An Honest Chat: Herbs for Menopause

I was recently inspired by a professional Women’s Leadership Group in which I participated. One day, thanks to inspiration from guest speaker Secretary Tisha Edwards from the Maryland Governor’s Office, we had an honest, rich discussion about the challenges women face in managing our crazy lives while in the throes of menopause. As a Clinical … Read more

Medicinal Properties of Holy Basil

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

The Eyes have it: Herbs for Eye Health

woman with eye strain

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!

Kale

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?

Ceylon cinnamon

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

Herbs for Anxiety

Lemon balm

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