Blog
Botanical alchemy in a modern world
CRANBERRY SALAD
Cranberry salad is a dish that most people are familiar with and it's great for you too... well, at least my version!
Most of the time when we think of traditional dishes during the holiday season, "healthy" is usually not the first word that comes to mind…
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THE VIS
The wet sock treatment is an old traditional remedy that is highly effective at relieving upper respiratory symptoms and stimulating the Vis.
The cold socks stimulate the body to reflexively increase blood circulation which helps to decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head and throat…
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FOOD AS MEDICINE
As one of the best ways to prevent, treat, and even reverse disease.
Gosh, do you think Hippocrates might have been on to something when he said "let food be they medicine" over 2300 years ago…
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GET COZY
As the temperatures drop there's nothing more inviting than a warm cup of tea to snuggle up with next to the fire. The best part about making chai tea is that you can pretty much create it any way you like and it always tastes great!
As the temperatures drop there's nothing more inviting than a warm cup of tea to snuggle up with next to the fire…
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GATHERED INTENTIONALLY
it uses only the buds and young shoots of trees (also the rootlets, bark, catkins, seeds, and sap.
Gemmotherapy is pretty amazing! It's technically a form of botanical medicine but it uses only the buds and young shoots of trees (also the rootlets, bark, catkins, seeds, and sap…
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What woman at some point in her life doesn't battle with a hormone imbalance…
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LET THERE BE LIGHT
Light therapy works by simulating the sunlight with full-spectrum light that is missing during the darker winter months.
Light therapy works by simulating the sunlight with full-spectrum light that is missing during the darker winter months….
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SPICED APPLE CIDER
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup – 1 cup Honey (depending on how sweet you like your cider)
• 3-4 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp Cloves
• 8 cups Apples Juice
• 6-8 Whole Apples (for cups)
• Lemon Juice (to prevent browning)
What is more festive than spiced apple cider on a cold autumn day…
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3 PHASES
The stress response is called The General Adaptation Syndrome which has 3 phases.
Isn't it annoying that the body reacts to stressors the same way it did in prehistoric times…
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AUTUMN SALAD
with Chicories & Persimmons
As the temperature drops the thought of warming foods such as ginger, cinnamon, and soups sounds delightful…
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ESSENCE
I love integrating flower essences into daily life... they are so gentle yet powerful at the same time.
I love integrating flower essences into daily life... they are so gentle yet powerful at the same time. Read more about some of the flowers and their unique profiles…
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Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
PART USED: Root
Detoxification
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis ) is certainly not the newest plant on the block but it could be the most popular.
This plant has been used for hundreds of years by the Cherokees for its ability to fight infections and stimulate the immune system.
By the 1700's this plant was commonly used in both England and America for everything from digestive upsets to respiratory infections.
This plant is considered anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and an astringent. It is used to treat colds because of its ability to soothe irritated mucous membranes while reliving congestion and preventing further symptoms. Goldenseal is often used for detoxification also because it supports glandular functions by increasing bile flow and digestive enzymes.
When most people think about goldenseal they usually think of its high content of berberine which is a constituent that can fight bacteria, fungi, and help to regulate gut bacteria.
Whenever I travel to third-world countries I pack a bottle of goldenseal tincture because it has been proven to be effective against common traveler's ailments like E. coli (traveller's diarrhea), Shigella dysenteriae (shigellosis), salmonella paratyphi (food poisoning), and giardia lamblia (giardiasis).
The mint family is one of the most useful medicinal and culinary herb families because of it's great taste and healing properties…
It's the most ancient form of healing documented… We are coming back full circle, understanding that by isolating a single chemical within a plant destroys the inherent intelligence of the whole to work in brilliant complexity.
Chamomile certainly isn't just your grandmother's evening tea anymore! This sweet smelling tea has a long history that goes way back to ancient..
These yellow and black buzzers have a huge job to do in our eco system and they certainly don’t get the appreciation they deserve…
Horsetail contains high amounts of silica (along with many other goodies) which has been shown to help strengthen weak brittle nails and create a shiny mane when applied topically…
Osha root (Ligusticum porteri) has been used in Native American medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine for decades for both its spiritual properties…
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) dare to grow anywhere whether it's in the middle of the city or out in the country, they're very hardy and perhaps that is why they offer us so many health benefits…
Magnolia bark (Magnolia officialis) has been shown to lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Increased cortisol occurs from chronic stress and is also associated with weight gain…
No, I'm not referring to hallucinogenic mushrooms! I'm talking about the endless benefits of medicinal mushrooms used for healing and optimal living…
Gymnema sylvestre aka "the sugar destroyer" is a powerful herb that reduces the perception of sweetness inside the mouth and seems to increase the perception of bitterness by neural inhibition…
Gemmotherapy is pretty amazing! It's technically a form of botanical medicine but it uses only the buds and young shoots of trees (also the rootlets, bark, catkins, seeds, and sap…
I love integrating flower essences into daily life... they are so gentle yet powerful at the same time. Read more about some of the flowers and their unique profiles…
Ginger has been on the top of my mind this weekend because I'm planning to go on a road trip…
Adding spices to your meals doesn't only give it a delicious flavor but it is also medicine…
Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in developed countries and there is always a new state pushing to have it legalized. So why is there so much hype?...
It's the middle of July which means we are in the height of lavender season and lavender just happens to be one of my most favorite plants of all time…
Echinacea is one of the most well-known plants for fighting colds because it is effective for both viruses and bacteria all while stimulating the immune system…
Prickly pear is a cactus that is both a food and a medicine and also touted as a "superfood' by many doctors…
This is my favorite plant of all time! You might recognize this plant by the other name Siberian Ginseng…
Aloe Vera is a very versatile plant since its different parts are able to treat many aliments of the body both internally and externally…
Kava kava is fairly new to the Western world but it has been used in Polynesia, Micronesia, and Hawaii as a recreational drink for hundreds of years. This wonderful beverage has awesome calming effects on the mind and body, some even compare it to Valium but it doesn't impair your judgement or inhibit clarity! Drinking kava kava can help with:
The Vis is our own healing potential within the body & soul which allows the body to heal itself…
Read MorePumpkins are loaded with natural exfoliating acids and antioxidants which translates into smoother, brighter, glowing skin…
Read MoreWe are blessed with the gift of fertility and even if your not ready for little ones running around, getting to know your body and cycle is very important to tune into your feminine wisdom…
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STIMULATE DIGESTION
Bitters can increase nutrient absorption, improve digestion, and also decrease gas and bloating.
Our ancestors knew the benefit of drinking bitters before meals to stimulate digestion and it was a very common practice for centuries…
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“GOOD” BACTERIA
Our digestive tract is home to over 500 different types of bacteria.
Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit our health.
Our digestive tract is home to over 500 different types of bacteria…
Read MoreThe most gentle way to rid yourself of toxins is as simple as heat and sweat! By eliminating toxins through your skin…
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KEEP IT FRESH
The medicinal use occurs When the fresh garlic is crushed or chopped because than the allin converts into allicin.
Our old faithful friend garlic has amazingly wonderful properties that contain valuable therapeutic uses…
Read MoreThe secret to smoother skin, increased tone, and detoxification is easier than you think! Skin brushing has been around for centuries…
Read MoreMEDICINE WILD. curated by Dr. Michele Burklund. Dr. Michele Burklund perfectly blends the art of natural medicine into beautiful and inspiring health tips in her health and wellness website, Medicine Wild. Learn about natural remedies, DIY treatments, naturopathic lifestyles, and more
Mugwort, aka Artemisia vulgaris, an amazing women's herb used to tonify the reproductive system…