Here’s what’s hot in natural health.
Cheers to health
Well, 2020 was a year (and a half). Drinking rates have risen throughout the pandemic, and we’re not just talking alcohol. People are looking for healthier, nonalcoholic alternatives to start 2021 on the right foot. And so begins the Age of the Mocktail. Zero-alcohol products are going mainstream, giving sober-curious mixologists the complexity and flavor of traditional cocktails, without the hangover.
Feel the (circadian) rhythm
Organic pillow? Check. Sleep app? On. But it’s 2 a.m. and you’re still awake. Blue light may be to blame. From screen time to fluorescent lights, it’s messing with your sleep-wake cycle (and your metabolism and mood). Bring circadian health home with tunable LED lightbulbs that mirror sunrise and sunset, reducing blue light exposure. Reset your internal clock and finally get some sleep.
Stick out your tongue
With Ayurveda gaining popularity in North America, it just might be time for this often-overlooked organ to have its moment. Tongue scraping is a centuries-old practice that takes your oral hygiene routine to the next level. The tool, often made of copper or steel, is gently scraped across your tongue, removing plaque and bacteria buildup that may cause bad breath and tooth decay.
A breath of fresh air
We’re spending a lot of time in our homes. All that sourdough baking and surface sanitizing and <just being> indoors isn’t helping your indoor air quality. Enter: smart air purifiers. The latest Wi-Fi-enabled models monitor the air in your home, sending real-time data to your smartphone while they clean the air. Some offer filter subscription services, so filter replacement is a (wait for it) breeze.
Respect your elderberries
This small-but-mighty berry is packed with power to support a healthy immune system. Elderberries are chock-full of immunity-boosting vitamin C and heart-helping polyphenols. They’re antioxidant rich, they’re anti-inflammatory, and they may reduce severity of colds and flus. Expect to find elderberry everything (syrups, lozenges, cocktails, skin creams, kombucha—you name it) this cold and flu season.
Chronic hope
Chronic pain affects a whopping 20 percent of the global population. Without a cure or clear treatment path, people are turning to tech. New chronic pain treatment apps, based in cognitive behavioral therapy, offer integrated care to help people monitor, manage, and reduce pain symptoms (think guided meditation, lifestyle changes, and more). Research on these apps’ effectiveness is in early stages, but the promise of accessible and affordable pain management, all in the palm of your hand, is a bright one.
