Various studies indicate that cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, but it isn’t the only superfood in the spice drawer. There are other spices, which you should not overlook, that offer potent antioxidant compounds. Some of these compounds may help boost immune function, fight inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to chronic health conditions. 

What Are Antioxidants?

In simple terms, antioxidants are molecules that assist the body with fighting off harmful free radicals, which the body naturally produces. Ultimately, “antioxidant” is a general term for any compound that counteracts unstable molecules (free radicals) that damage DNA, cell membranes, and cell parts. Antioxidants help control the amount of free radicals in the body, helping lower the risk of health conditions such as cancer and diabetes. You can find antioxidants in many foods, and several vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, are powerful antioxidants.

Turmeric

One of the best anti-inflammatory spices is turmeric, and it is largely because of the active compound: curcumin. Not only does it work to lower oxidative stress and support immune function, but it also supports inflammation pathways in the body. Although curcumin has been linked to improvements in arthritis, anxiety, and metabolic syndrome, more research is necessary. Ground turmeric powder offers the most concentrated antioxidants, but make sure to pair it with black pepper and a fat source to make curcumin more bioavailable. If you are on blood thinners or other medications, consult your doctor before you take turmeric because it can interfere with some medications. 

Ginger

Ginger adds a zesty zing to any sauce, smoothie, or stir fry, and the tea has just enough spice to help soothe a sore throat. Both fresh and ground ginger offer benefits, but fresh ginger root brings more aromatic compounds. According to research from 2020, ginger can trigger the release of anti-inflammatory messenger proteins called cytokines while simultaneously reducing pro-inflammatory ones. The specific antioxidant compound behind this ability is gingerol, which gives ginger its warm, bright flavor. Studies show that when ginger is dried, the gingerols convert to shogaols, which can be more potent, according to lab studies. Both gingerols and shogaols may have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. 

Cloves

Laboratory measures of a specific food’s antioxidant content do not reveal how the body absorbs or uses them. Ground cloves, however, have a higher Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) than cinnamon, according to nutritional data. The antioxidants in cloves include flavonoids, gallic acid, and eugenol. A 2025 study found that the antioxidants from clove pods could be more effective in lower doses when compared to other antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and ascorbic acid. Eugenol also binds strongly to bacterial enzymes, meaning it may have antibacterial properties. Cloves may also help decrease blood clotting and blood sugar, but may be harmful in high doses. 

Oregano

A classic spice in many different cuisines, oregano is rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants, including thymol and carvacrol. Studies suggest that these antioxidants may support immune function. In fact, as an essential oil, oregano has exhibited powerful antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Oregano may also support intestinal wellbeing, helping to fight bad bacteria in the gut and balance overall gut bacteria. Due to oregano’s potency, exercise caution when using it. As a supplement, oregano is very strong and should only be used under medical supervision. If you use oregano oil, use it in the short-term, as long-term use can disrupt gut microbiome.

SHARE:

The post 4 Spices That Are Jam-Packed With Antioxidants appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Did Christmas come early, or is that just you glowing after drinking this holiday halo in a glass? Our super healthy Winter Green Smoothie offers a pleasant, light relief from all of those holiday cookies, cocktails, and second helpings of everything. It is a vibrant blend that swoops in to restore balance to your winter diet. Don’t think of this as an excuse to eat more junk this season; rather, consider this a part of your healthy eating habits. You can have your treats, but you also have to nourish your body in the process.

Creamy, homemade almond milk provides a luscious base without any added sugars or emulsifiers that are typically in store bought varieties. The fresh ginger brings a gentle zing that actually warms you from the inside out, and it also supports digestion. Ginger is a real seasonal hero, if there ever was one. Cucumber and celery are mostly water, so they add a hydrating benefit to your smoothie. A generous handful of Swiss chard delivers vitamins A, C, and K to support immune function, a much needed benefit while all of those winter germs are making the rounds. Avocado contributes a silky texture and heart-healthy fats to the smoothie, but fear not because it will not make the smoothie taste like guac. The frozen pineapple provides just enough tropical sweetness to make this feel like a treat, not a savory dip.

Yes, you can still drink smoothies during the colder months, especially during the holidays. In fact, it is a smart and delicious way to sneak some more fruits and vegetables into your day. Plus, smoothies give your digestive system a break from heavier foods. It’s like this smoothie is your green insurance policy for the most indulgent time of year.

SHARE:

The post Healthy Green Winter Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, and countless other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications are intended to help lower blood sugar levels. They work to trigger insulin release from the pancreas. Insulin lowers the amount of glucose in the blood, and insufficient insulin levels can cause blood sugar to increase and increase the risk of diabetes. That is not really why GLP-1 medications are so popular these days, though. People use these drugs to promote weight loss and control obesity. 

Glucagon is a hormone that the body uses to elevate blood sugar levels when necessary. GLP-1 actually prevents glucose from entering the bloodstream. It also slows stomach emptying, which ultimately releases less glucose from the food you eat into the bloodstream. GLP-1 medications also affect the area of the brain that processes hunger and satiety. You basically feel full quicker after eating a smaller amount. 

Given the popularity of these drugs, scientists question whether or not there is a natural way to tap into those same hunger- and fullness-pathways without drugs. A new review pulled emerging evidence on foods and plant compounds that may help support the body’s own GLP-1 activity. Just to be clear, though, these natural options are not replacements for medications. Early science does suggest that they may play a meaningful role in supporting appetite regulation and blood sugar balance. 

The Science Behind Natural GLP-1 Modulation

The review was recently published in Toxicology Reports and included decades of data on how foods, herbs, and bioactive compounds influence GLP-1, the hormone that GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic. The gut produces GLP-1 and it has several jobs, such as:

• Stimulating insulin release
• Slowing digestion so you can stay fuller for longer
• Signaling fullness to the brain
• Reducing blood sugar after meals

GLP-1 medications work so well, so is it even possible for natural substances to gently support similar pathways? In order to figure this out, researchers looked at the combined research of studies on spices, teas, plant polyphenols, and fermented foods to see which compounds consistently influenced GLP-1 release or activity. As of now, nothing works as powerfully as prescribed medications; however, some ingredients triggered increases in GLP-1 release, or at least improved the body’s sensitivity to it. 

What The Researchers Found

According to the studies that researchers examined, the most natural GLP-1 supporters are as follows:

• Cinnamon extract
• Curcumin (from turmeric)
• Berberine
• Green tea and post-fermented tea compounds
• Wheat protein
• Ginger and gingerol
• Quercetin-rich plant foods (including apples, berries, cherries, onions, leafy greens, and grapes)

Researchers note that these natural GLP-1 modulators are not replacing existing medications. Instead, they want people to know that natural options exist. That helps because GLP-1 medications are not affordable or available to everyone. Some people also cannot tolerate the medications and experience intense side effects. Lastly, many people prefer nutrition-forward approaches to things. If you are looking to naturally support metabolic pathways, consider the ingredients we detailed. When paired with balanced nutrition and regular exercise, they may do wonders for your body.

SHARE:

The post Can You Naturally Boost GLP-1 Production?  appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you want to maintain a healthy immune system and promote overall wellness, proper lymphatic function is a key factor. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body’s immune response and helps remove harmful substances from the body. Unfortunately, the lymphatic system does not have a natural pump; rather, you have to move in order to move lymphatic fluid. Failure to move frequently can result in lymphatic blockages, which can lead to swelling, lymphedema, or impaired immune function. 

What’s interesting is that many essential oils have proven to be effective at enhancing lymphatic drainage. Adding specific essential oils to lymphatic drainage massages or using them in other ways, such as aromatherapy, may improve the efficacy of the lymphatic system. This process aids the removal of cellular waste, helps to improve blood flow, and reduces pain and swelling. Continue reading to learn about the best essential oils that support lymphatic drainage.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

This essential oil has natural properties that work to increase blood flow and improve the movement of lymph, an essential process for detoxification. Stimulating lymphatic flow ultimately reduces congestion in the lymphatic system, which may prevent fluid buildup. Grapefruit essential oil also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce inflammation, which allows for better lymphatic flow. 

Ginger Essential Oil

Known for its warming and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger essential oil is an excellent choice for stimulating lymphatic drainage. It may help promote circulation and stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid. The improved flow can help clear blockages, reduce lymphatic congestion, and assist with the removal of toxins and waste. Ginger essential oil’s warming properties may stimulate sweating, which further supports the removal of waste products, thereby enhancing lymphatic health. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties are anything but recent news. It is commonly used in aromatherapy or massage to help reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic function. Adding a few drops to your bath or massage oil may further support detoxification. Tea tree oil is also versatile, making it easy to incorporate into a variety of therapies. 

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum essential oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a valuable essential oil for lymphatic drainage. The potent anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling and inflammation in lymph nodes or surrounding tissues. That process ultimately allows for smoother lymphatic flow, preventing blockages. Helichrysum essential oil has also demonstrated detoxifying effects, which may enhance the body’s removal of harmful substances. Lastly, this essential oil may improve blood flow and help maintain lymphatic flow. The regenerative properties also support tissue repair and recovery. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Used for thousands of years for its health benefits, frankincense essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation works to ease lymphatic flow and helps prevent blockages. The reduction of inflammation may make the lymphatic system more effective at eliminating waste. Various compounds in frankincense essential oil, such as boswellic acids, may boost immune function. If the immune system is functioning optimally, the lymphatic system has more support to filter and remove waste. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is naturally rich in limonene, a compound that helps promote the body’s natural detoxification processes. It also works to stimulate lymphatic flow and promote the removal of toxins and waste. The natural diuretic properties encourage the release of excess fluids. By reducing water retention and swelling, lemon essential oil helps support the lymphatic system by enhancing overall drainage. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil may help reduce hair loss, but it can also stimulate blood circulation, which may help move lymph through the body more effectively. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties may soothe inflamed tissues and reduce swelling, making rosemary essential oil a great choice for supporting the lymphatic system. 

If you experiment with these essential oils or want to enhance lymphatic cleansing, consider the Blood & Lymphatic formula, which works to naturally cleanse the blood and support lymphatic function. You can also consider our Circulation Aid, which encourages optimal blood flow.

SHARE:

The post Great Essential Oils That Support Lymphatic Drainage appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

This boiled remedy is a soothing way to loosen mucus and ease cold-season discomfort using ingredients already in your kitchen. Just simmer onion, garlic, lemon, ginger, and cinnamon in water for about 10 minutes, sweeten with honey, and sip warm. Perfect when you’re feeling stuffy, congested, or under the weather. Simple. Natural. Comforting.

SHARE:

The post Try This Tea For Cold Symptoms appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you associate fall with root vegetables, you are already ahead of the curve. Parsnips, butternut squash, yams, rutabaga, turnips, acorn squash, and more are common to use during the fall. You can incorporate these ingredients into roasted vegetable medleys, stews, soups, and so much more. Although “hearty” and “comforting” tend to be adjectives associated with fall meals, you can change the narrative while still utilizing seasonal ingredients. 

In this article, you will find recipes that call for roasted fall produce and we didn’t forget to include a couple soups. After all, what is fall without a soul-warming soup or stew? This article also aims to showcase some more refreshing fall recipes that don’t weigh you down. Whether you want perfectly spiced snack, filling side dish, or energizing breakfast, we have you covered. If you like some of the recipes in this article and post them to your socials, make sure to tag us! We love seeing our Dherbs family make the recipes we publish!

Pear Ginger Smoothie

Enhance your fall with this perfectly balanced pear ginger smoothie. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and aromatic. You won’t want to stop drinking it!

Click here to make the smoothie.

Spiced Fall Fig Smoothie

This spiced fall fig smoothie embraces some classic seasonal spices, but don’t let the sweet, almost milkshake-like flavor fool you; it’s brimming with nutrients!

Click here to make the smoothie.

Roasted Kabocha Squash Seeds

Is this your new favorite snack? It could be if you are willing to be a little experimental. While these are not cleanse-approved, the kabocha squash seeds fill you up and satisfy salty cravings.

Click here to make the snack. 

Pumpkin Spice Date Energy Balls

Have you been on the lookout for a healthy pumpkin spice treat? Well, you found it in these raw vegan date energy balls. 

Click here to make the snack. 

Roasted Chickpea Fall Salad

A delicious creation that is crispy and hearty! Made with kale, roasted chickpeas, pomegranate arils and more, this fall salad is to die for. 

Click here to make the salad. 

Fall Harvest Salad

A deliciously filling fall harvest salad contains golden beets, sweet potatoes, and uses a hearty base of mixed greens and quinoa. You will not be hungry after eating a bowl of this salad. 

Click here to make the salad. 

Fall Vegetable Soup

This vegan fall vegetable soup brings together unsung earthy root vegetables like rutabaga, parsnip, carrots, and butternut squash. Your fall season would not be complete without this soup!

Click here to make the soup. 

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Fortunately for you, this pumpkin pie pudding is a healthy, guilt-free dessert that you’ll be enjoying throughout autumn. It is a wonderful vegan creation that contains nutritionally-dense ingredients, including raw cashews, pumpkin puree, pure maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.

Click here to make the pudding.

SHARE:

The post 8 Vegan Recipes That Embrace Fall appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Although these a wellness shot is tiny, it packs a mighty punch. You are probably used to seeing ginger turmeric wellness shots, especially in health food stores, such as Whole Foods. Those are amazing anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting little shots, but they can be a little spicy, especially for the uninitiated. While ginger and turmeric receive a lot of attention regarding immune health, elderberry deserves equal, if not more, attention.

There are elderberry gummies, elderberry syrup, and even elderberry kombucha. Why can’t there be elderberry wellness shots? Thing of this recipe as a concentrated version of all of those recipes. You can use fresh or dried elderberries for this recipes, but you have to cook them first because they contain cyanogenic glycosides. Although they are not poisonous, they can be toxic and cause digestive discomfort, especially in people with sensitive digestive systems. The safest way to consume elderberries is to make sure that they are cooked first.

Although these shots have a vibrant purple hue because of the elderberry, the taste does not come from elderberries. In fact, elderberry doesn’t really have much of a flavor, which is why elderberry syrups and such are flavored by other ingredients, such as lemon, cinnamon, and ginger. Lemon provides vitamin C, which helps control inflammation and increase nutrient absorption. Finally, these shots contain echinacea, which, like elderberries, may help reduce the length and severity of viral illness, especially when it comes to bacterial infections. So although these wellness shots won’t cure an illness, they may help enhance immunity and improve recovery time.

SHARE:

The post Simple Elderberry Wellness Shots appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The fall brings some cozy and comforting treats, particularly those involving pumpkin flavors and spices. You’ve undoubtedly seen ads for pumpkin spice lattes (PSLs), in addition to pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin pies in stores. Now, we are in no way prepared to say that those items are beneficial to your health. What we can say is that pumpkin spice itself may not be as bad as you think. 

Pumpkin spice blends typically contain cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, all of which offer beneficial antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Even pumpkins themselves provide lots of beta-carotene, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals that benefit overall health. 

Is Pumpkin Spice Healthy?

Both cinnamon and nutmeg have the highest concentration of salicylic acid, which is an integral compound for reducing inflammation. Cinnamon has also proven to be effective at lowering blood sugar and LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising HDL (good) cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Ginger works to soothe nausea and has antibacterial properties. It has also proven effective at alleviating menstrual cramps and osteoarthritis pain. 

Does Pumpkin Spice Benefit Mental Health?

We can agree that pumpkin spice is comforting during the fall. Many people feel warmed by the spice, but does the spice blend exhibit mental health benefits? In the United States, there is a recurring pumpkin spice theme during the fall. You can see it in coffee shops, grocery stores, and other establishments that anticipate the holidays. Some psychological experts believe that the anticipation of the holidays rekindles past experiences and builds community. There is even a link between smell and memories. For most people, pumpkin spice brings up warm and fond memories. There is no direct link between pumpkin spice and better mental health, but it is possible to evoke positive emotions. 

Pumpkin Spice Recipes

We could not publish an article about pumpkin spice without including a few recipes. These are not your calorically dense PSLs; rather, they are healthier recipes that embrace the classic fall spice. We hope you enjoy them. 

Pumpkin Spice Date Energy Balls

Have you been on the lookout for a healthy pumpkin spice treat? Well, you found it in these raw vegan date energy balls.

Click here to make the recipe.

Post Cleanse Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea

Is your post cleanse palate ready for this comforting tea? Delight in one of fall’s signature flavors by sipping pumpkin spice chai tea.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Spice Almond Milk

The warming flavors of fall have taken over! Whip up a batch of this homemade pumpkin spice almond milk and we promise you won’t regret it.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Homemade Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte

Made in a matter of minutes using whole food ingredients and a blender, this vegan pumpkin spice latte is your new fall drink of choice!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Keto And Vegan Pumpkin Spice No Bake Balls

Pumpkin spice no bake balls are softy, chewy, and will satisfy anybody’s sweet tooth. They are keto-approved and taste like pumpkin pie!

Click here to make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post Is Your Pumpkin Spice Addiction Healthy? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are several signature fall fruits, including apples, persimmons, pomegranates, grapes, figs, and cranberries. One of our favorite fall fruits is the pear, which is as versatile as it is refreshing and delicious. Pair your pears with sweet, spicy, savory, or tart flavors and you’ll be pleased. That’s why we added ginger to this pear smoothie. The natural sweetness of the pear is a great balance to the spicy kick of the fresh ginger.

Pears are often underutilized ingredients in smoothies. They are popular to enjoy as healthy snacks, but people also add them to salads and some desserts. These bell-shaped fruits deserve a little more attention in smoothie recipes, not only for their flavor, but also for their impressive nutritional profile. A single medium pear provides:

• Calories: 101
• Carbohydrates: 27 grams (g)
• Protein: 1 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Vitamin C: 9% of the daily value (DV)
• Potassium: 4% of the DV
• Copper: 16% of the DV
• Vitamin K: 7% of the DV

The same serving also provides small amounts of other micronutrients, including folate, niacin, provitamin A, and polyphenol antioxidants. Pears with green skin, such as Bartlett pears, contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds that are integral for healthy vision. Ruby-red pears, for example, contain anthocyanins that may help improve heart health and protect against certain types of cancer.

SHARE:

The post Pear Ginger Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

For hundreds of years, different civilizations used their own versions of fire cider or herbal tonics to promote general well-being. These days, you can see people and “wellness gurus” alike making spicy fire cider on TikTok or Instagram. The claim is that it not only enhances immune function, but it is also a natural cold killer. 

What Is Fire Cider?

Fire cider is a spicy, homemade drink made with all-natural ingredients that help optimize immunity. The proponents of fire cider claim that when all of the ingredients work in unison, they create a super beverage that can help prevent you from getting sick. The term “fire cider” was coined by Rosemary Gladstar in 1970, when she published a recipe that used: 

• Raw apple cider vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Honey
• Horseradish root
• Onion
• Cayenne pepper

Since then, many people have published variations of the drink, with some including ingredients like:

• Elderberry
• Rosemary
• Turmeric
• Orange or lemon zest
• Jalapeño or habanero peppers

Once you have your recipe of choice, combine all of the ingredients (except honey) in a glass jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place. After the ingredients steep for one month, you strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and add honey to taste. That liquid is the fire cider, which sounds interesting, but how effective is it?

Are There Benefits? 

The predominant claims from people who love fire cider are that it helps fend off sickness and builds a healthy immune system. The unfortunate reality is that there is no scientifically-backed evidence stating that fire cider actually works. What is true is that the ingredients offer beneficial nutrients that can encourage healthy immune function. They do not, however, possess the abilities to prevent or cure illness. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of some of the ingredients. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Since the times of the Ancient Greeks, vinegar has been used to help treat sores and clean wounds. In recent years, apple cider vinegar has received a lot of attention because people claim that it can aid weight loss, improve digestion, enhance immunity, and more. Test tube studies found that apple cider vinegar effectively killed certain disease-causing yeast and bacteria. Other studies found that consuming apple cider vinegar can help lower total blood cholesterol and blood sugar. More research is needed in both regards, though. 

Ginger

This is a common spice used to help soothe a sore throat and an upset stomach. Researchers have studied ginger extensively because it is effective at relieving nausea, easing period cramps, relieving muscle and arthritis pain, and reducing inflammation. Although ginger is thought to enhance immune function, there is no scientific evidence that supports that. Some people also claim that it aids weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness. There is no evidence that supports that either. 

Hot Peppers

You can include cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or other spicy peppers in fire cider. Peppers are naturally rich in vitamin C and contain active compounds that may help you live longer, according to some research studies. Capsaicin is the active compound that is responsible for the heat in peppers, but it also exhibits impressive antimicrobial activity. Capsaicin can irritate the skin, so make sure to wash your hands after handling hot peppers, as you don’t want to touch your eyes or other sensitive areas. 

Garlic

If you know anything about garlic, you know that it has a lot of “antis,” such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties. Garlic can be hard to digest for certain people because it contains fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs). For this reason, garlic can occasionally cause cramping, bloating, and diarrhea in certain people.

Honey

Many people celebrate honey for its antimicrobial properties, and it has been used in healing practices since ancient times. Medical grade honey may help remedy minor wounds, diabetic ulcers, and burns. You do not find medical grade honey on your average grocery store shelf, though. The honey you have in your pantry will not kill or prevent the common cold. It is possible for honey to soothe a sore throat and ease some symptoms of respiratory infection.

SHARE:

The post Spicy Fire Cider: A Natural Cold Remedy? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.