With summer quickly approaching (it has definitely arrived in the south already!), many of us are probably spending lots of time in the sun. I love to use this natural sunburn relief cream on my whole family. Even with using sunscreen, which by the way, I would recommend using a natural sunscreen like this one, there are times when sunburn is inevitable.

Sunburns can be avoided, for the most part, by limiting your time in the sun to increments of 2 hours and using a natural sunscreen if desired. When sunburn does appear, it can be painful and uncomfortable. I love to use this sunburn relief cream on my whole family. The aloe vera brings instant relief from that burning feeling while the shea butter moisturizes the skin, aiding in quicker healing of the sunburn. 

Tips for avoiding a sunburn:

Unfortunately over the years, many people have had the belief that the sun is bad for us, but it really isn’t. The vitamin D we receive from direct sunlight is essential for optimal health and overall wellness. With that being said, sunburn is one side effect of being in direct sunlight. There are a few things we can do to avoid sunburn when possible, such as;

• Limit sun exposure to increments of 2 hours, taking a small brake inside or in the shade before going back out for a few hours.
• Use a natural sunscreen, this is a great one that our family loves. 
• Wear a wide brim hat to protect the most common areas where our skin burns, such as our face and shoulders. 

Aloe vera for sunburn:

Growing up at the beach meant lots of sunburns for me when I was a child. My mom would always apply aloe vera to my skin after a long day in the sun, however, it was always the bright green kind from the drugstore. After learning more about harmful ingredients, I have come to realize this artificial aloe vera we see on most store shelves is actually toxic. It is full of artificial dyes, preservatives, and many other hormone-disrupting ingredients. 

If you do not have access to an actual aloe vera plant, where you can use the gel inside the leaves of the plant, using a pure aloe vera, with ingredients that are easily pronounced and understood is the next best option for our skin. This aloe vera has the best ingredients for something that is shelf-stable, at least that I have found. 

According to this article, “Aloe vera is soothing and moisturizing, and it has cooling properties. This makes it an ideal and inexpensive choice for soothing the pain of minor sunburns at home. Sunburned skin loses moisture, and applying aloe may help retain skin moisture due to a substance called mucopolysaccharides found in the plant.”

Make sure the aloe vera you choose is a gel, not a liquid. This will help the mixture solidify once cooled. 

Shea butter for sunburn:

Sunburns usually cause the skin to become dry and peel off. Applying a natural sunburn cream with shea butter, like the one in this recipe, can help to moisturize the affected area. Once the area has become moisturized, the skin can begin to heal. 

According to this article, “One suggestion for an especially potent sunburn moisturizer comes from Dr. Ernest Brown, founder of Doctors To You: shea butter. “In addition to moisturizing the skin (which helps to reduce infection), shea butter is packed with nutrients and vitamins that increase its healing properties.”

Lavender essential oil for sunburn:

Lavender essential oil is great for natural pain relief. When adding the oil to the natural sunburn relief cream, be sure to only use a few drops since essential oils are very potent. 

According to this article, “Just like chamomile, lavender oil also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to treat sunburn, says Dr. Sobel. A 2004 study refers to lavender as “one of the mildest of known plant essential oils,” making it a safer pick if you have sensitive skin.”

How to make sunburn relief cream:

What you need:

• Shea Butter
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Almond Oil
• Lavender Essential Oil

Directions:

• Begin by setting up a double boiler, this is a pot of water filled 1/3 of the way up, brought to a boil, with a glass or heat-safe bowl on top. 
• Once the double boiler is ready, add in your shea butter. 
• Allow the shea butter to melt completely.
• Once melted, turn off the heat. 
• Add in the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. 
• Pour into your container of choice, remember this is a lotion so you will not be able to squeeze or pump this out, a wide mouth jar like this is a good option. 
• Once cooled, put cream in a stand up mixer or mix with a handheld mixer using a whisk attachment. (see notes)
• Apply as needed

Notes:

Although whipping the cream is an extra step, it helps to ensure the aloe vera and shea butter mix completely. During the cooling process, the aloe vera gel and shea butter tend to separate, therefore mixing them together after the natural sunburn relief cream has cooled allows the cream to provide its full benefits.

Want more DIY recipes? Check these out!

Anti-Aging Green Tea Eye Cream

Homemade Diaper Rash Cream

How to Make a Bug Repellent Candle

This post may contain affiliate links, I may receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. 

It is that time of year again, the bugs are out and trying to come inside. Living in the south, bugs are something we deal with all year however, the mosquitos, flies, gnats, and a whole host of other bugs show up in great quantities during the spring and summer. This bug repellent candle is simple to make, only requires a few ingredients, and is effective at keeping (most) bugs away.

Before learning about the negative effects artificial fragrances and chemicals can have on our bodies, I, like most people, would go to the store and buy a generic brand bug repellent candle. Now, once educating myself on how harmful these candles can really be, I make my own every year using this recipe.

To learn a little bit more about creating beeswax candles, check out my blog post HERE. 

Two Ingredient Bug Repellent Candle

There are only two simple ingredients needed to make this DIY bug repellent candle:

• Beeswax (buy it here)
• Essential Oils 

For this recipe, I used a combination of essential oils including peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella, although using just one can still make an effective bug repellent candle.

Bug Repellent Essential Oils

Citronella

This is a classic scent used in most generic brand mosquito repellent sprays and candles. As I mentioned before, the artificial fragrances and chemicals used to make these repellents can be toxic for us to inhale. When using a pure citronella scent, like with this essential oil, there are no artificial fragrances or chemicals. With that being said, this scent is great for repelling a lot of bugs but in particular, mosquitoes. 

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil can be effective for many different things throughout the home. I personally love using peppermint oil in my garden to keep pests away as well as in a candle like this bug repellent candle to keep most insects away from the inside of my house. 

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is great for keeping mosquitoes away. There was a study done in 2014 that showed “eucalyptus oil provided more than 95% protection against mosquitoes for 3 hours.”, You can find that study here.

Thyme

Thyme is another wonderful essential oil to use when making a bug repellent candle, There was a study done that showed thyme to be a more effective mosquito repellent than DEET. You can see that study here.

Clary Sage

Clary sage essential oil is typically associated with women’s health, particularly in its ability to induce labor naturally (I would know, it induced my second labor very quickly!), however, there are also properties to the essential oil that help to deter many insects including mosquitoes. 

Creating a combination using any of these essential oils to make a bug repellent candle can be an effective method to keep bugs away from your home. 

How to make a beeswax candle:

What you need:

• 100% organic beeswax, I like this one.
• Essential oils (Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Citronella)
• Glass bowl or measuring cup
• Stovetop pot to boil water
• Utensil to stir 
• Candle Container, I use these.
• Candle Wick

Directions:

• Make a double boiler by filling your pot with water 1/3 of the way up. Once the water is boiling, add your glass bowl or measuring cup on top of the pot so the water is hitting the bottom of the glass. 
• Add the candle wick to the candle container.
• Pour in beeswax pellets and stir consistently until they are completely melted.
• Once the beeswax has melted, turn off the heat, add your essential oils, and continue to stir.
• Immediately pour melted beeswax into your candle container, the beeswax will harden quickly so this process must be fast. If your beeswax happens to harden before you are able to pour it into the candle mold, turn the pot of water back on and reheat the glass bowl or measuring cup until the beeswax melts again. 
• Allow the candle to completely set before using, mine usually takes around 30 minutes – 1 hour depending on how big the candle container is.
• I like to burn my candle near the back door so when the door is open to let the kids or dogs in and out of the backyard, the bugs aren’t tempted to hurry inside while the door is open. 

Looking for a topical bug repellent to use on you or your kids? I love this one!

Check Out Some of My Other Posts!

Green Tea Face Toner for Glowing Skin

Homemade Shampoo Bar Recipe

Lavender Rose Bath Soak Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links, I may receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. 

Making your own homemade diaper rash cream is easy and just as effective, if not more, than the conventional products. Diaper rash is something most moms have had to deal with, and it is not fun for anyone. Seeing your sweet baby so uncomfortable from the rash on their bum can break a mama’s heart. Most of the pre-made products sold marketing a fix for diaper rash are full of chemicals, and often not cloth diaper safe. 

Natural Homemade Diaper Rash Cream Recipe

Every new mom researches everything safety-related for her baby, but what about the chemicals we put on their skin? This is often something not thought about because there are so many baby products out there, we almost assume they are all safe for our kids because that’s what the marketing says, right? Unfortunately, it is hard to find a truly natural diaper rash cream that you can easily go to the store and buy. 

After researching what was in diaper rash cream and which ones were cloth diaper safe, I decided to make it easier on myself and create my recipe. This recipe is something I have been using on my kids for a while now and it works wonders. The shea butter and vitamin E oil are great for soothing the discomfort babies feel when dealing with diaper rash and the coconut oil is helpful with moisturizing the rash, allowing it to go away quicker. 

What is Diaper Rash?

According to this website, “Diaper rash is a common form of inflamed skin (dermatitis) that appears as a patchwork of bright red skin on your baby’s bottom. Diaper rash is often related to wet or infrequently changed diapers, skin sensitivity, and chafing.”

How to Make Homemade Diaper Rash Cream:

Coconut Oil

Shea Butter

Vitamin E oil

Arrowroot Powder 

(Optional) Essential Oils

Benefits of Coconut Oil on Skin:

Coconut oil is well known for reducing inflammation on the skin, which is why it is so commonly used in skincare products. When it comes to diaper rash, the baby’s skin is red and inflamed due to the irritation on their skin. The use of coconut oil in the homemade diaper rash cream is great at treating the diaper rash and providing relief.

Antibacterial is a word commonly associated with coconut oil. Diaper rash can sometimes turn into a yeast infection if it is not cared for immediately. Luckily, keeping this diaper rash cream on hand can help prevent that if used right away due to the antibacterial properties of coconut oil.

Benefits of Vitamin E Oil on Skin:

• The moisturizing properties of vitamin E oil aid in healing the diaper rash quicker.
• Temporary relief from itching that is caused by having dry skin is another benefit to using vitamin E oil topically. Since the oil is so moisturizing, it helps to moisturize any dry skin therefore taking away the itching that dry skin can cause.

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is the fat content that comes from the nuts of a shea tree. According to this article, “Its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids — combined with its easy-to-spread consistency — make it a great product for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning your skin.”

Benefits of Shea Butter on Skin:

Just like with most of the other ingredients in this recipe for homemade diaper rash cream, shea butter has moisturizing properties. 

Shea butter is anti-inflammatory which can be very beneficial when dealing with diaper rash. Visually looking at a diaper rash you will see it is red and slightly inflamed. The shea butter allows relief that the rash causes.

Once again, shea butter, just like coconut oil, is anti-bacterial. If you keep this diaper rash cream on hand and use it at the first sight of diaper rash, you should hopefully be able to avoid a yeast infection thanks to the antibacterial properties of coconut oil and shea butter in the recipe. 

What You Need:

• 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
• 1/4 cup Shea Butter
• 1/4 Tsp Vitamin E Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Arrowroot Powder
• (Optional) 2 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

How to Make Natural Diaper Rash Cream

• Start by creating a double broiler with a glass bowl. You can do this by putting approximately 2 cups of water into a saucepan and letting it come to a boil on the stove. 
• While the water is coming to a boil, measure out your ingredients. The shea butter typically comes in blocks so it will need to be cut to fit (doesn’t have to be perfect) a 1/4 cup measure. You can purchase the exact shea butter I used here.
• Once the water is boiling, use a glass bowl (or anything that can tolerate heat), setting it on top of the saucepan.
• Add the coconut oil and shea butter to the glass bowl that is on the double boiler. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, mix the two as they start to melt. Be sure to keep your eye on this because it melts fast and needs to be stirred often. 
• When the coconut oil and shea butter have melted, add in the 1/4 Tsp vitamin E oil and lavender essential oil if you choose to use that. Mix.
• Take the glass bowl off the heat, setting it on a stable surface. Slowly whisk in the arrowroot powder. This may take a few minutes to ensure there are no clumps.
• The mixture should be smooth at this point, quickly pour it into whatever container you will be using for this diaper rash cream and set it in the fridge to set. You can also leave this at room temperature on the counter to set however it will take much longer.
• My homemade diaper rash cream takes about 2-3 hours to set in the fridge. Once set, pull it out and let it come to room temperature. If the cream is smooth and silky, it’s ready to use! 

https://naturalrootedhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/blog-video-diaper-rash-cream.mov

Notes:

• Store this in an airtight container and use it as needed. When using more than once during a single diaper change, be sure to wash your hands before dipping back into the jar to not create cross-contamination between the rash and the cream.

• I use this on my cloth diapers and have had no issues.
• If you are dealing with a yeast rash, I highly recommend using this product.

Check Out This Post on 8 Natural Sleep Remedies for Kids!

This post may contain affiliate links, I may receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. 

Welcome to a world where nature meets artistry, and timeless beauty is captured in delicate petals. Dried flower ornaments have emerged as a captivating trend, offering a unique and sustainable way to bring the enchantment of blooms into your life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of crafting with dried flowers, discovering the charm, versatility, and eco-friendly appeal of these botanical treasures.

1. The Beauty in Preservation:
   Dried flowers unlock a world of possibilities by preserving the beauty of blossoms in their natural state. Whether it’s the vibrant hues of summer or the muted tones of autumn, dried flowers allow you to enjoy the elegance of nature’s palette throughout the year. Discover the magic of preserving flowers at their peak and creating ornaments that encapsulate the essence of each season.

1. Crafting with Nature’s Palette:
   Dried flower ornaments provide a canvas for creativity, allowing you to express your artistic flair with the rich hues and textures of preserved blooms. From wreaths and garlands to framed art and hanging ornaments, explore various crafting ideas that showcase the diverse ways dried flowers can adorn your living spaces.
2. Sustainability in Bloom:
   Embrace eco-friendly living by choosing dried flowers over fresh blooms. Drying flowers not only extends the lifespan of floral arrangements but also reduces waste and environmental impact. Learn about sustainable practices and how incorporating dried flower ornaments into your décor can contribute to a more planet-friendly lifestyle.
3. DIY Delight:
   Unleash your inner artisan with step-by-step DIY tutorials on creating stunning dried flower ornaments. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, these projects are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Gather your favorite blooms, follow the instructions, and revel in the satisfaction of crafting your own botanical masterpieces.
4. Meaningful Gifts:
   Dried flower ornaments make for heartfelt and personalized gifts. Explore the sentiment behind gifting a piece of nature that has been carefully preserved. From weddings and birthdays to housewarmings and holidays, discover how dried flower ornaments can convey emotions and create lasting memories.

As we journey through the world of dried flower ornaments, we find a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty and human creativity. These timeless creations not only bring joy to our homes but also contribute to a sustainable and mindful way of living. So, why not embark on your own floral adventure, and let the beauty of dried flowers blossom in your life?