| How to Make Lip Balm Without Beeswax Posted: 05 Aug 2020 05:00 PM PDT If you prefer not to use beeswax or you just don't have it on hand, you can still make an awesome lip balm or gloss! Coconut oil, shea butter, honey, and castor oil can all be used in various proportions to make a solid, hydrating lip gloss. Try a simple honey lip balm with coconut oil or shea butter, for instance. You can also make your lip balm from gelatin powder to give it structure or make a moisturizing gloss from a blend of oils and butters. [Edit]Making a Simple Honey Lip Balm - Add of shea butter or coconut oil to a small pan. You can double the amount if you want to make multiple lip balms. You can also place this in a double boiler, which is just a heat-safe bowl over a pot that has boiling water in it. Don't allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the boiling water. The double boiler will allow you to heat the oil or butter more slowly so it doesn't burn.[1]
- Another option is to put this in a small microwave-safe bowl to heat in the microwave.
- Shea butter is a better general moisturizer, since it has vitamin E in it. However, coconut oil is also hydrating.
- Heat the shea butter on the lowest setting. Because you're using such a small amount of shea butter, it can burn easily. Keep an eye on it, and set the burner on the lowest setting you can. Don't let it bubble! It's heated enough when the shea butter or coconut oil is melted.[2]
- If you're heating it in the microwave, start with 10 seconds and check on it. Stir it and heat it in 5-second increments after that.
- Add in of raw honey and 4-5 drops of essential oil. Take the shea butter off the heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the honey and essential oil until they're well blended.[3]
- Try peppermint, rose, or a citrus essential oil.
- If you don't want to use honey, you can substitute castor oil, which is a vegan ingredient. Use castor oil in the same proportions as the honey. Honey draws moisture to your lips and helps exfoliate them, while castor oil is good for hydration and dealing with chapped lips.
- Instead of essential oil, try adding in a few dashes of ground cinnamon.
- Pour the lip balm into a container to cool. Opt for an old lip balm container or any small container you have. You can use an old mint tin, a small baby food jar, or even an old (clean) pill bottle. Leave it overnight to cool and solidify.[4]
- You can store this lip balm at room temperature for several months.
[Edit]Creating Fruity Gelatin Lip Balm - Warm up of coconut oil in the microwave. Start with 15 seconds. If that doesn't melt the oil, heat it at 5-second intervals. You need the coconut oil hot enough to liquefy and activate the gelatin. It won't mix well if it's still in its solid form. You can also use equal parts of coconut oil and petroleum jelly.[5]
- You may need to stir it a bit to make sure it's evenly melted.[6]
- Coconut oil is hydrating, while petroleum jelly helps seal in moisture.
- Mix in 2 teaspoons (about 6 grams) of your favorite gelatin powder. Mix it in while the oil is hot, making sure to stir it thoroughly. The heat will help activate the gelatin so the lip balm will set up properly.[7]
- You can use any flavor you like, but keep in mind it will also tint the lip balm. Try raspberry, cherry, or strawberry for a pink-red color. You can also go a little crazy with grape for a purple lip balm or blue raspberry for a bright blue color. For a colorless balm, try unflavored gelatin.
- You can use sugar-free gelatin, too, but you may need to use a little less powder. Experiment to see what works!
- Gelatin mainly helps set the lip balm, though the protein in gelatin may be beneficial.
- Add in 6-8 drops of an essential oil in a complementary flavor. This step is optional, but it can add some zing to your lip balm. For instance, try lemon or mint oil with raspberry, grapefruit oil with cherry, or orange oil with grape gelatin. Mix the oil in.[8]
- Most citrus essential oils have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Pour the mixture into a small container to set. You can use old lip balm tubes or any small container, such as a clean baby food jar. Put it in the refrigerator to cool for 2-3 hours if you're in a hurry, or you can just let it sit overnight. You can use it when it's cooled down completely and solidified a bit.[9]
- If you want to use multiple lip balm tubes, use a rubber band to tie them together. That will make it easier to pour the lip balm into the tubes.
- This should keep several months at room temperature since it doesn't have water in it. However, if it smells off or has mold, throw it out.
[Edit]Mixing a Hydrating Lip Balm - Add castor oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to a small pan. Pour in each of castor oil and shea butter. Measure out of coconut oil, and add that to the pan, too.[10]
- If you want, you can substitute petroleum jelly for the castor oil in the same proportion. Petroleum jelly seals in moisture. Castor oil soothes chapped lips and hydrates. Both shea butter and coconut oil hydrate, but shea butter has vitamin E, too, which is good for your skin.
- You can also leave out the shea butter if you'd like. Try adding more coconut oil.
- You can also heat these in the microwave; if you'd like to, use a small microwave-safe bowl.
- Place the pan over low heat to melt the oils together. As the oils warm up, stir them occasionally to distribute the heat evenly. Once the coconut oil and shea butter have melted and the oils are all incorporated, take the pan off the heat.[11]
- If you heat it in the microwave, start with 15-20 seconds and check on it. Heat it up in 5-second increments until the oils are melted and mixed together.
- Pour in a few drops of the essential oil of your choice after you take the oils off the heat. Try 10-15 drops of citrus essential oil, such as grapefruit, lemon, or orange for a summery lip balm. Alternatively, add peppermint for a cooling lip balm. If you like floral flavors, use lavender or rose oil.[12]
- Citrus essential oils have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Clove or cinnamon are also good options, but you should start with just a few drops. They can get overpowering very quickly. They have a warming effect on your lips.
- If you don't have any essential oils, try sprinkling in 1/4 a packet of a drink powder mix, such as Kool-Aid or Crystal Light, which will add color and flavor.
- For a natural tint, add 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) of beet root powder.
- Add the lip balm to a small container to cool. Stick it in an old lip balm container, a small mint tin, or anything else you have on hand. Let it cool overnight or stick it in the fridge to cool faster.[13]
- It's ready when the lip balm has cooled and solidified.
- This should last several months at room temperature.
- If you don't have coconut oil, try shea butter, cocoa butter, or petroleum jelly.
- You can substitute extracts like vanilla extract for essential oil, though it might not mix in as well.
[Edit]Warnings - Be careful when handling hot pots and bowls. Always use oven mitts!
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Making a Simple Honey Lip Balm - Shea butter
- Raw honey
- Essential oil
- Small pot or microwaveable bowl
- Spoon
[Edit]Creating Fruity Gelatin Lip Balm - Coconut oil
- Gelatin powder
- Essential oil, optional
- Microwaveable bowl
- Spoon
[Edit]Mixing a Hydrating Lip Balm - Castor oil
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Essential oils or drink mix powder
- Small pot or microwaveable bowl
- Spoon
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Keep Pests Out of Your Home Posted: 05 Aug 2020 09:00 AM PDT Keeping your home in good condition is tough work, and pests like insects and rodents can come in and undo all of it in an instant. The best way to remove the threat of pests is to stop them from coming into your home in the first place. By keeping your home clean and storing your food properly, you can deter insects and rodents to keep your home in tip top shape. [Edit]Cleaning Your Home - Clean up right away after meals. The longer you leave food out on your table or countertops, the more likely it is that pests will come and find it. Try to clean up after yourself right away to take away the food source in your home.[1]
- If you don't have time to fully clean your dishes, you can give them a quick rinse to get rid of most of the food residue.
- Take out your trash whenever it gets full. You don't have to take your trash out every day, but you should try to bring it out to your large garbage can whenever you notice that it's full. Pests love trash, and they'll be attracted to the smells inside of your garbage can.[2]
- Taking out your trash regularly also helps to keep your home odor-free.
- Consider using a trash can with a lid to make it harder for pests to get inside.
- Rinse out your recyclables before recycling them. Jars, cans, and tubs often have food residue left in the bottom that pests can eat. Before you put your items in the recycling, give them a quick rinse to remove most of the food. Then, you can put them in your recycling can outside.[3]
- Rinsing your recyclables will also help eliminate odors.
- Wipe crumbs out of your cabinets and off countertops. As you clean your kitchen, use a damp rag to wipe crumbs off of any flat surfaces and into the garbage. Try to avoid swiping them into small crevices, like the gap between the stove and the wall.[4]
- Crumbs are easy pickings for pests, especially when they're in hard to reach places.
- Make sure you regularly inspect your cabinets for fallen crumbs.
- If there are any food scraps in your drain, clean those out as well.
- Sweep up food debris that falls on the floor. It's easy to wipe crumbs onto the floor and forget about them, but this can lead to more insects and rodents in your home. After you're done cleaning your kitchen, grab a broom and a dustpan to quickly sweep up any leftover crumbs that might be on the floor. Then, empty the dustpan into the garbage.[5]
- Try to sweep your kitchen at least once a week.
- Clean out your pet food bowls once a day. Pet food is a great source of nutrition for insects and rodents, so they'll often flock to it. Once your pet has eaten, try to make sure there aren't any crumbs left in the bowl by rinsing it out with water.[6]
- Avoid using an automated feeder that has food in it constantly, as it can attract pests.
- Rake up yard debris around your home. Grass clippings, fallen leaves, and branches all make cozy homes for pests to nest in. Grab a rake and make a few piles, then put the debris into your yard debris container, if you have one. If you don't, try to make piles of yard debris as far away from your home as you can.[7]
- If you use a lawn mower to trim your grass, consider using the bag attachment to easily collect grass clippings as you cut them.
[Edit]Storing Food Securely - Put your food in cans, jars, or airtight containers. Bugs and rodents can easily chew through plastic and cardboard. If you're storing food for more than a few days, try to put it in a metal can, a glass jar, or an airtight container with a lid to keep the pests out.[8]
- Try to purchase food items that are already in cans or jars to make this easier.
- Seal large bags of pet food in a garbage can with a lid. If you have a big container of cat or dog food, place it inside of a metal garbage can and put a lid on it. You can open it up each time you need to scoop out some food, but make sure you put the lid back on every time.[9]
- Pests love pet food, and they'll flock to it if it's left open.
- Keep perishable food in the fridge or freezer. It's super hard for bugs and rodents to get into a refrigerator. Keep as much food as you can in your fridge or freezer for an easy way to seal it and deter pests. Storing your food in the fridge can also make it last longer, so it's a win-win situation. [10]
- Items that could get soggy in the fridge, like crackers or cereal, can stay in your pantry or cabinets.
[Edit]Pest-Proofing Your Home - Attach screens to your doors and windows. Measure the area of your doors and windows, then purchase some wire screens to pop into place. The screens will help deter insects so you can leave your doors and windows open for fresh air without worrying about bugs.[11]
- Some bugs, like fruit flies, are so small that they can fit through wire screens.
- Fill any cracks around your doors or windows with silicone caulk. Take a look at the areas around your windows and your doors. If you notice any gaps or you can see through to the outside, grab a bottle of silicone caulk and squeeze it into the open areas. Let the caulk dry for about 1 hour to fill in the gaps and stop insects from crawling in.[12]
- Sealing the gaps in your doors and windows will also make your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Repair any leaky faucets or pipes. If you notice your sink or pipes have a leak in them, contact a professional plumber right away. Leaky pipes and sinks are a great water source for pests, so they'll gather around any water droplets they can find.[13]
- You can also cover your drains with a rubber drain cover when they're not in use to deter pets from crawling up through the pipes.
- Clean out your gutters once a year. Grab a ladder and lean it against the side of your home. While wearing gloves, gently scoop out the leaf litter and debris in your gutters to keep them clean. Try to do this about once a year in the spring to remove all the clutter from winter.[14]
- Dirty gutters provide warm homes for rodents and insects, and they also disrupt the flow of water down to your drain pipe.
- If you don't feel confident standing on a ladder or cleaning your gutters, contact a professional to do it for you.
- Trim trees and bushes so they aren't touching your home. If you have any large shrubs that touch the sides of your home, grab a pair of loppers or pruners and trim them until the branches no longer touch your siding. If there are any tree branches touching your home, talk to a professional about cutting them away from your home.[15]
- Trees and shrubs house a lot of pests, and they could be using your home as a second nesting or feeding area.
- Try to clean your kitchen after every meal to avoid attracting pests.
[Edit]Warnings - If your home becomes infested with pests, contact a professional pest control company.[16]
- Avoid using bug bombs or foggers inside your home, as they can cause respiratory issues in humans.[17]
[Edit]References |
| How to Prevent a Hip Replacement Posted: 05 Aug 2020 01:00 AM PDT Hip pain can make it hard to get through your day, and it might stop you from doing the things you love. Your doctor might recommend you get a hip replacement if your pain is severe, which is often due to arthritis.[1] You'll be happy to learn that you might be able to prevent a hip replacement. However, check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or exercise plan. [Edit]Making Diet and Lifestyle Changes - Lose weight if you're overweight. Losing weight can be really hard, but carrying excess body weight increases the pressure on your joints, including your hips. Talk to your doctor about your target weight range and whether or not losing weight will help you. Then, eat a healthy diet and exercise to help you reach and maintain your target weight.[2]
- Try staying active by biking, swimming, or walking since it can help keep your joints working properly.
- Talk to your doctor before beginning a new diet and exercise plan.
- Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian if you need help planning a healthy diet.[3] of weight on your body puts 3 to 6 times as much pressure on your hip joints. That means losing might take of pressure off of your hips.[4]}}
- Choose foods that may help strengthen your bones and joints. You don't need to follow a special diet for healthy hips, but there are a few foods you might want to try. Some foods contain nutrients that support healthy bones and joints, and incorporating them into your diet may help preserve your hips for longer. Eat more of the following to potentially protect your bone and joint health:[5]
- Leafy greens and spinach
- Dairy
- Almonds
- Soybeans
- Tofu
- Salmon and ocean trout
- Shellfish
- Fortified foods
- Manage joint discomfort with NSAIDs if your doctor says it's okay. Coping with hip pain can be frustrating, especially if your hips hurt often. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) may relieve pain and swelling in your joint. By managing your pain, you may be able to delay or prevent a hip replacement. Ask your doctor if it's safe for you to take NSAIDs. If so, take them exactly as directed on the label.[6]
- NSAIDs aren't right for everyone. Your doctor may recommend you take a different pain reliever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), instead.
- If you don't want to take NSAIDs, try relieving your pain with regular massage or acupuncture around your hips.
- Take chondroitin and glucosamine supplements to support healthy cartilage. You may want to add supplements to your diet to support your joint health. There's some evidence that chondroitin may help protect your cartilage, while glucosamine might help your body make more. These supplements may not work for everyone, so there's no guarantee they'll help. Talk to your doctor to make sure it's safe for you to take the supplements, then use them as directed on the label.[7]
- You can buy chondroitin and glucosamine at a drugstore, health food store, vitamin shop, or online.
- Wear supportive, flexible shoes to minimize the impact on your joints. You likely enjoy being active, but any physical activity, including just walking around, puts pressure on your hip joints. To ease that pressure, pick shoes that support your feet and have a flexible sole for added support. When shopping for shoes, try them on at the end of the day or after exercise when your feet are puffy. Make sure you can wiggle your toes, then walk around a bit to see if the shoes feel comfortable.[8]
- Consider having a shop assistant measure your feet so you know you're getting the right size.
- Try to wear supportive footwear most of the time. You might even get a supportive pair of house slippers for when you're hanging out at home.
[Edit]Stretching and Strengthening Your Hips - Practice simple range of motion stretches for a low-impact exercise. Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Move your pelvis in a circular motion as if you were using a hula hoop. Do about 5 rotations clockwise before switching directions for another 5 rotations.
- Do a seated hip abductor stretch using a resistance band. This exercise is an easy way to start strengthening your hips. Sit up straight in a chair with a resistance band wrapped around your knees. Slowly spread your knees as far as you comfortably can, then pause for 1-2 seconds. Slowly close your legs back together to complete 1 rep.[9]
- Do 2 sets of 8-12 reps 2-3 times per week.
- Do modified leg lifts while lying on your stomach. Try this modified version of a leg lift if you're just starting to exercise your hips. Lie face down on your stomach and stretch out. Then, lift 1 leg up into the air, keeping your knee straight. Hold for 1-2 seconds. Slowly lower your leg back down to the floor to complete 1 rep.[10]
- Do 2 sets of 8-12 reps on each side 2-3 times per week.
- Perform standing leg lifts when you feel strong enough. After you've mastered modified leg lifts, you might be ready to try them while standing up. Position a sturdy chair in front of you and hold onto the back of it for support. Lean forward at about a 45-degree angle. Keeping your left leg straight, slowly lift your right leg up behind you as high as you comfortably can, keeping your knee straight. Hold for 1-2 seconds, then slowly lower your leg to the ground to complete 1 rep.[11]
- Do 2 sets of 12 reps on each side 2-3 times per week.
- Open up your hips with clamshells. Clamshells are a simple exercise that target your glutes and thighs, which support your hips.[12] Lie down on your side with your knees bent and your legs stacked. Support your head with your bottom arm. Slowly lift the top knee as far as you can, opening your legs like a clamshell. Hold for 1 second, then slowly lower your leg back to start to complete 1 rep.[13]
- Do 2 sets of 12 reps on each side 2-3 times per week.
- Don't let your hip tilt back as you lift your knee. It may help to place your top arm at the back of your hip to remind you to keep your hips straight.
- Perform lunges to target your hips and thighs. Lunges can be a challenging exercise, so listen to your body and go at your own pace.[14] Stand up straight with your legs about hip-width apart. Step forward with 1 leg, then slowly bend your knees to lower your body down toward the floor. Stop when your knees are in 90-degree angles or when you feel uncomfortable. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then rise back up to start to complete 1 rep.[15]
- Do 2 sets of 8-12 reps on each side 2-3 times per week.
- Don't let your front knee go out past your toes. Additionally, don't push your body farther than it can go. It's okay if you need to modify the exercise by not going down very far.
- Perform dumbbell squats to work your lower body muscles. Stand up straight with your legs shoulder-width apart. Extend your arms at your sides and hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing your body. Bend your knees and slowly lower your body as far as you comfortably can, trying to go down about if possible. Hold for 1-2 seconds, then slowly come back up to complete 1 rep.[16]
- Do 2 sets of 8-12 repetitions 2-3 times per week.
- You don't need dumbbells to do squats since it's already a bodyweight exercise.
- Don't let your knees go out past your toes. Additionally, stop doing squats and call your doctor if you experience any pain.
- Try the happy baby yoga pose to help open your hips. Lie on your back and bend your knees up to your chest. Grab the sides of your feet with your hands and pull them up so your soles face the ceiling. Gently rock your body from side to side to relax your back and try to straighten your legs so your knees aren't bent. Hold the position for 10–15 seconds before letting go and squeezing your knees tight against your body.[17]
- You may also try standing with your feet together and your knees slightly bent and arms straight up to complete the chair pose.[18] Try balancing on one foot and extending one of your legs straight back to add in the drinking bird position.[19]
- This stretch also helps stretch your piriformis muscle, which connects your leg to your pelvis.
[Edit]Getting Medical Treatment - Check with your doctor before starting a new diet, exercise plan, or supplement. You probably want to do everything you can to protect your hips, but it's important to run these changes by your doctor first. Your doctor can help you make diet and exercise choices that are right for your medical needs. Additionally, they can help you make sure the supplements you want to take are safe for you. Always consult your doctor before making changes and get their advice.[20]
- This is especially important if you're taking any medications.
- Tell your doctor you're specifically worried about your hips. They may be able to recommend changes to help protect your hips.
- Ask your doctor if cortisone shots are right for you. Painful hip joints may be hard to bear at times. Fortunately, your doctor may be able to give you cortisone shots in your hip to reduce pain and inflammation. Not only will you feel better, but the reduction in inflammation may temporarily slow damage to your hip. Talk to your doctor to find out if this treatment is right for you.[21]
- When you get a hip injection, your doctor will have you lie on a table. They'll clean your hip area and give you a numbing agent to minimize discomfort. Then, they'll use an X-ray to find the right spot for your injection. Your doctor will use a dye to illuminate the area, then they'll inject you with cortisone.[22]
- Work with a physical therapist to learn exercises you can do. While you can exercise on your own, seeing a physical therapist can help you learn proper form for your exercises. Ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist who can help you strengthen your hips. During your sessions, focus on learning the exercises and ask which ones you can do at home.[23]
- Your physical therapy appointments may be covered by your insurance, so check your benefits.
- Talk to your doctor about your specific needs. They can offer you targeted advice for improving your hip health.
- Check if there are infrared saunas near you since sitting in them can help relieve your joint pain.
- Stress can weaken your joints and immune system, so practice relaxation techniques and get a good night's rest to help stay calm.
[Edit]Warnings - Check with your doctor before starting a new diet or exercise plan and before taking supplements.
- Listen to your body when you're exercising and don't push yourself too hard. You might accidentally injure yourself if you push your body past its limits.
- Avoid overstretching since it can lead to hip injuries.
[Edit]References |
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