The Wood Element in Spring: Herbs for the Liver and Gallbladder In the Traditional Chinese system of medicine (TCM) there are 5 elements, each of which is associated with a season. The element associated with spring is wood element: the upward rising energy of new growth, new beginnings, and renewal. The wood element governs growing…
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…
DetailsBy Tom Wolfe, RH “It is also well worth notice that, although grief involves great departures from the normal attitude to life, it never occurs to us to regard it as a morbid condition and hand the mourner over to medical treatment. We rest assured that after a lapse of time it will be overcome,…
DetailsEasily Grown Medicine Plants and Food Crops in the DC areaBy Tom Wolfe, RH I am often asked the questions, “What are the easiest plants to grow in this area?” and, “As an herbalist, what are the first herbs you would recommend to start with in order to learn how effectively herbs can heal?” In…
DetailsI am often asked the question, “What are the best plants and botanical products for herbal skin care?” Summertime puts us out in the sun, which is a big change for the skin. In this article I will share the plants and botanical products I would choose in order to learn from listening to your…
DetailsRecently some interesting findings were released linking gingivitis to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Pretty scary, since about a third of us have gingivitis to some degree or another. The long-term effects of inflammation of the gums is also known to stress the cardiovascular system, so those are two strong reasons to take excellent care…
DetailsThe Super Nutrient You May Not Be Thinking About, But Should Fiber. It’s one of those things you know you should be getting enough of, but it’s easy not to think about. Most of us only get 15 or so grams per day, when we should be getting around 30 grams (25g for women, 38g…
DetailsCCF Tea, Ayurveda’s Little Secret Miracle Okay, yes, it’s a bit strong to call tea a miracle, but this simple and tasty tea is pretty darn close! CCF stands for Coriander, Cumin, and Fennel, three spices that are digestive superheroes. Combined, they make a daily drink that improves digestion, aids healthy elimination and detox, and…
DetailsYou may know of flaxseed as a wonderful digestive healer and gentle laxative, or maybe as a cardio-protective herb full of nourishing, anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids. This beautiful, blue-flowering herb is also the source of linen, oil for oil paints, and the seeds we enjoy for their culinary and medicinal purposes. While I myself enjoy…
DetailsBy Tom Wolfe, RH I am often asked the question, “What are the best plants and botanical products for herbal skin care?” Summertime puts us out in the sun, which is a big change for the skin. In this article I will share the plants and botanical products I would choose in order to learn…
DetailsIn the words of herbalist David Hoffman, “Skullcap is perhaps the most widely relevant nervine available to us in the materia medica.” This beautiful member of the mint family is native to North America and has a long history of use in this area. Herbalists today favor it as a powerful nervine, sedative, painkiller, and…
DetailsI love to cook, but there are days when I want something easy, fast, and delicious, and this salad certainly fits the bill! This recipe is so easy, and so quick, you’ll be eating it all summer long! Nutritious, high protein, fun to adjust and play around with, and delicious too! It’s great for packed…
DetailsOf the hundreds of species of hibiscus in the world, almost all of them originate in hot, tropical climates. In hot-weather cultures the world over, hibiscus is used to cool the body, relieve stress, and mitigate the effects of excessive heat. Today we will share three summer recipes to bring the cooling beauty of hibiscus…
DetailsAloe, Aloe barbandensis, chinensis is an easy-to-grow evergreen succulent. Originating in the Middle East, it is now grown commercially all over the world. It makes an excellent house plant, and has become well-known in the West as a first-aid remedy, especially for burns. Many households have an Aloe in the kitchen, snipping off a leaf…
DetailsThe humble marigold Calendula officinalis is a wonderful and powerful herb to get to know. In the words of herbalist David Hoffman, “The value of this exceptional herb cannot be exaggerated when it comes to treating skin problems like wounds, bruises, or burns.” In addition to its remarkable effects on the skin, Calendula is also…
DetailsMushrooms might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to herbal allergy control, but over the years they have become a staple of my regimen that I’ve come to depend on and enjoy. Some mushrooms, like Reishi, are natural anti-inflammatories that help control allergy symptoms during flare-ups. But mushrooms’ real gift…
DetailsGymnema is an Ayurvedic herb with a truly extraordinary effect on blood sugar disorders. Its Sanskrit name is Gurmar, which means “Sugar Destroyer”, or “Destroyer of the Sweet Taste”. Gymnema has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for blood sugar for thousands of years. Its effects on the insulin cycle, pancreas, and liver make it a…
DetailsThe live plants have arrived at Smile! With dozens of herbs to choose from, the variety can be overwhelming. If you’re looking to grow herbs at home but aren’t sure where to begin, here are our top 3 picks for the easiest herbs to grow with the most crossover health benefits. These 3 favorites taste…
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