A Naturopath's Gift Guide

The holidays have arrived! A time of year about showing gratitude for what we do have and a time to give. There are many different types of gifts out there, but searching for meaningful ones that will also have a positive impact on your loved one can be a daunting task. This guide outlines gifts that are good for the mind, body, spirit and environment. Let’s put the spotlight on natural, vegan and environmentally friendly gifts this year! Plus it is a sneaky way to start to integrate some healthy practices in your loved ones daily life.

Yoga Mat and/or Membership: Yoga is one of the most common forms of movement recommended for stress reduction. With its ability to decrease levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, yoga has the ability to reduce the negative side effects stress can cause. Yoga also helps to build strength, increase flexibility, and reduce chronic pain. Everyone could use some yoga in their lives. There are many online platforms that have a variety of classes and range from 5 to 20 dollars a month!

Air Purifier: A good air purifier is always a good idea to keep around with the increasing air pollution that is occurring in todays world. A HEPA air filter will filter out 99% of the toxins in the air, getting even the smallest of particles. These tend to be a little more expensive, but are far more efficient compared to other filtration systems.

Loose Leaf Tea Holder: This is for all the tea-lovers out there! This allows you to create custom herbal blends every time you are in the mood for tea. Also in the long-run, purchasing herbs in bulk for tea is more economical than purchasing individual tea bags. Not to mention the positive impact this on the environment when you are not throwing out the used tea bags everyday.

Electric Kettle: On the tea lover theme, an electric kettle is a great option! Instead of waiting for water to boil on the stove, an electric kettle will have water boiling hot in 2 minutes. A staple for a tea drinkers morning routine.

Organic Herb Growing kits: Every single herb has a variety of medicinal benefits. Purchasing herbs every day for fresh use can add up, but giving the gift of growing their own can alleviate the financial burden. There are multitudes of different herbal growing kits, some even small enough to be grown in the kitchen window.

Air Fryer: A great way to get the fried taste and crispy outside without actually deep frying anything. Air fryers can cook virtually anything; chicken, vegetables, onion rings, French fries, fish, etc. Air fryers take out about 70% of the calories and prevents you from ingesting the harmful hydrogenated oils common associated with deep fried foods.

Books: Books are always a great choice, everyone’s eyes can use a break from a screen. It might be hard to find the perfect book, so maybe a gift card to audible or a book store is the route you take. Below are some great suggestions for every human.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by don Miguel Ruiz

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

Essential Oil Diffuser: Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts extracted capturing the plants scent and essence. Essential oils are commonly used through the practice of aromatherapy, each oil bringing about a different health benefit. A diffuser is used to fill the air with tiny, breathable particles of the essential oils. Lavender is great for anxiety and stress, while peppermint works to help stimulate focus. The oils are placed in the diffuser with water and diffuses the smell throughout the room.

Stocking Stuffers

Dry Brush: Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice that is very beneficial for the body. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, which removes toxins from the body. Dry brushing is great for gentle exfoliation of the skin.Performed by gently brushing the skin in an upward direction towards the heart, traditionally done prior to showering.

Tongue Scraper: Another Ayurvedic practice that can be integrated easily into a morning routine. Removing bacteria and toxins from the tongue which helps to improve digestive health, eliminate bad breath, and unclog tastebuds enhancing the taste of food. It is helpful to tongue scrape first thing in the morning before brushing your teeth.

Reusable Cutlery and straws: These are great for those avid coffee drinkers or the travel enthusiast! Not to mention, helpful for the environment as they replace the plastic utensils that would have been used with something that can be used repeatedly, avoiding the landfill.