We have to warn you about something: once you try this lemon basil vinaigrette, you won’t be able to forge it. You may use up the first batch so quickly that you have to make it three more times in the same week! Due to the slightly tangy, herbaceous, and and refreshing flavor, this vinaigrette goes great with various salad ingredients. You can even use it in a grain bowl once you finish cleansing.

There are many lemons to use for this dressing, but we recommend Meyer lemons if you can get your hands on them. Meyer lemons offer a slightly sweeter flavor that lends itself to dressings and lemonade. Just make sure that you zest the lemon with a microplane before you juice it. The lemon zest adds more of a citrus punch to this vinaigrette. The real star of the show, and the culprit behind the color, is fresh basil leaves. Do not use dried basil because you will not get the same flavor, nor will you have the vibrant color or volume required for this vinaigrette. You can pick leaves from a plant or use basil leaves that you buy in the store.

An important step for this basil vinaigrette is that you do not want to add all of the ingredients to the food processor at once. You can add everything except the olive oil. Once everything else is blending, you can drizzle in the olive oil during the blending process. By taking that extra step, you are left with is a smooth, emulsified, bright green basil vinaigrette that is to die for. If you don’t love it, we’ll take it!

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If you have an excess of grapefruit in your home, either because you bought a bunch or you have a tree, you want to use them before they go bad. Making fresh grapefruit juice to enjoy is a lovely idea, but you may not want to drink a lot for several days straight. Fresh-squeezed juice expires in a matter of days, unlike store bought juice, which contains preservatives. You can incorporate fresh grapefruit juice into many things, such as smoothies, salads, desserts, or salad dressings.

Adding fresh grapefruit juice to a homemade salad dressing adds a lovely, surprisingly sweetly tart flavor. It adds a little extra zest, especially when you pair it when the apple cider vinegar. Plus, you never really see a dressing that includes fresh grapefruit juice, and it’s never a bad idea to have a few homemade dressings sitting in the fridge, especially if you are cleansing. You want to make sure that you vary your dressings and your salad ingredients to keep your taste buds interested in salads. That isn’t to say that you have to eat salad for every meal, but it is an easy and viable meal option for many of our cleansers.

When it comes time to make the vinaigrette, it is nice to use a blender because it helps emulsify the ingredients into a smooth dressing. You can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl, or you can even add them to a jar, screw on the lid, and shake well to combine. The resulting vinaigrette will not be as smooth. Additionally, if you choose not to blend the dressing, juice the grapefruit by hand, because you can just toss the grapefruit pieces into the blender without juicing if you go that route.

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When you have a lot of rosemary on hand, you cannot simply make roasted chicken and potatoes for every meal. You can add rosemary to stocks, soups, or infuse it into oil, but eventually, you will tire of the herb’s flavor. Too much of a good thing is real…or is it? When you no longer want to enjoy rosemary in culinary applications, use it to make nourishing products for your skin and hair. 

Why Should You Use A Facial Toner?

Facial toner works to remove traces of grime, dirt, and impurities that remain in your pores after you wash your face. Adding a toner to your daily skin care routine can have a positive impact on the overall appearance and tightness of your pores. Turning back the hands of time? Although it isn’t the anti-aging secret of the century, facial toner does help to restore the skin’s pH balance, creating a smoother appearance and tone. 

Everyone can benefit from using facial toner, but people with oily or acne-prone skin benefit a great deal. The reason for this is because toner goes the extra mile to clean the gunk out of those pores. If you have acne-prone skin, though, consider a toner that contains salicylic acid. People with oily skin may benefit from toners that help to balance oil production. Continue reading to learn more about the ingredients in this homemade toner and how they benefit your skin. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in many DIY face washes, acne spot cleansers, and toners. At this time, there isn’t sufficient research or scientific evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar for facial skin care. That said, there are many anecdotal reports that suggest it works wonders for the skin. Apple cider vinegar works to remove excess oil, dirt, and other debris from pores. When incorporated into a toner or cleanser, apple cider vinegar can aid your skin-cleansing efforts. Because it is an astringent, apple cider vinegar lends itself to toners, creating more even skin tone and tighter pores. 

Rosemary

Rosemary, specifically rosemary oil, acts as a refreshing astringent that helps to balance skin tone. Topical application of this oil can help decongest oily skin types and acne-prone skin, while simultaneously maintaining the skin’s balance. The antimicrobial properties of rosemary help to invigorate the skin and increase circulation to the skin’s surface, contributing to a more youthful glow. Rosemary works to hydrate the skin and control oil production, while also providing antibacterial properties that help to keep breakouts at bay. Additionally, the use of rosemary oil on the skin has been associated with less flaking and dryness. It is a common ingredient in skin care products because it encourages healthier skin tissues. 

Homemade Facial Toner With Rosemary

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Combine the water and rosemary in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. 
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the liquid to cool before straining it through a fine mesh strainer and into a glass jar. 
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar and mix well to combine. 
• When ready to use, shake well to combine, dip a cotton ball or pad in the mixture, and gently pat your face with it to apply. 
• Leave for a minute or so and then follow with your favorite moisturizer.

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Spring is a beautiful, blossoming season for many, but it brings misery to those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Trees and flowers bloom, weeds release pollen, and fresh cut grass causes obnoxious sneezing. An estimated 40 to 60 million people experience seasonal allergies each year, or about 20% of people living in certain countries. 

When left untreated, seasonal allergy symptoms can become highly miserable, affecting daily activities. In severe instances, they can even cause asthma attacks. Treating these seasonal allergies ultimately reduces asthma-related hospitalizations and emergencies. How do you treat these allergies without medications? The good news is that there are many natural ways to treat seasonal allergies.

What Are Seasonal Allergies? 

The medical term for seasonal allergies is allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Affecting the nasal passageways, seasonal allergies are characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the mucosa and submucosa. A person can suffer from hay fever any time of year, as allergies depend on a person’s triggers. Allergic rhinitis doesn’t just occur in the spring; rather, it can occur through the summer and fall. The flora in the place where you live may make symptoms worse, or cause them to go away. It is truly dependent on each person. 

In order to properly address your seasonal allergies, pay attention and recognize which things trigger symptoms. Research suggests that nearly 75% of people in the United States who suffer from seasonal allergies are allergic to ragweed. Pollen from ragweed is highest during fall, so keep that in mind. The most common symptoms one can experience as a result of seasonal allergies are: 

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Stuffy nose
• Scratchy throat
• Exhaustion and sleep troubles
• Postnasal drip
• Sneezing
• Excess mucus production
• Asthma
• Hives
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Mild ear infections
• Headaches
• Mood swings

Best Supplements For Allergy Symptoms

Ideally, you want to get in front of your symptoms, so experts suggest supplementing 30 to 60 days before the onset of symptoms for best results. Research indicates the phototherapy, spirulina, and butterbur show promise for treating symptoms of seasonal allergies:

• Quercetin: This flavonoid gives fruits and vegetables their rich color, but it also stops the production and release of histamine. It is possible that quercetin may interfere with certain medications, so consult your healthcare professional before starting it, especially if you take antibiotics and cyclosporine. 
• Spirulina: Just like quercetin, spirulina stops the release of histamine. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, consuming spirulina significantly improved symptoms, including sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, and nasal discharge. 
• Butterbur: Although it has been traditionally used to treat excess mucus, asthma, and bronchitis, butterbur may help reduce seasonal allergies. In one study, hay fever sufferers were given butterbur and it was found to be as effective as some allergic rhinitis medications. 
• Stinging nettle: Stinging nettle is a common homeopathic medicine exhibiting natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce the body’s production of symptom-causing histamine. Stinging nettle can have adverse interactions with certain medications, such as lithium, sedatives, and blood thinners.

Natural Treatments

There are complementary approaches that can help you feel better, but may not completely get rid of your symptoms. You can use: 

• A neti pot: Nasal irrigation is an effective way to flush out mucus and foreign invaders in the nasal passageways. You can use a neti pot once or twice daily, but make sure you use saline packets and distilled water for best results. 
• Acupuncture: This alternative remedy may help reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies without side effects. Before your allergies take over, meet with an acupuncturist to determine the best way to address your allergy symptoms. 
• Essential oils: Diffuse essential oils in a diffuser to help open up the nasal passages and lungs. Certain essential oils, such as basil, lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender work to improve circulation and relieve stress. 

Best Foods To Eat During Allergy Season

Believe it or not, the foods you eat can have an impact on the severity of your allergy symptoms. Much like the supplements we mentioned earlier, certain foods provide nutrients that support immune function and have natural antihistamine properties. Some of them are:

• Apple cider vinegar works to dissolve mucus and aid lymphatic drainage, which can reduce congestion due to allergies. Enjoy a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in a cup of water three times per day. 
• Ginger and turmeric pack a powerful anti-inflammatory punch that may help alleviate allergy symptoms and reduce sore throat. 
• Hot and spicy foods, such as chili peppers, horseradish, and wasabi, work to thin mucus and ease nasal irrigation. 
• Both broccoli and Brussels sprouts help clear up congestion and aid natural detoxification. 
• Leafy greens, such as kale, arugula, Romaine lettuce, spinach, and chard, offer antioxidant compounds that work to nourish cells and combat allergy symptoms. 
• Pineapple contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that not only aids the digestion of protein, but also helps reduce nasal swelling. Studies suggest that bromelain may help reduce your reaction to allergens. Make sure that you eat the core, as it has the highest concentration of essential nutrients for allergy season. 
• Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, offer a lot of vitamin C, which helps encourage immune function while offering an antihistamine boost.

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First thing’s first: these are not pickles, despite their appearance. You can make the argument that they are, but we don’t classify them as such because the cucumbers do not pickle in a liquid. Additionally, you do not heat up the liquid to poor over the sliced cucumbers. Should you want to cut the cucumbers into spears, not rounds, you can do that as well. It’s a matter of preference because the flavor will be just as delicious no matter the shape.

These garlic dill cucumbers bring a refreshing, slightly tangy and herbaceous flavor to any potluck or simple weeknight dinner. Even though it is winter, this recipe will bring your taste buds into summer. It’s a timeless classic and you haven’t even tasted it yet! It balances the tangy, brininess of apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, and savory garlic. It’s also low in calories, low in carbohydrates, and a unique way to enjoy cucumbers. And believe us when we tell you that changing up the flavors of your veggies is paramount when you are trying to keep your taste buds interested while cleansing.

We recommend English cucumbers for this recipe because they have a thinner skin and minimal seeds, compared other cucumber varieties. If you have Persian cucumbers or hot house cucumbers, you can use them as well, but you may want to scoop out the seeds prior to marinating them in the liquid. You can also adjust the sweetness level to your liking, adding more or less maple syrup. Start small and go from there because you can always add more. Finally, you can serve this dish after a quick marinade, or you can marinate the cucumbers for four hours. The choice is yours, but it will be delicious no matter what.

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Brushing, twirling, heatstyling, and blowdrying can damage your hair a lot. That is why every hair care routine can benefit from a great detangler. A detangler is a type of leave-in conditioner (most commonly available in spray form) that smooths the hair, making it less likely to build up friction and stick to other strands. That’s a long-winded way of saying that it helps prevent your hair from tangling.

Hair experts agree that using a detangler can prevent further damage to hair, and may even reduce the risk of split ends and breakage. The outermost layer of the hair cuticle is most susceptible to damage from external elements. In addition to helping you avoid knots, a high-quality detangler can help protect your hair and strengthen strands. 

Tips For Using A Hair Detangler

Prior to experimenting with the detangler in this article, you should take a before picture of your hair. You will want to see what the transformation looks like after treating your hair with beneficial ingredients. When it comes to using the detangler, though, consider the following tips: 

• Use a wide-toothed comb because it is the perfect accessory to get rid of tangles and maintain hair health. You can use the comb to gently brush out tangles after applying the detangler. If you have knots, the comb makes getting rid of them easier and less painful.
• While you don’t have to spray it liberally, you don’t have to be ultra conservative with a detangler either. The secret to success with a detangler is to spray it evenly on all portions of the hair. The more evenly you distribute it, the easier and quicker it is to get rid of tangles. 
• When using a detangler, make sure that your hair is wet, as it works best on damp hair. It has a better chance of working quicker and more efficiently when you apply it to damp or wet hair. 
• The detangling process is much less painful when you start at the ends and work your way toward the roots. Hair tends to tangle in the middle section or ends of the hair. When combing through tangles, always be patient because slow and steady is better than yanking your hair out. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is a common ingredient in hair care products, specifically because it improves microcirculation to the scalp. That means that it helps deliver more nutrients to hair follicles more efficiently. Some evidence indicates that rosemary essential oil may exhibit hair growth effects, but more research is needed. That said, it is beneficial for improving the overall look and feel of the hair because it supports scalp health. The Dherbs Hair & Scalp Oil contains both rosemary and lavender essential oils for that exact reason!

Lavender Essential Oil

This essential oil does more than offer a lovely floral scent. It is a valuable ingredient in hair care products because it has conditioning and soothing properties. Lavender may also help calm scalp irritation and improve overall scalp health. Studies have found that it may improve circulation to hair follicles, which contributes to stronger, healthier hair. 

Apple Cider Vinegar 

Your scalp is not a bowl of salad, but applying some apple cider vinegar may help balance the pH of your hair and scalp. Apple cider vinegar helps preserve the hair’s natural oils, while simultaneously reducing frizz. It may also help combs or brushes glide through your hair with less breakage. Some research indicates that it may help smooth the hair cuticle so strands lie flat, which reduces frizz and enhances shine. 

Homemade Detangler

Ingredients:

• 6-8 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 ounce distilled water
• 2-ounce glass spray bottle

Instructions:

• Add the lavender and rosemary essential oils to the glass bottle. 
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar and distilled water, screw on the top of the bottle, and shake well to combine. 
• It’s ready to use and you can spray your hair with it after you shower. Use a wide-toothed comb to brush it through your hair to get rid of tangles.

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This kale, apple, and pomegranate salad with a raw vegan, creamy tahini dressing is exactly what happens when crunch decides to dress up for dinner. Take a large bunch of kale to form the sturdy, leafy base, and it is massaged just enough to be tender but still proud of its texture. Oh, you don’t know about giving your kale a lovely massage? While rinsing the kale, massage the leaves to help break down the fibrous textures. Diced apples bring crisp sweetness, while pomegranate seeds pop with jewel-like tartness. Finally, a generous scatter of thinly sliced green onions adds a savory bite and added crunch.

Every salad worth its salt requires an incredible dressing. You don’t want to just eat some kale, apples, pomegranates, and green onions on their own! This dressing deserves its own round of applause. Minced garlic pairs up with sea salt, fresh lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar to create a bright, tangy base that wakes up every piece of kale in the salad. This dressing wouldn’t be anything without the creamy tahini, which swoops in to create a luxurious base that is balanced by maple syrup’s mellow sweetness. Black pepper adds a subtle kick, while the water loosens everything into a pourable, drizzle-worthy consistency.

Once you toss everything together, you are ready to serve and enjoy immediately. Kale’s subtle bitterness pairs beautifully with the sweetly tart fruit and rich tahini dressing. It is filling, addictive, and charming enough to steal the spotlight next to any main dish. In short, it’s proof that eating your greens can be equal parts smart and satisfying.

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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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