wellness
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Rose Water for Hair Benefits
Roses are a popular flower but you can try integrating them into your beauty and natural hair care routine too! Natural rose water can help soothe irritated skin and scalp thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
Roses have antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial activities, according to this article. There are plenty of benefits of rose water.
So the question is can you use rose water for hair? Is it good to spray water on your hair? How do you use rose water? What are some top ways to use rosewater?
You can spritz the rosewater onto your hair and scalp. It's a natural hair care option & beauty product to integrate into your routine. It helps soothe frizzy hair. Consider it yourself to see what difference it makes.
Not only does it smell positively delightful, but you can also use rose water to benefit your hair. Using rose water for hair care can possibly help with dryness, reduce inflammation, conditioning, & add shine.
Browse a bunch of fun rose water products on Amazon. You can order products to arrive right at your door.
What is Rose Water?
Normally roses are used for ornamental purposes in gardens or homes but there are other uses for roses in perfume, medicine, & food.
Trying to figure out great ways to use rose water? As a Persian girl myself, I grew up with the magic of rose water. There was always a battle somewhere in the cabinet, right next to the cinnamon, salt, pepper, garlic salt, standard spices. I grew up using rose water for food products, my mom put it in chocolate chip muffins, pancakes, oatmeal, hot tea, lemonade.
Turns out that you can use rosewater in so many more great ways than you would think, including beauty product options such as shampoo or conditioner, face wash, face spray. Just like other botanicals such as mint or eucalyptus, there are some potential benefits to using them.
Rose Water for Hair and Face, USDA Certified Organic Facial Toner. Alcohol-Free Makeup Setting Hydrating Mist. 100% Natural Anti-Aging Petal Rosewater by Simplified Skin (4 oz) - 1 Pack. Shop it on Amazon - check it out here.
Making Rose Water
If you have a rose garden, you can make free rosewater. Contrary to what you might think, you can't just make rosewater by popping some rose petals into tap water. It's more complicated than that. That is certainly one way to get the essence of the rose petals but it's more like a rose steeped tea. To make rose water, it starts with rose petals, distilled water, a bowl, & a pot.
First, clean & wash the rose petals. Just like you wash your Brussels sprouts to get rid of any dirt for bugs, you do the same with your rose petals. Then place the petals into the bowl. You'll pour the distilled water into the pot, placed the bowl In the pot of water, and then place the lid on it. The condensation created by the distilled water as it mixes with the essence of the rose petals creates what we know as rose water. Browse rose water products for hair on Amazon.
Benefits of Rosewater
There are studies on the benefits of Rosa damascene, commonly known as Damask rose, its wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities. For example, according to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, both fresh flower & spent flower extracts of R. damascena flower provided antibacterial activity against 15 species of bacteria: Aeromonas hydrophila, B. cereus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococcus feacalis, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Proteus vulgaris, Ps. aeruginosa, Ps. fluorescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Staph. aureus, and Yersinia enterocolitica were studied.
Ziri Skincare Rose Water 100% Pure Moroccan Rose Water Distilled is great for spraying on your face, body, & hair. Buy it on Amazon - click here. The scent is intoxicating, strong, captivating.
Where to Buy
If you're sitting here thinking, no way, I don't want to make that, I just want to buy it, that's great too. You can find rose water online, at Middle Eastern stores, etc.
If you like rose water, you might like adding eucalyptus to your shower - learn more about it here.
Is Rose Water Good for Your Hair?
And of course, since people use it for beauty products, the good news is that you can use rose water for hair too. Whether you have dry hair, skin, or for a healthy scalp, make sure to use natural, pure rose water to ensure maximum benefits. Using rose water can act as a mild astringent with its anti-inflammatory properties.
You can just add it to the spray bottle or even add pure rose water to your shampoo. You may want to leave it in your hair for a while before you rinse it out, or you can let it dry altogether to enhance the conditioning.
Shop Heritage Store Rosewater Hydrating Mist for Skin & Hair. Shop it on Amazon - click here.
Rose Water for Dandruff
Is dandruff annoying you? Spray rose water on your scalp as a natural remedy for dandruff since it has mild astringent qualities. Rosewater might help to reduce oiliness and dandruff.
Using rose water for hair care can potentially help you with scalp or hair dryness, reduce inflammation, conditioning, & it might even add shine. Just use a spray bottle to help mist it into your hair! You can even add some rosewater into your shampoo then rinse it out as normal. Adding rose water can have many benefits for you. There are even shampoo and conditioner products with it in it!
Condition your hair with rose water. Aveeno Scalp Soothing Rose Water & Chamomile Blend Shampoo. Buy it on Amazon - click here.
Rose Water Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo for Curls & Waves. Shop it on Amazon - click here.
Hair Growth
While there isn't enough information to prove that rose water itself aids in hair growth, scalp massage can stimulate thicker hair. According to a study, scalp massage can promote thicker hair but does not necessarily actually help with the growth.
Heritage Store Rosewater, 1 gallon, 128 oz. Shop it on Amazon - click here to buy.
Conditioning and Shine
Want to control some frizz? You can directly pour the rose water into your hair & then rinse it with water. Another great aspect of rose water: it can leave a lovely scent on your hair. Have oily hair or itchy scalp? Because of the antimicrobial properties, rose water might reduce the excess oil production.
Rose Essential Oil 100% Pure Organic Therapeutic Grade Rose Oil for Diffuser. Shop it on Amazon - click here.
Rose essential oils are not the same as pure rosewater. The oil versus the rosewater is different consistency with different benefits & properties. All of the ingredients might seem the same but they are different & should be used accordingly. Try adding rosewater to your haircare routine & then rinse your hair thoroughly for best results.
Did you learn new ways to use rose? What are your favorite natural hair care products? What's the best rose water you've come across, I'd love to know! Feel free to share a comment! It genuinely smells amazing & has some legitimate benefits & known properties.
View rose water products on Amazon.
Roses are such a beautiful creation on earth and it's truly inspiring how many different ways you can use them, whether it's on your hair, your skin, or to flavor up some food or drinks. You can play rosewaterEasily accessible online or at some local shops such as a Middle Eastern store or something of that nature. There are many benefits of rose water.
My Favorite Kombucha Brands + What Is Kombucha?!!
Kombucha has been around for 2,000 years. It originated in 220 B.C. China where it was consumed for its detoxifying & energizing properties. That makes me about 1,999 years late to the kombucha party, but I'm a fan now. How about you?
Most people, like me, wonder what is kombucha? What's it made from? What's the alcohol content of kombucha? Where to buy kombucha tea? Can you buy a kombucha starter online? What are some of my favorite kombucha companies? Well, my friend. I answer all these questions & more. Why? Because I had the same questions! Keep reading to find out about kombucha.
* This post may contain affiliate links.
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| Better Booch premium small craft kombucha brand |
But what is kombucha?
At its core, kombucha is a beverage created by fermenting tea with a culture of yeast & bacteria. It looks a bit like an at-home science experiment, which it basically is. I mean, you can literally buy kombucha starter kits online. Kombucha is lightly effervescent. Think of it as a sparkling tea-based juice drink with a bit of bubbly goodness. Kombucha tends to have some alcohol content, some brands have more & some have less. |
| GT's Third Eye Chai, Euphoria, & Rose kombucha flavors |
What other fermented food & drinks can I try?
Kombucha, kefir, kimchi, kvass, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, pickles, yogurt are popular fermented food & drink. Each has its own unique flavors, properties, & gut health benefits.
San Diego Kombucha Options
As a San Diego blogger & digital influencer, I'm happy to report there are many kombucha options in the area. Many of these establishments have kombucha that contains alcohol content, so it's an excellent alternative to heading to a brewery, bar, or distillery. There isn't much kombucha in North County San Diego yet, but perhaps in the foreseeable future. ~*~ just putting those vibes out there, you know? ~*~
Where to buy kombucha tea in San Diego?
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| GT's kombucha flavors |
My Favorite Kombucha Companies
GT's Kombucha - Love, love, love this brand. My all-time favorite is GT's Rose kombucha. It has rose hips, rose water, rose petals, as well as their organic & raw kombucha. It's what dreams are made of. It has 4% alcohol content. I usually split up drinking this over 2 days.
Health-Ade Kombucha - My coworker a few years ago used to do promotional work with Health-Ade so she gave me a few bottles to try. It was my very first dabble with kombucha. They have a variety of kombucha flavors like cherry berry, ginger lemon, & pink lady apple. Find Health-Ade Kombucha on Amazon.
JuneShine - JuneShine is a local San Diego kombucha brand. As a local San Diego blogger, I was invited to their Scripps Ranch media party grand opening. Their kombucha is made with green tea, as opposed to black tea. JuneShine kombuchas have 6% alcohol content with kombucha flavors like Honey Ginger Lemon & Midnight Painkiller (charcoal, pineapple, coconut, orange, & nutmeg).
Better Booch - Better Booch sent over a few of their 16-ounce cans to try such as Morning Glory (peach & black tea), Citrus Sunrise (grapefruit, sage, pu erh tea), & a couple others. The LA-based premium small craft kombucha brand expanded to San Diego in 2019. The kombucha flavors are approachable; you can taste the tea & tang from kombucha without an overwhelming punch. This is an excellent kombucha brand to try if you're new to kombucha. Find Better Booch on Amazon.
Brew Dr. Kombucha - You might've heard of their Clear Mind kombucha with rosemary, mint, sage, & green tea. They also have Chai Apple, Strawberry Basil, Superberry, & fun limited-release kombucha flavors like Vanilla Oak. Mmmm. Vanilla Oak. You might be able to find Brew Dr. Kombucha at your local Target, Vons, Albertsons!
Health-Ade Kombucha - My coworker a few years ago used to do promotional work with Health-Ade so she gave me a few bottles to try. It was my very first dabble with kombucha. They have a variety of kombucha flavors like cherry berry, ginger lemon, & pink lady apple. Find Health-Ade Kombucha on Amazon.
JuneShine - JuneShine is a local San Diego kombucha brand. As a local San Diego blogger, I was invited to their Scripps Ranch media party grand opening. Their kombucha is made with green tea, as opposed to black tea. JuneShine kombuchas have 6% alcohol content with kombucha flavors like Honey Ginger Lemon & Midnight Painkiller (charcoal, pineapple, coconut, orange, & nutmeg).
Better Booch - Better Booch sent over a few of their 16-ounce cans to try such as Morning Glory (peach & black tea), Citrus Sunrise (grapefruit, sage, pu erh tea), & a couple others. The LA-based premium small craft kombucha brand expanded to San Diego in 2019. The kombucha flavors are approachable; you can taste the tea & tang from kombucha without an overwhelming punch. This is an excellent kombucha brand to try if you're new to kombucha. Find Better Booch on Amazon.
Brew Dr. Kombucha - You might've heard of their Clear Mind kombucha with rosemary, mint, sage, & green tea. They also have Chai Apple, Strawberry Basil, Superberry, & fun limited-release kombucha flavors like Vanilla Oak. Mmmm. Vanilla Oak. You might be able to find Brew Dr. Kombucha at your local Target, Vons, Albertsons!
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| The GT's Rose kombucha is my favorite flavor of all-time |
Can you buy kombucha starter kits online?
Why yes, you can buy a kombucha starter online! Gotta love being able to shop from the comfort of your own home! Whether you want San Diego kombucha or perhaps kombucha with alcohol, there are some kombucha companies to suit your needs.
What's your favorite kombucha? Do you have any top kombucha companies? Leave a comment if you have a suggestion, a thought, or a question.
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you. Learn more about my disclosure.
Acupressure Mat and Pillow: Do Acupressure Mats Actually Work?
Sometimes I casually lie down on a bed of needles to release tight muscles & relieve stress. What the hell am I babbling about? Does it help with shoulders or back pain? What about neck and back pain? What about using an acupressure mat for feet or other areas of the body? How many minutes do you stay on it? Do acupressure mats really work? How do you acupressure your feet? Which is the best acupressure mat? Pain sucks, so let's do what we can to keep it at bay. Do you have problems like that also? You don't have to be in pain forever. Acupressure mats might be useful. Get familiar with what the spike mats can do.
This magical invention is called an acupressure mat & acupressure pillow. The acupressure mat and pillow set only cost $20. It's spectacular! You can buy it from Amazon & you totally need a mat in your life. Keep reading to find out all about what it does, how to use it, & where to buy one. I bought the ProSource acupressure mat.
What Does an Acupressure Mat Do? Do acupressure mats really work?
Choose a surface to put it on, whether it's the floor or your chair, couch, against the wall. The harder the surface, the more pressure you'll feel. Acupressure mats are basically a bed of nails. At its core, an acupressure mat is a self-applied acupuncture device. You can lay on it, roll on it, sit on it, stand on it, stretch on it. The spiky bits on the mat hit your acupressure points to assist in any back or neck and shoulders pain. You can use it for your feet, legs, arms, & various areas of the body. You use your own weight of your body to heal your body. I've been using the acupressure mat and pillow for over a year, so I developed an understanding of how to use the spike mat & how it benefits me. I use it frequently, especially when my back acts up. Acupressure mats are pretty cool.Some best-selling mats available on Amazon:
At Home Back and Neck Pain Relief - Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set - Stress and Sciatic Pain for Optimal Health and Wellness - click here to view it on Amazon.
Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set - Stress Reliever - Muscle Relaxant - Free Tote Bag - Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set. Comes in a Carry Box with Handle for Storage and Travel - click here to view it on Amazon.
ProSourceFit Acupressure Mat - Find it on Amazon.
Related reading: Why Fresh Mint Tea is My Holy Grail
* Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.
Acupuncture mats are the hot new thing—well, not so new, but you get the point. They help your body feel looser and aid in pain relief via the pressure points. I bought the acupressure mat and pillow set since it was so affordable. Have you tried an acupuncture mat for lower back, neck, and shoulder pain relief? Afterward, it feels like someone gave you a massage or foot rub. You get to feel body relief, and that is a wonderful feeling.
Place the mat on the floor. The spikes stimulate pressure points along the areas of the body. People stay on them for a range of time, from just a few minutes to 30 minutes and up.
I chose the grey acupressure mat & pillow set. Chic. Timeless. But the acupressure mats are available in a delightful range of colors like black, blue, green, pink, purple, & orange. Which color would you pick?
It helps relieve pain in my right shoulder blade from an injury I got in college. It relaxes my muscles in a way nothing else has (other than the equipment my physical therapist used during my semester of rehabilitation. The acupressure mat & pillow set turned out to be one of my favorite Amazon purchases of all time. So worth it. Use it again & again for only $19.99. Worth it for lower back pain. Don't forget that this also comes with an acupressure neck pillow, not only the mat. Your neck could get some relief, also.
What are the acupressure mat benefits? Do acupressure mats actually work?
Do acupressure mats do anything? I roll out my spike mat, lie down on it, then roll gently side to side to help release tension in my upper back pain. Essentially, you relax on this “bed of needles” to massage various pressure points on your body. The little spikes can potentially help you self-massage, relieve stress, tension, or pain. It might even help you fall asleep.It helps relieve pain in my right shoulder blade from an injury I got in college. It relaxes my muscles in a way nothing else has (other than the equipment my physical therapist used during my semester of rehabilitation. The acupressure mat & pillow set turned out to be one of my favorite Amazon purchases of all time. So worth it. Use it again & again for only $19.99. Worth it for lower back pain. Don't forget that this also comes with an acupressure neck pillow, not only the mat. Your neck could get some relief, also.
It truly feels so good on my back; the pain goes away for a bit. If you're skeptical about acupressure mats, they aren't magical, but they are useful. Use the mat for yourself or buy one for a loved one. Actually, as you get used to it, people love using an acupressure mat for relaxation because it ends up being kind of comfortable once you lay on top of that for a while. You can find different angles and pressures.
Other claims include that it can give you increased energy, better sleep, and reduce pain, but this will vary per person. Different brands might have options like organic cotton, coconut fiber, or a carrying case.
How long should you lay on acupressure mat?
You can place them out on the floor, on the chair, against a wall. You can use it every day, or you may never use it if you keep it hidden away in your garage or closet. Minutes are up to you. On average, I use my mat once per week, but you can easily utilize it more frequently, if not every day. You can do 10 Minutes or lay on it for 30 minutes.I like to leave it in the living room area so it's easily accessible with other fitness gear. If you are new to the whole experience, just try it out for a little bit. Make sure you're wearing clothes so you build up a tolerance & get a feel it. Once you have a grasp of the pain level, you can approach with bare skin so you can feel the full effect. If you want to try bare skin first, that's fine too.
That said, mine is well preserved with no stains or anything. The mat & acupressure pillow both have removable covers. Spot wash & you're ready to go.
Using It For Your Feet: How do you acupressure your feet?
It feels great on your feet, too. If you stand directly on your feet, you'll be applying maximum pressure of all your bodyweight. Use one foot at a time to apply pressure to work on tender areas or increase blood flow. It feels like a foot massage. You can check out a reflexology foot map to see which pain points correspond to what.
Acupressure Mats
You might be interested now and wondering what the best acupressure mats are. There are so many mats and acupressure brands out there, so take things into account as you decide what to buy! Use the mat every day or weekly.
I bought my spike mat on Amazon from a brand called ProSourceFit. Made from 100% thick cotton & plant-based eco-foam, the ProSource acupressure mat has 6,210 acupressure points & the neck acupressure pillow has 1,782 acupressure points. That's a lot of spikes!!
When my shoulder acts up, I use the acupressure mat because it relieves tension. It truly makes the area feel better, relaxed, and relieved. You can use it to help with muscle tension and deep relaxation.
It is recommendation that you do not machine wash these because of the plastic spikes and foam core, just spot clean where you can. Buy an acupressure mat and pillow set, available on Amazon. Grab one for a friend; it makes a great gift!! It may be plastic, but it is effective. Your health is important.
The spike mat is lightweight, making it suitable for travel or rolling up and carrying in a beach bag. It's a great product for a relaxing experience.
This is an affordable relaxation treatment product. Do some research & search for what other users say about products like this. Read customer reviews or top product reviews to see what others say.
Have you tried acupressure therapy? What body pain do you have—neck and shoulders? Back? Feet? Somewhere else? How many minutes do you stay on the mat? Use the mat to see if it helps. I definitely recommend getting one to help stretch or ease pain in areas of the body. Once you get used to the feeling, it's comfortable.
Drinking Fresh Mint Tea Benefits + Is Fresh Mint Tea Good for You?
In this post I'll answer your top questions such as: Should I Use Peppermint or Spearmint? How Do I Make the Fresh Mint Tea? What's the Difference Between Peppermint & Spearmint? How Does Mint Tea Help Relieve Symptoms?
* This post may contain affiliate links.
My stomach gurgles. The thought of eating food causes my stomach to turn. Every bite I take feels dry, deliberate, forced. My mint tea ritual started one evening after I read that mint tea might help an upset stomach. So I bought a pot of fresh green spearmint. I love an herbal tea.
"I'll try anything." I thought. Bland foods like applesauce & toast weren't helping. It's day 3 & I can barely eat. My insides slosh around. I tried fresh spearmint tea that day. Sip sip sip.
"What is this feeling? This feeling of...comfort." My gut stopped doing flips long enough for me to smile as I watched The Office. My stomach stopping singing long enough for me to take a couple bites of my soup from lunch that I hadn't eaten. Plus, it's caffeine-free. Peppermint tea may help too.
"I'll try anything." I thought. Bland foods like applesauce & toast weren't helping. It's day 3 & I can barely eat. My insides slosh around. I tried fresh spearmint tea that day. Sip sip sip.
"What is this feeling? This feeling of...comfort." My gut stopped doing flips long enough for me to smile as I watched The Office. My stomach stopping singing long enough for me to take a couple bites of my soup from lunch that I hadn't eaten. Plus, it's caffeine-free. Peppermint tea may help too.
HALLELUJAH! Relief.
I sip fresh mint tea anytime my stomach starts feeling a little funky. It truly helps when I have peppermint tea. Keep reading to learn about the potential health benefits of peppermint and spearmint. Drinking peppermint is soothing. Mint tea can even help with bad breath. It's been used for centuries around the globe. Do you like peppermint tea or herbal tea? The fresh mint tea benefits felt soothing right away. Even when I travel, I like to have mint tea on hand.
I sip fresh mint tea anytime my stomach starts feeling a little funky. It truly helps when I have peppermint tea. Keep reading to learn about the potential health benefits of peppermint and spearmint. Drinking peppermint is soothing. Mint tea can even help with bad breath. It's been used for centuries around the globe. Do you like peppermint tea or herbal tea? The fresh mint tea benefits felt soothing right away. Even when I travel, I like to have mint tea on hand.
Should I Use Peppermint or Spearmint?
Mint is that flavoring in toothpaste or breath mints or candies. Spearmint & peppermint very closely related, so they have similar properties in relation to their appearance, flavor, use, & cultivation. It all boils down to personal preference; you may use both peppermint or spearmint. Oh yeah!
What's the Difference Between Peppermint & Spearmint?
Peppermint has a higher menthol content, making it more minty refreshing taste & potent in flavor: think peppermint bark. Peppermint is often used medicinally to soothe aches or relax muscles. Peppermint packs a punch. It's considered spicier than spearmint, giving it the "pepper" name in peppermint. Good for drinking too.Spearmint is lighter, more delicate, & less likely to overpower other spices. Spearmint can be found in sauces or your next mojito. Spearmint goes well with feta, tomatoes, olives. You might find spearmint in Greek food like tzatziki or maybe Vietnamese Banh Mi. Spearmint is used in foods & for drinking.
How Do I Make the Fresh Mint Tea?
1. Boil water & pour into a mug.2. Pluck a couple stems & fresh leaves. Add it to the hot water.
3. Let the stems & peppermint leaves steep in hot water for 5 minutes.
4. Muddle or mash the mint or spearmint leaves & stem to release more flavor & the natural oils in the water. Hooray for herbal tea medicinal properties.
You could always add mint leaves to water for infused cold water! Feels great on a hot day. You can blend peppermint and spearmint together. You can't go wrong with a hot cup of tea.
Allergies - Mint contains an antioxidant & anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid, which means drinking peppermint tea may help with allergies, boosting your immune system.
Do I Only Use Leaves? Do I Throw Away the Stems?
Use both! Both the leaves & the stems contain flavor. It comes down to which you like better. If you toss the stems, you're not getting the maximum benefits from the mint. Pluck off parts of the leave & stem simultaneously. It's better to use the whole thing if you can.Fresh Peppermint Tea Benefits: How Does Mint Tea Help? What is the Benefit?
Is mint tea good for you? Mint has a potent but pleasant smell. Botanicals like ginger, peppermint, spearmint, & fennel are known for their natural herb remedies. Are there potential health benefits? But mint is pretty cool herb because of its versatility. Oh yes, there are mint tea benefits! Here are a few things peppermint & spearmint can help with:Allergies - Mint contains an antioxidant & anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid, which means drinking peppermint tea may help with allergies, boosting your immune system.
Bad Breath - Have bad breath? Well, drinking peppermint tea may help with that! It'll leave you with a fresh minty taste, especially if you chew the leaves. Thanks to the menthol.
Caffeine-Free - Sip this any time of day without jitters or crashing. No caffeine! I enjoy drinking peppermint before bed for calming effects.
Common Cold / Sore Throat - The menthol can have a soothing, cooling effect on your throat.
Decongestant - Mint contains menthol which is a natural aromatic decongestant to may help break up phlegm & mucus.
Indigestion / Gas - Need some help with your IBS symptoms? Studies show that mint improves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome like abdominal pain or menstrual pain or menstrual cramping. This may help with digestion.
Caffeine-Free - Sip this any time of day without jitters or crashing. No caffeine! I enjoy drinking peppermint before bed for calming effects.
Common Cold / Sore Throat - The menthol can have a soothing, cooling effect on your throat.
Indigestion / Gas - Need some help with your IBS symptoms? Studies show that mint improves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome like abdominal pain or menstrual pain or menstrual cramping. This may help with digestion.
Can I use a peppermint or spearmint tea bags instead?
Yes, totally. Use whatever you have on hand. Relief is relief. You'll get more of the natural nutrients with the fresh version, but organic peppermint tea or spearmint packaged/bagged tea might do the trick. You can also buy organic dried peppermint tea leaves or dried spearmint leaves in bulk to use for tea. Peppermint tea is very popular! The benefits of peppermint tea make it even tastier! I love drinking peppermint before bed. Choose whichever you like better.Where can I buy it?
Ready to enjoy the mint tea benefits or the health benefits of peppermint tea? You can buy fresh peppermint or spearmint at your local farmers market, grocery stores, or herbs section. It can be fresh potted mint or loose leaf tea, use what works. You might be able to find edible essential oils too. If you can't find it, here are some online options:- Peppermint tea bags
- Spearmint tea bags
- Organic peppermint leaves
- Dried organic loose leaf spearmint
Find an edible peppermint oil or, which is not the same as peppermint essential oil. You can mix the mint teas as well. You can even add your fresh leaves to colas, fruit juice, soft drinks
Can I drink this if I feel totally fine?
Of course. Peppermint tea or mint tea genuinely tastes amazing (if you're a mint fan). By all means, drink your fresh organic peppermint tea with breakfast; sip your spearmint tea on a cool winter afternoon or a hot summer's day; drink mint tea in the evening as you read a book. It's naturally caffeine-free (unlike green tea leaves which has caffeine) so you can drink it whenever you get the urge. Drink peppermint tea hot or cold!Prepare mint tea at home with fresh peppermint leaves. Do some research to see what properties there are. Sometimes I pick off the peppermint leaves just to taste it! It's a healthy alternative to always chewing a mint chewing gum, especially for your jaw. Make a cup of tea tonight!
What other mint tea benefits do you know of? Do you like peppermint tea or peppermint oil? Can you find it at your local grocery store? How do you drink peppermint tea? How can it help your health?
My Gingivectomy Recovery Experience
I'm drooling, lying on the couch, eating a liquidy black bean soup, watching CSI: Miami on Netflix while the left side of my mouth is completely & utterly numb. How did it get here? Why is saliva falling out of my mouth? What's going on? Well, let me fill you in. Wondering about the gingivectomy recovery experience? How bad is the gingivectomy pain? Keep reading.
DAMN YOU WISDOM TEETH! There I said it. Some of you may have experienced a wisdom teeth extraction. It's a pretty standard procedure to get them taken out since many of us don't have enough room in our mouths to keep them. If you do, you're lucky! The wisdom teeth are technically your third & final set of molars; they usually pop up in your teens & 20s.
I got my wisdom teeth removed in 2013. I had three of them. My recovery was relatively easy. Of course, there was a bit of discomfort & some aching. I slurped on some soft foods & liquids, relaxed & let it all heal. There were no issues. Now fast forward three years. I'm not a doctor, so don't take this as medical advice. It's just my own gingivectomy recovery experience.
What is a gingivectomy?
The gum tissue where my wisdom teeth were & my current molars are decided to heal up stupidly, causing infections & other issues. My dentist recommended getting the extra gum tissue or deep pockets removed. So I did. The surgery is called a gingivectomy, where excess gum tissue is removed to reduce diseased tissue & pockets that trap bacteria in the deep pockets. It is a surgical gum disease treatment. I split the gingivectomy procedure into two procedures because it was more most cost-effective through insurance. I already did my right side a couple months ago. Now for my left side.
Depending on the severity, your gingivectomy procedure may include major gum removal or reshaping the gum line. It may take several visits to the oral surgeon / dentist office. Your dentist may use local anesthesia to numb the area.
- Neosporin
- Q-Tips
- Face Ice Pack
- Soup
- Advil &/or Tylenol
- Reading pillow
- Aura Cacia Chill Pill essential oil blend
Gingivectomy Procedure Survival Kit
You'll need:- Neosporin
- Q-Tips
- Face Ice Pack
- Soup
- Advil &/or Tylenol
- Reading pillow
- Aura Cacia Chill Pill essential oil blend
What can I expect after a Gingivectomy?
Day 1: Gum Tissue Removal
The procedure took about an hour to remove gum tissue. They applied a topical numbing cream & then injected me with something to ensure my gums were totally senseless. No pain. All I felt was a slight pinch. I was awake during the procedure & kept my eyes closed most of the time. That's the beauty of local anesthesia. It's pretty freaky to open your eyes & watch people with a scalpel hack away in your mouth's gum tissue. I could feel the slight discomfort & tension of the scalpel on my teeth as they removed excess gums. Mine used a scalpel, but your surgical procedure might use a laser to remove loose gum tissue.Now I'm lying in bed eating soup & avoiding chewing anything on my left side. My mouth is still numb but the feeling will go away in a couple hours. Today is all about icing my mouth & just resting & recuperating. The healing time for the gingivectomy procedure took a couple weeks. Soft foods for the next few days. For a surgical gum disease treatment, it didn't take too long.
Day 2
For the first 24 hours after the operation, I'm supposed to ice my left cheek with an ice pack for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. I didn't strictly follow this. Every four to six hours, I took two Advil & a Tylenol as ordered. I followed the pain-relieving guidelines after my numbness subsided & the aching came through. Some facial swelling. At night, instead of taking the Advil/Tylenol combination, I took two Tylenol PMs. Always read the label!Oh my lord. My jaw is sore. I can open barely my mouth to a third of its capacity. So much discomfort it feels like someone sucker punched me in the face a few times. Rinse with a solution of warm salt water every 6 hours, or follow doctor's orders.
FYI: During my first procedure I received a cut right at the corner of my mouth/lips during the stitching part. Apparently, this is called angular cheilitis; thanks for the info Google. Any movement seemed to open the wound & keep it cracked. My advice to you is to specifically request for them to lubricate your mouth & lips to avoid this error in the future. I asked for Vaseline twice during my second procedure & this absolutely helped.
Since I woke up with an incredibly sore mouth, I did the Advil/Tylenol combination & iced my cheek. I felt better after a couple of hours. Today I'm supposed to do a warm saltwater rinse instead of the 15-minute icing intervals. I did a rinse in the morning & in the afternoon.
Day 3
I didn't take any pain medication today. I'm a little sore but nothing I can't survive. I'm sticking to mashed foods, soft foods, liquids, & soups because I can't chew on my left side. The foods & liquids are not delicious but what can you do when you're in pain?Day 4
My gums are doing well. I did a saltwater rinse. Even though I'm not actively trying, I can feel the stitches in my mouth. As ordered, I've been using the Peridex solution every day & night on the gums rather than brushing them. Other than that I brush my teeth as usual, simply avoiding the affected area. Same foods & liquids. Can't wait to eat real food.Day 5
My mouth & gums barely hurt at all, no pain! Yay! I can somewhat chew & eat.Day 6
My stitches are coming out. My jaw feels funky though. I think it's a bit sore from being open during the procedure & having to exclusively eat with my right side.Days 7 - 10
Everything is almost back to normal. Healing well. There's only a mild sensation of awkwardness in my jaw & gums.Day 14
I feel back to normal. I visited the periodontist today & he said everything looks great. There's a bit of swelling & healing left, so he wants me to come back in two weeks. My tip to those who are getting a gingivectomy surgery: if you're healing well, schedule your checkup 3 - 4 weeks from your initial procedure to allow time to heal, so you don't have to keep come in multiple for a 5 minute check up.
Day 21
I came in again & my periodontist said everything looks great & my gums are healing appropriately. He wants me to visit for a final check-up in six weeks.
Day 32
I went to the dentist today & the dental hygienist could tell which side was most recently done. I obviously can't see that far into my mouth. It's interesting that although I don't feel any particular discomfort, it's evident that the tissues inside my mouth take time to recuperate 100%.
Final Thoughts: Gingivectomy for Gum Disease
Oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease, bleeding gums, tooth decay, etc. I hope this helps anyone who's considering a gingivectomy surgery. At the time, everything felt sore & achy & I couldn't wait for that feeling to go away. Now I can feel a big difference in my mouth & know it's going to help my gums & teeth in the long run. The gingivectomy recovery was tough but not horrible. If you have any problems, immediately call your doctor. Make sure to follow-up with your dentist during the recovery. The gingivectomy pain level wasn't too horrendous and got better.Follow your pre & post-operative instructions. At the time of this surgical procedure, it was covered by insurance but it can range by age. Ask your doctor/oral surgeon if you have any questions or experience any issues.
How to Toast Quinoa
Quinoa is a magical little grain that's high in protein & gluten-free. In fact, it's actually a seed. I want to show you a wonderful way to give it some natural flavor. That said, you definitely don't toast quinoa in the toaster! Hehehe. Keep reading to learn how to toast quinoa.
1. Locate your quinoa. Found it? Got it? Good. Moving on.
2. Preheat your pan. No need for oil.
3. Gently rinse your quinoa. There's often dirt & other bits o' nature in there.
4. Add your desired amount of quinoa to the pan.
5. Stir lightly until toasty.
Ok, so yes those are the basics.
You really need to keep your eye on the pan, constantly moving the quinoa around. If you don't it'll burn. You'll know your quinoa is just about ready when you start to hear some slight crackling. This means they're getting nice & toasty. You'll see the edges start to brown. You'll smell a lovely waft of aromatic flavor -- kind of nutty.
Slight crackling. Brown edges. Fragrant smell. These are signs you know it's cooking & that it's just about ready. You may toast the quinoa for however long you prefer. Simply monitor the brownness. Let that be your guide because you don't want it to be over toasted or burned.
After your quinoa is toasted, cook as directed. This usually means boiling it for about 20 minutes. Add water to your pan & just let it simmer over low heat until ready. The usual ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Substitute couscous with quinoa in this cumin chickpea dish. Do you have much cooking with quinoa experience? Was learning how to toast quinoa useful? Have you ever tried toasting your quinoa prior to eating it? :]
1. Locate your quinoa. Found it? Got it? Good. Moving on.
2. Preheat your pan. No need for oil.
3. Gently rinse your quinoa. There's often dirt & other bits o' nature in there.
4. Add your desired amount of quinoa to the pan.
5. Stir lightly until toasty.
Ok, so yes those are the basics.
You really need to keep your eye on the pan, constantly moving the quinoa around. If you don't it'll burn. You'll know your quinoa is just about ready when you start to hear some slight crackling. This means they're getting nice & toasty. You'll see the edges start to brown. You'll smell a lovely waft of aromatic flavor -- kind of nutty.
 |
| before, nice & white |
 |
| before, nice & white |
Slight crackling. Brown edges. Fragrant smell. These are signs you know it's cooking & that it's just about ready. You may toast the quinoa for however long you prefer. Simply monitor the brownness. Let that be your guide because you don't want it to be over toasted or burned.
 |
| after, so toasty. |
 |
| after. mmm. |
After your quinoa is toasted, cook as directed. This usually means boiling it for about 20 minutes. Add water to your pan & just let it simmer over low heat until ready. The usual ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Substitute couscous with quinoa in this cumin chickpea dish. Do you have much cooking with quinoa experience? Was learning how to toast quinoa useful? Have you ever tried toasting your quinoa prior to eating it? :]
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