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 Katherine Marko, TheAlternativeDaily.com

When I was a teen, hydrogen peroxide was my go-to teeth-whitener, and something I would spray on my hair to get that “sun kissed” look. Years later, you can still find a bottle in my medicine cabinet as an inexpensive way to whiten teeth, and disinfect cuts and scrapes.

What is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a pale blue liquid, which appears colorless, and is slightly more viscous than water. It’s a weak acid made up of hydrogen and oxygen and a strong oxidizer often used as a cleaning agent. When used topically, hydrogen peroxide foams and fizzes due to the enzyme catalase, according to Medical Daily. This reaction has a bleaching and disinfecting effect that works for several applications.

Remove earwax

All humans and other mammals have earwax. It consists of shed skin cells, hair and the secretions from glands of the outside ear canal. Although gross, it serves its purpose. Namely, protecting the ear canal against bacteria, fungi and water. But, too much earwax and your ears may feel full, affecting your hearing.

Although most experts agree that removing earwax is not entirely necessary, you may still want to clean your ears time and again. The problem is, rooting around your ear canal with a Q-tip can actually push wax further inside. So, instead of cleaning your ear out, the wax gets stuck. As a result, wax builds up on top of it, creating a dangerous blockage or “impaction,” according to NYU Otologist Dr. Erich Voigt, for businessinsider.com.

Hydrogen peroxide can safely remove earwax buildup, according to PubChem. Most over-the-counter wax removal drops basically contain oil and peroxide solutions. Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen in the ear and foams, causing ear wax to soften and loosen. To use hydrogen peroxide at home, simply lie down on your side, with one ear facing up, says Healthline. Use an eyedropper to drop one or two drops of peroxide into your ear. Keep still for five minutes and then sit up. Blot the outer ear with a tissue to absorb any liquid that comes out. And then, repeat the process on the other ear.

A method that I prefer is using a Q-tip — soaked in hydrogen peroxide — to administer it into my ear. I don’t push it into the ear canal, but merely let it sit in the ear opening, and allow it to gently drip in. After about a minute or so, I dry my ear with a tissue.

Lighten hair

Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that has been used to lighten hair for years. Peroxide penetrates the hair shaft and removes the natural pigment of the hair — hence the expression “peroxide blonde.”

Here’s what I used to do to lighten my locks. Simply dilute one part of three percent hydrogen peroxide with one part water, and pour it into a spray bottle. Wet your hair, and then spray the solution on your entire head or just the strands you want to lighten. Then, comb it through. Blow-drying your hair will accelerate the effect. Follow by washing your hair and deep conditioning it to prevent drying. This won’t give you a peroxide blonde look, but it will give you more natural highlights. You can also use this solution as a gradual lightener, over time.

Healing wounds

Unlike using alcohol to disinfect a wound, using peroxide will definitely remove the “ouch” factor from the equation. Hydrogen peroxide cleans wounds by moistening and loosening dried blood and any dirt in the wound. It also removes dead tissue. Peroxide foams on contact, and the fizz produced helps to mechanically clean the wound. It’s for this reason that you should keep a bottle in your first-aid kit to clean a wound when no clean water is available.

But, here’s the thing: according to Sciencing, it can also destroy the cells called fibroblasts, which rebuild the connective tissue to heal the wound. So, for this reason, it’s not recommended for long-term use. In addition, although hydrogen peroxide is widely used as an antibacterial agent, it’s effectiveness is up for debate. Certain types of bacteria, such as staphylococci, have an enzyme called catalase, which breaks hydrogen peroxide down to water and oxygen, actually diluting it.

Research published in PLOS looked at the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide on wound healing. In agreement with previous studies, researchers found that wounds display a positive effect when treated topically with peroxide. But only when in lower concentrations were used. Subsequently, higher concentrations actually delayed healing. So, to clean and promote healing in wounds, stick to lower (three percent) solutions, generally found at the drugstore.

Whiten your teeth

The most important thing people want to change about their smile is the whiteness of their teeth, suggests a survey conducted by Kelton Global for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). And almost 100 percent of those surveyed believe a great smile is one of their most important “social assets.” But why pay hundreds of dollars to whiten your teeth when you can have the same results for pennies? In fact, even professionally applied tooth bleaching products used by dentists contain hydrogen peroxide.

However, those peroxide concentrations range from 25 to 40 percent and are sometimes used together with a light or laser, which are supposed to accelerate or activate the whitening process. But, according to the American Dental Association, most studies report there is no additional long-term benefit with light-activated systems.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda teeth whitener

Create a simple whitening solution with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to gently remove stains. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. hydrogen peroxide
• 1 Tbsp. baking soda

Equipment

• Small bowl
• Spoon
• Toothbrush

Instructions

1. Add the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda into a small bowl. Stir to combine into a paste.
2. Dip your toothbrush in the mixture and start brushing.
3. Allow the paste to stay on your teeth for about a minute, and then rinse thoroughly.

I personally use this homemade whitening paste, but only once or twice a month. If you have very bad stains on your teeth, you could use it initially once a week until you notice an improvement. More often, however, and the baking soda could break down the enamel over time, causing sensitivity. And of course, make sure to maintain your regular oral care regimen.

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The post Hydrogen Peroxide For Teeth Whitening, Hair And More appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

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…

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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

Cleaning and disinfecting have become something that everyone is more aware of these days. Unfortunately, many cleaners and disinfectants are highly toxic to our bodies. Cleaning products contain a wide variety of harsh chemicals, including substances classified as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs.

Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh cleansing agents and artificial fragrances and colors. VOCs and other chemicals are released when using cleaning supplies in your home, and can contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, asthma and even cancer.

Toxic chemicals in everyday household cleaners include:

• Carcinogens – cancer causing agents
• Endocrine disruptors – in the form of xenoestrogens (chemical estrogenic compounds) Xenoestrogens can lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction, miscarriage, menstrual issues, gynecomastia and cancer.
• Neurotoxins –toxic to the brain and nerves, can cause headaches, mood changes and even diseases like Parkinson’s.

These substances can be absorbed through our skin and lungs causing rashes, asthma, and irritating the nose and throat. They are especially harmful to our vulnerable family members, children and pets.

Research shows that many of the chemicals found in conventional house-cleaning products are bio-accumulative and very toxic. That means that once in your system, they actually stay in your system and are hard to clear. This makes you more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases and cancers.

In addition, many of the ingredients found in conventional cleaning products are very bad for the environment, and can harm plants and wildlife, contaminate drinking water, and adversely affect soil and even air quality. Check out the Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Working Group to learn more.

What About Natural Cleaning Products?

Many of the “natural” cleaning products found in the grocery store can actually have harmful chemicals in them, in spite of their “natural” labeling. Unfortunately, there are no laws in place that demand companies are transparent about all of the ingredients in their products. This means they can make false claims about their so-called “natural” ingredients.

The other big problem with the natural, store-bought cleaning products is their price tag. They are often up to twice as expensive as the conventional cleaning products.

But you don’t need to spend a fortune on natural products. Good old-fashioned vinegar, baking soda, essential oils and other inexpensive ingredients found in your pantry can clean just as well or better than conventional or natural store-bought cleaning products, without any toxic by-products.

These natural products are inexpensive and versatile to keep on hand to create your own cleaning products:

• Vinegar—One of the best all-round natural cleaning ingredients. Vinegar contains acetic acid, a gentle acid with antibacterial properties. Distilled white vinegar works best for cleaning.
• Castile soap—A versatile, gentle soap, can be used on your body, but also very effective for cleaning purposes. Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile is great for this.
• Baking soda—Baking soda has a number of excellent uses, for scrubbing, scouring, laundry and more. Always keep a good quantity of baking soda on hand.
• Essential oils—Tea tree oil, lavender, rosemary, orange, lemon or eucalyptus oils. Most all essential oils are antibacterial and antiviral, so choose the scent (s) you like best. My favorite is sweet orange essential oil.
• Microfiber cloths, sponges
• Empty spray bottles

These two DIY cleaning products will clean most everything in your house. Once is a homemade soft scrub and the other is an all-purpose spray cleaner. There are lots of variations of these online. Be sure to test the cleaning product on a small area first.

DIY Soft Scrub

• ½ cup castile soap
• 1½ cup baking soda
• ¼ – ½ cup water (use distilled water if your tap water is very hard)
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

Mix the castile soap and baking soda in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix ¼ cup water with the vinegar. Combine it with the baking soda mixture. Add more water to get the consistency you want. Store the thicker paste in a covered container.

* It’s generally not a great idea to mix vinegar and castile soap (acid/base). But in this case, the baking soda is also a base. It protects the soap from being neutralized by the vinegar.

DIY All-purpose Spray Recipe

Mix together in a spray bottle.

• 2 cups water (use distilled water if your tap water is very hard)
• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

DIY Laundry Soap

• An empty 1/2 gallon old detergent jug
• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 15 drops orange, lavender or jasmine essential oil (or any combination)

Pour castile soap, baking soda and favorite essential oil inside the jug. Using the essential oils is optional but it will leave you with good smelling laundry.

Fill the jug with hot water, this will help dissolve the baking soda, until you reach almost the top of the jug. Close it and shake it.

Use about 1/4-1/3 cup per load. Make sure you shake the jug slightly each time before using. Not too much though otherwise when you open the jug the mixture will burst out.

There you have it—natural, basic, easy-to-use cleaning products for your home. Enjoy the natural clean!

References
https://www.eatgood4life.com/diy-laundry-detergent/
https://www.marksdailyapple.com/natural-and-non-toxic-diy-cleaning-solutions-for-your-home/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mda&utm_content=MDA&_ke=eyJrbF9jb21wYW55X2lkIjogIlFhekhXeiIsICJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJjYWViZWxpbmdAZ21haWwuY29tIn0%3D
https://dontmesswithmama.com/7-toxic-household-cleaners-avoid-problem-natural-store-bought-cleaners/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11397-household-chemical-products-and-their-health-risk

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