Recent Posts

  Re: Art's Borax Lotion

Posted by Art (California) on 10/01/2025

Hi John,

DMSO is a solvent that temporarily disrupts the skin barrier function and it requires extra cleanliness in its use to avoid carrying unwanted pathogens through the skin barrier into the general circulation and it also requires proper dilution to avoid excessive skin dryness with daily application. Many people report this drying effect of DMSO if it is not properly diluted. If over diluted, it loses its transdermal penetration enhancing effects. Since DMSO is a potent transdermal penetration enhancer it can carry the borax through the skin, probably better than Cetaphil Lotion, but I was going for simplicity.

It's pretty simple and easy to make, low risk and it worked for my friend who was ecstatic with her complete pain relief from the arthritis in her hands in just 3 weeks! What's not to like?

Art

Peppermint Oil for Hair Loss

2 hours ago
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 10/01/2025
★★★★★

Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth – the Research

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/

A Korean research that was published in the Toxicological Research journal on December 2014 investigated the effect of peppermint oil on hair growth on mice.

The animals were divided into 4 groups based on different topical applications: saline, jojoba oil, 3% minoxidil, and 3% peppermint oil.

Each compound was topically applied to the shaved area once a day, 6 days a week, for 4 weeks.

During the 4 week study, the mice were evaluated in terms of hair growth as well as other parameters.

Of the 4 groups tested, the peppermint oil group showed the most noticeable hair growth effects, a significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth.

The study found that from the second week, peppermint oil grew hair more rapidly than saline and jojoba oil. At week 3, peppermint oil remarkably promoted hair growth more than saline and jojoba oil, and even greater than Minoxidil. At week 4, peppermint oil showed hair growth of about 92%, whereas Minoxidil about 55%.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of peppermint oil on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. The animals were randomized into 4 groups based on different topical applications: saline (SA), jojoba oil (JO), 3% minoxidil (MXD), and 3% peppermint oil (PEO). The hair growth effects of the 4-week topical applications were evaluated in terms of hair growth, histological analysis, enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gene expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), known bio-markers for the enhanced hair growth. Of the 4 experimental groups, PEO group showed the most prominent hair growth effects; a significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth. ALP activity and IGF-1 expression also significantly increased in PEO group. Body weight gain and food efficiency were not significantly different between groups. These results suggest that PEO induces a rapid anagen stage and could be used for a practical agent for hair growth without change of body weight gain and food efficiency.

INTRODUCTION

Hair loss is a distressing condition that is associated with a multitude of natural, medical, or nutritional conditions. For example, androgenetic alopecia in men, or male pattern baldness, is increasingly recognized as a physically and psychologically serious medical condition that often requires a professional care by generalist clinicians (1).

The only products sanctioned by the US FDA for hair loss treatment are oral finasteride (Proscar) and topical minoxidil (Rogaine). Minoxidil was originally created as a hypertension medication by Upjohn Pharmaceuticals (2). Upjohn itself has warned of possible negative side effects of the medication including increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, rapid weight gain, edema, seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp itching, and scaling (3-5).

Traditional plant remedies have been used for centuries in the treatment for hair loss, but only a few have been scientifically evaluated (5). Peppermint (Mentha piperita) extracted from peppermint leaves is generally regarded as an excellent carminative and gastric stimulant, and also has been used in cosmetic formulations as a fragrance component and a general skin conditioning agent. The principal ingredient of peppermint oil, menthol, is primarily responsible for its beneficial effects (6). In vitro, peppermint has been reported to show anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities as well as strong antioxidant activity, and antiallergenic and antitumor actions (7, 8). Several clinical trials examining the effects of peppermint oil (PEO) on irritable bowel syndrome have been reported (9). However, experimental trial of PEO in its hair growth activity has not been fully reported. The aim of this study was to address the therapeutic potential of PEO for hair loss via the comparative analysis between PEO and minoxidil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials. This study used peppermint oil (Sanoflore®, France) certified as 100% pure and natural essential oil by an organic product certification organization (ECOCERT-F- 32600) and jojoba oil (Desert Whale, USA). The chemical compositions of peppermint oil and jojoba oil used are listed in Table 1. The 3% minoxidil was obtained from Hyundai Pharmacia (Korea).

Experimental animal. Five-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (Daehan Biolink Co., Korea) were allowed to adapt to their new environment for one week, with food and water provided ad libitum under 22 ± 1℃ room temperature, 50 ± 5% relative humidity and 12 hrs of a light/dark cycle before the experiment was begun. The dorsal area (2 cm × 4 cm) of the 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice was shaved with an animal clipper. Upon shaving the mice all of the hair follicles were synchronized in the telogen stage, showing pink color. All animals were randomized into 4 groups based on different topical applications: saline (SA), jojoba oil (JO), 3% minoxidil (MXD), and 3% peppermint oil (PEO, diluted in jojoba oil). Each compound (100 μl) was topically applied to the shaved dorsal area once a day, 6 days a week, for 4 weeks. Both animal care and the protocol for this study were in accordance with IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) and OECD guidelines.

RESULTS

Hair growth promotion. From week 2, PEO grew hair more rapidly than SA and JO. At week 3, PEO remarkably promoted hair growth than SA and JO, even greater than MXD. At week 4, PEO showed hair growth about 92%, whereas MXD about 55% (Fig. 1).

Fig. 5 shows the growth promoting activity of hair follicle number. At week 2, the hair follicle number of PEO group was 473% and 218% greater than SA and JO groups, respectively (p < 0.05). At week 4, PEO group had 740% and 307% more hair follicles than SA and JO groups, respectively (p < 0.001), comparable to MXD group. We also found that the number of hair follicles increased as hair regrew.

Fig. 6 shows the growth promoting activity of hair follicle depth. At week 2, the depth of hair follicles of PEO group was 172% and 133% greater than SA and JO groups, respectively (p < 0.01). At week 4, the depth of hair follicles of PEO group was 236% and 182% greater than SA and JO groups, respectively (p < 0.001), comparable to MXD. Histological studies revealed that PEO markedly stimulated the skin and thickened it. The depth, size, and number of hair follicles were also markedly increased in PEO treated skin. These results clearly demonstrate that topical application of PEO markedly stimulated hair growth and induced rapid anagen hair growth in telogen mouse skin.

DISCUSSION

Menthol is a major constituent of peppermint oil, which is a cyclic alcohol. Menthol has been widely used as a component of food and cosmetics. It has been reported that menthol increases the sensitivity of cutaneous cold receptors by modulating Ca2+ currents of neuronal membranes (16). Menthol is the most effective penetration enhancer that, along with limonene, can be considered the prototype for the use of terpenes as penetration enhancers (17). For years terpenes (e.g., menthol, β-pinene, terpinene-4-ol, α- pinene, 1,8-cineole) have been used alone or as constituents of essential oils in medicine, cosmetics and household products. In the experimental dermopharmacy and technology of transdermal drug forms, terpenes have also been intensively explored as penetration enhancers (18). When skin is treated with terpenes, the existing network of hydrogen bonds between ceramides may loosen because of competitive hydrogen bonding (19). The high accumulation of most of the terpenes in the skin layers proves that these compounds easily permeate the stratum corneum and that they may easily penetrate into blood circulation in vivo (20).

In our study, we found that PEO induced very thick and long hair after 4-week topical application and promoted the elongation of hair follicles from the epidermis down to the subcutis in a vertical section (Fig. 3), showing in the stage of anagen III. Application of MXD caused similar results. We observed that this increase in hair follicle length was not associated with any loss of hair follicle architecture and that the increase in hair follicle length was associated with an increase in the length of the keratinized hair shaft.

The drugs for alopecia treatment have been developed to maintain or induce the anagen stage of hair cycle. ALP activity was particularly detected in the dermal papilla. ALP activity in the dermal papilla was moderate in very early anagen, reached a maximal level in early anagen, and was kept at a low level during catagen (21). The bulbar dermal sheath showed intense ALP activity only in early anagen (22). Although results from clinical trials vary, the majority of the evidence indicates that there is a direct correlation between the hair follicle depth and the level of ALP activity. In our study, PEO induced significantly high ALP activity at week 2, even greater than MXD. This study demonstrates that PEO stimulates both dermal papilla and ALP activity, which promotes blood circulation by relaxing vascular smooth muscle (8).

In conclusion, our experimental data suggest that 3% PEO facilitates hair growth by promoting the conservation of vascularization of hair dermal papilla, which may contribute to the induction of early anagen stage. In addition, PEO effectively stimulated hair growth in an animal model via several mechanisms and thus could be used as a therapeutic or preventive alternative medicine for hair loss in humans.

The researchers also found that the depth, size, and number of hair follicles were also markedly increased in peppermint oil treated skin.

The researchers concluded that the results clearly demonstrate that topical application of peppermint oil markedly stimulated hair growth in mice skin and thus could be used as a therapeutic or preventive alternative medicine for hair loss in humans.

Peppermint Oil for Hair Loss – Home Treatments

To reap the benefits of peppermint oil to promote hair growth, you can do the following:

Peppermint oil massage for hair growth

For a daily massage to stimulate new growth, add two drops of peppermint oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil. Rub it into the scalp and leave for at least 30 minutes (it is a good idea to do a test on a small skin patch to make sure you don't develop any skin irritation). Make sure the oil mixture doesn't reach your eyes.

Add peppermint oil to your shampoo

For nourishing your hair on a daily basis, add peppermint essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner (you can use mild shampoo or a baby shampoo). Use 4-6 drops of oil for every ounce of shampoo (18 drops per ounce = 3% using essential oil guidelines) or conditioner. Massage the shampoo/conditioner and leave for a few minutes.

  Re: Art's Borax Lotion

3 hours ago
Posted by John (londond) on 10/01/2025

So then why not just mix borax with DMSO then?

 Re: Melanoma Continuously for 4 Years - Need Protocol

3 hours ago
Posted by Ruralady (Illinois) on 10/01/2025

Raw, bitter, apricot seeds are excellent for MM. I would go with 20/dly, ten with each meal. The apricot seeds won't interfere with any mainstream medicine she's doing. She can also use CuraDerm, it's concentrated eggplant on the lesions, it's very pricey but many people have been very happy with it. I wouldn't try to find a cheap copy on Amazon, it says it's eggplant but it isn't. They have their own website. Good luck to you and your daughter. You can even add more apricot seeds.

  Re: Colloidal Silver for Lung Infections

3 hours ago
Posted by amr2003 (california) on 09/30/2025

Hello, does anybody know how much CS@20ppm is used in a ultrasonic humidifier with a gallon of water capacity?

  Re: Colloidal Silver in Cool Mist Humidifier

3 hours ago
Posted by amr2003 (california) on 09/30/2025

Hello, Does anybody know the concentration of CS used with the ultrasonic humidifier? The introdu tion/beginning explanation says 2ounces of CS, my humidifier usually takes a gallon of water. So, would that be just 2ounces in a gallon? seems tiny, please elaborate. Thanks

 Re: Need Remedies to Help Stop Intrusive Thoughts

16 hours ago
Posted by Feng (Shui) on 09/30/2025

Couple ideas

Valerian, chamomile, melatonin, vitamin D, magnesium, and lavender - look up how to use them for sleep and relaxation, anxiety

Glutamate can overexcite the brain - learn how to avoid MSG and similar substances ("natural flavor", etc)

Gut infection may lead to blood infection and brain infection - look into treatment

Food intolerance leading to damaged intestine, high histamine, inflammation - learn about the elimination diet and eat healing foods

  Re: Blackstrap Molasses for Fibroids

16 hours ago
Posted by Feng (Shui) on 09/30/2025

Molasses and chocolate give me chest pain.

For pcos try coriander and mustard seed and moringa leaf.

The coriander seed can be used on food. I used a teaspoon or more per day last month and my period was lighter.

I was also using moringa leaf powder and mustard seed powder occasionally.

The moringa and mustatd were mixed 1 tablespoon each with an equal amount of fresh lemon juice and a small cup of water.

The bleeding has been less and the abdominal discomfort is improved. The pcos seems to be from over indulging in chocolate.

Garlic helps somewhat, too.

Cedar and sage might interest you.

  Re: Coconut Oil for Low Body Temp

16 hours ago
Posted by Brady's Lady (Eureka, NV) on 09/30/2025

My research always showed that coconut oil cleanses the liver as well as benefitting the thyroid.

  Re: Question About Topical Melatonin

16 hours ago
Posted by Melvin Russel (Florida) on 09/30/2025

The recipe you're referring to calls for 1 gram. That's the amount. You won't want to use pills for that as it would take a lot of them. Get the powder from one of the wholesalers. 1 gram of bulk powder is approximately equivalent to 1/4 tsp (though a scale is much more accurate). For the metrically challenged, 1 gram is 1000 mg.

  Re: Boron for Osteoarthritis Pain?

22 hours ago
Posted by Art (California) on 09/30/2025

Hi Betsy,

Regarding the trigger finger issue if the borax lotion does not remedy it, I have had two reports that melatonin lotion (ML) helped that problem, but I have no idea if either report had an actual diagnosis of "trigger finger". Here is how to make melatonin lotion and a long list of 50 health problems that people have reported benefit from ML if you are interested :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-lotion.html

Art

 Re: High Diastolic, Tinnitus, Sinus Issues, Pain in Left Thigh +

23 hours ago
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 09/30/2025

Dear Tina,

Wow, you have a lot going on! I imagine it is overwhelming to consider where to begin. Earth Clinic has so many stories of healing and so many remedies to consider. I am glad you are here!

My first thought is coconut oil for the sinus issues - if you can tolerate consuming a Tablespoon three times a day for a couple of weeks. Also, reducing/avoiding dairy products especially ice cream, unfortunately, as it is a common aggravator of sinus issues.

If you are taking pain meds for your pain, that can cause tinnitus or make it worse. One Tylenol or ibuprofen pill will cause a flare up with my tinnitus. Read about turmeric for pain on this site. It could help a number of issues.

Reducing/eliminating sugar helps many problems.

Have you seen a doctor? I would recommend getting a baseline if not, and ruling out any serious concerns. Get your vitamin D checked if you can.

Check out this page on wellness - there are some pleasant ways to improve overall health! https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/health-and-wellness-tips.html

I don't want to suggest too many things at once. Try a couple of things for a week or two and see how it goes and report back.

~Mama to Many~

  Re: Probiotics for Gastroparesis

1 day ago
Posted by Alice (SC) on 09/30/2025

I would like to know what probiotic you used for gastroparesis, as I'm having problems with it. Thank you

 Re: High Diastolic, Tinnitus, Sinus Issues, Pain in Left Thigh +

1 day ago
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 09/30/2025

Dear Tina,

Wow, you have a lot going on! I imagine it is overwhelming to consider where to begin. Earth Clinic has so many stories of healing and so many remedies to consider. I am glad you are here!

My first thought is coconut oil for the sinus issues - if you can tolerate consuming a Tablespoon three times a day for a couple of weeks. Also, reducing/avoiding dairy products especially ice cream, unfortunately, as it is a common aggravator of sinus issues.

If you are taking pain meds for your pain, that can cause tinnitus or make it worse. One Tylenol or ibuprofen pill will cause a flare up with my tinnitus. Read about turmeric for pain on this site. It could help a number of issues.

Reducing/eliminating sugar helps many problems.

Have you seen a doctor? I would recommend getting a baseline if not, and ruling out any serious concerns. Get your vitamin D checked if you can.

Check out this page on wellness - there are some pleasant ways to improve overall health! https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/health-and-wellness-tips.html

I don't want to suggest too many things at once. Try a couple of things for a week or two and see how it goes and report back.

~Mama to Many~

  Re: Boron for Osteoarthritis Pain?

1 day ago
Posted by Betsy (Virginia) on 09/30/2025

Thank you so much for the borax lotion recipe and testimonial of your friend. Definitely will be trying that and will update you in the other thread. Like your friend, I have osteoarthritis in my hip (according to doctors) but no pain there, only down my left leg. I also have a trigger finger in my right hand that's been annoying me for 15+ years. I'd be thrilled if the borax lotion took care of both issues. Thanks again!

Betsy

  Re: Boron for Osteoarthritis Pain?

1 day ago
Posted by Betsy (Virginia) on 09/30/2025

Thank you so much for the borax lotion recipe and testimonial of your friend. Definitely will be trying that and will update you in the other thread. Like your friend, I have osteoarthritis in my hip (according to doctors) but no pain there, only down my left leg. I also have a trigger finger in my right hand that's been annoying me for 15+ years. I'd be thrilled if the borax lotion took care of both issues. Thanks again!

Betsy

  CKD Questions for Art

2 days ago
Posted by Art (California) on 09/29/2025

Hi Manuel,

Most newer human studies have used from 8 mg/day up to 24 mg/day of Astaxanthin, but with all things you try or test, your doctor will need to approve and supervise your use of astaxanthin since you are in stage 4 CKD. I still use a 24 mg liposomal form of Astaxanthin and have used it for years to increase endurance as I wrote about here a few years ago :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/astaxanthin-for-endurance.html

When you discuss it with your doctor, see if he will consider the 24 mg dose.

Art

Melanoma Continuously for 4 Years - Need Protocol

2 days ago
Posted by Paula (Bismarck, ND USA) on 09/29/2025

I'm reaching out to see if anyone has insight or experience with natural health protocols that may support my daughter's situation. She is 20 years old and has been dealing with melanoma for the past 4 years. She goes in for full-body checks every 3 months, and at her last two appointments, new moles were found and removed. Each one has come back as atypical, with the most recent biopsy confirming melanoma.

Over the past 4 years, she has had 4 separate moles test positive for melanoma. I'm feeling very lost and unsure of the next steps. Part of me wonders if this could be connected to her immune system or possibly hormone related.

Has anyone else experienced something similar, or do you know of supportive approaches or recommendations that could help alongside her medical care? Any advice or resources would mean so much.

Thank you in advance.

  CKD Questions for Art

2 days ago
Posted by Manuel (Argentina) on 09/29/2025

Canyou give an idea of thedosage of Astaxanthin in Milligrams

Will start withe the 100 mg Sodiunm Bicarbonate for 1 month monitoring blood pressure and do a Creatinine level test to check

thanks one more time

Manuel

  Re: Arthritis

2 days ago
Posted by Wm (Texas) on 09/29/2025

I have read recently that arthritis can be cured with chlorine dioxide.


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