Add a little pep to your step when you start your morning with this energizing, refreshing green smoothie. Made with tropical, juicy pineapple, creamy banana, nutrient-dense kale, and homemade almond milk. this smoothie is an ideal breakfast or pre- or post-workout snack. It blends easily in less than a minute and you can personalize it with optional add-ons, including chia seeds, fresh ginger, lemon juice, or fresh mint.

If you have an aversion to kale, that is completely okay, but you are missing out on valuable nutrients by avoiding it. You can use spinach in its place, but should you decide to use kale, make sure that you remove the thick, fibrous stems. That will make all the difference to your smoothie. It makes it silky smooth and you won’t feel like you are chewing grass when you drink it. Ideally, you should use frozen pineapple chunks, as doing so adds thickness to the smoothie. Feel free to use fresh pineapple chunks if you prefer a lighter consistency to your smoothie.

We recommend using a frozen banana to create a lovely creamy base for your smoothie. That will pair beautifully with the homemade almond milk, which also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients. Should you have a nut allergy, feel free to replace the homemade almond milk with homemade hemp seed milk, homemade pumpkin seed milk, or even homemade sunflower seed milk. You can easily find recipes for all of those non-dairy milks in our recipe section.

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Plenty of people who swear by natural remedies regarding oral health or detoxing the mouth tend to practice oil pulling. Oil pulling is an age-old practice that involves swishing oil (typically coconut or sesame oil) in the mouth and then spitting it out. The claim is that oil pulling can help remove plaque and keep oral bacteria in check and although some research exists, most of the evidence is anecdotal.

What Is Oil Pulling?

An article in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine described oil pulling as swishing oil around in the mouth first thing in the morning. By swishing the oil in the mouth, you “pull” the oil between teeth. Ideally, you do this for five to 20 minutes and spit the oil in the trash when finished. It is important not to swallow the oil or spit it down the drain, as that can affect plumbing. The practice stimulates saliva production and helps remove harmful oral bacteria.

Does Oil Pulling Work?

Some studies exist on oil pulling’s effect on oral health and hygiene. Most of the discussion is about which oil is the best for the practice. The research is as follows:

• One study concluded that oil pulling with coconut oil is more effective than sesame oil in reducing the severity of gingivitis. 
• Another study found that oil pulling with coconut oil was as effective as chlorhexidine, a prescription mouthwash, in the reduction of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria believed to cause tooth decay. 
• Olive oil may also be useful for oil pulling because it exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. 

It’s important to note that these studies, and other studies, were mostly small-scale, so more research is necessary to draw positive conclusions about oil pulling. The American Dental Association (ADA) does not consider oil pulling to be a reliable replacement for brushing and flossing. It may enhance your oral health routine, but you continue to brush and floss as you would in your normal day.

Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil

Unlike alcohol-based mouthwashes and toothpaste, oil may get into those hard-to-reach parts of the gums. The natural antibacterial properties of oils like coconut may help break down bacteria. A lot of people who oil pull with coconut oil find that their teeth and gums feel much healthier and cleaner when they add it to their oral hygiene routine. Oil pulling is not a miracle cure, nor is it for everyone. There is a good chance that it can help promote healthier teeth and gums, just like Dherbs’ Natural Tooth Powder, especially if you use it in combination with other oral health practices. 

Coconut Oil Pulling With Essential Oils

Below, you will find a recipe for coconut oil chews, which make oil pulling a little easier. We added essential oils for flavor and health properties that may help enhance oral health. Peppermint, clove, and tea tree essential oils work to improve the taste. Whichever essential oils you choose, make sure that you are not allergic, they do not interact with your meds, and that they are safe for oral use. 

Coconut Oil Pulling Chews

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops clove essential oil

Instructions:

• Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. You don’t want it to be solid, but you don’t want it completely liquid either. 
• Remove from the heat, add essential oils, and mix gently. Pour the mixture into silicone molds and put in the fridge or the freezer to harden. 
• Once the molds are firm, remove from the molds and store in a jar in the fridge. Use one chew per day, or as needed, for oil pulling.

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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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In the world of DIY beauty, there are some unconventional, highly unique skin care methods. Some involve essential oils and herbs, while others focus on rubbing mud or ice on the face. Because there are numerous beneficial compounds in plants, we suggest trying an herbal face steam to reap those benefits. 

While a facial steam may be helpful in getting rid of congestion or supporting the upper respiratory system, an herbal face steam is like a natural facial. It is very simple and does not require a single piece of fancy equipment. All you need is a large bowl and the herbs of your choosing. You can use a combination of herbs, or just one that you prefer. 

The Best Herbs For A Face Steam

There are many plants with properties that promote healthy skin. You may have some of these herbs in dried form in your spice rack or pantry. The only thing you need to consider is whether you are allergic to specific herbs, as some can cause irritation. Here are some great herbs to use in a face steam:

• Lavender flowers: Soothing and calming to the skin, lavender flowers exhibit natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help repair damaged skin. The aroma is very calming as well, so adding them to a face steam before bed may help promote better sleep. 
• Calendula flowers: They offer antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why they have a long history of use in folk medicine for healing damaged skin and wounds.
• Rose petals: In addition to their potent aromatherapy benefits, rose petals have a long history of use for enhancing the appearance of skin. A 2015 study found that rose petals improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles. 
• Echinacea: Echinacea is a common ingredient in many immune supplements and teas. The flowers can be used topically for numerous skin complaints, including varicose veins, damaged skin, and eczema. Echinacea’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties are also helpful for those with acne. 
• Mint leaves: Very refreshing and invigorating, mint  works to relax arteries and stimulate circulation. Mint is also rich in numerous vitamins and minerals that dry skin craves.
• Helichrysum: This herb has beautiful yellow flowers that exhibit potent skin-enhancing properties. If you have really dry skin, pair this astringent herb with marshmallow to help enhance moisture. A 2020 study examined a night cream that contained helichrysum and found it was able to significantly improve hyperpigmentation, UV spots, and wrinkles. 

How To Do An Herbal Face Steam

You may want to use herbs that are gentler on the skin than strong oils that may irritate the skin or eyes. You don’t need a fancy facial steam machine or anything like that. Get a bowl or pot, the herbs, boiling water, and a towel to drape over your head and bowl. A quick reminder: do not put your face too close to the hot water, as the steam can burn the skin. 

Rejuvenating Herbal Face Steam 

Ingredients:  

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 tbsp lavender flowers
• 1 tbsp horsetail
• 1 tbsp peppermint leaf
• 1 tbsp chamomile flowers
• 1 tbsp calendula flowers
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

• Place the water, herbs, and lemon slices in a clean pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Keep the lid on the pot to preserve more of the volatile oils from the herbs. 
• Once boiling, turn off the heat and remove the pot. You can pour the contents into a heat-safe bowl, or place the pot on a potholder on your countertop. 
• Lean over the pot or bowl and drape a towel over your head to create a steam room for your face. Make sure not to put your face too close to the water. Once the pot is done steaming, your face steam is over.

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As you get ready to settle in for winter and the holidays, you may wonder how to take advantage of essential oils. Perhaps you want to use a diffuser that you received as a gift, or maybe you want to make your own beauty products. Whatever the case, you can use many essential oils that evoke the essence of the holidays. It could be a smell that you remember from your childhood, or an aroma that inspires productivity. Maybe you just want to create a warm, welcoming vibe in your home! We have you covered with winter’s top essential oils in this article. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Could you enjoy the holidays without the aroma or flavor of peppermint? It is an unmistakable, fresh and minty smell that is perfect for short winter days because it inspires productivity and energy. Peppermint essential oil can also help to ease headaches and stomach troubles, both of which are common during the holidays. Some studies indicate that inhaling peppermint essential oil aroma may boost respiratory health. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

As the story goes, baby Jesus received frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Frankincense oil has been a symbolic gift throughout history, being offered to deities. Used topically, it may help protect and nourish skin cells and reduce arthritic joint pain. The aroma may help stimulate the immune system, reduce anxiety, and promote grounding. 

Pine Essential Oil

Pine essential oil has a woody, herbaceous aroma that instantly reminds you of the holidays. It smells just like a Christmas tree! Inhaling the aroma may help clear the airways, invigorate your spirit, and soothe sore muscles (when applied topically with a carrier oil). You can also blend pine essential oil with other woodsy oils, such as cedarwood essential oil, to create some beautiful holiday scents. 

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Do you buy those cinnamon-scented pine cones that are available in so many stores during the holidays? No need to buy those if you have cinnamon essential oil in the house! It is a warming spice that is a known immune booster and inflammation reducer. Just be careful if you decide to apply it topically, as it can be a dermal irritant in large amounts. Proper dilution is key with this oil, and most other essential oils. It also blends easily with a lot of the essential oils in this article. 

Black Spruce Essential Oil

There is nothing stopping you from making your home smell like a woody, piney, and somewhat balsamic holiday oasis. It is a great essential oil for promoting respiratory wellness, balance, and total relaxation, all of which are essential during winter months. 

Christmas Spirit Essential Oil

Is this the definitive scent of the holidays? We’ll leave that for you to decide. It is a holiday essential oil blend of orange, cinnamon, and spruce essential oil. It warms the soul and is perfect for diffusers. It’s a timeless blend that exemplifies the holidays, so much so that you will fa la la love it. 

Clove Essential Oil

Offering a rich, spicy fragrance, clove essential oil is synonymous with holiday baking and warm beverages. The scent can evoke feelings of togetherness and nostalgia, making it a great essential oil for the holiday season. Combine clove essential oil with cinnamon or orange to create a delightful holiday blend of your own. Studies show that clove essential oil may promote stability and enhance immune function.

Myrrh Essential Oil

Find emotional balance and relaxation when you inhale the soothing scent of myrrh essential oil. It has been known to exhibit calming effects and has the potential to enhance meditation. Myrrh essential oil pairs beautifully with frankincense essential oil, and that combination may enhance your holiday reflection or mindfulness.

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People drink lots of coffee, especially during the holiday season. What’s unfortunate is how much sugar people drink when they order holiday-themed beverages. You’re familiar with the classics: pumpkin spice lattes, sugar cookie lattes, peppermint mocha frappes, and other similar drinks. Coffee has its benefits, but not when you add all of those syrups, dairy products, and excess calories and sugars to it. If you are going to add a holiday-inspired creamer to your coffee, you should use this non-dairy peppermint mocha creamer.

The sad reality is that many store bought creamers, or the ones in coffee shops, contain a lot of ingredients you should avoid. Carrageenan, high fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated oils are just some of those ingredients. Instead, you can easily make your own creamer with some simple ingredients. Plus, the coconut milk base provides lots of healthy fats that help keep you full between meals. Additionally, this creamer is not only dairy-free, but paleo-friendly as well. You cannot enjoy it while cleansing, but you can if you are not using one of our cleanses.

In order to get the signature peppermint flavor, we included peppermint extract. The creamer also contains maple syrup for sweetness, but you can use liquid stevia if you prefer a sugar-free creamer. Sweeten the peppermint mocha creamer to your liking and then go from there. You can also swap peppermint extract for almond, vanilla, or orange extract if you prefer. Just make sure that you enjoy it!

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The winter months can be a little dark and chilly. Why not invite some color and zest into your life by making a refreshing, seasonal fruit salad? This fruit salad will help brighten any gray, gloomy winter day. It contains crisp apples, juicy mandarins, bright pomegranate arils, soft pear, tart kiwi, and herbaceous mint. Now that’s what you call a bowl of nutrition! This bowl also offers you a little break from all of the heavy holiday dishes that are readily available this time of year. Set your body up for success when you enjoy this for breakfast.

Various cultures have enjoyed fruit salads for centuries, typically adopting whatever fruit is in season. During the winter months, tropical fruits are harder to find, depending on your location. Temperate fruits like apples and citrus varieties take center stage. Pomegranate is also a classic winter fruit that is associated with renewal and abundance, especially in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures. In fact, those cultures use pomegranate arils to brighten both sweet and savory dishes. You’ll love this fruit salad for the following reasons:

• It is quick and easy to make, coming together in less than 15 minutes.
• The bright colors and sweet and tart flavors make it a hit at the breakfast table or holiday gatherings.
• You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later because it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a couple hours.
• It pairs beautifully with chia pudding, overnight oats, or oatmeal.
• You can customize it by using other seasonal fruits that you enjoy.
• It is budget-friendly because it uses seasonal produce items, which are typically more affordable.

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The holidays are just around the corner, which means that fun, excitement, and joyous times are fast approaching. It also means that some inevitable stress is on the way. That stress can be attributed to family dynamics, holiday airport travel, or gift giving. A recent study actually found that a high percentage of Americans have anxiety about the holidays because of budget concerns. 

Fortunately for you, we provide lots of DIY beauty recipes that you can make and give as gifts. A little handmade soap, body butter, lotion, or face mask never hurt a soul! Making hand soap is a great idea because it can encourage hand washing, which can help minimize the spread of germs, which spread like wildfire during the winter months. Your gift is not only heartfelt, but may also help avoid getting sick. It’s like you are the holiday health hero!

What’s Wrong With Other Holiday Hand Soaps?

There are many beauty stores that sell holiday-scented hand soaps around this time of year. We are not the biggest fans of those products because a lot of them contain ingredients that can disrupt endocrine function. They may also contain ingredients that can cause immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity. There are many foaming hand soaps with various scents, some of which contain methylisothiazolinone, a known chemical to trigger allergies or immunotoxicity. 

Many of those products also contain synthetic fragrances, which can trigger allergies, endocrine disruption, and cause hormonal imbalances. Why risk all of that for a scented hand soap, when you can easily make your own, healthier version in no time? Knowing what goes in your beauty products is not only helpful to your health, but it also gives you confidence about using harmless products. Consider some of the benefits of certain ingredients in this hand soap. 

Liquid Castile Soap

This olive oil-based soap is generally mild and a lot safer than other soaps, which are made with animal-based fats or oils, lye, and scents or fragrances. You want to avoid unwanted reactions on the skin, making castile soap a great option. Pure castile soap is all natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, and free of synthetic ingredients. Castile soap is also ethically better and more eco-friendly. In fact, more and more people have started to use it because it reduces a person’s environmental impact. It is also cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Rich in antioxidants and nutrients that benefit the skin, sweet almond oil is a great ingredient to help soothe the skin and hair. Thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, almond oil can be used in various applications. It is a natural emollient that helps to hydrate the skin, enhancing moisture and increasing smoothness. Research indicates that using a hand cream made with sweet almond oil provides relief from hand dermatitis, relieving symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, and itchiness. It is generally safe for most skin types, especially sensitive skin, because it is lightweight. 

DIY Candy Cane Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unscented liquid castile soap
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops spearmint essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Pour the soap, glycerin, almond oil, and essential oils into a soap container. 
• Fill the rest of the container with distilled water. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• You can make custom labels for your soap if making holiday gifts. It gives the soap a personalized and fancy touch.

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If you are someone who loves a room with a scent, chances are that friends or family will give you candles this holiday season. Candles are an easy gift to give, and they are even easier to regift if you don’t like the scent. Unfortunately, a lot of candles and air fresheners or wall plug-ins contain harsh chemicals that affect the endocrine system. They can even be harmful for respiratory systems, especially if you have little ones in the house. 

Scientific research indicates that there is a lack of oversight in the United States when it comes to the fragrance industry. You may not know it, but you are surrounded by fragrances in shampoos, detergents, makeup, creams, toners, lotions, and so much more. All of these products contain unnamed artificial fragrance blends. There are over 4,000 fragrance ingredients disclosed on the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) transparency list. Many of them are linked to serious health problems, including cancer, hormonal imbalances, and respiratory issues. 

Due to copyright laws, though, manufacturers do not have to disclose the ingredients in their fragrance blends. Even fragrance-free products can contain some problematic ingredients on the IFRA transparency list. The unfortunate reality is that many of these ingredients are in a lot of products that you probably use right now. That’s why we encourage you to boycott air fresheners and candles and make the room sprays in this article instead.

DIY Holiday Room Sprays

These holiday room sprays are quick and easy to make, and they make your home smell amazing. What’s even better is that they are free of toxic chemicals and make for excellent gifts, which is great if you are trying to save some money this holiday season. Additionally, you can spray them on your bed to freshen up your linens. A quick note before we provide the recipes is that you should use dark glass bottles for these sprays. The reason for that is because essential oils contain potent compounds that can break down and react when they come in contact with plastic. Essential oils also go bad if exposed to UV radiation. 

How To Make Holiday Room Sprays

You will need your dark glass bottles, distilled water (if possible), and high quality essential oils. Make sure that your essential oils are pure because fake essential oils are just as bad as synthetic candles and air fresheners. Finally, you will need witch hazel, which helps combine water and essential oils, allowing the scent to linger in the room for a long time. 

Holiday Cheer Spray

Ingredients:

• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Christmas Tree

Ingredients:

• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 10 drops balsam fir essential oil
• 5 drops nutmeg essential oil
• 10 drops cypress essential oil
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions: 

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Winter Wonderland

Ingredients:

• 10 drops each: wintergreen, cedarwood, and cinnamon essential oils
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Deck The Halls

Ingredients:

• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Candy Cane

• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops spearmint essential oil
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

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From breaking down food and absorbing nutrients to enhancing immune function and energy production, the gastrointestinal tract plays a large role in your overall health. Maintaining a healthy digestive system benefits both your mental and physical well-being. There are many ways to encourage optimal digestive function, but one of the easiest ways is to add smoothies to your daily routine. 

When you make smoothies a part of your daily regimen, you can help support regularity, improve nutrient absorption, and decrease bloating and digestive discomfort. Just because you drink a smoothie, that doesn’t give you an excuse to eat whatever the rest of the day. A large cup of nutrient-dense ingredients will not cancel out a calorically-dense, sodium-rich fast food meal. 

Set yourself up for a bloat-free day by starting your day with any of the smoothies detailed in this article. As a quick note, not all of these smoothies are cleanse-approved. The reason for this is because some of the ingredients, such as oats and yogurt, offer pre- and probiotics that some raw vegan ingredients do not. If you make one or more of these smoothies and experience better digestive function, let us know in the comments. 

Pineapple Ginger Green Smoothie

This is a refreshing green smoothie that tastes like a little slice of tropical paradise. Many of the ingredients in this smoothie contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and calm the stomach. Ginger, for example, exhibits natural soothing properties, while spinach offers iron, magnesium, protein, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Pineapple adds some sweetness, along with bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins. That makes this blend of ingredients perfect for soothing the digestive tract. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. 
• Pour into two large cups and enjoy immediately. 

Pear Cardamom Oat Smoothie

Talk about fall in a cup! Pears are not only seasonal fall fruits, but they are also excellent sources of fiber (both soluble and insoluble) and sorbitol and fructose, two sugars that stimulate digestion. Both soluble and insoluble fiber help maintain bowel regularity by softening stool to make it easier to pass. Oats also contain fiber, protein, and complex carbs. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pear, cubed
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 teaspoons agave nectar
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more almond milk or water to thin it.
• Pour into a large cup and enjoy immediately. 

Cucumber Mint Probiotic Smoothie

Ideal for warmer days, this smoothie is as cool and hydrating as it is beneficial for the digestive tract. Mint, just like ginger, works to soothe the digestive system, while yogurt provides essential probiotics to help maintain healthy gut flora. It is a refreshing smoothie choice for anyone looking to boost digestive function. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mint leaves
• 1/2 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour into a large cup and enjoy immediately. 

Avocado Banana Yogurt Smoothie

Is this a smoothie or a milkshake? We’ll leave that for your taste buds to decide! This ultra creamy smoothie is rich in healthy fats and probiotics. Studies show that avocado works to soothe the digestive tract, while Greek yogurt supplies the gut with beneficial bacteria. Both the ground flaxseed and cinnamon add fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help relieve bloating. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 avocado, pitted and peeled
• 1 small banana, peeled and sliced
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• Dash of cinnamon

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If you want, you can freeze the banana prior to blending to make the smoothie extra creamy.
• Pour into two large cups and enjoy immediately. 

Creamy Paleo Green Smoothie

Silky smooth and undeniably delicious, this creamy green smoothie is naturally rich in chlorophyll, fiber, iron, and vitamins C, K, and so much more. It contains flaxseed and avocado, both of which provide omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit brain and heart health. Ground flaxseed also helps to regulate bowel movements and improve energy levels, due to the presence of lignans. Just remember that a little flaxseed goes a long way. 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/2 banana, peeled, sliced, and frozen overnight
• 1/2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/2 Medjool date, pitted

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. 
• Pour into a large cup and enjoy immediately. 

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