Dherbs – The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products

Homemade Goji Berry Syrup To Boost Immune Function

Vincent Stevens — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Some of you are familiar with goji berries as antioxidant superstars, understanding their role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Others only know goji berries to be toppings for acai bowls. These small, oval berries are similar in size to raisins, only they are bright red in color and have a slight tart taste with a subtle, herbal note.

What Are Goji Berries?

Most commonly sold dried, goji berries can also be found in juices, powders, or teas. They have a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in remedies for eyesight, circulation, and liver protection. Recent research indicates that they have valuable compounds and nutrients that enhance or aid immune function. A five-tablespoon serving of dried goji berries exhibits the following nutritional profile:

Calories: 98
Fat: 0.1 gram (g)
Protein: 4 g
Sugar: 12.8 g
Carbs: 21.6 g
Vitamin C: 15% of the daily value (DV)
Vitamin A: 250% of the DV
Iron: 11% of the DV
Calcium: 10% of the DV
Potassium: 24% of the DV
Zinc: 18% of the DV

What makes goji berries special is that they are great sources of iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C. Iron is involved with the transportation of oxygen and the production of healthy red blood cells. Vitamins A and C play integral roles in immune function, acting as antioxidants in the body. They may also help reduce inflammation and encourage collagen production.

How Goji Berries Support Immune Function

Goji berries contain zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, vitaminC, and polyphenols, all of which work to neutralize free radicals that may damage immune cells. They also work to protect white blood cells so they can function optimally. Research indicates that goji berries contain unique polysaccharides that stimulate immune cells. In fact, one of the most studied compounds in goji berries is Lyceum barbarum polysaccharides (LPBs). The research indicates that LPBs may enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity and support T-cell and b-cell function, both of which are essential to adaptive immunity. They may also activate macrophages, which are cells that engulf pathogens.

Enhancing immune function does not just mean supplying the body with antioxidants and vitamin C. A strong immune system is about balance, just like gut health. The compounds in goji berries work to regulate inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, goji berries provide key micronutrients for immune cell production. Zinc is essential for cell development and signaling, iron supports oxygen delivery, and selenium works to regulate immune responses. These nutrients may also support immune resilience, helping to counter stress-related immune suppression.

What Goji Berries Don’t Do

This is an important reality check, especially after listing the benefits of goji berries. They cannot cure or prevent infections. Goji berries are not replacements for sleep or proper nutrition. The benefits are supportive and cumulative, not immediate or dramatic. They are little immune system maintenance workers and should not be viewed as energy medications.

Homemade Goji Berry Syrup

Ingredients:

3.5 cups filtered water
2/3 cup dried goji berries
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 lemon, halved
2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and grated
3 cinnamon sticks
1 cup raw honey
1 drop each: ginger essential oil and lemon essential oil

Instructions:

Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the goji berries, turmeric, lemon halves, ginger, and cinnamon sticks.
Bring the liquid to a boil and the cover, reducing the heat to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Pour the liquid through a strainer into a glass bowl. Get rid of the cinnamon sticks, lemon halves, and ginger. Pour the strained liquid into a blender, add the honey, and blend for 10 seconds.
Pour the syrup into a pint-sized mason jar or glass bottle of some kind, add the essential oils, and screw on the top. Store in the fridge and take daily for immune-boosting benefits.
Serving size is one teaspoon for kids and one tablespoon for adults.

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Can The Keto Diet Help Treat Depression?

Vincent Stevens — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:21:00 +0000

A recent, well-designed study suggests that the ketogenic (keto) diet may offer modest, yet statistically significant, improvements in treatment-resistant depression. According to research, one in three patients with depression do not respond fully to antidepressants. At the same time, there has been a growing interest in whether diet, particularly the keto diet can assist with mental health struggles.

What Is The Keto Diet?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein diet. This eating pattern involves severely cutting the intake of carbohydrates, while dramatically increasing fat intake. By eating this way, you can switch the body into a state of ketosis, which is a metabolic state in which it burns fat for fuel instead of carbs. This type of diet has existed since the 1920s, when it was developed as an innovative approach for children seeking to support neurological health.

In recent years, health experts have continued to find more health benefits of the keto diet, some of which benefit the brain, heart, digestive system, and so on. Some studies confirm that the keto diet may help control appetite, support healthy metabolism, and promote sustained energy levels. The first benefit, and some would say the driving force to continue the diet, that people notice is weight loss.

Health experts say that there has been a lack of high-quality research about the depression-fighting effects of the keto diet. That is why researchers wanted to conduct this new study. They wanted to see if there was a benefit to eating keto and experiencing reduced symptoms of depression. Continue reading to learn what the research found.

Real But Modest Benefits From Eating Keto

The study followed 88 participants with an average age of 42. All of them were diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers randomly assigned participants to follow one of two diets for a total of six weeks. One group ate prepared foods that followed a keto diet with 30 grams of carbs per day. The other controlled group followed a plant-forward eating pattern.

Researchers tracked scores using the PHQ-9 Score, which is a zero to 27 point scale used by doctors to measure the severity of depression. They took measurements at the start of the study, after six weeks on the diet, and after 12 weeks. By the end of the trial, participants following the keto diet had a 10.5-point drop in their PHQ-9 Score, while the plant-forward diet group had an 8.3 drop.

Why Could The Keto Diet Help Fight Depression?

The keto diet supports the production of ketones, which are chemical compounds that the body produces from fat when there isn’t enough glucose to burn for energy. Ketones may impact several pathways in the body, most of which are linked to mood disorders. Researchers believe that the ketones may spark a series of changes that are both neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory.

People who follow the keto diet tend to feel good when they keep their body in ketosis. In doing so, they tend to find a community of keto enthusiasts striving to maintain that goal as well. You build a community, if you will, engaging in activities and dietary habits that provide purpose, pleasure, and socialization, all of which are core treatments for depression. This is why study authors believe there are several potential explanations for the keto diet’s impact on depression. Unfortunately, none of them are certain at this point. Some research indicates that the change in gut microbiome, metabolism, or inflammation may influence mood, but more research is necessary.

Should You Go Keto To Fight Depression?

At this time, it is too early to prescribe the keto diet for treatment-resistant depression. It’s not a simple intervention because there is a lot that goes into following the keto diet. Trying the keto diet to reduce symptoms of depression is not something psychiatrists recommend because it is too early to know long-term safety and who is most likely to benefit. If you are considering dietary changes for improving mental health, discuss with your doctor or a mental health professional.

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6 Healthy Sleep Hygiene Habits

Vincent Stevens — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 09:26:00 +0000

Considering that you spend one-third of your life sleeping, make it a point to ensure that it is quality sleep as much as you can. Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to fall and stay asleep. If you find yourself staring at your ceiling at two in the morning on a regular basis, certain nighttime habits may be preventing you from getting quality sleep.

What Is Sleep Hygiene?

There is oral hygiene, personal hygiene, and now there’s sleep hygiene? Yes, exactly correct. Sleep hygiene refers to a set of habits that encourage a good night’s sleep. Adopting certain habits can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, or internal “clock” that controls sleep and wakefulness. Sleep hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining mental and physical health, in addition to overall quality of life. You may engage in certain practices or behaviors, either during the day or at night, to help promote better sleep. Continue reading to learn sleep hygiene tips that may lead to more restful sleep.

Exercise Regularly

Studies show that as little as 10 minutes of walking per day can improve sleep quality. Exercising outside further enhances the benefits by exposing you to natural light, which works to regulate your sleep cycle. If you cannot exercise outside, do not stress yourself into an anxiety spiral. Indoor exercise is also beneficial, but avoid exercising three hours before bedtime, as physical activity can increase wakefulness, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Should you want to engage in movement closer to bedtime, consider yoga, stretching, or Tai Chi.

Make Your Sleep Environment Work For You

Your sleep environment can either make it easier or harder to fall asleep. Typically, a bedroom that is between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for restful sleep. Additionally, make sure you have a comfortable mattress, pillows, and bed sheets. The more comfortable you are, the easier it is to fall and stay asleep. Too much light in the bedroom can also make it harder to fall asleep, so consider investing in blackout curtains or an eye mask to ensure darkness.

Use Your Bed For Sleep

It can be very tempting to read, work, watch TV, or have phone calls in your bed if it is very comfortable. Try to reserve your bed for sleeping and sexual intercourse. That may actually strengthen your brain’s association between your bed and sleep, so you can fall asleep more easily. Even though reading can help you fall asleep, you may want to try reading on the couch before moving to your bed in case your mind is excited by the book and you cannot fall asleep.

Manage Stress Before You Go To Sleep

You should never go to bed worrying about things that can keep you awake. To help alleviate some of that stress and worry, consider the following habits:

Write down your tasks or worries to get them out of your head. Prioritize what you have to do tomorrow, or the rest of the week, and then try your best to relax. Perhaps outline a plan to get these things done because seeing it on paper helps you see it through.
Experiment with meditation, be it in silence or guided via an online video or app on your phone. Meditation can help calm the mind, even if the practice only lasts for five to 10 minutes.
Consider sleeping with a weighted blanket, as it can help people with anxiety and insomnia fall and stay asleep.

Keep A Consistent Sleep Schedule

Going to bed and waking up at the same (or thereabouts) every day, even on the weekends, can help reinforce the body’s sleep cycle. That makes it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up every day. When you stick to a consistent schedule, you can also reduce daytime sleepiness. Just make sure that the bedtime you choose allows you to get between seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

Create A Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Help yourself unwind by developing a routine that gets you ready for bed. Allow one hour for your bedtime routine because that allows you enough time to do a few different things that relax you. Here are a few examples:

Meditate, even for five to 10 minutes, to help calm the body and mind. You can set an intention during your practice to make it more effective and help you focus.
Listen to soothing or relaxing music while focusing on your breath. There are many playlists on streaming platforms that help induce sleep.
Reading a book can be a great way to relax, but avoid using electronic devices that emit blue light, as that can keep you awake.
Engage in some gentle stretching to relax the muscles and release tension. You can also try restorative yoga, which works to relax the mind and body.

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Cinnamon Almond Butter Energy Bites

Vincent Stevens — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:46:00 +0000

Do you ever crave a little something sweet after you eat lunch? Perhaps you need a little mid-morning pick-me-up that will hold you over until your lunch. There’s always that later energy dip between lunch and the end of the workday. How do you energize yourself without pouring another cup of coffee, drinking a sugary soda, or eating a packaged snack or dessert? Not only do energy bites provide the body with integral nutrients that help you feel full, but they also taste like dessert. It’s almost unfair, actually. They are too good and you have to be careful not to eat too many, for caloric purposes.

These cinnamon almond energy bites contain a lot of protein, fiber, and a big boost of healthy fats from the raw almond butter, ground flaxseed, and chia seeds. Specifically, those ingredients offer a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain, heart, and immune function. Some studies indicate that they may even aid inflammation reduction. A lot of people do not consume enough omega-3s on a daily basis, with more emphasis being placed on omega-6s, which are beneficial but too much can contribute to inflammation.

When you buy raw almond butter, make sure to buy the creamy variety, as the chunky one will be harder to mix with the rest of the ingredients. Believe it or not, this recipe does not require a food processor. Typically, energy bites demand a food processor because you have to pulse nuts, dates, or other ingredients. For these energy bites, get a large bowl and simply mix all of the ingredients together by hand. You will then form the energy bites with your hands or an ice cream scooper, place them in the freezer to harden, and enjoy after that.

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Healthy Dips And Apps To Make For The Big Game

Vincent Stevens — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:03:00 +0000

For many Americans, the predominant feasting days are Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Super Bowl Sunday. The Super Bowl, also known as the big game, is not just an ordinary watch party to cheer on football teams. It is a day to enjoy everyone’s favorite snacks, comfort foods, and drinks. The spread is almost more important than the game, commercials, and halftime show.

Super Bowl Statistics

During Super Bowl Sunday, an estimated 48 million Americans order take out. Nearly 60% of those take out orders are pizza, which is partially attributed to all the advertisements. Plus, pizza is an easy, affordable entree that can feed a lot of people. In addition to pizza, chicken wings and chips and dips are the most popularly ordered foods. Did you know that an estimated 1.25 billion chicken wings are eaten during Super Bowl Weekend? That equates to nearly 162.5 million pounds of chicken, proving that this weekend is responsible for 7% of chicken sales for the year.

Food and beverages account for the majority of spending for at home celebrations for the big game. The latest analytics for the 2026 game suggest that 213.1 million U.S. adults plan to watch the game. This year, about 121.1 million people plan to throw or attend a party, while another 18.2 million plan to watch at a bar or restaurant. Total spending on food, drinks, apparel, and decorations for the 2026 game is expected to reach a record $20.2 billion, which equates to about $94.77 per person.

If you want to take a different approach to your game day spread, we’ve got some great recipes for you. The following appetizers and dips may not even make it past the first half! That’s how good they are! Let us know which ones you end up making on game day in the comments.

Tomatillo Salsa Verde

If you have extra tomatillos, the best thing to do is transform them into a tangy and slightly spicy salsa verde. Once you make your salsa, grab your favorite chips and get ready to dip. Just be warned that this salsa packs a little heat!