Edema, or fluid retention, affects nearly one in five adults, particularly in the legs. It is very common during pregnancy and people over the age of 65. This widespread public health issue is often caused by aging, medication side effects, underlying health conditions like kidney disease, or venous insufficiency. 

If you develop edema, it makes it very difficult for blood to circulate from the legs, so it pools in the veins and leaks into nearby tissues. That can lead to trigger swelling, but edema is not specific to the legs, although that is where fluid most commonly accumulates. The reason for that is because the legs are farther away from the heart than the arms, for example. While edema is more common in elderly people, it can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, eating a high-sodium diet, and taking certain medications. Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate mild or temporary edema. 

Elevate Your Feet

Combat swelling in the legs by elevating your feet, preferably above your heart. You can place a pillow under your legs when laying flat. You can also put your feet up on the wall when lying flat on the floor. The classic yoga pose Legs Up The Wall is a great way to encourage circulation from the legs back to your heart. Elevating can be very helpful for swelling because it encourages excess fluid in the legs to drain out and up away from where it is accumulating. 

Massage Your Legs

Take edema treatment into your own hands by doing a self-massage, pulling or stroking the trapped fluid in the legs upward. Regular massage, in addition to dry brushing, can help break up lymphatic fluid. You can also find a licensed massage therapist to perform lymphatic drainage massage, as they know how to stimulate lymph nodes and massage swollen tissues to aid drainage. 

Wear Compression Socks

Most healthcare providers recommend compression socks as an effective way to reduce swelling in the legs and ankles. Compression socks are not regular old socks; rather, they are tighter and made to increase pressure on the legs. This ultimately helps the blood pooling in the lower body return back up to the heart. By preventing fluid from building up in the lower legs, compression socks may help reduce swelling and pain that stems from it. 

Walk More Often

One of the best ways to encourage lymphatic drainage and movement is to move your body. Many health experts agree that walking is beneficial for overall health, as it is an easy, accessible form of low-impact exercise. One of the primary benefits of exercise, specifically cardiovascular exercise, is that it encourages blood circulation and strengthens the heart. When you walk, you activate your leg muscles, which aids lymphatic drainage and pumps excess fluid toward your heart. 

Eat Less Salt

Sodium contributes to swelling, so adjusting your eating habits may help reduce swelling in your lower extremities. Health experts state that eating too much salt can cause the body to retain water, which can trigger swelling as a result. If you notice that your legs are swollen and you eat a high-sodium diet, consider reducing your salt intake to help. Make sure to read nutritional labels, especially sauces and things of that nature, as those can contain sneaky levels of excess sodium.

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Working out is many things: exhilarating, fun, challenging, and it provides a long list of health benefits. What is not so enjoyable is the post-workout soreness that you experience after an intense workout session. Perhaps you joined a Pilates studio or you recently started hiking more seriously. If so, then you are familiar with the pain that can permeate your limbs the next day, but as unpleasant as the pain may be, sore muscles are quite normal after working out. 

The official term for this post-workout muscle pain is “delayed onset muscle soreness.” You can typically start to experience this pain a few hours after you finish your workout. That is especially true if you don’t exercise regularly, or if you haven’t done so in a long time. Trying a new workout routine, circuit, or even a new move can cause post-exercise muscle soreness. 

How To Alleviate This Pain

One of the easiest ways to help ease the pain is by using a foam roller, which is a cylindrical device made of foam. Depending on the type of foam roller, it can be softer or harder. Some of them vibrate to add a percussive massage element, while others are extra firm and textured, which enhances the intensity. These rollers help loosen tight muscles, getting rid of knots and reducing muscle soreness in the process. 

You can roll any area of the body that experiences pain or discomfort. The different lengths, shapes, and densities make the recovery fully customizable to your needs. Good foam rollers can be expensive because cheaper materials will dent or lose firmness over time. Invest in a quality foam roller to experience the following benefits. 

Localized Pain Relief

By using foam rollers or massage guns, you can target specific portions of a tight muscle. Doing so can provide near instantaneous relief, even if the area is extremely sore or tender. If you have experienced localized pain relief in an area due to stretching, you can expect a bigger benefit from foam rolling instead. The foam roller not only works to stretch the muscle, but also targets the sore area of the muscle belly. As long as you apply the proper amount of pressure and avoid a direct pressure point on bony structures, you can experience relief. 

Improved Passive Range Of Motion

Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release that can help improve flexibility and muscle recovery. Since foam rolling loosens the muscle fibers, you can expect a direct improvement in flexibility following your session. By foam rolling, you can improve localized range of motion by 10-15% temporarily. That is more important for people who regularly engage in activities that require a large range of motion. That said, it is equally beneficial for people who need help maintaining day-to-day activities. 

Improved Mobility 

There is a difference between flexibility and mobility. Although the two are related, they are not the same. Improving passive range of motion through flexibility training has a direct affect on your ability to move through larger ranges of motion (mobility). Foam rolling directly improves mobility as a result of improving passive range of motion. 

Increased Blood Flow

One study reported a 75% increase in total blood flow to an area directly after foam rolling. Not only does improved blood flow enhance recovery of the affected tissues, but it also helps prepare the body for movement or activity. This can help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness when applied post workout or after a strenuous activity. 

Accelerated Recovery From Strenuous Activity

By improving blood flow to the area and reducing inflammation, foam rolling can help muscles recover more quickly after engaging in strenuous activity. Foam rolling is also relaxing, and the enjoyability of a recovery tool is extremely crucial, as it makes you want to do it more often. Various studies confirm that foam rolling after strenuous activity increases anti-inflammatory proteins and reduces pro-inflammatory proteins. That results in less inflammation and aids recovery.

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No matter the weather, be it frigid or excruciatingly hot, staying active is one of the best things you can do for your health. Not only does it support brain, heart, and mental health, but it also helps reduce the risk of chronic illness. Some research indicates that people are more likely to adopt sedentary behaviors in colder weather. Don’t become part of the statistic; rather, challenge the norm and brave colder temperatures. 

You do not have to go out and trudge through the snow or cold rain in shorts and a T-shirt. There are easier ways to remain active in colder weather. We detail how to best go about doing that in this article. 

Why Stay Active During Cold Weather?

Sedentary activity is associated with several changes in important bodily functions. If you are sedentary, you are likely to have less energy, increased fat mass, higher blood pressure, decreased immune function, and reduced bone density. If you are unsure how to stay active in cold weather, ask a healthcare professional, or even the Internet, for tips. There are many programs tailored to your needs and fitness level. 

Wear Proper Layers

In order to enjoy your cold weather exercise routine, you have to layer properly, especially if you are venturing outdoors. It is the most effective for staying warm and dry, and it also helps to regulate your body temperature. You can also choose to change layers between warming up and your exercise routine to prevent sweat from accumulating. The three main layers to consider are:

• The base layer, which is the layer closest to the skin. Ideally, choose breathable, moisture-wicking clothing to help eliminate moisture while also providing some insulation. 
• The mid-layer goes over your base layer to help trap the heat. You have the option to choose the type of material and how thick this layer is, and the best choice for you depends on the weather and level of exercise intensity. 
• The outer layer goes over your mid-layer and should protect you from rain, wind, and snow. This is usually a Gore-Tex or waterproof shell. 

Always Warm Up

The cold temperatures can trigger physiological functions that impact energy, flexibility, and muscle function. Blood vessels constrict when they are cold and the body’s metabolic rate increases in order to help it retain as much heat as possible. Joints, tendons, and muscles have a tendency to be stiff in colder weather as well. Warm up for at least five to 10 minutes before you engage in any sort of dynamic exercise. Warming up also helps reduce the risk of injury and naturally increases blood flow to help the body retain heat. 

Be Prepared

Venturing outside to engage in exercise means that you have to be prepared and alert at all times. Check the forecast for precipitation and wind chill and always pack an extra layer to be safe. Let others know where you are going if the weather is not great. Carry a phone that is fully charged, especially if you go into the mountains to ski, snowboard, or hike. Finally, make sure you bring the necessary equipment, such as crampons or non-skid shoes. 

Stay Hydrated And Eat Enough

The body has to use more energy to regulate its temperature when exposed to colder temperatures. That means that you burn more calories and use more water. For this reason, eat a balanced meal that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein at least one to two hours before exercising in cold weather. Lower temperatures also reduce your perception of thirst, so you will be less inclined to drink water. Cold air also causes excessive water loss, which increases the risk of dehydration. Make sure to fill up your water bottle with warm water to prevent it from getting cold. Consider bringing an insulated bottle of warm tea as well. 

Activities To Try In Cold Weather

There are so many cold weather activities that help support your fitness goals. Depending on where you live, the activities can vary, but some examples of outdoor activities are:

• Cycling
• Cross-country skiing
• Walking, jogging, or hiking
• Shoveling snow (it is most definitely a workout)
• Alpine skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Raking leaves

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Drinking tea is a relatively easy habit to adopt, and it comes with some potential health benefits. Some teas, such as green, black, ginger, turmeric, or oolong, contain compounds that may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Keep in mind that teas, alone, will not fix high cholesterol; rather, you need to pair your tea habits with a balanced diet. 

What Is Cholesterol?

What is cholesterol and what does it do? Well, cholesterol is a waxy substance in the body that is not “bad” unless you have too much of it. The body requires cholesterol in order to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. The liver makes all of the cholesterol you need, while the rest of cholesterol in the body comes from foods, such as poultry, meat, dairy products, and processed foods. Those foods can also be high in saturated and trans fats, both of which can increase the amount of cholesterol in the body. 

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. The former is “bad” and too much in the body can increase the risk of heart disease, while the latter is beneficial. LDL cholesterol is the type that can slowly build up in arterial walls, which can impair blood flow. Cholesterol can join with other substances to form plaque in the arteries, making them less flexible, which is a condition known as atherosclerosis. 

If your cholesterol levels are high, it’s advisable to limit your consumption of trans and saturated fats. By balancing your diet and drinking the following teas, you may help naturally lower cholesterol levels. 

Oolong Tea

This popular tea has a unique yet mild flavor that is enjoyable hot or iced. It falls between green and black tea and contains polyphenols and catechins that may help lower cholesterol. Researchers note that these compounds work by blocking lipase, an enzyme involved in the digestion of fat. That process may help reduce how much fat is absorbed by the gut. 

Green Tea

Green tea exhibits numerous health benefits, most notably for heart health. Just like oolong tea, green tea contains catechins, which may lower LDL cholesterol in the blood. One review of studies found that green tea consumption lowered total and LDL cholesterol by up to 5%. Even a reduction this small can make a difference when it comes to heart health. Studies found that a small drop of 1% in LDL cholesterol was associated with a 1% lower risk of heart disease. 

Hibiscus Tea

This is one of two caffeine-free teas in this article and it is made from dried hibiscus flowers. The flavor is somewhat tangy and sour, so some people refer to it as sour tea. According to research, hibiscus tea may help lower LDL cholesterol and boost HDL (good) cholesterol. Researchers largely attribute these benefits to the anthocyanin antioxidants in hibiscus. Higher levels of HDL have been linked to better heart health. 

Black Tea

Black tea is naturally rich in polyphenols, a group of plant compounds that may lower LDL cholesterol. Various studies found that these effects are potentially stronger in people who have a higher risk of heart disease. Other research suggests that the polyphenols in black tea may promote overall health by improving blood flow and supporting healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, black tea may also reduce how much fat and sugar the body absorbs and support weight management efforts. 

Ginger Tea

It is common to drink ginger tea when you have a sore throat or an upset stomach. While it can benefit digestive health, it also contains compounds that may reduce inflammation and support overall heart health. Several studies found that ginger may help lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood, and high levels can increase the risk of heart disease. You can make fresh ginger tea by steeping freshly sliced ginger root in hot water. 

To reiterate, these teas may help you naturally lower cholesterol, but they cannot cut through the damage of a poor diet and no physical activity. Additionally, to make the most of these cholesterol-lowering teas, avoid sweetening them too much. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, add a small drizzle of honey, squeeze of lemon, or dash of stevia. If you need more help lowering cholesterol levels, consider the Dherbs Cholesterol Formula. It contains various herbs that may help maintain cholesterol levels already within normal range. It is suitable for adults looking to support overall cardiovascular health.

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If you want to maintain a healthy immune system and promote overall wellness, proper lymphatic function is a key factor. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body’s immune response and helps remove harmful substances from the body. Unfortunately, the lymphatic system does not have a natural pump; rather, you have to move in order to move lymphatic fluid. Failure to move frequently can result in lymphatic blockages, which can lead to swelling, lymphedema, or impaired immune function. 

What’s interesting is that many essential oils have proven to be effective at enhancing lymphatic drainage. Adding specific essential oils to lymphatic drainage massages or using them in other ways, such as aromatherapy, may improve the efficacy of the lymphatic system. This process aids the removal of cellular waste, helps to improve blood flow, and reduces pain and swelling. Continue reading to learn about the best essential oils that support lymphatic drainage.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

This essential oil has natural properties that work to increase blood flow and improve the movement of lymph, an essential process for detoxification. Stimulating lymphatic flow ultimately reduces congestion in the lymphatic system, which may prevent fluid buildup. Grapefruit essential oil also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce inflammation, which allows for better lymphatic flow. 

Ginger Essential Oil

Known for its warming and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger essential oil is an excellent choice for stimulating lymphatic drainage. It may help promote circulation and stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid. The improved flow can help clear blockages, reduce lymphatic congestion, and assist with the removal of toxins and waste. Ginger essential oil’s warming properties may stimulate sweating, which further supports the removal of waste products, thereby enhancing lymphatic health. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties are anything but recent news. It is commonly used in aromatherapy or massage to help reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic function. Adding a few drops to your bath or massage oil may further support detoxification. Tea tree oil is also versatile, making it easy to incorporate into a variety of therapies. 

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum essential oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a valuable essential oil for lymphatic drainage. The potent anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling and inflammation in lymph nodes or surrounding tissues. That process ultimately allows for smoother lymphatic flow, preventing blockages. Helichrysum essential oil has also demonstrated detoxifying effects, which may enhance the body’s removal of harmful substances. Lastly, this essential oil may improve blood flow and help maintain lymphatic flow. The regenerative properties also support tissue repair and recovery. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Used for thousands of years for its health benefits, frankincense essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation works to ease lymphatic flow and helps prevent blockages. The reduction of inflammation may make the lymphatic system more effective at eliminating waste. Various compounds in frankincense essential oil, such as boswellic acids, may boost immune function. If the immune system is functioning optimally, the lymphatic system has more support to filter and remove waste. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is naturally rich in limonene, a compound that helps promote the body’s natural detoxification processes. It also works to stimulate lymphatic flow and promote the removal of toxins and waste. The natural diuretic properties encourage the release of excess fluids. By reducing water retention and swelling, lemon essential oil helps support the lymphatic system by enhancing overall drainage. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil may help reduce hair loss, but it can also stimulate blood circulation, which may help move lymph through the body more effectively. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties may soothe inflamed tissues and reduce swelling, making rosemary essential oil a great choice for supporting the lymphatic system. 

If you experiment with these essential oils or want to enhance lymphatic cleansing, consider the Blood & Lymphatic formula, which works to naturally cleanse the blood and support lymphatic function. You can also consider our Circulation Aid, which encourages optimal blood flow.

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Erectile dysfunction can feel frustrating and isolating but you’re not alone. The good news? ED is treatable, and there are natural ways to support better blood flow,

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Want higher testosterone, more energy, and better performance? It starts with what’s on your plate. The right foods can fuel hormone balance, improve circulation, and help you feel stronger every day. Eat smarter, live better.

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ED and Low Testosterone aren’t the same thing but many men confuse them. ED is about blood flow. Low T is about hormone imbalance. Both impact performance, energy, and confidence but they need different solutions. The Dherbs Male Cleanse supports circulation, testosterone, prostate health, and overall vitality, helping men feel their best naturally.

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ED pills? Temporary fix, risky side effects. The Dherbs Male Cleanse works differently cleansing your body, supporting testosterone, circulation, and prostate health for long-term vitality. Don’t mask the problem. Address the root cause naturally.

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Exercise is paramount when it comes to combatting erectile dysfunction. According to several studies, regular erectile dysfunction exercises help to get your blood pumping and improve endothelium function. Endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels and endothelial cells release substances that control vascular relaxation and contraction.

The blood vessels in the penis are about one-third the size of those in the heart. If you experience erectile dysfunction because of vascular issues, it’s possible that you’re at risk for heart problems as well. Taking steps to keep your endothelium healthy may help you reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Being more physically active is necessary for optimal circulation, but there are also other exercises that encourage sexual health. Continue reading to learn more about them.

Kegel Exercises For Men

Kegel exercises are some of the most beneficial movements for erectile dysfunction. In order to fight the effects of ED, you must strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor. Kegel exercises, when performed correctly, do that in an efficient way. For men, the goal is to strengthen the bulbocavernosus muscle. This muscle allows the penis to fill with blood during an erection, pump semen during ejaculation, and empty the urethra after urination. When you target this muscle, you should be able to experience longer-lasting erections and better penile function.

Ideally, you should practice Kegel exercises every day to experience noticeable improvements. You can practice Kegels anywhere and you can do them lying down, sitting, or standing. Should you have problems such as urinary incontinence or other bladder issues, Kegels may positively impact these areas of your health as well. 

How To Do Kegel Exercises For Men

Before you begin, it’s best to locate the bulbocavernosus muscle for your own knowledge. The easiest way to do this is by stopping your stream multiple times during urination. The muscle you use to do that is the one you want to target. Be sure that you aren’t clenching muscles in the stomach, buttocks, or legs when you engage in Kegels. Otherwise, you won’t experience the same results. 

To begin, lie down, sit down, or stand up. Engage the bulbocavernosus muscle and hold it for three seconds. Release and repeat three to five more times. Repeat this process at least three times per day for the best results. Once your muscle gets stronger, you can increase the time from three to five seconds. The ultimate goal is to hold it for longer periods of time, with the ultimate hold amounting to 10 seconds, five separate times, thrice daily. The more you strengthen the bulbocavernosus muscle, the better chances you have at improving your condition. 

Knee Fallouts

This is a Pilates movement that helps activate the right group of muscles and challenges you to maintain pelvic floor strength while moving. It’s a beginner exercise that focuses on small movements. To being the exercise, lie down with your knees bent, keeping the feet flat on the floor. Allow your arms to rest by your sides. Keeping the spine in a neutral position, exhale and squeeze the pelvic floor muscles and slowly lower one knee to the floor, as if it is a controlled fall to the outside. You should only lower it as far as you can while maintaining activation of the pelvic floor muscles. Keep the pelvic stable, inhale, and release the muscles as you bend the knee again. Repeat on the other side and complete four or five repetitions per side. The goal is to build up to 10 reps per side. 

Pelvic Curl

Yet another common exercise in Pilates, this helps to activate the pelvic floor just like knee fallouts. Begin in the same lying down position as the previous exercise. Keep the spine in a neutral position, allowing a small space between your middle back and the floor. Exhale and engage your pelvic floor muscles, tilting the pelvis up toward the belly button. Your back should be pressed flat against the floor while doing this. Slowly lift the buttocks and drive your heels into the floor to push up into a bridge position. Make sure to squeeze your buttocks the entire time, resting your weight on the shoulders. Take three breaths before lowering the buttocks and back down to the floor, vertebra by vertebra. Repeat three to four times and build up to 10 repetitions. 

Supine Foot Raises

This is an exercise that actually builds on the movements involved with knee fallouts. The goal for this exercise is small, controlled movements executed to perfection. Begin in the same lying down position as the two previous exercises. Exhale and engage your pelvic floor muscles, slowly lifting your right foot off the floor. Make sure that the pelvis and spine are stable and not wavering as you bring your right leg to a full extension. Inhale and then slowly lower your foot back to the ground. Alternate sides, repeating three to four times on each leg. 

Aerobic Exercise

In addition to exercising the pelvic floor muscles, it’s beneficial to engage in other types of exercise, especially aerobic exercise. According to one study, aerobic exercise may help improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Often times, ED results from blood flow problems to the penis. Diabetes, high cholesterol, vascular disease, and obesity affect blood flow and your ability to become erect. Incorporating aerobic exercise to your workout routine not only works to improve cardiovascular health, but may also lead to improvements in ED. A simple 30-minute walk, three to four times a week, may be enough to improve cardiovascular health. Other forms of aerobic exercise include:

• Rowing
• Boxing
• Spin classes
• Biking
• Skipping
• Rebounding
• Running

Keep in mind that it may take between four to six weeks to notice the effects of practicing these exercises. Don’t expect instantaneous results because, much like strength training, building muscle strength takes time. 

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