Looking to soothe digestive irritation? Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of use in American medicine. George Washington and his men found sustenance in Slippery Elm porridge during their 12 days at Valley Forge. It helped soothe “nervous stomach” and provided nutrition when they ran out of food. Medicinal preparations (teas and syrups)…
Low-FODMAP Diet for IBS
Digestive complaints are among the most common health concerns. If you’re experiencing distress, an integrative practitioner will evaluate the foods and substances you are eating to identify where a reaction exists. There are many ways to conduct a dietary analysis, including food diary, food allergy testing, muscle testing, and elimination diets. The FODMAP Diet is…
Holistic Approaches to Irritable Bowel Syndrome
When the smooth rhythm of the muscles of the digestive tract is disrupted, either moving too quickly or too slowly, we experience digestive distress. For some of us, this distress can be frequent and painful, creating a major disruption in our life and in our lifestyle. Several health conditions are marked by severe…
Peppermint for Home and Health during the Holidays
Aromatic peppermint (Mentha piperita) has been used for centuries to add flavor or fragrance to foods, cosmetics, toothpaste and mouthwash, soaps, candles, and scented products for the home. Several different cultures also use peppermint leaves, oil, and fresh or dried powder in holistic health preparations. HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT As a traditional…
The Best Of 2017
Just as keeping a journal is an excellent way to track progress and monitor growth, here’s a look back at the best of 2017. Perhaps you missed some of these top 5 blog posts or find them a refreshing reminder to honor your health in the New Year. Either way, my wish is that The Best From 2017…
Probiotics: Manage Food Allergies and Enhance Immunity
Listen to your gut. And make sure to protect it. A balanced gastrointestinal system plays a critical role in defending your body against illness. An imbalance in gastrointestinal (GI) flora can create health issues and is typically the result of poor diet, stress, use of antibiotics, illness and food allergies. Balance your GI flora…
Using the Low FODMAP Diet To Manage IBS Symptoms
Have you ever thought about using the low FODMAP diet to manage IBS symptoms? Digestive distress is your body’s signal that there’s an imbalance in your digestive system. In many cases, chronic digestive issues are actually quite common. The symptoms may range from everyday “irritations” to full-blown debilitation. And they often include symptoms such as gas, bloating,…
Get To Know Herbs & Spices: Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
The dainty yellow flowers of Greater Celandine (aka “swallow”) bloom when swallows return from winter nesting and die when the birds head south again. Medicinal Uses A member of the Poppy family, the medicinal use of the plant dates back to ancient Greece. It has been widely used in European herbal medicine through modern time…
How to Naturally Care for your Colon
If you want to maximize your health, you need to naturally care for your colon. Since the colon eliminates waste that carries toxins, you want to optimize the process of expelling such waste from your body. If you don’t move your bowels, the toxins will start to be reabsorbed by your body. And you may experience…
Easy Detox Drink You Should Be Having Every Day
Detox drinks come in different forms: waters, juices, smoothies, nondairy milks, and tonics, to name a few. Whether you’re looking to cleanse your body, increase your metabolism, improve digestion, boost your energy, prevent disease, balance blood sugar, or satisfy your tastebuds, detox drinks play a role in optimizing health. Don’t waste your money on expensive…
