How do you use avocado oil? You probably use it in a variety of culinary applications, such as salad dressings, stir-fries, and more. Did you ever think to lather it on your skin, though? Just like olive oil, avocado is a great carrier oil that provides beneficial nutrients that may help improve the health of your skin. 

For starters, avocado oil can benefit your skin, especially if your skin is rough, dry, mature, or easily irritated. Avocado oil is naturally rich in oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It also contains linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, along with vitamin E, phytosterols, and other compounds that help researchers understand avocado oil’s benefits. However, avocado may not benefit everyone’s skin in the same way. It is richer than lightweight oils, such as jojoba oil, so people with acne-prone skin may need to use it cautiously. Continue reading to learn how avocado oil promotes healthier skin. 

Fights Inflammation

If acne is a concern, will avocado oil improve the health of your skin? Avocado oil does help people with inflamed skin conditions, such as acne, due to the inherent anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. You do not have to strip your skin of oil to reduce breakouts. In fact, that may worsen acne symptoms. Some people, not all, find that avocado oil provides necessary moisture to the skin, which decreases the likelihood of sebum overproduction, which may cause acne. 

May Soothe Sunburn

One scientific review from 2011 determined that avocado oil is rich in vitamin E, vitamin D, beta-carotene, lecithin, and essential fatty acids. That makes it a great addition to after-sun care. Although avocado oil is not a replacement for mineral sunscreen, it may help soothe the skin and reduce the side effects of sunburn.

Supports Skin Barrier

The skin barrier is the skin’s outermost layer and it works to keep out harmful aggressors and maintain hydrated, healthy skin. It depends on fats to remain resilient, flexible, and hydrated. Avocado oil supplies emollient fatty acids that soften the outer layer and reduce feelings of tightness caused by dry skin. That is why you commonly see avocado oil in creams, moisturizers, shower oils, cleansing balms, and other skin care products. Although you can use avocado oil on its own, many people find that it works best when paired with other humectants, such as aloe vera or vegetable glycerin, or other ingredients that support skin barrier function. 

Exhibits Anti-Aging Properties

Aging is a natural part of life, but that does not mean you cannot do little things to fight that process. Collagen production declines with age, making the skin appear less youthful, dryer, and rougher. Consider using avocado oil to help combat skin dryness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A scientific review of plant oils observed the topical application of avocado oil on animal subjects. The review noted that avocado oil increases collagen synthesis and reduces the amount of inflammatory cells during the wound-healing properties. Additionally, research found that avocado seed extracts exhibited a protective effect against UVB-damaged fibroblasts. That means that avocado oil has anti-photoaging properties. 

May Improve Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition that causes inflammation and the development of scales or plaque. According to the results of a clinical trial published in the Dermatology journal, a vitamin B12 cream containing avocado oil revealed steady beneficial effects on people with psoriasis over a 12-week period. At the end of the study, researchers noted that the B12 cream with avocado oil had considerable potential for long-term topical therapy for psoriasis. 

May Calm Eczema-Prone Skin

Avocado oil is not a cure for eczema; rather, it serves as a supportive, moisturizing ingredient. People with eczema tend to require gentle, fragrance-free products that help encourage a healthy skin barrier and reduce dryness. Avocado oil is a natural emollient, so it may help soften flakey, rough areas of skin and reduce itching or discomfort that comes with dryness. One thing to note is that you should not apply avocado oil to open, infected, or actively weeping skin unless approved by your dermatologist. Always do a patch test to see if you have an allergy before applying liberally.

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Facial mists may be the most misunderstood of all the skin care products in existence. The role of a facial mist seems simple enough: it works to hydrate your face. That isn’t all these refreshing sprays are good for, though, as they offer more benefits than you realize. Not only do facial mists have skin-healing benefits, but their aromatic nature also promotes mental well-being. 

It may surprise you to learn that facial mists have been around for thousands of years. Historically, people used them between cleansing and moisturizing steps because people used to wash their faces with bar soap. Bar soap is very alkaline and mist tends to be more acidic, helping to rebalance the skin’s pH. The role facial mists play has remained constant throughout history, in that they prepare the skin for maximum absorption of moisturizers, oils, or serums. 

Facial mists refresh, cool, and soothe facial skin, but they also provide a few other benefits. Some facial mists exhibit rich aromas by way of plant extracts and essential oils. The powerful scents may lift your spirits, boost mood, and even promote higher energy levels. Depending on the ingredients, some facial mists may also give you an antioxidant boost. For those who wear makeup, a quick spritz after applying face makeup may give your skin a dewy finish. 

Mint

Mint is an integral component to many popular beauty products, including face washes, conditioners, shampoos, conditioners, and more. Loaded with aromatics and an impressive nutritional profile, mint leaves offer an array of healing properties. The menthol in mint exhibits strong antibacterial properties, making it an excellent toner and astringent. Mint also contains specialized plant compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. They all help to reduce inflammation, which is why mint helps to fight acne. Mint also helps to control the secretions of sebum oil in the skin, drying up acne and cleansing pores in the process. Because mint is an astringent, it works to tone the skin, remove dead skin cells, and leave your skin looking more supple. 

Lemon

As a rich source of vitamin C and citric acid, lemon does wonders for your skin. Because lemons have a lower pH level, they work to decrease inflammation and oil that may contribute to acne development. The citric acid in lemon also works to break down dead skin cells that lead to noninflammatory forms of acne. Lemons also exhibit antimicrobial effects, helping to reduce the bacteria that leads to inflammatory acne. Some people who use lemon on the skin claim that it helps to increase collagen in the face. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, which may prevent free radical damage to collagen, leaving your skin smoother, softer, and healthier. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a common household plant with powerful healing and moisturizing properties. Applying a small amount of aloe vera to the face on a regular basis may help reduce the presence of acne, eczema, and sunburn. The anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce swelling, pain, and soreness, while the antibacterial properties reduce the risk of bacterial infection. In addition to supporting the production and release of collagen, aloe vera also supplies the body with water, helping to moisturize and hydrate the skin. 

DIY Cooling Mint Facial Mist

Ingredients:

• 8-10 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup rosewater 

Instructions:

• Add mint leaves and aloe vera gel to a blender and blend to combine.
• Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, collecting the liquid in a bowl or vessel. 
• Add the lemon juice and rosewater to the strained liquid and mix well. 
• Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and screw on the lid. Your mist is ready to spray whenever you feel like it. It’s beneficial to spray your face twice daily. 

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Don’t let your skin go another week without lathering it with this honeysuckle whipped body butter. It is creamy, anti-inflammatory, and highly moisturizing for the skin. Unlike store bought skin care products, this homemade body butter does not contain synthetic fragrances, harsh preservatives, or other chemicals that can harm or irritate the skin. Plus, making your own body butter is very easy and affordable, especially compared to store bought products of a lesser quality. 

What Is Honeysuckle?

Beloved for its aroma, honeysuckle is a very versatile plant regarded for its medicinal properties. The flower is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) because of its anti-viral, cooling, and antibacterial properties. TCM practitioners believe that honeysuckle clears “wind-heat,” “toxic-heat,” and “damp-heat,” or combinations of those three. When applied topically to the skin, it helps to cool and soothe irritated skin, especially rashes and eczema flare-ups. 

Studies confirm that Japanese honeysuckle flower buds exhibit anti-cancer properties, in addition to cryoprotective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. A 2015 study deemed honeysuckle to be “a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance.” The study identified a large number of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and terpenes in the plant. 

Honeysuckle is naturally rich skin-enhancing vitamins and nutrients, which may help enhance complexion. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of honeysuckle. 

Sun Damage

Honeysuckle is naturally rich in saponins and flavonoids, which help protect the skin against free radicals that can accelerate aging and skin damage. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, make sure you use a moisturizer or sunscreen that contains honeysuckle or honeysuckle extract. It will help keep your skin safe from damaging UV rays and prevent damage by too much sun exposure. That said, honeysuckle will not prevent your skin from sunburn, nor will it stave off skin cancer. 

Eczema And Rosacea

Due to honeysuckle’s anti-inflammatory properties, it may help calm skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Honeysuckle is very soothing to the skin and may help curb itchiness. Researchers note that Japanese honeysuckle extract is best for relieving any sort of skin irritation. 

Rashes

A rash is a body’s reaction to inflammation. That is why people use anti-inflammatory products to get rid of rashes. Because honeysuckle is naturally rich in anti-inflammatory properties, it is an excellent option to treat rashes and poison ivy encounters. Honeysuckle is also very gentle, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin. If you have honeysuckle extract leftover after applying it to your rash, you can add a few drops to a bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes to soothe the skin, or even sore joints and muscles. 

Grime

Honeysuckle exhibits antibacterial activity, so it may help cleanse or tone the skin. For this reason, it is gradually making its way into more skincare products. It has not demonstrated abilities to fight acne, but its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties suggest that it may help clean pores and potentially prevent breakouts. 

Homemade Honeysuckle Whipped Body Butter

Ingredients For Honeysuckle-Infused Oil:

• Dried honeysuckle flowers
• Carrier oil of choice (such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil)

Instructions For Honeysuckle-Infused Oil:

• Place dried honeysuckle flowers into a pint-size glass jar and fill with carrier oil of choice. Make sure the honeysuckle is completely covered in oil. 
• You have a couple options to infuse the oil. The slow infusion method involves screwing the lid on that glass jar with oil and honeysuckle and storing it in a dark place for four to six weeks. Shake the jar every once in a while. 
• You can also place the jar in a sunny window for a few weeks to infuse the oil. 
• The quick double boiler method involves placing that jar in a saucepan with a couple inches of water in it and keeping it over a low simmer for about two hours. 
• Once you finish the infusion method, strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and keep in a glass jar, discarding the honeysuckle flowers. 

Ingredients For Honeysuckle Whipped Body Butter:

• 2/3 cup honeysuckle-infused oil
• 2 tablespoons beeswax
• 1/3 cup shea butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Instructions For Honeysuckle Whipped Body Butter:

• Pour the infused oil into the top of a double boiler over low heat, and then add the beeswax and shea butter. Stir until melted. 
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes. Place the bowl with the mixture in it inside the fridge to cool for an hour, or until the mixture is completely solidified. 
• Remove from the fridge and add the vitamin E oil. Use an electric hand mixer to whip the mixture for about three to five minutes, or until it becomes nice and fluffy. 
• Spoon the whipped body butter into small glass jars and screw on the lids. To keep the body butter fresh, store it in the fridge and it will keep for up to one year.

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Forget the excess sodium, added sugars, and other preservatives in store bought dips and spreads. This creamy raw zucchini spread is the perfect way to enjoy rich, comforting flavor while nourishing the body with wholesome plant-based ingredients. Raw zucchini creates a smooth, velvety base that is both hydrating and low in calories, while raw cashews add a satisfying creaminess without the need for dairy, or even tahini. Bright lemon juice, garlic, and nutritional yeast bring depth and zest and subtle cheesiness to every bite, making this zucchini spread a delicious addition to your arsenal of dips and spreads.

Not only do the ingredients in this recipe offer impressive flavor, but they also have a long list of health benefits, according to research studies. Zucchini contains antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, which may help support cellular health and reduce oxidative stress. Its high water and fiber content may also support healthy digestion and satiety. Regarding cashews, research suggests that regularly consuming nuts (like cashews) may help support heart health and healthy cholesterol levels, due to their beneficial unsaturated fats and mineral content.

Garlic and lemon juice further enhance the wellness benefits of this addictive spread. Garlic has long been valued for its potential immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties, while lemon juice provides vitamin C and a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens the entire recipe. Nutritional yeast contributes a naturally cheesy flavor along with essential vitamins and minerals. In fact, it is a prominent dietary source of vitamin B12 for people following plant-based diets. Whether you are cleansing, resetting, or simply looking for a nourishing raw vegan recipe, this zucchini spread delivers both taste and nutrition in every bite.

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The graviola fruit, or soursop, is a tasty fruit that’s popular for its refreshing flavor and impressive health benefits. It offers a lot of fiber and vitamin C with few calories and has gained popularity as a remedy for various viruses. Some believe that it aids with pain relief and may even prevent certain types of cancer. Does the research back the hype? Continue reading to find out. 

What Is Soursop?

It is a fruit with a prickly green exterior and bright white flesh that has a creamy texture. Many compare the vibrant flavor to pineapple or strawberry. Typically eaten raw, soursop contains large black seeds that you must avoid. The fruits can be quite large, so it’s best to divide a single fruit into several portions. A typical 100-gram (g) serving of raw soursop exhibits the following nutritional profile: 

• Calories: 66
• Carbohydrates: 16.8 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fiber: 3.3 g
• Vitamin C: 34% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
• Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
• Thiamine: 5% of the RDI
• Potassium: 8% of the RDI

In addition to the above nutritional profile, soursop also contains small amounts of niacin, folate, iron, and riboflavin. Many parts of the fruit, including the leaves, stems, and fruit, have been used for their medicinal properties. Some animal and test-tube studies found that it may reduce inflammation and slow the growth of certain cancers. 

Anti-Inflammatory Activity

A 2010 rodent study found that soursop was able to block pain receptors and reduced inflammation in rats. A 2014 rodent study noted that soup soursop’s anti-inflammatory properties may be useful in relieving pain. Although research is currently limited to animal studies, these findings may open the door for future treatment in humans. In fact, one study found that soursop helped lower inflammatory markers associated with arthritis. 

Helps Fight Bacteria

In one test-tube study, soursop extract worked to fight off the bacteria responsible for staph and cholera infections. Another test-test-tube study used soursop extracts of varying concentrations on different types of bacteria responsible for oral diseases. According to the results, soursop effectively killed off multiple types of bacteria, including the strains that cause gingivitis and tooth decay. 

May Regulate Blood Sugar

One study, which included diabetic rats, received soursop extract injections for two weeks. The rats that received the injections had blood sugar levels five times lower than the untreated groups. In another study involving diabetic rats that received soursop extract injections, the results indicated a near 75% reduction in blood sugar. Although more research is necessary in humans, these findings in animal studies suggest that soursop may benefit people with diabetes. However, those people must also pair soursop consumption with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. 

May Help Kill Cancer Cells

Although this is an exciting claim, it’s worth noting that most research is currently limited to test-tube studies. For example, one test-tube study used soursop extract to treat breast cancer cells. The extract was able to reduce tumor size, enhance immune activity, and kill off cancer cells. Another test-tube study examined soursop extract’s effects on leukemia cells. The results indicated that soursop extract stopped the growth and formation of leukemia cells. 

Antioxidants Galore!

Most of soursop’s health benefits stem from the fruit’s inherent antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals, which if left unchecked can contribute to oxidative stress. According to several studies, antioxidants may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions. One test-tube study measured soursop’s antioxidants and showed how they prevented damage to human cells. Soursop also contains plant compounds, including luteolin, tangeretin, and quercetin, all of which are beneficial to humans. 

May Lower Blood Pressure

Historically, different cultures used soursop as a folk remedy to lower blood pressure levels. If your blood pressure is unmanaged, your risk of heart disease and stroke is heightened. A 2012 animal study used soursop on rats with high blood pressure and found that it helped lower blood pressure. Researchers noted that soursop exhibited hypotensive abilities due to its effect on calcium ions.

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Waking up with puffy eyes, or even a puffy face, the morning after a night of crying or a very salty dinner is never fun. Those are not the only causes of puffy eyes, though. Common culprits include allergies, eye rubbing, or even underlying health conditions. Although puffy eyes can feel uncomfortable, you can use a variety of natural solutions to treat them, such as the under-eye treatment in this article. 

What Causes Puffy Eyes?

Sometimes, lack of sleep or stress is enough to cause puffy eyes or dark circles. Other times, your body may be trying to tell you to drink more water or eat foods that are less salty. Most health experts agree that the following causes can lead to puffy eyes:

• Salty foods can cause the body to retain fluid, which can lead to puffy eyes. 
• Dehydration, especially alongside a high-salt diet, can make your eyes puffy. When the body is in a state of dehydration, salt can concentrate in different areas, which pulls in water around the eyes and causes swelling. 
• Eyes can become puffy when there is excess fluid in the skin, for example, when you cry. That happens when fluid builds up in the eyes and does not drain normally. 
• Allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis, eye drops, or even eye makeup can trigger under-eye puffiness. Allergies, in particular, can cause blood vessels to become leaky and cause swelling.
• Rubbing your eyes frequently, or even aggressive eye makeup removal, can cause low-grade eye trauma, which invites puffiness.
• Medical conditions, including some autoimmune disorders, infections, or inflammatory issues may lead to chronically puffy eyes. Contact your physician if you have any concerns about ongoing eye puffiness. 

Why Use Natural Ingredients?

Using coffee in a homemade under-eye treatment helps stimulate circulation and reduce swelling, due to the caffeine. The tea tree oil offers anti-inflammatory activity that works to calm irritated or inflamed skin. Together, coffee and tea tree oil form a power duo that helps address multiple skin concerns, making it a great addition to your skin care routine. Each ingredient offers a unique set of benefits, which we will detail below:

Coffee:

• Caffeine works to stimulate blood flow, making the under-eye area look more refreshed. 
• Coffee contains unique antioxidant compounds that help protect skin cells and improve the overall appearance of skin. 

Tea Tree Oil:

• Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties work to calm redness and swelling, even working to get rid of blemishes. 
• The antimicrobial properties work to reduce the risk of infections and may help alleviate breakouts caused by clogged pores around the eyes. 

Homemade Tea Tree And Coffee Under-Eye Treatment

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon brewed coffee
• 1 teaspoon tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions:

• First, brew some coffee and set aside one tablespoon. Feel free to drink the rest, if you are in need of a caffeine boost.
• Mix the brewed coffee with the tea tree oil and coconut oil in a small bowl. 
• Using your fingertips, gently apply the mixture to your under-eye area by tapping. Allow it to sit on your skin for about 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. 

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Beets don’t always get the spotlight – but they should! This deep red root is loaded with some seriously underrated benefits:

Supports blood flow & circulation
Beets are rich in natural nitrates, which help open up blood vessels and improve circulation – great for heart health and overall energy.

Natural energy booster
Those same nitrates can help your body use oxygen more efficiently, which may improve endurance and stamina (without caffeine).

Brain support you didn’t expect
Better blood flow = better oxygen to the brain, which may support focus and cognitive function over time.

Liver support & detoxification
Beets contain betalains, compounds that help support the body’s natural detox processes – especially in the liver.

Helps fight inflammation
Their powerful antioxidants may help reduce inflammation, which is linked to many chronic issues.

Supports digestion
High in fiber, beets help keep things moving and support a healthy gut.

Bonus: That rich red color isn’t just for looks – it’s a sign of potent plant compounds working behind the scenes. Don’t underestimate beets – juice them, shred them into salads, or blend them into smoothies and feel the difference

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The body needs vitamin D, along with calcium, to build bones and keep them healthy. If the body does not have enough vitamin D, it cannot effectively absorb calcium. Vitamin D is not reserved for the formation of healthy bones; rather, it is involved with immune and muscle function and it helps keep brain cells healthy. 

That brings us to new research, which found that people with higher vitamin D levels in middle age may have a lower risk of developing dementia. For the study, researchers measured vitamin D blood levels in about 800 adults with an average age of 39 at the beginning of the study. Nearly 16 years later when they were in their 50s, participants had PET scans of their brains to measure the accumulation of tau and beta-amyloid proteins, both of which are tied to increased dementia risk. 

Researchers found that adults with higher vitamin D levels at the beginning of the study had lower levels of tau protein on brain scans taken at middle age. Vitamin D may play an integral role in preventing or slowing down changes in diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects in the brain, enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing the  amount of abnormal tau protein. 

Higher Vitamin D Levels Associated With Less Tau Buildup

The participants in the study had an average vitamin D blood level of 38 nanogram per milliliter (ng/ml). Measurements below 30 ng/ml were considered low, and nearly one-third of participants fell into this group. Those with high vitamin D levels had less tau buildup in their 50s, including areas of the brain where that protein tends to accumulate first in people who develop dementia. 

Researchers noted that the connection between high vitamin D levels and reduced tau buildup remained steadfast throughout the study. That was even when researchers accounted for several factors that could impact that association, including sex, age, and the exact amount of time from the start of the study to the end. However, the study did not find a link between midlife vitamin D levels and later amyloid buildup. Researchers stated that that is possible because tau buildup begins earlier in the progression of dementia, whereas amyloid tends to build up later in life. 

The Study Had Some Limitations

It’s important to note that the study was not a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how specific vitamin D levels could directly prevent or slow the progression of dementia. For example, one of the study’s limitations was that the participants were predominantly white. That means the results the researchers found may not apply to people from other racial or ethnic groups. 

Another drawback is that researchers observed vitamin D levels at a single point in time. That makes it near impossible to determine how any changes in vitamin D levels over the years could impact future dementia risk. Even still, the study suggests that vitamin D levels may be a potential risk factor for dementia that people can control. 

What the study results suggest is that low levels of vitamin D in midlife may be a modifiable target to reduce dementia later in life. The results do not prove that vitamin D causes or prevents dementia, though. More studies will be necessary before vitamin D checks are recommended in the community.

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It is very common for people to neglect their feet. They are out of sight, out of mind, especially when the weather is a little colder. Only when the socks come off and the sandals come on do people realize that they need to do something about their cracked heels. After all, nobody wants to walk barefoot in the grass and have those thin blades enter those cracks. 

What Are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels are very common and they occur when the dry, thick skin on the bottoms of your heels crack and split. Most cases are relatively minor and cracks are only a small nuisance or unattractive to look at. If you do not treat the cracks and heel fissures become deeper, you may experience difficulty walking or have a higher risk of infection. 

Cracked heels are not an overnight problem. In the beginning stages, you will see dry, hard skin around the heel, also known as calluses. As you walk and put more pressure on that area, the pads under your heels expand and force those calluses to develop small cracks. Other factors that contribute to cracked heels include:

• Hard or unsupportive footwear (open-back sandals or flip flops)
• Obesity
• Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
• Being on your feet for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• Walking around barefoot because that provides not support or protection for your feet
• Taking long, hot showers

How Do You Treat Cracked Heels?

You treat cracked heels the same way you treat dry skin: you moisturize. If the cracks are minor, moisturize your heels two to three times per day to help relieve symptoms. You can also use a pumice stone before moisturizing to help remove any hard, dead skin that prevents the moisturizer from penetrating the skin effectively. After one week of this general foot care, check to see if symptoms are better or worse. If your heels have not gotten any better, you may need a combination of some of the following treatments:

• Use a dermal foot balm for skin nourishment and optimal moisture. This is similar to a moisturizer, only it uses urea, an ingredient that helps increase the balm’s efficacy. 
• Mechanical debridement of thick calluses or fissures using a scalpel blade to reduce skin buildup. 
• Foot and ankle strapping, which involves placing bandages around the heel to reduce skin movement. 
• Using appropriate footwear that provides sufficient cushion to the heel pads. 

Using A Heel Balm

Natural ingredients can help heal and protect your rough, dry and cracked heels. Specifically, shea butter, a featured ingredient in this DIY cracked heel balm, works effectively because of its emollient properties. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins A and E. Dry skin can thoroughly absorb shea butter because of the fatty acid content. That helps create a protective moisture barrier on the heels, keeping them hydrated. 

Coconut oil is another ingredient in this cracked heel balm that helps moisturize and protect the skin. Just like shea butter, coconut oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness. Beeswax works to enhance the skin barrier, protecting your heels from the environment. This barrier helps lock in moisture and protect the skin from future damage. 

DIY Cracked Heel Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.7 ounces unrefined shea butter
• 0.2 ounces coconut oil
• 0.2 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2-3 drops tea tree oil
• 2 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until liquid.
• Once melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils and vitamin E oil. 
• Stir to combine and then transfer to a glass container. Allow the balm to solidify at room temperature. 
• Ideally, use this balm nightly on your feet, massaging it into your heels before applying socks to protect your skin overnight, and to prevent the balm from staining your sheets.

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Without the lungs, you cannot survive. They are vital organs responsible for the delivery of oxygen throughout the body and the removal of carbon dioxide. With increasing levels of pollution and toxins in the environment, it is easy for the lungs to become overwhelmed and unable to function optimally. 

The good news is that there are many natural remedies, such as our Lungs & Respiratory formula, that help cleanse and nourish the lungs. If you do not cleanse the lungs, irritants, pollutants, and other toxins can build up in them, causing inflammation, respiratory issues, and potential health conditions like asthma. Lung cleansing helps improve overall respiratory health, making it easier to breathe and reducing the risk of respiratory infections. 

How Can Herbs Assist?

For centuries, people have used herbs or herbal remedies to treat various health conditions, including respiratory problems. Many herbs exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that work to cleanse the lungs. Upon consumption, the herbs in this article may help eliminate toxins and mucus from the lungs, which ultimately reduces inflammation and promotes better respiratory health. Continue reading to learn which herbs are helpful for eliminating mucus from the lungs. 

Hyssop

Exhibiting strong expectorant properties, hyssop can help clear out entrenched phlegm that gets stuck in the lungs. Hyssop is an antispasmodic herb, meaning it helps relieve spasms in the respiratory system and soothes coughs. Studies have found hyssop syrup to be effective for asthmatic patients with productive cough and higher body mass index (BMI). Other studies found it to be effective for cough relief. 

Licorice Root

Licorice root has been used in various traditional medicinal applications. It acts as a soothing agent, demulcent, coating agent, and an expectorant, meaning it works to loosen mucus and make it easier to expel from the lungs. It is also a naturally sweet herb, containing a compound that is nearly 50 times sweeter than sugar. 

Elecampane Root

Regarded for its ability to promote better respiratory health, elecampane tea exhibits several promising characteristics for optimal lung health. For example, elecampane root has expectorant, sedative, anti-fungal, relaxing, antitussive (cough suppressant), warming, and antimicrobial properties. Various studies confirm that elecampane can help soothe bronchial tube linings, in addition to serving as an expectorant to facilitate lung cleansing. In the 1800s, cough drops and lozenges were made from elecampane root. 

Peppermint

Peppermint is another herb that offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Containing menthol, peppermint can help relax the muscles in the respiratory tract, which makes it easier to breathe more easily. If you have a sore throat or cough, peppermint can also benefit you in this regard. Consume peppermint in the form of tea or add some peppermint essential oil to a diffuser and inhale the steam for a quick lung cleanse. 

Elderflowers

Elderflower is an astringent that is somewhat drying, but it manages to moisten the internal mucus membranes. It exhibits antiviral properties that benefit head colds or infections in the upper respiratory tract. Elderflower is a key herb in many herb blends that benefit lung health and immune function. In addition to the flower, elderberries offer lots of vitamins A & C, antiviral properties, and iron that is easy for the body to absorb. 

Oregano

Popular in various culinary applications, oregano has potent medicinal properties. Researchers note that carvacrol, a compound in oregano, exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano may help clear mucus from the lungs and reduce inflammation, making it effective for lung cleansing. 

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root is a prominent ingredient in our Lungs and Respiratory formula, and for good reason. It is a demulcent herb that may help relieve swelling and irritation of mucus membranes, in addition to soothing the respiratory tract. Research shows that it acts like a protective film on inflamed mucosa, making it effective for soothing a dry cough.

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