Most people don’t realize this, but the majority of commercial mouthwashes are NOT actually good for your oral health. Sure, they can temporarily get rid of bad breath, but the problem is that most mouthwashes kill the good bacteria in your mouth as well as the bad bacteria, which isn’t a good thing. Alternatively, swishing coconut oil for 10 minutes a day (aka, “oil pulling” is a much healthier practice for your oral health than mouthwash)…

But in the guest article from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily on this page, they have a pretty clever compilation of 10 alternative uses for mouthwash that you probably never thought of, including fungus…

Listerine may be a common household item, but there are many ways to make use of the $6 bottle than freshening your breath. Although they may be a little out there, here are 10 alternative ways to put that blue-green liquid to good use, outside of a mouthwash.
(Video at the end).

1. CLEAN YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Fill a clean cup with Listerine and leave your toothbrush soaking in the cup overnight. Bacteria spreads from your mouth to your toothbrush, so a little disinfecting is necessary. Listerine not only kills bacteria in your mouth but also on your brush. Remember to also change your toothbrush every 30 days.

2. GIVE YOURSELF A PEDICURE

Mixed with warm water and a cup of vinegar, Listerine make a perfect solution dry/cracked feet. Soak your feet for 30 minutes then give yourself a nice pedicure. Listerine is also great for getting rid of toenail fungus.

3. ITCHY SKIN RELIEF

Listerine can be used as a great itch relief on bug bites and even poison ivy. Dab some on a cotton swab and gently apply on the itchy area.

4. FRESHEN YOUR TRASH

We love that fresh smell of Listerine, so why not deodorize that smelly trash can with some? After #10, throw that Listerine filled paper towel in the trash and maybe pour a little more on a napkin. GOOD-BYE, bad odors!

5. FRESHEN YOUR TOILET

Pouring some Listerine in the toilet gives it that fresh clean smell and reduces any lingering odors. If this feels like a waste, instead of spitting the Listerine in the sink after a mouth rinse, spit it in a cup and dump it in the toilet. Killing bacteria in 2 places!

6. CLEAN YOUR PIERCING

After a piercing is completely healed, Listerine works very well as a cleaner. Dab a Q-tip in the Listerine and gently clean your piercing. You’ll feel a nice cooling sensation, which means it’s working!

7. USE AS DEODORANT

This may seem strange, but don’t worry we took the risk and tested this one for you! Using Listerine as a deodorant really does work! It is great for fighting odors. Dab some on a cotton swab and gently rub it on your armpits. If your ever in a pinch and run out of deodorant – give it a try!

8. USE AS A FLEA SHAMPOO

Surprisingly the fresh smell of Listerine is a turn-off for fleas! Using a spray bottle, fill half of the bottle with water and half with Listerine. Spray your pup with the entire bottle. Then bathe him/her as usual. Goodbye fleas!

9. FRESHEN YOUR WASHING MACHINE

Like the toilet and the trash, why not freshen up your washing machine. Pour some Listerine in a cup. Pour it into the washing machine. Run a quick rinse with warm water and WAHLAA – A fresh smelling washing machine. Pro-tip: Next time you forget to take the wet clothes out – give this a try!

10. CLEAN YOUR GLASS

Out of Windex? Fill a cup with water half way. Fill the other half with Listerine. Pour it on your glass table or spray on your windows and wipe off with a paper towel. Sparklingly, smudge-free glass!

(The original article source is here)

I would of never thought of those 10 clever alternative uses for mouthwash, especially for fungus. Speaking of fungus, if you want to wipe out fungus completely and never have it return again, take a look at this fungus hack below…

Every nail and skin fungus sufferer must see THIS urgent video!

There’s a mind-bending solution that has been crushing every single lab test, leaving doctors speechless…

In fact, this totally surprising mix of ingredients is so powerful…

That taking just one tablespoon can make any infection vanish almost overnight…

While completely clearing your nails and skin…

And without you having to use any creams or antibiotics.

It’s all explained on this page:

1 Tablespoon Wipes Out Skin and Nail Fungus

The post 10 Alternative Uses For Listerine appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

I bet if you look in your kitchen cabinets, you probably have a box of baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Baking soda is a longstanding formula of natural sodium ions and bicarbonate ions, that has many health and household uses, beyond an ingredient for baking or for deodorizing the fridge.

Baking soda is especially good for your health, primarily because of its ability to alkalize the body and counteract acids.

Baking soda is not the same thing as baking powder. While both are used to help make cakes and baked items rise, baking powder contains other ingredients such as cornstarch.

Baking soda is an inexpensive, natural health and household helper. Baking soda typically costs about a dollar a box and is safe and easy to use. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing things that baking soda can do to improve your health.

1. Baking Soda Helps Autoimmune Disease

A daily dose of baking soda may help reduce the destructive inflammation of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, scientists say.

The right pH balance in the body is necessary for overall health. When one is too acidic (generally the result of a poor diet, high in sugar), a variety of health issues can show up. And it is true, many alternative health practitioners say it’s much better to be slightly alkaline than too acidic.

In April 2018, the Journal of Immunology medical journal published a study that showed drinking water mixed with baking soda could reduce chances of getting inflammatory conditions.

After the test subjects spent two weeks drinking the baking soda and water mixture, scientists found that their immune cells appeared to change what they were doing. Researchers said that the immune cells began to focus on reducing inflammation instead of promoting it.

It appears that the baking soda acted as a way to “turn on” the immune cells’ anti-inflammatory response. Chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases could benefit from these anti-inflammatory properties.

The scientists in the study combined 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 20 ounces of water, and the mixture was sipped throughout the day. Experts suggest starting by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drinking it a few times a week.

2. Prevents Kidney Disease

Baking soda can help promote healthier kidneys and lessen the chances of kidney disease. A clinical study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology looked at the effects of sodium bicarbonate on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and low blood bicarbonate levels.

It was found that the subjects who supplemented with bicarbonate tolerated it well and were significantly less likely to experience rapid progression of their kidney disease. Additionally, there were less patients that developed end-stage renal disease in the bicarbonate group compared to the control group. Overall, the researchers concluded that the study showed bicarbonate supplementation slows the rate of progression of renal failure.

Kidney stones are considered to be extremely painful, and once you get them, you may be more prone to have recurring kidney stones. So not only is there motivation to prevent future kidney stones, but more importantly, untreated kidney stones can sometimes worsen into kidney disease.

Kidney stones are made of a variety of substances and if kidney stones tend to be uric acid, it is because their urine is too acidic. Adjusting the pH of the urine, reduces the risk of uric acid stone formation and can also help dissolve existing stones. Sodium bicarbonate can be used to alkalinize the urine.

3. Baking Soda and Cancer

Cancer tends to flourish in an acid environment. Baking soda is known to alkalize the pH of acidic tumors without affecting the pH balance of healthy tissues and the blood.

There is some research that shows oral doses of sodium bicarbonate may lower the acidity of the tumor pH and inhibit metastases (spreading to other areas of the body) in animals with metastatic breast cancer.

Cancer cells are generally fast-growing, and chemotherapy drugs tend to target the fast-growing cells. However, many cells in solid tumors have their oxygen supply shut off, causing the pH levels of the cells become acidic.

Since baking soda neutralizes acid, some researchers believe drinking it could reduce the tumor’s acidity and cause the cells to become easier targets for cancer treatments.

So far, most of the evidence for sodium bicarbonate’s effect on cancer cells comes from animal studies and laboratory experiments—not human studies. Due to the lack of clinical studies on humans, use of sodium bicarbonate as a complementary cancer therapy should be approached with caution and always notify your doctor.

4. Stops Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections people get, according to the CDC. Women usually get them more often than men, due to the fact that their urethras are shorter, and bacteria can easily travel up the urethra.

Women who tend to get UTI’s frequently also had more acidic urine. In a study, women who took baking soda daily for four weeks had significantly less UTI’s. Overall, baking soda appears to be an easy and inexpensive way to prevent UTI’s without the side effects of antibiotic use.

5. Improves Athletic Performance, Lessens Fatigue

Competitive athletes are always looking for a way to boost their performance, and if you look at the supplement market for athletes, there is a huge variety of supplements to choose from.

Baking soda can be one of the least expensive—and legal—ways to boost performance, increase endurance, lower lactic acid, and lessen muscle soreness. Some studies show that baking soda can help you perform at your peak for longer, especially during high intensity training and sprinting.

During high intensity exercise, muscle cells produce lactic acid. Lactic acid is generally responsible for that ‘burn’ and fatigue in muscles. Since lactic acid is an acid, it lowers the pH inside your cells, causing those tired burning muscles.

Baking soda helps to counteract this fatigue as it neutralizes the lactic acid. This is thought to delay fatigue, allowing you to exercise at your peak longer.

This study found that people who took baking soda exercised for an average of 4.5 minutes longer than people who didn’t take baking soda. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, it can mean the difference between winning a sprint in a race, and not winning. The baking soda not only improves exercise output but can also help reduce damage to the muscle and helping with post-workout soreness.

While some studies recommend taking 300mg of baking soda per 1 liter of water, an hour or two before exercising, other studies suggest taking it 3 or more hours prior to exercise with food.

Note: Bicarbonate loading for athletic purposes can cause nausea, excessive gas, cramps and diarrhea that can definitely impair athletic performance. Best to start with low dose amounts of baking soda on a full stomach.

6. Relief from Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn results from an overabundance of hydrochloric acid and other acids in the stomach. It often happens from eating too much greasy, rich food or spicy foods. Sometimes food sensitivities can also spark heartburn.

Baking soda is one of the most effective remedies for heartburn. So much so, that many over the counter heartburn preparations contain baking soda, like Alka-Seltzer. For occasional heartburn, simply add half a teaspoon baking soda to two cups of water about an hour after eating.

Baking soda is not recommended for frequent heartburn, as it neutralizes the effects of stomach acid which are there to break down food. If you have heartburn on an ongoing basis, checking for food sensitivities may be a good idea.

7. Brightens and Whitens Teeth, Removes Plaque

One of the best ways to remove plaque and stains from your teeth without having to visit the dentist, is to brush with baking soda. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive to remove stains. Baking soda also helps to neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and to freshen breath.

Using baking soda can be antibacterial and can actually help eliminate germs associated with plaque. By reducing the number of germs on the teeth, the glossy surface of the tooth enamel is better protected. To brush with baking soda, wet your toothbrush, then dip into a teaspoon or so of baking soda, or mix with your favorite toothpaste.

8. Fight Colds, Flu and Sore Throats

Because baking soda helps to alkalize the blood in the body, it is thought to be an effective cold/flu preventative. Even back in 1920’s, while the Spanish flu was raging, Arm & Hammer quotes Dr. Volney S. Cheney in their booklet, “Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Medical Uses.”

“In 1918 and 1919 while fighting the ‘flu’ with the U. S. Public Health Service it was brought to my attention that rarely anyone who had been thoroughly alkalinized with bicarbonate of soda contracted the disease, and those who did contract it, if alkalinized early, would invariably have mild attacks.

I have since that time treated all cases of colds and influenza…by first giving generous doses of bicarbonate of soda, and in many, many instances within 36 hours the symptoms would have entirely abated…”

While the treatment for colds and flu has no formal scientific studies, it is harmless and can even be good for you and is worth giving it a try. Numerous anecdotal accounts of baking soda preventing colds or flu have been passed on through the years.

Recommended dosages from the Arm & Hammer Company for colds and influenza back in 1925 were:

• Day 1 — Take six doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water, at about two-hour intervals
• Day 2 — Take four doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water, at the same intervals
• Day 3 — Take two doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water morning and evening, and thereafter ½ teaspoon in glass of cool water each morning until cold symptoms are gone.

9. Helps Sore Throats

Sore throats often accompany colds and flu, and while the saltwater gargle has been a popular natural soothing agent, baking soda and water—or baking soda, salt and water, can help relieve a sore throat too.

Gargling with this solution can also kill bacteria that may reside in the throat, and also prevent the growth of yeast and fungi.

Because baking soda is a natural anti-inflammatory, baking soda appears to direct immune cells to reduce inflammation, instead of prompting it. In other words, baking soda helps boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response, putting out a calming signal instead of an emergency attack signal, which is most likely why baking soda is effective at helping colds, flu and sore throats.

According to the National Cancer Institute, gargling and gently swishing a combination of 1 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt every three hours will help.

10. Soothes Canker Sores

Canker sores occur on the inside of the mouth and it’s thought they generally come from a diet too high in acid-forming foods, such as processed foods, acidic food or drinks, and sugar. The higher acid content in the body, combined with inflammation is thought to cause the canker sore.

When the alkalizing baking soda comes into contact with acid, it neutralizes it. Baking soda on canker sores helps to balance the pH of the sore and speeds up the healing of the whole mouth. It also helps to kill bacteria and freshen the breath.

11. Soothes Skin Rashes, Bug Bites and Sunburn

Skin rashes, eczema, mosquito bites, bee stings, poison ivy, sunburn and even splinters, can all be soothed and helped with baking soda.

Itchiness, redness and irritation are all a result of inflammation in the skin. The anti-inflammatory virtues of baking soda ease the itchiness and burn from all these skin conditions.

Simple make a paste and apply it to the affected area—or add 1 cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soak in it for 15 minutes.

For splinters, make a paste of baking soda, apply a small bandage to cover the area and within a day or so, the splinter usually comes out of the skin on its own.

When to Avoid Baking Soda

Like everything else in life, ingesting too much baking soda can be too much of a good thing. A tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water and taken occasionally is okay, but taking too much could have adverse effects.

For many people, ingesting baking soda can cause vomiting, gas, cramping and diarrhea. It’s always good to consult with your health care professional when starting to use baking soda on any regular basis.

Baking soda can interact with certain medications.

High sodium concentrations in baking soda can cause high blood pressure, seizures, dehydration, and kidney issues. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before supplementing with baking soda, especially if you are being treated for a specific health issue.

If you found this article interesting, take a look at this helpful book my friends from Alternative Daily put out with even more beneficial health information about baking soda:

But, like I said, you have to hurry because she only has a handful of these left and if you don’t confirm your address your book will be sent to another lucky individual who will immediately start improving their physical, mental and home health with Baking Soda!

Click here to Claim your FREE Book Now (need shipping address)

References
https://www.verywellhealth.com/baking-soda-cancer-5086575
https://draxe.com/nutrition/baking-soda-uses/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-causes-kidney-stones-and-what-to-do-2019051716656
https://www.thehealthy.com/home-remedies/healthy-uses-baking-soda/
https://draxe.com/nutrition/baking-soda-uses/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/baking-soda-may-be-what-the-doctor-ordered-for-rheumatoid-arthritis#How-baking-soda-works
https://www.verywellhealth.com/baking-soda-for-inflammation-5093321
https://draxe.com/health/kidney-stone-symptoms/
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/914574
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180425093745.htm
https://www.miraclesofhealth.com/10-benefits-of-baking-soda/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/baking-soda-benefits-uses#2.-Mouthwash

The post Eleven Healthy Reasons to Use Baking Soda Every Day appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day. 

By Krista Hillis, TheAlternativeDaily.com

Although conventional hair products offer scents that are “fresh” and floral, don’t let flashy packaging fool you. There are most certainly some great all-natural skin and hair products on the market, so do not discount all brands. However, when purchasing all-natural products, they can be rather costly.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the conventional products which fill our drugstores and department store shelves. They are often packed with ingredients that may be doing more harm than good. The sad truth is, a large variety of beauty products contain a long list of toxic additives, including known human carcinogens and endocrine disrupters. There has to be a better way, right?

Why you should make the switch to natural ingredients

Before we jump into the benefits of castor oil — a substance obtained from castor beans — it’s important to stress the fact that natural ingredients truly are superior. As stated by David Suzuki, researchers have reported that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are “industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins and hormone disrupters. These products also include plasticizers, greasers and surfactants.”

As you can imagine, these not only harm the environment but your own personal health as well. Instead of exposing yourself to these synthetic ingredients, look to nature instead. There are so many oils and butters that are beneficial for both your skin and hair, especially when applied in their raw or natural state.

Oils, including olive, castor and coconut, are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This means that they not only moisturize, hydrate and replenish, but in terms of your skin, they will also offer anti-aging properties. From avocado to sweet almond, each oil offers their own unique benefits — but today, let’s focus on castor oil.

11 ways to use castor oil for better skin and hair

Although fairly common, castor oil is not generally as well known as say olive oil. High in vitamin E, minerals, proteins and even beneficial fatty acids, castor oil is great for both your skin and hair. If you have a bottle lying around your home, it’s time to put it to good use — here’s how.

Related: 9 Ways To Use Castor Oil (Some Are Strange)

1. Enhance the natural look of your hair

Castor oil can enhance the look and feel of your hair, making it look both thicker and richer. Locking in moisture, this oil is what’s known as a humectant, making each strand of hair look that much healthier. After you shower and towel dry your hair, apply a small amount of slightly warmed castor oil, working it into the strands of your hair.

2. Cleanse your skin

Whether you’d like to wash off makeup or benefit from a deep clean, castor oil can help cleanse your pores. In order to benefit from an effective deep cleanse, mix a small amount of castor oil with jojoba oil (1:1 ratio). Massage these oils into your face gently, covering the entire surface of your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with a warm cloth. This steaming process will help remove excess oil, dirt and other pore-clogging material.

3. Target fungal skin conditions

Whether you’re suffering from athlete’s foot or ringworm, castor oil is rich in a biochemical known as undecylenic acid — which helps target fungal growth. It’s recommended that you mix castor or with coconut oil, applying it too problematic areas repeatedly until cured.

4. Reduce the appearance of stretch marks

There are a number of reasons why one may suffer from stretch marks, including the effects of puberty and pregnancy. Castor oil is high in what’s known as ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps target the appearance of stretch marks. Massage castor oil into the desired area and wrap with a cotton cloth, allowing the oil to penetrate the skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat on a regular basis for three to four weeks.

5. Fade scars

If you have scars from when you had chickenpox or acne,, castor oil can help you reduce their appearance. Due to its high fatty acid content, castor oil will penetrate through the epidermal layer, helping to heal the scar tissue by promoting new skin cell growth. Apply before bed, massaging the oil deep into the skin. Leave the oil on overnight and wash it off the next morning.

6. Treat acne

Speaking of scars from acne, why not treat acne before it has a chance to scar your skin? Once again, the fatty acid known as ricinoleic acid helps fight acne-causing bacteria. This is especially effective for cystic acne, which is generally more severe. Wash your face, then apply a few drops of castor oil, rubbing it into the affected area. Wash an hour later, or leave on overnight before rinsing.

7. Use as all-natural massage oil

Although you can treat many surface conditions with castor oil, the benefits are more than skin deep. When using as a massage oil, you can help enhance circulation and target sore, achy muscles and joints. Your scalp is also a great area to massage, helping target problematic dandruff. Just remember, this oil can stain your clothes. Wear old clothing after applying it to your body.

8. Balance scalp pH

Ricinoleic acid has been found to potentially help balance scalp pH, replenishing natural oils and promoting positive hair health. In turn, this can help undo some of the damage that has been caused by harsh hair products. When the pH of your scalp is either too alkaline or too acidic, this can lead to bacterial or fungal issues, an itching scalp and dandruff.

9. Supports hair growth

There have been many cases where individuals swear by castor oil for hair growth, helping to enhance the growth rate. When applied to the scalp, this oil penetrates deep into the pores of your hair follicles, providing nourishment. Work around three tablespoons of castor oil into your scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it out with an all-natural shampoo.

10. Soothe bug bites and stings

When you want to soothe an insect bite or sting, castor oil can help reduce itching and encourage more rapid healing. Offering both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, castor oil will help soothe and heal when applied to itchy bites. Simply apply a small amount to the affected area and repeat throughout the day.

11. Combat lines and wrinkles

The fatty acids found in castor oil will penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating the production of elastin and collagen. It will also target dark bags and the appearance of crow’s feet. Since the skin around your eyes is so delicate, it’s more prone to damage. To apply, make sure you cleanse your skin, applying a small amount of castor oil around the edges of your eyes and forehead.

Castor oil is not only effective, it’s cost-effective. It helps you benefit from a wide range of uses with just one bottle. Whether you want to brighten the look of your hair or combat eczema, every home should have a bottle of castor oil in the medicine cabinet. It’s time to re-think not only what you put in your body, but what you put on your body as well.

If you found this article interesting, and want to learn more on how to remove wrinkles naturally, this Beverly Hills doctor explains a unique process with simple steps to follow to erase your wrinkles…from home. Its painless and can get rid of those deepest wrinkles, and the best thing, it only takes 20 seconds, click here to watch this amazing video…

Original article is found here.

The post 11 Ways Castor Oil Makes Your Hair And Skin Rock appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.