by Claudia Joy Wingo, MPH, BApSc, RN, DMH, Clinical Herbalist As a Washington DC native recently returned from 4 ½ years in Australia, I had forgotten the abundance of both plant and animal species on display in the Washington area. My delight at sighting a number of rabbits, a handsome red fox and a small…
5 Herbs to Manage Stress Stress is often seen as unpleasant and annoying, but it can also cause real health problems by raising your blood pressure, upsetting the digestive system, and increasing muscle pain and inflammation. Fortunately, stress can be managed well. Lifestyle changes and taking these soothing herbs is a great way to reduce…
Benefits of Wheatgrass Wheatgrass is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, but most of us have not made this plant a part of our daily diet. If you are ready to improve your health, then it might be time to take a fresh look at the many benefits of wheatgrass. It Stimulates…
by Betsy Miller, M.S., CNS, LDN Spicebush, Lindera benzoin, is a small deciduous tree that typically grows in the understory of forests. The tree is native to eastern North America, and ranges along the Appalachian mountains from Florida to as far North as Ontario and as far west as Kentucky and Texas. The leaves and…
Sleep. It’s such a basic and important part of life, we could fill volumes with all there is to say about it. The whys and wherefores behind sleep disorders are often highly individual and tied in to one’s own personal history. But for today, let’s keep it basic. This list of do’s and don’t’s applies…
This ancient spice is the answer for just about anything Famously referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” turmeric (also known as curcuma longa) is an herb that originated in India and Asia dating back to 2,000 BC., and has since been used for culinary and medicinal purposes.Known for its pepper-like aroma and bright golden…
Eczema and Herbal Lymph Symphony Eczema is a chronic and painful inflammation of the skin. It appears as blisters, itchy rashes, or scaly patches of skin. While modern medicine can treat eczema, these medicines simply treat the symptoms and not the underlying cause. Herbalists treat eczema by soothing symptoms, yes, but also by looking at possible…
Food Based Vitamins Are Better Once upon a time, there was a belief that no difference existed between food-based vitamins and synthetic vitamins. But now we know this simply isn’t so. Your body can absorb natural, food-based supplements so much easier, but there’s also something else of importance here. Many of the compounds that are…
In addition to warding off vampires, garlic has many non-supernatural health benefits. Grab the breath mints and read on to learn more about why this pungent veggie is a nutritious addition to any diet. 1. Garlic improves your immune systemThe antioxidants in garlic can not only help protect you from developing the common cold, they…
Coenzyme Q10 Benefits Coenzyme Q10 is a large molecule that performs somewhat like a vitamin in the body, though, unlike most vitamins, the body can synthesize its own supply. Coenzyme Q10 is found in the tiny power plants in the cells called mitochondria, and is especially abundant in the mitochondria of the liver and the heart.…
Drinking Tea for Diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association, over 25 million American children and adults have diabetes and another 79 million are in the pre-diabetes stage. To help reduce symptoms associated with diabetes, such as frequent urination, increased thirst, hunger, fatigue and irritability, try incorporating a few of these medicinal herbs into your…
Warning Signs You Are Deficient In Magnesium Magnesium is a mineral that is necessary for nearly every bodily function, yet some people are deficient in it. Pre-existing conditions such as alcoholism and the use of some prescription medicines can reduce the body’s stores of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency in healthy people is relatively rare, but becoming more common…
Licorice Benefits You may know of Licorice as the black jellybeans or rope candy, or perhaps as an ingredient in traditional root beer, but there is much more to Licorice root than its sweet earthy taste! (and those jellybeans are flavored with anise these days anyway!) Licorice is a powerful medicinal herb, and an excellent…
Ginkgo Biloba and Health Today’s consumers have a heightened awareness of diet and lifestyle and are more health conscious than ever. Supplements fly off the shelves, as men and women struggle to improve their health and longevity. Across the planet, vitamin A, selenium, zinc, and lycopene sell like lemonade in the Sahara. There are a…
Benefits of Saw Palmetto Saw Palmetto is a tree similar to a palm tree that grows in the southeastern portion of the United States. It is the berries that are used medicinally. Saw palmetto has been touted as a natural remedy for many ailments, particularly reproductive issues for both men and women. Let’s take a…
Here in the Mid-Atlantic, it’s been raining for weeks. With so little sun, many of us are starting to feel a little blue. Fortunately, there is a wonderful plant called St. John’s Wort that’s like sunshine in a cup! St. John’s Wort herb, so named because it usually flowers around St. John’s Day in June,…
Holy Basil Called “The Incomparable One” in its native India, this beautiful plant is a powerful and easy to grow medicinal herb. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, also known as Tulsi) isn’t your ordinary Basil. While it makes a great pesto, it does lots more than add flavor to a dish; its antioxidant and…
Shilajit Benefits Shilajit is a rock-like substance that is found in the mountainous regions of Asia. When the weather gets hot, this tar-like substance oozes out from the mountains. Shilajit takes hundreds of years to form, and comes from plants that decompose combined with the activity of microorganisms. It is incredibly mineral-rich and known for…
Rhodiola Herb Benefits You may not have heard of the plant Rhodiola rosea, and that’s a shame, because this is a powerful and beneficial herb for the body. Commonly known as golden root, or rose root for its lovely color, it is native to areas like Russia and Scandinavia. The herb is so tough, it…
If you’re longing for clear, healthy, radiant skin, then zinc supplements can make a world of difference. These pills are affordable, kick in with impressive results after a month or two, and do a body good. Let’s take a look at what the important trace mineral zinc is all about. First, zinc is naturally present…