Biting bugs can ruin a summer evening in the backyard, but concerns over the long-term use of DEET have left many wary of applying insect repellents that contain this chemical. For those seeking a more natural way to ward off mosquitoes, midges...
Avon first created Skin So Soft in 1961 as a bath oil for women, and its fragrance and moisturizing properties have appealed to consumers ever since. Avon has released a line of Skin So Soft products, such as age defying and sensual effects, all...
Cedar oil, also known as cedarwood oil, is used in products such as perfumes, insect repellents and cleaners. Produced from the heartwood of cedar or juniper, it was used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks for embalming and preservation. Cedar oil...
Sunburn can occur within 15 minutes of sun exposure, even though symptoms may not appear for several hours. While your hair mostly protects your scalp, the skin on your head is still vulnerable to burning. In fact, your scalp receives more direct...
Orange essential oil is extracted from the rinds of the orange fruit. It is generally produced through cold-pressing methods or extracted as a result of orange juice production. Orange oil has a bright citrus aroma that smells like freshly peeled...
If you're going on a hiking expedition or camping trip, it's smart to arm yourself with an effective insect repellent. Many insect repellents contain large concentrations of DEET, a strong chemical that the American Association of Pediatrics warns...
A bug repellent sunscreen combination is a product designed to keep pesky insects away while also protecting your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. If you are spending a long period of time outdoors hiking, backpacking or just hanging out in...
For the most part, mosquito safety for children is not much different from mosquito safety for adults. Most repellents that can be used to protect adults can be safely used to protect children. However, children can be more at risk for certain...
The eucalyptus is a genus with over 700 species, most of which are native to Australia, according to author John J.W. Coppen in his book "Eucalyptus: The Genus Eucalyptus." The eucalyptus has been used for its medicinal properties by herbalists...
Eucalyptus oil is a good source of free radical-fighting antioxidants, inflammation-soothing tannins and germ-fighting cineole, making it a potential treatment for a number of different conditions. All these potent ingredients also make eucalyptus...
Traditionally grown in areas of high humidity, the neem tree has long been known to be beneficial to people who use supplements as an alternative treatment for various minor disorders and diseases instead of prescription medication. Available in...
Lemongrass is a type of grass that is native to India, now grown in many parts of the world, including California in the United States. Lemongrass is commonly used as a flavoring in Thai and Indian cuisine, but the primary use of lemongrass is as...
In the Melaleuca family of oils, some oils are used frequently, such as tea tree, clove and eucalyptus, and others are used less frequently, including cajeput. Steam distillation of the cajeput tree's leaves and twigs produces a strong...
Wild onions are members of the onion family, but are not cultivated and grow wild. They can be found around the world and are also known as "wild leeks." Wild onions have a distinct onion smell, have tall, fleshy leaves, and a shallow rooted...
Onchocerciasis disease is an infection caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus (worm). According to the Centers for Disease Control, 17.7 million people in the world are infected with onchocerciasis.
Thiamine is a type of B vitamin that helps break down sugars in the body. A thiamine deficiency may also lead to nerve and heart problems. In 1969, a study published in the journal "Pediatric Clinics of North America" found that the vitamin may...
Camping by a lake is an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of the scenic views. These camping sites typically are highly desirable, so you might have to make reservations well in advance. When you camp, it is all about comfort. The...
The fragrant bark of the cinnamon plant has been used since ancient times as a spice, perfume, pesticide and medicine. Folk healers have traditionally viewed cinnamon as a treatment option for diabetes, microbial infections and digestive...
Neem oil is derived from the neem tree, a plant originally found only in Southeast Asia and India before spreading in growth to the South Pacific Islands, the Americas, Africa and other lowland tropical and subtropical atmospheres. The leaves of...
Herbs and citronella share the common characteristics of a powerful aroma and widespread practical applications. Citronella is a grass native to the Philippines. It is used as a flavoring in Asian cuisines and as an essential oil to deter pests.
While chemical-based tick repellents, such as those containing DEET, picaradin and permethrin, are approved for use in the United States, concern over the potential side effects of these synthetic products has motivated some parents to seek a...
Fennel is an herb that has been used as an herbal remedy for various gastrointestinal conditions and as a spice in food. Fennel is also commonly used in natural insect repellents. An allergic reaction to fennel can form from ingesting the herb as...
Along with the warm weather, summer also brings many hidden dangers. From the local playground to the lake campground, there are many safety concerns such as drowning, heat exhaustion and bug bites. In fact, the MedlinePlus website notes that...
Eucalyptus oil is derived from any of 25 species of eucalyptus tree, which are native to Australia and grown in many subtropical and tropical regions of the world. Eucalyptus oil has a pungent, camphor-like aroma, and is used to relieve nasal...
While you've probably seen a lot of West Nile virus coverage in your local media, particularly during the summer, the fact is that most people infected by the virus recover without medical intervention. Very young children and the elderly are the...
The University of Michigan Health System notes that chickweed is an herb that "has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit." Consuming chickweed tea does have a history of traditional medicinal use, however. Available in most...
Lemongrass---also known as cymbopogon---is a type of aromatic grass. In addition to being used as a flavoring component in many Asian recipes, lemongrass has been historically used in South American, Indian and Chinese tradition to treat a variety...
As Dr. Maree Simpson reports on the Pharmacy News website, head lice tend to afflict pre-teen children and their families. Many parents prefer not to subject their children to harsh chemical treatments for head or body lice, but they may wonder...
A common ingredient in many perfumes and skin care products, oil of lavender has many useful applications for the mind and body. Its distinctive aroma is particularly useful for calming frazzled nerves and easing tension. Oil of lavender can be...
Preventing insect bites is easy with these tips. Get advice on backpacking, hiking, and the great outdoors in this video.
Lyme disease is an infection spread by ticks, with symptoms including a rash and flu-like symptoms. Learn about the best way to prevent Lyme disease in this health video.
Insect bites and stings can be caused by a variety of insects and lead to inflammations and/or histamine reactions . Learn more about insect stings and bites including treatments and symptoms in this medical video.
