Tag: care

We take supplements to stay healthy—either to fill in gaps in our diet or to find a natural means of treating a variety of ailments. But increasing scrutiny on the supplement industry has shown that some supplements aren’t at all what the label leads you to believe, and in fact, they may even do more harm than good. Here’s what you need to know.

Does Science Back up a Supplement’s Claims?

Before you buy a supplement, it’s helpful to know whether it’s worth taking in the first place. Does research back up the claims? For example, if you’re thinking of taking açaí supplements for weight loss, you’ll find that according to National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has temporarily halted the operation of a number of websites for making false weight loss claims about açaí. However, if you’re considering taking chamomile capsules for anxiety, you’ll be pleased to know that research has demonstrated this plant’s effectiveness.

Both the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the U.S. National Library of Medicine provide consumers with a library of resources on each individual herb. Just by doing a little research, you can find out about scientific studies as well as side effects and precautions you should know about before taking a supplement.

The Problem with Some Supplements

Sometimes even if the herbal supplement has been scientifically proven to be effective, it may not contain what the label says. In order to cut costs, some companies may add fillers or even contaminants, which often aren’t included in the ingredient list. This practice results in an inferior product that contains far less of the (often more expensive) active ingredient advertised on the label. This deceptive practice is not only misleading, it poses serious health risks for those who are allergic to common fillers like wheat or soy.

Last year, major supplement retailers like Target, GNC, and Walmart were accused of selling supplements that didn’t contain the ingredients listed on the label. A 2012 report of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that improperly labeled supplements could also contain contaminants that were in effect poisonous. This research, along with a number of other studies, shows that supplements can be dangerous if you choose the wrong bottle.

Be Wary of Exaggerated Claims

For consumers, it’s worth being skeptical of seemingly exaggerated claims. If a supplement purports to prevent or cure a disease, the company may not be trustworthy. The FTC has filed more than 30 cases against supplement companies that have made false or misleading claims about their products. Some weight loss supplements, in particular, have been shown to make people really sick, causing scary illnesses like acute hepatitis and jaundice.

Buy Certified Supplements

You can’t know for sure what’s in a supplement unless it’s tested. The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a nonprofit organization that tests supplements to see if they contain the ingredients that the labels claim they do. You know the supplement has been tested if the label reads USP certified. NSF is another certifying body that independently tests products to ensure that labels are accurate.

What to Look for in a Multivitamin

Multivitamins are among the most popular supplements, so it’s important to know what to look for in a product. For starters, look for essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, the B vitamins, vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as potassium, iodine, selenium, borate, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, beta-carotene, and iron. The supplement should contain 100 percent of these vitamins except for calcium and magnesium, which would make the pill too large to swallow.

What’s more, make sure you choose a supplement geared toward your sex and age group so it includes the nutrients you need the most. Finally, don’t take supplements that go far beyond 100 percent of your daily allowance; some studies have shown them to be ineffective and, in some cases, even dangerous. Mega doses of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K can build up in your system and cause problems.

Supplements are part of a healthy lifestyle for many of us. That’s why it’s important to ensure that you get what you’re paying for as a consumer.

As a mom, I’m interested in saving money wherever I can. I like to think that I’m pretty mindful about my money and watching where it goes. So I was pretty shocked when I learned that I might unknowingly be throwing away the financial equivalent of my annual car insurance bill! Studies show that most Americans waste about half of their food, which translates to about $2,265 a year per household, or $165 billion nationwide. That’s the bad news. The good news is that with a little (and I stress a little because who wants to spend endless hours doing this?) planning and organizing, you can save a lot of money and wasted food. Here’s the plan to get you organized and richer.

First things first. Before you can organize your fridge and bring in anything new, you have to get rid of all of the old things. Look at all of the food in your fridge and check the “best by” and “sell by” dates. Throw everything away that is past its expiration date. Then, move on to your condiments. These, along with any food in your freezer, should be thrown out if they’re over a year old.

Your next job is to use up all of the food in your fridge. This is known as “shopping your fridge.” Make as many meals (purchasing what little you need) as you possibly can with what you have inside your fridge (that includes your freezer). Try looking up recipes online and planning for the week.

Next step is to organize. Where you put things in your refrigerator will determine:

1. If you’ll eat it

2. If it will spoil quickly.

Let’s tackle #2 first.

Different areas of the fridge have different temperatures. Things tend to be colder toward the bottom. It’s important to place things in their proper temperature zone to keep them tasting their best and lasting the longest.

• On the door. The warmest area in the fridge. This is the place for condiments and butter.
• On the top shelf. Since it’s the second warmest area in the fridge it’s the perfect place for soft drinks, yogurt, leftovers, cheese, and deli meats.
• On the middle shelf. This is the moderate zone; eggs and milk should go here.
• On the bottom shelf. Since this area is the coldest, this is where meat and seafood should go. Place them in the back where it stays evenly cold.
• In the drawers. When placing items in drawers it’s important to keep fruits and veggies separated. Keep fruits in the lowest humidity drawer–sometimes called the “crisper”–and keep the vent open. Vegetables should go in the highest humidity drawer with the vent closed to keep the moisture in.

As you place your food in areas of the fridge that are the most appropriate temperature, it’s now important to organize them in those areas, so you’ll see and use them. Here are some tips for doing that:

• Make sure when you buy new food that you rotate the old food forward, to the front, and place the new stuff to the back.
• Write the date on partially eaten food or leftovers so that you know how long they’re good for. The Mayo Clinic suggests not eating anything that’s older than 3-4 days.
• When you buy things in bulk, divide the food into resealable plastic bags according to the serving size and freeze them. This will make the food easy to thaw and use.
• Put the things that you use the most in the easiest-to-reach places.
• Place taller things in the back and shorter ones in the front so you see what you have.
• Use plastic, glass, or clear plastic bags to store leftovers and extra food so you see everything that you have.
• Wash and cut fruit and veggies just before using, not prior to storage.

You’ve been there before: that moment when you first realize you have a sore throat and are probably coming down with a cold. Instead of hitting up the pharmacy and pondering the hundreds of over-the-counter medications in the cold and flu aisle, try a few of these natural remedies that may be in your kitchen already.

Sage

If you’re like me, the herb sage conjures up memories of Thanksgiving dinners, but it does way more than make yummy cornbread dressing. Sage (also known as salvia) is a member of the mint family, with more than 900 species throughout the world.

Sage tea has been used in traditional medicine for many years to treat common respiratory problems such as bronchitis, coughs, asthma, and sore throats. A study published in the African Journal of Biotechnology found that sage essential oil was more effective against certain bacteria than most antibiotics.

Gargling with sage is also a go-to for sore throats. Try this sage gargle from Organic Authority‘s website:

• Mix 1 teaspoon fresh or dried sage leaves in 1 cup boiling water.
• Steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
• Add 1 teaspoon each cider vinegar and honey.
• Gargle up to four times a day.

Ginger

You may have tried ginger ale or ginger tea in the past to help with an upset stomach. Ginger has many other healing properties, including chasing away painful sore throat symptoms and fighting bacteria.

Ginger has been a popular herbal medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic cultures for thousands of years. The spicy root has been used to aid digestion and to treat upset stomachs, arthritis, and cold and flu symptoms. 

Whip up this simple recipe we found at Popsugar.com.

Ingredients

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced 
• 8 ounces boiling water

Directions

Place sliced ginger in a tea infuser inside a mug. Pour hot water in the mug, cover, and steep for five minutes. Remove infuser before drinking.

For a spicier brew, steep the ginger for longer or try grating the ginger instead of slicing.

Echinacea

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center‘s website, echinacea is one of the most popular herbs in the U.S. today. That explains the number of different formulations–tinctures, extracts, teas, and more–that can be found in mainstream and integrative pharmacies alike.

A University of Connecticut research team analyzed data from 14 clinical trials involving more than 1,300 patients. The findings? Echinacea cuts the chances of catching a cold by 58 percent and reduces a cold’s duration by 1 to 4 days.

For best results, experts recommend using echinacea as soon as cold or sore throat symptoms begin and choosing a high-quality echinacea supplement. This organic tea from Traditional Medicinals is a personal favorite.

Garlic

Most of us love the spicy garlic sauce served up on our Chinese food favorites, but did you know that eating a fresh clove could help stop the common cold in its tracks?

Garlic is a powerful superfood that contains loads of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. When you crunch into a clove, the compound allicin is released–that’s where the typical garlic odor comes from. It is in this stage that garlic is effective against the bugs that are causing your cold symptoms.

If you can stomach it, health experts recommend eating an entire clove a few times a day for best results. If that isn’t appealing, you can also add a little olive oil to a freshly minced clove and eat with a slice of bread.

Let’s face it, running may be a great way to get in shape and shed those extra pounds, but it can get really boring at times. That’s why most of us bring a smartphone or dedicated MP3 player with us when setting out on a longer workout, because listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts can help the long miles pass a bit easier.

But many runners struggle to find a good pair of earphones to wear while exercising, as most of the options available are cheap, easily broken, and offer subpar sound quality. Since you’ll be moving at a fast pace and sweating a lot, you’ll naturally put more stress on any set of earbuds you buy, and not everything is up to the task of handling those challenges. That said, there are some high-quality options specifically designed with the needs of runners in mind. Here are some of the very best.

yurbuds Focus 200 ($29.99)

Yurbuds has been making earphones for runners for a number of years now, and that heritage shows in the refinement of their designs. Not only are these earphones sweat-proof and durable, they feature a fit that’s designed to hold them in place even when you’re exercising very vigorously. Sound quality is good, but they are built to allow in ambient outside noises as well, which is important for staying safe out on the road. At just $29.99, they’re very affordable too. They even come with a full money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

Sol Republic Relays Sport ($49.99) 

For a pair of earbuds that offer a bit more bass in their sound, step up to the Relays Sport from Sol Republic. These earphones are small and discreet but offer a good fit that makes them a solid choice for any workout. They even come with a nice inline remote that allows you to pause your music, adjust volume, or skip tracks without having to touch your smartphone. That’s the kind of convenience runners need while out on the road.

JBL Synchros Reflect-A ($39.99)

JBL is well known for making headphones that offer good overall sound, and this can clearly be heard in their Synchros Reflect earbuds. The audio quality of these earphones is top notch, but it is the little details that make them a good choice for runners. For instance, they derive their name from the fact that the cables are highly reflective, which allows them to glow when struck by light in a dark environment. They are also sweat proof, feature an inline remote and mic for taking phone calls, and have a magnetic cable management system to keep them from getting tangled. Best of all, they are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, which should make them popular with distance runners.

Under Armour Headphones Wireless ($180) 

A lot of runners prefer to use wireless Bluetooth headphones because they have no cables to deal with while working out. There are a number of options to choose from in this category, with the new earbuds from Under Armour particularly standing out. For wireless earphones, they offer excellent sound and a surprisingly comfortable fit. They also have impressive battery life, providing 8 hours of playback between charges. You’ll even find a complimentary 12-month membership to MapMyFitness in the box.

Jabra Sport Pulse ($199.95) 

The Jabra Sport Pulse is another great option for anyone looking for the freedom that comes from wireless headphones. These earbuds will not only allow you to cut the cord, but they also offer some other nice features. For instance, the Sport Pulse comes with a built-in heart rate monitor that can replace the bulky ones that runners often wear around their chest. This cardio sensor can provide audio cues of your performance mid-run and track your workout via a custom smartphone app too. They are very durable, provide surprisingly good sound, and feature a highly customizable fit as well. Battery life is about 5 hours, though, so be sure to charge them regularly.

These are just a few of the numerous earphone options that are available for runners, and in my opinion, they are among the very best. I have used each of these earbuds at one time or another and was very pleased with their performance. Of course, sound quality and fit often come down to personal preference, so if possible, it is always good to try your earphones out before buying them. When you find the right pair, they’ll feel light and natural in your ears, with sound that can help you run for miles on end.

Cool weather is a welcome relief after days of being drenched in sweat after a quick dash to the mailbox, but lower temperatures are not necessarily kind to our skin. As the humidity drops, our skin loses moisture and before we know it, we’re relying on generous amounts of lotion to soothe our dry, cracking hands. Although our feet aren’t directly exposed to the uncomfortably frigid weather, being buried in socks for several months leaves them looking a bit parched as well. Podiatrist Eric Reynolds, DPM, of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. could recommend dozens of prescription medications to make your peeling feet pretty again, but he let WebMD in on a little secret–mouthwash works just as well! 

How to treat your feet with Listerine antiseptic mouthwash: 

There’s a lot to love about this home remedy, but the fact that it has something of a spa-day feel is one of our favorite factors. Applying ointment to your feet isn’t fun (just the word ointment makes us cringe), but soaking them automatically adds a soothing element to the experience. 

Step 1: Pour Listerine and water into a wash basin. There should be twice as much water as there is mouthwash. The Listerine will soften your rough skin. 

Step 2: Submerge your feet in this mixture, and allow them to soak for 15-20 minutes. Remember, use this time as an excuse to relax. Grab that magazine or book that’s been calling your name and read a few pages as the mouthwash works its magic. 

Step 3: Once you’ve dried your feet, it’s time to moisturize. It’s perfectly fine to purchase a moisturizer of your choice or utilize one you already have; however, it needs to have a hydrating urea component to its formula. Dr. Reynolds recommends Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Foot Creme. 

This is a once-a-week treatment, but you can do it twice a week if your feet need it. Because Listerine is a strong antiseptic, it doesn’t only help restore the quality of your skin, it prevents and fights fungus as well! 

If you’ve ever taken a sip from a glass of day-old water, you’ve likely noticed that it tastes just a little bit different. And bottled water usually has an expiration date stamped on it, so does that mean that it goes bad?

The short answer: Not really…but you should still be careful.

According to the International Bottled Water Association, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that “there is no limit to the shelf life of bottled water,” and the FDA also doesn’t require bottled water manufactures to include an expiration date.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also noted that in the case of an emergency, bottled water is the safest type of water to have available because it can be stored for so long, but it does need to be stored properly. The CDC recommends storing water in a cool, dark place and not breaking the seals on bottled water until you’re ready to drink it.

The CDC also explained that it’s important to keep bottled water away from poisons like pesticides and gasoline, because the plastic is permeable. They also recommend keeping it out of direct sunlight, because some plastics can release the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which has been tentatively linked to several health issues including heart disease and cancer.

Are There Any Dangers of Drinking Old Water?

Dr. Kellogg Schwab, director of the Johns Hopkins University Water Institute, told TIME that there are risks, but they’re usually minimal. He explained that after you take a sip from a glass or bottle of water, you’re introducing microorganisms to the water. Those microorganisms can then multiply quickly, especially if the water is sitting in the sun. However, they likely won’t do much damage over a short period of time.

“If you have clean water in a clean glass, you’re fine for a day or two,” he said. He also added that most tap and bottled water has trace amounts of chlorine that help kill bacteria, keeping water safer longer.

The risky part is when you drink water that’s been sitting out for several days or is in a dirty glass. Julian Huguet of Discovery‘s DNews explained that after a few days, the bacteria in the water can reproduce and potentially become unsanitary. He added that what might be more disgusting is all the dust in the air that lands in the water, contaminating it with all kinds of germs.

“Again, it’s not the H2O breaking down and going bad, it’s just hosting other nastiness that’s spoiling the taste,” he said.

So Why Does Bottled Water Have an Expiration Date?

Huguet explained that although manufacturers are not required by law to include expiration dates on bottled water now, it’s likely just “a holdover from an old New Jersey law that has since been repealed because there’s no scientific evidence to support it.”

So while water itself doesn’t expire or go bad, it’s still a good idea not to drink water that’s several days old or has been in the sun for too long just to be on the safe side.

If you’re a regular runner you probably already know that a good pair of shoes can have a dramatic impact on your overall performance, not to mention the ability of your legs to recover and avoid injury. You’ve probably even spent a considerable amount of time trying on a wide variety of shoes just to find the ones that you like most, and if you’re extra diligent you also make sure you replace your footwear every 300-500 miles. After all, keeping your feet healthy and happy is a vital part of running.
While a lot of time and energy is spent figuring out which brand, style, and type of running shoe we prefer, many of us don’t think twice about the socks we wear during our workouts. But believe it or not, what type of socks you use is important too and could make all the difference in how much you enjoy running.
One of the most common challenges that frequent runners face is developing blisters on our feet. Most blisters are the result of the buildup of heat and moisture combined with the constant rubbing of our skin against the fabrics of our socks and shoes. Blisters can end up being extremely painful and can even get so bad at times that you have to stop running altogether to allow them to heal, which is, of course, counterproductive when you’re trying to prepare for a race or just work on getting healthier.
But a good running sock can serve as a preventive measure against blisters thanks in no small part to the technical fabrics that they are made from. Most modern running socks not only pull moisture away from our feet, but they also dry quickly. This helps to alleviate the conditions that cause blisters, making them far less likely to develop in the first place.
Unfortunately, many runners are satisfied with running in basic cotton socks, which are fine for just about anything other than a strenuous workout. Although very comfortable, cotton socks will retain moisture throughout your run, making it far more likely that you will develop a blister or painful calluses. On top of that, running for an extended period of time in sweaty socks can also lead to fungal infections, which result in irritated skin with symptoms like itching and burning. This condition is more commonly known as athlete’s foot, and it can be extremely irritating.
In addition to keeping your feet healthier, running socks also provide an extra layer of cushioning from the impact of the ground. While your shoe absorbs most of that impact, your socks can help reduce the shock to some degree as well. This helps to keep your legs fresher while out on the road, and although the effect is subtle, it can improve your performance over the long haul.
Additionally, a lot of sock manufacturers have included some type of compression technology in their products to help stimulate blood flow in our feet, ankles, and calves, depending on the style of the sock you wear. This can help keep swelling to a minimum and speed recovery both during and after a run. The use of compression has also been shown to improve performance to a degree.
So what exactly should you be looking for when it comes time to buy running socks? Well for starters, as we’ve already mentioned, be sure to avoid cotton fabrics. Instead, look for synthetic fabrics or merino wool instead. These types of materials are far better at wicking away moisture and dry quickly too. That means your feet will stay far more comfortable on longer runs.
You’ll also find that running socks come in a variety of thicknesses; which one works best for you is a matter of personal preference. But be aware that the thickness of the material you choose could have an impact on the fit of your shoes too. Prefer a thicker sock? You might need to go up a half-size in your running shoes to accommodate them.
In addition to offering compression technology, some running socks will provide arch support too. This can be especially helpful for runners who suffer from plantar fasciitis, reducing the pain associated with that condition and helping to prevent it from reoccurring. If you have had to deal with this problem in the past, you probably know that any relief is welcome, particularly if something as simple as a pair of socks can make a difference.
Unlike running shoes, socks are a considerably less costly investment to make, although the benefits can be just as far-reaching. Additionally, running socks don’t tend to wear out all that quickly, which means you won’t have to replace them very often. Isn’t it time you do your feet a favor and cover them in high-quality socks that will provide them with extra comfort and protection? After a few workouts, you’ll never want to go back.

Does everything sound a bit muffled?

Excessive earwax can be as irritating as the common cold or a house fly; it’s a pest that pops up without warning. Frequently we’re not even aware we have wax buildup until–seemingly out of nowhere–everything isn’t loud and clear anymore, and the softer sounds become, the more miserable we feel. 

These symptoms are often accompanied by the dreaded question: “When am I going to find time to go to the doctor?” Fortunately, you don’t need to! An obstructed eardrum can be treated conveniently and inexpensively from home. 

Before we explain how you should treat this condition, (please) take note of how you shouldn’t! Write this down: Never attempt to dig out excess earwax on your own. All too often, people shove cotton swabs into their ears to “clean” them out. Not only is this counterproductive, it’s dangerous. This could cause the wax to become more impacted as it’s inadvertently jammed deeper inside. Worst case scenario, you could actually harm your eardrum or ear canal. Say sayonara to this harmful habit. Relief is only three perfectly safe steps away. 

(Please note you should not try this DIY remedy if you have tubes in your ears or if there’s a hole in your eardrum.) 

Step One: Soften the wax 

Earwax is hard. That imagery certainly doesn’t evoke happy thoughts (we’re sorry), but this is the reason why the first part of this at-home treatment is necessary. Placing a few drops of baby oil in your clogged ear will help soften the wax. If you don’t have any baby oil, then hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, or mineral oil are just as effective. All of these items will require time to work their magic. Wait a day or two before moving on to the next step. 

Step Two: Irrigate

Once the recommended amount of time has passed, fill a rubber-bulb syringe with warm water. Squirt it into your clogged ear and tilt your head until it’s in a position that enables the water to flow into the canal with ease. After a minute or two, tilt your head in the opposite direction so the water can drain out. 

Step Three: Dry your outer ear with a towel or a hair dryer on a low-heat setting.

Simple enough, right? This technique may not work on the first try. As we mentioned, the wax is quite stiff and may require a few treatments to loosen. If you repeat this process two or three times with no sign of improvement, then it is time to pay your doctor a visit. Although earwax removal kits are available for purchase, it’s best to ask a medical professional to walk you through the process before proceeding. Better safe than sorry!   

Looking for ways to become a better runner and stay entertained while out on the road? Why not add some running podcasts to your fitness repertoire? The top running podcasts will help you improve your form, pick up the pace, and offer ways to improve your conditioning too. You’ll also get tips on the latest running gear and hear inspirational stories from other runners who are faced with the same challenges that you are.

Here are just a few of my favorites that I find interesting and informative.

RunnersConnect Run to the Top  

Packed with interesting interviews and great tips from some of the top names in running, the Run to the Top podcast is specifically designed to make you a better runner. Topics of discussion have ranged from hitting a wall while trying to lose weight, how your style of breathing can affect performance, and the benefits of yoga and weight training for the serious runner. Each episode is roughly an hour long, which is just enough time to offer plenty of good advice without becoming boring. That duration is also good for listening while actually running too.

Everyday Runners

Hosted by long-time running coach Matt Johnson, this podcast isn’t aimed at elite athletes but instead is geared toward the average person just like you and me. This makes it more relatable for listeners, as the guests that are featured on the show are often dealing with the same issues that we face. Topics include staying motivated over the long term, improving speed and form, and using running as a tool to enhance your overall health and fitness. Johnson offers solid, practical advice that can help runners of all experience levels become better.

iRunFar 

Because this is a video podcast you won’t be able to watch it while you run, but the iRunFar show is still well worth your time. Aimed mainly at the trail-running and ultramarathon crowd, the podcast features gear reviews, race reports, and the latest news from the world of endurance sports. Most episodes are under 10 minutes in length, but still feature lots of information that long-distance runners will appreciate. For the rest of us, there is still plenty of inspiration to be had, as many of the guests are interesting personalities who thrive on completing tough challenges that involve a fair amount of suffering.

Endurance Planet  

Although it is generally aimed at long-distance runners and triathletes, this podcast still has a lot to offer runners of all ages and experience levels. Host Tawnee Prazak shares the mic with a diverse list of guests who talk about everything from training and recovery to nutrition and sports medicine. The podcast also provides updates on the latest news from the running world and talks about some of the newest approaches to improving our health and fitness too. This well-rounded list of topics makes it a must listen for those who are serious about becoming better runners and leading an overall healthier lifestyle.

Running Story  

This one is relatively new, with just a few episodes under its belt so far, but it looks very promising indeed. Each episode runs about 30-45 minutes and focuses on the story of a single runner. That person shares what got them started in the sport, why they enjoy it so much, and what running has taught them along the way. Their stories are often raw and emotional but are good a good source of inspiration for listeners. All of us have our own personal reasons for why we run, and that helps to make this a podcast that just about anyone can relate to.

These are just a few of the many running podcasts that are available on the internet; there are dozens of others to listen to as well. Chances are that no matter what your skill level or running goals, someone has a show that will meets your needs. All you need to do is find the one that speaks to you and give it a listen.

I always thought there had to be a better way than shelling out $50 a bottle for specialty shampoos that still left my hair frizzy and dull looking. I’d already tried my hand at crafting DIY hair masks, so I decided to dip my toes into making my own shampoo.

I’ll warn you: My hair did require an adjustment period. After all, my locks were used to the slew of ingredients in normal shampoos.

The internet is filled with DIY recipes for haircare. One thing to keep in mind while doing your research is that your scalp is fickle. How the ingredients affect your scalp essentially determines the health of your hair.

Finding ingredients to keep your scalp pH balanced is important. You want to avoid drying out your scalp and/or damaging your internal hair structure. Natural ingredients are great, but not all natural ingredients are appropriate for your hair.

Coconut Milk + Aloe Vera

This is a great recipe that allows you to create batches of shampoo that you can freeze into cubes and defrost as you need them. I prefer this recipe because freezing the shampoo means it won’t go bad before I’ve had the chance to use the entire batch.

You’ll need:

– A mixing bowl 

– Whisk 

– 2 ice cube trays 

– 1 can of coconut milk 

– 1 3/4 cups pure aloe vera gel

Simply mix the coconut milk and aloe vera in a bowl with a wire whisk. Next, evenly distribute the mixture among two ice cube trays. Place the trays in the freezer and allow the mixture to freeze completely (about 3 hours).

When you are ready to use a cube, put one in a small container with a lid and place it in the refrigerator to defrost. In between showers, keep it refrigerated. It’ll keep for about a week.

Olive Oil for Dry Hair

This is my go-to DIY shampoo in the colder months. Once the thermostat gets turned on, dryness and static electricity are soon to follow. Olive oil is a great moisturizer for both skin and hair.

I mix the following in a plastic bottle:

– 1/4 cup olive oil 

– 1 cup castile soap or any gentle, natural liquid soap 

– 1/2 cup water

Apply as much as you need for your hair type and rinse with cool water.

If you want a light scent, add a few drops of any essential oil. If your hair is oilier, use less olive oil or mix with more water.

I’ve also used honey, canola oil, and beer in place of the olive oil. Yes, beer actually works great for washing your hair, but it is a little more expensive than other options.

If you want to follow up with a conditioner, I like mixing either avocado or plain yogurt with a teaspoon of honey or coconut oil. I usually only apply this to the lower half of my hair so my scalp doesn’t get oily.

Fighting Oil Between Shampoos

Thanks to this homemade dry shampoo, I can go as long as a week between washings. Before switching to my olive oil shampoo, I had to wash every other day or my hair was slick against my scalp.

A couple days after washing my hair, I work a little baby powder through my roots. It keeps my blowout from falling flat and reduces extra oil, especially during the summer.

I like baby powder because of the light scent. You can also use coconut milk powder. For a light scent, add a drop of lavender oil or any other essential oil to the powder on your hands.

The Final Results

At first, I was washing just as often. After about a week and a half, I was able to go three days before the oil started creeping in. Another week and my hair stayed clean for around five days.

Once I added the dry shampoo, I had no problem lasting a week at a time. With less washing and drying, my hair looks fuller, shinier, and healthier. My friends keep asking what I’ve done differently. I’ve even convinced some of them to skip the expensive shampoos too.

My final piece of advice is to be patient. Sometimes it takes as long as three weeks before your hair adjusts. Keep it up and try different amounts of the ingredients until you find the perfect mixture for you.