Listen to any number of podcasts these days and you’ll likely hear someone talk about their ice bath or cold plunge. Health gurus and average Joes alike swear that submerging their bodies in cold water promotes better mood, more energy, heightened recovery, and less anxiety. The benefits may change from person to person, but one thing is for certain: cold plunges are not accessible to everyone. 

It’s safe to say that the average person doesn’t have a few thousand dollars to drop on a cold plunge. It’s also safe to say that nobody wants to go buy bags of ice at the store every day, nor do they want to buy a commercial-grade ice maker for a makeshift cold plunge. That begs the question: can you achieve the same benefits by standing in a cold shower? Experts believe that cold showers count as a form of cryotherapy, so long as the temperature is cold enough (between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of cryotherapy. 

It May Boost Metabolism

When you expose the body to cold temperatures, you can increase the metabolic rate and activate brown adipose tissue, both of which aid weight management. According to a 2022 study, immersing the body in cold water seems to transform adipose tissue, in addition to reducing insulin resistance. The combination of these benefits may also have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and metabolic diseases. 

It May Enhance Circulation

Doctors explain that cold exposure prompts immediate vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation, which improves blood flow to all organs. That is why a lot of people use cold plunges to accelerate exercise recovery. Although cold seems to reduce muscle soreness, it is unclear if the cold benefits muscle function. Improving circulation, regardless of athletic level, is beneficial. When you improve blood flow throughout the body, you help deliver fresh blood and oxygen to major organs, which helps them function optimally.

It May Beautify You

Cryotherapy will not turn back the hands of time, but it may positively impact your hair and skin. Cold water seals hair cuticles and helps lock moisture into hair strands. Additionally, the cold helps the scalp retain moisture content, while hot water strips it of its natural oils. The cold temperature strengthens hair cuticles to strengthen them and keep them healthy over time. Cold temperatures may also benefit people with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. Hot water can dry out the skin and cause slushing, which may pronounce redness in those struggling with it already.

It Can Encourage A Breathwork Practice

When you are in the cold, you have to steady your mind and control your breath. The power of controlling your breath can help you embrace the cold and know how to stay calm in the water. When you can control your breath, you can regulate your stress and stay calm in extreme conditions, such as the frigid water. The more you expose the body to cold and breathe through it, the easier it becomes. 

Are Cold Showers Cold Enough? 

Most of the existing research on cold water immersion therapy is focused on cold plunging or being in a cryochamber for a few minutes. Some studies have found that cold showers are a legitimate form of cryotherapy, provided the water temperature can be between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Some experts believe that cold showers fall under the cold water immersion umbrella.

Getting in a cold shower will have a similar effect to entering a cold lake, ocean, or pool. You don’t get cold as quickly as if you were to enter a cold plunge, but you can still reap some benefits. The last thing to remember is to have access to a heat source after stepping out of the cold shower, so that you can bring up the body’s core temperature to normal range. If you don’t bring core temperature back up after any type of cold immersion therapy, you increase the risk of hypothermia. 

How Long Do You Remain In The Cold Shower?

Typically, you remain in a cold plunge or cryochamber for three minutes. Since a shower does not get as cold, how long do you stand in the water? One study found that 10 minutes of cold exposure can aid muscle recovery, but that’s a long time to just let water run. If you want to reap the brain boosting benefits, the study found that you may only need five minutes or less in the cold. Other research says that two to three minutes of cold exposure is sufficient. Start off with less time in the cold and gradually increase the time.

SHARE:

The post Are Cold Showers Good For Your Health? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

You don’t need an expert to explain how beneficial sleep is for your overall health. You already know how much better you feel when you wake up after a good night’s rest. The benefits extend beyond an energy boost and better mood. Optimal sleep may help support your health far more than you realize, which is especially true if you aren’t sleeping enough right now. 

According to sleep experts, the average adult should get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that getting less than that may reduce immunity and increase the risk of chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity, and heart disease. Yet, one in three people do not get enough sleep per night. Even though this is the case, you can improve your chances of getting better, more restorative sleep. The following tips explain how you can set yourself up for sleep success.

Lower Your Thermostat

There is an attraction to being warm and cozy and snuggling up like a little fox in a bed. According to sleep experts, though, keeping your bedroom cool at night can support more optimal sleep. The body’s core temperature naturally dips in the evening to prepare the body for bed. For this reason, experts recommend that you put your thermostat between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the body cool. If you run hot at night, consider purchasing sheets or nightwear that is moisture-wicking or cooling. 

Move Your Body

Some evidence suggests that exercising during the day leads to more restful sleep, especially for adults and older adults. Physical activity actively tires out the body’s major muscles and helps to relieve stress, both of which relax the mind and body, making it easier for you to fall asleep. You don’t have to run a marathon or take part in a Spartan race to reap the benefits. A 2017 study found that regular movement can improve both sleep quality and duration, regardless of the intensity of your exercise. 

Make Your Bedroom A Sleep Haven

You do not need to do any major remodeling to your bedroom to sleep better. Set your bedroom up for sleep success by making it very dark, cool, and as tranquil as you can. Darkness is paramount because the more light you have, the likelier your mind is to race and wake up. Research from 2018 found that even a soft glow can disrupt your sleep, so consider purchasing blackout curtains or shades and unplug any devices or charges that emit light. Sleep experts also encourage you to make your bedroom a sleep-only zone, meaning you don’t spend time in bed catching up on work emails or scrolling social media. Treat your bedroom as a sacred space for sleep, which may help train your brain to power down when you go under the covers at night.

Try Relaxation Techniques In Bed

If you struggle to fall asleep because you get tense or anxious at night, it can be beneficial to engage in relaxation techniques. Many people benefit from guided imagery, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation. Trying to force yourself to fall asleep usually has the opposite effect. If you are not able to doze off with the relaxation techniques we just mentioned, consider reading, listening to an audiobook, or listening to calming music. Accepting your sleepless state can actually relax the mind and make it easier to fall asleep. 

Create A Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Sleep experts suggest going to bed and waking up around the same time daily to regulate the body’s internal clock. Research from 2015 found that consistent sleep and wake times may make it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up with more energy the next day. In order to do this, consider establishing a nighttime ritual, which can include pre-bed activities that aid sleep, such as: 

• Dimming the lights: A study from 2019 found that exposure to bright light suppresses the body’s production of melatonin. Turning off or dimming the lights an hour or so before bed may help you drift off more easily. Additionally, stop looking at screens an hour or so before bed to reduce your exposure to blue light. 
• Take a hot shower or bath: Taking a steamy, hot shower or warm bath is very relaxing, but it’s the aftermath that may have a positive effect on your sleep. Research from 2019 found that the body’s core temperature starts to go down after a hot bath/shower. That supports that natural temperature dip that occurs every evening to prime the body for sleep.

SHARE:

The post How To Best Achieve Restorative Sleep appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Love bombing, which is a popular term nowadays, is a type of emotional abuse. A love bomber uses grand gestures to manipulate the other person, i.e. they adorn the other person with gifts, compliments, and affection. The unfortunate reality is that these actions do not come from a place of love. Instead, love bombing is a technique that someone uses to make a friend, partner, or loved one dependent on them, which helps them control the relationship. 

Why Do People Love Bomb?

Psychologists theorize that love bombing comes from insecurities around trust or dependence on others. The idea is that if one person love bombs another person, they can gain control in the relationship. They then use that control to make the other person feel guilty about questioning their actions. Love bombing can be both intentional and unintentional and even though it is more common among romantic partners, anyone can do it. That said, it is a manipulative tactic that is more common in people with narcissistic personality disorder. Love bombing can also be a behavior that you learn, especially if you emulate parents or have done it in past relationships.

What Are The Signs Of Love Bombing?

Although the signs can vary from person to person, the typical indicator is an unwanted grand gesture that may make the other person uncomfortable. The key thing to note is that this gesture doesn’t make the person feel loved. Other signs of love bombing can include:

• Constant calling or texting to check in: The partner may not respect the other person’s schedule or time by constantly communicating. They may also get angry or frustrated if the other person doesn’t respond, given their “concern.”
• Giving unnecessary or unwanted gifts: A love bomber will usually pay for extravagant/unwanted gifts to make the other person feel loved. The gift giving is not in the other person’s best interest, and the love bomber will bring up the cost/significance of the gifts like a debt. 
• Over-the-top declarations of love: A love bomber may continuously flatter or shower the other person with praise, and usually way too early into the relationship. Over-the-top public displays of affection are common as well. 
• Constant praise or compliments: The right things are seemingly said, but compliments are typically an over-exaggeration. A love bomber may become overly interested in the other person’s hobbies or achievements. 
• Ignoring boundaries: It’s very common for a love bomber to respect healthy boundaries. They do not like being told no, similar to a child. If the behavior starts to overwhelm the other person and they communicate it to the lover bomber, the feelings are usually ignored. 
• Rushing into a relationship: Love bombers usually make future plans way too early into relationships. They tend to rush into committed relationships before getting to know the other person. 

Why Is Love Bombing Harmful?

As we have covered thus far, love bombing does not indicate a healthy individual or relationship. The behavior is manipulative and emotionally abusive, which is why some experts cite love bombing a mode of domestic abuse. Some experts believe that love bombing is a way for someone to gaslight their partner in order to isolate and control them. As a reaction, the person on the receiving end of the love bombing will likely experience mental health issues and remain in that unhealthy relationship. If love bombing persists, the emotional abuse can worsen and even become physical. Love bombing often includes the following modes of a narcissistic abuse cycle. 

• Idealization: The love bomber showers the other person with gifts and affection early on in the relationship. There may be feelings of sudden romance or intense love/caring. The love bomber will confess their love for the other person and what their future plans are. This constant communication and interest seems genuine, but it often isn’t.
• Devaluation: All of the grand gestures and compliments can make the person on the receiving end of the love bombing very comfortable. Gaining that comfort level can cause the love bomber to demand more of the other person’s time. They become irritated if they don’t get what they want and may attempt to gaslight or become violent. That is when the person should notice the red flags and get out of the relationship. 
• Discarding: If the person realizes that the love bomber’s behavior is unhealthy, confront them and try to establish boundaries. The love bomber may retaliate, refusing to cooperate. They may even go so far as to blame the other person for their actions, making them feel at fault. It’s also possible for the love bomber to move on and find a new replacement partner. 

The Takeaway

To conclude, love bombing is a manipulative tactic that is common among people with narcissistic personality disorder. It’s a tactic to gain control in a relationship, often to make the other person feel dependent on that person. Love bombing happens quickly, so be on the lookout for this unhealthy behavior early on in the relationship.

SHARE:

The post What Does Love Bombing Mean? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Do you have lemons and hate chemicals and artificial fragrances? If that describes you then it’s time to start making your own non-toxic household cleaning spray. The beauty of the cleaning spray recipe in this article is that it only contains two ingredients: lemons and distilled white vinegar. If you don’t have lemons but have an abundance of limes or oranges, feel free to use them instead. Any citrus fruit will do!

Citrus season runs from late fall to late winter, so you may have a lot of oranges, lemons, tangerines, limes, or grapefruits on hand. This is especially true if you have citrus trees in your yard or neighborhood. Do you have friendly neighbors who leave boxes of wonderful citrus fruits outside their house for the neighborhood to take? Those are the best people! The point we are trying to make is that you will most likely have a lot of citrus scraps if you have a lot of citrus. Instead of throwing them in the trash or compost (more ideal than the trash), save them and make your own cleaning spray. 

Vinegar For Cleaning

It is important to note that vinegar is not a powerful disinfectant. It has some disinfectant properties, but it is nowhere near as effective as bleach or other commercial disinfectant products. This is why it is important to decide if you want to clean or disinfect. If you want to disinfect surfaces (kill most bacteria), you may want to use a classic disinfectant spray or cleanser that specifically kills germs. 

Distilled white vinegar can be an effective household cleaner on certain surfaces. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-obtain product that is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of certain stains, oils, films, or bacteria. That same acidic quality can harm certain surfaces, such as hard wood floors, aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone. Vinegar can be a highly effective cleaner for glass, refrigerator shelves/drawers, or removing water stains from showers. Just make sure to do the research on whether the surface you want to clean will or won’t be harmed by vinegar. 

Gather Your Lemon Rinds

In order to make the cleaning spray in this article, you have to gather lemon rinds (or other citrus rinds) in a large glass container. Ideally, you should use a half-gallon mason jar, but a small pitcher or a few smaller jars will also work. A great time to make this cleaning spray is after you make freshly-squeezed lemonade, pesto, or similar recipe involving lots of citrus. If it is going to take you more than a week to collect all your rinds, add a little white vinegar to the jar by day six or seven. Pour enough to submerge the citrus rinds in order to prevent molding. 

Once you have a good amount of citrus rinds in the jar (doesn’t have to be completely full), pour the white vinegar into the container to submerge the rinds completely. You can add some fresh herbs for increased aromatherapy, if you so desire. Let the rinds soak for at least one week, and up to three weeks. You can let the container sit out at room temperature, but make sure to give it a shake every few days to mix things up. 

Lemon Vinegar Cleaning Spray

Equipment:

• Large glass jar (or other container for steeping)
• Spray bottle
• Fine mesh strainer/cheesecloth

Ingredients:

• Lemon rinds or citrus rinds (enough to fill the jar)
• Distilled white vinegar 
• Optional: fresh aromatic herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme)

Instructions:

• Collect your lemon or citrus rinds and stow them inside a large glass container. If you cannot collect all the rinds at one time, store the jar in the fridge as you continue to collect them. Should you need longer than a week, freeze the jar. 
• Once your jar is nearly full of citrus rinds, pour distilled white vinegar into the jar to completely submerge the rinds. Feel free to add a handful of fresh herbs at this time before you screw on the lid. 
• Allow the citrus rinds to soak in the jar of vinegar at room temperature for at least one week, and up to three weeks. Give the jar a shake every few days.
• Strain the citrus rinds after the soaking period, removing as many rind chunks as possible to avoid clogging the spray bottle. 
• Pour the strained liquid into a spray bottle and use when ready. It’s great for laminate kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances, showers, sinks, inside the fridge, or other durable surfaces.

SHARE:

The post How To Make Homemade Lemon Vinegar Cleaning Spray appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Bedsheets and towels are materials that touch your skin daily, especially the most intimate parts of your body. Like most people, you probably hang your towel up after drying off when you exit the shower. You don’t think about it (perhaps) until the towel starts to smell. That is downright gross, and it raises the question: How often should you wash your bath towels?

Why Washing Your Bath Towels Is So Important

There’s no other way to say this without being blunt: you get up close and personal with your bath towel on a daily basis. You use it to dry off every square inch of your body, from head to toe. After a few uses, your towel can be contaminated with several pathogens or bacteria that increase your risk of infection. Some of those things include:

• Fecal pathogens (norovirus, C. diff, and E. coli)
• Fungal species (such as the ones that cause ringworm and athlete’s foot)
• Skin pathogens (such as Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA)
• Bacterial and viral pathogens that can cause conjunctivitis 

How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towel?

Some researchers suggest that you should wash or change your bath towel after every use. This isn’t exactly feasible for everyone. Other researchers say that you can stretch your bath towel to three uses (max), so long as it dries fully between each use. According to one dermatologist and cofounder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans, Louisiana, she changes her bath towel every day. She added that it is acceptable to throw them in the laundry after every two to three uses.

What all researchers can agree on is that the towel must fully dry between each use. The reason for this is because drying helps kill potential microbes and inhibits them from growing. Your towel’s ability to dry will depend on the climate in your house. A towel may never fully dry in a more humid environment, and your bathroom tends to stay more humid than other areas in the home. For this reason, you may want to hang dry your towels outside the bathroom. 

As a quick note, there are some exceptions to the three-day towel rule. If you have open cuts or scrapes, had a recent surgery (such as mole or skin cancer removal), or have a lot of eczema or psoriasis, you will want to change towels more frequently. The reason for that is because the skin barrier is not intact, which is why you want to be more careful. Use a fresh towel after every shower until the skin has properly healed. 

How To Correctly Wash (And Dry) Your Towels

Make sure to wash your towels with detergent and then dry them on high heat. Health experts agree that that is the most efficient washing and drying routine to kill germs and keep mold counts down. Choose a detergent that contains enzymes, which break down dirt and kill germs during the wash cycle. The detergent will have that listed on the front label, saying that enzymes fight stains. 

If you have sensitive skin, it is possible that using a new detergent may cause irritation. If you experience any irritation after using a new detergent, stop using it. You can also find dye-free and fragrance-free detergents that incorporate enzymes into their formulas, as they may be gentler on the skin. You can also use liquid bleach or laundry products that contain activated oxygen bleach. Those products increase the efficacy of the cleaning process. 

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Towels Twice Per Week?

The short answer is that your skin will never be the same. No, of course this is not the truth. The reality is that not everyone will have problems with infrequent towel washing. If you notice that your towel has a mildew smell, that stink can transfer onto your skin when you dry off after showering. That could potentially trigger or contribute to allergy symptoms if you are allergic to mold. 

The transferring of pathogens from your towels to your own skin is possible, as we stated earlier in this article. That is true even if they are your own germs. You can get something from your towel, but it depends on how long the specific pathogen can survive and whether or not it will transfer from the towel to your body. On the other hand, some people won’t have any skin problems from overusing one towel. It really just depends on your skin and your body’s risk of infections.

SHARE:

The post How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towels? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

You can try your best, but you may not be able to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season. Viruses are exchanged more frequently than gifts at a white elephant party, and they don’t discriminate between healthy and unhealthy people. Plus, viruses easily spread via droplets in the air from infected persons when they sneeze, cough, or even talk. And viruses spread easily in indoor, warm environments, where people spend a lot of their time during the colder months. 

Flu season runs through fall, winter, and even into spring. Typically, infection rates are highest between December and February, so you have to put up your best defenses. Prevention is key, so taking care of yourself and monitoring symptoms, as minor as they may be, can help you reduce your risk of illness. Eat right, exercise regularly, sleep well, and make sure to reduce stress to help prevent illness. Should you come down with the flu and need assistance with quicker recovery, the following natural remedies may actually work, according to experts.

Gargle With Salt For Sore Throat

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book of natural remedies to soothe a sore throat. If your throat feels scratchy, gargling with salt water can help reduce inflammation and loosen mucus in the throat. That can help clear out irritants and other germs. Dissolve some salt in warm water until you do not see salt granules in the cup. Little by little, gargle with the salt water and then spit it out until you finish the cup. 

Clear Congestion With A Neti Pot

It is irritating and frustrating when you are stuffed up, have a runny nose, and feel like you can’t go a second without blowing your nose. When you are in this situation, or even before you reach this state of sickness, flush out your sinuses with a nasal rinse. Place a saline solution in a Neti Pot and carefully follow instructions for safe usage. There are many tutorials and videos on how to properly use a Neti Pot and how to make the saline rinse. Use properly and safely to avoid any complications. 

Consider Elderberry

More and more research continues to reveal the immune-boosting properties of elderberries. It is available in syrup, pill, powder, and extract form in most pharmacies and major retailers. Researchers theorize that elderberry can block HA glycoprotein spikes on influenza viruses, which may prevent the viruses from duplicating. Elderberry may also enhance the function of cytokines, which are immune proteins that may help fight inflammation. A 2021 research article reviewed 1,200 records of elderberry treatment on prevention of viral respiratory illness. The conclusion was that elderberry may be a safe option, but more evidence is needed to determine if it is a viable treatment option for everyone.

Drink Water And Herbal Teas

If you come down with the flu, one of your main goals is to hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more. The immune system requires water to do its job properly, so replenishing the body with hydrating fluids may enhance immunity. Health experts also encourage you to drink herbal teas, some of which exhibit powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel, thyme, chamomile, turmeric, ginger, and pennyroyal teas are excellent to consume if you have the flu. 

Sleep Your Flu Away

Accelerate your recovery process by taking the time to sleep your flu symptoms away. Pulmonary specialists agree that sleep strengthens the immune system, which is why sleeping helps you feel better when you are sick. That also explains why you don’t want to do anything else but sleep when you are sick! Sleep as much as you can and avoid contact with others until you have been fever-free for 24-48 hours. If you have a runny nose, place an extra pillow under your head to help your sinuses drain while you rest. 

Take Some Steamy Showers

Taking a warm bath or enjoying a steamy shower can help reduce irritation in the nasal passages or throat. Additionally, doing so may help clear mucus from these areas. You can enhance the effects of steam by dropping some eucalyptus essential oil droplets in your shower or bathtub. If the flu makes you feel lightheaded when you stand up, opt to take a soothing bath instead of a steamy shower.

SHARE:

The post 6 Natural Flu Remedies That May Actually Work appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

From descaling coffee makers to getting rid of grime and water stains, vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. Distilled white vinegar is a versatile cleaner in the non-toxic cleaning world, but multi-purpose does not mean it is all-purpose. When it comes to cleaning with vinegar, there are household items that can easily damage if you clean them with vinegar. Additionally, if you mix vinegar with other cleaning agents, especially bleach, the acid in vinegar can create dangerous chemical reactions.

People like vinegar because it is both inexpensive and non-toxic. Even though it is readily available, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every cleaning obstacle you face. You don’t want to ruin wood finish or damage your stone countertop. For these reasons, we’ve highlighted seven things that you should never clean with vinegar.

Grout

If you have unsealed or damaged grout, do not clean it with vinegar. Over time, vinegar can wear grout away and cause it to deteriorate. If you have sealed grout, however, you can clean it with vinegar, but you should still use non-acidic cleaners to avoid ruining your grout. 

Cast Iron

Don’t let any cast iron lovers ever see you soak your cast iron pans in vinegar. There is a specific set of rules to follow when it comes to seasoning and cleaning your cast iron pans. The seasoning process slowly builds up a coat of oil that helps keep cast iron non-stick. The reason that you should not use vinegar to clean your cast iron is because it cuts through that film, in addition to reacting with cast iron and causing it to rust.

Hardwood Floors

Tile floors can take a beating, but hardwood floors are a little more sensitive. People have mixed feelings about completely avoiding vinegar on hardwood floors or using a diluted vinegar solution to clean them. Most flooring manufacturers recommend that you do not clean floors with vinegar because the strong acid can eat away at the finish, causing it to dull over time. 

Rubber Gaskets And Hoses

If you repeatedly expose rubber gaskets and hoses to vinegar, they will disintegrate over time. Make sure that you check the manufacturer’s instructions before you clean household appliances with vinegar. Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators may contain rubber that can easily disintegrate when exposed to vinegar. 

Pet Messes

If you have a pet, especially a new one, they will most likely pee or poop in the house. Vinegar is not an ideal cleaning agent for surfaces like mattresses, upholstered furniture, or carpeting. The Humane Society of the United States does not recommend the use of vinegar on pet messes. The reason for this is because the strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area. Ideally, use an enzyme-based cleaning agent for pet messes. 

Your Phone Or Tablet

Maybe you are following a recipe and dirty the screen of your phone or tablet. Whatever you do, don’t clean the screen with vinegar. Additionally, if you are making dressing or something that calls for vinegar, avoid splashing vinegar on the screen. The screen has a fingerprint-resistant coating that vinegar can damage. Should you need to clean your screen, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water. 

Natural Stone Surfaces

Marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces, such as slate, should not be cleaned with vinegar. That means don’t use vinegar on home furnishes like countertops, floors, or shower walls, or household goods like tabletops or serving pieces. The acid in vinegar can etch stone or cause pitting that you cannot undo.

SHARE:

The post 7 Things You Should Never Clean With Vinegar appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It is very easy to collapse on the couch and mindlessly watch TV shows or movies at the end of a long day. You probably scroll aimlessly through social media on your phone when you get bored of the TV. This is the common way to “wind down,” but all that blue light stimulation can make it more difficult to fall asleep once your head hits the pillow. How do you fix that? Are there more intentional ways to relax and calm down in the evening? 

Before you engage in the following evening wind down methods, take stock of how much time you have when you get home before you go to bed. If you only have a couple hours, you may have to pick and choose smarter strategies. The important thing is that you take the time to deliberately unwind. Whether you arrive home after a long day of work or a hectic class schedule, the following relaxing strategies can help you take it easy. 

Use Relaxation Tools

Use technology to your advantage during your unwinding routine. There are various meditation apps and other affordable gadgets that help promote relaxation. A diffuser can be a great choice because you can add different essential oils, like lavender, that help calm the mind. Acupuncture mats, scalp massages, and foot baths are other inexpensive methods to help you relax after a long day. Consider looking at acupressure socks because they offer comfort and help your foot muscles recover. 

Do Something Uplifting For Yourself 

We cannot give a one-size-fits-all answer here because everyone has their own personal preferences. After a long, busy, exhausting day, do something that uplifts you when you get home. Perhaps you make plans to partake in something like a 1,500-piece puzzle or have some friends over for a weekly book club meeting. If you need to go to the movies for a good laugh, play a video game, or paint on canvas, do just that! Look back to your childhood if you need some inspiration for activities that bring you joy. Just make sure to carve out time in your schedule to bring yourself a little joy. 

Do A Brief Workout

Working out in the evening to wind down? Yes, indeed! It seems like a controversial suggestion, but working out is a great way to get you out of your own way, returning the attention to your body. Don’t choose a particularly strenuous exercise; rather, a light to moderately intense workout will suffice. Choose your own adventure depending on how much energy you have. The idea is to switch from your work brain to your home brain, and ultimately reconnect with your body. If you find that you lack energy, try a low-intensity workout like walking or Tai Chi. Yoga or Pilates can be beneficial if you want to both stretch and strengthen your body. 

Take A Warm Bath Or Shower

Some may think that this suggestion is a bit cliché, but it is easy to implement into your evening routine. Not only does a warm bath or shower get you clean, but it also helps loosen up your muscles, clear your head, and set the tone for your evening wind down. Warm water is naturally relaxing, with studies showing that it elicits feelings of relaxation and relief from exhaustion. Plus, taking a warm shower or bath a couple hours before bedtime can help lower your body temperature, which better prepares you for sleep. 

Read A Book

Not only does reading a book give your eyes and brain a break from screens, but it is also an excellent way to relax. A great book provides you with a temporary escape from reality, and a good book can grip your attention for hours. You don’t have to read War and Peace, but you can peruse a few books of interest and choose based on the genre you enjoy. If you want to double your relaxation efforts, consider reading a book while enjoying a warm bath. Just make sure that you don’t drop the book in the tub! Lastly, don’t read right as you get into bed because you may only last a page or two before you doze off. 

Eat A Comforting Dinner

There is a difference between comfort food and a comforting meal. That said, if a slice of pizza is going to help you wind down after a long week, allow yourself the opportunity to indulge. Some people enjoy a bowl of warm soup or a recipe for banana bread that has been passed down through the family. If cooking after a long day is only going to cause stress, stop by your go-to restaurant and grab a meal from there. That’s a great way to kick off your evening!

SHARE:

The post 6 Effective Tips To Help You Wind Down In The Evening appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you shave frequently, you only want the safest, purest ingredients for your skin. You have a thoughtful approach to how you shave, so you don’t simply use subpar shaving equipment or creams. The shaving butter in this article is the perfect swap for commercial shaving creams because it only uses natural ingredients. There’s no need to worry about toxins in your personal care products!

Before we cover how this shaving butter benefits your skin, we have a quick safety note. If you use this shaving butter in the shower, keep in mind that it can make the shower floor a bit slippery. For this reason, consider a non-slip shower mat or simply sit on the edge of the tub or on a shower seat while shaving. There is also no water in this recipe, so no preservatives are necessary. That said, you want to make sure that you wash and dry your hands before sticking your hands into the jar. If you introduce water to the shaving butter, it could easily spoil or start to mold. 

Olive Oil Benefits

Olive oil is a common pantry staple for many people because it is a common ingredient for salad dressings and cooking. It offers heart-healthy benefits, but it turns out that it may be just as beneficial for the skin. According to several studies, olive oil contains vitamins and antioxidants that improve hydration and offer anti-aging effects. Olive oil contains squalene and vitamin E. While squalene supports the skin’s moisture retention, vitamin E increases the skin’s ability to absorb and retain water. Olive oil also works to cleanse the skin by dissolving oily residue.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil is naturally rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are a form of saturated fat. About 65% of coconut oil’s total composition is medium-chain fatty acids, which exhibit antimicrobial properties that may protect against harmful organisms. This is highly important for the overall health of your skin, as these properties may fight off everything from acne and cellulitis to athlete’s foot. Coconut oil is also an excellent moisturizer for people with mild to moderately dry skin. One study found that coconut oil significantly improved hydration, and was just as effective as mineral oil. Another study found that coconut oil use led to a 68% decrease in eczema severity, making it more effective than mineral oil in eczema treatment.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is not a newcomer to the world of health and beauty. According to historical accounts, the Aztecs and Mayans used and consumed cocoa butter as early as 460 AD. Cocoa butter contains high amounts of polyphenols that may be helpful for your anti-aging efforts, according to some studies. It may also soothe sensitive or inflamed skin caused by dermatitis. Cocoa butter also contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamins E & K, copper, iron, choline, and magnesium. The iron contributes to glowing skin, while the copper supports healthy collagen and elastin levels, creating supple skin. 

Homemade All-Natural Shaving Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup each: coconut oil, cocoa butter, and olive oil
• 3 tablespoons liquid castile soap
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil and cocoa butter to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently until fully melted and then pour into a large mixing bowl. 
• Pour the olive oil into the bowl, stir to combine, and then refrigerate the bowl until the liquids are halfway solidified. 
• Remove the bowl from the fridge and whip using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the castile soap and whip the mixture a little more. 
• Finally, add in the essential oils and whip again before spooning into a glass jar. Store the shaving butter in a cool, dry place and use when ready.

SHARE:

The post Homemade All-Natural Shaving Butter appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Everyone uses hair care products. The combination of shampoo, conditioner, treatments, gel, and more, in addition to pollution, sebum, dandruff and dust, can cause build-up on the scalp. If the hair follicles are clogged and cannot breathe, the scalp can become unhealthy and irritated. Just like the skin, the scalp requires exfoliation to remain healthy and encourage optimal hair growth. 

When you regularly cleanse the scalp with an exfoliating scrub, you can help transform an itchy dry scalp into a nourished one. According to hair care experts, exfoliating the scalp can wake up the follicles, encouraging hair growth in the process. This is because the scalp requires stimulation and blood circulation, and massaging an exfoliating scrub into it can aid those two processes. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Scalp Scrub?

If you have a dry scalp, which is fairly common, a scalp scrub may be very helpful. Tiny flakes that you see are dead skin cells, and an occasional scalp scrub may prevent them from accumulating. The scalp has a constant renewal process of skin cells, but using a scalp scrub can aid that natural process, especially if you regularly see those dry flakes on your shoulders or hair strands. 

If you haven’t already noticed, dryness is the common theme here. If you notice larger, more oily and yellowish flakes, a scalp scrub will not fix the issue. In fact, you’ll need a dedicated anti-dandruff routine to solve the problem. If that isn’t your issue, massaging a scalp scrub into your head may improve hair growth. Research is limited on this subject; however, one study observed 340 people with androgenetic alopecia who massaged their scalps twice daily over the course of two months. Of the group that performed these massages, 69% reported that hair loss either stabilized or improved. 

In a 2018 study, researchers proved the link between scalp health and hair growth/quality. The study found that scalp exfoliation increased hair fullness and reduced hair shedding, all while controlling scalp malassezia levels. Malassezia is a type of yeast that can damage hair follicles. 

Are There Drawbacks To Scalp Scrubs?

The hair is in its most fragile state when wet. That reason is the primary drawback to scalp scrubs. You should use a scalp scrub mid-shower when your hair is wet. Massaging around the roots, especially if using physical exfoliation, creates a lot of friction around the hairs, which has the potential to induce damage. When the hair is damaged, you are more likely to experience breakage. 

Some beauty experts suggest that a scalp scrub does not effectively remove product build-up on the scalp. This may have to do with the type of exfoliant you make the scalp scrub with, though. If you find that the scrub is irritating or too intense for your scalp, you can stop using it right away. Additionally, don’t exfoliate with a scalp scrub every day. Ideally, you should only exfoliate the scalp once or twice a week at most. Massage is perfectly fine, but exfoliating too often can cause other scalp health issues.

Deep Cleansing Sugar Scalp Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a bowl, stir to combine, and then transfer that mixture to a jar. 
• While in the shower, wet your hair and section it off for easy application. Take about one teaspoon or so of the scrub and gently massage it into your scalp. 
• Massage in a circular motion, making sure that you do not over-exfoliate. It’s very important to treat the scalp gently because too much exfoliation can cause irritation. 
• Rinse off the scrub after a minute or so and shampoo with a paraben- and sulfate-free shampoo.

SHARE:

The post Deep Cleansing Sugar Scalp Scrub appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.