Celebs Are Obsessed with Lymphatic Drainage Massages – Here’s How To Try It At Home

Last year, The Wall Street Journal shared that Hailey Bieber's lymphatic massage practitioner, Rebecca Faria has a 2,300 person waitlist. If we needed proof that one of our favorite wellness routines was up-trending this was it.

We've been talking about the benefits of lymphatic massage for ages and so many of our readers are fans. If you're a long-time readers, you likely follow our favorite lymphatic health pros like Lo Roxburgh and Lisa Gainsley already. If you're just catching up on the benefits of lymphatic health, you can rifle through some of our best content on the topic HERE.

Curious if all the buzz around lymphatic drainage massage is real? We'll tell you now -- these massages live up to the hype. Faria counts Jennifer Aniston, Nicola Peltz Beckham and Anne Hathaway as lucky clients before big shoots and red carpet appearances -- and we understand why. It's one of our first appointments booked before vacations and special events! 

Massage before-and-afters from Brazilian practitioner, Lais Perez

You can find a few of our favorite practitioners in L.A. HERE. We know that they are all busier than ever, but it beats being the 2,301st person in line for Hailey's go-to gal. Want to try the massage yourself at home? We highly recommend learning how!

A Few Keys On Lymphatic Health...

The lymphatic system is a complex network of fluid-filled nodes, vessels, glands and organs, running throughout the entire body. It is one of the most important and often forgotten systems in the human body that is essential for detoxification and, if it’s not working efficiently, we end up with a list of symptoms that can lead to some serious issues down the road.

Why lymph is so Important: Although the lymphatic system isn't talked about as much as other systems in the body, it has a vital role in our health and requires a little extra TLC from us. The main function of the lymphatic system is to cleanse toxins and protect against harmful invaders in the body. The lymphatic system carries our body’s waste from the tissues and into the bloodstream for removal. When you think of all the toxins that our bodies comes into contact with these days, whether it be through food, air, cosmetic product chemicals, our water supply or the natural metabolic wastes our bodies need to flush daily, you begin to understand how vital this system is for our health.

Why massage? While blood is 'pumped' through the body by the heart, lymph is not, and easily becomes congested and stagnant. What’s more, stress is the number one cause of lymph stagnation, along with toxin buildup. Stagnant lymph can lower our immunity, lead to fluid retention, swelling, low energy, chronic sinusitis, eczema, and worsened inflammation.

How To Do A Lymphatic Massage At Home

It’s actually quite easy to get your lymphatic system moving. The lymph channels cover almost every inch of our bodies, running just underneath the skin. Don’t massage too hard. A very light massage with long strokes is all it takes to stimulate it. Lymph is a sensitive system and requires a gentle touch; too hard and you will collapse the lymphatic, actually diminishing the flow instead or increasing it.

The massage takes about 15 minutes or up to an hour -- if you have significant stagnation and really want to give your body some love. It’s best practiced daily, right before bed or when you wake up.

The oils used can actually help enhance the purification process providing additional therapeutic, anti-inflammatory, circulatory and even antibacterial properties. Check out how to make your own massage oil here, or, if you would prefer to purchase it already made, try The Organic Pharmacy's Detox Body Oil. 

You're going to massage in the direction of the heart, whether up from feet to torso or from fingers to shoulders. Use long, light strokes on the arms and legs and light, circular strokes on the joints. 

First, warm your oil. About 1/4 cup is what you will need for your whole body.

START WITH THE LEGS AND FEET. Using the oil and both hands, begin to massage between and under each toe, stroking upward to the ankles and eventually the legs. When you get to the joints, pause and massage in small circular strokes. Continue and lightly stroke upward, paying extra attention to areas of large lymph nodes, such as behind the knees.

DRAW UPWARDS THROUGH THE THIGHS using fingertips and the palms of your hands, concentrated on the back of the thighs and buttocks area where toxic waste likes to accumulate in the fatty tissue. With regular practice, this can help to reduce cellulite in these areas.Once you complete one leg, go on to the next. When you reach the groin area, where there are many nodules, massage both sides at once, stroking upwards, outwards towards your hips, and inwards over your stomach.

CONTINUE TO MASSAGE THE ABDOMEN in clockwise, circular motions. On the stomach, follow the movement of the intestine moving your hands upward on the ride side, across, and then downwards on the left side.

NOW CONCENTRATE ON EACH ARM, again, starting with each finger, knuckle, and joint, massage in small circular motions, then on to the forearm and upper arm using long feathery strokes. When you reach the armpit, using your thumb and forefinger in a pinching motion concentrate on the armpit and upper breast area where there are also many nodes. Do this on each side and stoke from the armpit over the top of the chest toward the chest center.

MASSAGE UPWARDS TOWARD THE CHEST and the heart, massaging each breast, and under each, in circular, clockwise motions, and then down towards the stomach.

FINALLY, WORK TOWARDS YOUR HEAD, massaging your neck, especially under your chin, where you might usually notice swollen glands when you begin to get sick. Using your fingertips, massage in gentle circular motions, eventually reaching the base of your skull and again finishing by bringing all movement down and around through the center of the the body.

Make sure you consume a lot of water after the treatment to help flush these toxins out.

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The 5 Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks – Including The Ultimate Margarita Mocktail

The sober space is booming again, and with it a slew of new more sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks.

The trend toward sobriety took a global pause during the pandemic, as consumers turned to familiar comforts at home and alcohol sales spiked world-wide. Maybe that's why -- more than ever -- more of us are leaning away from the notion that alcohol is a necessary ingredient in every social soiree.

Whether you're living a sober lifestyle or just looking to expand your options for wine-free evenings or sans cocktail pool parties, we've got a few options for you we think are worth sipping on.

5 Non-Alcoholic Drinks That Actually Taste Amazing

The trouble with too many non-alcoholic drinks is that they leave us without the buzz, but with the sugar. Something we're not too keen on sipping on in the first place. We'd rather have a sparkling mineral water over most of the no-ABV beverages we've tried! These are a few notable exceptions worth stocking the fridge with or toting to a friend's...

Sayso Skinny Spicy Margarita | Spicy margarita mix in a tea bag? We were skeptical. Now we're hooked. These clever sachets can be added to cocktails or mocktails for delicious, natural margarita mix in an instant. Paired with the below? Our favorite mocktail of all time.

Little Saints St. Mezcal | Little Saints makes a few products we love, but this no ABV 'mezcal' will be the product to put them on the map! It's difficult to find a dry, smoky option in the mocktail category, but this one is exactly that. Made with a rare, highly functional blend of palo santo and 100mg of lion's mane mushroom per serving!

French Bloom Le Rosé | The non-alcoholic wine category can be tricky and fraught with sugary glasses that fall flat. French Bloom is a rare exception, providing the closest we've tried to a true champagne with not a drop of alcohol. That dryness, flavor and acidity come from certified organic vineyards in the South of France. Super sexy and celebratory. The French Bloom Celebration Bundle is the perfect thing to gift a mom-to-be for a shower!

Ghia Le Spritz | Ghia launched like a rocket right out of the gate, quickly becoming one of the best mocktails around from day one. We love Ghia for that bitter, figgy, citrusy, gingery taste you rarely get in a fake mocktail. If we really needed a mocktail while out at night with friends, this would be our dream drink.

Kin Euphorics Kin Spritz | Kin is another instant classic in the no-ABV space and model Bella Hadid's collaboration with the brand hasn't hurt their cause. The roster on this functional beverage runs deep with GABA, L-Theanine, Citicoline, 5-HTP, L-Tyrosine, Phenylethylamine and Rhodiola -- all celebrated mood-modulators that you've got to try to understand. Expect to feel a little calmer and a bit of pep, as all the best adaptogens do.

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5 Sustainable Chunky Sandals That Aren’t Birkenstocks

We've got nothing against Birkenstocks, the comfort-first shoe brand has been around for more than 250 years and going stronger than ever thanks to a few loungewear-centric years and a major ugly sandal trend. Since the clunky sandal and clog trend is here to stay, we thought you may need a few alternatives and these are some our faves...

5 Sustainable Chunky Sandal Alternatives To Birkinstocks

ALOHAS Harper Sandals | Don't sleep on the Alohas brand. We've been shopping the brand head-to-toe lately and their Harper sandals are a best-seller. We love the gold details and sleek, layered footbed to ground down almost any outfit.
Jamie Haller Double Buckle Sandals | Fashion insider, Jamie Haller can do it all. Her timeless shoe designs are made of the finest materials and beloved by girls in the know. These buttery leather sandals are a sleeker take on the heavy sandal look for those who just can't deal with a shoe that weighs more than their handbag!
M.GEMI The Matilde Due Sandals | M.Gemi makes classic Italian leather shoes and accessories and their Matilde sandal is almost too pretty to wear. Leather-covered buckles give this pair a super-sleek and monochromatic look we love.
Jenni Kayne Oiled Leather Moc Clog | More of a chunky clogs person? We're loving these Jenni Kayne clogs in a neutral color that's easy to wear and will streamline your silhouette more than most other 'ugly shoes'.
Freedom Moses Two Band Slides | Freedom Moses makes vegan, fair-trade and sustainable slides that are near-irresistible to shop. Check out their full line of fun prints for women and children. We're partial to this splatterpaint moment, but check out their tie dye collection if you want to go full crunch.

Finally, there's nothing wrong with an actual pair of OG Birks. Add these classics to cart for the ultimate transitional weather pick.

Read More: 8 Sustainable Pieces To Wear When It's Too Damn Hot

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Living Well With Interior Designer Sarah Solis: On Cashmere, Sanctuaries + Singular Moments

Intentional and thoughtful design—and how that contribute to emotional wellbeing—is at the heart of what Sarah Solis brings to a project. As founder and principle of her namesake L.A.-based design studio, Sarah infuses beautiful design with the kind of thoughtful reflection required to give client the life they want at home.

We love talking to designers of all kinds, and Sarah's focus on embracing imperfection and building spaces that are calm, restorative, sensual, and artful is right up our alley...

Living Well With Designer Sarah Solis

Favorite 3 elements in a well-designed room: Unique lighting - I’m always so inspired by statement lighting fixtures; hardware - the jewelry of the home. It’s personal and it’s an element of fine detail, but also a key component to experiencing a space. I’m always a fan of plumbing hardware that feels like great jewelry; natural materials - Honoring natural materials with an “of the earth” palette—natural textiles, recycled and repurposed materials—is an integral part of my design philosophy that brings life and movement into a space.

My signature touch is... Creating singular, bold moments.

Favorite design trend right now: I love exposed beams—keeping some of the original details and architecture of a home, or bringing in gorgeous reclaimed wood to create that age and lived-in feeling.

Trend you’re ready to see go: Millions of pillows. I stray away from using lots of pillows and layers of accessories that create unwanted, visual clutter. Even just a singular, but bold, lumbar pillow on the bed creates a more refined, relaxed and serene space.

Biggest decor mistake most people make: Believing that everything they love will work together.

Design rule you love to break: Mixed metals!
To you, how does good design relate to wellness? Great design is both grounding and inspiring. Space planning can affect your mental flow and cultivate a great balance of form and function.

Favorite green or eco design tips: Use natural materials and avoid synthetics.

Favorite natural materials: Linen - A classic and relaxed design element; cashmere - perfectly cozy and understated. The material is as soft to the eye as it is to the touch; mohair - Its rich dimension creates softness and warmth, with a touch of luxe.

Tips for creating an intentional space... To me, creating intentional moments means capturing the authenticity of a space and honoring the small details that evoke big feelings. It's very important to be intentional. I also try to design meditative moments and create sanctuary-like spaces—using natural materials in variations of earthy, organic tones have always proven to feel grounding and serene.

Favorite home/decor shops... 1st Dibs, Nicky Kehoe, Galerie Half.

Favorite current design project: An equestrian farm in Old Agoura.

Item that instantly upgrades a space... Creative, artful lighting.

Current design mantra: It's all happening.

Read next: How To Shop Vintage Furniture With LA's New Pop Up Home

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Drop The Fake Vegan Protein – Are Boring Old Beans Actually The Perfect Food?

Before the world of fake vegan burgers and veggie bacons (some great, some not so great!), there were beans. When properly prepared, these affordable and highly nutritious plants can be a game-changer for a plant-based or vegan diet -- no franken-food or mystery ingredients required.

Lesley Sykes is the founder of Primary Beans, one of our favorite resources for interesting sources of traditional vegan proteins from around the world. Here's Lesley with more...

Wait, Are Boring Old Beans Actually The Perfect Food?

Not only are beans incredibly nourishing (Read: A Second Look at the World’s Least Sexy Plant-Based Protein), they’re also unfussy, completely adaptable to what’s in your kitchen, and taste like an indulgence.

While there's no shortage of information about the benefits of beans for overall health and wellness (Read: Living Well with Longevity Expert Dan Buettner of the Blue Zones), I’ve been particularly fascinated by the new information coming out about gut health. It’s fundamental for regulating metabolism, immune system functioning, hormones, mental health, and so much more — and both probiotics (think: fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt) and prebiotics (for example, high-fiber beans) play a huge role in helping the healthy bacteria in our gut thrive.

Whether you’re a bean aficionado or just getting started, here are some tips to help flex your creative cooking muscle, plus a recipe straight from my kitchen.

6 Tips For Incorporating More Beans In Your Daily Life

Build a ritual around beans | Make preparing a pot of beans a weekly ritual — put on some tunes, dance in your kitchen, and soak in all the aromas as they waft through your kitchen. Not only will this provide you with delicious beans to enjoy all week long, but it will nourish your soul!

Turn beans into a cozy soup | Stir cooked grains, veggies, or meat into brothy beans. Or, purée them for an elegant, cream-free twist.

Eat them for breakfast | From breakfast burritos to shakshuka, eggs and beans are always a winner. If you aren’t big on eggs – stewy beans on an English muffin does the trick too.

Use them to bulk up a salad | A tasty way to turn a salad into a satisfying meal. Marinate the beans in the dressing beforehand for an extra flavor punch.

Roast them into a crunchy snack | Small, round chickpeas stay intact, but you can crisp up any bean in the oven for a protein-rich snack.

Bake them in a dessert | This is less about a “healthy dessert” and more about the density and texture they provide (think: chickpea blondies or black bean brownies).

My go-to brothy beans recipe – it’s loaded with gut-healthy nutrients and is incredibly comforting during cold winter months. You can also try topping with some crunchy fermented vegetables when serving to make it even more gut health-friendly (and delicious). This recipe works with a variety of bean varieties (pictured is Ayocote Blanco), and I encourage you to explore all the different flavor and texture profiles that beans have to offer.

Lesley’s Brothy Beans With Herbs And Yogurt

Ingredients:
1 lb beans of your choice (makes extra)
Leek, sprigs of fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, salt (for flavoring beans)
1 small bunch fresh herbs such as parsley, leaves and tender stems only, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Zest from 1 (unwaxed) lemon, finely minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Full-fat Greek yogurt
Extra virgin olive oil
Crusty bread, for serving

Directions:
1. Prepare the beans: Combine beans and flavorings in the cooking vessel of your choice.
2. Cover with water and cook according to the Primary Beans cooking guide. Once tender, remove aromatics and set aside.
3. Make the gremolata: Combine parsley or other herb, garlic, and lemon zest in a bowl and season to taste with salt.
4. Serve and enjoy: Serve beans in bowls with the bean broth, topped with gremolata, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and more salt to taste. Dig in with a spoon or a slice of fresh, crusty bread.

 

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Salmon Salad From The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food

We'd eat a salmon salad with berries for the culinary benefits alone, but this dish is also packed with major nutrition benefits for the brain. In Dr. Annie Fenn's new cookbook, The Brain Health Kitchen, home cooks can find practical recipes and kitchen tips designed to keep our brains younger, sharper, more vibrant, and much less prone to dementia.

“Food choices are at the heart of the solution to Alzheimer’s and dementia. I’ve written this book to help you take care of your brain while still eating delicious food,” Annie says. “The earlier you begin eating with brain health in mind, the better. In doing so, you will cultivate a brain that is resilient to age-related cognitive decline from all causes, especially Alzheimer’s.”

Scientific studies have shown that diets high in foods with powerful neuroprotective properties lower their risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. One such diet, the MIND diet, a spin-off of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, emphasizes the foods that are most neuroprotective—berries, leafy greens, vegetables, fish and seafood, whole grains, nuts and seeds, poultry, beans and legumes, olive oil, and red wine.

The results of a study of the MIND diet showed that when participants adhered to the MIND guidelines most closely, there were 53% fewer cases of Alzheimer's after just four and a half years. Even participants who followed the diet less rigorously had an astounding risk reduction of 35%. In addition, participants who followed the diet most closely over time showed improvement in cognitive function.

Enjoy Dr. Fenn's delicious recipe packed with all the ingredients we love to eat.

Strawberry-Avocado Salad With Salmon, Basil, And Lime

This dinner salad includes three brain-friendly food groups: berries, fish, and leafy greens. I created it to honor the legacy of Dr. Martha Clare Morris, lead researcher of the MIND diet study and author of more than 60 papers on nutrition and brain health. Her research showed that eating an additional ½-cup serving of strawberries every week could dramatically reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

Besides the strawberries, there’s another berry here: pink peppercorns. The fruity flavor of pink peppercorns is a revelation if you’ve only used black pepper in your cooking. These spicy, dried berries are feisty and floral, adding a pretty finish to many dishes.

Serves 4

Ingredients:
¼ cup plus 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Four 3- to 4-ounce salmon filets, about ¾ inch thick
¾ tsp kosher salt
1 grapefruit, preferably Ruby Red
2 tbsp lime juice
1½ tsp raw honey
4 loosely packed cups mixed baby greens
1 large ripe firm avocado, sliced
1 pound strawberries, halved (about 2 cups)
½ cup fresh basil leaves, large ones torn into pieces
Flaky salt
Freshly ground pink or black peppercorns

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Coat a ceramic dish or rimmed baking sheet with 1 tsp of the oil and place the salmon (skin side down if skin-on) on it. Drizzle the salmon with another teaspoon of the oil and sprinkle with ½ tsp of the kosher salt.
3. Bake until the flesh easily flakes with a fork, about 12 minutes for medium-rare or 15 minutes for well done.
4. Meanwhile, zest the grapefruit to yield 1 tbsp, then cut off the stem ends and use the knife to cut away the peel. Slice between the white pith and the flesh to remove the sections. Squeeze any juice left from the peels into a small measuring cup. Add any juice collected on your cutting board. Discard the peels.
5. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ¼ cup oil, 1½ tbsp of the grapefruit juice, the reserved zest, the lime juice, honey, and the remaining ¼ tsp kosher salt.
6. Place the greens in a large shallow bowl. Drizzle half the dressing over the greens and toss well.
7. Divide the salad between plates, then top with the avocado, grapefruit segments, and strawberries, dividing evenly. Top each serving with a piece of salmon. Drizzle with the remaining dressing.
8. Garnish each plate with basil leaves, a few pinches of flaky salt, and as much freshly ground pepper as you like.

Tip: To get beautiful avocado slices, cut each avocado in half from top to bottom and remove the pit. Gently peel back the skin from the flesh and slice each half into six to eight lengthwise slices.

Note: Cilantro and mint can be used instead of basil to finish the salad. Tender herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint are leafy greens that are dense with brain-healthy phytonutrients. If you have an abundance of fresh herbs on hand, use all three.

Recipe and photo reprinted with permission from The Brain Health Kitchen cookbook by Annie Fenn (Artisan Books). Photographs by Alexandra Grablewski.

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Let’s Talk About Coffee Enemas: A Naturopathic Doctor Tells Us Everything

When people ask me how I take my coffee, they’re usually not prepared for the answer.

That’s right. We’re talking about coffee enemas.

Having been around since at least 1500 BC, coffee enemas carry a very intense and powerful reputation when it comes to detoxifying the liver. However, because many find the idea of an enema (and its delivery system) a little intimidating, there isn’t much chatter about them or their benefits unless you’re a part of deep wellness.

As an enematic (barely a word) proselytizer, I sat down with my very own Naturopathic Medical Doctor, Dr. Sara Koorjee, who runs her own practice in Santa Monica, California, to get all the answers for the coffee-curious.

Coffee Enemas 101 With A Naturopathic Doctor

Q: first, WHAT IS A COFFEE ENEMA?

DR. K: A coffee enema is the sending in of coffee (not too hot) into the rectum to stimulate the liver to release toxins and upregulate our antioxidant systems in order to increase our body’s ability to process toxins.

Q: HOW HAVE COFFEE ENEMAS BEEN USED IN THE PAST?

DR. K: As far as I know, coffee enemas came about around the first world war when many soldiers were in pain due to injuries, and there was a shortage of morphine. There was a lot of coffee for the doctors and surgeons to pull long shifts. So the story goes, the nurses felt that since the coffee helped the doctors so much, it may help the wounded soldiers as well (coffee was added to water enemas that were given often for constipation due to pain medication). The soldiers reported their pain decreased significantly.

After the war, and due to the surprising and beneficial effects of the coffee enemas, two German scientists started studying coffee enemas' effects on the body. Since then, other scientists and doctors have been interested in the use of coffee enemas. One of the most well-known doctors is Dr. Max Gerson, MD, who developed the Gerson Therapy for oncology patients, which includes coffee enemas. 

This is controversial since the US highly regulates what can be considered oncology treatment.

Q: WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS DO COFFEE ENEMAS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO HELP AND/OR TREAT?

DR. K: The main conditions that coffee enemas treat are pain and any symptoms or conditions arising from an accumulation of toxins in the body. This list is long because toxins can cause inflammation, create imbalances in our immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, and ultimately create oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage our cells if there is too much accumulation over a period of time. 

Q: WHAT’S CAUSING THIS TOXIC LOAD?

DR. K: Toxins are a problem for many of us as the number of new chemicals our body is exposed to on a daily basis is tremendous. In the last few hundred years, life has changed for humans. The most common cause of death has changed from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases. Human health is most threatened currently by chronic disease such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, etc.

A big factor in this is the massive amount of new (foreign to our immune system) synthetic chemicals that have been introduced into our environment and therefore our body. Many of these chemicals are not biodegradable. Over hundreds of thousands of xenobiotics have been released into the environment. What bothers me most is that less than 5% of those chemicals have been tested for safety or how they interact with one another within our bodies. 

Back in the 1970s, the EPA wanted to understand if xenobiotics were present in human fat cells. The results showed that five highly toxic chemicals—two known carcinogens, benzene and dioxins—were found in 100% of all samples. Currently between 15-500 synthetic chemicals can be found in the body fat of every single living human.

This being said, I think we could all use a little coffee enema. 

(Chemical testing reference from NYT. Coffee enema research for increasing antioxidant systems: Lechner P. The role of a modified Gerson therapy in the treatment of cancer. Pers. Comm. Lechner to Hildenbrand; August 1987. In: Office of Technology Assessment, U.S. Congress. Unconventional Cancer Treatments. Washington, DC: Office of Technology Assessment; 1990. Publication No. OTA-H-405.)

Q: WHY SHOULD SOMEONE CONSIDER A COFFEE ENEMA OVER A REGULAR SALINE ENEMA?

DR. K: Regular saline enemas are helpful for constipation because they hydrate the bowel and allow the contents to move out of the body. But coffee enemas are not for relieving constipation. Instead, they are used mostly for detoxification purposes since the palmitic acid in coffee (lightly roasted coffee has much higher amounts) stimulates the increased production of GST (glutathione-S-transferase), which is a major help in liver detoxification.

So, if one is in need of detoxification, then a coffee enema is the way to go!

Q:  WHAT ARE THE 4 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE DOING A COFFEE ENEMA?

DR. K: 

01 | Make sure you take electrolytes the days you do enemas. For every enema you do in a day, take 3 servings of electrolytes. I opt for an electrolyte powder that is free of sugar or artificial ingredients.

02 | The quality of the coffee is very important. It needs to be free of toxins and also lightly roasted. I am not talking about instant coffee.

03 | I would recommend Pure Life Enema as a resource for buying an enema kit and coffee. They are excellent, have high-quality coffee, and make it easy with a full kit you can buy with step-by-step instructions.

04 | Usually people report feeling improved energy and clarity in the following days after an enema. If you feel worse this means there are too many toxins, and you need to start more gently before heading into coffee enemas on your own.

Q:  HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER DOING ONE?

DR. K: This is a tough question. If doing them on your own, I would start with one per month and work up to one per week. If all goes well and you become a coffee enema expert, then you could do them more frequently depending on your health status and goals.

Q:   WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR ENEMA PRACTICE? 

DR. K: Some of my favorite tips are:

CASTOR OIL PACKS | Adding castor oil packs over your liver on a daily basis to improve detoxification in the liver and better bile flow from gallbladder. I love castor oil packs. You can check out Queen of Thrones' information on them, what they help with, and how to do them.

FIBER | I recommend improving fiber consumption through your diet on a daily basis. Something easy to add into the diet is 2 tablespoons of ground chia or flax daily to help bind to toxins in the GI tract so they can be easily eliminated. If you are really motivated, check out seed cycling, which supports detoxification and your menstrual cycle.

MICRONUTRIENTS | Having enough micronutrients is an integral part of supporting the detoxification pathways that will be stimulated during an enema. If you don’t know your micronutrient status, I recommend checking this with a blood test that looks at intracellular and extracellular micronutrient levels.

CHLOROPHYLL | Consuming chlorophyll 30 minutes before a coffee enema helps make the enema more effective as well as bind to toxins. I love Genestra’s Liquid Chlorophyll.

COCONUT OIL | Proper lubrication is essential while doing an enema. You want to avoid any friction or damage to the anal tissues, so if it hurts while you’re inserting your tube, or feels difficult in any way, stop and apply more lubrication. If you don’t have access to a specific lube, coconut oil works as a great alternative. A little goes a long way!

INFRARED SAUNA | Infrared is a powerful tool for jumpstarting detoxification and pulling toxins of all kinds out of our tissues. Doing an infrared sauna session before an enema provides an even stronger detox while also helping to expel any toxins that have been released. This can improve any die-off reactions, which is especially beneficial if you’re dealing with more chronic issues or have a sluggish phase 2 of detoxification.

EASY-TO-DIGEST MEALS | On the days that you perform a coffee enema, stick to clean, simple meals like soups and broths, or one of my personal Ayurvedic favorites, kitchari. Waiting an hour or two before eating post-enema is good practice to let your digestive system rest.

Q:  WHO SHOULD CONSIDER A COFFEE ENEMA? MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHO SHOULDN’T?

DR. K: Almost everyone should consider a coffee enema (except for the reasons listed below)!

Don’t consider doing a coffee enema if you have…

+ An autoimmune disease relating to the colon (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. For these people, I recommend working with a doctor who can guide you to better GI and immune health through other means.

+ Acute inflammation in the bowels or rectum, intestinal blockage, frail or compromised health.

+ High levels of toxin exposure. Work with a trained physician on gently detoxifying the body first.

It is important to first open all exit routes for toxins to leave the body before increasing detoxification within the body/liver (via coffee enema).

Read Next: Celebs Are Obsessed With Lymphatic Drainage Massages – Here's How To Try It At Home

All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs. 

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Make Friends With Your Freezer: 14 Ideas For Faster Snacks + Less Food Waste

We're all for enjoying a fresh bounty from the farmers market every week, but not if half of our haul spoils before we get to enjoy it. The key to quick meals with fresh ingredients and a low waste lifestyle? Learn to make friends with your freezer. Here are a few of the clever freezer products and tips that'll help you reduce food waste and cook  meals faster..

the silicone ice cube tray. Use silicone ice cube trays for freezing liquids like soups, smoothies, and beyond. Brands like W&P make specialized cup cubes like this one perfect for batching soups and smoothies for quick snacks and meals. If you batch other meals in the freezer, whether chili or lasagna, consider portioning them out into cup cubes for quick-thawing single serve portions. We also love making frozen chocolates in these. The silicone material makes anything you freeze into the molds effortless to pop out and serve.

freeze herb, milk + more To freeze fresh herbs just add a little oil to the ice cube tray. You also freeze cubes of milk (dairy or non-dairy) and throw it into your coffee or freeze leftover wine to throw into sauces. You can even puree avocado with a little lemon (to prevent browning) and add it right into a smoothie or defrost for a bit in the fridge and blend into guac or avocado hummus.

MEASURE IT OUT. When you meal prep, store part of those big-batch recipes in your freezer in single or double-serving portions. Defrost what you need and nothing more. If you make baked goods, store them individually wrapped in butcher paper (recyclable) or aluminum foil.

Know What To Store. You can freeze pantry items like flour and nuts, cooked beans, wedges of hard cheese, proteins (like fish and meat), pre-chopped veggies, condiments, sauces and even soup. You can freeze most fully cooked foods and many fresh condiments (pesto, hummus, etc.)  and defrost when you're ready to use them. If you're unsure, just think about the frozen food you get in a grocery store -- it's essentially the same as home cooked food that's been frozen to re-heat later.

Freeze in Stages. Smaller fresh items like berries, beans or chopped veggies do best if you spread them out on a cooking tray before freezing. Once frozen, pour them into a container -- this process keeps them from forming into a giant frozen mass. Caraway's gorgeous food storage sets are freezer-safe and made in six shades of non-toxic ceramic-coated glass we're swooning for.

Save Scraps For Stock. Keep veggie scraps and trimmings in a bag in the freezer when you cook. You can use this later as the base for a flavorful stock. Follow this simple recipe. You can incorporate the stock into various dishes — like grains and sauces — or you can sip it on its own. You can also save chicken and beef bones from dinner (or even resto leftovers) and use them to make bone broth.

Collect Your Coffee. If you make coffee every morning, save the brewed coffee grounds in the freezer and make into a homemade body scrub. This recipe only requires two ingredients.

Pack + Protect. Freezer burn is no fun -- it ruins the flavor and texture of frozen food. Essentially it is just dehydration, which means better storage will keep food fresher for longer. W&P also makes eco-friendly and dishwasher-safe resealable silicone storage bags. Caraway's glass storage containers are oven-safe too so you can just pop them in there to warm up food in a flash. Mason or Ball jars are also very good for freezing, as long as you use the wide-mouth variety and do not fill to the very top. For large, dry items like bread or other baked goods, you could store them in a cloth bag -- or even a pillowcase!

Un-Contain Yourself. Some fruits don’t need any packaging in the freezer, such as tomatoes, bananas, and peaches. Even better, their skins will slip off easily once thawed. Roots like turmeric and ginger don't need to be packaged either. Throw them into the freezer then use a microplane grater and shave the root directly into your recipe.

Just Jar It. Liquids, such as beans, soup, and sauces, are best stored in glass jars. The container should be straight-sided or slant outward, which ensures the glass won't crack when the liquid expands during freezing. If you have a straight jar, you should leave 1-2 inches at the top. If your jar has shoulders, you should fill 1-2 inches below the shoulders. Don't seal the lid too tightly, and if possible, leave space between jars in your freezer.

Multi-purpose Tools. Use an ice cube tray for freezing liquids and also fresh herbs. To freeze herbs just add a little oil to the ice cube tray. You also freeze cubes of milk (dairy or non-dairy) and throw it into your coffee or freeze leftover wine to throw into sauces. You can even puree avocado with a little lemon (to prevent browning) and add it right into a smoothie or defrost for a bit in the fridge and blend into guac or avocado hummus. For the most eco-friendly option, we recommend a stainless steel ice cube tray like this one.

Measure it Out. When you meal prep, store part of those big-batch recipes in your freezer in single or double-serving portions. Defrost what you need and nothing more. If you make baked goods, store them individually wrapped in butcher paper (recyclable) or aluminum foil.

Know How to Defrost. This is something to master if you don't want to risk wasting your frozen foods. However your items are stored, you can stick them in the refrigerator a day before you need them, leave them on the counter the morning of, or simply warm them slowly in a hot water bath when dinnertime approaches.

Get Organized. If you can't find anything in your freezer so you don't use what's there then it doesn't do much to reduce food waste. Put things where you can see them, move them if needed. If your freezer is starting to look too crowded, then get cooking! Or try canning instead of freezing to preserve produce. When you pop something into the freezer, be sure to stick a date on it and keep the oldest items in plain sight so you use them before it's too late.

This story was originally published in 2018. We've made some updates and shared again since these tips are timeless!

Read Next: We Tried It: High-Protein Frozen Yogurt Bark We Love

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Late Summer Is A Fifth Season According To East Asian Medicine

As a Physician Of East Asian Medicine, Carolyn Barron's knowledge of herbs, acupuncture and other high-impact natural methods for balance and healing impressed us from the start. Carolyn is the incredible practitioner behind Botanarchy Herbs + Acupuncture and her beautiful Melrose studio is a reflection of her poetic approach to holistic health.

Below, in her unique style, Carolyn shares with us about 'the fifth season', that end-of-summer feeling we so often sense, but did not yet have a name for...

The Fifth Season: Late Summer

In the five element calendar central to the teachings of East Asian Medicine, Late Summer is the fifth season, a poetic interlude of plumpness between the third week of August and the autumn equinox that hearkens the arrival of fall.

The Earth element reigns over her kingdom in Late Summer, and to understand her splendor is to romp in her amber waves of grain. Abundance and satiety abound in tandem with decline and decrease. With a tinge of melancholy and a golden brush stoke, the entire cosmos is swaying in a heat-drunk torpor to Bowie’s Golden Years as the earth does its best impression of a Fauvist landscape with languishing bodies lolling in the low-hanging sun.

Some may say, “my dude, that’s just summer!” But if you’ve been paying attention to the breath of nature, everything is… slowing down. There’s an entirely different flair to Late Summer than the swank and swagger of its sister season, Summer.

Summer belongs to the Fire element, whose energy burns hot, bright, and fast. At the time of Late Summer’s emergence, the Fire element’s simmering cauldron has liberated the moisture hiding within Earth, and the air is pregnant, heavy, like an Earth deity herself, arms teetering with grain.

This alchemical reaction creates an internal and external climate of dampness. In the internal ecosystem, dampness is akin to humidity, manifesting as things that are puffy, sticky, and heavy… think lethargy, lumps, bumps, boredom, brooding, bloating, mucus, phlegm, water retention, accumulation, and aggregation. Dampness slows things… thoughts, processes, metabolisms both psychological and physical. This is how Late Summer is distinct from Early Summer, which is marked by its speed, joie de vivre, and robust quickening.

To help purge the damp doldrums, avoid the cumbersome energy of heavy, greasy foods, and increase aromatic spices to keep things nimble and moving like ginger, onions, garlic, leeks, sage, basil, and rosemary.

Basil-infused water

Have a gentle sweat, cool the body with iced green or mung bean tea, and release unto the earth the rotten fruits that are weighing you down. The concupiscent cornucopia of Earth’s myriad wonders are all ripe for the picking this time of the year.

How to further symphonize with the season? Cultivate a fertile ground for implanting ideas that can nourish and support you. Behold the fruits of your labor with tender reverence, cradling them in your palm like a sacred harvest.

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Meet C60: The Nobel Prize-Winning Molecule That’s 172x Times Stronger Than Vitamin C

Most of us know that blueberries, matcha and dark chocolate are all good sources of antioxidants and work them into our diets wherever we can. But did you know that C60 Fullerene is claimed to be the single most powerful antioxidant ever discovered?

C60 is characterized as a "free radical sponge" with 172x times the strength of Vitamin C. This is the kind of supplement you can expect to hear more and more about as the world of longevity and health sciences promises to reach breakthroughs in the coming twenty years.

Some of our most in-the-know wellness friends here in LA are taking C60 already and we hear a lot of buzz about it on our favorite bio-hacking podcasts, but C60 has yet to reach the ubiquitous status it deserves and will no doubt have in the coming years as the research advances.

What the Heck is C60?

Until the mid-80's, we didn’t even know that the molecule C60 existed.

In 1979, Buckminster Fuller first hypothesized that it existed and that, if so, it would absolutely revolutionize medicine. Six years later, scientists Robert Curl, Harold Kroto, and Richard Smalley finally discovered C60 and eventually won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for it in 1996.

Fullerene or Carbon 60 (better known as C60) is several hundred times more potent than conventional antioxidants. Unlike most antioxidants, its free radical neutralizing power never diminishes - it accumulates.

The C60 molecule is made up of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a unique soccer ball-like structure. It is a very stable molecule and is not easily broken down by the body. It's the only molecule to form a spherical cage, giving it unique physical and chemical properties.

C60 has been shown to have a number of remarkable health benefits, including:

+ Antioxidant activity: C60 is a powerful antioxidant, which means it can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to a number of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and aging.
Anti-inflammatory activity: C60 has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity. Inflammation is a natural immune response, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a number of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

+ Immune system support: C60 may also help support the immune system. The immune system is responsible for fighting off infection, and C60 may help to boost the immune system's ability to fight off infection.

+ Pain relief: C60 has also been shown to have pain relief properties. Pain is a common symptom of a number of health conditions, and C60 may help to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

+ Skin health: C60 may also be beneficial for skin health. C60 has been shown to protect skin from damage caused by UV radiation, and it may also help to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging.

The study performed in 2009 found that C60 promotes hair growth. Researchers believe it does this by protecting the cells around hair follicles from oxidative damage.

When a supplement has this many purported benefits, it’s easy for consumers to get overwhelmed or skeptical. Whether it's turmeric, blueberries, green juice or C60, antioxidant-rich superfoods and supplements have such a wide array of potential benefits because they affect the body on such a primary level.

We asked an Integrative MD, Dr. Bindiya, to comment and share some of her experiences with C60. “I have been using C60 for the last 3 months and have personally noticed a difference in my stamina, overall energy levels and mental clarity.

It's an extremely potent antioxidant. From an anti-aging and longevity perspective it's also great. C60 also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties — a great option for people who are dealing with chronic pain and generalized inflammation (after discussing with their doctor).

C60 has been shown in studies to improve the gut microbiome and it may be helpful in improving triglycerides levels in some patients, but more studies and data is needed as we are not sure how it impacts blood sugar long term.

C60 also helps support your energy and mitochondrial health and helps improve muscle recovery and improve overall muscle fatigue.”

How To Take C60: Meet Prawtein Carbon Elixir C60

European-based brand Somavedic is one of the first to provide a consumer-friendly and accessible version of C60 called Bewit® Prawtein ® Carbon Elixir C60.

Prawtein C60 is a unique supplement in that it comes as a fudge-like cream, not a pill. You can take 1 to 3 demitasse or ‘espresso’ spoonfuls of Carbon Elixir C60 up to 3 times a day.

Dr. Bindiya told us “I like to take it in the evening, as a dessert because it has a chocolate, earthy sweet taste, so I feel like it's an evening treat!” and we couldn’t agree more. Now it's part of our after dinner routine.

Along with C60, this unique new supplement is a blend of delicious raw, organic and fermented cocoa beans and a blend of some of the most powerful elements nature has to offer formulated in accordance with the latest scientific knowledge:

Raw, Organic And Fermented Cocoa | These unroasted beans provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals and valuable phytonutrients. They also provide a delicious flavor for this fudge-like supplement that otherwise might be difficult to take!

Organic Raw Pine Needles | Shikimic acid is a potent, biologically active, substance found in pine needles that has been gaining increasing interest in recent years in many areas of research, including biomedical applications. [3]

Bio-Activated Charcoal | Extraordinary absorption capacity that binds all foreign substances and helps to remove them from the body.

Japanese Natto Beans | This traditional fermented Japanese dish is characterized by high levels of naturally occurring active ingredients and vitamins difficult to find in many other foods.

Bio Raw Omega Complex | A unique blend of 7 high-omega seaweeds from kombu to spirulina, sourced from the west coast of Ireland, leanest waters of the North Atlantic.

Potent Greens | A blend of some of the world's most nutrient-dense raw greens like moringa, watercress and nettle – each with their own treasured superfood functions you can read more about throughout our stories.

A Biohacker’s Antioxidant Dream

We’ve never found a supplement quite like Carbon Elixir C60. If you want to take advantage of C60 before it rockets to wellness trend stardom, this product is your best bet, even without all the other incredible ingredients. Combined, this daily bite of superfood fudge with dozens of other powerfully active and treasured ingredients provides the body with deep antioxidant nourishment like few other substances we’ve found. Everything in Carbon Elixir C60 is 100% raw, meaning that the maximum amount of vital enzymes are still contained in the formula.

Try Carbon Elixir C60 for yourself. TCM Readers receive 13% off their first purchase with Somavedic Technologies using code TCM13. Offer applies o their full line of European superfoods and organic essential oils too!

[3] BOCHKOVA, D. V., S. V. SYSOLYATINA, A. I. KALASHNIKOVA, I. A. SURMACHEVAA, A. A. LAMBEROVAB, A. S. BUYANOVAB a M. E. LAMBEROVAB. Hledání surovin pro izolaci kyseliny šikimové. Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry. 2013, 39(7), 750–754.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This story is brought to you in partnership with Somavedic Technologies. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.

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In The Kitchen With Chef Tal Ronnen Of Crossroads Kitchen + Kite Hill

Do you remember what the plant-based food movement was like ten years ago? We do -- and so does chef Tal Ronnen. We first sat down with the plant-based pioneer and founder of Crossroads Kitchen when the restaurant opened their first location on Melrose in 2013. The restaurant became an instant hit and is still an iconic destination on the L.A. food map.

Tal is also the founder of culty plant-based brand Kite Hill Foods and the author of NYT-bestseller The Conscious Cook. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of Crossroads Kitchen, which now has locations in Calabasas and Las Vegas, we asked Chef Tal for his take on the vegan revolution, his daily kitchen staples, and the plant-based meals that never fail to impress...

In The Kitchen With Chef Tal Ronnen Of Crossroads Kitchen

 

Food philosophy in one sentence… Do what your mom always said: eat your vegetables.

What are you most proud of with Crossroads? When we opened in 2013 there were no plant-based restaurants in the city that had a full liquor license. We designed it to look like a cozy Upper West Side steakhouse and 10 years later it still is stunning. I’m really proud of the fact that our guests are a mix of vegetarians, vegans and carnivores and that it’s a place where everyone can share a great meal together.

Favorite dish on the menu lately? The Eggplant Skirt Steak on our spring menu. We dehydrate eggplant filets for 2 days before marinating them in a house-made beet ponzu for another 48 hours. We serve it with steakhouse-inspired sides like mashed potatoes, hollandaise and a brandy cream sauce. It’s become a fast favorite with guests, so we may keep it on the menu through summer.

Staples always on hand… Not too many staples, I don’t do a lot of cooking at home just like a lawyer or a doctor doesn’t like to take their work home.

Favorite ingredient lately… This always changes with each season, but right now we are getting beautiful fava beans and are about to get our first mulberries of the season.

How it started vs. How it’s going: How has Crossroads Kitchen evolved? We’re very fortunate that year over year we have grown. I know that personally the menu has changed a lot for me, but there are still items that have been on the menu since day one like our artichoke oysters. Today I try to cook food that our guests will like as opposed to something that will satisfy my ego, so the menu is very familiar.

Ingredient that makes everything taste better… Chili garlic crisp.

Best food memory… A 12-course Shojin Ryori tasting menu in Tokyo nine years ago.

Kite Hill has become a gold standard. What products are you dropping next? We have some great new cream cheese flavors coming as well as yogurt. Last year we put out some of our best products including sour cream and queso.

Most under-rated ingredient… Miso.

Essential cookbooks… The Flavor Bible.

What excites you about the plant-based food scene now? The breadth and depth of plant-based products and chefs in restaurants who are now interested in this category is mind blowing.

How do you see the plant-based food space evolving? Every day, I think chefs who are not even close to being vegans in their personal lives are including more plant-based foods at their restaurants and that is definitely the future.

Food you love to eat with zero prep/additions… Any fruit or vegetable that is in season.

Vegan dish that’ll impress anyone… Our stuffed squash blossoms.
Fave condiments… Hot sauce for sure, and I’m a fan of different mustards as well.

Other favorite restaurants in L.A…. I really like Viet Noodle in Atwater Village, and for a great vibe I always enjoy Craig’s.

Other favorite food cities/destinations… New York and Tokyo.

Craziest thing I buy at the market…  Instant Ramen noodles.

Favorite splurge… Truffles.

Your idea of an ideal dinner setting… I like old school dining rooms that have a great vibe, feel cozy and play great music.

For last minute entertaining… My wife and I like to make rice bowls with natto.

Signature cocktail… Negroni.

Simple go-to recipe… Peanut butter and jelly, 100%.

Read next: In The Kitchen With Chef Jason Pringle Of Hazel Hill At Montage Healdsburg

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Danielle Walker’s Paleo-Friendly Steak Salad With Roasted Veggies

Sometimes life calls for simple comfort like steak and potatoes -- and a hefty pile of greens, of course.

We love this recipe from blogger, Danielle Walker, who learned how to thrive through an autoimmune disease diagnosis by cleaning up her diet. We first featured this irresistible recipe from Walker's clean comfort food cookbook, Eat What You Love when it launched in 2019. The cookbook is a follow up to her  NYT bestseller, Against All Grain and has become a modern classi loaded with grain, gluten and dairy-free recipes.

This dish is simple enough to make often and perfectly balanced to keep us feeling full and nourished. It's not often that we stumble upon recipes that are as adaptive as this one. Make this cozy meal tonight...

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A High-Protein Plant-Based Salad with Grated Carrot + Fresh Mint

Hannah Sunderani is a vegan food blogger and best-selling author of The Two Spoons Cookbook based in Toronto. A self-taught cook and food photographer, her recipes are inspired by her time living in France and focus on French-cooking-inspired vegan recipes.

What I love most about this recipe is the simplicity of these ingredients. They are simple whole foods; but when combined it’s flavor rich and delicious. The quinoa, chickpeas and toasted almonds add protein and heartiness to the dish, to keep you fuller for longer. While the carrot and toasted almonds add a beautiful crunch. Fresh mint gives more fresh flavor, dates add sweetness.

This very simple and delicious Moroccan carrot salad with chickpeas that you can enjoy with your loved ones, be it for dinner or next day lunches. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free. Prepare in advance to enjoy through the week, or make a big batch to share. (It’s great for bbq’s and potlucks).

A High-Protein Plant-Based Salad - Moroccan Style

Ingredients:
2/3 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup almonds chopped
1 shallot small
1 cup carrots grated (about 1 large carrot)
1 can chickpeas (14 fl oz/400 ml)
2.5 oz arugula (70 g/2 cups)
1/2 cup mint tightly packed and chopped
4 Medjool dates pitted and chopped

For the dressing:
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp sea salt
pinch of chili flakes

Directions:
1. In a saucepan combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook quinoa for 12-15 minutes. Fluff with a spoon and cover with a tea towel. Let cool.
2. Toast almonds in a skillet on medium heat, stirring often until fragrant and golden browned (approx. 8-10 mins). Remove from heat.
3. Prepare dressing in a small bowl by whisking together oil, lemon juice, orange juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, coriander, sea salt, and red pepper flakes.
4. In a large mixing bowl combine quinoa, chopped shallot, grated carrot, chickpeas, arugula, chopped mint and dates and toasted almonds. Pour over dressing and toss to combine.

Salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tip: To speed the quinoa cooling process, spread cooked quinoa into a shallow bowl. This will allow for the steam to release faster.

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