I’ve been hearing an awful lot about knees lately, knee pain, injuries, the need for surgery or a cortisone shot. Knees are one of the first joints to give us trouble as we age, and are vulnerable to injury and wear. My own knees have started crunching lately, a condition officially called crepitus. Apparently that…
Herbs can be subtle medicine, gently but inexorably changing the body on a cellular level. Some herbs and herbal formulas are fast-acting for acute conditions, and their effects can be felt right away. But the long-term, systemic changes brought about by herbal medicine are also powerful, and depending on the herb they can happen so…
I’ll paraphrase one of my favorite herbalists, jim mcdonald, when he speaks to the difficulty some folks have in gaining confidence with herbs. He suggests picking one or two herbs to focus on completely– Grow them, eat them, read about them, make medicine with them, etc.; if you really got to know, say, Peppermint and…
The 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…
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…
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…
Relax and Refresh Throughout The Day With These Simple Yoga Poses Getting up away from your desk and computer every hour or two can greatly improve your health and concentration. Sitting still for long periods can reduce circulation, putting extra stress on your cardiovascular system, digestion, and immune system to name a few. And of…
The Ginger plant, Zingiber officinale, is native to southeast Asia, and its pungent roots have a long history of culinary and medicinal use. The gnarled, beige rhizomes also grow wild in Africa and Australia, and it is cultivated in many other warm climates of the world. You can easily grow ginger in a pot at…
Moringa is one of the most power-packed, health-enhancing plants on the planet. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia and can be found on the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in northwestern India. One of Moringa’s nicknames is the “drumstick tree” due to the shape of the seed pods. So why is Moringa…
Turmeric is a native herb of India. It has been used medicinally for over 2,500 years, and recent researchers have been learning more about the health benefits of this amazing plant. Turmeric has long been known as a powerful anti-inflammatory, while recent studies have found that it can aid in the treatment of a wide…
People experiencing joint inflammation and pain often seek new treatment options. For many inflammation sufferers, prescription drugs and physical therapies fall short of providing enough relief. According to the Arthritis Foundation in the United States, herbal supplementation is a valid treatment option. Several herbs from different regions in the world can help ease the joint inflammation that…