Health Blog
Health Blog
Natural sweetening with lucuma & mesquite in vegan recipes
Mesquite and Lucuma are two wonderful natural sweetening options from South America that add more creaminess to your cooking. 6 reasons to love lucuma Lucuma is a fruit. Natural and tasty sweetener with a low GI. Healthy fibers. Rich in vitamins and minerals. Delicious in ice cream, desserts, and smoothies – gives a special, sweet flavor and fluffiness. Gluten-free and plant-based. 6 reasons to love mesquite Mesquite is a bean. Natural and tasty sweetener with a low GI. Healthy fibers. Rich in minerals. Adds that little extra to desserts and smoothies – gives a special "caramel/molasses" flavor and creaminess. Gluten-free and plant-based. Vegan ice cream with lucuma 1 dl lucuma powder 2 dl natural cashew nuts (soaked for 2 hours and drained) 2 tsp real vanilla powder 0.5 dl coconut syrup, yacon syrup, agave syrup, or honey. 2 dl water 1 pinch Himalayan salt or sea salt (optional, enhances the flavor) Blend everything in a good blender, pour into an ice cream mold, and let it sit in the freezer overnight. Cocoa and spinach smoothie with lucuma 2 large handfuls of fresh baby spinach 2 chopped pears 1 tbsp cacao nibs 1 tbsp almond butter 1 tsp lucuma powder 2 dl water 2 dl ice Blend everything into a smoothie. Pour and feel free to decorate with cacao nibs. Vegan, sugar-free caramel sauce with lucuma & mesquite 1 tbsp lucuma powder 1 tbsp mesquite powder 2 tablespoons coconut syrup, yacon syrup, or agave syrup – you can add more to taste, depending on how sweet you like it. Blend everything and you have a caramel sauce that can be used for most desserts. Vanilla and cocoa smoothie with lucuma & mesquite 2 dl almond milk or oat milk 1 dl warm water 1 tsp maca (optional) 1 tsp mesquite (optional) 1 tsp lucuma 1 tbsp cocoa powder or carob 1/2 tsp real vanilla powder 1 tsp honey, xylitol, agave syrup, or 2 drops stevia Blend everything into a smoothie. Pour and feel free to decorate with cacao nibs.
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6 best tips to naturally strengthen the brain
When the brain feels good, the body usually feels good too, and vice versa. At the same time, there are specific lifestyle choices we can make to optimize the conditions for the brain and all its functions. Here are 6 things that are very important for brain health. 1. More physical exercise Exercise is the closest our modern science has come to a miracle medicine. Regular exercise helps keep us fit, increases energy levels, contributes to mental and emotional balance, and increases your chances of being "healthy long-term" even in old age. In the book "Brain Strong," Swedish psychiatrist Anders Hansen writes about how physical exercise can be the single most important lifestyle choice we can make for a healthy and well-functioning brain. 2. Increase intake of antioxidants, healthy fatty acids & anti-inflammatory foods Right after exercise comes nutrition for brain function. Here we have the opportunity to either help or hinder our brain's balance depending on our habits. Limiting sugar and flour, as well as increasing healthy fats, vegetables, and antioxidant-rich foods like berries, olives, turmeric, and sprouts is something most experts recommend. It can also be very helpful to take supplements that provide these nutrients in concentrated form. Our most popular supplements for the brain Plant-based Omega 3 – A very important fatty acid for nerve cell health. AFA algae Astaxanthin – Helps protect nerve cells from oxidative stress. MCT oil – Provides energy. Other essential vitamins and minerals for a strong brain Especially vitamin C. B vitamins are involved in energy production and cell metabolism, which is incredibly important for brain cells. Enough vitamin B12 provides energy, improves memory, and makes it easier to learn new things. Vitamin D helps keep the brain in shape throughout life; especially after the age of 50. Magnesium helps regulate nerve impulses in the brain and throughout the nervous system. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that primarily protects cells from damage related to oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The brain is very sensitive to oxidative stress. Zinc can help the body fight and prevent inflammation, which may relieve symptoms of brain fog. Nootropics: Nutrients that support the brain The term nootropic comes from the Greek words for "mind." Nootropic substances and supplements improve the brain's executive functions in this article. 3. Optimize your microflora The fact that the gut has a major impact on our brain's health may not be obvious to everyone, but more and more research points to this being the case. Thinking about what you eat that nourishes your gut bacteria could be the key to a strong brain. Some examples of foods rich in prebiotics (i.e., “food” for the good gut bacteria) are banana, Jerusalem artichoke, all kinds of onions, asparagus, and apples. It can also be very helpful to take a supplement with healthy gut bacteria. Then it’s important to choose one of high quality with a large number of strong bacteria that really have a chance to stay and benefit your gut. 4. Use your brain “Use it or lose it” applies well to both body and brain. Using your brain throughout life, learning new things like languages, playing an instrument, playing challenging games, or studying something you’ve always wanted to know more about are examples of hobbies shown to strengthen brain health and lay the foundation for lifelong mental capacity. In this text, you can read more about this and get tips. 5. Turn off your phone and socialize In a long-term study published by the American Journal of Public Health, a large social network is linked to a reduced risk of dementia later in life. Other studies have pointed to links between social bonds and the risk of Alzheimer’s. It seems our brains are made for and thrive best when we socialize with each other. Studies have also been done on stress-related conditions showing that social breaks at work reduce the release of stress hormones and increase “feel-good hormones.” Another way to give your brain a chance to recover and get “mental nourishment” is to spend time in nature, for example by taking walks in the forest or by the sea regularly. Why not do it together? Something that seems to have the opposite effect on brain health is being constantly connected and staring at a computer or phone screen. Perhaps a good strategy to break this welfare problem is to turn off your phone when socializing with friends or play a board game with family instead of turning on the TV? 6. Get regular sleep-ins Did you know that good sleep habits lay the foundation for both your mental and physical health, in both the short and long term? Maybe sleep should be called “Vitamin S” and classified as one of the most essential “supplements” we can give our body? Poor sleep habits are linked not only to unstable moods and reduced social skills but also as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. 6 important things you can do to support your night’s sleep Sleep in a dark, cool, and quiet environment as much as possible. Try to make sure you sleep at least 7-8 hours. Prefer exercising in the morning rather than late in the evening. Avoid drinking coffee after 2:00-4:00 PM depending on how sensitive you are. Dim the lighting an hour before bedtime. Use a blue light filter, such as flux, on your computer and phone in the evening. Please tell us what you do to strengthen your brain!
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5 natural uses for neem oil in the home
This Indian oil has a long tradition. Neem as a plant has been used for many different purposes for more than 4500 years. A neem tree (Azadirachta Indica) can grow up to 25 meters tall and can live up to 200 years. The neem tree, called "the village pharmacy" in its homeland India and "the tree with 40 cures" in Africa, contains more than 100 separate chemical compounds that help explain its enormous potential. Because of neem's extraordinary properties, its bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruit pulp are used to treat a wide range of health issues. The cold-pressed oil is extracted from the tree's seed kernels. The oil is thick in consistency and has a distinctive strong scent that some may be sensitive to. If you are curious about studies on neem, you can find lots of interesting information here. We love multifunctional products, and neem oil is one of them. Here are five tips on how to use it. 1. Natural insect repellent against pests and aphids It’s frustrating when your chili plant or a favorite plant gets visited by tiny bugs. But with neem oil, you can naturally get rid of them. Insects and pests usually refuse to eat any plant coated with neem oil. It is a naturally safe and biodegradable product widely used as an insecticide in various parts of the world. Instead of killing pests, neem oil controls them through a variety of methods, including simply repelling them and disrupting metamorphosis. The neem tree is almost never attacked by insects, but bees flock to its flowers for nectar, and birds can eat its ripe fruits. DIY: Natural insect repellent The mixture can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants, but be careful if you have ladybugs, as it can harm them. Mix 1 tsp neem oil with ½ tsp soap in 1 liter of water. Pour into a spray bottle and spray on your plants. You can also spray on the soil and around the stem. 2. Combat dandruff Dandruff or itchy scalp is no fun. But neem oil’s properties soothe and help the scalp regain better balance and reduce itching. Mix a few drops of neem oil into your shampoo or conditioner. Massage in and leave for a few minutes, then rinse out. Repeat regularly until the problem disappears. There are also plenty of ready-made shampoos and conditioners containing neem oil, such as 100% Pure Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner. 3. Foot care – nail and foot fungus Fungus on feet and nails can be stubborn. Neem oil’s antifungal properties can be helpful. Make a foot bath. Add 5-10 drops of neem oil to warm water and stir, then sit and relax for a while. For deeper foot care, you can make an oil blend to rub on your feet afterward. Mix 70 ml safflower oil and 30 ml neem oil, add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil, and blend in a bottle. Apply to your feet and let the mixture absorb into the skin. Store the mixture in a dark, cool place. 4. Minor wounds and skin irritations For external treatment, neem seed oil, leaves, and bark are used in India. Neem seed oil has a very beneficial effect on several types of skin problems and is used, among other things, for treating red rashes, psoriasis, dry skin, and especially itching. For minor wounds, scrapes, and skin irritations, neem oil’s properties can be helpful. Mix neem oil with a more fluid vegetable oil such as safflower oil. Use about one-tenth neem oil in the mixture. Apply the mixture over the affected area. 5. Anti-mosquito Mosquitoes dislike the scent of neem oil. Mix coconut oil with about one-tenth neem oil. If you want to mask the scent of neem oil, you can add a few drops of essential oil (2 drops/10 ml mixture). Suggested options are lavender or lemon eucalyptus, whose scents insects and ticks dislike. Apply to exposed areas of the body. Keep in mind Neem oil has a very strong scent, so it’s good to mix it with essential oils. Neem oil is thick and can solidify at temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. To make it more fluid, gently warm it in a water bath. Neem oil should not be used on small children, by pregnant women, or while breastfeeding. Neem oil tastes really, really bad, so avoid getting it in your mouth. How do you use neem oil? Feel free to share and inspire others with a comment!
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5 important health aspects for a long and healthy life
Our vision with Glimja is to make it easier for you to feel good and inspire you to take care of yourself in the best way. We want to offer products that have pure, natural ingredients and are produced as fairly and sustainably as possible. We also want to share as much information and knowledge as we can about how we can all be “long-term healthy” and live in harmony with ourselves and the world. Studies of healthy and long-lived people around the world point to several important factors. When it comes to lifestyle and health, we have written down five very important things we want to reflect on with you. 1. Community Something all long-lived populations have in common is that they value friendship and family and spend time together with others. It can be easy to forget how nourishing this is in our fast and individualistic time. One way to socialize is to work together either on daily tasks or a group project, for example, growing food together or building a greenhouse together. This gives us both efficiency and quality of life while we feel a sense of belonging and that we get to contribute. What can you do today that gives you a little extra “social nourishment”? When do you experience community? 2. Sense of Meaning A sense of meaning is often strongly connected to a sense of community and perhaps most to feeling that we contribute something to the community, that we get to contribute. Whether we think of the word community as our small family, our city, or the entire human family on Earth. In Japan, they have a word for this; “Ikigai,” which can simply be translated as a person’s “reason for being.” Your Ikigai is something that brings you joy and feels natural and fun to study, do, and contribute to. It doesn’t have to be just one thing, but often there is one or two things in focus that stand out. Have you taken the time to think about what your Ikigai might be? How do you want to contribute? 3. Movement in Everyday Life Sweating at the gym or on the running trail has its benefits, but there are also other ways to strengthen yourself through movement. Some of the world’s longest-lived populations show that gentle and regular forms of movement in everyday life can also be the key to a long life. Gardening, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, climbing trees, hopping on stones, playing with children or pets are examples of things we can do every day to take care of our bodies and minds in a gentle and long-term sustainable way. Another way can be to train for something with a fun goal, for example, learning to do handstands, juggle, or walk a tightrope. Moving together gives both a sense of health and community. How do you like to move? 4. Rest and Recovery We need to make sure to rest and unwind regularly to live a long and happy life. Sleeping well is important, but other forms of recovery such as spending time in nature, reading a good book, taking a sauna, getting a massage, meditating, contemplating, or socializing with good friends are just as important for the soul’s recovery and inspiration. How do you recover? What helps you relax and feel peaceful? 5. Nutrition There are endless theories about what makes a good and nutritious diet, but there is no diet that fits everyone. However, they all have one thing in common: natural and nutrient-dense food without unnatural additives. Besides eating a toxin-free and nutrient-rich diet, most nutrition experts agree that we need to add concentrated nutrition in the form of supplements to support our bodies. Humans have always used herbs and various highly valued foods to enhance their health and prevent disease. In our modern times, when soils are depleted and less nutritious while we are exposed to more stress from the environment in the form of unknown chemicals, exhaust fumes, and electromagnetic pollution, it becomes more important than ever to give ourselves the best possible nutrition to optimize our health. With us, you can read more about why you might need dietary supplements. Finding the right products can be difficult. At Glimja, we have made it our mission to gather the very best, purest, and most effective nutritional products under one roof, making it easier for you to make the right choices. The most basic products that most people can benefit from supplementing with are: A green powder: Provides chlorophyll, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. A natural multivitamin–mineral: Essential vitamins and minerals in concentrated form. A little of everything to cover daily needs together with a nutrient-dense diet. Almost all Westerners need to supplement with this essential fatty acid. Our defense is partly in the stomach and controlled by the balance of our "microbiomes" – i.e., our gut bacteria. If digestion doesn’t work as it should, everything else we do for our immune system will work less well. How do you view the food you eat? Do you take extra nutrition? Are you worth the best?
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Staff favorites: Our most beloved health products
From time to time, we get asked which products we use ourselves. The answer is that we have tried and love ALL our products. But of course, we have our favorites that we keep coming back to again and again. It's very hard to pick just a few since we have such a wide range, from trampolines, body care, and hair care to supplements and superfoods. Now, some of us on the Glimja team have each made a top-3 list of the products we like the most right now. Mikael 1. Green Juice Powder – I drink green every morning as soon as I wake up in water, plus an extra small shot before dinner. It gives me so much nutrition and energy! 2. Protein powder from Pureness – I use protein powder after training as a reward and for a festive mood. It’s part of my post-workout-wonder drink. I mix 0.5 dl protein powder, 0.5 dl chia seeds, and 0.5 dl hemp seeds with liquid. Let the chia seeds soak for about 30 minutes before blending. 3. Sedona Express Dehydrator – Runs hot at my place every week. I always want activated seeds and nuts on hand, and I also like to make raw burgers and other tasty things from fresh vegetables, herbs, and chia seeds. Rahima 1. Bruns Hair Mask – Wonderful hair mask that moisturizes my dry hair. I have long, thick, and dry hair, and this hair mask is a lifesaver. I use it when washing my hair as a conditioner, leaving it in for 1-10 minutes depending on how much time I have. 2. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Foundation Powder – So grateful for this powder; it provides just the right coverage for my taste and doesn’t clog my pores. I use it every day, year-round, as a base since I don’t like liquid foundations. The powder also contains sunscreen. A big favorite in my makeup bag. 3. Garden of Life’s Q10 – It feels like Q10 gives a solid boost to the mitochondria at the cellular level, and it’s a supplement I use daily. I sometimes switch brands to Närokällan or Holistic, but I must have my Q10. I take one capsule in the morning. Daniella Maryruth’s Kid’s Multivitamin gummies – My child eats these as if they were candy (I do sometimes too). It feels so good to give my child a daily supplement with pure ingredients. 2. 100% Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream – This eye cream is a must every morning for tired eyes. In no time, I look more awake, and the skin around my eyes becomes firmer. Fantastic product! 3. Organic Tamari – Japanese Gluten-Free Soy Sauce – I can’t live without this now, umami explosion! It’s great on salads, in rice dishes, and as a marinade for, for example, tofu. Sara T Multimineral from Holistic – I don’t feel well taking B-complex or multivitamins; it’s simply some vitamin I get too much of. But I can’t do without a multimineral. I feel so much better physically and mentally when I take this every day in higher doses. My mood swings almost disappear immediately. Loelle Argan Oil – The only thing I use on my face! I don’t use foundation, serum, or face wash. I wash my face with warm water in the evening and cold water in the morning. I finish with a generous amount of argan oil all over my face, and my skin feels better than ever. Tea Tree & Neem Toothpaste – The best natural toothpaste I’ve found. It foams well, I get whiter teeth (how!?), and fresh breath that lasts as long as conventional toothpastes. It also tastes great and contains no fluoride. Tom 1. Bellicon Trampoline. Can’t live without this. I bounce 5-10 minutes in the morning and between work sessions at the office. A truly wonderful invention! 2. Vitamin C from Vimergy. It’s easy to overlook how good vitamin C is. I usually take 2 capsules every day in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon. I increase the dose if I feel low or under the weather. 3. Dulse – I use dulse in a lot of cooking. In soups, stews, and even smoothies. It gives a lovely umami flavor and can advantageously be used instead of salt. Nicole Pistachio Butter from Mother Earth is my latest favorite. I searched a long time for a pistachio butter that really tasted like pistachio and wasn’t mixed with a lot of other things. I actually love all the nuts from Mother Earth; they really taste fresh! Vermont Soap dog shampoo. The best shampoo I’ve had for my dog. It doesn’t dry out, is easy to rinse out, and is concentrated so you really don’t need to use much. It smells minimally of essential oils, which also keep ticks away, which is a bonus! 100% Pure Vitamin C Serum. I used it morning and evening under my day/night cream as a “treatment” for 2 months. The bottle lasted so long! I definitely see a difference in both fine lines and a more even tone in my face. It’s quite expensive, but the bottle is large. I was worried it would oxidize, as vitamin C often does, before I finished it. But no, it was so good that I used it all up right away! I will never stop buying this. Ellinor Ljung Hudvård deodorant Fjällsippa. Glad I’m finally trying this! It smells so good, keeps my underarms fresh all day with natural ingredients. The only downside, since it smells so good, is that I’m tempted to smell my underarms all day… PuroBIO Cosmetics Lipliner Mauve Pink. I love the subtle, neutral color and that my lips feel moisturized at the same time. I use it daily. Mary Ruth’s Lions Mane. I don’t know if I’m imagining it, but I feel such peace in my soul from it, and it’s super tasty. Sara M Klean Kanteen Insulated Classic Narrow Cup. Klean Kanteen’s insulated bottle is my best friend. It comes with me to work, in the car, on trips, in the forest, and at the gym. It keeps my water cold and fresh all day. Ekendahls Calendula Salve. The calendula salve is fantastic! It’s perfect when the skin feels dry and irritated, even on my face and lips. It helps heal my eczema, scrapes, and small wounds. I use it on my children and myself. The calendula salve is so good it should be in every home first aid kit! Närokällan’s Magnesium Glycinate. I use magnesium glycinate every evening and couldn’t manage without it. It prevents muscle pain and makes me feel much better. What are your favorites from us? Please comment.
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Toxin-free back to school with natural alternatives for children
Do you have children who go to school, daycare, or preschool? Then look here. At the start of the school year, we offer a guide to natural alternatives to common products for children. Our children, just like us, are exposed to a range of potentially harmful chemicals in our modern world – in everything from plastic toys, clothes, crafts, stuffed animals, industrially produced food and drinks, and so on. We want to inspire you to choose natural and chemical-wise options for your children, both for their sake and for the environment. Eat & Drink Do you need a good lunchbox, water bottle, or eco-friendly cutlery for your little ones? We have several alternatives to plastic containers, which can be a hidden source of unnecessary chemicals in the home. A Slice of Green offers beautiful lunchboxes in various sizes that are perfect for school. Klean Kanteen’s lunchboxes and food thermoses are also practical for both school and outings. Paint & Craft Common, industrially produced pens, crayons, and glue often contain chemicals we really don’t want near our children. Lead and mercury, for example, are common in older crayons, solvents in pens and glue. Chemical dyes are also not ideal to ingest. That’s why we have a range of non-toxic colored pencils, crayons, paint, and glue that the little ones can use. The German company ÖkoNORM offers lots of lovely craft products. Party Did you know that even common “party products,” like straws, balloons, and banners for children’s parties, can be a source of plastic residues that children ingest by playing with them? Here you’ll find straws that can be used again and again. If you’re baking for the party, choose stainless steel or glass. Play & Cuddle Even conventionally made stuffed animals and blankets are sources of pesticides and tiny plastic particles that we’d rather not have in our children’s bodies. Beautiful wool blankets for big and small in natural materials without harmful additives are available. Fantastic organic toys for both indoor and outdoor play as well as role-playing. Toxin-Free Body Care for Children A concern for many parents is the ingredients in body care products for children. At Glimja, we have spent over 15 years scrutinizing ingredient lists and testing products on ourselves and our own children. That’s why we are especially proud of our range of pure and natural body care products for children. Don’t forget to use natural detergent for the children’s clothes. If you have problems with lice at school, check out information on how to handle it. Supplements for Children To boost children’s nutrient intake, it can be a good idea to use a few selected natural supplements before the school year starts, such as vitamin D and Omega 3 or a multivitamin. We offer various nutritional products tailored for children. Feel free to read more about supplements for children if you want to learn more about this topic. A good idea to get children to consume nutritious vegetables, fruits, and superfoods like spirulina or camu camu is to have a good blender at home to make tasty smoothies, sauces, soups, etc. We hope you find everything you need here with us. We are always here if you have any questions, and we wish you a sparkling autumn!
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2 simple juice recipes for liver cleansing & detox
Do you want to give your liver a chance to rest a little and cleanse itself? Simple tips for the best liver support All vegetable juices and wheatgrass shots or barley grass shots support the body and liver to feel good. Green powder blends provide support to both the liver and other organs. Here are some of our favorites:1. Global Healing Supergreens contains 15 raw, complete sprouts that are hand-harvested and then immediately freeze-dried.2. Pureness Premium Green Powder Blend with wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, and spirulina as well as spinach, nettle, moringa, and peppermint.3. Better You Green Boost with spirulina, spinach, Q10, wheatgrass, acai, barley grass, alfalfa, green tea, chlorella, and sour cherry. It is important to eat as cleanly as possible by choosing organic, nutrient-rich food without additives, preferably with 80% vegetables at each meal to give the liver a break. Always drink plenty of water throughout the day to support the liver and the body's cleansing abilities. Of course, sweating through exercise and sauna is also beneficial. A good tip for liver detox is to replace one meal with a vegetable juice. The body and stomach then get to rest. Here are two simple detox juice recipes that help your liver function optimally. Recipe: Simple Liver Cleanse Juice 1 organic grapefruit 1 organic lemon or lime 1 tbsp organic olive oil Blend everything in a good blender or juice in your juicer. Store in a glass jar in the fridge. Drink every day for 1 week for a mild "liver rinse". Recipe: Dr. Group’s Liver Cleanse Juice 3 organic carrots (washed and peeled) 2 organic apples (washed and cut) 1 organic beetroot (peeled) 6 organic kale leaves ½ organic lemon (washed and peeled) 1 1/2 cm ginger (root - peeled) Blend everything in a good blender or juice in your juicer. Store in a glass jar in the fridge. Drink every day for 1 week for a mild "liver rinse".
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Make your own natural body scrub at home
Do you want to take extra good care of yourself or make a homemade gift for someone you care about? Making your own body scrub is both fun and easy. It gives you the chance to experience a bit of luxury in your own bathroom and spend some much-needed me-time. Here we share four different recipes! DIY: Salt Scrub for Relaxation 2.5 dl Epsom salt (a natural source of magnesium). 0.5 dl olive oil, almond oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil. 1 tsp liquid castile soap. 10 drops of essential lavender oil (you can also use dried lavender flowers). Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add essential oils until the desired scent is achieved. Store in an airtight glass jar and use to scrub your feet or body when you shower or take a foot bath. DIY: Invigorating Salt Scrub 2.5 dl Himalayan salt. 1.5 dl almond oil, jojoba oil, or another oil you like. 1 tsp liquid castile soap. 20 drops of essential peppermint oil or ginger oil. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add essential oils until the desired scent is achieved. Store in an airtight glass jar and use to scrub your feet or body when you shower or take a foot bath. DIY: Romantic Salt Scrub 2.5 dl Himalayan salt. 1.5 dl argan oil, apricot kernel oil, or camellia oil. Dried rosebuds or dried lavender flowers. 20 drops of essential geranium oil or patchouli oil. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add essential oils until the desired scent is achieved. Store in an airtight glass jar and use to scrub your feet or body when you shower or take a foot bath. DIY: Sugar Scrub for Sensitive Skin 2.5 dl raw cane sugar. 1.5 dl almond oil, apricot kernel oil, or camellia oil. 1/2 dl honey. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight glass jar and use to scrub your feet or body when you shower or take a foot bath.
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Khadi organic hair color naturally covers gray hair
Khadi’s Ayurvedic hair dyes are made in India in a traditional way with recipes from the past. They work according to Fair Trade and employ locals, and child labor is of course excluded. The hair dyes are BDIH certified (certified natural cosmetics), 100% herbal-based, vegan-friendly, and chemical-free. Besides herbal-based hair dyes, Khadi also develops high-quality products for hair and body whose unique properties are based on traditional formulas of handpicked herbs and highly concentrated plant extracts. Do you have trouble covering white/gray hair? The problem with herbal hair dyes is that they often do a poor job covering coarse white and gray strands. On my pure white and thick strands, dark brown shades don’t cover at all, and black is not even recommended for gray hair; it simply doesn’t work. I can dye the white hairs with pure red shades or mix 10-30% dark brown into a red shade. I have also tried applying a dark brown Logona or Radico on top, but it didn’t take. Khadi became the solution to the problem. Now we can all dye our grays. Let me take you through this fantastic journey! Consistency Khadi has clear instructions on the water temperature when mixing the dye powder. Note that different shades are mixed with different temperatures. Dark brown should be mixed with 50-degree warm water. They seem to know how it should be done. Khadi’s hair dyes are permanent and stain both floors and skin. They therefore recommend using a thick cream/oil around the hairline and ears, having newspapers on the floor, and wearing old clothes. But I could have skipped all the newspapers, as the dye neither crumbled nor splattered. Still, I guess I should protect the floor just in case I mess up when I least expect it. Khadi’s hair dye is very creamy and feels almost like a cream hair dye. Economy The dye I tested is Khadi Dark Brown and it is not nearly as economical as Radico’s hair dye. One package is enough for shoulder-length hair. If you have thick and a lot of hair, it’s safest to get an extra package, so buy two. How to get good results on white/gray hair with herbal hair dye Khadi recommends a 2-step dyeing process for gray to medium blonde/medium brown hair if you want the shades dark brown, black, or indigo as the final result. For an intense and covering result, you should first dye bright red with either Henna, Amla, or Jatropha, then dye with a darker color on top. 1. Dye the roots A little less than half a package of hair dye is needed for the roots. I had Sante Naturröd at home, so I dyed the roots with it and let it sit for 1.5 hours. 2. Dye the entire hair Since it got so late, I continued coloring the next evening with Khadi Dark Brown. I let it work for 2 hours and used only the included cap (no towel on top). One thing I noticed was that it was very soothing for the scalp. The other hair colors are also lovely and calming, but Khadi’s felt extra nice. Maybe it’s the neem herb that does it. Khadi’s creamy hair color is easy to rinse out, which is appreciated when coloring late in the evening. Khadi recommends not washing with shampoo immediately after coloring, but at the earliest after 24 hours. I rinsed only with water, no conditioner. I had mixed a little too little color, so it was sparse in some places, but look at the result! 3. Check out the result It worked! Next time I have to color with the red shades Khadi recommends in the 2-step coloring and black. As a bonus, I got strength and shine in my hair! 1. Hair before coloring (dry hair) My hair before coloring. White roots and some old reddish-brown color left. 2. Result after the first step After 1.5 hours with Sante natural red. In bathroom light it looks almost brown, but in reality and especially in daylight the hair is very red. 3. Result after the second step (wet hair) After 2 hours with Khadi Dark Brown, wet hair. 4. Final result (dry hair) After 2 hours with Khadi Dark Brown, dry hair. The fine “baby hairs” at the front turned really dark brown and the coarse white strands turned brown. The red is not visible. Rating of Khadi’s herbal hair color Pros: + fully covers white hair in a 2-step coloring with red as the base.+ is creamy and doesn’t crumble.+ extra soothing on the scalp.+ easiest to rinse out compared to the other herbal hair colors.+ gives extra fresh and shiny hair. Cons: – of all the herbal hair colors in the shop, Khadi feels the least concentrated. Tip: Some see it as a downside that Khadi doesn’t have many shades to choose from, but I don’t see it as a problem since you can easily mix a unique color with the base shades available. So mix away! Is there a big difference between Khadi’s and Radico’s herbal hair colors? Khadi’s hair colors consist of herbs, just like Radico’s hair colors. They are similar in ingredients but not identical. Here you can see an example of the difference in ingredients (INCI) between two dark brown shades: Khadi Dark Brown: Indigofera Tinctoria (Indigo) – Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) – Emblica Officinalis (Amla) – Eclipta Alba (Bhringraj) – Azadirachta Indica (Neem). Radico Dark Brown: Lawsonia Inermis (Henna), Emblica Officinalis (Amla), Eclipta Alba (Bhringraj), Indigofera Tinctoria (Indigo), Trigonella Foenum-graecum (Methi), Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis (Hibiscus), Coffea Arabica (Coffee), Rubia Cordifolia (Manjistha).
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7 supplements & 5 treatments for joint and muscle pain
Almost everyone experiences some kind of pain or ache in muscles and joints during their lifetime. Joint pain and pain in the lower back are among the top ten reasons why we seek medical care in Sweden. Why do you have body pain? There are a multitude of reasons why we experience pain, but the most common causes we can list are: 1. Physical Inactivity Sedentary behavior can be linked to a range of health problems increasingly recognized in pain research. 2. Overload Pain can be caused by exercise or work performed incorrectly, too heavily, or repetitively. 3. Chronic Stress Perhaps the biggest "health villain" of our time. Stress can, among other things, cause tension in the jaw and neck that later leads to pain and aches. 4. Pro-inflammatory Diet Sugar, hardened fats, bad oils, refined carbohydrates, industrially produced meat, and excessive alcohol intake are examples of dietary habits that create a pro-inflammatory environment in the body. This increases the risks of joint and muscle pain. 5. Accidents Of course, you can also get injured, which can cause pain both in the short and long term. If an accident occurs, it can be especially important to be attentive to recovering and taking care of the injured area in the best way. 5 tips to best prevent & manage pain and aches Here we share some of the most effective ways to both prevent and treat pain in muscles and joints. 1. Manual Therapy Manual therapy is a collective term for the different methods used by, for example, chiropractors, physiotherapists, naprapaths, and osteopaths. The goal of manual therapy is to relieve and treat pain in joints and muscles, increase mobility, and support the body's healing ability. 2. Yoga / Stretching Various forms of yoga, relaxation, and stretching have become enormously popular in the Western world over the past 10-20 years. And it works! The right form of yoga and stretching exercises can be a key to releasing tension and preventing pain as it makes us significantly more flexible. 3. Heat and cold Heat relaxes muscles and cold reduces swelling and relieves acute pain. That’s why various types of heat and cold therapy are very common for pain conditions. Taking a sauna and a cold shower can work wonders for stiff muscles and joints. Cold baths have gained a large following in recent years. 4. Massage Massage increases blood flow, releases tension, and releases “feel-good hormones” in the body. It can also help reduce muscle soreness after tougher workouts. You don’t have to pay a lot of money for a masseur every time you want a massage. Instead, use a foam roller or learn self-massage to treat tension. 5. Magnesium bath One of our favorite methods for relaxation and recovery is to take a warm bath with magnesium salt (Epsom salt or magnesium flakes). It can really work wonders for tired and tense muscles. A tip is to add a few drops of lavender oil and light candles for an extra luxurious cozy factor and calming effect. 7 supplements that help with aches and pains Nutrients that are especially important for muscle and joint health can be well worth trying as supplements to ensure you get enough. 1. Proteolytic enzymes Take these enzymes between meals to naturally reduce inflammation and counteract unwanted proteins in the body. It also shortens recovery time after exercise. 1. Global Healing Ultimate Enzymes2. Holistic Spikenzym 2. Herbs like turmeric and boswellia In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), both turmeric and boswellia have long been used, among other things, to loosen stiff joints and muscles. Holistic Inflameja is a really good product with both turmeric, boswellia, and enzymes. Medicinegarden curaMIN is a high-quality supplement that contains both turmeric and boswellia. 3. Omega-3 The fatty acid balance in the body is one of the most important factors for muscles and joints to function optimally. Omega-3 is essential to eat to maintain this balance. 4. Vitamin D Vitamin D3 contributes to normal bone structure and normal muscle function. One of our most important vitamins (which is actually more like a hormone in its structure and effect). 5. Magnesium Magnesium contributes to relaxation and flow in the body. It helps muscles relax and can be especially good to take in the evening to support relaxation and recovery. Magnesium is one of the most common minerals people are deficient in today. 6. Electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium) Electrolytes can reduce muscle pain, control fluid retention, and aid in detoxification. 7. Protein / Amino Acids Protein, which consists of amino acids, is an essential nutrient that helps build both muscles and joints. Most people do not need to eat more protein, but make sure to eat high-quality protein that is easy for the body to absorb and use. To achieve this, a plant-based nutritional shake or smoothie with a natural and easily digestible protein source can be practical. Keep this in mind if you experience aches or pain If you suffer from persistent or sharp pain, we recommend consulting a doctor or manual therapist to get a diagnosis and tailored treatment.
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Fushi's Camellia Oil - Benefits for Skin and Hair
Japanese Camellia Oil is called Camellia oil, Camellia Kissi oil, Japanese Camellia Kissi oil, or Camellia Japonica Seed oil in English. Japanese Camellia Oil is of the Camellia Japonica variety. In Japanese, the oil is called Tsubaki-abura (椿油). Tsubaki is mainly used cosmetically. The Glimja oil is of the Camellia Japonica species – Tsubaki from Japan. Tea seed oil, which many sell as camellia oil, is actually of the Camellia oleifera seed oil variety, a cooking oil used in Asia. Origin of the Oil Camellia oil comes from seeds of camellias, a type of evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and beautiful rose-like flowers in various colors. The beauty of camellia flowers is well known, as they come in different colors including white, pink, and red. The flower itself is a symbol of feminine beauty. Fushi’s Camellia Oil is a cold-pressed, non-standardized, unrefined, organic, and natural oil. Fushi’s oils are free from gluten, soy, GMOs, hexane, pesticides and herbicides, artificial colors, flavors, fragrances, additives, and preservatives. 9 Benefits of Camellia Oil Camellia oil has been used by women in parts of Asia for centuries to nourish both skin and hair. It is said to have been the Geisha’s secret for beautiful skin and shiny hair. Camellia oil is naturally rich in antioxidants, fatty acids (about 80-85% omega 9), and plant collagen. With its light texture, this versatile oil is a favorite for many. Here are nine benefits of camellia oil: It is a light universal oil. Absorbs easily into the skin without greasiness. Has no scent, making it suitable for those sensitive to fragrances. Has a silky, non-greasy, creamy, easily absorbed texture and is non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types, including problematic and sensitive skin. Reduces impurities and minimizes pores. Evens out and brightens skin tone, dark circles, and scars. Soothes eczema-prone skin. Suitable for stretch marks. Helps with Dark Circles, Large Pores & Uneven Skin Tone Because Camellia oil is a light and non-greasy oil, it is excellent for the eye area. Besides providing good moisture to the thin skin, the oil also brightens dark circles. Those with darker or lighter patches (pigmentation) on the face often appreciate this oil and find it evens out skin tone. Camellia oil also minimizes pores. Without clogged pores and uneven skin tone, the skin looks smoother and fresher. Combats Dry Skin Camellia oil provides enough moisture for dry skin in summer, but not always in autumn and winter. Then you can use the oil as a serum and complement it with richer oils or creams on top. You can use several products on the skin. The key is to start with the least oily and work your way up to the richest. If you are very dry, you can apply serum, camellia oil, intensive face cream, and finish with a richer oil. This way, moisture reaches both the deeper and upper skin layers. For those looking for an oil perfect as a serum, camellia oil is the obvious choice. Treatment for Eczema Camellia oil does not heal eczema, but with regular use, the skin stays hydrated even in the deeper layers, resulting in fewer eczema flare-ups. Of all vegetable oils, many with eczema find camellia oil to be the best. It cares properly for and soothes sensitive, inflamed, irritated, and itchy skin. Prevent Stretch Marks For stretch marks, the oil can be applied to the area twice a day. It is also perfect for expectant mothers as the oil keeps the skin supple throughout pregnancy. More Beautiful Hair Camellia oil is also wonderful for hair. The oil makes hair more manageable and soothes a dry scalp. You can apply the oil to hair ends on dry hair without it looking oily or do a hair mask for 20-30 minutes before washing your hair as usual. How do you use your camellia oil? Tell us.
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First Period - Practical Guide for Parents and Young People
Getting your first period can feel difficult and you often have many questions and thoughts. The best thing you can do as a parent is to make it as easy and natural as possible. Periods are not embarrassing, they are something to celebrate! Remember to be there for your child, listen and answer ALL questions, even if they seem obvious to you. Most girls remember very well the time they got their first period, so it’s important to make this special time one to remember with joy. There can be many questions: Which menstrual products should you buy? Is panty liner enough or do you need a pad? What is a menstrual cup and how does it work with fabric pads? Help your child feel secure by guiding them through the first time menstruating. Here is a quick guide for both parents and those who have just gotten their first period. 1. Which menstrual product should I choose for my child? Try and find what works for you There are many different menstrual products today, and some you might not even have heard of. How about period panties or a menstrual cup? Here we go through some of the different menstrual product options available on the market today. Disposable Pads Disposable pads are great for the first period since it’s easy to see how much you’ve bled and when you should change the pad. Disposable pads often come individually wrapped and are easy to carry in your pocket or backpack. Natracare Organic Pads with Wings Regular 14 pcs This pad is suitable for those with a light to medium flow during their period. It comes in a thin wrapper and has wings that help it stay securely in your underwear. Natracare Organic Pads with Wings Super 12 pcs This pad is good for medium to heavy flow. It has wings and is longer than a regular pad. Natracare Organic Pads with Wings Long 10 pcs At night or if you have a heavy flow during the day, it’s nice to have a longer pad that covers more of your underwear. This pad is longer and suitable for medium to heavy flow. Fabric Pads Fabric pads are eco-friendly, reusable, and washable. They can be used over and over but require more care than disposable pads. A fabric pad is a soft reusable menstrual pad that creates a fresh feeling during your period. The pad is often thin and flexible and stays securely in place with snap buttons. ImseVimse – Starter Kit Fabric Pads Organic Cotton Pink SprinkleA practical starter kit in a fabric bag with most of what you need for the first time with your period. The bag contains 3 mini pads (panty liners), 6 regular pads, 3 night pads, and 1 laundry bag. When you get your first period, a lot happens in the body and it can feel overwhelming to also take care of cloth pads. That’s why it’s good if parents take care of rinsing and washing the cloth pads. Most disposable or cloth pads fit differently on different bodies and body shapes. Try different ones and try to find a pad of the right size that fits well in the underwear. It is recommended to choose a pad with wings as it stays better in the underwear and prevents leaks. Menstrual Cup The menstrual cup may not be the first thing you try when you get your first period, but it is something you can definitely read up on. The menstrual cup is actually a very good and safe menstrual protection if you want protection inside the body. The menstrual cup is reusable and saves both the environment and money. But you also don’t have to worry about the child forgetting a tampon in the vagina and developing TSS (toxic shock syndrome). The brand MonthlyCup has a mini menstrual cup that is well suited for the first years of menstruation. The menstrual cup, made of silicone, is inserted into the vagina and depending on the amount of bleeding, it only needs to be changed about 2-4 times a day. The mini menstrual cup is available in transparent or pink. Menstrual Underwear Menstrual underwear is a relatively new revolutionary innovation that came at the right time! Menstrual underwear can be used by all ages and is an excellent menstrual protection for those who have just started their period. With menstrual underwear, you can feel more secure, for example at school, and you don’t have to worry about leaks. At Glimja you will find menstrual underwear from the Swedish brand Imse. Imse's menstrual underwear has a fabric that absorbs menstrual flow and can be used alone or as extra security together with a pad, menstrual cup, or tampon. You can feel completely safe when using menstrual underwear, and it is easy to find one that suits your needs as the underwear comes with three different absorption levels: light, medium, and high. Organic Menstrual Underwear Hipster Light Flow, BlackThe Light flow underwear is suitable for those who have a light flow or for those who have a heavy flow and want extra protection in addition to a tampon or menstrual cup. This underwear comes in four sizes and is best suited for daytime use. Organic Menstrual Underwear Hipster Medium Flow, BlackThe Medium flow underwear is suitable for those who have a medium flow or for those who have a very heavy flow and want extra protection in addition to a tampon or menstrual cup. This underwear comes in four sizes and is best suited for daytime use. Organic Period Underwear High Waist Heavy Flow, BlackThe Heavy Flow underwear is great for those with a heavy to very heavy flow. It works well during the day but also at night as the absorbent area extends from the front waistband to the back waistband. It’s perfect if you sleep on your back at night as it catches blood that might otherwise get on the bed. If you use a pad inside the underwear at night, it can be used for several nights in a row as extra protection against blood stains. This underwear comes in four sizes and is suitable for both day and night. Period underwear is easy to care for and can be washed in the washing machine at 60 degrees. When you take off the period underwear, rinse it with cold water, wring it out, and then let it air dry until you can wash it in the machine. Or rinse it in cold water and wash it in the machine right away. Choose organic Remember to use organic and toxin-free menstrual products that are gentle on the sensitive intimate area. Many conventional pads are made of plastic, and the plastic doesn’t let the intimate area breathe, which can lead to yeast infections and itching. 2. How to wash when you have your period? Plain water is enough! However, be careful not to flush water up into the vagina as it disrupts the sensitive bacterial flora and can cause imbalance in the intimate area. If you want to wash with something more than water, we recommend a natural oil like the one from Lip Intimate care. Regular organic olive oil or coconut oil also works. 3. Things to consider at school It can feel nervous and difficult to go to school while menstruating. What if it leaks? Will everyone see that I have my period? What do I do in gym/swimming? How often do I need to change my pad? There are many questions, and it helps a lot to prepare your child properly before they go to school for the first time with their period. Discuss different situations and what the child can do if the pad leaks and blood shows on the pants. One trick can be to wear a hoodie that you can tie around your waist until you get to the bathroom. Also encourage the child to talk to their friends so they can support and help each other with different situations that may arise. Pack in the school bag: Extra underwear Period underwear Extra pants Pads Panty liners If it feels very difficult to go to school, you can turn to the teacher or school nurse who can provide support. 4. Natural relief for menstrual pain Here are some quick tips for natural relief from menstrual pain. Try a wheat warmer. Heat a wheat warmer in the microwave and place it on the lower part of your stomach or lower back. Provides soothing relief. Run warm water over your stomach or take a warm bath. Take magnesium supplements. Magnesium can relieve and prevent muscle pain. Did you know the uterus is actually a muscle!? Take plenty of vegan omega-3 to reduce inflammation and restore any omega-3 deficiency. Stay active. It’s good to move moderately when you have your period. Feel free to eat these foods: Turmeric, Cinnamon, Ginger, Peppermint, Fennel. 5. Keep track of the menstrual cycle with a smart app Help your child keep track of their period. It always feels reassuring to know roughly when the period will come. Then you can prepare and pack the school bag with what you need. There are many different free apps, but please check the app before letting your child download it, as some period apps contain adult content that is not suitable for children. Some apps with adult content focus heavily on weight/exercise as well as ovulation and sexual activity. Download a free period app: Menskoll Lite – Free app that helps you keep track of your menstrual cycle. Also available as a paid version called Menskoll Deluxe. The best free app to keep track of your menstrual cycle! Easy to monitor your cycle, you get notifications when your period is expected, and you can turn off adult content like ovulation and pregnancy probability. Menskoll, Period app: My cycle – A period app that helps monitor your menstrual cycle. Contains some adult content that indicates the likelihood of becoming pregnant. Ovulation content can be turned off. 6. Before your child has gotten their first period Prepare your child well in advance before they start menstruating. Buy a book about menstruation and read it with your child. Discuss expectations and how it will be. Buy pads and show how they work. Let your child bring extra underwear, extra pants, and some panty liners and pads in their school bag even if they haven't started their period. That way, they are prepared if their first period comes during the school day. Also remember to educate and talk with your children who will not menstruate. Teach them that menstruation is natural and a part of life!
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