Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends, to eat, talk, laugh, and feel grateful for the blessings in our lives. All too often, however, we are so overjoyed by the menu that we eat ourselves into misery. This discomfort is easily remedied with a little attention to the balance of the…
DetailsI don’t know about you, but I’ve been spending an awful lot of time lately thinking about potatoes. Not just potatoes, but squash too, and casseroles, and thick hearty stews, and pie. I’m starting to think about my Great-Aunt’s gingerbread cake, and roasted turkey, and all those wonderful late Autumn, Holiday foods. But I’m also…
DetailsWhen you’re cooking with herbs, you might not realize the powerful medicinal effects these herbs have on the body. Some of them help boost the immune system while others relieve gas and alleviate stomach aches. All of them are tasty! BasilThis is an herb that you have probably used in soups or with various meats,…
DetailsSt. John’s Wort has been recognized for its beneficial properties for centuries, dating back long before medieval times. It is a plant steeped in legend. Nevertheless, St. John’s Wort has treated the ailments of many grateful people over time, and has been studied a great deal in modern times. St. John’s Wort gets its name…
DetailsFall is a glorious time of year, but the sudden chill in the air, the leaf mold piling up, the wind and cold rain that herald this season of transition can be very hard on the respiratory system. Colds, flus, allergies, and lung irritation can come upon us quickly and intensely, and who wants to…
DetailsGinger, Zingiber officinale, is a root with a characteristically spicy flavor used in cooking all over the world. Gingerol, one of the identified essential oils in the fresh root has many soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a very useful substance. According to Ayurvedic medicine, which has used ginger root for centuries, the fresh…
DetailsThere’s a chill in the air, and it’s time for some warm, rich, harvest meals. With so many of us watching our waistlines, how can we satisfy autumn tastes without putting on inches before the holidays even officially begin? One way is to make sure that the carbs we eat are delicious, satisfying, and brimming…
DetailsAutumn Lessons—The Need For Rest We have lots of traditions about Autumn: a new school year, visiting fall foliage, pumpkins, honoring our ancestors and hometowns, football games, celebrating a good harvest, marking the beginning of the holiday season, and many more. All these are wonderful things, and beloved traditions, but there is another aspect of…
DetailsThe Importance for Calcium and Magnesium for Bone Strength Bone strength is something to protect and nourish, especially as we age. Osteoporosis, a disease defined as the loss of bone strength, can lead to bone fractures. Older folks are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to suffer from falls. And if a fall results…
DetailsBaraka Neti Pots – Dr. OZ and Oprah Approved You may have heard about Neti Pots on TV. They’ve become more and more popular in recent years as more people realize how easy it can be to feel better and Breathe deeper! Rinsing with a neti pot is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy recommended by many…
DetailsThe Amazing Benefits of Nettle Leaf Just Don’t Quit Here at Smile Herb Shop we’re big fans of Nettles. Ask any of our herbalists what their favorite thing is about this herb and you’re likely to get lots and lots of answers! Best known these days for dealing with seasonal allergies, Nettles can do so…
DetailsHerbal Tea Blend for Focused Attention and Relaxation Whether you are a busy parent or swamped at work, we all have stress. Luckily, you can decrease your stress levels and increase your focus and energy without chemicals. Try making a tea blend with the herbs below to boost your mental functions the natural way! Spearmint’s…
DetailsWhat is Nasya Oil and Why Should I Put It Up My Nose? Nasya oil is an invigorating Ayurvedic therapy used for more than 5,000 years to treat ailments occurring above the collar bone. This balancing herbal oil improves a number of discomforts including but not limited to clogged nasal passages, hoarse voice, stiff neck,…
DetailsWith Fall and the new school year upon us, it’s smart to be prepared for the upcoming challenges to our immune systems. Here are just a few things that can weaken our immunity: Some of these stressors can’t be avoided, but fortunately there’s a lot that can be done to avoid a cold or flu…
DetailsTruly healthy snacks can be hard to come by, but these cookies really fit the bill. I started making them for my household a few months ago; they have been disappearing as quickly as I can turn them out, and no one feels guilty about it! These gluten-free cookies have a host of health benefits,…
DetailsThere are so many methods, so many theories of the best way, the easiest way, to prepare your garden beds for cultivation. Double-digging, trench composting, mulch gardening are all viable ways to enrich your soil and keep your plants happy, but I tend toward a “middle way” approach, and actually use a combination of these…
Detailsby 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…
Details5 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…
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