I recently completed guiding a week-long trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon for our local university. As we happened to be hiking during the wettest and stormiest weather of the past several months, Water quickly became the theme of our trip. It got me thinking about how this all relates to the Element […]
Common Name: Shatavari in Ayurveda Tien Men Dong in TCM Botanical Name: Asparagus racemosa – Shatavari Asparagus cochinchinensis – Tien Men Dong Energy & Taste: Cool, moist Traditional Uses: Increases breast milk Reproductive tonic, it is best known for women but works well with men also Supports endocrine system which helps to balance hormones Moisturizes […]
Many people begin using herbs in small steps – something for sleep, a cold or maybe a headache. As one continues on the herbal path of independent study, information is pulled from many sources. After a few years, this person begins to identify as an herbalist and continues to increase both the learning and use […]
These links have been gathered to assist people in accessing more information on a variety of topics related to the Cardiovascular Health class that is part of the Advanced Topics in Herbal Medicine program. 1. A selection of articles from the blog of Chris Kresser. This is one of the better health blogs out there. […]
Coffee has long been a controversial drink, both in the alternative health community and in mainstream medicine. Some see it as an elixir, instant energy and the only way to begin the day. Others see it as liquid evil and a cause for many health problems. Actually, coffee is a mixed bag. It has many […]
This Plant Profile is longer than usual for a few reasons: One, turmeric is a polycrest herb, meaning it has multiple uses. Two, the traditional and complete uses of turmeric have largely been lost as it has gained popularity in the inflammation supplement market in the US. Lastly, much of the information available in the […]
Many traditional views of healing from around the world view the digestive system as a key to overall health. This includes Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and Western Herbalism. One way to support complete and thorough digestion of our food is through the use of spices. These aromatic seeds and roots are seen as more […]
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera Family: Solanaceae Common Name: Ashwagandha Primary Characteristics for Field ID: Withania can be grown in many parts of the US. It is not found in the wild in North America. Part Used for Medicine: Root Habitat in Which it is Found/ Harvesting Season/ Special Considerations: The best quality comes from smaller […]
Chai tea has become quite common in the US in recent years. While it is still considered a bit of a newcomer here, it has been a staple in India for many generations. Like many traditions, the change from one culture to another is not always smooth. The current view of chai in the US, […]
Thoughts on a cold, wet, snowy evening while sitting by our wood stove… Thorough and complete digestion is a foundation to good health in many traditional systems of healthcare, both East and West. While the entire digestive process is quite complex, I want to focus on one key aspect in this article. One of the […]
