9 Rules for a Safer Pedicure, According to Podiatrists

Maybe you’ve heard some nail salon horror stories, but you’ve shrugged them off. After all, at your salon, the employees look happy, the clippers seem sterilized, and every inch of the salon looks spotless. What could go wrong?

According to podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Member Jackie Sutera, DPM: a lot. The thing is, it’s pretty tough — if not impossible — to get all those tools and appliances perfectly sterile between use. That means your pedicure is an opportunity to have contact with infections from previous pedi-lovers.

But a great pedi has its perks, so Dr. Sutera and the American Podiatric Medical Association recommended these tips for a safer pedicure.

1.) Skip the shave. True, it’s a little awkward to have someone lotion your legs when they’re covered in stubble, but your skin will thank you. Wait at least 24 hours after shaving your legs before scheduling that pedicure.  According to Dr. Sutera, a shave creates “microcuts” all over the skin, which are like mini open wounds. As a result, those slick legs make you “much more prone to getting an infection from the towels or people’s hands or the water you’re sitting in,” says Dr. Sutera.

2.) Rise and shine. The salon will often the cleanest — and the employees at their most alert — right away in the morning. This is also when salons tend to be the least busy, so salon employees will have more time to follow proper sterilization techniques and give you the safest, healthiest pedicure.

3.) Skip the sale. By that same logic, be wary of those “Half off Mondays!” specials. That extra foot traffic may result in a more chaotic (and less clean) salon.

4.) Line up! Plastic liners in the foot baths are a YES. This means the tub gets a fresh lining for each pedi, so your tootsies won’t be swimming in the same bath as the customer before you. This decreases your chances of contracting an infection.

5.) Try disposable. When it comes to derailing germs, disposable tools are safer than reusable tools. Common nail salon tools — foot files, pumice stones, nail files, buffers — just can’t be sterilized, says Dr. Sutera. Even those fancy UV lights are not really getting the spores of infections off them. If you’re a frequent salon-goer and want to conserve resources, consider investing in your own tools and bringing them with you to the salon.

6.) No. Foot. Razors. Once prized as the ultimate form of removing calluses, these instruments are now strictly frowned upon by podiatrists. Foot razors can shave off way too much of the epidermis, leaving the dermis underneath exposed and vulnerable. Here are other remedies for callused and cracked heels you can try instead.

7.) Be a square. Well, let your nails be square at least. Even if you prefer the look and feel of round edges, square nails help protect against painful ingrown toenails.

8.) Know when to skip the polish. Are your toenails discolored, dry, brittle, or similarly unhealthy? These are signs of a foot fungus — or simply a weak nail that needs a break. You might be tempted to cover up a yellow nail with some shiny red polish, but this can make things worse. An infected nail needs to breathe, and polish will not allow that.

9.) Diabetic? Consult a podiatrist. As always, you should follow proper foot care for diabetes, and your podiatrist can recommend a personal pedi plan for a safe and healthy pedicure that eliminates the risk of infection (See #6!). Source

What's Hiding Under Your Nails

There’s an itsy-bitsy, teeny-tiny part of your body that you might be neglecting when it comes to keeping clean. And here’s the thing: this spot is like a disco party for grime, germs, and bacteria. We’re talking about the areas under your nails, and the longer your nails are, the more potential there is for gunk to take up residence.

We use our hands and nails for practically everything. For picking things up off the ground and elsewhere, scratching, holding hands with others, and wiping you know what. This is not an exhaustive list.

“Throughout the day, we use our nails for many mechanical purposes and these actions can accelerate the accumulation of dirt, bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms underneath the [the free edge of our nails that grows outward],” explains Dr. Eric Rudnick, a board-certified dermatologist and dermapathologist based in Boca Raton, Florida. And not to really gross you out or anything, but Dr. Rudnick tells us he looks at nails underneath a microscope regularly, and things get pretty gnarly under there. In fact, he says that anecdotally, up to 90% of these nail specimens have numerous colonies of bacteria and yeast. Blech! Although not really surprising when you think about it.

Remember that part where we reminded you that nails are used for basically everything? Well, the issue of grimy fingernails is a big deal for precisely that reason. We also use our hands to prepare and eat food, and to scratch or touch our skin – sometimes scabs or open woods. Some of us even have the habit of biting our nails or (sometimes unconsciously) putting them in or near our mouth, ears, and nose. In other words, we tend to give this grime a free and welcomed entrance directly into our body.

The CDC also stresses how dirty this area can get, noting that fingernails can even contribute to the spread of some infections. What’s worse for those of us who love a lengthy talon, they point out that “longer fingernails can harbor more dirt and bacteria than short nails, thus potentially contributing to the spread of infection.”

The Best Hygiene Regimen for Keeping Nails Clean

No, we’re not saying you absolutely have to cut your nails down to the quick. But we are telling you that you might wanna rethink your current nail cleaning regimen.

“Proper hand hygiene is more important than ever,” says celebrity manicurist Mazz Hanna. “[Whether long or short], you should thoroughly clean under your nails every single time you wash your hands. At least once a day, use a brush with antibacterial soap to gently scrub under fingernails. You can use a new soft toothbrush or a soft brush you can get at any beauty supply store or Amazon.”

While you’re at it, now’s a good time to try to curb that mindless nail-chewing habit and to be more aware of exactly where you’re putting your fingers. Hanna adds that it’s important to avoid picking at your cuticles. Oh, and get yourself some gloves for any dirty jobs. That includes cleaning and scrubbing surfaces in your home, washing the dishes, and working in the garden.

Now that you know just how grody your nails can get, and what to do about it, may you never feel grossed out by the sight or thought of your own hands again. Source

Benefits of a Hot Stone Foot Massage

Hot stone foot massage is a type of foot massage therapy involving smooth, heated stones. The heat from the stones aids muscle relaxation and reduces overall body tension. This type of massage can be beneficial for those who suffer from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Additionally, this massage therapy is said to improve circulation and boost energy levels. 

There are many benefits from hot stone foot massage therapy that may surprise you. It can help improve circulation, relieve pain, and reduce stress. It can also help detoxify the body and promote relaxation. If you are looking for a way to relax and rejuvenate your feet, you’ll find this massage therapy to be a great option for you. Here are a few examples of the benefits of using hot stones in your next massage...

1. Improved circulation

This massage therapy helps improve circulation by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. It can help reduce pain and inflammation in the feet and lower legs.

2. Relief from pain

The heat from the stones helps relax muscles and ease the pain. For people with illnesses like fibromyalgia or arthritis, this may be extremely helpful.

3. Reduced stress

The warmth of the stones helps release tension and calm the nervous system, thus reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

4. Detoxification

The heat from the stones helps increase sweating, which can help flush toxins from the body. This therapeutic treatment can enhance one’s general health and well-being.

5. Boosted energy levels

In addition to improved circulation and muscle relaxation, this therapy can lead to a boost in energy levels.

6. Improved sleep

Sleep is disturbed by pain or worrisome thoughts. The relaxation achieved through the massage can help improve your sleep quality. Over time, getting frequent massages helps keep your unpleasant symptoms to a minimum.

7. Improved flexibility

It is challenging to walk and move through daily chores when one has sore ankles or constant leg cramps. Stiff joints as well as tense leg muscles can benefit from the hot stone therapy. Compared to traditional massage techniques, hot stones are more effective in releasing tension and improving flexibility and range of motion.

Hot stone therapy can help people who are stressed, have insomnia, or are experiencing muscle discomfort and tension. It is a wonderful method to increase the efficacy of your message. With this treatment, your feet and leg muscles will experience a deeper state of relaxation. Source

Why Rolling The Bottom Of Your Foot Is So Important

The sole of the foot is often an area we don’t think about much… that is until it becomes painful! However, even if you don’t have a condition like plantar fasciitis, it is often a good idea to work on relaxing the muscles on the bottom of the foot.

Believe it or not, there are actually 4 separate layers of muscles on the sole of the foot. Many of these muscles are very small, making stretching them very difficult. So, how can we best relax them? By massaging them!

You can use your hand to massage them but the best, and easiest way I have found is by using either a golf ball or lacrosse ball and pressing the foot into it. Of note, you want to avoid massaging the heel bone as too much force in this area can sometimes irritate the insertion of the plantar fascia.

It is normal to experience some pain while massaging them but it shouldn’t be too intense – if it is, then you may want to consult with either your doctor or physiotherapist.

Why is Massaging the sole of the foot important?

The sole of the foot is where the major lower extremity peripheral nerves terminate. These nerves end up supplying other muscles higher up in the leg before finishing in the foot. If there is compression of the nerves in the sole of the foot from tightness in the foot muscles, then it can actually cause muscles higher up in the leg to become a bit tighter as their common nerve supply will be a bit sensitized.

When in your Stretching Routine should you massage your foot?

Start any stretching routine by first massaging the sole of the foot. This will help the other muscles in the leg become easier to stretch as their common nerve supply will be less sensitive. Then recommend stretching or massaging the remaining muscles by starting from the foot and then working up the leg towards the spine. Source

9 Foot Pressure Points and Corresponding Benefits

Reflexology is a complementary therapy in which pressure is applied in one area of the body to benefit a corresponding area. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), certain body parts are thought to be linked through pressure points, and reflexology offers relief by manipulating these pressure points in areas of the body that are difficult to access and treat.

Where Are the Foot Pressure Points?

There are multiple pressure points in the feet, and each is believed to have a corresponding area in the body that may benefit from distant pressure or massage;

Pressure Point

• Tips of the toes = Head and brain
• Middle of the toes = Face and sinuses
• Base of the toes = Teeth, gums, and jaw
• Base of the pinky toe = Neck
• Outer side of the foot = Arms, elbows, knees, legs
• Inner side of the foot =Neck, brain stem, thymus, spine, and bladder
• Outer side of the ankle = Lower back
• Inner side of the ankle = Lymph glands, fallopian tubes, and groin
• Top, middle area of the foot = Lungs, chest, breast, and upper back

Different areas on the soles of the feet are associated with specific internal organs that cannot be accessed during massages, such as the kidneys, spleen, and adrenal glands. Some people may have more pressure points than others, or they can be located in slightly different areas. Finding the most effective foot pressure points for relief might take trial and error.

Reflexology has several assumed benefits. However, there is limited evidence and clinical research to support the exact effect of this therapy.

Massage, pressure, and other forms of stimulation can increase blood supply, improve circulation, and help various substances move through the body. Sometimes referred to as a type of detoxification, reflexology is suspected to help remove calcium, lactate, and uric acid buildup in your tissues, which can cause problems.

The nerve impulse theory suggests that foot reflexology can stimulate nerve signals that correspond with responses in other body areas.

Foot reflexology has been studied as a therapy for some health conditions, including:

• Sleep problems (e.g., insomnia)
• Migraines
• Chronic pain
• Injury and illness recovery
• Stress management

Some researchers have studied reflexology to support the management of conditions like diabetic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis, but the outcomes vary. Additionally, some people, like pregnant people or those sensitive to overstimulation, should avoid reflexology due to potential complications.

Reflexology research suggests that this therapy is most beneficial for relieving sleep problems, pain, and stress symptoms, especially in older adults. It may also reduce the medication required to manage chronic conditions like insomnia. Source

What is A Baby Boomer Nail?

Currently, the baby boomer nail trend is all the rage globally, and for a good reason. If you prefer a more classic nail look to the colorful, over-the-top nail trends, then the baby boomer style is perfect for you!

The baby boomer nail trend provides an artistic twist to the classic French manicure: unlike the classic style that features contrasting tips on a light pink base, baby boomer nails feature the perfect blend of white and pink to create a charming gradient effect.

Origin of the Baby Boomer Nail Trend

A quick google search of “baby boomer nails” will result in Ombre French manicure images, which you have probably seen before in a variety of American nail salon displays. However, the style gets its name from European countries where it became a massive trend in 2018. The evolved French manicure look dates back to the 1940s, the beginning of the baby boomer generation period which lasted until the mid-60s. Source

Hailey Bieber’s New Manicure Signals The Arrival Of Fall

Autumn is near! How better to mark the occasion than with a perfect manicure? Hailey Bieber is feeling fall, shellacking her nails in a cinnamon brown art, a blend of five sumptuous shades. Posting a snap of her fresh manicure on Instagram, it’s clear that she is indeed “ready for fall.” Hailey Bieber is known to set trends for her style including her choice of manicure. We love neutral tones and brown is the perfect tone to compliment any outfit for this fall. Book an appointment with us today to get your trendy, fall manicure!

Brown nails emanate a cozy aura, while also conveniently blending seamlessly with many an autumn outfit. After test-driving the cinnamon-spiced mani, add a deeper chocolate brown hue to the list, with a blunter square shape, slightly rounded off at the edges—a fun nod to our favorite sweet treat.

"Brown nail polish is very much in style, echoing the rich brown shades of caramel, toffee and chocolate from the popular 'latte' makeup look," says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director at Townhouse. "Much like how brown tones are trending in the makeup world, brown nail polish has made a massive comeback. It adds a touch of sophistication to any look."

Check out Hailey Biebers manicure color here...

How to Moisturize Your Nails

You moisturize your face, your body, your hair... but what about your nails? Yep, your tips need extra moisture, too. If you've ever had issues with manicure longevity or nail growth and aren't already addressing dryness, doing so may be the key to achieving the healthy mani you want.

A variety of factors, both internal and external, can contribute to dry nails. For example, age and gender can play a role. "Cholesterol is the main lipid found in the nail, low levels of which can compromise the nail's ability to hold onto hydration," explains Dr. Dana Stern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in nail health. One study found that women had decreased levels of cholesterol in their nail plate as they aged, supporting the fact that dry, brittle nails are more common in women over the age of 50, she adds. On the external side, environmental factors can take a toll. Cold, dry weather can contribute, which is why people tend to have dry nails during the winter months, says Tina Wang, owner of Lunula Salon.

Stern says that along with being a nuisance that can affect the longevity of your manicure (polish won't adhere as well to dry nails, leading to peeling and chipping), dry nails are also more prone to splits and breakage. They can also lead to your cuticle cracking at the nail base, increasing the likelihood of infection, Wang points out. The good news? If you take the time to moisturize your dry nails—and do so properly—repairing dry nails can usually happen pretty quickly.

1.) Prevent Moisture from Escaping

Fun fact: "The nail is 1000 times more permeable to water than the skin is," Stern shares. That means that water exposure—think everyday activities like hand washing and doing the dishes—can weaken and break the bonds of the nail's structure, compromising its ability to retain hydration. The solution: Wear gloves any time you're washing the dishes, and make sure to apply moisturizer (more on that point in a moment) immediately after your nails are exposed to water, Wang advises, explaining that you're essentially taking the same steps that you would to prevent your hands from drying out.

2.) Don't Forget to Exfoliate

This may sound like a strange one—do you really need to exfoliate your nails? According to Stern, the answer is a resounding yes. Picture the nail cells on your nail like overlapping tiles on a roof—because they're dead, they'll often become separated and peel or lift up, just like you might see flaky skin on your legs in the winter, she says. And just like you'd need to buff off that skin in order for your moisturizer to better penetrate the cells below, the dead nail cells need a little extra help with removal, too.

3.) Choose the Right Moisturizer

Post-exfoliation, it's time to add back that much-needed moisture. Wang recommends looking for a nail-specific cream, like Londontown's Kur Restorative Nail Cream, which contains vitamin E to strengthen nails and prevent cracking. Alternately, you could simply use your go-to hand cream on your nails (more on exactly how to do so in a moment). As yet another option, Stern says oils tend to absorb into the nail even better than creams, especially products with sunflower oil and Brazil nut oil, both of which are phospholipids that increase nail flexibility and combat dryness. In terms of how often to moisturize your nails, more is more. Definitely do so after water exposure as well as before bed, but the more you can do it, the better.

4.) Massage the Product In

Whether you're using a cream or an oil, how you apply it matters. "It's not enough just to plop it on. You need to massage it into your nails, not only to reduce peeling and brittleness, but also to stimulate blood circulation around the nails in order to encourage healthy nail growth," Wang points out. Ideally, you'll want to do so for at least a minute.

5.) Try Nail Slugging

The K-beauty trend is good for more than just your skin and hair: Nail slugging means applying a thick, occlusive agent on top of your exfoliated, moisturized nail bed to seal in moisture and improve absorption, Stern explains. After applying your cream or oil, coat each nail in a thick layer of an ointment, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor. Bonus points if you pop on cotton gloves to keep everything really locked in and leave it all on overnight.

6.) See a Professional If Needed

While the basics of caring for dry nails are possible (and even recommended) to do at home, you should consider seeing a professional if you experience any dramatic changes in color, texture, or shape, all of which can occur alongside nail dryness, Wang says. Similarly, if you're trying all of the above and nothing seems to be working, seek outside help, as our nails can be a reflection of underlying vitamin deficiencies and other health issues, she points out. Stern adds that you should also have your nail health assessed by your dermatologist or primary care physician if your nails suddenly become dry and brittle, as this may indicate thyroid issues and sometimes anemia. Source

Nail Your Pedicure With These Sanitary Tips

Professional pedicures and manicures might make you feel relaxed and confident, but it’s important to take precautions to avoid infections from the nail salon. If you enjoy getting pedicures, focus on the cleanliness of the nail salon.

“What they soak your feet in is important because if it’s just a basin that doesn’t have a motor, then there’s no area for the fungus or bacteria to lodge,” said Dr. Esther Jonas, podiatrist and assistant professor in the Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Baylor.

Nail salons usually line the basin with plastic, which is a good added measure of protection. Things can get lodged into jets, so any footbath with jacuzzi-type jets must have plastic lining to avoid anything invading your feet. If you are at risk due to chemotherapy, diabetes or other conditions, tell your nail technician about your condition and risk for infection and ask to see how they sterilize the instruments.

Risks

If the pedicurist fails to clean the basin properly, you can contract staph infection if you have an open sore or are predisposed to staph, which can be life-threatening. Some might get tinea, which is a fungus that usually starts in the skin and can get into the nails.

“Some pedicurists are more aggressive than others and tend to be heavy-handed or push the cuticles down strongly. That can cause irritation to the cuticle,” Jonas said. “If you’re sensitive, you need to let them know to be sensitive and gentle.”

If you have an ingrown toenail or something causing pain and they become aggressive and nick you, it can lead to infection.

Preventative measures

If you easily bruise or have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, point it out to your pedicurist or manicurist and make sure the pedicure does not aggravate or inflame the existing condition. Jonas also recommends bringing your own instruments and nail polish if you have sensitive skin or certain conditions.

The act of buffing weakens enamel, which can lead to fungus, so ask the specialist to buff lightly.

Polish

Nail polish affects the enamel of the nail, especially if you have it on your nails constantly. Jonas recommends pausing on the polish to let the nails strengthen and breathe. Some types of polish are more damaging while others are clean. Many clean polishes do not contain toxic chemicals that eat away at enamel.

“When you lose enamel, you lose that protection and can get toenail fungus. That could be because you go to the salon too much, not because the salon causes it,” she said.

Shellac, dip and fake nails are very hard on the nail plate. They require sanding down the nail, which ruins the top layer. The chemicals that make the manicure or pedicure last longer seep into the nail plate.

“When fake nails grow out, it creates an opening, so when you get them wet, water gets in and causes humidity and that causes the nail to rot,” Jonas said.

Ingrown toenails

People usually get ingrown toenails because of cuticles causing pain. A pedicurist might try to clean it and get it out, but they can face trouble depending on the shape of the nail.

“Some nails are flat, some are more seashell-shaped where they fan out and some curl all the way around where you can’t see the side of the nail,” she said. “Toenails that are curled under the nail bed will usually cause a lot of pain and lead to ingrown toenail”

Many toenails, like the seashell-shaped nails, are ingrown but not infected – they just form that way. It might be hard to differentiate the cuticle between the skin, and if the nail technician nicks the skin and causes bleeding, your potential for infection is high. Usually, a traumatic event to the nail bed causes an ingrown toenail to get infected, so if you feel pain, make sure your pedicurist is gentle.

At-home care

You should always take care of your feet and toenails, even when taking breaks from the salon;

• Use cuticle oil or cuticle cream if you have thick, hard cuticles to keep them soft and easier to trim
• Keep nails short: long toenails rubbing up in shoes and sneakers cause damage to the nail and the nail lifts up
• Moisturize the feet to prevent dry, scaly skin that causes cracks
• Use a pumice stone to keep the feet soft
• Minimize wearing open back sandals frequently, especially if you have dry, scaly skin

“If you’re at risk, vascularly compromised or you don’t have good pulses or good feeling in the feet, go to a specialist because when you’re at risk, you don’t want to develop a foot infection that causes further damage to your feet,” Jonas said. Source

Benefits of Herbs in Beauty

To improve the overall health of the body, herbs have been playing a major role for decades; they help in healing wounds faster, make up for nutritional supplements and also deliver a host of benefits. Herbs strengthen the immune system, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, have anti-inflammatory properties, and prevent Alzheimer’s diseases and various types of cancer.

Herbs eliminate the nutritional deficiencies in your body and thus restore the correct function of the body. Herbs rectify problems rather than suppress them. It is also said that herbs nourish every part of the body with their vitamin and mineral content. In short, our body needs certain essential dietary nutrients to meet the everyday demands of life because herbs provide us with most of the necessary components for a healthy life.

Herbs are normally used as flavoring additives to culinary dishes. Along with that, herbs are now an integral part of various medicinal practices in most countries.

Many herbal extracts like those derived from mint, licorice, fenugreek, ginkgo, and aloe vera are used in medicines. The health benefits of herbs vary with their type. For example, ‘Artichoke’ cures different kinds of digestive problems, whereas ‘American Ginseng’ works as a health tonic and ‘Rosemary’ promotes healthy brain function. Almost all herbs have some health benefit and you can consume herbs for their comprehensive benefits after acquiring the recommendation of a medical practitioner.

Health Benefits Of Herbs

Given below are some general benefits of herbs. This is just an indicative list;

Strengthen the Immune System: Herbs are rich in many essential oils, antioxidants, phytosterols, vitamins, and other nutrient substances that equip your body to fight against toxins and germs, as well as boosting the immune system. In fact, you can call herbs ‘medicines’ in small dosages. Some of these immune-boosting herbs are elderberry, garlic, ginger, onion, hibiscus, cinnamon, and goldenseal.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The essential oils present in some herbs, like ginger root, have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Some herbs inhibit the enzyme cycloxygenase (COX), which facilitates inflammatory reactions in your body. This is the reason why herbs are excellent natural remedies for inflammatory health issues such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel ailments like ulcerative colitis.

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels and Cholesterol: Some herbs have positive effects on the pancreas, thereby balancingblood sugar levels. Herbs have reportedly controlled many cases of Type I or Type II diabetes. For instance, fenugreek, bilberry and cayenne pepper extracts are said to be good blood sugar-stabilizing herbs. Herbs like psyllium, fenugreek and licorice can result in a noteworthy reduction of cholesterol and in blood pressure levels, thereby preventing various coronary ailments.

Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease: Many herbs have antioxidant, anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory properties. These can effectively prevent Alzheimer’s disease. In Europe, the Ginkgo herb has been used widely to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Prevents Cancer: Since ancient times, especially in Chinese medicine, herbs were extensively used for treating cancer symptoms. In fact, herbs also help to soothe the after effects of chemotherapy. Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have shown through a number of studies that gastric, hepatoma, colon, and breast cancer cells can be effectively destroyed by many medicinal herbs like oldenlandia, scutellaria, taraxacum, and phragmites. The herbs purify blood and prevent cell mutations that usually lead to cancerous growths. The volatile oils derived from certain herbs emit cytotoxicity action against pancreatic, prostate, endometrial, and colon cancer cells. However, the selection of herbs to cure cancer should be strictly done under the supervision of a medical practitioner.

Skin Care: For ages, herbs have shown significant benefits for natural skin care. Amongst the innumerable herbs found all over the globe, some common herbs like neem, turmeric, Aloe Vera and holy basil assure you radiant and healthy skin. If you mix the powdered form of holy basil, neem, mint leaves and a pinch of turmeric powder, it will eventually fade any dark spots on your face. Chamomile oil, when applied topically, helps to repair damaged skin tissues. Tea Tree oil is a great herbal extract used for face washes and creams, especially for oily skin, as it has the ability to control oil secretion from the pores. Aloe Vera is extensively used in manufacturing skin products, as this herb gives a smooth and youthful touch to your skin. Basil leaves are also an important ingredient for skin cosmetics, particularly in India.

Hair Care: Like skin care, hair care has also become a prevalent practice through herbal applications. Massaging your hair with jojoba oil stimulates bountiful growth to your hair. There are many more herbs like gotu kula, horsetail, ginseng, and marigold extract that similarly stimulate hair growth. If you use cooled chamomile tea as a hair toner, it will give you a natural blonde hair coloring effect. With the application of lemon juice, you can enhance the color effect as well. Aloe Vera juice or oil regenerates hair cells, thereby repairing damages and also soothing the scalp with a cooling sensation. Fenugreek enhances blood circulation to the hair roots. Ivy burdock cleanses hair and also cures scalp problems like itchiness and dandruff.

Dental Care: Herbal toothpastes are now widely available in the market, which often ensure a perfect set of teeth and gums for you without any side effects, after extended use. Some tooth cleaners in the market contain harsh abrasives, whiteners, detergents, or bleach that can cause harm to your teeth over the long term. Thus, opting for herbal methods is a wise choice for natural dental care. There are numerous herbs that, when used directly on the teeth and gums, gives wonderful and quick results. For instance, rubbing sage leaves over the teeth and gums cleans them instantly and makes the texture smooth. If teeth stains are a problem for you, rub alpine strawberry over the teeth. Bad breath can also be easily eradicated by using lavender water, fresh parsley or mint tea as an herbal mouthwash. For toothaches, clove oil is probably the most effective and readily available medicine. For a healthy mouth and gums, herbs like alpine strawberry, lavender, thyme, sage, neem, fennel, parsley, Aloe Vera, and mint are found to be very effective and are widely used in the manufacturing of herbal toothpastes, mouthwashes and tooth whiteners.

Herbs have a number of overall benefits for your body – the healing properties of herbs vary, but usually most of them are carminative (cures gastric issues), diaphoretic (controls water retention), lipolytic (helps in weight loss), anti-spasmodic, analgesic (relieves pain), deodorant, aphrodisiac (increases sexual drive), antiseptic, digestive, and stimulant when taken in correct dosage. 

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