Toenails are such frequent targets of fungal infection, that this ailment is among the most common in the world. Because the fungus is more likely to grow in dark and damp places, feet and toenails are particularly susceptible.

Vinegar is often the home remedy most readily available to address this problem.

Vinegar contains natural properties that can both stave off and help cure toenail fungus. Many people choose this remedy over harsh chemicals or synthetic medicines.

Because both apple cider and white vinegar can aid in the eradication of fungal infections in the nail beds, either is acceptable for use as a home remedy. Not only is this remedy very cheap, but it is also among the most effective available.

Because vinegar is a safe, non-invasive treatment for toenail fungus, you don’t need any special training to apply it yourself.

Here is a basic outline of a common home remedy:

• Create a solution of one part vinegar and one part water.
• Soak your feet in this solution at least once daily, for 30 minutes, as well as alternate between cold and hot baths.
• Additionally, many people recommend that a person take three of these baths per day, at regular intervals.
• Because it causes a pH imbalance in the skin, toenail fungus can make skin more alkaline and thereby cause irritation of the cuticles and tissues.
• Toenail fungus should be treated immediately, since the infection can manifest itself as both itchiness and pain in the affected area.

The acidic properties of vinegar restore the pH balance of the skin, which allows the integumentary system to relieve the itchiness associated with the infection.

Many vinegar options are available today, which are relatively inexpensive at local groceries and markets. These include rice, malt, fruit, coconut, cane, balsamic, and apple cider varieties of vinegar.

The inflammation and pain that fungal infections cause has been shown to be reduced by the application of apple cider vinegar.  Hydrogen peroxide can also kill bacteria and viruses, when used in conjunction with a regular vinegar application.

An alternative to soaking your feet in a bath is to directly apply the vinegar on the base of the toenail, at least twice a day.  Just make sure that the vinegar will stay in place long enough to get the desired result.

A maximum of two drops of vinegar is suggested, for the remedy to be effective.

Toenail fungus can be effectively treated with vinegar. If you get infected, look to your kitchen cupboard first, for this simple but efficient solution for fungal problems.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are ill you should consult a medical doctor.

This post was first published on The Green Bean Blog. To continue reading, please visit Will Vinegar Treat Toenail Fungus? is a post from:

What’s round like an orange, textured like a porcupine and green like a lime? It’s the green wash ball. This ball works by bouncing around natural ceramics inside the ball that raise the ph level of the water. This process is much like how traditional detergent works but instead of friction they use chemicals to raise the ph level. Also the texturing on the ball helps loosen dirt and at the same time softens clothes without the use of chemical fabric softeners.

To use, simply place ball in washer without detergent or fabric softener and wash as usual. The green ball can be used 7 times per week and then refreshed by place in the sun for 1 hour. Following this pattern of use will give you enough cleaning power to last 1,000 washes or 3 years worth of laundry. The green ball safeguards clothes, activates water’s natural cleaning power, eliminates odors, cleans with an antibacterial effect, removes dirt without chemical detergents and avoids allergic reactions to clothing detergents and fabric softeners. The green ball is safe for septic tanks and in the production of gray water. Also with college starting the green ball is an easy way for students to do their laundry with one simple ball. So the next time you’re in the detergent aisle think about trying the green wash ball.

Also, while laundry is on your mind think about the art of clothes drying. While fall is quickly approaching, the art of hanging your clothes on the line to dry is liberating and nostalgic. One can hang clothes on the line and enjoy the sun and breeze of the day. This enjoyment continues when the clothes are taken down in their crispness and the scent lingers in your closet and drawers. But if you cannot hang your clothes out or, have allergies, using a dryer to dry your clothes is your only option. However, you can save money, soften your clothes naturally, and save time by using dryer balls. These balls placed as pairs in your dryer beats one’s clothes to soften and speed up drying time.

So even the art of doing laundry can be green. Green wash balls reduce the use of plastic, cut down on unplanned trips to the store when you run out unexpectedly and soften one’s clothes by the tumbling of the ball in the washer much like what has been done for centuries with beating clothes on rocks. The green wash ball can also be used in the refrigerator to help keep fruits and vegetables fresh. The final task on laundry day is drying and it can be the most enjoyable. Mother Earth has provided the most wonderful dryer for clothes, the outdoors. But if you cannot take advantage of Mother Earth’s dryer the dryer balls in the dryer are the next best thing. While this act uses energy the beating of the ball softens clothes, cuts drying time which saves energy and if nothing else creates rhythmic music that spices up a mundane task.

This post was first published on The Green Bean Blog. To continue reading, please visit Laundry Day: Try Green Wash Ball is a post from:

Good news! Tom’s of Maine has now added a 24-hour, long-lasting deodorant in recycled/recyclable packaging to their line. They have sold all-natural deodorant free of aluminum, parabens and PG for decades, but now Tom’s commitment to sustainability extends even to the packaging.

To begin with, the plastic is made of 40-70% recycled materials from industrial waste sources. And the whole container is made from one type of plastic, polypropylene, so that the shell, cap, and screw can be recycled together. Most other deodorant containers make the shell cap and screw of different plastics, making recycling the products very difficult. As it is made of fully recyclable number 5 plastic, it is a little more difficult to recycle in some areas.

Gimme 5 Drop Off Bins

However, the Gimme 5 program allows you to drop the container at your local Whole Foods or to mail it in for recycling. So the packaging goes easily from recycled to fully recyclable.

The deodorant itself, like all Tom’s of Maine deodorants, is 100% natural, vegetable-based, never tested on animals, and proven to stop the growth of odor-causing bacteria. However, this last fact has been a bit dispute. As the deodorant does not contain the aluminum used by other deodorants to inhibit sweating, it makes no claims to being an anti-perspirant, but more than one person has complained that it isn’t much of a deodorant either. However, for around $3.99, it is definitely worth a try, especially when you know it won’t cost the environment much either.

Those of you aware of the toxic chemicals and additives in most personal care products were probably already aware of Tom’s of Maine. They have been making all natural personal care products for almost 40 years and have demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability all along the way. Visit their site to see the full line of products and the full lists of ingredients, which specify both the purpose and source of those ingredients.

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