Health Blog
Health Blog
Natural balance throughout the menstrual cycle with herbs
If you are an adult woman, you have probably wondered how to balance your body through the different phases of your monthly cycle. Perhaps you have experienced PMS or other challenges related to these natural rhythms – which are actually the source of life itself for all humans and therefore deserve all the respect, knowledge, and understanding available to us. Here we share an overview and some tips on how you can give yourself (or a woman close to you) the best possible support to live in harmony with your body. Four phases of wisdom and creative flow A woman’s hormonal system moves in 28-day cycles divided into four phases: Menstruation, Follicular phase, Ovulation, and Luteal phase. These phases affect us not only physically but also emotionally in a way designed by nature to provide the best conditions for creating new life. If we are in balance with these phases, they don’t have to disrupt our lives – instead, they can give us a stronger connection to our body, our creativity, and to nature. 1. Follicular phase From the end of menstruation until ovulation, we develop an egg and prepare – at least symbolically – to create new life. Many women experience having more energy and feeling creative from the start of their menstrual cycle. It can be a good time to focus on new projects and creative ideas that come from within ourselves. 2. Ovulation Ovulation, which occurs in the middle of the cycle, is accompanied by a sudden increase in the hormones estrogen and testosterone, which in turn affect how we feel. During this part of the cycle, we are often more receptive to new ideas. Sexual desire also peaks for many women in this phase, and our bodies release pheromones to attract sexual attention. This is a good time for those who want to become pregnant, but also a natural time to complement our ideas with feedback from the outside world. 3. Luteal phase The weeks after ovulation are a more evaluative and reflective time when we can look back on what has been created and on the negative or difficult aspects of our lives that need to be changed or adjusted. This also applies to our health. During this time, you may undergo a kind of “stress test” internally that brings your imbalances to the surface. This gives you the opportunity to find solutions to your health problems. If we are especially mindful during this period, it can provide insights and healing that strengthen our entire being. In this phase, it can be very helpful to use herbs and nutrients that support various processes. Here are some suggestions: PMS: Tulsi, Yarrow, Lemon balm, Chamomile, Dandelion, Ginger Low energy (exhaustion): Nettle, Rhodiola, Russian root, Schisandra, Astragalus, Red clover. Anxiety, worry, and palpitations: Lemon balm, Reishi, Schisandra, Tulsi. Stress: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Russian root. You can naturally increase the body’s progesterone level with vitamin C. Vitamin C at doses of at least 750 mg per day has been shown to raise progesterone in women. Vitamin C is a fantastic product for many different functions in the body and can also support PMS. Studies have shown that PMS symptoms may be linked to low levels of the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin as well as low magnesium. GABA is available as a supplement. Also, L-theanine raises levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine. If you experience stress, i.e., difficulty relaxing, L-theanine is a good idea. The neurotransmitters GABA, dopamine, and serotonin play a major role in our mood and emotions. You can raise both serotonin and dopamine through exercise as well as sunlight, meditation, yoga, massage, sleep, and a balanced diet. So relaxation combined with the right exercise and diet plays a very important role. 4. Menstruation Menstruation itself starts when the egg is released and cleared out (instead of, as a fertilized egg, beginning cell division). Emotionally, it is a period of rest and recovery. In many older cultures, it is completely acceptable for women to slow down during this period and rest more. It can also be a good time, if energy allows, to organize or clean up some aspect of life; to “Kon-Mari” your home or workplace to make more room for the next creative phase. Here too, there are simple nutritional and herbal remedies that can be helpful for: Menstrual pain: Turmeric, Cinnamon, Ginger, Peppermint, Fennel. Heavy bleeding and menstrual cramps: Lady’s mantle, Parsley, Nettle. Magnesium helps our body relax and can relieve menstrual pain. It also helps with anxiety and stress and has many important functions in the body. Hot flashes: Sage, Red clover, Dandelion. Genital problems such as itching and yeast infections. Urinary tract health: D-mannose, Berberine, Lactic acid bacteria, Cranberry. Kidney support: Birch. Other tips on herbs/vitamins that can positively contribute to specific challenges: Hormone balance: Red clover, Maca, Shilajit. Joint pain: Nettle and Turmeric. B vitamins are always worth considering. Preferably a high-quality B-complex. B-12 supports energy levels. Digestion: Yarrow, Peppermint, Wormwood, Dandelion, Anise, Cumin, Fennel, Artichoke. Digestion affects our overall health. Therefore, it is important to have a well-functioning stomach. That’s where friendly gut bacteria (lactic acid bacteria) and enzymes come in, which we usually recommend to most people. Strengthening your liver — that is, having a well-functioning, happy liver — greatly affects our health. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol that supports the liver’s detoxification of estrogens. Indole-3-carbinol is also available as a supplement. Herbs for the liver: Dandelion, Milk thistle, Burdock, Turmeric, Celery juice, Livatrex. We hope you have found something that gave you inspiration and knowledge. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need advice about your specific situation and your health!
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Natural sleep solutions for better rest and recovery
Waking up truly rested can be a luxury for many of us. For the body and mind, it is as important as air, water, and food. Good rest and recovery can be a true miracle cure. Here are some of the benefits of good sleep Better and more stable mood. Increased learning and performance ability both physically and mentally. Increased creativity & social skills. Reduced secretion of stress-related hormones. Stronger immune system. Reduced inflammation in the body. Stable blood sugar and better metabolism. Less craving for sweets and caffeine. Better muscle building and reduced fat storage. Reduced risk of a wide range of diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and depression. The body repairs and restores itself when we sleep well, and there is no substitute or shortcut to gain these benefits. You probably know yourself how it feels in both body and mind when you are rested compared to when you haven’t had the rest you really need. At the same time, it can be a puzzle to find time to rest properly in our connected society. How to create more space for good sleep 8 hours – without pressure Most people feel best by sleeping at least 5 “sleep cycles” lasting about 90 minutes each – that is about 7.5 hours in total. Note that this is 7.5 hours of actual sleep, which means you need a minimum of 8 hours in bed to have time to fall asleep and wake up in a relaxed way. An important aspect of being able to rest deeply is not to make sleeping a performance. If you have trouble falling asleep or if you wake up in the middle of the night, it’s okay. Just lie still with your eyes closed and rest. Don’t make a problem out of it. Optimize your bedroom An optimal bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Is there anything you can upgrade in your bedroom to make it more “sleep-friendly”? For example, you might need to get blackout blinds. The ideal sleeping temperature is somewhere between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius, so make sure to air out the bedroom and turn down the radiator a bit before going to bed. Light during the day – dark in the evening Our brain and hormone system react to all types of light sources and try to adapt to them. Therefore, we feel best by getting as much sunlight as possible during the day, and minimizing direct light in the eyes during the last 1-2 hours before we go to sleep. In practice, this means: Spend at least 30 minutes outdoors around midday. Turn off all screens (phone, computer, tablet) at least 1 hour before you plan to fall asleep. If you absolutely must use your computer or phone, we recommend installing a blue light filter or buying glasses that can block blue light. Exercise early in the day We sleep better if we move regularly. But at the same time, we sleep worse if we exercise too late in the evening. So the simple solution is to try to exercise as early in the day as possible. Take it easy with stimulants Coffee and black as well as green tea stimulate the central nervous system and boost our energy. This can be useful during the day, but in the afternoon and evening it’s not what the body needs. Even cocoa and chocolate can stimulate us too much in the evening. Meditate It is extremely helpful to have some kind of routine that helps you release stress and tension, especially in the evening. This could be meditating for a while, doing gentle yoga, listening to a relaxation tape, listening to beautiful music, taking an evening walk, having a warm bath, doing a foot bath, or reading a relaxing book. What is your best way to unwind after a long day? Spend time with people and animals you like Being with animals is very relaxing. Also with people close to us with whom we can relax. Ask for a massage or give a massage. Both are equally rewarding as blood circulation increases, muscle tension decreases, and the body’s own pain-relieving hormone endorphin is released, making us feel good. Reduce your time with bad news It is important to know what is happening in the world, but we all tend to get worked up about things. Right now, the Coronavirus is a stress factor for many. If you notice that it stresses you, decide to only look it up at most once every other day. Supplements & herbs for better sleep There are a number of herbs and nutrients that support the body’s ability to relax and rest. Here are several products we like: – Nattplus is an excellent supplement with Inositol, Chamomile extract, Lemon balm extract, Magnesium, and L-theanine. – L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes relaxation. Good for counteracting stress. – Magnesium helps the body relax quickly. – Tao in a bottle is a supplement with L-theanine and adaptogenic herbs. – Lemon balm is an excellent herb to help the body unwind. It also prevents anxiety and is called the Heart’s Delight. – Chamomile has traditionally been used for its calming properties. It makes a nice evening tea. – Tulsi / Holy Basil is an Ayurvedic herb used to prevent and manage stress. It calms our nerves. – Reishi is a Chinese herb said to bring peace of mind. – Moringa is a plant that supports relaxed sleep. – Glycine is an amino acid that can support relaxed sleep.
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Immune-boosting recipes with simple ingredients
Here are some simple and immune-boosting recipes with fruits and vegetables commonly found in Swedish homes & grocery stores! Perfect when you don’t want or can’t go to the store. Green Vitamin C Boost 2 servings– 1 ripe avocado– 3 ripe kiwis– 1 bag of fresh spinach– Water Cut up the fruit, put everything in a blender, cover with water, and blend until you get a green superdrink! Salad Mix with Simple Dressing 1. Gather the vegetables you have at home and feel like eating. Use a base of some type of green leaves. Sprouts are also an excellent ingredient. Slice the vegetables thinly. Carrots, cabbage, zucchini, fennel, etc., can advantageously be sliced with a cheese slicer or vegetable peeler for a thin and crispy texture. Feel free to add fruit or berries like apple, cranberries, or blueberries if you like a bit of sweetness in your salad. Mix everything in a large bowl. 2. Whisk together a dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and herbs – fresh, frozen, or dried. Use whatever you have at home. The key to a good dressing is to include at least three of the five flavors: salty, sour, sweet, bitter & umami. The simple ingredients above achieve this very easily. Let your imagination flow and experiment to find your favorites. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve. Simple, tasty & healthy! Oven-Roasted Vegetables the Easy Way This has become a big favorite at our home this winter. It’s simple, delicious, and usually works with whatever you have at home without needing to plan ahead. 1. Gather some vegetables and root vegetables from the fridge and pantry. As a base, it’s good to have something starchy like potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or beets. Add vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, fennel, pointed cabbage, or whatever you have at home. Cut everything into suitably sized wedges/pieces. Potatoes need to be boiled beforehand. Most other vegetables do not. 2. Place everything on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with a little oil (coconut oil is probably best for heating from a health perspective) and spices. Some of our favorite spices are garlic, black pepper, herb salt, rosemary, thyme, oregano, tarragon – or why not a really good curry. 3. Bake in the oven at 225°C for 20-40 minutes depending on the type and size of the vegetables. Keep an eye on it and check with a fork if you’re unsure. They’re done when soft in the middle and have a nicely grilled surface. Serve preferably with salad, beans, or hummus!
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10 simple eating habits for better health in everyday life
Are you eager to upgrade your eating habits but don’t know where to start? Here are my top ten habits to give both body and mind the nutrition they need to feel good – today, this spring, this year, and long after. 1. Smoothies Smoothies are an easy way to increase your nutrient intake with both fresh ingredients and selected supplements like organic protein, algae, or grass juice powder. They are quick to make and perfect as breakfast, a snack, or a post-workout boost. One tip is to chew while you drink your smoothie to activate enzymes in your mouth that help you absorb the nutrients. A good smoothie starts with a good blender. Our most popular is Omniblend, which definitely offers the best blending value for money if you ask me. 2. Juice more! Drinking freshly pressed juice can be one of the best habits you can have in your daily life. You can make your own or buy fresh, cold-pressed juice at a juice bar or health food store near you. Vegetables are great for juicing because you get a lot more nutrients that way. Think about how much faster you can drink 500g of carrots or celery compared to the time it takes to chew them. There are many good juicers on the market that cold-press juice if you want to start making your own juice at home. 3. Make your own plant-based milk Homemade plant-based milk is cheap, simple, and healthy. Just blend water with seeds, nuts, or rice/oats and strain it, and you have a nutritious drink that also works well as a base in smoothies, soups, or as a side for muesli. Some of our favorites are almond milk, hemp milk, tiger nut milk, and cashew milk. You only need a good blender and a nut milk bag to get started! You can find a nut milk bag here. 4. Start sprouting Sprouts contain up to 30 times more nutrients per gram than their fully grown relatives. It’s like a natural, living supplement with many health benefits. Growing your own sprouts is extremely cheap compared to buying ready-made ones, but of course, it takes some time – especially if you’re not used to it. Our favorite sprouts right now are broccoli, sunflower, and radish. What are your favorites? Click here if you want to stock up on sprouting seeds or get sprouting equipment. 5. Swap chips and candy for raw snacks An easy tip to improve the quality of your food is to choose snacks made from healthy ingredients. For example, by replacing regular chocolate with raw chocolate or regular chips with raw chips. Both are easy and fun to make at home, but are also available ready-made, of course. Here is a fun recipe for raw chips: Kale Chips 2 liters of washed and shredded kale2-4 tbsp olive oil1 tsp saltJuice from half a lemon Instructions: Massage the kale with olive oil, salt, and lemon juice until it softens. You can also add vegan-friendly nutritional yeast if you want a "cheesy" flavor. Spread the coated kale evenly on trays. Dry in a dehydrator for about 12 hours at 42 degrees Celsius. If you use a regular oven, reduce the time by about 1-2 hours. When the chips are really crispy, they are ready. 6. Eat the colors of the rainbow A simple rule of thumb when shopping for food is to try to include as many of nature’s colors as possible. Green, purple, orange, red, and yellow all signal that the food is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. It’s easy to find all these colors in the plant kingdom: in vegetables, fruits, and berries – try to eat different varieties every day! Colorful chia puddings colored with various antioxidant-rich powders are an excellent way to get these nutrients into your diet. 7. Clean water We are made up of about 70% water. The quality of this water therefore plays an important role in our health. A good start to the day is to drink a large glass of lemon water. It can also be a good idea to invest in a good water filter to ensure that your water does not contain any substances you don’t want to consume. Here you can see our water filters. 8. Enjoy and appreciate your food No matter what you eat, we recommend that you enjoy it and appreciate your food. Enjoyment and gratitude have many health benefits. This is especially true if you occasionally treat yourself to food that may not be “optimal” from a nutritional perspective. According to, for example, Deepak Chopra, presence and gratitude for the food we eat are almost as important as what the food contains. Worth thinking about! 9. Breathe Sometimes we forget that our absolutely most essential nutrient, which we cannot survive more than a few minutes without, is air. Being aware of both how we breathe and the quality of our indoor air can therefore give us great health benefits. Practicing breathing exercises from yoga or other traditions is a good idea for most of us. Another tip is to improve the air at home with a Humio Humidifier, which can also lift the mood with pure essential oils in the home. 10. Calm Don’t rush when you eat, be present, and don’t do too many other things. Try just eating your food and enjoying it sometimes. Creating a calm and harmonious moment around your food makes a big difference for digestion and nutrient absorption. Just think about how it feels to be relaxed when you eat compared to maybe rushing to eat a sandwich on the go. Both your body and mind will thank you for the little extra care you give yourself when you take the time and space to relax in connection with your nutrition. And remember to chew!
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Natural hair care for healthier hair - 5 simple tips
Are you looking for an exciting challenge for 2021? Why not try something a little different? How about promising your hair to try some new exciting things? Here are my suggestions: Try a shampoo bar. If you haven’t already, I recommend trying a shampoo bar as it helps many who have scalp problems, such as dry or sensitive skin. This is a different way to cleanse your hair and it takes some time to get used to if you have only used regular shampoo before. One of the things you need to get used to is washing your hair without much foam. After washing, you can rinse your hair with organic apple cider vinegar to make it soft and shiny or use a good conditioner. Try natural hair care products. We only sell hair products with natural ingredients, i.e. without surfactants, sulfates, parabens, phenoxyethanol, polysorbate, TEA, DEA, MEA, PEG-laureth, and everything else we find harmful that depletes the hair. You can find hair care here. Try an herbal hair dye. Conventional hair dyes disrupt the balance of the scalp and hair. Organic, plant-based herbal hair dyes, on the other hand, have natural ingredients and are therefore gentle to use for everyone. They give your hair a protective color that combines with your own natural hair color to produce a unique result. You can also mix the hair dyes with each other to achieve different color variations. They provide expressive colors as well as silky shine and volume. Herbal hair dyes are of course free from peroxide, ammonia, and other chemical components. Here you can find our herbal hair dyes! Manage stress. Stress affects your entire system and thus also negatively impacts your hair. Some of my best tips to reduce stress are to find a way to relax, whether it’s through walks, calm music, moments in nature, yoga, meditation, conversations, or touch. Also try to filter your life and say no to things that drain too much energy. Replace them with things you enjoy and that inspire you. If you want more tips on how to manage stress, I suggest you read our article on managing worry and stress. Beauty comes from within Remember that your hair reflects your overall well-being. Shampoos, hair masks, and serums can enhance your hair, but for long-term results, you need to lay a good foundation. Here are five tips from us on how you can care for your hair from the inside, where true health begins. 1. Keep your hydration at its best Drink pure water every day, preferably with a little lemon or lime. Also enjoy beneficial herbal teas. Remember: for every cup of coffee, you need a glass of water. Coffee is not water. 2. Avoid refined fats and carbohydrates An excess of fast carbohydrates (e.g., margarine, white sugar, and white flour) can stimulate the body to produce more sebum, which can cause or worsen both problematic skin and scalp issues. There are plenty of other options to choose from today: for example rye flour, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, oats, seeds of all kinds, brown rice, stevia, xylitol, coconut palm sugar, etc. 3. Eat good fats Good fats include avocado, seeds, nuts, and cold-pressed oils. Choose, for example, organic extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, flaxseed oil, borage oil, hemp oil, black cumin oil, etc. You can find oils here. 4. More vegetables and berries Enjoy a diet rich in vegetables, berries, and fruit in their natural forms—they contain phytonutrients, enzymes, fibers, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetables in all colors and shapes enrich our health in ways we cannot understand! 5. Take supplements that support hair health This includes silica, B vitamins, MSM, Omega-3, vitamin C, nettle, AFA algae, which enhance your results for healthy hair. Coconut bomb recipe for hair This is a real moisture bomb for dry and brittle hair. Suitable for most hair types. About 3 dl: 1 can coconut milk 0.5 dl coconut oil 1 tbsp jojoba oil 1 tbsp argan oil 10 drops essential oil Instructions:• Melt the coconut oil in a water bath, stir in argan and jojoba oils, mix well.• Remove from heat and add the essential oils. Pour in the coconut milk.• Pour into a clean spray bottle (preferably glass) and shake to mix.• Shake the bottle a little each time before use. Spray on all dry hair areas.
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Strengthen your immune system naturally with the right nutrition
When I was little, I was often sick. Colds, tonsillitis, ear infections, etc. I had penicillin treatments several times a year. I was told I was born with a "weak immune system" and was an "ear child." "Nothing to be done about it, you just need to be careful for the rest of your life." As an adult, I developed other problems. With my stomach. I experienced stress. More colds. Sinus infections that wouldn’t go away. Allergies. I didn’t like this, and decided to study nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Do you know what I discovered? That no one is born with a strong or weak immune system. It’s something you develop. There is no "weak constitution," only weakening situations. And those can be changed! If you’re not happy with your level, you can simply raise it. Nowadays, I am a long-term healthy person. Maybe a cold once a year instead of once a month. I haven’t had a sinus infection or needed antibiotics in over 15 years. I have a strong immune system and at my last visit to a naturopath, I was told I had a "strong constitution." How did I do it? Of course, it wasn’t something that happened overnight. There is no miracle cure or miracle diet that fits everyone. Instead, I believe in a long-term transition to a life with good food and nutrition, clean water, functioning digestion, movement and exercise, stress reduction, care for myself and others, and meaningfulness in what I do. Everything matters, both physical and mental health. This is the real answer I want to give when, as a nutrition advisor, I get the question: "Help, I’m sick, what should I do now?" Being sick is a symptom of a lifestyle that isn’t optimal for you. Taking a supplement or medicine that removes the symptoms doesn’t work in the long run. It won’t truly help you, deeply. A real transition takes 1-2 years to make. But if it means one-tenth as many sick days for the rest of your life, maybe it’s worth it? Nutrition & The Immune System When it comes to nutrition, there are some basic pillars we will look at here: Nutrition for the immune system Our immune system needs fundamental nutrients to function well. The top nutrients are vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc. These can be good to supplement if you want to build a strong system. Balance in the gut flora Good bacteria that keep unwanted bacteria away. That’s why they are sometimes called "the body’s first defense." Do you need to boost your stomach with healthy bacteria? Herbs that "train" the immune system Medicinal mushrooms like Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps help inform the body’s T-cells (i.e., the cells that kill unwanted bacteria and viruses) on how to proceed. This is something that takes time and can be done long-term. In other cultures, these herbs are used throughout life to keep the body strong and resilient. Take a closer look at our healthy mushrooms. Herbs that give T-cells ammunition To eliminate unwanted guests, the body also needs "ammunition" in the form of substances that are toxic to viruses and bacteria but not to the body’s own cells (or the gut flora). This naturally exists in a certain group of herbs. Some of our favorites are garlic, olive leaf extract, oregano oil, pau d’arco. Avoid disruptive substances You are obviously not stronger than your weakest link. If you habitually consume substances that disrupt the immune system, it cannot function properly. This may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: Avoid or minimize white sugar, dairy products (especially with mucus formation and cough), white bread and pasta (gluten), cereals, French fries, chips, as well as artificial additives and flavorings. Eat plenty of: Vegetables, sprouts, fruit, berries, seaweed, seeds, gluten-free alternatives like quinoa and buckwheat, i.e., natural and nutritious food without additives. Vegetables are always best and don’t burden the system but allow the body to handle viruses or bacteria. There are many opinions about diets and health, but one thing 99% agree on is that vegetables are good. I hope this can be helpful and inspiring. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have questions about what might suit you!
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Clearlife and Softskin become Glimja
After over 10 years as ClearLife, we are now creating something bigger together with Softskin and changing our name to Glimja.⠀ We believe that everything good can only get better. Together, we can do what we love most – helping you and all life on the planet to shine! ⠀⠀ We want to do this by making better health simpler for you and your loved ones. Among other things, by offering the best products, inspiring advice, and the smoothest website. ⠀ We are still just as meticulous about the quality of our products.⠀ With us, you will only find natural, sustainable & healthy products. ⠀ No junk, only what we and our children use.⠀⠀ If you want to shop at Clearlife.se the site will remain for a while longer, but you are already welcome to try Glimja.se. ⠀ At Glimja, you will find the ranges of Clearlife and Softskin, plus a little more. Everything you need for natural beauty, health, and a sustainable life.⠀ What do you think about Glimja? Tell us in the comments, by emailing hej@glimja.se, or on #glimjatillsammans
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Effective home remedies for summer ailments
There are plenty of handy aids, home remedies, and folk cures at home that help with various ailments and discomforts. They can be found in the pantry, refrigerator, or on the windowsill, often without you even knowing which home remedies are hiding there. We will now take a closer look at some old folk remedies that still work today and some modern ones that might be good to know about. Burns Most people know that it’s good to spend time in the sun and replenish vitamin D stores during the summer. But if you know in advance that you will be out in the sun for a long day, it’s good to apply a sunscreen with a physical sun filter and make sure you have enough shade during the day. If you forget this and get too much sun, you can get sunburned. Usually, you notice it afterwards when the skin has turned red and may even start to feel hot and sting. 1. Aloe vera Soothe the skin with gel from an aloe vera plant. Cut off a leaf, peel away the green skin, and gently apply the gel to the skin. Aloe vera cools, soothes, and heals the skin. You can also use this fantastic aloe vera gel. 2. Colloidal silver Another tip is to spray colloidal silver. Silver has long been used on burns and effectively relieves the stinging sensation. 3. Clear out the fridge If you don’t have these at home, it can also work to dab the burned skin with thinly sliced cucumber, cold yogurt, mashed ripe avocado, or sauerkraut, which cools the skin. Sauerkraut is also rich in vitamin C, which is believed to help speed up the healing process. You can also try cabbage if it’s a smaller area. Roll the leaves soft with a rolling pin, place them on the skin, and secure with a gauze bandage. Change a couple of times a day. 4. Wet fabrics You can also wet linen or cotton fabric in cold water, wring it out, and place it on the skin. These tips are also said to work if you’ve been burned by something hot. 5. Oil For scalds, olive oil can also soothe, and if you have essential oils at home, you can add a few drops of lavender or peppermint for increased pain relief. Insect bites On the most beautiful summer days, you might unfortunately get stung by insects. Mosquito bites can be annoying and itchy, while bee and wasp stings can be much more unpleasant. If there is a risk of an allergic reaction, or if the sting is in the mouth or throat area, you should seek emergency care. Otherwise, you can try some of these old home remedies. First, remove the stinger if it’s still there and cool the area with cold water or ice cubes. 1. Sugar cube Moisten the skin and press against a damp sugar cube, which is said to draw out the poison. 2. Baking soda You can also make a thick paste of baking soda or baking powder and water. Spread it over the sting site and let it dry. 3. Essential oils You can also drop a drop of tea tree essential oil on the sting site. It disinfects and can reduce inflammation. This lavender essential oil with roll-on function also works well against stings. Cure motion sickness If you’re going out by car, bus, train, or boat, you can sometimes suffer from nausea. If you know you tend to get it, you can prepare with these home remedies. 1. Cinnamon tea Prepare a tea with a cup of hot water and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Let it steep for ten minutes and strain. Take the tea in a thermos and drink if you start to feel nauseous. 2. Ginger At the onset of nausea, you can also try chewing a small piece of fresh ginger. It’s easy to carry in your pocket or handbag. Natural ways to treat cuts and scrapes If an accident happens and you get a small scrape or cut, there are also some home remedies you can use. Cleaning and disinfecting is always the most important first step. For scrapes, you can remove any debris and dirt with tweezers. Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide or another antiseptic solution. Lightly bleeding wounds should be covered with a plaster or sterile compress. 1. Cayenne pepper If you don’t have plasters, something most people have in their spice rack also works: cayenne pepper. Sprinkle a little cayenne powder directly on the bleeding small wounds and wait 10-20 seconds for the bleeding to stop. Cayenne pepper is also believed to relieve infections because the spice has potent antibacterial properties, and the antioxidant capsaicin is said to relieve pain. 2. Plantain Fresh plantain leaves have long been used on all kinds of wounds including leg ulcers, sunburn, scalds, other burns, and eczema. Even sprains. Plantain stops bleeding and immediately soothes insect bites. Rub the leaves until they are soft and moist, place them whole with the smooth side down, and tie them in place. You can also squeeze out some juice or chew and apply as a poultice. Plantain herbal oil and wound salve can also be used. 3. Egg white The membrane on the inside of eggshells can also work. Place the moist side down on a clean wound. It protects, soothes, and dries in a few minutes. Another option is fresh egg white, which you let dry to form a protective and astringent layer on the wound. This was a common home remedy in medieval Swedish medical books.
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Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake for Midsummer
Are you looking for a delicious recipe for the Midsummer celebration? Then we recommend this wonderful Midsummer cake with almond, coconut, and fresh berries. It is gluten-free and vegan! Ingredients Cake base 4 dl rice or almond milk 1.5 tsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) 0.8 dl unsweetened applesauce 1 tsp vanilla powder 7.5 dl almond flour 2 dl potato starch 0.8 dl cornstarch (or arrowroot) 3 dl raw cane sugar or coconut palm sugar 1.5 tsp baking powder 1-2 pinches natural salt Coconut cream The thick cream from 3 CHILLED (8h) cans of coconut cream/milk (not the liquid in the can) 3-4 tbsp maple syrup (add more to taste) Strawberry cream & garnish 1 1/2 liters fresh strawberries1 tbsp coconut sugar Instructions NOTE! Chill the coconut cream and the bowl for whipping in for at least 8 hours. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease two large round baking pans with coconut oil. Measure the almond or rice milk and add vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes. Then add applesauce and vanilla powder and stir well. Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Then add the liquid and stir until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable into a cake pan. Divide the batter evenly between your two cake pans and bake in the middle of the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the cakes have a golden brown surface. Let cool for about 15 minutes. Then loosen the cakes from the pans and turn them out onto a baking sheet or plate. Let cool completely. Slice 1/2 liter of strawberries for garnish. Mash 1 liter of strawberries and mix in 1 tbsp coconut sugar. Let sit for 30 minutes. Whip the cold coconut cream with maple syrup until fluffy using an electric mixer or similar. To assemble the cake, place one cake base on a serving plate. Spread the mashed strawberries on top. If you like, you can add a thin layer of coconut cream over the strawberry cream. Then place the second cake base on top and spread the coconut cream over the entire cake – top and sides. Garnish with sliced strawberries and enjoy!
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5 simple health routines for summer well-being
When summer is in full bloom, the days are long, and summer vacations begin, many of us probably have a little more free time than usual. Sometimes it can be nice not to use that time for anything at all, but just let the body and mind recover from the challenges of spring. But it can also be a fantastic opportunity to try new things that support your well-being and lay the foundation for health for many years to come. That’s why I, together with our other skin and nutrition experts, have written down a list of 5 tips on interesting routines to try. 1. The Wim Hof Method Wim Hof, known as “the Iceman,” highlights great health benefits from deep breathing and exposing the body to cold combined with meditation and exercise. I started with his meditative breathing exercises, push-ups, and then cold showers every morning. It only took a few days before I noticed how much stronger, calmer, and more focused I became. Breathing exercises: Breathe in forcefully through your nose and out through your mouth. Deep, circular breaths without pauses. (Feel free to watch how Wim Hof breathes on YouTube). Lie down, close your eyes, and focus on breathing all the way down to your stomach and expanding your chest. Take 30-40 breaths Exhale and then hold your breath as long as you can. Take a deep breath and hold it for 15 seconds. Exhale and repeat for a total of 3 cycles. Push-ups: Sit cross-legged and take 30 deep breaths as described above. Exhale, then hold your breath and do as many push-ups as you can. Sit up and take a deep breath. Hold your breath for 15 seconds. Exhale. Done! Cold shower: Turn the tap to the coldest possible setting. Shower every morning for 2 minutes. Start with 15 seconds and gradually increase. Enjoy the warmth and joy spreading through your body. My best tip is to write down your progress. Don’t be surprised if you can triple the number of push-ups in 1-2 weeks or hold your breath for 2 minutes. Wim Hof has a great app that is free to download. It includes a handy timer for the breathing exercise and you can track your progress. Note that there are other features in the app that cost. 2. DIY Body Scrub In summer, the skin easily becomes dry and flaky from saltwater baths and sun. If you don’t have a body scrub at home, you can very easily make your own with ingredients you already have in the kitchen. Mix something that exfoliates, such as: -Coffee grounds-Sugar-Salt with any oil such as: Olive oil, Coconut oil, or Sesame oil The tip is to find a clean and nice jar to store the scrub in. Keep the jar out in the bathroom so you are reminded to scrub yourself regularly, 1-2 times a week. Another tip is to place the jar near the sink, so your hands also stay smooth and soft. 3. Morning Exercise: 15-Minute Bounce One of my absolute favorite things in our home is the Bellicon trampoline. Jumping on it is both uplifting and relaxing at the same time. It increases circulation, gives a gentle massage to all internal organs, and helps the lymphatic system pump out waste products from the body. There are periods when I use it more or less, but if I can get in 15 minutes a day, I always notice that both my mood and energy level improve. So now I have decided that every morning, before I take on anything else (except possibly a glass of lemon water), I bounce for 15 minutes while listening to some beautiful music or an inspiring lecture. Just this little habit has made me look forward to getting up in the morning and feel generally happier and lighter. If you don’t have access to a trampoline, I can (besides warmly recommending you get one ;-)) suggest a similar idea that requires no equipment at all. It is fitness guru Max Shank who developed what he calls the "5-minute-flow," which basically involves moving continuously for 5 minutes every morning. He has lots of tips and ideas for movement patterns (completely free). 4. The Summer Drink After my morning exercise, I drink a summer drink that serves three functions: Enjoyment of life. Hydration at the cellular level. Support for the body's cleansing organs (liver, kidneys & digestive system). I currently have two versions of this drink that I alternate between. Both are based on the same idea: freshly pressed and living nutrition directly from fruits and vegetables used in natural medicine for these exact purposes. Of course, you can serve these drinks – or variations of them – at any time of day. But I find they have an extra good effect if I drink them before eating anything else that day. Usually, I wait about an hour afterward before having breakfast. Variant 1: Red Summer Dream Ingredients: ½ watermelon 1 handful of frozen raspberries Juice from ½ grapefruit (or lemon) Fresh mint or lemon balm if you have it available How to make: Cut the melon (without skin) into pieces and put everything in a blender. Blend until you get a smooth and nice drink.Tip: Feel free to store the melon in the fridge overnight for an extra cool drink. You can also make it colder by adding a few ice cubes. Variant 2: Green Delight Per serving: ½ bunch of celery stalks ½ cucumber or fennel bulb 1 apple 1 lemon or lime 1 small piece of ginger Cut everything into pieces and run through a juicer (alternatively blend and strain out the fibers with a nut milk bag). Serve immediately! 5. The sun’s healing rays Something that is easily forgotten in all the talk about sunscreen and the risks of burning is that the sun’s rays, besides being very relaxing and enjoyable, carry a lot of health benefits. By now, most people know the importance of having good levels of vitamin D in the blood, and that the best (and cheapest) way to get it is by exposing as much of our skin as possible to the sun for 15-20 minutes a day. When we get our vitamin D this way, we also don’t have to worry about getting too much because the body regulates its production as needed. Relaxing for a while in the warmth of the sun also provides several other health benefits that may not be obvious to everyone. Here are some of them: It lowers blood pressure A study from the University of Edinburgh has shown that nitric oxide, which helps lower blood pressure, is released into the blood vessels as soon as sunlight touches the skin. Therefore, Richard Weller, a university lecturer in dermatology, and his colleagues argue that sun exposure can not only improve health but also extend life (since lower blood pressure reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes). Strengthens brain function In addition to promoting bone health and regulating vital calcium levels, researchers have now linked vitamin D to a number of functions throughout the body, including brain function. A study led by David Llewellyn from the University of Cambridge found that cognitive function decreased the lower a person's vitamin D levels were. Other studies have found that sunlight can help stimulate the growth of nerve cells in the part of the brain where we form, organize, and store memories. Improves mood Moderate sun exposure increases levels of natural antidepressant substances in the brain. This is because sunny days cause the brain to produce more serotonin, a neurotransmitter that boosts our mood. Improves sleep quality. Natural light, especially early in the day, signals the body to switch to producing hormones and neurotransmitters that keep us awake and alert. When it gets dark, a new signal is sent to the brain to produce melatonin, which helps us sleep deeply. By exposing ourselves to sunlight during the day, we support the natural circadian rhythm. The list could be much longer, but one thing is clear: If this were a pill we could take, everyone would have it in their cabinet at home. Since in Sweden we only have the opportunity to truly benefit from the sun's healing properties for 3-4 months a year, I at least plan to take in as much "Vitamin S" as I can.
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Find the right organic self-tanner for your skin tone
Whether you feel pale, have uneven tan lines, or just want a fresh skin tone, sunless tanning (self-tan) products can add a bit of color to your life. We are so happy that there is now a wide range of natural and organic self-tan products that are easy to apply and provide a believable, beautiful tan while being kind to our skin and our planet. Here we guide you so you can easily find the self-tan product that suits you best. Fun facts about sunless tanning It is rumored that tanned skin became popular after Coco Chanel returned from a trip to France in the 1920s. She looked stunning with her glowing brown skin. Around this time, Dihydroxyacetone (read more about this ingredient below) was invented by a German scientist. There were no intentions to use it on the skin until someone accidentally spilled it on themselves and got a tan. The first self-tan product was released in 1960, and the products have been developed ever since. How does sunless tanning work – why does the skin turn brown? DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is the ingredient in the products that causes the skin to tan. It is a natural sugar that reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin and does not harm the skin. DHA penetrates the top skin layer, which mostly consists of dead skin cells, reacts with amino acids in these cells, and makes the skin “brown.” The effect usually lasts a few days, so you need to keep applying regularly if you want to maintain the tan. The products do not provide sun protection and therefore do not protect against the sun’s rays. Is sunless tanning dangerous? Sunless tanning products are safe to use. DHA only affects the outermost skin layer and is a much better alternative than sunbathing to achieve a similar tan. What you should consider are the other ingredients in a self-tan product. We believe that an organic self-tan is the best choice. This way, you avoid synthetic fragrances and pore-clogging substances. If you want to cover unevenness or acne scars, it is especially important that the product allows the skin to breathe. Keep in mind that only the outermost skin layer gets the brown color. The skin underneath is still just as pale, so you must use sun protection if you are going to be in the sun. Building a base tan before a sun holiday is a good idea. Just remember not to sunbathe while your self-tan is still developing color on the skin. When DHA is exposed to the sun, free radicals are released (which, among other things, cause skin aging). Therefore, do not sunbathe with self-tan on your skin. For pregnant women, an organic self-tan is safe to use. However, you should always do an allergy test first, as you can be allergic to natural ingredients whether you are pregnant or not. How to choose your self-tan For those who want a light golden tone that can be built up Eco By Sonya – Face Tan Water gradually builds a light sun-kissed glow on the face, neck, and décolleté. It is a completely liquid product that comes in a brown glass bottle with an inner stopper that makes it easy to pour out a little at a time. It is completely colorless and contains no oils, making it especially suitable for those who usually get acne from self-tan creams. Eco By Sonya – Winterskin is a nourishing self-tan lotion for face and body suitable for light to medium skin tones. It gives a subtle tan that can be built up. It is also a rich moisturizer and gives the skin a beautiful glow. Evolve – Sunless Glow Body Lotion is a nourishing body lotion that gradually gives the skin a very subtle tan. It is a light lotion, easy to massage in, with a faint fruity scent. For those who want a “I’ve been on vacation” tone Eco By Sonya – Invisible Tan suits medium to olive skin tones and gives a stronger shade than Winterskin. This one can also be built up. For those who want a tan quickly Eco By Sonya – Cacao Firming Mousse is an express self-tan mousse for body and face that gives a luxurious deep golden tan for all skin tones. This gives a lot of color quickly, already after 1 hour, and the color continues to develop over up to 48 hours, providing a long-lasting tan.
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Refreshing summer smoothies for health and energy
When summer is here, it’s lovely to treat yourself to something nice in the summer heat. Here are some of my favorite recipes. Green smoothie This green smoothie is nutritious and filling, perfect for lunch when it’s warm. 2 avocados 2 large handfuls of spinach 1 small lemon A small piece of ginger 1 apple A pinch of salt Water to get a good consistency Sea buckthorn smoothie The sea buckthorn smoothie is tart and refreshing, great as a light snack. 50 ml raw sea buckthorn juice or sea buckthorn berries 1 banana Water to get a good consistency and not too sour. Honey to taste Purple chocolate nice cream Nice cream is perfect as a nutritious snack. Or why not as a dessert or smoothie? 200 ml frozen blueberries 1 frozen banana 1 tbsp raw cacao 1 tsp maca powder A pinch of salt 50-100 ml coconut or oat milk (Water if you prefer a smoothie) Dip an ice cream scoop in warm water and scoop balls into a bowl. Serve with cacao nibs. Coffee latte This coffee latte is perfect when you crave coffee in the summer heat. Frozen leftover coffee Any milk drink, e.g., oat barista. A splash of any sweetener if needed. Prepare by freezing leftover coffee as ice cubes if you have coffee left after brewing. Serve the frozen cubes with oat milk. Let them melt while you sip a lovely iced latte in the sun. A great way to reduce food waste too! You can also blend the mix in your Omniblend for a cool, creamy version. Ila's super smoothie I usually make this smoothie a few times a week and it makes three servings. 1 frozen banana 100 ml lingonberries 100 ml blueberries 100 ml frozen mango 100 ml red currants 100 ml gooseberries 100 ml any yogurt, e.g., coconut yogurt 100 ml aloe vera spinach 1 tablespoon glutamine 1 tsp MSM powder 1 tsp collagen or protein powder sea salt with seaweed 2 tsp omega-3 oil 1 tsp cinnamon 2 tbsp berry powder 30 mineral drops 1 tsp chlorella 1 tsp spirulina 2 probiotic capsules 2 enzyme capsules 2 tbsp coconut, MCT, or C8 oil Top with coconut cream and hemp seeds, cacao nibs, goji berries, and mulberries or any muesli you like. This smoothie is truly packed with nutrients, perfect when you need a really loaded smoothie, for example after a workout. Choose your favorite berries, frozen or fresh if you have them.
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