In essence, coffee oil is a concentrated, aromatic oil that comes from green, non-roasted coffee beans, or roasted coffee beans and grounds. Coffee is a significant commodity in many parts of the world, with many new and historic trade routes. In fact, coffee’s history can be traced back to the 15th century, when cultivation and trade started to flourish along the Arabian Peninsula, with the first coffee houses established in Mecca and Constantinople.

Just like today’s coffee houses, those historic coffee houses were places to meet, socialize, listen to music, discuss the news, and enjoy performances. They just didn’t have people watching Instagram stories on their phones or working on their laptops. Since those times, coffee has made its way around the world. Today, Brazil remains the most prominent coffee producer in the world. 

It’s important to note that all fine specialty coffees come from Coffea arabica, which produces about 70% of the world’s coffee. Coffee that is of this variety usually exhibits superior flavor and quality when compared to other principal commercial coffee species. 

What Is Coffee Oil?

Coffee oil can be made from green, non-roasted coffee beans, or from roasted coffee beans. Roasted coffee bean oil can actually be burned like incense to deodorize a room. The aroma can help lift your mood and alleviate stress. Green coffee oil, on the other hand, is typically used in skincare products. That said, both oils contain high levels of caffeine, flavonoids, and antioxidant compounds. When combined with other oils for topical application, coffee oil has many positive benefits for the skin.

Benefits Of Coffee Oil

The active chemical components in coffee oil are responsible for its invigorating, refreshing, and aromatic qualities. Some of these compounds offer impressive anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve soreness in the muscles. The flavonoids provide protection against free radicals, while simultaneously increasing immunity. These flavonoids may also help restore moisture to the skin, reduce puffiness under the eyes, and improve collagen production. 

Coffee oil’s flavonoids and fatty acids include palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid. We’ll detail their benefits below:

• Palmitic acid: Offers anti-inflammatory and emollient properties. May help reduce dryness and accelerate the healing of rashes or insect bites on the skin. It also helps remove excess oil from the skin. 
• Linoleic acid: Known to add moisture to the skin and improve the appearance of damaged skin. It may also promote skin regeneration and help older skin appear slightly younger. 
• Oleic acid: Works to soothe and calm the skin, while helping to balance and repair existing skin damage. 
• Stearic acid: Helps to soothe damaged skin and stabilize the texture in skin care products. It also offers cleansing and emulsifying properties.

How To Make Coffee Oil

Ingredients:

• Organic roasted coffee grounds
• Organic carrier oils (non-comedogenic, preferably)

Instructions:

• There are two methods to make your own coffee oil: hot infusion or cold infusion. Cold infusion takes more time and hot infusion is ready within an hour or so. 
• For the heat infusion, add one cup of your carrier oil of choice to the top of a double boiler. Mix in a half-cup of coffee grounds and leave over low flame for one hour, stirring occasionally. 
• Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve once the infusion process is complete. Store the oil in a jar until ready to use. 
• For the cold infusion method, add one cup of your carrier oil of choice to a jar and mix with a half-cup of coffee grounds. 
• Mix well, screw on the lid, and then store the jar in a cool, dark place for one month. Remove from the jar’s hiding place after a month and strain the oil using a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. 

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Aloe vera is one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin issues. The gel within the leaves contains healing compounds that have been known to remedy a variety of minor ailments. Perhaps you’ve used aloe vera gel to accelerate the healing of sunburn, minor cuts, burns, or small abrasions. With these healing powers, you may be wondering if you can use aloe vera on your face safely. While some people may have a sensitivity to aloe, it may enhance overall skin health. 

Aloe vera contains essential vitamins, anti-inflammatory compounds, and antioxidants that work to nourish the skin. The face masks in this article contain aloe vera and they address a variety of needs. Whether you deal with acne, dryness, blackheads, or you just want to boost your glow, aloe vera is a great ingredient. As always, make sure to do a patch test on your arm to ensure that the mixture does not give you a negative reaction. 

Aloe Vera And Lemon Mask For Brightening

Ideal for uneven or dull skin, this mask contains vitamin C, which aids in lightening dark spots and evening the skin tone. Using fresh aloe vera also helps give your skin a radiant glow. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• A few drops fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

• Mix the aloe gel with a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your face once you’ve cleansed it. 
• Be mindful to avoid any sensitive areas on the face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse with cool water. 

Aloe Vera And Tea Tree Mask For Acne

This mask is beneficial for people with acne-prone skin due to tea tree oil, which is renowned for its acne-fighting properties. Tea tree works to reduce breakouts, while aloe helps to soothe and heal, so you can control acne without drying out the skin. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 2 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Add the aloe and tea tree oil to a small bowl and mix well. Apply a thin layer to your face, targeting the acne-prone areas. 
• Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. 

Aloe Vera And Honey Mask For Hydration

The combination of aloe vera and honey works to provide deep hydration while simultaneously supplying the skin with antioxidants. Aloe helps to cool and nourish and honey helps to lock in moisture. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Instructions:

• Mix the aloe with the honey in a small bowl until it is smooth. Apply to your face and let it remain for 15 to 20 minutes. 
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. 

Aloe Vera And Green Tea Mask For Blackheads

This face mask can gently cleanse pores and reduce blackheads with continued use. That makes it a must-have in your at-home skin care routine. Green tea helps to cleanse the pores, making it effective for getting rid of blackheads. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon brewed green tea

Instructions:

• Pour the aloe and green tea into a small bowl and mix to combine. Apply the mixture to your face, especially the areas with blackheads, and leave for 15 minutes. 
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Aloe Vera And Oatmeal Mask For Sensitive Skin

A gentle, calming mask that may help reduce redness and irritation. It may provide relief for sensitive or irritated skin. Oatmeal is very gentle, making it a great ingredient for calming sensitive skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon ground oatmeal

Instructions:

• Mix the aloe vera and ground oatmeal in a small bowl until you achieve a paste.
• Apply to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Aloe Vera And Charcoal Mask For Deep Cleansing

Activated charcoal works to draw out impurities, while aloe vera helps ensure hydration. This mask works to provide a deep cleanse, helping remove excess oil and impurities for a refreshed, healthier-looking complexion. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon activated charcoal

Instructions:

• Mix the aloe and charcoal together in a small bowl. Apply evenly to the face and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. 
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Aloe Vera And Turmeric Mask For Clearer Skin

Ideal for acne-prone or uneven skin tone, this mask contains antibacterial properties that help reduce redness and inflammation. In doing so, this mask can leave the skin visibly clearer over time. That makes this a great choice for those seeking clearer skin the natural way. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• Pinch of turmeric powder

Instructions:

• Whisk the aloe vera gel and turmeric in a small bowl until well-combined. Apply a thin layer to your face, making sure to avoid the eye area. 
• Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Don’t keep it on for too long, or else you may end up with an orange tint to your skin.

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How great is it that you get to enjoy the beautiful summer months? The sun rises early, sets late, and you get to enjoy hiking, gardening, beach or lake days, and backyard barbecues. As incredible as all that sounds, the bugs, depending on where you live, can be relentless. From mosquitos and ticks to chiggers and spiders, summertime can be a brutal time for bug bites. Fortunately, you can be ready to soothe that itchiness with a homemade plantain salve. 

What Is Plantain? 

Let us first clarify one thing regarding the name of this herb. Despite sharing the same name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit. With a long history as a healing plant, plantain is widely known in the herbalist community as “nature’s band-aid.” Plantain (Plantago major), grows naturally in many yards and fields all over the United States. It only came to the U.S. by way of new settlers from other countries. Natives in both America and New Zealand referred to plantain as “Englishman’s foot” or “white man’s foot.”

Believe it or not, you can find plantain weed in most yards and fields across the U.S., and it will take over unless you control it. It grows as a rosette with leaves that surround the stem at the base. The leaves are more oval and somewhat large, with the stems standing above them with seeds at the top. No matter the variety of plantain weed, all of them work interchangeably, so you don’t have to worry about which one is more potent for your DIY salve. 

Plantain Benefits

Plantain weed has a long list of benefits for both internal and external uses. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on plantain’s benefits for the skin. Exhibiting antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, plantain may help relieve a variety of common skin ailments and bug bites. Historically, plantain leaves were used to help heal minor wounds, scrapes, cuts, bumps, infections, bruises, and burns. 

On its own, plantain weed is a complete medicine, meaning you don’t need to add anything to it to create an effective herbal remedy. At the same time, you can incorporate other herbs or ingredients to incorporate other soothing benefits, which is especially beneficial for relieving bug bites. Typically, it isn’t the actual bite that causes the itch; rather, it is an anesthetic that the bug injects you with as it drinks your blood! If you are allergic to that anesthetic, the body attacks the substance with white blood cells, causing the area to become inflamed and red. 

The salve in this article calls for you to infuse dried plantain leaves into a carrier oil of your choice. We listed sweet almond oil, but you can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil if you prefer. Once you infuse the oil, you will melt beeswax and mix in the infused oil with it before allowing it to solidify at room temperature. The beeswax helps moisturize and protect the skin, which may help relieve itching. It also creates a barrier on the skin that protects the bite to promote healing. 

DIY Plantain Salve

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried plantain leaves
• 1.5 cups sweet almond oil (or carrier oil of choice)
• 1 ounce beeswax

Instructions:

• Put the dried plantain leaves into a glass pint jar and pour the oil in to cover the leaves. 
• Screw on the lid and allow the oil to infuse for about four to six weeks. Ideally, place the jar in a cool spot away from direct sunlight. 
• Once the oil has infused, strain the leaves from the oil through a fine mesh sieve and make sure to press out any remaining oil from the leaves. 
• Pour one cup of the plantain infused oil into the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat and add the beeswax. Stir occasionally until the beeswax is fully melted. 
• Remove from heat and stir more to combine. Pour the mixture into several small tins or jars and allow the salve to set at room temperature (this will take a couple hours). 
• The plantain salve is ready to use once it is solidified. The salve will keep fresh for a year if kept in a cool, dry place.

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Stress can come from any event or thought that makes you feel angry, nervous, or frustrated. It’s the body’s reaction to a problem, challenge, or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, helping you avoid danger or meet a deadline. When you have chronic stress, though, it can do more harm than you realize. 

How Does Stress Impact Your Joints?

Even though the body is made up of different organs and systems, it can be viewed as one complete system, given that all of those systems work together. That means that stress could end up having an influence on joint pain. Researchers note that elevated cortisol levels have been associated with more pain. Chronically high stress levels also deplete your adrenal glands, raising prolactin levels and increasing the body’s sensitivity to pain. 

Some health experts note that stress is the opposite of helpful for the immune system. The fact is that stress is an immune-modulator, and the immune system is responsible for a healthy inflammatory response. Inflammation is usually what you feel when your joints start to ache or hurt. Additionally, inflammation negatively affects gut health, and poor gut health increases joint pain and inflammation. To quickly summarize, stress can lead to poor gut health, inflammation, chronically high cortisol levels, and more, all of which impact joint pain. 

What Can You Do About It?

If you have been feeling some aches and pains in your joints, your stress could be to blame. The good news is that there are many helpful things that can give your joints a break. Before you begin to alleviate pain, identify the triggers by writing in a journal. Look for patterns and you’ll find your triggers. Once you find them then you can craft an appropriate plan of action. Other common stress-relieving tactics that may help joint pain are detailed below. 

Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for more than 3,000 years. It uses very fine needles, which are inserted in various points in the body to open blockages. Acupuncture aims to restore the flow of energy, qi, within the body. It is also a healing practice that stimulates the brain to release serotonin and endorphins, which may help relieve stress and promote an overall sense of wellbeing. Acupuncture may also help improve circulation, which may in turn benefit your joints. 

Take A Relaxing Bath

Soak in a warm bath for 20 minutes and allow your stress to fade away. Not only does the warmth soothe the mind, but it also supports joint and muscle recovery. Research shows that a warm bath can help reduce swelling and inflammation, in addition to increasing circulation. If you add Epsom salt, which is known to decrease inflammation and swelling, then you will enhance your bath experience. Enhance your tranquil experience by lighting some candles or adding lavender essential oil to the water. 

Get A Massage

Not only can a massage soothe sore muscles and joints, but it also works to relieve anxiety and promote better sleep. According to researchers, getting regular massages can improve levels of pain, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion and overall joint function. Studies have also shown that applying moderate pressure during massage can lower the body’s production of cortisol and boost serotonin production. 

Meditate

Sit down in a comfortable position on the floor, or lie flat on your back, whichever is more comfortable. You can listen to guided meditation, soothing music, or simply enjoy the silence. Try your best to focus on your breath and let your thoughts come and go like waves up the beach. Perhaps you find it easier to repeat an inspirational mantra to help you stay in the present moment. 

Anything else you can do to help reduce stress is beneficial for your joints. Maybe you clear up your schedule to have more time to decompress or journal about your worries. The little things help and can help you feel more at ease. In truth, nobody wants to feel overwhelmed by stress. The body becomes acutely aware of excess stress and you may experience joint pain as a result. Learn to understand your body’s cues and you will be that much healthier!

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The fall season is all about pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin loaves, and, naturally, pumpkin pies. Did you ever think that you would take some of that nutrient-dense pumpkin and lather it on your face, though? Well, that’s what Dherbs is for! The DIY face mask in this article contains pumpkin, yogurt, and honey, three ingredients that work to nourish your skin and improve its overall glow.

The great thing about this face mask is that you get to drown your skin in an assortment of enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants. And that’s just referring to the pumpkin! The honey and yogurt also provide moisturizing and soothing effects. Together, these ingredients will leave your skin feeling hydrated, rejuvenated, and radiating with a natural shine. Learn more about the ingredients below.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree offers a significant amount of vitamin A, a necessary nutrient for skin health and repair. One serving of pumpkin can nearly fulfill the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Pumpkin is also a great source of vitamin C, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which works to keep skin elastic and firm. By increasing collagen production, you can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and maintain a more youthful complexion. Some studies found that pumpkin polysaccharide extract was effective in skin care applications. Other studies found that the beta-carotene in pumpkin acts like a natural sunblock, working to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Preventing UV damage can help reduce photoaging, which can impose on the skin’s delicate layers.

Yogurt

There are many types of yogurt, but you should not lather strawberry banana yogurt on your face. That stuff is full of sugar and will not do your skin any favors. Also, keep in mind that if you have a cow’s milk allergy, you may want to avoid yogurt, or opt for a plant-based yogurt instead. Yogurt has a creamy texture, which may help lock moisture into the skin. Some in-vitro studies from 2011 backed up those claims when looking at yogurt face masks. Yogurt may also help even out skin tone, which researchers attribute to the naturally occurring probiotics. Similar to pumpkin, yogurt may also help minimize the effects of UV rays. It’s as though yogurt creates a skin barrier that neutralizes free radicals, helping reduce sun damage-induced wrinkles or spots.

Honey

Raw honey may help to exfoliate the skin, reduce bacteria buildup, and accelerate the healing process of small wounds. Researchers note that raw honey contains beneficial components for the skin, especially if you have acne or an inflammatory skin disorder, such as eczema or psoriasis. Working to balance bacterial buildup on the skin, honey may be significantly more effective than other skin care products. You can use raw honey as a spot treatment or include it in a face mask to help reduce inflammation and redness. Some people report that honey helps to get rid of blemishes! If you can, strive to get Manuka honey, as this is unpasteurized and filled with healing properties. 

Pumpkin Yogurt And Honey Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons organic pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon raw honey (or Manuka honey)
• 1/4 tablespoon unflavored Greek yogurt

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. 
• Apply the mask to your face and neck and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. 
• Rinse away with lukewarm water and pat your face dry. Follow with moisturizer.

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Some people are highly in touch with their own stimuli and can pick up on the smallest things in their surroundings. Others can be empaths who feel other people’s energies and emotions in their own systems. If you fall into either of these categories, you may experience strain on the nervous system from time to time. It’s almost as if these feelings and emotions crawl their way under your skin without you having any say in the matter!

What is an empath? Well, it means that you can bond quickly with others or feel what others feel. That can create some incredibly loving, intimate, and nourishing experiences. Being highly sensitive can also mean that you quickly become overstimulated, either from your own emotions or from others. When this happens, you need to soothe your sensitive system and bring it back into proper balance. Continue reading to learn how to do that.

Come Home To Yourself

Experiencing quality solo time is one of the most underrated self-care acts. You can take a walk in nature, read an inspiring book, or get lost in a creative spell, painting, carving wood, or drawing. Go ahead and do things that you enjoy alone, as that can help anchor you in your own energy. That will help you feel less frazzled and drained. During this alone time, make sure that you reconnect with yourself via relaxing, engaging, or enjoyable activities. If that means cleaning your house or listening to a podcast in the park, so be it!

Reduce The Physical Stimuli In Your Environment

By lowering the physical stimuli in your environment, you can help soothe your sensitive system. If you live alone, perhaps this looks like putting on relaxing music or nature sounds. Maybe you snuggle up under your softest blanket, dim the lights, and put your phone on silent. If you live with someone, be it a romantic partner, kids, or pets, create a sanctuary or retreat in your home where you can recover. Keep in mind that you can turn common areas into safe sanctuaries. 

Recognize When You Need Soothing

You may need to soothe your system if you experience an increase in any of the following:

• Numbing yourself with addictive behaviors
• Feeling tired or drained
• Craving alone time
• Stressing out more easily
• Having difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Racing thoughts
• Isolating, even if you are lonely
• Feeling on edge, or jumpy
• Overindulging in salty, fatty, or sugary foods

You can always communicate with your healthcare provider about your mineral, vitamin, and blood sugar levels. If they are out of whack, you may need to figure out how to balance them. Sometimes, that can be as simple as soothing yourself!

Get In Touch With What You Want, Need, And Feel

Empaths can feel what’s going on around them, so that means they may forget to prioritize their own experience. It’s common for empaths to get sucked into everyone else’s experience, which can make them feel lost or yearning for self-gratification. There is nothing wrong with being sensitive, as it usually inspires compassion. Just don’t let your own life become overly crowded. Connect with yourself daily in order to find out what you want, need, and feel. That will allow you to separate from others in a healthy way and make yourself a priority, which can help you ground yourself. That will only help you show up for others in a more responsible way.

Don’t Turn Someone Into A Healing Project

It is very common for a sensitive person to go on rogue healing missions. They tend to have stronger inner healers than the average person, but that doesn’t mean they should make it a point to heal co-workers, friends, or loved ones. If that happens, it is integral to create healthy space between you and the other person. Remind yourself that you are not responsible for someone else’s problems. You can still cherish loved ones and romantic partners without letting their issues affect you. Don’t be a “fixer” or tenderhearted person because letting someone else’s problems take over can negatively affect your nervous system.

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Doesn’t the idea of sticking a bunch of needles in your skin when you have anxiety sound like a wonderfully relaxing idea? As terrifying as it may sound, acupuncture is an ancient healing modality that has been used for thousands of years to alleviate pain and treat numerous conditions. Acupuncturists insert needles into specific points in the body to address the given conditions. 

For anxiety, acupuncture needles go in areas like the insides of your wrists, ears, and between your eyes. Using acupuncture to alleviate anxiety is not merely anecdotal, as it also has scientific evidence to back up its effectiveness. Continue reading to learn how acupuncture may help people with anxiety. 

Does Acupuncture Really Work For Anxiety?

According to acupuncturists, acupuncture works to ease anxiety by regulating the nervous system. Specifically, it works to bring parts of the autonomic nervous system back into balance. The autonomic nervous system helps regulate involuntary physiological processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and digestion. Shifting the body back into a relaxed state allows the sympathetic nervous system to be more balanced. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states that “qi,” the body’s internal energy, flows up and down throughout various pathways within the body. If that energy is blocked or it isn’t balanced, the body is put under stress. Acupuncture helps to restore the natural balance within the body and encourages healing as a result. 

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a holistic approach to health and many include recommendations for nutrition, psychotherapy, and exercise to enhance the treatment. There is no separation between the physical and mental aspects of a person, according to TCM. If you explain to an acupuncturist that you feel anxious and wake up sweaty in the middle of the night, they will not think that these issues are separate. 

In fact, that description is a common symptom of “yin deficiency,” according to TCM. Yin, along with its counterpart yang, allows a person to experience aligned qi. TCM explains that a yin deficiency can indicate emotional problems, including night sweats, anxiety, depression, and tension. 

Where Do Needles Go For Anxiety?

An acupuncturist does not merely stick needles in random places on the body. There are specific acupuncture points that influence physical and mental symptoms. Some of these points can include:

• Insides of the wrists
• On the feet
• Between the eyebrows
• On your breastbone or ears

Benefits Of Acupuncture

One review looked at 20 studies of using acupuncture on people with generalized anxiety disorder. The authors’ conclusion was that acupuncture can be beneficial for alleviating some anxiety symptoms when compared to medication or other non-acupuncture therapies. At this time, though, it is still not clear whether people with other types of anxiety benefit from acupuncture. Higher quality, randomized controlled trials are still needed to understand how acupuncture could help treat different anxiety disorders. Such disorders to consider include:

• Panic disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Selective mutism
• Phobias
• Social anxiety disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder

Acupuncture may also be beneficial for certain surgical procedures. One study compared acupuncture to pharmacological treatment. People who receive acupuncture before gallbladder surgery or hernia repair experienced less preoperative anxiety than those who took Midazolam, an anti-anxiety medication. Acupuncture may also benefit people with knee, lower back, and neck pain. A lot of people find that it can alleviate headaches as well. Some evidence shows that acupuncture may be useful for easing anxiety in people with chronic pain. 

If you are feeling anxious, you may want to consider acupuncture as a natural remedy. Just make sure that you visit an acupuncturist for the best care. Research indicates that acupuncture may reduce anxiety symptoms and there are minimal risks when done correctly.

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Researchers have been examining the psychological and physiological benefits of qigong and Tai Chi, as they are growing in popularity. Since it is safe to say that most people suffer from stress, the search for stress-relieving practices is at an all time high. Although qigong is an ancient Chinese practice, it is having a moment in the present day. This article aims to inform you as to how this practice can reduce stress and help your body function at an optimal level. 

What Is Qigong?

Qigong is more ancient than Tai Chi and one could argue that it is the more original, overarching discipline. In fact, it originated in China about 4,000 years ago. Both practices incorporate a wide variety of physical movements that are slow, meditative, and flowing. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), qigong is a practice focused on the qi, or energy, that is present in everyone. 

A person’s qi must flow throughout the body in order for someone to live and feel their best. If qi is stagnant in a certain area, health problems can occur, according to TCM principles. Qigong uses slow and simple poses, accompanied by breathing patterns, to encourage the healthy flow of qi. By encouraging proper flow, the body can utilize its own healing processes to the best of its ability. The translation of qigong is “to work with qi.”

Yoga vs. Qigong

Qigong is not yoga, nor is it a form of yoga. Yoga poses typically require a lot more strength, stretching, and balance than qigong. Yoga also originated in India and is not rooted in TCM. Qigong involves slow, purposeful movements that require less strength than yoga poses. The movements are also less challenging for balance, making it so most people can do them or modify them. If people cannot do standing qigong movements, they can engage in chair-based qigong. 

The Health Benefits Of Qigong

There have been numerous studies showing that qigong offers a variety of health benefits. That said, larger, more controlled studies are still needed to prove qigong’s ability to prevent, treat, or aid in the relief of certain health problems. The exciting news is that qigong offers potential health benefits, making it worthwhile to practice. Continue reading to learn what the research says about qigong. 

Reduces Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome causes severe tiredness and health experts are unsure of the exact cause. The condition does not go away with rest and the condition itself makes it hard for people to carry out day-to-day activities. In one study involving 64 people with chronic fatigue, study authors noted improvements in symptoms after practicing qigong for four months. They experienced better mental functioning and less fatigue than those who did not do qigong. If you are regularly fatigued and the doctor has ruled out other conditions, give qigong a shot as it may help. 

May Boost Immune Function

The immune system’s job is to protect the body against foreign invaders, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and pathogens. This is a very big job and doing things to enhance immune function only helps the body. Qigong may offer a helping hand to the immune system. A review of several studies found that qigong had a noticeable impact on immune function. The review concluded that it increased levels of certain immune cells in people who practiced it regularly. 

May Reduce Depression And Relieve Stress

According to one study, qigong may help reduce symptoms of depression. During the study, people who practiced qigong also experienced a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood compared to those who did not. Qigong also exhibited positive effects on bone and cardiovascular health. It may help you improve balance, too!

If you want to get started with qigong, you can search instructional videos online. There are probably classes at local parks, recreation centers, or community centers as well. Sometimes, you can find a group of friends that just do it together, and it won’t cost you a dime!

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The fall season invites delicious seasonal produce items, cooler weather, and the beautiful changing of leaves. It is also a time of year when you are typically exposed to germs, due to lots of activities, traveling, and holiday gatherings. All that is wonderful, but it never hurts to have a little extra immune support to help you get through the season. That’s why we recommend that you keep a couple bottles of propolis throat spray in the house!

What Is Propolis?

Honey is not the only thing that bees make. Bees produce propolis, a compound from the sap on needle-leaved trees or evergreens. According to historians, Greeks used propolis to treat abscesses and Egyptians used it to embalm mummies. Assyrians applied propolis to wounds and tumors to help fight infection and accelerate the healing process. 

The composition of propolis varies depending on the location of the bees and which trees or flowers they have access to. Propolis in Europe, for example, will not have the same chemical makeup as propolis from New Zealand. Continue reading to learn more about the purported benefits of propolis. 

Healing Compounds In Propolis

According to researchers, there are more than 500 compounds in propolis. The majority of those compounds are in the form of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that fight oxidative stress in the body. Propolis also contains flavonoids, which plants produce as a form of protection. Researchers note that they are commonly found in fruits, green tea, vegetables, and red wine. Propolis is also rich in amino acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and some minerals like magnesium and potassium. 

The research suggests that propolis exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Propolis contains pinocembrin, a flavonoid that acts like an antifungal. It also exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity that may help with the healing of wounds, including burns. A 2019 review found that propolis works to stimulate collagen production in the skin, which could further support wound healing. 

Regarding oral health, a 2021 review of studies found that propolis may help treat mouth and throat infections. Researchers believe that propolis’ antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties could play a role in improving overall oral health. More research is still necessary on this topic, though. 

How To Make A Propolis Glycerite

There are really only two ways to make this propolis throat spray. You can buy pre-made propolis glycerite or make your own. A glycerite is similar to an herbal tincture, but it calls for vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol. Glycerites take six weeks to make, though, so you may want to consider the pre-made one if time is an issue. In order to make the propolis extract with glycerite, do the following:

• Place 2/3 cup of propolis powder in a 16-ounce glass jar. 
• In a separate jar, combine 3/4 cup glycerin with 1/4 cup of distilled water and mix well. 
• Pour the glycerin and water mixture over the propolis powder and stir to combine. Screw on the lid and shake once daily for six weeks. 
• After six weeks, strain the liquid through a coffee filter into a clean jar. You may need to do this twice to remove all the powder. 

Homemade Propolis Throat Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon propolis glycerite (see above recipe)
• 2 teaspoons raw honey (or Manuka honey)
• 3/4 teaspoon distilled water

Instructions:

• Combine the propolis glycerite, honey, and water in a small spray bottle and shake well to combine. 
• Add a little more water, 1/8 teaspoon at a time, to get the right consistency. Ideally, you want the mixture to be thick enough to coat the throat, but thin enough to come out of the spray bottle. 
• To use, spray at the first sign of illness. Squirt a few sprays directly into the throat to help keep inflammation down.

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Video Credit: DISH Nation

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