Itchin’ for Summer – bug bite remedies

Hi everyone,

Summer weather is *finally* here in good old Ottawa. When we moved here I thought the winter and rain would never end, but it seems to be warmer now (hello +17!) and with warm weather comes the desire to be outside and catch some rays. The long weekend in May is a cue for all cottage-owners to get the cottage ready for visitors…..both human and insect, that is.

If you’ve started your summer getting intimately acquainted with mosquitoes, black flies, sand flies or ticks – read ahead for some savvy tips on how to alleviate the itch and prevent a second attack.

Mosquitos

A mild winter combined with heavy rainfall has made spring/summer 2017 the best season yet for mosquitoes, according to City News in Toronto.
Repel: Check out Health Canada website for the latest on which diseases may be present in Canadian mosquitoes (i.e. West Nile, etc.) and plan your activities wisely (look at where and when mosquitoes are hungriest). The Quebec-made Citrobug made with pine, lemon and citronella oils was given a green thumbs up by Adria Vasil, author and trusted advisor for all things eco-savvy.
Treat: if you’re gotten a few bites, make a paste using baking soda and water and apply to the area. This should  help relieve the itching and neutralize the irritation. Alternatively, you can wet a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and dab onto bites to soothe them. Take a natural anti-histamine like quercetin or vitamin C to help reduce the redness and irritation.

Black Flies & Sand Fleas

“Black flies cut and rupture the skin and then soak up the blood. Irritation from the black fly’s saliva can also cause swelling and itching in some people” – Algonquin Park website.  These biting bugs are mostly common from May – July and can pack a nasty punch. The bites can swell up to look like full-on welts, and cause soreness all over.

this should be you

Repel: wear clothing!!! Tucking in long sleeve shirts and pants (black flies are attracted to dark colours so layer on the white/khaki!)  will reduce the amount of skin the flies have to land on and feed from. Find bug netting and wear it as a draped hat over your face and neck, too.
Treat: black fly bites are big and ugly, and can cause significant redness, swelling and itching.  After a few days, the bites will begin to ooze liquid, which isn’t a pretty sight either. First, calm the heat by applying pure aloe (direct from a plant is best). Spritz the infected areas with an anti-bacterial solutions like colloidal silver, or tea tree oil and/or lavender essential oil diluted in distilled water. Fly bites  invite a lot of bacteria, so something anti-bacterial is imperative for healing. If you’re in the wilderness with nowhere to turn, the Old Farmers Almanac recommends using the oil from pine tree branches as a forest first aid. After applying your anti-bacterial treatment, relieve itching and swelling by using soothing balm like E-Cream which contains calendula, chamomile, chickweed, oats, peppermint (to cool the area) and zinc oxide. It’s a perfect blend of ingredients to speed healing.

Ticks

Ticks are sneaky and scary, and can carry Lyme disease to humans and pets. This can be a sometimes fatal disease that has neurological implications, so tick repelling is serious. The Canada Public Health website breaks down which areas in each province pose higher threats for Lyme disease spread. Check out your province and be informed.
Repel: The CBC offers the following advice:

Stay on the path: if you’re in an area where ticks may be found, stay where it’s dry and avoid long grass and bushes. Cover up: wear light coloured clothing so you can spot ticks. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks to make it harder for ticks to find your skin. Repellent: use an insect repellant that contains DEET*. Check your body [when you get home] for ticks, paying special attention to your scalp, ankles, armpits, groin, navel and behind your ears and knees. Wash: take a shower or bath. Put your clothes in the dryer for at least 60 minutes to kill any ticks.

* there are a lot of reservations about DEET, not only from a health standpoint but also as an environmental concern. If you’re looking for something DEET-free,  Consumer Reports had good success with Repel: Lemon Eucalyptus insect repellent used to repel deer ticks. EcoShield spray offers a natural mosquito/flea/tick/black fly repellent for use on humans and canines (***but never use essential oils on cats***).

Treat: Ticks are able to dig into your skin once they bite, and stay there. If you discover one on your body, use fine-tipped tweezers to carefully remove it without crushing the tick’s body. Go see a doctor if you think you’ve been bitten by a tick. The bite will usually leave a “bullseye” shaped ring on your skin.

Happy camping, folks & be safe!

-Emily

Surprising Health Trivia You Should Know!

Hi everyone,

A quick post today to bring you up to speed with some of the health world’s most interesting and unique health facts. Being in the know about the following info is sure to help you impress at the next dinner party – but more importantly, will help you on your path to vibrant long-lasting health!

Medical Contraindications

• cholesterol medications (known as ‘statins’) will decrease levels of Co Q10 in your body
• keep charcoal tablets in every home in case of accidental ingestion of poison
• Aspirin can create deficiencies in folate, B12, iron, and zinc
• Do you turn into a different person after consuming a particular food, drink (alcohol) or drug? You may be experiencing a “cerebral allergy” which alters mood and personality as a reaction to an allergic substance.

Vitamin/Mineral Absorption

• If you are low in iron, consider taking iron with vitamin C to improve absorption. Coffee, cocoa, and almonds contain oxalic acid which can decrease iron absorption.
• People with underactive thyroid should always consume their cruciferous vegetables (i.e. broccoli, kale, cauliflower, asparagus…) cooked. Raw cruciferous veggies contain compounds known to interfere with iodine absorption.
• keep bone density strong by decreasing/avoiding foods that leech calcium out of the bones, including pop, sugar, coffee, and some dairy and grains.

Herbology

• those with ragweed allergies may want to think twice before consuming chamomile tea, as both these species come from the same plant family.
• tea tree oil should always be used topically, never internally as it may cause nerve damage. Use a different anti-bacterial if you are allergic to thyme and celery.
• There are three different types of lavender to watch out for when buying essential oils:
  – Lavendula angustifolia – traditional and true lavender with calming and anti-bacterial properties
  – Spike Lavender – higher in camphor content, so often used in chest rubs or bug repellant
  – Lavandin – a cross hybrid of regular lavender and spike lavender. Much cheaper to make, not as therapeutic, but still strong lavender scent.

-Emily

make your own lavender owl!

Hi everyone,

The original inspiration of my blog started with the lavender-filled owl my sister handmade for me as a new years present (affectionately now named “Hootie”). She has since decided to make more owls, and has generously offered to share with us how they are made!

This is a very easy and relaxing craft, and can be fit to your needs. Consider it a holistic variation to the “magic bag“, except this one includes the healing properties of aromatherapy. Make it with organic cotton to sooth your skin, and fill it with any scent you wish!  In order to heat it in the microwave you need to use 100% cotton for all materials so it doesn’t burst into flames. I haven’t heated my Hootie yet, so far he’s just a relaxing sleeping buddy. During the day I keep him under the covers to warm him up naturally.

A perfect activity for a cold winter’s day. Happy crafting, everyone!

What you will need:

– organic 100% cotton fabric (any pattern you wish for the base. You will also need plain white, black, and yellow to make the eyes and beak, respectively)
– sewing materials (needle, 100% cotton thread, scissors, pins)
– 3 cups rice (uncooked)
– 1/2 cup dried lavender flowers (can find this in bulk at most health food stores. Alternatively you can use another scent that appeals to you, i.e. dried peppermint leaves, rosemary, dried orange or lemon peels, etc.)
– essential oils (optional – for extra scent mix 10 drops in the rice)
– a cat (optional, as a craft buddy)

*all photo credits to my sister Jenn!*

1. cut your base fabric into 2 identical owl-body shapes. Keep your desk as messy as possible with mugs of tea, remote controls, sewing materials… (just teasing Jenn!)

2. Prepare the eyes by cutting circles in alternating white and black fabric. Sew the circles together, alternating black as the base, white for the middle, then black as the pupil.
Sew the eyes on one of the 2 owl-body base sheets (not both)

    

3 You will now have something that looks like this 🙂 Notice how the 2 base sheets are not sewn together yet.
*disclaimer – this is also where you would cut a triangle shape out of your yellow fabric and sew on his beak….*

4. Now you can sew the base sheets together. Begin by pinning the edges of the sheets together with sewing pins. This will help keep your sewing straight.

5. Make sure you have a cat to do what cats do best…..sit on things you are working on.

6. Anyway………using tight stitches, start sewing the 2 sides together. Leave the top part of the owl open – this is where you will pour in your rice and dried lavender flowers. Once rice and flowers are safely inside, stitch shut.
***For experienced sewers you have an option of sewing your Hootie trim inside out first for extra support, then flipping it back….You know what I mean!!***

   

7. This is what it should look like when you are done! Please note the blue owl does not have a beak. It was forgotten in the process and now kind of looks like a water droplet with eyes. However, do not worry……he is still adorable (perhaps even more so!), equally useful, and has an owner that loves him very much 🙂

Hootie and his new buddy Droplet

 

relax your mind with herbal teas

my collection! Had to label them all 🙂

In my mind there is nothing more relaxing than making yourself a cup of tea in your favourite mug and sitting down with a book or magazine. Taking time to tend to yourself is so important, especially in this day and age where time goes too quick and our “to-do” list is too long.

Our minds and bodies are inseparable and connected. Our thoughts determine our words, actions, and even biochemistry! Similarly, the foods and beverages we consume directly affect our feelings, moods and happiness. There are probably lots of examples you can all think of where this link became obvious in your life.

Holistic living is all about embracing this natural connection by treating the body, mind and soul with respect and love 🙂 How best to do this? Feed your body good food, and treat your mind to lots of relaxation and self-appreciation. I choose to do this with tea!

my favourite mug

If you’re not a fan of herbal teas yet, I encourage you to give them another try. There are so many wonderful and nourishing herbs out there that range in flavours and benefits. I used to be a strict orange pekoe drinker, but after working at a health food store I was astounded to see the selection of beautiful dried herbs out there. The benefits of herbal teas are that most are naturally caffeine-free (caffeine can be exhausting to the adrenal glands, liver and thyroid), and most have many therapeutic uses. Usually 1-2tsp of the herb will suffice for a pot of tea, and the usual recommendation is to let the herb steep for around 10 minutes.

I’m not a herbalist but I have done my research and these are the herbs I know and love:

Lavender – Dried lavender blossoms are delicately scented and encourage calmness and tranquillity in a busy mind.

Green Oat – My personal favourite. Delicious mild flavour (tastes like oats!) and one of the best nervous system tonics. It is perfect for helping your body and mind adapt to stress. Safe for everyone, even children.

Nettle – very mild flavour, an excellent kidney tonic, and a natural source of calcium, magnesium, and iron. 

Calendula – a calming soothing herb. Used topically in creams to relieve redness and irritation, and it does the same thing in tea form for the inside of your body!

Astragalus – a traditional chinese medicine plant that is said to prolong life. It looks like pieces of tree bark (see picture above) but steeps into a quite nice mellow flavour. Great for adrenal glands and boosting the immune system.

Elder Berry – great for the immune system (you’ll often find elderberry cough syrup in stores). Great source of vitamin C for immune boosting properties and antioxidant effect.

Dandelion Root – liver cleansing, digestive support, lowering cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, source of B-vitamins. The dandelion leaves specifically are great for the kidneys and help eliminate excess water (bloating, edema). People – save your dandelions!!!

Burdock – blood cleansing, helps reduce skin blemishes by improving circulation and detox. This one is quite bitter so I only use a little bit once in a while.

my stash…literally

I also am crazy about bagged herbal teas. If this interests you, check out your local health retailer for a great selection! Best brands: Stash, Clef des Champs, Four O’Clock, and Celestial.

-Emily

attempting aromatherapy….

my collection so far…

Over the years working in the health industry I’ve accumulated a lot of beautiful essential oils. Some I’ve purchased and some I’ve been fortunate to get by default from working in a great health food store! (Yes – the ‘ylang ylang’ says TESTER but I swear I didn’t steal it!) Having essential oils in your home is not only scent-sational, but they serve a multitude of other purposes.

The Basics:
If this is your first time being introduced to essential oils, don’t worry – they aren’t scary! You just need to know which ones do what, and which brands are best. I’m not being paid by anyone to recommend stuff so everything I suggest is from personal preference and experience of use.

What to look for:
– dark tinted (or UV protectant) glass bottle – most oils in their unrefined states can start degrading when exposed to sunlight. When oils start to break down they can become rancid and start oxidizing, which can be potentially harmful for your body. Exposing oils to plastic is another danger as well. Oils are very absorbent, and without going into too much detail let’s just say you don’t want the ingredients in plastics going onto your skin or into your body!
– organic where possible – essential oils are extractions from beautiful aromatic plants. The quality of the plant determines the quality of your oil!
– look for the botanical and latin name of the plant – this should be listed on the bottle, along with method of extraction and perhaps where the plant was harvested. For example – Lavender = “Lavandula angustifolia”, France, cold-pressed. Something like that 🙂
– http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/howtobuyessentialoils.asp is a resource for more info!

My favourite uses:
*disclaimer – some oils need to be diluted first (just means mix with another oil like jojoba or olive or something) before you can use them. When in doubt, dilute! Any use beyond these anecdotal recommendations please consult an aromatherapist….or just call the company, most are happy to help you on your way to loving essential oils!

Lavender – can be safely used undiluted on your skin. Great for sunburns, pimples, sleep or de-stressing (few drops on your pillow case or pulse points), any cleaning needs (few drops in vinegar or water for an easy counter-top cleaner). Lavender is always my go-to essential oil because it’s so versatile!
Tea Tree oil – can be safely used undiluted on your skin. Super antimicrobial so great for warts, lice (add 10 drops to shampoo), cleaning solutions (mix a few drops with lemon oil in vinegar for a homemade antibacterial spray!)
Lemon – lemon oil comes from the peels of lemons. As long as you get a FOOD GRADE lemon oil you can add it to your water in the morning! Lemon oil contains ‘limonene’ which stimulates your liver to produce bile, which means better detox and better digestion! Lemon is also anti-bacterial so use for anything cleaning-related.
Eucalyptus – there are 2 types – Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus – both good for sore muscle baths or dispelling a cold (using a diffuser or adding some drops to boiling water and inhaling – you’ve never felt the inside of your nostrils till this moment!)

Ones I recommend:
– Aromaforce, Awaken My Senses (organic and made in Toronto!), Aura Cacia…..basically any company that is small and ALL they do is make essential oils 🙂 I heard that Young Living is also good but I’ve never tried it. Apparently it’s only sold online and to professional aromatherapists. But remember – just because something says it’s “professional grade” doesn’t always mean its the best! 🙂