Forest Bathing – Nature Therapy
Learn about the many benefits of getting out in nature through forest bathing, also known as forest therapy.
Medicinal Properties of Holy Basil
I took a walk this morning in my neighborhood, as I often do. Today, when I looked down at the storm drain, I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat amused to find a happy and healthy holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) plant growing among the weeds. This vision inspired me to write about the medicinal properties of … Read more
Herbs for a Rainy Day
If you live in Maryland, like I do, you’re probably thinking – enough of this rain on the weekends! Last weekend was a total washout for Mother’s Day as well as some local festivals, and this weekend isn’t looking much better. My grass is about a foot high, and who knows when I will be … Read more
The Eyes have it: Herbs for Eye Health
In the digital age, and now in the ‘stay-at-home age’, we rely on our eyes more than ever before. And that can mean excessive wear and tear. Fortunately, with a little care – including herbs for eye health – we can keep our peepers strong for years to come. Digital eye strain, sometimes known as … Read more
Let’s talk digestive bitters!
It’s January. The holiday – and rich food – season is over. I hope that you ‘ate responsibly’, but if you find yourself in a position of stomach upset or indigestion, read on for the scoop on how digestive bitters can promote an efficient and healthy digestive process. Did you say digestive bitter? If you’re … Read more
Coumarin content in cinnamon – what’s the deal?
Some of my astute, concerned clients have asked me about the reported coumarin content in cinnamon, so I thought I’d set the record straight here. Coumarin is a natural blood thinner from which the drug, Warfarin (generic: coumadin), is derived. Blood thinners are useful in preventing blood clots which prevent heart attacks and strokes, but … Read more
Elderberry Syrup: Herb for flu season
Not surprisingly in the year of a global pandemic, there is recent increased interest elderberry syrup for flu season (and any infectious disease). In fact, recently a friend inquired about where she might find a reputable source of elderberries as she intended to make her own syrup. Her inquiry inspired me to write about elderberries, … Read more
Sage Advice – An Herb for Hot Flashes
Medicinally-speaking,”common sage” is anything but! Having worked with a number of menopausal or peri-menopausal women in my clinical practice, hot flashes and night sweats are among the most uncomfortable symptoms these women are dealing with. A quick Google search for “herb for hot flashes” generally yields discussions about hormone modulators such as black cohosh, vitex … Read more
Herbs for Anxiety
As a clinician, lately I have been experiencing an uptick in people requesting herbal support to calm increased anxiety. While every person’s circumstances are different – I recommend consulting with a professional for acute or severe cases – I offer up the following 10 herbs for anxiety that are generally safe when used at normal … Read more
Herbal Activities at Home
Being an introvert by nature who also loves to garden, staying home is natural for me this time of year. Still, I know this is a challenging time for many. As such, I’d like to offer the following fun herbal activities at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Start an Herb Garden At the onset of … Read more