Updated 2/15/19 We all experience insomnia and feelings of anxiety from time-to-time. In some ways, stress is good for you -- it may inspire you to complete a goal or to set one, or to make needed changes to bring more balance into your life. It's important to understand, however, that chronic stress and anxiety can’t be addressed properly with any pill, tonic or elixir, whether made from the earth or in a lab. Yes, plants are our allies in times of need and we should look to them for support. But it’s imperative that you also take steps to eliminate the root cause of your stress (a job, person or relationship, etc.), if possible, or at least minimize its perceived impact. Obviously, you can
Tabbouleh Salad Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, so-named after the Arabic word taabil that means "seasoning." As with other regional foods, variations on the classic abound according to locale but the mainstay components of the dish consist of mint, parsley, onion and tomatoes, seasoned with lemon, olive oil and salt. This recipe calls for bulgar, but the salad is also delicious made with quinoa or couscous. Note: Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that has a darker color and more intense flavor than regular soy sauce. In fact, it's bold texture holds up to use as a dipping sauce. Ingredients 1 cup bulgur (cracked wheat) 2 cups boiling water 1 bunch green onion, sliced 1 cucumber
Cinnamon Tincture to Help Regulate Blood Sugar Cinnamon has gained a lot of attention from scientists for its demonstrated ability to help regulate blood sugar. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Medicinal Food examined the results of eight clinical studies shows that cinnamon intake results in a statistically significant lowering of fasting blood glucose. The researchers concluded that cinnamon, either whole cinnamon or cinnamon extract, improves fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Two things to take away with you from this article (besides the tincture formula): If you have type I diabetes, this tincture (or the spice in general) is not a substitu
Herbs for Urinary Tract and Bladder Infections Bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is characterized by an urgent need “to go” and a burning sensation while urinating. Pain is typically localized to the pelvic region, but may also extend to the lower back (or rectum in men). Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) are similar except that there is pain at the flank, or the side and lower back. There is usually no fever involved in either condition, although a high fever accompanied by nausea and chills may occur if the infection affects the kidneys. The goal of treatment is to target the bacteria responsible for the infection, which is most often Escherichia coli (E. coli). Given t
Rosemary for Better Memory, Hair & Health Rosemary is a member of the mint family that is native to the Mediterranean region. The generic portion of its botanical name, Rosmarinus Officinalis, translates to “dew of the sea,” indicating its preference for warm sea breezes. The species portion tells us that the herb was cultivated in monastery gardens and stored in the officina, where medicinal herbs were kept. Known as the herb of remembrance, rosemary has long been associated with memory. Fresh sprigs are left at burial sites in honor of the dead and brides carry rosemary to ensure that the couple will forever remember their commitment to each other. In ancient Greece, scholars wore garlands
Olive oil is a key component of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, which also consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, fish and red wine in moderation. Research has shown that the dietary habits of the people of Greece, Italy and Spain significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and cancer, as well as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the consumption of olive oil alone is attributed with a 44% decrease in heart disease-related deaths in the Spanish population. While the body of research has focused on the oil’s monounsaturated fatty acid content, new evidence indicates that the greatest cardiovascular be
Arnica (Arnica montana L.), also known as Mountain Tobacco and Leopard's Bane, is a member of the daisy family that is native to Central Europe and the western US and naturalized in India and Greenland. The flowers are infused in oil to make topical preparations for sprains, sore muscles, bruises and arthritic joints. The analgesic effect of arnica is thought to be due to a compound called helenalin. There is evidence that this sesquiterpene lactone exerts other actions, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However, because helenalin is toxic to the liver and lymphatic tissue, the use of this herb is limited to topical applications and homeopathic formulas. Ingredients 1 cu
Hummus is a Middle Eastern traditional appetizer and side dish made from mashed chickpeas, sesame paste (tahini), garlic, olive oil and various herbs and spices, depending on taste preference. This basic recipe makes the classic version. Consider it a blank canvas to experiment with. Ingredients 2 (15.5-ounce) cans organic garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained 2 cloves garlic 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup tahini Juice of one lemon 2 tablespoons organic extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Directions Place beans and garlic in a food processor; pulse for 30 seconds. Add the water, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper and pulse until smooth. Transfer
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus), also known as Spotted Thistle and St. Benedict's Thistle, is a member of the daisy family that is native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa and western Asia. During the Middle Ages, blessed thistle was cultivated in European monastery gardens as a medicinal herb and recommended for gout and digestive complaints. In combination with fenugreek seed, blessed thistle is traditionally used as a galactagogue to stimulate lactation in nursing mothers. It is also among the 27 herbs and spices that flavor Benedictine liqueur, the recipe for which is known only to three people at any time. Blessed thistle was also credited with being a cure for the plague, a
The Benefits of Golden Milk Golden milk is a traditional beverage and Ayurvedic remedy made from turmeric, a spice made from the yellow-orange root of an Asian plant in the ginger family. Turmeric provides color and flavor to Indian curries, yellow mustard, cheese, margarine and other foods. The spice contains a compound called curcumin, which demonstrates potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to enhancing immune function, curcumin is particularly beneficial for anyone affected by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, curcumin is not well absorbed in the intestines. However, an alkaloid in black pepper called piperine increa
Lavender & Vanilla Body Wash "Kukui," which means "enlightenment," is a luxurious oil obtained from the kukui nut tree, the state tree of Hawaii. It is rich in essential fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids and readily absorbed into the skin, making it ideal for use in body care products such as this lovely body wash. Ingredients 1/2 cup organic Castile soap 4 tablespoons organic vegetable glycerin 3 tablespoons kukui oil 10 drops organic lavender essential oil 5 drops organic vanilla extract Directions Place all ingredients into an 8-ounce pump bottle. Secure the pump/cap and shake the bottle gently to combine the contents. To use, pump a small amount into the p
Aromatherapy: Spike Lavender Oil Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), also known as Portuguese lavender, is a close cousin to "true" or English lavender that occurs naturally in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Both species have similar properties, but spike lavender is favored for scenting soaps, perfumes and other cosmetics because its leaves contain up to 36% camphor, making it much more aromatic. Spike lavender essential oil is also used in aromatherapy to ease anxiety and depression and to increase mental alertness. Topically, the oil is an ingredient in ointments and liniments formulated to address respiratory congestion and sore muscles and sprain. Like other lavenders, spike laven
Boost Immunity with Echinacea Echinacea has a long history of use in traditional medicine as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including snakebite. Turns out, the herb known as snakeroot shares a common enzyme with spiders and snakes. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), also known as Purple Coneflower, is a perennial wildflower in the daisy family that’s native to Canada and the Great Plains region of the United States. The “cone” is a reference to the disc-like shape of the flower head, which is constructed of spiny awns surrounded by drooping pinkish-purple petals. Native Americans made great use of this plant to address everything from toothache and snakebite to gonorrhea and smallpox. The
