Are you inching closer to the sea of menopause? Perhaps you are trying to navigate the waters and balance hormonal shifts, mood swings, and hot flashes. Whatever the case, an often overlooked aspect of menopause is heart health. 

Menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life. It is the natural physiological transition that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. To think that menopause is a disease or disorder is incorrect; rather, it is a normal part of aging. The time leading up to this phase of life is known as perimenopause, and the phase after is post-menopause. 

Menopause can also mark a turning point for cardiovascular health. Researchers note that a woman’s risk of developing heart disease starts to increase during menopause. In fact, a new large scale study focused on four lifestyle factors that may improve or detract from long-term heart health. 

Menopause Is A Window Of Opportunity For Heart Health

In order to better understand how lifestyle habits affect heart health during menopause, researchers observed 3,000 women going through the transition with an average age of 46. They belonged to a long-term health study that included participants from all backgrounds across the United States. During the study, the researchers tracked eight key areas known to impact heart health, and they were as follows:

• Sleep
• Diet
• Nicotine exposure
• Blood sugar
• Cholesterol
• Blood pressure
• Weight
• Physical activity

Over the course of the study, researchers monitored how changes in these eight habits affected outcomes, such as overall longevity, stroke, and heart attack. What makes the research so empowering is that it didn’t solely focus on who had perfect health from the beginning of the study. The study revealed that even small improvements over time could make meaningful changes to heart health. The four habits that matter most, which researchers determined using the Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) tool, are detailed below:

• Sleep quality: Researchers considered this the most surprising finding during the study. Sleep health emerged as a standout predictor, sometimes more than blood pressure. Women who slept better during the study experienced lower risks of heart disease and lived longer.
• Nicotine exposure: It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that smoking or ongoing nicotine exposure significantly increased the risk of cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking, or never starting, can make a big difference in heart health. 
• Blood pressure control: High blood pressure is the silent killer for a reason: it is a consistent predictor of heart disease. During the study, researchers observed that controlling blood pressure during midlife had a protective effect against heart disease later in life. 
• Blood sugar regulation: According to health experts, high levels of glucose can damage blood vessels over time. Even modest improvements in blood sugar management can have positive long-term outcomes. 

Small Changes Have A Big Impact

Only one in five women who took part in the study met ideal positive measures for cardiovascular health. The silver lining is that even women who started off with lower scores saw significant benefits when they improved them via the measures listed above. That means that you do not need to be perfect to effect change. You can put in the work and make small changes over time to have a positive outcome. What does that look like, though? 

• Monitor your blood pressure regularly and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
• Stop smoking (provided you smoke) by seeking out supportive resources that help you quit the bad habit. 
• Replace sugary snacks with protein-dense, fiber-rich options to regulate blood sugar. Don’t eat chips when you can have a handful of almonds or an apple with almond butter. 
• Create a consistent bedtime routine that supports deeper, quality sleep.

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Whether you asked for a beet recipe or not, we are here to provide an excellent one! Beets can be quite daunting, from the flavor to their ability to stain anything, including your fingers. How do you get past their earthy flavor? That is the simple part: you pair them with sweeter ingredients. In fact, one of the most classic juice combinations is the ABC, or CAB, depending on how you choose to arrange your letters. That is the combination of apples, beets, and carrots. Together, those three ingredients create a beautifully balanced juice.

This recipe is similar, but it calls for strawberries, which bring a lively, sweetly tart flavor to the party. Plus, strawberries provide lots of vitamin C and beneficial antioxidant compounds. In addition to being low in calories and carbs, they also contain fiber and potassium. Beets are also rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, but they are also rich in dietary nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, which helps widen blood vessels, a process that could potentially reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow to muscles. The latter effect would primarily be beneficial for exercise performance and cardiovascular health.

Don’t worry, we did not forget about the carrots. These powerful orange root veggies provide lots of vitamin A, which has been linked to benefitting eye and skin health. Other studies confirm that vitamin A may aid digestion and offer protection against certain types of cancer. Now, what are you waiting for? Let’s make the smoothie and enjoy some deliciousness and beneficial nutrients!

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Get ready to enjoy a refreshing peach salsa that as visibly stunning as it is flavorful. It’s a unique take on the classic pico de gallo, combining the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with classic zesty, tangy, spicy salsa ingredients. Made with freshly diced peaches, this salsa incorporates red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, tomato, and lime juice, creating a perfectly balanced blend of sweetness, heat, and acidity. The result is a bright and inviting dip that enhances a variety of dishes.

The texture of this peach salsa is lively and appealing, offering juicy, tender peach cubes that provide a punch of natural sweetness with every bite. The addition of crunchy elements like diced red onion and crisp cilantro adds contrast, while the jalapeño brings a slight kick that elevates the overall flavor profile. Not a huge fan of spice? You can omit the jalapeño, or tame the spice by removing the seeds before dicing it up. Lime juice not only adds acidity, but also helps to bring out the freshness of the ingredients, making the salsa especially vibrant and lively. It also works to reduce that allium flavor in the onion.

This salsa is perfect for summertime gatherings or any occasion that calls for a light, refreshing appetizer. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but it is also easy to prepare. The sweet and spicy notes make it a delightful accompaniment for those seeking a fresh, fruity twist. Don’t be afraid to just dive in and treat it as the delicious dip it is!

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With a limited season of availability, apricots should be on your summer grocery list. They are known for their distinctive orange color and signature sweetly tart flavor. They also boast an extensive list of health benefits, making them more than just a scrumptious summer snack. Health experts consider apricots to be a nutrient-dense food with lots of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Some studies indicate that they may help reduce inflammation and even treat dry eyes. We will explore many of their benefits in this article. 

What Are Apricots?

An apricot is an edible fruit that comes from the apricot tree. Apricots belong to the stone fruit family, which includes peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, and almonds. The belief is that they are either native to China or Japan, or Armenia, but now they are cultivated worldwide. Regardless of the tree’s origins, apricots have been a staple in many cultures for hundreds of years. Egyptians, for example, used apricots to make a traditional juice, while English settlers used apricot oil in the 17th century as a way to reduce inflammation. 

Nutrition

Raw apricots are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and other important micronutrients. Most of the calories come from carbs, not protein or fat. A one cup serving or raw apricots exhibits the following nutritional profile:

• 74.4 calories
• 17.2 carbohydrates 
• 0.6 grams (g) of fat
• 14.3 g of sugar
• 3.1 g of fiber
• 2.2 g of protein
• 15.5 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
• 401 mg of potassium
• 15.5 mg of manganese
• 0.6 mg of iron
• 35.6 mg of phosphorus
• 0.9 mg of niacin
• 1.4 mg of vitamin E
• 149 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A
• 5.1 mcg of vitamin K

Promotes Eye Health

As an excellent source of vitamin A, apricots are beneficial for eye health. In fact, a deficiency in vitamin A can result in dry eyes, vision loss, and night blindness. Apricots are also rich sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Additionally, they contain zeaxanthin and lutein, two carotenoids that support macular function and protect against oxidative retinal damage, which is a long-winded way of saying apricots do wonders for the eyes.

Enhances Hydration Efforts

Apricots are naturally rich in water (about 85%), meaning they may help maintain fluid balance in the body. They also contain a lot of potassium, an integral electrolyte that supports hydration by regulating fluid levels in the and out of cells. That makes apricots a great snack for warm weather and for people with active lifestyles. 

Rich In Antioxidants

Apricots provide a long list of micronutrients, but they also exhibit impressive antioxidant activity. These are plant compounds that protect against free radicals and damage to cells. It’s possible that the reduction of free radicals can reduce the risk of certain conditions, including heart disease and certain cancers. Apricots contain a lot of carotenoids, which give the fruit its signature orange hue. One study found that apricots are especially rich in beta-carotene, gamma-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin.

Supports Regularity

Fiber moves through the body without being digested, adding bulk to stool and preventing constipation. One analysis looked at research that showed how increasing fiber intake was able to increase stool frequency in patients with constipation. Sweet apricot seeds are actually sold as snack foods and can supply more fiber than the fruit itself. A quarter-cup serving contains five grams of fiber, which meets up to 20% of the recommended daily intake for fiber. 

May Reduce Blood Pressure

As we mentioned earlier, apricots provide a lot of potassium, a key electrolyte and mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. It does this by balancing sodium levels in the body. According to research, adding more potassium-rich foods to your diet may reduce the risk of hypertension and support cardiovascular health. A higher potassium-to-sodium ratio in your diet helps relax blood vessels, which ultimately reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system. 

May Relieve Menopausal Symptoms

Due to the fact that apricots contain phytoestrogens, apricots may help relieve menopausal symptoms. Phytoestrogens are compounds that support hormone balance and reduce hot flashes and mood swings. The potassium and iron in apricots may also ease certain symptoms of menopause. Plus, the antioxidant properties may also support hormonal balance and inflammation reduction, potentially helping with mood swings and hot flashes in menopausal women.

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If you are a busy person, time is precious, especially if you regularly run around the house cleaning up after your kids. That is exactly why we love this simple avocado mango salad, because it is easy to meal prep. If you have it prepped and ready to go, all you have to do is dress the salad when you are ready to eat it. Just take it out of the fridge and you have a healthy meal ready to go. That is far better than not having anything and resorting to the closest fast food place to your house, or some packaged snack or meal with excess sodium, preservatives, and sugar.

To make this a successful salad, make sure you gather the right ingredients. You will need the following for your avocado mango salad to shine:

• Avocados: Naturally, you need avocados for a salad that has avocado in the name. Look for avocados that are ripe, but retain some firmness, as that will provide great texture and flavor.
• Mangos: Choose ripe mangos because they will burst with a tropical sweetness that balances the other strong and acidic ingredients in this salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Not only do cherry tomatoes bring a vibrant color to the salad, but they also supply a wonderfully juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic flavor.
• Red Onion: Offer a mildly sweet crunch, red onion is a great ingredient that adds a little zing to your salad. Don’t worry about a potent onion flavor because the other ingredients offer a refreshing balance and sweetness.
• Cilantro: If you are one of those people who thinks that cilantro tastes like soap…better luck next life. We are here for this aromatic and herbal flavor that cilantro brings to the party!
• Jalapeño: Although optional, we encourage you to include it in this avocado mango salad. Remove the seeds to tame the spice, or leave them in to kick things up a notch!

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With just four ingredients, this seasonal cherry smoothie is about to be your new summer favorite. It is creamy, raw vegan, and filled with more flavor than you can imagine. It is easy to prepare and what is most impressive about it is that it strikes a balance between the right amount of sweetness and texture. Rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other micros and macros, this smoothie is a new favorite.

Depending on where you live and which stores you have access to, cherries may be available throughout the year, or during a few seasons. For the most part, summer is the season of cherries, in addition to other stone fruit, such as nectarines, apricots, peaches, and plums. Cherries exhibit a high antioxidant content, which is beneficial for fighting oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of chronic illnesses. Cherries are especially rich in polyphenols, a group of plant compounds that reduce inflammation, fight cellular damage, and promote overall health. One study found that a diet rich in polyphenols can protect against diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline.

Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, cherries may also improve symptoms of gout and arthritis. A systematic review from 2019 found that cherries may decrease uric acid levels in the body, making them useful for fighting gout flare-ups. A separate controlled study from 2023 found that a supplement of tart cherry taken for 12 weeks was able to lower inflammation in patients with gout. Due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress, cherries may suppress inflammatory proteins, which may reduce arthritic symptoms.

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One of the scariest things about heat stroke is that people are not aware of when they are in danger until it’s too late. By the time symptoms occur, you are too confused or delirious due to nerve damage. If you want to ensure that your health is never in harm’s way during hot weather, take preventative measures to hydrate the body and keep yourself cool. Additionally, avoid actions that increase your risk of developing heat stroke, such as engaging in hot yoga or exercising in direct sunlight. 

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate its internal temperature. That causes core temperature to rise rapidly, typically to temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. That is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention to save your life. Without prompt treatment, heat stroke can result in organ damage, brain injury, or even death. The two primary types of heat stroke are:

• Classic (non-exertional) heat stroke: This type of heat stroke affects vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses. It usually occurs after prolonged exposure to high temperatures in poorly ventilated areas during heat waves. You do not need to physically exert yourself to develop this type of heat stroke. 
• Exertional heat stroke: This type of heat stroke affects healthy, active individuals, especially military personnel, laborers, and athletes. They perform intense physical activity in hot and humid conditions, and heat stroke can progress rapidly. 

Once the body’s core temperature rises, all of the innate processes that are in place to regulate core temperature break down. That creates serious, life-threatening problems, such as loss of consciousness or organ damage. If the heat index is higher than 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the number of deaths caused by heat illness increases. Do your best to stay cool and prevent heat-related illness and heat stroke with the following tips. 

Avoid Sugary Drinks, Caffeine, And Alcohol

Hydration is the goal when the weather is hot, so there is no sense in drinking beverages that dehydrate the body. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine because they dehydrate the body by increasing urination and expediting electrolyte loss. Consuming too much sugar can also lead to inflammation, which makes heat stroke even worse. Sports drinks are marketed to keep you hydrated during physical activity, but many of them contain excess sugar and added chemicals. Opt for a natural electrolyte drink instead, such as unsweetened coconut water, mineral water, and even pickle juice. 

Check Your Medications

There are many medications that can increase the risk of heat stroke. The reason for this is because they affect how the body reacts to the heat, or they interfere with your salt and water balance. Some medications that can alter the body’s ability to deal with hotter temperatures are:

• Laxatives 
• Diuretics
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Medications for seizures
• Antipsychotics 
• Antidepressants
• Drugs for heart disease, cholesterol, and blood pressure

Drink Lots Of Water

The most important thing you can do for the body when the weather is scorching is to drink a lot of water. The heat makes you sweat, which means that you lose both water and electrolytes. Drink two to four cups of water every hour when you are outside or exercising. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink water, you are already in a mild state of dehydration. Keep drinking water to lower your risk of heat stroke, and make sure that your children and those higher at risk do the same. 

Eat Hydrating Foods

In addition to drinking water, you can also eat water-rich foods. Many fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other valuable electrolytes that benefit the body. These fruits and vegetables can help you maintain fluid balance, keep blood pressure levels in check, and aid with nerve signaling. Some of the best hydrating foods include:

• Watermelon
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Coconut water
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Pineapple
• Broccoli
• Avocado
• Radishes

Avoid Direct Sunlight

If you are sensitive to hot weather, avoid heat stroke by limiting your time in direct sunlight. If you have to be outside, do your best to find shade, or bring an umbrella and hat to keep yourself shaded. Midday heat is the worst, so do your best to avoid being outside during that time of day. If you want to exercise outside, schedule your workouts earlier or later in the day when the temperatures are cooler.

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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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No matter how old you are, a fall can affect your quality of life. It all depends on how you fall and the surface on which you fall. When you are over the age of 65, though, even minor falls can result in major injuries, such as hip fractures, head trauma, or broken bones. One report found that one in four older adults fall annually within the United States. After you fall once, your chances of falling again double. 

Besides compromising independence and quality of life, falls can bring about financial worry. That all depends on the extent of care that you require while recovering from the fall. The following tips can help you reduce your risk of falls, whether you are at home, a care facility, or out and about. 

Fall-Proof Your Home

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that most falls occur within the home. Fall-proofing the home doesn’t mean that you have to do extensive renovations or anything like that. There are simple changes you can make, such as the following:

• Add better lighting
• Increase the placement of light controls to avoid walking to switches
• Keep walking areas free of clutter
• Install railings on both sides of any stairs/steps
• Mount grab bars in high slip areas, such as the bathroom
• Use motion- or voice-activated electronics
• Place cookware and high use items in places that are easy to reach
• Use night lights
• Attach carpets firmly to the floor with nonslip pads
• Wear nonslip footwear
• Secure cords out of the way
• Maximize open space by rearranging your furniture

Keep Your Hands Free

Your hands are some of the best tools you have for keeping you upright. If you stumble, you instinctively reach out to grab onto something for stability. Unfortunately, that is also why a lot of people break their hands and wrists. They attempt to brace themselves on the ground, instead of rolling. That said, keeping your hands free means that you can easily grab onto something if you lose balance. Keep your hands available at all times by using backpacks or shoulder bags when possible. Consider taking more trips to and from the car if you buy groceries, only carrying one or two things at a time. You can also use a grocery delivery service that brings items straight to your door.

Engage In Balance And Strength Training Exercises

As you age, your physical capabilities decline. Available data suggests that muscle mass loss occurs at about 1% annually, with up to 50% loss by the age of 80. Some older adults also develop sarcopenia, a musculoskeletal disorder that causes declines in muscle mass, performance, and strength beyond what occurs as part of the natural aging process. The body changes with the decrease in strength, which is why balance worsens. For this reason, it is beneficial to keep up with balance, strength training, and cardiovascular exercises. Doing various movements that encourage core strength can help you maintain strength and stability. 

Improve Sleep Hygiene

According to researchers, poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of falling across many age groups. Poor sleep can cause daytime sleepiness, attention problems, and poor balance, all of which increase the risk of falling. There are many ways to improve your sleep, but some common recommendations are listed below:

• Limit screen time or blue light exposure at least one to two hours before bed
• Stick to a pre-sleep routine
• Go to bed and wake up around the same time every day
• Skip caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before bed
• Limit daytime naps, especially those in the late afternoon
• Go to bed only if you are tired
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and peaceful
• Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a neighborhood walk

Use Support Equipment

Canes, rollators (a type of walker), scooters, and regular walkers can be useful supportive devices that reduce falls. Within recent decades, mobility devices have made substantial improvements. Walkers are very lightweight and easily transportable. Newer scooters are now capable of higher speeds and smoother movement on uneven terrain. A walking cane can also encourage you to stay active, while providing support at the same time. If you love animals, consider getting a service dog to improve quality of life.

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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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