Native to the Amazon rainforest, Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) gets its name from the inch-long hooked thorns that allow this tropical climbing plant to anchor itself to trees and wind its way up 100 feet or more into the forest canopy. THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POWER OF CAT’S CLAW As they have for centuries,…
Ease Cold Symptoms with Echinacea
Just a glance at the lavender-hued petals and deep crimson center of Echinacea flowers can brighten a gloomy day. That’s probably why this wildflower is a staple in many gardens. Plus, with many medicinal uses, echinacea is a wonderful addition to your home apothecary, especially during cold and flu season. TRADITIONAL USES…
Naturopathic Approaches to Fever
Fever phobia is fairly common among parents of young children, and even some adults when they become sick. We worry that something serious is going on. Most often, that’s not the case. Read on for naturopathic approaches to fever! WHEN TEMPERATURES RISE Fever occurs when our body’s internal thermostat (an organ in…
Cherries on Top for Fighting Inflammation
Succulent cherries, both sweet and tart, provide wonderful health benefits. THE HEALTH PROPERTIES OF CHERRIES THAT PUT THEM ON TOP FOR FIGHTING INFLAMMATION Vitamin C & Anthocyanins Cherries contain the antioxidant vitamin C, along with substances called anthocyanins, both of which help scavenge those pesky free radicals that cause damage to…
Go Nuts for Pistachios!
Pistachios are robust in many nutrients that support healthy brain function. NUTRIENTS IN PISTACHIOS They are a great source of Vitamin B6, which can be quite low in people who have depression. B6 plays a role in energy production and helps the body make the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) serotonin and norepinephrine that…
Holistic Approaches to Living With Asthma
All you want to do is breathe deeply and fully. You want to fill your lungs with oxygen and feel satisfied. You want to do it rhythmically and naturally, without gasping for air, without fear or panic. But for 7% of the U.S population the natural act of breathing often feels impossible.…
Darker Berries have Exceptional Health Benefits
We all know that berries are good for us. But did you know that dark berries can have as much as 50% more antioxidants compared to their lighter colored cousins? Antioxidants, which includes vitamin C, help protect against free radicals (scavenger molecules that damage healthy cells in your body). Eating berries can lower…
Can You ‘Bee’ Healthy with Royal Jelly?
For centuries, traditional healers have used Royal Jelly to address a wide range of concerns – from muscle aches to infections – longevity to virility. Today, it’s marketed as a nutritional supplement, health food, and a topical ingredient in cosmetics. The theory behind this widespread use stems from the purpose Royal Jelly (RJ) serves in…
How to Make Your Own Cough Drops With Coconut Oil, Plus 2 More DIY Cold Remedies
Spring has finally sprung, but we’re not out of the woods yet—cold and flu season is still in effect, as you might have noticed from those thundering coughs and pitiful sniffles still echoing throughout the office. Want to find some quick relief with all-natural ingredients? Easy. Try these three DIY remedies next time you…
Warm Feet, Cold Feet: Health Benefits of Contrast Hydrotherapy
A contrast hydrotherapy foot bath (CHFB) is an excellent way to strengthen your immune system, alleviate congestion, soothe sore muscles, and improve circulation. It’s also beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as they are prone to a foot problem known as peripheral neuropathy. This condition causes unrelenting burning, stabbing pains, numbness and aching in one or…
