use of apple cider vinegar : 8 uses you don't know

Used since ancient times to calm many pains and purify the body, it is also used in home hygiene and personal care

Apple cider vinegar is a product with multiple uses, valid both for the health of our body and for cleaning the house.

Used since ancient times to calm many pains and purify the body, today we reveal eight uses of this ingredient that you may not know yet.

Eight uses of apple cider vinegar

1. Digestive problems
Apple cider vinegar increases our body's enzymes, destroying harmful bacteria. It is ideal for treating digestive problems such as gas, spasms, constipation . It is recommended to consume one teaspoon half an hour before each meal.

See more: How To Use Apple cider vinegar for hemorrhoids

2. Lose weight
It is a great ally for weight loss, because among its components we find acetic acid, which reduces abdominal fat.

To take advantage of this benefit of apple cider vinegar, you need to dissolve two tablespoons of it in water and preferably consume it on an empty stomach, perhaps before main meals.

3. Diabetes
Including this ingredient in our diet helps control blood sugar levels. Obviously it is necessary to combine the consumption of vinegar with a balanced diet , low in saturated fats, and to eliminate the consumption of refined sugars.

It is recommended to dilute two tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of water and consume it in the evening before going to sleep.

4. Mycosis of the skin
Apple cider vinegar helps fight Candida Albicans , a skin mycosis : just dilute two or three cups in a basin of water and soak for 15 minutes.
You can also mix a teaspoon with a spoonful of water and apply it directly on the affected area.

5. Joint problems
Apple cider vinegar is a great ally for fighting problems like arthritis and osteoarthritis. In fact, it contains malic acid , which helps fight bacterial infections and also reduce uric acid that forms in the joints.

It is recommended to mix two tablespoons in a glass of warm water and consume it immediately. If you prefer, you can use honey to sweeten.

6. Hair
Apple cider vinegar gives the hair a natural glow and eliminates dandruff. In fact, it balances the pH of the scalp, calms irritations and is excellent for oily hair.

Apply three tablespoons on damp hair, and then rinse. Use in moderation, because it can cause itching or burning.

7. Acne and skin blemishes
Its antiseptic and antibacterial properties are ideal for skin care. In the case of acne and skin blemishes , it restores the acid layer of the epidermis.
To prepare a lotion, mix apple vinegar and water in equal quantities and apply it directly to the skin.

8. For the home
In addition to the uses for the health of our body, apple cider vinegar can also be a great ally at home.
• Spraying it on doors and windows keeps ants away.
• Diluted in water, it is a natural insect repellent  and can also be used as a flea shampoo for animals.
• It is an excellent product for cleaning windows , as well as for washing kitchen utensils, as it degreases and disinfects.

Use of tea tree oil

The tea tree is a plant with great antibiotic and antiseptic power shown by numerous official studies. If we do research based on biotechnology data from the American national library, we will have more than 2,000 references to the tea tree.

MEDICAL USES

Abscesses  - Cover the affected area with a bandage moistened with tea tree and then apply some pure essential oil. Repeat this process 3 times a day, for pimple pus to disappear without needing to pierce the skin.

Acne  - To avoid its proliferation, wash your face with soap from the tea tree every day, prepare a lotion to be applied at night and in the morning, and steam with essential oil 3 times a week. For the treatment of single boils, moisten a stick with tea tree and apply it once in the morning and once in the evening.

Arthritis  - Thanks to its analgesic effect, taking baths and massages with tea tree oil helps to relieve the pain caused by arthritis. It is also possible to apply gauze to the affected area to calm the inflammation.

Balanitis  - Wash the area 4 times a day with a tea tree lotion (2 drops per spoonful of water) to combat the Candida albicans yeast infection that causes it.

Bronchitis  - Inhale vapors with essential oils to calm the cough, expel the mucous membranes and even curb the infection. It is also recommended to massage the chest and back with tea tree massage oils, and use a vaporizer inside the room to breathe it in at night.

Calluses  - Apply pure essential oil daily directly to the callus and cover with gauze.

Oral candidiasis - Create a dilution with 50% of water and tea tree and, with the help of a cotton swab, apply it on the spots caused by the yeast of Candida albicans . Repeat 2 times a day for 3 days.

Vaginal candidiasis  - It is recommended to accompany treatment with sitz baths to reduce irritation.

Dandruff  - Regularly use an essential oil shampoo to combat the Candida albicans fungus that causes it. Also, once a week, massage the scalp with tea tree oil (based on jojoba oil) and leave for one hour. After this time, apply the shampoo and then rinse with water.

Cystitis  - To curb the proliferation of bacteria causing cystitis and urethritis, clean the area with cotton soaked in an essential oil lotion after each urination. Massaging the abdomen and lower back with tea tree oil can also help, as can pouring a few drops into the bath water.

Milky crust  - Prepare some tea tree oil (based on olive oil at room temperature) to lightly rub the baby's scalp. As soon as the crust has reduced, continue the treatment with an essential oil based shampoo.

Pre and post-surgical treatments  - Start a few weeks before, by taking tea tree oil baths and massages to strengthen the immune system. After the operation, continue to use it with massage oil, always avoiding the affected area.

Dermatitis  - If the affected area is reduced, apply pure essential oil directly to it. However, if it is extensive enough, prepare a cream and apply it 2 times a day. The treatment is effective against eczema, urticaria, skin rashes, allergic reactions, etc.

Diaper rash  - Prepare a cream from the tea tree (1 drop for a spoonful of cream) and apply it to each diaper change to calm the irritation.

Sore throat  - Gargle with tea tree rinses 3 times a day to calm irritation and prevent an infection from developing. It is also useful in case of tonsillitis.

Muscle aches  - Massages with tea tree oils to calm the pain. If the affected area is reduced, you can use pure tea tree.

Fever  - Bathing with essential oils helps to sweat, thus controlling the high temperature. You can also use tea tree oil vaporizers to breathe it in at night.

Ticks and leeches - Apply pure essential oil directly on the ticks or leeches and wait 15 minutes. Try to remove those that have not fallen on their own by paying attention to the head. Apply the tea tree oil on the bite a few times a day for a week.

Gingivitis  - Prepare a tea tree rinse and use it 2 times a day to avoid the proliferation of bacteria responsible for inflammation and bleeding of the gums.

Pimples  - With the help of a cotton swab, apply pure essential oil directly on the pimples , morning and evening.

Flu  - Use tea tree vaporizers to prevent viral infection. If the first symptoms are already showing, it is advisable to take baths with essential oil every night, before going to sleep. Oral rinses and vaporizations help calm cough and sore throat.

Halitosis  - Doing oral rinses with tea tree, morning and evening, after brushing your teeth, helps fight the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Hemorrhoids  - Prepare sitz baths with warm water to calm pain and irritation.
See more:Way to Use tea tree oil for Hemorrhoids Relief

Wounds, Cuts and Scratches  - To prevent it from becoming infected and promoting the healing process, wash the area well, dry and apply pure tea tree oil several times during the day. The operation is also effective in the case of wounds already infected.

Genital herpes  - Make sitz baths with essential oil to calm the irritation caused by the virus. Another good solution is to apply pure essential oil directly to the blisters.

Cold sores  - At the first appearance, apply a little pure essential oil or an alcohol-based lotion directly on the herpes. Repeat several times a day to stop its growth.

Nail mycosis (onychomycosis)  - Dip the nails of the hands or feet in pure essential oil and massage them for 3 minutes. Repeat 3 times a day until the infection caused by Tinea unguium has disappeared. It is ideal for treating paronychia or ingrown toenails.

Impetigo  - Bathing with essential oil, and applying it in pure form on inflammations, can help fight this bacterial infection.

Bruising  - Applying cold bandages soaked in tea tree oil to bruises helps reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process.

Insect bites (mosquitoes, fleas, jellyfish, etc.)  - To calm the pain and / or itching, apply pure essential oil directly on the sting and repeat several times a day. The tea tree can also be used as a repellent, to be applied to exposed skin or clothing.

Athlete's foot  - To combat the fungal infection of the Tinea pedisa , apply pure essential oil up to 3 times a day, after having thoroughly washed and dried the feet. Daily foot baths are possible.

Sweaty Feet  - Making foot baths with tea tree oil can be ideal for disinfecting and eliminating odor. It can also be applied to the soles of the feet in the morning.

Pediculosis (lice)  - Tea tree based lotions and shampoos are particularly useful for preventing and fighting lice,  here  we explain how to prepare and use them.

Capillary problems - Daily use of a tea tree shampoo is particularly beneficial for dry hair, oily hair, itchy skin, etc. To enhance the effect, leave for 1 hour and then rinse with 6 drops of tea tree for 1 tablespoon of vinegar.

Skin problems  - Apply cream with essential oil 2 times a day on problematic skin, such as dry and chapped skin, oily skin, stained skin, etc. A lotion can also be created for use as a tonic and cleanser.

Burns  - Apply pure essential oil to the area 3 times a day to prevent bubbles from appearing, to speed up the healing process, to avoid infection and reduce pain. If the affected area is large, as in the case of sunburn , create a lotion based on distilled water.

Cold  - Conduct oral vapors or rinses with essential oil 2 times a day to calm cough and sore throat. It is also useful to massage the chest and back with tea tree oil, together with the use of a home vaporizer.

Rheumatism  - Prepare tea tree massage oil and apply it 2 times a day to stimulate circulation. It is also recommended to bathe in essential oil to calm the pain.

Chilblains  - Apply pure tea tree on the inflammation, and prepare an oil to massage the affected area and activate the circulation.

Measles  - Bathing with essential oil or vaporizing it in the environment can help reduce the duration of this viral disease. It is possible to make bandages to lower fever and inhalations to calm cough and sore throat.

Scabies  - Wash and dry the affected areas, then apply tea tree cream, repeat 3 times a day. Pour essential oil into the bath tub and laundry to avoid a new infection by the Sarcoptes Scabei mite .

Sinusitis  - Carry out several inhalations with tea tree every day, or steam it in the house to breathe it at night.

Weak immune system  - To strengthen the immune system it is advisable to bathe in essential oil 2 times a week, to get massages and to use it in the vaporizer.

Mycosis  - Prepare a cream from the tea tree and apply it 4 times a day to the affected area. If it is widespread, use a tea tree shampoo daily.

Beard Tinea  - Create a tea tree lotion and apply it morning and evening to calm the red blisters and dry skin caused by this fungal infection, the Tinea barbae .

Inguinal mycosis  - To combat the Tinea cruris fungus that causes it, apply pure essential oil 2 times a day, after having carefully washed and dried the area.

Cough - To calm her down, steam and massage the chest and back with tea tree oil. Repeat at least 2 times a day.

Oral ulcers (canker sores)  - Create a mixture of tea tree oil and 50% water and apply it on the sores with the help of a cotton swab. Repeat 2 times a day until they are completely gone.

Varicose ulcers  - Apply cream to the tea tree to hydrate the skin and avoid infection of the ulcers. It is also useful to bathe in areas with essential oil and cover the affected parts with bandages.

Chickenpox  - Bathing with tea tree essential oil can help fight the virus that causes it, soothe the itch and prevent wounds from becoming infected. It is also advisable to use it with a vaporizer to disinfect the environment.

Warts  - Apply a little pure tea tree oil 3 times a day until they have completely disappeared (healing can take up to a maximum of one month).

Witch hazel uses: properties, use, contraindications

The ' witch hazel ( Hamamelis virgianana ) is a plant of the family  Hamamelidaceae . Rich in soluble tannins and flavonoids , it has astringent and antihaemorrhagic properties. Let's find out better.

Witch hazel properties

The leaves and bark of witch hazel contain soluble tannins ( witch hazel acid), active principles that have a particular tropism towards cell membranes and vascular walls, exerting a vasoprotective action, useful in vascular diseases; and a re-epithelizing action  , to be used in the presence of allergic dermatitis .

Furthermore, the presence of flavonoids and triterpene compounds contributes to the muscle tone of the venous walls, compromised in the course of inflammations . For this reason, witch hazel is considered an effective remedy in the treatment of circulatory system disorders , such as phlebitis , varicose veins and hemorrhoids , capillary fragility , dilated capillaries , tendency to bruise, cellulite , where an astringent action is required .

Witch hazel also has antihaemorrhagic properties to be used in case of metrorrhagia and in menstrual pain  with abnormal blood flow . 

How to use

The plant is used for both  internal use  in the form of  infusions ,  hydroalcoholic extracts  (mother tincture),  fluids ,  soft  or  dry;  and  external use,  in cosmetics, to prepare  distillates ,  eye drops ,  aftershave soothing ,  tonic decongestants  for children's delicate skin, for  skin with rosacea , to soothe  sunburn , for the ' redness  of facial skin, in case of  acne, rosacea, use witch hazel for hemorrhoids and for creams against cellulite. The distilled water of Hamamelis is a cosmetic preparation useful in inflammations of the mouth, gums, and for the redness of the eyes with hyperemia, such as for example in allergic conjunctivitis.
INTERNAL USE
INFUSION:  1 tablespoon of witch hazel leaves, 1 cup of water
Pour the plant into the boiling water and turn off the heat. Cover and leave to infuse for 10 min. Filter the infusion and drink 2 cups a day between meals.
Witch hazel mother tincture : 40 drops in half a glass of water, to be drunk 2 times a day, between meals.

Contraindications

In case of excessive dosages, witch hazel can cause damage to the gastric mucosa and constipation.

Description of the plant

Similar to the Hazel, the Amalelide is  a shrubby plant, which can reach a height of 6 m. The leaves , deciduous, brownish green and ocher yellow in the autumn season; they are oval or obovate, alternate, hairless, up to 15 cm long and up to 10 cm wide, with short and robust petiole; the margin is irregularly indented and the apex is briefly sharp and obtuse.
From the median rib, 5-6 straight or slightly arched secondary ribs start at an acute angle from two sides, reaching the margin and strongly marked on the lower page.
The flowers , which generally open in the months of September and October, are gathered two or three in axillary glomeruli, and have four sepals and four yellow petals; each flower has four stamens and two styles. The fruits are wooden capsules with two loggias, 10-14 mm long, which when ripe open, releasing one or two dark and shiny seeds.

The witch hazel habitat

It grows spontaneously on the eastern coasts of North America, in the humid forests of Canada and the Northern United States

Background

The American Indians used it for its healing properties and also attributed an extraordinary magical power to the point of considering it a " working tool" of the shamans, during their ritual and propitiatory practices.

The discovery of witch hazel in science is however relatively recent. In fact in 1731 Mark Caterby mentioned the plant in his work Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahamas Islands and had it introduced to Europe, so that it could become an ornamental plant.
Over time, however, the Virginiana variety became more and more important under the therapeutic aspect for its astringent and hemostatic properties , highlighted by studies dating back to the early 1900s, when tannins were found inside the leaves and bark .

See more :6 Uses for Witch Hazel : Witch Hazel for hemorrhoids