It is possible for you to get psychologically addicted to it, and that 
does happen, but as far as all of that stuff that says you can get 
physically dependent, it has no real basis. Those claims are probably 
founded on the fact that some forms of lip balm contain ingredients 
that ultimately dry your lips out so you buy or use more. Those main 
culprits are menthol, camphor and phenol, which feel cooling at first, 
but do not do anything to truly soothe lips. There is also OL, which is 
basically alcohol, and salicylic acid, which can help dead skin flake off 
(but really just makes lips peel more.) If you make your own lip balm, 
you will find yourself applying it much less often as it actually sinks in 
and moisturizes, rather than simply forming a barrier that doesn’t let 
moisture in, and dries off quickly.Chapped Lips
-If you don’t have lip balm tins or 
tubes, repurpose another kind of 
tin (mint tins work great!) -Always read ingredient labels 
first if you are buying lip balm, and 
check for the menthol, phenol, 
camphor, OL, and/or salicylic acid. -Put sunscreen on your lips, or use 
SPF lip balm if you plan on going 
out in the sun a lot. Y our lips have 
no pigment, and are susceptible 
to drying out. -Do use lip balm in moderation, 
there is always too much of a 
good thing. -Apply your lip balm before bed. If 
you sleep with your mouth open 
you will dry out your lips. It also 
gives it a chance to sink in without 
you licking it off, chewing on your 
lip, or reapplying compulsively. Almond Oil & Shea Butter
-Feel free to add ¼ teaspoon of 
beeswax to firm this up if you 
prefer a more solid balm. Basic Lip Balm
-Do not roll up the lip balm until it 
has cooled completely. -Make sure you fill your tubes or 
tins on a baking sheet covered in 
aluminum foil. It’s easy to drip or 
spill! 168Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingThis is a basic lip balm recipe that contains beeswax, jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and peppermint 
essential oil. Shea butter and jojoba oil are wonderful healing, protecting, and deeply nourishing ingredients. Coconut oil is the star moisturizer. It does not smother and suffocate skin; rather it sinks in, its fatty acids holding 
onto moisture and making your lips soft and smooth. It will also reinforce the skin’s lipid (fat) layer and promote 
hydration. The beeswax can act as an emollient (moisturizer) and protect your lips from the elements, but mostly 
it is what gives your balm its body and holds everything together. The peppermint essential oil is just your 
classic lip balm smell and taste. Y es, peppermint contains menthol, but it is NOT the same as the concentrated 
or high amounts of menthol found in many brands of lip balm. This may feel more “slick” than some store bought 
balm at first but that goes away quickly as it sinks in and moisturizes!Basic Lip Balm
-1 tablespoon of grated 
beeswax or beeswax pastilles
-1 tablespoon of coconut oil
-1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
-1 tablespoon of shea butter
-5 drops of peppermint oil 1. In a double boiler melt your beeswax, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. 2. Remove from the heat and stir in the shea butter, followed by the 
peppermint oil. 3. Carefully-an eyedropper or pipette is helpful here-add the mixture 
into your tubes or tins. Cap gently and let them cool. 169Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Chapped LipsY ou will need… DirectionsThis quick little concoction is a “faux balm” as I like to call it. Only two ingredients, it’s easy to make in a pinch 
if you don’t have time to mix up something else or lack the ingredients. The almond oil is wonderfully soothing 
and moisturizing, while the shea butter rejuvenates dry skin and protects it from dry air and chilly wind (but it 
doesn’t smother it!) This is a small batch fills about one small balm tin.Almond Oil & Shea Butter
-1 round tablespoon of shea 
butter
-1 scant tablespoon of sweet 
almond oil OR avocado oil
-Tins 1. In a double boiler melt the shea butter and almond oil together. Pour 
into tins and tuck away to use whenever you need it! 170Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Chapped LipsY ou will need… DirectionsInfusing oil with herbs is a great way to make an all-natural moisturizer. Salve is softer than lip balm as it has 
a much higher oil to beeswax ratio. It provides a little different moisturizing experience, and it’s easy to make. Because of the fresh lemon peels used, this will keep for 1-2 weeks. Y ou can also add in lemon essential oil in 
place of the lemon peels, in which case it will last as long as the oil you used.Infused Oil Salve
-Fresh lemon peels from 2 
lemons
-1 teaspoon dried chamomile 
flowers
-1 tablespoon oil 
-1/2 teaspoon of beeswax1. Put your oil, chamomile flowers, and lemon peels in a double boiler. Heat over the lowest possible heat setting for 3-4 hours and strain. 2. Pour the oil back into the double boiler and melt in the beeswax. Store in airtight jars or containers out of direct sunlight. 171Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Chapped LipsY ou will need… DirectionsY ou’re about to give a public speech when it hits. Or maybe it’s prom 
night. Or you’re going on a first date. Or you end up getting filmed in the 
background of an academy award winning motion picture. Whatever it 
is, cold sores always show up at the most inconvenient times. Caused 
by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores are small, fluid filled lesions 
that generally pop up on or around your lips. These blisters will cluster 
together and, after breaking, form a painful crust. Cold sores are contagious, and unfortunately, they will never totally go 
away. Because they are a virus, there is no cure. The virus lies dormant 
until it is triggered by something (e.g. stress or diet) and it rears its 
ugly head. They can be transferred by something as benign as sharing 
eating utensils, or a water bottle. That being said, you can do a number 
of things to help relieve the pain, shorten the timespan they affect you, 
and even prevent them. Cold Sores
-One of the most important things 
you can do for a cold sore is 
either keep it dry, or keep it moist. Experiment, and whichever one 
brings you the most relief, roll 
with it. Some people find relief 
in moisture as the blister’s crust 
doesn’t crack as easily, while 
others find that drying out the sore 
makes it go away faster. -A simple remedy-ice it! The ice 
works two-fold, first by numbing 
the irritated area, and second 
by helping tamp down the 
inflammation. If dryness bothers 
you, pat any water away after you 
remove the ice and apply a dab of 
neutral moisturizer. -Get rid of your toothbrush, as 
they often carry the virus that 
hangs out so close to the mouth. If 
you keep reusing your toothbrush 
you run the risk of triggering an 
outbreak. -Keep a diary of outbreaks and 
anything you are eating/drinking/
doing at the time. It can help you 
learn what to do in the future to 
prevent outbreaks. -Start using a remedy the moment 
you feel a cold sore coming on. Alternative Moisturizer 
-If you decide to use coconut 
oil, use only 5 tablespoons of 
beeswax, since coconut oil is solid 
at room temperature. 172Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingWitch hazel in an astringent, which means it will pull fluid from the cold sore, and will also help keep further 
infection from setting in, especially if you’ve picked at it. Tea tree oil will also dry it out, and its antimicrobial 
properties can’t hurt the healing time. This recipe calls for making a fairly solid balm, but you can also just mix 
the witch hazel , tea tree oil, and a little bit of carrier oil and apply that directly to the sore. The nice thing about 
the balm is that you get a little bit of protection in addition to the “drying” action. Don’t be alarmed at the strong 
odor (tea tree oil has a very distinct smell), or the fact that it may form tiny bubbles when you are making it.Witch Hazel & Tea Tree Oil Balm
-1 tablespoon +1/2 teaspoon of 
beeswax
-1 teaspoon of witch hazel
-5 drops of tea tree essential 
oil
-1 tablespoon of any liquid oil
-Cotton balls or cotton swabs1. In a double boiler melt the beeswax and then turn off the heat. The 
witch hazel contains alcohol so it is best not added when there is open 
flame. 2. Working quickly so the beeswax doesn’t solidify, mix in the witch 
hazel and tea tree oil. Pour into a little tin and keep handy for outbreaks, 
dabbing a little on the sore as needed. Make sure to wash your hand 
afterwards, otherwise you could possibly contaminate the tin. Optimally 
you should keep fresh cotton swabs on hand so you don’t have to touch 
the balm, or your sore, directly. 173Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Cold SoresY ou will need… DirectionsVanilla extract, being alcohol based, is thought to make a less-friendly environment for the virus, and is quite 
popular because of its scrumptious smell. Make sure you have real vanilla extract.Vanilla Extract
-Vanilla extract
-Cotton balls or cotton swabs1. Up to 3 times a day, soak a cotton ball or cotton swab in vanilla extract 
and dab it onto the cold sore. 174Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Cold SoresY ou will need… DirectionsIf you find that keeping the cold sore moist helps, but want to steer clear of petroleum products, making your 
own simple salve is as easy as pie. Actually, making pie can be tricky at times, so this is even easier.Alternative Moisturizer
-10 tablespoons of any liquid 
oil
-1-2 tablespoons of beeswax
-Cotton swabs
-A little jar for storage1. In a double boiler melt beeswax with oil thoroughly before pouring 
into a tin and letting it cool completely. 2. Apply as needed for comfort. Try not to slather it on, but apply a thin 
layer. Ideally use a clean cotton swab to apply to the sore. 175Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Cold SoresY ou will need… DirectionsOur cells are forever regenerating themselves. As new skin cells appear, 
the old/dead ones are pushed towards the surface of the scalp before 
sloughing off. Contrary to popular belief, those little white flakes on your 
shoulders are not *technically* dandruff, but the result of a dry scalp. Dandruff is a condition in which people’s skin cells mature or flake off 
too rapidly, which means they shed in roughly 2-7 days, rather than the 
month it takes people without dandruff. The result is oily, sometimes 
yellowish clumps of skin coming off in large flakes, which leave the 
scalp sore and irritated. The skin on the scalp may or may not be red 
and slightly inflamed as well. True dandruff can be rooted in a number 
of causes, but is most commonly caused by oil build up and a yeast-like 
fungus called Malassezia. Malassezia is found naturally on the scalp but 
can be overabundant on the scalps of people with dandruff. The fungus 
feeds on oil, causing the greasy flakes characteristic of dandruff. It’s important to know that dandruff is different than dry scalp because 
it changes how you should go about treating it. While commercials 
show little white flakes and tout “dandruff shampoo” they’re not 
really showing dandruff. To work with dandruff, you do not want to 
avoid shampooing or worry about drying out you scalp. Contrary, you 
should be working to relieve the build-up of oil and skin (usually by 
shampooing), making the scalp comfortable, and reducing a possible 
overabundance of yeast.Dandruff
-Switch up shampoos. Y our 
skin can become ‘resistant’ or 
accustomed to one particular kind, 
and you may find it less effective 
than before. -Lather, rinse, repeat. This is 
something you really SHOULD do 
if you have dandruff. Chances are 
you have a good build-up of stuff 
on your scalp, and you need to 
get that cleared away. Shampoo 
once to get through the extra 
stuff, and then shampoo again. By 
doing this you allow the shampoo 
to actually penetrate the scalp and 
do its job, rather than just sit on 
top. 176Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingThis is a wonderful combination of ingredients. Witch hazel is wonderfully soothing and helps itchy, irritated skin, 
which you probably have if you have dandruff. Tea tree has fungicidal properties to reduce any overabundance 
of fungus if that is contributing to your dandruff. The jojoba oil is soothing and mimics the natural sebum 
produced by your scalp so you don’t completely dry it out. It is needed to act as a carrier for the tea tree oil.Tea Tree Oil & Witch Hazel Spray
-20 drops of tea tree oil
-1 cup of warm water
-2 tablespoons of witch hazel
-1/2 tablespoon of jojoba oil
-A spray bottle1. Add tea tree oil to the jojoba oil and witch hazel. 2. Add this mixture to 1 cup of warm in spray bottle. Shake well, spritz 
your hair/scalp, and massage in well. Pat dry, but don’t rinse out. Repeat 
1-2 times daily as needed. 177Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com DandruffY ou will need… DirectionsIf your scalp is just excited about life and has overactive fungi, and over active oil glands, baking soda can help 
balance things out. The fine granules that make up the baking soda are mildly abrasive, and when massaged in 
well, will help slough off built up skin cells. Being alkaline, it will also get rid of oil build up. Baking soda can be 
used alone, or you can add it to your own shampoo. If you use the baking soda alone, your hair may feel dry at 
first, but oil production usually balances out after a few weeks.Baking Soda Shampoo
-1/4 cup of baking soda
-A shaker1. Wet hair thoroughly and apply baking soda. 2. Massage in well with fingertips, and then rinse. If you are using the 
baking soda on its own, a shaker (like the kind used for parmesan) can 
be useful in distributing the powder. 178Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com DandruffY ou will need… DirectionsThe salt here provides an abrasive texture that will loosen dead, built up skin cells, while the lemons acidity can 
help restore the pH of your scalp and lessen the severity of the dandruff. If your skin is raw or sore, this will sting. This will also help clear the scalp so the shampoo can really sink in and do its work.Lemon & Salt
-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
-1 tablespoon of coarse sea 
salt
-A small bowl1. Mix lemon juice with coarse sea salt. 2. Rub into scalp, using small circular motions to massage it in 
thoroughly. Rinse, and then follow with shampoo as usual. 179Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com DandruffY ou will need… DirectionsDry hair, not to be confused with dry scalp or dandruff, is a frustrating 
problem to try and solve. Hair is technically dead, but it can still lose 
moisture, get dull, break, and generally look lifeless. Remind yourself 
that shampoos and conditioners that advertise making your hair healthy 
can’t really make it healthy. It’s dead. It can, however, make hair look 
what we perceive as “healthy”, which is what I am referring to when 
I use the word here. I covered how a strand of hair is structured in 
the conditioner chapter, so I won’t go over it in as much detail, but it’s 
relevant here as well. Basically there’s 3 parts-the cortex, the cuticle, 
and the medulla. To focus on dry hair, you focus mainly on the cuticle, 
which protects the cortex by surrounding it with overlapping hard 
plates of protein, layered like roof shingles. When the cuticle becomes 
disrupted, and the plates break or get bent or out of shape, the 
appearance of the hair becomes less appealing. The cuticle also helps 
retain moisture, so if it’s damaged, your hair wont retain its luster.Dry Hair
-Some of the main culprits that dry 
out hair are heat treatments, such 
as blow drying, straightening, 
and curling, using harsh dyes or 
sprays, weather, and a lack of 
sebum production. Sebum is the 
natural oil our scalp produces 
and is the ultimate conditioner. It keeps hair supple, elastic, and 
looking lively. Y ou may also have 
more porous cuticles, which 
means they don’t lie flat and lock 
in moisture like they should. -Focus on the ends of your hair. Sebum will moisturize hair closer 
to the scalp, but won’t travel 
far enough down the shaft to 
moisturize the ends, making them 
prone to dryness and breakage. -Protein treatments work by 
temporarily patching the gaps 
where cuticles have broken off 
or are lifted, essentially acting as 
a substitute. Why protein? Hair is 
made primarily of proteins. There 
are natural protein treatments, and 
while they are more than worth a 
shot, do not expect them to work 
in the same way that hydrolyzed 
protein used in commercial 
protein treatments do. Jojoba Oil
-If you have severely dry or 
damaged hair, you can apply it 
to your scalp and hair. If you are 
going to do this, rub it in well, 
and wrap your head in a towel 
for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool 
water and a mild shampoo. My 
hair is personally too thin to do 
this without ending up looking like 
I slept in an oil slick, so I stick to 
applying it to my ends. 180Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingJojoba oil is not really an oil, it’s a “liquid wax”, and is less greasy than true oils. It is one of my favorite things to 
turn to when it comes to anything skin or hair related, and has one characteristic that makes it extra special- it 
is considered the oil that most closely resembles human sebum. Sebum is naturally produced by sebaceous 
glands in different parts of the body, including the scalp. It is our natural conditioner, keeping hair looking 
healthy and maintaining its elasticity. Look for organic, unrefined jojoba oil. Jojoba oil will naturally be a clear 
yellow/golden color, and should say “cold pressed” on the bottle somewhere. If you get refined jojoba oil it has 
been chemically extracted with a solvent, and we want to avoid that.Jojoba Oil
-Unrefined jojoba oil
-A towel1. Pour a pea sized amount onto your fingertips and rub into the ends 
of damp hair. Y ou can leave it in, or rinse some of it out with cool water 
after it has sat for 5-10 minutes
181Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Dry HairY ou will need… DirectionsHoney is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture and holds it in. Combined with jojoba oil, this can be a 
double-whammy moisturizer for thirsty hair.Honey & Jojoba Oil
-1 teaspoon of raw organic 
honey
-1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
-A small bowl1. Stir the honey into the jojoba oil and use a small amount to rub into 
the lower half of your hair shaft/ends. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before 
rinsing with cool water. Y ou can make a larger amount and apply to 
scalp if needed, but like the plain jojoba oil, this may end up making 
your hair feel a little too moisturized. 182Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Dry HairY ou will need… DirectionsY our hair is like a glorious flower that deserves to bloom in all its glory, not dry up and crisp like a tulip in the 
middle of the desert. And just like a flower, you need to water it. Water is the ultimate moisturizer-and no, it 
will not dry your hair out even more. Hair is different than skin! There is one very important thing to remember-
sealing. Sealing the water in with an oil will retain the moisture for longer. Some people can get away with 
misting several times a day with just an essential oil and water, but I apply a little jojoba afterwards just in case.Water It
-Water
-A spray bottle with a fine mist 
setting
-Essential oil of choice
-Jojoba oil (optional)1. Add a drop of essential oil to a spray bottle full of water. Give it a 
good shake, and mist hair from a distance 2-3 times throughout the day. Focus on ends. Afterwards, apply a minimal amount of jojoba to ends of 
hair to seal with the water. 183Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Dry HairY ou will need… DirectionsDry scalp is not dandruff. Most often caused by changes in weather 
(dropping temperatures accompanied by drier air and indoor heating) it 
manifests as little white flakes accompanied by itchiness. Uncomfortable 
and a cause of insecurity for many people, it’s not as difficult to get 
rid of as it seems. Without turning to heavy-duty chemical treatments 
purchased in stores, there are solid options for you to try at home to get 
your scalp moisturized and flake-free in no time.Dry Scalp
-Place humidifiers around 
the house, especially in the 
wintertime. -Try not to go overboard with the 
heating, or air conditioning, as 
both of these things can dry out 
your scalp, or your skin in general. -Stick to blow drying the ends of 
your hair, rather than your scalp. Coconut Oil Treatment
-Y ou can scoop up a bit of solid or 
slightly softened coconut oil and 
work this into your scalp instead 
of melting it completely. This may 
make the application easier. It has 
a low melting point, and should 
sink right in. 184Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingFull of fatty acids (linoleic, palmitic, oleic, and stearic) sesame oil is a fantastic emollient, softening and 
moisturizing skin, as well as forming a barrier that locks moisture in. The jasmine essential oil added can help 
relieve the itchiness that comes along with dryness, as well as add a pleasant aroma.Sesame Oil Treatment
-1/4-1/2 cup of sesame oil
-1-2 drops of jasmine oil
-A spray bottle (optional)
-A towel (optional) 1. Rinse your hair out with plain water, massaging your scalp a bit with 
your fingers. 2. Heat sesame oil immediately afterwards, and add in the jasmine oil. 3. Massage the oil into your scalp in a circular motion, rubbing in well. There’s no need to rub it into your hair, just your scalp. 4. Wrap your head in a warmed towel (soaked in hot water and then 
wrung out, or fresh from the dryer) and then let it sit. Rinse your hair 
afterwards with a tiny bit of shampoo to get out any excess oil if needed. 185Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Dry ScalpY ou will need… DirectionsCoconut oil is a wonderful, wonderful, thing when it comes to any issues with dryness. All natural, it absorbs 
slowly into the scalp and thoroughly moisturizes it, unlike many products that are water based and dry off 
quickly. It is chock full of wonderful medium chain saturated fatty acids (lauric, capric, caproic, caprylic, myristic, 
and palmitic) and vitamin E. A study published in 2004 in Dermatitis showed that in addition to moisturizing, 
coconut oil actually increased the level of lipids (fats) found on the surface of the skin, which made it appear 
more hydrated and healthy.Coconut Oil Treatment
-1/4-1/2 cup of coconut oil 
-A bowl
-A towel1. Rinse your hair with water, massaging your scalp some with your 
fingers. 2. Warm the coconut oil until liquid (or mostly liquid) and massage the 
coconut oil thoroughly into your scalp. Wrap your head in a warm towel, 
and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with a little shampoo to get out any 
excess oil if needed. 186Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Dry ScalpY ou will need… DirectionsSebum is the oil naturally produced by our bodies that keeps skin moisturized and supple, and our hair healthy. Too much of it is the cause for oily skin or greasy hair, but if you have dry scalp, chances are you aren’t making 
enough sebum. Jojoba oil is a great remedy for this since it is actually one of (if not the) closest oil to matching 
the sebum we produce naturally. By using it to moisturize your scalp, you are mimicking nature’s way of keeping 
your skin flake-free and comfortable. Lavender essential oil is used here to help relieve itchiness.Jojoba Oil Treatment
-4 tablespoons of jojoba oil
-Several drops of lavender 
essential oil
-A towel1. Rinse your hair with plain water, massaging your scalp with your 
fingertips. 2. Heat jojoba oil to a comfortable temperature and mix in a few drops 
of lavender essential oil. Massage thoroughly into your scalp. 3. Wrap your head in a warm towel and let sit for 10-15 minutes, and then 
rinse out with a little shampoo if needed. 187Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Dry ScalpY ou will need… Directions188Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comOur skin is our body’s first line of defense against harsh elements, germs, chemicals, and any other external 
threats. It is the largest organ and quite impressive in how it functions, but it is not immune to “flaws”, the most 
common of which may be getting dry. Nobody likes dry skin. To understand how to deal with dry skin, it’s 
important to understand how skin works in the first place. Even though dry skin is common, not many people 
really know what’s going on when they get crispy. Skin is made up of countless little cells that are shaped differently and perform different jobs. The dermis is the 
deeper layers of skin that gives it its structure, while the epidermis is the outer layer of skin that we see. Deep down cells are growing and reproducing, which push older cells to the stratum corneum (a fancy way 
of saying the skin’s surface.) As they near the surface their cell structure changes. By the time they reach the 
stratum corneum they are filled with water-retaining proteins, and protected by a protein envelope and lipids 
(fats.) These cells are, for all intents and purposes, dead. They lack a nucleus and true cell structure. They are 
now your shield, stacked about 10-30 layers deep, and become the natural water-retaining barrier of the skin 
(just the barrier in general really.) Free amino acids and several other naturally occurring chemicals, found in the stratum corneum, are your 
natural moisturizing factors. Without them, your skin would be dry, brittle, and easily cracked! Y our natural 
moisturizing factors are hydroscopic, meaning they attract and hold water, keeping your skin moist and supple. But what’s keeping your moisturizing friends from escaping? Lipids, i.e. fats or fatty acids, that fill the spaces 
between the cells of the stratum corneum. These special lipids are hydrophilic, meaning they attract water, and 
are stacked in such a way that your natural moisturizing factors can’t leak out of the surface of the skin. They 
keep everything where it’s supposed be-they’re the type A part of your skin, if you will. Water needs to be retained in our skin. Without it skin wouldn’t be pliable, and we would run into some serious 
problems. The stratum corneum gets water from the deeper layers of the dermis, and from the environment. As 
great as it is, a number of factors can still throw the whole system explained above out of balance, and cause 
your skin to lose moisture. Damaging culprits can include soap, certain chemicals in cosmetics, harsh weather, 
low humidity, and (ironically) too much water. The damage from an irritant result’s in the stratum corneum 
struggling to retain water, your protective barrier getting denatured- i.e. disorganized-and your skin ultimately 
drying out. When your skin does become damaged and dry it can use a little help from outside moisturizers. These 
moisturizers are defined as chemicals that increase the water content of the stratum corneum, and are generally 
categorized as occlusive and humectant agents. Occlusive agents form a barrier that will literally block the 
loss of water from the skin and can help restore fats to the lipid barrier (examples of include oils and beeswax.) Humectants attract water to the skin, sometimes from the environment, but mostly from the deeper levels of the 
dermis. This normalizes your cell’s functions and your skin becomes more resistant to drying out (one example 
of a humectant is aloe vera gel.) There are plenty of natural occlusive and humectant agents out there that you 
can use to retain and re-moisturize your lovely skin, and they really aren’t that exotic. Ok, now that you’ve made it through that, let’s look at some natural ways to restore balance to your lovely 
stratum corneum, without any counterproductive harsh ingredients. Dry Skin189Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com-Active and inactive: Y ou see these words a lot. Active ingredients are literally attracting water and 
moisturizing. They are improving softness, as well as filling in and smoothing over the space between dried 
out skin cells. Inactive ingredients stabilize, emulsify, and disperse ingredients to make something that makes 
a pretty product customers are happy with. Without an emulsifying agent, for example, your light and creamy 
lotion would separate into water and oil and make a mess. -If you are washing your hands a lot or doing a lot of dishes, switch to a mild soap that is less likely to strip 
your skin of beneficial oils and upset your skin cells. -If you are buying a moisturizer, know that the terms “anti-aging” “hypoallergenic, “dermatologist tested” and 
“sensitive skin” can be things to use as guidelines, but don’t necessarily mean anything (explained below.) -Anti-aging products are mostly empty promises-you can put anti-aging on a label if you simply include 
sunscreen. Nothing will reverse the fact that you and your skin are aging. It is a natural process, and it’s 
perfectly fine to look older. Some anti-aging products focus on minimizing the signs of aging with more than 
just sunscreen. Some do have some basis, but a lot of it is a marketing ploy. Before getting suckered into an 
expensive product, do your research. -Hypoallergenic means that the product may have reduced fragrance or preservatives, but the interpretation 
of the term can vary greatly from product to product. -Dermatologist tested isn’t something to rely on-it can be used if literally one dermatologist “tested” it. A 
dermatologist could be standing in the loo at a restaurant, put a dab of this new lotion on quick after washing 
their hands, and call it dermatologist tested. -Sensitive skin formulas do not have a definition and are subject to variation. The product may have reduced 
irritants like fragrance or preservatives. -Keep the heat and/or air conditioning to a minimum. Both suck moisture out of the air and can seriously dry 
out your skin. -Even if you have oily skin, it still needs to be moisturized, especially if you are using products that dry the oil. Look for lighter moisturizers that are less heavy and greasy (e.g. more humectants and less occlusive agents. )Tips & Troubleshooting190Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comThis salve contains jojoba oil, beeswax, and sandalwood essential oil. Jojoba oil can be pricey, but it is one of 
the oils that most closely matches the sebum (oil) your skin produces naturally, and that makes it invaluable in 
my opinion. Sandalwood has a wonderful soothing effect on dry skin. Beeswax is an occulant, which means it 
will help form a barrier that keeps moisture from evaporating too rapidly. Feel free to up the amount of beeswax 
and lessen the oil in equal amounts if you want a firmer salve.Sandalwood Salve
-9-10 tablespoons of jojoba oil
-1-2 tablespoons of beeswax
-5-10 drops of sandalwood 
essential oil1. In a double boiler melt beeswax and jojoba oil together. 2. Turn off the heat and stir in 5-10 drops of sandalwood essential oil 
and transfer to an airtight jar. Keep in a cool dark place out of direct 
sunlight. Dry SkinY ou will need… Directions191Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comThe shea and coconut oil are “active” agents in this recipe. The coconut oil is particularly wonderful for helping 
repair the lipid barrier, as it is naturally full of fatty acids, while the shea is deeply nourishing to the dry cells in 
the stratum corneum. Lavender is just an overall soothing essential oil, both to your dry skin and your mind.Whipped Lavender Shea Butter
-3 tablespoons of shea butter 
-2 tablespoons of coconut oil
-2 ¼ teaspoons cornstarch
-5 drops of lavender essential 
oil1. In a double boiler, melt coconut oil thoroughly, and remove from heat. Quickly stir in the shea butter until it is completely melted. 2. Pour this mixture into a large metal bowl and pop it in the freezer 
for 10-15 minutes, checking on at after 5 minutes or so. A thick white 
crust should be forming. It is ready to take out when a crust has formed 
across almost the entire surface, but the oil beneath it is still loose. 3. Using an immersion blender, begin to whip the shea coconut mixture. After about 3 minutes add in the cornstarch a little bit at a time. 4. Continue to whip until you have reached the consistency you want. It 
will solidify more after it has sat out for a few hours. I usually whip mine 
for 8-10 minutes. When you are ready, add in the essential oils. 5. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, place for up to 5 months. Apply as needed, keeping in mind that this is an extremely rich body 
butter and you won’t need all that much! Dry SkinY ou will need… Directions192Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comY ou can use either of these oils on their own, but combined they make a great occlusive moisturizer, helping to 
hold moisture in and prevent dryness. This mixture can seem oily at first, as many occlusive agents do, but it will 
absorb. This is great for using in a dry environment or if you need heat/air conditioning a lot in your home, as 
they will keep in what little moisture your skin has naturally.Sweet Almond Oil & Coconut Oil
-2 ¼ teaspoons sweet almond 
oil
-1 tablespoon coconut oil
-2 teaspoons of beeswax 
(optional)
-Essential oil (optional)1. In a double boiler combine sweet almond oil and coconut oil until 
melted and blended thoroughly. 2. Store in a small airtight container out of direct sunlight and apply 
sparingly, as needed, to dry skin. Dry SkinY ou will need… DirectionsIngrown toenails can be quite painful, but the good news is they 
generally go away on their own, as long as they don’t get infected. They’re pretty straight forward to deal with, and are most often caused 
by cutting your nails too short, or unevenly, as a result of trauma (e.g 
dropping something on your foot) or if your toenails tend to grow in a 
more exaggerated curved angle. Sometimes they happen when your 
toenail is minding its own business and an excess of skin grows over the 
nail. They usually affect the big toe.Ingrown Toenail
-If you have a tendency to get 
ingrown toenails wear looser 
fitting shoes. Tight fitting shoes 
that squeeze your toes together 
can make an ingrown toenail more 
uncomfortable than it already 
is. Interestingly, people who are 
habitually barefoot rarely, if ever, 
get ingrown toenail. -Some people advise against 
clipping the nail, while others do 
so whenever they get affected. If 
you do decide to trim it, it is best 
done in the very beginning. Any 
later and it becomes too painful 
and risky. As soon as you feel 
the pressure of the nail turning 
inwards, soak the nail to soften it, 
and then fit the corner of a clean 
clipper blade under the edge and 
trim it off. -Trim your nails evenly. If you trim 
your nails with rounded edges, or 
further down on the sides then the 
top, you are creating the perfect 
situation for an ingrown toenail. Cut straight across the nail. If 
the edges are pointy, file them 
just barely to keep them from 
snagging on socks. 193Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingNot only does this help soften the nail, the acidity of the vinegar can help ward off potential infection. This also 
helps relieve the overall pressure and discomfort being caused by the nail.Vinegar Soak
-1/2 cup of white distilled 
vinegar
-Fresh warm water
-A bowl or basin to soak your 
foot in1. Fill a basin or bowl with fresh warm water and add the white distilled 
vinegar to it. 2. Soak the affected foot for 15 minutes twice daily. After the first soak, 
while the nail is still soft, you may check and see if you can trim back the 
part that is turning inwards. Pat dry. 194Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Ingrown ToenailY ou will need… DirectionsTo get your nail growing back on track, try inserting a piece of clean floss or cotton underneath the curved 
edge. This gently encourages it to grow up and out rather than downwards and into your skin. It sounds 
uncomfortable, which it can be initially, but the sense of relief from the pressure is fairly immediate. Make sure 
you use plain old floss-not the minty or flavored kind-and change this at least once daily.Re-Route with Floss
-A piece of plain dental floss or 
cotton
-Vinegar soak (see remedy #1)1. Soak your foot in the vinegar bath until the nail is softened. Gently 
slide a piece of plain floss or cotton under the nail to lift it out of the 
skin. Change the packing daily. 195Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Ingrown ToenailY ou will need… DirectionsTea tree essential oil will help ward off infection as your nail heals, while the baking soda will also fight off 
bacteria. Try using this in conjunction with the above remedies.Tea Tree & Baking Soda Dip
-3-5 drops of tea tree essential 
oil
-1/4 teaspoon grapeseed oil
-1 tablespoon of baking soda 
-Vinegar 1. Rinse your foot in warm water and pat dry. Stir the tea tree oil into the 
grapeseed oil, and then mix in the baking soda. 2. Apply the mixture to the toenail. Let this sit for 15 minutes, and then 
dip your nail in diluted white vinegar and pat dry. 196Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Ingrown ToenailY ou will need… DirectionsIf you struggle with oily skin, you are probably frustrated. Y ou may have 
tried everything under the sun to get rid of that sheen on your face, but 
to avail. This is because there really isn’t anything you can do to get rid 
of oily skin for good. It lies woven into your genetic make-up, something 
you have as much control over as the color of your eyes, or how curly 
your hair is. Within our skin lies microscopic glands called sebaceous glands. These 
glands produce sebum, an oily/waxy substance that lubricates, protects, 
and waterproofs our skin. Sebum is, in essence, oil. It is the oil that you 
try so hard to get rid of, but without it, you would be a total mess. Come 
puberty male sex hormones, collectively known as androgens, spike. This happens in both girls and boys, and the result is that our sebaceous 
glands kick into gear, stimulated by androgens to produce more and 
more sebum. Normally the sebum would flush out our pores and keep 
skin healthy, but too much will clog them, leading to acne-hence bad 
acne in teenage years-and/or oily, shiny skin. People who have chronically oily skin just have it in their genes to 
be more sensitive to androgen, to make more sebum. Larger pores 
generally equate to oily skin as well, as more sebum is able to be 
released. Just because you can’t kick the oil forever, doesn’t mean 
there  aren’t things that you can do to help manage it, but you should 
understand a few misconceptions about clearing up your skin first (read 
tips.) The silver lining to having oily skin is that you won’t show your age 
as much as those without, because all that sebum means you will have 
supple skin that wrinkles less, and looks youthful. Oily Skin
-It is a myth that you should wash 
your face often if you have oily 
skin, or that you should use a 
harsher scrub to get rid of it. The 
more you wash your face, the 
more oil you are stripping away, 
and the more you are drying your 
skin out. In order to compensate 
for this your sebaceous glands 
kick into high gear and pump out 
more sebum. -Y ou do still need moisturize if you 
have oily skin. Y ou just need to 
find the right one that works for 
you. After your wash your face, 
applying a light moisturizer is a 
good way to balance out the loss 
of oil. -Greasy food does not equate to 
greasy skin. -Pat your face dry, don’t rub 
vigorously. And do not to rub 
at your face or touch with your 
hands excessively. This will only 
exacerbate the problem. Jojoba Oil
-This is great for combination skin 
as well-combination skin meaning 
you have both dry and oily skin. 197Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingLemon is an astringent, which means it causes contraction of tissues, in this of case your skin and pores. Reducing the size of your pores will reduce the amount of sebum coming out of them, and your face ends up 
less oily. The aloe gel you should use in this recipe is the all-natural kind, not the green gel you usually see, but 
clear. If the lemon dries your skin out, the aloe helps bring back light, balanced moisture. Note that lemon juice 
can lighten skin-so if you have freckles be aware of this. It will also make you more sensitive to the sun, so avoid 
extended exposure to U.V. rays for 24 hours after application, or apply extra sunscreen.Lemon & Aloe
-1 teaspoon of fresh lemon 
juice
-1 tablespoon of aloe vera
-Cotton balls or cotton pads1. Mix lemon juice and aloe thoroughly and then soak cotton balls in the 
mixture. 2. Apply to your face, paying specific attention to your T-zone (forehead, 
and either side of your nose, where there is a high concentration of 
sebum producing glands.) Let the mixture dry. Y ou can then leave it on, 
or if you have more sensitive skin, rinse off gently with just water and 
pat your face dry, and apply pure aloe or a light moisturizer. 198Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Oily SkinY ou will need… DirectionsOily skin can be more prone to building up dead, greasy, skin cells, and can use a hand sloughing them off. A 
sugar exfoliating scrub is simple but should only be done once a week, otherwise it will strip too much oil and 
dry out your skin. Y ou can add it to your favorite moisturizer if you like, but I usually mix it with aloe vera gel so I 
don’t irritate my skin too much. -1 tablespoon of white or 
brown sugar
-Aloe vera gel 1. Place sugar in a bowl and add just enough aloe to hold it together. 2. Scoop into your palms and scrub your face (don’t be too vigorous) to 
loosen and shed all those built up oily skin cells. Rinse your face gently 
with warm water afterwards. 199Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Oily SkinY ou will need… DirectionsSugar & Aloe Exfoliating ScrubJojoba is one of my favorite natural moisturizers, whether you have dry skin, or oily skin. If you are quaking at 
the thought of putting oil on your already oily skin, that’s perfectly normal, but before you ignore this remedy, 
take into account two things. First, jojoba is not technically an oil, it is a liquid wax. This doesn’t change its 
consistency, but may bring you some peace of mind. Second, it is the closest in chemical and molecular make 
up to the sebum your own body produces. By applying jojoba as a moisturizer, it balances out the amount of 
sebum your skin perceives as necessary to generate. The result is soft, healthy, just-right skin.Jojoba Oil
-Jojoba Oil 1. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry. 2. Apply a small bit of jojoba oil to clean fingers and rub gently into your 
skin. Y ou will need less than you think! 200Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Oily SkinY ou will need… DirectionsWhen I was quite young my cousin and I were visiting family in 
California. We were quite the troublemakers when we were together, so 
when our aunt warned us to never, under any circumstances, touch the 
poison oak, of course we thought “let’s touch the poison oak!” 
We picked out one of the numerous plants in her sprawling yard and 
rubbed it between our hands. Frowning, we waited for something to 
happen. Nothing did. We thought we were super-humans at the time for 
not getting a rash, like we had some kind of special immunity. It turns 
out that most people don’t develop a reaction to poison ivy or poison 
oak the first time. This is because the terrible blistering and rash don’t 
occur because of direct contact with the plant, but an indirect immune 
response (i.e. an allergic reaction.) Chances are you’ve brushed past 
poison ivy at one point and never even had a clue. Needless to say, 
I don’t think my cousin and I will be grabbing any poison oak again-I 
doubt we’d be so lucky this time! The terrible reaction that does take place when you touch poison ivy 
or poison oak is because of the irritating oil in the plant called urushiol. This oil will stick to just about anything, so if your towel or clothes brush 
past a plant and you touch it before washing it, you can get a rash. The 
rash is not contagious, but can be spread if you touch something else 
before the urushiol has been washed off of your hands/skin/clothes.Poison Ivy & Poison Oak
-Urushiol will penetrate the skin, 
sinking into the lower layers of the 
dermis and wreaking havoc. If you 
know you touched the plant, wash 
the affected area ASAP with cold 
water. Cold water is important-
warm or hot water will open up 
your pores, which is like laying out 
the welcome mat for urushiol. -The rash, assuming it is not 
unusually severe; will clear on its 
own within a week or two. -Because it is an allergic 
response, some people will 
have a more violent reaction to 
poison ivy or poison oak, while a 
small percentage of people are 
completely immune to it. -An ounce of prevention is worth 
a pound of cure here. If you are 
in an area with poison ivy or 
poison oak, be aware of not only 
yourself, but of your pets as well! A dog that runs past poison ivy 
can easily spread the oil onto your 
skin the next time you reach down 
for a well-intended pat on the 
back. 201Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingBentonite clay is an incredible substance, particularly when it comes to anything that is irritating your skin. Not 
only does it soothe your painful rash, but it can help dry it out if you have blisters. It also acts as a natural shield 
against urushiol-in fact; it is the base of an OTC topical medication targeted as a shield against exposure to the 
dreadful oil. It will also actively draw oil out of your skin-hence why it is used as a face mask for people with oily 
skin.Bentonite Clay
-1 tablespoon of bentonite clay
-Fresh water1. Mix a little fresh water with the dry bentonite clay until a paste forms. 2. Spread thinly over rash to soothe it. Y ou can reapply this as often as 
needed, but for the best effects rinse off the old layer first. 202Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Poison Ivy & Poison OakY ou will need… DirectionsBaking soda can help heal, soothe, and dry your rash. Toss in a handful of dried oats as well-they will make the 
water silky and soothing.Baking Soda Bath
-1 cup of baking soda
-1 cup of dried oats
-Cheesecloth (optional)1. Fill a bathtub with warm water. When it’s halfway full, add 1 cup each of 
baking soda and oats. 2. Soak for as long as needed for relief. To keep the oats from clogging 
up your drain, try wrapping them in a piece of cheesecloth and tying it 
off. 203Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Poison Ivy & Poison OakY ou will need… DirectionsNothing is worse than being driven crazy by an itch you can’t scratch! I would say that part of the healing 
process of the rash is possibly the most brutal, but it’s important you don’t scratch to reduce the risk of infection, 
and potential scarring. When you have healing scabs or blisters, spritz a little of this on to relieve the itch. The 
eucalyptus can help with inflammation and creates a cooling sensation. The witch hazel will also help with 
inflammation and itching, as well as drying out any open blisters. It has been commonly used to treat chicken 
pox because it gives such great relief. Anti-Itch Spray
-1 tablespoon any liquid oil
-A small spray bottle -Witch 
hazel
-1 tablespoon of any liquid oil
-5 drops eucalyptus essential 
oil1. Fill your spray bottle almost full, leaving room to add the oils. Once 
you’ve added them secure the top of the bottle and shake well. Spray 
directly onto rash for relief. 204Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Poison Ivy & Poison OakY ou will need… DirectionsSummer is a glorious time and people revel in it, but as with all things 
good, there must be some kind of bad. In this case, it’s sunburn. Too much time spent in the sun results in your skin being totally 
bombarded with UV rays. When our skin is exposed to these rays, it 
ups its production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. This is why you get tan-all the extra pigment acts as a shield for the 
deeper layers of skin, and subsequently make your skin appear darker. Genetically, people with fair skin will always produce less melanin, and 
thus will be more likely to burn. They simply don’t have enough of a 
shield. The opposite holds true for people with darker skin. I used to burn. A lot. I am not fair skinned by any means, but I was 
getting treated for acne and that made me extremely susceptible to 
burning. I spent more nights than I care to remember lying in bed with a 
fan pointed at me, slathered in aloe. Prevention is the best thing you can do here, but if you end up burned 
anyways, don’t despair at a long and painful healing time-the remedy is 
probably just in your kitchen.Sunburn
-The first thing you probably want 
to do is hop in a cold bath or 
shower-don’t. That cold is going 
to make your pores seal off as 
they try to trap heat-the last thing 
you want with sunburn. The best 
temperature is tepid, or lukewarm, 
water. Cucumber Lotion
-If you’re in a pinch, a chilled 
mashed up cucumber will work as 
well! 205Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingOne of the easiest and quickest ways to bring about relief is in the form of a cucumber. Not only does the 
plain old coolness of it work, but it also has analgesic (pain-killing) properties. The addition of sage adds to the 
cooling sensation, and helps with circulation, helping skin heal faster. The aloe vera gel is simply unbeatable 
when it comes to soothing burned skin.Cucumber Lotion
-1/2 cup fresh sage leaves
-1 fresh, crisp, cucumber
-Sieve and cheesecloth
-A pestle
-Boiling water
-Glass jar 
-Aloe vera gel 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. 2. Take your sage leaves and place them in a heat safe bowl. Just barely 
cover with boiling water, and leave to steep for 20 minutes. 3. While the sage steeps, grate a fresh cucumber and place in 
cheesecloth lined sieve. 4. Place the sieve over a bowl-NOT the one with sage-and use a pestle 
(or something similar) to push the cucumber through the cheesecloth, 
releasing its juice. 5. Strain your sage leaves, and then mix the infused water with the 
cucumber juice, now adding in the aloe vera gel. Bottle, refrigerate, and 
apply as needed as often as you’d like. Use it within 1 ½ weeks. 206Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com SunburnY ou will need… DirectionsThis cream contains several ingredients, including water, witch hazel, aloe vera gel, mint leaves, and baking 
soda, all of which relieve sunburn for various reasons. Aloe is an obvious go-to, while water works as a good 
medium for the cream. The witch hazel contains properties (resin, procyanadins, and flavonoids specifically) 
that help lessen inflammation, and in turn lessen the pain caused by it. The menthol in mint creates a cooling 
sensation, and baking soda also helps with inflammation while fighting off infection (in case you have scratched 
at it.) Y ou can experiment by adding or subtracting other helpful ingredients to find out what works best for you.DIY Burn Cream
-1 tablespoon of witch hazel
-2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
-2 ¼ teaspoons of baking soda 
or cornstarch
-1-2 cups of fresh mint leaves, 
or 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint 
oil
-2 tablespoons fresh, clean, 
water 1. If you are using peppermint leaves, place them in a pot and add just 
enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and then simmer 
for 1 hour before straining. Use this water in place of the fresh water 
called for in the ingredients. 2. Stir the cornstarch or baking soda into your water, making sure it is 
cool if you are using infused. 3. Place all of your ingredients in a food processor and blend until 
thoroughly incorporated. 4. Transfer to a glass jar or similar container with a tight fitting lid, and 
store in the refrigerator for 24 hours to let the cream fully infuse. Y ou 
can then apply as needed. Making some ahead of time and keeping it in 
the refrigerator ensures that you will always have a handy cream to heal 
any sunburn you get during the hot summer months. This will keep for 
up to 1 ½ weeks. 207Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com SunburnY ou will need… DirectionsOatmeal contains polysaccharides that will coat and heal your skin, and it will also trap moisture to keep skin 
hydrated and (hopefully) prevent peeling. Apple cider vinegar, or just plain old white vinegar, hasn’t been 
studied officially in how it helps sunburn, but people have sworn up and down for, literally, centuries that it does 
indeed help sunburn.Apple Cider Vinegar & Oatmeal Treatment
-Roughly 2 cups of rolled oats, 
uncooked
-A clean tube sock
-2 cups of apple cider or white 
distilled vinegar1. Run a tub of tepid, or lukewarm, water. Fill up a clean tube sock with 
oatmeal and tie it off tightly before tossing it into the water. 2. Let it sit for about 2 minutes before adding vinegar and getting in. Occasionally squeeze the sock to get out all of that polysaccharide 
goodness. The water will get cloudy and your skin might feel a little 
slick-that’s ok. 
3. After you’ve soaked for 15-25 minutes, pat yourself dry gently with a 
clean, fluffy towel. Y ou don’t want to soak for too long, since that may 
end up drying out your skin more in the end. 208Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com SunburnY ou will need… DirectionsNail fungus is exactly what it sounds like, a fungal infection of the nail. It usually affects toenails, but sometimes fingernails fall victim as well. Common symptoms include the nail becoming thickened, discolored, 
brittle, or crumbly. Sometimes pieces of the nail will break off. If left 
alone for long enough, the skin around the area can become painful 
and inflamed. While (typically) not a serious condition, it is still dreadfully 
unpleasant to deal with, if not because its uncomfortable than because 
nobody likes feeling as though they need to keep their feet or hands 
covered for fear of offending someone. The tough thing is that the 
fungus causing all of this is actually embedded within the nail, so often 
times remedying also needs to be coupled with some patience while 
the nail grows out. Toenail Fungus
-Before trying any remedy, remove 
as much excess nail as possible. -Avoid moist conditions, keeping 
the effected nail as dry as 
possible. -Start working on remedying it as 
soon as you notice the first sign of 
the fungus.m. 209Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingTea tree oil is antibacterial and fungicidal, making it the perfect essential oil to use when it comes to warding off 
nail fungus. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which are surprisingly effective as natural fungicides. The fungal membrane is crucial to maintaining the “life” of the fungus, and many antifungal treatments target 
the membrane. Fatty acids, such as the ones found in coconut oil, naturally insert themselves into the lipid (fat) 
layer of the fungal membrane. This disturbs the membrane and eventually causes the cell to disintegrate –see 
ya fungus!Tea Tree Oil & Coconut Oil
-5-10 drops of tea tree 
essential oil
-1 tablespoon of coconut oil
-Cotton balls/cotton swabs1. Melt the coconut oil and add tea tree essential oil. 2. Give the mixture a few stirs, and then apply to the affected nails with 
a cotton ball or cotton swabs. Do this 2-3 times daily, or as needed. 210Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Toenail FungusY ou will need… DirectionsWhite vinegar is a natural fungicide. Follow up a white vinegar soak with a little dab of coconut oil to really 
knock out the fungus-and keep it from coming back.White Vinegar Soak
-1/2 cup white vinegar
-1/2 cup water
-Coconut oil
-A clean towel1. In a suitable bowl or basin, soak the effected nail for 10-15 minutes in a 
mixture of 50/50 water and white vinegar. 2. Pat your foot or hand dry and use a cotton swab to rub some coconut 
oil onto the nail. Repeat 3-4 times daily, or as needed. Y ou can try using 
the vinegar undiluted if needed, but keep in mind that it’s actually quite 
powerful on its own! 211Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Toenail FungusY ou will need… DirectionsOregano oil sounds random, but it is a well-kept secret when it comes to knocking out unwanted microbes, 
including the fungus that infects nails. Mixed with castor oil, which is thought to inhibit the growth of more 
fungus, it’s a great oil to utilize, especially if the more traditional tea tree oil isn’t working for you. Be sure to dry 
your foot/hand thoroughly before applying the mixture.Oil of Oregano & Castor Oil
-1 tablespoon of castor oil
-5-8 drops of oil of oregano
-Water
-A clean towel
-Cotton balls1. Wash affected area with water and pat dry with a towel. 2. Mix castor oil with oil of oregano and apply with cotton balls. Repeat 
morning and night. 212Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Toenail FungusY ou will need… DirectionsThere is a lot of folklore surrounding warts…poor toads might as well be 
warts for all the flack they get. While you won’t get a wart from a toad, 
they (warts) are slightly contagious, as they are caused by a strain of 
human papilloma virus (HPV.) They aren’t generally harmful, but many 
people wish to have them removed because they find them unsightly 
or embarrassing, although sometimes even after removal they will 
stubbornly come back. They appear as small, grainy skin growths that are most common on 
your fingers or hands, rough to the touch, and may have little black dots. Those little dots are called “seeds” and are simply small, clotted blood 
vessels. Put simply, warts are bumps of dead skin tissue that surrounds 
a core infected by the virus. Dermatologists or doctors will remove warts 
by any number of rather extreme methods, including caustic agents, 
freezing, and surgery. While those treatments are indeed considered 
safe, if you don’t feel like taking that route, there are home remedies 
you can try. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, but its a lot 
less hassle than the alternatives. Warts
-Y ou are less likely to have an 
outbreak if you have a stronger 
immune system, so focus on 
building it up if you are prone to 
getting common warts a lot. -Avoid touching your wart and 
then touching elsewhere. Since 
they are contagious, it’s possible 
they will spread. -Warts will go away on their own, 
generally faster in children, but 
can take months to years. I had 
one when I was younger that 
lasted for about 3 years. Oddly, it 
was on my knee. -Don’t bite your nails or nibble at 
hangnails-this creates the perfect 
opportunity for the virus to strike 
and plant a wart. 213Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingWhile perhaps not the most “natural” method in the world, duct tape has been quite popular as a home remedy 
for warts. The reason for this most surely lies in the components of the adhesive-if you have terribly sensitive 
skin, it may irritate your skin. Either way, it’s a little gentler than liquid nitrogen!Duct Tape
-A piece of silver duct tape
-White distilled vinegar
-Pumice stone
-A bandage (optional)1. Cover the wars with duct tape and leave in place for 1 week. 2. After a week remove the bandage and soak in a 50/50 mixture of 
water and white distilled vinegar. Use a pumice stone to gently file away 
some of the dead skin, and cover again for another 7 days. Repeat until 
wart is gone. 214Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com WartsY ou will need… DirectionsCastor oil is acidic, and for this reason it may help your wart go away faster than it would if it took its own 
leisurely time.Castor Oil & Baking Soda
-Castor oil
-cotton swabs1. Dip a cotton swab in castor oil and apply directly to wart twice a day. Continue for as long as needed. 215Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com WartsY ou will need… DirectionsVitamin C is great for the immune system, and since warts are often times related to the immune system, 
applying it topically can help chase the stubborn little bugger away. It is also mildly acidic.Vitamin C
-Vitamin C tablets
-Water
-cotton swabs1. Crush up a vitamin C tablet and add a little bit of water to make a 
paste. 2. Apply directly to the wart with a cotton swab and let it dry. Cover with 
a bandage to make sure it doesn’t get rubbed off right away. Repeat 3 
times a day as needed. 216Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com WartsY ou will need… DirectionsThe placebo effect is the most powerful remedy against any ailment in my opinion. This remedy is sometimes 
utilized by doctors for youngins’ with warts, as they are still highly impressionable. If it is explained that the chalk 
will make the wart go away, there is no question in the child’s mind that you speak anything but the facts, and 
voilà la! No more wart. Assuming your child isn’t allergic to chalk, why not try it?Use Chalk for Kids
-A piece of white chalk
-A bandage1. Explain that the chalk will make the wart go away (which isn’t untrue…it 
very well could help) and try to fully explain why you are using the color 
of chalk that you are (e.g. white chalk makes it go away faster because it 
dries it out really well, or something along those lines.) Sometimes those 
little details can make all the difference in an imaginative young mind. Put a smudge of chalk over the wart morning and night and cover with a 
bandage. See what happens. 217Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com WartsY ou will need… DirectionsBeauty (recipes)
218Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com
Bath fizzies, commonly known as bath bombs, are one of my greatest weaknesses. When I was quite a bit 
younger I can clearly remember looking at them longingly on the shelf in all their candy-colored glittery 
goodness, only to have my parents tug me away at the ridiculous price tag attached. But oh how I wanted 
them! Imagine my joy then, years later, when I learned I could make my own. Oh happy day! When you first start 
making these there are a few ups and downs and they do take some patience to get just right, like any other 
project you may take on, but you will be successful. So with mostly patience, and a few special ingredients, you 
can make these at home for a fraction of the price you would pay in stores.Bath Fizzies
-These are the same thing as “bath bombs” or “bath snowballs.” I just prefer to call them fizzies. -Y ou can use any number of shapes for your molds. I use clear snap together Christmas ornaments (the kind you can fill 
yourself) or smaller circular molds made specifically for bath bombs. -Some people use food coloring to color their fizzie, but I would rather not risk my tub getting stained. I use powder 
soap pigment. -Don’t panic when you use it if some bubbles form that look yellow or oily-that’s just because there is all those good oils 
in the fizzie! -Start by making smaller fizzies, and work your way up to larger ones, as the larger ones are harder to get to stay 
together. Y ou can see in the pictures that some of mine are a little crumbly looking-this is because I was using a 
particularly large mold. Sometimes with the large ones I end up with “half fizzies” because the two halves wouldn’t stick 
together-they may not be perfectly circular, but then you get two instead of one! -Make sure you pack the mix into your molds firmly. When you remove it from the mold, make sure you lift the halves of 
the mold apart, don’t twist. If you are having a hard time getting your fizzy to slide out, gently tap the bottom of the mold. I will typically lift one half gently off, place my palm over the top of the fizzie, and then tip it upside down so I am left 
cupping it when the other side of the mold slips off. -Experiment with how long you leave them in their molds. Bath fizzies are finicky and behave differently in different 
environments. Some people recommend packing them into the molds and then removing them right away to dry, while 
others leave them to dry in the molds overnight. In my experience, leaving them in for a little bit, but not too long, is 
better. I usually pack my molds and let them sit for 30-40 minutes before taking them out and gently setting them out to 
harden completely. For your first time I suggest making several individual fizzies and removing one shortly after packing, 
one after letting it sit for a while, and another after sitting overnight, just to get a feel for how it all works. -The mix should not fizz when you are adding liquid. I find the best way to avoid this is to add no more than ¼-1/2 
teaspoon at a time, and to rapidly stir it in the second it hits the powder. -Sometimes you will have one crumble and fall apart for no good reason. It happens. Carry on. -Little “warts” on your fizzie after it dries are caused by too much moisture in the environment. Cracking can be caused 
by too much moisture in the mix, especially if the mixture was fizzing when you were adding liquid. -The texture of the proper mix is akin to damp, not wet, sand. -To keep any solid matter from clogging the drain, use a drain cover, or place the fizzie in a tied off square of 
cheesecloth when you use it. -If you live in a very humid environment, add 1/3 cup of Epsom or Dead Sea salt to the mix to help keep the moisture 
balanced. -Store these in a cool, dark, place, wrapped in cellophane. 219Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingThis basic fizzie is a good place to start practicing, and incorporates the basic ingredients of citric acid, 
cornstarch, and baking soda. Once you have this down, the variations are endless. These ingredients are all 
that you need to make a successful bath fizzie. Citric acid reacts with the alkaline baking soda to create that 
wonderful fizz that makes these so iconic. This reaction is what happens when vinegar (an acid) and baking 
soda react to create a massive fizzy explosion.
215+_Natural_Home_Remedies.txt
Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        It is possible for you to get psychologically addicted to it, and that 
does happen, but as far as all of that stuff that says you can get 
physically dependent, it has no real basis. Those claims are probably 
founded on the fact that some forms of lip balm contain ingredients 
that ultimately dry your lips out so you buy or use more. Those main 
culprits are menthol, camphor and phenol, which feel cooling at first, 
but do not do anything to truly soothe lips. There is also OL, which is 
basically alcohol, and salicylic acid, which can help dead skin flake off 
(but really just makes lips peel more. ) If you make your own lip balm, 
you will find yourself applying it much less often as it actually sinks in 
and moisturizes, rather than simply forming a barrier that doesn’t let 
moisture in, and dries off quickly. Chapped Lips
-If you don’t have lip balm tins or 
tubes, repurpose another kind of 
tin (mint tins work great. ) -Always read ingredient labels 
first if you are buying lip balm, and 
check for the menthol, phenol, 
camphor, OL, and/or salicylic acid. -Put sunscreen on your lips, or use 
SPF lip balm if you plan on going 
out in the sun a lot. Y our lips have 
no pigment, and are susceptible 
to drying out. -Do use lip balm in moderation, 
there is always too much of a 
good thing. -Apply your lip balm before bed. If 
you sleep with your mouth open 
you will dry out your lips. It also 
gives it a chance to sink in without 
you licking it off, chewing on your 
lip, or reapplying compulsively. Almond Oil & Shea Butter
-Feel free to add ¼ teaspoon of 
beeswax to firm this up if you 
prefer a more solid balm. Basic Lip Balm
-Do not roll up the lip balm until it 
has cooled completely. -Make sure you fill your tubes or 
tins on a baking sheet covered in 
aluminum foil. It’s easy to drip or 
spill. 168Copyright 2014 everydayroots. comTips & TroubleshootingThis is a basic lip balm recipe that contains beeswax, jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and peppermint 
essential oil. Shea butter and jojoba oil are wonderful healing, protecting, and deeply nourishing ingredients. Coconut oil is the star moisturizer. It does not smother and suffocate skin; rather it sinks in, its fatty acids holding 
onto moisture and making your lips soft and smooth. It will also reinforce the skin’s lipid (fat) layer and promote 
hydration. The beeswax can act as an emollient (moisturizer) and protect your lips from the elements, but mostly 
it is what gives your balm its body and holds everything together. The peppermint essential oil is just your 
classic lip balm smell and taste. Y es, peppermint contains menthol, but it is NOT the same as the concentrated 
or high amounts of menthol found in many brands of lip balm. This may feel more “slick” than some store bought 
balm at first but that goes away quickly as it sinks in and moisturizes. Basic Lip Balm
-1 tablespoon of grated 
beeswax or beeswax pastilles
-1 tablespoon of coconut oil
-1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
-1 tablespoon of shea butter
-5 drops of peppermint oil 1. In a double boiler melt your beeswax, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. 2. Remove from the heat and stir in the shea butter, followed by the 
peppermint oil. 3. Carefully-an eyedropper or pipette is helpful here-add the mixture 
into your tubes or tins. Cap gently and let them cool. 169Copyright 2014 everydayroots. com Chapped LipsY ou will need… DirectionsThis quick little concoction is a “faux balm” as I like to call it. Only two ingredients, it’s easy to make in a pinch 
if you don’t have time to mix up something else or lack the ingredients. The almond oil is wonderfully soothing 
and moisturizing, while the shea butter rejuvenates dry skin and protects it from dry air and chilly wind (but it 
doesn’t smother it. ) This is a small batch fills about one small balm tin. Almond Oil & Shea Butter
-1 round tablespoon of shea 
butter
-1 scant tablespoon of sweet 
almond oil OR avocado oil
-Tins 1. In a double boiler melt the shea butter and almond oil together. Pour 
into tins and tuck away to use whenever you need it. 170Copyright 2014 everydayroots. com Chapped LipsY ou will need… DirectionsInfusing oil with herbs is a great way to make an all-natural moisturizer. Salve is softer than lip balm as it has 
a much higher oil to beeswax ratio. It provides a little different moisturizing experience, and it’s easy to make. Because of the fresh lemon peels used, this will keep for 1-2 weeks. Y ou can also add in lemon essential oil in 
place of the lemon peels, in which case it will last as long as the oil you used. Infused Oil Salve
-Fresh lemon peels from 2 
lemons
-1 teaspoon dried chamomile 
flowers
-1 tablespoon oil 
-1/2 teaspoon of beeswax1. Put your oil, chamomile flowers, and lemon peels in a double boiler. Heat over the lowest possible heat setting for 3-4 hours and strain.
Menthol, camphor, and phenol.
What are the ingredients that can cause lip balm to dry out your lips?
It is not caused by dry scalp, but rather by oil build-up and an overabundance of the fungus Malassezia.
What is a common myth about dandruff?
It is a natural conditioner and helps to moisturize the hair.
What is the main purpose of coconut oil in the treatment of dry hair?
It helps to balance the production of sebum and retain moisture in the skin.
What is the purpose of jojoba oil in the treatment of oily skin?
It helps to soften the nail and prevent further infection.
What is the purpose of baking soda in the treatment of ingrown toenail?