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In the world of skincare, the terms “body butter” and “lotion” are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle distinction that makes body butter a standout choice for those needing hydration. In fact, we wrote a whole article about the differences. But the gist of it is this: think of body butter as a richer, more concentrated version of lotion—sometimes with natural, organic ingredients to deliver deep moisture and long-lasting nourishment. It helps with dry skin by prioritizing non-toxic formulations. It's a great eco-conscious option.Body butter offers a luxurious solution. We’re going to explore the best natural and organic body butters (and lotions) that double as skincare superheroes, blending purity with performance.   Why Choose Body Butter Over Traditional Lotion? Body butter is essentially a thicker lotion designed to lock in moisture. While common lotions are typically water-based and lightweight, body butters rely on plant-derived oils and butters (like shea, cocoa, or mango) as their primary ingredients. This makes them ideal for dry, sensitive, or mature skin, as they create a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. Many organic body butters like our own also try to avoid synthetic additives, making them a healthier choice for your skin and the environment. Features of the Best Natural Body Butters When shopping for a body butter or lotion, prioritize these qualities:  Organic, Natural Ingredients, and Chemical Free: Look to ensure ingredients are free from pesticides and harmful chemicals. Key components include shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, which are rich in vitamins and fatty acids.  No More Toxins: Avoid parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and petroleum-based ingredients. Clean formulas are critical for reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors and allergens.  Rich Texture & Absorption: The best body butters melt into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Creamy textures with ingredients like calendula or chamomile soothe irritation, while hyaluronic acid or aloe vera boost hydration. Sustainability & Ethics: Support brands that use fair-trade practices, and cruelty-free testing.    How to Use Body Butter and Maximise Benefits Apply to Damp Skin: Lock in moisture by applying body butter after a shower while skin is still slightly wet.  Target Dry Areas: Focus on elbows, knees, and feet, where skin tends to be thickest and driest. Layer with Oils: For extra nourishment, mix body butter with a few drops of argan or jojoba oil. Nighttime Routine: Use richer body butters before bed to allow ingredients to absorb overnight.   The Rise of Natural Skincare: Why Non-Toxic Matters   Conventional lotions often contain hidden toxins like synthetic fragrances, PEGs, and mineral oil, which can disrupt hormones or cause irritation. In contrast, natural body butters rely on plant-based ingredients that nourish without compromise. For instance, shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, which repair and protect skin, while coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. Some brands similar to Earthly Love Imports further prioritize safety with formulas free from even trace contaminants. All in All, Body Butter Is Your Best Friend It’s a return to simplicity, harnessing the power of botanicals to deliver unmatched hydration. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly lotion or a lavish organic butter, prioritizing natural ingredients ensures your skin stays healthy and free from harmful chemicals. Explore the options in our body butter collection to find your perfect match, and remember: Love The Body You Live In. Explore our curated collection of natural body butters and lotions today—your skin deserves nothing less than pure, plant-powered care.

When navigating the world of skincare, the difference between body butter and lotion often sparks confusion. Though both aim to moisturize, their formulations, textures, and benefits cater to distinct skin needs. This article consolidates the differences between these products, focusing on popular ingredients like shea to help you make informed decisions. Also, when it comes to the question of moisturizer vs body butter, think of it like this: the term moisturizers are a type of classification. Anything that provides moisture for your complexion is a moisturizer. 1. Composition and Texture: The Foundation of Moisturization Body butter is a rich, dense product primarily composed of natural oils and butters (e.g., shea, cocoa, or mango butter), with minimal water content. Its thick consistency creates a protective barrier on the skin, ideal for locking in moisture and combating extreme dryness. For example, shea, derived from African shea tree nuts, is prized for its creamy texture and high vitamin A and E content, which soothe inflammation and promote elasticity.  In contrast, body lotion is water-based, blended with lighter oils and humectants like glycerin. Its fluid texture allows quick absorption, making it suitable for daily use and oily or combination skin types. Did you know?You can combine body butters with different types of bases or even essential oils for their fragrance and benefits. 2. Absorption and Hydration: Timing and Efficacy Body butter’s slow absorption rate ensures long-lasting moisture, often recommended for nighttime routines or harsh climates. Its occlusive properties shield the skin from environmental stressors, such as cold winds or dry indoor heating. Lotions, however, penetrate the skin faster due to their higher water content. They provide immediate but lighter hydration, ideal for humid environments or daytime use. Products like shea based body lotion balance moisture without greasiness, catering to those seeking a non-comedogenic option. 3. Skin Type Suitability: Matching Products to Needs Dry or Mature Skin: Body butter excels here. Shea’s anti-inflammatory properties calm eczema and psoriasis. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Lotions are preferable. Shea lotions, in moderation, hydrate without clogging pores, whereas the density of another base may exacerbate breakouts if overused. Sensitive Skin: Unrefined shea lotions, free of synthetic additives, offer gentle nourishment. 4. Seasonal and Climate Considerations Winter/Dry Climates: Body butter’s occlusive barrier prevents moisture loss. Products like raw shea body lotion or creams are ideal for cracked heels or elbows. Summer/Humid Climates: Lightweight lotions prevent excess oiliness. Mango butter blends, which absorb rapidly, are excellent for hot weather 48. 5. Layering for Maximum Benefits For combination skin or extreme dryness, layering both products can optimize results: Apply lotion post-shower to damp skin for deep hydration. Follow with body butter on problem areas (e.g., knees, elbows) to seal in moisture. FAQ: Addressing Common Queries Can I mix shea? Yes! Combining it can enhance moisturization and antioxidant benefits. Is body butter greasy? It can feel heavier initially, but high-quality formulations (e.g., whipped shea) absorb efficiently. Which is better for anti-aging? Shea’s vitamins A and E combat free radicals. Basically Choosing between body butter and lotion hinges on your skin type, climate, and hydration goals. Body butter enriched with shea offers intensive repair for dry or damaged skin, whereas lotions provide versatile, lightweight care. By understanding their differences—and occasionally combining them—you can make a skincare routine that's perfect for you. For personalized advice, consult a dermatologist to address specific concerns like eczema or acne.

Shea Butter: Everything You Need to Know What is Shea Butter? Shea butter is a rich, creamy product made from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to Africa. For a long time, people in Africa have used shea butter to take care of their skin and hair. Today, it’s popular all over the world and is found in many beauty products like lotions, creams, and hair conditioners. Shea butter feels solid when it’s cool, but it melts easily when it touches your skin, making it great for moisturizing. It usually has a light, nutty smell, and its color can range from off-white to ivory. In some products, the smell is removed so that it doesn’t interfere with other fragrances. What is Shea Butter Made From? Shea butter is made from the nuts of the shea tree, which mostly grows in West Africa. Making shea butter is a long process that involves a lot of hard work. First, the nuts are gathered and boiled to get the kernels out. These kernels are then dried, crushed, and mixed with water until the butter starts to separate. The butter is then heated to remove any extra water, leaving behind pure shea butter. Traditionally, people in rural areas make shea butter by hand. This handmade shea butter is usually unrefined, which means it keeps more of its natural nutrients and benefits. What is Shea Butter Good For? Shea butter is super versatile and can be used for lots of things, especially in skin and hair care. Here are some common uses: Moisturizing Skin: Shea butter is great at keeping your skin soft and hydrated because it’s packed with fatty acids that help lock in moisture. Soothing Inflammation: If you have irritated skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, shea butter can help calm them down thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-Aging: Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, which help reduce wrinkles and keep your skin looking youthful by boosting collagen production. Healing Small Cuts: Shea butter can also help heal minor cuts, burns, or scrapes because it promotes faster skin regeneration. Hair Care: It works wonders as a hair conditioner, especially for dry or curly hair, by adding moisture, preventing breakage, and making your hair shiny. Protecting Your Skin: Shea butter forms a protective barrier on your skin, shielding it from harsh environmental factors like wind and pollution. It also offers a bit of sun protection, though it shouldn’t replace regular sunscreen. Does Shea Butter Expire? Yes, shea butter does expire, but it lasts a long time. Usually, it’s good for 1 to 2 years if you store it the right way. Unrefined shea butter often lasts longer than the refined kind because it has natural antioxidants that help preserve it. To keep your shea butter fresh, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. If it starts to smell bad or feels different, it’s probably expired and should be thrown away. In conclusion, shea butter is an amazing natural product that’s great for both your skin and hair. Whether you need a moisturizer, a hair conditioner, or something to help heal small cuts, shea butter is a simple and natural choice that can do it all.

Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition — By Rena Goldman and Tim Jewell on February 5, 2020 Diabetes: Can Fenugreek Lower My Blood Sugar?Fenugreek and diabetesPotential risksIs it safe?How to add it into your dietOther benefitsTraditional diabetes treatmentWhat is fenugreek?Fenugreek is a plant that grows in parts of Europe and western Asia. The leaves are edible, but the small brown seeds are famous for their use in medicine.The first recorded use of fenugreek was in Egypt, dating back to 1500 B.C. Across the Middle East and South Asia, the seeds were traditionally used as both a spice and a medicine.You can buy fenugreek as:a spice (in whole or powdered form)supplement (in concentrated pill and liquid form)teaskin creamTalk to your doctor if you’re thinking of taking fenugreek as a supplement.HEALTHLINE NEWSLETTERGet our Diabetes newsletterTwice a week you’ll receive tips on eating wisely, news on breakthroughs, and more resources to help you stay on top of your diabetes.Enter your emailYour privacy is important to usFenugreek and diabetesFenugreek seeds may be helpful for people with diabetes. The seeds contain fiber and other chemicals that may slow digestion and the body’s absorption of carbohydrates and sugar.The seeds may also help improve how the body uses sugar and increases the amount of insulin released.Few studies support fenugreek as an effective treatment for certain conditions. Many of these studies focus on the seed’s ability to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.One small 2009 studyTrusted Source found that a daily dose of 10 grams of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water may help control type 2 diabetes. Another very small 2009 studyTrusted Source suggests that eating baked goods, such as bread, made with fenugreek flour may reduce insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.Other studiesTrusted Source noted a modest decrease in fasting glucose with fenugreek taken as a supplement.The National Institutes of Health (NIH)Trusted Source states that at this point the evidence is weak for fenugreek’s ability to lower blood sugar.Potential risks of fenugreekPregnant women shouldn’t use fenugreek because it may induce uterine contractions. The NIHTrusted Source states that there isn’t enough information about the safety of fenugreek for women who are breastfeeding, and that women with hormone-sensitive cancers shouldn’t use fenugreek.Some people report a maple syrup-like smell coming from their armpits after extended use. One 2011 studyTrusted Source verified these claims by finding that certain chemicals in fenugreek, such as dimethylpyrazine, caused this smell.This smell shouldn’t be confused with the smell caused by maple syrup urine disease (MUSD). This condition produces a smell that contains the same chemicals as the smells of fenugreek and maple syrup.Fenugreek can also cause allergic reactions. Talk to your doctor about any food allergies you might have before adding fenugreek to your diet.The fiber in fenugreek can also make your body less effective at absorbing medications taken by mouth. Don’t use fenugreek within a few hours of taking these types of medication.HEALTHLINE NEWSLETTERGet our Diabetes newsletterTwice a week you’ll receive tips on eating wisely, news on breakthroughs, and more resources to help you stay on top of your diabetes.Enter your emailYour privacy is important to usIs it safe?The amounts of fenugreek used in cooking are generally considered safe. However, the NIH cautions that if women have hormone-sensitive cancers, fenugreek can mimic estrogenTrusted Source.When taken in large doses, side effects can include gas and bloating.Fenugreek can also react with several medications, especially with those that treat blood clotting disorders and diabetes. Talk to your doctor before taking fenugreek if you’re on these types of medication. Your doctor may need to lower your diabetes medication doses to avoid low blood sugar.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t evaluated or approved fenugreek supplements. The manufacturing process isn’t regulated, so there may be undiscovered health risks.Also, as with all unregulated supplements, you can’t be sure that the herb and amount listed on the label are what’s actually contained in the supplement.How to add it into your dietFenugreek seeds have a bitter, nutty taste. They’re often used in spice blends. Indian recipes use them in curries, pickles, and other sauces. You can also drink fenugreek tea or sprinkle powdered fenugreek over yogurt.If you’re not sure how to use fenugreek, ask your dietitian to help you add it to your current diabetes meal plan.Other benefits of fenugreekThere haven’t been any serious or life threatening side effects or complications connected with fenugreek. A 2007 studyTrusted Source even found that fenugreek can actually protect your liver from the effects of toxins.A 2009 studyTrusted Source suggests that fenugreek can stop the growth of cancer cells and act as an anticancer herb. Fenugreek can also help alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrheaTrusted Source. This condition causes severe pain during menstrual cycles.Traditional treatments for diabetesAlong with fenugreek, you have other options for treating your diabetes.Keeping your blood sugar at normal levels is essential to maintaining a high quality of life with a diabetes diagnosis. You can help your body maintain healthy blood glucose levels by making lifestyle changes, including:sticking to a diet of minimally processed foods and high amounts of fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruitschoosing lean protein sources and healthy fats and avoiding excessive processed meatavoiding excessive amounts of sweetened carbohydrate foods and sweetened beveragesbeing active at least half an hour a day, at least 5 days a weekTaking medications can also help you keep your blood sugar at healthy levels by controlling your body’s creation and use of insulin. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about medications used to treat diabetes.You should also talk to your doctor about which activities and treatments will work best for you before attempting to make any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medications.

   (Evidence Based) By Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD on July 4, 2018 Active IngredientsCurcumin AbsorptionHealth BenefitsSafety and DosageBottom LineTurmeric, also known as the golden spice, is a tall plant that grows in Asia and Central America.It gives curry its yellow color and has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years to treat various health conditions.Studies support its use and show that it can benefit your health.But coupling turmeric with black pepper may enhance its effects.This article reviews the potential health benefits of combining turmeric and black pepper.Key Active IngredientsIn recent years, research has confirmed that turmeric has medicinal properties (1Trusted Source).And while most people think of it as nothing but a seasoning, black pepper can benefit health as well.Both turmeric and black pepper have key active ingredients that contribute to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and disease-fighting qualities.Curcumin in TurmericThe key compounds in turmeric are called curcuminoids. Curcumin itself is the most active ingredient and appears to be the most important.As a polyphenol, curcumin has several advantages to health. It’s a strong antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).However, one of the greatest downfalls of curcumin is that it’s not well absorbed in the body (1Trusted Source).Piperine in Black PepperBlack pepper contains the bioactive compound piperine, which is an alkaloid like capsaicin, the active component found in chili powder and cayenne pepper (3Trusted Source).Piperine has been shown to help relieve nausea, headaches and poor digestion and also has anti-inflammatory properties (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).Still, its most significant benefit may be its ability to boost the absorption of curcumin (2Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).SUMMARYCurcumin in turmeric and piperine in black pepper have been shown to improve health due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and disease-fighting qualities.Piperine Enhances the Absorption of CurcuminUnfortunately, the curcumin in turmeric is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, you could be missing out on its advantages to health.However, adding black pepper can help. Research supports that combining the piperine in black pepper with the curcumin in turmeric enhances curcumin absorption by up to 2,000% (2Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).One study showed that adding 20 mg of piperine to 2 grams of curcumin increased its absorption significantly (8Trusted Source).There are currently two theories on how this works.First, piperine makes it easier for curcumin to pass through the intestinal wall and into your bloodstream (9Trusted Source).Second, it may slow down the breakdown of curcumin by the liver, increasing its blood levels. (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).As a result, combining curcumin with piperine increases its potential health benefits.SUMMARYThe piperine found in black pepper enhances curcumin absorption, making it more readily available to be used by your body.The Combination Boosts Health BenefitsWhile curcumin and piperine each have their own health benefits, they’re even better together.Fights Inflammation and Helps Reduce PainTurmeric’s curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties.In fact, it’s so potent that some studies have shown it to match the power of some anti-inflammatory drugs, without the negative side effects (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).Studies also demonstrate that turmeric may play a role in preventing and treating arthritis, a disease characterized by joint inflammation and pain (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties are often praised for reducing pain and temporary discomfort.Piperine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties as well. It helps desensitize a specific pain receptor in your body, which can further reduce feelings of discomfort (18Trusted Source, 19, 20Trusted Source).When combined, curcumin and piperine are a powerful inflammation-fighting duo that can help reduce discomfort and pain.May Help Prevent CancerCurcumin shows promise in not only treating but even preventing cancer (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).Test-tube studies suggest that it can decrease cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level. It could also contribute to the death of cancerous cells (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source, 26).Piperine seems to play a role in the death of certain cancer cells as well, which can decrease your risk of tumor formation, while other research indicates it, too, might inhibit the growth of cancerous cells (27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source).One study showed that curcumin and piperine, both separately and in combination, interrupted the self-renewal process of breast stem cells. This is important, as this process is where breast cancer originates (29Trusted Source).Further studies point to curcumin and piperine having protective effects against additional cancers, including prostate, pancreatic, colorectal and more (22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source, 30).Aids in DigestionIndian medicine has relied on turmeric to help with digestion for thousands of years. Modern studies support its use, showing that it can help reduce gut spasms and flatulence (31).Piperine has been shown to enhance the activity of digestive enzymes in the gut, which helps your body process food more quickly and easily (32Trusted Source).Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of both turmeric and piperine may aid in reducing gut inflammation, which can help with digestion.SUMMARYWhen combined, curcumin and piperine tend to have a greater effect on inflammation, digestion, reducing pain and fighting cancer.Safety and DosageCurcumin and piperine are generally considered safe (32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source).There are no official recommendations for consumption of either, and the maximum tolerable intake has not been identified.Certain people may experience side effects like nausea, headache and skin rashes after taking curcumin in large doses. It’s thus important to follow the dosage recommendations on the supplement packaging (35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source).The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has set the acceptable dietary intake for curcumin as 1.4 mg per pound (3 mg/kg) of body weight per day, or approximately 245 mg for a 175-pound (80-kg) person (37).In Indian culture, turmeric and black pepper are commonly consumed in tea, often combined with olive oil, coconut oil, honey and ginger.Because curcumin is fat-soluble, consuming it with fat may increase absorption.However, to fully reap the medicinal benefits of curcumin, it’s best consumed in supplement form combined with piperine.SUMMARYTurmeric and black pepper are considered safe, and no serious side effects have been reported. While they can be added to food and drinks, supplements typically provide the greater benefit.The Bottom LineTurmeric and black pepper each have health benefits, due to the compounds curcumin and piperine.As piperine enhances curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2,000%, combining the spices magnifies their effects.They may reduce inflammation and improve digestion, particularly in supplement form.If you’re looking to fully enjoy the advantages of turmeric and black pepper, consider mixing these spices for best results.

Black seed oil health benefits Black seed oil has shown promise in treating some of the most common health conditions, including high blood pressure and asthma. It also shows strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans — yeast that can overgrow in the body and lead to candidiasis. Examples of other black seed oil health benefits include: Reducing high blood pressure: Taking black cumin seed extract for two months has been shown to reduce high blood pressure in people whose blood pressure is mildly elevated. Reducing high cholesterol: Taking black seed oil has been shown to reduce high cholesterol. It’s high in healthy fatty acids that can help you maintain healthier cholesterol levels. Examples of these fatty acids include linoleic acids and oleic acid. The levels of the oils can vary depending on where the black seeds are grown. People may also see results when consuming the crushed seeds. Improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Taking oral black seed oil may help to reduce inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Decreasing asthma symptoms: The anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil may extend to improving asthma symptoms. Its effect in reducing inflammation in the airways may also help with bronchitis symptoms. Reducing stomach upset: Eating black seeds or taking black seed oil is associated with relieving stomach pain and cramps. The oil can help to reduce gas, stomach bloating, and the incidence of ulcers as well.