Health Blog
Health Blog
Clean your water bottle properly - Natural methods & tips
If you are reading this post, you have most likely already replaced your old plastic water bottle with a fresh stainless steel or glass water bottle. Congratulations to you! Now you can avoid unnecessary chemicals in your drinking water! And if you haven’t made the switch yet, you’ll find several different models to choose from in our growing range of water bottles! But how do you take care of your reusable water bottle in the best way? Does your trusty companion get the love it deserves and needs? 😉 Sometimes glass and stainless steel water bottles can develop a musty and unpleasant smell, especially if you’ve used them for a strongly scented drink or forgotten them with liquid inside for a long time. 1. Everyday cleaning of water bottle & cap If you use your water bottle daily, it should also be washed daily. This applies even if you only drink water, as saliva, dust, and other dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria, and we don’t want that in our clean drinking water. Here we help you step by step to take care of your water bottle in the best possible way! For everyday cleaning you need: Warm water Eco-friendly dish soap Dish brush, bottle brush, and possibly a straw brush Do this: Avoid submerging the entire water bottle in dishwater. The best way is to clean the bottle by pouring warm water and eco-friendly dish soap directly into it. Put the cap on the bottle and shake it well a few times until the soap forms bubbles. Then clean it with a dish brush or bottle brush that fits the bottle neck. Rinse the bottle with water until it’s free of soap. Remember to wash both the inside and outside of the bottle, then dry it or let it air dry on the dish rack. Also wash the cap with warm water and dish soap. Take apart the parts and wash each separately. Any straws should be cleaned with a straw brush. Note! Stainless steel water bottles that are painted should usually not be washed in the dishwasher, as the paint can be damaged by the harsh treatment from heat and strong detergent. Stainless insulated water bottles should also not be washed in the dishwasher, as water can seep into seams and similar areas. We advise you to avoid washing your stainless steel water bottle in the dishwasher unless you are sure it will withstand the treatment. Glass water bottles usually can be washed in the dishwasher without problems. 2. Deep cleaning of water bottle & cap Sometimes the water bottle needs a thorough cleaning, for example if it has developed a musty smell or has been forgotten while filled with coffee or other drinks that can leave odors. Vinegar is a fantastic natural cleaner that can remove certain types of bacteria. The vinegar cleaning method doesn’t kill all bacteria but is a good way to deep clean a reusable water bottle that needs it. Just like vinegar, baking soda is also a household favorite for those who want to clean naturally. Below are two natural and simple recipes for deep cleaning water bottles. For the Vinegar trick you need: Warm water Eco-friendly dish soap Vinegar Do this: First wash the bottle as usual with warm water and dish soap. Then fill the bottle with 1/5 vinegar and 4/5 warm water (you can increase the vinegar ratio depending on how dirty the bottle is). Shake the bottle a few times and then let it sit with the mixture overnight. Rinse it out in the morning and wash it as usual if you think it still smells like vinegar. For the Baking Soda trick you need: Baking soda Warm water Do this: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda into your water bottle and fill it with warm water. Put the cap on and shake the bottle a few times, then let it sit with the mixture for a few hours. Rinse the bottle with warm water. Deep cleaning the cap: When deep cleaning caps and lids, it’s especially important to take apart all parts and wash them by hand with a dish brush and dish soap. Many parts can also be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack, which is very convenient and ensures they get thoroughly clean. Check if your water bottle’s parts can be washed in the machine. 3. How to store your water bottle The water bottle should be stored in a dry and clean place with the cap off to allow the bottle to air out. If you usually put the cap on the bottle when storing it, it’s very important that all parts have dried completely before you put it away in a cupboard. Otherwise, there is a risk the bottle will develop an unpleasant smell or bacteria will form. How do you wash your bottle? We hope you’ve got some good tips to help reduce both plastic and bacteria in your water. Do you have even more tips on how to keep bottles clean? Share them in a comment so we can all learn from each other. Good luck!
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Guide to lymphatic massage with dry brushing in 5-10 minutes
Have you heard of dry brushing but wonder what it is and why you should do it? Here is a simple guide and explanation. If you are more interested in lymphatic massage/drainage for the face, you should read about the techniques for lymphatic drainage in the facial area instead. Dry Brushing By dry brushing the skin, you remove old skin residues and waste products. It helps keep the pores clean and stimulates blood circulation. But dry brushing also has perhaps an even more important role. It stimulates and activates the body's own lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste substances and toxins, and when it doesn't function optimally, you may feel swollen and stiff in the body. You can read more about the lymphatic system on Morotsliv. By deep breathing, bouncing on a trampoline, or exercising, you help the flow of lymph. But 5 minutes of dry brushing can be as effective for lymph flow as 30 minutes of physical exercise! The Brush The best is to invest in a brush made of natural fibers. If your skin easily becomes red and irritated, choose a softer brush, and if you have more resilient skin, you can choose a medium or firmer one. It should not scratch or hurt, but a brush that is too soft is not as effective. A glove also works well. If it is hard to reach your feet and back, you can use a brush with a long handle. Different models of brushes and gloves are available in our range. How to Do It! Take a few deep breaths to awaken the lymphatic system. You can also tap yourself below the collarbones and rise onto your toes a few times while deep breathing to get the lymph flowing. When dry brushing, use circular, massaging movements. Scrub carefully, but not too hard. Your skin may also become slightly red as blood circulation starts, but this is completely normal. How to Dry Brush (5-10 min) Start from the feet and brush/massage in circles up along the entire legs. Do the front, inside, back, and outside. Be extra thorough in the knee creases and groin areas. Dry brush the stomach below the navel in circular motions down towards the groin, and above the navel brush in circles upwards towards the heart and collarbones. Then continue with the hands and arms. Massage from the hands up to the shoulders. Be extra thorough in the elbow creases and armpits. Brush the back in circles from the spine out towards the sides. Shower off all dead skin cells. Finish by moisturizing. You can, for example, use cold-pressed coconut oil, another skin oil, or lotion while the skin is still slightly damp. Repeat dry brushing for 5-10 minutes every morning on dry skin for 3 months. After that, 1-2 times a week is enough. Avoid varicose veins, superficial blood vessels, and the face. Here you can watch a tutorial on lymphatic massage. Have you used lymphatic massage and experienced positive effects? Share in a comment so that the rest of us can get inspiration from your experiences!
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Tamanu Oil: Natural Relief for Dry Skin and Eczema
You may have heard of tamanu oil? If not, it’s time to remember it. This beauty oil could be the next it-oil. Contents: What is tamanu oil? 8 benefits of tamanu oil Disadvantages of tamanu oil 8 ways to use tamanu oil ReviewMy sagging skinSmall blemishesMy eczemaFinal thoughts My dry skin My saggy skin Small blemishes My eczema Final note What is tamanu oil? Tamanu oil is a rich and potent nut oil usually pressed from the seeds of the Tamanu trees, but also from their nuts. The trees grow in Asia and Australia. The oil itself has a yellow-green color with a distinct nutty scent. What makes tamanu oil special is: its unique composition of fatty acids that it contains potent antioxidants that it has anti-inflammatory properties that it has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5 (where 0 does not clog pores at all) These properties make tamanu oil a very useful ingredient in skincare products, especially since it has been shown to be effective on the skin even in low concentrations and diluted form. 8 benefits of tamanu oil 1. Moisturizes and rebuilds the skin barrier What distinguishes tamanu oil is its rich content of fatty acids compared to other oils. The oil is especially rich in omega 9, 6, and 3. It softens, moisturizes, strengthens the skin barrier, and is therefore beneficial for dry skin. 2. Protects against free radicals Tamanu oil naturally contains potent antioxidants and polyphenols, which protect against oxidative stress caused by air pollution and sunlight. 3. Stimulates collagen formation The reason tamanu oil is a popular anti-aging ingredient is that it promotes the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). A well-known GAG is hyaluronic acid. GAGs are essential for collagen and elastin formation. Together, these make the skin elastic, firm, and promote damaged skin. 4. Smooths wrinkles As a result of tamanu oil protecting against free radicals, UV damage, and stimulating collagen production, fine lines are smoothed out. Additionally, studies have shown that tamanu oil can absorb UV rays across a fairly broad spectrum. However, more studies are needed to confirm its UV protection. 5. Regenerating Since tamanu oil repairs the skin, it also has some effect on scarring and stretch marks. Existing scars and stretch marks can be reduced and uneven skin smoothed out. 6. Antibacterial properties Tamanu oil is also widely used on acne-prone skin. It has been shown to counteract the bacteria that cause acne (p. acnes and p. granulosum). The oil can therefore help with inflammatory acne. 7. Anti-inflammatory properties For centuries, tamanu oil has been used on various skin problem areas. The oil contains the anti-inflammatory compound calophyllolide, which may explain tamanu oil's positive effect on inflamed eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, red and irritated skin, fungal infections, and similar conditions. Note that tamanu oil cannot replace medication. Always consult a doctor if your skin problems do not improve. Disadvantages of tamanu oil Tamanu oil is a fantastic oil with many uses. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Tamanu oil: has a scent that can be difficult to appreciate, especially if you are not used to nutty and herbal scents. You either like the scent or not at all. is toxic to eat and should therefore only be used topically on the skin. Keep the oil out of reach of children. is a nut oil, so it is not suitable for nut allergy sufferers. is very active, which can irritate sensitive skin. Try diluting tamanu oil with a mild oil like almond oil. has a fairly low comedogenic effect on the skin. Despite this, those who easily get clogged skin may have negative results from the oil. To still benefit from tamanu oil’s advantages, you can dilute it with an oil that rates between 0-1 on the comedogenic scale. Examples of such oils are argan oil, hemp seed oil, and safflower oil. 8 ways to use tamanu oil There are many different ways to use tamanu oil. We list the most common ways you can benefit from the oil’s advantages. Remember that the oil is for external use only and you should always seek medical care for skin diseases and skin problems that do not heal. 1. Facial oil The most popular way is to use tamanu oil as a facial oil – in its pure form or diluted with another oil or cream. As a facial oil, tamanu oil suits: skin with early signs of aging mature skin dry skin inflamed skin acne-prone skin skin with a weak skin barrier 2. Skin booster Since tamanu oil is both potent and active, it can be used to boost your skincare products. Simply mix a few drops of tamanu oil with your facial oil, face cream, or DIY face mask. 3. Lightening oil Use tamanu oil to reduce acne scars and scarring. The oil may also have some effect on uneven skin texture. 4. After shave oil Apply to the skin after shaving to prevent inflamed hair follicles, especially with ingrown hairs. 5. Hair oil As a hair oil, tamanu oil provides moisture and shine to the hair and reduces tangling. 6. Scalp oil Try tamanu oil on dry scalp, dandruff, inflammation, infection, itching, and slow/poor hair growth. Apply tamanu oil to the scalp and massage for 10 minutes. Then wash the oil out with a skin-friendly shampoo. 7. Deodorant Tamanu oil can be applied in the armpit to reduce bacteria that cause unpleasant sweat odor. 8. Foot oil Try applying tamanu oil to your feet for athlete's foot. Review Photo taken by @ecobyanna I have tested Tamanu oil from Fushi for 4 weeks and I am completely sold! It is worth knowing that I have dry and eczema-prone 41-year-old skin. I used the Tamanu oil morning and evening at first, then later only in the evening routine. Regarding the scent, I am among those who love it – such a lovely scent combination of nut and herbs. My dry skin Although tamanu oil is considered a heavy oil, it was absorbed immediately by my dry skin. During the first week, the feeling afterward was a bit dry and tight despite two consecutive applications of the oil. The skin looked almost matte, which is strange for an oil that is supposed to be good at nourishing dry skin. By my second week, tamanu oil had difficulty absorbing. My dry skin was simply saturated, supple, and no longer dry. I then needed much less tamanu oil to moisturize my face. Here we have an excellent example of a vegetable oil that on its own can quickly treat very dry skin. My saggy skin Already after one application in the evening, I noticed in the morning that the skin was firmer. The skin became noticeably more elastic, which I found hard to believe. I therefore stopped using tamanu oil and let my skin rest for a week. When I reintroduced tamanu oil, I got the same result. The skin became less saggy after just one application and gradually looked smoother and firmer. It gave the face a mini lift, which probably only I noticed, but still! I was very impressed, and that doesn’t happen too often, I might add. Small blemishes In my youth, I had a lot of acne and foolishly sunbathed a lot without sun protection. My skin is anything but perfect. Nothing major that bothers me, but there are small blemishes that adorn my face. Tamanu oil had no immediate effect on these skin imperfections, but after 1-2 weeks I noticed that the skin looked clearer and the need for foundation was less. Oh, what a joy! My eczema Conveniently, I was out of balance when I tried tamanu oil. I had very troublesome, flare-up eczema and psoriasis on my body that wouldn’t go away. When I used tamanu oil, it didn’t remove the eczema but soothed it enough to give me peace of mind. Therefore, be patient when applying tamanu oil to problematic skin. It takes time to strengthen the skin barrier. Final note After my 4-week trial period, I tested other products and really missed the tamanu oil. Now it is part of my standard routine as I can't be without it for too long. With regular use of tamanu oil, I feel that the skin becomes saturated with it. Nowadays, just a couple of drops of tamanu oil in the evening along with another facial oil or face cream is enough. If you want to try tamanu oil, make sure you buy one that is pure, organic, cold-pressed, and free from additives. The Tamanu oil from Fushi is a high-quality one, freshly pressed from the season's harvest to preserve all the oil's beneficial properties.
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Washing nuts - a natural and eco-friendly detergent
You've probably heard of soap nuts, right? But have you had a chance to try them? Soap nuts have many great advantages over most conventional detergents. The problems with conventional detergents If you look at the ingredient list on detergent packages, you'll find words like phosphonates, surfactants, zeolites, polycarboxylates, TAED, soap, enzymes, bleach, and perfume. And most of us have little idea what these chemicals mean. The main problem with conventional detergents is that they can contain allergens, environmentally harmful substances, and other unwanted chemicals such as fragrances and preservatives. One of Sweden's best-selling conventional detergents, for example, contains the preservative methylisothiazolinone, which is both allergenic and environmentally harmful. Even detergents with a clear environmental profile can sometimes contain pollutants like methylisothiazolinone and the fragrance limonene – both harmful to aquatic organisms. According to EU law, a complete ingredient list must be available online, but unfortunately, it can be very difficult to find. That's why certifications are important. Products with the Asthma and Allergy Association's symbol are allergen-free and limit possible allergens. The Swan is the Nordic eco-label, the EU Flower or EU Ecolabel is the European eco-label, and the Falcon is the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation's own eco-label. So besides having to become somewhat of a detective if you want to avoid unwanted chemicals in detergents, they are often expensive as well. Many also overdose detergent, but that doesn't make clothes cleaner. On the contrary, it causes unnecessary wear on textiles and wastes money. The problems with conventional fabric softeners Fabric softeners, or conditioners, are not necessary for clean clothes. Just as we use conditioner to protect hair, fabric softeners are used to protect clothes by reducing friction during washing, preventing static electricity, and making them smell nice after washing. They work by polymers in the softener binding moisture on the textile's surface. Clothes stay soft because they remain slightly damp. Fabric softeners also contain emulsifiers that dissolve mineral oil in water, as well as preservatives and fragrances. Fabric softeners are therefore directly harmful to certain materials and are not environmentally friendly. It's better to iron and wear garments to soften them, or use vinegar. Wash organically with soap nuts Instead of the strong surfactants in conventional detergents, we can wash naturally with saponins found in various plants. Soap nuts are especially rich in saponins. Plus, you don't have to keep track of complicated ingredient lists. Saponins work just like surfactants by softening the water so dirt loosens from textiles. The saponins are released from the soap nut shells when they come into contact with water warmer than 30 degrees Celsius. You can read more about saponins here. The warmer the water, the more saponins are released. Therefore, it can be strategic to use a slightly higher temperature when washing with milder agents like soap nuts. Washing clothes in a machine When you wash clothes with soap nuts, do the following: Put 4-8 soap nuts in a small cotton laundry bag or an old, thin sock that you tie up and place in the washing machine with the clothes. Let them stay in for the entire wash cycle. The soap nuts can be used for several washes, but once they lose their shine, it's time to compost them and use new ones. The higher the temperature, the fewer washes they last. For whites, you can add ½ dl sodium percarbonate in the detergent compartment. Soap nuts are naturally softening, so there's another reason to skip fabric softener with its unnecessary chemicals. You can find soap nuts here. Fragrant clothes It can feel a bit strange at first since textiles don't smell like anything after washing. If you want a scent, you can add 2-5 drops of essential oil of lemon, lavender, or another favorite fragrance in the fabric softener compartment. You can find essential oils here. If you have stains, you can treat them before washing with baking soda, sodium percarbonate (stronger), olive soap, or gall soap. If clothes smell bad, you can add vinegar in the fabric softener compartment. Vinegar is also softening. For really bad odors, you can let the garment soak in vinegar water before washing. If you want to learn more about how to reduce your expenses by starting with eco-cleaning, I recommend this online course. Do you have any good tips on how to make laundry feel soft and smell nice using natural methods? Please share in a comment so others can learn from us!
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5 natural home remedies for sick children
If it’s tough to be sick as an adult, it’s even worse for our children when they catch colds and the flu. Headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, fever and cough, or stomach flu. It’s easy to feel miserable and worn out when you’re little, and as an adult, you naturally want to ease and help your child in the best way possible. Here are some natural and completely toxin-free life hacks you can use when your child gets sick! 1. Serve organic super honey water with ginger Honey is a fantastic food with many good qualities. It contains minerals and vitamins as well as antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals. Honey has antibacterial effects as well as mucus-loosening and cough-suppressing properties. That’s why honey is great to eat when you have a cold. Recipe for honey water: About 325 ml water 1 tsp organic honey, unpasteurized (note that children under 1 year should not eat honey) 1 tsp fresh organic ginger Instructions: Boil about 325 ml water in a kettle or saucepan. Let the water cool to about 38 degrees Celsius and add about 1 tsp organic honey (honey should not be heated above 38 degrees Celsius as it loses its beneficial properties). Press about 1 tsp fresh ginger through a garlic press into the water. Stir in the mug or shake the bottle. Adjust the recipe according to the child's age and size. This amount of Super Honey Water is suitable for children between about 1-3 years old. It can often be hard to get children to drink water and fluids when they have a fever or a cold, and this honey water can be a lifesaver because it tastes good thanks to the honey. 2. Fight off the sore throat by gargling with saltwater Having a sore throat is really unpleasant. It burns, stings, and feels like you've swallowed sandpaper. A sore throat can make it difficult to swallow both liquids and food, which is so important to get when you're sick. Help your child soothe their sore throat with a completely natural and homemade remedy: saltwater gargling! The recipe is super simple and contains only two ingredients that most people have at home. Children can usually learn to gargle around 4 years old. A smart tip is to teach the child to gargle with plain water before letting them gargle with something that should be spat out. Let the child gargle with a sip of warm water and teach them to always spit it out. Once the child knows how to do it, you can move on to saltwater gargling. Recipe for salt gargle water: about 2.5 dl warm water 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt Instructions: Teach the child to gargle with plain warm water first. Boil about 2.5 dl of water in a pot or kettle. Pour warm water into a cup and stir in the salt. Make sure the salt water is at a comfortable temperature for your child and not too hot to avoid burning. Have the child gargle with the salt water for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Feel free to gargle several times until the cup’s contents are finished. Remember to stir the cup constantly so the salt doesn’t settle at the bottom. Gargle with salt water as needed, up to 3-4 times a day. Most people feel relief immediately. 3. Try the onion trick for cough Yellow onion is also a fantastic food with many beneficial properties. Onion contains sulfur compounds that can help fight mucus and promote the expulsion of mucus from your airways during colds. Onion is considered by many to be the most powerful natural antibiotic, capable of fighting both viral and bacterial infections as well as relieving cough. Onion has traditionally been used against cough for hundreds of years. When your child has a cough, you can try the onion trick overnight to ease coughing fits or why not make your own homemade cough medicine?! Recipe for the onion trick (cough relief at night): 1 organic yellow onion Bowl or deep plate Warm water (optional) Instructions: Peel the onion. Cut the onion into slices or wedges. Place the onion on the nightstand next to the bed or on the floor beside the bed. If you want, you can pour warm water over the onion so it’s almost covered. Experiment and see what works best for you. Let the onion sit in the bedroom overnight so it can soothe the cough. Recipe for onion syrup (homemade cough medicine): 2 organic yellow onions 10 tablespoons organic honey (note that children under 1 year should not eat honey) Juice from 1 organic lemon Glass jar Instructions: Peel and roughly chop the yellow onion and put it into the glass jar. Mix the honey with the lemon juice, pour the mixture over the onion. Screw the lid onto the jar and let it sit in a warm place for about 24 hours. Strain the mixture into a new clean airtight jar and store in the refrigerator (should keep for about 1-2 weeks). Take 1/2 – 1 tablespoon of syrup 2-4 times a day for cough. Onion syrup is an old-fashioned remedy for cough that our ancestors used a lot. However, the onion syrup can have a strong taste for both kids and adults, and a useful tip is to hold your nose while taking it. That way, you don’t taste it as much! 😉 The lemon juice also makes the taste more bearable. 4. Load up on Vitamin C Vitamin C has long been praised for its health benefits when you have a cold or the flu, and most of us have probably heard that we should load up on vitamin C when we are sick. However, the body does not produce its own vitamin C, so we must get it through our diet. The question is how to get this important vitamin to our children? Here are some tips: Make a smoothie with frozen banana slices, blackcurrants, strawberries, plant milk, and add Pink Pitaya Powder, which is rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, fiber, and minerals. If the child can swallow a capsule, Dr Mercola’s Liposomal Vitamin C is great. Suitable for all children from 4 years and up. For those who can’t swallow capsules, MaryRuth’s Vitamin C Liquid Drops are also suitable for children from 4 years and up. Make homemade rosehip soup with organic rosehip powder. Slice yellow and red bell peppers and eat them as they are! 5. Rehydrate the body with plain water! Children’s bodies can easily become dehydrated during colds, high fever, or stomach flu. Keep in mind that your child may need to drink extra water during illness. Plain water works very well, and you should avoid juice, soft drinks, and other beverages with high sugar content as they can cause mucus in the throat. If the child has vomited or lost a lot of fluids, you can use a homemade sugar-free rehydration solution with honey. So how do you get the child to drink fluids? Here are some tips! Let the child drink with a straw. Give the child a water bottle they can carry with them or keep by the bed. With an insulated water bottle, the water stays cold and fresh for a long time! Freeze ice cubes and fill the water glass. All children love ice cubes! Flavor the water with squeezed lemon, orange, or another fruit the child likes. Make ice pops with water and berries. Recipe for homemade, sugar-free rehydration solution with honey 1/2 tablespoon Himalayan salt 1 liter water 2 tablespoons organic honey (note that children under 1 year should not eat honey) Juice from 1 organic lemon Instructions: Heat water and salt in a saucepan. Let the mixture cool to about 38 degrees and add about 2 tablespoons of honey (honey should not be heated above 38 degrees as it loses its beneficial properties) and the lemon juice. Stir and pour into a glass jar, chill, and serve. Store in the fridge. The rehydration solution will then last about 3 days. Last but not least! Children need lots of closeness and love when they are sick. Take the time to cuddle with your child, read a book, play a game, and give them plenty of daddy and mommy time! Please leave a comment with your best lifehack for sick children so we can learn from each other!
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7 natural ways to relieve muscle and joint pain
There are several ways to stay mobile throughout life and several natural methods to relieve and prevent pain in muscles and joints. Painkillers should be the last resort. The easiest way to prevent pain in the long term is to review your diet and maintain mobility in the body through activity. 1. Healthy diet Diet is extremely important. Chronic inflammation in the body causes weakness and pain. By eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet, joint and bone pain caused by inflammation and swelling can decrease. Examples of important foods are vegetables in all colors, green leaves, berries, fruit, herbs like turmeric, olive oil, lentils, avocado, etc. 2. Movement Moving is vital. It doesn’t have to be something boring like a treadmill at the gym. It can be exercise you enjoy such as dancing, walking, swimming, jumping on a trampoline, cycling, hanging in trees, digging in the garden, handstands, or hopping over stones…. 3. Stretching Stretching exercises and Yoga create a well-oiled, happy body while also contributing to relaxation. Yoga not only changes your body but also your brain. When you practice yoga, the brain releases more GABA, which in turn reduces anxiety and creates feelings of calm. Yoga improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, reduces irritability, promotes a more positive attitude, and increases strength. If you don’t want to say you do yoga, just say you stretch. And remember, this has nothing to do with age; we can all maintain our mobility well into old age if we dedicate a little time to it every day. 4. Take selected supplements There are many supplements that can relieve and support various types of discomfort. Here are some of the most well-known nutrients that support joints and pain issues. Omega-3 fatty acids Proteolytic enzymes such as Repair Gold or SerraGold Curcumin found in Turmeric. Products that support detoxification like Supercharged C-60 or Humic acid MSM Collagen-boosting products Silica Holistic Inflameja with protease, curcumin, and boswellia herb. Magnesium Rosehip 5. Rest in a bath Resting in an Epsom salt bath – preferably with lavender or other calming essential oils – is very relaxing and beneficial for everyone. Both for those who have pain from muscle soreness or inflammation and for those who need relaxation and recovery. Baths with magnesium flakes are especially beneficial. 6. Warm and cold compresses Applying warm and cold compresses to the body helps with pain. Apply a warm compress to the affected area for twenty minutes. Immediately follow with a cold ice pack for another twenty minutes (even a mildly cooled compress helps). Try to apply ice or heat every day, aiming for at least 15 minutes. 7. Use essential oils A helpful approach is to apply essential peppermint oil and/or eucalyptus oil diluted in a little carrier oil to inflamed and swollen areas. You can also make your own muscle cream. Recipe for soothing muscle cream: Ingredients: – 2 dl coconut oil – 2 dl beeswax granules – 2 tsp cayenne pepper powder – 2 tsp ginger or turmeric powder 15 drops peppermint essential oil 15 drops lavender essential oil Glass jar How to make it? Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a water bath Add the spices Stir well Let cool slightly before adding the essential oils Pour into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid Rub on where you need it after exercise or when in pain. Take care out there and keep stretching!
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How the thyroid works: Symptoms and support for problems
The thyroid is located below the larynx on the front of the trachea and is made up of two butterfly-shaped halves containing many small follicles. On the back of the thyroid are four small parathyroid glands the size of rice grains. Function The walls of the follicles in the thyroid gland consist of cells that produce two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which affect almost all body functions. The hypothalamus in the brain produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates or inhibits the pituitary gland's production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH regulates the production of T3 and T4, which in turn also controls TSH production to keep levels within the normal range. So when TSH levels in the blood are high, it usually means T4 and T3 concentrations are low, and vice versa. T4 is a prohormone made of the amino acid tyrosine and 4 iodine atoms. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone and is produced not only in the thyroid but also when T4 is converted to T3 at the cellular level in the body's organs and tissues. T4 and T3 are transported in and out of cells with the help of transport proteins. There are three enzymes, deiodinases (D), responsible for converting T4 to T3. D3 converts T4 to reverse T3 (rT3), an inactive mirror image of T3 that acts as a brake in the system. When T3 binds to receptors, it stimulates the production of various proteins needed for normal growth, fat burning, energy and heat production, and more. Hormones in the thyroid gland The thyroid hormone thyroxine regulates the body's metabolism and is important for brain and body growth and development. The thyroid gland also produces the hormone calcitonin, which affects how much calcium is processed in the body. The parathyroid glands regulate calcium and phosphate levels The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone, which increases calcium levels and decreases phosphate levels in the blood. The balance between calcium and phosphate is important for the bones, intestines, and kidneys. Hypothyroidism – underactive thyroid Hypothyroidism means the body is running on low power and has a low metabolism because the thyroid produces too few thyroid hormones. This is seen as low T4 levels and high TSH levels in tests. The risk of developing hypothyroidism also increases with age, and the symptoms are easily confused with menopausal symptoms. But there is a clear difference. With menopausal symptoms, you feel sweaty and warm, while with hypothyroidism you have dry skin and feel cold. Hypothyroidism can also be mistaken for depression and burnout. The most common cause is the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, causing inflammation. It can also be due to a disease of the thyroid or pituitary gland, pregnancy, iodine deficiency, or previous treatment for goiter. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include: fatigue and reduced stamina feeling cold depression difficulty concentrating weight gain constipation dry skin and hair impaired memory swollen face deeper voice bradycardia (abnormally low heart activity) pale complexion headache lack of sex drive Hyperthyroidism – overactive thyroid In hyperthyroidism, the body runs at high speed and you get a high metabolism as the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by the immune system mistakenly producing antibodies against the thyroid that increase hormone production, but it can also be due to Graves' disease, Basedow's disease, toxic nodular goiter, or toxic diffuse goiter. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include: Sweating Feeling warm Fatigue Irritability Menstrual irregularities Palpitations and increased pulse Weight loss Tremors and shakiness Sleep difficulties Rapid intestinal transit More women have thyroid problems than men The most common form of thyroid disorder is hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid. It is five times more common in women, and the disease is increasing fastest among women under 40 years old. Some studies suggest that the increase in autoimmune diseases may be due to factors such as stress, unhealthy diet, or viral infection in people with a genetically increased risk. How do you best support your thyroid? High-quality supplements that support the thyroid include Gaia herbs thyroid support, Holistic thyrobalans, and Thorne thyro. A common cause of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency, a substance the thyroid uses to produce hormones, and seaweed, which grows in salt seawater, is especially rich in iodine. Here you can read about different seaweeds and how they can be used in cooking and here you can buy seaweed. Choose a sea salt that contains iodine, such as this herb salt enriched with seaweed. Eggs contain a lot of iodine, and so do milk, yogurt, Brazil nuts, meat and chicken, fish, and shellfish. Berries, cabbage, and soy also contain some iodine. Many people with thyroid problems find that they feel better by adjusting their diet to an anti-inflammatory diet in the form of the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). The basis of the AIP diet is mostly root vegetables, vegetables, berries, and fruits. It also includes meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, offal, bone broth, animal fats, olive oil, and coconut fat. However, processed foods, grains, rice, corn, teff, dairy products, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils, including coffee, cocoa, and soy), eggs, nightshade plants (potatoes, tomatoes, chili, physalis, bell peppers, goji berries), nuts, and seeds that are common allergens (including buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth) are excluded. After 30-90 days, certain foods are reintroduced to see how the body reacts to them. The risk of thyroid problems is higher in people with gluten intolerance, and a gluten-free diet protects the thyroid for them. Quitting coffee can also be beneficial, as caffeine increases the risk of stress and inflammation. Selenium, zinc, and iron are also important for thyroid function, as they help the body convert inactive thyroxine (T4) into active triiodothyronine (T3).
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3 simple tips for detoxifying smelly armpits
Common deodorants, so-called antiperspirants, block the sweat function in the armpits. They also contain several unwanted substances, some very harmful. This can lead to unpleasant-smelling, irritated, and itchy armpits over time. Our best tip is to "detox" the armpits to prepare and switch to a natural and organic deodorant that does not block the sweat function. The best thing about organic deodorants is that they do not block the natural sweat function. They do not contain harmful substances. You avoid questionable chemicals and synthetic fragrances that go straight into the sensitive area under the arms. The ingredient list is visible and you understand what the words mean. When you switch, keep in mind: It takes time for the body to adjust Wrong pH and waste products create the perfect environment for bacteria, which cause unwanted odors. So don’t think, “This deodorant doesn’t work!” after a few days. Give it time; it takes about 3-4 weeks for the body to stabilize. It may smell worse During this transition period (detox period), you may well smell stronger as waste products are released. Sweat itself usually doesn’t smell; it’s when bacteria grow in the sweat that we get that particular odor. 3 detox tips for unpleasant-smelling and irritated armpits 1. Wash with an oil during the transition period We often emphasize how important it is to have the right pH on the skin and hair. This also applies under the armpits. Bacteria thrive in alkaline environments. Almost all soaps and shower gels have an alkaline pH value. Therefore, there are two major advantages to washing with vegetable oil when you stop using conventional deodorants: It does not disturb the pH. The oil dissolves dirt and absorbs odors without drying out or irritating the skin. The oil we think is best for the armpits is coconut oil. It has antibacterial properties and also naturally smells of coconut and is pleasant. Simply wash with the oil and wipe it off with a soft washcloth. Perfect during the transition period. 2. Regulate the acidity of the armpits If it still smells bad despite oil washing, you can lower the alkaline pH by spraying or dabbing with a hydrolate or diluted apple cider vinegar after washing. 3. Use essential oils Essential oils like tea tree, myrrh, or lavender are antiseptic but should be used diluted and with caution. Never undiluted. You can dilute a little of them in water and spray on after washing or use a hydrolate. Hydrolates are a byproduct of essential oil production and are mild. They are antiseptic, pH-balancing, moisturizing, and skin-caring. Switch to a natural and organic deodorant Liquid deodorants If you are using organic deodorant for the first time, it may be easier to use a liquid roll-on or spray deodorant. They keep you dry and pleasantly scented all day. Cream deodorants If you are used to organic deodorant, we recommend a cream deodorant in a jar. They are easy to use and 100% pure in their ingredients. They contain minimal ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, sunflower wax, arrowroot, jojoba oil, etc. They come with essential oils or fragrance-free for those sensitive to scents. Take care of yourself and your body!
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Exercise as Effective Stress Management: A Complete Guide
When you are stressed, it’s easy to skip physical activities to save time, but that is exactly when it’s extra important to take care of your body and move as much as possible. You can actually handle a high stress level in daily life better if you use continuous, preventive exercise. Your resilience to stress increases significantly if you move at least half an hour a day. Split it into two 15-minute sessions if that works better. As long as you prioritize recovery, movement, and sleep, your body can handle stressful periods without damage. However, if you don’t make time for exercise and recovery, you risk gradually developing exhaustion symptoms and, in the worst case, burnout. Stress Stress is a natural and necessary reaction in our bodies. When you get stressed, your stress hormones increase, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Our bodies handle stress in different ways, so the symptoms of long-term stress can vary. If you have a lot of stress in your life, you need to prioritize addressing it, because long-term stress is harmful, aging, and disease-causing. Adrenaline and noradrenaline Adrenaline and noradrenaline are neither good nor bad – they are necessary for our survival. Stress hormones are released in the body when you feel threatened. This can be a direct threat like fleeing from a lion, but also when you are in a stressful situation, such as giving a presentation, attending a job interview, or arguing with your partner. If you have been stressed for a long time without recovery, you may eventually start feeling anxious, restless, irritated, and have trouble falling asleep because of the adrenaline. Anything that worries you or things you haven't processed yet are sensed by your brain as stress. Adrenaline is released, giving you an unwelcome energy boost. Cortisol When it comes to cortisol, it is a fairly easy hormone to influence. Cortisol has a variety of functions. In acute stress situations, it can help you perform better, both physically and mentally, but high levels over the long term are not good. Usually, it is enough to stop using stimulants like caffeine and sugar and focus on optimizing your sleep. Vitamin B, especially vitamin B6, has good effects on stress levels, magnesium because it relaxes muscles, and zinc because it acts as an antagonist to cortisol. Stress management When you’re stressed and also when you exercise, the levels of adrenaline and cortisol in the body increase. But after you’ve exercised, the stress system relaxes and the release of stress hormones decreases. Exercise also burns stress hormones in the muscles and blood and helps you start your recovery. Exercise also releases endorphins in the brain that boost your mood. When you exercise, you also stop thinking about what stresses you, and you get other thoughts that give your brain a valuable break. Try to exercise with someone else. Social interaction can be relaxing and strengthening for mental health. Stress-preventive exercise Cardio training has been shown to have very good effects on stress-related problems. Take a brisk walk, swim, or dance. The optimal amount is at least half an hour, three times a week, and the key is to raise your heart rate during the session. Cardio training also has positive effects on the brain as it receives more oxygen and blood. In addition, cardio training can reduce feelings of nervousness and worry, which in turn can help prevent stress. Regular exercise is also important for sleep. The most important thing, however, is an active lifestyle, exercise, and training because the release of our stress hormone decreases after a workout regardless of the activity chosen. Remember to have fun! That’s why dancing is such a great form of exercise. You can find various classes by searching on YouTube, like this fun 90s dance workout. As a woman, you can also adjust your workout according to where you are in your menstrual cycle. Exercise outdoors If possible, try to exercise outdoors. Being out in nature can lower high blood pressure, reduce the risk of depression, and help decrease stress. Strength training Strength training can also help you reduce stress levels. In addition, you get stronger muscles, less pain, and better posture, which gives you better conditions for proper breathing. And breathing is important for health. Yoga and qigong Yoga can help reduce stress and make it easier to unwind. This is because yoga activates the parasympathetic system, the body’s “rest and digest” system. Qigong works much like yoga. Qigong is a combination of movement, mindfulness, and breathing. Everyday exercise Find ways to exercise in your daily life! Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Get off the bus one stop early. Use your bike instead of the car. Have meetings while walking, and so on. Find opportunities to add more movement to your daily tasks. Also reduce the time spent sitting still. Stretch your legs and walk around at least once an hour if you have a sedentary job or studies. For those who don’t move at all, it’s about starting to do something instead of nothing. Every bit counts, and the only thing you can “do wrong” is to do nothing at all! Recovery It’s not the stress that’s dangerous – it’s the lack of recovery during stress. After exercise, natural recovery begins. Focus on good sleep, rest, meditation, and mindfulness, which are important for recovery. Meditation is especially important for lowering cortisol levels. Try to fit in 10-15 minutes of meditation, preferably both morning and evening. It only takes a few days before you notice the effect. There are various relaxing guided meditations you can find by searching on YouTube, such as this one. Summary Exercise "burns off" stress hormones and triggers recovery. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain that boost your mood. Consistent, preventive exercise helps you handle high stress levels better. Do cardio for at least half an hour, three times a week. Feel free to do strength training, but avoid long or exhausting sessions. Yoga, qigong, and meditation have amazing effects on cortisol levels. Attend yoga 1-3 times a week. Meditate at least 10 minutes every day, preferably both morning and evening. Do you have questions or tips about stress and exercise? Write a comment!
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Make your own body butter with shea butter and cocoa butter
Do you love body butter but want to try making it yourself? Here is a wonderful DIY recipe for you! Shea Butter Shea butter is a wonderful body product appreciated by many. It is valued for its moisturizing effect and its "healing" effect on, for example, eczema and other skin problems. Shea butter doesn’t have much scent on its own (some say it smells like latex), so sometimes you might want to add a fragrance to the shea butter to spice it up. We think mixing shea butter and cocoa butter in a body butter is really nice; it creates a creamy result and gives a mild "chocolate" scent. Cocoa Butter Cocoa butter has a high content of fatty acids and deeply moisturizes the skin, making it an excellent complement to shea butter. Many women claim that regular use of cocoa butter reduces stretch marks during and after pregnancy. It’s easy to make your own lovely body butter with shea butter and cocoa butter. The best part is that you know exactly what’s in it, making it a 100% natural body moisturizer, completely free from synthetic and harmful ingredients. Body Butter Recipe 100 ml shea butter 50 ml cocoa butter in chunks 50 ml coconut oil 2 tablespoons almond oil or jojoba oil essential oil (optional) How do you make it? Melt the shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil together in a water bath over low heat, stirring constantly. Of course, you can make smaller or larger amounts at a time, your choice. Remove from heat and add the chosen oil and optionally essential oil. Mix well. Place the melted mixture in the refrigerator and let it cool and solidify for about 3 hours, until it has a soft but firm consistency. Take it out of the fridge and whip it until fluffy using, for example, a hand mixer or whisk. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Pour into a glass jar with a tight lid. Store in a cool, dark place. Tip: You can make chocolate body butter by adding two tablespoons of cocoa powder to this recipe.
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7 simple solutions for the problem with white sunscreen
Do you have sunscreens just sitting on the shelf at home? Here are some smart tips on what you can do with them so they get used. Organic sunscreens that leave a white cast on the skin There are tricks that can make the white film disappear completely or at least become less visible. Here they are! 1. Keep massaging so your sunscreen melts into the skin. The warmth from your hands helps the sunscreen blend with your skin. If your hands are cold, rub them together first to warm them up. 2. Dry skin highlights the white cast of your physical sunscreen. Make sure to exfoliate and moisturize your skin first, so the sunscreen absorbs more easily. Body or facial oil under your sunscreen works best to magically reduce the white cast. 3. Mix your sunscreen with Zuii Luminising Creme Luminising Creme doesn’t contain any sun protection but gives the most believable sun-kissed glow in no time. They are wonderful to use on their own. Mixed with sunscreen, the result looks more natural on the skin. The sunscreen’s texture thins out and the white disappears. The final product becomes like a lightly tinted sunscreen. 4. Mix your sunscreen with a (too dark) liquid foundation The end result is like a tinted sunscreen. 5. Mix your sunscreen with a loose powder bronzer The result is like a tinted sunscreen. If your sunscreen is already thick in texture, a loose powder bronzer can make it even drier and thicker. In that case, add a little cream or oil as well. Sunscreens that feel too shiny on the skin Glow is great, but sometimes it can get too sticky and oily in the heat. Here’s what you can do. 6. Mix your sunscreen with a loose powder This gives a less shiny result. It also looks less cakey compared to powdering on top of the sunscreen. If your sunscreen is already thick in texture, add a light cream or lotion as well. Sunscreens that feel cakey, matte, and dry on the skin A good sunscreen shouldn’t be visible on the skin. If you have dry skin, some sunscreens can look dull. Try this trick! 7. Exfoliate your skin and make sure to have (preferably) oil or cream under your sunscreen. Alternatively, you can mix your sunscreen with oil, cream, or lotion. Important to keep in mind If you want to mix your sunscreen with another product, try a small amount first. Remember that the more you dilute your sunscreen, the lower the SPF will be. Good luck! You might be interested in reading: Test of 7 different organic sunscreens – this is how good they are! 7 best organic sunscreens for the face
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Vegan & gluten-free Easter eggs with chocolate crunch
Impress your guests with wonderfully delicious chocolate eggs that everyone can enjoy! Basic Chocolate Recipe – about 12 pieces 1 dl cocoa butter1/4 dl coconut oil5 tbsp cocoa powder2 tbsp yacon syrup or maple syrup1 tbsp lucuma1 pinch vanilla powder1 pinch natural salt How to make it? Melt the cocoa butter in a water bath, stirring constantly, add the coconut oil and stir until combined. Remove from heat. Mix with the other ingredients in a bowl and stir thoroughly all the time. Pour a little of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of a mold, for example a silicone mold shaped like eggs. Then add the crunch and finally fill with chocolate mixture on top. Let set in the refrigerator. If not eaten immediately, store best in the refrigerator. Crunch for the chocolate – about 12 pieces 1 dl coconut palm sugar1 tsp yacon syrup or maple syrup1 dl whole buckwheat, soaked overnight and then dried.Zest (grated peel) from 1 organic lemon2 tsp grated fresh ginger1 pinch natural sea salt How to make it? Melt the coconut sugar together with the syrup or honey in a frying pan over low heat. Pour into a bowl. Stir in the other ingredients thoroughly and pour the mixture onto baking paper. Let cool until it hardens, then chop into small pieces. Drying buckwheat For raw food drying, you can dry buckwheat in a dehydrator overnight, in a regular oven for 6 hours at 45 degrees Celsius, or spread out on a tray during the day. Quick drying in a regular oven takes 20 minutes at 175 degrees Celsius. If you don’t want crunch and want to vary, you can add other ingredients to the basic chocolate recipe such as spirulina, chaga mushroom, goji berries, bee pollen, maca, cacao nibs, chili, licorice, peppermint, acai, blueberries, etc… let your imagination flow!
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