Eggplant is an excellent brain food, it is low in cholesterol, and it is rich in fiber and antioxidants. There aren’t a lot of purple vegetables out there, so make sure you take the opportunity to make this dip and fulfill your goal of eating the rainbow!

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Bath bombs are fun and they make your bath extra comfortable. They are fizzy, colorful, and typically help to moisturize and soothe your skin. This all sounds amazing and wonderful for you body, but there is a catch. Most of these bath bombs contain toxic dyes and fragrances that can be detrimental to your health. On a more positive note, we found a great homemade bath bomb recipe, and you can even give them as gifts this holiday season.

Before you gather ingredients, you need to purchase some bath bomb molds, which can be purchased online. If you can’t find specific bath bomb molds, you can also use silicone ice or cookie trays to make fun shapes. You can even use muffin tins!

The ingredients in this bath bomb recipe work to naturally soothe itchy or dry skin, and can even be beneficial in relieving muscle pain. We recommend making this mixture in bulk because this ingredient list only makes about two big bath bombs. The amount you get out of one batch will also depend on the size of the bath bombs. Good luck and let us know how they turned out.

Tools:

• Spray bottle filled with filtered water
• Medium glass bowl
• 2 metal/silicone bath bomb molds (or molds of your choice)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup baking soda
• 1/3 cup Epsom salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar (for the fizz effect)
• 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
• ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or other herb of your choice, like lavender)

Instructions:

• Combine the baking soda, Epsom salt, cream of tartar, and chopped rosemary in a medium glass bowl. Mix well and then stir in the coconut oil and peppermint essential oil.
• As you mix the ingredients, spritz the mixture with the water in the spray bottle. The mixture should be crumbly, but should hold form when you squeeze it.
• Scoop the mixture into the molds of your choice. Firmly press the mixture into the molds. If you are using bomb molds, overfill each side before putting them together. Place your molds in a cool, dry place to set for about 4 hours. If your mold has a detailed shape, let the mixture set for at least 24 hours.
• Loosen your bath bombs from the molds and use when ready.

Source:

https://blog.paleohacks.com/muscle-relief-bath-bomb-recipe/

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High cholesterol is one of the most common health ailments that can lead to heart disease. Too much cholesterol can clog your arteries and cause a heart attack or lead to arteriosclerosis. Did you know that you don’t have to take medication to reduce your cholesterol levels? You can use fresh ingredients to naturally get rid of bad cholesterol in the body.

There is good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein or HDL) and bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). HDL helps to control LDL levels and helps keep blood vessels healthy. The goal is to maintain healthy HDL levels because the cells in your body need it. All you have to do is make small changes to get your cholesterol down to a healthy level.

When it comes to using foods to naturally lower cholesterol, it is best to eat a healthy plant-based diet that consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts and seeds. Consuming dairy products, meat, meat products, added sugars, and processed foods will only raise cholesterol levels, so we suggest not eating them.

It is also best to avoid cholesterol-lowering medications because they can cause memory loss, muscle pain, and elevated liver enzymes. Naturally lower your LDL levels and support HDL levels by following the tips below.

#1: Garlic

Garlic is a superfood with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It can help you avoid clogged arteries by preventing cholesterol from sticking to arterial walls. You’ll reap the most benefits by eating garlic in its raw form. You can add garlic to juices, dressings, or sauces. Eat at least 2-4 cloves a day.

#2: Coriander

You may be more familiar with cilantro, which grows from coriander seeds. Generally used in curries or sauces, this aromatic spice helps increase HDL levels while decreasing LDL levels. Boil 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Strain the tea and drink when it is palatable. You should drink this once or twice a day.

#3: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is the mother of all herbal remedies. It helps to improve the pH balance in the body and can reduce skin rashes or calm conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis. If you want to lower blood pressure and LDL levels, apple cider vinegar is what you need. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of warm water. Drink this once or twice a day to see results.

#4: Oatmeal

For this remedy, it is important that you don’t buy pre-packaged or flavored oatmeal. Those processed ingredients only contribute to bad cholesterol build-up. You want to get steel cut oats because they are a great source of fiber that helps prevent cholesterol from entering the bloodstream. Eat one bowl of oatmeal a day to see positive results. You can add fresh berries, raw almonds, and bananas for more benefits.

#5: Cinnamon

While this is a classic dessert spice, cinnamon can actually support weight loss and can cut down your bad cholesterol by 18%. It cannot solely lower your cholesterol, but you can combine it with other remedies in this article. Brew some cinnamon tea by boiling 1 cup of water with ¼ cup of cinnamon sticks. Strain the tea and you can drink it warm or let it cool. You may need to sweeten it with a little stevia or agave syrup.

#6: Onions

Onions have been known to bring down cholesterol levels because of their quercetin content. Cooking onions can reduce the potency of this powerful flavonoid, which is why it is more beneficial to consume raw onions. Since onions aren’t the most popular vegetable to eat raw, try making an onion tonic. Quarter one red onion and blend it. Strain the juice through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Mix an equal amount of raw honey into the onion juice and sip on this daily.

Sources:

http://www.fabhow.com/reduce-bad-cholesterol-level.html#Method_2_Use_Garlic

https://www.pritikin.com/your-health/health-benefits/lower-cholesterol/1468-7-tips-for-improving-your-ldl-cholesterol.html

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So you want to make a dessert for the holidays, but you don’t want to be overly sweet or completely unhealthy. You also want it to taste amazing. It’s a good thing we found this recipe because it checks off that entire list. Plus, you are getting the vibrant spice of fresh ginger, which helps you maintain a healthy digestive system. It’s a win/win for you taste buds and your body!

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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 you warm 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, fighting off stiff or achy joints. Pouring boiling water over freshly sliced ginger root to make a tea is one of the best (and warming) ways to consume ginger. You can also add ginger slices to a hot bath and 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 vasoldilator, which means that it helps to widen blood vessels and prevents 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 those 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. 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 slightly raise 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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When it comes to your gut, you have to care for it like you would a little puppy, i.e. treat it with every ounce of love you have in your soul. This starts with the foods you put in your body, but we know eating like a saint all the time isn’t on everyone’s agenda. Rather than running to the pharmacy after a highly acidic or deep fried meal to grab products that’ll only work temporarily, try making this healing stock to soothe your gut.

Making your own herbal remedies means that you know how they’ll taste, and you know exactly what the ingredients are. Preparing a healing stock is the best way to get amino acids and gut-healing gelatin in your diet. Additionally, you’ll be getting a boatload of healing properties from the various ingredients.

This vegetable stock goes above and beyond a mirepoix, which is a French technique that uses carrots, celery, and onion to flavor soups or stews. The primary healing properties come from the mushrooms, garlic, onion, and leeks. Because onions, leeks, and garlic are naturally antibiotic, they work to remedy a sore stomach or a leaky gut.

Onions are probably the most important ingredient in this gut-healing stock because they have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergenic properties. They basically have a sealing effect on the gut that inhibits intestinal permeability. Plus, onions, garlic, and leeks promote healthy bacteria in the large intestine.

When it comes to selecting mushrooms for this broth, it is best to go for shiitake mushrooms because they help boost the immune system. If you can’t get your hands on these, cremini mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Let the broth cook longer to get a rich, earthy mushroom flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 2 medium leeks, white parts only, rinsed and sliced thinly
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled
• 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake preferred), sliced
• 2 celery stalks with leaves, sliced
• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2-3 bay leaves
• Herbs: 1 sprig (each) of thyme and rosemary
• 3 quarts water

Directions:

• Warm the coconut oil in a big stockpot over medium-high heat and add the onions, leeks, garlic, carrots, mushrooms and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Once the broth is boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 40-50 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat and strain the broth through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer after removing the big items with a slotted spoon. Portion the stock into pint-size glass jars and store in the freezer. They will keep for up to 3 months. If you put the stock in the fridge it will keep for 1 week.
• When you need to, sip on this broth like you would a soup.

Source:

http://omnomally.com/2014/10/19/gut-healing-vegetable-stock/

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Mornings are like Brussels sprouts: some people love them, others despise them, and the rest know that they should like them but they do nothing about it. Each morning is an opportunity to invest in your health, which is why breakfast is hailed as the most important meal of the day. Rather than loading up a plate full of dairy, bread, eggs, and meat, you can creatively spice up the morning meal with ginger.

Used for centuries to help remedy a variety of ailments, ginger has become one of the most popular spices in the world. Ginger is a versatile spice with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The enzymes in ginger work to eliminate toxins from the body, and regularly consuming it may reduce muscle stiffness. We have more tips and benefits of how and why you should add ginger to your morning routine below.

Vitamin C Boost:

Forget that cup of processed OJ from concentrate and load up on vitamin C by brewing a cup of ginger tea in the morning. The temperature of the tea and ginger itself work to warm the body (great during winter), relax the stomach, and get rid of tiredness. Not to mention, getting a healthy dose of vitamin C in the morning is a great way to boost the immune system.

Digestive Helper:

Ginger can help relieve nausea or upset stomachs, but it can also be a great digestive helper. If you need a little digestive boost to start your day, ginger has been proven to improve saliva flow and move food through the digestive tract. Get creative and add ginger to your cup of coffee. We know that sounds odd, but both have amazing antioxidants!

A Possible Cancer Fighter:

6-gingerol is an active compound in ginger root, and it has been known to combat a variety of cancers, including pancreatic, breast, and ovarian cancers. Ginger’s cancer-fighting properties work especially well when combined with the capsaicin in any peppers. Is a vegetable juice containing ginger and bell peppers in your future? Perhaps you can brew some ginger tea with a dash of cayenne!

Beneficial For Muscle Soreness:

Sore from that hard workout you did yesterday? A recent study demonstrated that consuming 2 grams of ginger every day significantly reduced muscle pain. The key is to consume it regularly because it doesn’t have an instantaneous effect. These pain-reducing properties are attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties in ginger. Those who have osteoarthritis are also encouraged to consume ginger to alleviate muscle and joint pain.

If you are going to add ginger to your morning routine, let us know how you plan on doing so. If you need some ginger recipes to inspire you, ask us in the comments below and we’ll offer some of our favorites!

Sources:

https://www.simplemost.com/5-reasons-add-ginger-morning-juice/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger#section3

https://www.lifealth.com/wellness/healthy-living/start-day-ginger-sd/68702/

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Most people spend so much time trying out what to cook for the big holiday meal. But the meal is all about the appetizers. They set the meal off right! This cranberry hummus has the perfect amount of heat to spice up the holiday table. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and sweet!

Note: The color of the hummus may vary from a light pink to a deeper red. Don’t be afraid of the color because the flavor is the same no matter how it turns out!

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While many people are going to travel to visit family during the upcoming holidays, there are others who will take a vacation or go on an explorative adventure. Whether you are going to be walking the streets of a South American town or bundling up in the cold at a family celebration, there are ways that you can stay healthy while you travel.

What does it mean to be healthy while you travel? A lot of people will make the argument that going on vacation is about letting go and falling off the wagon. While vacation is a time to let go of things, it isn’t a time to let yourself go. This mentality leads to weight gain or unhealthy habits that you can bring back to your regularly lifestyle. We agree that is important to indulge on occasion during a vacation, but we also believe it’s imperative to stay healthy while traveling. Check out the following tips to keep you healthy on your upcoming travels.

Hydrate, Hydrate, And Hydrate:

Water is the foundation of your livelihood, so make sure that you have a water bottle with you at all times while traveling. There are many great reusable water bottles to carry around, and having it on you helps you stay sufficiently hydrated. If you are going to be in colder climates, use these reusable canteens to keep hot herbal tea in throughout the day.

Cut The Meat & Order Veggies:

You will most likely be dining out while you are traveling, so try to pick healthier options when you eat out. Order a vegetarian dish or add a vegetable side to balance out your meal. You can also buy your own veggies to snack on throughout the day. When you dine out, explore the local cuisine for the freshest food instead of eating at familiar places. This brings us to our next point.

Look For Veggies:

Whether you’re visiting family in the States or exploring an exotic country in the Southeast Asia, there are seasonal and local produce items that you can try. Look for farmers markets or produce stands and try different seasonal produce, rather than eating unhealthy snacks. It can be fun to visit small markets where the locals shop, so seek them out and eat healthy snacks throughout the day.

Stay Active:

There are different types of travelers. Some like to lounge about, while others like to be mobile and see everything that there is to see. We encourage you to explore your travel destination by foot as much as possible. You’ll get exercise and stumble on unique finds that you may have missed otherwise. If you are traveling home for Thanksgiving, for instance, do family activities or keep up your exercise ritual. You can always do easy at-home workouts!

Eat Until You’re 80% Full:

Americans typically overeat because portion sizes exceed the recommend portion to keep you healthy. How do you know when you are 80% full, though? This can be hard, but try to avoid overeating. You can split your meals or eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This is great advice for holiday parties or family holiday gatherings. Try to avoid busting out the “fat pants” and just eat until you are content, as opposed to stuffing food in your mouth until you hate yourself.

Sleep:

We can’t tell you how important sleep is. It’s important whether or not you are traveling. When you are crossing time zones, you need to allow your body time to rest. If you are spending the day seeing different sights, take time to sit during the day and enjoy some resting time. Try to get at least seven or eight hours of sleep every night. You need that much sleep and more when visiting family because family can stress you out. Get some rest or practice easy breathing exercises; or do both!

Cut Down On Liquid Calories:

This applies to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Keep your liquid calorie and sugar intake low because it can disrupt your sleep and contribute to weight gain. We want you to enjoy yourself on vacation, but just remember to consume in moderation. Take into account what you have eaten that day and base it on that. You are allowed to reward yourself, but do so responsibly and healthily.

Sources:

http://candacekennedy.com/how-to-stay-healthy-while-you-travel/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/16-tips-to-stay-healthy-while-traveling_us_57f083a9e4b07f20daa10cc8

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There are some people who never seem to get sick. It doesn’t seem fair when you are sniffling and coughing under a blanket drinking soothing tea. With viruses constantly circulating public spaces, it is important to take care of your body in every way possible. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should constantly be on medication because there are natural ways to protect the body.

We at Dherbs believe that you can keep your body healthy using the healing powers of food. Western medicine has its place in the world, but most people are too quick to reach for the medicine cabinet when they are feeling off, so to speak. Look to your kitchen to help boost your body into a healthier state.

In some cases, depending on what is in your kitchen, your food may be damaging your health. A diet rich in processed foods, meat, dairy products, added sugars, fast foods, and genetically modified organisms can actually weaken the immune system. This is why it is best to have plant-based foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts & seeds in your kitchen.

Sometimes you need some superfoods to boost your immune system, especially during these colder months. If you feel like you are coming down with a cold, you can use this soup to help fight the virus. If you are already sick, try using this soup to get on the mend quicker.

This soup contains some heavy hitters in the world of nutrition. The mushroom broth increases your vitamin D levels and the antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body. The coconut oil helps fight of bacteria with its anti-viral compounds, while the garlic is rich in antibacterial compounds that boost virus-fighting cells. Bok choy is loaded with vitamin A, which helps your immune system function optimally, and kale is an absolute nutrient powerhouse.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. organic coconut oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1lb shiitake mushrooms, sliced and stems removed
• 5 tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 12 cups water
• 4 heads baby bok choy, bottoms removed
• ½ head kale, rinsed and chopped (without stems)

Directions:

• Warm the coconut oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Toss the sliced celery and mushrooms into the pot and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the mushrooms have wilted. Add the spices and water and let the broth simmer over a low flame for 1 hour.
• Add the bok choy and kale in the last 10 minutes of the cooking time, so they can wilt. Serve this soup warm and you can store it for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Source:

http://www.thehealthymaven.com/2016/01/the-ultimate-immune-boosting-soup.html

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