Spring Cleaning: Time to Declutter

It's refreshing clearing out clutter. Spring brings new beginnings. With this thought I've been learning a bit about feng shui.

The Idea of Feng Shui (literally "wind" and "water") is to arrange things so as to maximize the energy ("chi") in your space.  Your space could be a physical location like each of the areas of your house, or it could be your schedule and how you use your time. This means minimizing clutter (physical "junk" or mental clutter or time/busy-ness) that obstructs the energy flow and motivation in your life.

Life is a continual process of de-cluttering and prioritizing, but once you make a decision to live this way it is just a matter of continually checking yourself and maintaining balance in each area.  The idea is to live in the present without a lot of things undone or to-do. If you've been "sitting" on something for a year and never got around to it...it might be a good idea to get rid of it. Whether or not we realize it these things left undone actually can weigh on us mentally and have us living in the past, rather than moving forward.

The most familiar area for feng shui is your house, so let's tackle how to do that. First of all, don't expect this process to be easy and quick. It may be, but might not. Just allow yourself a little time in each room of your house asking questions about what you have stored there. 

Create Space--Declutter. 
Two Basic Questions: Do I use it? Do I love it?

1. Is this item something I use regularly?
2. If not, is it something I love?
3. Am I keeping this out of obligation or expectation?
4. Am I holding onto this because I think I should love it?
5. Am I saving this just in case?
6. Do I have multiples of the same thing?
7. Could something else I own do the same job?
8. Am I holding onto a broken item to fix one day?
9. Is this item worth the time I spend cleaning/storing it?
10. Could I use this space for something else?

Once you ask these questions about each item in a room, then put the items in one of three categories: Keep, Get rid of, or undecided. There will be a few items that are hard to categorize at this time (some for personal or emotional reasons, that you may just need to "sit" and wait on), and that's ok. You can revisit the undecided category after awhile.
I keep two boxes in my Garage: one to take to the thrist store and one above it to hold for a little while (Although many people say you shouldn't hold on to them).


Define & Improve Space
Beyond de-cluttering, there is the idea of strengthening and being an active creator of your space. This involves taking inventory of your house and energy mapping what you have vs. what you want (using the bagua). If you're interested in finding out more then google it. I won't go into specifics. But you lay the map over your house with the career place in the position of your front door. Then you draw the diagonals of your house to find the center and other correlating areas in your house with those on the map.




Notice which areas in your haouse draw the most clutter. These places have stuck "energy" and need to be de-cluttered. This same bagua map can also be used in each room aligning the door with the carrer space again...in minature form. It's amazing to see which areas in a room have clutter adn how those align with which main house areas also have clutter. Try it.


Once you have a plan and direction to move forward you can choose specific themes and colors to bring in certain "energy." Here are the colors according to the five elements and also according to emotion associated:


Or another view: pay attention to too much or too little. Some colors can adversely affect people.

Home Pharmacy 101

Hippocrates said "Let food be your medicine." And that's how I feel we should approach healing our bodies. Start with a good diet and supplement your diet with plants/herbs in other ways. After reading this great little book, (My Home Pharmacy, Tracy Gibbs) I've outlined some essentials for our own home pharmacies.

Here is a list of the 5 main, simple ways to use herbs:

1. Teas
Liquid solutions of plants (we only use herbal infusions instead of actual tea leaves)

• Infusion: pour boiling water over herb and let steep about 10 minutes (leaves and flowers)
• Dedoction: boil for 20-30 minutes and simmer for 10 minutes (hard woody plants)

2. Tinctures
Concentrated extracts of plants (like "pickling" them)

• alcoholic: generally vodka or something similar
• non-alcoholic: glycerin or vinegar (we use these, instead of alcoholic versions)

3. Oils

• essential oils: distilled, volatile plant oils (concentrated; extracted with specialized equipment)
• carrier oils: solvents used to draw out active chemicals in plants. Herb or essential oils are typically combined in these to dilute potency and for applying on body via massage oil, balm or salve, soap, etc. (ex: extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc.--the least processed is the best.)
• herbal oils: like herbal infusions, but put fresh leaves in carrier oil in glass jar completely covered and closed tightly so no air gets in. Let sit somewhere sunny for at least 2 weeks, then strain and keep indefinitely. (If the fresh herbs inside are exposed to any air then they get moldy, so be careful.)

4. Salves and Lip Balms
For rubbing easily onto skin/lips/etc. In order to make your own, melt on low in a double boiler. Check consistency by dipping wooden spoon in--add more oil to make it softer or beeswax for harder. Add essential oils at the end. Place in dark glass jars away from light.

• Salve: 1/4 cup beeswax to 1 cup oil (herbal oil or carrier oil). 
• Lip Balm: 3:2:1 is a rough ratio (carrier oil, cocoa/shea butter, beeswax)

5. Poultices
Warm, moist mass of powdered or cut herbs applied directly to external wounds (burns, cuts, inflammation, rashes, bites, infections, etc.).

• Decoction: dip cotton into luke warm decoction and place on wound
• Paste: crush or grind fresh herbs and add water/olive oil/alcohol to form paste; apply on wound and cover with warm cloth or gauze and tie/tape in place

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List of most common fresh Herbs to treat most common ailments:
* antibiotic
** antifungal
***antiviral
**** dieuretics
***** relaxants

garlic*/**/***
oregano*
ginger root**/****/*****
cayenne pepper (stops bleeding)
dandelion roots****
lemongrass*/***/****
echinacea*
sage**/***
peppermint*****
aloe vera****
rose hips (high in vitamin C)
cinnamon
raw honey
lemons or limes
rosemary**
chamomile*****

How to Get Rid of Kitchen Smells

1. Pour vinegar into a wide-mouth container or bowl and set on the kitchen countertop to use while cooking. It will absorb some of the odor. Use more than one container and set in other rooms if the odor is persistent. Or boil for 10 minutes once done cooking (however it leave a vinegar odor if you do this approach).

2. Boil cut pieces of citrus on the stove top. Reduce the heat to a simmer once it reaches the boiling stage. Lemon, orange and lime produce a pleasing aroma. You can also add nutmeg or cinnamon.  Check the water level periodically and add more water as needed.

3. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and vacuum after 30 minutes. Or scrub baking soda on the cutting board and areas of use with the food.

4. Break charcoal into small pieces. Place the charcoal inside a newspaper and break apart with a hammer. Pour the charcoal into a bowl and place where needed. Do not use charcoal that has lighter fluid manufactured into it.

5. Use unscented kitty litter in bowls. You can place in decorative bowls, and no one will be aware of their real purpose.

6. Most important is air circulation. Open some windows or use a fan or air conditioner to move air around. You can also put some essential oil (lavendar is nice smelling) on a piece of cloth and hang it on a vent so the air circulates and smells better.

7. Burn a candle or two near you on the counter while you cut onions. The flame can absorb some of the onion gases that are released when you cut them. And keep the onions cool in the fridge before you cut, so the odor is less than if you were to store them in a cupboard.

***Let us know what you works best for you and if you have other suggestions to add.

*from eHow.com and

Top 10 House Plants - For Better Air Quality

Top 10 House Plants (according to NASA, Treehugger.com)

·         English Ivy (Hedera helix)

·         Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

·         Golden pothos or Devil's ivy (Scindapsus aures or Epipremnum aureum)

·         Peace lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa')

·         Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)

·         Bamboo palm or reed palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)

·         Snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')

·         Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium, syn. Philodendron cordatum)

·         Selloum philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum, syn. Philodendron selloum)

·         Elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)

·         Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

·         Cornstalk dracaena (Dracaena fragans 'Massangeana')

·         Janet Craig dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig')

·         Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')

·         Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

·         Gerbera Daisy or Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

·         Pot Mum or Florist's Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)

·         Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Make Your Own Nautral Sunscreen

Of course, you need sunlight to keep yourself healthy.  Most people need around ten minutes a day and your body self-regulates it's vitamin D production, so once you have enough, your body stops making it until you need more.  In most conditions, of course, you won't burn in only ten minutes of exposure.  It's the rest of the time that's the issue.

Simple Solutions For Avoiding Sunburn

- Stay out of the sun between 11-3 o'clock.
- Light, breezy shirts or blouses, longer “knee” shorts, or loose coverlets can go a long ways towards keeping the sun off your skin.
- Wide-brimmed hat is best—one that provides as much shade as possible for your face and neck.
- Sunglasses can shade your eyes from harmful sunlight too.
- Suncreen

Sunscreen Options

The normal sunscreens you see on the store shelf might work really well, but most off-the-shelf sunscreens that aren't natural contain parabens, which are estrogen-mimicking and endocrine-disrupting substances.  Others contain nano-particles of zinc and/or titanium as their active ingredient, which are readily absorbed by your skin and are highly reactive (absorbent) of other substances. Neither of those is a good thing, so the natural alternatives are definitely the way to go.

Of the two above problem ingredients, parabens are by far the worst, so at the very least, a paraben-free sunscreen is preferred.  Those aren't too hard to find, even at big box stores.  In the healthy living section of most stores, however, you'll find much better alternatives.

That section (or a health food store itself) will probably have sunscreens that are labeled “biodegradable.”  They'll likely have “natural” or other descriptions on the label (never “organic,” as that's a word controlled by the FDA).  There are a handful of popular brands of natural sunscreens off-the-shelf.

How to Make Your Own Sunscreen at Home

If you'd like to try making your own, it's actually a lot easier than you think. You need two ingredients:

Zinc oxide (primary ingredient, but do not inhale it! The powder is extremely strong).  
Any lotion (aloe vera gel from a plant is preferred).

Your pharmacy, health food store, or even just the vitamin shelf will have zinc oxide in powdered or undiluted pill form.  Powdered is preferred, but if you get the pills, you can use a mortar and pestle or a blender to crush them to powder.

Mix the powder and lotion until a somewhat jellied paste is formed.  Dilute to taste and spread as you would lotion or sunscreen. Or you can make your own lotion with the zinc oxide in it. (see chart below for % of zinc to add to total lotion amount. And try the recipes below.)

Concentration of Sunscreen; SPF	Low (SPF 2-5)	Moderate (SPF 6-11)	High (SPF 12-19)	Ultra High (SPF >20)
Zinc Oxide	5 %	10 %	15 %	25 %
Zinc Oxide, Micronized	3 %	7.5 %	12 %	20 %

EXAMPLE (for super basic lotion)
1/2 c. olive or avocado oil (or jojoba, almond, etc.)
1/4 c beeswax (try getting at a farmer's market or health store)
1/4 c coconut oil

2 T zinc oxid
few drops essential oils  (optional: frankincense for inflammation and bug repellant qualities or lavender for overall properties and nice smell)

1. Slowly heat olive and coconut oils on low heat as you do not want the oil to boil at any point.
2. Grate beeswax and add to the oil (keep on a low heat until it gently melts the wax).
3. Once the wax has completely melted, remove the mixture from the heat and immediately drop in two tablespoonfuls of the zinc oxide (and essential oils if desired).

4. Pour the mixture into an airtight container. Should last the whole year.

Original recipe from wellnessmama.com

Natural Bug Repellents- Make Your Own

Mosquito Attractants

Use this list of items and activities that attract mosquitoes as a list of things to avoid or that can be used as bait to lure mosquitoes away from you.

• Dark Clothing  Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.
  
  
• Carbon Dioxide You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.
  
  
• Lactic Acid You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods).
  
  
• Floral or Fruity Fragrances In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
  
  
• Skin Temperature The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.
  
  
• Moisture Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.

Things that Lower Repellent Effectiveness

• Many Sunscreens
• Dilution from Rain, Perspiration, or Swimming
• Absorption into the Skin
• Evaporation from Wind or High Temperatures

Keep in mind that 'natural' does not automatically imply 'safe'. Many people are sensitive to plant oils. Some natural insect repellents are actually toxic. Therefore, although natural repellents provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals, please remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.

Natural Repellents
It's very easy to make your own natural mosquito repellent. These natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than DEET. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils.

• Citronella Oil
• Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
• Cinnamon Oil
• Castor Oil
• Rosemary Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Cedar Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Clove Oil
• Geranium Oil
• Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic

Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

*from about.com


Other Bug Repellent Essential Oils
Caution: Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before using.

List By Bugs
Ticks: Rose Geranium (first choice), Other: Palmerosa, bay, eucalyptus, European pennyroyal, lavender, tickweed (American pennyroyal)
Blackflies: Sassafras, lavender, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, cedar, lemon balm (citronella), peppermint
Head Lice: Tea tree, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, rose geranium
Fleas: Orange oil

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/custom-made-insect-repellent.html#ixzz1PCPrBldw


List By Oils
* Lemongrass - Mosquitoes, chiggers, noseeums, gnats, fleas, and ticks
* Tea Tree Oil - Mosquitoes, chiggers, noseeums, gnats, fleas, horseflies, ticks
* Eucalyptus - Mosquitoes, chiggers, noseeums, gnats, ticks
* Lavender - Ticks, Chiggers, ants
* Spearmint and Peppermint - Ants, roaches, chiggers, fleas, gnats, and spiders
* Catnip - Highly touted as being MORE effective than DEET and a good general natural insect repellent.

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How to Make Repellent for the Body
Use a clean spray bottle (not used with chemicals) for this repellant solution. If you are making large amounts of mosquito repellent, a good rule of thumb is to mix the repellent so it's 5-10% essential oil, so mix 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil. For a smaller batch use: (should last about 6 months)

+10-25 drops (total) of essential oils
+ 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil (olive oil, sunflower oil, almond, avocado oil, etc.)

EXAMPLE
* 2 oz. of a carrier oil
* 1/4 teas. Catnip/mint or citronella oil
* 1/8 teas. Eucalyptus oil
* 1/8 teas. Lavender oil

This will make a good broad spectrum natural insect repellent. You can, however, use any of the essential oils listed in step one for your own combination. Spray the oil directly onto your skin, or your hands, and rub in well. It is not recommended that this be applied around the mouth or eye


How to Make Repellent for the Home
You can take strips of cloth or paper or a sponge and soak with the following solution. (You can put a tiny piece of sponge that has been soaked in this solution in an old altoid tin and then open and place on the picnic table for the evening. Will need to replenish it for next use though.)

* 5 drops each of Lavender oil and Citronella oil, or
* 5 drops each of Peppermint and Eucalyptus oil

Hang these strips near windows and doors where the mosquitoes and other insects enter your home. It is not necessary to dilute the oils, if you are not putting them on your skin.
For ants, rub spearmint and cinnamon oil on the counters, and put cedar chips that have been soak in those oils at entry points on the floor in your home.

 
Read more: How to Make a Natural Insect Repellant with Essential Oils | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5064418_make-insect-repellant-essential-oils.html#ixzz1PCV5MLAg

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As a side note, you can try this recipe if you have these herbs in your garden. Supposedly its what thieves in the forest would wear to protect themselves from the black plague....

Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent Ingredients:

+ 1 32 ounce bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar
+ 2 TBSP each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint (or play around with other herbs mentioned above)
+ At least quart size glass jar with airtight lid
Put the vinegar and dried herbs into large glass jar.
Seal tightly and store on counter or place you will see it daily. Shake well each day for 2-3 weeks.
After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store in spray bottles or tincture bottles, preferably in fridge.
To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed.
Use whenever you need serious bug control!

[Note: This mixture is very strong and has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It can also be used as a tincture for any illness. For adults, dose is 1 TBSP in water several times a day,for kids over 2, dose is 1 tsp in water several times a day.]

*from www.wellnessmama.com

Detox and Heal with Psyllium Powder

“Every tissue is fed by the blood, which is supplied by the bowel. When the bowel is dirty, the blood is dirty, and so on to the organs and tissues.” Dr. Benard Jensen

This is why we need to detox and make sure our bowels are cleansed from toxic junk we put in. Here's some info about a great little natural powder that you can add into your daily life, a little here, a little there, to help cleanse your bowel without doing crazy and scary cleanses. Try adding it to your water or a smoothie.

About Psyllium:
Psyllium husk comes from the crushed seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, an herb native to parts of Asia, Mediterranean regions of Europe, and North Africa. In addition to its traditional use for constipation, psyllium has also been used topically by herbalists to treat skin irritations, including poison ivy reactions and insect bites and stings. It has also been used in Chinese and Indian traditional herbal systems to treat bladder problems, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and high blood pressure.

Similar to oats and wheat, psyllium is rich in soluble fiber. Traditionally, psyllium husk is used as a gentle bulk-forming laxative for constipation. Its ingredients include alkaloids, amino acids, oils, protein, tannins, flavonoids, and a variety of sugars and carbohydrates. It is used as a stabilizing and thickening agent in many salad dressings, soups, lotions, and creams. Psyllium seeds are oval-shaped, odorless, practically tasteless, and are coated with mucilage. Most commercial preparations consist of blonde psyllium. 

Used as a dietary fiber, psyllium makes stools softer, which helps relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and other intestinal disorders. When psyllium husk comes in contact with water, it swells and forms a gelatinous mass that stimulates the transport of waste through the intestinal tract. It is considered a good intestinal cleanser in that it speeds waste matter through the digestive system, shortening the amount of time toxic substances stay in the body and thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer and other diseases.
Psyllium encourages the growth of healthful, "friendly" intestinal bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilous and bifidobacteria which are helpful in regulating bowel movements.
Good Psyllium Uses:

Detoxification of the Colon
The bulking effect of psyllium also works to rid the colon of toxic substances, including heavy metals, as it acts almost as a sponge to soak them off the walls of the intestine. This spongy action has a dual advantage as it can decrease hunger when taken with meals.


Constipation
Studies have concluded that psyllium relieves constipation as it is believed to speed the passage of stool through the digestive tract by softening the stool and attracting water thereby producing more bulk (which stimulates the transit of waste through the gastrointestinal tract).

Diarrhea
Psyllium can be used as a bulk-forming agent to relieve mild to moderate diarrhea. Psyllium soaks up a significant amount of water in the digestive tract, thereby making stool firmer and, under these circumstances, slower to pass. In other words, Psyllium acts to slow down a too rapid transit time. It appears to stabilize bowel movements and is often used in cases of alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Several studies have found that soluble fiber (including psyllium) helps regulate stool frequency and consistency in people with IBS. Psyllium also has the additional advantages over other sources of fiber of reducing flatulence and bloating.


Hemorrhoids
Psyllium may be recommended by a physician to help soften stool and reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids.


Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
In a study of people with ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disorder), psyllium seeds were as effective as the prescription drug mesalamine in decreasing recurrences of the disease. In addition, psyllium has been prescribed as a bulking agent for mild to moderate cases of diarrhea from either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.


Diabetes
Studies suggest that a high-fiber diet, which may include psyllium, can lower insulin and blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with diabetes. This type of diet may also help prevent diabetes in those at risk for the condition.


Psyllium Husk for High CholesterolStudies have shown that psyllium husk is effective in lowering total cholesterol and LDL (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Studies also found that a 1% reduction in total and LDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 2%.


WARNINGS:
In general, prescription drugs should be taken 1 hour before or 2-4 hours after psyllium, because the absorption and effectiveness of many drugs may be reduced.
Psyllium should always be taken with (at least) a full 8 oz glass of water. It is also important to drink at least 6 to 8 full glasses of water throughout the day or constipation may develop.


Do not take this product if you have difficulty swallowing. People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium.
*** Do not give psyllium to a child. ***

Dosage:Add 1/2 to 2 tsp of psyllium seed to 1 cup (8 oz) of warm water. Mix well, and then drink immediately before it becomes too thick to swallow comfortably. (Psyllium thickens rapidly when water is added to it.) If using a commercial product that contains psyllium, follow package directions.
For those not accustomed to taking psyllium, it is best to begin with a low dose (such as 1/2 tsp in an 8 oz glass of water once a day), then increase to 2 tsp in two 8 oz glasses of water per day, as needed.



DISCLAIMER - This is all info we've found online from veritable sites that we've sourced. But please talk to your medical professional about your needs.

Home Remedies for various types of allergies

Home Remedies From the Cupboard

Baking soda. One-half cup baking soda poured into a warm bath is an old New England folk remedy for soothing hives (red, itchy, raised areas on the skin). Soak in the bath for 20 to 30 minutes.

Tea. Allergy sufferers throughout the centuries have turned to hot tea to provide relief for clogged-up noses and irritated mucous membranes, and one of the best for symptom relief is peppermint tea. Peppermint's benefits extend well beyond its delicious smell; the essential oil acts as a decongestant, and substances in peppermint contain anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial constituents.


To make peppermint tea: Place 1/2 ounce dried peppermint leaves in a 1-quart jar. Fill two-thirds of the jar with boiling water, and steep for five minutes. (You can inhale the steam for added benefit). Let cool, strain, sweeten if desired, and drink. (Note: Peppermint tea should be used with caution in children, as the menthol in peppermint may cause them to choke.)

Home Remedies From the Freezer

Ice. Wrap a washcloth around ice cubes and apply it to your sinuses for instant relief and refreshment.

Home Remedies From the Refrigerator

Milk. For hives, wet a cloth with cold milk and lay it on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. (best to stay away from milk during allergies that increase your mucs production though!)

Wasabi. If you're a hay fever sufferer who also loves Japanese food, this remedy will please. Wasabi, that pale-green, fiery condiment served with many Japanese dishes, is a member of the horseradish family. Anyone who has taken too big a dollop of wasabi (or plain old horseradish) knows that it makes sinuses and tear ducts spring into action. That's because allyl isothiocyanate, a constituent in wasabi, promotes mucus flow.

The tastiest way to get those allyl isothiocyanates is by slathering horseradish on your sandwich or plopping wasabi onto your favorite sushi. Another option -- although harder to swallow -- is to purchase grated horseradish, and take 1/4 teaspoon to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Home Remedies From the Spice Rack

Basil. To help ease allergy symptoms such as hives, try dousing the skin with basil tea, a traditional Chinese folk remedy. Basil contains high amounts of an anti-allergic compound called caffeic acid. Place 1 ounce dried basil leaves into 1 quart boiling water. Cover, and let cool to room temperature. Use the tea as a rinse as often as needed.

Salt. Nasal irrigation, an effective allergy-management tool that can be done at the sink every morning, uses a salt water mixture to rid the nasal passages of mucus, bacteria, dust, and other gunk, as well as to soothe irritated passageways. All you need is 1 to 11/2 cups lukewarm water (do not use softened water), a bulb (ear) syringe, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Mix the salt and baking soda into the water, and test the temperature.

To administer, suck the water into the bulb and squirt the saline solution into one nostril while holding the other closed. Lower your head over the sink and gently blow out the water. Repeat this, alternating nostrils until the water is gone. Nasal irrigation isn't a pretty sight, but it works wonders on sore noses.

Home Remedies From the Stove

Steam. Breathing steam refreshes and soothes irritated sinuses, and it helps rid the nasal passages of mucus. While it takes some time, it will make you feel wonderful! Boil several cups of water and pour into a big bowl (or a plugged sink). Best to add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil into the water. Lean carefully over the bowl, and drape a towel over your head. Breathe gently for 5 to 10 minutes.

When you're finished breathing steam, use the water for a second purpose: Let the water cool until warm, saturate a washcloth, and hold the cloth on your sinuses (to the sides of your nose, below the eyes, and above the eyebrows).

*many ideas are from http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-allergies3.htm

Natural Remedies: What to do about Allergies?

Most allergy medications attempt to treat the symptoms your body instigates to get rid of the allergen. But doesn’t it make more sense to shore up your defenses before your body goes into attack mode? Many of the natural remedies discussed below are designed to prevent a reaction before it occurs.

1. Avoid bad air: close window, don't use fans (can pull pollen indoors), stay indoors during peak times-August until the first frost. Maybe wearing glasses could limit some allergens getting into your eyes.

2. Keep clean: Frequently dust, vacuum (with HEPA filter) and wash your hair, bedding, clothes, pets, rugs, carpets (wood floors are best to have), etc. Wash your eyes if they're irritated. Make sure your laundry does rinse, or even add an extra rinse if needed.


3. Saline Solution
 You could simply use your cupped hand instead of a neti pot to rinse sinuses, but netis are inexpensive, and many people find them much easier to use. To flush your sinuses, mix a quarter to a half teaspoon of noniodized table salt into a cup of lukewarm water and pour it into the pot. (You can adjust the amount of salt, depending on what feels most comfortable.) Lean over a sink with your head slightly cocked to one side, then put the spout of the neti into one nostril and allow the water to drain out the other nostril. Use about half of the solution, then repeat on the other side, tilting your head the opposite way. Gently blow out each nostril to clear them completely. Neti pots are widely available online and at natural food stores. Use your pot about twice a day during allergy season, especially in the morning and after spending time outdoors. You also can use a neti pot before bed to prevent snoring caused by allergies and promote optimal overnight breathing.

4. Quercetin -- and less processed, sugary foods
A natural plant-derived compound called a bioflavonoid, quercetin helps stabilize mast cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. Quercetin also is a natural antioxidant that helps mop up molecules called free radicals that cause cell damage, which can lead to cancer. Citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine are naturally high in quercetin, but allergy sufferers will most likely need to use supplements to build up enough of this compound to prevent attacks. The recommended dosage is about 1,000 milligrams a day, taken between meals. It’s best to start treatment six weeks before allergy season. Those with liver disease shouldn’t use quercetin, so please consult your doctor before using this or any other supplement — especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

5. Allergy-Fighting Foods

Omega-3s help fight inflammation and can be found in cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil, as well as grass-fed meat and eggs. Or add a dash of horseradish, chili peppers or hot mustard to your food — all act as natural, temporary decongestants. Be careful: fighting off allergies can also render the body hypersensitive to foods you're allergic to, causing more severe reactions than usual.

6. Dehumidify
Dust mites love humidity. Don't let bathroom steam up and be careful if you use humidifiers.

7. Don't mow your lawn
Let someone else mow the lawn

8. Stinging Nettle. If you decide you need an antihistamine but want a natural option, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) behaves in much the same way as many of the drugs sold to treat allergies, but without the unwanted side effects of dry mouth and drowsiness. Nettle actually inhibits the body’s ability to produce histamine. It’s a common weed in many parts of the United States, but the most practical medicinal form is a freeze-dried extract of the leaves sold in capsules. Studies have shown that taking about 300 milligrams daily will offer relief for most people, although the effects may last only a few hours. You also can make your own tinctures or teas with stinging nettle. (You could grow some in a corner of your yard--that your children won't play in though! Why? Contact with the stinging hairs on fresh nettle can cause skin inflammation, so wear protective gloves when handling it. )