Stinging Nettles Can one herb really… The answer is yes! And the herb in question is none other than Stinging Nettle, or Urtica dioica. This herb is often seen as a pesky weed, but we know better. Many people turn to Nettles to help them survive allergy season intact. In addition to helping the body regulate its…
DetailsWe’ve had a few mild sunny days here in the Mid-Atlantic, and it’s easy to get over-excited about Spring gardening. But the final frost date in our area is May 15th, so it’s not quite time yet to go full tilt into digging and planting. Still, if you’re eager to get out there and get…
DetailsDespite our best efforts, sometimes we end up getting sick. When this becomes our fate, we can shorten the duration and severity of the illness with certain herbs and therapies, but what about after that? How can we support our liver’s “clean up” efforts in the aftermath of a virus? The liver never stops fighting…
DetailsFish oil supplements have never been so popular as they are now. Many people have started taking supplements on a daily basis without understanding of the full effects of fish oil or how it benefits the body. The truth is that fish oil has been shown to prevent and treat a host of medical conditions…
DetailsYou may know of hawthorn as the “heart herb”, and for good reason. It strengthens the heart muscle, regulates the heartbeat, and raises or lowers blood pressure depending on the need. Clinically it is used with heart problems such as angina, mild congestive heart failure, and recovery from/prevention of cardiac arrest. But hawthorn has another…
DetailsEchinacea has long been adored for its ability to boost the immune system. Recent studies prove that it can relieve anxiety and enhance mood.
DetailsOne of the first medicinal herbs many people encounter is German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla syn. or Matricaria recutita). It is a ubiquitous tea herb with a history of use going back thousands of years, found on shelves of supermarkets and referenced in both Peter Rabbit and pop music. For such a well-known herb, however, in…
DetailsBy: Yah-elle (Yaya) Many people become interested in herbalism because they want to have more power in regards to caring for their health. But when we have little ones to care for, we may find ourselves more nervous than if we were just caring for ourselves. With a few safety precautions, children may also enjoy…
DetailsCardiovascular health is an essential concern for all genders. Heart disease in women has been less studied, and more poorly understood, than in men, but there have been some improvements in recent years that help us understand what women can do to protect themselves from the danger of heart attack and stroke. The basic preventative…
DetailsEnding our presentation on Garlic and Hawthorn & High Blood Pressure (1997) to Society of Teachers of Family Medicine in Atlanta dozens of Family Practice M.D.s gave us a standing ovation. Why Was that? It was because of 4 proven arguments (using over 500 published peer reviewed studies) on the scientific basis for using two…
DetailsA frequent issue we are asked about in the shop is joint pain. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or autoimmune disease, joint pain is challenging and can seriously limit our activity and enjoyment of life. It is one of the most common forms of chronic pain that Americans suffer with – approximately 53 million adults…
DetailsBy: Yah-elle (Yaya) According to Ayurveda, Autumn and early-winter are associated with the Vata dosha. Vata is characterized as creative, quick-witted, dry, light, mobile, subtle, and changeable. A Vata imbalance may result in an increase in anxiety, dry skin, brittle hair, and arthritic symptoms. We may find ourselves naturally gravitating to heavier food and sedentary…
DetailsBy: Meredith Morckel Wintertime means less daylight, colder temperatures, and holiday celebrations. It’s a time of joy for many. For others, it’s a season of stress and sadness. If you feel “down” sometimes and sleep and eat a little more than usual, you may be experiencing the “winter blues.” This is common, and not alarming.…
Details“Let food be thy medicine” is often quoted to make the point that a healthy diet is the best way to get all of the nutrients that our bodies need. In an ideal world, we’d all have perfect diets that supplied us with a complete profile of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients to keep our bodies…
DetailsFor women*, staying healthy and vibrant can feel overwhelming, especially in a stressful world. The cycles of menstruation and menopause can put body and mind through many changes. For some people, the process is relatively smooth, but for many, there are struggles along the way. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to support…
DetailsBy: Yah-elle (Yaya) Every once in a while, a beautiful woman comes into the store, approaches me and leans in to whisper, “I need something for libido.” Sex is a wonderful way to bond with our partners, explore self expression, and de-stress. But with the heavy pressure to “perform” or look a certain way, sex…
DetailsIt’s Autumn in Maryland and Smile Herb Shop has the perfect plants for your front porch! Our Fall plants are on sale. Everything but the aloes are 50% off! Come visit today to get your asters, mums, violas, pansies, and aloe vera!
DetailsA farm of Katemfe trees in West Africa. I take great joy when customers at Smile Herb Shop are amazed to compare Katemfe Fruit to Stevia Leaf and other sweeteners to find INCREDIBLE sweetness with no aftertaste. This photo shows how fried fish is cooked in Katemfe leaves for the sweetness (West…
Details
