Health

How To Use Anti-Inflammatory Herbs As a Topical Pain Remedy, According to a Doctor of Chinese Medicine

A doctor of Chinese Medicine shares how to make an herbal poultice in order to help alleviate common inflammation-related aches and pains.

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Getty Images/Sorrasak Jar Tinyo
Published Dec 18, 2021

Written by 

Erica Sloan

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Herbs and spices figure big in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) thanks to their natural healing properties, which make them a balm for everything from indigestion and menstrual cramps to overworked muscles. While ingesting them via herbal supplements or teas is certainly one solid way to reap their benefits, learning how to make an herbal poultice, a topical paste made of dried herbs or essential oils, can lend itself to a whole separate slate of potential upsides.

Experts in This Article

Giselle Wasfie

board-certified acupuncturist, herbalist

Just like you might slather on a foot cream with active ingredients to relieve sore arches, applying a poultice loaded with anti-inflammatory herbs and roots essentially brings the ingredients’ healing powers right to the spot where they’re needed. To create a poultice, you’d combine a few pulverized or powdered herbs (more on this below) with a carrier oil or binding agent, like flour or honey, pat the mixture onto your skin, and secure it in place with a piece of gauze or a cotton cloth.

“When something is stuck, it slows the energetic flow within the body, potentially causing inflammation and pain. Adding a warm application of herbs can help restore that circulation.” —Giselle Wasfie, DACM

Poultices work by gently reinvigorating the flow of what’s called qi in TCM, or energy that moves along channels in the body from the organs to the extremities. “When something is stuck or blocked, it slows the normal energetic flow within the body, potentially causing inflammation and pain. But adding a warm application of herbs can help restore that circulation,” says acupuncturist and herbalist Giselle Wasfie, LAc, DACM, founder of Remix Lifestyle, a Chicago-based acupuncture studio and product line. And amid winter—a time that brings more tension and stillness to the body overall, according to TCM—a warming herbal poultice can feel just as nourishing to the soul as it does to the body.

Who might use poultices (and limitations to know about)

Typically, poultices work best for issues stemming from inflammation, says Dr. Wasfie. In particular, you’re likely to feel the strongest healing effect for any irritation that’s on or near the surface of the skin (where it’s most accessible by the poultice), like a sunburn or a bruise. That said, if you add heat to a poultice by covering it with a heating pad or using warm water to make the paste, you’ll naturally activate the herbs to absorb even further into the skin, says Dr. Wasfie, making this a more effective tack for helping to alleviate deeper inflammatory issues, like a chest cough, joint pain, or ankle sprain, with a few consecutive daily applications.

That said, for conditions like these, Dr. Wasfie suggests seeking the care of a licensed TCM practitioner rather than self-treating (particularly if you haven’t used an herbal poultice before). While research has shown the potential for topical application of medicinal plants to help heal inflammatory conditions—and separate studies on individual substances like turmeric, ginger, and castor oil have demonstrated their unique anti-inflammatory effects—it’s always possible that a particular injury or illness requires a more intensive type of treatment.

And because herbal poultices are topical remedies, Dr. Wasfie also suggests avoiding placing one near any open wound or eczema to steer clear of a negative reaction. While poultices are not known to interact with any medications, she also recommends against using one if you’re on heart medication or a blood thinner, and, in general, disclosing to your TCM practitioner any medicines you’re taking, as well as any underlying conditions. (In that realm, Dr. Wasfie also doesn’t suggest the use of a poultice for pregnant people.)

How to make an herbal poultice to help naturally resolve 4 different conditions

Before applying a poultice, Dr. Wasfie says to do a patch test to rule out any skin sensitivities: Just place a small amount of the herbs or oils you’re going to use on a non-irritated part of your skin, and leave it there for a few minutes. If you notice any redness or other reaction, stop, remove the substance, and wash the area with water and mild soap. If not, you can feel comfortable going forth with a full poultice.

Below, Dr. Wasfie shares how to make an herbal poultice uniquely suited to four common inflammation-related issues. Once you find one that works for you on a first application, you can use it daily to weekly, however you see fit.

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1. For a sore chest or cough: mustard seed poultice

Start by pulverizing mustard seed using a mortar and pestle (or just use a mustard-seed powder), and mix with just enough flour and warm water to create a paste. In this case, Dr. Wasfie suggests brushing the paste onto the cheesecloth or gauze you’ll be using, and first applying a layer of non-petroleum jelly to the chest or back before laying on the poultice. Because mustard seed is extra-potent, this helps protect the skin while you leave the poultice in place for 10 to 15 minutes.

2. For a bruise or skin swelling: frankincense and myrrh poultice

First, give either the bruise or swollen area about 24 hours from the time when the injury occurred (during which time you could apply ice to reduce puffiness) before making a poultice. After that point, mix organic essential oils of frankincense and myrrh with either organic sesame or organic olive oil, and a bit of flour or honey to thicken the mixture. Brush it onto the area, cover it with a piece of plastic wrap, and then place a heating pad over the poultice for about 20 minutes.

3. For menstrual cramps: castor oil poultice

Start by mixing organic castor oil with moxa essential oil. (This comes from the same herb, the mugwort herb, that’s used in TCM moxa treatments.) As with the above, Dr. Wasfie says you can turn the mixture into more of a paste by adding some flour or honey, if you feel so inclined. Then, apply it to a cotton cloth, and place the cloth on the lower abdomen, just below your belly button. Layer on a heating pad, and relax for about 25 minutes.

4. For arthritis-related aches, carpal tunnel, and knee or ankle pain: turmeric or ginger poultice

Both turmeric and ginger are antioxidant powerhouses that can effectively penetrate the skin when they’re applied in a poultice, and help resolve the deeper layers of inflammation typical of these muscle aches. You can dissolve either turmeric powder or ginger powder in warm water, apply the paste to cheesecloth, and cover the sore area with the poultice. (Just note that if you choose to go the turmeric route, you could temporarily stain your skin a tad yellow.) Lay a heating pad on top of the poultice, and sit tight for about 20 minutes.

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Health

Fact or Fiction: Are Wireless Headphones Actually Bad For Your Brain?

Our experts share whether these handy devices are friends...or foes.

young woman in orange sweater listening to music on wireless headphones over a mobile app while sitting on a comfortable green sofa
Photo: Getty Images / Milan Markovic
Published Feb 20, 2025

Written by 

Jaime Osnato

Wireless headphones go everywhere with us—on commutes, at the gym, and even in bed. We know they're undeniably convenient. But wireless headphones are radiation-emitting devices. So, having them close to your brain does raise some valid concerns.

Experts in This Article

Janna Andrews

chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital

Jonathan Rasouli

a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital

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Some experts suggest that high exposure to long-term radiofrequency (RF) radiation could have health effects, while others say there’s nothing to worry about. So, what’s actually the truth? Before you ditch your AirPods, let’s break down the science, separate fact from fear, and see if your favorite tech accessory comes with any real risks.

First, what is radiofrequency (RF) radiation?

Not all radiation is created equal. The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from low-energy radiation to high-energy radiation. At the low end of the spectrum is radiofrequency (RF) radiation, like radio waves and microwaves, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s considered a non-ionizing type of radiation—meaning, it lacks enough energy to remove electrons from an atom.

Wireless headphones use low-power, non-ionizing RF radiation—the same type of radiation emitted by cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, says Jonathan Rasouli, MD, a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital. While high-energy, ionizing radiation (like X-rays and gamma rays) is proven to cause cellular damage, low-frequency, non-ionizing radiation has long been considered safer, according to Janna Andrews, MD, chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital. However, some emerging studies suggest it may not be entirely risk-free.

What are the potential risks of RF radiation?

In 2015, a group of international scientists signed a petition raising "serious concern" about radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from wireless devices, including Bluetooth headphones, due to potential links to cancer and other health effects. Here's what the research says so far about the potential health risks of long-term RFR exposure.

Cancer

The jury’s still out, but some research suggests a possible link between wireless devices and cancer risk. In 2011, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified RF radiation as a Class 2B Possible Human Carcinogen, meaning it might contribute to cancer, according to the Environmental Health Trust. A May 2014 meta-analysis published in PLOS One found a potential association between long-term mobile phone use and glioma, a type of brain tumor.1 However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm this connection.

Fertility and reproductive health

It sounds farfetched, but wireless devices may affect male fertility. A December 2018 review published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can harm sperm quality, disrupt cellular metabolism, and cause oxidative stress, all of which may contribute to infertility for people with testes.2

Hearing problems

Long-term exposure to RF radiation might also take a toll on your ears. Several studies suggest a potential link between wireless devices and hearing loss. For example, a study published in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery found that high-frequency hearing loss was significantly more common in the dominant ear of cell phone users—the one that you use more often when you're making a call.3

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Additionally, a 2016 literature review in the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology found that RF radiation from cell phone use may trigger or worsen tinnitus, a condition that causes persistent ringing in the ears.4

Oxidative stress and cellular damage

Some research suggests RF radiation might stress out your cells—literally. This stress can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), unstable molecules that damage DNA, according to the American Cancer Society. A 2015 review in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine concluded that long-term exposure to low-intensity RF radiation could contribute to oxidative stress, which is known to be a risk factor for a variety of health conditions, including cancer and inflammatory diseases.5

So, what's the verdict?

While some studies suggest prolonged RF radiation exposure may increase health risks, there’s no strong evidence that Bluetooth headphones in particular are dangerous, says Dr. Rasouli.

Animal studies have hinted at a link between RF radiation and tumors, but results have been inconsistent and inconclusive—and more importantly, haven't been replicated in human studies. Even studies of workers exposed to higher RF levels—such as radar technicians and radio operators—have not found a clear increase in cancer risk, according to the American Cancer Society.

In addition, large-scale studies on cell phone use haven’t definitively linked RF radiation to brain tumors or cancer, Dr. Rasouli says. And cell phones emit far more RF radiation than wireless Bluetooth headphones. In the U.S., cell phones operate between 1.8 to 2.2 gigahertz (GHz), while Bluetooth devices emit only 0.25 to 10 percent of that—well below the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) safety limits, adds Dr. Andrews. The FCC regulates exposure levels to ensure they remain within safe thresholds, she explains.

So far, there’s no solid data that wireless headphones pose significant health risks. Unlike ionizing radiation (like X-rays), RF waves don’t have enough energy to damage DNA directly. However, moderation is key—as with any technology, Dr. Rasouli explains. By following smart listening habits and staying informed, you can use wireless headphones with confidence, he adds.

How to keep your brain (and ears) safe

Want to play it safe? Here are simple ways to reduce any potential risks, according to Drs. Rasouli and Andrews:

  • Limit long-term use: Listening to your wireless headphones at a high volume can cause hearing loss
  • Lower the volume: Keep it below 85 decibels (dB) for no more than eight hours per day
  • Avoid sleeping with headphones on: Doing so can help reduce your odds of bacterial infections, wax buildup, and potential hearing loss
  • Consider wired headphones: This eliminates the RF radiation concern altogether
  • Keep them clean: Wipe with alcohol pads to prevent bacteria buildup and ear infections
  1. Yang, Ming et al. “Mobile phone use and glioma risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” PloS one vol. 12,5 e0175136. 4 May. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175136 ↩︎
  2. Kesari, Kavindra Kumar et al. “Radiations and male fertility.” Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E vol. 16,1 118. 9 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0431-1 ↩︎
  3. Velayutham, P et al. “High-frequency hearing loss among mobile phone users.” Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India vol. 66,Suppl 1 (2014): 169-72. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0406-4 ↩︎
  4. Medeiros, Luisa Nascimento, and Tanit Ganz Sanchez. “Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation.” Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology vol. 82,1 (2016): 97-104. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.04.013 ↩︎
  5. Yakymenko, Igor et al. “Oxidative mechanisms of biological activity of low-intensity radiofrequency radiation.” Electromagnetic biology and medicine vol. 35,2 (2016): 186-202. doi:10.3109/15368378.2015.1043557 ↩︎

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Food

Food Trends Come and Go, But Kombucha Is Forever—Here’s Why, According to an RD

Here's what an RD has to say about the kombucha trend, why it's held such staying power, and what to look for when you're stocking up.

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Photo: W+G Creative
Published Feb 3, 2025

In Partnership With 

GT's Living Foods

Written by 

Well+Good Editors

There was the low-fat craze of the 1990s and 2000s. The ‘10s rolled in with celery juice, Impossible burgers, and truffle oil on everything—followed by whipped coffee, feta pasta, and the gazillion other viral #foodtok moments of the current decade. Try to keep up with the latest food trends, and you’re in for a quite a ride.

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There’s nothing wrong with opting into the (literal) flavor of the month—but when it comes to nutrition, it’s worth paying special attention to the foods and drinks that have lasted longer than a season. For registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, kombucha is high on that list of long-standing staples.

According to Google Trends, the kombucha trend entered the wellness mainstream around 2017—but Manaker notes that its history stretches back thousands of years, originating as a traditional fermented drink in East Asia. “What has given kombucha such remarkable staying power, compared to other fleeting food and beverage trends, lies in its unique combination of health benefits, historical significance, and overall appeal,” she says.

Back to the ’90s for a minute: That sacred, historical significance of kombucha is what inspired a California teenager named GT Dave to eschew the food trends of the day in favor of a—at the time—less popular way of supporting his and his family’s health. In 1995, Dave was gifted an heirloom Himalayan SCOBY (or symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, the living culture used to ferment kombucha). He was intrigued by the healing effects he’d seen firsthand when his mother was sick, so he began crafting his own homemade kombucha. His at-home hobby turned into SYNERGY, The Real Kombucha, and a suite of other probiotic-rich, living foods.

This year, GT’s Living Foods celebrates 30 years of crafting kombucha the real way: traditionally fermented with heirloom cultures for billions of living probiotics. While other health trends have come and gone, it’s clear Dave was ahead of the curve all those years ago.

Here’s what Manaker has to say about why the kombucha trend is so much more than just a passing fad, the health benefits of the drink, and why it’s worthy of a forever spot in your daily wellness routine.

The health benefits of kombucha

The secret to foods that outlast all the fads? They strike the balance of nutritious, tasty, and generally low-effort. Done, done, and done: According to Manaker, the health benefits of kombucha are wide-ranging—and its delicious, tangy taste is the cherry (or guava, or pomelo, or strawberry) on top.

First and foremost, studies suggest that drinking kombucha may help boost your gut health, which has a major effect on your overall well-being. “Kombucha is a source of probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms that support gut health by balancing the gut microbiome,” Manaker says. “A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, immune health, and nutrient absorption.”

Some kombucha contains polyphenols and bioactive compounds, which Manaker says may help manage inflammation in the body, as well as antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals. “Data highlights that the consumption of antioxidant-rich beverages like kombucha can support overall cellular health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases,” she says.

To reap its full benefits, Manaker recommends sipping kombucha daily. “Consistent consumption helps colonize the gut with the beneficial probiotics found in this fermented beverage, supporting a balanced and healthy microbiome over time,” she says—with the caveat that not all kombucha is created equal. Choose one that contains live probiotics and diverse strains (like SYNERGY, The Real Kombucha), she says, because these ingredients contribute more actively to gut health.

Why the kombucha trend has such staying power

From Manaker’s POV, the “kombucha trend” has withstood decades (correction, centuries) of changing food-and-beverage tides because it’s equal parts nutritious and delicious. “A growing awareness of gut health and its importance to overall well-being has kept kombucha in the spotlight,” she says. “Its natural probiotics and enzymes support a balanced microbiome, which in turn promotes digestion, immunity, and even potentially mental health.”

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And beyond its health benefits? “Kombucha’s distinct, tangy, and slightly effervescent flavor profile has helped it gain a loyal following as a delicious and refreshing alternative to sugary sodas or artificial drinks,” Manaker says.

What to look for in a quality kombucha

“When choosing a kombucha brand, it’s essential to prioritize quality, ingredients, and sourcing,” Manaker says. She looks for options that are raw, organic, unpasteurized (to help preserve the live probiotics and enzymes, she says), and grown by the traditional fermentation process. “Transparency about the ingredients and brewing process is another key factor,” she adds. “Opt for brands that list exactly what they use without hidden sugars or synthetic flavorings.”

GT’s SYNERGY checks every one of her kombucha boxes. She loves the small-batch brewing and weeks-long fermentation process, which separates GT’s from most other kombuchas on the market *and* boosts its nutritional value. “It’s clear [GT’s Living Foods] never cuts corners—each bottle is raw, unpasteurized, and free from artificial flavors, which only enhances the natural and refreshing experience. And since it is made with real tea, it naturally contains antioxidants to support my brain health.”

Manaker’s go-to for a little well-being boost is Pomelo Pink Lemonade, but you can’t go wrong with any of SYNERGY’s 23 fizzy flavors. Try them all and find your favorite—and then make kombucha a forever thing in your life.

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Health

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