Submitted by Holly Dunbar, LMT, Herbalist Essential oils can be remarkably effective stress relievers. These concentrated plant extracts promote deeper breathing, stimulate the limbic system of the brain, and calm the nervous system. Essential oils can be utilized in a number of ways to ease stress: Added to a warm bath, mixed with carrier oil […]
Menstruation that does not literally flow smoothly and is instead characterized by cramping, bloating, clotting, and perhaps heavy bleeding is known as dysmennorhea clinically. In Chinese medicine, this condition is considered to be stagnant qi and blood, and may be compounded by blood deficiency. Herbal medicine, and several specific Chinese formulas can greatly alleviate this […]
Losing weight is a very common New Years resolution, and a goal many people strive to attain throughout the year. The desire to shed pounds and have a healthier, leaner body also feeds a very profitable industry, which capitalizes on those who are willing to pay to get the body of their dreams. Ads for […]
Immunity begins within the body, and is either strengthened or weakened by what drugs, food, and herbs or supplements we ingest, as well as from outside influences and our contact with viruses. Our immune system can be greatly compromised by too much stress, which makes stress management an essential component of staying well. (more…)
Discerning product labels of skin care products can be confusing, leaving consumers to rely on intuition, and a blind trust that one is buying a product that seems as benign and derived from nature as the advertising implies. After all, when the product derives its name from botanicals, such as “green apple shampoo,” or “oat […]
What are essential oils? What exactly is aromatherapy? We are bombarded with the phrase plastered on everything from air fresheners to scented candles, yet most products advertised as such have nothing to do with this legitimate healing art. Aromatherapy is the application of pure plant oils, called essential oils, to positively affect the health of […]
Inflammation is the bane of many of our existence, causing pain and discomfort, but also increasing the risks of developing serious diseases. One can lessen the odds of this, and provide greater longevity and quality of life, by addressing inflammation through diet, and select herbs. (more…)
Lavender essential oil is one product I routinely recommend as a staple in one’s medicine chest. This small vial of essential oil, (as opposed to perfume oil), can provide relief to many common complaints, and can even be relied on as first aid in certain situations. Lavender essential oil is distilled most often from Lavendula […]
Spring is just around the corner, but the month of March has a way of stretching itself out like a lazy cat that doesn’t want to relinquish its cozy spot. The first day of spring is official on the 20th of March, with the Spring Equinox, but the warmth and growth we associate with spring […]
As the excess of the holidays wanes, it seems a natural inclination to prepare lighter, simpler meals. And whether one holds a firm resolve to lose some extra pounds or simply craves something a bit more wholesome, it is interesting to look at some of the dietary principles handed down that have since been reexamined. […]