DIY Rollerball Natural Headache Remedy

Whenever I have a headache, I always prefer to turn to a natural headache remedy before popping a pill. And one of my favorite tricks is to incorporate essential oils for pain relief.

Featuring relaxing chamomile and rosemary oils combined with peppermint oil, this DIY Rollerball Natural Headache Remedy is just the ticket for when your head is pounding.

But what makes it so effective? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients in this natural headache remedy.

First, my DIY Rollerball Natural Headache Remedy uses peppermint essential oil, which is not only known to open the sinuses but also relieve headaches.

According to one study, applying diluted peppermint oil to the skin was as effective at relieving headache pain as acetaminophen, a common over-the-counter pain reliever. [1]

Additionally, it was significantly more effective in relieving headache pain than a placebo. Plus, you get the added bonus of improved mental focus, according to numerous studies on peppermint oil. [2]

Next, this natural headache remedy also features chamomile essential oil, which is known to contain anti-inflammatory properties. [3, 4]

Interestingly, according to a 2014 study, applying chamomile essential oil to the site of a migraine reduced inflammation at the site and also provided neuroprotective effects. [5]

As a result, the researchers concluded that chamomile essential oil should be considered a novel medicine for migraine relief

Finally, according to a 2015 review, research has shown that rosemary essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used to fight pain. [6]

Meanwhile, other research has gone as far as stating that rosemary may be useful in helping people suffering from nervous system disorders! [7]

Ready to give my DIY Rollerball Natural Headache Remedy a try? Keep scrolling for the recipe, which only takes 5 minutes to put together!

 

DIY Rollerball Natural Headache Remedy

Makes: 1 rollerball applicator (about 10 ml)

Time: 5 minutes

 

Natural headache remedy - Dr. Pingel

 

Ingredients

2 teaspoons (about 10ml) sweet almond oil

10 drops peppermint essential oil

10 drops rosemary essential oil

10 drops chamomile essential oil

 

Directions

1. Use a funnel to combine all ingredients in an essential oil roller ball applicator.

Natural headache remedy - Dr. Pingel

2. Upon onset of headache symptoms, roller ball on temples 3-4 times. Shake well before each use.

Natural headache remedy - Dr. Pingel

Watermelon Prosecco Fizz Cocktail

It’s almost summertime, which means there’s no better time for a cold and refreshing yet fun beverage like this Watermelon Prosecco Fizz Cocktail.

Featuring the hydrating fruit watermelon along with prosecco, lime, and agave, this drink is one to serve at pool parties, 4th of July barbecues, and more! Plus, you can easily sub out the prosecco for sparkling grape juice or club soda to make it kid-friendly.

So, why watermelon? Well, I often find that dehydration is a major issue during the summer months. As such, it’s important to not only drink plenty of water but also consume lots of hydrating foods. And watermelon is at the top of the list!

Due to its high-water content, watermelons are great to consume to help prevent dehydration.

In fact, eating water-rich foods such as watermelon is known to be incredibly effective against dehydration-induced headaches. [1]

Plus, it’s delicious, especially when combined with lime juice and agave.

So, are you ready to try this tasty Watermelon Prosecco Fizz Cocktail? Keep scrolling for the recipe!

 

Watermelon Prosecco Fizz Cocktail

Makes: 2 drinks

Time: 5 minutes

 

Watermelon prosecco - Dr. Pingel

 

Ingredients

2 cups frozen watermelon cubes

½ cup ice

1 cup prosecco (or sparkling grape juice, or club soda), well chilled

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon agave

Mint for garnish (optional)

 

Directions

1. In a high-speed blender, combine the watermelon, ice, prosecco, lime juice, and agave. Process until well-blended.

Watermelon prosecco - Dr. Pingel

2. Garnish with the fresh mint. Enjoy immediately.

Watermelon prosecco - Dr. Pingel

The Ultimate Miso Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger with Spicy Slaw

Looking for the perfect red meat alternative for your next cookout? Check out this amazingly delicious recipe: The Ultimate Miso Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger with Spicy Slaw!

It's so flavorful, you may never turn back to the old standard again. Plus, it offers some incredible health benefits as well! Want to learn more? Keep reading to get all the details on this amazing recipe.

First, this recipe for The Ultimate Miso Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger with Spicy Slaw obviously replaces red meat, which can be highly inflammatory to many people, with mushrooms.

Mushrooms are a great source of fiber and protein, and they’ve even been shown to help fight inflammation. [1]

And because of their naturally meaty, juicy texture, they’re one of my top plant-based meat alternatives.

In addition to fighting inflammation, mushrooms are also known to promote satiety.

According to a 10-day study published in 2017, researchers discovered that people who ate mushrooms instead of meat reported greater fullness, less hunger, and even less snacking throughout the study duration. [2]

Now, I know you’re ready to get cooking, so I won’t delay the recipe any longer, except to say that the combination of the miso, meaty portobello mushroom, and spicy slaw provides an amazing flavor that your whole family will rave about!

I hope you enjoy The Ultimate Miso Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger with Spicy Slaw as much as I do and eat it with the confidence of knowing you’re supporting your health (and your waistline!) with every bite.

 

The Ultimate Miso Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger with Spicy Slaw

 

Makes: 2 burgers

Time: 20 minutes

 

Grilled portobello mushroom burger - Dr. Pingel

 

Ingredients

For the burger:

2 portobello mushroom caps

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 teaspoons coconut aminos

1 teaspoon miso paste

¼ teaspoon gochugaru or crushed red pepper

Sea salt, to taste

2 gluten-free burger buns

 

For the slaw:

1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise

2 teaspoons rice vinegar

½ teaspoon sriracha

½ teaspoon agave

Sea salt, to taste

1 cup shredded slaw mix

1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

 

Directions

1. To make the burger: Using a spoon, gently remove the stems and black gills from the mushroom caps. Wipe the mushroom caps clean with a lightly damp paper towel.

Grilled portobello mushroom burger - Dr. Pingel

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, miso paste, gochugaru, and salt. Generously brush the marinade onto both sides of the mushroom caps.

Grilled portobello mushroom burger - Dr. Pingel

3. Preheat a grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Add the mushroom caps and grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender.

Grilled portobello mushroom burger - Dr. Pingel

4. To make the slaw: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sriracha, agave, and salt. Add the slaw and cilantro and mix to combine.

Grilled portobello mushroom burger - Dr. Pingel

5. Warm the buns, then top with the grilled mushrooms and slaw. Serve immediately.

Grilled portobello mushroom burger - Dr. Pingel

DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

If you're tired of smelling harsh chemicals or you're worried about the ingredients in your home cleaning products, I have just the solution for you: my DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner!

Featuring the very best and most effective (not to mention safest!) ingredients, this cleaner will become your go-to for all your basic cleaning needs!

So, what makes this DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner my preferred choice to the ready-made products on the market?

Let’s take a look at the ingredients:

And that’s it! No hidden chemicals. No ingredients you can’t pronounce. No toxins left behind.

Now, I bet you’re wondering if it’s really effective. Take a look at some of the research on the two main ingredients: the essential oils.

Believe it or not, lemon essential oil has been shown to clarify the air impurities in your home.

In a 2019 study, researchers measured the efficacy of diffusing certain essential oils in reducing the microbial contamination in two hospital wards.

Before the oils were diffused into the air, the researchers measured the amounts of airborne bacteria and fungi in the wards.

Afterward, they diffused both lemon and silver fir essential oils into the air.

They found that two hours after the oils were diffused, the airborne bacteria were reduced by approximately 40 percent.

Meanwhile, the airborne fungi were reduced by up to an astonishing 60 percent! [1]

As a result, this study revealed how both silver fir essential oil and lemon essential oil benefits indoor air quality by reducing airborne pathogens.

Plus, additional research has shown that lemon essential oil is effective against many strains of bacteria, including E. coli! [2]

Plus, simply smelling it has been shown to support healthy weight management, enhance concentration, boost mood, and even promote creativity!

Want to learn more about those benefits and beyond? Check out my article on the top five benefits of lemon essential oil.

Additionally, both lemon and tangerine essential oils have displayed anti-microbial effects against a variety of bacteria and fungi, from E. coli and Salmonella to Staph, Candida, and more! [3]

As you can see, this DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner contains some powerful benefits! So, let’s not wait any longer. Ready for this simple four-ingredient recipe?

Keep scrolling to learn how to mix up your very own batch in just five minutes.

 

DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Yield: About 18 ounces

Time: 5 minutes

 

DIY natural all-purpose cleaner - Dr. Pingel

 

Ingredients

1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide

1 ¼ cup water

10-15 drops lemon essential oi

10-15 drops tangerine essential oil

 

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously to combine.

DIY natural all-purpose cleaner - Dr. Pingel

2. Before use, shake the mixture. Spray on the surface, then wipe clean. For best results, allow the spray to sit on the surface for 5 minutes before wiping.

DIY natural all-purpose cleaner - Dr. Pingel

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Baked Orzo

Love pasta but can't have gluten? I have the ultimate recipe for you: my Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Baked Orzo.

But this isn't just any baked orzo—I use Jovial Organic Grain Free Cassava Orzo Pasta to not only avoid gluten but also get the health benefits of cassava!

With only 15 minutes of active prep time, you can set this family-favorite recipe to bake in the oven while you go about taking care of your to-do list!

This is one recipe you don't want to miss, so keep scrolling to get this incredible recipe!

 

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Baked Orzo

Serves: 4-6

Time: 40 minutes (15 minutes active)

 

Baked orzo - Dr. Pingel

 

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) box Jovial Organic Grain Free Cassava Orzo Pasta

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 (8 ounce) jar sun dried tomatoes marinated in olive oil, drained and divided

½ cup onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoons lemon juice

½ cup coconut milk

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup cauliflower florets

2 cups baby spinach

2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn

 

 

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Set aside.

Baked orzo - Dr. Pingel

2. Chop ⅓ cup of the sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside.

Baked orzo - Dr. Pingel

3. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and smoked paprika. Cook 2-3 minutes. Add the lemon juice and gently scrape any browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon.

Baked orzo - Dr. Pingel

4. Preheat oven to 350F.

5. Add the coconut milk, vegetable broth, cauliflower florets, and the remaining sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 12-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

Baked orzo - Dr. Pingel

6. Transfer the mixture to a food processor or high-speed blender. Process until smooth.

Baked orzo - Dr. Pingel

7. In a large bowl, combine the orzo, spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and half of the torn basil. Mix to combine.

Baked orzo - Dr. Pingel

8. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and spread into an even layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Baked orzo - Dr. Pingel

9. Top with the remaining basil and serve warm.

Baked orzo - Dr. Pingel

7 Delicious and Healthy Soups and Stews

Spring is here, and while the harsh winters around many areas of the country are just about over, it still quite cool in many locations. Plus, we have multiple viruses still circulating—making it the perfect time to serve healthy soups and stews for dinner!

So, I wanted to share with you this brand-new recipe roundup of my favorite healthy soups and stews.

Browse them below and then pick a few to serve to your family over the coming weeks before the weather permanently turns warm.

There's nothing better than enjoying a delicious meal that you also know will support your immune health and help keep you healthy and strong!

And if you have a favorite soup recipe you'd like to share, head over to my Instagram or Facebook pages to do so!

7 Delicious and Healthy Soups and Stews

Here are seven of my top healthy soups and stews. See which ones you enjoy the most!

 

Carrot ginger turmeric soup - Dr. Pingel

1. Carrot Ginger Turmeric Soup with Roasted Chickpeas

Whenever I’m in the mood for something filling yet light, I turn to this Carrot Ginger Turmeric Soup with Roasted Chickpeas recipe. It’s flavorful but also contains naturally detoxifying foods that support both digestive and liver health.

I love it so much that it’s a featured recipe in my 7-day detox that supports healthy weight management as well as the Total Health Turnaround Program, the 30-day program for overall health and wellness! Get this freebie recipe by clicking on the recipe title!

 

Roasted golden beets - Dr. Pingel

2. Roasted Golden Beets and Pumpkin Soup

Next on my list of healthy soups and stews is this golden beet and pumpkin concoction! Rich, savory, and creamy, this soup features fantastic flavors such as roasted golden beets, pumpkin, and fresh thyme. And with just a touch of white pepper to make the flavors really pop, this is one meal that you’ll make over and over.

 

Immune-boosting soup - Dr. Pingel

3. Savory Immune-Boosting Soup

In the colder months, there’s nothing quite as comforting and filling as a delicious bowl of hot soup. And during this time of year, I love to create immune-boosting soups filled with vegetables, herbs, and spices known to support the immune system.

This immune-boosting soup is savory, satisfying, and packs just the right punch of spice, which is why it made my list of top healthy soups and stews. I like to serve this for dinner, so I made sure to add lots of cauliflower, which is rich in fiber and will keep you full all night long!

 

Wild rice soup recipe - Dr. Pingel

4. Pingel’s Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Looking for healthy soups and stews to choose from on busy weeknights? This wild rice soup recipe is a great dinner option on cold, busy days. With its nutrient-packed ingredients, it’s also a wonderful meal to make anytime you’re looking to give your immune system a boost.

 

Healthy soups and stews - Dr. Pingel

5. Cozy At Home Spicy Any-Veggie Soup

This pantry-friendly soup by Oh She Glows only takes 40 minutes to make—start to finish–and features some amazing nutrient-rich veggies, such as butternut squash, broccoli, and carrots! It really is perfect or any time of year, making it a great addition to this list of healthy soups and stews!

 

Healthy soups and stews - Dr. Pingel

6. Coconut Green Soup with Celery, Kale, and Ginger

While a green soup may not top your list of must-tries, trust me on this one: You’ll love it! Featuring flavorful spices such as cumin and coriander, this soup made my list of healthy soups and stews due to the flavor along with the rich, creamy full-fat coconut milk at it base.

 

Healthy soups and stews - Dr. Pingel

7. Chick’n Noodle Soup Featuring King Oyster Mushrooms

You can’t have a list of healthy soups and stews without a great chicken noodle soup recipe. But because I prefer vegan fare, I wanted to find something my whole family would love. And that’s where this recipe comes into play with its use of king oyster mushrooms over chicken. Check it out— you’ll never miss the original!