It’s safe to say that everyone experiences stress at one point or another. After all, stress is the body’s natural response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is another symptom of that stress response, and it is also a natural process that most people experience at least once. Problems arise when the stress response is constantly activated, which is when anxiety may become a chronic condition, not merely a temporary symptom. 

Anxiety disorder is the umbrella term for a group of mental health conditions. Although they may manifest differently and result from certain triggers, anxiety is the core symptom. Managing chronic or intense anxiety may require professional help, but you can also develop certain coping techniques. The following tips in this article may help you relieve anxiety symptoms as they arise and before they overwhelm you. Practice them and they may become useful tools for you to manage anxiety. 

Use Aromatherapy

There is some research that suggests that aromatherapy may help relieve anxiety in certain instances. Aromatherapy practitioners and followers tend to report many benefits of using essential oils to improve mental health. Consider using a diffuser, incense, or candle at your workplace or bedroom. Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are very calming scents that sooth the senses and help you calm down quickly. 

Use Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques work to connect you with physical sensations, helping to distract your focus from the stressor. Essentially, you work to interrupt overwhelming anxious thoughts by anchoring yourself in the present moment via sensory input. The 333 rule is one example of a grounding technique. Take a few minutes to identify three things you can see, three sounds you can hear, and three things you can touch. Try to spend at least one minute on each thing you see, hear, or touch before you move on to the next. A more physical way to ground yourself is to hold an ice cube, splash cold water in your face, or stretch to relieve tension. The 4-7-8 breathing method is yet another grounding technique that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to help calm the mind and body.

Question Your Thought Patterns

It is very easy for unhelpful thoughts to take hold of your mind and completely distort your assessment of something or a situation. A common example is negative self-talk or cognitive distortions. If you feel anxious or feel anxiety rising, challenge your thoughts and ask yourself what is fact and what is emotional reaction or assumption. When you meet your negative thoughts head on, you can often come to a calm conclusion and manage anxiety. 

Exercise More Often

There is a natural rise in some hormones, such as cortisol, involved with the stress response. Engaging in physical activity may help balance hormones, thereby regulating stress and anxiety. Exercise presents an opportunity to step out of your thoughts and focus on the body’s physical sensations, even if it is just for a moment. Low impact exercises like Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, or brisk walking can help you reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. Physical activity can also boost your mood and calm the mind. Feeling anxious or stressed? Try doing some squats, jumping jacks, push-ups, or lunges for one minute. 

Practice Focused, Deep Breathing

There are many reports of deep breathing helping people manage feelings of stress and anxiety. An easy breathing technique is to inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and then breathe out for four seconds. Repeat this pattern for a total of five minutes to slow your heart rate, which in turn brings about a sense of calm. As mentioned earlier in the article, the 4-7-8 technique is another breathing pattern that aids both sleep and anxiety. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and then exhale for eight seconds. Repeat until you feel at ease. 

These are coping techniques to help you deal with anxiety in the moment. Managing this condition long-term may require lifestyle and behavioral changes for lasting results. 

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It is very common for people to neglect their feet. They are out of sight, out of mind, especially when the weather is a little colder. Only when the socks come off and the sandals come on do people realize that they need to do something about their cracked heels. After all, nobody wants to walk barefoot in the grass and have those thin blades enter those cracks. 

What Are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels are very common and they occur when the dry, thick skin on the bottoms of your heels crack and split. Most cases are relatively minor and cracks are only a small nuisance or unattractive to look at. If you do not treat the cracks and heel fissures become deeper, you may experience difficulty walking or have a higher risk of infection. 

Cracked heels are not an overnight problem. In the beginning stages, you will see dry, hard skin around the heel, also known as calluses. As you walk and put more pressure on that area, the pads under your heels expand and force those calluses to develop small cracks. Other factors that contribute to cracked heels include:

• Hard or unsupportive footwear (open-back sandals or flip flops)
• Obesity
• Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
• Being on your feet for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• Walking around barefoot because that provides not support or protection for your feet
• Taking long, hot showers

How Do You Treat Cracked Heels?

You treat cracked heels the same way you treat dry skin: you moisturize. If the cracks are minor, moisturize your heels two to three times per day to help relieve symptoms. You can also use a pumice stone before moisturizing to help remove any hard, dead skin that prevents the moisturizer from penetrating the skin effectively. After one week of this general foot care, check to see if symptoms are better or worse. If your heels have not gotten any better, you may need a combination of some of the following treatments:

• Use a dermal foot balm for skin nourishment and optimal moisture. This is similar to a moisturizer, only it uses urea, an ingredient that helps increase the balm’s efficacy. 
• Mechanical debridement of thick calluses or fissures using a scalpel blade to reduce skin buildup. 
• Foot and ankle strapping, which involves placing bandages around the heel to reduce skin movement. 
• Using appropriate footwear that provides sufficient cushion to the heel pads. 

Using A Heel Balm

Natural ingredients can help heal and protect your rough, dry and cracked heels. Specifically, shea butter, a featured ingredient in this DIY cracked heel balm, works effectively because of its emollient properties. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins A and E. Dry skin can thoroughly absorb shea butter because of the fatty acid content. That helps create a protective moisture barrier on the heels, keeping them hydrated. 

Coconut oil is another ingredient in this cracked heel balm that helps moisturize and protect the skin. Just like shea butter, coconut oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness. Beeswax works to enhance the skin barrier, protecting your heels from the environment. This barrier helps lock in moisture and protect the skin from future damage. 

DIY Cracked Heel Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.7 ounces unrefined shea butter
• 0.2 ounces coconut oil
• 0.2 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2-3 drops tea tree oil
• 2 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until liquid.
• Once melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils and vitamin E oil. 
• Stir to combine and then transfer to a glass container. Allow the balm to solidify at room temperature. 
• Ideally, use this balm nightly on your feet, massaging it into your heels before applying socks to protect your skin overnight, and to prevent the balm from staining your sheets.

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The use of lavender to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and promote healthy sleep is far from a new discovery. Since ancient times, people used lavender in baths and herbal medicines to help calm the mind and body. Can lavender really make a difference for your sleep, though? And what does a homemade lavender spray actually do for your nightly rest?

The Science Behind Lavender’s Benefits

Research indicates that lavender may help with sleep because it has a calming effect on the mind and body. These calming effects are not simply folklore; rather, lavender’s active compounds, including linalool and linalyl acetate, help the body feel more at ease. Through various studies, researchers have observed: 

• Lavender may help you unwind before bed, fall asleep more quickly, and sleep more soundly. A 2019 study revealed that lavender may improve melatonin levels in the body, which may improve overall sleep quality. 
• A 2019 meta-analysis found that lavender may reduce stress and help calm the nervous system. 
• The scent of lavender can help lower blood pressure and heart rate. One trial from 2020 found that inhaling the aroma of lavender essential oil for 30 minutes helped reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. 

What Is A Pillow Spray?

There are various recipes, but a pillow spray is basically a simple mixture that you spray on or under your pillow, or on your bed sheets, before you go to sleep. Ideally, it contains essential oils that help promote relaxation and better sleep. Lavender has a subtle, soothing scent that does not overwhelm you as you prepare for bedtime. You can spray generously, but keep in mind that too much may be intense. 

Lavender And Sleep

Lavender can help a lot of people, but it may not work for everyone. If you have difficulty falling asleep or struggle to sleep through the night and lavender does not seem to make a difference, make sure that you have good sleeping habits. The homemade lavender pillow spray in this article will work better if you use it in conjunction with the following habits: 

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals too close to bedtime. 
• Take a break from screens at least an hour before bedtime. 
• Go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day, even on the weekends. 
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, although you can use a sound machine if that helps you relax.
• Maintain a relaxing bedtime routine that signals the body to go to sleep. 

Ultimately, lavender is a simple, safe, and natural way to aid stress reduction and promote better sleep. You can experiment with the lavender pillow spray, in addition to enjoying a lavender bath or lavender tea before bed whenever you feel stressed. Should the problem prove to be more serious, you may have to establish other stress management techniques, or figure out the root of your sleep troubles. We only hope this pillow spray helps you sleep soundly through the night. 

Homemade Lavender Pillow Spray

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces witch hazel
• 10-20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel and lavender essential oil into an amber glass spray bottle. Close the bottle and shake well to combine. Use the spray when ready, but exercise caution when using essential oils around children or pets.
• Store the lavender spray in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness.

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Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. Nobody wants to see the effects of Father Time, but it is inevitable. The lines and creases in the skin tend to form on skin that is regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, neck, and forearms. UV exposure can break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which causes wrinkling. Smoking, poor diet, and other pollutants can also increase the development of wrinkles.

If your wrinkles bother you, there are many options to help make them less visible and smooth them out. Various medications, skin care techniques, diet corrections, and even DIY solutions can help. Creating the DIY wrinkle reducer in this article may be the right first step toward more youthful looking skin. Just keep this in mind: although the ingredients in the wrinkle reducer are highly beneficial for the skin and exhibit anti-aging properties, this is not a quick fix item that can make wrinkles vanish. Couple the use of this wrinkle reducer with healthy eating, regular exercise, and proper skin care for best results. 

Benefits Of Witch Hazel

Renowned for its astringent properties, witch hazel may help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Witch hazel has a rich polyphenol content, which aids skin rejuvenation. Those polyphenols, which are antioxidant compounds, can help improve collagen and elastin production, which is essential for maintaining firm skin. Using witch hazel may also help soothe inflamed skin, making it beneficial for those with irritated or sensitive skin. When you apply witch hazel to the skin, it helps ease puffiness and redness. 

Benefits Of Argan Oil

This versatile carrier oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which may play an integral role in moisturizing the skin and simultaneously providing antioxidant protection. According to research, argan oil helps to enhance the skin’s elasticity, which makes it an excellent choice for combatting dry skin. It has demonstrated an ability to help maturing skin retain moisture and prevent the appearance of fine lines. 

How Do Argan Oil And Witch Hazel Work Together?

Combining argan oil and witch hazel creates a synergistic effect that targets signs of aging. As witch hazel firms and tightens, argan oil adds deep moisture, preventing dryness that can increase the risk of wrinkles. Both ingredients contain antioxidants, which enhance their efficacy. Additionally, the blend of witch hazel and argan oil helps boost the skin’s natural repair processes, protecting it against environmental stressors. Consider these two ingredients as a harmonious duo that helps contribute to a smoother, more youthful complexion. 

DIY Wrinkle Reducer

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup witch hazel
• 1/4 cup argan oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel and argan oil into a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add the essential oils and continue to mix well for 10 seconds or so. 
• Pour the mixed solution into a glass container (preferably an amber glass container to preserve lavender essential oil’s properties) and seal tightly for freshness. 
• We recommend that you use this wrinkle reducer twice daily. Start by washing your skin to prepare the skin. Apply a small amount of the wrinkle reducer to your fingertips and massage into areas of the face prone to wrinkles, such as around the eyes and mouth.

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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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Do lip balm and lip butter serve the same purpose? Although the products are similar, there is a difference between lip balm and lip butter. Like the rest of your skin, the lips can take a beating, especially if you don’t protect them. Food, ultraviolet light, the wind, and acidic substances all affect the lips in different ways. Both lip balm and lip butter can help protect your lips from these daily elements. 

What’s The Difference Between Lip Balm And Lip Butter?

Lip balm and lip butter have different capabilities. Lip balm can help remedy chapped, cracked, or sunburnt lips, drawing moisture to the lips to help resolve these issues. More often than not, lip balms contain natural ingredients and vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant to help restore health to damaged cells. Lip butter, on the other hand, cares for your lips, but does not last as long as a balm. It can be harder to apply, since it is a thicker, creamier consistency, but it is made from natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, beeswax, or mango butter. 

It’s hard to say which one is better, as that will depend on personal preference. You may find that your lips feel amazing after you apply lip butter. Some people may not enjoy the messier application, though, so you have to choose what’s right for you. Should you make the lip butter in this article, your skin can benefit from the following ingredients:

Mango Butter

You can apply mango butter as a preventative or to provide relief from chapped or irritated lips. Mango butter contains numerous antioxidant compounds that work quickly to combat dryness and chapping. It contains vitamins A, E, and C, all of which work together to trap moisture in, which is especially beneficial when your lips are exposed to colder days. Mango butter also has some astringent properties, so it doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy. 

Cocoa Butter

As a highly effective natural emollient, cocoa butter is an excellent choice if you want to provide your lips with deep hydration. Cocoa butter works to seal in moisture and repair cracked or chapped skin. Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help form a protective barrier to keep the lips safe from environmental damage. The palmitic and saturated stearic fatty acids work to create a lipid barrier to prevent moisture loss. 

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

This oil may be unfamiliar to you, but is a lovely cosmetic ingredient that comes from the Meadowfoam plant. Meadowfoam seed oil is a great carrier oil that adds a little lightness to the blend of butters in the DIY creamy lip butter recipe. Because it is an emollient, it helps to lock in moisture. The skin can also absorb this oil easier than heavier carrier oils like olive oil or avocado oil. If you do not have Meadowfoam seed oil or it proves difficult to acquire, you can use any liquid carrier oil you prefer, but that will alter the absorption and texture of the lip butter. 

DIY Creamy Lip Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon mango butter
• 1 tablespoon Meadowfoam oil
• 8-10 drops essential oil of choice lavender, peppermint, orange, and geranium make for nice choices)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oils) to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Heat and stir occasionally until completely melted. 
• Once the ingredients have fully melted, remove from heat and add the essential oils of choice. 
• Pour the lip butter into containers and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. 
• Once solidified, screw on the tops of the containers and store in a cool, dry place and it will last about six months or so.

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If you have ever experienced nausea, you know it feels like your stomach is spinning around and ready to send back and out whatever you ingest. No matter if it stems from indigestion, motion, surgery, gas, or chemotherapy, nausea is something that everyone experiences at some point. That is not very consoling, especially when it happens to you. Fortunately, there are several herbs (peppermint and ginger) that may help relieve nausea symptoms. 

Research notes that ginger and peppermint are two common natural remedies for nausea relief. Both can help relieve nausea, but they work in different ways. This article aims to identify when to use peppermint and when to use ginger for nausea relief. 

Ginger Is Usually Better For Nausea Relief

Both ginger and peppermint help to relieve nausea, but ginger has more research supporting its use. Studies confirm that ginger can effectively reduce nausea that results from motion sickness, surgery, and chemotherapy. Peppermint can be helpful, but lends itself more to nausea related to indigestion or bloating. Newer research found that peppermint oil may be able to reduce post-surgery nausea, or nausea during chemotherapy, but research is currently limited. 

How Does Ginger Help Relieve Nausea?

Researchers do not fully understand ginger’s role in nausea relief. Ginger contains active compounds, including shogaols and gingerols, that may help relieve nausea by: 

• Reducing inflammation in the digestive tract
• Improving gastric motility (how quickly food moves through the stomach)
• Working to block receptors that send nausea signals from the gut to the brain

There is extensive research on ginger and its ability to relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. According to research, ginger is more effective than placebo for nausea that results from pregnancy. It may also perform a little better than vitamin B6, although the difference is very small. Ginger may also help relieve nausea related to motion sickness and chemotherapy. One review of studies in people with breast cancer found that while ginger may relieve nausea, it doesn’t really reduce the frequency of vomiting. Another study found ginger capsules to be effective at reducing nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Interested in trying ginger for nausea relief? It is available as ginger tea, ginger capsules/tablets, chewable ginger candies, and fresh or dried ginger. There are no official recommendations about proper dosage. Most studies typically use doses of 500 to 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day. Most adults may tolerate up to 4,000 mg of ginger per day, but you don’t need to eat that much. 

How Does Peppermint Help With Nausea?

The research on peppermint for nausea relief is more limited than ginger. Existing research focuses on peppermint’s ability to help relieve digestive-related symptoms. Menthol and menthone, two compounds in peppermint, exhibit antispasmodic effects on the digestive tract. That process may help relax the muscles of the stomach and intestines, which alleviate nausea that results from gas, bloating, or cramping. Peppermint may help by:

• Reducing feelings of bloating or fullness
• Providing a calming, cooling sensory effect
• Soothing muscles in the digestive tract
• Helping to block serotonin-related signals in the gut that trigger vomiting and nausea

A recent review observed the effects of inhaling peppermint oil’s aroma for postoperative nausea, in pregnancy, and during chemotherapy. Researchers noticed small improvements in nausea across all three groups, but the studies were small and used peppermint in different ways. However, another study found both ginger and peppermint essential oils to be effective at relieving nausea post-surgery. 

When One May Work Better Than The Other

As we’ve discussed, both ginger and peppermint can help ease nausea symptoms, but one may work better depending on the situation. Consider the following:

• Peppermint may be more helpful when nausea stems from gas, indigestion, or bloating.
• Ginger may work better for motion sickness, pregnancy-related nausea, and medication-related nausea.
• Peppermint’s cooling flavor may feel soothing if you are sensitive to strong flavors or smells.
• Ginger’s spicy, warming taste may be too strong for some people, especially when they are nauseous.
• Some people tolerate peppermint better, especially if ginger causes an upset stomach or heartburn.
• A lot of people find that ginger works better and has a long-lasting effect for nausea relief.

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Think about how often your yoga mat touches the floor, especially if that floor is in a public yoga studio. Now think about all of the sweat, oils, and bacteria that accumulate on the mat during your yoga session. It’s safe to say that your yoga mat needs to be cleaned regularly, but does that happen? We are not here to judge; rather, we are here to provide a natural cleaner that helps remove all of that dirt and grime. 

What Is A DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner?

Think of this as a general cleaning spray, only without all of the harsh chemicals. This homemade solution contains vinegar or witch hazel, and essential oils, all of which help to remove sweat, germs, dirt, and oils from your yoga mat. That helps make your mat not only cleaner, but wonderfully scented. 

Using a DIY yoga mat cleaner also helps save you money and reduces waste. Not to mention, it gives you control over what touches your skin. Plus, making your own cleaner can feel both rewarding and creative, almost as if crafting your own wellness ritual. Keeping your yoga mat clean can help avoid skin irritation, in addition to the following benefits: 

• Helping prevent breakouts and skin rashes
• Removing odors caused by sweat
• Keeping the yoga mat free of bacteria and germs
• Extending the yoga mat’s life
• Enhancing the overall yoga experience 

Why Use Vinegar?

Vinegar is a staple household ingredient that is highly useful when it comes to cleaning certain items and surfaces. Regarding cleaning, vinegar’s most useful asset is its acidity. It is mild enough not to damage fabrics and surfaces, while being strong enough to get rid of stubborn stains and deposits. It can have a pH as low as 2.2 to 10 times as acidic as the average soft drink. 

One of the advantages of vinegar is that it exhibits antimicrobial activity. Some highly evolved bacteria can survive in acidic environments, but most find it difficult to thrive and replicate in these conditions. According to research, cleaning with vinegar can kill a range of pathogens, including E. coli. It has also proven to be an effective cleaning agent for dentures or a disinfectant for fruits and vegetables. 

What About Witch Hazel?

Yet another medicine cabinet hero! Witch hazel is typically for beauty applications, but it can be a powerful addition to your natural cleaning arsenal. Witch hazel is typically used as an astringent to help clean minor cuts or soothe bug bites. The astringent and antibacterial properties make it a fantastic cleaning agent. It is great for light cleaning tasks, especially when you want to avoid harsh chemicals. 

Not only can witch hazel improve your at-home cleaning game, but it can also help neutralize odors. Just keep in mind that witch hazel is not an approved disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You should not rely on witch hazel to eliminate viruses or bacteria; rather, use it as a complementary cleaner for light tasks. 

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar or witch hazel (whichever you prefer)
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into a spray bottle and then add the vinegar or witch hazel. 
• Drop in the essential oils and then screw on the top. Shake gently before each use to thoroughly mix up the ingredients. 
• To use, lightly spray on your yoga mat and wipe with a soft cloth.

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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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The post Homemade Lavender Rosemary Hair Detangler appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Looking to tame the beast and condition the beard in the process? Sounds like you need a quality beard oil! Although there are many beard oils on the market, the good news is that you can easily make your own with natural ingredients. No need to worry about mystery fragrances or problematic chemicals damaging your skin!

Why Use Beard Oil?

By using beard oil, you can help soften beard hair and add shine. It can also tame those scraggly hairs, so your beard can look a little neater. If you notice that your skin is flaky or dry underneath the beard, using beard oil can help moisturize the skin, keeping the beard and skin supple and healthy. Some people find that regular use of beard oil helps reduce beard itch. Plus, beard oil can make your beard smell great!

Anecdotal reports state that beard oil can help promote beard growth, but this is not scientifically proven. Some essential oils used in beard oil, however, may help encourage or support beard hair growth. Beard oil is most effective as a moisturizer for the skin under the beard. After regular use, you should notice an improvement in the condition and appearance of the skin and beard. All skin types require nourishment, even oily skin. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, consider using a beard oil with essential oils that exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Key Ingredients

If you want your beard to look well-groomed and shiny, as opposed to dusty and shaggy, you only need a few quality ingredients. The good news is that you don’t have to spend money on an expensive beard care kit! Consider the following ingredients when you make your own beard oil:

• Coconut oil is a great moisturizing carrier oil that helps to soften beard hair, which allows you to reduce itchiness. It is a common ingredient in hair and skin care products because it helps to hydrate the skin.
• Jojoba oil’s molecular structure mirrors human sebum, which the skin naturally produces. It is an emollient, which makes it effective for soothing skin and unclogging hair follicles. 
• Sweet almond oil is mild, lightweight, and great for all skin types. Due to its light texture, it is easily absorbed by the skin, helping to quickly add moisture.
• There are numerous essential oils out there, so it can be difficult to select which ones you want to use for your beard oil. Cedarwood essential oil has a woodsy aroma and may help reduce skin irritation, due to the antiseptic properties. Sandalwood is another common oil in beard care products, and its aroma may provide a sense of calmness. You can even use tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, or eucalyptus essential oil for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. 

How To Make Beard Oil

You will need a small, ideally amber glass, bottle before you start mixing ingredients. The dark amber glass can help protect the health properties of the essential oils you use. Now, you can use your own measurements if you are brave and willing, but we have a sample recipe below for you to try.

DIY Beard Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce jojoba oil
• 1/2 ounce sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and fractionated coconut oil to the glass bottle. 
• Next, add the essential oils to the bottle, place the cap on tightly, and shake well to combine. 
• To use, drop a few drops into your hands and then massage into your beard and onto your cheeks. Brush your beard for the finishing touch.

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