The hot, sunny days of summer are upon us, and that often means slathering on the sunscreen before we hit the beach or go about our day. But wait! Did you know that chemicals in many commercial sunscreens may actually end up contributing to the very thing we are trying to protect against—skin cancer? Upon exposure to UV, some of the chemicals in common sunscreens can produce highly damaging free radicals which damage DNA in the skin cells, making them… Continue reading →

There is much conflicting and confusing information regarding the use of phytoestrogen-containing herbs, foods, or dietary supplements, especially when there is a history of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer (or a risk of it, e.g., family history). Some health care professionals advise to avoid phytoestrogens in these cases, while others recommend them as being protective. It is advisable to discuss the potential benefits vs. risks of phytoestrogens with your health care professional if you have (had) breast cancer or a history of it,… Continue reading →

Herbs that are used for both food and medicinal purposes are amongst my favorites – and Fennel is one such. Contemporary herbalists still recommend fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) for digestive health, including relieving gas and bloating, calming an upset stomach, or to dispel intestinal cramping. It’s also used with infants to relieve colic, and with nursing mom’s to improve flow of breast milk. Fennel has enjoyed a long history of use: as early as 50 AD, the renowned Greek physician Dioscorides… Continue reading →

Many mushrooms contain powerful compounds that boost immunity, such as shiitake, maitake, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail. Records of the medicinal use of turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) date back to at least the 15th century in China, and a recent clinical study has shown that it can augment conventional therapies for breast cancer by increasing immune-fighting white blood cells: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-stamets/mushrooms-cancer_b_1560691.html Turkey tail is an abundant mushroom found growing on dead trees, logs, branches, and stumps worldwide. More medicine from nature!

Looking for natural support for attention and hyperactivity challenges? Concentration Essentials delivers! Its gentle, yet powerful, blend of 9 synergistic herbs, including Chamomile, work together to naturally nourish and calm the brain and nervous system, improve focus and concentration, and decrease fidgeting and restlessness. Here’s what one of our many satisfied customers had to say: “Works great! My 9 year old was struggling in school and I did not want to put him on meds. I found Concentration Essentials and… Continue reading →

As we head into summer, remember to keep your antioxidant levels topped up! Antioxidants found in a wide variety of plants including Rosemary, Green Tea, and Milk Thistle help protect us against sun damage, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. They also provide protection against inflammation, macular degeneration, and other chronic degenerative conditions. Antioxidant Complex from Natural Wellbeing provides a full spectrum of potent antioxidants from Turmeric, Milk Thistle, Green Tea, Grape Skin & Seeds, Rosemary and… Continue reading →

White Willow has been used as medicine dating at least as far back as Hippocrates and ancient Greece, when people were advised to chew on the bark to relieve pain and fever. The bark of White Willow (Salix alba) contains salicin, similar to salicylic acid, the active compound in over-the-counter ‘aspirin’ and other acetylsalicylic (ASA) products. Salicin in White Willow bark is converted to salicylic acid in the body, and works in the same fashion as its synthetic counterpart, ASA.… Continue reading →

Who doesn’t love a little sugar? It’s undoubtedly one of the most satisfying and pleasurable of tastes. But sugar consumption has been rising steadily over the last few decades, and, alongside it, so have a host of health complications, including cancer. One of the main reasons for sugar’s dramatic increase is the food industry’s clever ability to disguise it under many different names. Here’s a partial list of other names that your sugar may be hiding under: barley malt beet sugar… Continue reading →

Topical corticosteroids are very effective at reducing inflammation in conditions such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis (via suppressing the immune response), but chronic use can cause thinning of the epidermal layer of the skin, including the scalp. This makes the epidermis much more vulnerable to damage and infection, and reduces the protection that it provides us. When the topical steroid is discontinued, many users experience a ‘rebound’ effect of extremely worsened symptoms. As well, both the seborrheic dermatitis and damage from… Continue reading →

These recipes look beautiful and taste delicious! 1) The Classic: Lemon/cucumber Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + 1 cucumber and a lemon, thinly sliced + 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped basil leaf + 1/3 of finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving. 2) The Granite: Strawberry/Lime or Raspberry/Lime Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + 6 strawberries / 0r Raspberries and one thinly sliced lime + 12 finely chopped fresh… Continue reading →