Woman hand holding dropper with green chlorophyll at home. Immunity booster concept
Here’s what’s new in the world of natural.
Movement meditation for inner balance
For many of us, meditating means sitting on a pillow or mat and resting our eyelids while focusing on the rhythmic rise and fall of our breath. But if you get restless holding still while trying to settle your whirling thoughts, why not try getting up and adding movement to the mix?
Movement meditation, which includes practices you’ve likely heard of like yoga, qigong, and tai chi, involves observing your senses while engaging in gentle movement to enhance body awareness and mental well-being.
Laboratory studies have found the practice to enhance spatial awareness, creativity, and neural plasticity, the brain’s ability adapt to new experiences. The benefits have been seen in children, adults, and the elderly alike, making movement meditation a versatile support to both the mind and the muscles.
Going green with liquid chlorophyll
Chlorophyll, which helps plants absorb sunlight during photosynthesis, is the pigment that makes green plants, green! While adding green vegetables like kale and parsley to your plate is the most traditional way to reap the benefits of this vitamin and mineral powerhouse, you may have seen the trend of liquid chlorophyll doing the rounds on social media.
Chlorophyllin, a chemical made from chlorophyll, is what’s most commonly found in liquid chlorophyll and is semi-synthetic and water-soluble, meaning it can be added to beverages to turn them a vibrant green color. While liquid chlorophyll’s purported benefits range from everything from cancer prevention and wound healing to increased energy and acne treatment, more research is needed on its benefits for humans.
So while loading up on green veggies is likely the most reliable way to benefit from chlorophyll in your diet, sipping the occasional green drink will likely do no harm, and at least make for a fun photo op!
Slugging for dry skin
The word slugging might sound strange, but the skincare trend has everyone on social media talking! When you think about slugs, you probably think of them leaving behind a trail of thick mucus, which is where slugging gets its name from.
So, how does it work? All you have to do is apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to your face at the end of your skincare routine! This is intended to help seal in moisture by adding a layer of added hydration if you’re dealing with dry skin.
No research has been done on the practice yet, but one study of babies found that applying a petroleum-based product to their skin resulted in a 50 percent decrease of atopic eczema. However, you might want to consult a dermatologist before hopping on this trend. The American Dermatology Association recommends avoiding applying petroleum jelly to your face if you have acne-prone skin.
Taming winter hair with baobab
If you’re looking for a way to keep your hair healthy and hydrated this winter, baobab seed oil may be worth a try! The oil comes from baobab trees, which are commonly found in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The oil is extracted from the baobab seed and has been used in personal care products like soaps and moisturizers. In countries like Nigeria, it has also been used as a traditional remedy for dry skin and dandruff.
Baobab seed oil is packed with essential and non-essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, which may help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. The oil can also be applied as a hair moisturizer, so if you’re struggling with dry hair this winter, you might want to give this unique natural remedy a go!
