Forest Bathing – Nature Therapy
Learn about the many benefits of getting out in nature through forest bathing, also known as forest therapy.
Herbs
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
Need to boost your health? I have a (herb) ball for that!
Herb balls are a convenient, tasty method to “take your medicine”. Fun and easy to make, they are infinitely customizable to suit your particular tastes and health needs. Read on for suggested combinations of herb powders that can be made into balls to support a number of health issues. Refer to my latest Ask The … Read more