitamin D3 triggers the release of peptides that destabilize the viral envelope.

Whether vitamin D can cure the flu or coronavirus or any other pathogen is not certain. However, we do know that it benefits the immune system and promotes respiratory health. This makes it unquestionably a valuable nutraceutical for immunity.

Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide)

Vitamin B3, or niacin, is a water-soluble antioxidant that also helps regulate healthy cholesterol levels. Research demonstrates that B3 can potentially reduce lung inflammation by inhibiting the immune response of neutrophil infiltration into the lungs. Once again, niacin won’t cure coronavirus, but it can boost immunity and improve lung function to speed healing when you are sick.

Glutathione and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is an important amino acid that helps the body replenish glutathione. Glutathione is a very powerful antioxidant that strengthens cells and builds the immune system. Studies show that NAC also inhibits virus replication, making this an important amino acid for fighting off viral infections. Additionally, NAC and glutathione support the respiratory system by reducing inflammation in the airways and acting as an expectorant.

Melatonin

Melatonin is currently being studied for its benefits to help treat or protect against viruses such as COVID-19. Because one of the paramount risks of this virus is inflammation in the airways, melatonin may be helpful for its anti-inflammatory effects in the body. In fact, studies show that melatonin may be effective at increasing immune function and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines during viral infections.

Melatonin is not an antiviral drug. However, it may help reduce the severity of symptoms and promote faster healing to help combat viral infections like COVID-19.

Quercitin

Quercitin is a flavonoid with antioxidant benefits to the body. It helps to reduce various kinds of inflammation, and some people claim it helps alleviate allergy symptoms. Additionally, studies show that quercitin acts as an antiviral by interacting with certain viral proteins and inhibiting viral entry into the cell. While this evidence is based largely on quercitin’s actions on influenza, researchers postulate that it may exert the same mechanism on other viruses, including the coronavirus.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

PEA is a fatty acid amide that is naturally produced when the body needs to battle pain or inflammation. PEA supplementation provides an efficient means of dealing with inflammation from chronic conditions. A review of several studies encompassing over 4,000 patients, shows the role of PEA as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as as a therapeutic option for relieving symptoms associated with influenza and the common cold.

Specializing Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs)

SPMs are derived from poly-unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that they play a crucial role in switching off the body’s inflammatory response. They do not prevent inflammation initiated by the immune system, rather they down-regulate the process to shut-off the inflammatory response.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the primary active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. For centuries, many cultures have used Curcumin and turmeric as a spice in curries as well as for medicinal purposes. When it comes to the COVID-19 virus, Curcumin interferes with viral cellular processes and prevents viral replication.

Epigallocatechin Gallate (ECCG) Found in Green Tea

EGCG is a type of catechin found in green tea. This compound has promise for combatting the influenza virus as well as other types of viruses, including coronaviruses. Studies show that ECGC inhibits the binding of a key viral protein to cell–surface molecules. It also destroys virus particles by binding to the surface of the viral envelope and inhibiting the transcription of the virus. So you may want to add a cup or two of green tea to your daily regimen. Learn more about the Immune-boosting benefits of tea in this post.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant polyphenol found in certain plants, such as red grape skins. Many people use it for its proclaimed anti-aging benefits. But that glass of wine may not just slow down oxidative stress and the aging process, it also benefits the immune system. A recent study showed that resveratrol significantly inhibited MERS-CoV infection and prolonged cellular survival after virus infection. Additionally, the cells treated with resveratrol had better survival rates after infection with the COVID virus. You can get some resveratrol from red wine, or take it in a supplement.

The Choice is Yours

This article simply shares some research about emerging nutraceuticals that may help combat or relieve symptoms associated with COVID-19. Certainly, a person would not need to take every supplement in this list. Read through them and discern whether or not you think you may benefit from any of the above treatments. And remember, the best way to protect yourself is by following simple guidelines. Learn more about Protecting Yourself from Coronavirus.

Natural Ways to Combat Anxiety

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Anxiety. We all deal with it from time to time as a natural response to stress and danger. But sadly, almost 20% of Americans suffer from chronic anxiety-related disorders, and up to 70% confess to feeling anxious on a daily basis. When anxiety becomes a daily struggle, it can take its toll on quality of life and even your health. If worry and stress interfere with your life, consider these natural ways to combat anxiety.

Eliminate Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates the brain to release the pleasure hormone dopamine. Over time, this can cause a serotonin depletion, which can lead to depression. Additionally, caffeine causes a release of the stress hormone cortisol. A cortisol surge can cause jitteriness as well as feelings of nervousness and anxiety. Consider replacing that cup of coffee with herbal tea or soda with a flavored sparkling water.

Increase Magnesium Intake

Magnesium is a calming mineral that helps our brains cope with fear, anxiety, and nervousness. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include paranoia, anxiety, depression, confusion, anger, nervousness, insomnia. Magnesium is quickly depleted during times of stress, so it’s important to supplement Mg during times of increased stress or worry.

Meditate

Meditation encourages mindfulness and deep breathing, two practices that can reduce anxious thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness guides a person to concentrate on the internal functioning of the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, which ultimately normalizes physiological response to the environment.

The age-old advice, “take a deep breath” may be more beneficial than you think. Studies show that deep breathing practices actually decrease anxiety and increase positive thoughts.

Skip the Evening Glass of Wine

As a depressant, alcohol decreases the natural production of the happiness hormone, serotonin. Studies show that alcohol consumption directly affects the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (or HPA axis) of the brain. The HPA axis controls our bodies’ reaction to stress and ultimately the regulation of cortisol. Even just one drink can interfere with this process and cause an increase in cortisol levels.

Sleep

Sleep not only affects brain function, mood, and physical health, it is also a major contributor to stress. A lack of sleep elevates concentrations of the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. In this way, a lack of sleep means we are not only less adept to handle stress, but we are also more susceptible to becoming stressed. And being stressed also affects our sleep. To learn more about sleep and stress, check out this post: The Vicious Cycle of Stress and Sleep Deprivation.

Inhale Essential Oil

Because of the way our sense of smell interacts with the amygdala portion of the brain, aromas have a direct influence over our emotions. Many essential oils have natural chemical constituents with anxiolytic (anti-stress) properties. These constituents help release negative emotions, dispel fears, and promote relaxation. Numerous studies show the efficacy of essential oils for easing stress and anxiety.

Stabilize Blood Sugar

Blood glucose levels have a direct relationship with cortisol. When you experience stress or anxiety, your body releases cortisol. When this happens, the body responds with a fight-or-flight response and a flood of glucose to supply an immediate energy source to large muscles. Cortisol also inhibits insulin production to prevent this glucose from being stored. It’s another vicious cycle. Consuming sugar-laden foods increases blood sugar and can further exacerbate this process. When blood sugar levels stabilize, cortisol production follows suit.

Write it Down

One way to deal with overwhelming emotions like anxiety is to find healthy ways to express yourself. Journaling can be a helpful tool for managing your mental health. Journaling gives a sense of control and can help manage your symptoms by helping you prioritize fears, concerns, and internal struggles. It also provides an opportunity to identify negative thoughts and deliberately focus on positive thoughts and gratitude instead. Looking for a journal to get started? Check out this Minute Journal.

Laugh

It’s hard to feel stressed out while laughing. Laughter causes the body to release endorphins. The pleasurable and calming effects of this endorphin release can help reduce feelings of anxiety. As an added bonus, in addition to relieving stress, laughter also increases immune function.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best natural ways to combat anxiety and stress. Studies show that people who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from chronic stress and anxiety. When you feel overly stressed or anxious, try to squeeze in even just a few minutes of exercise daily. It not only benefits your physical health, it also does wonders for your mental health as well.

Looking for more natural ways to combat anxiety? Check out this post.