If you have an excess of grapefruit in your home, either because you bought a bunch or you have a tree, you want to use them before they go bad. Making fresh grapefruit juice to enjoy is a lovely idea, but you may not want to drink a lot for several days straight. Fresh-squeezed juice expires in a matter of days, unlike store bought juice, which contains preservatives. You can incorporate fresh grapefruit juice into many things, such as smoothies, salads, desserts, or salad dressings.

Adding fresh grapefruit juice to a homemade salad dressing adds a lovely, surprisingly sweetly tart flavor. It adds a little extra zest, especially when you pair it when the apple cider vinegar. Plus, you never really see a dressing that includes fresh grapefruit juice, and it’s never a bad idea to have a few homemade dressings sitting in the fridge, especially if you are cleansing. You want to make sure that you vary your dressings and your salad ingredients to keep your taste buds interested in salads. That isn’t to say that you have to eat salad for every meal, but it is an easy and viable meal option for many of our cleansers.

When it comes time to make the vinaigrette, it is nice to use a blender because it helps emulsify the ingredients into a smooth dressing. You can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl, or you can even add them to a jar, screw on the lid, and shake well to combine. The resulting vinaigrette will not be as smooth. Additionally, if you choose not to blend the dressing, juice the grapefruit by hand, because you can just toss the grapefruit pieces into the blender without juicing if you go that route.

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When you have a lot of rosemary on hand, you cannot simply make roasted chicken and potatoes for every meal. You can add rosemary to stocks, soups, or infuse it into oil, but eventually, you will tire of the herb’s flavor. Too much of a good thing is real…or is it? When you no longer want to enjoy rosemary in culinary applications, use it to make nourishing products for your skin and hair. 

Why Should You Use A Facial Toner?

Facial toner works to remove traces of grime, dirt, and impurities that remain in your pores after you wash your face. Adding a toner to your daily skin care routine can have a positive impact on the overall appearance and tightness of your pores. Turning back the hands of time? Although it isn’t the anti-aging secret of the century, facial toner does help to restore the skin’s pH balance, creating a smoother appearance and tone. 

Everyone can benefit from using facial toner, but people with oily or acne-prone skin benefit a great deal. The reason for this is because toner goes the extra mile to clean the gunk out of those pores. If you have acne-prone skin, though, consider a toner that contains salicylic acid. People with oily skin may benefit from toners that help to balance oil production. Continue reading to learn more about the ingredients in this homemade toner and how they benefit your skin. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in many DIY face washes, acne spot cleansers, and toners. At this time, there isn’t sufficient research or scientific evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar for facial skin care. That said, there are many anecdotal reports that suggest it works wonders for the skin. Apple cider vinegar works to remove excess oil, dirt, and other debris from pores. When incorporated into a toner or cleanser, apple cider vinegar can aid your skin-cleansing efforts. Because it is an astringent, apple cider vinegar lends itself to toners, creating more even skin tone and tighter pores. 

Rosemary

Rosemary, specifically rosemary oil, acts as a refreshing astringent that helps to balance skin tone. Topical application of this oil can help decongest oily skin types and acne-prone skin, while simultaneously maintaining the skin’s balance. The antimicrobial properties of rosemary help to invigorate the skin and increase circulation to the skin’s surface, contributing to a more youthful glow. Rosemary works to hydrate the skin and control oil production, while also providing antibacterial properties that help to keep breakouts at bay. Additionally, the use of rosemary oil on the skin has been associated with less flaking and dryness. It is a common ingredient in skin care products because it encourages healthier skin tissues. 

Homemade Facial Toner With Rosemary

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Combine the water and rosemary in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. 
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the liquid to cool before straining it through a fine mesh strainer and into a glass jar. 
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar and mix well to combine. 
• When ready to use, shake well to combine, dip a cotton ball or pad in the mixture, and gently pat your face with it to apply. 
• Leave for a minute or so and then follow with your favorite moisturizer.

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With the price of eggs these days, you may not even be thinking about buying some to dye for Easter. Well, we hope that isn’t the case because having a basket full of colorful Easter eggs is a fun arts and crafts activity for the whole family. Easter doesn’t have to be another holiday that promotes overindulgence! You can eliminate a good portion of sugary treats, food dyes, and artificial ingredients this year. 

Why Are Eggs Associated With Easter?

Quite frankly, you may be wondering what eggs have to do with Easter in the first place. No, bunnies do not lay eggs, nor do they deliver them to secret places in your house. Throughout history, people have given each other eggs at spring festivals to celebrate the start of the new season. An egg represents new life and rebirth, and the theory is that this ancient custom made its way into Easter celebrations.

During medieval times, for example, one could not eat eggs during Lent, the 40-day period before Easter. On Easter Sunday, indulging in an egg was a true treat! That was especially true for people who could not afford to buy meat. Historians note that eggs were given to the church on Good Friday as offerings. It was only in the late 1200s that eggs were decorated with colors and gold leaf and given to Edward I’s household. 

Are Naturally-Dyed Eggs Too Extreme?

Eggs, aside from the higher cost this Easter, are not the issue we are concerned with. We take issue with giving children an unlimited supply of plastic eggs filled with candy. Giving kids copious amounts of junk food at Easter and other holidays sets an unhealthy precedent. They do not need to associate holidays with unhealthy foods. There are better ways to develop healthier habits for life!

An occasional indulgence is perfectly fine, and you should not deprive yourself, or the little ones, of those treats. The point we are trying to make is that kids may receive these indulgences a little too often. From birthdays and Valentine’s Day to Easter, Halloween, and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to indulge in sweets. Celebration does not always have to equate to unhealthy, overly sweet treats. 

How To Dye Easter Eggs Without Synthetic Colors

The color tablets that people use to dye easter eggs contain harmful dyes, which may negatively affect certain children. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned certain red food dyes, but synthetic colors are still permitted in food. Nobody eats the colorful shells of Easter eggs, but egg shells are permeable. With food sensitivities on the rise, it’s worth considering natural dyes for coloring eggs. 

DIY Natural Egg Dye Tutorial

Equipment:

• Large pot (for boiling eggs)
• Small pot with lid (one for each color you use)
• Strainer
• Paper towels (or old rags)

Materials:

• 1 cup red onion skins
• 1 cup yellow onion skins
• 2 cups purple cabbage
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1/4 cup turmeric
• 2 cups beets, chopped
• 2 cups grape juice
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (per color used)
• White eggs

Instructions:

• For each color you decide to use, you will need one to two cups of plant material for every two cups of water. Use two cups for a deeper, more vibrant color. Because turmeric is dried, you will only need 1/4 cup of water to make the yellow turmeric dye. 
• Add one to two cups of one fruit or vegetable of choice, along with two cups of water, to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer with the lid on for 20-30 minutes.
• You can add the raw eggs and vinegar with simmering fruit/vegetable, but make sure that you reduce the simmer time to 15 minutes, or else you will overcook the eggs. 
• Let the liquid cool to room temperature before straining the fruit/vegetable. Make sure to compost the fruit or vegetable to reduce food waste, but squeeze as much liquid out of the plants as possible before doing so. 
• If you boil the eggs with the dye liquid, remove the eggs from the liquid once cooled. 
• Place un-dyed hard boiled eggs into the natural dye liquid and add two tablespoons of vinegar. Allow them to soak for several hours or overnight in the fridge. 
• Remove eggs from the dye liquid after soaking and pat dry. Rub the shell with a small amount of oil to make them shiny.

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First thing’s first: these are not pickles, despite their appearance. You can make the argument that they are, but we don’t classify them as such because the cucumbers do not pickle in a liquid. Additionally, you do not heat up the liquid to poor over the sliced cucumbers. Should you want to cut the cucumbers into spears, not rounds, you can do that as well. It’s a matter of preference because the flavor will be just as delicious no matter the shape.

These garlic dill cucumbers bring a refreshing, slightly tangy and herbaceous flavor to any potluck or simple weeknight dinner. Even though it is winter, this recipe will bring your taste buds into summer. It’s a timeless classic and you haven’t even tasted it yet! It balances the tangy, brininess of apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, and savory garlic. It’s also low in calories, low in carbohydrates, and a unique way to enjoy cucumbers. And believe us when we tell you that changing up the flavors of your veggies is paramount when you are trying to keep your taste buds interested while cleansing.

We recommend English cucumbers for this recipe because they have a thinner skin and minimal seeds, compared other cucumber varieties. If you have Persian cucumbers or hot house cucumbers, you can use them as well, but you may want to scoop out the seeds prior to marinating them in the liquid. You can also adjust the sweetness level to your liking, adding more or less maple syrup. Start small and go from there because you can always add more. Finally, you can serve this dish after a quick marinade, or you can marinate the cucumbers for four hours. The choice is yours, but it will be delicious no matter what.

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Think about how often your yoga mat touches the floor, especially if that floor is in a public yoga studio. Now think about all of the sweat, oils, and bacteria that accumulate on the mat during your yoga session. It’s safe to say that your yoga mat needs to be cleaned regularly, but does that happen? We are not here to judge; rather, we are here to provide a natural cleaner that helps remove all of that dirt and grime. 

What Is A DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner?

Think of this as a general cleaning spray, only without all of the harsh chemicals. This homemade solution contains vinegar or witch hazel, and essential oils, all of which help to remove sweat, germs, dirt, and oils from your yoga mat. That helps make your mat not only cleaner, but wonderfully scented. 

Using a DIY yoga mat cleaner also helps save you money and reduces waste. Not to mention, it gives you control over what touches your skin. Plus, making your own cleaner can feel both rewarding and creative, almost as if crafting your own wellness ritual. Keeping your yoga mat clean can help avoid skin irritation, in addition to the following benefits: 

• Helping prevent breakouts and skin rashes
• Removing odors caused by sweat
• Keeping the yoga mat free of bacteria and germs
• Extending the yoga mat’s life
• Enhancing the overall yoga experience 

Why Use Vinegar?

Vinegar is a staple household ingredient that is highly useful when it comes to cleaning certain items and surfaces. Regarding cleaning, vinegar’s most useful asset is its acidity. It is mild enough not to damage fabrics and surfaces, while being strong enough to get rid of stubborn stains and deposits. It can have a pH as low as 2.2 to 10 times as acidic as the average soft drink. 

One of the advantages of vinegar is that it exhibits antimicrobial activity. Some highly evolved bacteria can survive in acidic environments, but most find it difficult to thrive and replicate in these conditions. According to research, cleaning with vinegar can kill a range of pathogens, including E. coli. It has also proven to be an effective cleaning agent for dentures or a disinfectant for fruits and vegetables. 

What About Witch Hazel?

Yet another medicine cabinet hero! Witch hazel is typically for beauty applications, but it can be a powerful addition to your natural cleaning arsenal. Witch hazel is typically used as an astringent to help clean minor cuts or soothe bug bites. The astringent and antibacterial properties make it a fantastic cleaning agent. It is great for light cleaning tasks, especially when you want to avoid harsh chemicals. 

Not only can witch hazel improve your at-home cleaning game, but it can also help neutralize odors. Just keep in mind that witch hazel is not an approved disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You should not rely on witch hazel to eliminate viruses or bacteria; rather, use it as a complementary cleaner for light tasks. 

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar or witch hazel (whichever you prefer)
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into a spray bottle and then add the vinegar or witch hazel. 
• Drop in the essential oils and then screw on the top. Shake gently before each use to thoroughly mix up the ingredients. 
• To use, lightly spray on your yoga mat and wipe with a soft cloth.

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Brushing, twirling, heatstyling, and blowdrying can damage your hair a lot. That is why every hair care routine can benefit from a great detangler. A detangler is a type of leave-in conditioner (most commonly available in spray form) that smooths the hair, making it less likely to build up friction and stick to other strands. That’s a long-winded way of saying that it helps prevent your hair from tangling.

Hair experts agree that using a detangler can prevent further damage to hair, and may even reduce the risk of split ends and breakage. The outermost layer of the hair cuticle is most susceptible to damage from external elements. In addition to helping you avoid knots, a high-quality detangler can help protect your hair and strengthen strands. 

Tips For Using A Hair Detangler

Prior to experimenting with the detangler in this article, you should take a before picture of your hair. You will want to see what the transformation looks like after treating your hair with beneficial ingredients. When it comes to using the detangler, though, consider the following tips: 

• Use a wide-toothed comb because it is the perfect accessory to get rid of tangles and maintain hair health. You can use the comb to gently brush out tangles after applying the detangler. If you have knots, the comb makes getting rid of them easier and less painful.
• While you don’t have to spray it liberally, you don’t have to be ultra conservative with a detangler either. The secret to success with a detangler is to spray it evenly on all portions of the hair. The more evenly you distribute it, the easier and quicker it is to get rid of tangles. 
• When using a detangler, make sure that your hair is wet, as it works best on damp hair. It has a better chance of working quicker and more efficiently when you apply it to damp or wet hair. 
• The detangling process is much less painful when you start at the ends and work your way toward the roots. Hair tends to tangle in the middle section or ends of the hair. When combing through tangles, always be patient because slow and steady is better than yanking your hair out. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is a common ingredient in hair care products, specifically because it improves microcirculation to the scalp. That means that it helps deliver more nutrients to hair follicles more efficiently. Some evidence indicates that rosemary essential oil may exhibit hair growth effects, but more research is needed. That said, it is beneficial for improving the overall look and feel of the hair because it supports scalp health. The Dherbs Hair & Scalp Oil contains both rosemary and lavender essential oils for that exact reason!

Lavender Essential Oil

This essential oil does more than offer a lovely floral scent. It is a valuable ingredient in hair care products because it has conditioning and soothing properties. Lavender may also help calm scalp irritation and improve overall scalp health. Studies have found that it may improve circulation to hair follicles, which contributes to stronger, healthier hair. 

Apple Cider Vinegar 

Your scalp is not a bowl of salad, but applying some apple cider vinegar may help balance the pH of your hair and scalp. Apple cider vinegar helps preserve the hair’s natural oils, while simultaneously reducing frizz. It may also help combs or brushes glide through your hair with less breakage. Some research indicates that it may help smooth the hair cuticle so strands lie flat, which reduces frizz and enhances shine. 

Homemade Detangler

Ingredients:

• 6-8 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 ounce distilled water
• 2-ounce glass spray bottle

Instructions:

• Add the lavender and rosemary essential oils to the glass bottle. 
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar and distilled water, screw on the top of the bottle, and shake well to combine. 
• It’s ready to use and you can spray your hair with it after you shower. Use a wide-toothed comb to brush it through your hair to get rid of tangles.

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This kale, apple, and pomegranate salad with a raw vegan, creamy tahini dressing is exactly what happens when crunch decides to dress up for dinner. Take a large bunch of kale to form the sturdy, leafy base, and it is massaged just enough to be tender but still proud of its texture. Oh, you don’t know about giving your kale a lovely massage? While rinsing the kale, massage the leaves to help break down the fibrous textures. Diced apples bring crisp sweetness, while pomegranate seeds pop with jewel-like tartness. Finally, a generous scatter of thinly sliced green onions adds a savory bite and added crunch.

Every salad worth its salt requires an incredible dressing. You don’t want to just eat some kale, apples, pomegranates, and green onions on their own! This dressing deserves its own round of applause. Minced garlic pairs up with sea salt, fresh lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar to create a bright, tangy base that wakes up every piece of kale in the salad. This dressing wouldn’t be anything without the creamy tahini, which swoops in to create a luxurious base that is balanced by maple syrup’s mellow sweetness. Black pepper adds a subtle kick, while the water loosens everything into a pourable, drizzle-worthy consistency.

Once you toss everything together, you are ready to serve and enjoy immediately. Kale’s subtle bitterness pairs beautifully with the sweetly tart fruit and rich tahini dressing. It is filling, addictive, and charming enough to steal the spotlight next to any main dish. In short, it’s proof that eating your greens can be equal parts smart and satisfying.

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This is a simple yet vibrant, tangy salad dressing made from simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make one flavorful creation. Smooth and rich olive oil forms the base, while freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing with a clean, citrusy lift. A touch of apple cider vinegar, will do, as too much can overpower the other ingredients. It also adds extra acidity, ensuring the dressing stays lively and balanced.

In order to create savory depth without tamari or soy sauce, we included coconut aminos in this dressing, as it is not only raw vegan, but also gluten-free and gently sweet. The mild, umami-rich flavor pairs beautifully with nutritional yeast, which contributes an almost cheesy, nutty note to the dressing. Nutritional yeast is especially beneficial for vegans because it contains fortified B vitamins (most notably B12), which can be harder to obtain if you follow a plant-based diet. Its flavor and nutritional profile make it a valuable ingredient for vegan dishes. Mustard powder helps add another dimension of flavor to the dressing, bringing everything together with a subtle tang.

If you are familiar with our recipes, especially our salad dressing recipes, you know that we cannot omit garlic or garlic powder. It adds aromatic warmth, while the kiss of agave nectar provides just enough sweetness to round out the sharper flavors. What you are left with is a versatile, well-balanced dressing that enhances leafy greens, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or even works as a quick marinade. Whisk all of the ingredients together in a matter of minutes and you will have a truly special creation!

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Do you judge a restaurant or household by the condiments they have? What is the brand and what is the quality of the condiment? Do you love a homemade ketchup, chutney, or dressing? If you answered yes, then you, like us, prefer the preservative-free stuff made with love and care. That’s exactly what this pumpkin seed ranch dressing is: a salad dressing, dip, and sauce that contains tons of nutrients. It may just become a staple around your house!

Ranch dressing is beloved by many people and it is not uncommon for people to have serious opinions about the ranch dressing they enjoy. Usually, the valley is hidden, if you’re picking up what we’re laying down. Unfortunately, most store bought ranch dressings are full of fat, unhealthy inflammatory oils, preservatives, added sugars, and a lot of other problematic ingredients that should not be in a salad dressing. A good ranch dressing should be both creamy and refreshing, packed with herbs and spices, and completely gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and low-carb friendly.

Such is the case with this raw vegan pumpkin seed ranch dressing. It uses pumpkin seeds, homemade almond milk, apple cider vinegar, onion, mint or parsley, dried dill, paprika, mustard powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend all of those ingredients together to create a lovely sauce/salad dressing/condiment. Make sure that you blend until the mixture reaches the consistency you prefer. If you enjoy a thicker ranch dressing, you can add more pumpkin seeds or less almond milk. Play with those measurements to achieve your desired result.

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Face masks, not to be confused with those old COVID facial coverings, should belong to anyone’s skin care regimen. Applying a face mask is an amazing self-care ritual that helps you recharge the batteries. Aim to do a face mask two times per week to make your skin look and feel great. The only problem with face masks is that they can make a dent in your bank account if you enjoy them regularly. 

That’s all going to change when you start making your own face masks, like the one in this article. Not to mention, a lot of people already have the necessary ingredients for face masks at home. Most of them contain ingredients you keep in the pantry, minus some essential oils and clays or powders. This recipe contains bentonite clay, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and cedarwood, sweet orange, and frankincense essential oils. 

Powdered vs. Liquid Face Masks

Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of preference. In order to apply a powdered face mask, you need to mix it with water or another liquid. Liquid face masks don’t require any additional liquids and you can easily apply them out of the bottle. Depending on the liquid face mask, though, it may or may not contain preservatives in the formulations to combat the increased risk of bacterial growth. Some synthetic preservatives can irritate the skin, but not all liquid face masks are created equal. Continue reading to learn why we love the face masks in this article. 

Honey

Incorporating honey into your skin care regimen can help calm inflammation on the skin. Many people say that they experience notably calmer and smoother skin after using honey. Additionally, honey exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may help clean out the pores. Some studies found that honey can kill several types of bacteria, but it has not been effective at killing the type of bacteria that causes acne. It may help soothe or reduce the intensity of a breakout, as opposed to getting rid of it entirely. One study found that combining honey with cinnamon bark may offer enough antibacterial properties to fight the primary bacteria that causes acne. 

Bentonite Clay

According to researchers, bentonite clay works by adsorbing oils and bacteria from the skin. It does this by sticking to the molecules or ions in the bacteria, and as you wash clay away from the body, it removes those impurities. Bentonite clay also contains iron, magnesium, and calcium, which may provide additional benefits. The clay works to remove sebum from the skin’s surface, which may help reduce the severity of breakouts. There are many anecdotal reports that say bentonite clay helps to clear up the skin and make it appear younger, but research is needed on this matter. The important thing to remember about bentonite clay is that you should never use metal bowls or utensils to mix bentonite clay with other ingredients. Use glass bowls and wooden utensils because the clay can adsorb some of the metal’s properties over time. 

DIY Honey Clay Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons each: raw honey, avocado oil, and apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops each: sweet orange, cedarwood, and frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup bentonite clay

Instructions:

• In a glass bowl, combine the honey, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and the different essential oils with a wooden utensil. 
• While you’re stirring, pour in the bentonite clay and continue stirring until you get a smooth, thick consistency. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass container and store in a cool, dry place. 
• Spread a thin layer of the mask on your face and leave on for 10 minutes. 
• Rinse with warm water and scrub away with a gentle exfoliant. Pat your face dry.

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