Let us set a very common scene for you quickly. You prepare your bedroom for sleepy time, turning on the fan, fluffing your pillow, and making sure everything else is just right. After you lie down and turn off the lights, you realize that you are alone with your own thoughts. Perhaps you spiral out of control about diseases that you don’t have, financial hardships, family members, and other stupid things that you don’t need to think about when going to bed. 

When you are in this situation, it feels like you cannot turn off your brain. Before you know it, you look at your phone and it is three in the morning. You have to wake up in a few hours to start the day, and that only propels your anxiety to a whole other level. The next thing you know, the sun is peaking through your curtains and it is time for you to greet the day, as much as you don’t want to. 

The goal is to get peaceful and restful sleep every night so that you feel refreshed when you wake up. What is the mind doing at night and how can you shut it down?

The Science Of Sleep

To give you a quick overview, you must know about two thought networks. The first is the central executive network (CEN) and the second is the default mode network (DMN). The former runs when you focus your attention on something, making it purposeful and task-oriented. The latter runs whenever the CEN is off and it is the general mental chatter that you hear all day long. DMN is essentially your stream of consciousness. 

The bad news is that the DMN is negatively biased, so it loves to point out the worst qualities you have. It brings up all of your most painful or embarrassing memories. Sleep experts note that one of the most critical stages of falling asleep is uncoupling the DMN. That basically means that you have to get areas of the brain to stop talking to each other. The CEN is tired at night, so it becomes more difficult to get the DMN to turn off because your ability to focus decreases. 

If you are uptight and stressed, the DMN may also not want to turn off. Researchers at Brown University watched people fall asleep in a brain scanner to better understand why people have a hard time going to sleep at hotels. They observed that the left hemisphere of the DMN remained more active than the rest of the brain during the first night. It woke up other areas of the brain when something unexpected happened, such as a hotel door closing or a voice in the hall. The more alert the DMN was to the outside world during the study, the longer it took for people to fall asleep. It was the DMN that kept them awake and alert when they really wanted to be asleep.

How To Train Your DMN For Better Sleep

Now that you have a better understanding of how the brain keeps you up at night, you can learn ways to override the DMN. The following techniques will help you fall asleep. Experiment with them and see which one works best for you. 

Read Something Uninteresting

If your DMN will not be quiet, find something neutral, boring, or uninteresting to read or listen to. Some people suggest watching something boring, but it’s best to limit blue light exposure before bed. Reading is great, but it is a big leap to go from an anxiety spell to a book. In that instance, an audiobook or podcast might be a better option. Perhaps an astronomer talking about Venus’ relationship to a black hole might soothe you and help you drift off to sleep. 

Force Your Mind To Remember Something

One of the scariest parts about going to sleep is the actual going-to-sleep part. The reason for that is because so many people struggle with sleep. That is true whether you are beginning to go to bed or trying to fall back asleep after waking up in the middle of the night. When you actively ask the brain to do something, you prevent the DMN from the chaos it causes. Try to remember something that you read or listened to from the previous tip. You can also try to remember the plot of a movie or book that you read/watched recently. Give yourself a cognitive task while falling asleep and the DMN won’t steal the show!

Breathe

It is very easy to feel stressed out when the DMN gets caught up in its worries and insecurities. You may feel your breathing become shallow and your muscles can clench. If the DMN is firing on all cylinders, you may clench your jaw and experience nightmares. To help calm the DMN, try soothing the body with some deep breaths. You can also engage in breathing techniques that promote more restful sleep. 

Take A Hot Bath

As a quick note, do not take a hot bath right before you are about to go to sleep. Hop in the bath to soak about two hours before bedtime. Research shows that a hot bath or shower at night can help people fall asleep almost as fast as people who take Ambien. Why does a hot bath or shower help the body shut down? In the hours leading up to bedtime, the body temperature naturally drops. A hot bath or shower simulates this process, helping to improve sleep duration and quality.

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If you currently live with high blood pressure, health experts recommend taking measures to manage the condition. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, proper sleep habits, stress reducing techniques, and more can all help lower blood pressure levels. According to research, many herbs are helpful tools for regulating blood pressure and supporting heart health. In fact, many of the herbs in this article have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to benefit cardiovascular health. Continue reading to learn all about them. 

HIbiscus

Technically a beautifully stunning flower, hibiscus may be beneficial in lowering blood pressure levels when consumed as hibiscus tea. The antioxidants in hibiscus tea relax blood vessels and work to improve circulation. Some studies indicate that drinking one to three cups per day can significantly lower blood pressure. A small pilot study suggests that hibiscus may be as effective as certain blood pressure medications in treating mildly high blood pressure, but more research is needed. 

Holy Basil

Holy basil, or tulsi, is a common herb used for stress management. Since stress can contribute to high blood pressure, holy basil may be effective at lowering blood pressure. Researchers note that in addition to lowering stress hormones such as cortisol, holy basil contains compounds that help relax blood vessels and reduce inflammation. There is currently no dosage information for holy basil, but most studies have used doses of 250 to 1,200 milligrams of holy basil extract per day. 

Turmeric

The anti-inflammatory spice that makes everything nice has another benefit: potentially lowering blood pressure. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, supports the flexibility and function of blood vessels. That process can help maintain proper flow and reduce blood pressure in the process. Some studies show mixed results, but others suggest that turmeric may be effective at lowering systolic blood pressure. 

Flaxseed

Rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, flaxseed is definitely a super food. All of those nutrients have proven to be effective at lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health. One meta-analysis found that supplementing with flaxseed reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Another study found that taking 30 grams of ground flaxseed daily over a 12-week period helped lower blood pressure and improve heart health. 

Garlic

Garlic’s active compound allicin works to relax blood vessels, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure, according to researchers. Studies indicate that garlic supplements, especially aged garlic extract, have been effective at reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, garlic supplements, either alone or in conjunction with blood pressure medications, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular episodes related to high blood pressure, such as stroke or heart attack, by 15 to 40%. 

Cardamom

Cardamom seeds are naturally rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that help to improve circulation and relax blood vessels. One study found that cardamom supplementation led to modest reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is possible that cardamom may regulate blood pressure by acting as a calcium channel blocker and stimulating the production of nitric oxide, two things that support healthy blood flow.

Ginger

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties reportedly help to lower blood pressure. It helps to improve circulation, relax blood vessels, and reduce inflammation. Several studies found that supplementing with ginger may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a positive way. Small, short-term research studies suggest that it’s beneficial to supplement with three grams or more of powdered ginger daily to manage blood pressure.

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An estimated 63% of adults in the United States drink sugar-sweetened beverages at least once per day. Although these fizzy, sugary drinks are very popular, they are the number one source of added sugar in the American diet. Too much of the sweet stuff can increase the risk of developing numerous health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. 

Soda has an addictive quality. That sugary, refreshing carbonation, especially when it is just the right amount of chilled, makes it seem like nothing is wrong in the world. If consumed in excess, though, these beverages can be quite unhealthy and dangerous for your health, due to the calories and sugar content. A single 12-ounce can of soda contains about 36 grams (g) of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily intake (RDI). To help you kick your soda habit, continue reading to learn about seven healthy soda alternatives. 

Iced Or Hot Green Tea

Potentially one of the healthiest soda swaps you can make, green tea is free of sugar, unless you add some. With only a handful of calories, green tea is refreshing hot or cold. Unlike soda, green tea contains powerful antioxidants that may help reduce inflammatory markers. Beyond the anti-inflammatory benefits, green tea may also help slow cell aging and reduce overall body weight. Brewing it at home means that your tea will not contain added sugars, unless you add a little sweetener yourself. If you do sweeten your green tea, add some raw agave nectar, stevia, or raw honey. 

Fruit Or Veggie Water

Cucumber water is not something that you only enjoy at the spa. Add a little pop of flavor to your regular iced water by adding in some fresh fruit, vegetables, or herbs. Not only is it calorie-free, but the fruit or veggies also add a little pizzazz, extra hydration, and electrolytes to your water. Water helps to hydrate the body, aid in the transportation of nutrients throughout the body, and support digestion. Don’t buy infused water, as it can contain added sugars or hidden flavors. To get the most flavor in your water, allow the fruit, herbs, or veggies to infuse in the water for about two hours before you drink it. 

Homemade Lemon Lime Soda

If you have a love affair with citrus-flavored, sugary soda, you do not have to give it up; rather, you just have to make a healthier version instead. Begin with a glass of plain sparkling water. Add a few slices of lemon or lime (or both) and a dash of stevia, which is calorie-free. If you do not like the flavor of stevia, skip the stevia and consider monk fruit sweetener or a small squeeze of raw agave nectar. Additionally, add some freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to the glass and then enjoy!

Iced Coffee

If it isn’t the fizz but the caffeine that you crave from soda, you do not need all that sugar. A healthier beverage choice for caffeine consumption is plain iced coffee. Research suggests that drinking black coffee in moderation can benefit certain health conditions, including dementia, depression, heart disease, metabolic disease, and stroke. The thing to keep an eye on is the add-ins. We are, of course, referring to syrups, creams, milks, etc. If you try to stay away from caffeine later in the day, consider a small cup of decaf coffee, as it contains the same beneficial antioxidants as the fully-caffeinated stuff.

Coconut Water

A quick word about coconut water: be cautious when you buy this nectar of the gods. A lot of store bought coconut water can contain added sugars, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients. There are many healthy options, though, including fresh coconut water that comes from young Thai coconuts. Unsweetened coconut water only contains 12 g of sugar per cup, but it also contains potassium, magnesium, and sodium, three integral electrolytes. Even though coconut water contains natural sugars and fewer calories than soda, the numbers still add up, so be careful not to consume too much. 

Kombucha

Even though kombucha is technically fermented tea, it will satisfy your carbonation craving while reducing your sugar intake. Many reports suggest that kombucha consumption leads to better gut health and faster metabolism. Additional studies are needed to test the health effects of this tangy beverage, but it is arguably better than soda. It does contain a small amount of alcohol, so you may want to avoid it if you are sensitive, pregnant, or nursing. 

Plain Sparkling Water

Filtered water is not always as satisfying as a cold glass of soda, primarily because it lacks carbonation. If the fizz is what you seek, consider drinking a glass of seltzer or sparkling water. Some research suggests that carbonated water may aid digestion and increase feelings of fullness. If you want to lose weight or want to avoid sugar for health reasons, please be advised that not all sparkling waters are created equal. Tonic water, for example, contains quinine, a compound that gives it a bitter flavor. Plus, tonic water has over 32 g of sugar in a 12-ounce can. Additionally, flavored sparkling waters may have hidden added sugars by way of the “natural flavors.”

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You’ve got your beach bag, cooler, and bathing suit ready, but what about essential oils? Believe it or not, the beach isn’t the only thing that can offer an uplifting and refreshing experience during the summer. Summery essential oils offer cooling properties that make them ideal during warmer months. Some of the essential oils in this article even offer protection against insects, sun exposure, and overheating, in addition to supporting your skin, energy, and mood. 

Most of the summer essential oils offer anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antimicrobial properties. They assist in helping you stay balanced during hot and humid weather. They tend to have floral, citrusy, and herbaceous aromas, making them perfect for diffusing in the home. You can also use them in DIY body sprays, apply them in diluted form to the skin, or add them to your summer skin or hair care routines. 

Spearmint Essential Oil

Different to peppermint essential oil but still similar, spearmint essential oil offers a cooling sensation that may help relieve tension, improve focus, and freshen the home. It has a milder aroma than peppermint essential oil, but still gives off an uplifting, minty scent. Spearmint essential oil is great for those who are sensitive to strong oils. Some studies found that it may soothe headaches, freshen breath, and support digestion.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil has a woody aroma that helps to calm the nervous system. Many people value it during the summer because it exhibits potent insect-repelling abilities. It may also help with oily or acne-prone skin, and even lends itself to nighttime diffusions to promote better sleep. 

Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella is a well-known plant that helps repel bugs, especially mosquitos. The essential oil is very energizing and deodorizing, making it a great oil for outdoor gatherings. Citronella is a must-have during summer, particularly if you want to spend your evenings outdoors in the summer. You can use it in a diffuser to help repel mosquitos, or even add it to homemade body sprays. 

Citrus Essential Oils

Known for their uplifting and invigorating properties, citrus essential oils can help boost energy, promote positivity, and provide a zesty scent. Citrus oils, including lemon, orange, and grapefruit, exhibit antimicrobial and detoxifying properties, helping support digestion and immunity, two things that are challenged by extreme heat. Lemon essential oil may offer relief from nausea and assist with skin care management. Grapefruit essential oil, similar to lemon, offers antibacterial properties and may help reduce stress and sugar cravings. Finally, orange essential oil is a great one to use during summer, due to its immune-boosting effects. You can also add it to DIY non-toxic cleaning products. 

Tea Tree Oil

Offering antibacterial and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is highly useful for minor cuts, scrapes or bug bites that occur during summer. It also exhibits anti-fungal activity, making it excellent for managing skin irritation, athlete’s foot, and acne. You can add tea tree oil to natural insect repellent recipes, foot sprays, scalp treatments, or DIY deodorant. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is commonly used to promote sleep, as its aroma helps to calm the mind and body. It can also help soothe sunburns, insect bites, and minor cuts. Lavender is a highly useful and versatile essential oil that shines during summer. The anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful for calming sensitive or irritated skin. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Got a little annoying cricket chirping away outside your window at night? Time to bust out the peppermint essential oil! Crickets despise peppermint’s aroma, so you can place a few drops in your windowsills to deter them. Peppermint essential oil offers cooling effects, making it great for hot summer days. It may help lower body temperature when applied (diluted of course) to the skin and may soothe sunburns and heat rashes. From an aromatic standpoint, peppermint essential oil boosts alertness and may help relieve headaches. 

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil exhibits a bright, citrusy aroma that may uplift your mood and reduce stress. It also supports emotional balance, making it great for summer anxiety or emotional burnout. Additionally, bergamot essential oil may help reduce the appearance of blemishes and balance oily skin. Avoid sun exposure after application due to bergamot’s photosensitivity, just like citrus essential oils.

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If you want beautiful hair, you have to begin at the scalp. It all starts with a great foundation, without which you cannot have a secure structure. The homemade natural remedy in this article uses chamomile and apple cider vinegar to soothe irritation, reduce itchiness, and promote a healthy, balanced scalp. The dynamic duo exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and cleansing benefits that nourish the scalp. 

Chamomile For Scalp Health

If you find yourself scratching your head all the time and notice little flakes on your shoulders, your scalp might be the issue. Although dandruff could be the problem, an itchy scalp isn’t always indicative of dandruff. If dandruff is the cause, your scalp is likely dry and unhealthy with clogged pores. Research shows that chamomile contains antioxidants that naturally exfoliate the scalp, helping to get rid of buildup, such as hair products and dead skin cells. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to calm scalp irritation, but the antiseptic properties are great for nourishing the inflamed, dandruff-plagued scalp. 

If you have used chemical treatments, such as coloring, rebonding, or perming, it’s possible that your hair is damaged, at least to some degree. Hair damage is more than just split ends; it encompasses dry, coarse, brittle, and dull hair. Fortunately, chamomile helps to nourish the hair by adding moisture. It also delivers vitamins C, E, and other antioxidants to the hair, working to fight free radical damage from chemicals, pollution, and UV rays. Chamomile also promotes circulation to the scalp, which may encourage healthier hair growth. 

Apple Cider Vinegar For Scalp Health

More than just a condiment for salad ingredients, apple cider vinegar may help strengthen hair, enhance shine, and improve scalp health. Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic, containing high amounts of acetic acid. The natural pH level of the hair ranges between 3.67 and 5.5, meaning that hair is slightly acidic. If your hair is dull, brittle, or frizzy, it is likely more alkaline. Due to apple cider vinegar’s low pH range between 2 and 3, it may help increase the hair and scalp’s acidity, which may encourage smoother, shinier, stronger hair. 

Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial nature may help kill several bacteria, including E. coli and Candida albicans. Research suggests that the acetic acid exhibits anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that may benefit scalp conditions, including pruritus and head lice. Just note that highly concentrated apple cider vinegar can damage the skin, especially sensitive skin. And finally, using apple cider vinegar to restore balance to the scalp is the main purpose. It’s possible for it to burn or irritate the skin, so be careful to dilute it and avoid contact with the eyes. If you get it in your eyes, be sure to quickly flush them with running water. 

Homemade Scalp Treatment

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chamomile tea (brewed and cooled)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5-10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions: 

• First off, brew the chamomile tea by boiling water and steeping two chamomile tea bags in the water for five to 10 minutes. Once that time passes, remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. 
• Pour the cooled chamomile tea into a large mixing bowl and then add the apple cider vinegar and optional lavender essential oil. Mix well to combine with a spoon or whisk. 
• Once prepared, you can apply the scalp treatment, but make sure to dampen your hair with water to allow the treatment to spread more easily. Ideally, pour the treatment into a spray bottle to allow for easier application. You can do the whole scalp, focusing on specific areas that need extra attention.
• After applying the treatment, massage into the scalp for a couple minutes and leave on for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water when done.

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

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

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

What Is Coffee Oil?

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

Benefits Of Coffee Oil

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

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

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

How To Make Coffee Oil

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

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This is about to be your go-to immune support tea, which you desperately need if you feel a cough or cold coming on. It’s always possible to get sick, especially if you encounter bacteria or viruses, even during the summer. It is warming and contains immune-boosting ingredients, such as lemon, cinnamon, orange, ginger, and turmeric. Don’t worry, you get to sweeten the tea with raw agave nectar, so it won’t be too intense for your palate. If you want to be successful with this tea, we have a couple suggestions:

If you want to make a larger batch of tea to store for later, make sure to strain the tea before serving. That will ensure that the flavor isn’t too intense. Another option is for you to store it in the fridge and use it as iced tea, if you don’t like drinking warm beverages when the weather is hot.

Always choose fresh ingredients if they are accessible. Ginger and turmeric are great in dried form, but the fresh varieties have stronger flavors and higher nutritional content.

Always listen to your body because everyone reacts differently to various herbs and ingredients. You can customize the ingredients in this tea, so long as they are cleanse-approved. If you change out ingredients and add onion and garlic, for example, keep in mind that the flavor will either intensify or change.

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

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

Aloe Vera And Lemon Mask For Brightening

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

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

Aloe Vera And Tea Tree Mask For Acne

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

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

Aloe Vera And Honey Mask For Hydration

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

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Instructions:

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

Aloe Vera And Green Tea Mask For Blackheads

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

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

Aloe Vera And Oatmeal Mask For Sensitive Skin

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

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon ground oatmeal

Instructions:

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

Aloe Vera And Charcoal Mask For Deep Cleansing

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

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon activated charcoal

Instructions:

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

Aloe Vera And Turmeric Mask For Clearer Skin

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

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• Pinch of turmeric powder

Instructions:

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

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Summer translates to carefree fun in the sun, outdoor activities, and social gatherings, but it also invites unhealthy cravings. Foods that people consider classic refreshments, snacks, and desserts rack up excess calories. If the goal is to stay slim and summertime fine, the last thing you want is to accumulate waste in the body. Unfortunately, summer snacks and drinks can easily make that happen. 

That’s where detox iced teas come enter the equation. Sip rejuvenating beverages that enhance hydration efforts and simultaneously aid with flushing harmful toxins out of the body. Regular consumption of these detox iced teas may aid weight loss efforts by increasing metabolism. It’s important to note that drinking detox teas and maintaining an unhealthy diet will not yield positive results. The teas do not simply cancel out poor lifestyle choices and unhealthy eating habits. Losing weight requires a multi-faceted approach, and these teas merely enhance weight loss efforts.

How Can Teas Boost Weight Loss?

One of the primary compounds of green tea leaves is caffeine. It acts as a mild stimulant that works to improve exercise performance and fat burning. According to research, the most impressive aspect of green tea’s nutritional profile is the antioxidant content. Researchers confirmed that drinking green tea works to slowly increase blood antioxidant levels. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the standout antioxidant in green tea and it has been known to boost metabolism. 

In order to burn fat, the body has to break down fat cells and move them into the bloodstream. EGCG works to inhibit an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a hormone involved in fat burning. By inhibiting this enzyme, norepinephrine increases to enhance the breakdown of fat cells. Caffeine may also enhance the efforts of EGCG on fat cells. Additionally, EGCG increases the body’s ability to burn more calories, even at resting metabolic rate. Most studies confirmed that people who drank green tea experienced a 3-4% increase in metabolism. If you follow a 2,000 calorie per day diet, that translates to about 60-80 calories. 

We gathered three impressive detox iced tea recipes that can enhance your weight loss efforts. Sip them throughout summer and let us know how you enjoy them in the comments. 

Detox Blueberry Coconut Iced Green Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 green tea bags
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1.5 tablespoons raw honey
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups coconut water, boiled

Instructions:

• Add the tea bags, blueberries, honey, and lemon juice to a heat-safe pitcher. 
• After boiling the coconut water, pour it into the pitcher. Allow the ingredients to steep for 5 minutes. 
• Remove the tea bags and serve over ice. Garnish with optional fresh blueberries and mint. 

Cinnamon Turmeric Detox Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 green tea bag
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 4 cups warm water

Instructions:

• Add the tea bag, cinnamon, turmeric, and raw honey to a heat-safe pitcher. 
• Pour the warm water into the jar and stir gently. Allow this to steep for five minutes.
• Remove the tea bag and serve over ice. Garnish with additional cinnamon or turmeric.

Lemon Ginger Basil Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 lemons
• 3/4 cup basil leaves
• 5 thin slices of ginger root, peeled
• 1 green tea bag
• 3 teaspoons raw honey

Instructions:

• Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a big pitcher. Make sure to avoid dropping seeds into the pitcher. 
• Add the squeezed lemons to the pitcher, along with the basil, sliced ginger, and green tea bag. 
• Pour enough warm water into the pitcher to completely submerge all of the ingredients. Add the honey, stir gently, and steep for five minutes. 
• Remove the tea bag, lemon halves, ginger slices, and basil by pouring the tea through a sieve. 
• Serve the liquid over ice and enjoy.

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The post 3 Detoxifying Iced Tea Recipes For A Slimmer Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The dry heat of summer can take a toll on the skin, especially if you spend the majority of your days outside. Salty beach air and sand or the chlorine in a pool can wreak havoc on the skin. While the good times may have ensued, your skin pays the price, feeling itchy and dry at the end of the day. How do you restore hydration, especially to your face, without using harmful products? 

This homemade cooling mist helps to rejuvenate the face, neck, and chest, giving your skin the hydration it needs to look the best. Should you incorporate it into your daytime routine while you’re outside, it may help to moisturize the skin. Protection is key if you don’t want your skin to dry out. You can also use it as an after-sun spray if you got a little more sun that you wanted to. Just keep a bottle with you at all times and you can treat yourself to a cooling mist whenever you want!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has several cosmetic benefits. It may help to stimulate blood flow near hair follicles to produce hair growth and help treat dark spots. Tea tree oil also has a moisturizing effect on the skin, helping to fight the drying effects of the sun. If you experience itching or dryness after a long summer day, tea tree oil may work to reduce irritation and itching. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Since ancient times, people have used frankincense essential oil for its many health benefits and beautifying properties. Dermatologists agree that frankincense oil tends to be safe for all skin types, especially mature complexions. It is a luxurious oil that may boost the skin’s radiance, especially after using a cleanser and moisturizer. After a long day, applying or misting frankincense oil onto the skin with the rest of the ingredients in this spray may restore your skin’s texture. 

Aloe Vera

Skin experts say that aloe vera has a few primary benefits for soothing the skin. It works to soothe itchiness or irritation, calming inflamed or irritated skin that may result from extended sun exposure. When you are in the sun for a long time, it’s possible for the skin to lose moisture via transepidermal water loss. This happens when the skin gets dehydrated and inflamed. The phytosterols in aloe vera may prevent transepidermal water loss, which is especially important for sunburnt skin. Finally, aloe vera works to hydrate the skin and provide a cooling effect. Plus, the polysaccharides in aloe are known for their hydrating benefits. 

Witch Hazel

Indigenous to North America, witch hazel is a tree-like plant, from which extract is derived either from the bark or leaves. The bark and leaves are distilled to bring out the plant’s active compounds. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties provide a tightening effect on the skin. This is great for soothing puffiness, redness, general irritation, and skin tone. It may also sop up excess oil via the antioxidant-rich tannins. This is why witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners. 

Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or fractionated coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle with mist sprayer 

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into the glass spray bottle. Use a funnel if you need to, or use a glass measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Melt the coconut oil and pour it into the bottle. You can also use fractionated coconut oil so that it remains liquified. 
• Add the witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils to the glass bottle. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• Use the face mist as needed, but make sure to shake the bottle before each use.

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The post Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.