Over time, the stones became associated with the 12 zodiac signs, and eventually with the 12 months. In the early 1900s, the National Association of Jewelers made the 12 birthstones official. Birthstones are now popular gift options for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. Each stone is said to have a unique meaning and property, which we’ll dive into next. As Yulia Van Doren, author of Crystals: The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing and founder of Goldirocks, tells mbg, “It’s very important to have the grounding of a ‘safe space’ in order to be able to bravely explore unknown ideas and unchartered passions, which is why ultra-grounding garnet is the perfect adventure partner for both Capricorns and Aquarians....

We asked experts for their best advice on what it means to focus on yourself and actionable ways to actually start doing it, for real. Here’s what to know. As licensed therapist Lair Torrent, LMFT, tells mbg, “To focus on yourself instead of others means to do what I call ‘choosing you.’ It means giving yourself the gift of time, drawing firm boundaries around time spent on yourself and with yourself....

And if you’re dealing with increased shedding (a very common hair care concern), select a shampoo specifically geared toward thinning hair. Not sure what ingredients to look for or where to start? Here, find our prized recommendations. Take it from Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mudgil Dermatology: “If buildup is really extreme, it can even pull the hair down because there’s so much inflammation around the hair follicle,” he previously told mbg....

But have no fear, there is truly no shortage of egg substitutes to have in your back pocket. From applesauce to ACV, here are 15 surprising and innovative ways to substitute eggs in the kitchen. To get one egg’s worth, measure out about a quarter of a cup. And if you find purées make your baked goods a little fudgier than you usually like, a teaspoon of baking powder for every “egg” will help leaven your dough....

“Based on the data I’ve seen and my conversations with scientists who study the physiology of orgasm, it does not seem to be the case that orgasms induced by different forms of stimulation ’look’ different physiologically,” says Justin Lehmiller, Ph.D., a social psychologist, author of the Sex and Psychology blog, and expert at Lovehoney. “Anatomically, an orgasm refers to a series of contractions that occur in the genital region, so if you define ‘orgasm’ solely in terms of a physiological response, an orgasm is an orgasm....

This June, people across the country have collective action and activism more top of mind than ever. After weeks of demonstrations against racism and police violence, the scale of communal dedication to active allyship feels revolutionary—and we’re just getting started. We reached out to LGBTQ+ mental health experts, activists, content creators, and business owners to share concrete actions that anyone can take to support LGBTQ+ people. Here’s what they told us: “Don’t be ashamed if you don’t know everything already; just make sure you take the time to educate yourself....

The fact is, literally hundreds of millions of women around the world live with genital herpes According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 6 women between the ages of 14 and 49 have the STI, which is to say you’re far from alone. But it’s also important to realize that genital herpes, while a lifelong virus, is actually a highly manageable one—and it certainly shouldn’t stop you from having a fulfilling sex life....