 Inflammation is a hot topic in health and wellness. The body's natural inflammatory response is, in general, good for us; it helps the body fight illnesses and any number of stressors that can negatively impact our health. But, chronic inflammation can also be damaging to the tissues, both internal and external, so consumers are always on the lookout for inflammation-fighting solutions. Typically, this involves healthy eating habits, among other factors. That's why we spoke with Lindsay Etemadipour, holistic herbalist and founder of natural herbal tea company Symbi, who shares her top herbal remedies for combatting inflammation from within—naturally. Here are her top five: 1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) "One of my favorite herbs can be found in most grocery stories: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric. An herb used for centuries in traditional medicine, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin helps reduce inflammation-causing enzymes and cytokines in the body, which is extremely helpful for those dealing with chronic inflammation. I love using turmeric in cooking and as a daily tea. I drink it at least four to five times a week." 2. Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) "This is another kitchen herb that I absolutely adore for helping with chronic inflammation. Ginger, similar to turmeric, contains one specific compound that makes it an incredible healing herb. Gingerol is a bioactive compound that holds both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate chronic inflammation. It’s also fantastic for reducing pain that comes with inflammatory conditions." 3. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) "Continuing the trend of herbs you can find at the grocery store, cinnamon is an amazing anti-inflammatory—and it tastes great! It contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which hold anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that cinnamon may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances in the body.1 I also love cinnamon for regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, both of which can indirectly reduce inflammation." 4. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) "Green tea is another highly accessible herb that you can usually find just about anywhere. It is rich in polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Drinking green tea regularly may help reduce inflammation throughout the body and protect against chronic diseases associated with inflammation. When I was dealing with my last lupus flare about five years ago, I drank three cups of green tea a day to help modulate inflammation." 5. Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) "Ginseng is the only herb on this list that you cannot typically find in a grocery store. Ginseng is a powerful adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress. It contains compounds called ginsenosides, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have been shown to both slow the production of inflammatory molecules and modulate immune responses."2 References: from WellSpa360
This article is from a German site I follow, Top Hair. The article has been translated into English.  People who suffer from trichotillomania compulsively pull out their hair. A current scientific study examines how hairdressers can help. It's a wonderful feeling when you have customers in front of you and run your fingers through their hair, moving it and feeling its structure. For some people, however, this feeling when touching their own hair is compulsively documented. They are among the approximately one to two percent in Germany who are affected by the obsessive-compulsive disorder trichotillomania: They not only feel the movement and texture of one of their hairs, but also separate and pluck it out. Not isolated and not by chance, but targeted and above all again and again and in large numbers. In the process, those affected pluck or tear out scalp hair, eyelashes or eyebrows or even pubic and armpit hair. The visible consequences such as bald spots on the head or missing eyebrows and eyelashes are a heavy burden for those affected. Haircut as an offer of help A visit to the hairdresser is therefore unimaginable for many years. Instead, they hide the bald spots with towels, hats or often unprofessional hairpieces and draw eyebrows with decorative cosmetics. The only remedy is almost always behavioral therapy, with which those affected can reduce the often underlying pressure to perform and improve the disturbed impulse control. But even a carefully executed haircut and a loving hair wash and treatment can have a positive effect on the well-being of those affected, hairdresser and certified psychologist Linda Hollatz is sure. She is doing her doctorate on this topic at the University of Cologne. With the help of two studies, she wants to raise awareness of trichotillomania and the role that hairdressers can play in dealing with the disorder: "We hope that the results will give us a better understanding of the specific personal and professional hair care needs of those affected be able to win. A next step would then be to develop hair care interventions that can help people manage their hair pulling. " contribute to enlightenment In the first study, those affected are asked online about their hair care behavior and whether they let other people touch them or even dare to go to a salon. “For the second, experimental study, I developed a mindfulness-based hair appointment . I train the participating hairdressers and bring them and those affected together for an appointment. Above all, this ensures privacy for those affected and the knowledge that the hairdresser is familiar with the disease and that no explanation is required on your part.” The aim of the study is to use the specially designed treatment appointments to find out what experiences those affected have with these appointments and whether this measure has an effect on hair-pulling behavior and self-esteem. The hair-pulling behavior and self-esteem of those affected are measured before and up to 60 days after the appointment. Hairdressers participating in the study are prepared for the appointment with virtual training. In the training, Linda Hollatz provides information in eight modules about the disease, communication with those affected, mindfulness and hair cutting techniques. Training for hairdressers Three training rounds for hairdressers on the so-called "mindfulness-based haircut" have already been completed. According to Linda Hollatz, more will take place this spring. The treatment she developed, which she teaches in the training courses for the study, is based on three fundamental factors: privacy, the prior knowledge of the hairdressers and sufficient time . "I would like to show that receiving treatment that is loving and mindful can help those affected to cope better with their obsessive-compulsive disorder. I have had this experience myself and now I would like to prove it scientifically,” says Linda Hollatz. "A total of around 60 participating hairdressers that I can bring together with those affected would be ideal." So far, almost 20 hairdressers have taken part and also treated those affected according to the "mindfulness-based haircut". This also includes master hairdresser and natural hairdresser Jennifer Lohmer from Bonn. She reports: “In contrast to normal treatment , a passive role and restraint on the part of the hairdresser is particularly important. The focus is on the customer's condition and not so much on a trendy haircut. Whether or not the customer would like advice on a haircut or possible treatment of bald spots, whether she would like general communication or would prefer to be treated without further communication - all of this is carefully clarified beforehand. What I find most important is a professional and at the same time understanding attitude. Linda prepared us for this in the training. This was then very easy to implement in the actual treatment.” trust and security Master hairdresser Peter Fischer from Kassel has also already completed the training, but has not yet received a treatment appointment as part of the study. However, he has been working as a natural hairdresser since 2007 and always prioritizes mindfulness when making appointments. "Time, space, peace and quiet and communication are always important factors for us in our appointments," he emphasizes. “ I want to give our customers the security that they are seen and heard, no matter what (hair) problems they come to us with . The treatment of people affected by trichotillomania was new to me in terms of the symptoms, but treating people with care was not. I find it extremely important that we hairdressers act professionally and in an informed manner when it comes to such issues.Clarification is always the be-all and end-all. The customer must know: I am taken seriously here, I can trust here, my need is recognized here. " Education among hairdressers is another concern of the study for Linda Hollatz: “The more salons know about the disease and deal with it professionally, the better for those affected. To dare to go to the hairdresser again after many years is a huge effort. If you can even feel comfortable there and find an understanding and knowledgeable contact person, that can help to develop a positive feeling about dealing with your own hair again.” Anyone interested in participating in the study and wanting to know more about trichotillomania can contact Linda Hollatz atresearch@lindahollatz.de or T: (040) 52 57 0022. INFO: WHAT IS TRICHOTILLOMANIA? Trichotillomania is an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder in which sufferers pull their own hair. They cannot stop the behavior, although they suffer greatly from hair pulling and its consequences. The hairs on the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes are most commonly pulled out. In general, however, all parts of the body where hair grows can be affected. Hair pulling is perceived as distracting, comforting, or relieving tension, which perpetuates the behavior. Acting as an act of pleasure can also play a role: Often, playing with the hair between the fingers, touching the mouth with the hair or biting the hair is simply perceived as pleasant. The action becomes an everyday ritual, for example when driving a car, reading or making a phone call. Tips for dealing with trichotillomania sufferers Antonia Peters, herself affected by trichotillomania for years and now chairwoman of the German Association of Compulsive Diseases, knows the needs of trichotillomania patients when they go to the hairdresser: “The feeling of shame is extremely great. Those affected often do not go to the hairdresser for years, cut their own hair, clip it and style it in such a way that bald spots are covered. Or they name other reasons for bald spots when they visit the hairdresser: hormones, medication, nutrition, allergies, metabolism, etc. If you, as a hairdresser, discover a diffusely bald spot with many equally short stubbles, it could be trichotillomania. A possible procedure would then be to address the customer carefully, sensitively and impartially: “I see you have a thin or bald spot here. Would you like advice on this? Could it also be that it is not due to reason XYZ, but that you may have plucked hair yourself there? I've read a lot about it/I know the topic. Would you like to talk about it or may I advise you on this?” Communicate professionalism, understanding and expertise to the customer. Offer to treat her in a separate area - if there is one - or at a marginal appointment. In such situations, those affected may be more likely to open up and express their desire to have their hair styled more easily. During the treatment, you can always ask subtly whether certain touches are desired, such as washing or brushing. Avoid pulling the hair too hard when cutting your hair. Create positive anchors by e.g. For example, offer a light day make-up in a completely nonjudgmental manner. Build trust by taking a step back.” INFORMATION AND HELP German society of obsessive-compulsive disorders e. V.: Antonia Peters, chairwoman of the DGZ e. V., is a former sufferer and trichotillomania expert with regular telephone consultation hours (free of charge and nationwide):www.zwaenge.de Hamburg self-help group Skinpicking / Dermatillomania – Hair Pulling Disorder / Trichotillomania and other BFRBs: Currently via zoom every 2nd and 4th Monday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,www.selbsthilfe-bfrb.de Self-help groups by zip code: www.zwaenge.de/selbsthilfe/shg_liste/ Also, here is a link to the ADAA (Anxiety & Depression Association in America) on
Trichotillomania – Facts and Treatment 
If you, your friends, family, clients or customers are experiencing mental health issues, encourage them to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.  *Editor's Note: The article was originally published on May 3, 2022. The Confess Project, founded in 2016 by Lorenzo Lewis, is America’s first barbershop mental health movement committed to building a culture of mental health for boys, men of color, and their families by training barbers to be mental health advocates. Lewis was born in jail to an incarcerated mother, and he struggled with depression, anxiety and anger throughout his youth. He was determined to break the school-to-prison cycle and started his journey into mental wellness. Ten years of living a healthier life, and an advocate for therapy, he wanted to reach other men of color and confront the stigma of discussing mental health. Lewis authored “Jumping Over Life’s Hurdles and Staying in the Race” about turning his pain into a purpose and spoke at churches, schools, and national conferences sharing his story. He wanted to advocate mental health to a larger audience. In Black communities, after churches, the barbershop is a popular place for congregations. Lewis wanted to create a positive network with a peer support model for barbers to help destigmatize discussing mental health and change the circumstances for future boys and men of color. He knew firsthand the impact beauty and barbershops make.  Lewis recalled his early childhood, from the ages of four to eleven, he would go to his aunt’s beauty shop every day. There he met Sylvester, a barber on staff who became his first male mentor. “Sly encouraged me whenever I was feeling down that there was more to life than what I was currently going through. He shared stories from his childhood.” Lewis also saw the community and camaraderie that happened daily in his aunt’s shop. The Beyond the Shop program trains barbers to become mental health advocates and currently has more than 600 barbers in 35 cities and 14 states certified. Partnerships with Andis, Gilette and Toyota have helped fund the national grassroots outreach to barbershops. The training is an elevated sense of customer service, as barbers get to know their clients’ families and life circumstances. Training is focused on 4 steps:
 Barber ambassador Craig Charles, owner of Craig’s Crown Cutz in Johnson City, TN, tells of his experience with the Confess Project. “I just actively listen to some of the guys going through issues with their spouse or kids, I let them know, he’s not alone. I’ve been there. I’ve experienced the same issues myself and I’m a shoulder he can lean on. As a man, it’s okay to not be okay. I’ve had men come back to the shop to express their gratitude for the advice. Advocating mental health to clients is also a reminder for me to recognize when I need to take a step back from being overwhelmed and talk to a mentor.” The Confess Project participated in a 2020 research study with Harvard University as part of the Barbers are Mental Health Gatekeepers Campaign. The study interviewed 32 barbers between September and December 2020 that consisted of open-ended questions that explored the barbers’ experiences and perspectives regarding mental health and community services. The results confirmed the vital role of Black barbers as change agents in Black communities. Barbers have the ability to create lasting racial change, help Black community members build trust with one another, and bridge the gap in Black communities between unmet mental health needs and mental health care. Public Health data from the Centers on Disease Prevention Control (CDC) states that in Black men between the ages of 20-44, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death, and Black boys under the age of 20, suicide is the third leading cause. Systematic and institutional racism has created economic and social barriers for Black and Brown communities. Headquartered in Little Rock, AR, the Confess Project is a liaison to therapists and public health experts, and also works with city governments, universities and organizations to highlight how mental health intersects with police brutality, LGBT issues, gender inequality and more. Satellite offices are located in Atlanta, GA, and Compton/Los Angeles, CA. To get involved and/or support Beyond the Shop, go to www.theconfessproject.com from ModernSalon
 83 million Americans are more likely to discuss their worries with their stylist or barber than a professional therapist, reveals the poll. Photo: Istockphoto One in three Americans (32%) are more likely to discuss their worries with the person who cuts their hair than with a professional therapist, according to a new poll from AQ, an anxiety management app that tracks anxiety in real-time. Women, younger adults, Midwesterners, and Hispanics are most likely of all to do so, according to the survey of 1,005 Americans by pollsters iPsos eNation, on behalf of AQ. "Millions of Americans suffer anxiety, depression, and similar challenges but can’t afford to consult a professional therapist. Others might have the money but not the time — or the inclination to do so, sometimes due to a lingering sense of stigma. And even if they do have the time, money, and inclination, there just aren’t enough trained therapists to meet the overwhelming need." — Dr. Shaun Nanavati, neuropsychologist and chief science officer of AQ “AQ empowers you to become your own therapist,” added Dr. Nanavati. It tracks your anxiety levels and mental state in real-time and then gives you real-time measures to manage them better. Hair stylists and barbers, meanwhile, seem to be helping bridge “the therapy gap” in a different, less data-driven way than AQ, by acting as America’s unofficial therapists. “They are paid for their cutting and styling skills,” he said, “but our poll confirms that many also spend their days listening to the troubles of their clients and acting as what amounts to informal and untrained therapists or counsellors. “Whether we like it or not, the folks cutting our hair are already in the front line of today’s mental health crisis. You might call them salon or barber-chair therapists.” Stylists and barbers, of course, lack the training and qualifications to tackle many of the issues that trained therapists do, stresses Dr. Nanavati. “And yet some of their clients may feel more relaxed, trusting, and open with them than they would with a trained therapist.” Other Findings
from ModernSalon 1 in 3 Americans View Their Stylist as a Therapist Research has shown that many Americans view their salon visits as a needed form of self-care. With many using this pampered downtime as a chance to confide in their stylists, clients tend to think of their beauty Pros as a kind of therapist, too. But what makes a trip to the salon so therapeutic, and just how common is it for people to treat their stylists like therapists? To find out, StyleSeat surveyed 1,000 people about their experiences at salons, spas, and tattoo parlors to see what are the not-so-obvious reasons people get beauty treatments done. Key Findings:
 For those seeking more than just a haircut or manicure, the salon can be a sanctuary. For many Americans, the salon is a place where we can discuss topics beyond just beauty and style tips — we can also share our thoughts and emotions. As we enter Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize the value of these safe spaces and the comfort they provide to those seeking a deeper conversation. from ModernSalon Also check out:
The Confess Project: A Barbershop Mental Health Movement |
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