• February 16, 2024

The Do-Good Patrol

While writing about snowball bush (cramp bark), I was reminded of a night-time escapade from my late teens and I was inspired to share the story. It has nothing to do with herbs or natural healing. But, at the same time, it illustrates why those things are important to me. It started when I heard about some kids sneaking around at night, getting up to various mischief. As a teenager it sounded fun to stay up late at night, but the mischief part held no interest for me. So, I came up with an idea…

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  • February 14, 2024

Wild Yam

Best known as a remedy for the female reproductive system, wild yam is a valuable antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory remedy for intestinal pain, gallbladder attacks, and menstrual cramps.

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  • February 6, 2024

Dong Quai

Dong quai has been thought of as the female ginseng since it is so widely used for female reproductive problems in China. It’s primarily considered a blood (xue) tonic in TCM. It also stimulates circulation. 

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  • January 29, 2024

Holy Basil

Holy basil is a nourishing adaptogen that is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine. It is an aromatic herb in the mint family and has many useful immune activities. It can help reduce stress and helps protect the heart and brain.

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  • January 22, 2024

Rhodiola

Rhodiola can help your body resist physical, emotional, environmental, and chemical stress. It is an astringent herb and a nourishing adaptogen that can help relax the body when it is depleted.

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  • January 18, 2024

Cordyceps

A powerful adaptogenic tonic for the lungs and kidneys, cordyceps is a tonic herb that can improve athletic performance and general health. It balances both the yin and yang energy in Chinese medicine and is a remedy that can be taken by just about anyone.

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  • January 9, 2024

Schisandra: The Five-Flavored Berry

This adaptogen can help with overcoming burnout and protect the health of your liver. Containing all the five flavors of traditional Chinese medicine, schisandra has a balancing effect on the body. It has adaptogenic and harmonizing actions and contains antioxidants that can help protect the liver and the eyes.

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  • January 2, 2024

Eleuthero

Eleuthero has numerous health benefits. It can help you cope with stress, improve athletic performance, and help with work and focus. The term adaptogen was coined to describe the herb's action. Since the discovery of eleuthero’s benefits, many other herbs have been designated as adaptogens.

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