There is no shortage of different beverages in today’s world. From sports drinks and coffee to turmeric lattes and sugary sodas, you can drink a different beverage whenever you choose. Why didn’t we mention water right then? It may come as a surprise to you, but a lot of people dislike water. Some people even say that it tastes terrible. Well, water is life, people, and it benefits the body in so many ways, but so do various teas. 

While a lot of beverages are enjoyable to drink, they do not all contribute to hydration. That is particularly true for caffeinated beverages, which people consume a lot of. Drinking tea, however, is another story. Certain teas can help quench your thirst, promote hydration, and provide surprising health benefits. 

Water Intake Guidelines

The body requires adequate fluid intake in order for it to function optimally. Fluids help everything from cells to organs, lubricating joints, protecting tissues, and enhancing digestive function. How do you know how much water to drink to ensure proper hydration? You have probably heard of the eight by eight rule, which means that you drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day. This is somewhat of an outdated recommendation, as weight, age, and activity level influence your hydration needs. 

Hydration is a factor of total fluid intake, not just water intake. You can get water, electrolytes, and other fluids from soups, water-rich fruits and vegetables, and certain beverages. Health experts note that adults should aim to consume 91-125 fluid ounces of water per day. That equates to 2.7 to 3.7 liters, or about 11 to 16 cups. As a general rule of thumb, we encourage people to drink half their body weight in ounces of water per day to ensure proper hydration. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day.

Tea Vs. Water For Hydration 

The body needs water to survive, but you don’t always have to drink plain water to take advantage of its benefits. In fact, the Mayo Clinic notes that about 20% of your daily fluid intake should come from food. The remaining 80% can come from water or hot and cold teas. Black and green teas, however, contain caffeine, which is considered a diuretic. According to preliminary research, there is little difference between the hydration status of drinking black tea and drinking water. Those results came from a small study from March 2011, so more research is necessary. 

Other research suggests that caffeine does not become a diuretic until you consume 500 milligrams (mg) daily. Black and green teas typically contain between 30-50 mg of caffeine per eight ounces. That means that you would have to drink a lot of green and black tea in order to harm your hydration efforts. Coffee, on the other hand, usually contains 80-100 mg of caffeine per eight ounces. That means you can reach that 500-mg mark a lot quicker, which could impact your hydration.

Tea Benefits

You can get a few extra perks from drinking tea instead of just water to meet your hydration goals. The consumption of black and green tea has been linked to better heart health, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Certain teas can also help improve memory, reduce inflammation, contribute to weight loss, and contribute to longevity. There are so many herbal teas, from ginger and chamomile to peppermint and hibiscus, all of which offer different health benefits. Some work to soothe an upset stomach and sore throat, while others aim to reduce nausea and enhance immune function.

Be Careful About Your Sugar Intake

Although drinking tea can help you meet your hydration goals, you have to be mindful of how you prepare tea. Drinking water by itself means that you are safe from refined sugars, fats, and calories. What you add to your tea can affect your health, your overall hydration, and the tea’s health benefits. Added sugars can contribute to heart problems, obesity, and other health issues. Try to drink your tea without sweetener for a healthy beverage option. If you want to sweeten your tea, consider using a small amount of honey instead of white sugar, or stevia or raw agave nectar.

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The leaves are changing, the days are shorter, and the weather has a certain chill that seems to cut through your layers. You may also feel a slight tickle in the back of your throat, which can induce panic. There’s nothing quite like a cold threatening to mess with your plans and take you out of commission for a week or so. 

We’ve got you covered with a simple DIY throat spray made with all-natural ingredients. It may help soothe the pain of a sore throat and promote quicker recovery. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to prepare. It goes great with peppermint tea, but you can use green tea, black tea, or even Throat Coat tea if you prefer those varieties and flavors. Continue reading to learn more about some of the ingredients. 

Szechuan Peppercorns

These peppercorns are commonly used in both Chinese cuisine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Szechuan peppercorns contain anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation or irritation. Some studies found that compounds in these peppercorns exhibit antimicrobial effects, which may help combat viruses and bacteria. Finally, Szechuan peppercorns have a numbing effect, which may help relieve pain and discomfort, especially in the mouth and throat. 

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties. Researchers attribute these health benefits to the active ingredient: methylglyoxal (MGO). This is created in Manuka honey because of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is high in Manuka flowers. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects offer relief from a sore throat. The honey can help fight against the bacteria that cause pain in the throat. In fact, research confirms that people who use Manuka honey have a decrease in the presence of Streptococcus mutans, which can cause sore throats.

Peppermint Tea

Hot herbal teas are great to consume when you have a sore throat. They promote hydration and offer soothing benefits. Peppermint tea is rich in polyphenols, a group of powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. It also contains menthol, a compound that offers a cooling effect by interacting with calcium channels in the body. Some traditional medicinal practices used peppermint to treat various conditions, including symptoms of sore throat. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

According to studies in human cells, apple cider vinegar proved effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It also acted against methicillin-resistant S. aureus, which is a significant threat to humans. Laboratory studies found that apple cider vinegar exhibits antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and yeast. Currently, however, there are not enough human trials to back up that statement. Although there is anecdotal evidence for apple cider vinegar reducing sore throat symptoms, scientific studies are necessary to prove its efficacy. 

DIY Throat Spray

Ingredients:

• 2 peppermint tea bags
• 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Manuka honey
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 drops peppermint oil
• 3 drops lemon oil
• 5 drops clove oil

Instructions:

• Bring one cup of water to boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat once the water is boiling and add the tea bags and peppercorns. Allow them to steep for five to 10 minutes. 
• Stir in the remaining ingredients and then pour through a fine mesh strainer and collect the liquid in a bowl or cup. Allow the liquid to cool. 
• Get two four-ounce glass spray bottles and divide the mixture between these two bottles, using a funnel to pour in the liquid. Screw on the tops and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
• When ready to use, shake well and then spray towards the back of the mouth as often as needed.

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Do you want to perk up tired skin? Give your skin a youthful glow by incorporating green tea into your skin care routine. Green tea, or Camellia sinensis leaf extract, is a popular ingredient in many toners, cleansers, and hydrating serums. The unfortunate reality is that many of these store bought products contain ingredients that are not conducive to skin health, such as toxic parabens and ethylhexylglycerin, to name a couple. 

Certain green tea serums incorporate ingredients like squalane, panthenol, allantoin, and peptides. All of those ingredients come with their own set of health benefits, but they can be difficult to source on your own. Fortunately for you, the ingredients for the green tea serum in this article are easy to obtain and highly beneficial for the skin. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Green Tea

As the star of the brightening serum, it is only fitting to discuss this ingredient first. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, with the standout compound being EGCG. These polyphenols and antioxidant compounds help restore the vitamin C that the skin requires to make collagen. In doing so, you may help fight fine lines and improve overall skin tone and firmness. Some research indicates that the properties in green tea may soothe irritation and skin redness by calming inflammation. 

The caffeine in green tea also helps boost circulation to the skin. That’s why you see caffeine in eye creams, as it helps reduce under eye puffiness or dark circles. Caffeine may also reduce the appearance of cellulite by breaking up fat molecules in the skin. Although green tea may help in this regard, it will not undo the damage of an unhealthy diet. 

Apricot Kernel Oil

The other primary ingredient in this serum is apricot kernel oil, which is non-greasy and incredibly hydrating, making it a great option for all skin types. The high vitamin A and fatty acid content makes apricot kernel oil an excellent choice for improving skin elasticity. It is also rich in vitamin E, which may help protect the skin from UV rays, oxidative damage, and inflammation. 

What makes apricot kernels unique is that they have the highest known concentration of vitamin B17. This vitamin, also known as amygdalin, is currently being studied for potential anti-cancer benefits. A 2023 review explored how vitamin B17 may kill cancer cells and inhibit their growth and spread rate. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence on apricot kernel’s anti-cancer benefits, but initial research is promising. 

Making Green Tea Infused Oil

For this recipe, you will need to infuse the green tea leaves into your choice of carrier oil. Preferably, select a carrier oil that suits your skin type, such as olive oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil. The easiest method, which also takes the longest, is the solar infusion method. You add the green tea and oil to a glass jar, cover, and shake to combine. Allow it to sit in your window in the sun for four weeks, shaking every once in a while. 

You can also use the faster infusion method, which is detailed below:

• Add 1/2 cup carrier oil of choice and two tablespoons of loose leaf green tea to the top of a double boiler. 
• Make sure there is a couple inches of water in the bottom part of the double boiler. Gently simmer the water for three hours, refilling as needed. 
• Strain the green tea from the oil through cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. Save in a jar and get ready to make the brightening serum. 

Green Tea Brightening Serum

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons green tea infused oil (see above directions)
• 1 tablespoon apricot kernel seed oil
• 8 drops orange essential oil 
• 3 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a two-ounce glass dropper bottle, preferably one that is amber glass. Screw on the top and shake well to combine. 
• Store this serum in a cool, dry place and it will last about six to 12 months, depending on which carrier oil you use to infuse the green tea. 
• To use, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin and moisturize gently.

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Maintaining a healthy brain can improve your ability to retain and recall information, problem solve, focus, and connect with others on an emotional level. As you age, your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive disorders increases. To help reduce the risk of developing these conditions, we outline integral supplements to support brain health in this article. 

Although the supplements in this article may support a healthy brain, they alone will not fight off cognitive disorders. That said, taking supplements may help to fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet and boost overall cognition. And while certain nutrients may play a role in cognitive function, there isn’t evidence supporting their efficacy for improving brain health. Read on to learn about supplements and nutrients that support brain health.

Choline

Choline helps the Brian make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved with memory, cell signaling, cognition, and mood. One study monitored choline intake via diet and supplements and the cognitive function in people over the age of 60. Study authors noted that choline intake of 188-399 milligrams (mg) per day reduced the risk of low cognitive function by about 50%. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of choline in adults 550 mg for males and lactating persons, 450 mg for pregnant persons, and 425 mg for females. You can find choline in potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, egg yolks, Brussels sprouts, kidney beans, quinoa, peanuts, and cruciferous vegetables. 

Ginkgo Biloba

This is a popular supplement in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to smaller studies, ginkgo leaf extract may improve brain function and memory in people with age-related cognitive decline. More extensive studies are necessary in order to arrive at the same conclusion. Research in healthy adults found that ginkgo biloba may improve attentiveness, recognition, information processing, and memory. Most of the studies confirming these findings have been small, so more studies are necessary to determine the full effects of ginkgo biloba on brain health. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

In addition to reducing inflammation and supporting heart health, omega-3 fatty acids may encourage better cognitive function. Fatty acids work to build cells and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Various studies indicate that including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet or supplement routine may help boost brain health. In fact, diets high in omega-3s have been associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Although you can take an omega-3 supplement, you can consume fatty fish, soybeans, nuts, seeds, and other foods to get your daily fill of omega-3s.

Caffeine

This stimulant wakes you up and helps promote energy. Researchers note that consuming caffeinated beverages, such as coffee or black/green tea, helps improve alertness and cognitive capacity. Caffeine doesn’t affect mental performance or accuracy, and there are no long-term benefits for brain health. Ideally, keep your caffeine doses between 50 to 260 mg per day. Generally speaking, one cup of black coffee contains 95 to 200 mg of caffeine. 

Ashwagandha 

This popular adaptogenic herb may be beneficial for certain brain-related conditions, such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, alertness, and aging. One study observed people between the ages of 65 and 80 who took 600 mg of ashwagandha per day for 12 weeks. Researchers observed that the participants who took ashwagandha improved sleep quality, mental alertness, and overall wellbeing. More research is still necessary to understand the full brain-boosting benefits of this nutrient. Before taking ashwagandha, consider how this product may interact with medications or the central nervous system. 

Magnesium

This essential mineral is found in many foods and supplements. Magnesium plays many important roles in the body, one of which is assisting with the transmission of signals through nerves and the brain. Some evidence suggests that low magnesium levels increase the risk of cognitive impairment and neurological diseases. More research is necessary to determine if higher magnesium intake in people over age 60 can improve cognitive function. As of now, there is conflicting evidence on this matter. You can increase magnesium intake by taking supplements or eating leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and some other fruits and vegetables.

Theanine

Theanine is a natural amino acid commonly found in tea. It may help improve mental performance, especially when combined with caffeine. Green tea, for example, contains both caffeine and theanine, the winning one-two punch. A small study found that a one-time 100-mg dose of theanine improved attention. That said, participants who received a 200-mg dose of theanine daily for four weeks saw no improvements in memory, motor speed, or decision skills. For this reason, more research is still necessary on how theanine may improve cognitive skills.

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The days are here, friends! You know what days we are talking about, the ones where you sit by the pool, throw a football on the beach, go on the lake, or, quite literally, you soak up the summer sun. There is nothing quite like a lazy summer day in the sun, but you’ll suffer the consequences if you don’t properly care for your skin. 

In your younger years, you probably weren’t as vigilant about sun protection. Once you pass a certain threshold, you understand the importance of skin care, especially if you are going to be in the sun. You also understand that you have to properly care for the skin after sun exposure. You won’t always return home from a day in the sun with a sunburn. You can, however, decrease your risk of sunburn by taking precautions, such as applying sunscreen and finding shade when possible. When you feel like your skin is a little hotter than usual after sun exposure, apply the after sun lotion in this article. 

Green Tea

This after sun lotion contains green tea, which may seem like an unusual ingredient for such a DIY skin care product. Green tea works to reduce inflammation and provides lots of antioxidants and polyphenols that fight sun damage and free radicals. Even if you do not get burnt, these antioxidants can help fight the free radicals that develop from sun exposure. Green tea also works to fight the signs of aging and promotes rejuvenation, which is necessary after sun exposure. 

Aloe Vera Gel

When you think of after sun care, your mind probably goes straight to aloe vera gel. It soothes the skin and helps accelerate recovery from a sunburn. If you put it in the fridge and then apply it to your warm, sunburnt skin, it is a revelation. Most people have used the sap from the aloe plant to soothe skin for centuries. It has an instant cooling effect and works to fight inflammation. Studies have shown that aloe vera also increases cell turnover and promotes new cell growth. Mostly composed of water, aloe vera works to moisturize and nourish the body, enhancing the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss after application.

Essential Oils

Similar to aloe vera, some essential oils, such as peppermint essential oil, provide an instant cooling effect when topically applied to the skin. Peppermint essential oil helps to draw heat out of the body, which is necessary if you have a sunburn. Finally, the lavender essential oil in this after sun lotion has a soothing scent that helps to calm the mind and body. It also works to clean the skin’s surface, reduce inflammation, and lessen pain. 

After Sun Lotion

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
• 1/3 cup pure aloe vera gel
• 25 drops vitamin E oil
• 25 drops peppermint essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil and beeswax pellets to a small saucepan over medium low heat. Stir frequently until fully melted and clear.
• Add the matcha powder and stir to combine. Allow the matcha to steep in the oil and beeswax mixture for one hour over very low heat. 
• Pour the matcha-infused oil mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a heat-safe bowl. 
• Add the remaining ingredients to the same bowl and whisk all of the ingredients together by hand or with an electric mixer. 
• Once you have thoroughly whisked the ingredients, pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool at room temperature. This will take some time. 
• When the mixture is cool, you can use it immediately. If you want to go the extra mile to have a fluffy consistency, you can pour the mixture back into a bowl and whisk with an electric mixture. 
• Store the after sun lotion in a glass jar in the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible. This will also enhance the cooling effects of some of the ingredients in the after sun lotion.

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Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, green tea-infused homemade matcha ice cream? Made with creamy, ripe bananas, matcha, and coconut milk, this vegan ice cream will level up your dessert game. The bananas offer natural sweetness and the touch of coconut milk contributes to a luxuriously creamy texture. It tastes a lot richer than it is, so much so that you may not even believe this decadent treat to be dairy-free.

After enjoying the first couple bites, you may feel as though you are at peace in a tranquil Japanese garden. The subtle bitterness of matcha powder is perfectly balanced by the natural sugars in the bananas. Just make sure that the bananas are relatively ripe. You don’t want green bananas giving your ice cream a bitter taste. The coconut milk adds a luxurious, creamy element, reminiscent of the tropics.

One thing that we want you to do is savor each bite. Notice how the flavors blend together harmoniously. The matcha exhibits bright, grassy notes that mingle with the subtle sweetness of the bananas, while the coconut milk provides a silky smoothness. The result is a unique and addictive dessert that may become a new favorite obsession.

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If you’ve perused the skin care aisle at any drugstore, you’ve seen bottles of toner. Typically a lightly-tinted or clear liquid, toner is a curious skin care product for many people. There are quite a few misconceptions about its purpose as well. Your reason for using toner depends on the type of skin you have. We are big fans of toner and what it can do for your skin. In this article we will explain how a toner benefits the skin, in addition to providing simple recipes for every skin type. 

What Does A Face Toner Do?

Simply put, toner removes any traces of dirt, impurities, or grime that remain in your pores after cleansing. When you incorporate toner into your skin care routine and use it regularly, you can improve the tightness of pores and overall appearance of skin. Toner also works to restore the skin’s pH level and smooths it out by refining any rough patches. 

Ideally, you want the skin to be at its natural pH as much as possible. The skin has an acid mantle, which is a protective layer on the surface, and it should sit around 5.5 pH. That is slightly acidic, but that is where the skin can function its best and renew itself. That said, toner doesn’t just help to balance the skin’s pH; rather, it also aids with: 

• Hydrating the skin: Spritzing toner on the skin helps to replenish moisture, but make sure to use it before moisturizing the skin.
• Helping other skin care products sink in: Toners help prepare your skin to optimally absorb other products in your skin care routine.
• Removing leftover dirt: Toners act like second cleansers, removing the remains of makeup and general grime that don’t get picked up when you wash your face. 
• Making the skin appear smoother: Apply toner with a cotton round to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which can make the skin appear smoother. 

How To Make Your Own Toner

It is very easy to make a simple DIY toner for every skin type. If you’ve been looking for a simple toner that doesn’t upset your skin type, consider the following two-ingredient recipes. Let us know if one works for you in the comments below. 

Toner For Sensitive Skin

One of the best ingredients for sensitive skin is rose water, which exhibits powerful antioxidant properties that balance the skin. Rose water also replenishes the skin with moisture and offers soothing properties, making it great for those with sensitive skin. Because of its gentle nature, rose water makes for a great DIY toner. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried rose buds
• Hot filtered water

Instructions:

• Pour the hot water over the rose buds (enough to submerge them) and allow them to sit for one to two hours. 
• Use a strainer to separate the rose buds from the rose water. Pour the strained rose watering a spray bottle and use when needed.
• Ideally, spritz your face with this rose water twice a day after cleansing. Just store it in the fridge and use it within seven to 10 days. 

Toner For Dry Skin

If you have dry or dull skin, toner can help provide hydration. In the case of this recipe, the rose water helps to soothe the skin and even out skin tone. 

Ingredients:

• Rose water (see above recipe)
• Geranium essential oil

Instructions:

• Use the above recipe to make the rose water. Add three to five drops of geranium essential oil to the rose water and shake to combine. 
• Make sure to shake the bottle before each use. Store in the refrigerator and use within seven to 10 days. 

Toner For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin

Green tea, just like rose water, is rich in powerful antioxidants. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and acne. The apple cider vinegar works to restore your skin’s pH level back to normal. 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup steeped green tea
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• After you steep the green tea bag in hot water, allow the tea to come to room temperature before discarding the tea bag. Pro tip: place the tea bag on your eye if you need to reduce puffiness. 
• Pour the green tea and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle, screw on the lid, and shake to combine. 
• To apply, you can either spritz the toner on your face or apply it to a cotton round and gently pat your face. Store it in the fridge and use it within 10 days.

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How many products have you seen that are intended to get rid of bags under the eyes? So many creams and serums claim to de-puff and lighten the area under the eyes, but they don’t always work. That’s especially true if you genetically inherited dark circles or eye bags. It’s also true if you have sensitive skin and easily react to ingredients in skin care products. Common causes of bags under the eyes include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Pigmentation issues
• Aging
• Allergies
• Eczema
• Sun exposure

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can contribute to dark circles under the eyes. Since nearly half the world’s population doesn’t meet daily water intake recommendations, drinking water is a great place to start. How much water you need to properly hydrate the body will depend on weight and level of physical activity. Generally speaking, drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day to hydrate the body. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water per day. 

Apply Tea Bags

It’s lovely to sip a warm cup of tea, but what do you do with the tea bag once you finish your cup? You probably throw it away, which is a huge mistake. If you drink a cup of green tea, chamomile tea, or peppermint tea, save the tea bag and put it on your eyes to help fight dark circles. Caffeinated teas work best because they help increase blood flow to the skin. According to research, green tea exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease puffiness. 

Wear Sunscreen Daily

One of the main reasons to apply sunscreen every day is to reduce the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and skin discoloration. The American Academy of Dermatology Association encourages all people to wear sunscreen. Broad spectrum sunscreens help protect against UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, choose a mineral sunscreen and it may help protect against darkness under the eyes. You can also protect your eyes even more by wearing sunglasses and hats.

Wash Your Face Before Bed

If you improve your nightly skin care routine, you may not notice dark circles or bags when you wake up. You should always cleanse your face and remove makeup before bed. Sleeping with makeup, especially makeup around the eyes, can cause general irritation, allergic reaction, or infection that causes puffiness, redness, or other symptoms. Forgetting to wash your face at night may also increase your risk of wrinkles or general skin damage. 

Use A Cold Compress

If you need relief from under-eye bags, a cold compress may help relieve the inflammation. Applying a cold compress to the eyes also works to constrict the blood vessels quickly, which provides temporary relief. If you don’t have a cold compress, try some chilled cucumbers, a cold teaspoon, a wet washcloth, or a bag of frozen vegetables. Before you apply your cold compress, wrap it in a soft cloth to protect your skin from getting too clothes. Allow the cold compress to sit on your skin for about five minutes. 

Eat More Collagen-Rich Foods

The muscles and tissues that support your eyelids weaken as you get older. That means that you can experience sagging or bags under the eyes. If you increase your intake of vitamin C, the body has an easier time absorbing more hyaluronic acid, which naturally exists in the body. The amount that’s stored in the body, however, decreases with age. Foods that are rich in vitamin C work to boost collagen production by increasing hyaluronic acid levels. Great sources of vitamin C include kiwis, oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli.

Cut Back On Alcohol

Decreasing your intake of alcohol relates to the first tip we gave in this article. Alcohol contributes to dehydration, and dehydration can increase the risk of under-eye bags or darkness under the eyes. If you crave that special drink, consider swapping it for sparkling water or infusing regular water with fruits and herbs. 

Keep Your Head Elevated While You Sleep

If you can fall asleep while elevating your head higher, then experiment with this method. Add an extra pillow to prop your head up higher in order to prevent fluid from accumulating in your lower eyelids, which creates puffiness while you sleep. If that is not doable, causes pain, or makes it too difficult to fall asleep, try to elevate the top end of your mattress a couple inches. There are special bed risers that can make this process easier.

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Whether you follow TikTok beauty trends or get lured into buying commercial beauty products, skin care is an ever-evolving field. There are no breakthroughs, tips, and hacks about how to best care for the body’s largest organ. With so many options to choose from, how do you know which skin care products are right for you? That can be very difficult, considering that each product has a handful of ingredients, some of which may do more harm than good.

Because more people are aware of the negative effects of commercial beauty products, DIY skin care products are more popular than ever. Simple ingredients, many of which have been used for centuries, can help address common skin issues. In case you need more proof, the following five natural skin care ingredients have loads of research to back up their efficacy. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Green Tea For Inflammation And Aging

Green tea is replete with polyphenols, offering a shocking 30% polyphenol antioxidant count by weight. Researchers state that the most notable antioxidant is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties. According to several studies, topical application of polyphenols can help repair sun-damaged skin. Some research even indicated that this topical application may reverse the signs of aging, such as reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Oat Extracts For Sensitive Skin

Some beauty experts consider oats, or oat extracts, to be the gold standard for sensitive skin. Both colloidal oatmeal and oat oil are beloved by estheticians for their ability to soothe sensitive skin. For example, colloidal oatmeal has a high lipid and antioxidant content, which helps protect the skin barrier. Colloidal oatmeal has many active nutrients, including vitamin E, ferric acid, and avenanthramides, which exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Many dermatologists recommend colloidal oatmeal for the treatment of eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. 

Coconut Oil For Dry Skin

Soothing dryness should not be your only reason for using coconut oil topically on the skin. Coconut oil contains natural fatty acids that help nourish and smooth out the skin. The reason coconut oil is particularly beneficial for dry skin is because it helps increase moisture levels in the skin, due to its occlusive properties. It also helps to improve skin barrier function, which is why people with eczema or psoriasis find coconut oil so soothing. 

Aloe Vera For Dullness

You are probably most familiar with aloe vera for its ability to soothe sunburns and accelerate the healing from burns or mild scrapes. It has been a staple in natural skin care for centuries because of its medicinal properties. Researchers found that aloe vera contains more than 75 (and potentially up to 200) different active compounds, such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and salicylic acids. Aloe vera is excellent for hydrating the skin because it is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin. 

Researchers note that aloe vera has proven to increase the water content of the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer. But wait, there’s more! Aloe vera may help brighten the skin, due to its content of aloesin. One study found that it helped treat UV-induced and post-acne hyperpigmentation. Topical application of aloesin may directly inhibit hyper pigmented skin from producing more melanin, which can cause the formation of dark spots. 

Jojoba Oil For Oil Control

The chemical structure of jojoba oil is very similar to human cells, making it a popular ingredient in skin care products. Jojoba oil may help reduce oiliness by modulating the skin’s production of sebum. Because of the iodine content, jojoba oil also works to balance bacterial overgrowth, which can lead to breakouts. Finally, jojoba oil is rich in skin-soothing ingredients, such as vitamin E, copper, B-complex vitamins, and zinc, which give the oil anti-inflammatory properties.

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It’s very easy to jump off the healthy wagon during the holidays. You somehow continue to indulge, even with the small voice in the back of your head that says, “Don’t eat all of that sugar.” It’s almost too difficult to resist all of the scrumptious foods that come with the holiday season. So what do you do? You promise yourself that you will detox after the holidays, and the goal is to honor that agreement. This article aims to give you five helpful tips that promote that detoxification process. 

The reason that you want to detox immediately after the holidays is so that you don’t continue indulging until January 1st. You are less likely to start the year on a healthier path if you go completely off the rails right up to the year’s end. Detoxing in the days leading up to the new year can propel you into better health; plus, it keeps you more accountable. 

We know that the word “detox” comes with a lot of baggage, and it is intimidating to most people. You don’t have to worry about a crash diet or water fast because the body is resilient and knows how to detox itself. Think of the following tips like little helpers that encourage the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Drink Warm Water With Lemon

Any time you go overboard with food, you should drink more water than usual, especially to start your day. Go one step further and add some fresh lemon juice to a glass of warm water and continue sipping it throughout the day. Lemons have their own health benefits, but combining them with warm water can help promote healthy digestion and hydration. Hydration is paramount after your big holiday meals because water helps your liver and kidneys filter out toxins. 

Tea Time

Sipping on a little tea before and after meals can help keep your metabolism and digestive system firing on all cylinders. There are certain teas, however, that may come to your aid after a day of heavy eating. Fennel tea, for example, works to relieve digestive troubles, including bloating, flatulence, indigestion, constipation, and heartburn. Fennel also works to stimulate digestion and even has carminative effects that prevent the formation of gas by soothing the digestive tract. Peppermint tea can also help soothe your stomach and help get rid of bloating. If you are a nursing mother, steer clear of peppermint tea because it is an anti-galactagogue and will decrease milk supply. 

Yoga

If you want to help bring more balance and energy to your entire body, yoga is the quickest way to do so. According to yogis, including a quick yoga sequence into your day can help ignite your digestive fire and get rid of bloating. In fact, you can click here to learn about the best yoga poses to help get rid of bloating. You’ll be feeling like you never overindulged in no time!

Skip The Coffee

We know…you need that coffee to face the world, but you really don’t. A jolt of java may help you get out of bed, but it also builds up a sugar and carbohydrate craving for the rest of the day. So what should you sip in place of coffee to help digestion and give you a little energy? Studies show that drinking a cup of green tea can help settle your stomach after a large meal. Green tea contains a potent plant compound known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which prevents cholesterol build-up in the arteries. One study found that EGCG can speed up weight loss by 77%, in addition to helping balance blood sugar levels to keep cravings at bay. 

Eat Raw Vegetables With Every Meal

In addition to eating cooked vegetables, try to include more raw vegetables with your post-holiday meals. Raw vegetables contain lots of fiber and they help to remove toxins from your body. By encouraging the elimination of waste, you reduce your risk of bloat or the build-up of gas. Fruits are also naturally rich in fiber, so consider starting your day with a fruit and vegetable smoothie. Spinach, bananas, apples, berries, and a little dairy-free milk make an excellent, nutrient-dense smoothie that can help regulate your system and fill you up.

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