Tools for Natural Living

Ashwagandha for Anxiety, Arthritis & Alzheimer's Research shows that ashwagandha may reduce anxiety and offer protection from inflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important herb in the Ayurvedic system of healing of India, where it's classified as a Rasayana (tonic). Also known as Indian Ginseng, ashwagandha is highly valued as an adaptogenic, an agent that enables to body to maintain homeostasis during times of stress.

Lavender, Rose & Almond Facial Scrub This all-natural cleanser gently exfoliates skin to help remove impurities and promote cell turnover. You’ll need a hand-held coffee grinder to powder the ingredients. If you don’t already have one, it’s well worth the small investment to dedicate its use to your botanical crafts! Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats 1/3 cup sliced almonds 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers 2 tablespoons dried rose petals 1 tablespoon bentonite clay Directions

Plant Pigment May Help Infants with Rare Muscle Disorder Quercetin, a chemical found in herbs, vegetables, grains and certain fruits, may offer a potential therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), also known as floppy baby syndrome. SMA is a genetic neuromuscular disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 6,000 infants, leaving them with little or no control of muscle movements. Sadly, those most severely afflicted usually die by the age of two. There is currently no cure. How

Green Tea May Cause Oral Cancer Cells to Self-Destruct According to Penn State researchers, a compound in green tea may cause human oral cancer cells to undergo programmed cell death without damaging healthy cells. The research could lead to treatments for oral cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Green tea has been widely studied for its antioxidant effects, which are largely attributed to a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG for short. The results of

Herbs for Cold & Flu When it comes to cold and flu season, these herbs are a must-have for the kitchen or medicine chest. Winter and early spring is the time of year most people come down with a head cold or flu, with potential flares from seasonal allergies just around the bend. Allopathic (western) medicine typically targets symptoms but fails to address the underlying cause. Worse, many doctors simply dole out antibiotics to their patients. Not only does this practice cont