You’ve got your beach bag, cooler, and bathing suit ready, but what about essential oils? Believe it or not, the beach isn’t the only thing that can offer an uplifting and refreshing experience during the summer. Summery essential oils offer cooling properties that make them ideal during warmer months. Some of the essential oils in this article even offer protection against insects, sun exposure, and overheating, in addition to supporting your skin, energy, and mood. 

Most of the summer essential oils offer anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antimicrobial properties. They assist in helping you stay balanced during hot and humid weather. They tend to have floral, citrusy, and herbaceous aromas, making them perfect for diffusing in the home. You can also use them in DIY body sprays, apply them in diluted form to the skin, or add them to your summer skin or hair care routines. 

Spearmint Essential Oil

Different to peppermint essential oil but still similar, spearmint essential oil offers a cooling sensation that may help relieve tension, improve focus, and freshen the home. It has a milder aroma than peppermint essential oil, but still gives off an uplifting, minty scent. Spearmint essential oil is great for those who are sensitive to strong oils. Some studies found that it may soothe headaches, freshen breath, and support digestion.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil has a woody aroma that helps to calm the nervous system. Many people value it during the summer because it exhibits potent insect-repelling abilities. It may also help with oily or acne-prone skin, and even lends itself to nighttime diffusions to promote better sleep. 

Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella is a well-known plant that helps repel bugs, especially mosquitos. The essential oil is very energizing and deodorizing, making it a great oil for outdoor gatherings. Citronella is a must-have during summer, particularly if you want to spend your evenings outdoors in the summer. You can use it in a diffuser to help repel mosquitos, or even add it to homemade body sprays. 

Citrus Essential Oils

Known for their uplifting and invigorating properties, citrus essential oils can help boost energy, promote positivity, and provide a zesty scent. Citrus oils, including lemon, orange, and grapefruit, exhibit antimicrobial and detoxifying properties, helping support digestion and immunity, two things that are challenged by extreme heat. Lemon essential oil may offer relief from nausea and assist with skin care management. Grapefruit essential oil, similar to lemon, offers antibacterial properties and may help reduce stress and sugar cravings. Finally, orange essential oil is a great one to use during summer, due to its immune-boosting effects. You can also add it to DIY non-toxic cleaning products. 

Tea Tree Oil

Offering antibacterial and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is highly useful for minor cuts, scrapes or bug bites that occur during summer. It also exhibits anti-fungal activity, making it excellent for managing skin irritation, athlete’s foot, and acne. You can add tea tree oil to natural insect repellent recipes, foot sprays, scalp treatments, or DIY deodorant. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is commonly used to promote sleep, as its aroma helps to calm the mind and body. It can also help soothe sunburns, insect bites, and minor cuts. Lavender is a highly useful and versatile essential oil that shines during summer. The anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful for calming sensitive or irritated skin. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Got a little annoying cricket chirping away outside your window at night? Time to bust out the peppermint essential oil! Crickets despise peppermint’s aroma, so you can place a few drops in your windowsills to deter them. Peppermint essential oil offers cooling effects, making it great for hot summer days. It may help lower body temperature when applied (diluted of course) to the skin and may soothe sunburns and heat rashes. From an aromatic standpoint, peppermint essential oil boosts alertness and may help relieve headaches. 

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil exhibits a bright, citrusy aroma that may uplift your mood and reduce stress. It also supports emotional balance, making it great for summer anxiety or emotional burnout. Additionally, bergamot essential oil may help reduce the appearance of blemishes and balance oily skin. Avoid sun exposure after application due to bergamot’s photosensitivity, just like citrus essential oils.

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If you want beautiful hair, you have to begin at the scalp. It all starts with a great foundation, without which you cannot have a secure structure. The homemade natural remedy in this article uses chamomile and apple cider vinegar to soothe irritation, reduce itchiness, and promote a healthy, balanced scalp. The dynamic duo exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and cleansing benefits that nourish the scalp. 

Chamomile For Scalp Health

If you find yourself scratching your head all the time and notice little flakes on your shoulders, your scalp might be the issue. Although dandruff could be the problem, an itchy scalp isn’t always indicative of dandruff. If dandruff is the cause, your scalp is likely dry and unhealthy with clogged pores. Research shows that chamomile contains antioxidants that naturally exfoliate the scalp, helping to get rid of buildup, such as hair products and dead skin cells. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to calm scalp irritation, but the antiseptic properties are great for nourishing the inflamed, dandruff-plagued scalp. 

If you have used chemical treatments, such as coloring, rebonding, or perming, it’s possible that your hair is damaged, at least to some degree. Hair damage is more than just split ends; it encompasses dry, coarse, brittle, and dull hair. Fortunately, chamomile helps to nourish the hair by adding moisture. It also delivers vitamins C, E, and other antioxidants to the hair, working to fight free radical damage from chemicals, pollution, and UV rays. Chamomile also promotes circulation to the scalp, which may encourage healthier hair growth. 

Apple Cider Vinegar For Scalp Health

More than just a condiment for salad ingredients, apple cider vinegar may help strengthen hair, enhance shine, and improve scalp health. Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic, containing high amounts of acetic acid. The natural pH level of the hair ranges between 3.67 and 5.5, meaning that hair is slightly acidic. If your hair is dull, brittle, or frizzy, it is likely more alkaline. Due to apple cider vinegar’s low pH range between 2 and 3, it may help increase the hair and scalp’s acidity, which may encourage smoother, shinier, stronger hair. 

Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial nature may help kill several bacteria, including E. coli and Candida albicans. Research suggests that the acetic acid exhibits anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that may benefit scalp conditions, including pruritus and head lice. Just note that highly concentrated apple cider vinegar can damage the skin, especially sensitive skin. And finally, using apple cider vinegar to restore balance to the scalp is the main purpose. It’s possible for it to burn or irritate the skin, so be careful to dilute it and avoid contact with the eyes. If you get it in your eyes, be sure to quickly flush them with running water. 

Homemade Scalp Treatment

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chamomile tea (brewed and cooled)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5-10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions: 

• First off, brew the chamomile tea by boiling water and steeping two chamomile tea bags in the water for five to 10 minutes. Once that time passes, remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. 
• Pour the cooled chamomile tea into a large mixing bowl and then add the apple cider vinegar and optional lavender essential oil. Mix well to combine with a spoon or whisk. 
• Once prepared, you can apply the scalp treatment, but make sure to dampen your hair with water to allow the treatment to spread more easily. Ideally, pour the treatment into a spray bottle to allow for easier application. You can do the whole scalp, focusing on specific areas that need extra attention.
• After applying the treatment, massage into the scalp for a couple minutes and leave on for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water when done.

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Berberine is a naturally occurring compound in many plants. For thousands of years, it has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and other medicinal traditions to treat digestive disorders, inflammatory conditions, and infections. Some research indicates that it may offer protection against high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, among other conditions. 

What Is Berberine?

Extracted from several plants, berberine is a bioactive compound that belongs to the alkaloid class. It is yellow and typically used as a dye, despite its long history in traditional medicinal applications. Modern evidence suggests that it exhibits impressive health benefits that may address chronic conditions. As of now, limited human research indicates that berberine may lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. This is of great interest to the health experts because these are reversible risk factors for heart disease. Although it appears to be safe and only causes a few mild side effects, you may want to consult a healthcare professional if you are interested in taking it. 

How Does Berberine Work?

There have been hundreds of studies on berberine’s effects on the body. According to animal studies, one of berberine’s primary actions is to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme inside cells. Found in cells throughout the body, AMPK has an active role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. Berberine also has an effect on other molecules inside cells, potentially affecting which genes are turned on or off. That may help protect against many chronic health conditions, but more research is necessary on this matter. Continue reading to learn more about berberine’s health benefits. 

May Protect Against Bacterial Infections

A 2022 study found that berberine helped prevent the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Researchers note that this bacterial strain can cause sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and a range of skin conditions. Another study found that berberine exhibited an ability to damage the DNA and protein of certain bacteria, due to its antimicrobial activity. 

It Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels

According to many studies, berberine can significantly lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In 2008, study authors monitored a group of 116 participants who took one gram of berberine per day. The results indicated that berberine lowered fasting blood sugar by 20%, and it also lowered hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 12%. Additionally, berberine improved blood lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Researchers note that berberine seems to work in several ways to aid these processes:

• Decreases sugar production in the liver
• Reduces insulin resistance to make insulin more effective
• Increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut
• Slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut
• Increases glycolysis, which helps the body break down sugars inside cells

May Aid Weight Loss

There is a lot of attention on berberine because it may be a viable weight loss supplement. An older 12-week study involved people with obesity who took 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine three times daily. At the end of the study, participants experienced five pounds of weight loss, on average, with a 3.6% reduction in body fat. A review of 12 studies noted that supplementing with berberine led to significant reductionist body weight, belly fat, and body mass index. It was also effective at decreasing C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. Other research found that berberine works to inhibit the growth of fat cells at a molecular level, which may promote weight loss. Although existing research is promising, more research is necessary to determine berberine’s weight loss effects.

It Helps Lower Cholesterol

If you have high levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, you have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Some research suggests that berberine may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. One review of both animal and human studies found that berberine exhibits cholesterol lowering effects. Researchers believe that berberine’s effects are similar to drugs that reduce high cholesterol. The only difference is that berberine does not cause the same side effects. 

May Benefit People With Obesity

There is an obesity epidemic in the United States, and it increases a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. One review found that people who took 750 mg of berberine twice daily for three months experienced significant weight loss. Another double-blind study monitored people with metabolic syndrome who took 200 mg of berberine three times daily. Participants experience decreases in their body mass index scores. Finally, some research suggests that berberine works similarly to metformin, a drug that doctors typically prescribe people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, berberine works to alter gut bacteria, which may benefit people with diabetes and obesity.

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There is something magical about seeing a stuffed stocking on Christmas morning. No matter if you are young or old, waking up to a lumpy stocking full of surprises offers a special joy. Once you start taking gifts out of the stocking, though, your excitement may start to fade. That’s where we come in! We’ve put together a solid list of healthy and useful stocking stuffers that everyone will love. 

Nobody needs more socks, underwear, tissues, or lip balm in their stocking. Be creative and nab some fun things that your friends or family will actually use. You don’t have to put a brand new iPhone in the stocking; rather, keep it low-maintenance, low-cost, and incredibly unique. The stuffers don’t have to be boring, either. You don’t have to choose between candy bars and carrot sticks! 

Which stocking stuffers do you usually gravitate towards? Are you some who enjoys gifting classic holiday indulgences? Do you like finding unique toys or fun miscellaneous items? Leave your old habits behind this year and consider some of the following healthy and useful stocking stuffers. 

Bath Bombs

Taking a relaxing bath is a great form of self-care. Bath bombs only enhance the experience, and often contain ingredients that help encourage healthier skin. It’s up to you if you want to avoid intense colors because those colors can stain tubs. Don’t make more work for your friend or family member! Consider making a quality homemade bath bomb by clicking here. 

Hand Creams

Consider one excellent hand cream, or a variety of hand creams, because everyone could use a little extra moisture during the winter months. Hands tend to dry out and crack this time of year, especially if you are regularly washing them to help keep germs at bay. Both the cold weather and hot water, which your cold hands desperately crave when you want to wash them, will cause dryness, so help your friends or family members replenish moisture with hand cream in their stockings.

Essential Oils

You probably cannot fit an entire diffuser in a stocking, but you can definitely fit some essential oils in there. Distilled from plants, flowers, and seeds, essential oils offer myriad health properties. Typically used for aromatherapy purposes, essential oils can promote a sense of calm, which is a very useful thing during the holiday season and New Year. Peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon essential oils are great starter oils! Just make sure to get pure essential oils, being careful to examine ingredient lists for potential preservatives.

Herbal Teas

Everyone has someone in their life who loves to drink tea. Maybe they have become a master of matcha or a person who loves herbal varieties. Consider gifting them a unique tea set with various flavors. Typically, there are numerous tea sets available during the holiday season. Maybe you can accompany the different herbal teas with a nice mug, or better yet, an insulated mug that will keep hot beverages warm for hours during the winter. 

Squeezable Nut Butter Packs

Before you go out and purchase nut butter packs, make sure that the person you are buying them for does not have a nut allergy. After you cross that off the list, make sure you purchase high-quality nut butter packs. They can provide necessary protein, healthy fats, and fiber, all of which are great for keeping you full and energized between meals. Plus, they make traveling so much better! They take up very little space and are much healthier options than chips, sugary trail mixes, or salty nut mixes. 

Magnesium Lotion

Are you wondering what magnesium lotion is? First off, magnesium is a vital mineral that is linked to many health benefits, including better sleep, healthy heart, and relaxed muscles. Magnesium lotion can help calm discomfort by soothing the skin and reduce irritation and itchiness. It may also improve skin barrier function and support collagen regeneration. You may have even seen ads for magnesium lotion for babies because it helps them sleep more soundly.

Propolis Throat Spray

Show the immune system a little love with some propolis throat spray. Bees create propolis by combining various plant and tree resins with their own enzymes. It exhibits powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-supporting compounds. Should the person you’re gifting this to be prone to sore throats or common colds, it will be of great benefit to them. The flavonoids help to protect and soothe the throat, especially when it is feeling scratchy.

Movie Tickets

This doesn’t necessarily count as a healthy gift, but it is useful to many people. Movie tickets are very expensive these days, so treat someone to a night out at the movies! It’s a great stocking stuffer idea that takes up little to no room. Feel free to include some healthy snacks along with the tickets so that the person can sneak them in the theater! Just don’t tell anyone we told you to do that last part.

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Have you been thinking about adding more natural items to your skin care routine? If you have, then this Epsom salt body scrub is a great place to start. After purchasing all of the ingredients, each jar you make ends up costing around two dollars. How incredible is that?! Not only can this be an excellent item to add to your skin care routine, but it also makes for a great gift for the upcoming holiday season. Decorate the jars to make the product a little more festive. 

Normally, people put Epsom salt in their baths to help soothe sore muscles and inflammatory skin conditions. Believe it or not, Epsom salt makes for a highly efficient body scrub. After you take a shower, gently massage wet skin with a handful of the scrub in this recipe. The coarseness of the salt crystals works to slough away dead skin cells. Epsom salt’s anti-inflammatory properties help prevent irritation during the exfoliating process. Rinse away the body scrub and then follow with a moisturizing body cream. 

Epsom Salt Benefits

Epsom salts are a type of mineral salt found in nature. This type of salt is rich in magnesium and sulfate, and the salt is very coarse, but it is not meant for cooking. Skin care experts note that you can use Epsom salt to remove dead skin from the face, body, and scalp. Some people also use it on the skin to relieve itchiness from poison ivy or mosquito bites. It also helps to soften skin affected by psoriasis, which causes scaly patches on the skin. 

Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil may help prevent and treat skin rashes, such as atopic dermatitis. One study found that coconut oil extract was able to improve skin barrier function. Scientists believe that coconut oil works to strengthen the skin barrier for infants with a low birth weight, potentially protecting them from health complications. Coconut oil may also help to reduce inflammation that results from UVB rays. Cellular studies indicate that coconut oil exhibits anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

The antimicrobial and antiseptic properties in peppermint essential oil may help reduce the appearance of pimples and other blemishes. Because it contains menthol, it offers a cooling sensation when topically applied to the skin or scalp. Researchers note that applying peppermint essential oil topically (only when properly diluted to avoid skin irritation) stimulates blood flow to the skin, which may enhance skin tone. Finally, peppermint essential oil helps regulate sebum production, making it great for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

According to lab studies, eucalyptus essential oil may increase the production of ceramide, which helps moisturize skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent UVB-induced collagen degradation. Researchers have observed that cineole, the active compound in eucalyptus essential oil, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, topical application can help ease inflammation and aid wound healing, thanks to the antimicrobial properties. 

DIY Epsom Salt Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• In a medium bowl, mix together coconut oil, Epsom salt, and the essential oils. Make sure the ingredients are thoroughly combined. 
• Spoon the scrub into a glass jar and screw on the lid. Decorate with some ribbon or label. Increase the size of the batch in order to give this scrub as a gift during the holidays.

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The leaves are changing, the days are shorter, and the weather has a certain chill that seems to cut through your layers. You may also feel a slight tickle in the back of your throat, which can induce panic. There’s nothing quite like a cold threatening to mess with your plans and take you out of commission for a week or so. 

We’ve got you covered with a simple DIY throat spray made with all-natural ingredients. It may help soothe the pain of a sore throat and promote quicker recovery. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to prepare. It goes great with peppermint tea, but you can use green tea, black tea, or even Throat Coat tea if you prefer those varieties and flavors. Continue reading to learn more about some of the ingredients. 

Szechuan Peppercorns

These peppercorns are commonly used in both Chinese cuisine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Szechuan peppercorns contain anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation or irritation. Some studies found that compounds in these peppercorns exhibit antimicrobial effects, which may help combat viruses and bacteria. Finally, Szechuan peppercorns have a numbing effect, which may help relieve pain and discomfort, especially in the mouth and throat. 

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties. Researchers attribute these health benefits to the active ingredient: methylglyoxal (MGO). This is created in Manuka honey because of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is high in Manuka flowers. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects offer relief from a sore throat. The honey can help fight against the bacteria that cause pain in the throat. In fact, research confirms that people who use Manuka honey have a decrease in the presence of Streptococcus mutans, which can cause sore throats.

Peppermint Tea

Hot herbal teas are great to consume when you have a sore throat. They promote hydration and offer soothing benefits. Peppermint tea is rich in polyphenols, a group of powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. It also contains menthol, a compound that offers a cooling effect by interacting with calcium channels in the body. Some traditional medicinal practices used peppermint to treat various conditions, including symptoms of sore throat. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

According to studies in human cells, apple cider vinegar proved effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It also acted against methicillin-resistant S. aureus, which is a significant threat to humans. Laboratory studies found that apple cider vinegar exhibits antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and yeast. Currently, however, there are not enough human trials to back up that statement. Although there is anecdotal evidence for apple cider vinegar reducing sore throat symptoms, scientific studies are necessary to prove its efficacy. 

DIY Throat Spray

Ingredients:

• 2 peppermint tea bags
• 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Manuka honey
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 drops peppermint oil
• 3 drops lemon oil
• 5 drops clove oil

Instructions:

• Bring one cup of water to boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat once the water is boiling and add the tea bags and peppercorns. Allow them to steep for five to 10 minutes. 
• Stir in the remaining ingredients and then pour through a fine mesh strainer and collect the liquid in a bowl or cup. Allow the liquid to cool. 
• Get two four-ounce glass spray bottles and divide the mixture between these two bottles, using a funnel to pour in the liquid. Screw on the tops and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
• When ready to use, shake well and then spray towards the back of the mouth as often as needed.

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Oil pulling may help reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in your mouth and decrease the risk of some health conditions. It is an ancient Indian folk remedy that claims to whiten your teeth, freshen breath, and improve oral hygiene. Unfortunately, no scientific research confirms these claims, but this article aims to explore whether oil pulling is effective, or just another trend. 

Oil pulling is somewhat controversial, despite its thousand-year history. It is an Ayurvedic practice that helps care not only for the mouth, but also for the entire body. Oral health extends beyond the teeth and gums, so adding coconut oil pulling to your oral hygiene routine may come with added health benefits. 

What Is Oil Pulling?

This ancient remedy from Ayurveda originated in India over a thousand years ago. The practice is simple: you take a small amount of high-quality, organic oil and swish it in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. You can use various oils, but they need to be high-quality, food-grade oils. Coconut oil is the preferred oil to use because it exhibits antibacterial properties. The primary benefit of oil pulling is that it reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which create biofilm on the teeth, also known as plaque. 

Having a small amount of plaque on the teeth is fairly normal. It only becomes problematic if it gets out of hand, leading to the following potential outcomes:

• Bad breath
• Gingivitis, or other gum-related issues
• Cavities
• Gum disease 

How Does Oil Pulling Work?

By swishing the oil around in your mouth, it helps sweep away and dissolve bacteria in the oil. As previously mentioned, oil pulling works best with extra-virgin coconut oil, but it will work with almost any oil. Coconut oil has a more pleasant taste and a higher fatty acid profile, especially lauric acid, which exhibits antimicrobial activity. 

What Are The Benefits?

There are many purported benefits of oil pulling and it enhances your oral care routine of flossing and brushing. Many people agree that it is better for your teeth than harsh mouthwashes, which typically contain toxic chemicals and alcohol. When you swish the oil around your mouth, it binds to plaque buildup on the teeth. Not only does this help strengthen the teeth and gums, but it also helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. It also can reduce the bacteria that causes periodontitis and halitosis. 

Some people report that oil pulling helped them get rid of bad breath, which usually happens because of the chemicals and gasses produced by oral bacteria. Getting rid of some of these bacteria can help improve oral health and reduce the likelihood of bad breath. More studies are still necessary to determine the efficacy of oil pulling to reduce halitosis. 

Ultimately, oil pulling can reduce the presence of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth. This bacteria is a key player in the development of plaque buildup and tooth decay. A 2016 study involving 60 adults found that oil pulling with coconut oil for 10 minutes daily significantly reduced the number of Streptococcus mutans in saliva in just two weeks. A previous study in children  found that coconut oil was just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash at reducing Streptococcus mutans. These results are promising, but more studies are necessary to prove the efficacy of oil pulling. 

Dangers Of Oil Pulling

This is not a death-defying feat, but it’s always beneficial to understand the risks or cons involved with an alternative remedy. Oil pulling can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. There are no known side effects to it, but some people report negative reactions to coconut oil. If you have a topical or internal reaction to coconut in any way, do not use coconut oil for oil pulling. Sesame oil would be a better alternative.

Some people also have concerns about oil pulling with amalgam or mercury-based fillings. According to some holistic dentists, oil pulling is safe with mercury fillings and it may help pull toxic metals out of the nerve endings. If you swallow the oil, though, it may give you a slight stomach ache. Make sure you do not swallow the oil, or else you may reabsorb the bacteria that you’re trying to eliminate!

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Wouldn’t it be great if you could use a body wash that actually helps the skin retain moisture? It can be difficult to select the right body wash because many varieties contain ingredients that dry out the skin, even though the soap promises to do the opposite. Instead of experimenting with different soaps and watching your money flow down the drain, invest in a few quality ingredients and make the honey lavender body wash in this article. 

Believe it or not, this homemade soap comes together in just five minutes flat! No need for a double boiler in order to melt some wax. All of the ingredients are in liquid form, so all you need to do is combine them in your soap bottle with a pump dispenser. Ideally, use fractionated coconut oil because that does not solidify if the temperature gets a little cold. The last thing you want is for your body wash to solidify when you want to get clean!

Liquid Castile Soap

Castile soap is a vegetable-based soup that does not contain animal products, chemicals, or synthetic ingredients. You can use it to wash your hair, clothes, skin, and more. Because it is hypoallergenic, castile soap is a great option for people with sensitive skin. Castile soap can help clean the skin while simultaneously replacing some of the skin’s lost sebum with vegetable oil. One review examined the chemical profiles of different antioxidant and antimicrobial vegetable oils. They found that some of the oils in castile soap may help get rid of acne. 

Raw Honey

Why use honey in homemade soaps? Well, honey is a natural humectant, which is a substance that attracts water. In personal care products, humectants work to hydrate the skin, hair, or nails. Honey also works to coat your skin in a dewy sheen, helping to rejuvenate every pore with each wash. For people with dry skin, honey works to hydrate the skin, drowning it in moisture. For those with oily skin, honey works with the ebbs and flows of your skin to help control oily production and contribute to a more balanced skin tone. Finally, people with sensitive skin will love honey in their body wash because it offers anti-inflammatory properties that help mitigate redness or irritation. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Both fractionated and regular coconut oil are beneficial for the skin, but fractionated coconut oil penetrates the skin more easily. It also does not leave a greasy film on the skin. Because it acts as an emollient, it works to soften and hydrate the skin. Researchers note that fractionated coconut oil exhibits antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which can further promote healthier skin. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil, which is derived from the lavender plant, can benefit the skin in many ways. Studies have shown that it has the ability to reduce acne, improve skin tone, and reduce early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Lavender essential oil exhibits anti-fungal properties, which may help reduce inflammation and keep eczema at bay. It may also be used to reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms, as it helps to cleanse the skin and reduce redness and irritation. 

Homemade Honey Lavender Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 30 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir to combine. 
• Using a funnel, pour the ingredients into an amber glass bottle with a soap dispenser. The reason that you use amber glass is to help preserve the essential oil’s properties. 
• Use when ready and make sure to shake well before each use.

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If you’re running hot and need to cool off, be it from exercising or existing in the heat, then you need this lotion in this recipe. Massage it on your neck or feet after a long day, or get your partner to do that job for you. It’s not as heavy as some body lotions and has a cooling effect on the skin. 

Some people like to use coconut oil as a moisturizer throughout the year. Sometimes, you want a little more than plain old coconut oil to moisturize the body. Although you use coconut oil as an ingredient in this DIY lotion, you also add aloe vera gel, beeswax, and peppermint essential oil. Both the aloe and the peppermint help provide the cooling sensation, but they also benefit the skin in other ways. Read on to learn how the different ingredients benefit the skin. 

Beeswax

Beeswax can help the skin retain moisture because it is a humectant. That means that it binds water and attracts it, creating a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. Beeswax can also help condition, calm, and soothe the skin without clogging pores. That allows the skin to breathe, decreasing your risk of developing blemishes. Researchers note that beeswax exhibits regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, which work to reduce irritation, redness, and inflammatory skin conditions. 

Aloe Vera Gel

As a quick note for the DIY lotion in this article, you have to keep the aloe vera gel at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge and add it to the hot oil and wax mixture, it will not emulsify correctly. The skin can easily absorb aloe vera gel, making it ideal for people with oily skin. It can also benefit dry skin as well, sealing in moisture just like beeswax. Because of the moisturizing properties, aloe vera can help alleviate dry, itchy skin that is common among eczema patients. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera also make it great for people with inflammatory forms of acne, such as nodules and pustules. 

Coconut Oil

When used raw, coconut oil can feel slightly heavy on the skin, but its properties are very nourishing. The fatty acids in coconut oil, specifically lauric and capric acid, have antimicrobial properties that can kill harmful microorganisms on the skin. Folliculitis, acne, and cellulitis are commonly caused by bacteria and fungi, which lauric and capric acid can help kill. Coconut oil also helps to reinforce the skin barrier, which makes the skin more effective at retaining moisture. Some studies have found that coconut oil can also boost the level of antioxidants and collagen in the body, both of which have roles in the skin’s natural regeneration process. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

This aromatic essential oil has two primary chemical components: menthol and menthone. Peppermint essential oil is commonly used in cosmetic products because of its potential benefits for the skin and hair. A 2016 study looked at the topical use of peppermint essential oil and the effect it had on itching. The results indicated that a 1% solution of peppermint oil improved how long itchiness lasted and the severity of the itch. Another study examined the topical effects of menthol on the skin and found that it increased blood flow. That may aid hair growth, because increased blood flow can stimulate the scalp. 

DIY Cooling Aloe Mint Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup grated beeswax
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel (room temperature)
• 1/8 tsp peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the beeswax and coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat and warm until both ingredients are completely melted. 
• Aim to keep the temperature as low as possible in order to preserve coconut oil’s benefits. 
• Remove the saucepan from the stove and pour into a heat-safe bowl. Whisk in the room temperature aloe vera gel and then the peppermint essential oil. 
• Allow the lotion to cool to room temperature (about two to four hours) and then whisk again or use a hand mixer at medium speed for a fluffier version of the same product. Use when ready.
• As a quick note, the lotion will become thicker and more solid over time, especially as the aloe vera evaporates.

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Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons and invites a lot of unique produce items. A lot of those ingredients lend themselves to hearty soups and stews, but there are quite a few that go great in smoothies. And yes, you can still enjoy smoothies even when the mornings are a little colder. This immune-boosting persimmon smoothie is loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. It is a great smoothie that may help boost digestive health and enhance immune function for cold and flu season.

Persimmons have a limited window of availability, so make sure you get them while the gettin’s good. There are two persimmon varieties: Fuyu and Hachiya. The former is a non-astringent persimmon and tends to be more popular, as they are usually sweeter than the latter (Hachiya), which is an oblong fruit can be bitter until ripe. For reference, Hachiya persimmons are more common in baked goods, such as persimmon bread, and infrequently used in raw or fresh preparations. You can enjoy Fuyu persimmons out of hand, just like apples. Today, California growers produce about 10,000 tons of Fuyu persimmons every fall.

Although this is a persimmon-forward smoothie, it contains other nutrient-dense ingredients, including mandarins and ginger. Both of those ingredients contain immune-boosting properties, in addition to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Finally, to make the smoothie creamy and delicious, you have homemade almond milk. That’s the real game changer of this recipe. Homemade almond milk offers a unique nuttiness and creaminess that you don’t get from processed store bought varieties. Enjoy!

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