Here, we’ll break down how oregano oil is made, its health benefits and side effects, and how to incorporate it into your day. Oregano essential oil, which is made by steaming and distilling dried oregano leaves, is meant to be diffused or mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically. But it should not be eaten on its own. Essential oils are very potent, and ingesting them in an unencapsulated form can damage the intestinal lining....
The rope wall was first developed and refined by the late B.K.S. lyengar, originating in the ordinary Indian home or dwelling. Simple ropes were secured from a typical window gate, allowing for the yoga practitioner to go deeper in various poses as they are held by the ropes in suspension. For instance, many students new to yoga are not always ready for inversions, but a rope wall helps to facilitate the process by making the student feel more stable and secure....
Needless to say, our brains change quite a lot throughout our lifetime. But can we take control of that process? According to communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist Caroline Leaf, Ph.D., we absolutely have the ability to direct the plasticity process in our favor. Whether it’s dealing with emotional trauma, anxiety, or simply expanding your knowledge-base (before a test, perhaps), we can restructure our brains and transfer that energy in a positive direction....
Here at mbg, we’re huge fans of Kneipp because they’re experts on bathtime and, with over 125 years of experience creating bath products, you can trust they have a deep understanding of how the combination of hot water, mineral salts, essential oils, and color therapy can make a world of difference when you immerse yourself in a bath. If you’re more into oils or your skin is in need of deep nourishment, Kneipp’s Dream Away Valerian & Hops Bath Oil is an mbg gift guide pick that will give you that all-important bedtime calm in an aromatherapy bath oil that will help you drift off to sleep....
Ready to snooze in your own personal safe, sustainable cocoon? Read on for the six best organic comforters available right now. In the U.S., organic crops are grown in soil that has not been treated with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other prohibited substances within the last three years. And organically grown animals were raised in “living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones,” according to the USDA1....
While plenty of people subscribe to the mentality that any old multi off the shelf will do, the reality is that your multi needs to check a few boxes before you make this relationship exclusive. So, what are the must-haves for a quality multi? Premium ingredients, efficacious doses, a clean label, and, of course, a complete array of essential vitamins and minerals plus some perhaps lesser-known bioactives that can take your multi to the next level....
Examples of boundaries that ask for what you need are: For those of us struggling to be in touch with their boundaries or speak to them, the first step is learning to be aware of what your body is telling you about your needs and your limits. Boundaries can be complex, and it’s OK if you stumble once in a while with trying to maintain them. Learning to respect and protect your boundaries is something that we have our whole lifetimes to practice, and with time, it’ll only become more and more natural....
Plyometrics are any exercises that include explosive movements: moves like burpees, jump lunges, mountain climbers, and box jumps. Burn more fat Since plyometrics are by nature high intensity, they help you burn more fat than moderately-paced exercise will. Plus, the afterburn effect of plyometric-style training means you’ll be boosting your metabolism for the next 24-48 hours after your HIIT-style workout, so you’ll continue to burn calories long even after your workout is over....
Optimism doesn’t just make us feel happier. It also makes us more confident. Optimism helps us believe in ourselves and our ability to bring about a solution. The season I worked with them, the Cards won their first World Series in two decades. I worked with them again in 2011 when they won a second time. This is a testament to the fact that optimism can definitely be learned. Here are seven ways to cultivate optimism and confidence in your own life....
So, we spoke to experts to find out about all the benefits you can expect from this ingredient—a few might even surprise you: “Avocado oil is primarily processed for cosmetics because it can rapidly absorb into the skin,” says Muhga Eltigani, founder of NaturAll Club. “Fresh avocados are extremely rich in nutrients and vitamins but can’t be absorbed as easily. When you use cold-pressed virgin avocado oil, it maintains all of the fruit’s vitamins and nutrients other than vitamins B and C, as they are water-soluble and thus lost in the extraction process....
A holistic traditional Chinese medicine healing plan typically involves herbal therapy, acupuncture, dietary changes, and lifestyle shifts. These eight herbs and ingredients are the ones TCM practitioners rely on to bring balance to the body, support the immune system, and promote overall health. It is important to note that while these herbs have been use traditionally for many generations, there is limited clinical research to prove their effectiveness and you should always consult with a physician if you’re feeling unwell before starting on a herbal regimen....
Sometimes a triggering event will motivate the narcissist to leave. These are usually life-altering events for one of you. If you become ill or incapacitated or unable or unwilling to participate in the life the narcissist has designed, that may prompt the narcissist to leave. Even a positive event, such as having a child, can upset the delicate balance of the relationship, especially if it requires the narcissist to be more responsible and emotionally involved....
We often think of beauty in a similar fashion: A grounding routine can soothe your psyche the same way a rich face cream can coddle your skin barrier. And with the holidays right around the corner, November is the perfect time to reflect on what genuinely feeds your mind, body, and soul, so you can enter the season and upcoming new year with a level head—it also doesn’t hurt to show up to the festivities with a glowing complexion....
Some of these signs might appear obvious, but many very intelligent people miss them. If you’re ready to create a long-term relationship or find yourself stuck in one that’s not progressing the way you want it to, these nine warning signs can help you make a better prediction about your future with the other person. And hopefully save you a ton of valuable time in the process. An example of this is that person who makes you feel so wanted, alive and beautiful but can then go days (or even weeks) without even texting you....
And while our mats are the pathway to Zen, they can also be a direct line to germs and bacteria. “Making skin contact with a dirty yoga mat covered in germs and bacteria can lead to skin infections, acne, toenail fungus and even transfer of the herpes virus and staph and strep infections in susceptible individuals,” David A. Greuner, M.D., FACS, FICS, a double board-certified surgeon, writes on mbg. This means that you’ll want to avoid using other people’s mats when possible and always stay diligent about cleaning your own....
Similar to the penis, the clitoris is made up of erectile tissue that contains capillaries with a unique feature. When this tissue is filled with blood, it becomes “engorged” and makes the clit feel and look “fuller and firmer,” Mintz explains. It also makes the clitoris more sensitive to touch and other sensations, which can ultimately lead to more powerful orgasms. “Blood flow to the clitoris is essential to arousal and orgasm, and clit pumping can facilitate that for anyone with a clitoris, regardless of gender identity, making clit pumps a very useful and inclusive sex device,” Mintz says....
Two years ago at age 43, I discovered that my homocysteine levels were sky-high. High homocysteine is defined as higher than 15, and mine was 63. Levels that high are linked to blood clotting, which can lead to a catastrophic cardiovascular event. My father died of heart disease in his 40s, so I took this news very seriously. There is no surgery or medication to combat homocysteine, so my doctor, Frank Lipman, M....
Of course, there’s a difference between being toxic and acting toxic. The first is when it’s ingrained in our personality, and we actively enjoy hurting others; the second corresponds to aspects of our behaviors. Sometimes without knowing it, these toxic behaviors can take us over. Think about it as a muscle into which you’re unknowingly pumping metaphorical steroids, and soon it looks like The Hulk. The good news is, with a little self-reflection and asking for feedback from others, we can become aware of these habits and eradicate them so we can become better people....
A year ago, I was introduced to a quick yoga practice reported to be over 2,500 years old, called the 5 Tibetan Rites. After viewing a few videos and reading a short book, I started to engage in the 15-minute sequence every morning, whether at home or on the road. I’ve kept up with the habit for a year and have made some interesting observations along the way. Here’s the scoop....
However, certain situations—like air pollution, other environmental stressors, nutrition choices, and day-to-day stress—can increase free radical production while thwarting antioxidant defenses. The result is free radicals, causing oxidative stress. So what does this mean for your skin? “Free radicals and oxidative stress lead to changes in the cell that are recognized as signs of aging: decreased collagen and elastin, increased pore size, increased textural changes, and changes in pigmentation,” says Morgan Rabach, M....
