This is a simple yet vibrant, tangy salad dressing made from simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make one flavorful creation. Smooth and rich olive oil forms the base, while freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing with a clean, citrusy lift. A touch of apple cider vinegar, will do, as too much can overpower the other ingredients. It also adds extra acidity, ensuring the dressing stays lively and balanced.

In order to create savory depth without tamari or soy sauce, we included coconut aminos in this dressing, as it is not only raw vegan, but also gluten-free and gently sweet. The mild, umami-rich flavor pairs beautifully with nutritional yeast, which contributes an almost cheesy, nutty note to the dressing. Nutritional yeast is especially beneficial for vegans because it contains fortified B vitamins (most notably B12), which can be harder to obtain if you follow a plant-based diet. Its flavor and nutritional profile make it a valuable ingredient for vegan dishes. Mustard powder helps add another dimension of flavor to the dressing, bringing everything together with a subtle tang.

If you are familiar with our recipes, especially our salad dressing recipes, you know that we cannot omit garlic or garlic powder. It adds aromatic warmth, while the kiss of agave nectar provides just enough sweetness to round out the sharper flavors. What you are left with is a versatile, well-balanced dressing that enhances leafy greens, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or even works as a quick marinade. Whisk all of the ingredients together in a matter of minutes and you will have a truly special creation!

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Do you judge a restaurant or household by the condiments they have? What is the brand and what is the quality of the condiment? Do you love a homemade ketchup, chutney, or dressing? If you answered yes, then you, like us, prefer the preservative-free stuff made with love and care. That’s exactly what this pumpkin seed ranch dressing is: a salad dressing, dip, and sauce that contains tons of nutrients. It may just become a staple around your house!

Ranch dressing is beloved by many people and it is not uncommon for people to have serious opinions about the ranch dressing they enjoy. Usually, the valley is hidden, if you’re picking up what we’re laying down. Unfortunately, most store bought ranch dressings are full of fat, unhealthy inflammatory oils, preservatives, added sugars, and a lot of other problematic ingredients that should not be in a salad dressing. A good ranch dressing should be both creamy and refreshing, packed with herbs and spices, and completely gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and low-carb friendly.

Such is the case with this raw vegan pumpkin seed ranch dressing. It uses pumpkin seeds, homemade almond milk, apple cider vinegar, onion, mint or parsley, dried dill, paprika, mustard powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend all of those ingredients together to create a lovely sauce/salad dressing/condiment. Make sure that you blend until the mixture reaches the consistency you prefer. If you enjoy a thicker ranch dressing, you can add more pumpkin seeds or less almond milk. Play with those measurements to achieve your desired result.

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Face masks, not to be confused with those old COVID facial coverings, should belong to anyone’s skin care regimen. Applying a face mask is an amazing self-care ritual that helps you recharge the batteries. Aim to do a face mask two times per week to make your skin look and feel great. The only problem with face masks is that they can make a dent in your bank account if you enjoy them regularly. 

That’s all going to change when you start making your own face masks, like the one in this article. Not to mention, a lot of people already have the necessary ingredients for face masks at home. Most of them contain ingredients you keep in the pantry, minus some essential oils and clays or powders. This recipe contains bentonite clay, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and cedarwood, sweet orange, and frankincense essential oils. 

Powdered vs. Liquid Face Masks

Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of preference. In order to apply a powdered face mask, you need to mix it with water or another liquid. Liquid face masks don’t require any additional liquids and you can easily apply them out of the bottle. Depending on the liquid face mask, though, it may or may not contain preservatives in the formulations to combat the increased risk of bacterial growth. Some synthetic preservatives can irritate the skin, but not all liquid face masks are created equal. Continue reading to learn why we love the face masks in this article. 

Honey

Incorporating honey into your skin care regimen can help calm inflammation on the skin. Many people say that they experience notably calmer and smoother skin after using honey. Additionally, honey exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may help clean out the pores. Some studies found that honey can kill several types of bacteria, but it has not been effective at killing the type of bacteria that causes acne. It may help soothe or reduce the intensity of a breakout, as opposed to getting rid of it entirely. One study found that combining honey with cinnamon bark may offer enough antibacterial properties to fight the primary bacteria that causes acne. 

Bentonite Clay

According to researchers, bentonite clay works by adsorbing oils and bacteria from the skin. It does this by sticking to the molecules or ions in the bacteria, and as you wash clay away from the body, it removes those impurities. Bentonite clay also contains iron, magnesium, and calcium, which may provide additional benefits. The clay works to remove sebum from the skin’s surface, which may help reduce the severity of breakouts. There are many anecdotal reports that say bentonite clay helps to clear up the skin and make it appear younger, but research is needed on this matter. The important thing to remember about bentonite clay is that you should never use metal bowls or utensils to mix bentonite clay with other ingredients. Use glass bowls and wooden utensils because the clay can adsorb some of the metal’s properties over time. 

DIY Honey Clay Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons each: raw honey, avocado oil, and apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops each: sweet orange, cedarwood, and frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup bentonite clay

Instructions:

• In a glass bowl, combine the honey, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and the different essential oils with a wooden utensil. 
• While you’re stirring, pour in the bentonite clay and continue stirring until you get a smooth, thick consistency. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass container and store in a cool, dry place. 
• Spread a thin layer of the mask on your face and leave on for 10 minutes. 
• Rinse with warm water and scrub away with a gentle exfoliant. Pat your face dry.

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For hundreds of years, different civilizations used their own versions of fire cider or herbal tonics to promote general well-being. These days, you can see people and “wellness gurus” alike making spicy fire cider on TikTok or Instagram. The claim is that it not only enhances immune function, but it is also a natural cold killer. 

What Is Fire Cider?

Fire cider is a spicy, homemade drink made with all-natural ingredients that help optimize immunity. The proponents of fire cider claim that when all of the ingredients work in unison, they create a super beverage that can help prevent you from getting sick. The term “fire cider” was coined by Rosemary Gladstar in 1970, when she published a recipe that used: 

• Raw apple cider vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Honey
• Horseradish root
• Onion
• Cayenne pepper

Since then, many people have published variations of the drink, with some including ingredients like:

• Elderberry
• Rosemary
• Turmeric
• Orange or lemon zest
• Jalapeño or habanero peppers

Once you have your recipe of choice, combine all of the ingredients (except honey) in a glass jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place. After the ingredients steep for one month, you strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and add honey to taste. That liquid is the fire cider, which sounds interesting, but how effective is it?

Are There Benefits? 

The predominant claims from people who love fire cider are that it helps fend off sickness and builds a healthy immune system. The unfortunate reality is that there is no scientifically-backed evidence stating that fire cider actually works. What is true is that the ingredients offer beneficial nutrients that can encourage healthy immune function. They do not, however, possess the abilities to prevent or cure illness. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of some of the ingredients. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Since the times of the Ancient Greeks, vinegar has been used to help treat sores and clean wounds. In recent years, apple cider vinegar has received a lot of attention because people claim that it can aid weight loss, improve digestion, enhance immunity, and more. Test tube studies found that apple cider vinegar effectively killed certain disease-causing yeast and bacteria. Other studies found that consuming apple cider vinegar can help lower total blood cholesterol and blood sugar. More research is needed in both regards, though. 

Ginger

This is a common spice used to help soothe a sore throat and an upset stomach. Researchers have studied ginger extensively because it is effective at relieving nausea, easing period cramps, relieving muscle and arthritis pain, and reducing inflammation. Although ginger is thought to enhance immune function, there is no scientific evidence that supports that. Some people also claim that it aids weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness. There is no evidence that supports that either. 

Hot Peppers

You can include cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or other spicy peppers in fire cider. Peppers are naturally rich in vitamin C and contain active compounds that may help you live longer, according to some research studies. Capsaicin is the active compound that is responsible for the heat in peppers, but it also exhibits impressive antimicrobial activity. Capsaicin can irritate the skin, so make sure to wash your hands after handling hot peppers, as you don’t want to touch your eyes or other sensitive areas. 

Garlic

If you know anything about garlic, you know that it has a lot of “antis,” such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties. Garlic can be hard to digest for certain people because it contains fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs). For this reason, garlic can occasionally cause cramping, bloating, and diarrhea in certain people.

Honey

Many people celebrate honey for its antimicrobial properties, and it has been used in healing practices since ancient times. Medical grade honey may help remedy minor wounds, diabetic ulcers, and burns. You do not find medical grade honey on your average grocery store shelf, though. The honey you have in your pantry will not kill or prevent the common cold. It is possible for honey to soothe a sore throat and ease some symptoms of respiratory infection.

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For centuries, people around the world have turned to a variety of herbs, tonics, and specialized drinks for health benefits. Tepache originated in Mexico and kombucha originated in northeastern China. So it’s safe to say that each culture has their own beneficial, gut-enhancing beverage. To this day, there is no shortage of drinks that promise better gut health. Some drinks have made this list due to clever marketing, but a growing body of research shines a light on the digestive benefits of certain beverages. With so many drinks that claim to support gut health, though, how can you know which one is really worth its salt? 

Why Should You Drink Gut-Healthy Drinks?

Your goal should always be to support the gut microbiome with prebiotics and probiotics. Your microbiome consists of good bacteria and unhealthy bacteria. The more good bacteria in the gut, the better your digestive and immune systems function. Researchers continue to learn all the ways the microbiome affects overall health via new studies. 

Gut-healthy drinks work to support the gut microbiome, but the benefits don’t stop there. The beverages in this article contain important vitamins and antioxidants that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Sure, probiotic supplements and foods have these benefits, but sometimes it is a little easier to reach for one of the following drinks. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

As a quick note, it’s imperative that you do not take a shot of apple cider vinegar. That can burn the throat and cause acid reflux. Instead, mix a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar in about 12 ounces of water. You can add a squeeze of lemon to mellow the intensity of the vinegar if you prefer, as lemon will only enhance the benefits. Apple cider vinegar, much like kefir or kombucha, is a fermented liquid. Make sure to purchase apple cider vinegar with “the mother,” which is a thick layer of bacteria and yeast that ferments the apple juice. It contains probiotics that encourage optimal gut health. Some research indicates that apple cider vinegar helps to ease bloating, while other research shows that it may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Green Tea

Green tea has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, but it is a popular beverage in present day. There is a lot of research to substantiate green tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The gut breaks down green tea’s polyphenols to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Enjoy green tea hot or iced, as the temperature does not affect the benefits. What does affect the benefits, however, is what you add to it. If you add tons of sugar, milk, or syrups, you essentially cancel out the benefits. 

Ginger Tea

Ginger is a zesty spice that lends itself to a variety of different foods and beverages. Historically, it has been used in various medicinal applications because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help relieve nausea, soothe a sore throat, and promote stomach motility, which is the process the gut performs to digest food and liquids. Encouraging this process can ease symptoms of heartburn and bloating. All of that said, more research is still necessary to show ginger’s effect on gut health. The good news is that ginger and ginger tea are both widely available and affordable. You can boil ginger root on its own or steep the tea bags in hot water. It does have a kick, so feel free to sweeten it with raw agave or stevia.

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Before summer comes to an end, do yourself a favor and make this salad. It features one of summer’s most iconic produce items: the mighty watermelon. It is juicy, refreshing, sweet, and crispy. Just make sure that you use the watermelon before it gets too ripe and soft. You want crisp cubes for this salad! Plus, an overripe watermelon can have an unpleasant flavor, which will not go well with the blueberries, mint, and vinaigrette.

This is actually a great salad to make if you have leftover watermelon that you do not want to enjoy on its own. Perhaps you had a party and cut up an entire watermelon, but half of it went uneaten. That’s perfect because this recipe calls for eight cups of watermelon. You can choose to use less if you want to make a smaller salad. Add in the blueberries and freshly chopped mint and you are in business. In fact, you could enjoy that trio without dressing and be perfectly content, but the apple cider vinaigrette adds a savory element that makes this feel more like lunch and less like a breakfast side.

Don’t have blueberries? You can opt to use blackberries, or even strawberries, if you have them on hand. There is just a special relationship between mint and blueberries. It’s a combo that just seems to work over and over again. Let us know if you agree in the comments!

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A salad doesn’t have to have a long list of ingredients in order for it to be delicious. This simple cucumber apple salad contains exactly what the name says: cucumbers and apples. Toss the apple and cucumber cubes with a simple apple cider vinegar dressing and you are in business. It’s a great, light summer salad that you can serve at room temperature or chilled. Although we used Granny Smith apples, feel free to use whichever apple variety you enjoy. If you prefer a juicier texture and sweeter flavor from your apple, consider using Fuji or Honeycrisp varieties. If you strive for contrasting colors, use Red Delicious or Pink Lady apples.

You can never go wrong with a good combination, and that is exactly the case for cucumbers and apple. Ideally, try to dice the apple and cucumber into the same size cubes for uniformity and ease of enjoyment. Plus, cutting them the same size will create even texture throughout the salad. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and apple cubes and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, so that the flavors can get to know each other. That also gives the apples and cucumbers time to absorb the dressing, which is highly addictive and refreshing. We actually suggest that you keep all of the ingredients to this salad with you at all times because it

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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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Get ready to enjoy a vibrant marinated salad that features crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions, creating a refreshing medley of flavors and textures in your mouth. Using your best knife skills, slice all of the ingredients to be uniform. If you want, you can slice the onions a little thinner than the other ingredients before combining them in a bowl. By marinating the ingredients in the oil, vinegar, herbs, and seasonings, you let their natural juices mingle, enhancing the overall freshness. The extra virgin olive oil adds a smooth richness, while the apple cider vinegar provides a tangy brightness that elevates the flavors.

To deepen the flavor profile, we added freshly chopped parsley and dill, but you can choose one or the other if you have an aversion to a particular herb. The herbs provide aromatic herbal notes that complement the vegetables beautifully. The addition of minced garlic introduces a pungent, savory layer that enhances the salad’s complexity, making each bite more flavorful and enticing. The combination of herbs and garlic transforms this simple salad into a fragrant, savory side dish suitable for any meal.

Marinating the vegetables allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a salad that is both tangy and herbaceous with a satisfying crunch. The acidity from the vinegar balances the richness of the olive oil, while the herbs and garlic provide a fresh, aromatic finish. This marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is an effortless, wholesome dish ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a cooling accompaniment to spicy or hearty meals.

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At Dherbs, we constantly preach the benefits of adhering to a plant-based diet, primarily because plant foods offer valuable nutritional benefits. It is true that fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation, improve immune function, boost brain health, etc. What may shock you is that some of these fruits and vegetables, despite being rich in nutrients, can cause some serious bloating. Lentils, some fruits, and various cruciferous vegetables, can be quite difficult for some people to digest.

The good news is that there are foods that can help counteract all that bloating. Stuff a whole bunch of those anti-bloat foods in a smoothie and enjoy it when you’re feeling like your pants won’t button properly. So what is in this smoothie that gives it the anti-bloating properties? Let’s detail the ingredients below:

• Ginger: A natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that also functions as a digestive aid. It works to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which helps prevent bloating.
• Cucumber: The cucumber is made up of over 90% water, which not only aids your hydration efforts, but also helps fight bloating. Too often do people get bloated because they are not properly hydrated.
• Banana: Bananas are rich in potassium, which works to regulate sodium levels, an effort that prevents water retention. Too much sodium in the body can increase the risk of elevated blood pressure levels and bloating. That is why bananas and other potassium-rich foods help fight back against bloating.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Although this ingredient is optional and the smoothie will taste better without it, apple cider vinegar does help relieve bloating and gas. If you are serious about reducing that bloat, consider adding this to the smoothie.
• Coconut Water: This is the fresh stuff directly from a young Thai coconut. Like bananas, it is rich in potassium.

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