Tools for Natural Living

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

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 dark

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 gluco

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 fe

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

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

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, incl

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

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 nurs

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, cur