1 teaspoon ( 5 ml) baking soda
1 to 2 drops lavender essential oil
Water, to make a paste

Finding a splinter in the tender skin of your finger or foot is definitely unpleasant, but fortunately most splinters eventually come out on their own. However, if you have a particularly stubborn splinter to deal with, experts advise first washing the affected area with soap and water, and then trying this homemade poultice to make the extraction easier. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of lavender essential oil with enough water to make a thick paste. Spread the paste gently over the splinter and top with a small piece of gauze secured with first aid tape. Let the poultice set for 1 to 2 hours, then remove the bandage and rinse the paste off. if the splinter hasn't already come out on its own, use tweezers to grab the splinter and back it out of the skin. Follow up with a dab of antiseptic ointment and seek further care if signs of infection develop.

1/4 cup (60 ml) almond oil
15 drops rosemary essential oil
10 drops juniper essential oil
10 drops wintergreen essential oil

You can call upon the restorative power of herbs to help work out the occasional soreness related to muscle cramps. This particular combination draws on rosemary and mentholated herbs, with scents you will recognize from over-the-counter muscle rubs, to help loosen things up. Combine the almond, rosemary, juniper, and wintergreen oils in a small glass jar and shake well to distribute. Gently rub oil onto affected areas. Keep oil sealed and store in a cool, dark place when not in use.

1 chamomile tea bag
1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) warm water

In Europe, chamomile is considered a cure-all herb; in Germany, it is commonly referred to as alles zutraut, which translates to "capable of anything.: Even if you prefer brewing your own loose tea, keeping a box of chamomile yea bags on hand will provide ready access to this easy go-to poultice for minor cuts and scrapes that may help ease inflammation and fight bacteria. Soak tea bag in water for a minute or so to activate the tea. Place over a cut or scrape, which has been thoroughly cleaned with soap and water, then press gently. Secure tea bag in place with gauze and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Alternately, if you have some chamomile tea already made, simply soak gauze pads in the liquid and proceed with the rest of the instructions.

1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
1 teaspoon (5 ml) lavender essential oil

For minor bug bites and the irritating itch that accompanies them, consider carrying this lavender-based insect bite oil with you the next time you venture into the great outdoors. This folkloric formula calls for a 1 to 3 ratio of lavender essential oil to plain vegetable oil. Combine the vegetable and lavender oils in a small glass jar and shake well to distribute. Dab a small amount directly on fresh bug bites. Keep oil sealed and store in a cool, dark place when not in use.

1 teaspoon (5 ml) green clay powder
1 teaspoon (5 ml) distilled water
1 teaspoon (5 ml) echinacea tincture

Herbal experts credit a dab of clay on a bee sting for providing a quick natural means to instant, cooling relief. As the clay dries, it causes the skin to shrink temporarily, helping to draw out the stinger and subdue the accompanying toxins. A bit of echinacea tincture added to the mix may prompt faster healing. Combine the green clay powder, water, and echinacea tincture in a small bowl ans stir with your finger until thoroughly mixed. Apply to a fresh insect bite or sting. Rinse with cool water when clay is dry and the itching or stinging has subsided.

It might look like acne, but rosacea is a different condition altogether – one that usually strikes adults over 30, often those with fair skin. Symptoms include flushed, pimply thickened facial skin, watery eyes, and visible blood vessels, and they typically get worse without treatment.

Although we don't know what causes rosacea, there's some evidence that food sensitivities, inflammatory disorders, and H. pylori (the bacterium that causes ulcers) may play a role. Anything that causes your face to flush – including menopausal hot flashes and humid weather – can also set off a flare.

There's no cure, but you and your doctor can do plenty to minimize symptoms and keep them from recurring.

1. Soak a washcloth in cool water to which you've added 5 drops rose, lavender, and chamomile oils. Place over your face for 10 minutes several times a day.

2. As you rest with the washcloth over your face, breathe deeply and slowly, filling your abdomen with each breath, and exhaling through your mouth.

3. Fish Oils – Because rosacea is an inflammatory condition, fish oil supplements – which fight inflammation throughout the body – may help. Take 1500 milligrams twice a day. Fish oil has multiple benefits – it will also help protect you against heart disease, for instance.

Aloe Vera Cream.

One study in 60 patients with mild -to-moderate psoriasis found applying a 0.05% cream three times a day five days a week for four weeks resulted in a complete remission in 85% of the patients, compared to just 6 % of those using the placebo cream, with no side effects. (The patients weren't followed long-term, so there's no information on how long the remission lasted.)

1 1/2 teaspoons (7 ml) tea-tree essential oil
2 tablespoons (30 ml) witch hazel
2 tablespoons (30 ml) rose water

Not only is tea-tree oil well regarded as a dandruff remedy, herbal experts also say it can fight acne due to its strong antibacterial properties. That said, applying straight tea-tree oil to the skin can prompt further irritation, so dilute it with witch hazel and rose water to make it gentler. Combine the tea-tree oil, witch hazel, and rose water in a small jar or bottle and shake well to combine. Apply directly to affected areas after morning and evening cleansing, then allow to air-dry. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.

1 cup (240 ml) water
2 teaspoons (10 ml) fennel seeds

Allergies, salty foods, and oversleeping, among other things, can lead to fluid retention, appearing as puffy eyes. No matter the cause, these easy-to-make eye compresses can help to reduce the puffiness. Bring the water to a gentle boil. Place the fennel seeds in a teacup and cover with the hot water. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Refrigerate the cup and its contents overnight, keeping it covered to retain the volatile oils, then strain. Tear a paper towel in half and fold each piece into a patch-size square. Soak the patches in the cooled tea. Lie down in a comfortable spot with your head on a pillow. Place one patch over each eye and relax for 15 minutes or so. Refrigerate unused tea for up to 4 days, if you want to repeat the treatment.

2 cups (475 ml) water
1/2 cup (7 g) fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 cup (24 g) dried Lavender
2 cups (475 ml) baby shampoo

This simple formula is appealing for its gentle cleansing action and fresh, natural scent. Because you are diluting the baby shampoo, this herbal version won't create the same amount of suds; it will leave your hair soft and clean without stripping it to the point of dryness. Bring the water to a gentle boil, add the rosemary, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add lavender, and let steep for 30 more minutes, keeping covered to preserve the volatile oils. Strain, then stir in the shampoo. Transfer to a plastic bottle and use daily, if you like. Can also be used as a gentle face wash if you have very sensitive skin. Test on a patch of skin near your ear first before apply to the entire face. Keep out of eyes.