peppermint Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Homemade Lotion with Frankincense, Lavender & Peppermint Oils

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:00:37 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Did you know that almost anything you put on your skin can seep right through and into your bloodstream? Yes, that includes parabens and other dangerous chemicals in skin products. So while many of you have taken the clean eating movement seriously (and that is fantastic!), many are forgetting about the products that they are slathering on their bodies. Unfortunately, too many of these products are littered with chemicals and preservatives that head right into the bloodstream and travel throughout our bodies, wreaking havoc by causing inflammation and more. But it doesn’t have to be that way with natural skin care, including my homemade lotion for your face and body. Aging is an indication of the time moving forward and while we cannot stop time, we may be able to help reduce the signs of it through our skin. This lotion is easy to make and will soothe the skin while offering a healthy glow soon after the first application. How to Make Homemade Lotion To make this amazing homemade lotion, you can use a double-boiler or a glass heat safe bowl — you can also use a glass measuring cup — that fits inside a pan. Put the benefit-rich olive oil, beeswax and shea butter in the container you have chosen for heating over medium heat and slowly melt while stirring. If you are using a glass container and saucepan, make sure the sauce pan has enough water in it to cover about half the glass bowl. Olive oil has amazing moisturizing characteristics without being too greasy. Olive oil has been used since ancient times and it contains squalene, which is a phenolic compound that is filled with useful anti-aging antioxidants, hydrating qualities and may fight skin cancer. Beeswax is another amazing skin-healing ingredient, and it locks in moisture. Beeswax is filled with softening and emollient rich vitamin A, which can help rebuild damaged skin cells. And being comedogenic, it won’t clog pores — keeping the skin moist and blackhead free. Shea butter adds more richness to this hydrating skin-glowing lotion. With the ability to boost collagen, shea butter is a perfect ingredient to add to this blend. Once these ingredients have melted and are well blended, remove from the heat. After allowing the mixture to cool, add the essential oils. Frankincense is my go-to when it comes to skin. Not only is it an anti-aging and wrinkle-fighting ingredient, it helps heal bacteria-containing blemishes. Lavender partners right up with frankincense to help reduce acne-causing bacteria while providing useful relaxing benefits as well. And let’s not forget about peppermint oil, which travels with me wherever I go. While it can eliminate headaches in seconds by placing a drop on the forehead, it can eliminate aches from sore muscles and rejuvenate the skin. Peppermint essential oil is microbial, providing calming effects to inflamed skin such as a sunburn, eczema and psoriasis. Now you can try it out to see how you want the texture. For a creamier texture, you can use an electric mixer or hand beater for a minute or two. Once all ingredients have been well blended to the desired consistency and has cooled, place in a container. I like to use a glass mason jar, but you can also use a BPA-free plastic bottle with a pump. I like to keep my DIY lotion in the refrigerator during the warmer months to maintain consistency since the coconut oil can melt. You can decide what works best depending on where you live. I hope you enjoy this wonderful chemical-free lotion that is gentle enough to use every day! Homemade Lotion Recipe Here’s a homemade lotion for your hands, body and face. This DIY lotion is easy to make and will soothe the skin while offering a healthy glow soon after the first application. INGREDIENTS ¼ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons coconut oil 1 tablespoons beeswax 1 tablespoon shea butter 10 drops frankincense essential oil 10 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops peppermint essential oil INSTRUCTIONS Place the olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax in a glass bowl in a pan with warm water (or you can use a double-boiler). Heat the ingredients, while stirring, until they melt. Continue to stir until well blended. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add the essential oil. Stir again until well blended. Check the consistency. For a thinner, creamier consistency, use a hand mixer (or electric mixer) for one or two minutes. Place in your favorite container. Dark glass is best for extending shelf life Apply, as needed, to the hands, face and body, avoiding the eyes. To read the original article click here.

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Energizing Green Basil Smoothie and 4 Herbs to Grow This Summer

AHA Publisher — Sun, 31 May 2020 07:00:07 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Whether you’re planting an entire garden, a few containers, or even just a couple small pots in a sunny window, you can make a difference in your health and cuisine this summer. Herbs are easy to grow and have potent nutrients. Here are 4 herbs to grow this summer and 1 delicious energizing green basil smoothie recipe. Why take the time to grow your own herbs? First, it is much more cost-effective to grow than buy fresh herbs. Second, herbs contain amazing antioxidants and phytochemicals that impact your health – and you can add them every day. Third, food and drink recipes are taken to the next level of flavor with fresh herbs. This summer, get your hands dirty, enjoy all the health benefits of gardening, and delight your taste buds and whole-body health with these herbs. Energizing Green Basil Keto Smoothie 8 ounces brewed green tea OR 1/2 teaspoon matcha green tea powder 1/2 cup coconut milk (canned, full fat) 1/2-1 cup fresh basil leaves 1 lemon, zested & juiced 1/4 cup blueberries (or any kind berries) Erythritol or stevia, to taste Water and Ice as needed for desired consistency (water needed Optional: 1 scoop MCT Oil Powder Optional: 1 scoop hydrolyzed collagen Optional: 1 scoop green fermented supremefood Instructions: Place all ingredients except erythritol/stevia, water, and ice in a blender. Process until smooth. Add sweetener to taste. Add ice and process until at desired consistency. Enjoy the energy! Nutrition Info without optional supplemental powders for an Energizing Snack: 115 calories, 10 gm fat, 4 gm net carbs (6 grams carbs, 2 gm fiber), 2 gm protein (78% calories from fat) Nutrition Info WITH optional supplemental powders for an Energizing Meal: 299 calories, 23 gm fat, 4 gm net carbs (11 grams carbs, 7 gm fiber), 19 gm protein (69% calories from fat) Energizing Green Smoothie Nutrients How is this smoothie energizing? It’s no secret that caffeine, even small amounts, can boost energy. It boosts your brain’s function, your physical strength and reaction time, and your perception of fatigue. In this smoothie, the caffeine comes from green tea. Green tea is packed with amazing nutrients and antioxidants. They can: Inhibit the growth of cancer cells in lab studies. High consumption of the drink has been associated with a 90% reduced risk of breast cancer in women. Repair and protecting cells, especially in the brain. In fact, in mice induced with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, it helped to protect brain cells from dying, as well as ‘rescuing’ already damaged neurons in the brain, a phenomenon called neurorescue or neurorestoration. Provide antibacterial properties that promote oral health. Exhibit protective effects on eye cels for up to 20 hours after consumption. This has led many experts to believe it may have a role in reducing diseases of the eye and glaucoma. Help our bodies oxidize and burn fat. Multiple studies have shown an increase in metabolic rates, weight loss, decreased waistline and fat loss with consistent green tea ingestion. Read all about the amazing benefits of green tea here. 4 Herbs to Grow This Summer Beyond green tea, this smoothie gains great nutrition and flavor from basil. It’s one of our four herbs to grow this summer. While many other herbs are also great for health, try these to start: 1. Basil for Great Health First, basil is a superstar of nutrition among herbs. It: Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress: Basil’s flavonoids, especially orientin and vicenin, are phytonutrients that protect cell structures from radiation and oxygen-based damage (free radicals/oxidative stress). And eugenol, one of basil’s volatile oils, works to block the inflammatory activity of an enzyme (cyclooxygenase) in the body. Improves blood flow: Basil’s vitamin A and magnesium can improve blood flow. Leafy greens like basil keep your artery walls strong and clear of plagues. Then, the magnesium in basil prompts muscles and blood vessels to relax, which improves blood flow out of the heart and throughout the body. All of your organs and tissues, including skin need good blood flow to function their best. 2. Oregano, a Potent Antibacterial Agent and Medicinal Oregano is actually part of the mint family. It can also impact health in many ways. It: Has antibacterial properties. Its phytochemicals, thymol, and carvacrol fight infections and bacteria. Meanwhile, its antioxidants help reduce and prevent cell damage. Is a potent medicinal when used as an essential oil. It is considered a “hot oil,” and must be diluted correctly for topical use. When used, it’s known to fight sore throats, poor digestion, nasal congestion and colds, herpes cold sores, and potentially joint pain. 3. Cilantro for Brain and Blood Sugar Health Known as a wonderful flavor agent when added to Mexican, Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Indian cuisines, cilantro is versatile and great for your body. Interestingly, the seeds of cilantro are known as coriander, and the leaves are called cilantro. How can it affect your health? Cilantro is one of four herbs to grow this summer because it can: Reduce high blood sugars and the risk of type 2 diabetes: Amazingly, cilantro has been shown to increase an enzyme in the body that removes sugar from the blood. It’s so potent that those taking blood sugar medication, or those who are at risk of low blood sugars, need to use some caution when eating it (1, 2). Promote brain health: Brain ailments associated with inflammation may also benefit from cilantro intake. One animal study found that coriander extract exhibited protection against damage to nerve cells following seizures. Another concluded that it may improve memory in those suffering from degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s (3, 4). 4. Peppermint in Folk Medicine and Aromatherapy For centuries, peppermint has been used in folk medicine and aromatherapy. It has been shown to: Improve pain management associated with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS: It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the colon, which relieves pain. It may also reduce bloating and other digestive symptoms (5, 6, 7). When used in aromatherapy, peppermint may help fight nausea. Lastly, it’s known to fight oral bacteria and bad breath. What About the Optional Add-Ons? As you know, MCT oil powder, hydrolyzed collagen, and fermented greens contain very important nutrients for health in the Keto Zone. Their healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables promote health and support immune function. However, we also know it’s a very difficult time for many readers financially. We are dedicated to offering great, nourishing recipes and great health information whether or not you can buy these ingredients at this time. If you have them or can get them, yes, add them in for full benefits. And if not, keep going strong! We are here for you. You can use many healthy foods and even free immune-boosting habits to stay healthy. Bottom Line Ready for a flavorful, savory, energizing green smoothie? We know you are! Try our recipe, and consider growing your own herbs this summer. And let us know, did you enjoy the smoothie? What are your favorite herbs to grow this summer? To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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