12 Secrets Every Pharmacist Knows (And You Should, Too)

Nobody knows more about medications than pharmacists do—not doctors, not nurses, not anyone. As Ronald Jordan, dean of Chapman University's School of Pharmacy, in Orange, California, puts it, "Those with the right to prescribe know far less about drug therapies than pharmacists, and consumers need to make use of that knowledge." Here, find out why generics cost less, how far in advance you should call for a refill, and more.
1. Chain-store pharmacists have quotas to meet.
Fifteen minutes: that's how long pharmacists at chains like CVS, Walgreen's, and Rite Aid have to fill a prescription once it's called in. One CVS pharmacist, who wants to remain anonymous, even compares the process to McDonald's. "Sometimes it's [filling] 25 medications at once, bang, bang, bang," he says. "If we take longer than we're supposed to, we get written up and have to meet with district managers. It can even affect bonuses. It's a lot of pressure."
2. Mornings are the best time to fill prescriptions.
Like doctors, pharmacists—especially those at mom-and-pop shops, who don't have quotas to meet—are less likely to make you wait first thing in the morning. As Martin Ochalek, a pharmacist in Miami, puts it, "Once the doctor calls start coming, it slows down everything." The exception? Independent pharmacies. "Any time of day is a good time to call in a prescription since they need the business," says Joey Jimenez, a former pharmacy tech who specializes in compound (or "made-from-scratch") drugs at Total Pharmacy Supply. Another timesaving tip: call before you go to confirm your prescription is ready for pick up.
3. If it takes longer than 15 minutes, be patient.
Getting the wrong prescription can have serious consequences, which is why it pays to be patient. "Time pressures can contribute to medication errors," says Sally Rafie, PharmD, a medication safety specialist at the UC San Diego Health System. "The pharmacist does far more than count pills and place them into a bottle. Pharmacists are reviewing allergies, drug interactions, dosing, and much more to be sure you get a medication that will be safe and effective for you."
4. Doctors' handwriting really is that bad...

So bad, in fact, that it can lead to mistakes—which is why pharmacists need to be extra vigilant when filling prescriptions. "It's amazing how horrible their writing is sometimes," says Ochalek, who recalls a time when he received a child's prescription for amoxicillin that appeared to be three to four times the proper dosage. While a call to the doctor can clear up any issues, it's an extra step—one that usually ends with the customer waiting longer. Jimenez is a proponent of electronic scripts. "But not everyone has switched to the system yet because it's an additional cost," he says.
5. Pharmacists don't set prices.
There's no denying that medications are expensive, even with health insurance. But unlike typical retail stores that choose how much to mark up products, pharmacies have no say in what they charge. "Customers are not aware of what's going on with the pricing of drugs these days," says Jack Porter, a pharmacist in Beverly Hills. "A cream that used to cost $10 can cost $150 all of a sudden, and I would love for people to be aware of that."
6. You can't—and shouldn't—always get a generic.
First, a primer on generics: According to the FDA, they are "identical to a brand-name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use." So why do they cost less? Once a brand-name drug hits the market, it holds its patent for around 20 years, and no other pharmaceutical company can make or sell it until the patent expires. But once it does, companies are free to manufacture it—without the cost of building it from scratch.
Keep in mind that not every drug has a generic, and that even when one does exist, a pharmacist may not always recommend it. Says Porter: "I don't substitute certain medications that treat seizures because the generic dissolves at a different rate," which is an occasional difference between generic and brand name drugs. "On the generic, there's a chance they could still have a seizure. I wouldn't take the chance."
7. Don't wait until you're out of medicine to order refills.

As we all know, doctors are busy people—and they're the ones who hold the key to you getting a refill for your medication. Which is why it's important to give your pharmacist a few days to get ahold of them. "Doctors don't always call back promptly, and it's not automatic that you can get a refill the same day," Porter says. A good rule of thumb: let the pharmacist know when you have five or six pills left. "This is especially true for maintenance drugs like blood pressure meds. Missing a day or waiting extensive periods of time between dosages can have harmful effects," adds Jimenez.
8. Don't use the pharmacy checkout if you're not picking up a prescription.
We've all been there before: The checkout line snakes into the aisles and all you want to buy are a few toiletries. But resist the temptation to pay at the pharmacy. "While pharmacists are happy to help, it distracts them from the important work they're doing, which can lead to unintentional errors," Rafie says. "And don't ask the pharmacist where to find the batteries, diapers, or restrooms!"
9. Build a relationship with your pharmacist.

You wouldn't switch doctors each month—and the same approach should be applied to your pharmacist. "Like any healthcare provider, patients are better served if they develop a relationship with their pharmacist," says Jordan. "They're willing to spend extra time with you, and it's always helpful to know the person on the other end of the phone line." In addition to getting more personalized attention, it's also more practical to stick with one place. "It's a lot of extra work for the pharmacy to keep transferring the prescription," says Rafie, adding, "There's no way each pharmacy can have all the information they need on file to make sure a medication is safe for you."
10. Know the meaning of "as directed."
You may have noticed a doctor write "as directed" on a prescription. This indicates to the pharmacist that the doctor has already explained to the patient how to use the medication. While some medicines' instructions are obvious, others can be taken many different ways. "I'll get people who come in with a prescription and ask, 'why am I taking this?' " Porter says. "It's important to look at the prescription when you get it, and leave the office with some understanding of what it is—especially if it says 'as directed.' "
11. Ask the right questions...
...though a good pharmacist will automatically provide many of the answers, including when to take the medication, whether or not to take it with food, what the side effects are, and if it needs to be refrigerated. "A patient needs to walk out of a pharmacy confident that they know what to do," Porter says. "If they're not, then they need to ask more questions." In the end, the customer is the one who will suffer the consequences. According to Jordan, "If people stop taking medication before they should or don't use them as prescribed, they may end up in the emergency room or having to take additional, higher-cost drugs as a result."
And while allergies are typically included in your medical file, speak up if the pharmacist doesn't ask (though he or she should). As Porter puts it, "The ultimate responsibility is on the patient to make the pharmacist aware."
12. Don't buy medicine online.
Just because some prescription drugs are a click away doesn't mean you should give into the convenience—even if they cost a little less. (The exception: something you have been taken regularly without any issues, such as birth control pills.) "The financial advantage is there, but the biggest problem is people end up using medications incorrectly or not recognizing side effects," Jordan says. "You're so much better off going through a pharmacist, where you can get advice face-to-face."

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10 Things Every Caregiver Needs To Know

 
Caregiving for an Alzheimer's patient is a marathon, not a sprint. "Alzheimer's can go on for a long time," says Ruth Drew, director of client and information services for the Alzheimer's Association. "It can be three years or as long as 20 years from the beginning of symptoms until a person reaches the end of her life." As the intensity of the caregiving ramps up, so too does the emotional intensity of the process, says Drew. "You're grieving each loss," she notes. "The day a person doesn't remember how to do something they've always been able to do. The day you have to tell your mom she can't drive anymore. The day your dad doesn't remember your name, or that he's your dad." While caregiving can feel lonely and overwhelming, these 10 tips from experts can help you and your family through the process.
1. Get a diagnosis.
It can be hard to get medical professionals, let alone other family members, to take early symptoms seriously, but you see things when you're a caregiver that professionals might miss. "People try to brush it off. They'll say, 'Oh, it's just old age,' " says Maria Ciletti, a registered nurse and author of I Have to Leave You Now: A Survival Guide for Alzheimer's Caregivers. "Get your loved one to the doctor and get a diagnosis. That way they can get on the medications early, which buys you some time."
2. Make medical, legal, and financial plans as soon as possible.
Durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, and living wills are all documents you'll need as the disease progresses. Take care of the paperwork early, while your loved one can still be part of the process. "In the early stages a person can have his or her say," says Drew. And there are practical reasons for including the person with Alzheimer's, adds Drew. "When there's conflict at the end of life within a family, often it's because everyone wants to do the right thing but they don't agree about what the right thing is," she explains. "If they didn't have these conversations with Mom early on, there may be no way of knowing for sure what she wanted."
3. Put together a care team and support network.
This can include friends, family, and neighbors as well as doctors, nurses, and caregivers, says Drew. "Look at everything that needs to be done and say, 'Which are the things only I can do, and which are the things that can be farmed out?' " she suggests. The Alzheimer's Association runs a help line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (800-272-3900) and online (alz.org), and hosts chapters and support groups around the country.
4. Educate yourself.
"Know what you're dealing with," advises Drew.  "Know about the disease, know about the progression of the disease, know about what works in caregiving." For instance, many facilities offer ongoing education for families and friends, and they're often open to the public.
5. Acknowledge that you can't do it alone.
"When it gets to be too much, tell somebody," says Ciletti, who cared for her mother and has worked on Alzheimer's wards in nursing homes. "I ended up in the Emergency Room on Christmas Day, curled up in a ball from having a huge panic attack, because I was exhausted." While you may want to do everything yourself, it's important to learn to ask for help. Ciletti recommends starting small—asking someone to come sit with your family member for an hour so you can go to the grocery store, or even come sit with you for company. "This becomes a rigorous, physical, 24-hour-a-day job," says Drew. "You can't keep up that level of intensity. Eventually we all break down if we don't get a break, if we don't get some rest, if we don't attend to our own nutrition and health care and basic needs."
6. Focus on what the person can do, not on what she can't.

"Try to see the world through her eyes, not just say 'Oh that's the Alzheimer's,' " recommends Drew. For instance, rather than correcting someone if they get something wrong, just go with it. "If Mom points to the ketchup and says, 'Pass the salt,' just pass the ketchup. Don't tell her she said salt and meant ketchup," says Drew. "If Mom always liked washing dishes, have her wash dishes. It doesn't matter if you have a dishwasher or the dishes don't come out clean. Who cares?"
7. Be flexible.
There's no script for Alzheimer's; it can progress slowly or quickly, and the process is different for every family. "I hear over and over again from folks, 'OK, we've got a plan and as long as things stay the same we've got this covered,' " says Drew. "And the one thing I know for sure is that things won't stay the same. This is a disease that progresses." The constantly changing nature of the illness can be frustrating, but if you know that ahead of time you can manage it more effectively.
8. Go slowly.
"If you get tense or in a hurry and try to speed things up, all you do is shut down the person with Alzheimer's," says Drew. "Assume a calm, gentle spirit. Be kind and gracious. That allows the person to be at their best and have the best outcome."
9. Monitor your own stress levels.
Getting angry too easily, withdrawing, sleeping too much or too little, feeling anxious or depressed, feeling exhausted—these are all common signs of stress, especially for caregivers.
10. Appreciate the rewards.
"Taking care of somebody is a very intimate thing," says Ciletti. "I got to be very close to my mom, and no matter how bad it got, I have no regrets." Drew adds: "I've heard many people say, 'I never saw this side of my dad or mom or husband before, and I would never have known this part of them, and I'm so glad I got to connect with them in this way.' "

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25 Everyday Uses for Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most extensively researched essential oils, and one of the most backed by the findings and conclusions discovered from the studies done on it. It is produced from a shrub like tree by the name of Melaleuca alternifolia, which is found along streams and in swampy areas in its native land of Australia. In the 1920’s a chemist by the name of Arthur Penfold was busy exploring the properties of native volatile oils, isolating their properties, exploring their molecular structure, and contributing to the chemical understanding of variations within plant species. During his studies in phytochemistry, he found that tea tree oil appeared extremely promising due to its powerful antiseptic properties. But well before Mr. Penfold kick started the commercial tea tree oil industry, native aboriginals were using and benefitting from tea tree oil, and passing their knowledge down throughout generations. Tea tree oil uses are endless, with a long and rich history which continues to this day.

Safety Concerns: Essential oils are powerful, and tea tree oil is no exception. The greatest concern when it comes to using tea tree oil is chiefly skin irritation. Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, may experience a reaction when they come into direct contact with the oil. If this is a concern for you, always dilute the tea tree oil in a liquid neutral oil such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, etc. etc. Mixing with water does no good-it’s an oil, and will therefore separate-so you must give it another fat to grab onto. There isn’t a whole lot known about ingesting tea tree oil, so internal usage/consumption is not mentioned in this list.

1. Clear up A Sore Throat

Tea tree oil can help with some inflammation of the mucous membranes, which contributes to the pain of a sore throat, but most importantly it can help fight off an infection. If caught in time, it can also possibly prevent it from really taking hold in the first place.

Put 1 drop of tea tree oil into a glass of warm water, swish it around and gargle with it at least once a day. Don’t panic if you swallow a little bit, but try to spit out most of it. You can also add 2 teaspoons of salt which, thanks to osmosis, will draw excess water out of the mucous membranes that can create pressure and add to discomfort.

2. Fight that Head Cold

When you have a cold that develops into a sinus infection, the resulting pressure and discomfort can be miserable. The sinuses, air filled cavities in the front of the skull, are lined with mucous membranes, and when an infection sets in, an excess of mucous in the cavities creates painful pressure. In addition to this, inflammation of the membranes makes it difficult for said mucous to drain. The anti-bacterial action of tea tree oil can be airborne, which means it can be effective via steam bath. I know I mention this remedy a lot, but it really is the bee’s knees. To clear up a sinus infection, add roughly 5-8 drops of tea tree oil (you can adjust the amount to suit your preferences, but it is powerful stuff) to a bowl of freshly boiled water. Lean over the bowl, being mindful of the steam, and cover your head and the bowl with a towel. Breathe the steam for a good ten minutes at least twice daily to wipe out that nasty bacteria. Keep tissues on hand.

3. Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer

You’re out to a nice dinner and as you settle into the booth your mother-in-law whips out a little bottle of hand sanitizer. “Would you like some?” she asks-but you know it’s not a question. Obligingly you hold out your hand and try not to cringe as she squeezes out a giant dollop that floods your palm. That situation-or some take on it-has happened to many of us at some point or another. Now, thanks to the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil, you can make your own (much more pleasant) hand sanitizer.

4. Fight the Fungus

Nail fungus is an unpleasant condition that can cause both physical and psychological discomfort. You can use tea tree oil mixed simply with water, or you can mix it with coconut oil. Coconut oil also has fungus fighting properties that complement the tea tree oil. Melt down a tablespoon of coconut oil and then mix in 4-5 drops of tea tree oil. Store in an airtight glass container out of direct sunlight, and apply faithfully to the affected area once in the morning and once at night every day. You don’t need to use much-you don’t want greasy toes after all-and be sure to wash your hands between applications to avoid spreading the fungus.

5. Clean Minor Cuts and Abrasions

Minor cuts and abrasions can benefit from the antimicrobial action of tea tree oil, which cleanses the area and wards off infection. Clean the area thoroughly with plain soap and water, and rinse any soap off, making sure there is no dirt or debris left over. Mix a drop of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and apply a small dab directly to the cut. Rinse clean and reapply 1-2 times daily as needed. You can also smear a bit of the tea tree/coconut oil mixture on the inside of a regular adhesive bandage and place it over the cut.

6. Repel Pests

The smell of tea tree oil is often times enough to deter pests. In nature, the essential oil in the plant may play a role in warding off potential creatures that would otherwise enjoy it as a tasty snack, so why wouldn’t it work as a bottled essential oil? Add 20 drops or so to a spray bottle and fill with water. Shake and spray around cracks, doorways, and any other potential pest entrances.

7. Fight Bad Breath

Your mouth is home to a host of bacteria, most of it good, but some of it that’s not so welcome. A common cause of bad breath is an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria. Tea tree oil, being so effective at wiping out bacteria, can be hugely helpful in preventing bad breath at the source. It’s not a cure, but it is a helpful tool to have for your care regime. Much like you’d do for a sore throat, mix a drop with a cup of warm water and swish around your mouth, through your teeth, and gargle. Gargling is important, as bacteria likes to reside at the back of the throat. Repeat 1-2 times daily.

8. DIY Deodorant

If it can deodorize your garbage can, it can deodorize you. There are two types of sweat glands on our body-apocrine and eccrine. Eccrine sweat glands cover most of the body, and really, the vast majority of sweat doesn’t smell at all (truly, the next time you find yourself with a sweaty leg or palm, sniff it. You won’t smell anything.) Apocrine sweat glands, on the other hand, lurk in culprit areas around the armpits and genitals. They are inactive until puberty and then they decide to make that awkward time of your life even more awkward. The sweat secreted by these glands is thicker than typical sweat, and feeds the bacteria on our skin. It is the bacteria breaking down and decomposing the sweat that releases the odor. See where this connects to tea tree oil? Since tea tree oil fights bacteria…the less bacteria breaking down sweat…the less odor you have to contend with. The Everyday Roots Book has a great recipe for a DIY stick deodorant featuring tea tree oil that works wonderfully.

9. Deodorize Garbage/Diaper Pail

If you dread opening the trash (or a diaper pail, if you happen to use one) a dash of tea tree oil might be just the thing to solve the problem. It also helps prevent bacteria from growing. I make a scented baking soda for extra odor killing power. Add roughly ¼-1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil to a half or one cup of baking soda and mix the lumps out with a fork. Simply re-cycle a shaker (such as one used for parmesan) and shake into the bottom of a fresh bag to help keep the odor down.

10. Banish Mildew

Mildew is made up of little fungal filaments and tends to look white (sometimes black), “powdery”, or fuzzy. It likes to grow on surfaces (particularly organic ones such as wood) that are damp and warm. Luckily, most cases are superficial, and can be wiped away easily. In addition to avoiding conditions that encourage mildew (e.g. opening the windows after a shower to avoid dampness and humidity), mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well before each application. Spray directly onto the mildew and allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. Wipe the spot dry when everything is spick and span. The tea tree oil should inhibit the growth of future bacteria, as long as the conditions are well managed.

11. Ease Itchy Bug Bites

I am from Minnesota-I can handle hordes of Jurassic mosquitos without batting an eye. But when I recently left my frigid northern climate to enjoy some time in warmth and sun, I was taken down by sand fleas. The nasty buggers just ripped my ankles and lower legs to shreds and I have never felt so tormented in my life. Normally I am prepared with some sort of remedy on hand, but for some reason I failed this trip. I attempted to use a bottle of that roll on anti-itch stuff, which burned with the fire of ten thousand suns, and then didn’t work at all. I needed my tea tree oil (which of course I didn’t have on this time.)
Early studies have shown that tea tree oil can play a role in decreasing the severity of what is known as the wheal and flare reaction. When an allergen or irritant comes in contact with the skin-such as the substance secreted by mosquitos-, the body releases histamine-a neurotransmitter that causes reactions such as itchiness, redness, and swelling. The reaction on the skin will take place in two parts. First, a raised, red or flesh colored lump, will raise. This is the wheal part of the reaction. Following this is the flare, which is a ring of red, irritated skin that surrounds the wheal. Tea tree oil doesn’t appear to have much effect on the flare, however it did significantly reduce the volume of the wheal. So, it has some effect on taming histamine induced skin irritation. This means that dabbing a bit of tea tree oil (diluted in coconut oil) onto a bug bite can reduce the severity of the initial reaction and soothe the burning itching sensation that is so torturous.

12. Ease Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by “plaques”, or areas of red, scaly sometimes inflamed skin. These areas develop when skin production is faster than the body’s ability to shed it. There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are things you can do to ease the discomfort and possibly speed the healing of the effective area. Thanks to tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is precisely what some people need to find relief. Mixed with coconut oil-which acts as a carrier for the oil and provides moisture to the skin-it can make a healing salve. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Apply just enough to cover the affected area. Repeat 2-3 times daily as needed.

13. All-Purpose Surface Cleaner

It’s a bit counterproductive to try and make your counter tops more food-friendly by wiping them down with caustic chemicals. For a gentle and effective all-purpose cleaner, mix 20-25 drops of tea tree oil with ¼ cup of water and a ½ cup of distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well, spray directly onto surfaces, and wipe down with a clean cloth. Remember the oil won’t mix with the water or vinegar, hence the shaking. Also be aware that it will not be diluted in water or vinegar, so avoid spraying directly onto your skin. While plenty of people are fine-and it has never personally bothered me- some people are irritated by the oil in its “neat” form.

14. Make a Stuffy Nose Salve

When you find yourself with a terribly stuffed up nose, doing the tea tree oil steam bath is a great way to clear out the blockage. But for the times when it’s not convenient to put a towel over your head and lean over a bowl of steaming water, try making a handy little salve to dab under your nostrils to ease the stuffiness. Simply mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 2 drops of peppermint and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Pour into a lip balm tin and allow it to cool. Apply sparingly under nose when needed.

15. Make Mouthwash

Bacteria in the mouth-it can be a good thing and a bad thing. Mostly it’s a good thing, but when there’s an overabundance, it can lead to halitosis, or chronic bad breath. By now I probably don’t even need to say it, but I’ll say it anyways-tea tree oil with its antibacterial properties can help kill off excess bacteria that is leading to bad breath. Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 drop of peppermint oil in 1 cup of fresh water. Swish, gargle, and make sure to spit it out!

16. More Ways to Freshen Up

There are many uses for tea tree oil when it comes to freshening up. In addition to making a great ingredient in homemade deodorant, when added to bath water, tea tree oil can help freshen you up. Unlike many soaps and washes, it keeps you truly clean, rather than simply covering up odor. Add 15 drops to 2 tablespoons of liquid oil. When the tub is halfway full, add the oil. As you bathe swish it around to break it up. While the oil won’t mix with the water, you want it as a carrier. Soak for 20 minutes and then dry off with a clean fluffy towel.

17. Cleanse the Washing Machine

I am ashamed to admit that I used to use those disgusting packets of chemical powder to deodorize my washing machine. I just liked the smell of a fresh machine so much, and it felt so great to wash clothes in it that I was a bit…blinded. Given the dog blankets and saddle pads that go through my machine, it was also kind of necessary to freshen it up in some way. Needless to say, that phase is well behind me. If you want to freshen up your washing machine, add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to the empty drum and run it on the hot cycle to get rid of any bacteria and odor.

18. Fight Acne

Our skin is a thriving environment full of living microbes. Like the mouth, certain bacteria on the surface of the skin is necessary. On the other hand, some bacteria, such propiobacterium acnes (P. acnes)*can cause breakouts that aren’t so welcome. More so than fighting bacteria (which is only minor cause of acne) tea tree oil’s terpenes penetrate your pores, loosening up blocked oil and dirt that cause whiteheads, blackheads, and those painful red breakouts. Mix a drop or 2 with a smidge of coconut oil and use a cotton swab to apply. Avoid using your fingertips, which just introduces more dirt. Coconut oil may seem counterintuitive, but most people don’t have a problem with it on their skin.

19. Athletes Foot (anti-fungal) Powder

Arrowroot powder is obtained from the rhizome of several tropical plants, and it is useful in quelling odor as well as providing a moisture absorbing base for this anti-fungal powder. The moisture absorbing part is important, as the fungus that causes athletes foot loves damp, moist places-aka sweaty shoes! The baking soda will also help with odor, sweating, and soothe any itchiness. Tea tree oil is of course the star here, doing battle with the actual fungus itself, and inhibiting its ability to replicate. Rustle up a shaker (you can buy plain ones, or re-purpose one of those parmesan shaker containers) and add ¼ cup of arrowroot powder, and ¼ cup of baking soda. Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to the powder, spreading the droplets out as best you can. Use a fork to mash in the little lumps and then add it to your container. Rinse your feet and pat them dry, then apply powder afterwards. Repeat twice daily. It is easiest to do this in the bathtub or show because it can make a bit of a mess! Use (clean) hands to evenly spread the powder. Shake well before each use, and store in a cool dark place.

20. Sore Muscle Soak

As it seems to help with inflammation, it makes sense that tea tree oil would provide welcome relief from sore, tight, inflamed, muscles. As someone who suffers from tension headaches rather frequently, anything that helps release tension in my muscles is a friend. Epsom salts, thought to help relax muscles because of its magnesium content (magnesium plays a vital role in the contraction and relaxation of muscles) makes the perfect carrier for the tea tree oil. First dilute 10 drops of tea tree oil in any neutral oil, and mix into the Epsom salt. Fill the tub halfway with warm water, add the salt, and top off the tub. Relax, enjoy, and unwind.

21. Freshen Dryer Loads

Tea tree oil works in more than just the washing machine. If your clothes have a damp mildew smell to them, add several drops to wool dryer balls to freshen up the clothes if you don’t have time (or don’t want to) re-wash them. If you don’t have wool dryer balls, you can simply recycle a clean cotton t-shirt. Cut it into 5 inch squares, and add 5 drops of tea tree oil to it. Toss it in the dryer with your clothes as you would any other dryer sheet. When you find the scent starts to lose its potency, simply refresh with a few more drops. I like to wash these every few weeks before re-scenting them-it’s not necessary, but does ensure everything feels extra clean all the time.

22. Fight Foot Odor

As bacteria and/or fungus is often times the culprit behind foot odor, a little soak with tea tree oil can help freshen up your feet. Bring several cups of water to a boil and pour into a basin. Steep several sprigs of rosemary for 10-15 minutes. In the meantime, add 15 drops of tea tree oil to 2 1/2 tablespoons of liquid oil (grapeseed, almond, jojoba, olive, etc.) When the rosemary has finished steeping add the tea tree oil mixture to the water. Yes, it will separate-oil and water tend to do that. Simply swish the water around with your feet now and again. Soak for 15 minutes twice daily and pat your feet dry.

23. Draw Out A Splinter

A little splinter seems harmless enough, until the skin around it gets hot, swollen, and too tender to touch, making it difficult to work the splinter out. To ward off bacteria and potential infection, add 3 drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon or so of liquid neutral oil. Add this plus 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a bowl of warm water. Soak your finger for 5-10 minutes to soften up the skin and loosen the splinter, and then work it out by applying pressure just below it. Use a tweezers to grab it when it protrudes, but be sure to get the whole thing and not just break off a piece of it!

24. Keep Your Garden Mildew-Free

A more specific use for tea tree oil and our fight against mildew. Over the summer I was tending to a friend’s magnificent garden while they were out of town, and noticed some powdery mildew that was taking over. If tea tree oil can fight mildew in the home, why not in the garden? Use the same formula as above and spray lightly on plants with mildew. Reapply daily as needed, but test it on a few leaves first. Most plants are fine, but don’t go dousing them-there’s always too much of a good thing.

25. Toothbrush/Retainer Cleaner

Where does bacteria love to congregate? Moist surfaces. What tends to be moist and then locked into cupboards or plastic cases? Toothbrushes and retainers. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water. Once a week for your toothbrush, or every other day for your retainer, swish it around in the water to kill bacteria, then rinse with plain water and allow it to dry before locking it back up.

The Low Down on Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil (TTO) is typically extracted from the leaves via steam distillation, and maintains its potency for roughly 1 year from the date of distillation when properly stored in a dark glass bottle and out of direct sunlight. Tea tree oil is noted for its anti-microbial properties, fighting bacteria, inhibiting the growth of fungi, and potentially wiping out certain viruses. Research has determined that it derives its benefits from terpene hydrocarbons. While there are numerous terpenes (approximately 100) that make up tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol is largely responsible for its antibacterial properties. A standard for TTO is maintained that requires all commercially available oil to have a minimum amount of terpinen-4-ol, with no upper limit, to maximize its broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.
TTO works in several different ways to fight microbes. When studying the mechanism of its actions on E. coli, S. aureus (bacterium that can lead to staph infections) and C. albicans (a yeast) it was found that it mainly affected two things-cellular respiration, leading to decreased oxygen intake, and increased cell permeability. The decreased oxygen harms the cells as it is a vital component in the electron transport chain that makes up the process of cellular respiration. Without this process, there is no way to create usable energy, and no way for the cell to continue functioning. When cell permeability is increased, foreign substances can penetrate the cell membrane more easily, and the cell can “leak” vital components. There is some tentative research into how tea tree oil has anti-viral properties, particularly when it comes to the herpes-simplex virus. And while it’s true that there really isn’t much to be done once the virus takes a hold of your body, when outside floating around in the environment, some can be rendered ineffective by tea tree oil. In short-tea tree oil is an awesome tool with a powerful array of anti-microbial properties at its disposal. It’s not an almighty cure-all, but it is pretty dang handy.

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Make Your Own Electrolyte Energy Drink

Gatorade, PowerAde, electrolyte pumped-up sports drinks…they’re good for you, right? You see athletes chugging down bottles of the neon-colored liquid in every ad and real life, surely they do something, and they do. They help you maintain your body’s balance of electrolytes during or after periods of heavier exercise. But when you look closer, you’re really just paying an outrageous price for glorified, brightly colored, sugar water. An overload of processed and refined sweetener (in the case of sports drinks, high-fructose corn syrup) is never a good thing. And while artificial flavors and colors don’t technically do much to your health, a part of me just shies away from the idea of ingesting things that are “fake.”

We’ve been led to believe by certain companies that we need an extra-special drink to recover from some sweat. First of all, there is a huge difference between athletes that work out hardcore for hours, and those dedicated to fifteen minute morning workout routines. Secondly, our bodies are smart, staying well hydrated and eating healthy is usually enough to maintain a balance of electrolytes. For those times that you do have a heavier workout though, make your own sports drink. It’s easy, quick, and naturally refreshing.

Ingredients: Lemons, limes, oranges, salt, honey, water, coconut water, sugar, strawberries.

Why the ingredients: There isn’t much need to delve into why each ingredient is included. They all fall under the blanket statement of being a good source of electrolytes, tasty, or both.

Lay-Low Recipe

You will need…

-1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
-1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
-1 ½ to 2 cups fresh water, depending on how strong you want the flavor
-1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
-2 tablespoons natural sugar or honey, to taste

Directions

Toss everything into a food blender and blend until the honey is dissolved, or just use some elbow grease and blend it by hand. Pour yourself a tall glass, drop in a few ice cubes, and enjoy.

Bright ‘n Early Recipe

You will need…

-1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
-1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
-1 ½ to 2 cups of fresh water
-1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
-2 tablespoons natural sugar or honey, to taste

Directions

Same as above. You can halve or double the recipe as you need, and feel free to experiment with flavors. Keep in mind citrus fruits, especially orange, are a good source of electrolytes.

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Gout is a complex form of arthritis, and although it’s shrouded in mystery and often overlooked by those who don’t suffer it, it can be excruciating and debilitating to those who do. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which is the product of the breakdown of waste substances that usually dissolve in the blood and get processed by the kidneys. For people that suffer gout attacks, their kidneys don’t get rid of the uric acid fast enough and it crystallizes and collects in the joint. Symptoms include sudden pain, tenderness, heat, and redness in joints. In many cases it is at the base of the big toe, and the pain can be so unbearable that even a feather light touch will be too much to bear. Gout is chronic, and there are a good number of people out there who don’t want to be on aspirin for the rest of their lives. By making a blend of these ingredients and tapping into their natural healing properties, you can help relieve/prevent your symptoms, similar to how a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory would.

Ingredients: Pineapple, turmeric, ginger root, tart cherry juice.

Why pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to be useful in reducing inflammation. The theory behind why it works lies in that it affects prostaglandin synthesis (basically, it interferes with the hormones that send the signal that something should swell up.) Bromelain is also an enzyme that digests proteins (hence why pineapple is so popular for tenderizing meat) and gout has been linked to diets high in protein, which can cause an excess of uric acid to build up in the blood.
Why Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has seen great success with pain relief lately. Curcumin blocks the production of the protein that tells blood vessels to enlarge.

Why ginger root: Ginger root contains gingerols, an active component that is related to capsaicin. Gingerols are structured much like capsaicin on a molecular level, which means it may help inhibit the signals sent to your brain that trigger pain. They also lessen the enzymes causing inflammation.
Why tart cherry juice (optional): Cherries have been linked to lowering levels of uric acid in studies, and although the studies were not specifically done on gout, it is very possible that it would help prevent an attack if consumed regularly.
 

You will need…

-1 pineapple
-1-2 teaspoons of powdered turmeric
-2-3 teaspoons of powdered ginger, or 1 inch off of a fresh ginger root
-1 cup of tart cherry juice
-Honey (optional)
-Blender, food processor, or lots of elbow grease
-A glass container with a tightly fitting lid
-A strainer

Directions

Cut the skin and stem off of the pineapple. You can either chop up and use the stem and strain the drink, or you can opt not to use it. The reason why you might include it is because the stem has a high concentration of bromein, but using just the fruit is ok too. Slice the pineapple into chunks that are roughly the same size and toss them in your food processor or blender. Whirl them around until they are pretty evenly mashed up, pour in 1 cup of tart cherry juice, and then sprinkle in 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric and 2-3 teaspoons of ginger. Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to a week and a half. You can add honey to taste if you’d like, and also choose to use the greater or lesser amount of turmeric and ginger depending on how you like it.

Notes: Like nettle tea, if you can have some of this daily, go for it. It might help prevent a gout attack in the first place. Otherwise, you can grab a glass as needed for the pain when it flares up. The drink will keep up to a month in the refrigerator. If you make it on a regular basis, just make one big batch and then do a new one at the end of the month. If it is not practical or possible for you to get a pineapple, there are bromein supplements out there. Do not get any sort of canned or preserved pineapple as the enzymes will have been killed off by heat used in the process of making the product.
As our diets change (not exactly for the better) and more people experience high blood pressure, instances of gout are becoming more and more frequent. Finding out what foods might trigger you will be hugely beneficial, as well as following a “gout” diet. Remember that just because something is natural doesn’t guarantee its safe-if you are on medication or if you don’t know how these ingredients might affect you, always check with a medical professional before using.

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3 Natural Drinks to Help Get Better Sleep

In anticipation of our upcoming list of natural sleep remedies, we’re sharing 3 incredibly simple drinks that you can whip up before bedtime that will help you relax, unwind, and drift off to dreamland (and no, none of them contain alcohol, which will actually disrupt your sleep patterns.)

Cherry juice (and vanilla) drink

I have made cherry juice a regular part of my morning and nighttime routines since the first time I tasted it. To make it even better, it is one the easiest sleep tonics you can concoct!
Why tart cherry juice: Tart cherries are incredibly rich in melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycles, so indulging in a glass of the tart but sweet ruby red liquid every morning and night will help you keep your sleep schedule on track.

Why vanilla (optional): Vanilla has a soothing scent, and adding a drop of extract to your cherry juice can provide aromatherapy benefits that will help you doze off.

You will need…

-5-8 ounces of tart cherry juice
-A drop or 2 of vanilla extract

Directions

In the morning pour yourself about 5-8 ounces of tart cherry juice and drink it in its entirety. At night 1 hour to half an hour before bed repeat, adding a drop or 2 of vanilla if you desire. I would suggest sticking to using the vanilla only at night, since you don’t want to get too relaxed first thing in the morning!

Fresh Chamomile-lavender tea

This tea combines two of the most relaxing herbs known to promote rest and a sense of calm-lavender and chamomile.
Why chamomile: It’s not exactly pinpointed just what in chamomile gives it its sedative effects, but some research has tentatively shown that a constituent in chamomile called apigenin can bind to GABA receptors in the brain, creating a mild response similar to anti-anxiety medication, such as Xanax, does. GABA is the second most common amino acid in the body and plays a huge role in our central nervous system, calming us down and, of course, helping us relax into sleep.
Why lavender: Lavender is a scent that has been used to relax and unwind for centuries. Recently a study showed that people exposed to its odor had a change in brainwaves patterns, suggesting that it did indeed induce drowsiness.

You will need…

-1 teaspoon of lavender buds
-1 teaspoon of chamomile buds
-8 ounces of hot water
-milk/honey to taste (optional)

Directions

Bring 8 ounces of water to a boil. In a teaball or loose-leaf tea strainer, place 1 teaspoon each of lavender and chamomile buds. Put the straining device in your cup and pour the boiling water over it. Allow the herbs to steep for 10-15 minutes-the longer it steeps the stronger the flavor will be. Add milk and/or honey to taste. If you don’t have a teaball or something similar, simply pour the hot water directly over the herbs in a bowl and then use a kitchen strainer to remove the buds.

Warm milky drink

This tasty combination of warm milk, honey, and a sprinkling of nutmeg is your ticket into Snoozefest.
Why warm milk: The idea that warm milk helps you fall asleep didn’t come from nowhere, as people over the centuries could tell you it really does work, but not for the modern day reason that states it makes you sleepy because of tryptophan. Conclusive studies have been done that show milk does not raise tryptophan levels, but it can raise your internal body temperature when it’s heated, which will relax you and make you sleepy and calm. Add to this the most powerful effect of all, the placebo effect. Warm milk seems to do something psychologically that makes us calm and drowsy. Perhaps it makes us harken back to our days of infancy, and therefore makes the drinker “sleep like a baby.” Either way you look at it, there’s something about it that makes falling asleep a breeze.
Why honey: L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid vital to our rest. It is the precursor to serotonin, which can be converted into melatonin, and melatonin is what regulates our sleep-wake cycles. Honey creates a spike in insulin, which drives tryptophan across the blood-brain barrier. It is then converted into serotonin, which in darkness is converted in to melatonin in the pineal gland in our brain. The result is that as nighttime approaches, you have more melatonin to tell your body “ok, it’s time to sleep now.”
Why nutmeg: Nutmeg is a pretty powerful spice-so much so that it’s very possible to “overdose” and end up getting looped out, feeling incredibly ill, hallucinating, and experiencing a myriad of other unpleasant side effects. Ingested safely though it is a pretty darn good natural sleep-aid, thanks to numerous chemical components that act similar to tranquilizers-just stick to a quarter teaspoon or less.

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7 Kinds of Honey and Why It’s Better Than Sugar

Honey has an ancient and therapeutic history, as well as being a staple food for people who lived at least 8,000 years ago. There are over 300 varieties of honey and the bees that create it are remarkable insects. To produce one pound of honey, the bees often travel collectively a distance of 55,000 miles, twice around the world, though they accomplish this within a four-mile radius of their hive. It isn’t only the rich taste and texture of honey that we reap when we harvest this wild food, honey has health benefits greater than cane and beet sugars, and its properties are superior to natural sweeteners like agave.

By contrast, refined sugar, and that includes the granulated, raw, and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) varieties, is empty calories, containing neither the minerals nor the antioxidants that are intrinsic to honey. Fifty years ago the presence of sugar in food was unusual, a special treat, and most of the time appeared in desserts. Not anymore. If you go through a supermarket and look at the labels of foods, you find sugar in almost everything.
The average American consumes 21 teaspoons of sugar a day through soft drinks, frozen foods, fast foods, breads, canned vegetables, condiments, soups, yogurt, salad dressings, dried fruit, children’s snacks, and cereals. That’s before anyone eats an actual dessert. The recommended sugar intake is 6 teaspoons for women and 9 for men, and far less for children. Since one teaspoon contains 4-6 grams of sugar, that is 125 grams. If our average consumption is 21 teaspoons a day, one way or the other (a can of coke has 10 teaspoons), that comes to 300 pounds of sugar a year, you can do the math — we are consuming far beyond a reasonable amount of the sweet stuff, and it’s as addictive as nicotine. If you don’t think so, try going for three days without any refined sugar at all: not processed, or as an additive in food, or in coffee or tea. No HFCS, brown rice syrup, evaporated cane juice, barley malt syrup, molasses, sucrose, or added fructose. No sugar at all. The effects on the body will be very evident.
The body recognizes the organic and healthful nature of honey and processes it in a direct and gradual way. Sugar is foreign to it and negatively affects blood glucose levels, sending us into sudden highs and lows and consequently, unexpected mood changes.
The flavor of honey is dependent on what kind of nectar the honeybees collect, and this varies by region. Taste and texture vary, too, but as long as the honey has not been heated or pasteurized (which removes its health benefits), these types of honey offer gourmet versions of sweet taste. It isn’t meant to be overused, since it is still a sweetener, but its quality far exceeds the pallid sugar we have become accustomed to using. (As a note, honey with a darker color generally has a higher antioxidant content than honey with a lighter color, and all good honey will crystallize after a few months.)

Tupelo honey only comes from White Ogeechee Tupelo trees in northwest Florida. It has a light amber golden color and a slightly greenish cast. It is safe even for diabetics.

Buckwheat honey is a dark brown honey and it has a distinct taste, stronger than Tupelo. The plants the bees visit can thrive in cool temperatures, but can also be found in soil that is acidic.

Manuka honey is a honey well-known for its medicinal and healing properties. It comes from the hills and valleys of the New Zealand wilderness. Its dark color has a smooth taste.

Clover honey is easily found in supermarkets. It has a light amber color and the taste is fairly mild. This honey, unfortunately, is often pasteurized or treated in some way to preserve shelf life, so it is important to look for raw varieties, whether from White, Red, or Sweet Yellow Clover.

Alfalfa honey serves as an excellent table honey because of its mild flavor and light color. The plant is a legume with blue flowers that appears in summer in the U.S. in the northwest and western states.

Eucalyptus honey is medium to dark amber in color, has a medium texture, and derives most often from Australia, though not exclusively. Like Buckwheat honey, its taste is strong and distinctive.

Orange Blossom honey has an extra light amber color, and its citrus origins are trees found in Arizona, Texas, Florida, and of course, California. The honey is distinctive for its noticeable orange blossom scent. Out of all honeys this is probably the one chosen most often for baking and general purpose.
Using honey instead of refined sugar and its variants gives your body a rest from the processing of additives and empty calories. It is an old formula of Nature’s designed for our benefit, with the help of the honeybees… Do you think you may be consuming too much sugar? Do you have trouble controlling that sweet tooth? Try a teaspoon of honey once or twice a day, instead!

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