Anti-Itch Creams may be the worst thing for your Itchy Skin

 

Photo by Matthew Henry | Burst

Anti-Itch Creams may be the worst thing for your Itchy Skin.

When you apply an anti-itch cream to fight itchy skin issues, the thickness of the creme often acts as a seal that pushes the itch below the surface where it thrives in your warm, moist body. That itch may even travel to another part of your body and pop up somewhere else. You may need to use these creams over and over, and unfortunately the biggest problem is they are full of synthetic chemicals (or drugs) that are often not safe for extended use.

Alywillow products are different from anything you have ever used before. We can usually stop the itch, give you relief, and prevent the itch from returning.

  • No drugs. We literally only use plants.
  • No synthetic chemicals. We don't even know how to use those.
  • They won't irritate your skin. In fact, they will soothe it - and fast - because they are loaded with natural vitamins and minerals. 
  • They are thin and liquid based, so they won't 'seal-in' your skin like heavy creams.
  • They soak into the skin, which fights the itch and prevents the spread.
  • Read our reviews. Our botanical blends are so effective, you won't need anything else. Use them to wash and moisturize every day.
  • We care about safety. They are so safe that you can use them every day from head to toe, just because you like the scent (you don't 'have to', but you could if you wanted to). That's how safe they are!
  • Everywhere and all the time. They can be used everywhere on your body including your face, scalp, and intimate areas.
  • Great scent! Many of our customers use these exact products not because they need them, but because they love the scent. We don't use fragrances, but you will smell the scent of the plants.
  • Glowing skin. They leave your skin feeling amazing.
  • Feel better. You'll get relief.

 

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MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.

When used according to the directions these products will give you relief or your money back. We can afford to make this offer because we know they are effective on 99% of people.

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Stop Itchy Skin Bundle

Replace your soaps and lotions with these and enjoy the fast relief...

Stop Itchy Skin

Stop Itchy Scalp Bundle

Replace your shampoo with these cleansers and start spritzing your scalp everyday until it clears up.

Itchy Scalp

PSORIASIS

The products in our StarBright Set contain higher concentrations of our Warrior, Wildwood, Lemon Laughs, and GoAway formulas to effectively fight and clear your psoriasis symptoms and scars. Just follow the simple instructions of washing and moisturizing daily for great results...

Starbright

Stop Itchy Skin Bundle (age 0-7 years)

Replace your child's soaps and moisturizers with these and watch them get fast relief!

Itchy Skin for babies

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Insect Irritations


FIRE ANTS:

If you have an existing fire ant bite, here's what you can do:

  • Apply one drop of our spot treatment, FORTIFY, to the affected area to reduce the reaction and keep using Fortify every few hours, until the pain and swelling stops. If you have many bites, rub Fortify all over the area.
  •  Remember to always cover Fortify with a moisturizer to prevent a burning sensation.
  •  If the bite itches, use WILDWOOD LEVEL 3 MOISTURIZER.

Fortify

Wildwood

MOSQUITOS, HOUSEFLIES, HORSEFLIES, & No-See-Ums:

    To prevent bites from these insects, you can use NATIVE SHIELD BUG REPELLENT. This product can be sprayed on your skin, hair, clothing, and shoes to create a barrier that will help protect you from mosquitos and some other flying insects.

    If you already have mosquito bites, you can apply NATIVE SHIELD directly to the bite to reduce itching, swelling, pain, and scars. It's important to note that no-see-ums can be felt even if they are too small to see. They are a type of biting midge that is prevalent in the southern United States. It's helpful to take precautions to protect yourself from these insects, especially if you live in or are traveling to the southern region.

    TICKS:

    Applying just one drop of Fortify to a tick is able to kill it in about 30 minutes. If the tick is on you, adding a drop of FORTIFY will weaken the tick, making it easy to remove. Fortify will also help fight the infection around the bite. If you wish to repel ticks before they attack, then add 20 drops of FORTIFY to your NATIVE SHIELD. This way your mosquito repellent also repels ticks. (Dogs: Don't use these products on your dog, but you can put Fortify and Native Shield on a handkerchief and tie it around your dog's neck while they're outside.

    It's good to know that Fortify can help kill ticks. It's weaken them quickly when applied to a tick on the skin and even repels them when added to Native Shield. However, it's important to note that these products are made for people and should not be used directly on dogs. Instead, you can tie a handkerchief with Fortify and Native Shield around your dog's neck while they're outside to help repel ticks.

    Fortify

    BEE STINGS:

    Apply one drop of our spot treatment, FORTIFY, to the affected area to reduce the reaction and keep using Fortify every few hours, until the pain and swelling stops. It's great to know that FORTIFY can help with pain and swelling from bites and stings, including infections. Just remember to cover it with a moisturizer to prevent a burning sensation - that's good to keep in mind. Adding a moisturizer like RIVERFLOW or MINTY RELIEF can also help reduce pain and inflammation. And all of this can give you great natural relief.

    Fortify

    Severe Allergic Reactions:

    There is some evidence that Goldenseal Leaf tea may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which could potentially help reduce some allergic reactions [1][2]. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Goldenseal Leaf tea on allergies.

    Easy Natural Flea Prevention for Dogs:

    I've been using this natural, easy, and effective option for almost 20 years now with great success, and my dogs have always thought it was just their daily treat. It's simply Brewers Yeast tablets, and it's good to know you can find it at any drug store in the vitamin and mineral section. By giving your dog brewers yeast tablets every day, their body naturally repel fleas. And yes, you can use brewers yeast with cats too.

    How much to use? A general guideline is to use 1 tablet for every 30 lbs of body weight. For example, a 90 lb dog would need 3 tablets, while a 10-15 lb dog or cat would need half a tablet. There are many brands of brewers yeast and from my experience, all brands have been effective. However, it is important to start the process before your dog gets fleas. Also, it's important to note that while brewers yeast is generally safe for dogs and cats, it's always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before adding any new supplements to your pet's diet.

    What about keeping the ticks off your dogs?

    To repel ticks, just apply a few drops of FORTIFY to a handkerchief and tie it around your dog's neck before they go outside. FORTIFY also kills ticks, so you can use one drop to get an existing tick to release before pulling it out.

    Fortify

    Is there Mosquito Repellent for dogs?

    I am often asked if Alywillow products, specifically our mosquito repellent Native Shield, can be used on dogs. So, a few years ago I reviewed all our recipes, comparing them to a list of plants that are not to be used on dogs, and then created this list... www.alywillow.com/pages/dogs-and-pets. Unfortunately, Native Shield didn't make the list. It's designed just for people. Plus, it's never been tested against fleas (just mosquitoes, horseflies, houseflies, and no-see-ums). For people, you can add Fortify to  your Native Shield bottle, so it will repel ticks too.

     

    Products:

    Fortify

     Minty Relief

    NAT -

    https://alywillow.com/products/native-shield-bug-repellent

    Riverflow

     

    Thank you for choosing Alywillow!

    If you have enjoy using one of our products, we'd greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to leave a review of your experience on the product pages. Your feedback helps us improve our service and better serve our customers in the future. Just click into the product you desire, scroll down to the reviews, and click on the button labeled 'Write a Review'. And, contact us if you have any further questions or concerns. We're here to help you.

     

     Sources:

    [1]  https://www.healthline.com/health/goldenseal-cure-for-everything

    [2]    https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-of-goldenseal

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    Prevent Maskne with Alywillow

    MaskWearing a mask for prolonged periods of time can irritate your skin, causing breakouts. There's even a new term for it - 'maskne'  (sounds like acne). Additionally, the warm moist environment inside your mask can support the growth of fungi (and no one wants an itchy face or a rash all over it). Since wearing a mask is now the standard, I'd like to share with you some ways to take care of your skin. 

     


    Alywillow can help relieve Maskne and keep your skin clear!

    • Wash your face with one of our moisturizing vegan cleansers - we recommend Warrior, Lemon Laughs, Sagerow or Firefly. Choose from our Bar Cleansers or Upside-Down Liquid Cleansers.
    • Spray your face and your mask (when you take it off) with DisinfectNOW. This helps prevent the buildup of fungi in your mask and helps reduce viruses and bacteria. DisinfectNow is alcohol-free, gentle on your skin and is safe to inhale.
    • Easily refill your bottle of DisinfectNow with our FORTIFY Plant Serum

       

       

       

      Reviewing some basics...

      • Your body needs about 8 ounces of water every 3 hours (while you are awake) and fresh fruits and vegetables, so try to cut back on your high-fat foods, processed foods, and snacking.
      • Try to get at least 20 minutes of sunlight every day.
      • Read here for 10 STEPS TO HEALTHY SKIN.

      We are here to help!

      Contact us if you would like to speak with one of our team members, or reserve a time for a FREE Skin Consultation.

      It is our wish here at Alywillow to make life a little better for everyone we meet. You are important to us and we look forward to hearing from you. In fact, every time I hire a new Alywillow team member, I look for people with a caring heart. People who want to make a difference and help other people. It's our motivation. <3

      Listen to the wisdom of our ancestors.

      One of the most important understandings in the Native American culture is the wisdom of our elders. Considering this time of great stress and change, we should all listen a little more to our loving Grandmothers... 

      My grandmother once gave me a tip:
      In difficult times, you move forward in small steps.
      Do what you have to do, but little by little.
      Don't think about the future, or what may happen tomorrow.
      Wash the dishes.
      Remove the dust.
      Write a letter.
      Make a soup.
      You see?
      You are advancing step by step.
      Take a step and stop.
      Rest a little.
      Praise yourself.
      Take another step.
      Then another.
      You won't notice, but your steps will grow more and more.
      And the time will come when you can think about the future without crying.
      - Elena Mikhalkova

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      Conquering Summer Mosquitoes

      My kids and I have often referred to ourselves as "mosquito candy", because those little pesky critters seem to single us out of a crowd and attack us more than anyone else -  but now, I have learned how to safely STOP them!

      Since my lifelong goal has been to reduce our exposure to artificial chemicals, making an effective bug spray (from pure plants) was essential for our survival in the South! 

      Using the wisdom taught to me by my Native American ancestors and about 3 decades of experience working with plants, I created Alywillow's Native Shield Mosquito Repellent with the intention of safely protecting myself and my loved ones from mosquitoes. Now, you can enjoy it too! 

      It's so easy to use!  Put it on an existing bite to reduce the itch, swelling, and scarring. Best yet, apply it before going outside so you get preventative protection.

      Prevents the bites,

      reduces the itch,

      lessens the swelling,

       & stops the scarring

      For many of us, Summer in the South can be a mosquito nightmare!  I used to hate those mosquitoes so much that I would avoid going outside in the summer. If I did get a bite, it would last for weeks and leave scars. My legs looked polka-dotted for years! LOL!

      Now, I love to go outside - even during the worst part of mosquito season. I know that if I get a mosquito bite, applying Native Shield will stop all the irritation, swelling, and scarring. If I apply Native Shield before I go outside, I won't get a bite at all.

      Native Shield is an all-natural, DEET-free alternative to conventional bug spray and EVERY SINGLE ingredient is a plant. It is so safe you can INHALE IT!  

      But, what's so important about it being DEET-free? 

      Let's chat just a moment about that...

      Native Shield vs Conventional Bug Spray

      Of course, just because something is popular and widely used does not necessarily mean that it is safe. It is well known that DEET is toxic to the central nervous system and could cause seizures and death. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), states that DEET can cause irritation, rashes and swelling.  
       
      Native Shield, on the other hand, is so safe you can apply it without holding your breath. Actually, you can inhale it with no harmful side effects. It is soothing to your skin even when you have acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and fungal issues. Native Shield is safe for everyone to use - even babies and pregnant women!

      Naturally Scentless (after just a few minutes)

      Of course, Alywillow products are made without any synthetic chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or synthetic colors. This means the scent you smell from our products are just the natural scents of those plants we use to make those products.
       
      At first, Native Shield will have a VERY STRONG scent (mostly of witch hazel and apple cider vinegar). Don't worry! Even when you cover your body from head to toe, the scent fades away in just 2-3 minutes. Then, it is scentless! 
       

      TWO easy ways to use Native Shield

      1. BEFORE YOU GO OUTSIDE:  Shake well, spray into your cupped hand and rub onto your skin before going outdoors. You can also mist onto your hair and clothes to create a protective barrier.
      2. AFTER THE BITE:  Even if you forget to apply it, it can relieve the irritation of the bite AFTER it happens. Just shake, spray into your cupped hand, and rub into the bug bites. This can reduce itching (in a few minutes), reduce the redness, reduce the swelling, and prevent scarring.

        Chiggers, House flies, Ticks, and Horse flies

        Yes, we have received great feedback from our customers on how Native Shield is helpful in repelling horse flies and house flies. Unfortunately, Native Shield does not work against Ticks and chiggers. For tick removal, see Fortify Medicinal Plant Serum.  To repel ticks, you can either use Fortify or DisinfectNOW.

        RUB it on! Use it properly!

        In order to achieve excellent results, 
        1. SHAKE THE BOTTLE - this is necessary to blend the plants
        2. SPRAY it into your hands, and then RUB IT ONTO YOUR SKIN. (If you spray it directly on, WITHOUT RUBBING, it does not work).
        Just like other products, it does have some limitations. 
        • If your skin gets wet, it will lose some of its effectiveness. Make sure you reapply.
        • The effects normally last for 2 hours (some people say it's longer or shorter, based on body chemistry). Even individuals with O blood type get relief with Native Shield.
        • Eating a high-sugar diet may cause some issues with effectiveness.
        • The shelf life is 2 years, so if you bought it last summer, it should still work.
        • It is made of PURE PLANTS and they need to live in your home (under 80 degrees Fahrenheit). If you leave your bottle in the heat, it will spoil the plants and ruin it's effectiveness. (In my home we have a bottle at the back door, one at the front door, and one in the beach bag).

        It might not repel bugs if...

        Everyone is different and our body chemistry reacts differently to plants. For some reason, about 5% of our customers ARE NOT able to get the protective results from Native Shield. Sometimes this is because you have too much lactic acid in your body. Perhaps the most important factor is your metabolic rate, or the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) your body releases as it burns energy. Mosquitoes use CO2 as their primary means of identifying bite targets.
        If Native Shield doesn't work for you, please contact our team members to make sure you are using it properly. If so, we will be happy to offer an exchange for another product. Keep in mind though, even if Native Shield doesn't repel the mosquitoes for you, it can still sooth the itch.

         

           ORDER NOW!   

         

        Sources:
        • Jackson, D.; Luukinen, B.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2008. DEET General Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.html
        • Corbel, V., Stankiewicz, M., Pennetier, C. et al. Evidence for inhibition of cholinesterases in insect and mammalian nervous systems by the insect repellent deet . BMC Biol 7, 47 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7007-7-47

        Subscribe to this blog's RSS feed using... http://alywillow.com/blogs/behindthewillowwithaly.atom

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        Summer is Better with Alywillow

        Summer

        Healthy skin needs at least 20 minutes of sun exposure daily... but it's important to soak up the sun safely, especially during the hot summer months! How do you do this? Consider this...

        • The sun rises early and sets late, so plan your outside activities in these  safe hours, between 6-10am and 5-9pm.
        • The most dangerous UV light usually happens between 11-3pm, so plan indoor activities in those times. If you must be outside during this time, then gear up like you are walking into! Choose a cool hat, wear sunglasses, find a breathable long sleeve shirt, and maybe even make a statement with a sun umbrella.
        • Drink water throughout the day. An easy way to calculate the right amount is to take your weight in pounds and divide it by half. Drink that many ounces every day. (a 120lb person would drink 60oz of water).
        • Bug protection: See more below on how to protect against ticks and mosquitoes!

        Look at how Alywillow products can make your summer even better!

        Inspired by life on the islands...

        GYPSYSUN Medicinal Spray is like a refreshing wave of relief for your burned or sun-damaged skin. It instantly reduces the PAIN OF SUNBURN. You don't need to touch the burn to get relief, just spray it on. Plus, it repairs at a cellular level, preventing the scars and speeding up your recovery from harmful UV exposure. You'll want to use it anytime you spend time under the sun. (You can also keep a bottle in the kitchen year-round to get relief of minor burns.) See more here.

        GypsySun

        Apply BEFORE or AFTER the bite.

        This repellent  protects you against mosquitoes, horseflies, houseflies and no-see-ums for a few hours... plus, it relieves the itch and swelling of existing bug bites. It is a DEET-free formula (we just don't need it). Plus, Native-Shield is so safe you can inhale it (although you probably don't want to) and it's also safe for pregnant women and babies!  It's also soothing to itchy skin issues (so those with eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis will enjoy it). At first, there is a crisp, fresh scent of vinegar, but that disappears fast. After about 2-3 minutes, you can be covered from head to toe, and no one will smell it on you. See more here.

        Native Shield

        Level 3 Moisturizers

        Our Level 3 moisturizers are ultra light & absorb fast so your skin can breathe and feel free. Get the Therapeutic Set of 10 and use them from from head to toe, for healthier skin everywhere. They are made of pure plants with no fillers, no water, and no synthetics. Plus, those plants offer a natural 8-10 SPF. See more here.

        Level 3 Therapeutic Moistuziers

        Alywillow Lip Balms

        • vegetarian,made of pure plants and organic beeswax and nothing synthetic!

        • Super moisturizing to RESTORE your lips, plus these plants naturally offer 8-10 SPF.

        • See more here.

        Lipbalms

        REPEL TICKS

        • Use Fortify or DisinfectNow to repel ticks and relieve painful bumps and bug bites.

        • DisinfectNow is premixed and easy to use. It's great for reducing germs or spray it on your skin and clothing to repel ticks. 

        • Use Fortify as a spot treatment on bumps or painful bites (follow the directions) or dilute to make your own spray. See more here.

        DisinfectNOW

        Relief of ezcema, dermatitis, fungus, and it smells and feels great too!

        Most people choose it because they LOVE the way it smells! However, if you have imbalances of the skin such as acne, dandruff, eczema, dermatitis or fungal issues - you are going to love the relief it offers. See more here.

         

        Widlwood

        ChocoMojo – just for fun

        A chocolate treat to energize you and keep you active... with none of the calories. Made of plants (including real cocoa), and that's all. See more here.

        Chocomojo

        Repairs at a cellular level for flawless skin

        Just read our reviews and you can see the benefits of using Warrior from head to toe everyday, for the rest of your life. See more here.

         

        Warrior

        The most natural Sun Kissed Lips ever!

        SunKissed is a subtle lip and cheek color, ideal if you love to shine with a more natural look. With just a touch of warmth, this moisturizing lipstick will make you look and feel brighter. See more here.

        Sunkissed

        Feel better fast!

        Our inhaler set is easy to carry and solves so many problems. It makes every day a little better. See more here.

        Inhalers

        Stay alert, active, and healthy

        Astragalus Root Dried Herb is generally believed to slow down aging, prolong life, boost the vital energy of the body, and strengthen your qi. It reduces inflammation in the body, including edema. It also wards off infection and reinforces the body’s natural defenses through its deep immune support.  See more here.

        Astragalus

        Lighten your skin and reduce the freckles

        Spending lots of time in the sun but don't want to get leathery or dark looking skin? Just wash and moisturize every night with this sun-repairing formula. See more here.

         

        Lemon Laughs

         
        Summer fun

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