Sharpen your mind with nootropics
You may already take supplements to improve your physical health, but what about your cognitive health? Welcome to the growing world of nootropics, a group of medicinal compounds or “smart drugs” that are prized for their potential to improve memory and attention span and slow down symptoms associated with dementia.
Here are some nootropics alongside their potential health benefits:
- L-theanine : may enhance memory and cognitive function
- CDP-choline : may improve memory in those with cognitive impairment or dementia
- creatine monohydrate : may advance reasoning skills and short-term memory
- ginseng : may promote better concentration, reduce memory loss, and aid in dementia recovery
Without realizing it, there’s a good chance you’re already consuming one nootropic on the regular in the form of coffee or tea. That’s right, caffeine—which is known for its ability to awaken and sharpen the senses—is one of the world’s most popular nootropics.
Try rosemary essential oil or pumpkin seed oil for thinning hair
If thinning hair is something you’re coping with, give rosemary essential oil and pumpkin seed oil a try. Though the research is still minimal, both oils have been shown to promote hair growth when applied to the scalp regularly.
To apply rosemary essential oil, add a couple of drops to your regular shampoo or massage it into the scalp with a neutral carrier oil (such as jojoba, avocado, or olive oil). Let it sit for five to 10 minutes before rinsing or shampooing out.
Pumpkin seed oil can be taken as a supplement, consumed as a food oil, or applied to the hair like a hot pack (massage into scalp and let sit on your head for 20 minutes before shampooing and conditioning).
These alternative hair oil treatments are low risk with promising results. Let us know if they work for you!
Discover triphala, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy
Tripahala, which means “three fruits” in Sanskrit, is a thousand-year-old Ayurvedic herbal remedy made from a mixture of three dried herbs: amala (Emblica officinalis), also called Indian gooseberry; bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica); and haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
An excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, triphala has a unique sweet, sour, pungent taste and is typically taken as a powder or capsule.
Triphala has many health claims, including its ability to treat digestion, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, inhibit the symptoms of HIV, help with weight loss, and even prevent cancer. Though there are few human studies to support these claims, preliminary animal studies have shown that triphala may ease digestive issues, relieve stress, and improve symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
With so many potential health benefits, this ancient Ayurvedic treatment may be a worthwhile addition to your routine.
Explore non-toxic nail polish
If you’re someone who loves the booming availability of clean beauty products, you’ll love the fact that non-toxic nail polishes are one of the hottest new trends in the world of natural nail care. While the negative effects of nail polish haven’t been fully established, research shows that some chemicals found in nail polish can be absorbed into the nail bed, fueling the need for non-toxic polish options.
When shopping for natural nail polishes, keep an eye out for brands that are labeled “five-free,” a marketing term that refers to nail polishes made without the following chemicals: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Each of these chemicals is more likely to cause contact dermatitis at the nail bed, and camphor is toxic if consumed orally.
If nail polish is a part of your routine, dermatologists suggest giving your nails the chance to breath every so often or looking for alternatives to traditional polishes. With the abundance of natural polishes on the market, we think your options are endless!
