Tools for Natural Living

Image: Mountainhills Black seed refers to the seed capsule of an annual flowering plant in the buttercup family. The herb is also known by many other common names, such as black cumin, black caraway, nigella, nutmeg flower, fennel flower, Roman coriander and Kalonji in South Asia. Because the names black seed (blackseed), black cumin and black caraway also refer to two other herbs in the carrot family (Bunium persicum and Bunium bulbocastanum) they are used interchangeably, w

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 3%–7% of school age children and about 4% of the adult population. The standard therapy consists of stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) which produce a “dopaminergic effect,” meaning they act on neurons to promote an increased release of dopamine. Many parents of ADHD children are aware that a small amount of a highly caffeinated beverage like coffee or even soda has a very different effect o

Rosemary contains a number of active compounds that are responsible for the pharmacological actions of the herb, including hesperidin (a powerful antioxidant), carnosol (antioxidant, anti-carcinogen and anti-inflammatory) and other phenolic diterpenoids with potent antimicrobial properties. Thyme, which contains another phenol called thymol, was once the standard antiseptic in first-aid kits carried on the battlefields of World War I. This spray is prepared in minutes and wil

We all have an attachment to one or more pairs of broken-in, comfy footwear, whether it be slippers, sneakers or boots. But, like well-worn socks, shoes that find their way to our feat with frequency can suffer from foot odor - and so do the noses around you. Here, sage comes to rescue. It works overnight while your feet rest between sheets and your shoes are ready to go in the morning. Sage is a very effective odor neutralizer and, as an added bonus, also has antibacterial p