Sunburn Sigh

Herbs can be very soothing to skin that’s been overexposed to the sun. The chamomile and witch hazel in this
recipe are soothing and cooling, and the green tea is full of anti-oxidants. Test your remedy before applying it all
over, though, because not everyone reacts to every herb the same way.

• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chamomile owers
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel leaf or green tea

Make an infusion (strong tea) of chamomile and witch hazel or chamomile and green tea by pouring the water over the herbs and steeping for about 20 minutes. Strain and cool, then dab on burned skin, or add to bath water.

Invaders Invading Your kitchen?

Place whole bay leaves on your pantry shelves to keep invaders out of your grains.  Dried mullein was once used in barns to keep mice away from grains. Try it, or peppermint, in your pantry.

Summer Herb Solutions

Sprinkle catnip, pennyroyal, or peppermint in your kitchen cupboards (or behind cabinets) to discourage ants and other kitchen-crawling insects. You might even leave a trail of herbs across an especially problem-atic kitchen counter.  Find herbs here: http://www.ediblenature.com/store/c/34052-Holistic-Craft-Herbs.html

Keep Cool with Summer Home Energy Tips

Unplug small appliances whenever you can. Computers, cell phone chargers, and other electronics often continue to use power -- and radiate heat -- even when turned off. To simplify, plug items into a power strip that you can use as a master switch.

Summers Here!

The Summer Soltice signifies a rise in temperatures and usually energy costs.  To conserve energy this summer set programmable thermostats to kick in half an hour before you return home (unless you have heat-sensitive indoor pets). Cranking the thermostat to penguin-worthy temperatures won't cool the house faster, since AC works at full throttle until a set temperature is reached. With every degree you lower it, cooling costs increase by about 7 percent.

Tylenol Recall Broadens

A Tylenol recall issued last year by the Johnson & Johnson unit of McNeil Consumer Healthcare because of chemical contamination has been expanded for a second time to include Benadryl Allergy Ultratablets and Extra Strength Tylenol.

Self Tanner for a Safe "Tan"

Kiss My Face Self Tanner is Non-Streaking and Quick Drying. Get a light tan in seconds and a deeper color in four hours. The beauty of this year-round self-tanner is that it allows you to see where and how it's been applied, which prevents streaking and gives instant color. pH balanced and 100% biodegradable.

Summer Skin Care - Protect Your Lips

Thin-skinned and lacking oil glands, lips benefit from balms that prevent summertime dehydration and UV burning. Don't leave the house without a protective balm with SPF, and replenish parched lips after a long day in the sun with a creamy, moisturizing formula.

DIY Coffee Zest Body Scrub

DIY Coffee Zest Body Scrub

1/2 cup used coffee grounds
1/2 cup honey
1 Tbsp. fresh orange zest

Mix ingredients together in a container and rub mixture into skin with your hands or a washcloth, using upward strokes, for one to three minutes. Apply up to three times a week.

DIY Oatmeal-Lavender Face Scrub

DIY Oatmeal-Lavender Face Scrub

1 cup ground oatmeal
1/2 cup dry lavender flowers, stripped of stalks
1/2 cup powdered milk (either whole or nonfat)
2 tsp. cornmeal

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, massage into damp skin, and rinse with warm water. (Scrub will keep for six months.)

Spring Skin Exfoliation

Spring is the perfect time to exfoliate post-winter skin which is usually overly dry and scaly after months of low humidity and those overheated homes and offices. Exfoliation kick-starts your skin's renewal system, removing dead cells and uncovering the fresher skin that's waiting underneath. So buff, scrub, and peel your way to a smoother summer with the season's best remedies, both handmade and high-tech.

Arm Yourself with Arnica

Homeopathic creams, gels, and ointments that contain arnica, a flower similar to the daisy, have long been used to relieve swelling and bruising. Rub into the affected area, but stop using if you develop skin irritation.

Try Triphala for Regularity

Avoid constipation and stay regular with Triphala, an Ayurvedic blend of three fruits that is believed to help tone the gastrointestinal tract. Look for capsules of Triphala and follow package directions.