Gingerbread cookies are some of the most classic holiday dessert items that are featured during the holidays, so you know that we had to make a raw rendition of them. Cleansers shouldn’t have to watch as other people enjoy the sweet and spicy delight that is gingerbread. Eat them when you’re low on energy or as a healthy dessert.

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While it may not be cold in every state, many areas of the country are experiencing some brisk temperatures. The cold temperatures, and the fact that cold & flu viruses are making the rounds, are not conducive to remaining healthy. Sometimes we tense up in the colder temperatures, but this is not good for your muscles and joints. It’s best to take a natural approach and warm up internally.

In case you haven’t noticed, the colder months are often associated with fragrant and comforting herbs/scents. These herbs work to bring the blood to the surface of your skin, which helps to warm the body by acting as a radiator (to some degree). Warming herbs also work to improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. Try to incorporate the following herbs into your life and let us know if they help to warm you up!

Ginger:

Ginger is a natural antioxidant and antiseptic that works to improve circulation throughout the body. Regularly consuming ginger can help to reduce inflammation, lubricating stiff or achy joints. Pour boiling water over freshly sliced ginger root to make a tea for one of the best (and warming) ways to consume ginger. You can also add ginger slices to smoothies, dressings, or even to a hot bath to absorb the benefits through your skin.

Cinnamon:

If you are someone who is always cold, you need cinnamon in your life. Cinnamon works to dry excess moisture in the body, while stimulating circulation in the process. It is also beneficial for healthy digestion, boosting the immune system, and regulating blood sugar levels, which helps to reduce cravings.

Garlic:

Although you may not want your breath to smell like garlic, it is certainly a powerful immune-boosting herb with antibacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic is a natural vasodilator, which means that it helps to widen blood vessels and prevent blood cells from clumping. In case you were wondering what else garlic does, it works to improve the health of your heart and lowers glucose metabolism in people with diabetes.

Cardamom:

Cardamom is actually a member of the ginger family and it helps to keep you mentally alert. The warming effect of cardamom actually promotes sweating! How crazy is that? It also helps to clear mucus from your airways, improve your ability to digest starches, and may be beneficial for relieving headaches.

Cayenne:

Abundant in vitamin C (it actually has more than oranges), cayenne pepper helps to relieve chills, congestion, or coughs. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in this pepper and it works to slowly increase the body’s core temperature. It also helps to boost the metabolism!

Sources:

https://www.honeycolony.com/article/warming-herbs-winter/

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6791/5-Warming-Herbs-to-Weather-the-Winter.html

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National Brownie Day is a day to indulge in one of America’s favorite baked goods. This classic bake sale item is a cross between a cookie and a cake and with so many kinds of brownies (blonde, chocolate, fudge, maple, or layered), it can be hard to figure out which ones you want to eat. It’s a good thing we have some delicious recipes for you in this article. But first…A brief history of the brownie.

A History, In Brief:

Brownies were the brainchild of some brilliant chef in the late 1800s. What made this man create such an infamous baked good? Well, he was requested to make a dessert for ladies, who wanted a small cake-like dessert that could be eaten as part of a boxed lunch, attending a fair in Chicago. The chef, who worked at the Palmer House Hotel, created the brownie with an apricot glaze and walnuts. The Palmer House Hotel serves that same recipe to this day.

How To Celebrate:

To be honest, the best way to celebrate this magical day is to enjoy an even more magical dessert. Rather than buying a box of brownie mix, which contains who knows what chemically processed ingredients, let’s change up the game and make some brownie-inspired recipes from scratch. Try making one of the following recipes and let us know how you like it.

Raw Vegan Brownie Bites:

There’s no reason that healthy snacking has to be boring and tasteless. These brownie bites are decadent and wonderfully chocolaty.

Click here to make the recipe.

Raw Walnut/Almond Brownies:

These raw brownies pack a lot of flavor, and you get that subtle hint of sea salt flavor. We strongly recommend adding the cinnamon, even though it’s optional.

Click here to make the recipe.

Raw Almond Fudge Brownie:

If you have leftover almond pulp from making almond milk, don’t let it go to waste. Make this sultry raw chocolate fudge for dessert!

Click here to make the recipe.

Raw Banana Chocolate Nice Cream:

Would a brownie be complete without a scoop of ice cream? We think not!  You don’t need processed ice creams when you can make tasty desserts like this!

Click here to make the recipe.

Sources:

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/brownie-day/

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-brownie-day-december-8/

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Cantaloupe isn’t the first ingredient that most people consider when it comes time to make smoothies, but it is a great smoothie addition. Cantaloupe is rich in vitamin A, magnesium, water, vitamin C, anti-cancer properties, and it is low in calories. Oh, we forgot that it helps improve digestion, too!

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With bustling social calendars, end of the year projects nearing their deadlines, and upcoming holiday travel plans, this time of year is more hectic than ever. Stress levels are high, diets are poor, and it can seem like you are barely keeping up with life. All of this can increase anxiety, depression, and slowly chip away at your overall mental health.

Holiday depression and anxiety start before Thanksgiving, and the body doesn’t get a break until the New Year. Be it the increased financial burden for travel and shopping, or attending parties and hosting meals, the holidays are physically and mentally draining. Expectations are high for planning events and giving gifts, but there is also the loneliness aspect for those without a good support system or loved ones. If you are experiencing any mental health challenges during the holidays, don’t be afraid to reach out to people, express your feelings, or employ the following tips.

Stick To A Routine:

It is easy to over-extend yourself during the holidays. Making multiple commitments to different parties, due to the high influx of invitations, can be mentally taxing. This is why you need to stick to your routine, even if that means missing out on a few parties. The more you stick to your regular schedule, the more in control you’ll feel. If sticking to your routine keeps you from becoming anxious, miss that dinner you were invited to in order to maintain your schedule. Self-care is more important than anything.

Soak Up The Sun…When It Comes Out:

Some people are lucky and experience many sunny days during the winter, while others are plagued by rainy days, snowstorms, and lack of sunshine. According to numerous studies, depressive disorders increase exponentially during the winter months. This is attributed to the lack of sunshine. Whenever it is possible, take a walk outside and soak up so much needed vitamin D. The combination of being in the sun and nature has been proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, lower levels of inflammation, and improve overall energy.

Budget:

The materialistic nature of the holidays can drain your bank account, which in turn stresses you out. Rather than financially burdening yourself this year, set holiday budget limits to help you allocate funds for travel, food, gifts, and more. Write out exactly what you need to purchase to help yourself figure out expenses. If this is the year that you spend less on gifts, so be it. You can always make your own gifts to cut down the expense of gift giving, and you can spend a little more on a bigger meal with the family, focusing on love, thankfulness, and more during the holidays.

Don’t Rely On Drugs, Alcohol, Or Food:

When you are depressed or anxious, it can be easy to convince yourself to take a pill or knock back a few drinks to feel better or relieve tension. According to mental health experts, it is better to relieve stress and anxiety via healthier outlets like exercise, meditation, talking to a therapist, or spending time with loved ones. Don’t make yourself reliant on drugs, alcohol, or food to make it through the holidays. Give yourself time to decompress and collect yourself for better mental health.

Get Sufficient Sleep:

We cannot stress the importance of sleep enough, especially during the holidays. According to Psychology Today, sleep deprivation greatly affects your mood, slowly leading to an impaired mental state. When your sleep cycle is irregular and you aren’t sleeping at least seven hours every night, you run the risk of becoming physically and mentally drained.

Set Realistic Expectations:

With all the commotion of the holidays and the approaching New Year, people can often reflect on their accomplishments, or lack thereof, from the past year. Some may think that they aren’t where they are “supposed to be” in life, or that they didn’t do enough during the year. Get out of your own head and be grateful for what you did accomplish. Don’t set yourself up for failure in the coming year either. Adjust your expectations and goals to make them more realistic, for example, going to the gym three times per week, or reading a book within the first three months of the year.

Managing mental health can be a tricky path to navigate because it is always challenging. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Professional services are available and friends are the best support system to have. Approach 2020 with mindful practices that will help you remain healthy throughout the year.

Sources:

https://psychcentral.com/holidays/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbridges/2019/10/28/5-ways-to-manage-your-mental-health-over-the-holidays/#7e710631ed49

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2017/Managing-Your-Mental-Health-During-the-Holidays

https://www.radicaltransformationproject.com/mental-health-holiday-survival-guide/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=528877352_19168722_226511

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When you are on a raw vegan diet, making your own almond milk is a frequent occurrence. What do you do with the leftover almond pulp after you make almond milk, though? Most people chuck it in the trash and never think about it again, but you can use this almond pulp in a variety of recipes, like these raw brownies.

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The use of fresh herbs when cooking is somewhat of a lost practice in certain areas around the country. Herbs like mint add fresh aromatic flavor to your dishes, and can help reduce sodium intake as a result. Mint is a common name for over a dozen plant species, some of the most popular of which include peppermint and spearmint. Providing a cooling sensation, mint is commonly added to foods, beverages, sauces, salads, and even desserts.

What Is Mint?

While mint is a common herb that has been used for its medicinal properties, many cultures have used it as a natural breath freshener for hundreds of years. This has led to the creation of many products available in minty flavors, including toothpaste, gum, candy, shaving gel, body wash, inhalers, balms, and oils. While people can reap the benefits of mint by consuming it, new studies have found that inhaling the aroma and applying it topically on the skin is also beneficial.

Benefits Of Mint

Let’s take an in depth look at six of mint’s science-backed health benefits.

Indigestion And Gas:

Mint’s aroma works to activate the salivary glands in the mouth, in addition to the glands that secrete digestive enzymes to promote healthy digestion. Many studies have found that mint helps to soothe stomach pain, inflammation, or nausea, and it is a recommended remedy for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For people who experience gas or bloating, sipping mint tea can relieve the discomfort and decrease gas.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Let’s stay under the same digestive umbrella and tell you that peppermint oil is a useful home remedy for people with IBS. Containing the compound known as menthol, peppermint oil relaxes the muscles in the digestive track to alleviate IBS symptoms. A review of nine studies found that IBS patients who took peppermint oil capsules experienced reduced symptoms and pain, when compared to IBS patients who took placebo pills.

Skin Care:

When it comes to topical application on the skin, mint oil works to reduce itchiness and can remedy infections. The antipruritic and antiseptic properties help to cleanse the skin, reducing symptoms of acne and pimples on occasion. Mint oil can also be applied to bug bites from gnats, mosquitos, bees, and wasps because the antipruritic properties provide a cooling sensation that reduces irritation. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties help to bring down the swelling.

Respiratory Health:

The menthol in mint has proven to be effective at relieving nasal congestion, according to research at University of Wales, UK. This research has also indicated that mint can help clear up congestion in the lungs, throat, and bronchi, which provides relief from respiratory disorders like asthma or the common cold. The cooling properties help to soothe the airways and reduce coughing. If you have peppermint essential oil, add it to a warm bath when you’re sick to promote easier breathing.

Breastfeeding Pain:

It is common for breastfeeding mothers to experience sore or cracked nipples, which can lead to painful breastfeeding. Research has shown that applying peppermint essential oil, along with a carrier oil like coconut oil, on the nipple area can promote healing and reduce the pain. One study found that applying mint tea to the nipple post breastfeeding was effective at reducing areola or nipple cracks.

Nutrients Galore:

Mint is not consumed in large quantities because it has such an assertive flavor. It is uncommon to use more than one-third cup of mint in a single recipe, with the exception of certain salad recipes. A one-third cup serving of mint contains the recommended daily intake (RDI) of the following nutrients:

• Vitamin A – 12%
• Calories – 6
• Manganese – 8%
• Fiber – 1 gram
• Iron – 9%
• Folate – 4%

Sources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275944.php#benefits

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-mint.html

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mint-benefits#section1

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Winter is a time to don your favorite warm clothing items, but it also brings an array of holiday treats and overpriced seasonal lattes. One unfortunate thing about winter is that a high percentage of people experience dry skin. The combination of colder temperatures, lower humidity levels, and heated interiors makes the skin extremely prone to dryness. While there are commercial products with synthetic ingredients that promise to keep the skin hydrated, they rarely do the trick and you end up lathering your body with chemicals in excess.

The colder months do not discriminate against skin type or complexion. In the colder temperatures, the skin restricts blood vessels to retain heat. This ultimately dries out the exterior layers of the skin, causing people to experience red, rough, or itchy skin. Fortunately for you, we have tips to help you naturally combat dry skin this winter, no matter where you live in the northern hemisphere.

Shorten Your Showers:

After a long day out in the cold, few things compare to relaxing under hot running water. Dermatologists say that long showers harm the skin’s lipid layer. The combination of hot water and chemical soaps dry out the skin, which is why it is optimal to use natural, moisturizing soaps in a shower that only lasts 5-10 minutes, once a day.

Moisturize After A Shower:

When you exit the shower, pat (don’t rub) yourself dry. Immediately after you do this, apply a natural moisturizer because the skin can easily lock in the moisture when it is somewhat damp. If you need a DIY, chemical-free moisturizer, click here.

Consider A Humidifier:

Because lower humidity levels can dry out the skin, it can be beneficial to invest in a humidifier. You don’t have to leave it on all day; rather, it is best to leave it on at night because the skin does restorative work while you sleep. Set the humidifier at about 60%, which should work to replenish the skin’s outer layers.

Take An Oatmeal Bath:

People have used oatmeal baths to moisturize the skin for thousands of years. Soaking in an oatmeal bath allows the skin to absorb the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and cleansing properties of oatmeal. Blend about one cup of old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender until you get a fine powder. Stir this into a tub of hot water and then soak in it for 15-20 minutes. We know we said to limit your shower time, but your skin needs time to absorb the hydrating properties of the oatmeal.

Eat Prebiotics And Probiotics:

To prevent dry skin, it is important to stock up on ceramides, which help the skin retain moisture. Start eating prebiotic and probiotic foods, both of which work to increase the body’s natural production of ceramides. Not to mention, prebiotics and probiotics help balance the skin’s pH level and they naturally improve gut flora.

Sources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-ways-to-banish-dry-skin

https://www.treehugger.com/organic-beauty/9-natural-remedies-dry-skin.html

http://time.com/5064254/dry-winter-skin-care/

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a23495578/dry-skin-in-winter-remedies/

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Essential oils are regularly used improperly by people who have little to no experience with them. Due to their potency, it is paramount to combine essential oils with carrier oils for topical application. Failure to do so can result in irritation or adverse reactions to the essential oils. Since more people are transitioning to use natural beauty products or DIY beauty products, it is beneficial to know what carrier oils are and how to use them with essential oils.

What Is A Carrier Oil?

Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are typically mixed with essential oils in a dilution of 0.5 to 5% for the average adult. A carrier oil’s job is to dilute the essential oils and assist with carrying them into the skin, hence the name. Carrier oils are commonly plant-based and extracted from nuts or seeds to moisturize the skin. In fact, your skin yearns for healthy carrier oils because they do not contain fillers or chemicals, making it easier for your skin to absorb them to protect the lipid layer.

Choosing The Best Carrier Oil:

The carrier oil you decide on will depend on your skin type, where you will be applying the oil, and whether or not you have allergies. In order to find the right carrier oil, you will have to patch test different oils to see how your skin reacts. If you want to use carrier oils on your face, it is wise to use a thinner oil like sunflower seed oil or grapeseed oil, especially if your skin is prone to acne. Using carrier oils on your hair or scalp will depend on dryness, dull, or damaged hair; argan oil or coconut oil may be beneficial in these situations. Carrier oils should also be kept in cool, dry places to keep them fresh. Consider the following carrier oils when you decide to use them on your skin.

Argan Oil:

Argan oil is naturally rich in vitamin E and saponins, which help promote more youthful looking skin. Pressed from the nuts of argan trees, which are only found in Morocco, argan oil has been known to restore the skin’s hydro-lipid layer, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. People like argan oil because it doesn’t leave an oily residue on the skin.

Jojoba Oil:

Commonly used in massage or DIY beauty products, jojoba oil contains natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. An interesting fact about jojoba oil is that while it looks and feels like an oil, it is actually liquid wax ester that is made from expeller-pressed jojoba seeds. Since jojoba oil is similar to sebum on the human skin, it is easily absorbed and lightweight, helping to efficiently carry ingredients into the skin.

Coconut Oil:

This is probably the most famous carrier oil out there. Historically, people in the tropics have used coconut oil as a natural moisturizer, but it has recently been researched for its antimicrobial properties and lauric acid content, which is the primary fatty acid in coconut oil. It can be applied to the skin, hair, and lips, protecting the skin with a thin oily layer.

Avocado Oil:

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, avocado oil is a natural moisturizer that is beneficial for soothing inflamed skin. Avocado oil contains sterolins, which are anti-inflammatory, and these have been effective at reducing sun damage, age spots, and inflammatory conditions like eczema and blemishes.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

You should already have this in your kitchen, so go get some if you don’t. The oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid, has moisturizing properties and is great for people with drier skin. Because olive oil is a bit heavier than other carrier oils, it has a longer drying period. Since about two-thirds of olive oils that are tested in the United States are adulterated, it is integral to use a trusted olive oil source. Always strive to purchase cold-pressed, organic extra virgin olive oil.

Sources:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-carrier-oils-88805

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321639.php#best-carrier-oils

https://www.savorylotus.com/7-best-carrier-oils-for-radiant-skin/

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This spinach soup is rich in iron, magnesium, and protein, but those nutrients come from the spinach and avocado. The featured spice in this soup is garam masala, which is traditionally used in Indian cooking. It contains 32 spices and has been known to help reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, reduce bloating, and promote overall detoxification.

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