Tag Archives: itching

Ear Mites

There are several types of mites that can invade the ear canals of dogs and cats. In fact, ear mites can live anywhere on an animal’s body! Although humans are not affected by ear mites, many other animals can be. Ear mites are extremely contagious and can affect dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets, and other furry pets. The most common ear mite seen in puppies and kittens is otodectes cynotis. Of course, that may only be useful information if you’re going to be appearing on Jeopardy. The symptoms of ear mites are pretty easy to spot. Animals with … Continue reading →

Lobelia

Also known as Indian tobacco, lobelia has long been used as a remedy for respiratory ailments. Native Americans used lobelia to treat asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. To this day, the herb is uses as an expectorant, helping the body clear mucus from the respiratory tract. In the nineteenth century, lobelia had other names: puke weed, gag root, and asthma weed. American physicians used the herb to induce vomiting in order to clear toxins from the body. The leaves and seeds of the plant are primarily used in medicine. Dried lobelia tastes and smells sort of like tobacco. Modern studies … Continue reading →

Chicken Pox: Stop That Itch!

The rash that accompanies a case of chicken pox is incredibly itchy! These red bumps or blisters can leave scars if they are scratched too much. So if your kids (or you) are fighting chicken pox, here are some tips to help you fight the itchies. Keep your fingernails short. That way, if you DO scratch, you won’t do as much damage. Keep your hands covered. A pair of mittens or even a pair of socks can keep you from scratching while you’re asleep. Wash your hands often. If you do scratch with dirty hands, you can spread germs into … Continue reading →

Quick Household Remedies For Skin Problems

You don’t need to resort to drastic measures to ease common skin problems like acne, itching, and bug bites. Everything you need to treat the problem may already be sitting around the house! To soothe itchy rashes caused by poison ivy, allergies, heat and sweat, perfumes, or other triggers: Take an over-the-counter antihistamine (like Benadryl). Spritz mineral water onto the affected area to ease inflammation — both the coolness and the trace minerals can help relieve the swelling and pain. Try ice water to numb the itch or pain. Apply olive oil directly to eczema or psoriasis flare-ups to keep … Continue reading →

Treat Poison Ivy Naturally

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Lucky us… we just found poison ivy growing in the hedge behind the pool. Poison ivy — like poison oak and poison sumac — causes an extremely itchy rash that can be very contagious. If you’ve got poison ivy, avoid oil-based soaps and products. They’re only going to help the rash spread. And itching is only going to make things worse. So what do you do? You can fight plants with plants… ease your poison ivy problems with natural remedies! Chamomile and helichrysum essential oils will help ease the pain and itching of the rash AND help the skin heal. … Continue reading →

Grow Your Own Herbs

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It might surprise you if I tell you that the price for packaged herbs at the grocery store is comparable to the price you’d pay to buy a small pot of herbs in your local garden center. It’s really true. Fresh herbs seem to be so expensive. They come in a small package at the grocery store for nearly two bucks a piece and they don’t last very long in the refrigerator. I love using fresh herbs, but it’s hard to justify spending so much money on them, only to see some of my precious herbs go bad before I … Continue reading →

Treating the Itchies

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The Moose monster has several special tricks for taking care of his itchy back. Sometimes he’ll flop down in the grass, roll onto his back, and squirm. Sometimes he’ll subtly jam his head under your arm so you know it’s time to scratch his back. But my favorite is when he walks through the bushes so the branches scratch his poor itchy self. If your dog has dry and/or itchy skin, there are a few things you can do to help. Try to determine the cause of the itching. It could be skin or food allergies; it could be fleas … Continue reading →

Herb Butters

One reason I look forward to Spring is that it’s time to grow fresh herbs. I love fresh-cut chives on just about everything, and there’s no beating the fragrance of fresh basil. Herb butters are a great way to capture the flavor of fresh herbs, either from your own garden or purchased from the store or a farmers market. I like to make herb butter when I’ve purchased or harvested herbs for a recipe and then have some leftover. Chop them up, add them to the butter and you have a wonderful treat that can be used right away or … Continue reading →

Herbes de Provence

A few years ago, I bought a cute, clay jar of Herbes de Provence from a gourmet grocery store near my house. I have to admit that I bought it mostly because of the cute, clay jar. But I also bought it because I was reading A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle and was swept up in the whole southern France culinary romance. A new spice in my life wouldn’t be such a bad thing. I used it on a baked chicken and it was wonderful. And then I used it on a chicken in the crock pot, with … Continue reading →