Eight Natural Remedies for Insect Bites

Last week as I was walking to my car, I felt something bite my neck. I'm pretty sure it wasn't a vampire since the sun was out, so my next guess was a mosquito.

As I was driving, I reached in the bag next to me and grabbed my lavender oil (don't ask why I had a bag of oils next to me...probably planning to make something). I put a drop on my now throbbing neck. Instant relief. (Tea tree oil works just as well.) Though I usually tell people to use apple cider vinegar or coconut oil for everything, there are some other options. The following are some that I've used and/or researched for providing relief for insect bites and stings.

Natural Remedies for Insect Bites and Stings
*Most of these should work for bites or stings from mosquitoes, ants, wasps, bees, and spiders (and possibly others). As with all home remedies, they work differently for different people.

1.) Baking soda 

Make a thick paste with water and apply to bite. Allow to dry. Rinse after about 10 minutes. Do not use on open wounds. (You can also add drops of lavender or tea tree oil to this.)

2.) Apple cider vinegar 

Apply directly to bite/sting with a cotton ball or take a bath with a cup or two of apple cider vinegar mixed into the water. (I've used this on many bites, including a young child's stings from a yellow jacket. You can dilute it with water if you wish.) Learn more about ACV here.

3.) Coconut oil

Apply a thin layer. Protects from bacteria, relieves itching, and speeds healing.

4.) Banana peel

Peel banana and rub the inside of the peel on bite. Let it dry. Eat banana (no point in wasting it).

5.) Onion

Place a freshly cut slice of onion on the bite until pain subsides, then rinse. For a larger bite, you can tape it down and leave for several hours. Relieves pain, promotes healing, and draws poison from stings. (Use the rest of the onion for this dip.)

6.) Bentonite clay

Mix two parts water to one part clay to make a gel (or buy pre-hydrated clay). Leave uncovered for quick drying or cover with a towel or plastic wrap to leave on longer. Read more in this free PDF about clay. (I have used clay to help heal yellow jacket's sting on a child. I applied the clay and covered with band-aids.)

7.) Honey (raw or local would be best)

Apply a thin layer. Eating a spoonful of honey while you do this helps the pain as well (especially for children).

8.) Lavender or Tea Tree oil

Place a drop of oil on the bite.* To dilute, add a drop to a carrier oil such as coconut oil. (This is my quick and easy way to relieve the itching or stinging.) Both of these help reduce pain and inflammation and help with healing. Chamomile and peppermint will work as well. For stings, remove stinger first.

*Although lavender and tea tree oil can be applied undiluted (and I use them undiluted for simple uses such as this), some people may have skin irritation or sensitization. Please use caution when applying essential oils, particularly undiluted ones.*


Where do I find this stuff?

I buy my apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, honey, baking soda, and clay (Redmond clay) from Vitacost (HERE), but you can also find all of these on Amazon (HERE) or at your local grocery or health food store. Coconut oil can also be found at Tropical Traditions (HERE).

I buy my essential oils from Mountain Rose herbs (HERE), but you can also find them on Vitacost (HERE) or Amazon (HERE).

For the banana and onion, check your kitchen. If you can't find any there, check any grocery store. I think you can find them there.

(I'll post some ideas for preventing these bites soon.)


Have you tried any of these or do you have another that works for you? 



****Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or other healthcare professional. This is informational purposes only. The content is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact your doctor, dietitian, or other healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or treatment and before making any dietary, health, or lifestyle changes.****


****This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, Livin' the Crunchy Life will receive a very small commission, but your cost will not change. Thank you for supporting my blog!****

Homemade Heavenly Good French Onion Dip (with Dairy Free Option)

without gelatin

My sister has been slowly transitioning her family to real food. While she has been eating real food and following a mostly paleo diet for awhile now, her husband has been reluctant to give up certain foods that he loves. One of these things -- Heluva Good® French Onion Dip. I mean, I get it. It's good stuff. It is helluva good. Once I discovered the stuff (through my brother-in-law actually), I ate tubs of it.

But once you learn about real food, you realize just how much non-food ingredients are in our food. Like what's in Heluva Good French Onion Dip:

Yes I bought that. And yes, I ate it.

So, my sister asked me if I could recreate her husband's beloved dip. This is my best attempt to do just that. I've eaten lots of chips and dip for the past several weeks. So while I could probably keep making adjustments to this recipe, in my attempt at perfection, this is it. This is good. Really good. Even with veggies. And most importantly, my brother-in-law tested it and approved. He was then seen eating it later, without prompting. Success. Now I'm not saying he will never eat Heluva Good dip again, but if it means he won't eat it as often, then I'm happy (and whether you eat it or not, no judgment here).

I'm including a dairy-free option, but I have to admit that it wasn't my favorite. I don't have a great blender though, so that might be why. I am generally dairy-free, but I don't seem to have issues with grass-fed butter, so I tried this out with a grass-fed sour cream. Use the option that works for you.

You don't have to eat this dip with chips...but you can.

One note before I get to the recipe: You don't absolutely need the gelatin (read more about gelatin here). It doesn't affect the taste of the dip. I used the gelatin to replicate the thicker consistency of some store-bought dips. If you don't mind a thinner dip (depending on your sour cream and mayo consistency) or you just don't consume gelatin, leave it out. And one more thing...don't do this when you are tired. Or at the very least, set a timer while caramelizing your onions. Not that I burned my onions or anything...

If you are new to paleo, this dip is not paleo approved. Primal, yes. But not paleo (unless you make it dairy-free, which you can do).

Heavenly Good French Onion Dip
(optional dairy free) printable recipe

What you need:

1 1/2 cups diced Vidalia onions (about 1 large onion)
1 1/2 tbsp butter (or coconut or olive oil)
1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
1 1/4 cups full-fat sour cream (cashew sour cream for dairy free)
1/4 cup mayo, preferably homemade (or more cashew sour cream)
1 1/2 tbsp fresh parsley
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp celery salt (or pinch of celery seed plus scant 1/4 tsp sea salt)
1/4 tsp white pepper (black pepper is fine)
small pinch ground cumin
1 tsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce, Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce)
1/2 - 1 tsp unflavored gelatin (optional)
2 tbsp coconut milk (optional)

How to make:

Heat butter in a large saute pan over low heat. Add diced onions and 1/8 tsp of salt and saute for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Keep heat low enough so they onions don't burn.) Add garlic and saute for another 5-10 minutes or until onions are caramelized. Set aside to cool. Mix spices into sour cream and add to food processor. Add about half* of the caramelized onions to the food processor, then add remaining ingredients (except for gelatin and coconut milk). Process until smooth. Refrigerate dip for at least 6 hours or overnight for best taste. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Optional gelatin: This gives the dip a similar thickness to Heluva Good dip. It is not necessary for taste. Without it the dip will be thinner but still tasty. Put coconut milk or water in a saucepan. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp gelatin** over the top and mix. Put on very low heat until gelatin dissolves completely. Turn off and let sit until cool to the touch (but not too long or it will thicken). Add to dip and mix well. Dip should thicken after several hours in the refrigerator.


Notes:

• *If you like your dip with more onion chunks, add only a tbsp for processing. If you like less chunky, add more or all of onions for processing. If you don't have or don't want to use a food processor, chop cooked onions to preference and simply mix all ingredients together.
• **Consistency of sour cream and mayo will affect consistency of dip after adding gelatin. If yours isn't thick enough (after being refrigerated for several hours), you can add more gelatin if desired. Use same procedure and add an additional 1/4 - 1/2 tsp of gelatin. For mine, 1/2 tsp was perfect and 1 tsp made it too thick.
• I have not tested this with greek yogurt (but it should work just as well). I did test with cashew sour cream. For recipe, go HERE. I suggest using a high speed blender, like a Vitamix. Like me and don't have one of those? Use the best blender or food processor you have. Both of my are cheap so my cashew sour cream was slightly grainy. I'm not an expert on cashew creams, so check out that link. 

Yes I ate those chips...

If you try this out, let me know what you think!


Ingredients:

Shared at: Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Make Your Own Mondays and Party Wave Wednesday

****This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, Livin' the Crunchy Life will receive a very small commission, but your cost will not change. Thank you for supporting my blog!****

Natural Foot Baths for Dry Skin, Aches, Detox, and More

I usually talk a lot in my posts. A lot. It's funny how much I "talk" in my posts because I'm not a big talker. I only talk when extremely passionate about something or just to make a sarcastic comment. Really.

So, I figured I try out something a little different. On Sundays (not every one, but most, and hopefully in addition to my regular post), I'm going to share something simple. A natural remedy or an easy recipe. A kitchen tip or some other easy-to-explain food or health related idea. No long drawn out stories or explanations (no promises on that though...I may not be able to help it.)

So, let's get to it.

Four Simple Foot Baths

1. Epsom Salt/Magnesium Flakes (my go-to bath for aching feet)

Why?
Replenishes magnesium levels. Draws out toxins. Relieves sore/tired feet. Improves sleep. Softens skin.

How?
Add about 1/4 - 1 cup to foot bath.

Where (to find this stuff)?
I get a huge tub of epsom salt at Costco. You can probably find it a Sam's Club or even the grocery store. You can find it online HERE and magnesium flakes HERE.


2. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Why?
For corns/callouses and gout. Gets rid of foot/toe fungus. Softens skin. Relieves sore/tired feet. Helps foot odor. Detox.

How?
Add 1/4 cup to foot bath.
(If it burns, you can add more water or just suck it up because you probably need it the most. I'm mostly kidding. If it burns, which it likely will with fungus, you can add more water or less ACV. But always use common sense...if the burning is too much, please take your feet out and use another option for your foot bath.)

Where?
I've talked about Bragg's apple cider vinegar before in this post for ACV face toner. I buy mine from Vitacost (HERE). You can also find it on Amazon (HERE). Or find it at your health food store (more expensive).

3. Baking Soda

Why? 
Neutralizes chlorine in water. Relieves sore/tired feet. Helps foot odor. Gets rid of foot fungus.

How?
Add about 1/4 cup to foot bath.

Where?
Just about anywhere. I buy THIS brand from Vitacost. Also, find it HERE.

4. Bentonite Clay

Why? 
Draws toxins out of the body. Gets rid of foot fungus.

How? 
Add 3 tbsp to foot bath. Stir with hand or feet. Do not use metal with bentonite clay. *Do not reuse the water. Dump in weeds or down the drain.*

Where? 
I like Redmond Clay which I get from Vitacost (HERE). Get it on Amazon (HERE) or directly from the Redmond clay website (HERE). Or get the Frontier brand HERE. Or one Mountain Rose Herbs HERE (I have use this one as well).


Optional Essential Oils* (just a few ideas):

Lavender - relaxing
Peppermint - invigorating, soothes aches *only add a few drops!*
Patchouli - deodorizes
Camphor - for aches and swelling
Eucalyptus - anti-inflammatory
Tea tree - anti-fungal

*Take precautions when using essential oils. More is not better. While many oils are safe for use with children, please do your own research before using them for your child (or yourself).

I get my essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs (HERE), but you can also find them on Amazon (HERE) or Vitacost (HERE).


How to make and use a Foot Bath

Fill a tub or large bowl with warm (as warm as you can handle) water. You should probably use a tub or basin you don't need in the kitchen. Not sure anyone would want to eat from it again. I use something like THIS. *Optional: to keep water really warm, heat a tea kettle of water. Pour hot water from tea kettle to foot bath when it cools.

Add one or more of the additions from above. For example, make a foot bath with 1/4 cup epsom salt and 1/4 cup baking soda. Add optional essential oils. I only add about 4 drops total, and only 2 drops if using peppermint. Mix essential oils in a small amount of carrier oil first for better dispersion.

Soak feet for 15-40 minutes. (I usually soak for 20-30 minutes while watching a show.) Dry feet with towel and moisturize with a natural moisturizer (such as coconut oil) if desired. Discard water.



Enjoy! Seriously, you DO deserve to relax. Now, go relax!


Find other natural, crunchy recipes and stuff HERE.


****Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or other healthcare professional. This is informational purposes only. The content is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact your doctor, dietitian, or other healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or treatment and before making any dietary, health, or lifestyle changes.****

Shared at: Make Your Own Mondays


****This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, Livin' the Crunchy Life will receive a very small commission, but your cost will not change. Thank you for supporting my blog!****

[Ended] Giveaway: Gallon of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil

Don't you want to make some five minute freezer fudge?

The reason this fudge is so easy, doesn't involve cooking, and can be safety tucked away in your freezer (so you don't devour it in one day) is because of the coconut oil. Coconut oil becomes solid around 76 degrees (F) so it works perfectly to turn almond butter (or cocoa powder) into a delicious creamy fudge.

If you want to make some of this fudge or maybe you just love coconut oil, especially Tropical Traditions' coconut oil, as much as I do, then enter this giveaway. If you don't want to wait to find out if you won this gallon (yes, a gallon!) of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, then you can take advantage of the sale going on right now: 2 gallons for $99!

Win 1 gallon of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

How to enter:

Sign into the Rafflecopter widget below (with your email or Facebook account). It will prompt you to subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (mandatory to win). Click the link and subscribe to newsletter then complete the widget to enter. Continue to extra entries if desired.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is sponsored by Tropical Traditions. Open to residents of USA and Canada (customs or duties may apply). Winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter and notified via email. If winner doesn't respond to email within 48 hrs, a new winner will be selected. Email me at livinthecrunchylife(at)gmail.com.


Good luck!



Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.