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How to Instantly Feel Better… without Sugar

We’ve all have felt down and sad from time to time. Often times these feelings are situational: something in your live has made you feel that way temporarily. And other times it could be because of hormonal disruptions led by too much sugar consumption.

So when you feel a little blue, how do you make yourself feel better (without a sugary treat)? Check out the 10-step process I follow to give myself grace and feel better instantly without having to resort to the low-nutrient, sugary treats.

1. Turn off the TV or phone

Do you know how you limit television time for your children and do not allow them to watch anything that could affect their mental state? Well, do the same for yourself. Limit the amount of harmful news and information you get on television or social media to no more than 15 mins a day. If you are feeling particularly bad, turn it off completely for at least a couple of days.

2. Eat some fruit

Now this is really a fun thing that could make you feel better. Believe it or not, eating some fruit could make you smile.

Ok, we all know that there are certain comfort foods that heal our pain, but what happens the next day? The next day, you only feel worse because you shoved all the pizza or ice cream pack down your throat. Fruit on the other hand is full of fiber, enzymes and phytochemicals your body needs to stay healthy and strong. This could satisfy your sweet tooth without undoing your mental state with low-nutrient foods.

3. Smell of oranges

Scientists have concluded that the smell of oranges makes people happier. That is why you will find this particular scent in many offices, as well as many spas and massage parlors. Use it in your home or office.

4. Workout

This is especially good for those of us overtly concerned about our appearance. Take a walk, do some home yoga or resistance training. Anything that would help you increase your heart rate, break a sweat and with it, release endorphins (happy hormones). Exercise can also help reduce stress hormones so it is a win-win.

5. Choose your friends wisely

You should not be around people who like to point out your flaws. Many of them do not mean harm, but yes, they may be adding to your stress and sad feelings. Some people call these, “energy vampires” and they are damn good at making you feel wretched. Choose the company of friends who make you laugh and feel good about yourself.

6. Give someone a big compliment

Acknowledging someone not only help that person feel wonderful, it will have the exact same effect on you: increased feelings of peace, joy and happiness. Even third party witnesses benefit from kind words to others. Try it!

7. Take a walk outside

I whole-heartedly believe that most of our problems would disappear with a simple walk in the park or the forest or the beach. The next time someone makes you angry or upset for any other reason, put on your shoes and go for a walk.

8. Treat yourself

Something kind and useful, like a massage, pedicure or manicure… anything that feels like a fun treat that bring you several minutes to an hour of joy

9. Learn to feel better about yourself

All of our problems tend to look much bigger if we are no longer satisfied with ourselves. To reduce those problems, write down the wonderful things you have going on for yourself: your talents, your goals, your hard work, your best attribute. Remembering how wonderful you are will slowly help you feel better more times of the day than not.

10. Learn how to make someone else feel better

Happy people around us will bring happiness to our lives as well. Surround yourself with positive people and let them transfer some of their energy to you as well.

How To Get Rid of Intestinal Parasites… Naturally

There are home remedies that are prepared with botanicals like peppermint, rue and mugwort, which have anti-parasitic properties, and are very efficient in eliminating parasites and intestinal worms.

These can be used every 6 months or in small doses on a regular basis to keep the intestine clean, but can also be used after confirmation of the presence of pinworms as a way to complement the treatment indicated by the doctor. It is important to remember that in the case of pregnant women, nursing women or children, it is important to first consult a doctor before ingesting them.

Here are 5 home remedies with anti-parasitic actions traditionally used to manage intestinal parasites. They are:

1. Rue tea with papaya seeds

The home remedy with papaya and rue is optimal in the treatment of worms, since rue is a powerful anthelmintic.

Ingredients

1/2 tablespoon of papaya seeds;

1 tablespoon of dried rue leaves;

1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Place the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Then it should be strained and drunk warm, during the day.

2. Turmeric tea

7 home remedies to kill parasites and intestinal worms

Another good home remedy to treat intestinal parasites is turmeric tea (curcuma longa), because this root has curcumin as an active principle, which according to some studies, inhibits the growth of some pathogens, including helminths and protozoa. In addition to this, turmeric is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients

12 ounces of water;

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.

Preparation mode

Boil the water and add the teaspoon of turmeric, let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day between meals.

3. Olive oil with garlic

7 home remedies to kill parasites and intestinal worms

Garlic is optimal for the elimination of intestinal worms and can be consumed raw, but it can also be consumed daily as a flavored oil, as it maintains its anthelmintic properties.

Ingredients

16 ounces of olive oil;

1 branch of rosemary;

3 cloves of peeled garlic.

Preparation mode

In a bottle of approximately 700 ml place the peeled and gently crushed garlic cloves and then add the oil and the rosemary branch. Close and store in a dry, moisture-free place for at least 10 days. Use this oil to cook food and to dress salads or soups.

See all the health benefits of garlic.

4. Mugwort tea

Mugwort is excellent for eliminating intestinal parasites due to its antiparasitic properties, its scientific name is mugwort vulgaris.

Ingredients

20 g of artemisia leaves;

32 ounces of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Add the leaves to the boiling water and let it rest for 5 minutes. Strain and drink when hot 3 times a day.

5. Anise tea

Anise tea also has anthelmintic action, being useful to complement the treatment against intestinal parasites.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of anise seeds;

1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the seeds in the boiling water and let it rest for 8 minutes. Strain and take after meals. Learn more about anise and its properties.

Herbal Blends for Gallbladder Stones

The presence of gallstones causes symptoms including vomiting, nausea, and pain in the right side of the abdomen or in the back. The size of these stones is variable, and can be like a grain of sand up to the size of a golf ball.

Gallstones that are very large can only be removed with shock wave therapy or surgery, but small stones can be removed through the intake of medications and / or with the use of some natural treatments, plant under the doctor’s guidance.

An excellent home remedy to eliminate small stones from the gallbladder is to drink 100 mL of water every hour until you can ingest 2 liters of water throughout the day. This will allow the gallbladder to relax, thus reducing the swelling and painful sensation caused by gallstones.

Other excellent home remedies to remove small gallstones are:

1. Black radish juice

Black radish is a root that has substances in its composition that prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the gallbladder, helping to prevent and eliminate the stones that form on this site. It can also be used to reduce fat accumulated in the liver and as an antioxidant agent, reducing the effects of aging.

Ingredients

3 black radishes;

1-2 glass of water;

1 teaspoon of natural sweetener

Preparation mode

Wash the radishes and blend them together with the cold water and honey, until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Then serve the juice in a glass and drink up to 2 times per day.

2. Dandelion Tea

Dandelion is a plant known to combat digestive problems, acting mainly on the liver and the gallbladder, because it has choleretic effects, that is, it promotes increased bile flow by helping to expel stones from the gallbladder.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp of dried dandelion leaves;

16-20 ounces of water.

Preparation mode

Boil the water and place the dried dandelion leaves, cover and let it rest for 10 minutes. Next, you must strain the infusion and drink warm. It can be ingested 3 times a day.

3. Artichoke

Popularly, artichoke is a plant used to treat various health problems such as anemia, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, and pneumonia. Some studies show that it is also a plant used to eliminate stones in the gallbladder because it stimulates the production of bile, helping not only the gallbladder but also liver function.

Ingredients

2 to 5 mL of artichoke tincture

12 of room temp. water

Preparation mode

Dilute the artichoke tincture in water and drink the mixture up to 3 times a day.

4. Peppermint essential oil

The essential oil of peppermint can help to eliminate stones in the gallbladder, 0.2 mL of this oil should be taken, once a day, to cause the desired effect. However, it is possible to prepare peppermint tea, because it is also recommended for the treatment of these types of health problems.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons whole or crushed dried peppermint leaves or 2 to 3 fresh leaves

16 ounces of boiling water

Preparation mode

Place the peppermint leaves in a teacup and fill it with boiling water. Let the infusion rest for 5 to 7 minutes, strain and drink 3 to 4 times a day, preferably after meals.

5. Milk thistle

Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a natural remedy widely used to treat liver problems and gallbladder stones, because the main compound in this plant is silymarin. In general, the extracts of this plant can be bought in pharmacies or in natural stores in the form of capsules, but milk thistle fruit tea can also be used.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of crushed milk thistle fruits;

1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Boil the water and place the crushed milk thistle fruits, let the infusion rest for 10 minutes. After this time, you should strain the infusion and drink 3 to 4 cups of tea per day.

Try This 3-Step Mental Hack to Help Your Body Heal

This simple hack in 3 parts can help you reduce symptoms and help your body restore balance.

First things first, you must listen to your own body!!! Your body is constantly talking to you. We hear all the time that we must learn to listen and that idea can be applied to your body as well.

So let’s find a way to learn to listen to the internal conversation happening within you..

Try This 3-Step process:

1) For a single day, write what goes on in your body: look at your eyes, tongue, fingers… Are you gassy, constipated, achy. Is your ‘gut feeling’ out of control ? What else is your body tell you?

2) At the end of the day review in detail your notes.

3) Tomorrow, check to see if your body repeats the ‘talk’ Act based on that convo, using your intuition to lead the way. 🙂

Seek medical help as needed. Enjoy!

Heart Health Month 3-Part Series

Hello friend! February is the love month, that one month where we pay attention to our hearts and the love we have to give (and receive). It is also the perfect month to learn about the amazing machine your heart is and more importantly, teaching you how to protect, balance and support your heart so it can return the favor for many years to come.

So, on this 3-part series celebrating the heart, we will chat about diet, science, data and yes, the amazing botanicals that have traditionally been used to support, balance and keep your ticket ticking in love for years to come.

Check out video no 1 here where I give you a basic overview of the diet that has been used and known as a heart protective diet since the 1960’s. Enjoy!

On this Part 2 video I will showcase 2 of the most recent studies showing how a fully plant-based (vegan) diet is potentially the best one to help protect, prevent and in some cases reverse heart conditions. I will also share some resources for you to do your own research and share with your friends, loved ones and doctors.

On this Part 3 video I will showcase 5 of the herbs and botanicals that have traditionally been used to balance, protect and tone the cardiovascular system. I’m sure you know a few of them, a couple may be knew to you!

Healing Toxic Self Shame

Do you feel like the feelings of self-shame have gone from frequent to overwhelming? Do you exhibit signs of toxic self-shame?

Firstly, let’s talk about what I mean by toxic self-shame…. (scroll down for the video)!

In my experience, toxic self shame is behavior that manifest in various ways, including:

  • Frequently reliving traumatic memories that caused embarrassment
  • Feeling jaded and distrustful of other people, even when they exhibit kindness
  • Self-loathing and low self-esteem
  • Feelings of unworthiness
  • Dysfunctional relationships
  • Self-sabotage
  • Feelings of being a “fraud” (also known as imposter syndrome)
  • Self-victimization
  • Perfectionism
  • Defensiveness
  • Irrational guilt

Some of the common internal chatter for people that feel this way include:

  • I am not worthy of love
  • I’m stupid
  • I am stupid
  • I am a failure
  • No one cares

So how to we get rid of this chatter and slowly move towards a state of healing?

I like using a 4-step process that I’m outlining here (and you can see described in the video in more detail). Details below the video!

1. The ‘Look in the Mirror’ exercise

Look into your eyes and think of something genuinely loving, like “I love you,” “I accept you,” “You are worthy,” “You are beautiful.” You can spend three to ten minutes doing this.

2. Become Aware of your Self-Destructive Thoughts

3. Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is something that should be practiced every day. Without exceptions.

4. Heal your Inner Child

Some of the best ways to connect with your inner child include:

  • Creative writing
  • Meditation with images from when you were a child.
  • Visualizations of your childhood.

How to Have Your Best Year Yet

For many, New Year’s resolutions are a “fresh start” with which to set renewed goals for self-improvement.

Maybe to save for that new place? Or maybe you want to learn that second language?

Whatever your end-of-the-year resolutions, there is one thing you can’t miss: MOTIVATION But as we all know, that is not easy. Check out my 5-step plan to help you stay motivated.

1. Got at it in small steps

Setting realistic goals can lead to a higher chance of success.

2. Be specific and use details in your planning

Setting goals is not hard, we often set goals without a clear idea of ​​how to execute them. The problem (and the solution) is in the “how”. Get concrete and actionable actions to both establish and implement your plans

3. Get a buddy (accountability)

Keeping accountable (with a buddy) will keep you on track and motivated.

4. Rethink failure

If things don’t go as planned, find a time to pause, reassess, rethink and make a change.

5. Have clarity about your long-term goals

New year’s resolutions don’t work because we somehow believe that our behaviors and mindset can magically change with the stroke of midnight on December 31st. Instead of focusing on new year’s stuff, focus on how you want to feel and become in a semester, a year or 5 years from now. Then create a detailed plan from day one.

Puerto Rican ‘Limbers’ Recipe

Have you ever heard of a “limber”? It is the perfect way to cool off during the hot summer months when I was growing up in Puerto Rico.  It is also a healthy alternative to soft drinks or sodas.

It is also a healthy alternative to soft drinks or sodas. In my native Puerto Rico, in almost every neighborhood you can find a local market where, for about a dollar, you can buy and enjoy this delicious treat. From sweet, sour fruits to combined with milk or milk alternatives.

They are named after Charles A. Lindbergh, the first aviator to cross the Atlantic Ocean by plane, nonstop and solo, who visited Puerto Rico on a “Goodwill” trip in 1928.

When he got off the plane, and felt the heat of the island, he was treated to a juice or frozen fruit drink that the pilot liked very much. When he asked for the name of what had done him so well, they decided to baptize the sweet aperitif with the aviator’s last name.

Although other voices in history speak of the pilot’s emotional coldness at the reception of the Puerto Ricans, he gained one more recognition and that remains until today: the now typical frozen juice of the country would be called “limber” (the phonetical Spanish way to say Lindbergh)

Here’s my 4 ingredient Coconut vegan recipe!

Ingredients:

– 1 can of coconut milk

– 1 can of coconut cream

– 3 Tbsp of coconut brown sugar

– Vanilla to taste

– Cinnamon to taste

Preparation:

Mix the coconut milk, coconut cream, cinnamon, vanilla and sugar in a container. Blend using a fork or egg mixer. Serve into small paper or plastic cups, and pour cinnamon on top. Take it to the freezer for 2 hours or until it is firm.

Vegan Quinoa Tots Recipe – Easy Vegan Cookbook

Today’s vegan recipe is an awesome plant-based, healthier version of the popular Tater Tots, featured in “The Friendly Vegan Cookbook” by authors Toni Okamoto and Michelle Cehn.

Part of the reason I love this book so much is because it includes some of the most popular foods in American cuisine and truly made them healthier, and ‘veganize’ them, while keeping them satisfying and yummy.

From “tuna” salad and “mac ‘n cheese” to tacos, pasta and desserts galore, you will find one of your favorite meals in this book for sure! Today I’m making quinoa tots (a version of potato tater tots).

I picked this recipe because I often hear from folks telling me that quinoa can be a little boring so I wanted to show you how versatile it can be. Hope you enjoy it (recipe listed below)!

Get the book here

YIELD: 16-18 quinoa tots

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook time: 10 mins | Total time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled

½ cup finely diced yellow onion

¼ cup finely chopped chives

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp red chili pepper flakes

3 Tbsps. plant plant-based milk

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Canola Oil for panfrying

INSTRUCTIONS

1. in large bowl, thoroughly combine the quinoa, onion, chives, red chili pepper. Mix in the plant-based milk and lemon juice.

2. Using your hands, roll the quinoa mixture into 1-inch balls, squeezing tightly in your hands as you go to get the air bubbles out and for a dough. Place the formed balls on a tray or plate. Put them in the freezer for 5 minutes or 15-20 mins if in the refrigerator.

3. Coat a large pan with canola oil and place over medium-high heat. Add the tots in batches and lightly press on each of them with a spatula to flatten them a little.

4. Cook tots for 5 mins until the bottom is golden brown and appears gentle friend. Flip them, lower the heat to medium and cook for another 5 minutes.

Natural Ways To Manage Hemorrhoids

There are some home remedies that can be used to relieve symptoms and cure external hemorrhoids faster, complementing the treatment by the doctor. Some good examples are the sitz bath with horse chestnut or the use of a witch hazel ointment, but there are other solutions such as increasing the consumption of foods rich in fiber and taking capsules of garlic, echinacea or Psyllium.

Garlic and echinacea capsules are also great options for internal hemorrhoids, but these home treatments should not replace doctor-prescribed treatment, which may include the use of pain relievers, ointments, or balms. See some of the most popular herbal blends traditionally used to treat hemorrhoids.

For external hemorrhoids

1. Sitz bath with horse chestnut

Home remedies for external and internal hemorrhoids

Horse chestnut is one of the most scientifically proven natural ingredients for the treatment of external hemorrhoids, because it contains properties that improve circulation. Likewise, horse chestnut is also rich in aescin, a type of saponin that exerts a strong anti-inflammatory effect, relieving pain and discomfort.

Ingredients

½ cup 60 grams of the shell of the horse chestnut powder;

2 liters (60 ounces) of boiling water

Preparation mode

Mix all the ingredients and boil for more than 12 minutes. When warm, you should strain and place the mixture in a bucket or large container. You must then sit, without underwear, for 20 minutes. Repeat this home treatment for at least 5 days.

Horse chestnut can also be ingested in capsule form. For best results, it should be taken around 300 mg, 2 times a day, but treatment can also be done with 40 mg, 3 times a day.

2. Sitz bath with cypress essential oil

Home remedies for external and internal hemorrhoids

Cypress has soothing and antimicrobial properties that help control pain and reduce inflammation, bringing the hemorrhoid back to normal.

Ingredients

1.5 liters of boiling water;

8 drops of cypress essential oil.

Preparation mode

You should place the drops of cypress essential oil in hot water and mix well. When the water temperature is comfortable, the person should sit in the container and stay for at least 20 minutes at least, allowing the remedy to work.

Another option to use another essential oil is to apply 2 or 3 drops in another vegetable oil, such as sweet almond oil, for example, and apply it directly on the region. This essential oil of cypress should not be applied directly to the skin, as it can cause a burn.

3. Sitz baths with Epsom salts

Epsom salts can also be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, because it is excellent to reduce inflammation, and can be easily added to water. Thus, in addition to the warm water that helps stimulate the normal functioning of the intestine, this home treatment also has a strong anti-inflammatory component that is released by the salts.

Ingredients

2 tbsp epsom salts;

2 liters of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Mix the salt into the water until it dissolves. When the water is warm you should sit in the bucket, without wearing intimate clothing, for 15 to 20 minutes. This sitz bath can be repeated 2 to 3 times a day.

4. Chamomile compresses

Home remedies for external and internal hemorrhoids

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, so placing compresses on hemorrhoids helps to relieve discomfort.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers;

100 ml of water.

Preparation mode

Let the water boil, turn off the heat and add the chamomile flowers. Let it rest for 5 minutes, strain, wet a clean cloth and apply to the affected region for 15 minutes.

Stress Causing Your Blood Pressure to Rise? Try One Of These

Does all the stress of today’s work making your blood pressure rise? The world of herbal medicine has a lot to offer and I wanted to share a bunch of them here.

Although these home remedies are useful to supplement treatment for high blood pressure, they should only be taken with the knowledge of the cardiologist, as they are not a substitute for medications prescribed by the doctor.

Check out these 5 remedies (with recipes) to learn what to do when your blood pressure rises.

1. Garlic water

Garlic water is an excellent way to regulate blood pressure because it stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which is a gas with a strong vasodilator action, which facilitates blood circulation and reduces pressure on the heart.

In addition to this, garlic is an excellent ally to maintain the cardiovascular health of anyone, because it has incredible antioxidant and protective properties of blood vessels that prevent the emergence of problems such as atherosclerosis.

An excellent way to consume garlic is by drinking garlic flavored water or its capsules throughout the day.

Ingredients:

1 clove of raw garlic, peeled and crushed;

12-16 oz of water.

Preparation mode

Place the garlic clove in a glass of water and let it steep for 6 to 8 hours (while sleeping, for example) and drink this water on an empty stomach the next morning, or prepare a liter of garlic water and drink throughout the day.

In addition to this water, garlic can be ingested throughout the day with food, being easier to ingest than water. A good tip is to add a few garlic cloves to the olive oil. Thus, whenever you use olive oil, in addition to consuming a good fat, you will also be using the properties of garlic.

2. Lemon juice

A good home remedy to control high blood pressure is to drink lemonade mixed with coconut water because this juice has diuretic properties that help regulate blood pressure.

Ingredients

3 lemons;

20 ounces of coconut water.

Preparation mode

Mix the ingredients very well and drink next. Take 1 time a day.

3. Hibiscus flower tea

The hibiscus flower, also known as hibiscus, is a plant that has been widely used during the weight loss process. However, this plant has other important effects, such as lowering blood pressure. This occurs because it is rich in anthocyanins, which are flavonoids that help regulate blood pressure.

However, for best results darker flower calyxes should be used. The calyxes are the structures that connect the flower’s tail to the petals. The darker the flowers, the greater the amount of anthocyanins and the greater their effect on lowering blood pressure.

Ingredients

½ tsp of dried hibiscus flower;

1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the calyxes of the hibiscus flower inside the mug and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink 1 to 2 times a day, keeping at least 8 hours between one cup and another.

Although there are still no studies that prove, it is possible that hibiscus is toxic above the daily dose of 6 grams. So it is advised that the indicated dose is not increased.

Hibiscus flower tea can have a rather bitter taste, so if necessary, you can add a small spoonful of stevia or honey to sweeten it.

4. Valerian tea

Valerian roots contain excellent calming and relaxing properties that help improve blood circulation. In addition to this, because it is very calming and acts directly on the neurotransmitter GABA, valerian can be used especially in people who have frequent anxiety attacks, which can cause an increase in blood pressure.

Ingredients

2-3 Tbsp of valerian root;

1 cup with boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the valerian root in the cup with the boiling water, letting it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day. In some people this tea can cause drowsiness during the day, and in these cases it should be used only before sleeping.

5. Olive leaf tea

Olive leaves are one of the best natural remedies for high blood pressure, because through the action of their polyphenols they manage to regulate blood pressure and lower it, without causing risk of hypotension, even if they have been consumed in excess.

In addition to this, they also cause a mild calming and relaxing effect that helps control symptoms in people who suffer from constant anxiety.

Ingredients

2 to 3 tablespoons of dried olive leaves;

1 cup with boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the olive leaves in a cup of boiling water, letting it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm 3 to 4 cups throughout the day.

In addition to tea, there is also olive leaf extract, which can be bought in natural product stores in capsules, which can be consumed in a dose of 500mg, 2 times a day after.

Real Wellness with NFL star Ricky Williams | Jovanka Ciares

Today I have a really awesome treat. I met Ricky Williams (the ‘Heisman Healer’) a few months ago and loved his commitment to excellence in his career as an NFL player AND to his own wellness journey.

He co-founded Real Wellness and sat with me to talk healing, men’s health and alternative practices and traditions. Check out the interview and let me know what you think!

Check Out Real Wellness Here: https://realwellnessherbal.com/

4 Ways to Manage Stomach Reflux and Heartburn

An excellent home remedy for heartburn is to eat 1 toast or 2 crackers, since they absorb the acid that is causing the acidity in the larynx and throat, reducing the burning sensation.

Other options are to suck on a pure lemon at the moment that the acidity arises, because the lemon, despite being acidic, helps reduce this symptom; or you can also eat a slice of raw potato as it is capable of neutralizing acidity, fighting discomfort in a few moments. Learn more about heartburn.

However, there are a lot of DIY herbal and remedies that can be easily prepared at home and used throughout the day, especially for those who suffer from reflux and often have a heartburn crisis. Some of them are:

1. Baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda when diluted in water has an alkaline effect on the digestive tract and as a consequence decreases the acidity of the stomach, the inflammation in the esophagus and relieves the discomfort caused by heartburn.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of baking soda;

8 ounces of water.

Preparation mode

Mix the ingredients and take this mixture in small sips.

2. Fennel tea

Home remedies for heartburn

Fennel tea also contains excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve inflammation of the stomach and a burning sensation in the throat.

In addition to promoting gastric emptying and can be used in case of reflux to reduce the onset of heartburn.

Ingredients

1 cup of boiling water;

1 tablespoon of fennel bulb cut.

Preparation mode

Add the fennel to the boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day or 20 minutes before the main meals.

3. Pear Juice

Home remedies for heartburn

Those who do not like tea can choose to drink a freshly made pear juice, as it helps fight heartburn and burning, improving digestion. To prepare, you only need to blend 2 ripe pears with a little water, and if necessary you can add a few drops of lemon so that the juice does not darken.

Pear is semi-acidic, rich in vitamins A, B, and C and mineral salts such as sodium, potassium, iron, and calcium, which help dilute stomach acid and relieve the discomfort and burning caused by heartburn.

In addition to the pear, there are other fruits that have the same properties and that can be used to make other juices, such as: ripe banana, red apple and melon.

4. Licorice tea

Home remedies for heartburn

Licorice, is a medicinal plant with which you can make tea and is known to improve the symptoms of respiratory problems, however, it is also used in cases of gastric ulcers and to relieve the sensation of acidity and burning.

Ingredients

½ ounce of licorice root;

16 ounces of water (1/2 liter) of water.

Three Ways to Combat Dandruff Naturally

Struggling with dandruff? Many of us do. Dandruff can be caused by a variety of reasons: from poor hygiene and low-quality hair products, to fungal infections, eczema, psoriasis or other serious health conditions.

Depending on the reasons for your struggles with dandruff, you should get your scalp checked by a dermatologist to rule out any serious problems.

The 3 herbal blends mentioned below will work for most people as they are to be used topically only and can be used in combination with medicated shampoo.  

Coconut with Lemon: 

Lemon is a key ingredient in most of the hair care remedies.

Mix the juice of a full lemon

4 Tbsp of warm coconut oil (do not microwave)

Apply on the scalp

Massage and cover your head with a plastic bag

Leave it for 30 mins

Shampoo and set as normal

Aloe Vera:
Ideally you want to find fresh aloe from the thick plant leaves but if that’s not available, you can buy a high-quality extract in your local health food store.

Use 5-6 Tbsps of gel extract and apply in your scalp only late at night

Let it dry out a little before going to bed, leaving it overnight

Shampoo and set as normal in the morning.

Camphor Oil with Coconut oil: 

This remedy is skin friendly and coconut has anti-fungal properties so it gives you a one-two punch approach to help your scalp heal.

Mix 1 Tbsp of camphor or a single camphor tablet (if they come in hard tablets, warm them up first until it melts)

Add 4-5 Tbsp of coconut oil

Keep in a small bottle and apply nightly to the scalp

How To Address the Lack of Diversity in the World of Wellness

There is a big diversity gap in the wellness world. If you attend a yoga class in places like New York City, Chicago or Los Angeles, you will see mostly white faces. Wellness conferences and events often have a high-ticket entry price and offer products and services that only a few can afford.

The diversity issues aren’t limited to the audience: the makeup of the elite wellness expert pool is also homogeneous. Other than a couple of large players (Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant, JJ Smith), there are almost no top-level wellness experts of multi-cultural background appealing to and attracting new audiences. Despite the plethora of diverse talent in wellness, the industry has not yet fully tapped into it and elevated these voices, to the detriment of all of those seeking to become or stay healthy and happy in mind and soul.

As a black woman of Latinx background and wellness expert, it is my mission to inspire the communities I belong to, to embrace the wellness practices that had such a positive impact in my own healing process and life as a whole. My goal is to bridge the gap between the world of wellness and brown and black communities in the USA by reminding these communities of the history behind common wellness practices.

On today’s today’s video blog I explore the “radical” idea of how we can together enrich, diversify and create equity in the world of wellness. Please have a listen.

While long term solutions would require mayor changes in public health policies, socio economic development and access to both education and healthy food options, we cannot sit idle waiting for politicians to do the right thing and laws to change. Much can be done today, to get people of all colors and creed excited about #ReclaimingWellness. We know, for example that while some wellness practices can only be afforded by the wealthy, many more are easily accessible and available to all.

The fact is that many of the wellness practices we embrace as “mainstream” today were originally developed, used and disseminated by people of color around the world. From meditation (Nepal, North Africa, India) and herbal medicine (Africa, Asia, South America) to Yoga (India) and other holistic mind/body practices (Africa’s ubuntu, Amazonian’s spiritual medicine) there are plenty of life-changing wellness practices that are part of our ancestry, our DNA and it’s time we reclaim and reincorporate them for our benefit and the benefit of our community as a whole.

By #ReclaimingWellness people of color can learn to love these healthy lifestyle practices while getting an easy-to-follow, no-nonsense blueprint to incorporating them into their daily routine.

It is my hope that other wellness experts, regardless of the color of their skin, become allies in the quest to diversify the world of wellness. It is a crucial opportunity to affect growth and increase our impact while enriching the lives of many.

About Jovanka

Jovanka Ciares is a former entertainment executive turned Wellness expert, detox specialist, nutrition educator and author. She is the creator of the Wellness Smackdown™, a proprietary detox and weight loss program for natural weight loss which was featured on the first season of ABC’s “My Diet Is Better Than Yours”...

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