In Praise of Kapha Dosha Ayurveda, the ancient healing system of India, teaches that there are three constitutions: Vata (air), Pitta (Fire), and Kapha (Earth). These three energies are present in our physical bodies, our minds, and our emotions. A balance of these three is essential to good health and mental and emotional resiliance. In…
DetailsHerbal Aphrodisiacs Herbal aphrodisiacs are as varied and numerous as the plants themselves. Some herbs, like Yohimbe, give the body an immediate “boost” of libido and work directly on the reproductive system. Other herbs are more nutritive; they work on a long-term basis to rejuvenate the reproductive system and the adrenals to build lasting energy…
DetailsZinc is an essential nutrient involved in proper immune function and healing. It is a highly recommended supplement as many are deficient in this mineral. The well-known zinc lozenge is helpful, especially when fighting off a cold or sore throat, but a food-based zinc supplement is a good choice for everyday, or during periods of…
DetailsDried and Fresh Mushrooms in the Heart of Winter by Jared Urchek, L.Ac, CZB It can be easy to assume that Winter is just a time where everything is in hibernation. The sap has sunk into the deep roots of the trees – nothing looks as if it is growing, and nothing seems to be…
DetailsChaste Tree berries come from the beautiful, purple-flowering tree known as Vitex agnus-castus. Vitex’s use as an herbal medicine dates back to the ancient Greeks and beyond; it was one of Hippocrates’ favorite herbs. Its common name is Chaste Tree, so named because it was believed to have the ability to preserve chastity and decrease…
DetailsMaking Good Habits Making new habits is lots easier than breaking old ones. When we focus on getting rid of a “bad” habit, we spend even more time thinking about that same bad habit! If we focus our energy instead on making new, “good” habits that support our health and happiness, the old habits will…
DetailsFor those of us who grew up with Christmas traditions, there are sights and scents that bring back memories of the holidays with incredible strength. Many of the plants that we associate with the Christmas season have medicinal uses as well! Here are a few commonly known holiday herbs that have medicinal action.
With cold and flu season upon us, it’s a good time of year to get to know Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous). Astragalus has an extensive history of use as an immune booster. Not only does Astragalus build resistance to pathogens, it’s also an excellent tonic for recovering from illness. It warms the tissues and builds strength…
DetailsFive Great Self-Care Tips for Everyone Good Sleep Did you know that the average adult requires 7-9 hours of sleep every night for good health? Do you get anywhere near that much? Lack of sleep, or poor quality sleep, can lead to a host of health problems including poor memory and concentration, lowered immune function…
DetailsLemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, is a fragrant perennial plant that is a member of the mint family, and it is cultivated in the United States, Europe and Canada. With an aromatic and fresh scent that combines the odors of mint and lemon, Lemon Balm is a favorite addition to culinary dishes, tea, and body care…
DetailsChronic inflammation is associated with many health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as well as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many pain disorders. Research suggests that chronic inflammation can lead to the above health problems, as well as Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Inflammation is an important part of the healing process.…
DetailsFall is traditionally a season of grief. It’s why we spend this time gathering with one another, enjoying good food and celebrating light as the days grow short. Lately, we’ve had many folks reaching out to us feeling more troubled than usual. And we’ve been discussing among ourselves some of our most comforting herbal remedies.…
DetailsThanksgiving 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…
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