As people become more aware of the chemicals in commercial skin care products, they slowly transition to natural alternatives. According to research, the average woman applies more than 200 chemicals to the skin during her skin care routine. The skin can absorb those chemicals, whereby they end up in the bloodstream. Not only does this decrease the overall health and appearance of the skin, but it also causes internal damage to bodily organs and systems. 

Within recent years, carrier oils increased in popularity as natural options to improve skin health. These oils, which are not the same as essential oils, work to nourish, moisturize, and care for the skin. Carrier oils come from the fatty portion of a plant, typically from seeds, nuts, or kernels. In the case of avocado oil, for example, the oil is extracted from the avocado fruit. While carrier oils have countless therapeutic properties, not all are meant for every skin type. For example, one carrier oil that assists one person with acne reduction may not benefit another person the same way. 

Check out some of the most common carrier oils below and see which one works best for your skin type. When you purchase these oils, make sure to purchase high quality varieties. There’s one for each skin type, so if we somehow didn’t include one for you, let us know in the comments below. 

Carrier Oils For Oily Skin

Tamanu Oil

Known for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, tamanu oil helps to fight bacteria and accelerate wound healing. It comes from tamanu nuts and is an excellent oil for oily, acne-prone skin. Some preliminary research studies found that it may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. The anti-inflammatory properties may also help relieve itching associated with eczema. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is a hypoallergenic carrier oil that’s great for all skin types. It’s particularly beneficial for people with sensitive or oily skin. The fatty acids in sweet almond oil work to remove excess sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Let almond oil clear excess oil so your skin can be clean and bacteria-free. It also has emollient properties, meaning it helps your skin retain moisture.

Carrier Oils For Combination Skin

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is perfect for all skin types, working to enhance moisture and offer skin protection. Technically speaking, jojoba oil is a liquid polyunsaturated wax that has a similar consistency to the skin. Because of this, jojoba oil can effortlessly mix with sebum to form a thin, protective layer. Not only does it allow the skin to breathe, but it also keeps moisture in. It has the potential to fight acne and may even offer anti-aging and regenerating properties. 

Pomegranate Seed Oil

First of all, pomegranate arils are excellent for the skin because of the impressive antioxidants. The same goes for pomegranate seed oil, which works to promote a youthful glow by rejuvenating skin cells. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties offer protection for all skin types, and may even keep your skin safe from UVB damage. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil may be the holy grail of carrier oils. It contains a diverse mix of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids that help protect against premature aging and moisture loss. Additionally, coconut oil exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal activity that may fight acne and candida. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that is safe to use on dry, sensitive, or oily skin. If you have oily skin, however, don’t lather coconut oil on your face because it may increase the risk of breakouts. 

Carrier Oils For Dry Skin

Avocado Oil

Extracted from dried avocado fruit, avocado oil is a thick oil that can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Naturally rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, avocado oil helps to encourage cell growth and increase collagen production. People with dryer skin benefit from avocado oil because it noticeably improves moisture levels. Because it is a heavier carrier oil, introduce it slowly as a body moisturizer before slathering it on your face. 

Rosehip Seed Oil

This deeply moisturizing carrier oil is excellent for anyone who has skin in need of moisture. Rosehip seed oil contains vitamins A, C, E, and myriad antioxidants that contribute to healthier skin. It’s actually one of the richest plant-based sources of vitamin C, which is great for your collagen! The antioxidants work to reduce sun damage and may even inhibit the development of aging spots. The essential fatty acids in rosehip seed oil may also neutralize free radicals, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

SHARE:

The post The Best Carrier Oils For Every Skin Type appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Chapped lips, dry elbows, itchy shins, and cracked hands all indicate that the colder months have arrived. Most people are at war with elements during winter, fighting for silky smooth skin that looks nourished and moisturized. You don’t have to fight the good fight anymore because we have a DIY salve that will help your skin retain moisture like never before. 

What Causes Dry Skin In The Winter?

The top layer of your skin, known as the epidermis, contains a lipid barrier and skin cells that keep the skin from drying out. This barrier also prevents harmful pathogens or substances from entering the body. The combination of environmental factors and age naturally weaken this barrier. Now add the excessive hand washing and use of hand sanitizers as a result of COVID-19 and you find yourself with skin that looks that you just jumped in flour. The temperature of the water, alcoholic sanitizers, and less moisture in the air during the winter months all contribute to dry skin. Luckily, you can replenish the moisture you lose with the right ingredients. 

It’s All About The Right Moisturizers

If you want to lock in moisture to the skin, you need the right ingredients. Think of your skin like a bottle of carbonated water. If you leave the cap off, the carbonation won’t last very long. Keeping the cap on makes the bubbles last longer. Moisturizing is all about putting the right cap on your skin, creating a strong barrier that helps your skin retain moisture. The salve in this article contains several ingredients that keep the skin hydrated, but the two that stand out are detailed below.

Beeswax

Beeswax is hypoallergenic and works to protect the skin. It’s the natural waxy substance that hives produce, and it has myriad uses, but the buzz we’re concerned with is how it benefits the skin. The natural antibacterial properties work to combat eczema and acne, while the anti-inflammatory properties create a barrier between the skin and the environment to protect the skin without clogging pores. Beeswax is also rich in vitamin A, which helps support skin cell reconstruction. Finally, beeswax acts as a humectant, meaning that it attracts water to the skin to keep it hydrated and supple. 

Olive Oil

This classic cooking oil is one of the best kept beauty secrets that is most likely in your kitchen. Just like beeswax, olive oil has humectant properties, which help to attract moisture to the skin. Olive oil also contains vitamins E, K, and other antioxidants that offer anti-aging benefits, helping your skin look younger and softer. The great thing about olive oil is that it helps to hydrate your skin whether you apply it topically or ingest it. If you are prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, do not apply olive oil on your face. 

DIY Moisturizing Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 1/8 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 8 drops black spruce essential oil
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and vitamin E oil to a heat-safe glass jar.
• Create a double boiler by pouring some water (about a couple inches) into a small saucepan. Carefully place the jar in the center of the saucepan.
• Keep the pan over medium-low heat until all the ingredients in the jar are completely melted. Before removing from the heat, stir to combine. 
• Once you remove the glass jar from the pan, add in the vanilla extract and essential oils. Stir gently to combine and then pour the entire mixture in a small glass jar. Let the mixture solidify at room temperature before using it. 
• It’s best to apply a small amount on dry hands, dry feet, or dry areas of skin at night to allow the moisturizing properties to soak in overnight. 

SHARE:

The post DIY Moisturizing Salve To Combat Dry Skin This Winter appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Nothing feels better than lathering your skin in a hydrating lotion that makes your skin soft and moisturized. Often times, this feeling is short-lived because a lot of store bought lotions contain ingredients that inevitably dry out the skin, leaving it flaky. It’s a viscous cycle because the very product that intends to moisturize ultimately causes dryness. What’s up with that?

This is why we always recommend the simplest, natural ingredients for beauty products. Fragrances, synthetic dyes, and parabens can lead to itchy skin or a burning sensation. Additionally, some of the ingredients in commercial lotions can interfere with hormone production. Now, compare that to quality, natural ingredients that nourish the skin. In the case of the lotion in this article, we are talking about lemon essential oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, and a little bit of beeswax.

Sweet Almond Oil

Rich in vitamins A and E, potassium, zinc, proteins, and essential fatty acids, sweet almond oil makes the perfect addition to your skin care game. It’s a hypoallergenic oil and it works to deep clean your pores without clogging them. The vitamin E content helps to fight wrinkles as you age, and it also supplies the skin with the necessary amino acids that collagen requires to thrive.

Lemon Essential Oil

According to scientific research, lemon essential oil has astringent, antimicrobial, conditioning, anti-fungal, absorbent, and antibacterial properties. The antimicrobial and astringent properties of lemon essential oil can help decrease inflammation of P. Acnes bacteria, which causes inflammatory acne. The astringent properties also cleanse dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter has a high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids that help moisturize and nourish the skin. Most dermatologists recommend shea butter because it works to protect the skin’s natural oils. Shea butter also works to enhance the skin’s collagen production, and it helps keep the skin hydrated by preventing it from drying out. The cinnamic acid in shea butter helps reduce skin inflammation, and it may even help the skin from mutating.

Beeswax

Beeswax is commonly applied to the skin to relieve swelling and inflammation, but it also enhances moisture. The vitamin A content and emollient properties help to lock in the skin’s natural moisture, but they provide breathability as well. When you mix beeswax with carrier oils, like sweet almond oil or coconut oil, beeswax helps to establish a protective coating on the skin. This helps to protect the skin from airborne toxins, factory fumes, or car exhaust, all of which contribute to premature signs of aging. 

DIY Lemon Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup shea butter
• 1.5 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 10 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter, sweet almond oil, and beeswax to a heat-safe glass measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Pour an inch or so of water in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil on the stove. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and place the measuring cup in the saucepan. Stir the mixture until the everything is melted. 
• Carefully remove the measuring cup from the saucepan and stir in the essential oil. Pour the mixture into a glass jar, screw on the top, and leave it at room temperature for 24 hours. The lotion will firm up and then you can use it as frequently as you want. 

SHARE:

The post DIY 3-Ingredient Lemon Lotion For Softer Skin appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When it comes to reducing inflammation in the body, focusing on the foods you eat is paramount. So many foods that people eat on a regular basis steadily increase the risk of living with chronic inflammation. People eat these foods without realizing the damaging effects they have on their bodies. There is a positive side, though, and that there are foods that work to reduce inflammation.

Is Inflammation Bad or Good?

Inflammation is the immune system’s natural response upon recognizing foreign invaders (microbes, pollen, or chemicals) in the body. This is the body’s way of protecting you from organisms that may threaten your health. However, inflammation can persist when there are no foreign invaders in the body. The very mechanism that protected you is now plaguing the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

While overlooked by many, the grocery store should be the first place you visit to naturally combat inflammation. A lot of studies have been conducted on the anti-inflammatory properties in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Including the right anti-inflammatory foods and excluding the inflammation-causing foods from your diet may be the exact remedy you need.

Anti-Inflammatory Cheat Sheet

• Focus on healthy fats (coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, nuts, & seeds)
• Eat organic (non-GMO) as much as you can
• If you are using protein powders, make sure to use plant-based, hypoallergenic powders (peas, rice, chia, and hemp are great options)
• 75% of your plate should be comprised of plant-based foods and the remaining 25% should include healthy fats and protein.
• Try to avoid starchy vegetables
• Look for high-fiber foods and low-glycemic carbs

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

In order to reduce inflammation, it is beneficial to follow a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, and wild-caught fish, if you must indulge in protein sources that are not plant-based. People who maintain diets like the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in all of the aforementioned foods, have been known to have lower rates of heart disease and diabetes, and they live longer than people who eat the Standard American Diet. This is attributed to the high amount of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other protective compounds found in the anti-inflammatory foods.

Balancing Your Omegas

There are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which must belong to the anti-inflammatory diet. A lot of people eat too many omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to chronic inflammation. They are in foods like corn-fed beef, butter, and soy products, but better sources include dark leafy greens, flaxseeds, avocados, and wild caught fish. Omega-6s supply the body with messengers that are involved with inflammatory responses, while omega-3s trigger anti-inflammatory molecules. You can find omega-3s in foods like avocados, berries, leafy greens, chia seeds, walnuts, and almonds. It is beneficial to eat more omega-3s to avoid inflammation-related illnesses.

We hope this information helps you in your efforts to decrease inflammation in the body. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

SHARE:

The post Foods That Help You Fight Inflammation appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Hemp hearts have recently taken center stage in the health food world because of their incredible nutritional profile. Their omega-3 and protein content is comparable to flaxseeds and chia seeds and much like chia seeds, they can form a gel-like substance when mixed with liquid.

Note: Although hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, you will not experience a mind-altering effect after eating them.

What Are Hemp Hearts?

Hemp hearts are the edible insides of hemp seeds. They are rich sources of soluble and insoluble fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E. Don’t think that we forgot about the omega-3 fatty acid and protein content in hemp hearts! The omega-3s work to repair muscles and joints, and the protein is easily absorbed and used by the body. The protein is also hypoallergenic, making it a great replacement of soy and peanuts.

Great For Cellular Health

The complete protein and fatty acids in hemp hearts work to encourage cellular development and recovery. The fatty acids help carry oxygen to cells throughout the entire body. When cells are sufficiently oxygenated, they have a better chance of fighting off fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

They Protect The Brain

According to a study that was published in Food Chemistry, hemp seed extract contains powerful antioxidant effects, which may be attributed to the cannabidiol (CBD) content. Many studies have concluded that CBD has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. The antioxidants from hemp seed extract may benefit those with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Energy Boosters

The complex carbohydrates that work to balance blood sugar levels, in addition to the protein and calories, in hemp hearts help to energize you for a long time. People commonly reach for sugary foods like processed energy bars with saturated fats to fuel them between meals. Hemp hearts don’t have unnecessary fillers; rather, they increase energy levels without the aid of caffeine or sugar.

They Reduce Muscle Cramps

Magnesium has been known to reduce muscle cramps and headaches. Because you can lose magnesium via sweat (common among athletes), it is beneficial to eat magnesium-rich foods. If you frequently exercise, add some hemp hearts to your post-workout smoothies to prevent cramps. Hemp hearts also help to repair bodily tissues, due to the manganese, zinc, and iron content.

They May Reduce Inflammation

Consuming too many omega-6 fatty acids and too few omega-3s in can contribute to inflammation. Hemp seeds, however, have an incredible balance of omega-3s and omega-6s. The omega-6 known as GLA works to decrease inflammation, and may even help relieve symptoms of eczema, atopic dermatitis, and acne. GLA has even been referred to as an anti-inflammatory massager!

Looking for a way to incorporate hemp hearts into your diet? Try this amazing hemp heart recipe, which is actually keto-approved.

SHARE:

The post Here’s Why You’ll Fall In Love With Hemp Hearts appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A lot of people who use protein powder don’t realize the impact that certain powders can have on their health. Some people just buy what looks attractive without researching the product or taking a gander at the ingredient list. We can tell you one thing right now: stop using whey protein and start using plant-based protein powders! This is a great opportunity to try pea protein.

What Is Pea Protein?

Pea protein is exactly what it sounds like: protein extracted from peas. This sounds a lot more chemically unsettling than it actually is. Dried peas are milled into flour and the starch is separated from the protein, which can then be used in smoothies, almond milk, vegan recipes, and more.

It Has A Neutral Flavor

When buying protein powders, the taste is one of the most important things to consider. You don’t want something that is too artificial and you don’t want something that tastes like chalk. Luckily, pea protein has a neutral flavor, which means that it will blend nicely with your favorite smoothie.

It Is Hypoallergenic

Because pea protein is dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, most anyone can consume it without having an allergic reaction. Don’t consume it if you are allergic to peas.

It Has A Ton Of Protein

One serving of pea protein contains about 20 grams of protein. Because pea protein is plant-based, your body can absorb it and use it more efficiently than protein supplements that aren’t plant-based.

When buying something, especially protein powder, the most popular or highly advertised brands are not necessarily the best for your body. Try giving pea protein a chance and see how it makes your body feel. We are pretty sure you will be impressed!

SHARE:

The post Why You Should Give Pea Protein a Chance appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.