We live in a highly technological world where much of human connection has begun to occur online. I am pretty guilty. Instead of calling a friend or going out to a family gathering, I may choose to “reserve my energy” and stay in. And what do I do while I stay in? …scroll away on…
Cardiovascular 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…
Ending 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…
A 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…
Yaya Patterson, Root Woman & Smile Herbalist Green Tea refers to teas made from the leaves of Camellia sinesis, a beautiful shrub native to East Asia. The leaves may be harvested at different times of the plant’s life cycle or undergo varying processes to impact the tea’s flavor profile. In Japan, green tea…
All religions talk of Peace. Yet Christians are fighting Christians in Ukraine, Jews and Christians are fighting Muslims in the Middle East, Hindus and Muslims struggle to live in Peace in India, etc. etc. What if our approach to Peace based on “Our Religion” as opposed to “Other Faiths” turns out to be completely misguided?…
Susan Trial Wolfe Getting good sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Most of us, though, struggle with sleep, both getting enough and feeling refreshed by the sleep we do get. Fortunately there are things you can do to improve your sleep, improve your health, and feel more…
Last week I shared some herbs that may be supportive in more acute anxiety situations, including insomnia. We all want (immediate) relief when we are suffering with pain, whether it be physical or emotional! But with complex mental conditions such as anxiety, there is almost always more to them than meets the eye, and simply…
Fall is here! Each season has its own unique energetic signature that influences our bodies, minds, and spirits. Fall is a significant transitional period for both our inner and outer worlds; we transition from the warm, social, vibrant energy of the summertime and into the introspective, and nostalgic energy of the colder months ahead. In…
Aloe, 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…
Astragulus membranaceus I’m on a bit of a kick these days about strengthening tonic herbs, particularly those that support the digestion, immune system, and the lungs. Autumn is a great time of change, and the Vata organs—the lungs and large intestine—need special attention during this season. Astragalus root, an immune tonic and adaptogen, is a…
3 N’s for the Nose: Neti, Nasya, and Nettles by Tom Wolfe Part 3: Nettles “Boiled with barley and eaten as a porridge several times a day, the fresh or dried leaves of sister spinster stinging Nettle loosen and bring up deep congestion without irritating sensitive respiratory tissues…Considered a specific for adults with asthmatic allergies,…
For 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.
by 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…
“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, and we look upon…
Food Based Vitamins Are Better Once upon a time, there was a belief that no difference existed between food-based vitamins and synthetic vitamins. But now we know this simply isn’t so. Your body can absorb natural, food-based supplements so much easier, but there’s also something else of importance here. Many of the compounds that are…
These “common” herbs have successfully made their way into mainstream culture and endeared themselves to scientists and clinicians alike. This is great news, but it sometimes results in a loss of complexity for the herbs in question. Today we’ll flesh out a few these household names and discuss some of their lesser-known uses. Lemon BalmMelissa…
Warning Signs You Are Deficient In Magnesium Magnesium is a mineral that is necessary for nearly every bodily function, yet some people are deficient in it. Pre-existing conditions such as alcoholism and the use of some prescription medicines can reduce the body’s stores of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency in healthy people is relatively rare, but becoming more common…
Often referred to as a “smelly rose,” garlic is a popular ingredient that is found in many dishes to add flavor. In addition to being a favorite staple in the kitchen, it has other health benefits and healing properties when applied or ingested. The following reasons showcase what garlic can actually do for your body.
1. Soothe an upset stomach.2. Mix in equal parts with water for a do-it-yourself cleaning solution.3. Detox your skin with a few drops in bath water.4. Add in to the washer with your detergent to get rid of pet odor and other smells.5. Swish a mix of apple cider vinegar and a little bit of…
